Hot water supply control device, hot water supply system, and method and program for generating a boiling plan

Abstract

To suppress a peak value of electric power consumption consumed by a plurality of water heaters.SOLUTION: A hot water supply control device 10 controls a plurality of water heaters 1 installed in a power demand place. An electric power consumption prediction section 113 predicts electric power consumption consumed by apparatuses other than the plurality of water heaters 1 in the power demand place in a plan target period. A boiling-up plan generation section 116 plans individually for the plurality of water heaters 1, a time zone in which each of the plurality of water heaters 1 executes a boiling-up operation in the plan target period, on the basis of the electric power consumption predicted by the electric power consumption prediction section 113 and time length of the boiling-up operation executed in the plan target period by each of the plurality of water heaters 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hot water supply control device, a hot water supply system, and a method and program for generating a water heating plan. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known techniques for controlling the power consumption of multiple water heaters. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for classifying multiple water heaters into multiple groups and staggering the heating operation for each group in order to reduce the peak value of the overall power consumption of the multiple water heaters. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-198374 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology for controlling the power consumption of multiple water heaters on a group basis as described above, there is a possibility that the power consumption may be uneven within the group, such as when multiple water heaters belonging to the same group simultaneously perform heating operation. Furthermore, depending on how the water heaters are grouped, it may not be possible to accurately suppress the peak power consumption of the multiple water heaters. Under these circumstances, there is a need to more appropriately distribute the time periods during which each of the multiple water heaters performs heating operation, thereby accurately suppressing the peak power consumption of the multiple water heaters.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a hot water supply control device, etc. that is capable of suppressing the peak value of power consumption consumed by multiple hot water heaters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the hot water supply control device according to the present disclosure includes: A hot water control device that controls a plurality of hot water heaters installed in an electric power demand area, a power consumption prediction means for predicting power consumption other than that consumed by the plurality of water heaters in the power demand area during a planning period; and a water heating plan generating means for individually planning, for each of the plurality of water heaters, a time period during which each of the plurality of water heaters performs the water heating operation during the planning period, based on the power consumption predicted by the power consumption prediction means and the duration of the water heating operation performed by each of the plurality of water heaters during the planning period. 、 The boiling plan generation means selects, from among the plurality of water heaters, a water heater to be divided that will perform the boiling operation during multiple divided time periods during the planning period, and a water heater that will perform the boiling operation during a single continuous time period during the planning period, based on the length of time of the boiling operation performed by each of the plurality of water heaters. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In this disclosure, the power consumption of the plurality of water heaters other than the plurality of water heaters in the power demand area during the target period is predicted, and the time periods during which each of the plurality of water heaters will perform the water heating operation during the target period are individually planned for each of the plurality of water heaters based on the predicted power consumption and the duration of the water heating operation performed by each of the plurality of water heaters during the target period. Therefore, according to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the peak value of the power consumption by the plurality of water heaters. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a hot water supply system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a hot water supply control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing a functional configuration of a hot water supply control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a water heater list for a water heating schedule according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a water heater list for a two-time boiling schedule in the first embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a water heater list for a one-time boiling schedule in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of allocating the boiling time period of each water heater to a boiling permission period in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a list of water heaters for which boiling schedules have been completed in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on a user terminal according to the first embodiment; [Figure 10] A sequence diagram showing the flow of a water heating plan generation process executed in the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of a boiling plan generation process executed by the hot water supply control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart showing a flow of a division target selection process executed by the hot water supply control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process for allocating boiling time periods executed by the hot water supply control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 1 is a first flowchart showing the flow of a two-time boiling schedule process executed by the hot water supply control device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 15] 2 is a second flowchart showing the flow of the two-time boiling schedule process executed by the hot water supply control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 1 is a first flowchart showing the flow of a one-time boiling schedule process executed by the hot water supply control device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 17] 2 is a second flowchart showing the flow of the one-time boiling schedule process executed by the hot water supply control device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how a boiling plan is determined from among a plurality of candidates in the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a water heater list in which priorities are set in the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a hot water supply system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21]A block diagram showing the functional configuration of a hot water supply control device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of allocating the boiling time period of each water heater to the boiling permission period in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of a hot water supply system S1 according to embodiment 1. The hot water supply system S1 is a system that manages hot water supply by a plurality of water heaters 1 installed in an apartment complex H, which is an area of ​​demand for electricity. The apartment complex H is a residence such as an condominium or apartment, and has a plurality of dwelling units 1 to n and a common area that is shared by the residents of the dwelling units 1 to n.

[0011] The hot water supply system S1 includes multiple hot water heaters 1, multiple communication devices 2, a high-voltage bulk power receiving equipment 3, electricity meters 4a to 4c, multiple user terminals 5, a management server 6, an authentication server 7, and a hot water supply control device 10.

[0012] Each of the plurality of water heaters 1 is a storage-type water heater equipped with a heat pump unit, a hot water storage tank, and a hot water controller. Each water heater 1 is installed in a plurality of dwelling units 1 to n belonging to an apartment building H, and is used by the residents of each dwelling unit.

[0013] The heat pump unit is a heat pump type heat source device that uses CO2 (carbon dioxide) or HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) as a refrigerant. The heat pump unit is connected to a hot water storage tank by a water pipe through which hot water flows. The heat pump unit uses the surrounding air as a heat source to boil the low-temperature water in the hot water storage tank into high-temperature water.

[0014] The hot water controller, although not shown in the figure, is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a communication interface, and a readable / writable non-volatile semiconductor memory, etc., and provides overall control of the hot water heater 1.

[0015] A communication device 2 is installed in each of the multiple dwelling units 1 to n. The communication device 2 communicatively connects the water heaters 1 installed in the same dwelling unit to the Internet communication network. Each water heater 1 connects to the Internet communication network via the communication device 2 and communicates with the user terminal 5, management server 6, and hot water control device 10.

[0016] The high-voltage bulk power receiving equipment 3 is equipment that receives power from a commercial power source to the apartment complex H. The high-voltage bulk power receiving equipment 3 receives the power used in the apartment complex H from the commercial power source in a bulk, converts the received power to low voltage, and supplies it to each of the multiple dwelling units 1 to n that belong to the apartment complex H. For example, the manager of the apartment complex H, who acts as the aggregator, has entered into a high-voltage bulk power receiving contract with the electric power company. Generally, a high-voltage bulk power receiving contract allows for cheaper electricity bills than when each dwelling unit signs an individual contract.

[0017] The watt-hour meters 4a to 4c measure the amount of power consumed. The watt-hour meter 4a is installed in the high-voltage bulk power receiving equipment 3 and measures the amount of power consumed Ma by the entire apartment building H, i.e., the total amount of power consumed Ma by the apartment building H. The watt-hour meter 4b is installed in the common areas of the apartment building H and measures the amount of power consumed Mb in the common areas. The watt-hour meter 4c is installed in the private areas of each dwelling unit in the apartment building H and measures the amount of power consumed Mc by each dwelling unit. The amount of power consumed Mc by a given dwelling unit includes the amount of power consumed by the water heater 1 installed in that dwelling unit. The measurement data of the amount of power consumed by the watt-hour meters 4a to 4c is sent to the management server 6 via the Internet communication network.

[0018] Each of the multiple user terminals 5 is a terminal operated by a user of the respective water heater 1. The users of each water heater 1 are typically residents of each dwelling unit in the apartment complex H. Specifically, each user terminal 5 is a communication terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer. Although not shown, each user terminal 5 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, display unit, operation unit, communication interface, readable / writable non-volatile semiconductor memory, and the like. Each user terminal 5 is connected to each water heater 1 and hot water supply control device 10 so as to be able to communicate with them via the Internet communication network.

[0019] The management server 6 is a server managed by an aggregator and is a cloud server available via an internet communication network. Here, the aggregator is a business that provides a service that adjusts the supply and demand of electricity, and specifically, is an administrator that manages the electricity of the apartment building H. One example of the aggregator is a high-voltage bulk power receiving party that has signed a high-voltage bulk power receiving contract with the high-voltage bulk power receiving equipment 3. Although not shown, the management server 6 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, a display unit, an operation unit, a communication interface, a readable / writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and the like. The management server 6 is connected to the watt-hour meters 4a to 4c, the authentication server 7, and the hot water supply control device 10 via the internet communication network so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0020] The authentication server 7 is a server for authenticating communication between the management server 6 and the hot water supply control device 10. The hot water supply control device 10 obtains authentication information for accessing the management server 6 from the authentication server 7 and exchanges information with the management server 6 by using the obtained authentication information. Similarly, when the management server 6 accesses the hot water supply control device 10, it also obtains authentication information from the authentication server 7. Note that the number of authentication servers 7 is not limited to one, and they may be prepared separately by the operators of both the management server 6 and the hot water supply control device 10.

[0021] The hot water supply control device 10 is a device that controls a plurality of hot water heaters 1 installed in an apartment building H. Specifically, the hot water supply control device 10 is a cloud server that can be used via an internet communication network.

[0022] The following describes the configuration, functions, and operations of the hot water supply control device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0023] Control unit 11 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU is also called a central processing unit, a processor, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, etc., and functions as a central processing unit that executes processing and calculations related to the control of hot water supply control device 10. In control unit 11, the CPU reads programs and data stored in the ROM and uses the RAM as a work area to perform overall control of hot water supply control device 10.

[0024] The storage unit 12 includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and serves as a so-called secondary storage device or auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 12 stores programs and data used by the control unit 11 to perform various processes. The storage unit 12 also stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 11 as a result of performing various processes.

[0025] The communication unit 13 includes a communication interface for the hot water supply control device 10 to communicate with external devices. Specifically, the communication unit 13 includes a WebAPI (Application Programming Interface) 131 that transmits and receives data to and from the management server 6, a hot water heater IF (Interface) 132 that transmits and receives data to and from the hot water heaters 1 installed in each of the dwelling units 1 to n of the apartment building H, and a terminal API 133 that transmits and receives data to and from the user terminal 5.

[0026] Next, the functional configuration of hot water supply control device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, hot water supply control device 10 functionally includes power information acquisition unit 111, device information acquisition unit 112, power consumption prediction unit 113, hot water volume prediction unit 114, time length acquisition unit 115, water heating plan generation unit 116, approval request unit 117, hot water supply control unit 118, and notification unit 119. Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in ROM or storage unit 12. Then, a CPU executes the programs stored in ROM or storage unit 12 to realize each of these functions.

