Equipment control device, equipment control system, equipment control method, and program

Abstract

To give a trigger to reduce an economic loss of a user to the user.SOLUTION: A power consumption amount estimation part 101 estimates a power consumption amount of a demand place in each individual period contained in an object period on the basis of the past power consumption amount of the demand place. A power generation amount estimation part 102 estimates a power generation amount of a solar power generation system 200 in each individual period on the basis of weather forecast information indicating weather forecast of the demand place. A device control part 105 controls a facility device 400 on the basis of an estimation individual power consumption, an estimation individual power generation amount, and an individual unit price as a unit price of power selling and purchasing in each individual period so that a total trading difference as a total value in an object period of an individual transaction difference as an amount obtained by subtracting a power purchasing fee from a power selling fee in each individual period becomes large. A display part 13 displays the estimation individual power consumption and an individual power consumption achievement in the object period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an equipment control device, an equipment control system, an equipment control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, a technique for determining the time period during which equipment is operated in consideration of the selling electricity price and the buying electricity price set for each time period is known. Such equipment includes a water heater, a power storage device, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for selecting the time period during which a water heater operates and the power supply source to the water heater in consideration of the selling electricity price and the buying electricity price.

[0003] In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the economic benefit obtained by the user when storing hot water using commercial power at night when the buying electricity price is low is compared with the economic benefit obtained by the user when storing hot water using the power of solar power generation during the day when the buying electricity price is high, and the one with the greater economic benefit obtained by the user is selected. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the power consumption of the demand area where the equipment is provided is estimated, and based on the estimation result, the time period during which the equipment operates, the power supply source to the equipment, etc. are determined.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, improving the accuracy of estimating power consumption in demand areas is not easy, and if the estimation accuracy is low, users may suffer economic losses. For example, based on the estimation that daytime power consumption is low, a battery may not be charged at night. In this case, if the actual daytime power consumption is higher than the estimation, using a large amount of commercial electricity during the day when the electricity purchase price is high may result in high electricity costs. Patent Document 1 does not describe how to deal with situations where the accuracy of power consumption estimation is low. Therefore, there is a need for technology that provides users with an opportunity to reduce their economic losses when, for example, the accuracy of power consumption estimation is low.

[0006] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned issues and aims to provide a device control device, a device control system, a device control method, and a program that give users an opportunity to reduce their economic losses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the equipment control device relating to this disclosure is: A power consumption estimation means that estimates the power consumption of a demand area for each individual period included in the target period, based on the past power consumption of the demand area where the power-consuming equipment is installed, A power generation amount estimation means that estimates the amount of power generated by a solar power generation device installed in the demand area for each individual period, based on weather forecast information showing the weather forecast for the demand area. Equipment control means controls the equipment so that the total difference between individual sales and purchases, which is the sum of the individual sales and purchase amounts obtained by subtracting the purchase price from the sales price for each individual period, is increased, based on the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the sum of the individual sales and purchase amounts obtained by subtracting the purchase price from the sales price for each individual period, based on the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts The system includes a display means that displays the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption values ​​for each individual period of the power consumption of the demand location during the aforementioned target period.、 The display means displays a warning if, in at least one of the individual periods, the difference between the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption exceeds the individual power consumption threshold, or if the difference between the total estimated individual power consumption up to the present time in the target period and the total actual individual power consumption up to the present time in the target period exceeds the total power consumption threshold. ru. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This disclosure displays estimated individual power consumption and actual individual power consumption for the relevant period. Therefore, this disclosure can provide users with an opportunity to reduce their economic losses. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Configuration diagram of the equipment control system according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Configuration diagram of the equipment control device according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Functional configuration diagram of the device control system according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] A flowchart showing the device control process executed by the device control device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] The flowchart in Figure 4 shows the process for setting the boiling period. [Figure 6] Diagram showing the table for setting the water heating period before the update. [Figure 7] Diagram showing the table for setting the boiling period after the update. [Figure 8] The flowchart showing the charge / discharge period setting process is shown in Figure 4. [Figure 9] Diagram showing a table for setting the charging period. [Figure 10] Diagram showing a table for setting the discharge period. [Figure 11] Figure 1 shows the change in battery charge level. [Figure 12] Figure 2 shows the change in battery charge level. [Figure 13] Figure 3 shows the change in battery charge level. [Figure 14] Figure 4 shows the change in battery charge level. [Figure 15] A diagram showing a screen displaying estimated and actual power consumption figures. [Figure 16] A diagram showing a screen displaying estimated and actual values ​​of the difference between buying and selling prices. [Figure 17] Figure showing a screen presenting an estimated value and an actual value of the amount of hot water used [Figure 18] Configuration diagram of the equipment control system according to Embodiment 2

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an equipment control system 1000 according to Embodiment 1. The equipment control system 1000 is a system that controls equipment 400 provided at the power demand site. This demand site is a place where power is required, for example, a house. In the present embodiment, in the house which is the demand site, an equipment control device 100, a solar power generation device 200, a power measurement device 300, a water heater 410, a power storage device 420, and an air conditioner 430 are provided. The equipment control system 1000 controls the equipment 400 so as to increase the economic benefits of the user who is a resident of the house. Specifically, when the difference between the estimated value of the power consumption amount and the actual value of the power consumption amount is large, the equipment control system 1000 reduces the economic loss of the user by informing the user that this difference is large. The equipment control system 1000 includes the equipment control device 100.

[0012] The equipment control device 100 controls the equipment 400 provided at the demand site. The equipment 400 is equipment that operates by consuming commercial power supplied from a commercial power source (not shown), power generated by the solar power generation device 200, or stored power stored in the power storage device 420. In the present embodiment, the equipment 400 includes the water heater 410, the power storage device 420, and the air conditioner 430.

[0013] The equipment control device 100 controls the power consumption of the equipment 400 so as to maximize the user's economic benefits from purchasing and selling electricity. Purchasing electricity is buying commercial electricity from a power supplier that supplies commercial electricity to the demand area. Selling electricity is selling surplus electricity, which is the electricity generated that is not consumed by the equipment 400, to the power supplier. The purchase price, which is the unit price of purchased electricity per unit amount of energy, and the selling price, which is the unit price of sold electricity per unit amount of energy, are set by the power supplier. In this embodiment, the purchase price fluctuates depending on the timing of purchase, and the selling price fluctuates depending on the timing of sale. Therefore, the equipment control device 100 controls the power consumption of the equipment 400 so, for example, that electricity is purchased when the purchase price is low and sold when the selling price is high. The equipment control device 100 is an example of an equipment control device.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the device control device 100 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a display unit 13, an operation reception unit 14, a first communication unit 15, and a second communication unit 16.

[0015] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), RTC (Real Time Clock), etc. The CPU is also called a central processing unit, central computing unit, processor, microprocessor, microcomputer, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and functions as a central computing unit that executes processing and calculations related to the control of the device control device 100. In the control unit 11, the CPU reads programs and data stored in ROM and uses RAM as a work area to comprehensively control the device control device 100. The RTC is, for example, an integrated circuit with a timing function. The CPU can determine the current date and time from the time information read from the RTC.

[0016] The storage unit 12 is equipped with non-volatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and plays the role of a so-called auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 12 stores programs and data used by the control unit 11 to execute various processes. The storage unit 12 also stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 11 as a result of executing various processes.

[0017] The display unit 13 displays various images according to the control of the control unit 11. For example, the display unit 13 displays a screen for receiving various operations from the user. The display unit 13 includes a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, etc. The operation reception unit 14 receives various operations from the user and supplies information indicating the content of the received operation to the control unit 11. The operation reception unit 14 includes a touch screen, buttons, levers, etc.

[0018] The first communication unit 15 communicates with devices connected to the communication network 600 in accordance with the control of the control unit 11. The first communication unit 15 has the function of connecting to the communication network 600 and communicates with the solar power generation device 200, power metering device 300, water heater 410, energy storage device 420, and air conditioning device 430, which are connected to the communication network 600. The communication network 600 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) installed in a house. The first communication unit 15 is equipped with a communication interface compliant with various communication standards.

[0019] The second communication unit 16 communicates with devices connected to the communication network 700 in accordance with the control of the control unit 11. The second communication unit 16 has the function of connecting to the communication network 700 and communicates with the weather forecast server 510 and the power procurement cost estimation server 520 connected to the communication network 700. The communication network 700 is, for example, the internet. The second communication unit 16 is equipped with communication interfaces compliant with various communication standards.

[0020] The solar power generation system 200 converts solar light energy into electrical energy. The solar power generation system 200 supplies the generated electricity obtained from solar power generation to the equipment 400, to the energy storage device 420, or to a power supplier. The solar power generation system 200 includes solar panels (not shown) and a power conditioner (not shown). The solar power generation system 200 has a communication interface compliant with various communication standards and has the function of connecting to a communication network 600.

[0021] The power measuring device 300 measures various types of power. The power measuring device 300 measures the amount of commercial power supplied from the power supplier to the demand site. The power measuring device 300 measures the amount of surplus power supplied from the demand site to the power supplier. The power measuring device 300 measures the amount of power consumed by each piece of equipment 400. The power measuring device 300 is equipped with a communication interface compliant with various communication standards and has the function of connecting to the communication network 600.

[0022] The water heater 410 performs functions such as heating, hot water storage, and hot water supply according to the control of the equipment control device 100. Heating involves consuming electricity to heat low-temperature water and obtain high-temperature water. Hot water storage involves storing the hot water obtained by heating in the hot water storage tank 411. Hot water supply involves supplying the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 411 to the user. The water heater 410 is equipped with a hot water storage tank 411 for storing the hot water obtained by heating. The water heater 410 is equipped with a communication interface compliant with various communication standards and has the function of connecting to the communication network 600.

