Heat supply system, management server, operating method and program

Abstract

To provide a technology which is capable of suppressing an increase in power consumption caused by heat storage operation in a time zone when power demand is tight.SOLUTION: A heat supply system includes a plurality of heat supply devices and a management server. Each of the plurality of heat supply device is provided with a thermal storage unit and a heat source unit and can perform heat storage operation. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is configured to set a heat storage operation time zone on the basis of past heat supply achievement. The management server acquires a heat storage operation time zone for each of the plurality of heat supply devices, identifies a power demand stringency time zone to be a time zone when power demand is tight, and identifies as a first reset object heat supply device at least one of the plurality of heat supply devices where the heat storage operation time zone at least partially overlaps the power demand stringency time zone, and resets the heat storage operation time zone of the fist reset object heat supply device to a time zone that does not overlap the power demand stringency time zone.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a heat supply system, a management server, an operation method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat supply device. The heat supply device includes a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium and a heat source unit that heats the heat medium using electric power. The heat supply device can execute a heat storage operation of heating the heat medium by the heat source unit and storing the heated heat medium in the heat storage unit. The heat supply device is configured to set a heat storage operation time zone, which is a time zone for executing the heat storage operation, based on past heat supply performance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When heat supply devices as described above are installed in each of a plurality of dwellings, in dwellings with similar lifestyles, the heat storage operation is executed in a similar time zone, which may cause a temporary increase in power consumption when viewed as a whole for the plurality of dwellings. If such an increase in power consumption occurs during a time zone when the power supply and demand of the electric power company supplying power to the plurality of dwellings is tight, there is a risk of further tightening the power supply and demand. This specification provides a technology capable of suppressing an increase in power consumption caused by the heat storage operation during a time zone when the power supply and demand is tight.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The heat supply system disclosed herein may include a plurality of heat supply devices and a management server capable of communicating with each of the plurality of heat supply devices. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may include a heat storage unit for storing a heat medium and a heat source unit for heating the heat medium using electricity. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may be capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and stores the heated heat medium in the heat storage unit. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may be configured to set a heat storage operation time period, which is a time period during which the heat storage operation is performed, based on past heat supply performance. The management server may be configured to acquire the heat storage operation time for each of the plurality of heat supply devices, identify the period of tight supply and demand, which is a period of time when the supply and demand of electricity is tight, identify at least one of the plurality of heat supply devices whose heat storage operation time overlaps at least partially with the period of tight supply and demand as the first heat supply device to be reset, and reset the heat storage operation time of the first heat supply device to be reset to a period that does not overlap with the period of tight supply and demand.

[0006] This specification also discloses a management server. The management server may be used in a heat supply system comprising a plurality of heat supply devices and the management server. The management server may be able to communicate with each of the plurality of heat supply devices. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may include a heat storage unit for storing a heat medium and a heat source unit for heating the heat medium using electricity. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may be capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and stores the heated heat medium in the heat storage unit. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may be configured to set a heat storage operation time period, which is a time period in which the heat storage operation is performed, based on past heat supply performance. The management server may be configured to acquire the heat storage operation time for each of the plurality of heat supply devices, identify the period of tight supply and demand, which is a period of time when the supply and demand of electricity is tight, identify at least one of the plurality of heat supply devices whose heat storage operation time overlaps at least partially with the period of tight supply and demand as the first heat supply device to be reset, and reset the heat storage operation time of the first heat supply device to be reset to a period that does not overlap with the period of tight supply and demand.

[0007] This specification also discloses a method for operating a management server. The management server may be used in a heat supply system comprising a plurality of heat supply devices and the management server. The management server may be able to communicate with each of the plurality of heat supply devices. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may include a heat storage unit for storing a heat medium and a heat source unit for heating the heat medium using electricity. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may be capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and stores the heated heat medium in the heat storage unit. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may be configured to set a heat storage operation time period, which is a time period in which the heat storage operation is performed, based on past heat supply performance. The above operating method may include obtaining the heat storage operation time for each of the plurality of heat supply devices, identifying a period of tight supply and demand where electricity supply and demand are tight, identifying at least one of the plurality of heat supply devices whose heat storage operation time overlaps at least partially with the period of tight supply and demand as the first heat supply device to be reset, and resetting the heat storage operation time of the first heat supply device to be reset to a period that does not overlap with the period of tight supply and demand.

[0008] This specification also discloses a program for a management server. The management server may be used in a heat supply system comprising a plurality of heat supply devices and the management server. The management server may be able to communicate with each of the plurality of heat supply devices. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may include a heat storage unit for storing a heat medium and a heat source unit for heating the heat medium using electricity. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may be capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and stores the heated heat medium in the heat storage unit. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may be configured to set a heat storage operation time period, which is a time period in which the heat storage operation is performed, based on past heat supply performance. The program may be configured to cause the management server to perform the steps of: acquiring the heat storage operation time for each of the plurality of heat supply devices; identifying a period of tight supply and demand, which is a period of time when the power supply and demand are tight; identifying at least one of the plurality of heat supply devices whose heat storage operation time overlaps at least partially with the period of tight supply and demand as the first heat supply device to be reset; and resetting the heat storage operation time of the first heat supply device to be reset to a period of time that does not overlap with the period of tight supply and demand.

[0009] The above configuration makes it possible to suppress the execution of heat storage operation during periods of tight electricity supply and demand. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to suppress the increase in power consumption caused by heat storage operation during periods of tight electricity supply and demand.

[0010] In the heat supply system described above, the management server may be configured to identify, among the plurality of heat supply devices, those whose heat storage operation period overlaps at least partially with the period of tight supply and demand, and which have a large expected heat supply amount, as the first heat supply device to be reset.