[0027] The hot water supply control device 10 also includes an electric power DB 121, a hot water heater DB 122, a water heating schedule DB 126, and a user DB 127. Each of these DBs is constructed in an appropriate storage area of ​​the storage unit 12.

[0028] The power information acquisition unit 111 communicates with the management server 6 via the WebAPI 131 and acquires power information from the management server 6. Here, the power information is information related to the power consumption in the apartment building H. Specifically, the power information acquisition unit 111 acquires, as the power information, information indicating the power consumption amounts Ma to Mc measured by the watt-hour meters 4a to 4c, and stores the acquired power information in the power DB 121. The power information acquisition unit 111 is an example of a power information acquisition means.

[0029] The power DB 121 stores power information for a predetermined period from the present to the past. The predetermined period may be any length, but is, for example, two weeks. The power DB 121 also stores, as power information, values ​​obtained by averaging the total power consumption Ma to Mc measured by the watt-hour meters 4a to 4c for each specified time period. The specified time period may be any length, but is, for example, 30 minutes.

[0030] The device information acquisition unit 112 communicates with the water heater 1 installed in each of the plurality of dwelling units 1 to n via the water heater IF 132 and acquires device information from the water heater 1 in each dwelling unit. Here, the device information is information related to the water heater 1 in each dwelling unit. Specifically, the water heater information includes information such as the dwelling unit ID and water heater ID in which each water heater 1 is installed, information on the operation history of each water heater 1 such as the amount of power consumed and the amount of hot water used in the past, and information such as the boiling time and amount of hot water scheduled for the next day for each water heater 1. The device information acquisition unit 112 acquires device information from the water heater 1 in each dwelling unit periodically and when necessary, and stores the acquired device information in the water heater DB 122. The device information acquisition unit 112 is an example of a device information acquisition means.

[0031] The water heater DB 122 stores appliance information for a predetermined period from the present to the past in units of a specified time. As with the power DB 121, the predetermined period and the specified time are, for example, two weeks and 30 minutes, respectively.

[0032] The power consumption prediction unit 113 predicts the power consumption to be consumed by devices other than the multiple water heaters 1 in the apartment building H during the planned period. Here, the planned period is a period for which a water heating plan is generated. In the following, as an example, the planned period is described as a period from midnight to midnight of the following day. However, the planned period may be another period. For example, the planned period may be a period from 11 PM of the current day to 11 PM of the following day.

[0033] The power consumption prediction unit 113 references data on the power consumption Ma of the entire apartment building H from the power information stored in the power DB 121. The power consumption prediction unit 113 also references data on the power consumption of each water heater 1 from the equipment information stored in the water heater DB 122. Then, based on this data, the power consumption prediction unit 113 calculates the power consumption consumed by the multiple water heaters 1 other than the water heaters 1 in the apartment building H over the past two weeks.

[0034] Specifically, the power consumption prediction unit 113 calculates Pa(i,j) from Ps(i,j) and Peq(i,j) according to the following formula (1). Here, Ps(i,j) represents the amount of power received by the high-voltage bulk power receiving equipment 3 during time slot i on the jth day of the past two weeks. Peq(i,j) represents the amount of power consumed by the water heaters 1 of all the dwelling units of the apartment house H during time slot i on the jth day of the past two weeks. Pa(i,j) represents the amount of power consumed by devices other than the multiple water heaters 1 in the apartment house H during time slot i on the jth day of the past two weeks. Note that j is a variable representing a day in the past two weeks and is any value between 1 and 14. Furthermore, if a 24-hour day is divided into 48 30-minute periods, i is any value between 0 and 47, and time slot i represents any of the 48 time slots. Pa(i,j) = Ps(i,j) - Peq(i,j) …(1)

[0035] Furthermore, the power consumption prediction unit 113 calculates Pb(i) by averaging the calculated power amounts Pa(i,j) for j according to the following equation (2). Here, Pb(i) is the predicted value of power consumption other than the multiple water heaters 1 in the apartment building H during time slot i on the next day. N is the number of days in a two-week period that is a predetermined period in the past, i.e., 14. α represents the amount of adjustment to the predicted value. For example, the difference between the predicted value Pb(i) of the previous day and its actual measured value can be used as α. Pb(i) = Σ[j=1…N]Pa(i,j) / N + α…(2)

[0036] By calculating the predicted value Pb(i) in this manner, the power consumption prediction unit 113 predicts the power consumption to be consumed by the multiple water heaters 1 in the apartment building H on the next day in the form of average power consumption every 30 minutes. The power consumption prediction unit 113 is an example of a power consumption prediction means.

[0037] The hot water amount prediction unit 114 predicts the amount of hot water supplied by the multiple water heaters 1 during the planning period, i.e., the amount of hot water used. The hot water amount prediction unit 114 references the data on the amount of hot water used by the water heater 1 from the equipment information stored in the water heater DB 122. Then, for each of the multiple dwelling units 1 to n, the hot water amount prediction unit 114 predicts the amount of hot water supplied for the next day based on the amount of hot water supplied on the day with the highest amount of hot water supplied in the past week.

[0038] In this way, the hot water amount prediction unit 114 predicts the amount of hot water that is predicted to be used the next day for each of the hot water heaters 1 in the multiple dwelling units 1 to n at regular intervals, i.e., every 30 minutes. The hot water amount prediction unit 114 is an example of a hot water amount prediction means.

[0039] The time length acquisition unit 115 acquires the boiling time length, which is the length of time for the boiling operation performed by each of the multiple water heaters 1 during the planning period. At a predetermined time each day, each of the multiple water heaters 1 determines the amount of hot water to be boiled the next day based on the difference between the current amount of remaining hot water and the amount of hot water required the next day. Each of the multiple water heaters 1 then determines the boiling time length required to boil the amount of hot water to be boiled the next day, i.e., the required time for the boiling operation to be performed the next day.

[0040] For example, if the current remaining amount of hot water is small, the water heater 1 determines a large amount of hot water to be boiled the next day and a long boiling time. Conversely, if the current remaining amount of hot water is large, the water heater 1 determines a small amount of hot water to be boiled the next day and a short boiling time.

[0041] Such information on the boiling time length and the amount of water to be boiled is acquired as part of the equipment information by the equipment information acquisition unit 112 from the water heater 1 of each dwelling unit and stored in the water heater DB 122. The time length acquisition unit 115 acquires the information on the boiling time length from the equipment information stored in the water heater DB 122. The time length acquisition unit 115 is an example of a time length acquisition means.

[0042] The time length acquisition unit 115 is not limited to acquiring the boiling time length from the water heater DB 122, but may acquire the boiling time length by calculating the boiling time length from information such as the amount of water to be boiled and the boiling capacity, water temperature, and air temperature of the water heater 1. In this case, the information on the boiling time length does not need to be included in the device information acquired from the water heater 1.

[0043] The water heating plan generation unit 116 generates a water heating plan for each of the multiple water heaters 1 installed in the apartment building H, based on the predicted value Pb(i) of the power consumption for the next day predicted by the power consumption prediction unit 113, the amount of hot water to be supplied for the next day predicted by the hot water amount prediction unit 114, and the water heating duration for the next day acquired by the duration acquisition unit 115. The water heating plan is information indicating the time period during which each of the multiple water heaters 1 will perform water heating operation on the next day, which is the planned period.

[0044] Each water heater 1 generally performs water heating operation during the night when electricity unit prices are low. However, when multiple water heaters 1 perform water heating operation at the same time period, a peak occurs in the power consumption of the entire apartment building H. This causes the basic fee to rise sharply in a high-voltage bulk receiving type power purchase contract. To avoid this, the water heating plan generation unit 116 plans the water heating time periods so that the water heating time periods of the multiple water heaters 1 are appropriately distributed. The process of generating a water heating plan by the water heating plan generation unit 116 is described below.

[0045] First, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 determines a water boiling prohibition period from the next day, which is the target planning period, based on the power consumption predicted by the power consumption prediction unit 113. Here, the water boiling prohibition period is a period during which each of the multiple water heaters 1 installed in the apartment building H is prohibited from performing water boiling operation. Specifically, the water boiling prohibition period is a period during which power consumption is relatively high in a day, and during which the water heaters 1 should not perform water boiling operation in order to suppress peak power consumption.

[0046] More specifically, the boiling plan generation unit 116 determines the boiling prohibition period according to the following (Step 1) to (Step 3).

[0047] (Step 1) First, the water boiling schedule generating unit 116 determines a predetermined period of time during a day when power consumption is expected to be high as a first prohibited period. As an example, the water boiling schedule generating unit 116 determines the time period from 17:00 to 23:00 as the first prohibited period.

[0048] (Step 2) Next, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 selects a predetermined number of time periods in which the predicted value Pb(i) is greater than the reference value Pref and in which the predicted value Pb(i) is greater, from the target period excluding the first prohibited period determined in (Step 1). Here, the predetermined number is specifically two, three, etc. The reference value Pref is specifically the greater of the "average value of the predicted value Pb(i) in one day" and the "predetermined power."

[0049] (Step 3) The boiling schedule generating unit 116 determines the period obtained by adding the time periods before and after the time period selected in (Step 2) as the second prohibited period. For example, if two time periods m and n with large predicted values ​​Pb(i) are selected in (Step 2) from among 48 time periods obtained by dividing a day into 30-minute intervals, the boiling schedule generating unit 116 determines the period obtained by adding the time periods m-1 and m+1 before and after time period m and the period obtained by adding the time periods n-1 and n+1 before and after time period n as the second prohibited period. More specifically, if the time period of 6:00 to 6:30 is selected in (Step 2), the boiling schedule generating unit 116 determines the time periods of 5:30 to 6:00, 6:00 to 6:30, and 6:30 to 7:00 as the second prohibited period.

[0050] If the specified time is shorter than 30 minutes, the boiling schedule generation unit 116 may add not only one time period before and one time period before the second prohibited period, but also two time periods before and two time periods before and two time periods before the second prohibited period. Similarly, if the specified time is longer than 30 minutes, the boiling schedule generation unit 116 may adjust the second prohibited period by adding time periods of, for example, ±15 minutes before and after the second prohibited period.