[0023] The energy storage device 420 charges and discharges the battery 421 according to the control of the equipment control device 100. The energy storage device 420 charges the battery 421 with power generated from the solar power generation device 200, for example. The energy storage device 420 also supplies the stored power accumulated in the battery 421 to the equipment 400, for example. The energy storage device 420 is equipped with a battery 421 for storing power. The energy storage device 420 is equipped with a communication interface compliant with various communication standards and has the function of connecting to the communication network 600.

[0024] The air conditioning system 430 harmonizes the air within the space to be air-conditioned, according to the control of the equipment control device 100. Harmonizing the air means adjusting the temperature, humidity, air purity, etc. The air conditioning system 430 harmonizes the air by consuming commercial power, generated power, or stored power. The air conditioning system 430 comprises an indoor unit installed inside the room and an outdoor unit installed outside the room. The air conditioning system 430 is equipped with a communication interface compliant with various communication standards and has the function of connecting to the communication network 600.

[0025] The weather forecast server 510 is a server that provides weather forecast information showing the weather forecast for the demand area. The weather forecast server 510 supplies weather forecast information to the equipment control device 100 via the communication network 700. The weather forecast server 510 is equipped with a communication interface compliant with various communication standards and has the function of connecting to the communication network 700.

[0026] The power procurement cost estimation server 520 is a server that estimates power procurement costs. The power procurement cost estimation server 520 is, for example, a server owned by a power supplier that supplies electricity to a demand area. The power procurement cost estimation server 520 estimates the power procurement costs for the target period and supplies the estimation results to the equipment control device 100 via the communication network 700. The target period is the period for which the operation schedule of the equipment 400 is set. In this embodiment, the target period is the day after the day on which the equipment control device 100 sets the operation schedule.

[0027] Electricity procurement charges are the fees that electricity suppliers incur to procure electricity from the electricity market. These charges are, for example, the fees that electricity suppliers win bids for in the electricity market, and they fluctuate depending on the season, day of the week, time of day, weather, etc. Electricity suppliers determine their purchase and sale prices based on these electricity procurement charges. For example, the higher the electricity procurement charges, the higher the purchase and sale prices will be.

[0028] In this case, the electricity procurement charges may not have been determined on the day before the target period. For this reason, for example, an electricity procurement charge estimation server 520 owned by the electricity supplier estimates the electricity procurement charges for the target period on the day before the target period, taking into account the season, day of the week, time of day, weather, etc. Based on the estimated electricity procurement charges for the target period, the electricity procurement charge estimation server 520 determines the electricity purchase price and electricity sales price for the target period.

[0029] However, on the day before the target period, the user may not be able to ascertain the electricity purchase price and electricity sales price for the target period. For this reason, the equipment control device 100 owned by the user obtains the estimated electricity procurement price for the target period from the electricity procurement price estimation server 520 on the day before the target period, and estimates the electricity purchase price and electricity sales price for the target period based on the estimated price. The electricity procurement price estimation server 520 is equipped with a communication interface compliant with various communication standards and has the function of connecting to the communication network 700.

[0030] Next, the functions of the equipment control device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Functionally, the equipment control device 100 comprises a power consumption estimation unit 101, a power generation estimation unit 102, a unit price estimation unit 103, a hot water usage estimation unit 104, an equipment control unit 105, and a display control unit 106. 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. The CPU then realizes each of these functions by executing the programs stored in the ROM or storage unit 12.

[0031] The power consumption estimation unit 101 estimates the power consumption of the demand area for the target period. More specifically, the power consumption estimation unit 101 estimates the power consumption of the demand area for each individual period included in the target period, based on the demand area's past power consumption. In this embodiment, the power measurement device 300 stores equipment data, including the power consumption of the equipment 400, in the storage unit 12. Therefore, the power consumption estimation unit 101 can identify the demand area's past power consumption, that is, the past power consumption of the equipment 400, by referring to the storage unit 12.

[0032] The power consumption estimation unit 101 estimates the power consumption of the demand area for each individual period included in the target period, taking into consideration, for example, the season, day of the week, time of day, weather, etc. For example, if the target period, which is the next day, is divided into 48 individual periods, the length of each individual period is 30 minutes. In this case, the power consumption estimation unit 101 estimates the power consumption of the equipment 400 every 30 minutes on the next day. The power consumption estimated by the power consumption estimation unit 101 is stored as estimated data in the storage unit 12. The power consumption estimation unit 101 is an example of a power consumption estimation means.

[0033] The power generation estimation unit 102 estimates the amount of power generated for a target period based on weather forecast information obtained from the weather forecast server 510. More specifically, the power generation estimation unit 102 estimates the amount of power generated by the solar power generation equipment 200 installed at the demand site for each individual period based on weather forecast information indicating the weather forecast for the demand site. For example, the power generation estimation unit 102 estimates the amount of power generated for a target period based on the information indicating the amount of power generated by the solar power generation equipment 200 for each weather condition, stored in the storage unit 12, and the weather forecast information. The amount of power generated estimated by the power generation estimation unit 102 is stored in the storage unit 12 as estimated data. The power generation estimation unit 102 is an example of a power generation estimation means.

[0034] The unit price estimation unit 103 estimates the individual unit prices set by the power supplier based on the power procurement charges estimated by the power supplier. The individual unit prices are the unit prices for buying and selling electricity for each individual period. The power supplier estimates the power procurement charges for the target period and sets the individual unit prices for the target period based on the estimated power procurement charges. When the purchase price and purchase price are dynamically determined by the power procurement charges, the unit price estimation unit 103 estimates the purchase price and purchase price for the target period from the estimated power procurement charges for the target period obtained from the power procurement charge estimation server 520. The individual unit prices estimated by the unit price estimation unit 103 are stored in the storage unit 12 as estimated data. The unit price estimation unit 103 is an example of a unit price estimation means.

[0035] The hot water usage estimation unit 104 estimates the amount of hot water used at the demand location for a target period. More specifically, the hot water usage estimation unit 104 estimates the amount of hot water used at the demand location for each individual period based on the past amount of hot water used at the demand location. In this embodiment, the equipment control device 100 stores equipment data, including the amount of hot water used at the demand location, that is, the amount of hot water supplied by the water heater 410, in the storage unit 12. Therefore, the hot water usage estimation unit 104 can identify the past amount of hot water used at the demand location by referring to the storage unit 12. The amount of hot water used estimated by the hot water usage estimation unit 104 is stored in the storage unit 12 as estimated data. The hot water usage estimation unit 104 is an example of a hot water usage estimation means.

[0036] The equipment control unit 105 controls the equipment 400. More specifically, the equipment control unit 105 controls the equipment 400 so that the total difference between buying and selling is maximized, based on the estimated individual power consumption, estimated individual power generation, and individual unit price. The estimated individual power consumption is the power consumption for each individual period estimated by the power consumption estimation unit 101. The estimated individual power generation is the power generation for each individual period estimated by the power generation estimation unit 102. The individual unit price is the unit price for buying and selling electricity for each individual period. The individual unit price includes the individual electricity purchase price and the individual electricity sales price.

[0037] The total difference between sales and purchases is the sum of the individual differences between sales and purchases over the relevant period. The individual difference between sales and purchases is the amount obtained by subtracting the electricity purchase price from the electricity sales price for each individual period. In other words, the total difference between sales and purchases is the amount the user can earn from electricity sales and purchases over the relevant period. The total difference between sales and purchases can also be a negative value. The larger the total difference between sales and purchases, the greater the economic benefit for the user. For example, the equipment control unit 105 determines the operating schedule of the equipment 400 so that the equipment 400 consumes commercial power during individual periods when the individual electricity purchase price is low, and consumes as little commercial power as possible during individual periods when the individual electricity purchase price is high. The equipment control unit 105 is an example of equipment control means.

[0038] The equipment control unit 105 stores various data in the storage unit 12. The equipment control unit 105 stores the amount of electricity generated by the solar power generation device 200, the amount of electricity consumed by the equipment 400, the amount of hot water used by the water heater 410, the amount of hot water remaining in the water heater 410, the remaining battery charge of the energy storage device 420, etc., as equipment data in the storage unit 12. The equipment control unit 105 also stores control data including the heating period of the water heater 410, control data including the charging or discharging period of the energy storage device 420, etc., as equipment control data in the storage unit 12.

[0039] The display control unit 106 displays the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption on the display unit 13 during the target period. The actual individual power consumption is the actual value of the power consumption at the demand location for each individual period. In other words, the actual individual power consumption is the amount of electricity actually consumed at the demand location during the individual periods included in the target period. Hereinafter, the estimated individual power consumption will be referred to as the estimated value of individual power consumption or the estimated value of power consumption, as appropriate. Similarly, the actual individual power consumption will be referred to as the actual value of individual power consumption or the actual value of power consumption, as appropriate. The display unit 13 displays various information according to the control of the display control unit 106. For example, the display unit 13 displays the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption during the target period according to the control of the display control unit 106. The display control unit 106 is an example of a display control means. The display unit 13 is an example of a display means.

[0040] The display unit 13 displays a warning if the difference between the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption exceeds the individual power consumption threshold for at least one individual period. If the actual power consumption of the equipment 400 in a certain individual period is significantly larger than the estimated value, the user may incur economic losses if no countermeasures are taken. For example, it may become necessary to purchase commercial electricity during an individual period when the electricity purchase price is high in order to make up for the power shortage. Therefore, the display unit 13 displays a warning, for example, to encourage the user to reduce power consumption in the future. The individual power consumption threshold may be a fixed value or a value calculated from the estimated individual power consumption.