[0011] Among the multiple heat supply devices, those with a larger expected heat supply capacity are likely to consume more power when performing thermal storage operation. With the above configuration, the increase in power consumption caused by thermal storage operation can be more effectively suppressed during periods of tight power supply and demand.

[0012] In the heat supply system described above, the management server may be configured to reset the heat storage operation time of the first heat supply device to be reset to a time earlier than the period of tight supply and demand.

[0013] Normally, the heat storage operation time for each of the multiple heat supply units is set so that the heat supply unit can store the required amount of heat by the required time. Therefore, if the heat storage operation time is reset to a later time than the initially set time, there is a risk that the heat supply unit will not be able to store the required amount of heat by the required time. With the above configuration, the heat storage operation time is reset to an earlier time than the initially set time, so that the heat supply unit can store the required amount of heat by the required time.

[0014] In the heat supply system described above, the management server may be configured to identify at least one of the multiple heat supply devices whose heat storage operation time is set to an earlier time than the supply and demand tight period as the second heat supply device to be reset, and to reset the heat storage operation time of the first heat supply device to an earlier time than the supply and demand tight period, thereby resetting the heat storage operation time of the second heat supply device to an earlier time.

[0015] With the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the temporary increase in power consumption that occurs when heat storage operation is concentrated during certain time periods due to the resetting of the heat storage operation time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of the hot water supply system 100 in the embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of the storage-type water heater 104 in the embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the time period during which hot water is supplied in a residence 102 where the storage-type water heater 104 of the embodiment is installed. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the process for resetting the boiling operation time period executed by the management server 116 in the embodiment. [Figure 5] This graph shows an example of the boiling operation time of the water heater AF in the hot water supply system 100 of the embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the boiling operation time of the water heater AF in the hot water supply system 100 of the embodiment, which has been reset in response to a Level 1 power saving request. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the boiling operation time of the water heater AF in the hot water supply system 100 of the embodiment, which has been reset in response to a Level 2 power saving request. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] (Examples) As shown in Figure 1, the hot water supply system 100 according to this embodiment includes multiple storage-type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... installed in each of multiple residences 102a, 102b, ... and multiple home gateways 106a, 106b, ... as well as a management server 116 managed by the manufacturer 114 of the storage-type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... The multiple home gateways 106a, 106b, ... and the management server 116 are each connected to the Internet 118.

[0018] In the following explanation, each of the multiple residences 102a, 102b, ..., each of the multiple storage-type water heaters 104a, 104b, ..., and each of the multiple home gateways 106a, 106b, ... may be simply referred to as residence 102, storage-type water heater 104, and home gateway 106.

[0019] (Hot water storage type water heater 104) As shown in FIG. 2, the hot water storage type water heater 104 according to the present embodiment includes a HP (heat pump) unit 4, a tank unit 6, and a burner unit 8.

[0020] (HP unit 4) The HP unit 4 is a heat source that absorbs heat from the outside air and heats water. The HP unit 4 includes a HP heat source 17 composed of a compressor 10, a condenser 12, an expansion valve 14, and an evaporator 16. The HP unit 4 circulates a refrigerant (for example, a fluorocarbon refrigerant) in the order of the compressor 10, the condenser 12, the expansion valve 14, and the evaporator 16 to absorb heat from the outside air and heat water. The compressor 10 pressurizes the refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure. The condenser 12 cools the refrigerant by heat exchange with water. HP forward paths 19 and HP return paths 21 are connected to both ends of the water flow path of the condenser 12, respectively. The expansion valve 14 depressurizes the refrigerant to a low temperature and low pressure. The evaporator 16 heats the refrigerant by heat exchange with the outside air. The HP unit 4 further includes a circulation pump 18 that circulates water through the condenser 12, an incoming thermistor 20 that detects the temperature of the water flowing into the condenser 12, a return thermistor 22 that detects the temperature of the water flowing out of the condenser 12, an outside air temperature thermistor 23 that detects the outside air temperature, and a HP controller 24 that controls the operation of each component of the HP unit 4.

[0021] (Tank unit 6) The tank unit 6 comprises a tank 30, a mixing valve 32, and a bypass control valve 34. The tank 30 is a sealed container that stores water inside, with its exterior covered in insulating material. The capacity of the tank 30 in this embodiment is, for example, 100 liters. When the circulation pump 18 of the HP unit 4 is driven, the water at the bottom of the tank 30 is sent to the condenser 12 via the tank supply path 31 and the HP supply path 19. The water, heated to a high temperature in the condenser 12, is returned to the tank 30 from the top of the tank 30 via the HP return path 21 and the tank return path 33. When the water heated by the HP unit 4 flows into the tank 30, a temperature stratification is formed inside the tank 30, in which a layer of high-temperature water is stacked on top of a layer of low-temperature water. The tank 30 is equipped with an upper thermistor 36 for detecting the temperature of the water at the top, an intermediate thermistor 37 for detecting the temperature of the water in the middle, and a lower thermistor 38 for detecting the temperature of the water at the bottom.

[0022] The tank unit 6 is supplied with tap water via a water supply path 40. The water supply path 40 is equipped with a pressure reducing valve 42 for reducing the water supply pressure and an inlet thermistor 44 for detecting the water supply temperature. The water supply path 40 branches into a tank water supply path 46 that communicates with the bottom of the tank 30 and a tank bypass path 48 that communicates with the mixing valve 32. Check valves 50 and 52 are installed in the tank water supply path 46 and the tank bypass path 48, respectively. The tank bypass path 48 is also equipped with a water-side water flow sensor 54 for detecting the flow rate of tap water flowing into the mixing valve 32. The top of the tank 30 and the mixing valve 32 are connected via a tank hot water outlet path 56. The tank hot water outlet path 56 is equipped with a check valve 58 and a hot water-side water flow sensor 60 for detecting the flow rate of water from the tank 30 flowing into the mixing valve 32.