[0051] In this way, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 extracts the time periods with high power consumption on the next day based on the predicted value Pb(i) of power consumption consumed by devices other than the multiple water heaters 1 in the apartment building H, as predicted by the power consumption prediction unit 113, and determines the water boiling prohibition period.

[0052] After determining the boiling prohibited period, the boiling plan generation unit 116 plans a time period during the next day other than the boiling prohibited period during which each of the multiple water heaters 1 performs boiling operation. To this end, the boiling plan generation unit 116 determines the boiling permitted period on the condition that the time during which water can be continuously boiled is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, excluding the boiling prohibited period.

[0053] The predetermined time is, for example, three hours. For example, if the boiling prohibition periods are determined to be three periods, 6:30 to 8:00, 11:30 to 13:00, and 17:00 to 23:00, the boiling plan generation unit 116 determines the three periods T1, T2, and T3, 0:00 to 6:30, 8:00 to 11:30, and 13:00 to 17:00, as the boiling permission periods. Among the boiling permission periods T1, T2, and T3, the period closest to the start time of the boiling plan, for example, midnight, is determined to be T1.

[0054] After determining the permitted boiling periods T1 to T3, the boiling plan generation unit 116 selects, from among the multiple water heaters 1, at least one water heater 1 that will perform boiling operation in multiple divided time periods on the next day, and at least one water heater 1 that will perform boiling operation in one continuous time period, based on the boiling time length acquired by the time length acquisition unit 115.

[0055] The reason why several water heaters 1 perform the boiling operation in multiple divided time periods in this way is to make it easier to level out the power consumption of the entire apartment building H by flexibly allocating the boiling time periods of each water heater 1 so that they are appropriately distributed. Hereinafter, a water heater 1 that performs the boiling operation in multiple divided time periods will be referred to as a water heater 1 that divides the boiling time period, or simply as a "water heater 1 to be divided."

[0056] The water heating plan generation unit 116 determines the number of water heaters 1 to be divided based on the power consumption predicted by the power consumption prediction unit 113. Specifically, the water heating plan generation unit 116 calculates the number M of water heaters 1 to be divided according to the following formula (3). Number of water heaters to be divided M = (maximum value of Pb(i) - β) / power consumption per water heater … (3)

[0057] In equation (3), the "maximum value of predicted value Pb(i)" corresponds to the maximum value of predicted value Pb(i) for 48 time slots i (i = 0 to 47) during the planning period. Furthermore, the "power consumption per water heater" is determined by the average value of the rated power of water heater 1 in each dwelling unit, the average value of data equivalent to the rated power stored in water heater DB 122, etc. β is a predetermined value representing the base amount of power consumption constantly consumed by water heater 1. The number of units M is calculated by rounding up to one decimal place to an integer.

[0058] The number M calculated by equation (3) corresponds to the number of water heaters 1 whose power consumption is expected to not exceed the maximum value of Pb(i), i.e., the maximum power consumption predicted for the next day in the apartment building H, even when they are simultaneously performing heating operation.

[0059] The water heating plan generation unit 116 determines the water heater 1 to be divided from among the multiple water heaters 1 installed in the apartment building H. Specifically, the water heating plan generation unit 116 selects the water heater 1 that satisfies both the following (Condition 1) and (Condition 2) as the water heater 1 to be divided. (Condition 1) The boiling time is equal to or greater than a lower limit, for example, 4 hours. (Condition 2) The boiling time length is equal to or less than an upper limit value. Specifically, the upper limit value is set to the shorter of the sum of the durations of the boiling permission periods T1 and T2 and the sum of the durations of the boiling permission periods T1 and T3.

[0060] The reason for (Condition 1) is that when the boiling time length is shorter than the lower limit, there is little need to further shorten the boiling time length by dividing it.The reason for (Condition 2) is that when the boiling time length is longer than the upper limit, dividing the boiling time length does not fit within the boiling permission period T1, T2 or the boiling permission period T1, T3, and therefore does not lead to suppression of peak power.

[0061] In addition, if the number of water heaters 1 that satisfy (Condition 1) and (Condition 2) is greater than the number M calculated by the above equation (3), the water heating plan generation unit 116 selects M number of water heaters 1 that satisfy (Condition 1) and (Condition 2) as the water heaters to be divided, in order of the longest water heating time length.

[0062] Next, the water heating plan generation unit 116 obtains data on the dwelling unit ID, water heater ID, water heating time length, and water heating power from the water heater DB 122, and generates a water heater list L1 for generating a water heating plan, as shown in Figure 4. The water heater list L1 is a list for planning the water heating time periods individually for each of multiple water heaters 1. When the water heating plan generation unit 116 selects the water heater 1 to be split, it sets "1" in the "Twice Boiling" item of the water heater 1 selected as the water heater to be split in the water heater list L1.

[0063] When the water heater 1 to be divided is selected, the water heater heating plan generation unit 116 sets the boiling time length after division for the water heater 1 to be divided. Specifically, the water heater heating plan generation unit 116 sets the number of frames T1s, T2s, and T3s for the water heater 1 to be divided in the water heater list L1. The number of frames T1s, T2s, and T3s are values ​​that represent the boiling time length in the water heater permitted periods T1, T2, and T3, respectively, with the specified time of 30 minutes as one unit.

[0064] For example, the boiling plan generation unit 116 sets the number of frames T1s and T2s of the water heater 1 numbered 0 in the water heater list L1 to 6, which equally divides the number of frames of 12 in the boiling time length before division. Also, the boiling plan generation unit 116 sets the number of frames T1s and T3s of the water heater 1 numbered 2 to 8 and 7, respectively, which divide the number of frames of 15 in the boiling time length before division.

[0065] When dividing the boiling time period into two, the boiling plan generation unit 116 basically divides the boiling time period into two halves. However, if the boiling time length after dividing into two halves is longer than the length of the boiling permission period, the boiling plan generation unit 116 divides the boiling time length according to the ratio of the length of the boiling permission periods T1 and T2 or the ratio of the length of the boiling permission periods T1 and T3.

[0066] When the boiling time length after division is set, the boiling plan generation unit 116 uses the water heater list L1 to individually plan the time period during which each of the multiple water heaters 1 will perform boiling operation on the next day for each of the multiple water heaters 1. The boiling plan generation unit 116 generates a two-time boiling plan, which is the boiling plan for the water heaters 1 to be divided, and then generates a one-time boiling plan, which is the boiling plan for the water heaters 1 not to be divided.

[0067] First, the boiling plan generation unit 116 generates a two-time boiling plan for the water heater 1 to be divided. To do this, the boiling plan generation unit 116 extracts data for the water heaters 1 numbered 0, 2, ..., in which "1" is set in the "two-time boiling" field, from the water heater list L1, and generates the water heater list L2 for the two-time boiling plan shown in FIG. 5.

[0068] When the water heater list L2 is generated, the water heater schedule generation unit 116 plans the water heater time periods for the water heaters 1 to be divided that are listed in the water heater list L2. Specifically, the water heater schedule generation unit 116 assigns the water heater time periods for each of the multiple water heaters 1 in order of the time period with the least power consumption predicted by the power consumption prediction unit 113 for each of the water heater permitted periods T1 to T3 of the next day.

[0069] The allocation process for water heating time periods will be explained below with reference to Fig. 7. In Fig. 7, the horizontal axis represents 48 time periods divided into 30-minute intervals from midnight to midnight during the planning period, and the vertical axis represents the power consumption of the entire apartment building H, as LV(0) to LV(n), with the average value of the water heating power of water heater 1 being used as the division unit.

[0070] 7, one area vertically and horizontally divided by time and power consumption is defined as one frame. The number written in each frame indicates the assigned water heater 1 by the number written in the water heater list L2. Note that the time period with an "X" written in the frame corresponds to the boiling prohibition period, and the period other than the boiling prohibition period corresponds to the boiling permitted periods T1 to T3.

[0071] 7, black squares in some frames represent power consumption predicted by the predicted value Pb(i) other than that of the multiple water heaters 1 in the apartment building H. The water heating plan generation unit 116 does not assign water heating time periods for the water heaters 1 to frames in which black squares are shown.

[0072] Furthermore, the water heating schedule generating unit 116 sets, for example, power consumption equivalent to LV(5) as a threshold. The water heating schedule generating unit 116 allocates the water heating time zones of the water heaters 1 to be divided within a range equal to or less than the threshold. The threshold is a value equivalent to the number of water heaters 1 to which the water heating operation zone can be simultaneously allocated, and is set, for example, to a value equivalent to the number M of water heaters 1 to be divided calculated by the above formula (3).

[0073] The water boiling schedule generation unit 116 sequentially assigns the water boiling time slots of each water heater 1 listed in the water heater list L2 to the frames set in this manner. Specifically, the water boiling schedule generation unit 116 assigns the water boiling time slot of each water heater 1 to the frame with the lowest power consumption among the frames that can be assigned. Here, an assignable frame is a frame that continues for a longer period than the duration of the water boiling time slot and to which the water boiling time slot of another water heater 1 has not been assigned.

[0074] For example, the number T1s of the boiling time slots in the boiling permission period T1 of the water heater 1 numbered 0 listed in the water heater list L2 is 6, which is shorter than the 9 slots from 2 to 10 that can be assigned to LV(0) in the boiling permission period T1. Therefore, the boiling plan generation unit 116 assigns the boiling time slots of the water heater 1 numbered 0 to the 6 slots from 2 to 7 in LV(0) in the boiling permission period T1.

[0075] Next, the number of frames T1s of the water heater 1 with number 2 listed in the water heater list L2 is 8, so it cannot be assigned to the remaining 3 time slots of LV(0) in the water boiling permission period T1, but it can be assigned to LV(1), which has the second lowest power consumption in the water boiling permission period T1. Therefore, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 assigns the water boiling time slots of the water heater 1 with number 1 to the 8 frames 1 to 8 in LV(1).

[0076] Similarly, for the water heaters 1 with numbers 8, 9, 17, 20, . . . listed in the water heater list L2, the water boiling schedule generation unit 116 assigns the water boiling time period to the time period with the lowest power consumption among the assignable time periods.

