Control device and control method

Abstract

In schemes involving causing a water heater to execute, in a DR control time period, a boil-up operation scheduled in a time period different from the DR control time period, it is possible that the amount of electric power requested by a DR-increase request might not be sufficiently consumed in the DR control time period. A control device controls a heat-pump-type water heater. A control unit of the control device receives a DR-increase request for increasing the amount of electric power consumed in a building during a DR control time period. The control unit creates a first schedule for responding to the DR increase request. The first schedule includes executing a first event of consuming hot water within a hot water storage tank, which is predicted to be executed after the DR control time period, by the end time of the DR control time period, and causing the water heater to execute the boil-up operation in the DR control time period. Alternatively, the first schedule includes increasing the amount of hot water stored and causing the water heater to execute the boil-up operation in the DR control time period.

Description

Control device and control method

[0001] This relates to a control device and a control method.

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-170925), it is known that demand response requests (hereinafter sometimes referred to as DR requests) can be received from aggregators, specifically as "upgrade DR requests," which increase the amount of electricity consumed in a building during the DR control period compared to when no request is received. To respond to an upgrade DR request, for example, it is conceivable to have the hot water supply system perform a boiling operation that was scheduled for a time period other than the DR control period during the DR control period.

[0003] However, if the hot water heating operation, which was scheduled for a time period other than the DR control period, is performed by the hot water supply system during the DR control period, there is a possibility that the amount of electricity requested by the increased DR request will not be sufficiently consumed during the DR control period. If the amount of electricity requested by the increased DR request cannot be sufficiently consumed during the DR control period, the benefits of the increased DR request cannot be fully enjoyed. Furthermore, since the increased DR request is an environmentally beneficial activity that effectively consumes the energy generated to address the excess generation of renewable energy rather than wasting it, if the amount of electricity requested by the increased DR request cannot be sufficiently consumed during the DR control period, it will not be able to fully contribute to the environment.

[0004] The control device from the first perspective controls a heat pump type water supply device. The water supply device is provided in a building. The water supply device has a tank. The control device includes a control unit. The control unit receives a first request from an aggregator as a demand response request. The first request is a request to increase the amount of power consumed in the building during a first time period compared to when the request has not been received. The control unit creates a first schedule for responding to the first request. The first schedule includes executing a first event by the end of the first time period to cause the water supply device to perform a boiling operation during the first time period. The first event is an event that is predicted to be executed after the first time period. The first event is an event that consumes the hot water in the tank. Or the first schedule includes increasing the amount of stored hot water compared to when the request has not been received and causing the water supply device to perform a boiling operation during the first time period.

[0005] In the control device from the first perspective, the first schedule includes executing a first event that consumes the hot water in the tank, which is predicted to be executed after the first time period, by the end of the first time period to cause the water supply device to perform a boiling operation during the first time period. Or the first schedule includes increasing the amount of stored hot water compared to when the request has not been received and causing the water supply device to perform a boiling operation during the first time period. As a result, the control device can sufficiently consume the amount of power requested by the first request during the first time period.

[0006] The control device from the second perspective is the control device from the first perspective, and the control unit determines whether a judgment by the user is necessary to create the first schedule based on whether the user device is used or the amount of power requested by the first request.

[0007] With such a configuration, the control device from the second perspective can create the first schedule after obtaining the user's consent.

[0008] The control device from the third perspective is the control device from the second perspective. When the control unit determines that a judgment by the user is necessary, the control unit outputs one or more candidates for the first schedule to the output unit. The control unit creates the first schedule based on a specific candidate selected using the input unit.

[0009] The control device from the fourth perspective is the control device from the second perspective, and when the control unit determines that a user decision is required, it outputs information to the output unit asking whether or not to accept the first request.

[0010] The control device of the fifth perspective is the control device of the second perspective, and when the control unit determines that user judgment is not required, it creates a first schedule using a specific candidate selected from one or more candidates of the first schedule based on predetermined conditions.

[0011] The control device of the sixth perspective is one of the control devices of the first perspective to the fifth perspective, and the control unit causes the hot water supply device to heat up an amount of water greater than or equal to the amount of water consumed by executing the first event by performing a heating operation.

[0012] The control device of the seventh perspective is one of the control devices of the first to sixth perspectives, and the control unit cancels the boiling operation of the hot water supply system that was scheduled outside of the first time period.

[0013] The control device of the eighth perspective is a control device of either the first or seventh perspective, and the control unit outputs a notification to the output unit requesting the preparation of user equipment before executing the first event if preparation of user equipment is required to execute the first event.

[0014] The control device of the ninth perspective is a control device of either the first perspective or the eighth perspective, and the control unit cancels the execution of the first event if the user equipment for executing the first event is not ready before executing the first event.

[0015] The control device of the tenth perspective is one of the control devices of the first to ninth perspectives, and the control unit selects from among multiple candidates for the first schedule, prioritizing candidates that do not utilize user equipment. The control unit creates the first schedule based on the selected candidate.

[0016] The control device of the 11th viewpoint is one of the control devices of the 1st viewpoint to the 9th viewpoint, and the control unit selects from among multiple candidates for the first schedule the candidate with the highest power consumption of the hot water heater. The control unit creates the first schedule based on the selected candidate.

[0017] The control device of the twelfth perspective is one of the control devices of the first perspective to the ninth perspective, and the control unit selects the candidate with the lowest cost from among several candidates for the first schedule. The control unit creates the first schedule based on the selected candidate.

[0018] The control method for the 13th aspect is performed by a computer. The control method controls a heat pump type hot water supply system. The hot water supply system is installed in a building. The hot water supply system has a tank. The computer includes a control unit. The control unit receives a first request from the aggregator as a demand response request. The first request is a request to increase the amount of electricity consumed in the building during the first time period compared to when no request has been received. The control unit creates a first schedule to respond to the first request. The first schedule includes executing a first event by the end of the first time period to cause the hot water supply system to perform a heating operation during the first time period. The first event is an event that is expected to occur after the first time period. The first event is an event that consumes the hot water in the tank. Alternatively, the first schedule includes increasing the amount of hot water stored compared to when no request has been received to cause the hot water supply system to perform a heating operation during the first time period.

