Refrigerator control system, refrigerator, and program

Abstract

Provided is a refrigerator control system that can contribute to the betterment of electric-power supply–demand balance.　This refrigerator control system comprises: a receiving unit for receiving, from a power company, a demand signal whereby a decrease or an increase in power usage during a designated time frame is mandated; and a run control unit. The run control unit, if the receiving unit receives a demand signal mandating a reduction in power usage, executes a first demand response control to reduce power usage by the refrigerator in the designated time frame, and if the receiving unit receives a demand signal mandating an increase in power usage, executes a second demand response control to increase power usage by the refrigerator in the designated time frame.

Description

Refrigerator control system, refrigerator, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator control system, a refrigerator, and a program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for forcibly executing pre-cool operation control of a refrigerator before a peak power consumption period based on information distributed by an electric power company, and stopping operation of the compressor at the start of the peak power consumption period. Note that in Patent Document 1, the pre-cool operation control is a control for setting the cooling temperature of the freezer compartment to a temperature lower than the temperature normally set.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-088421

[0004] The present disclosure provides a refrigerator control system, a refrigerator, and a program that can contribute to improving the balance between power supply and demand.

[0005] A refrigerator control system according to the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives, from an electric power company, a demand signal requesting a reduction or increase in power usage during a designated time period designated by the electric power company, and an operation control unit that controls operation of a refrigerator, wherein, when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting a reduction in power usage, the operation control unit executes first demand-response control to reduce the power usage of the refrigerator during the designated time period, and when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting an increase in power usage, the operation control unit executes second demand-response control to increase the power usage of the refrigerator during the designated time period.

[0006] Furthermore, the refrigerator according to the present disclosure communicates with a server device that receives a demand signal from an electric power company requesting a reduction or increase in power usage during a designated time period designated by the electric power company, and includes an operation control unit that controls operation of the refrigerator, and when the server device receives the demand signal requesting a reduction in power usage, the operation control unit executes first demand-response control to reduce the power usage of the refrigerator during the designated time period, and when the server device receives the demand signal requesting an increase in power usage, the operation control unit executes second demand-response control to increase the power usage of the refrigerator during the designated time period.

[0007] Furthermore, a program according to the present disclosure causes a processor of a refrigerator, which communicates with a server device that receives a demand signal from a power company requesting a reduction or increase in power consumption during a designated time period designated by the power company, to function as an operation control unit that controls operation of the refrigerator, and when the server device receives the demand signal requesting a reduction in power consumption, the operation control unit executes first demand-response control to reduce the power consumption of the refrigerator during the designated time period, and when the server device receives the demand signal requesting an increase in power consumption, the operation control unit executes second demand-response control to increase the power consumption of the refrigerator during the designated time period. This specification is intended to include all of the contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-194091, filed on November 15, 2023.

[0008] The refrigerator control system, refrigerator, and program according to the present disclosure can contribute to improving the balance between power supply and demand.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator control system in embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an aspect in which a reduction in power consumption is requested in embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an aspect in which an increase in power consumption is requested in embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device in embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a server device in embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator in embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operations of the server device, terminal device, and refrigerator in embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by a display control unit in response to an inquiry in embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operations of the server device, terminal device, and refrigerator in embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a screen displayed by a display control unit in response to an inquiry in embodiment 1. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a refrigerator in embodiment 1. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a sixth image in embodiment 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a seventh image in embodiment 1. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an eighth image in embodiment 1. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a ninth image in embodiment 1. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator in embodiment 2. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of a server device in embodiment 2. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the server device, terminal device, and refrigerator in embodiment 2. FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the server device, terminal device, and refrigerator in embodiment 2. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator in embodiment 3. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining one mode in which multiple demand signals are transmitted per day in embodiment 4.

[0010] (Knowledge, etc. that formed the basis of the present disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived the present disclosure, there was a technology for controlling a refrigerator based on information distributed by an electric power company. In recent years, electric power companies have been implementing an initiative called demand response (DR). Demand response is an initiative to improve the balance between supply and demand of electricity by controlling electricity consumption, and is divided into a downward DR that reduces electricity consumption and an upward DR that increases electricity consumption. To implement this demand response, electric power companies have traditionally distributed demand signals requesting a reduction or increase in electricity consumption.

[0011] However, the inventors have discovered a problem in that the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot respond to requests for increased power usage and therefore may not contribute to improving the balance between power supply and demand. To solve this problem, the present disclosure has come to constitute the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a refrigerator control system, a refrigerator, and a program that can contribute to improving the balance between power supply and demand.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of refrigerator control system] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator control system 1000. The refrigerator control system 1000 is a system that controls a refrigerator 1.

[0014] Refrigerator control system 1000 includes refrigerator 1. In FIG. 1 , refrigerator 1 is installed in user P's home H and operates by receiving power from a commercial power source. Refrigerator 1 includes a main box 10 with an open front. Main box 10 is formed with a refrigerator compartment 11, an ice making compartment 12, a fresh freezing compartment 13, a freezer compartment 14, and a vegetable compartment 15. In this embodiment, refrigerator 1 cools these five compartments with a single cooler 194. Note that a system in which the compartments are cooled by a single cooler 194 is called a single-evaporator system. Two revolving doors 11A are installed at the opening in the front of refrigerator compartment 11. Drawers 12A, 13A, 14A, and 15A are provided in ice making compartment 12, fresh freezing compartment 13, freezer compartment 14, and vegetable compartment 15, respectively.

[0015] The refrigerator 1 communicates with a server device 3 connected to a network NW that includes the Internet, a telephone network, and other communication networks. In this embodiment, the refrigerator 1 communicates with the server device 3 via a communication device 2 installed in the home H of the user P. The communication device 2 is connected to the network NW and functions as an interface device for connecting the refrigerator 1 and the terminal device 4 to the network NW. The communication device 2 establishes a local network in the home H.

[0016] The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a terminal device 4. The terminal device 4 is a PC (Personal Computer) used by a user P. While the terminal device 4 shown in FIG. 1 is exemplified as a portable PC such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, the terminal device 4 may also be a desktop PC or a laptop PC. An application program related to the control of the refrigerator 1 is installed on the terminal device 4, and the terminal device 4 communicates with the server device 3 using the functions of this application program. In the following description, this application program is referred to as an "APP" and is denoted by the reference number "411."

[0017] 1, a user P who is inside his / her home H is indicated by a solid line, and a user P who is outside his / her home H is indicated by a dotted line. When the terminal device 4 is used by the user P who is inside his / her home H, the terminal device 4 communicates with the server device 3 via the communication device 2 or without the communication device 2. When the terminal device 4 is used by the user P who is outside his / her home H and a communication connection with the communication device 2 cannot be established, the terminal device 4 communicates with the server device 3 without the communication device 2.

[0018] The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a server device 3. The server device 3 processes information using devices connected to the network NW as clients. The server device 3 communicates with the refrigerator 1, a terminal device 4, and a communication device 5 of the electric power company PC via the network NW.

[0019] In this embodiment, the electric power company PC implements demand response. Demand response is an initiative to improve the balance between supply and demand of electricity by controlling electricity consumption, and is abbreviated as "DR" using two letters. Demand response is divided into a downward DR, which reduces electricity consumption, and an upward DR, which increases electricity consumption. In demand response, the electric power company PC requests customers who have signed a power supply contract to reduce or increase their electricity consumption, and provides incentives to customers who comply with this request, in other words, customers who cooperate with this request. The incentives provided by the electric power company PC to customers may be points, coupons, electronic money, or any other type that can be used to pay electricity bills. In this embodiment, user P is a customer who has signed a power supply contract with the electric power company PC.

[0020] In order to implement a demand response, the power company PC transmits a demand signal DS via the communication device 5, requesting a reduction or increase / decrease in power usage during a designated time period designated by the power company PC. More specifically, in order to implement a downward DR, the power company PC transmits a demand signal DS (hereinafter, designated "DS1" and referred to as a "first demand signal DS1") requesting a reduction in power usage during a designated time period via the communication device 5. In addition, in order to implement an upward DR, the power company PC transmits a demand signal DS (hereinafter, designated "DS2" and referred to as a "second demand signal DS2") requesting an increase in power usage during a designated time period via the communication device 5.

[0021] Here, an example of a situation in which a reduction or increase in power consumption is requested will be described using Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a situation in which a reduction in power consumption is requested. Figure 2 shows a chart in which the vertical axis represents power and the horizontal axis represents time. In this chart, graph GF1 schematically shows the amount of power demand for the entire society on a single summer day, graph GF2 schematically shows the amount of power generated by fossil energy on a single summer day, and graph GF3 schematically shows the amount of power generated by renewable energy (solar power) on a single summer day.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, society's overall demand for electricity and the amount of electricity generated by renewable energy sources increase from the morning. Also, as shown in Figure 2, society's overall demand for electricity and the amount of electricity generated by renewable energy sources peak around noon and then decline toward the evening. However, because the amount of electricity generated by renewable energy sources declines at a rate greater than the decline in society's overall demand for electricity, to compensate for this, the amount of electricity generated by fossil energy sources increases from the evening, reaching its daily peak at night. This increases the amount of electricity generated by fossil energy sources, and this increase also leads to an increase in CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions.

[0023] 2, if the electric power company PC requests a reduction in power consumption in the evening and later, it can suppress an increase in the amount of power generated by fossil energy in the evening and later. Therefore, when there is a day when a change in the amount of power generated by fossil energy as shown in Fig. 2 is expected, the electric power company PC transmits a first demand signal DS1 in advance (for example, the day before the expected day) to request a reduction in power consumption.

[0024] The request for reducing the amount of power consumption described with reference to FIG. 2 is merely one aspect, that is, one example, and is not limited to the aspect shown in FIG.