[0077] Similarly, for the boiling permission period T2, the boiling plan generation unit 116 determines whether the boiling time periods of the water heaters 1 numbered 0, 8, 17, ... that perform boiling operation during the boiling permission period T2 can be assigned in order from LV(0), and assigns them to the assignable time periods. Similarly, for the boiling permission period T3, the boiling plan generation unit 116 determines whether the boiling time periods of the water heaters 1 numbered 2, 9, 20, ... that perform boiling operation during the boiling permission period T3 can be assigned in order from LV(0), and assigns them to the assignable time periods.

[0078] Second, the boiling plan generation unit 116 generates a single boiling plan for the water heaters 1 that are not the target of division. To do this, the boiling plan generation unit 116 extracts data for the water heaters 1 with numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, ... that do not have "1" set in the "double boiling" item from the water heater list L1 shown in Fig. 4, and generates the water heater list L3 for the single boiling plan shown in Fig. 6. Note that the boiling plan generation unit 116 adds the water heaters 1 that were selected as the target of division but could not be scheduled in the double boiling plan to the end of the water heater list L3 for the single boiling plan.

[0079] When the water heater list L3 is generated, the water heater schedule generation unit 116 plans the water heater time periods for the water heaters 1 that are not subject to division and are listed in the water heater list L3. Specifically, the water heater schedule generation unit 116 assigns the water heater time periods in order of least power consumption among the assignable time periods other than the time periods that have already been assigned in the two-time boiling schedule.

[0080] At this time, in the single boiling plan, unlike the double boiling plan described above, the boiling plan generation unit 116 can assign a boiling time period to frames that exceed the threshold. When assigning a boiling time period to a frame that exceeds the threshold, any time period between midnight and 5:00 pm can be assigned.

[0081] For example, the water boiling schedule generating unit 116 determines that the water boiling time periods of the water heaters 1 numbered 1 and 4 listed in the water heater list L3 are below the threshold and have no assignable time periods. Therefore, the water boiling schedule generating unit 116 assigns the water boiling time periods of the water heaters 1 numbered 1 and 4 to frames that exceed the threshold. On the other hand, the water boiling schedule generating unit 116 assigns the water boiling time periods of the water heaters 1 numbered 3 and 5 to frames that are below the threshold. Note that the assignment of water heaters 1 with numbers other than these is omitted in Figure 7.

[0082] When the water heater heating time periods are assigned in this manner to the water heaters 1 to be split and the water heaters 1 not to be split, the water heater heating schedule generation unit 116 generates a water heater list L4 for which water heater heating schedules have been completed, as shown in Fig. 8. The water heater list L4 includes data on the start times of the water heater heating time periods assigned in Fig. 7 for each water heater 1. Specifically, the water heater list L4 includes data on the first and second hours as the water heater heating start times for the water heaters 1 to be split, and data on the first hour as the water heater heating start time for the water heaters 1 not to be split.

[0083] When the water heater list L4 is generated as a water boiling plan in this way, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 stores the generated water boiling plan in the water boiling plan DB 126. The water boiling plan generation unit 116 is an example of a water boiling plan generation means.

[0084] When the water boiling plan is generated, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 calculates the remaining hot water amount of each water heater 1 when each water heater 1 performs water boiling operation according to the generated water boiling plan, based on the amount of hot water supply for the next day predicted by the hot water amount prediction unit 114. Specifically, outside of the water boiling time slot, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 subtracts the amount of hot water supply predicted by the hot water amount prediction unit 114 from the remaining hot water amount at midnight the next day every 30 minutes. On the other hand, during the water boiling time slot, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 adds the amount of hot water to be boiled by the water boiling operation to the remaining hot water amount at that time. In this way, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 calculates the trend in the remaining hot water amount of each water heater 1 for the next day every 30 minutes.

[0085] The water boiling plan generation unit 116 determines whether the remaining hot water amount for the next day of any of the multiple water heaters 1 will fall below a predetermined minimum remaining hot water amount. If the result of the determination is that the remaining hot water amount for the next day of all water heaters 1 will not fall below the minimum remaining hot water amount in any time period, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 determines that there is no problem with the generated water boiling plan and completes the water boiling plan.

[0086] In contrast, if the remaining hot water amount for the next day of at least one water heater 1 falls below the minimum remaining hot water amount in any time period, the water heater schedule generation unit 116 modifies the generated water heater schedule. Specifically, the water heater schedule generation unit 116 replaces the water heater schedule of the water heater 1 whose remaining hot water amount falls below the minimum remaining hot water amount with the water heater schedule of another water heater 1, changing it to an earlier time period.

[0087] At this time, the water heater heating plan generating unit 116 selects, as another water heater 1 to be replaced, the water heater 1 with the largest remaining hot water amount and the same boiling time length as the water heater 1 whose remaining hot water amount is below the minimum remaining hot water amount. If there is no water heater 1 with the same boiling time length, the water heater heating plan generating unit 116 selects, as another water heater 1 to be replaced, a water heater 1 with a shorter boiling time length. As a result, the water heater heating plan generating unit 116 modifies the water heater heating plan so that the remaining hot water amount of all water heaters 1 is equal to or greater than the minimum remaining hot water amount for all time periods on the next day.

[0088] Returning to Figure 3, the approval request unit 117 requests approval of the water boiling plan generated by the water boiling plan generation unit 116 from the aggregator that manages the power of the apartment building H. Specifically, the approval request unit 117 acquires the water boiling plan stored in the water boiling plan DB 126 and transmits it to the management server 6 via the WebAPI 131. The approval request unit 117 is an example of an approval request means.

[0089] When the management server 6 receives the boiling plan from the hot water supply control device 10, it presents the boiling plan to the aggregator, for example by displaying the boiling plan on a display unit. The aggregator determines whether to approve the presented boiling plan and inputs the result of the determination to the management server 6. If the aggregator wishes to correct the boiling plan, it inputs an instruction to correct the boiling plan.

[0090] Whether or not to approve the boiling plan does not necessarily have to be determined manually by the aggregator. For example, the CPU of the management server 6 may determine whether or not to approve the boiling plan by executing a predetermined program.

[0091] When management server 6 approves the water heating plan, it returns information indicating that to hot water supply control device 10. In hot water supply control device 10, when approval is obtained from management server 6, approval request unit 117 adds data indicating approval to water heating plan DB 126.

[0092] In response to this, if management server 6 does not approve the water boiling plan, it returns an instruction to correct the water boiling plan to hot water supply control device 10. In the correction instruction, management server 6 transmits information indicating the corrected version of the water boiling plan to hot water supply control device 10. In this case, water boiling plan generation unit 116 corrects the water boiling plan in accordance with the correction instruction received from management server 6, and updates water boiling plan DB 126.

[0093] If approval is obtained for the water heating plan, the hot water supply control unit 118 causes the plurality of water heaters 1 to perform water heating operation in accordance with the approved water heating plan. If approval is not obtained for the water heating plan, the hot water supply control unit 118 causes the plurality of water heaters 1 to perform water heating operation in accordance with the corrected water heating plan. The hot water supply control unit 118 functions as a hot water supply control means.

[0094] Specifically, the hot water supply control unit 118 communicates with each hot water heater 1 installed in the apartment building H via the hot water heater IF 132, and transmits a boiling instruction in accordance with the approved or corrected boiling plan to each hot water heater 1. The boiling instruction includes parameters required for boiling, such as the boiling start time, boiling start time, and boiling capacity.

[0095] The hot water supply control unit 118 sets the boiling capacity to the rated capacity of the water heater 1 or a capacity equivalent thereto. If the peak power does not change even when the boiling time length of a certain water heater 1 is extended in the boiling plan, it is possible to suppress the boiling capacity of the water heater 1 below the rated capacity by extending the boiling time length.

[0096] If approval is obtained for the water boiling plan, notification unit 119 notifies the approved water boiling plan to the user of each water heater 1. Furthermore, if approval is not obtained for the water boiling plan, notification unit 119 notifies the user of each water heater 1 of the corrected water boiling plan. Notification unit 119 is an example of a notification means.

[0097] Specifically, the notification unit 119 refers to the user DB 127 to obtain information about the users of each water heater 1. Then, the notification unit 119 communicates with a plurality of user terminals 5 via the terminal API 133, and transmits the approved or corrected boiling plan to each user terminal 5.

[0098] When each user terminal 5 receives a water heating plan from the hot water supply control device 10, it displays the information indicated by the received water heating plan on the display unit. For example, each user terminal 5 displays the notification screen shown in Fig. 9 on the display unit. On the notification screen, each user terminal 5 displays the predicted trends in the remaining hot water amount and hot water supply amount for the next day in the water heater 1 of the corresponding user, the planned values ​​for the water heating time period, simple notification information, and a remote operation screen.

[0099] Furthermore, each user terminal 5 displays "degree of contribution to centralized control" on the notification screen. The degree of contribution to centralized control is a value that indicates the degree to which the water heater 1 of the corresponding user has contributed to the control of multiple water heaters 1 by the hot water supply control device 10. The degree of contribution to centralized control is set according to the length of time it takes to boil water, the risk of running out of hot water, the amount of power consumption, etc. For example, when it is set according to the length of time it takes to boil water, the degree of contribution to centralized control is expressed as levels 1 to 3 according to the following rules.

[0100] Level 1: Among the multiple water heaters 1 installed in the apartment building H, the water heater 1 that is within the top 20% of those with the shortest boiling time the next day Level 2: Water heater 1 other than level 1 and 3 Level 3: Among the multiple water heaters 1 installed in the apartment building H, the water heater 1 that is in the top 20% of those with the longest boiling time the next day

[0101] In addition, the water heaters 1 selected for division and the water heaters 1 assigned in descending order of the boiling time slots when the boiling schedule is generated have a high contribution to suppressing the peak value of power consumption. Therefore, the contribution of these water heaters 1 to centralized control may be set high.

[0102] With this notification screen, even if the water boiling plan becomes complicated, the water boiling plan can be communicated to the user individually, and the user can easily check the water boiling plan, which changes daily. In addition, the user can check the remaining hot water amount for the next day, which gives the user peace of mind. Furthermore, by displaying a remote operation screen on the user terminal 5, the user's requests, such as whether they would like the water boiled twice in the morning or afternoon, can be easily obtained, and a water boiling plan can be created that meets the requests.