[0023] The mixing valve 32 mixes tap water flowing in from the tank bypass path 48 with water from the tank 30 flowing in from the tank hot water outlet path 56 and sends the mixture to the first hot water supply path 62. The mixing valve 32 is driven by a stepping motor (not shown) to adjust the opening degree on the tank bypass path 48 side (opening degree on the cold water side) and the opening degree on the tank hot water outlet path 56 side (opening degree on the hot water side). A mixing thermistor 64 is installed in the first hot water supply path 62 to detect the temperature of the water sent out from the mixing valve 32.

[0024] Hot water is supplied from the tank unit 6 to hot water outlets such as kitchens, showers, and faucets via a second hot water supply route 66. The second hot water supply route 66 is equipped with a hot water outlet thermistor 68 for detecting the temperature of the water supplied to the hot water outlets, and a check valve 70. The first hot water supply route 62 and the second hot water supply route 66 are connected by a hot water bypass route 72. A bypass control valve 34 is installed in the hot water bypass route 72. The tank unit 6 is further equipped with a tank controller 74 that controls the operation of each component of the tank unit 6.

[0025] (Burner Unit 8) The burner unit 8 includes a burner 80, a heat exchanger 82, a bypass servo 84, a water flow servo 86, and a hot water supply valve 88. The burner 80 is an auxiliary heat source that heats the water flowing through the heat exchanger 82 by burning fuel gas. Fuel gas is supplied to the burner 80 via a gas supply pipe (not shown). Water from the first hot water supply path 62 of the tank unit 6 flows into the heat exchanger 82 via the burner forward path 90. The water that has passed through the heat exchanger 82 flows out to the second hot water supply path 66 of the tank unit 6 via the burner return path 92. The burner forward path 90 is equipped with a water flow servo 86 that adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through the burner forward path 90, and a water flow sensor 91 that detects the flow rate of water flowing through the burner forward path 90. The burner forward path 90 and the burner return path 92 are connected via a burner bypass path 94. A bypass servo 84 is installed at the connection point between the burner supply path 90 and the burner bypass path 94. The bypass servo 84 adjusts the flow rate of water from the burner supply path 90 to the burner bypass path 94. A burner hot water thermistor 96 is installed on the burner return path 92 to detect the temperature of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 82. A hot water filling path 98 branches off from the burner return path 92. A hot water filling valve 88 is installed on the hot water filling path 98. Hot water is supplied from the burner unit 8 to the bathtub, which is the hot water supply point, via the hot water filling path 98.

[0026] The burner unit 8 further includes a burner controller 97 and a remote control 99 that can communicate with the burner controller 97. The burner controller 97 controls the operation of each component of the burner unit 8. The remote control 99 accepts various operation inputs from the user via switches, buttons, etc. The remote control 99 also notifies the user of various information regarding the settings and operation of the storage-type water heater 104 through displays and voice.

[0027] The HP controller 24, tank controller 74, burner controller 97, and remote control 99 are all equipped with a control unit such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and a storage unit such as an EEPROM. The control unit executes various processes according to the program stored in the storage unit. The HP controller 24 and the tank controller 74 can communicate with each other. The tank controller 74 and the burner controller 97 can communicate with each other. Therefore, by the coordinated control of the HP controller 24, the tank controller 74, and the burner controller 97, the storage-type water heater 104 can perform various operations such as boiling operation and hot water supply operation. Hereafter, the HP controller 24, the tank controller 74, and the burner controller 97 will be collectively referred to simply as controllers.

[0028] (Boiling operation) During boiling operation, the storage-type water heater 104 drives the HP unit 4 to heat the water in the tank 30. When boiling operation begins, the controller drives the compressor 10 of the HP heat source 17 to circulate the refrigerant in the order of compressor 10, condenser 12, expansion valve 14, and evaporator 16, and also drives the circulation pump 18 to circulate water between the tank 30 and the condenser 12. As a result, the water drawn from the bottom of the tank 30 is heated to the target boiling temperature in the condenser 12 and returned to the top of the tank 30. When the temperature detected by the supply thermistor 20 reaches the target boiling temperature, the controller determines that all the water in the tank 30 has been replaced with water heated to the target boiling temperature and terminates the boiling operation.

[0029] (Hot water supply operation) During hot water supply operation, water at the set hot water temperature is supplied to the hot water supply location. The set hot water temperature is set by the user. When the controller determines that the hot water supply has started due to opening a faucet or filling a bathtub, etc., when the sum of the flow rate detected by the water-side water flow sensor 54 and the flow rate detected by the hot water-side water flow sensor 60 (also called the hot water supply flow rate) is equal to or greater than the minimum operating flow rate, the controller determines that hot water supply has started to the hot water supply location. The controller then performs either non-combustion hot water supply operation or combustion hot water supply operation according to the temperature detected by the upper thermistor 36.

[0030] The controller performs non-combustion hot water supply operation if the temperature detected by the upper thermistor 36 is equal to or above the hot water supply set temperature. In non-combustion hot water supply operation, the controller prohibits combustion operation of the burner 80 and adjusts the opening of the mixing valve 32 so that the temperature detected by the mixing thermistor 64 becomes the hot water supply set temperature. As a result, water that has been temperature-adjusted to the hot water supply set temperature is supplied to the hot water supply location.