[0019] In the control method of the 13th perspective, the first schedule includes executing a first event that consumes hot water in the tank, which is expected to occur after the first time period, by the end of the first time period, thereby causing the hot water supply system to perform a boiling operation during the first time period. Alternatively, the first schedule includes increasing the amount of hot water stored compared to when no request has been received, thereby causing the hot water supply system to perform a boiling operation during the first time period. As a result, the control method can sufficiently consume the amount of electricity requested by the first request during the first time period.

[0020] This is a schematic diagram of the hot water supply system and control device. This is a functional block diagram of the hot water supply system. This is a functional block diagram of the control device. This is a diagram showing an example of the display unit. This is a flowchart explaining the processing of the control device. This is a flowchart explaining the processing of the control device.

[0021] (1) The overall configuration control device 200 controls the heat pump type hot water supply system 100 installed in the building 98 in response to a demand response request (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a DR request).

[0022] Demand response is the process by which users (consumers) who receive electricity from the commercial power grid adjust their electricity consumption in the commercial power grid in response to requests from aggregators 90 that balance the supply and demand of electricity between users and general transmission and distribution companies or retail electricity companies. General transmission and distribution companies and retail electricity companies pay users a fee for demand response in proportion to the amount of electricity consumption in the commercial power grid that is adjusted.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the hot water supply system 100 and the control device 200. The aggregator 90 and the control device 200 are connected via a network NW1 such as the Internet. The control device 200 and the hot water supply system 100 are connected via a network NW2 such as a LAN.

[0024] The control device 200 receives a DR request from the aggregator 90 via the network NW1. The control device 200 controls the hot water supply device 100 in response to the received DR request. The control device 200 may also notify the user of the received DR request by transmitting it to a mobile information terminal 91 such as a smartphone or tablet owned by the user via the network NW2.

[0025] (2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Hot Water Supply System The hot water supply system 100 mainly comprises a heat pump unit 110, a hot water storage unit 120, a remote controller 130, and a control unit 190. The hot water storage unit 120 is connected to a hot water supply section, a bathtub, a heating device, the heat pump unit 110, and a shut-off valve 160.

[0026] The heat pump unit 110 heats the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit 120 and supplies the heated hot water to the hot water storage unit 120. The hot water storage unit 120 stores the heated hot water supplied from the heat pump unit 110, mixes the stored hot water with the water supplied from the shut-off valve 160, and supplies it to the hot water supply unit and the bathtub. The hot water storage unit 120 also stores the heated hot water supplied from the heat pump unit 110 and supplies the stored hot water to the heating device 170. The hot water supply unit is, for example, a faucet and a shower. The hot water supply unit may also be connected to a dishwasher or a washing machine. The heating device 170 is, for example, a floor heating device and a panel heater. The shut-off valve 160 is connected to an external water source such as a water supply. The shut-off valve 160 is operated to supply water to the hot water storage unit 120.

[0027] Here, "hot water" refers to at least one of hot water and cold water. Therefore, both the water before it is heated by the heat pump unit 110 and the water after it has been heated by the heat pump unit 110 are referred to as "hot water."

[0028] (2-1-1) Heat Pump Unit The heat pump unit 110 mainly comprises a compressor 11, a water heat exchanger, an expansion valve 13, and an air heat exchanger. The compressor 11, water heat exchanger, expansion valve 13, and air heat exchanger are connected in a ring by refrigerant piping to constitute a heat pump cycle. The discharge side of the compressor 11 is connected to the water heat exchanger, and the suction side of the compressor 11 is connected to the air heat exchanger. One end of the expansion valve 13 is connected to the water heat exchanger, and the other end of the expansion valve 13 is connected to the air heat exchanger. The heat pump unit 110 also has a first control device 10.

[0029] The compressor 11 has a compression mechanism that compresses the refrigerant by driving the motor 11a. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 is sent to the water heat exchanger. The capacity of the heat pump unit 110 can be adjusted by controlling the operating frequency of the motor 11a.

[0030] The water heat exchanger heats the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit 120 by exchanging heat between the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 and the hot water. The water heat exchanger is, for example, a double-tube heat exchanger consisting of an outer tube and an inner tube inserted inside the outer tube. The water heat exchanger may also be a plate-type heat exchanger or the like. The capacity of the heat pump unit 110 is, for example, the amount of heat that the water heat exchanger transfers to the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit 120 per unit time.

[0031] The expansion valve 13 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has passed through the water heat exchanger and undergone heat exchange. The expansion valve 13 is, for example, an electrically operated expansion valve. The expansion valve 13 may also be a capillary tube or the like.

[0032] The air heat exchanger heats the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant, which has been depressurized after passing through the expansion valve 13, and the outside air. Outside air is supplied to the air heat exchanger, for example, by an outside air fan. The refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange after passing through the air heat exchanger is sent to the compressor 11.

[0033] (2-1-2) Hot water storage unit The hot water storage unit 120 mainly comprises a hot water storage tank (tank), a drain valve 22, an inlet valve 23, a boiling pump 24, a reheating pump 34, and a reheating heat exchanger. The hot water storage unit 120 also has a second control device 20.

[0034] The hot water storage tank stores hot water. Multiple tank temperature sensors T are installed in the hot water storage tank near the top surface of the tank and on the sides of the tank at intervals from top to bottom. As the density of water changes with temperature, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank forms layers where the top is hotter and the bottom is colder. Therefore, the temperature distribution of the hot water in the hot water storage tank in the vertical direction is detected based on the output signals of each of the multiple tank temperature sensors T. Here, the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is the amount of heat that can be supplied as hot water at the user-set temperature, such as the hot water supply temperature. In other words, the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is the amount of hot water that can be supplied as hot water at the user-set temperature. The amount of hot water that can be supplied as hot water at the user-set temperature is the amount of hot water from the top surface of the hot water storage tank to the position of a specific tank temperature sensor T for detecting hot water at the user-set temperature.