[0025] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating one example of a situation in which an increase in electricity consumption is required. Figure 3 shows a chart with the vertical axis representing power and the horizontal axis representing time. In this chart, graph GF4 schematically shows the electricity demand for the entire society for one day in spring and autumn, graph GF5 schematically shows the amount of electricity generated by fossil fuels for one day in spring and autumn, and graph GF6 schematically shows the amount of electricity generated by renewable energy (solar power) for one day in spring and autumn.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, society's overall electricity demand in spring and autumn increases from the morning, but the rate of increase is smaller than in summer, as is clear when compared with the summer trends shown in Figure 2. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, electricity generation from renewable energy sources increases from the morning, peaks around noon, and then declines toward the evening, but because the rate of increase in society's overall electricity demand is not large, surplus electricity may occur.

[0027] 3, if the power company PC requests an increase in power usage around noon, the surplus power generated by renewable energy can be effectively utilized. Therefore, when there is a day when surplus power generation from renewable energy is expected, the power company PC transmits a second demand signal DS2 in advance (for example, the day before the expected day) to request an increase in power usage.

[0028] The request for reducing the amount of power consumption described with reference to FIG. 3 is merely one aspect, that is, one example, and is not limited to the aspect shown in FIG.

[0029] Returning to the description of refrigerator control system 1000 with reference to Fig. 1, after issuing a request to reduce or increase the amount of power usage in a designated time period, the power company PC may cancel the issued request. In this case, the power company PC transmits a demand cancellation signal DCS via communication device 5 to cancel the request to reduce or increase / decrease the amount of power usage in the designated time period.

[0030] [1-1-2. Configuration of Terminal Device] Next, we will explain the configuration of the refrigerator 1, server device 3, and terminal device 4. First, we will explain the configuration of the terminal device 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 4.

[0031] The terminal device 4 includes a terminal control device 40 , a terminal communication unit 41 , and a touch panel 42 .

[0032] The terminal communication unit 41 includes hardware such as a communication circuit conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the server device 3 under the control of the terminal control device 40. The touch panel 42 includes a display panel and a touch sensor that is provided on top of or integral with the display panel.

[0033] The terminal control device 40 includes a terminal processor 400 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a terminal memory 410, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0034] The terminal memory 410 is a memory that stores programs and data. The terminal memory 410 stores the APP 411 and data to be processed by the terminal processor 400. The terminal memory 410 has a non-volatile storage area. The terminal memory 410 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area for the terminal processor 400. The terminal memory 410 is constituted by, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM).

[0035] The terminal processor 400 reads and executes the APP 411 stored in the terminal memory 410, thereby functioning as a terminal communication control unit 401, a display control unit 402, and a reception unit 403. The display control unit 402 is an example of an "inquiry unit."

[0036] The terminal communication control unit 401 communicates with the server device 3 via the terminal communication unit 41. The display control unit 402 displays images and screens related to the control of the refrigerator 1 on the touch panel 42. The reception unit 403 receives various inputs from the user P via the images and screens displayed by the display control unit 402.

[0037] 1-1-3. Configuration of Server Device Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the server device 3. FIG.

[0038] The server device 3 includes a server control device 30 and a server communication unit 31 .

[0039] The server communication unit 31 includes hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 4, and the communication device 5 of the power company PC under the control of the server control device 30.

[0040] The server control device 30 includes a server processor 300 such as a CPU or an MPU, a server memory 310, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0041] The server memory 310 is a memory that stores programs and data. The server memory 310 stores a control program 311, a management DB 312, and data to be processed by the server processor 300. The server memory 310 has a non-volatile storage area. The server memory 310 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area for the server processor 300. The server memory 310 is constituted by, for example, ROM or RAM.

[0042] Management DB 312 is a database that stores one record R for each user P. Record R includes a user ID (Identification), terminal communication information, a refrigerator ID, refrigerator communication information, and installation location information. Record R may also include one or more other types of information.

[0043] The user ID is identification information that uniquely identifies the user P who uses the APP 411. The terminal device communication information is information for communicating with the terminal device 4 on which the APP 411 used by the user P is installed. The refrigerator ID is identification information that uniquely identifies the refrigerator 1. The refrigerator communication information is information for communicating with the refrigerator 1 used by the user P. The installation location information is information that indicates the installation location of the refrigerator 1. In this embodiment, the installation location of the refrigerator 1 is the home H of the user P, and therefore the installation location information indicates the address, postal code, etc. of the home H. The installation location indicated by the installation location information is set for the user P by a function of the APP 411.

[0044] The server processor 300 reads and executes a control program 311 stored in the server memory 310, thereby functioning as a first server communication control unit 301, a second server communication control unit 302, and a third server communication control unit 303. The first server communication control unit 301 is an example of a "receiving unit."

[0045] The first server communication control unit 301 communicates with the communication device 5 of the power company PC via the server communication unit 31. The second server communication control unit 302 communicates with the refrigerator 1 via the server communication unit 31. The third server communication control unit 303 communicates with the terminal device 4 via the server communication unit 31.

[0046] [1-1-4. Configuration of Refrigerator] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the refrigerator 1. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerator 1.

[0047] The refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator control device 16, a refrigerator communication unit 17, a sensor unit 18, a cooling unit 19, and a defrosting unit 50.

[0048] Refrigerator communication unit 17 includes communication hardware conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with server device 3 as controlled by refrigerator control device 16. The communication standard used by refrigerator communication unit 17 may be a wireless communication standard (e.g., IEEE802.11a / 11b / 11g / 11n / 11ac, Bluetooth (registered trademark)) or a wired communication standard.

[0049] Sensor unit 18 includes various sensors such as temperature sensor 181 that detects the temperature inside refrigerator 1, and outputs the detected value of each sensor to refrigerator control device 16. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which sensor unit 18 includes refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 181A and freezer compartment temperature sensor 181B as temperature sensors 181. Refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 181a is provided at a predetermined position in refrigerator compartment 11, for example, near the refrigerator cold air return port, and detects the temperature inside refrigerator compartment 11. Freezer compartment temperature sensor 181B is provided at a predetermined position in freezer compartment 14, for example, near the freezer compartment cold air return port, and detects the temperature inside freezer compartment 14.

[0050] Cooling unit 19 includes mechanisms for cooling each storage compartment of refrigerator 1, such as compressor 191, condenser 192, capillary tube 193, cooler 194, cooling fan 195, and damper 196, and cools each storage compartment of refrigerator 1 under the control of refrigerator control device 16.

[0051] Defrosting unit 50 includes heater 501 that heats cooler 194. Heater 501 heats cooler 194 in accordance with the control of refrigerator control device 16. As a result, cooler 194 is defrosted.

[0052] The refrigerator control device 16 includes a refrigerator processor 100 such as a CPU or an MPU, a refrigerator memory 110, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected. The refrigerator processor 100 is an example of a "processor."

[0053] Refrigerator memory 110 is a memory that stores programs and data. Refrigerator memory 110 stores control program 111 and data to be processed by refrigerator processor 100. Refrigerator memory 110 has a non-volatile storage area. Refrigerator memory 110 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area of ​​refrigerator processor 100. Refrigerator memory 110 is composed of, for example, ROM and RAM. Control program 111 is an example of a "program."

[0054] The refrigerator processor 100 reads and executes the control program 111 stored in the refrigerator memory 110, thereby functioning as a refrigerator communication control unit 101 and an operation control unit 102.

[0055] The refrigerator communication control unit 101 communicates with the server device 3 via the refrigerator communication unit 17.

[0056] The operation control unit 102 controls the operation of the refrigerator 1. In this embodiment, the operation control unit 102 executes normal control as the operation control of the refrigerator 1. The normal control is a control that controls each part of the cooling unit 19 so that the temperature of each storage compartment of the refrigerator 1 becomes a set temperature.

[0057] Furthermore, the operation control unit 102 of the present embodiment executes demand-response control as operation control of the refrigerator 1. The demand-response control is control for responding to a request indicated by the demand signal DS. The demand-response control includes first demand-response control and second demand-response control.

[0058] The first demand-response control is a demand-response control for responding to a request indicated by the first demand signal DS1, and is a control for reducing the amount of power consumption of the refrigerator 1 during the designated time period compared to normal control. In the first demand-response control, the operation control unit 102 of this embodiment starts a pre-cooling operation to pre-cool the interior of the refrigerator 1 before the designated time period, and reduces the interior temperature of the refrigerator 1 at the start of the designated time period compared to the interior temperature during normal control. In the pre-cooling operation, the operation control unit 102 increases the rotation speed of the compressor 191 compared to normal control, increases the operation rate of the compressor 191 compared to normal control, or increases the rotation speed of the cooling fan 195 compared to normal control. In the first demand-response control, the operation control unit 102 of this embodiment stops the operation of the refrigerator 1 during the designated time period. In addition, during pre-cooling operation in the first demand-response control, the temperature inside the storage compartment may be lowered for all types of storage compartments, or the temperature inside the storage compartment may be lowered for only certain storage compartments, such as the refrigerator compartment 11 or the freezer compartment 14.

[0059] The second demand-response control is a control for responding to a request indicated by the second demand signal DS2, and is a control for increasing the amount of power consumption of the refrigerator 1 during a designated time period compared to normal control. In the second demand-response control, the operation control unit 102 of the present embodiment executes a defrosting operation of the cooler 194 during the designated time period. In the defrosting operation, the operation control unit 102 energizes the heater 501 to heat the heater 501. As a result, heat from the heater 501 is transferred to the cooler 194, and the frost on the cooler 194 melts.

[0060] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each unit of the refrigerator control system 1000 in this embodiment will be described.

[0061] [1-2-1. Operation when a demand signal is received] First, the operation of each part of the refrigerator control system 1000 when the server device 3 receives a demand signal DS will be described.