[0103] The notification unit 119 is not limited to transmitting the boiling plan directly to each user terminal 5, but may also transmit the boiling plan to an application server accessible from each user terminal 5. In this case, each user can view the boiling plan by accessing the application server from the user terminal 5.

[0104] Next, the flow of processing executed by the hot water supply system S1 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The processing shown in Fig. 10 is executed, for example, at about 10 p.m. every day to plan a water heating operation that starts at midnight the next day.

[0105] In the hot water supply control device 10, the control unit 11 functions as the device information acquisition unit 112 and acquires device information from the hot water heater 1 of each dwelling unit via the hot water heater IF 132 (step S1). The control unit 11 also functions as the power information acquisition unit 111 and acquires power information from the management server 6 via the WebAPI 131 (step S2).

[0106] When the device information and power information are acquired, the control unit 11 generates a boiling plan (step S3). Details of the boiling plan generation process in step S3 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0107] 11 starts, the control unit 11 functions as the power consumption prediction unit 113 and predicts the power consumption to be consumed by the multiple water heaters 1 other than the multiple water heaters 1 in the apartment building H on the next day (step S11). Specifically, the control unit 11 calculates the predicted value Pb(i) from the power consumption of the entire apartment building H and the power consumption of each water heater 1 over the past two weeks in accordance with the above equations (1) and (2).

[0108] After predicting the power consumption, the control unit 11 functions as the boiling schedule generating unit 116 and determines the boiling prohibition period according to the above-mentioned (Step 1) to (Step 3) (Step S12).

[0109] After determining the water boiling prohibition period, the control unit 11 functions as the water boiling plan generation unit 116 and selects, from among the plurality of water heaters 1 installed in the apartment building H, a target for dividing the water boiling time period (step S13). Details of the processing of step S13 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0110] When the division target selection process shown in Fig. 12 starts, the control unit 11 acquires data such as the dwelling unit ID, water heater ID, boiling time length, and boiling power from the water heater DB 122, and stores the acquired data in each item of the water heater list L1 shown in Fig. 4. In this way, the control unit 11 generates the water heater list L1 (step S101).

[0111] Next, the control unit 11 determines the boiling permission period (step S102). Below, an example will be described in which three periods T1, T2, and T3 are determined as the boiling permission period.

[0112] After determining the boiling permission period, the control unit 11 sets the shorter of the sum of the durations of the boiling permission periods T1 and T2 and the sum of the durations of the boiling permission periods T1 and T3 as the upper limit value k1 for the double boiling judgment (step S103).

[0113] After setting the upper limit value k1, the control unit 11 executes a loop process for determining whether to divide the boiling time period (step S104). At the start of the loop process, the loop variable i is set to 0.

[0114] When the loop process starts, the control unit 11 determines whether the boiling time length (i) of the i-th water heater 1 listed in the water heater list L1 is equal to or greater than a lower limit value (step S105). If the boiling time length (i) is equal to or greater than the lower limit value (step S105; YES), the control unit 11 determines whether the boiling time length (i) is equal to or less than an upper limit value k1 (step S106).

[0115] If the boiling time length (i) is equal to or less than the upper limit k1 (step S106; YES), the control unit 11 selects the i-th water heater 1 as the target for dividing the boiling time period, i.e., the division target (step S107). In this case, the control unit 11 sets "1" in the "double boil" item of the i-th water heater 1 in the water heater list L1.

[0116] On the other hand, if the boiling time length (i) is less than the lower limit value (step S105; NO), or if the boiling time length (i) is longer than the upper limit value k1 (step S106; NO), the control unit 11 skips the process to step S108. In this case, the control unit 11 does not select the i-th water heater 1 as the division target.

[0117] When it has been determined in this manner whether the i-th water heater 1 is a division target, the control unit 11 increments the loop variable i (step S108) and returns the process to step S105. Then, the control unit 11 executes the processes of steps S105 to S108 for another water heater 1 to determine whether it is a division target. In this manner, the control unit 11 determines whether all water heaters 1 installed in the apartment building H are a division target. With this, the division target selection process shown in FIG. 12 ends.

[0118] 11, once the division target is determined, the control unit 11 functions as the water boiling plan generation unit 116 and allocates the water boiling time periods of all the water heaters 1 to the time periods excluding the water boiling prohibited period determined in step S12 (step S14). In this way, a water boiling plan is generated. Details of step S14 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0119] When the process of allocating the boiling time periods shown in Figure 13 starts, the control unit 11 extracts data of the water heater 1 to be divided from the water heater list L1 shown in Figure 4 and generates the water heater list L2 for the two-time boiling plan shown in Figure 5 (step S201).

[0120] When the water heater list L2 for the two-time boiling plan is generated, the control unit 11 starts loop processing for the boiling permission periods T1, T2, and T3 (step S202). When the loop processing starts, the control unit 11 executes the two-time boiling plan processing for the boiling permission period Tx (step S203). Tx is set to T1 at the start of the loop processing. Details of step S203 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0121] 14 starts, the control unit 11 starts a loop process for the power consumption LV(j) of the apartment building H, and executes the planning process for LV(j) (step S301). At the start of the loop process, the loop variable j is set to 0.

[0122] Next, the control unit 11 searches for allocatable frames in the time period LV(j) and sets the start position of the allocatable frames to a variable s1 (step S302).Furthermore, the control unit 11 counts the number of allocatable frames and sets it to a variable m1 (step S303).

[0123] After setting variables s1 and m1, the control unit 11 starts loop processing for the multiple water heaters EQ(i) listed in the water heater list L2 for the two-time boil-up plan (step S304). First, the control unit 11 determines whether there is a water heater EQ(i) waiting to be set (step S305). Here, the water heater EQ(i) waiting to be set refers to an unprocessed water heater EQ(i) among the multiple water heaters EQ(i) for which a value is listed in T1s in the water heater list L2 for the two-time boil-up plan.

[0124] If there is no water heater EQ(i) waiting for setting (step S305; NO), the control unit 11 ends the two-time boiling planning process shown in FIGS.

[0125] If there is a water heater EQ(i) waiting to be set (step S305; YES), the control unit 11 selects one of the water heaters EQ(i) waiting to be set and sets the number of frames T1s of the selected water heater EQ(i) to variable v1 (step S306).

[0126] After setting the number of frames T1s of the selected water heater EQ(i) to the variable v1, the control unit 11 determines whether m1>v1 is satisfied (step S307). In other words, the control unit 11 determines whether the boiling time period of the selected water heater EQ(i) can be assigned to the time period of LV(j) in the boiling permission period T1.

[0127] If m1≦v1 holds (step S307; NO), the control unit 11 determines that the boiling time slot of the selected water heater EQ(i) cannot be assigned, and skips the processes of steps S308 to S311 described below.

[0128] On the other hand, if m1>v1 holds (step S307; YES), the control unit 11 determines that the boiling time slot of the selected water heater EQ(i) can be assigned. In this case, the control unit 11 sets s1 to the start time of the selected water heater EQ(i) (step S308). Then, the control unit 11 sets the identification number of the selected water heater EQ(i) to the number of frames from s1 to v1 (step S309). As a result, the control unit 11 assigns the boiling time slot of the selected water heater EQ(i) to the time slot of LV(j) in the boiling permission period T1.

[0129] 15, when the control unit 11 assigns the boiling time period to the time period with the frame number v1, it updates the variable s1 indicating the assignment start position to the value s1+v1, and updates the variable m1 indicating the number of frames that can be assigned to m1-v1 (step S310). Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the updated variable m1 is greater than 1 (step S311).

[0130] If variable m1 is greater than 1 (step S311; YES), control unit 11 returns the process to step S304. Then, control unit 11 selects another water heater EQ(i) and repeats the processes of steps S304 to S311. As a result, control unit 11 determines whether the boiling time slot of another water heater EQ(i) can be assigned to the time slot of LV(j) in boiling permitted period T1, and executes the process of assigning it if it can be assigned.

[0131] Finally, when the variable m1 becomes 1 or less (step S311; NO), the control unit 11 determines that no more can be allocated to the time slot of LV(j), and exits the loop process of steps S304 to S311.

[0132] After the loop processing is completed, the control unit 11 updates the water heater lists L2 and L4 (step S312). Specifically, the control unit 11 moves the data of the assigned water heater EQ(i) from the water heater list L2 for the two-time boiling schedule to the water heater list L4 for which boiling schedule has been completed.

[0133] After updating the water heater lists L2 and L4, the control unit 11 initializes a variable s1 indicating the allocation start position to 0 (step S313). Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a water heater EQ(i) waiting for setting (step S314).

[0134] If there is no water heater EQ(i) waiting for setting (step S314; NO), the control unit 11 ends the two-time boiling planning process.

[0135] If there is a water heater EQ(i) waiting to be set (step S314; YES), the control unit 11 increments the loop variable j (step S315). Then, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S301 and repeats the processes of steps S301 to S315 for the next LV(j). In this way, the control unit 11 executes the process of allocating boiling time slots in the boiling permission period T1 until there are no more water heaters EQ(i) waiting to be set or until LV(j) reaches the threshold value.

[0136] Finally, when there are no more water heaters EQ(i) waiting to be set, or when LV(j) reaches the threshold value, the control unit 11 exits the loop processing for LV(j). Then, if there is an unassigned water heater EQ(i), the control unit 11 moves the unassigned water heater EQ(i) from the water heater list L2 for the two-time boiling plan to the water heater list L3 for the one-time boiling plan (step S316). This completes the two-time boiling plan processing shown in Figures 14 and 15.

[0137] 13, after allocating the boiling time zone to the boiling permission period T1, the control unit 11 calculates the utilization rate of the boiling permission period T1 (step S204). Specifically, the control unit 11 calculates the ratio of the number of frames not used for boiling processing, i.e., the number of frames not allocated a boiling time zone in step S203, to the number of frames included in the boiling permission period T1, according to the following formula (4). Utilization rate (%) = (number of unused slots / number of slots in T1 period) × 100 … (4)

[0138] After calculating the utilization rate, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S202 and executes the processes of steps S203 and S204 for the boiling permission periods T2 and T3 in the same manner. As a result, the control unit 11 allocates boiling time periods to each of the boiling permission periods T1, T2, and T3 and calculates the utilization rate.