[0035] The drain valve 22 is operated, for example, to discharge the hot water in the hot water storage tank to the outside.

[0036] (2-1-3) Remote Controller The remote controller 130 is a user interface for controlling the hot water heater 100. The remote controller 130 is installed, for example, in the kitchen and bathroom. The remote controller 130 is connected to the first control device 10 and the second control device 20 so as to be able to communicate data bidirectionally by wireless or wired communication. Signals for instructing the operation of the hot water heater 100 are input to the first control device 10 and the second control device 20 from the remote controller 130 by wireless or wired communication. In addition to the remote controller 130, a portable information terminal 91 may be used as a user interface for the hot water heater 100.

[0037] The remote controller 130 has a display unit 130a and an operation unit 130b. The display unit 130a is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0038] The display unit 130a displays information regarding the status of the hot water supply system 100, and information regarding the settings of the hot water supply system 100. For example, the display unit 130a displays user-set temperatures such as the temperature of the hot water supplied to the hot water supply unit and the bathtub (hot water supply temperature), the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank, and one or more candidates for the first schedule D2, which will be described later.

[0039] The control unit 130b includes buttons, dials, keys, etc., for the user to operate the hot water heater 100. The user of the hot water heater 100 operates the control unit 130b to input information such as the hot water temperature setting. The display unit 130a may be a touchscreen that also functions as the control unit 130b.

[0040] (2-1-4) Control Unit The control unit 190 mainly consists of a first control unit 10 for the heat pump unit 110 and a second control unit 20 for the hot water storage unit 120. The first control unit 10 and the second control unit 20 typically consist of a microcomputer equipped with a control calculation unit and a memory device, and input / output circuits. The control calculation unit is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The control calculation unit reads a control program stored in the memory device and controls the operation of the hot water supply device 100 according to the control program. The control calculation unit can write calculation results to the memory device or read information stored in the memory device according to the control program.

[0041] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the hot water supply system 100. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 190 controls the compressor 11, expansion valve 13, drain valve 22, inlet valve 23, boiling pump 24, reheating pump 34, and shut-off valve 160, etc., based on signals from each of the multiple tank temperature sensors T. The control unit 190 is also connected to the control device 200 in a communication manner.

[0042] The control unit 190 periodically acquires, as operation data D1, the measured values of each of the plurality of tank temperature sensors T, the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11, the opening degree of the expansion valve 13, the state of the drain valve 22, the state of the water inlet valve 23, the rotation speed of the boiling pump 24, the rotation speed of the afterburning pump 34, the state of the stop valve 160, etc. The control unit 190 periodically transmits the acquired operation data D1 to the control device 200.

[0043] The control unit 190 mainly executes a boiling operation, a hot water supply operation, a hot water filling operation, an afterburning operation, and a heating operation.

[0044] (2-1-4-1) Boiling operation The boiling operation is an operation in which the water in the hot water storage tank is heated by the heat pump unit 110. In the boiling operation, by driving the boiling pump 24, the water in the hot water storage tank is guided to the water heat exchanger and heated. The water heated in the water heat exchanger is returned to the hot water storage tank. Thus, in the boiling operation, the water in the hot water storage tank is circulated while being heated in the water heat exchanger.

[0045] The control unit 190 performs the boiling operation by controlling the compressor 11, the expansion valve 13, the water inlet valve 23, the boiling pump 24, and the stop valve 160. The control unit 190 operates the stop valve 160 as necessary to supply water to the hot water storage tank. The control unit 190 controls the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11 and the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 to adjust the capacity of the heat pump unit 110 and the temperature of the water heated in the water heat exchanger (hot water outlet temperature), etc. The control unit 190 controls the rotation speed of the boiling pump 24 to adjust the hot water outlet temperature, the hot water storage amount of the hot water storage tank, and the flow rate of the water supplied to the hot water storage tank (storage flow rate), etc.

[0046] Here, increasing the hot water storage amount and executing the boiling-up operation means, for example, changing a specific tank temperature sensor T for detecting hot water at the user-set temperature to a lower tank temperature sensor T and executing the boiling-up operation. By changing the specific tank temperature sensor T for detecting hot water at the user-set temperature to a lower tank temperature sensor T and executing the boiling-up operation, the control unit 190 can increase the amount of hot water (hot water storage amount) that can be supplied as hot water at the user-set temperature in the hot water storage tank.

[0047] Also, increasing the hot water storage amount and executing the boiling-up operation means, for example, raising the set temperature of the hot water storage tank and executing the boiling-up operation. By raising the set temperature of the hot water storage tank and executing the boiling-up operation, the control unit 190 can increase the amount of heat (hot water storage amount) that can be supplied as hot water at the user-set temperature in the hot water storage tank.

[0048] The control unit 190 may acquire the hot water discharge temperature, the hot water storage amount, and the storage flow rate based on, for example, the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11, the opening degree of the expansion valve 13, the rotation speed of the boiling-up pump 24, and the output signals of the plurality of tank temperature sensors T.

[0049] The control unit 190 may execute the boiling-up operation by receiving a start signal for the boiling-up operation including predetermined target values of the hot water discharge temperature, the hot water storage amount, and the storage flow rate from the control device 200.

[0050] (2-1-4-2) Hot water supply operation The hot water supply operation is an operation of discharging the hot water in the hot water storage tank from the hot water supply unit. In the hot water supply operation, when the hot water supply unit is a faucet, by opening the faucet plug, water from the outside is supplied into the hot water storage tank from the lower part of the hot water storage tank by the water supply pressure. As a result, the high-temperature hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is pushed out from the upper part of the hot water storage tank.