[0062] The demand signal DS records the request content (reduction or increase in power consumption) as well as the designated date, designated time period, and target area specified by the power company PC. In this embodiment, the designated date is exemplified as the day after the transmission date of the demand signal DS, i.e., the day after the day on which a reduction or increase in power consumption is requested. When the first server communication control unit 301 receives the demand signal DS from the power company PC, it identifies, from the records R stored in the management DB 312, records R that record an installation location within the target area indicated by the received demand signal DS. Then, for each identified record R, the server device 3 executes the process of step SA1 in FIG. 7 or step SB1 in FIG. 9 using the terminal communication information of the identified record R.

[0063] Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operations of the server device 3, the terminal device 4, and the refrigerator 1. The operations of the components shown in Fig. 7 are performed when the server device 3 receives the first demand signal DS1.

[0064] When the first server communication control unit 301 receives the first demand signal DS1 from the power company PC, the third server communication control unit 303 transmits first instruction information to the terminal device 4 (step SA1).

[0065] The first instruction information is information instructing an inquiry as to whether or not to comply with the request indicated by the first demand signal DS1. The first instruction information includes the designated date and designated time period recorded in the first demand signal DS1 received by the first server communication control unit 301.

[0066] Next, the terminal communication control unit 401 receives first instruction information from the server device 3 (step SA2). Next, the display control unit 402 inquires of the user P whether or not to comply with the request indicated by the first demand signal DS1 based on the first instruction information received in step SA2 (step SA3).

[0067] Step SA3 will now be described. In step SA3, the display control unit 402 causes the touch panel 42 to display an image such as that shown in FIG.

[0068] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the display control unit 402 in response to an inquiry. When the display screen of the touch panel 42 is a non-app screen HAG, the display control unit 402 displays the first image G1 in the form of a push notification on the touch panel 42. The non-app screen HAG refers to a screen other than the app screen AG related to the APP 411, such as a home screen.

[0069] The first image G1 includes inquiry information J1 that inquires of the user P about whether or not to comply with a request to reduce power usage during a specified time period. In FIG. 8 , the inquiry information J1 is a string of characters that reads, "Tomorrow, between 12:00 and 15:00, high demand for power is expected. The power company has requested that you reduce power usage. Would you like to comply with the power company's request by pre-cooling your refrigerator before this time period?" The inquiry information J1 indicates the specified date and the specified time period recorded in the first instruction information. In FIG. 8 , "tomorrow" is the specified date, and "12:00 to 15:00" is the specified time period.

[0070] When the first image G1 is touched by the user P, the display control unit 402 transitions the display screen of the touch panel 42 from the non-application screen HAG to the application screen AG displaying the second image G2. Note that when the first instruction information is received, if the display screen of the touch panel 42 is the application screen AG, the display control unit 402 causes the touch panel 42 to display the second image G2 superimposed on the application screen AG without displaying the first image G1.

[0071] The second image G2 includes inquiry information J1. The second image G2 also includes a YES button B1 and a NO button B2. The YES button B1 is a software button for inputting approval to comply with the request from the electric power company PC in response to the inquiry indicated by the inquiry information J1. The NO button B2 is a software button for inputting disapproval of complying with the request from the electric power company PC in response to the inquiry indicated by the inquiry information J1. When the YES button B1 is operated by the user P, the reception unit 403 receives approval to comply with the request from the electric power company PC, and when the NO button B2 is operated by the user P, the reception unit 403 receives disapproval of not complying with the request from the electric power company PC.

[0072] When the NO button B2 is operated and the reception unit 403 receives the non-approval, the display control unit 402 stops displaying the second image G2. On the other hand, when the YES button B1 is operated and the reception unit 403 receives the approval, the display control unit 402 displays the third image G3 on the touch panel 42 instead of the second image G2.

[0073] The third image G3 includes approval acceptance information J2 indicating that approval to comply with the request from the electric power company PC has been accepted.

[0074] 7 , when the accepting unit 403 accepts approval to comply with the request from the power company PC, the terminal communication control unit 401 transmits approval information to the server device 3 (step SA4). The approval information transmitted in step SA4 is accompanied by a user ID. This accompanied user ID is stored in the terminal memory 410.

[0075] Next, third server communication control unit 303 receives approval information from terminal device 4 (step SA5). Then, second server communication control unit 302 sends the first reservation information to refrigerator 1 (step SA6). In step SA6, second server communication control unit 302 identifies record R for the user ID added to the approval information in management DB 312, and sends the first reservation information using the refrigerator communication information of the identified record R.

[0076] The first reservation information is information indicating a reservation for the execution of the first demand-response control, and includes the designated date and designated time period recorded in the first demand signal DS1 received by the first server communication control unit 301.

[0077] When the first reservation information is transmitted from server device 3, refrigerator communication control unit 101 receives the first reservation information from server device 3 (step SA7) and stores the received first reservation information in refrigerator memory 110 (step SA8).

[0078] On the other hand, if the reception unit 403 receives a non-approval indicating that the request from the power company PC is not complied with, the terminal communication control unit 401 transmits non-approval information to the server device 3 (step SA9).

[0079] Next, the third server communication control unit 303 receives non-approval information from the terminal device 4 (step SA10), and ends this process.

[0080] Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operations of the server device 3, the terminal device 4, and the refrigerator 1. The operations of the components shown in Fig. 9 are performed when the server device 3 receives a second demand signal DS2.

[0081] When the first server communication control unit 301 receives the second demand signal DS2 from the power company PC, the third server communication control unit 303 transmits second instruction information to the terminal device 4 (step SB1).

[0082] The second instruction information is information instructing an inquiry as to whether or not to comply with the request indicated by the second demand signal DS2. The second instruction information includes the designated date and designated time period recorded in the second demand signal DS2 received by the first server communication control unit 301.

[0083] Next, the terminal communication control unit 401 receives second instruction information from the server device 3 (step SB2). Next, the display control unit 402 inquires of the user P whether or not to comply with the request indicated by the second demand signal DS2 based on the second instruction information received in step SB2 (step SB3).

[0084] Step SB3 will now be described. In step SB3, the display control unit 402 causes the touch panel 42 to display an image such as that shown in FIG.

[0085] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the display control unit 402 in response to an inquiry. When the display screen of the touch panel 42 is the non-application screen HAG, the display control unit 402 causes the touch panel 42 to display the fourth image G4 in the form of a push notification.

[0086] The fourth image G4 includes inquiry information J3 that inquires of the user P about whether or not to comply with a request to increase power usage during a specified time period. In FIG. 10 , the inquiry information J3 is a string of characters that reads, "Tomorrow, between 12:00 and 15:00, there is expected to be a surplus of power. The power company has requested that you increase your power usage. Would you like to comply with the request from the power company by increasing the power usage of your refrigerator during this time period?" The inquiry information J3 indicates the specified date and the specified time period recorded in the second instruction information. In FIG. 10 , "tomorrow" is the specified date, and "12:00 to 15:00" is the specified time period.

[0087] When the fourth image G4 is touched by the user P, the display control unit 402 transitions the display screen of the touch panel 42 from the non-application screen HAG to the application screen AG displaying the fifth image G5. Note that if the display screen of the touch panel 42 is the application screen AG when the second instruction information is received, the display control unit 402 causes the touch panel 42 to display the fifth image G5 superimposed on the application screen AG without displaying the fourth image G4.

[0088] The fifth image G5 includes inquiry information J3. The fifth image G5 also includes a YES button B3 and a NO button B4. The YES button B3 is a software button for inputting approval to comply with the request from the power company PC in response to the inquiry indicated by the inquiry information J3. The NO button B4 is a software button for inputting disapproval of complying with the request from the power company PC in response to the inquiry indicated by the inquiry information J3. When the YES button B3 is operated by the user P, the reception unit 403 receives approval to comply with the request from the power company PC, and when the NO button B4 is operated by the user P, the reception unit 403 receives disapproval of not complying with the request from the power company PC.

[0089] When the NO button B4 is operated and the reception unit 403 receives the non-approval, the display control unit 402 stops displaying the fifth image G5. On the other hand, when the YES button B3 is operated and the reception unit 403 receives the approval, the display control unit 402 displays the third image G3 on the touch panel 42 instead of the fifth image G5.

[0090] 9 , when the accepting unit 403 accepts approval to comply with the request from the power company PC, the terminal communication control unit 401 transmits approval information to the server device 3 (step SB4). The approval information transmitted in step SB4 is accompanied by a user ID. This accompanied user ID is stored in the terminal memory 410.

[0091] Next, third server communication control unit 303 receives approval information from terminal device 4 (step SB5). Then, second server communication control unit 302 sends second reservation information to refrigerator 1 (step SB6). Second server communication control unit 302 identifies record R of the user ID added to the approval information from management DB 312, and sends the second reservation information using the refrigerator communication information of the identified record R.

[0092] The second reservation information is information indicating a reservation for the execution of the second demand-response control, and includes the designated date and designated time period recorded in the second demand signal DS2 received by the first server communication control unit 301.

[0093] When the second reservation information is transmitted from server device 3, refrigerator communication control unit 101 receives the second reservation information from server device 3 (step SB7) and stores the received second reservation information in refrigerator memory 110 (step SB8).

[0094] On the other hand, if the reception unit 403 receives a non-approval indicating that the request from the power company PC is not complied with, the terminal communication control unit 401 transmits non-approval information to the server device 3 (step SB9).

[0095] Next, the third server communication control unit 303 receives non-approval information from the terminal device 4 (step SB10) and ends this process.

[0096] [1-2-2. Operations Related to Demand Cancellation Signal] Next, operations of each part of the refrigerator control system 1000 related to the demand cancellation signal DCS will be described.