[0031] Furthermore, the controller executes combustion hot water supply operation if the temperature detected by the upper thermistor 36 is below the hot water supply set temperature. In combustion hot water supply operation, the controller permits combustion operation of the burner 80 and adjusts the opening of the mixing valve 32 so that the temperature detected by the mixing thermistor 64 is lower than the hot water supply set temperature by the minimum heating capacity of the burner 80. In this case, the high-temperature water supplied from the top of the tank 30 and the low-temperature water supplied from the water supply path 40 are mixed in the mixing valve 32, then heated to the hot water supply set temperature by the burner 80 and supplied to the hot water supply location. Note that combustion hot water supply operation also includes the case where the mixing valve 32 is fixed in a fully closed position on the tank 30 side. In this case, the controller adjusts the heating capacity of the burner 80 so that the water heated by the burner 80 reaches the hot water supply set temperature.

[0032] If the hot water flow rate falls below the minimum operating flow rate while the above-mentioned non-combustion or combustion hot water supply operation is being performed, the controller will determine that the hot water supply to the hot water source has ended, such as by closing the tap or finishing filling the bathtub, and will terminate the hot water supply operation.

[0033] (Setting process for the boiling operation time by the storage-type water heater 104) The following describes the process of setting the boiling operation time period by the storage-type water heater 104, with reference to Figure 3. The controller of the storage-type water heater 104 sets the boiling operation time period for the day based on the past hot water usage record in the residence 102. Specifically, each time hot water is supplied to the residence 102, the controller stores hot water supply time information indicating the time when hot water supply started and the time when hot water supply ended, and hot water supply volume information indicating the amount of hot water supplied. In addition, each time the storage-type water heater 104 performs a boiling operation, the controller stores boiling time information indicating the time when the boiling operation started and the time when the boiling operation ended, and boiled water volume information indicating the amount of hot water heated during the boiling operation. The controller stores the hot water supply time information, hot water supply volume information, boiling time information, and boiled water volume information for one day as the operation history for one day of the residence 102. In this embodiment, the controller stores the operation history for the past 7 days of the residence 102. Therefore, the controller erases the operating history from the previous 8 days every 24 hours and stores the operating history from the previous day.

[0034] Next, the controller identifies the earliest time the first hot water supply was started during the past seven days, based on the operating history of residence 102 for the past seven days. Hereafter, this time will be referred to as the "first scheduled hot water supply start time S1". For example, the controller identifies 6:00 as the first scheduled hot water supply start time S1 (see Figure 3). Note that the first hot water supply usually provides about 5 to 20 liters of water. In this case, the controller sets the target water volume to be heated up to the first scheduled hot water supply start time S1 to 30 liters.

[0035] Furthermore, the controller identifies the earliest time the bath filling operation started during the past seven days, based on the operating history of residence 102 for the past seven days. Hereafter, this time will be referred to as the "second scheduled hot water start time B1". In this embodiment, residence 102 is pre-set to start the bath filling operation at 20:00 every day. For example, the controller identifies 20:00 as the second scheduled hot water start time B1 (see Figure 3). Note that approximately 150L to 180L of water is supplied during the bath filling operation. In this case, the controller sets the target water volume to be heated up to the second scheduled hot water start time B1 to 100L.

[0036] Furthermore, the controller identifies the latest time during which hot water service ended in the past seven days, based on the operating history of residence 102 for the past seven days. Hereafter, this time will be referred to as "hot water service end time G1". For example, the controller identifies 0:00 as hot water service end time G1 (see Figure 3).

[0037] Furthermore, the controller determines a first predetermined time α, a second predetermined time β, and a third predetermined time γ based on the target boiling temperature and the target water volume to be boiled. The first predetermined time α is the time required for the boiling operation performed before the first hot water supply to heat the target water volume (e.g., 30 L) to the target boiling temperature (e.g., 45 °C). The second predetermined time β is the time required for the boiling operation performed before the bath filling operation to heat the target water volume (e.g., 100 L) to the target boiling temperature (e.g., 45 °C). The third predetermined time γ is the time after the HP unit 4 is stopped, during which it is assumed that water at the set hot water temperature can be supplied to the hot water supply location until the hot water supply end time G1, using only the high-temperature water stored in the tank 30.

[0038] Next, as shown in Figure 3, the controller identifies the time α before the first scheduled hot water supply start time S1 as the first scheduled boiling start time S0, and the time β before the second scheduled hot water supply start time B1 as the second scheduled boiling start time B0. The controller also identifies the time γ before the third scheduled hot water supply end time G1 as the heat pump stop time G0. When the scheduled boiling start times S0 and B0 arrive, the controller starts the boiling operation. When the heat pump stop time G0 arrives, the controller prohibits the boiling operation. Note that the first scheduled hot water supply start time S1 can also be called the first scheduled boiling end time S1, and the second scheduled hot water supply start time B1 can also be called the second scheduled boiling end time B1.

[0039] (Home Gateway 106) As shown in Figure 1, the home gateway 106 can communicate with the controller of the storage-type water heater 104, for example, via a wireless LAN. The controller of the storage-type water heater 104 can connect to the internet 118 via the home gateway 106.