[0041] Furthermore, the display unit 13 displays a warning if the difference between the total estimated individual power consumption up to the present time during the target period and the total actual individual power consumption up to the present time during the target period exceeds the total power consumption threshold. If the actual power consumption of the equipment 400 from the start time of the target period to the present time is significantly larger than the estimated value, the user may suffer economic losses if no countermeasures are taken. Therefore, the display unit 13 displays a warning, for example, to encourage the user to reduce power consumption from now on. The total power consumption threshold may be a fixed value or a value calculated from the total estimated individual power consumption up to the present time during the target period.

[0042] The equipment control unit 105 estimates the individual buy-sell difference based on the estimated individual power consumption, estimated individual power generation, individual unit price, and the operating schedule for the equipment 400. For example, the equipment control unit 105 determines the operating schedule for the equipment 400 based on the estimated individual power consumption, estimated individual power generation, and individual unit price so as to maximize the total buy-sell difference. Then, the equipment control unit 105 estimates the individual buy-sell difference when the equipment 400 is controlled according to the determined operating schedule.

[0043] The display unit 13 displays the estimated individual trading difference and the actual individual trading difference for the target period. The estimated individual trading difference is the individual trading difference estimated by the equipment control unit 105. The actual individual trading difference is the actual value of the individual trading difference. The display unit 13 displays the estimated individual trading difference and the actual individual trading difference for each individual period included in the target period. Hereinafter, the estimated individual trading difference will be referred to as the estimated value of the individual trading difference or the estimated value of the trading difference, as appropriate. Similarly, the actual individual trading difference will be referred to as the actual value of the individual trading difference or the actual value of the trading difference, as appropriate.

[0044] The display unit 13 displays a warning if the difference between the estimated individual trading difference and the actual individual trading difference in at least one individual period exceeds the individual difference threshold. If the actual value of the individual trading difference in a certain individual period differs significantly from the estimated value, it is possible that the actual value of the electricity purchase price or electricity consumption deviates significantly from the estimated value for some reason, and the actual value of the total trading difference deviates significantly from the estimated value. Therefore, the display unit 13 displays a warning, for example, to encourage the user to pay attention to the trading difference. The individual difference threshold may be a fixed value or a value calculated from the estimated individual trading difference.

[0045] The display unit 13 displays a warning if the difference between the total estimated individual buying and selling difference up to the current time in the target period and the total actual individual buying and selling difference up to the current time in the target period exceeds the total difference threshold. If the actual value of the buying and selling difference between the start time of the target period and the current time differs significantly from the estimated value, it is possible that the electricity purchase price or electricity consumption has deviated significantly from the estimated value for some reason, and the actual value of the total buying and selling difference has deviated significantly from the estimated value. In this case, the display unit 13 displays a warning, for example, to encourage the user to pay attention to the buying and selling difference. The total difference threshold may be a fixed value, or it may be a value calculated from the total estimated individual buying and selling difference up to the current time in the target period.

[0046] The equipment control unit 105 determines the heating period based on the estimated individual power consumption, estimated individual power generation, estimated individual hot water usage, and individual unit price, in order to maximize the total difference between buying and selling prices. The estimated individual hot water usage is the amount of hot water used for each individual period estimated by the hot water usage estimation unit 104. The heating period is the period during which the water heater 410 performs heating operation.

[0047] The display unit 13 displays the estimated individual hot water usage and the actual individual hot water usage for the target period. The actual individual hot water usage is the actual value of the hot water usage at the demand location for each individual period. Users can refer to the information displayed by the display unit 13 to check whether the actual hot water usage deviates from the estimated value. Hereinafter, the estimated individual hot water usage will be referred to as the estimated value of individual hot water usage or the estimated value of hot water usage, as appropriate. Similarly, the actual individual hot water usage will be referred to as the actual value of individual hot water usage or the actual value of hot water usage, as appropriate.

[0048] The display unit 13 displays a warning if the difference between the estimated individual hot water usage and the actual individual hot water usage exceeds the individual hot water usage threshold for at least one individual period. If the actual hot water usage for a given individual period differs significantly from the estimated value, the user may incur economic losses if no countermeasures are taken. For example, if the actual hot water usage is significantly higher than the estimated value, it may become necessary to purchase commercial electricity during an individual period with a high electricity purchase price in order to heat the insufficient amount of hot water. Therefore, the display unit 13 displays a warning, for example, to encourage the user to refrain from using hot water in the future. The individual hot water usage threshold may be a fixed value or a value calculated from the estimated individual hot water usage.

[0049] Furthermore, the display unit 13 displays a warning if the difference between the estimated total amount of individual hot water used up to the present time during the target period and the actual total amount of individual hot water used up to the present time during the target period exceeds the total hot water usage threshold. If the actual amount of hot water used from the start time of the target period to the present time differs significantly from the estimated value, the user may suffer economic losses if no countermeasures are taken. Therefore, the display unit 13 displays a warning, for example, instructing the user to refrain from using hot water further. The total hot water usage threshold may be a fixed value, or it may be a value calculated from the estimated total amount of individual hot water used up to the present time during the target period.

[0050] The equipment control unit 105 sets the heating period in order from the individual period with the lowest electricity purchase price or the lowest electricity sales price when there is surplus electricity. Having surplus electricity means that the amount of electricity generated is greater than the amount of electricity consumed. In individual periods with low electricity purchase prices, heating is inexpensive even if commercial electricity is used. Also, in individual periods with surplus electricity where the electricity sales price is low, the decrease in electricity sales charges is small even if electricity intended for sale is used for heating. Therefore, it is preferable to set the heating period to the period with the lowest electricity cost, which is the individual period with the lowest electricity purchase price or the lowest electricity sales price when there is surplus electricity.

[0051] The period with the lowest electricity cost is the individual period corresponding to the lower of the following two values: the electricity purchase price in the individual period with the lowest electricity purchase price, and the electricity sales price in the individual period with the lowest electricity sales price among the individual periods with surplus electricity. When setting multiple heating periods, the equipment control unit 105 identifies the period with the lowest electricity cost from the individual periods remaining after excluding the period set as the heating period from all individual periods, and sets the identified period with the lowest electricity cost as the heating period.

[0052] Here, the equipment 400 includes an energy storage device 420 that performs a charging operation to charge the battery 421 and a discharging operation to discharge the battery 421. The equipment control unit 105 determines the charging period and the discharging period based on the estimated individual power consumption, estimated individual power generation, and individual unit price so as to maximize the total difference between buying and selling. The charging period is the period during which the energy storage device 420 performs a charging operation. The discharging period is the period during which the energy storage device 420 performs a discharging operation.

[0053] Specifically, the equipment control unit 105 sets the charging period to the individual period in which the electricity purchase price or the electricity sales price in the case of surplus electricity is lowest. In other words, the equipment control unit 105 sets the charging period to the period with the lowest electricity cost. Furthermore, among the individual periods in the target period that are after the charging period, the equipment control unit 105 sets the discharge period to the individual period in which the electricity purchase price or the electricity sales price in the case of surplus electricity is highest. In individual periods with high electricity purchase prices, a significant reduction in electricity purchase prices can be expected due to the discharge of the energy storage device 420. Also, in individual periods with surplus electricity where the electricity sales price is high, a significant increase in electricity sales prices can be expected due to the discharge of the energy storage device 420.

[0054] Therefore, it is preferable that the discharge period be set to the period with the highest electricity cost, which is the individual period in which the electricity purchase price or the electricity sales price in the case of surplus electricity is highest. In this embodiment, the discharge period is set after the charging period within the target period. In other words, in this embodiment, the discharge period is set to the period with the highest electricity cost among the individual periods that follow the charging period within the target period.

[0055] Here, the equipment control unit 105 repeatedly sets the charging period to the individual period with the lowest electricity purchase price or electricity sales price when there is surplus power, among the unset periods which are individual periods that are not set as charging and discharging periods, and sets the discharging period to the individual period with the highest electricity purchase price or electricity sales price when there is surplus power, among the individual periods that are after the charging period in the unset periods. In other words, the equipment control unit 105 repeatedly sets the charging period to the period with the lowest electricity cost among the unset periods, and sets the discharging period to the period with the highest electricity cost among the individual periods that are after the charging period in the unset periods.

[0056] Next, the equipment control process performed by the equipment control device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 4. The equipment control process is performed, for example, every 10 minutes.

[0057] First, the control unit 11 of the equipment control device 100 acquires equipment data (step S101). For example, the control unit 11 acquires power quantity information, such as the amount of electricity purchased, the amount of electricity sold, and the amount of electricity consumed, from the power measuring device 300 via the first communication unit 15. The control unit 11 also acquires hot water usage information, which is the amount of hot water used at the point of demand, from the water heater 410 via the first communication unit 15. The control unit 11 also acquires battery level information, which is the remaining battery level of the storage battery 421, from the energy storage device 420 via the first communication unit 15. The control unit 11 stores the power quantity information, hot water usage information, and battery level information in the storage unit 12.

[0058] When the control unit 11 completes the processing in step S101, it determines whether the current time is the schedule determination time (step S102). The schedule determination time is the time when the operation schedule of the equipment 400 is determined. The schedule determination time is any time on the day before the target period. In this embodiment, the schedule determination time is 22:00 on the day before the target period.

[0059] When the control unit 11 determines that the current time is the schedule determination time (step S102: YES), it estimates the power consumption for the following day (step S103). For example, the control unit 11 estimates the power consumption of the demand area for the following day, which is the target period, based on the power consumption information indicating the past power consumption of the equipment 400 stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 estimates the power consumption of the demand area every 30 minutes. The control unit 11 stores the information indicating the estimated power consumption in the storage unit 12.