[0097] The demand cancellation signal DCS records the target area as information in addition to the cancellation of the request. When first server communication control unit 301 receives the demand cancellation signal DCS from the electric power company PC, first server communication control unit 301 identifies, from records R stored in management DB 312, records R in which an installation location within the target area indicated by the received demand cancellation signal DCS is recorded. Then, server device 3 performs the following process for each identified record R using the terminal communication information and refrigerator communication information of the identified record R.

[0098] That is, second server communication control unit 302 sends cancellation information indicating that the request from the electric power company PC has been cancelled to refrigerator 1. When refrigerator 1 receives the cancellation information, if it has not yet executed demand-response control, it deletes the first reservation information or the second reservation information stored in refrigerator memory 110 from refrigerator memory 110. On the other hand, when refrigerator 1 receives the cancellation information, if it is executing demand-response control, it ends the execution of demand-response control. This will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0099] The third server communication control unit 303 also transmits the cancellation information to the terminal device 4. Upon receiving the cancellation information, the terminal device 4 stops displaying images related to the demand-response control. The images related to the demand-response control correspond to the first image G1 to the ninth image G9 described below.

[0100] [1-2-3. Operations Related to Demand-Response Control] Next, operations related to demand-response control of the refrigerator 1 will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing operations related to demand-response control of the refrigerator 1.

[0101] The operation control unit 102 determines whether the first reservation information or the second reservation information is stored in the refrigerator memory 110 (step SC1).

[0102] When the operation control unit 102 determines that the first reservation information or the second reservation information is not stored in the refrigerator memory 110 (step SC1: NO), the operation control unit 102 ends this process.

[0103] On the other hand, when operation control unit 102 determines that the first reservation information or the second reservation information is stored in refrigerator memory 110 (step SC1: YES), operation control unit 102 determines whether the first reservation information or the second reservation information is stored in refrigerator memory 110 (step SC2). Note that the determination of whether the first reservation information or the second reservation information is stored may be made based on, for example, the type of reservation information recorded in the header of each piece of reservation information.

[0104] When the operation control unit 102 determines that the first reservation information is stored (step SC2: first reservation information), it determines whether to start the execution of the first demand-response control (step SC3). If the current date is the specified date recorded in the first reservation information and the current time is the time before the start time of the specified time period recorded in the first reservation information by the time required for the pre-cooling operation, a positive determination is made in step SC3.

[0105] If the operation control unit 102 determines not to start the execution of the first demand-response control (step SC3: NO), the operation control unit 102 returns the process to step SC1 and performs the process of step SC1 again.

[0106] On the other hand, when the operation control unit 102 determines to start the execution of the first demand-response control (step SC3: YES), the operation control unit 102 starts the execution of the first demand-response control (step SC4).

[0107] As described above, in the first demand-response control, pre-cooling operation is performed before the designated time period and operation of refrigerator 1 is stopped during the designated time period. When pre-cooling operation is started in the first demand-response control, refrigerator communication control unit 101 transmits first start information indicating that pre-cooling operation has started to server device 3. In addition, when operation of refrigerator 1 is started to be stopped in the first demand-response control, refrigerator communication control unit 101 transmits second start information indicating that operation has been stopped to server device 3. A refrigerator ID is added to the first start information and second start information transmitted to server device 3. The refrigerator ID is stored in refrigerator memory 110.

[0108] The operation control unit 102 determines whether to terminate the first demand-response control (step SC5). In this embodiment, if any of the first, second, third, and fourth termination conditions is met, a positive determination is made in step SC5. The first termination condition is that the current time is outside the designated time period. The second termination condition is that the internal temperature setting of the refrigerator 1 is changed. The third termination condition is that cancellation information is received from the server device 3. The fourth termination condition is that the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold.

[0109] If the current time is outside the specified time slot recorded in the first reservation information, the operation control unit 102 determines that the first termination condition is met and makes a positive determination in step SC5. If the refrigerator processor 100 accepts a change operation to change the refrigerator temperature via an operation panel or the like of the refrigerator 1, the operation control unit 102 determines that the second termination condition is met and makes a positive determination in step SC5. If the refrigerator communication control unit 101 receives release information from the server device 3, the operation control unit 102 determines that the third termination condition is met and makes a positive determination in step SC5. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 181 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the operation control unit 102 determines that the fourth termination condition is met and makes a positive determination in step SC5. In this embodiment, when the temperature detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 181A becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, or when the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 181B becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the operation control unit 102 determines that the fourth termination condition is met and makes a positive determination in step SC5.

[0110] When the operation control unit 102 determines to end the first demand-response control (step SC5: YES), the operation control unit 102 ends the first demand-response control (step SC6).

[0111] Returning to the explanation of step SC2, when the operation control unit 102 determines that the second reservation information is stored (step SC2: second reservation information), it determines whether to start the execution of the second demand-response control (step SC7). If the current date is the designated date recorded in the second reservation information and the current time has reached the start time of the designated time period recorded in the second reservation information, a positive determination is made in step SC7.

[0112] If the operation control unit 102 determines not to start the execution of the second demand-response control (step SC7: NO), the operation control unit 102 returns the process to step SC1 and performs the process of step SC1 again.

[0113] On the other hand, when the operation control unit 102 determines to start the execution of the second demand-response control (step SC7: YES), the operation control unit 102 starts the execution of the second demand-response control (step SC8).

[0114] As described above, the second demand-response control performs a defrosting operation during a designated time period. When the defrosting operation is started under the second demand-response control, refrigerator communication control unit 101 transmits third start information indicating that the defrosting operation has started to server device 3. The third start information transmitted to server device 3 is accompanied by a refrigerator ID.

[0115] The operation control unit 102 determines whether to terminate the second demand-response control (step SC9). In this embodiment, if any of the first, second, third, and fourth termination conditions is satisfied, a positive determination is made in step SC9.

[0116] When the operation control unit 102 determines to end the second demand-response control (step SC9: YES), the operation control unit 102 ends the second demand-response control (step SC10).

[0117] After finishing the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control, the operation control unit 102 starts normal control (step SC11).

[0118] When normal control is started, the operation control unit 102 determines whether the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 has returned to normal (step SC12). In step SC12, the operation control unit 102 makes a positive determination if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 181 has reached a predetermined temperature (for example, the temperature during normal control). In this embodiment, the operation control unit 102 makes a positive determination in step SC12 if the temperature detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 181A has reached the predetermined temperature and the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 181B has also reached the predetermined temperature.

[0119] When the operation control unit 102 determines that the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 is not normal (step SC12: NO), the operation control unit 102 performs the determination of step SC12 again.

[0120] On the other hand, if the operation control unit 102 determines that the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 has returned to normal (step SC12: YES), the terminal communication control unit 401 transmits normal temperature information indicating that the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 is normal to the server device 3 (step SC13). The normal temperature information is accompanied by the refrigerator ID.

[0121] [1-2-4. Operation when first start information is transmitted] As described above, during the first demand-response control, refrigerator 1 transmits first start information to server device 3. Next, the operation of refrigerator control system 1000 when the first start information is transmitted will be described.

[0122] When refrigerator 1 sends the first start information to server device 3, second server communication control unit 302 receives the first start information from refrigerator 1. Next, second server communication control unit 302 identifies record R containing the refrigerator ID added to the first start information in management DB 312. Next, third server communication control unit 303 sends the first start information received by second server communication control unit 302 to terminal device 4 based on the terminal communication information of the identified record R.

[0123] When server device 3 transmits the first start information to terminal device 4, terminal communication control unit 401 receives the first start information from server device 3. Then, display control unit 401 notifies user P that refrigerator 1 is in pre-cooling operation by displaying sixth image G6 on touch panel 42.

[0124] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the sixth image. The sixth image G6 is an image displaying information J4 indicating that the refrigerator 1 is in pre-cooling mode. In Fig. 12, the character string "Pre-cooling in progress" is the information J4.

[0125] [1-2-5. Operation when second start information is transmitted] As described above, during the first demand-response control, refrigerator 1 transmits second start information to server device 3. Next, the operation of refrigerator control system 1000 when the second start information is transmitted will be described.

[0126] When refrigerator 1 sends the second start information to server device 3, second server communication control unit 302 receives the second start information from refrigerator 1. Next, second server communication control unit 302 identifies record R containing the refrigerator ID added to the second start information in management DB 312. Next, third server communication control unit 303 sends the second start information received by second server communication control unit 302 to terminal device 4 based on the terminal communication information of the identified record R.

[0127] When the server device 3 transmits the second start information to the terminal device 4, the terminal communication control unit 401 receives the second start information from the server device 3. Then, the display control unit 402 notifies the user P that the refrigerator 1 has stopped operating by displaying the seventh image G7 on the touch panel 42.

[0128] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the seventh image G7. The seventh image G7 is an image that displays information J5 indicating that the refrigerator 1 is stopped and information J6 indicating precautions to take while the refrigerator 1 is stopped. In FIG. 13, the character string "The refrigerator is stopped" corresponds to the information J5. Also, in FIG. 13, the character string "Please refrain from opening or closing the door" corresponds to the information J6.

[0129] [1-2-6. Operation when third start information is transmitted] As described above, during the second demand-response control, refrigerator 1 transmits third start information to server device 3. Next, the operation of refrigerator control system 1000 when the third start information is transmitted will be described.

[0130] When refrigerator 1 sends the third start information to server device 3, second server communication control unit 302 receives the third start information from refrigerator 1. Next, second server communication control unit 302 identifies record R containing the refrigerator ID added to the third start information in management DB 312. Next, third server communication control unit 303 sends the third start information received by second server communication control unit 302 to terminal device 4 based on the terminal communication information of the identified record R.