[0040] (Management Server 116) The management server 116 is equipped with a control unit such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and a storage unit such as an HDD or SSD. The control unit executes various processes according to the programs stored in the storage unit. The management server 116 can communicate with each of the multiple storage-type water heaters 104 via the Internet 118. The management server 116 can obtain boiling operation time data from each of the multiple storage-type water heaters 104, which indicates the boiling operation time set for each of the multiple storage-type water heaters 104. The boiling operation time data includes, for example, data indicating the scheduled boiling start time S0, B0 and data indicating the scheduled boiling end time S1, B1. The management server 116 can also obtain data from each of the multiple storage-type water heaters 104 indicating the operation history for a predetermined period in the past (for example, 7 days). In addition, the storage unit of the management server 116 has location data pre-stored in it, which indicates the location of each of the residences 102 where the multiple storage-type water heaters 104 are installed.

[0041] Each of the multiple residences 102 is supplied with electricity by a power company. The power company issues a request for energy conservation when it anticipates a tight supply and demand situation in a certain area during a certain time period. In this case, the management server 116 can receive energy conservation request data via the internet 118, which indicates the content of the request. The energy conservation request data includes level data indicating the level of the energy conservation request, target area data indicating the area to which the energy conservation request applies, and target time period data indicating the time period to which the energy conservation request applies. The energy conservation request level indicates the degree to which the power company requests energy conservation according to the tightness of the supply and demand situation, in multiple stages. For example, level 1 indicates a weak energy conservation request, and level 2 indicates a strong energy conservation request.

[0042] (Resetting of boiling operation time by management server 116) The management server 116, when a power company requests energy conservation, resets the hot water heating time for the storage-type water heater 104 for the day as needed. Every day at a predetermined time (for example, 2:00), the management server 116 performs the process shown in Figure 4.

[0043] In S2, the management server 116 determines whether or not a power saving request has been issued by the power company. The management server 116 determines that a power saving request has been issued by the power company if it receives power saving request data via the internet 118. If no power saving request has been issued (NO), the management server 116 terminates the process shown in Figure 4. If a power saving request has been issued (YES), the process proceeds to S4.

[0044] In S4, the management server 116 identifies the level of the power saving request, the target area, and the target time period based on the power saving request data.

[0045] In S6, the management server 116 identifies the storage-type water heaters 104 located within the area subject to the power saving request as "regional storage-type water heaters 104'" based on the area subject to the power saving request and the location of the residence 102 where the storage-type water heater 104 is installed.

[0046] In S8, the management server 116 obtains the heating operation time for each of the regional storage-type water heaters 104' for that day.

[0047] In S10, the management server 116 identifies the local storage-type water heaters 104' whose boiling operation time for the day overlaps with the power saving request period, based on the target period for power saving requests and the boiling operation time of the local storage-type water heaters 104', as reconfiguration candidate storage-type water heaters 104''.

[0048] In S12, the management server 116 determines whether the power saving request level is level 1 or not. If the power saving request level is level 1 (YES), the process proceeds to S14.

[0049] In S14, the management server 116 identifies the storage-type water heaters 104'' that are candidates for resetting and whose boiling operation time zones will be reset as the storage-type water heaters 104''''. For example, the management server 116 identifies the storage-type water heaters 104'' that are candidates for resetting and whose expected hot water supply volume for the day is high, for example, those with a high hot water supply volume in a predetermined period in the past (e.g., 7 days), and / or those with a high number of boiling operations in a predetermined period in the past (e.g., 7 days), as the storage-type water heaters 104''''.

[0050] In S16, the management server 116 resets the boiling operation time for the storage-type water heater 104''' that is subject to resetting, so that it does not overlap with the time period subject to the power saving request. For example, the management server 116 resets the boiling operation time that overlaps with the time period subject to the power saving request to an earlier time period by a predetermined time range (e.g., 2 hours) so that it does not overlap with the time period subject to the power saving request. The length of the above time range may be changed depending on the length of the time period subject to the power saving request and / or the length of the boiling operation time.

[0051] In S18, the management server 116 sends data indicating the reset boiling operation time to the target storage-type water heater 104''''. When the controller of the target storage-type water heater 104'''' receives the data indicating the reset boiling operation time from the management server 116, it updates the boiling operation time for that day. After S18, the process shown in Figure 4 is completed.

[0052] In S12, if the power saving request level is level 2 (NO), the process proceeds to S20.

[0053] In S20, the management server 116 identifies all of the candidate storage-type water heaters 104'' for reconfiguration as the storage-type water heaters 104'' targeted for reconfiguration.

[0054] In S22, the management server 116 resets the boiling operation time for the storage-type water heater 104''' that overlaps with the time period subject to the power saving request so that it does not overlap with the time period subject to the power saving request. For example, the management server 116 resets the boiling operation time that overlaps with the time period subject to the power saving request to an earlier time period by a predetermined time range (e.g., 2 hours) so that it does not overlap with the time period subject to the power saving request. Note that the length of the above time range may be changed depending on the length of the time period subject to the power saving request and / or the length of the boiling operation time.

[0055] In S24, the management server 116 determines whether to add a storage-type water heater 104'''' to the list of storage-type water heaters 104' within the region. For example, the management server 116 resets the boiling operation time of the storage-type water heater 104'''' to be reset through the processing in S22 or the processing in S28 described later, and adds the storage-type water heater 104'''' to be reset if the reset boiling operation time overlaps with the boiling operation time of another storage-type water heater 104' within the region. If the storage-type water heater 104'''' to be reset is added (YES), the process proceeds to S26.

[0056] In S26, the management server 116 adds as resettable storage-type water heaters 104''' any of the storage-type water heaters 104' within the region whose boiling operation time overlaps with the boiling operation time reset by the process in S22 or the process in S28 described later.