[0051] Then, the high-temperature hot water from the hot water storage tank is mixed with the water from the outside. The mixed hot water is discharged from the hot water supply unit.

[0052] When the hot water supply unit is opened by the user, the control unit 190 executes a hot water supply operation. During the hot water supply operation, the control unit 190 controls the mixing ratio of high-temperature hot water from the hot water storage tank and water from the outside, according to the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water supply unit.

[0053] If the hot water supply unit is connected to a dishwasher or washing machine, the control unit 190 may perform hot water supply operation in conjunction with the operation of the dishwasher or washing machine by receiving a hot water supply start signal from the control device 200.

[0054] (2-1-4-3) Bathtub filling operation Bathtub filling operation is the operation of supplying hot water from the hot water storage tank into the bathtub. During bathtub filling operation, water from the outside is supplied into the hot water storage tank from the bottom due to the water supply pressure. As a result, the high-temperature hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is pushed out from the top of the hot water storage tank.

[0055] Then, hot water from the storage tank is mixed with water from an external source. The mixed water is then supplied to the bathtub.

[0056] When the control unit 190 receives a signal to start the bath filling operation via the user's operation of the remote controller 130, it executes the bath filling operation. During the bath filling operation, the control unit 190 controls the mixing ratio of high-temperature hot water from the hot water storage tank and water from the outside, according to the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub.

[0057] The control unit 190 may perform a boiling operation upon receiving a signal from the control device 200 to start the hot water filling operation.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 190 may terminate the bath filling operation if it receives a termination signal from the user via the remote controller 130 during the bath filling operation, or if the water level in the bathtub detected by a water level sensor (not shown) installed in the bathtub reaches a predetermined target value.

[0059] The system is designed to assume that the user will close the bathtub drain plug when the bath filling operation starts. However, the control unit 190 may also close the bathtub drain plug when the bath filling operation starts. In this case, the bathtub drain plug may be, for example, an electrically operated plug.

[0060] (2-1-4-4) Reheating Operation Reheating operation is an operation in which the water in the bathtub is heated in a reheating heat exchanger and returned to the bathtub. In reheating operation, by driving the reheating pump 34, a portion of the water in the bathtub is guided to the reheating heat exchanger and heated. The water heated in the reheating heat exchanger is returned to the bathtub. In this way, in reheating operation, the water in the bathtub is heated in the reheating heat exchanger while being circulated.

[0061] The reheating heat exchanger performs heat exchange between the high-temperature water supplied from the hot water storage tank and the low-temperature water supplied from the bathtub. In this way, the reheating heat exchanger heats the water supplied from the bathtub. The reheating heat exchanger may be, for example, a counter-flow type heat exchanger in which the high-temperature water and the low-temperature water flow in opposite directions to perform heat exchange.

[0062] When the control unit 190 receives a signal to start the reheating operation via the operation of the remote controller 130 by the user, it drives the boiling pump 24 and the reheating pump 34 to perform the reheating operation. During the reheating operation, the control unit 190 controls the rotation speed of the boiling pump 24 and the reheating pump 34 according to the temperature of the water in the bathtub and the temperature of the water returned to the bathtub from the reheating heat exchanger.

[0063] The control unit 190 may perform a reheating operation upon receiving a reheating operation start signal from the control device 200.

[0064] Furthermore, the control unit 190 may terminate the reheating operation by stopping the reheating pump 34 when it receives a signal to terminate the reheating operation via the remote controller 130 operated by the user, or when the temperature of the bathwater reaches a predetermined target value.

[0065] (2-1-4-5) Heating Operation Heating operation is the operation in which the heating heat exchanger in the heating system is heated by high-temperature hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank. In other words, during heating operation, the hot water in the hot water storage tank is circulated and heated in the heating heat exchanger. If the heating system is a floor heating system, the heated heating heat exchanger heats the floor. If the heating system is a panel heater, the heated heating heat exchanger heats the panels.

[0066] When the control unit 190 receives a heating operation start signal via the user's operation of the remote controller 130, it drives the boiling pump 24 to perform heating operation. During heating operation, the control unit 190 controls the rotation speed of the boiling pump 24.

[0067] The control unit 190 may perform heating operation upon receiving a heating operation start signal from the control device 200.

[0068] (2-2) Control device The control device 200 is a computer installed in the building 98. The control device 200 is, for example, a controller for a HEMS (Home Energy Management System). Figure 3 is a control block diagram of the control device 200. As shown in Figure 3, the control device 200 mainly includes a storage unit 41, an input unit 42, a display unit 43, a communication unit 44, and a control unit 49.

[0069] The memory unit 41 is a storage device such as RAM, ROM, and HDD. The memory unit 41 stores programs executed by the control unit 49 and data necessary for program execution. The input unit 42 is an input interface such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel. Various commands and information can be input to the control device 200 using the input unit 42. The display unit 43 is an output interface such as a monitor and touch panel. The display unit 43 can display various data stored in the memory unit 41. The communication unit 44 is a network interface device for communicating with the aggregator 90, the hot water supply device 100, etc., via networks NW1 and NW2.

[0070] (2-2-1) Control Unit The control unit 49 is a processor such as a CPU and GPU. The control unit 49 reads and executes programs stored in the memory unit 41 and realizes various functions of the control device 200. The control unit 49 can also write calculation results to the memory unit 41 and read information stored in the memory unit 41 according to the program.

[0071] For example, the control unit 49 causes the hot water supply unit 100 to perform various operations by transmitting start signals for boiling operation, hot water supply operation, bath filling operation, reheating operation, and heating operation to the hot water supply unit 100.

[0072] For example, if there is a schedule for performing various operations of the hot water heater 100, the control unit 49 will cause the hot water heater 100 to perform the various operations according to that schedule.

[0073] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 49 has, as functional blocks, an acquisition unit 491, a calculation unit 492, a creation unit 493, a DR determination unit 494, and a DR execution unit 495.