[0131] When the server device 3 transmits the third start information to the terminal device 4, the terminal communication control unit 401 receives the third start information from the server device 3. Then, the display control unit 402 notifies the user P that a request to increase power usage is being responded to by displaying an eighth image G8 on the touch panel 42.

[0132] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an eighth image G8. The eighth image G8 is an image displaying information J7 indicating that a request to increase power usage is being responded to. In Fig. 14, the character string "A request to increase power usage is being responded to" corresponds to the information J7. Note that the information J7 indicating that a request to increase power usage is being responded to may also indicate that a defrosting operation is in progress.

[0133] [1-2-7. Operation when normal temperature information is transmitted] As described above, after demand-response control, the refrigerator 1 transmits normal temperature information to the server device 3. Next, we will explain the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 when normal temperature information is transmitted.

[0134] When refrigerator 1 transmits normal temperature information to server device 3, second server communication control unit 302 receives the normal temperature information from refrigerator 1. Next, second server communication control unit 302 identifies record R having the refrigerator ID attached to the normal temperature information from management DB 312. Next, third server communication control unit 303 transmits the normal temperature information received by second server communication control unit 302 to terminal device 4 based on the terminal communication information of the identified record R.

[0135] When the server device 3 transmits the normal temperature information to the terminal device 4, the terminal communication control unit 401 receives the normal temperature information from the server device 3. Then, the display control unit 402 notifies the user P that the temperature of the refrigerator 1 is normal by displaying a ninth image G9 on the touch panel 42.

[0136] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a ninth image G9. The ninth image G9 is an image that displays information J8 indicating that the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 is normal and information J9 indicating that it is OK to start using the refrigerator 1. In Fig. 15, the character string "The internal temperature is normal" corresponds to the information J8. In Fig. 15, the character string "It is OK to start using the refrigerator" corresponds to the information J9.

[0137] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, refrigerator control system 1000 includes first server communication control unit 301 that receives a demand signal DS from the power company PC requesting a reduction or increase in power usage during a designated time period designated by the power company PC, and operation control unit 102 that controls the operation of refrigerator 1. When first server communication control unit 301 receives first demand signal DS1, operation control unit 102 executes first demand-response control to reduce the power usage of refrigerator 1 during the designated time period. When first server communication control unit 301 receives second demand signal DS2, operation control unit 102 executes second demand-response control to increase the power usage of refrigerator 1 during the designated time period.

[0138] This allows the refrigerator 1 to be controlled so as to respond to requests for reducing power consumption and requests for increasing or decreasing power consumption, thereby contributing to improving the balance between power supply and demand.

[0139] When the first server communication control unit 301 receives the first demand signal DS1 and the user P of the refrigerator 1 approves the request indicated by the first demand signal DS1, the operation control unit 102 executes the first demand-response control for the designated time period. When the first server communication control unit 301 receives the second demand signal DS2 and the user P of the refrigerator 1 approves the request, the operation control unit 102 executes the second demand-response control for the designated time period.

[0140] According to this, the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control is executed when the user P of the refrigerator 1 gives approval, so that the operation of the refrigerator 1 in response to a request from the power company PC can be prevented from being an unexpected operation for the user P.

[0141] Refrigerator control system 1000 includes display control unit 402 that inquires whether to comply with the request indicated by demand signal DS every time first server communication control unit 301 receives demand signal DS. If user P of refrigerator 1 approves the inquiry, operation control unit 102 executes first demand-response control or second demand-response control.

[0142] According to this, every time the power company PC requests a reduction or increase in power usage, an inquiry is made as to whether to comply with the request, and if the user P approves the inquiry, the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control is executed. This further prevents the operation of the refrigerator 1 in response to a request from the power company PC from being an unexpected operation for the user P.

[0143] In the first demand-response control, the operation control unit 102 executes a pre-cooling operation to pre-cool the interior of the refrigerator 1 before the designated time period, and stops the operation of the refrigerator 1 during the designated time period.

[0144] According to this, since the interior of the refrigerator 1 is pre-cooled before the designated time period, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 can be maintained for a long period even if the operation of the refrigerator 1 is stopped during the designated time period. This contributes to improving the balance between supply and demand of electricity, and also prevents the deterioration of the freshness of food stored in the refrigerator 1 when responding to a request from the power company PC.

[0145] If the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold during the designated time period, the operation control unit 102 ends the first demand-response control and starts operation of the refrigerator 1 even during the designated time period.

[0146] According to this, if the temperature inside refrigerator 1 exceeds a predetermined threshold during the designated time period, refrigerator 1 starts operating even during the designated time period. This prevents the freshness of food stored in refrigerator 1 from decreasing while responding to a request from the power company PC.

[0147] The operation control unit 102 executes the defrosting operation in the second demand-response control.

[0148] According to this, the defrosting operation is performed during the designated time period, so that the frost that has formed on the cooler 194 can be removed while contributing to an improvement in the balance between power supply and demand.

[0149] If user P performs a change operation to change the internal temperature of refrigerator 1 while the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control is being executed, operation control unit 102 terminates the execution of the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control.

[0150] According to this, when user P performs an operation to change the internal temperature of refrigerator 1, the execution of the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control is terminated, and the operation of refrigerator 1 can be controlled so that the change operation performed by user P is given priority.

[0151] When the first server communication control unit 301 receives a demand cancellation signal DCS from the power company PC, which cancels the request indicated by the demand signal DS, the operation control unit 102 terminates the execution of the first demand response control or the second demand response control.

[0152] This makes it possible to prevent the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control from being executed unnecessarily, thereby contributing to an improvement in the balance between power supply and demand in an appropriate manner.

[0153] Refrigerator 1 communicates with server device 3, which receives demand signals DS from the power company PC requesting a reduction or increase in power usage during a designated time period specified by the power company PC. Refrigerator 1 includes an operation control unit 102 that controls the operation of refrigerator 1. When server device 3 receives a first demand signal DS1, operation control unit 102 executes first demand-response control to reduce the power usage of refrigerator 1 during the designated time period. When server device 3 receives a second demand signal DS2, operation control unit 102 executes second demand-response control to increase the power usage of refrigerator 1 during the designated time period.

[0154] This provides the same effects as those of the refrigerator control system 1000 described above.

[0155] Control program 111 causes refrigerator processor 100 of refrigerator 1 to function as operation control unit 102. When server device 3 receives first demand signal DS1, operation control unit 102 executes first demand-response control to reduce the amount of power used by refrigerator 1 during the designated time period. When server device 3 receives second demand signal DS2, operation control unit 102 executes second demand-response control to increase the amount of power used by refrigerator 1 during the designated time period.

[0156] This provides the same effects as those of the refrigerator control system 1000 described above.

[0157] (Embodiment 2) Next, embodiment 2 will be described. In embodiment 1, refrigerator 1 is a single-evaporator refrigerator. In embodiment 2, refrigerator 1 is a dual-evaporator refrigerator. In embodiment 1, each time a request to reduce or increase power usage is issued from the power company PC, user P is asked whether or not to comply with the request, and if user P approves complying with the request, refrigerator 1 executes demand-response control. In embodiment 2, once user P approves complying with a request to reduce or increase power usage, refrigerator 1 automatically executes demand-response control without being asked whether or not to comply with the request after this approval.

[0158] Regarding the configuration of each part of refrigerator control system 1000 in embodiment 2, detailed descriptions of the configurations similar to the configurations of each part of refrigerator control system 1000 in embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0159] [2-1-1. Refrigerator Configuration] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of refrigerator 1 in embodiment 2. As is clear from comparing Fig. 16 with Fig. 6, cooling unit 19 of refrigerator 1 in embodiment 2 includes first cooler 194A and second cooler 194B instead of cooler 194, and includes first cooling fan 195A and second cooling fan 195B instead of cooling fan 195. First cooler 194A generates cold air to cool refrigerator compartment 11, and second cooler 194B generates cold air to cool storage compartments other than refrigerator compartment 11. First cooling fan 195A is a fan that sends the cold air generated by first cooler 194A to refrigerator compartment 11. Second cooling fan 195B is a fan that sends the cold air generated by second cooler 194B to storage compartments other than refrigerator compartment 11.

[0160] 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of the server device 3 in the second embodiment. As is clear from a comparison of FIG. 17 with FIG. 5, the record R in the second embodiment further includes approval information. The approval information is information indicating whether approval has been given to comply with a request from the electric power company PC.

[0161] 17 with FIG. 5, the server processor 300 of the second embodiment reads and executes the control program 311, thereby further functioning as the update unit 304. The update unit 304 updates the contents of the approval information of the record R.

[0162] [2-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each unit of refrigerator control system 1000 in embodiment 2 will be described. Comparing embodiment 2 with embodiment 1, embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in the operation of each unit of refrigerator control system 1000 when server device 3 receives demand signal DS. Other operations in embodiment 2 are the same as those in embodiment 1.

[0163] In the present embodiment as well, when first server communication control unit 301 receives demand signal DS from electric power company PC, first server communication control unit 301 identifies record R that records an installation location within the target area indicated by the received demand signal DS, from among records R stored in management DB 312. Then, for each identified record R, server device 3 uses the terminal communication information of the identified record R, and in refrigerator control system 1000, the process of step SD1 in FIG. 18 or step SE1 in FIG. 19 is executed for each identified record R.

[0164] Fig. 18 is a sequence diagram showing the operations of the server device 3, the terminal device 4, and the refrigerator 1. The operations of the parts shown in Fig. 18 are performed when the approval information of the identified record R indicates that there is no approval to comply with the request from the electric power company PC.

[0165] When the first server communication control unit 301 receives a demand signal DS from the power company PC, the third server communication control unit 303 transmits first instruction information or second instruction information to the terminal device 4 (step SD1). When the first server communication control unit 301 receives a first demand signal DS1 from the power company PC in step SD1, the third server communication control unit 303 transmits the first instruction information to the terminal device 4. Also, when the first server communication control unit 301 receives a second demand signal DS2 from the power company PC in step SD1, the third server communication control unit 303 transmits the second instruction information to the terminal device 4.