[0060] After completing the processing in step S103, the control unit 11 estimates the amount of hot water to be used the following day (step S104). For example, the control unit 11 estimates the amount of hot water to be used at the demand location for the following day, which is the target period, based on the hot water usage information indicating the past amount of hot water used at the demand location stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 estimates the amount of hot water used at the demand location every 30 minutes. The control unit 11 stores the information indicating the estimated amount of hot water used in the storage unit 12.

[0061] After completing the processing in step S104, the control unit 11 estimates the amount of electricity generated for the following day (step S105). For example, the control unit 11 estimates the amount of electricity generated at the demand site for the following day, which is the target period, based on weather forecast information obtained from the weather forecast server 510 and electricity generation amount information stored in the storage unit 12 that shows the past amount of electricity generated at the demand site. The control unit 11 estimates the amount of electricity generated at the demand site every 30 minutes. The control unit 11 stores the information showing the estimated amount of electricity generated in the storage unit 12.

[0062] After completing the processing in step S105, the control unit 11 estimates the electricity sales price and electricity purchase price for the following day (step S106). For example, based on the estimated electricity procurement charges for the following day obtained from the electricity procurement charge estimation server 520, the control unit 11 estimates the market-linked electricity sales price and electricity purchase price for the following day, which is the target period. The control unit 11 estimates the electricity sales price and electricity purchase price every 30 minutes. The control unit 11 stores information indicating the estimated electricity sales price and electricity purchase price in the storage unit 12.

[0063] After completing the process in step S106, the control unit 11 executes the water heating period setting process (step S107). In the water heating period setting process, the control unit 11 sets the water heating period of the water heater 410 so that the total difference between buying and selling electricity is maximized, based on the estimated results of the amount of electricity consumed, the amount of electricity generated, the amount of hot water used, the purchase price of electricity, and the sale price of electricity for the following day, which is the target period. The total difference between buying and selling electricity is the amount obtained by subtracting the purchase price of electricity for the following day, which is the target period, from the sale price of electricity for the following day, which is the target period. The control unit 11 stores information indicating the water heating period in the storage unit 12. The water heating period setting process will be described later.

[0064] After completing the process in step S107, the control unit 11 executes the charge / discharge period setting process (step S108). In the charge / discharge period setting process, the control unit 11 sets the charging period and discharge period of the energy storage device 420 so as to maximize the total difference between buying and selling electricity, based on the estimated results of the amount of electricity consumed, the amount of electricity generated, the amount of hot water used, the purchase price of electricity, and the sale price of electricity for the following day, which is the target period. The control unit 11 stores information indicating the charging period and information indicating the discharge period in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 also stores information indicating the total difference between buying and selling electricity in the storage unit 12. The charge / discharge period setting process will be described later.

[0065] If the control unit 11 determines that the current time is not the schedule determination time (step S102: NO), or if it has completed the processing in step S108, it determines whether the current time is the control time for the water heater 410 (step S109). The control time for the water heater 410 is, for example, the start time of the heating period. If the control unit 11 determines that the current time is the control time for the water heater 410 (step S109: YES), it transmits control information to the water heater 410 (step S110). This control information is information that instructs the water heater 410 to perform heating operation, and for example, includes information on the time to perform heating operation.

[0066] If the control unit 11 completes the processing in step S110, or if it determines that the current time is not the control time for the water heater 410 (step S109: NO), it determines whether the current time is the control time for the energy storage device 420 (step S111). The control time for the energy storage device 420 is, for example, the start time of the charging period or the start time of the discharging period. If the control unit 11 determines that the current time is the control time for the energy storage device 420 (step S111: YES), it transmits control information to the energy storage device 420 (step S112). This control information is information that instructs the water heater 410 to perform a charging operation or a discharging operation, and includes, for example, the time to perform the charging operation or the discharging operation.

[0067] If the control unit 11 completes the processing in step S112, or determines that the current time is not the control time for the energy storage device 420 (step S111: NO), it displays estimated and actual values ​​for various types of information (step S113). For example, the control unit 11 displays the estimated and actual values ​​of the individual hourly energy consumption at the demand site on the display unit 13. The control unit 11 also displays the estimated and actual values ​​of the individual hourly hot water usage at the demand site on the display unit 13. Furthermore, the control unit 11 displays the estimated and actual values ​​of the individual hourly difference between buying and selling prices at the demand site on the display unit 13. Once the control unit 11 completes the processing in step S113, it completes the equipment control processing.

[0068] Next, the boiling period setting process performed by the equipment control device 100 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5. In the explanation of the boiling period setting process, the boiling period setting tables shown in Figures 6 and 7 will be referred to as appropriate. The boiling period setting tables are used to set the boiling period. First, the boiling period setting tables will be explained.

[0069] The "Water Heating Target Cursor" is a cursor that indicates the individual period to be set as the water heating period. The "Start Time of Individual Period" is the start time of the time period corresponding to the individual period. The "Purchase Price of Electricity (yen / kWh)" is the purchase price of electricity for each individual period. The "Selling Price of Electricity (yen / kWh)" is the selling price of electricity for each individual period. The "Estimated Individual Power Consumption (kWh) (excluding water heating and charging / discharging)" is an estimated value of power consumption in the demand area for each individual period, excluding the power consumption related to the water heater 410 and the energy storage device 420. The "Estimated Individual Power Consumption (kWh) (including water heating, excluding charging / discharging)" is an estimated value of power consumption in the demand area for each individual period, excluding the power consumption related to the energy storage device 420. The "Estimated Individual Power Consumption (kWh) (including water heating, including charging)" is an estimated value of power consumption in the demand area for each individual period, excluding the power consumption related to the discharge power of the energy storage device 420. "Estimated individual power consumption (kWh) (including water heating and charging / discharging)" is an estimated value of the power consumption for each individual period at the point of demand.

[0070] "Estimated individual power generation (kWh)" is an estimated value of the amount of electricity generated for each individual period at the demand site. "Estimated individual hot water usage (L)" is an estimated value of the amount of hot water used for each individual period at the demand site. In this embodiment, the amount of hot water, represented by the amount of hot water used, is expressed as the amount of hot water converted to 42 degrees. For example, suppose that 70-degree hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 411, and 42-degree hot water obtained by mixing this 70-degree hot water with 14-degree cold water in a 1:1 ratio is used. In this case, if 10L of 70-degree hot water is used, the amount of hot water used converted to 42 degrees is 20L.

[0071] "Tank Capacity (L)" is the capacity of the hot water storage tank 411. This capacity is also the capacity when converted to 42 degrees Celsius. "Remaining Hot Water Amount (L)" is the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 411. This remaining hot water amount is also the amount of hot water when converted to 42 degrees Celsius. "Storage Hot Water Loss Coefficient" is a coefficient that indicates the degree to which the remaining hot water amount decreases over time. For example, the storage hot water loss coefficient is a coefficient that indicates the percentage of the remaining hot water amount that is maintained after a period of time equal to the length of the individual period has elapsed. "Required Heating Power Amount (kWh) (per 30 minutes)" is the amount of power required to heat water for 30 minutes. "Possible Heating Amount (L) (per 30 minutes)" is the amount of hot water that can be heated in 30 minutes. "Heating Flag (1: Heating Enabled)" is a flag that indicates that the heating period has been set. "Electricity required for water heating (kWh) (considering tank capacity)" is the amount of electricity required for water heating when the water heating process is performed taking the tank capacity into consideration.

[0072] The control unit 11 sets the period with the lowest electricity purchase price or the lowest electricity sales price (when there is surplus electricity) among the periods without a set water heating period as the water heating period (step S201). The periods without a set water heating period are the periods among the individual periods included in the target period that are not set as water heating periods. The control unit 11 sets the period with the lowest electricity cost among the periods without a set water heating period as the water heating period.

[0073] In the example shown in Figure 6, the cheapest electricity purchase price is 8.12 yen / kWh, which is set for the individual period starting at 4:30. Also, in the example shown in Figure 6, it is assumed that there are no individual periods with surplus power. Therefore, in this example, the water heating target cursor is set for the individual period starting at 4:30, and the individual period starting at 4:30 is set as the water heating period.

[0074] When the control unit 11 completes the processing in step S201, it updates the amount of remaining hot water for the individual periods after the heating period, assuming that heating will be performed during the heating period (step S202). In calculating the amount of remaining hot water, the amount of remaining hot water is multiplied by a hot water storage loss coefficient every 30 minutes. If hot water usage is estimated, the estimated amount of hot water used is reduced, and if heating is performed, the estimated amount of heating is added. Note that if there is insufficient tank capacity, the amount of heating is limited.

[0075] For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, there is no tank capacity limitation, and 50L of hot water is expected to be heated during the individual period starting at 4:30 for 30 minutes. Therefore, the "remaining hot water volume (L)" for the individual period starting at 5:00 is updated from 180.9 to 230.9. Also, the "remaining hot water volume (L)" for the individual period starting at 23:30 is updated from 36.1 to 70.6.

[0076] When the control unit 11 completes the processing in step S202, it updates the power consumption during the heating period (step S203). For example, if there is no limit on the tank capacity, in an individual period starting at 4:30, the amount of hot water heated is 50L, and the power consumption required for heating is 0.7kWh. Therefore, in this case, as shown in Figure 7, the "estimated individual power consumption (kWh) (including heating, excluding charging and discharging)", "estimated individual power consumption (kWh) (including heating and charging)", and "estimated individual power consumption (kWh) (including heating and charging / discharging)" for the individual period starting at 4:30 are updated from 0.12 to 0.82. Also, the "heating flag (1: heating enabled)" for the individual period starting at 4:30 is updated from 0 to 1. In addition, the "heating power consumption (kWh) (considering tank capacity)" for the individual period starting at 4:30 is updated from 0 to 0.7.