[0057] In S28, the management server 116 resets the boiling operation time for the storage-type water heater 104''' that was added as a target for reconfiguration in the S26 process to an earlier time period by a predetermined time range (for example, 2 hours). After S28, the process returns to S24.

[0058] If you do not add the storage-type water heater 104''' to be reset in S24 (if the answer is NO), the process proceeds to S30.

[0059] In S30, the management server 116 sends data indicating the reset boiling operation time to the target storage-type water heater 104''''. When the controller of the target storage-type water heater 104'''' receives the data indicating the reset boiling operation time from the management server 116, it updates the boiling operation time for that day. After S30, the process shown in Figure 4 is completed.

[0060] The following explains how to reset the water heating operation time in response to the power saving request, referring to Figures 5-7. In the example shown in Figures 5-7, there are six storage-type water heaters 104 (hereinafter also referred to as water heaters A and A) within the area subject to the power saving request. In the example shown in Figure 5, the water heating operation time for water heaters A and B is set to 16:30-17:30, the water heating operation time for water heaters C and D is set to 17:30-18:30, and the water heating operation time for water heaters E and F is set to 18:30-19:30. The time period subject to the power saving request is 18:00-19:00. Also, the amount of hot water expected to be supplied by water heaters A, C, and E on that day is greater than the amount of hot water expected to be supplied by water heaters B, D, and F on that day.

[0061] Figure 6 shows the case where the power saving request level is Level 1. In this case, among water heaters C, D, E, and F, whose boiling operation time overlaps with the power saving request period, the boiling operation time will be reset for water heaters C and E, which are expected to have a large amount of hot water supply on that day. For example, the boiling operation time for water heater C will be reset to 15:30-16:30, and the boiling operation time for water heater E will be reset to 16:30-17:30. This will suppress the increase in power consumption due to boiling operation of water heater AF during the power saving request period of 18:00-19:00.

[0062] Figure 7 shows the case where the power saving request level is Level 2. In this case, the boiling operation times of all water heaters C, D, E, and F, whose boiling operation times overlap with the power saving request period, are reset. For example, the boiling operation times of water heaters C and D are reset to 15:30-16:30, and the boiling operation times of water heaters E and F are reset to 17:30-18:30. This significantly reduces the increase in power consumption due to boiling operation of water heater AF during the power saving request period of 18:00-19:00. Also, in the example shown in Figure 7, along with the resetting of the boiling operation time of water heater CF, the boiling operation times of water heaters A and B are also reset to 14:30-15:30. This prevents a large number of storage-type water heaters 104 from simultaneously performing boiling operations during times outside of the power saving request period.

[0063] (modified version) In the above embodiment, a hot water supply system 100 was described as an example of a heat supply system, and a storage-type water heater 104 was described as an example of a heat supply device. However, the heat supply system and heat supply device may supply heat for other purposes such as heating. In this case, the heat transfer medium may be a heat transfer medium other than water, such as antifreeze. Also, in the above embodiment, a tank unit 6 was described as an example of a heat storage unit, but the heat storage unit may store the heat transfer medium in other forms. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an HP unit 4 was described as an example of a heat source unit, but the heat source unit may heat the heat transfer medium in other forms such as an electric heater.

[0064] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which, when a power company issues a power saving request, the management server 116 identifies the level of the power saving request, the target area, and the target time period based on the power saving request data. Alternatively, even when a power company has not issued a power saving request, the management server 116 may acquire data showing the temporal changes in power supply and demand in each region and target regions and time periods where power supply and demand may become tight, performing the same processing as when a power saving request has been issued, according to the degree of tightness in power supply and demand.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the management server 116 is configured to execute the processes S14-S18 in Figure 4 when the power saving request level is level 1, and to execute the processes S20-S30 in Figure 4 when the power saving request level is level 2. Alternatively, the management server 116 may be configured to execute the processes S14-S18 in Figure 4 regardless of the power saving request level, or to execute the processes S20-S30 in Figure 4 regardless of the power saving request level. Furthermore, the management server 116 may be configured not to perform the processes S24-S28 in Figure 4. In this case, after S22 in Figure 4, the process proceeds to S30.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the management server 116, in the processes of S16 and S22 in Figure 4, may reset the boiling operation time for the storage-type water heater 104'''' that overlaps with the time period subject to the power saving request so that it does not overlap with the time period subject to the power saving request, and may also set the time period subject to the power saving request as a time period in which boiling operation of the storage-type water heater 104''' is prohibited. In this case, in the process of S18 or S30, the management server 116 sends data indicating the time period in which boiling operation is prohibited to the storage-type water heater 104''', thereby reliably preventing the storage-type water heater 104''' from performing boiling operation during the time period subject to the power saving request.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the management server 116 was configured to individually reset the boiling operation time for each of the multiple storage-type water heaters 104. Alternatively, the management server 116 may be configured to group the multiple storage-type water heaters 104 that have the same or similar boiling operation time for the day and the expected hot water supply amount for the day, and then reset the boiling operation time on a group basis.