[0166] Next, terminal communication control unit 401 receives first instruction information or second instruction information from server device 3 (step SD2). Next, display control unit 402 inquires of user P whether or not to comply with the request indicated by demand signal DS, based on the first instruction information or second instruction information received in step SD2 (step SD3). In step SD3, if the instruction information received in step SD2 is first instruction information, display control unit 402 makes the same inquiry as in step SA3. Also, in step SD3, if the instruction information received in step SD2 is second instruction information, display control unit 402 makes the same inquiry as in step SB3.

[0167] Returning to the explanation of the sequence diagram of FIG. 18, if the reception unit 403 receives approval to comply with the request from the power company PC, the terminal communication control unit 401 transmits approval information to the server device 3 (step SD4).

[0168] Next, the third server communication control unit 303 receives approval information from the terminal device 4 (step SB5). The approval information sent in step SB5 includes the user ID.

[0169] Next, the update unit 304 identifies the record R of the user ID attached to the approval information from the management DB 312, and updates the approval status information of the identified record R to information indicating that approval has been granted to comply with the request from the electric power company PC (step SD6).

[0170] The second server communication control unit 302 transmits the first reservation information or the second reservation information to the refrigerator 1 (step SD7). In step SD7, if the first server communication control unit 301 receives a first demand signal DS1 from the power company PC, the second server communication control unit 302 transmits the first reservation information to the refrigerator 1. In step SD7, if the first server communication control unit 301 receives a second demand signal DS2 from the power company PC, the second server communication control unit 302 transmits the second reservation information to the refrigerator 1. In step SD7, the second server communication control unit 302 identifies record R of the user ID added to the approval information from management DB 312, and transmits the first reservation information or the second reservation information using the refrigerator communication information of the identified record R.

[0171] When the first reservation information or the second reservation information is transmitted from server device 3, refrigerator communication control unit 101 receives the first reservation information or the second reservation information from server device 3 (step SD8) and stores the received first reservation information or the second reservation information in refrigerator memory 110 (step SD9).

[0172] On the other hand, if the receiving unit 403 receives a denial of approval from the power company PC, ie, a denial of the request, the terminal communication control unit 401 transmits the denial information to the server device 3 (step SD10).

[0173] Next, the third server communication control unit 303 receives non-approval information from the terminal device 4 (step SD11), and ends this process.

[0174] Fig. 19 is a sequence diagram showing the operations of the server device 3, the terminal device 4, and the refrigerator 1. The operations of the parts shown in Fig. 19 are performed when the approval information of the identified record R indicates that approval has been given to comply with the request from the electric power company PC.

[0175] When the first server communication control unit 301 receives a demand signal DS from the power company PC, the second server communication control unit 302 sends the first reservation information or the second reservation information to the refrigerator 1 (step SE1). When the first server communication control unit 301 receives the first demand signal DS1 from the power company PC in step SE1, the second server communication control unit 302 sends the first reservation information to the refrigerator 1. When the first server communication control unit 301 receives the second demand signal DS2 from the power company PC in step SE1, the second server communication control unit 302 sends the second reservation information to the refrigerator 1.

[0176] When the first reservation information or the second reservation information is transmitted from server device 3, refrigerator communication control unit 101 receives the first reservation information or the second reservation information from server device 3 (step SE2), and stores the received first reservation information or the second reservation information in refrigerator memory 110 (step SE3).

[0177] If the approval information of the identified record R indicates that approval has been given to comply with the request from the electric power company PC, the display control unit 402 does not make the inquiry of step SD3, but may display a predetermined image to notify the user P that a request has been received from the electric power company PC. Note that this notification merely informs the user P that a request has been received from the electric power company PC, and does not inquire of the user P as to whether or not to comply with the request from the electric power company PC.

[0178] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, refrigerator control system 1000 includes display control unit 402 that, when first server communication control unit 301 receives demand signal DS, inquires whether to comply with the request indicated by demand signal DS. If user P of refrigerator 1 has not approved the inquiry, display control unit 402 makes the inquiry. If user P of refrigerator 1 has approved the inquiry, operation control unit 102 executes first demand-response control or second demand-response control. If user P of refrigerator 1 has approved the inquiry, display control unit 402 does not make the inquiry even when first server communication control unit 301 receives demand signal DS. Every time first server communication control unit 301 receives a demand signal DS, operation control unit 102 executes first demand-response control or second demand-response control.

[0179] According to this, once approval is given, the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control is executed without any inquiry as to whether to comply with the request. This eliminates the hassle of being asked whether to comply with a request every time the power company PC requests a reduction or increase in power usage. This prevents the operation of refrigerator 1 in response to a request from the power company PC from being an unexpected operation for user P, while also eliminating the hassle of being asked whether to comply with the request.

[0180] (Embodiment 3) Next, embodiment 3 will be described. The refrigerators 1 in embodiments 1 and 2 are configured not to include a cold storage material 197. On the other hand, embodiment 3 includes a cold storage material 197. In embodiment 3, a case where the refrigerator 1 is a single-evaporator type is exemplified, but a dual-evaporator type may also be used.

[0181] Regarding the configuration of each part of refrigerator control system 1000 in embodiment 2, detailed descriptions of the configurations similar to the configurations of each part of refrigerator control system 1000 in embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0182] [3-1. Configuration] [3-1-1. Refrigerator Configuration] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of refrigerator 1 according to the third embodiment. As is apparent from comparing FIG. 20 with FIG. 6 and FIG. 16, cooling unit 19 of refrigerator 1 according to the third embodiment includes cold storage material 197, cooler 194C thermally connected to cold storage material 197, and cooling fan 195C that blows the cold air generated by cooler 194C. Cold storage material 197 is formed of a thin film material made of a metal such as aluminum. Cold storage material 197 is flexible and deformable. Cooler 194C is formed in a serpentine shape and includes a plurality of flat tubes arranged substantially parallel to each other at predetermined intervals and bent portions connecting the ends of the flat tubes. Cold storage material 197 is press-fitted into the gaps between the flat tubes so as to be in close contact with the surfaces of the flat tubes.

[0183] In the present embodiment, in the first demand-response control, the operation control unit 102 may perform a cold-storage operation before the designated time period and a cold-discharge operation during the designated time period. The cold-storage operation is an operation in which the compressor 191 is driven to store cold in the cold storage material 197 while cooling the interior of the refrigerator 1. The cold-discharge operation is an operation in which the cooling fan 195C is driven with the compressor 191 stopped to discharge the cold stored in the cold storage material 197.

[0184] [3-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each unit of the refrigerator control system 1000 in the third embodiment is the same as the operation of each unit of the refrigerator control system 1000 in the first or second embodiment.

[0185] [3-3. Effects, etc.] According to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be achieved.

[0186] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The configuration of each part of refrigerator control system 1000 in the fourth embodiment may be any of the configurations in the first, second, and third embodiments. In the fourth embodiment, the electric power company PC transmits multiple demand signals DS per day.

[0187] Here, an example in which a power company PC transmits multiple demand signals DS in one day will be described with reference to Fig. 21 . Fig. 21 is a diagram for explaining an example in which multiple demand signals DS are transmitted in one day. Fig. 21 shows a chart in which the vertical axis represents power and the horizontal axis represents time. In this chart, graph GF7 schematically shows the electricity demand for the entire society in one winter day, graph GF8 schematically shows the amount of electricity generated by fossil energy in one winter day, and graph GF9 schematically shows the amount of electricity generated by renewable energy (solar power) in the winter.

[0188] As shown in Figure 21, the amount of electricity generated by fossil fuels in winter increases in the morning. This is because the sun may not yet be up in the winter mornings, so lights are turned on when people wake up and start their activities, and the amount of electricity generated by sunlight is low. The reason why the amount of electricity generated by fossil fuels in winter increases in the mornings is because the temperature is low in the winter mornings, so there is a high possibility that heating equipment will be turned on.

[0189] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, the amount of electricity generated by fossil fuels in winter increases in the morning but decreases around noon. This is because the heating load decreases as the temperature rises and because the amount of electricity generated by sunlight is greater than in the morning.

[0190] 21, for the same reason as in summer, the amount of electricity generated by fossil fuels in winter increases from the evening, reaching its peak at night. This increases the amount of electricity generated by fossil fuels, and this increase also leads to an increase in CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions.

[0191] In the case of Fig. 21 , if the electric power company PC requests a reduction in power usage in the morning and after the evening, it can suppress an increase in the amount of power generated by fossil energy in the morning and after the evening. Therefore, when there is a day on which a change in the amount of power generated by fossil energy as shown in Fig. 21 is expected, the electric power company PC transmits two first demand signals DS1 in advance (for example, the day before the expected day) to request a reduction in power usage.

[0192] 21 is merely one example, and the power company PC may request an increase in power usage around noon during off-peak periods and a decrease in power usage after evening. Furthermore, for example, if solar power generation increases, a surplus may occur during the day even in summer, so the power company PC may request an increase in power usage around noon and a decrease in power usage after evening.

[0193] First server communication control unit 301 of the present embodiment receives multiple demand signals DS from the electric power company PC in one day. Then, each unit of refrigerator control system 1000 of the present embodiment executes processing corresponding to the demand signals DS received by first server communication control unit 301, similar to the first, second, and third embodiments described above.

[0194] According to this embodiment, even when the electric power company PC transmits multiple demand signals DS in one day, the refrigerator 1 can be controlled to respond to at least one of a request to reduce the amount of power consumption and a request to increase or decrease the amount of power consumption, thereby contributing to an improvement in the balance between power supply and demand.