[0077] When the control unit 11 completes the process in step S203, it determines whether or not there is a period within the target period during which heating is not set (step S204). If the control unit 11 determines that there is a period within the target period during which heating is not set (step S204: YES), it determines whether or not the amount of remaining hot water is greater than or equal to the amount of hot water used in all individual periods (step S205).

[0078] If the control unit 11 determines that the amount of remaining hot water is not greater than or equal to the amount of hot water used in all individual periods (step S205: NO), it returns to step S201. In other words, the control unit 11 repeats the process of setting the heating period until there is no shortage of hot water in all individual periods. If the control unit 11 determines that there are no periods within the target period during which heating is not set (step S204: NO), or if it determines that the amount of remaining hot water is greater than or equal to the amount of hot water used in all individual periods (step S205: YES), it completes the heating period setting process.

[0079] Next, the charge / discharge period setting process performed by the equipment control device 100 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 8. In the explanation of the charge / discharge period setting process, the charging period setting table shown in Figure 9 and the discharge period setting table shown in Figure 10 will be referred to as appropriate. The charging period setting table is used to set the charging period. The discharge period setting table is used to set the discharge period. The charging period setting table and the discharge period setting table have similar configurations, except that the cursors used for setting are different. The charging period setting table and the discharge period setting table will be explained below. Note that in the explanation of the boil-up period setting table, items already explained will be omitted.

[0080] The "Charging Target Cursor" is a cursor that indicates the individual period to be set as the charging period. The "Discharging Target Cursor" is a cursor that indicates the individual period to be set as the discharging period. "Battery Capacity (kWh)" is the capacity of the battery 421. "Battery Remaining Charge (kWh)" is the remaining charge of the battery 421, that is, the power stored in the battery 421. The "Energy Loss Coefficient" is a coefficient that indicates the degree to which the remaining charge of the battery 421 decreases over time. For example, the energy loss coefficient is a coefficient that indicates the percentage of the battery 421's remaining charge that is maintained after a time equal to the length of the individual period has elapsed.

[0081] "Required charging energy (kWh) (per 30 minutes)" is the amount of energy required for 30 minutes of charging. "Charging flag (1: Charging)" is a flag indicating that the charging period has been set. "Discharging flag (1: Discharging)" is a flag indicating that the discharge period has been set. "Charging energy (kWh)" is the amount of energy that is charged when charging considering the capacity of the battery 421. "Discharging energy (kWh)" is the amount of energy that is discharged when discharging considering the capacity of the battery 421.

[0082] The control unit 11 sets the individual period with the lowest electricity purchase price or electricity sales price (when there is surplus power) among the unset charge / discharge periods as the charge candidate period (step S301). The unset charge / discharge period is an individual period included in the target period that is not set as either a charge candidate period or a discharge period. The unset charge / discharge period is an individual period for which neither a charge target cursor nor a discharge target cursor is set.

[0083] A charging candidate period is an individual period that is a candidate to be set as a charging period. A charging period is an individual period during which a charging operation is performed. A discharge period is an individual period during which a discharge operation is performed. An individual period set as a charging candidate period may be set as a charging period, but may not be set as a charging period. For example, if an individual period is set as a charging candidate period, and there is no suitable individual period to be set as a discharge period, the individual period set as a charging candidate period will not be set as a charging period. The control unit 11 sets the period with the minimum power cost among the periods when charging and discharging are not set as the charging candidate period.

[0084] In the example shown in Figure 9, the cheapest electricity purchase price is 8.12 yen / kWh, which is set for the individual period starting at 4:30. Also, in the example shown in Figure 9, it is assumed that there are no individual periods with surplus power. Therefore, in this example, the charging target cursor is set for the individual period starting at 4:30, and the individual period starting at 4:30 is set as the charging candidate period.

[0085] After completing the process in step S301, the control unit 11 determines whether there is an individual period in the unset charge / discharge period after the candidate charge period in which the electricity purchase price or the electricity sales price (if there is surplus power) is higher than the price of the candidate charge period (step S302). In this embodiment, the discharge period is set in an individual period after the charge period. Furthermore, if the price of the discharge period is not higher than the price of the charge period, the user will not receive any economic benefit. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines whether it is possible to set a discharge period with a price higher than that of the candidate charge period.

[0086] If the control unit 11 determines that there is an individual period after the candidate charging period in which no charge / discharge settings are set, where the electricity purchase price or the electricity sales price in the case of surplus power is higher than that of the candidate charging period (step S302: YES), it sets the individual period after the candidate charging period in which no charge / discharge settings are set, where the electricity purchase price or the electricity sales price in the case of surplus power is highest, as the discharge period (step S303). After completing the process in step S303, the control unit 11 sets the candidate charging period for which the charging target cursor is set as the charging period (step S304).

[0087] When the control unit 11 completes the processing in step S304, it updates the remaining battery capacity for individual periods after the charging period, assuming that the battery will be charged during the charging period (step S305). In calculating the remaining battery capacity, the remaining battery capacity is multiplied by a storage loss coefficient every 30 minutes, and if charging is performed, the amount of charging power is added. The upper limit of the amount of charging power is the amount of charging power that ensures the remaining battery capacity does not exceed the battery capacity in individual periods after the charging period for which the charging target cursor is set, and that guarantees the amount of charging power for already set charging periods after this charging period.

[0088] For example, in the example shown in Figure 9, there is no limitation on battery capacity and there is only one charging period, so a charge of 1 kWh is expected in the individual period starting at 4:30. Therefore, the "remaining battery capacity (kWh)" in the individual period starting at 5:00 will be updated to 5.9, which is 1 greater than 4.9. Also, the "remaining battery capacity (kWh)" in the individual period starting at 23:00 will be updated to 5.5.

[0089] When the control unit 11 completes the processing in step S305, it updates the power consumption for the charging period (step S306). For example, if there is no limit on the battery capacity and there is only one charging period, in the individual period starting at 4:30, the amount of power to be charged is 1 kWh, and the amount of power required for charging is 1 kWh. Therefore, in this case, as shown in Figure 9, the "estimated individual power consumption (kWh) (including boiling, including charging)" and the "estimated individual power consumption (kWh) (including boiling and charging / discharging)" for the individual period starting at 4:30 are updated from 0.82 to 1.82. Also, the "charging flag (1: charging)" for the individual period starting at 4:30 is updated from 0 to 1. In addition, the "charging power (kWh)" for the individual period starting at 4:30 is updated from 0 to 1.

[0090] When the control unit 11 completes the processing in step S306, it updates the remaining battery capacity for individual periods after the discharge period, assuming that the battery will be discharged during the discharge period (step S307). In calculating the remaining battery capacity, the remaining battery capacity is multiplied by a storage loss coefficient every 30 minutes, and the amount of discharged power is reduced if discharge is performed. Furthermore, the upper limit of the amount of discharged power is an amount of discharged power that does not exceed the amount of power consumed during the discharge period for which the discharge target cursor is set, does not cause the remaining battery capacity to fall below 0 in individual periods after this discharge period, and guarantees the amount of discharged power in already set discharge periods after this discharge period.

[0091] For example, in the example shown in Figure 10, the battery charge never falls below 0, and there is only one discharge period. Therefore, it is possible to discharge 0.56 kWh, which is the same value as the power consumption, during the individual period starting at 17:30. As a result, the "battery charge (kWh)" for the individual period starting at 18:00 is updated to 5.0, which is about 0.56 less than 5.6. Also, the "battery charge (kWh)" for the individual period starting at 23:00 is updated to 4.9.

[0092] When the control unit 11 completes the processing in step S307, it updates the power consumption for the discharge period (step S308). For example, if the battery charge does not fall below 0 and there is only one discharge period, in the individual period starting at 17:30, the discharge power is the same value as the power consumption, which is 0.56kWh, and the amount of power obtained by discharge is 0.56kWh. Therefore, in this case, as shown in Figure 10, the "estimated individual power consumption (kWh) (including boiling and charging / discharging)" for the individual period starting at 17:30 is updated from 0.56 to 0. Also, the "discharge flag (1: discharge present)" for the individual period starting at 17:30 is updated from 0 to 1. In addition, the "discharge power (kWh)" for the individual period starting at 17:30 is updated from 0 to 0.56.

[0093] If the control unit 11 determines that there are no individual periods after the candidate charging period during which charging and discharging are not set, where the electricity purchase price or the electricity sales price in the case of surplus electricity is higher than that of the candidate charging period (step S302: NO), or if it has completed the process in step S308, it determines whether or not there are periods during which charging and discharging are not set within the target period (step S309). If the control unit 11 determines that there are periods during which charging and discharging are not set within the target period (step S309: YES), it returns to step S301. If the control unit 11 determines that there are no periods during which charging and discharging are not set within the target period (step S309: NO), it completes the charging and discharging period setting process.

[0094] Next, we will explain the limitations on charging and discharging power with reference to Figures 11, 12, 13, and 14. Figures 11, 12, 13, and 14 are graphs showing the change in battery capacity when two sets of charging and discharging periods are set. In the explanation using these figures, the estimated battery capacity is simply referred to as battery capacity. In these figures, the first charging period is shown as "Charge 1," the first discharging period as "Discharge 1," the second charging period as "Charge 2," and the second discharging period as "Discharge 2."

[0095] Furthermore, in these diagrams, the change in battery charge at the time when Charge 1 and Discharge 1 are set is shown with dashed lines, and the change in battery charge at the time when Charge 1, Discharge 1, Charge 2, and Discharge 2 are set is shown with solid lines. For ease of understanding, it is assumed that the length of each individual period is sufficiently short compared to the length of the target period, and that the charging speed and discharging speed are sufficiently fast. Also for ease of understanding, it is assumed that the battery charge is 0 at the start of the target period and the energy loss coefficient is 1.