[0074] (2-2-1-1) Acquisition Unit The acquisition unit 491 receives a DR request from the aggregator 90 via the network NW1. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 491 receives an increase DR request (first request) from the aggregator 90 as a DR request. An increase DR request is a request to increase the amount of electricity consumed in the building 98 during the DR control time period (first time period) compared to when no request is received. In this embodiment, the DR control time period is assumed to be from 11:00 to 16:00.

[0075] The acquisition unit 491 periodically acquires operation data D1 from the hot water heater 100 via the network NW2. The acquisition unit 491 stores the acquired operation data D1 in the storage unit 41.

[0076] (2-2-1-2) Calculation Unit The calculation unit 492 calculates the power consumption when the hot water supply system 100 performs various operations under various conditions during the DR control period, based on the operation data D1. For example, the calculation unit 492 calculates the power consumption when a boiling operation is performed during the DR control period, where the hot water outlet temperature, hot water storage volume, and storage flow rate are set to predetermined target values.

[0077] The calculation unit 492 calculates the power consumption when the hot water supply system 100 performs various operations under various conditions during the DR control time period, based on, for example, the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11, the rotational speed of the boiling pump 24, and the rotational speed of the reheating pump 34, which are included in the operation data D1.

[0078] (2-2-1-3) Creation Unit The creation unit 493 creates a first schedule D2 to respond to the DR request, based on the power consumption when the hot water supply device 100 performs various operations according to various conditions during the DR control time period, and the amount of power requested by the DR request.

[0079] The first schedule D2 includes executing the first event by the end of the DR control time period, and then causing the hot water supply device 100 to perform a boiling operation during the DR control time period.

[0080] The first event is an event that consumes hot water in the hot water storage tank, which is expected to occur after the DR control time period. Events expected to occur after the DR control time period include, for example, events that are scheduled to occur after the DR control time period, and events that are expected to occur after the DR control time period based on the operation data D1. Events that consume hot water in the hot water storage tank include events that circulate the water in the hot water storage tank. Events that consume hot water in the hot water storage tank include, for example, hot water supply operation, bath filling operation, reheating operation, and heating operation. An event that consumes hot water in the hot water storage tank may also be, for example, an event that operates the drain valve 22 to discharge the hot water in the hot water storage tank to the outside.

[0081] The control unit 49, for example, causes the hot water supply unit 100 to heat up an amount of water greater than or equal to the amount of water consumed by executing the first event, by having it perform a heating operation.

[0082] Alternatively, the first schedule D2 includes increasing the amount of hot water stored compared to when no DR request has been received, and causing the hot water supply unit 100 to perform a boiling operation during the DR control time period. The amount of hot water stored when no DR request has been received is predicted, for example, based on the operation data D1. The amount of hot water stored when no DR request has been received is set, for example, by the user operating the remote controller 130 or the input unit 42.

[0083] First, the creation unit 493 creates one or more candidates for the first schedule D2. One candidate for the first schedule D2 is to increase the amount of hot water stored for one hour from 14:00 compared to when no DR request for raising the water level is received, and have the hot water supply unit 100 perform a boiling operation. Another candidate for the first schedule D2 is to have the hot water supply unit 100 perform a hot water filling operation from 15:00, and then have the hot water supply unit 100 perform a boiling operation until 16:00. Another candidate for the first schedule D2 is to have the hot water supply unit 100 perform a hot water filling operation from 14:00, perform a hot water supply operation from 15:00 in conjunction with the operation of the dishwasher, and then have the hot water supply unit 100 perform a boiling operation until 16:00. Another candidate for the first schedule D2 is to have the hot water supply unit 100 perform a hot water filling operation from 14:00, and then have the hot water supply unit 100 perform a boiling operation until 15:00, with an increased amount of hot water stored compared to when no DR request for raising the water level is received.

[0084] Next, the creation unit 493 determines whether or not user equipment is used and whether or not user equipment is required to create the first schedule D2. User equipment includes, for example, dishwashers, washing machines, bathtubs, and heating devices (floor heating devices, panel heaters). In this embodiment, the creation unit 493 determines that user equipment is required to create the first schedule D2 if one or more of the created first schedule D2 candidates include a candidate that uses user equipment. A candidate that uses user equipment is, for example, a candidate that causes the hot water supply device 100 to perform a bath filling operation from 15:00 and then causes the hot water supply device 100 to perform a heating operation until 16:00.

[0085] If the creation unit 493 determines that a user decision is required, it displays (outputs) information on the display unit 130a (output unit) asking whether to accept or reject the request for increased DR, and one or more candidates for the created first schedule D2. Figure 4 shows an example of the display on the display unit 130a. In Figure 4, the information asking whether to accept or reject the request for increased DR is displayed as "Accept the request for increased DR" and "Do not accept the request for increased DR". Also in Figure 4, the four candidates for the created first schedule D2 are displayed as follows: "Increase the amount of hot water stored and perform boiling operation for 1 hour from 14:00 4 points", "From 15:00, perform hot water filling operation 3 points", "From 15:00, perform hot water filling operation and dishwasher operation 6 points", and "Automatic 5 points". As the candidate for "Automatic 5 points", the creation unit 493 may, for example, prioritize selecting a candidate that does not use user equipment from among multiple candidates for the first schedule D2. As a candidate for "Leave it to us, 5 points," the creation unit 493 may, for example, prioritize selecting a candidate with high power consumption of the water heater 100 from among multiple candidates in the first schedule D2. As a candidate for "Leave it to us, 5 points," the creation unit 493 may, for example, prioritize selecting a candidate with low charges, including electricity and water charges, from among multiple candidates in the first schedule D2. The number of points shown in Figure 4 corresponds to the reward, which is the compensation for demand response.

[0086] The creation unit 493 creates the first schedule D2 using a specific candidate selected by the user via the operation unit 130b (input unit).