[0139] Next, the control unit 11 extracts data for the other water heaters 1 that are not subject to division from the water heater list L1 shown in Figure 4, and generates the water heater list L3 for the one-time boiling plan shown in Figure 6 (step S205).

[0140] When the water heater list L3 for the one-time boiling schedule is generated, the control unit 11 executes one-time boiling schedule processing (step S206). Details of step S206 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figs.

[0141] 16 starts, the control unit 11 starts loop processing for LV(j) and executes the planning processing for LV(j) (step S401). At the start of the loop processing, the loop variable j is set to 0.

[0142] Next, the control unit 11 sets a variable s1, which indicates the start position of the allocatable frames, to 0 (step S402).Furthermore, the control unit 11 sets a variable m1, which indicates the number of allocatable frames, to 34, which represents the period from midnight to 5:00 PM in 30-minute increments (step S403).

[0143] After setting variables s1 and m1, the control unit 11 starts loop processing for the multiple water heaters EQ(i) listed in the water heater list L3 for the single boiling schedule (step S404). First, the control unit 11 determines whether there is a water heater EQ(i) waiting to be set (step S405). Here, the water heater EQ(i) waiting to be set refers to an unprocessed water heater EQ(i) among the multiple water heaters EQ(i) listed in the water heater list L3 for the single boiling schedule.

[0144] When there is no water heater EQ(i) waiting for setting (step S405; NO), the control unit 11 ends the one-time boiling schedule processing shown in FIG. 16 and FIG.

[0145] If there is a water heater EQ(i) waiting to be set (step S405; YES), the control unit 11 selects one of the water heaters EQ(i) waiting to be set and sets the number of frames corresponding to the boiling time length of the selected water heater EQ(i) to variable v1 (step S406).

[0146] After setting the number of frames T1s of the selected water heater EQ(i) to the variable v1, the control unit 11 determines whether m1>v1 is satisfied (step S407). In other words, the control unit 11 determines whether the boiling time period of the selected water heater EQ(i) can be assigned to the time period of LV(j).

[0147] If m1≦v1 holds (step S407; NO), the control unit 11 determines that the boiling time slot of the selected water heater EQ(i) cannot be assigned, and skips the processes of steps S408 to S411 described below.

[0148] On the other hand, if m1>v1 holds (step S407; YES), the control unit 11 determines that the boiling time period of the selected water heater EQ(i) can be assigned. In this case, the control unit 11 sets s1 to the start time of the selected water heater EQ(i) (step S408). Then, the control unit 11 sets the identification number of the selected water heater EQ(i) to the time period from s1 to the number of frames of v1 (step S409). As a result, the control unit 11 assigns the boiling time period of the selected water heater EQ(i) to the time period of LV(j).

[0149] 17, when the control unit 11 assigns the boiling time period to the time period of the frame number v1, it updates the variable s1 indicating the assignment start position to the value s1+v1, and updates the variable m1 indicating the number of frames that can be assigned to m1-v1 (step S410). Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the updated variable m1 is greater than 1 (step S411).

[0150] If variable m1 is greater than 1 (step S411; YES), control unit 11 returns the process to step S404. Then, control unit 11 selects another water heater EQ(i) and repeats the processes of steps S404 to S411. As a result, control unit 11 determines whether the boiling time period of another water heater EQ(i) can be assigned to the time period of LV(j), and if it can be assigned, executes the process of assigning it.

[0151] Finally, when the variable m1 becomes 1 or less (step S411; NO), the control unit 11 determines that no more can be allocated to the time slot of LV(j), and exits the loop process of steps S404 to S411.

[0152] After the loop processing is completed, the control unit 11 updates the water heater lists L3 and L4 (step S412). Specifically, the control unit 11 moves the data of the assigned water heater EQ(i) from the water heater list L3 for the one-time boiling schedule to the water heater list L4 for which boiling schedules have been completed.

[0153] After updating the water heater lists L3 and L4, the control unit 11 initializes a variable s1 indicating the allocation start position to 0 (step S413). Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a water heater EQ(i) waiting for setting (step S414).

[0154] If there is no water heater EQ(i) waiting for setting (step S414; NO), the control unit 11 ends the one-time boiling planning process.

[0155] If there is a water heater EQ(i) waiting to be set (step S414; YES), the control unit 11 increments the loop variable j (step S415). Then, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S401 and repeats the processes of steps S401 to S415 for the next LV(j). In this way, the control unit 11 executes the process of allocating boiling time slots until there are no more water heaters EQ(i) waiting to be set. This completes the single boiling schedule process shown in Figures 16 and 17.

[0156] Returning to FIG. 13, when the control unit 11 executes the single boiling plan process, it calculates the power consumption every 30 minutes in the apartment building H (step S207). Specifically, the control unit 11 calculates the power consumption P(i) predicted to be consumed by the entire apartment building H during time slot i on the following day according to the following equation (5). In equation (5), the average power consumption (i) represents the average power consumption per water heater during time slot i on the following day when each water heater 1 performs boiling operation during the boiling time slots assigned by the twice boiling plan and the once boiling plan. This completes the division target selection process shown in FIG. 13. P(i) = Number of water heaters n × Average power consumption(i) + Pb(i) …(5)

[0157] Returning to FIG. 11, once the boiling time periods have been allocated, the control unit 11 functions as the hot water amount prediction unit 114 and predicts the amount of hot water to be supplied by each water heater 1 the next day, that is, the amount of hot water used, in 30-minute increments (step S15).

[0158] After predicting the amount of hot water supply, the control unit 11 functions as a boiling plan generation unit 116 and calculates the remaining amount of hot water for each water heater 1 every 30 minutes on the next day from the boiling plan proposal generated in step S14 and the amount of hot water supply predicted in step S15 (step S16).

[0159] After calculating the remaining hot water amount, the control unit 11 determines whether the remaining hot water amount of all water heaters 1 is equal to or greater than the minimum remaining hot water amount for all time periods on the following day (step S17). If the remaining hot water amount of all water heaters 1 is equal to or greater than the minimum remaining hot water amount for all time periods on the following day (step S17; YES), the control unit 11 ends the boiling plan generation process.

[0160] On the other hand, if the remaining amount of hot water in any of the water heaters 1 falls below the minimum remaining amount in any of the time periods (step S17; NO), the control unit 11 modifies the boiling plan (step S18). Specifically, the control unit 11 swaps the boiling time period of the water heater 1 whose remaining amount of hot water falls below the minimum remaining amount with the boiling time period of another water heater 1.

[0161] The control unit 11 repeats the processing of steps S17 and S18 and corrects the water boiling plan until the remaining hot water amounts of all water heaters 1 become equal to or greater than the minimum remaining hot water amounts for all time periods of the next day. This completes the water boiling plan generation process shown in FIG.

[0162] 10, once the water boiling plan is generated, control unit 11 functions as approval request unit 117 and transmits the generated water boiling plan to management server 6 around 11:00 PM (step S4). Upon receiving the water boiling plan from hot water supply control device 10, management server 6 determines whether to approve the received water boiling plan (step S5). Then, management server 6 transmits the result of the determination, approval of the water boiling plan or an instruction to correct it, to hot water supply control device 10 (step S6).

[0163] In the hot water supply control device 10, the control unit 11 determines whether the boiling plan has been approved (step S7). If the boiling plan has not been approved (step S7; NO), the control unit 11 corrects the boiling plan (step S8). On the other hand, if the boiling plan has been approved (step S7; YES), the control unit 11 skips step S8. The control unit 11 stores the approved boiling plan or the corrected boiling plan in the boiling plan DB 126 as the final boiling plan.

[0164] Next, the control unit 11 functions as the hot water supply control unit 118, and sends a boiling instruction to the hot water heaters 1 in each dwelling unit of the apartment building H at around 11:30 p.m. (Step S9). As a result, the control unit 11 causes each hot water heater 1 to perform boiling operation in accordance with the boiling plan stored in the boiling plan DB 126.

[0165] When each water heater 1 receives a boiling instruction from the hot water supply control device 10, it sets parameters required for boiling, such as the boiling start time, boiling start time, and boiling capacity, in accordance with the received boiling instruction (step S10). Then, when the boiling time period set by the boiling instruction arrives, each water heater 1 performs boiling operation (step S11).

[0166] Furthermore, in the hot water supply control device 10, the control unit 11 functions as the notification unit 119 and transmits the water heating plan stored in the water heating plan DB 126 to each of the multiple user terminals 5 (step S12). As a result, the control unit 11 notifies the users of each class registration 1 of the water heating plan for each hot water heater 1 for the next day.

[0167] As described above, the hot water supply control device 10 according to the first embodiment predicts the power consumption to be consumed by devices other than the multiple water heaters 1 in the apartment building H during the planning period. Then, based on the predicted power consumption and the boiling time length of each of the multiple water heaters 1, the hot water supply control device 10 individually plans the boiling time periods for each of the multiple water heaters 1 during the planning period. Because the boiling time periods for each water heater 1 are individually planned, the boiling time periods can be finely adjusted and appropriately distributed. This makes it possible to accurately smooth out the change in power consumption consumed in the apartment building H and appropriately suppress peak power consumption due to the boiling operation of the multiple water heaters 1.

[0168] (Embodiment 2) Next, a description will be given of embodiment 2. Descriptions of the same configurations and functions as embodiment 1 will be omitted where appropriate.

[0169] In the above-described first embodiment, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 assigned the water boiling time periods of each water heater 1 in the order listed in the water heater lists L2, L3. Therefore, the water heaters 1 listed higher in the water heater lists L2, L3 were given priority in the allocation of the water boiling time periods. However, the generated water boiling plan is greatly influenced by the order in which the water boiling time periods of each water heater 1 are assigned. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 generates multiple candidates for the water boiling plan by assigning the time periods in which each of the multiple water heaters 1 performs water boiling operation in multiple different orders during the planning period, and determines the water boiling plan from among the multiple candidates.

[0170] 18, the water boiling plan generating unit 116 allocates the water boiling time periods of the water heaters 1 to be divided, which are listed in the water heater list L2 for the two-time water boiling plan, in order of the longest water boiling time length, the shortest water boiling time length, and the preset priority order. As a result, the water boiling plan generating unit 116 generates first, second, and third candidates for the water boiling plan, respectively.