[0096] In these diagrams, T0 is the earliest individual period within the target period, T10 is the latest individual period within the target period, T1 is the individual period initially set as the charging period, T2 is the individual period initially set as the discharging period, T3 is the individual period secondly set as the charging period, and T4 is the individual period secondly set as the discharging period. In these diagrams, Q1 is the amount of energy charged at T1, Q2 is the amount of energy discharged at T2, Q3 is the amount of energy charged at T3, Q4 is the amount of energy discharged at T4, and Q10 is the battery capacity.

[0097] In the example shown in Figure 11, T3 is faster than T1, T4 is faster than T2, and T1 is faster than T4. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 11, the charge energy of Q3 is charged at T3, the charge energy of Q1 is charged at T1, the discharge energy of Q4 is discharged at T4, and the charge energy of Q2 is charged at T2. When setting Q1, Q1 is set to a value within the range where the remaining battery charge does not exceed the battery capacity. In other words, Q1 is set to a value of Q10 or less. When setting Q2, Q2 is set to a value within the range where the remaining battery charge does not fall below 0, and is less than or equal to the amount of power consumed at T2. In other words, Q2 is set to a value less than or equal to Q1, and less than or equal to the amount of power consumed at T2. Note that Q1 and Q2 may be the same value or different values.

[0098] When setting Q3, Q3 is set to a value that ensures the remaining battery level does not exceed the battery capacity, and that Q1, the amount of power charged in T1 (an individual period after T3 set in the charging period before T3), is guaranteed. In other words, Q3 is set to a value less than or equal to Q10, and less than or equal to (Q10-Q1). When setting Q4, Q4 is set to a value that ensures the remaining battery level does not fall below 0, that is less than or equal to the amount of power consumed in T4, and that Q2, the amount of power discharged in T2 (an individual period after T4 set in the discharging period before T4), is guaranteed. In other words, Q4 is set to a value less than or equal to (Q1+Q3), that is less than or equal to the amount of power consumed in T4, and less than or equal to (Q1+Q3-Q2). Note that Q3 and Q4 may be the same value or different values.

[0099] In the example shown in Figure 12, T3 is faster than T1, and T2 is faster than T4. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 12, the charge energy of Q3 is charged at T3, the charge energy of Q1 is charged at T1, the charge energy of Q2 is charged at T2, and the discharge energy of Q4 is discharged at T4. The limits on the value of Q1 when setting Q1, the limits on the value of Q2 when setting Q2, and the limits on the value of Q3 when setting Q3 are the same as in the example shown in Figure 11. When setting Q4, Q4 is set to a value that does not cause the battery charge to fall below 0, and is less than or equal to the power consumption at T4. In other words, Q4 is set to a value less than or equal to (Q1 + Q3 - Q2) and less than or equal to the power consumption at T4.

[0100] In the example shown in Figure 13, the order of T1, T2, T3, and T4 is the same as in the example shown in Figure 11. In the example shown in Figure 13, a very large value is set as Q1 in T1, and a very large value is set as Q2 in T2. ​​Therefore, when setting Q3, Q3 is set to the upper limit of the range in which the remaining battery charge does not exceed the battery capacity, and the upper limit of the range in which the amount of charge Q1 in T1, which is an individual period after T3 set in the charging period before T3, is guaranteed (Q10-Q1).

[0101] Furthermore, when setting Q4, Q4 is set to a value that does not cause the battery charge to fall below 0, is less than or equal to the power consumption in T4, and ensures that Q2, which is the amount of discharged power in T2 (an individual period after T4 that is set to be a discharge period prior to T4), is guaranteed. In other words, Q4 is set to a value less than or equal to Q10, less than or equal to the power consumption in T4, and less than or equal to (Q10-Q2).

[0102] In the example shown in Figure 14, the order of T1, T2, T3, and T4 is the same as in the example shown in Figure 12. In the example shown in Figure 14, a very large value is set as Q1 at T1, and a very large value is set as Q2 at T2. Therefore, when setting Q3, Q3 is set to (Q10-Q1), similar to the example shown in Figure 13. Also, when setting Q4, Q4 is set to a value that does not cause the battery charge to fall below 0, and is less than or equal to the power consumption at T4. In other words, Q4 is set to a value less than or equal to (Q10-Q2) and less than or equal to the power consumption at T4.

[0103] Next, the screens that the display control unit 106 displays on the display unit 13 will be described. Figure 15 shows a screen that displays estimated and actual values ​​of power consumption. Figure 16 shows a screen that displays estimated and actual values ​​of the difference between buying and selling prices. Figure 17 shows a screen that displays estimated and actual values ​​of hot water usage.

[0104] The screen shown in Figure 15 displays estimated power consumption for all individual periods included in the target period. The screen also displays actual power consumption for individual periods within the target period, from the first individual period to the individual period immediately preceding the current time. Furthermore, the screen in Figure 15 warns that a large difference between the estimated and actual power consumption for a particular individual period may result in economic loss. For example, if equipment 400, which is not normally operated, is operated, or if equipment 400, which is normally operated, is not operated, the difference between the estimated and actual power consumption is likely to be large.

[0105] By referring to the screen shown in Figure 15, users can understand the difference between estimated and actual power consumption and take necessary measures. Furthermore, users can take necessary measures by following the warnings displayed on the screen shown in Figure 15. For example, if a user understands from the information displayed on the screen shown in Figure 15 that actual power consumption is significantly higher than estimated power consumption, they can reduce economic losses by conserving energy.

[0106] The screen shown in Figure 16 displays estimated buy / sell price differences for all individual periods included in the target period. The screen in Figure 16 also displays actual buy / sell price differences for individual periods within the target period, from the first individual period to the individual period immediately preceding the current time. Furthermore, the screen in Figure 16 warns that economic losses may occur because the actual buy / sell price difference for the period from the start of the target period to the current time is significantly smaller than the estimated buy / sell price difference for that period. For example, if the actual amount of electricity generated is significantly less than the estimated amount due to an incorrect weather forecast, the actual buy / sell price difference is likely to be significantly smaller than the estimated buy / sell price difference.

[0107] By referring to the screen shown in Figure 16, users can understand the difference between the estimated and actual trading price difference and take necessary measures. Furthermore, users can take necessary measures by following the warnings displayed on the screen shown in Figure 16. For example, if a user understands from the information displayed on the screen shown in Figure 16 that the actual trading price difference is significantly smaller than the estimated trading price difference, they can reduce economic losses by saving electricity.

[0108] The screen shown in Figure 17 displays estimated hot water usage for all individual periods included in the target period. The screen also displays actual hot water usage for individual periods within the target period, from the first individual period to the individual period immediately preceding the current time. Furthermore, the screen in Figure 17 warns that economic losses may occur because the actual hot water usage for a particular individual period is significantly higher than the estimated usage for that period. For example, if a user bathes at a time they do not normally bathe, the actual hot water usage is likely to be significantly higher than the estimated usage.

[0109] By referring to the screen shown in Figure 17, users can understand the difference between the estimated and actual amounts of hot water used and take necessary measures. Furthermore, users can take necessary measures by following the warnings displayed on the screen shown in Figure 17. For example, if a user understands from the information displayed on the screen shown in Figure 17 that the actual amount of hot water used is significantly greater than the estimated amount, they can reduce economic losses by refraining from using hot water.

[0110] In this embodiment, estimated individual power consumption and actual individual power consumption are displayed. Therefore, users can easily grasp the difference between predicted and actual power consumption. This allows users to take actions that reduce economic losses due to discrepancies between predicted and actual power consumption. In other words, according to this embodiment, for example, when the accuracy of power consumption estimation is low, it is possible to give users an opportunity to reduce their economic losses.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a warning is displayed if there is a large difference between the estimated power consumption and the actual power consumption. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to clearly inform the user that there is a high possibility of incurring economic losses.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the estimated individual trading difference and the actual individual trading difference are displayed. Therefore, users can easily grasp the difference between the predicted and actual values ​​of the trading difference. This allows users to take actions that reduce economic losses due to discrepancies between the predicted and actual values ​​of the trading difference. In other words, according to this embodiment, for example, when the estimation accuracy of the trading difference is low, it is possible to give users an opportunity to reduce their economic losses.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a warning is displayed if there is a large difference between the estimated price difference and the actual price difference. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to clearly inform the user that there is a high possibility of incurring financial losses.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the boil-up period is set so that the total difference between buying and selling prices is large. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user's economic benefits can be increased.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the estimated individual hot water usage and the actual individual hot water usage are displayed. Therefore, users can easily grasp the difference between the predicted and actual values ​​of hot water usage. This allows users to be encouraged to take actions that reduce economic losses due to discrepancies between predicted and actual hot water usage. Accordingly, according to this embodiment, for example, when the accuracy of hot water usage estimation is low, it is possible to give users an opportunity to reduce their economic losses.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a warning is displayed if there is a large difference between the estimated amount of hot water used and the actual amount used. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to clearly inform the user that there is a high possibility of incurring economic losses.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating period is set in order from the individual period with the lowest electricity purchase price or the lowest electricity sales price in the case of surplus electricity. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user's economic benefits can be increased.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the charging period and the discharging period are set so that the total difference between buying and selling prices is large. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user's economic benefits can be increased.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the period with the minimum power cost is set to the charging period, and the period with the maximum power cost among the individual periods after the charging period is set to the discharge period. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user's economic benefits can be further increased.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the period with the minimum power cost among the unset periods is set as the charging period, and the period with the maximum power cost among the unset periods after the charging period is set as the discharge period. This process is repeated. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user's economic benefits can be further increased.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the individual unit price set by the power supplier is estimated based on the power procurement charges estimated by the power supplier. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when a market-linked unit price is adopted, the economic benefits for the user can be further increased.