[0195] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first, second, third, and fourth embodiments have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can also be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first, second, third, and fourth embodiments to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below as examples.

[0196] In the above-described embodiment, the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control is executed when the user P approves compliance with the request from the electric power company PC. In another embodiment, when the electric power company PC requests a reduction or increase in power usage, the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control is automatically executed unless the user P disapproves the request, and the execution of the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control is canceled only if the user P disapproves.

[0197] In this other embodiment, when server device 3 receives first demand signal DS1, server device 3 transmits third instruction information to terminal device 4. The third instruction information is information instructing terminal device 4 to inquire whether or not to accept the request indicated by first demand signal DS1. When terminal device 4 receives the third instruction information, display control unit 402 displays an image as shown in FIG. 8 and inquires user P whether or not to accept the request from the electric power company PC. When reception unit 403 receives from user P a non-approval of not accepting the request from the electric power company PC, terminal communication control unit 401 transmits a notice to that effect to server device 3. When server device 3 does not receive a notice of non-approval from user P within a predetermined period after transmitting the third instruction information, server device 3 transmits first reservation information as in the above-described embodiment and causes refrigerator 1 to execute first demand-response control. On the other hand, if the server device 3 receives a notification from the user P that non-approval has been accepted within a predetermined period after transmitting the third instruction information, the server device 3 cancels the transmission of the first reservation information and does not cause the refrigerator 1 to execute the first demand-response control.

[0198] In this other embodiment, when server device 3 receives second demand signal DS2, server device 3 transmits fourth instruction information to terminal device 4. The fourth instruction information is information instructing terminal device 4 to inquire whether or not to comply with the request indicated by second demand signal DS2. When terminal device 4 receives the fourth instruction information, display control unit 402 displays an image as shown in FIG. 10 and inquires of user P whether or not to comply with the request from the electric power company PC. When reception unit 403 receives from user P a non-approval of not complying with the request from the electric power company PC, terminal communication control unit 401 transmits a message to that effect to server device 3. When server device 3 does not receive a message from user P indicating that the non-approval has been accepted within a predetermined period after transmitting the fourth instruction information, server device 3 transmits second reservation information as in the above-described embodiment and causes refrigerator 1 to execute second demand-response control. On the other hand, if the server device 3 receives a message from the user P indicating that non-approval has been accepted within a predetermined period after sending the fourth instruction information, the server device 3 cancels sending the second reservation information and does not cause the refrigerator 1 to execute the second demand-response control.

[0199] That is, in the other embodiments described above, the operation control unit 102 executes the first demand-response control during the designated time period when the first server communication control unit 301 receives the first demand signal DS1 and the user P of the refrigerator 1 does not disapprove of the request indicated by the first demand signal DS1, and does not execute the first demand-response control during the designated time period when the first server communication control unit 301 receives the first demand signal DS1 and the user P of the refrigerator 1 does not disapprove. Also, the operation control unit 102 executes the second demand-response control during the designated time period when the first server communication control unit 301 receives the second demand signal DS2 and the user P of the refrigerator 1 does not disapprove. Also, the operation control unit 102 executes the second demand-response control during the designated time period when the first server communication control unit 301 receives the second demand signal DS2 and the user P of the refrigerator 1 does not disapprove. This makes it possible to prevent demand-response control from being executed if the user P does not wish to have demand-response control executed, thereby meeting the user's wishes and contributing to improving the balance between supply and demand of electricity.

[0200] In the above-described embodiment, the YES buttons B1 and B3 and the NO buttons B2 and B4 are displayed in response to an inquiry to the user P. In another embodiment, the YES buttons B1 and B3 may be displayed, while the NO buttons B2 and B4 may not be displayed. In this other embodiment, if the YES buttons B1 and B3 are not operated within a predetermined period after the YES buttons B1 and B3 start to be displayed, the terminal communication control unit 401 transmits non-approval information to the server device 3.

[0201] In the above-described first embodiment, the refrigerator 1 is a single-evaporator refrigerator, but in other embodiments related to the first embodiment, the refrigerator 1 may be a dual-evaporator refrigerator. In the above-described second embodiment, the refrigerator 1 is a dual-evaporator refrigerator, but in other embodiments related to the second embodiment, the refrigerator 1 may be a single-evaporator refrigerator.

[0202] In the above-described first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, the first demand-response control is exemplified as being configured by the pre-cooling operation and the stopping of the operation of the refrigerator 1. In other embodiments, the first demand-response control may be control that reduces the operation rate of the compressor 191 compared to that in normal control, or control that reduces the rotation speed of the compressor 191 compared to that in normal control, during the designated time period.

[0203] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the second demand-response control is the defrosting operation. In other embodiments, the second demand-response control may be the cold-storage operation. The cold-storage operation here refers to an operation in which cold is stored in the food stored in the refrigerator 1, and the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 is lowered below that in normal control.

[0204] In the above-described first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, the inquiry as to whether or not to comply with the request indicated by the demand signal DS is made by displaying information. In other embodiments, the inquiry may be made in a manner other than by displaying information, for example, by voice. In this case, the terminal processor 400 functions as a voice output unit, and the voice output unit makes the inquiry through a speaker provided in the terminal device 4. In this case, the voice output unit corresponds to the "inquiry unit."

[0205] In the above-described first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, the server device 3 receives the demand signal DS from the power company PC. In other embodiments, the terminal device 4 may receive the demand signal DS from the power company PC. In this case, the record R may be stored in the terminal device 4, and the terminal device 4 may exchange various information with the refrigerator 1 via the server device 3. In these other embodiments, the terminal communication control unit 401 corresponds to the "receiving unit."

[0206] The refrigerator processor 100, the server processor 300, and the terminal processor 400 may be configured by a single processor or by multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured by, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0207] The configurations of each part of refrigerator control system 1000 shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, 16, 17, and 20 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each part individually, and it is also possible to configure the system so that one processor executes a program to realize the functions of each part. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiments may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software.

[0208] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 7, 9, 11, 18, and 19 are divided according to the main processing content to make the operations easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The operations may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0209] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0210] (Additional Notes) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0211] (Technology 1) A refrigerator control system includes a receiving unit that receives, from an electric power company, a demand signal requesting a reduction or increase in power usage during a designated time period designated by the electric power company, and an operation control unit that controls operation of a refrigerator, wherein the operation control unit, when receiving the demand signal requesting a reduction in power usage, executes first demand-response control to reduce the power usage of the refrigerator during the designated time period, and when receiving the demand signal requesting an increase in power usage, executes second demand-response control to increase the power usage of the refrigerator during the designated time period. This allows the refrigerator to be controlled so as to respond to requests to reduce power usage and requests to increase or decrease power usage, thereby contributing to an improvement in the balance between power supply and demand.

[0212] (Technology 2) In the refrigerator control system according to Technology 1, when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting a reduction in power usage and the refrigerator user provides approval to comply with the request indicated by the demand signal, the operation control unit executes the first demand-response control during the designated time period, and when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting an increase in power usage and the refrigerator user provides approval, the operation control unit executes the second demand-response control during the designated time period. This allows the refrigerator to prevent an operation in response to a request from a power company from being an unexpected operation for the user because the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control is executed when the refrigerator user provides approval.

[0213] (Technology 3) In the refrigerator control system according to Technology 1, when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting a reduction in power usage and the user of the refrigerator does not disapprove of the request indicated by the demand signal, the operation control unit executes the first demand-response control during the designated time period, when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting a reduction in power usage and the user of the refrigerator does not disapprove, the operation control unit does not execute the first demand-response control, when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting an increase in power usage and the user of the refrigerator does not disapprove, the operation control unit executes the second demand-response control during the designated time period, and when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting an increase in power usage and the user of the refrigerator does not disapprove. This allows the operation control unit to not execute demand-response control when the user does not want to execute demand-response control, thereby contributing to an improvement in the balance between supply and demand of power while meeting the user's wishes.

[0214] (Technology 4) The refrigerator control system according to Technology 2 further includes an inquiry unit that inquires whether or not to comply with a request indicated by the demand signal every time the receiving unit receives the demand signal, and the operation control unit executes the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control when a user of the refrigerator gives the approval in response to the inquiry. According to this, every time a power company requests a reduction or increase in power usage, an inquiry is made as to whether or not to comply with the request, and when the user approves the inquiry, the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control is executed. This makes it possible to further prevent the refrigerator from operating in response to a request from the power company unexpectedly.

[0215] (Technology 5) The refrigerator control system according to Technology 2 further includes an inquiry unit that, when the receiving unit receives the demand signal, inquires whether to comply with a request indicated by the demand signal. If a user of the refrigerator has not given the approval to the inquiry, the inquiry unit makes the inquiry. If the user of the refrigerator has given the approval to the inquiry, the operation control unit executes the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control. If the user of the refrigerator has given the approval to the inquiry, the inquiry unit does not make the inquiry even when the receiving unit receives the demand signal. The operation control unit executes the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control every time the receiving unit receives the demand signal. According to this, once the approval is given, the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control is executed without an inquiry as to whether to comply with the request. This eliminates the hassle of being inquired as to whether to comply with a request every time a power company requests a reduction or increase in power consumption. Therefore, the operation of the refrigerator 1 in response to a request from the electric power company can be prevented from being an unexpected operation for the user, and the user can be relieved from the inconvenience of being asked whether to comply with the request.

[0216] (Technology 6) The refrigerator control system according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 5, wherein the operation control unit, in the first demand-response control, performs a pre-cooling operation to pre-cool the interior of the refrigerator before the designated time period and stops operation of the refrigerator during the designated time period. Since the interior of the refrigerator is pre-cooled before the designated time period, the refrigerator's cooling capacity can be maintained for a long period even when operation of the refrigerator is stopped during the designated time period. This contributes to improving the balance between supply and demand of electricity and prevents deterioration in the freshness of food stored in the refrigerator during a request from an electric power company.