[0171] Here, priority is a value indicating the order of allocation, and is set in advance for each water heater 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, in embodiment 2, a "priority" item is added to the water heater list L1. A value indicating the order in which the water heater time periods are to be allocated is entered in the priority item of the water heater 1 to be divided. The water heater plan generation unit 116 generates a third candidate water heater plan by allocating time periods in which each of the multiple water heaters 1 will perform water heater operation in the order of priority set in such water heater list L1. Note that the priority may be a value prepared in advance, or may be freely changeable by an aggregator, resident, etc.

[0172] 18, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 further assigns the water boiling time periods of the water heaters 1 to be divided, which are listed in the water heater list L2 for the two-time water boiling plan, in multiple orders randomly rearranged using random numbers. As a result, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 generates multiple fourth candidates for the water boiling plan.

[0173] The water heating plan generation unit 116 determines, as the water heating plan, a candidate that meets predetermined criteria from among the multiple candidates generated in this way in different allocation orders. Specifically, the water heating plan generation unit 116 determines, as the water heating plan, from among the first to fourth candidates, the candidate that has the smallest maximum value of the power consumption P(i) consumed by the entire apartment building H on the next day, i.e., the smallest peak value.

[0174] Specifically, the boiling plan generation unit 116 calculates the power consumption P(i) expressed by the above formula (5) for each candidate and compares their maximum values ​​for one day. Then, the boiling plan generation unit 116 determines the candidate with the smallest maximum power consumption P(i) from among the multiple candidates as the boiling plan. For example, if the third candidate generated in order of priority has the smallest maximum power consumption P(i), the boiling plan generation unit 116 determines the third candidate as the boiling plan. In this way, by selecting a boiling plan from among multiple candidates, it is possible to generate a boiling plan that is highly effective in suppressing peak power consumption.

[0175] In the second embodiment, the boiling plan generating unit 116 may select a boiling plan from among a plurality of candidates based on other criteria, not limited to the candidate with the smallest maximum value of power consumption P(i).

[0176] For example, if the candidate with the smallest maximum value of power consumption P(i) is other than the third candidate generated in order of priority, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 compares the maximum values ​​of power consumption P(i) to be consumed by the entire apartment building H on the next day between the candidate with the smallest maximum value of power consumption P(i) and the third candidate. If the comparison shows that the difference in the maximum values ​​of power consumption P(i) is within a certain range, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 determines the third candidate as the water boiling plan. On the other hand, if the maximum value of power consumption P(i) in the third candidate is larger than the certain range, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 determines the candidate with the smallest maximum value of power consumption P(i) as the water boiling plan. In this way, it is possible to flexibly determine a water boiling plan according to the situation.

[0177] Alternatively, instead of the maximum value of power consumption P(i), a boiling schedule may be determined from among multiple candidates based on the utilization rate calculated using the above formula (4). Furthermore, when multiple fourth candidates are generated by rearranging the allocation order using random numbers, the planning process may be completed on the condition that the maximum value of power consumption is equal to or less than a target value, or that the utilization rate is equal to or greater than a target value. This can shorten the processing time.

[0178] (Embodiment 3) Next, a description will be given of embodiment 3. Descriptions of the same configurations and functions as those of embodiments 1 and 2 will be omitted where appropriate.

[0179] 20 shows a hot water supply system S2 according to embodiment 3. The hot water supply system S2 includes a plurality of hot water heaters 1, a plurality of communication devices 2, a high-voltage collective power receiving facility 3, watt-hour meters 4a to 4e, a user terminal 5, a management server 6, an authentication server 7, a hot water supply control device 20, a power generation facility 21, and a power storage facility 22.

[0180] The power generation facility 21 is a facility that generates electricity using sunlight. The power generation facility 21 includes a PV (Photovoltaic) panel and a power conditioning system. The PV panel is, for example, a polycrystalline silicon solar panel, and generates solar power by converting solar energy into electrical energy. The power conditioning system receives a supply of power generated by the PV panel, converts the supplied power from DC power to AC power so that it can be used in the apartment building H, and outputs the power to each part of the apartment building H.

[0181] The power storage facility 22 is a facility that stores the power generated by the power generation facility 21 and any surplus power in the apartment building H. The power storage facility 22 includes a storage battery that stores power, and a power conditioning system. The storage battery is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lead-acid battery or a lithium-ion battery. The power conditioning system converts power between DC power on the storage battery side and AC power on the apartment building H side.

[0182] The apartment building H receives a supply of generated power generated by the power generation equipment 21 and discharged power discharged from the power storage equipment 22, and supplies this to each of the dwelling units 1 to n. Each water heater 1 can perform boiling operation using the generated power or discharged power in addition to the power supplied from the commercial power source. Note that, although the power generation equipment 21 and the power storage equipment 22 are installed outside the apartment building H in FIG. 20 , the power generation equipment 21 and the power storage equipment 22 may also be installed inside the apartment building H.

[0183] The watt-hour meter 4d measures the amount of electric power Md generated by the power generation facility 21. The watt-hour meter 4e measures the amount of electric power Me charged or discharged by the power storage facility 22. Measurement data of the amount of electric power measured by the watt-hour meters 4d and 4e is transmitted to the management server 6 via the internet communication network.

[0184] The power information acquiring unit 111 communicates with the management server 6 via the WebAPI 131 and acquires power information from the management server 6. In the third embodiment, the power information acquiring unit 111 acquires, as power information, information indicating the amounts of power consumed Ma to Mc measured by the watt-hour meters 4a to 4c as well as the amounts of power consumed Md and Me measured by the watt-hour meters 4d and 4e, and stores this information in the power DB 121. The power DB 121 stores values ​​obtained by averaging the amounts of power consumed Ma to Me measured by the watt-hour meters 4a to 4e for each specified time period over a predetermined period from the present to the past.

[0185] Next, a hot water supply control device 20 according to a third embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 21 , the hot water supply control device 20 according to the third embodiment further includes, functionally, a weather information acquisition unit 211 and a power generation prediction unit 212 in addition to the configuration of the hot water supply control device 10 according to the first embodiment. Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the ROM or storage unit 12. Then, the CPU executes the programs stored in the ROM or storage unit 12 to realize each of these functions.

[0186] The weather information acquisition unit 211 acquires weather information from the weather server 9. The weather server 9 is a data server operated by the Japan Meteorological Agency, a weather service provider, etc., and provides weather information that is generally available. The weather information acquisition unit 211 communicates with the weather server 9 via the WebAPI 131, and acquires from the weather server 9 weather information such as forecast information for the next day's weather, temperature, solar radiation, sunshine hours, etc. in the area including the apartment building H, as well as actual information on these for the past two weeks. The weather information acquisition unit 211 is an example of a weather information acquisition means.

[0187] The power generation prediction unit 212 predicts the power to be generated by the power generation facility 21 on the next day, which is the measurement target period. Specifically, the power generation prediction unit 212 predicts the time periods during which power will be generated by the power generation facility 21 on the next day and the amount of power generated in each time period, based on the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 211 and the power generated by the power generation facility 21 over the past two weeks.

[0188] The power generation prediction unit 212 predicts the amount of power generation every three hours by utilizing the correlation between past power generation amounts and weather forecasts. Furthermore, the power generation prediction unit 212 predicts the power generation for a three-hour period by linear interpolation. In this way, the power generation prediction unit 212 predicts the amount of power generation in 30-minute increments, i.e., the amount of power generation (i) for 48 time slots i on the following day. The power generation prediction unit 212 is an example of a power generation prediction means.

[0189] The water boiling plan generation unit 116 generates a water boiling plan for the multiple water heaters 1 installed in the apartment building H based on the power consumption predicted by the power consumption prediction unit 113 described in embodiment 1, the hot water supply amount predicted by the hot water amount prediction unit 114, the boiling time length acquired by the time length acquisition unit 115, and the power generation predicted by the power generation prediction unit 212.

[0190] Specifically, the water boiling schedule generating unit 116 allocates water boiling time periods to the number of water heaters 1 corresponding to the amount of power generation among the multiple water heaters 1 to time periods for which power generation is predicted by the power generation predicting unit 212 on the following day. The process of allocating water boiling time periods in the third embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 22 .

[0191] 7 in the first embodiment, the water boiling plan shown in Fig. 22 includes negative frames LV(-1) and LV(-2) on the vertical axis representing the power consumption of the entire apartment building H. The negative frames are areas for allocating water boiling time periods during which water boiling operation is performed using power generated by the power generation equipment 21.

[0192] During the nighttime hours when no power generation is predicted, LV(-1) and LV(-2) frames are marked with a black square to prevent the assignment of a boiling time period. On the other hand, during the daytime hours when power generation is predicted, LV(-1) and LV(-2) frames can be assigned a boiling time period.

[0193] In the case of a two-time boiling plan, the boiling plan generation unit 116 assigns the boiling time periods of the water heaters 1 listed in the water heater list L2 to the frames LV(0) to LV(5) in the same procedure as in embodiment 1. On the other hand, in the case of a one-time boiling plan, the boiling plan generation unit 116 assigns the boiling time periods of the water heaters 1 that can be assigned, among the water heaters 1 listed in the water heater list L3, to the frame LV(-1) or LV(-2).

[0194] 7, the boiling time period of the water heater 1 numbered 3 is assigned to the frame LV(-2), and the boiling time period of the water heater 1 numbered 5 is assigned to the frame LV(-1). These water heaters 1 numbered 3 and 5 use the power generated by the power generation equipment 21 or the power discharged from the power storage equipment 22, and therefore can perform boiling operation without increasing the power received from the commercial power source in the apartment building H.

[0195] In the example of Figure 22, two levels, LV(-1) and LV(-2), are set as minus levels, and the number of minus levels in such a water boiling plan corresponds to the number of water heaters 1 that can simultaneously perform water boiling operation using the generated power. The water boiling plan generation unit 116 determines the number of minus levels according to the predicted probability of the power generation for the next day predicted by the power generation prediction unit 212. Here, the predicted probability of the power generation for the next day corresponds to the accuracy of the forecast information for the next day among the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 211.

[0196] Specifically, if the predicted probability of the power generation power for the next day predicted by the power generation prediction unit 212 is greater than a predetermined value, for example, 70%, there is a high possibility that the predicted power generation amount (i) will not be obtained on the next day. Therefore, the boiling plan generation unit 116 sets a value according to the power generation amount (i) for the next day predicted by the power generation prediction unit 212 as the negative level number.