[0122] (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the equipment control system 1000 includes an equipment control device 100. In this embodiment, with reference to Figure 18, an example will be described in which the equipment control system 1100 includes an equipment control device 110 and a terminal device 800. Note that the same configurations and functions as in Embodiment 1 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0123] Physically, the device control unit 110 has the same configuration as the device control unit 100. Functionally, the device control unit 110 has the same functions as the device control unit 100, except that instead of displaying various screens on the display unit 13, it has the function of transmitting information for displaying various screens to the terminal device 800.

[0124] The terminal device 800 displays various screens based on information supplied from the device control unit 110. For example, the terminal device 800 displays the screen shown in Figure 15, Figure 16, or Figure 17. The terminal device 800 communicates with the device control unit 110 via the communication network 600. The terminal device 800 includes, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, a touchscreen, a communication interface, etc. The terminal device 800 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, etc. The terminal device 800 is an example of a display device.

[0125] In this embodiment, the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption are displayed on the terminal device 800. Therefore, according to this embodiment, for example, when the accuracy of power consumption estimation is low, it is possible to give the user an opportunity to reduce their economic losses.

[0126] (modified version) Although embodiments have been described above, various modifications and applications are possible. It is arbitrary which parts of the configuration, function, and operation described in the above embodiments are adopted. Furthermore, additional configurations, functions, and operations may be adopted in addition to those described above. Also, the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments can be freely combined.

[0127] Embodiment 1 described an example where the electricity purchase price and the electricity sales price are market-linked. However, the electricity purchase price and the electricity sales price may not be market-linked, but rather predetermined prices.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 functioned as the respective components shown in Figure 3 by the CPU executing a program stored in the ROM or storage unit 12. However, in this disclosure, the control unit 11 may be dedicated hardware. Dedicated hardware includes, 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. If the control unit 11 is dedicated hardware, each function of the respective components may be implemented by separate hardware, or the functions of each component may be implemented together by a single piece of hardware. Furthermore, some of the functions of each component may be implemented by dedicated hardware, while other parts may be implemented by software or firmware. In this way, the control unit 11 can implement the above-mentioned functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0129] It is also possible to make an existing personal computer or information terminal computer function as the device control devices 100 and 110 according to this disclosure by applying an operating program that defines the operation of the device control devices 100 and 110 according to this disclosure to such a computer. Furthermore, the method of distribution of such a program is arbitrary; for example, it may be distributed by storing it on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk ROM), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), MO (Magneto Optical Disk), or memory card, or it may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0130] This disclosure allows for various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. In other words, the scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims, not by the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the equivalent significance of the disclosure are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0131] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0132] (Note 1) A power consumption estimation means that estimates the power consumption of a demand area for each individual period included in the target period, based on the past power consumption of the demand area where the power-consuming equipment is installed, A power generation amount estimation means that estimates the amount of power generated by a solar power generation device installed in the demand area for each individual period, based on weather forecast information showing the weather forecast for the demand area. Equipment control means controls the equipment so that the total difference between individual sales and purchases, which is the sum of the individual sales and purchase amounts obtained by subtracting the purchase price from the sales price for each individual period, is increased, based on the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the sum of the individual sales and purchase amounts obtained by subtracting the purchase price from the sales price for each individual period, based on the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts The system includes a display means that displays the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption values ​​for each individual period of the power consumption at the demand location during the aforementioned target period. Equipment control device. (Note 2) The display means displays a warning if, in at least one of the individual periods, the difference between the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption exceeds an individual power consumption threshold, or if the difference between the total estimated individual power consumption up to the present time in the target period and the total actual individual power consumption up to the present time in the target period exceeds a total power consumption threshold. The equipment control device described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The equipment control means estimates the individual buying and selling difference based on the estimated individual power consumption, the estimated individual power generation, the individual unit price, and the operating schedule for the equipment. The display means displays the estimated individual trading difference, which is the individual trading difference estimated by the equipment control means, and the actual individual trading difference, which is the actual value of the individual trading difference, for the target period. The equipment control device described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 4) The display means displays a warning if, in at least one of the individual periods, the difference between the estimated individual trading difference and the actual individual trading difference exceeds the individual difference threshold, or if the difference between the total estimated individual trading difference up to the present time in the target period and the total actual individual trading difference up to the present time in the target period exceeds the total difference threshold. The equipment control device described in Appendix 3. (Note 5) The aforementioned equipment includes a water heater that performs a heating operation to store hot water and supplies the stored hot water. The system further comprises a means for estimating the amount of hot water used at the aforementioned demand location for each individual period, based on the past amount of hot water used at the aforementioned demand location. The equipment control means determines the heating period, which is the period during which the water heater performs the heating operation, based on the estimated individual power consumption, the estimated individual power generation, the estimated individual hot water usage amount which is the amount of hot water used for each individual period estimated by the hot water usage estimation means, and the individual unit price, so as to maximize the total difference between buying and selling. A device control device as described in any one of the items 1 to 4 in the appendix. (Note 6) The display means displays the estimated individual hot water usage amount and the actual individual hot water usage amount for each individual period, which are the actual values ​​of the hot water usage amount at the demand location, during the target period. The equipment control device described in Appendix 5. (Note 7) The display means displays a warning if, in at least one of the individual periods, the difference between the estimated individual hot water usage and the actual individual hot water usage exceeds the individual hot water usage threshold, or if the difference between the total estimated individual hot water usage up to the present time in the target period and the total actual individual hot water usage up to the present time in the target period exceeds the total hot water usage threshold. The equipment control device described in Appendix 6. (Note 8) The equipment control means sets the heating period to start from the individual period with the lowest electricity purchase price or electricity sales price when there is surplus electricity. A device control system described in any one of the items 5 to 7 of the appendix. (Note 9) The aforementioned equipment includes an energy storage device that performs a charging operation to charge the storage battery and a discharging operation to discharge the storage battery, The equipment control means determines, based on the estimated individual power consumption, the estimated individual power generation, and the individual unit price, the charging period, which is the period during which the energy storage device performs the charging operation, and the discharging period, which is the period during which the energy storage device performs the discharging operation, so that the total difference between buying and selling prices is large. A device control device as described in any one of the items 1 to 8 in the appendix. (Note 10) The equipment control means sets the charging period to the individual period in which the electricity purchase price or the electricity sales price when there is surplus power is lowest, and sets the discharge period to the individual period in which the electricity purchase price or the electricity sales price when there is surplus power is highest among the individual periods in the target period that are after the charging period. The equipment control device described in Appendix 9. (Note 11) The device control means sets the individual period that is not set in the charging period or the discharge period and has the lowest electricity purchase price or electricity sales price when there is surplus power as the charging period, and repeats the process of setting the individual period that is after the charging period and has the highest electricity purchase price or electricity sales price when there is surplus power as the discharge period. The equipment control device described in Appendix 10. (Note 12) A power supplier that supplies electricity to the aforementioned demand area estimates the electricity procurement fee, which is the fee required to procure electricity from the electricity market during the aforementioned period, and sets the individual unit price based on the estimated electricity procurement fee. The system further includes a unit price estimation means for estimating the individual unit price to be set by the power supplier based on the power procurement charges estimated by the power supplier. A device control device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 11. (Note 13) A device control system comprising a device control device and a display device, The aforementioned equipment control device is A power consumption estimation means that estimates the power consumption of a demand area for each individual period included in the target period, based on the past power consumption of the demand area where the power-consuming equipment is installed, A power generation amount estimation means that estimates the amount of power generated by a solar power generation device installed in the demand area for each individual period, based on weather forecast information showing the weather forecast for the demand area. The equipment includes an equipment control means that controls the equipment so as to increase the difference between the amount obtained by subtracting the electricity purchase price for the target period from the electricity purchase price for the target period, based on the estimated individual electricity consumption, which is the amount of electricity consumed for each individual period estimated by the electricity consumption estimation means, the estimated individual electricity generation, which is the amount of electricity generated for each individual period estimated by the electricity generation estimation means, and the individual unit price, which is the unit price for selling and buying electricity for each individual period. The display device displays the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption values ​​for each individual period, which are the actual values ​​of the power consumption of the demand location, during the target period. Equipment control system. (Note 14) Based on past electricity consumption data of demand locations where power-consuming equipment is installed, the electricity consumption of said demand locations is estimated for each individual period included in the target period. Based on weather forecast information indicating the weather forecast for the demand area, the amount of electricity generated by the solar power generation equipment installed in the demand area is estimated for each individual period. Based on the estimated individual power consumption, which is the estimated amount of power consumed for each individual period, the estimated individual power generation, which is the estimated amount of power generated for each individual period, and the individual unit price, which is the unit price for selling and buying electricity for each individual period, the equipment is controlled so that the difference between the amount of electricity sold and the amount of electricity purchased for the target period is maximized. During the aforementioned target period, the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption values ​​for each individual period of the power consumption of the demand location are displayed. Equipment control method. (Note 15) Computers, A power consumption estimation means that estimates the power consumption of a demand area for each individual period included in the target period, based on the past power consumption of the demand area where the power-consuming equipment is installed. A power generation amount estimation means that estimates the amount of power generated by a solar power generation device installed in the demand area for each individual period, based on weather forecast information indicating the weather forecast for the demand area. Based on the estimated individual power consumption, which is the amount of power consumed for each individual period estimated by the power consumption estimation means, the estimated individual power generation, which is the amount of power generated for each individual period estimated by the power generation estimation means, and the individual unit price, which is the unit price for selling and buying electricity for each individual period, the equipment control means controls the equipment so that the difference between the amount of electricity sold and the amount of electricity bought for each target period is maximized. During the aforementioned target period, the display control means is configured to display the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption values ​​for each individual period of the power consumption of the demand location on the display means. program. [Industrial applicability]