[0068] As described above, in one or more embodiments, the hot water supply system 100 (an example of a heat supply system) includes a plurality of storage-type water heaters 104 (an example of a plurality of heat supply devices) and a management server 116 capable of communicating with each of the plurality of storage-type water heaters 104. Each of the plurality of storage-type water heaters 104 includes a tank unit 6 (an example of a heat storage unit) for storing water (an example of a heat transfer medium) and an HP unit 4 (an example of a heat source unit) for heating water using electricity. Each of the plurality of storage-type water heaters 104 is capable of performing a boiling operation (an example of a heat storage operation) in which the HP unit 4 heats the water and stores the heated water in the tank unit 6. Each of the plurality of storage-type water heaters 104 is configured to set a boiling operation time period (an example of a heat storage operation time period), which is the time period in which the boiling operation is performed, based on past hot water usage history (an example of past heat supply history). The management server 116 is configured to obtain the boiling operation time for each of the multiple storage-type water heaters 104, identify the time period subject to power saving requests, which is a time period when power supply and demand are tight (an example of a time period when supply and demand are tight), identify at least one of the multiple storage-type water heaters 104 whose boiling operation time overlaps at least partially with the time period subject to power saving requests, as the storage-type water heater 104''' to be reset (an example of the first heat supply device to be reset), and reset the boiling operation time of the storage-type water heater 104''' to a time period that does not overlap with the time period subject to power saving requests.

[0069] The above configuration makes it possible to suppress the execution of boiling operations during periods of tight electricity supply and demand. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to suppress the increase in power consumption caused by boiling operations during periods of tight electricity supply and demand.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the management server 116 is configured to identify, among a plurality of storage-type water heaters 104, those whose boiling operation time overlaps at least partially with the time period subject to the power saving request, and which have a large expected heat supply amount, as the storage-type water heaters 104''' to be reset.

[0071] Among the multiple storage-type water heaters 104, those with a larger expected heat supply capacity are likely to consume more power when performing boiling operations. With the above configuration, the increase in power consumption caused by boiling operations can be more effectively suppressed during periods of tight power supply and demand.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the management server 116 is configured to reset the boiling operation time of the storage-type water heater 104''' to an earlier time than the time period for which power saving requests are made.

[0073] Normally, the boiling time for each of the multiple storage-type water heaters 104 is set so that the hot water required by that water heater 104 can be heated by the required time. Therefore, if the boiling time is reset to a later time than the initially set time, there is a risk that the hot water required by that water heater 104 cannot be heated by the required time. With the above configuration, the boiling time is reset to an earlier time than the initially set time, so that the hot water required by that water heater 104 can be heated by the required time.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the management server 116 identifies at least one of the multiple storage-type water heaters 104 whose boiling operation time is set to an earlier time than the time period subject to the power saving request as another storage-type water heater 104''' to be reset (an example of a second heat supply device to be reset), and is configured to reset the boiling operation time of the storage-type water heater 104''' to an earlier time as a result of resetting the boiling operation time of the other storage-type water heater 104''' to an even earlier time.

[0075] With the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the temporary increase in power consumption that occurs when boiling operations are concentrated during certain time periods as a result of resetting the boiling operation time.

[0076] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technology illustrated in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives itself constitutes technical usefulness. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 4: HP Unit 6: Tank Unit 8: Burner Unit 10: Compressor 12: Condenser 14: Expansion valve 16: Evaporator 17:HP heat source 18: Circulation pump 19: Route to HP 20: Outbound thermistor 21: HP return route 22: Return thermistor 23: Outdoor temperature thermistor 24: HP Controller 30: Tank 31: Route to the tank 32: Mixing valve 33: Tank return route 34: Bypass control valve 36: Upper thermistor 37: Intermediate thermistor 38: Lower thermistor 40: Water supply route 42: Pressure Reducing Valve 44: Inlet thermistor 46: Tank water supply route 48: Tank bypass route 50: Check valve 52: Check valve 54: Water side water volume sensor 56: Tank hot water outlet route 58: Check valve 60: Hot water flow sensor 62: First hot water supply route 64: Mixed Thermistor 66: Second hot water supply route 68: Hot water outlet thermistor 70: Check valve 72: Hot water bypass route 74: Tank Controller 80: Burner 82: Heat exchanger 84: Bypass Servo 86: Water volume servo 88: Hot water valve 90: Outbound journey to Burna 91: Water volume sensor 92: Return trip to Burna 94: Burner Bypass Route 96: Burner hot water thermistor 97: Burner Controller 98: Bathtub filling route 99: Remote control 100: Hot water supply system 102: Residence 102a: Residence 102b: Residence 104: Storage-type water heater 104a: Storage-type water heater 104b: Storage-type water heater 106: Home Gateway 106a: Home Gateway 106b: Home Gateway 116: Management Server 118: Internet

Claims

1. A heat supply system comprising a plurality of heat supply devices and a management server capable of communicating with each of the plurality of heat supply devices, Each of the aforementioned heat supply devices is A heat storage unit that stores a heat transfer medium, It is equipped with a heat source unit that uses electricity to heat the heat transfer medium, Each of the aforementioned plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and stores the heated heat medium in the heat storage unit. Each of the aforementioned multiple heat supply devices is configured to set a heat storage operation period, which is the period during which the heat storage operation is performed, based on past heat supply performance. The aforementioned management server The heat storage operation time period of each of the multiple heat supply devices is acquired, Identify the periods of tight supply and demand for electricity, which are the times when electricity supply and demand are tight. Of the aforementioned multiple heat supply devices, those whose heat storage operation period overlaps at least partially with the period of tight supply and demand, and which are expected to have a large amount of heat supply, are identified as the first heat supply device to be reset. A heat supply system configured to reset the heat storage operation time of the first heat supply device to be reset to a time that does not overlap with the period of tight supply and demand.

2. The heat supply system according to claim 1, wherein the management server is configured to reset the heat storage operation time of the first heat supply device to be reset to a time earlier than the time of supply and demand shortage.