[0087] For example, in Figure 4, if the option "Increase hot water storage volume and perform boiling operation for 1 hour from 14:00 (4 points)" is selected, the creation unit 493 will create a first schedule D2 that will cause the hot water supply unit 100 to perform boiling operation for 1 hour from 14:00, with an increased amount of hot water storage volume compared to when no DR request has been received. For example, in Figure 4, if the option "Fill bathtub from 15:00 (3 points)" is selected, the creation unit 493 will create a first schedule D2 that will cause the hot water supply unit 100 to perform a bathtub filling operation from 15:00, and then cause the hot water supply unit 100 to perform boiling operation until 16:00. For example, in Figure 4, if the candidate "Start filling the bathtub with hot water from 2 PM, and start the dishwasher from 3 PM (6 points)" is selected, the creation unit 493 will create a first schedule D2 in which the hot water supply unit 100 will start filling the bathtub with hot water from 2 PM, start supplying hot water in conjunction with the operation of the dishwasher from 3 PM, and then start heating the water until 4 PM. For example, in Figure 4, if the candidate "Automatic (5 points)" is selected, the creation unit 493 will create the first schedule D2 based on the previously selected candidate. In Figure 4, the candidate "Start filling the bathtub with hot water from 3 PM (3 points)" has been selected by the user.

[0088] The creation unit 493 may use a portable information terminal 91 as a user interface in addition to the remote controller 130.

[0089] The creation unit 493 stores the created first schedule D2 in the storage unit 41.

[0090] On the other hand, if the creation unit 493 determines that user judgment is not required, it creates the first schedule D2 using a specific candidate selected from one or more candidates for the first schedule D2 based on predetermined conditions. The creation unit 493 may, for example, prioritize selecting a candidate from among multiple candidates for the first schedule D2 that does not utilize user equipment. The creation unit 493 may, for example, prioritize selecting a candidate from among multiple candidates for the first schedule D2 that has a high power consumption for the water heater 100. The creation unit 493 may, for example, prioritize selecting a candidate from among multiple candidates for the first schedule D2 that has low charges, including electricity and water charges.

[0091] (2-2-1-4) DR determination unit The DR determination unit 494 determines whether or not to accept the request for an upgraded DR.

[0092] In this embodiment, the DR determination unit 494 determines to accept the raise DR request if the creation unit 493 determines that a user decision is required and the user selects to "accept the raise DR request". In Figure 4, the user selects the candidate "3 points of hot water filling operation from 15:00", which indicates that "accept the raise DR request" has been selected. The DR determination unit 494 also determines to accept the raise DR request if the creation unit 493 determines that a user decision is not required.

[0093] If the DR determination unit 494 determines that it will accept the DR increase request, it transmits information to the aggregator 90 indicating that it will accept the DR increase request, as well as the amount of power that can be accepted.

[0094] On the other hand, the DR determination unit 494 determines that the creation unit 493 requires a user decision, and if the user selects "do not accept the upgrade DR request", it determines that the upgrade DR request will not be accepted.

[0095] If the DR determination unit 494 determines that it will not accept the upgrade DR request, it transmits information such as the fact that it will not accept the upgrade DR request to the aggregator 90.

[0096] (2-2-1-5) DR Execution Unit If the DR Determination Unit 494 determines that it accepts the request for increased DR, the DR Execution Unit 495 causes the hot water supply unit 100 to perform various operations according to the first schedule D2. The DR Execution Unit 495 may also cancel the boiling operation of the hot water supply unit 100 that was scheduled outside the DR control period in order to further increase the amount of electricity consumed in the building 98 during the DR control period.

[0097] If the DR execution unit 495 requires user equipment to be prepared in order to execute the first event, it may display a notification on the display unit 130a requesting the preparation of user equipment before executing the first event. For example, if the first event is a bath filling operation and the user equipment is a bathtub, the preparation of the user equipment is to close the drain plug of the bathtub. For example, if the first event is a reheating operation and the user equipment is a bathtub, the preparation of the user equipment is to fill the bathtub with a predetermined amount of water.

[0098] The DR execution unit 495 may cancel the execution of the first event if it is not ready to execute the first event before executing it. For example, if the first event is a bath filling operation and the user equipment is a bathtub, the DR execution unit 495 uses a sensor to detect whether or not the bathtub drain plug is closed. For example, if the first event is a reheating operation and the user equipment is a bathtub, the DR execution unit 495 uses a water level sensor to detect whether or not a predetermined amount of water is in the bathtub.

[0099] (3) An example of the processing of the processing control device 200 will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 5A and 5B.

[0100] As shown in step S1, the control device 200 receives an upward DR request from the aggregator 90.

[0101] After completing step S1, as shown in step S2, the control device 200 creates one or more candidates for the first schedule D2 to respond to the DR request, based on the power consumption when the hot water supply device 100 performs various operations under various conditions, the amount of power requested by the DR request, and the DR control time period.

[0102] After completing step S2, as shown in step S3, the control device 200 determines whether or not a user decision is required to create the first schedule D2, based on whether or not user equipment is used. If a user decision is required, the process proceeds to step S4. If a user decision is not required, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0103] When the process proceeds from step S3 to step S4, the control device 200 displays on the display unit 130a information asking whether or not to accept the request for raising the DR, and one or more candidates for the created first schedule D2.

[0104] When the process proceeds from step S4 to step S5, the control device 200 uses the operation unit 130b to determine whether a specific candidate has been selected by the user or whether the user has selected to "not accept the request to raise DR". If a specific candidate has been selected by the user, the process proceeds to step S6. If the user has selected to "not accept the request to raise DR", the process proceeds to step S11.

[0105] When the process proceeds from step S5 to step S6, the control device 200 creates a first schedule D2 based on a specific candidate selected by the user.

[0106] When the process proceeds from step S3 to step S7, the control device 200 creates the first schedule D2 using a specific candidate selected from one or more candidates for the first schedule D2 based on predetermined conditions.

[0107] Upon completion of step S6 or step S7, the control device 200 determines to accept the DR request, as shown in step S8.