[0197] For example, the water boiling plan generating unit 116 sets the value obtained by multiplying the average value of the power generation amount (i) predicted during the daytime of the next day by a predetermined margin η as the number of levels on the negative side. When the number of levels on the negative side is set in accordance with the power generation amount (i) in this way, the water boiling plan generating unit 116 assigns water boiling time periods to the number of water heaters 1 corresponding to the amount of power generation predicted for that time period among the multiple water heaters 1, to time periods when the power generation prediction unit 212 predicts that there will be power generation power on the next day.

[0198] On the other hand, if the power generation prediction unit 212 predicts that the power generation probability for the next day is smaller than a predetermined value, there is a high possibility that the predicted power generation amount (i) will not be obtained the next day. Therefore, the power stored in the power storage facility 22 is used as a backup for the power generated by the power generation facility 21. In this case, the water boiling plan generation unit 116 sets a value according to the storage capacity of the power storage facility 22 as the number of levels on the negative side. The storage capacity of the power storage facility 22 is the amount of power that can be stored in the power storage facility 22.

[0199] For example, the water boiling plan generating unit 116 sets the value obtained by dividing the storage capacity of the power storage equipment 22 by the average value of the water boiling power of the water heater 1 as the number of levels on the negative side. In this way, the water boiling plan generating unit 116 sets the number of levels on the negative side within the range of the storage capacity so that backup can be performed by the power storage equipment 22 even if the prediction of the power generation power is incorrect. When the number of levels on the negative side is set in accordance with the storage capacity in this way, the water boiling plan generating unit 116 allocates water boiling time periods for the number of water heaters 1 out of the multiple water heaters 1 according to the storage capacity of the power storage equipment 22 to time periods for which the power generation prediction unit 212 predicts that there will be power generation power on the following day.

[0200] In this way, the hot water supply control device 20 according to the third embodiment generates a boiling plan for the plurality of water heaters 1 so as to suppress the maximum value of the amount of power received from the commercial power source by utilizing the power generated by the power generation facility 21. Furthermore, by utilizing the power storage facility 22, it is possible to suppress a large increase in the amount of power received from the commercial power source when the prediction of the amount of power generated the next day is incorrect.

[0201] (Variation) Although the embodiments have been described above, it is possible to combine the embodiments, or to modify or omit the embodiments as appropriate.

[0202] For example, in the above embodiment, the boiling plan generation unit 116 divided the boiling time period of the water heater 1 to be divided into two. However, the boiling plan generation unit 116 can also divide the boiling time period of the water heater 1 to be divided into three or more periods as necessary. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a case has been described in which three periods are set as the boiling prohibited period and the boiling permitted period, but the number of boiling prohibited period and the boiling permitted period is not limited to three.

[0203] In the above embodiment, the power demand area is the apartment complex H. However, the power demand area is not limited to the apartment complex H, and may be any facility where a plurality of water heaters 1 are installed, such as a hotel or a hospital.

[0204] In the above-described embodiments, "electric energy" may be read as "electric power" and "electric power" may be read as "electric energy." For example, in the above-described embodiments, the watthour meters 4a to 4e measure the electric energy Ma to Me, but these may be measured in units of "electric power" instead of "electric energy." Furthermore, the power consumption prediction unit 113 may predict the power consumption in units of "electric energy."

[0205] In the above-described embodiments, the CPU in the control unit 11 of the hot water supply control device 10, 20 executes a program stored in the ROM or the memory unit 12 to function as each unit shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 21. However, the control unit 11 may be dedicated hardware. Dedicated hardware is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. When the control unit 11 is dedicated hardware, the functions of each unit may be realized by individual hardware, or the functions of each unit may be realized together by a single piece of hardware.

[0206] In addition, some of the functions of each unit may be realized by dedicated hardware, and other parts may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the control unit 11 can realize each of the above-mentioned functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0207] It is also possible to make an existing computer such as a personal computer or an information terminal device function as hot water supply control devices 10 and 20 by applying a program that defines the operation of hot water supply control devices 10 and 20 to the existing computer.

[0208] Furthermore, the method of distribution of such a program is arbitrary, and for example, it may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk ROM), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), or a memory card and distributed, or it may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0209] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0210] 1 water heater, 2 communication device, 3 high-voltage bulk power receiving equipment, 4a to 4e watt-hour meters, 5 user terminal, 6 management server, 7 authentication server, 9 weather server, 10, 20 water heater control device, 11 control unit, 12 memory unit, 13 communication unit, 21 power generation equipment, 22 power storage equipment, 111 power information acquisition unit, 112 device information acquisition unit, 113 power consumption prediction unit, 114 hot water quantity prediction unit, 115 time length acquisition unit, 116 boiling plan generation unit, 117 approval request unit, 118 water heater control unit, 119 notification unit, 121 power DB, 122 water heater DB, 126 boiling plan DB, 127 user DB, 131 Web API, 132 water heater IF, 133 terminal API, 211 weather information acquisition unit, 212 power generation prediction unit, H apartment building, L1 to L4 Water heater list, S1, S2 water heater system

Claims

1. A hot water control device that controls a plurality of hot water heaters installed in an electric power demand area, a power consumption prediction means for predicting power consumption other than that consumed by the plurality of water heaters in the power demand area during a planning period; and a water heating plan generation means for individually planning, for each of the plurality of water heaters, a time period during which each of the plurality of water heaters will perform the water heating operation during the planning period, based on the power consumption predicted by the power consumption prediction means and the duration of the water heating operation performed by each of the plurality of water heaters during the planning period; The water heating plan generation means selects, from among the plurality of water heaters, a water heater to be divided that performs the water heating operation in a plurality of divided time periods during the planning period, and a water heater that performs the water heating operation in one continuous time period during the planning period, based on the duration of the water heating operation performed by each of the plurality of water heaters. Hot water control device.

2. The water heating plan generation means determines the number of water heaters to be divided based on the power consumption predicted by the power consumption prediction means. The hot water supply control device according to claim 1.

3. The water heating plan generation means determines, based on the power consumption predicted by the power consumption prediction means, a water heating prohibition period during which each of the plurality of water heaters is prohibited from performing the water heating operation from within the planning period, and plans a time period during which each of the plurality of water heaters will perform the water heating operation during a time period other than the water heating prohibition period within the planning period; The boiling plan generation means plans time periods before and after the boiling prohibition period within the planning period as the divided multiple time periods. The hot water supply control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The boiling plan generating means selects, from among the plurality of water heaters, a water heater whose duration of boiling operation is equal to or greater than a lower limit value and equal to or less than the sum of the durations of the time periods before and after the boiling prohibition period as the water heater to be divided. The hot water supply control device according to claim 3.

5. the water heating plan generation means allocates, during the planning period, a time period in which each of the plurality of water heaters performs the water heating operation in order of the time period with the smallest power consumption predicted by the power consumption prediction means. The hot water supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the water heating plan generation means generates a plurality of candidates for the water heating plan by allocating a time period in which each of the plurality of water heaters performs the water heating operation in a plurality of different orders during the planning period, and determines the water heating plan from the plurality of candidates; The hot water supply control device according to claim 5.

7. Among the plurality of candidates, a candidate having the smallest maximum value of power consumption in the power demand area during the planning period is determined as the boiling plan. The hot water supply control device according to claim 6.

8. The electricity demand area receives a supply of generated electricity generated by a power generation facility, further comprising a power generation prediction means for predicting the power generation during the planning period; The water heating plan generation means allocates, to a time period in which the power generation prediction means predicts that there will be power generation during the planning period, a time period in which a number of water heaters corresponding to the amount of power generation predicted by the power generation prediction means will perform the water heating operation among the plurality of water heaters. The hot water supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The electricity demand area receives a supply of discharged electricity discharged from the electricity storage facility, When the prediction probability of the power generation power by the power generation prediction means is smaller than a predetermined value, the water heating plan generation means allocates a time period in which the power generation prediction means predicts that the power generation power will be present during the planning period, during which a number of water heaters corresponding to the power storage capacity of the power storage equipment will perform the water heating operation. The hot water supply control device according to claim 8.

10. an approval request means for requesting approval of the boiling plan indicating the time period planned by the boiling plan generation means from an aggregator that manages the power in the power demand area; and a hot water supply control means for causing the plurality of hot water heaters to perform the hot water supply operation in accordance with the hot water supply plan when the approval is obtained. The hot water supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. If the approval is obtained, a notification means is provided for notifying users in the electricity demand area of ​​the boiling plan. The hot water supply control device according to claim 10.

12. A hot water supply control device comprising: the hot water supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and the plurality of hot water heaters. Hot water system.

13. A method for generating a water heating schedule for a plurality of water heaters installed in an electric power demand area, comprising: a power consumption prediction step of predicting power consumption other than that consumed by the plurality of water heaters in the power demand area during a planning period; and a water heating plan generation step of individually planning, for each of the plurality of water heaters, a time period during which each of the plurality of water heaters will perform the water heating operation during the planning period, based on the predicted power consumption and the duration of the water heating operation performed by each of the plurality of water heaters during the planning period; In the water heating plan generation step, based on the duration of the water heating operation performed by each of the plurality of water heaters, a water heater to be divided that performs the water heating operation in a plurality of divided time periods during the planning period and a water heater that performs the water heating operation in one continuous time period during the planning period are selected from the plurality of water heaters. How to generate a boil-up plan.

14. A computer that controls multiple water heaters installed in areas with electricity demand, a power consumption prediction means for predicting power consumption other than that consumed by the plurality of water heaters in the power demand area during a planning period; and functioning as a water heating schedule generating means for individually planning, for each of the plurality of water heaters, a time period during which the water heating operation is to be performed by each of the plurality of water heaters during the planning period, based on the power consumption predicted by the power consumption prediction means and the duration of the water heating operation to be performed by each of the plurality of water heaters during the planning period; The water heating plan generation means selects, from among the plurality of water heaters, a water heater to be divided that performs the water heating operation in a plurality of divided time periods during the planning period, and a water heater that performs the water heating operation in one continuous time period during the planning period, based on the duration of the water heating operation performed by each of the plurality of water heaters. program.

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