[0217] (Technology 7) In the refrigerator control system according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 5, in the first demand-response control, the operation control unit reduces an operation rate of the compressor of the refrigerator compared to that in normal control of the refrigerator or reduces a rotation speed of the compressor compared to that in normal control of the refrigerator during the designated time period. This can prevent a decrease in the cooling capacity of the refrigerator during the designated time period. This can contribute to improving the balance between supply and demand of electricity and prevent a decrease in the freshness of food stored in the refrigerator when responding to a request from an electric power company.

[0218] (Technology 8) In the refrigerator control system according to Technology 6, when the internal temperature of the refrigerator becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold during the designated time period, the operation control unit terminates the first demand-response control and starts operation of the refrigerator even during the designated time period. According to this, when the internal temperature of the refrigerator becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold during the designated time period, operation of the refrigerator starts even during the designated time period. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the freshness of food stored in the refrigerator decreases while responding to a request from an electric power company.

[0219] (Technology 9) The refrigerator control system according to any one of Technologies 1 to 8, wherein the operation control unit executes a defrosting operation or a cold-storage operation in the second demand-response control. According to this, since the defrosting operation or the cold-storage operation is executed in a designated time period, it is possible to remove frost formed on the cooler or store cold in food while contributing to an improvement in the balance between supply and demand of electricity.

[0220] (Technology 10) The refrigerator control system according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 9, wherein the operation control unit terminates the execution of the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control when a user of the refrigerator performs a change operation to change the inside temperature of the refrigerator while the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control is being executed. According to this, when a user performs an operation to change the inside temperature of the refrigerator, the execution of the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control is terminated, and therefore, the operation of the refrigerator can be controlled so that the change operation performed by the user can be prioritized.

[0221] (Technology 11) The refrigerator control system according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 10, wherein the operation control unit terminates execution of the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control when the receiving unit receives, from the electric power company, a demand cancellation signal canceling the request indicated by the demand signal. This can prevent the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control from being unnecessarily executed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately contribute to improving the balance between supply and demand of electricity.

[0222] (Technology 12) The refrigerator control system according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 11, wherein the receiving unit receives a plurality of demand signals from the electric power company in one day. With this, even when the electric power company transmits a plurality of demand signals in one day, the refrigerator can be controlled to respond to requests related to power usage. This can contribute to improving the balance between supply and demand of power.

[0223] (Technology 13) A refrigerator that communicates with a server device that receives from an electric power company a demand signal requesting a reduction or increase in power usage during a designated time period designated by the electric power company, the refrigerator including an operation control unit that controls operation of the refrigerator, wherein the operation control unit executes first demand-response control to reduce power usage by the refrigerator during the designated time period when the server device receives the demand signal requesting a reduction in power usage, and executes second demand-response control to increase power usage by the refrigerator during the designated time period when the server device receives the demand signal requesting an increase in power usage. This provides the same effects as the refrigerator control system described in Technology 1.

[0224] (Technology 14) A program that causes a processor of a refrigerator that communicates with a server device that receives from an electric power company a demand signal requesting a reduction or increase in power usage during a designated time period designated by the electric power company to function as an operation control unit that controls operation of the refrigerator, wherein the operation control unit executes first demand-response control to reduce power usage by the refrigerator during the designated time period when the server device receives the demand signal requesting a reduction in power usage, and executes second demand-response control to increase power usage by the refrigerator during the designated time period when the server device receives the demand signal requesting an increase in power usage. This provides the same effects as the refrigerator control system described in Technology 1.

[0225] As described above, the refrigerator control system, the refrigerator, and the program according to the present invention can be used to respond to a request from an electric power company to reduce or increase power usage.

[0226] REFRIGERATOR LIST 1 Refrigerator 2 Communication device 3 Server device 4 Terminal device 5 Communication device 10 Main box 11 Refrigerator compartment 11A Door 12 Ice making compartment 12A Drawer 13 Fresh freezing compartment 13A Drawer 14 Freezer compartment 14A Drawer 15 Vegetable compartment 15A Drawer 16 Refrigerator control device 17 Refrigerator communication unit 18 Sensor unit 19 Cooling unit 30 Server control device 31 Server communication unit 40 Terminal control device 41 Terminal communication unit 42 Touch panel 50 Defrosting unit 100 Refrigerator processor (processor) 101 Refrigerator communication control unit 102 Operation control unit 110 Refrigerator memory 111 Control program (program) 181 Temperature sensor 181A Refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 181B Freezer compartment temperature sensor 191 Compressor 192 Condenser 193 Capillary tube 194 Cooler 194A First cooler 194B Second cooler 194C Cooler 195 Cooling fan 195A First cooling fan 195B Second cooling fan 195C Cooling fan 196 Damper 197 Cooling storage material 300 Server processor 301 First server communication control unit 302 Second server communication control unit 303 Third server communication control unit 304 Update unit 310 Server memory 311 Control program 400 Terminal processor 401 Terminal communication control unit 402 Display control unit 403 Reception unit 410 Terminal memory 411 APP 1000 Refrigerator control system DCS Demand release signal DS Demand signal DS1 First demand signal DS2 Second demand signal H Home J1 Inquiry information J2 Approval received information J3 Inquiry information J4 Information J5 Information J6 Information J7 Information J8 Information J9 Information NW Network PC Power company

Claims

1. A refrigerator control system comprising: a receiving unit that receives a demand signal from an electric power company requesting a reduction or increase in power usage during a designated time period designated by the electric power company; and an operation control unit that controls operation of a refrigerator, wherein the operation control unit executes a first demand response control to reduce the amount of power usage of the refrigerator during the designated time period when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting a reduction in power usage, and executes a second demand response control to increase the amount of power usage of the refrigerator during the designated time period when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting an increase in power usage.

2. The refrigerator control system of claim 1, wherein the operation control unit executes the first demand response control during the designated time period when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting a reduction in power usage and the user of the refrigerator provides approval to comply with the request indicated by the demand signal, and executes the second demand response control during the designated time period when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting an increase in power usage and the user of the refrigerator provides approval.

3. The refrigerator control system according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit: executes the first demand response control during the designated time period when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting a reduction in power usage and the user of the refrigerator does not disapprove the request indicated by the demand signal; does not execute the first demand response control during the designated time period when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting a reduction in power usage and the user of the refrigerator does not disapprove; executes the second demand response control during the designated time period when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting an increase in power usage and the user of the refrigerator does not disapprove; and executes the second demand response control during the designated time period when the receiving unit receives the demand signal requesting an increase in power usage and the user of the refrigerator does not disapprove.

4. The refrigerator control system of claim 2, further comprising an inquiry unit that inquires whether or not to comply with the request indicated by the demand signal each time the receiving unit receives the demand signal, and the operation control unit executes the first demand response control or the second demand response control when a user of the refrigerator gives the approval to the inquiry.

5. The refrigerator control system according to claim 4, further comprising an inquiry unit that, when the receiving unit receives the demand signal, inquires whether or not to comply with the request indicated by the demand signal, and if a user of the refrigerator has not given the approval to the inquiry, the inquiry unit makes the inquiry, and if the user of the refrigerator has given the approval to the inquiry, the operation control unit executes the first demand response control or the second demand response control, and if the user of the refrigerator has given the approval to the inquiry, the inquiry unit does not make the inquiry even when the receiving unit receives the demand signal, and the operation control unit executes the first demand response control or the second demand response control every time the receiving unit receives the demand signal.

6. The refrigerator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, in the first demand-response control, the operation control unit performs a pre-cooling operation to pre-cool the interior of the refrigerator before the designated time period, and stops operation of the refrigerator during the designated time period.

7. A refrigerator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the first demand-response control, the operation control unit reduces an operation rate of the compressor of the refrigerator compared to that in normal control of the refrigerator, or reduces a rotation speed of the compressor compared to that in normal control of the refrigerator, during the specified time period.

8. The refrigerator control system of claim 6, wherein the operation control unit terminates the first demand-response control and starts operation of the refrigerator when the internal temperature of the refrigerator during the designated time period becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, even during the designated time period.

9. The refrigerator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operation control unit executes a defrosting operation or a cold storage operation in the second demand-response control.

10. The refrigerator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operation control unit terminates execution of the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control when a user of the refrigerator performs a change operation to change the internal temperature of the refrigerator while the first demand-response control or the second demand-response control is being executed.

11. A refrigerator control system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operation control unit terminates execution of the first demand response control or the second demand response control when the receiving unit receives a demand cancellation signal from the electric power company, the demand cancellation signal canceling the request indicated by the demand signal.

12. The refrigerator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the receiving unit receives a plurality of the demand signals from the power company in one day.

13. A refrigerator that communicates with a server device that receives a demand signal from an electric power company requesting a reduction or increase in power usage during a designated time period designated by the electric power company, and includes an operation control unit that controls operation of the refrigerator, wherein the operation control unit executes a first demand response control to reduce the amount of power usage by the refrigerator during the designated time period when the server device receives the demand signal requesting a reduction in power usage, and executes a second demand response control to increase the amount of power usage by the refrigerator during the designated time period when the server device receives the demand signal requesting an increase in power usage.

14. A program that causes a processor of a refrigerator that communicates with a server device that receives a demand signal from an electric power company requesting a reduction or increase in power usage during a designated time period designated by the electric power company to function as an operation control unit that controls the operation of the refrigerator, wherein the operation control unit executes a first demand response control that reduces the amount of power usage of the refrigerator during the designated time period when the server device receives the demand signal requesting a reduction in power usage, and executes a second demand response control that increases the amount of power usage of the refrigerator during the designated time period when the server device receives the demand signal requesting an increase in power usage.