[0133] This disclosure is applicable to equipment control systems. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0134] 11 Control unit, 12 Storage unit, 13 Display unit, 14 Operation reception unit, 15 First communication unit, 16 Second communication unit, 100, 110 Equipment control device, 101 Power consumption estimation unit, 102 Power generation estimation unit, 103 Unit price estimation unit, 104 Hot water usage estimation unit, 105 Equipment control unit, 106 Display control unit, 200 Solar power generation device, 300 Power measurement device, 400 Equipment, 410 Water heater, 411 Hot water storage tank, 420 Energy storage device, 421 Storage battery, 430 Air conditioning device, 510 Weather forecast server, 520 Power procurement fee estimation server, 600, 700 Communication network, 800 Terminal device, 1000, 1100 Equipment control system

Claims

1. A power consumption estimation means that estimates the power consumption of a demand area for each individual period included in the target period, based on the past power consumption of the demand area where the power-consuming equipment is installed, A power generation amount estimation means that estimates the amount of power generated by a solar power generation device installed in the demand area for each individual period, based on weather forecast information showing the weather forecast for the demand area. Equipment control means controls the equipment so that the total difference between individual sales and purchases, which is the sum of the individual sales and purchase amounts obtained by subtracting the purchase price from the sales price for each individual period, is increased, based on the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the sum of the individual sales and purchase amounts obtained by subtracting the purchase price from the sales price for each individual period, based on the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts The system includes a display means that displays the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption values ​​for each individual period of the power consumption of the demand location during the aforementioned target period, The display means displays a warning if, in at least one of the individual periods, the difference between the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption exceeds an individual power consumption threshold, or if the difference between the total estimated individual power consumption up to the present time in the target period and the total actual individual power consumption up to the present time in the target period exceeds a total power consumption threshold. Equipment control device.

2. A power consumption estimation means for estimating the power consumption of a demand area for each individual period included in the target period, based on past power consumption amounts of the demand area where power-consuming equipment is installed, A power generation amount estimation means that estimates the amount of power generated by a solar power generation device installed in the demand area for each individual period, based on weather forecast information showing the weather forecast for the demand area. Equipment control means controls the equipment so that the total difference between individual sales and purchases, which is the sum of the individual sales and purchase amounts obtained by subtracting the purchase price from the sales price for each individual period, is increased, based on the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the sum of the individual sales and purchase amounts obtained by subtracting the purchase price from the sales price for each individual period, based on the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts, which are the estimated individual sales and purchase amounts for each individual period, estimated individual sales and purchase amounts The system includes a display means that displays the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption values ​​for each individual period of the power consumption of the demand location during the aforementioned target period, The equipment control means estimates the individual buying and selling difference based on the estimated individual power consumption, the estimated individual power generation, the individual unit price, and the operating schedule for the equipment. The display means displays the estimated individual trading difference, which is the individual trading difference estimated by the equipment control means, and the actual individual trading difference, which is the actual value of the individual trading difference, for the target period. Equipment control device.

3. The display means displays a warning if, in at least one of the individual periods, the difference between the estimated individual trading difference and the actual individual trading difference exceeds the individual difference threshold, or if the difference between the total estimated individual trading difference up to the present time in the target period and the total actual individual trading difference up to the present time in the target period exceeds the total difference threshold. The device control device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned equipment includes a water heater that performs a heating operation to store hot water and supplies the stored hot water. The system further comprises a means for estimating the amount of hot water used at the aforementioned demand location for each individual period, based on the past amount of hot water used at the aforementioned demand location. The equipment control means determines the heating period, which is the period during which the water heater performs the heating operation, based on the estimated individual power consumption, the estimated individual power generation, the estimated individual hot water usage amount which is the amount of hot water used for each individual period estimated by the hot water usage estimation means, and the individual unit price, so as to maximize the total difference between buying and selling. The device control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The display means displays the estimated individual hot water usage amount and the actual individual hot water usage amount for each individual period, which are the actual values ​​of the hot water usage amount at the demand location, during the target period. The device control device according to claim 4.

6. The display means displays a warning if, in at least one of the individual periods, the difference between the estimated individual hot water usage amount and the actual individual hot water usage amount exceeds the individual hot water usage threshold, or if the difference between the total estimated individual hot water usage amount up to the present time in the target period and the total actual individual hot water usage amount up to the present time in the target period exceeds the total hot water usage threshold. The device control device according to claim 5.

7. The equipment control means sets the heating period to the lowest individual period, starting with the period with the lowest electricity purchase price or the lowest electricity sales price when there is surplus electricity. The device control device according to claim 4.

8. The aforementioned equipment includes an energy storage device that performs a charging operation to charge the storage battery and a discharging operation to discharge the storage battery, The equipment control means determines, based on the estimated individual power consumption, the estimated individual power generation, and the individual unit price, the charging period, which is the period during which the energy storage device performs the charging operation, and the discharging period, which is the period during which the energy storage device performs the discharging operation, so that the total difference between buying and selling prices is large. The device control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The equipment control means sets the charging period to the individual period in which the electricity purchase price or the electricity sales price when there is surplus power is lowest, and sets the discharge period to the individual period in which the electricity purchase price or the electricity sales price when there is surplus power is highest among the individual periods in the target period that are after the charging period. The device control device according to claim 8.

10. The device control means sets the individual period that is not set in the charging period or the discharge period and has the lowest electricity purchase price or electricity sales price when there is surplus power as the charging period, and repeats the process of setting the individual period that is after the charging period and has the highest electricity purchase price or electricity sales price when there is surplus power as the discharge period. The device control device according to claim 9.

11. A power supplier that supplies electricity to the aforementioned demand area estimates the electricity procurement fee, which is the fee required to procure electricity from the electricity market during the aforementioned period, and sets the individual unit price based on the estimated electricity procurement fee. The system further includes a unit price estimation means for estimating the individual unit price to be set by the power supplier based on the power procurement charges estimated by the power supplier. The device control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. A device control system comprising a device control device and a display device, The aforementioned equipment control device is A power consumption estimation means that estimates the power consumption of a demand area for each individual period included in the target period, based on the past power consumption of the demand area where the power-consuming equipment is installed, A power generation amount estimation means that estimates the amount of power generated by a solar power generation device installed in the demand area for each individual period, based on weather forecast information showing the weather forecast for the demand area. The equipment includes an equipment control means that controls the equipment so as to increase the difference between the amount obtained by subtracting the electricity purchase price for the target period from the electricity purchase price for the target period, based on the estimated individual electricity consumption, which is the amount of electricity consumed for each individual period estimated by the electricity consumption estimation means, the estimated individual electricity generation, which is the amount of electricity generated for each individual period estimated by the electricity generation estimation means, and the individual unit price, which is the unit price for selling and buying electricity for each individual period. The display device displays the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption values ​​for each individual period of the power consumption of the demand location during the target period. The display device shall display a warning if, in at least one of the individual periods, the difference between the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption exceeds an individual power consumption threshold, or if the difference between the total estimated individual power consumption up to the present time in the target period and the total actual individual power consumption up to the present time in the target period exceeds a total power consumption threshold. Equipment control system.

13. A process to estimate the amount of electricity consumed at a demand location for each individual period included in the target period, based on the past amount of electricity consumed at the demand location where the electricity-consuming equipment is installed, Based on weather forecast information indicating the weather forecast for the demand area, a process is performed to estimate the amount of electricity generated by the solar power generation equipment installed in the demand area for each individual period. A process to control the equipment so that the difference between the amount obtained by subtracting the electricity purchase price for the target period from the electricity purchase price for the target period is maximized, based on the estimated individual electricity consumption, which is the estimated amount of electricity generated for the target period, the estimated individual electricity generation, which is the estimated amount of electricity generated for the target period, and the individual unit price, which is the unit price for selling and buying electricity for the target period. The process of displaying the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption values ​​for each individual period of the power consumption of the demand location during the aforementioned target period, If the difference between the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption in at least one of the individual periods exceeds the individual power consumption threshold, or if the difference between the total estimated individual power consumption up to the present time in the target period and the total actual individual power consumption up to the present time in the target period exceeds the total power consumption threshold, the computer is instructed to perform a process to display a warning. Equipment control method.

14. Computers, A power consumption estimation means that estimates the power consumption of a demand area for each individual period included in the target period, based on the past power consumption of the demand area where the power-consuming equipment is installed. A power generation amount estimation means that estimates the amount of power generated by a solar power generation device installed in the demand area for each individual period, based on weather forecast information indicating the weather forecast for the demand area. Based on the estimated individual power consumption, which is the amount of power consumed for each individual period estimated by the power consumption estimation means, the estimated individual power generation, which is the amount of power generated for each individual period estimated by the power generation estimation means, and the individual unit price, which is the unit price for selling and buying electricity for each individual period, the equipment control means controls the equipment so that the difference between the amount of electricity sold and the amount of electricity bought for each target period is maximized. A program that functions as a display control means for displaying the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption values ​​for each individual period of the power consumption of the demand location on a display means during the aforementioned target period, The display control means causes a warning to be displayed on the display means if, in at least one of the individual periods, the difference between the estimated individual power consumption and the actual individual power consumption exceeds an individual power consumption threshold, or if the difference between the total estimated individual power consumption up to the current time in the target period and the total actual individual power consumption up to the current time in the target period exceeds a total power consumption threshold. program.

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