[0108] After completing step S8, as shown in step S9, the control device 200 transmits information to the aggregator 90 indicating that it accepts the DR request, as well as the amount of power that can be accepted.

[0109] After completing step S9, as shown in step S10, the control device 200 causes the hot water supply device 100 to perform various operations according to the first schedule D2.

[0110] When the system proceeds from step S5 to step S11, the control device 200 determines that it will not accept the request for an upward DR.

[0111] After completing step S11, as shown in step S12, the control device 200 transmits information to the aggregator 90, such as that it will not accept the request for raising the DR.

[0112] (4) Features (4-1) Conventionally, it is known that as a DR request, an aggregator may receive an increased DR request that increases the amount of electricity consumed in the building during the DR control period compared to when no request is received. In order to respond to an increased DR request, for example, it is conceivable to have the hot water supply system perform a boiling operation that was scheduled for a time period other than the DR control period during the DR control period.

[0113] However, if the hot water heating operation, which was scheduled for a time period other than the DR control period, is performed by the hot water supply system during the DR control period, there is a possibility that the amount of electricity requested by the increased DR request will not be sufficiently consumed during the DR control period. If the amount of electricity requested by the increased DR request cannot be sufficiently consumed during the DR control period, the benefits of the increased DR request cannot be fully enjoyed. Furthermore, since the increased DR request is an environmentally beneficial activity that effectively consumes generated energy instead of wasting it as a response to the excess generation of renewable energy, if the amount of electricity requested by the increased DR request cannot be sufficiently consumed during the DR control period, it will not be able to fully contribute to the environment.

[0114] The control device 200 of this embodiment controls a heat pump type hot water supply system 100. The hot water supply system 100 is installed in a building 98. The hot water supply system 100 has a hot water storage tank (tank). The control device 200 includes a control unit 49. The control unit 49 receives an increased DR request (first request) from the aggregator 90 as a DR request. An increased DR request is a request to increase the amount of electricity consumed in the building 98 during the DR control time period (first time period) compared to when no DR request is received. The control unit 49 creates a first schedule D2 to respond to the increased DR request. The first schedule D2 includes executing a first event by the end of the DR control time period to cause the hot water supply system 100 to perform a boiling operation during the DR control time period. The first event is an event that is expected to be executed after the DR control time period. The first event is an event that consumes the hot water in the hot water storage tank. Alternatively, the first schedule D2 includes increasing the amount of hot water stored compared to when no DR request is received, and causing the hot water supply device 100 to perform a boiling operation during the DR control period.

[0115] In the control device 200 of this embodiment, the first schedule D2 includes executing a first event that consumes hot water in the hot water storage tank, which is expected to be executed after the DR control period, by the end of the DR control period, so that the hot water supply device 100 can perform a boiling operation during the DR control period. Alternatively, the first schedule D2 includes increasing the amount of hot water stored compared to when no DR request has been received, so that the hot water supply device 100 can perform a boiling operation during the DR control period. As a result, the control device 200 can sufficiently consume the amount of electricity requested by the increased DR request during the DR control period.

[0116] (4-2) In the control device 200 of this embodiment, the control unit 49 determines whether or not a user decision is necessary to create the first schedule D2, based on whether or not user equipment is used.

[0117] As a result, the control device 200 can create the first schedule D2 with the user's consent.

[0118] (4-3) In the control device 200 of this embodiment, if the control unit 49 determines that a user decision is required, it displays (outputs) one or more candidates for the first schedule D2 on the display unit 130a (output unit). The control unit 49 creates the first schedule D2 using the specific candidate selected using the operation unit 130b (input unit).

[0119] (4-4) In the control device 200 of this embodiment, if the control unit 49 determines that a user decision is required, it displays information on the display unit 130a asking whether or not to accept the request for an upgraded DR.

[0120] (4-5) In the control device 200 of this embodiment, if the control unit 49 determines that user judgment is not required, it creates the first schedule D2 using a specific candidate selected from one or more candidates for the first schedule D2 based on predetermined conditions.

[0121] (4-6) In the control device 200 of this embodiment, the control unit 49 causes the hot water supply device 100 to perform a boiling operation to heat up an amount of water greater than or equal to the amount of water consumed by executing the first event.

[0122] (4-7) In the control device 200 of this embodiment, the control unit 49 cancels the boiling operation of the hot water supply device 100 that was scheduled outside the DR control time period.

[0123] (4-8) In the control device 200 of this embodiment, if the control unit 49 determines that user equipment needs to be prepared in order to execute the first event, it displays a notification on the display unit 130a requesting the preparation of user equipment before executing the first event.

[0124] (4-9) In the control device 200 of this embodiment, the control unit 49 cancels the execution of the first event if the user equipment for executing the first event is not ready before executing the first event.

[0125] (4-10) The control method of this embodiment is performed by a control device 200 (computer). The control method controls a heat pump type hot water supply system 100. The hot water supply system 100 is installed in a building 98. The hot water supply system 100 has a hot water storage tank. The control device 200 includes a control unit 49. The control unit 49 receives an increased DR request from the aggregator 90 as a DR request. An increased DR request is a request to increase the amount of electricity consumed in the building 98 during the DR control time period compared to when no DR request has been received. The control unit 49 creates a first schedule D2 to respond to the increased DR request. The first schedule D2 includes executing a first event by the end of the DR control time period to cause the hot water supply system 100 to perform a boiling operation during the DR control time period. The first event is an event that is expected to be executed after the DR control time period. The first event is an event that consumes the hot water in the hot water storage tank. Alternatively, the first schedule D2 includes increasing the amount of hot water stored compared to when no DR request is received, and causing the hot water supply device 100 to perform a boiling operation during the DR control period.