3. A heat supply system comprising a plurality of heat supply devices and a management server capable of communicating with each of the plurality of heat supply devices, Each of the aforementioned heat supply devices is A heat storage unit that stores a heat transfer medium, It is equipped with a heat source unit that uses electricity to heat the heat transfer medium, Each of the aforementioned plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and stores the heated heat medium in the heat storage unit. Each of the aforementioned multiple heat supply devices is configured to set a heat storage operation period, which is the period during which the heat storage operation is performed, based on past heat supply performance. The aforementioned management server The heat storage operation time period of each of the multiple heat supply devices is acquired, Identify the periods of tight supply and demand for electricity, which are the times when electricity supply and demand are tight. Of the multiple heat supply devices, at least one whose heat storage operation period overlaps at least partially with the period of tight supply and demand is identified as the first heat supply device to be reset. Of the aforementioned multiple heat supply devices, at least one whose heat storage operation time is set to an earlier time than the supply and demand tight period is identified as the second heat supply device to be reset. A heat supply system configured such that, for the first heat supply device to be reset, the heat storage operation time is reset to an earlier time than the period of tight supply and demand, and for the second heat supply device to be reset, the heat storage operation time is reset to an earlier time than the time currently set for the second heat supply device to be reset.

4. It is a management server, The management server is used in a heat supply system that includes multiple heat supply devices and the management server. The management server is capable of communicating with each of the multiple heat supply devices. Each of the aforementioned heat supply devices is A heat storage unit that stores a heat transfer medium, It is equipped with a heat source unit that uses electricity to heat the heat transfer medium, Each of the aforementioned plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and stores the heated heat medium in the heat storage unit. Each of the aforementioned multiple heat supply devices is configured to set a heat storage operation period, which is the period during which the heat storage operation is performed, based on past heat supply performance. The aforementioned management server The heat storage operation time period of each of the multiple heat supply devices is acquired, Identify the periods of tight supply and demand for electricity, which are the times when electricity supply and demand are tight. Of the aforementioned multiple heat supply devices, those whose heat storage operation period overlaps at least partially with the period of tight supply and demand, and which are expected to have a large amount of heat supply, are identified as the first heat supply device to be reset. A management server configured to reset the heat storage operation time of the first heat supply device to be reset to a time that does not overlap with the period of tight supply and demand.

5. A management server, The management server is used in a heat supply system that includes multiple heat supply devices and the management server. The management server is capable of communicating with each of the multiple heat supply devices. Each of the aforementioned heat supply devices is A heat storage unit that stores a heat transfer medium, It is equipped with a heat source unit that uses electricity to heat the heat transfer medium, Each of the aforementioned plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and stores the heated heat medium in the heat storage unit. Each of the aforementioned multiple heat supply devices is configured to set a heat storage operation period, which is the period during which the heat storage operation is performed, based on past heat supply performance. The aforementioned management server The heat storage operation time period of each of the multiple heat supply devices is acquired, Identify the periods of tight supply and demand for electricity, which are the times when electricity supply and demand are tight. Of the multiple heat supply devices, at least one whose heat storage operation period overlaps at least partially with the period of tight supply and demand is identified as the first heat supply device to be reset. Of the aforementioned multiple heat supply devices, at least one whose heat storage operation time is set to an earlier time than the supply and demand tight period is identified as the second heat supply device to be reset. A management server configured to reset the first heat supply device to a time earlier than the time of supply and demand shortage, and to reset the second heat supply device to a time earlier than the time currently set for the second heat supply device.

6. A program for a management server, The management server is used in a heat supply system that includes multiple heat supply devices and the management server. The management server is capable of communicating with each of the multiple heat supply devices. Each of the aforementioned heat supply devices is A heat storage unit that stores a heat transfer medium, It is equipped with a heat source unit that uses electricity to heat the heat transfer medium, Each of the aforementioned plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and stores the heated heat medium in the heat storage unit. Each of the aforementioned multiple heat supply devices is configured to set a heat storage operation period, which is the period during which the heat storage operation is performed, based on past heat supply performance. The program is sent to the management server, The steps include: obtaining the heat storage operation time for each of the multiple heat supply devices; The steps include identifying periods of tight supply and demand, which are times when electricity supply and demand are tight, Among the multiple heat supply devices, the step of identifying the one with a large expected heat supply amount among those whose heat storage operation period at least partially overlaps with the period of tight supply and demand is to be reset as the first heat supply device to be reset. A program configured to execute a step of resetting the heat storage operation time period of the first heat supply device to be reset to a time period that does not overlap with the period of tight supply and demand.

7. A program for the management server, The management server is used in a heat supply system that includes multiple heat supply devices and the management server. The management server is capable of communicating with each of the multiple heat supply devices. Each of the aforementioned heat supply devices is A heat storage unit that stores a heat transfer medium, It is equipped with a heat source unit that uses electricity to heat the heat transfer medium, Each of the aforementioned plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and stores the heated heat medium in the heat storage unit. Each of the aforementioned multiple heat supply devices is configured to set a heat storage operation period, which is the period during which the heat storage operation is performed, based on past heat supply performance. The program is sent to the management server, The steps include: obtaining the heat storage operation time for each of the multiple heat supply devices; The steps include identifying periods of tight supply and demand, which are times when electricity supply and demand are tight, The steps include identifying at least one of the aforementioned multiple heat supply devices whose heat storage operation period overlaps at least partially with the period of tight supply and demand as the first heat supply device to be reset, The steps include identifying at least one of the aforementioned multiple heat supply devices, whose heat storage operation time is set to an earlier time than the supply and demand tight period, as the second heat supply device to be reset, A program configured to perform the steps of resetting the first heat supply device to a time earlier than the time of supply and demand shortage, and resetting the second heat supply device to a time earlier than the time currently set for the second heat supply device.

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