[0126] In the control method of this embodiment, the first schedule D2 includes executing a first event that consumes hot water in the hot water storage tank, which is expected to be executed after the DR control period, by the end of the DR control period, so that the hot water supply device 100 can perform a boiling operation during the DR control period. Alternatively, the first schedule D2 includes increasing the amount of hot water stored compared to when no DR request has been received, so that the hot water supply device 100 can perform a boiling operation during the DR control period. As a result, the control method can sufficiently consume the amount of electricity requested by the increased DR request during the DR control period.

[0127] (5) Modified Examples (5-1) Modified Example 1A As shown in Figure 5A, in this embodiment, after receiving an upward DR request from the aggregator 90 (step S1), the control device 200 creates one or more candidates for the first schedule D2 (step S2).

[0128] However, instead of receiving an up DR request (step S1), the control device 200 may predict the probability of receiving an up DR request, the amount of power requested by the up DR request, and the DR control time period, and if the probability of receiving an up DR request is higher than a threshold, it may create one or more candidates for the first schedule D2 (step S2).

[0129] The control device 200 determines that it will accept the DR request (step S8), and if it actually receives the DR request, it transmits information to the aggregator 90 indicating that it will accept the DR request and the amount of power that can be accepted, etc., if the amount of power requested by the DR request and the DR control time period are within the predicted range (step S9).

[0130] If the control device 200 determines that it will not accept the DR request (step S11), and if it actually receives a DR request, it transmits information to the aggregator 90 indicating that it will not accept the DR request, etc., if the amount of power requested by the DR request and the DR control time period are within the predicted range (step S12).

[0131] (5-2) Modification 1B In this embodiment, the creation unit 493 determined whether or not user judgment was required to create the first schedule D2 based on whether or not user equipment was used. However, the creation unit 493 may also determine whether or not user judgment was required to create the first schedule D2 based on the amount of power requested by the power increase DR request.

[0132] For example, the creation unit 493 determines that if the amount of power requested by the power increase DR request is greater than a threshold, a user decision is required to create the first schedule D2.

[0133] (5-3) Modification 1C In this embodiment, after creating one or more candidates for the first schedule D2 (step S2), the creation unit 493 determined whether or not user judgment was required to create the first schedule D2 based on whether or not user equipment was used (step S3). However, the control unit 49 may, without determining whether or not user judgment was required, prioritize selecting from among the multiple candidates for the first schedule D2 that do not utilize user equipment. The control unit 49 may, without determining whether or not user judgment was required, prioritize selecting from among the multiple candidates for the first schedule D2 that have a high power consumption of the hot water heater 100. The control unit 49 may, without determining whether or not user judgment was required, prioritize selecting from among the multiple candidates for the first schedule D2 that have low charges including electricity and water charges.

[0134] In this case, the control unit 49, for example, creates a first schedule D2 based on the selected candidate and determines to accept the upgrade DR request.

[0135] (5-4) Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the claims.

[0136] 49 Control unit 90 Aggregator 98 Building 100 Hot water supply system 130a Display unit (output unit) 130b Operation unit (input unit) 200 Control device, computer D2 First schedule

[0137] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-170925

Claims

1. A control device (200) for controlling a heat pump type hot water supply system (100) having a tank, installed in a building (98), comprising a control unit (49), wherein the control unit receives a first request from an aggregator (90) as a demand response request, to increase the amount of electricity consumed in the building during a first time period compared to when the request has not been received, and creates a first schedule (D2) to respond to the first request, which includes: executing a first event that consumes the hot water in the tank, which is expected to be executed after the first time period, by the end of the first time period, causing the hot water supply system to perform a boiling operation during the first time period, or increasing the amount of hot water stored compared to when the request has not been received, causing the hot water supply system to perform a boiling operation during the first time period.

2. The control unit determines whether or not to use user equipment, or the amount of power requested by the first request, whether or not a user decision is required to create the first schedule, according to claim 1 (200).

3. The control unit (200) according to claim 2, wherein if the control unit determines that a user decision is required, it outputs one or more candidates for the first schedule to the output unit (130a), and creates the first schedule using the specific candidate selected using the input unit (130b).

4. The control device (200) according to claim 2, wherein the control unit, when it determines that a decision by the user is necessary, outputs information to the output unit (130a) asking whether or not to accept the first request.

5. The control device (200) according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines that a user judgment is not required, and then creates the first schedule using a specific candidate selected from one or more candidates for the first schedule based on predetermined conditions.

6. The control unit causes the hot water supply device to heat up an amount of water equal to or greater than the amount of water consumed by executing the first event, by causing the hot water supply device to perform a boiling operation, the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 (200).

7. The control unit cancels the boiling operation of the hot water supply system that was scheduled outside the first time period, according to any one of claims 1 to 6 (200).

8. The control device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit outputs a notification to the output unit (130a) requesting the preparation of user equipment before executing the first event, if the user equipment is required to be prepared in order to execute the first event.

9. The control unit (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit cancels the execution of the first event if the user equipment for executing the first event is not ready before the execution of the first event.

10. The control unit selects from a plurality of candidates for the first schedule prioritizing candidates that do not utilize user equipment, and creates the first schedule based on the selected candidates, the control device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The control unit selects from a plurality of candidates for the first schedule prioritizing candidates with high power consumption for the hot water supply device, and creates the first schedule based on the selected candidates, the control device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. The control unit selects the candidate with the lowest fee from among a plurality of candidates for the first schedule, and creates the first schedule based on the selected candidate, the control device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. A control method performed by a computer (200) for controlling a heat pump type hot water supply system (100) having a tank (21) installed in a building (98), wherein the computer comprises a control unit (49), and the control unit receives a first request as a demand response request from an aggregator (90) to increase the amount of electricity consumed in the building during a first time period compared to when the request has not been received, and creates a first schedule (D2) to respond to the first request, which includes: executing a first event that consumes the hot water in the tank, which is expected to be executed after the first time period, by the end of the first time period, causing the hot water supply system to perform a boiling operation during the first time period, or increasing the amount of hot water stored compared to when the request has not been received, causing the hot water supply system to perform a boiling operation during the first time period.

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