JPWO2014141354A1 - Electric equipment control device and electric equipment control system - Google Patents

Abstract

In a conventional device for controlling an electrical device, control is performed for the purpose of realizing a comfortable environment while saving electricity on the premise of a predetermined electricity charge. It has not been possible to consider a method for optimally controlling electric equipment when there are restrictions on electricity charges and usage. An electrical device control apparatus for controlling the operation of the electrical device, connected by a communication path, and an electrical device that consumes one or a plurality of electric power, at least one sensor, a server that transmits information about an electricity bill, and the like. The electrical device control apparatus includes a comfort level calculation unit that calculates a comfort level based on information from the sensor, and a control unit that manages an operation state of the electrical device, and the control unit changes an electric charge. An electric device control apparatus that performs operation control of the electric device in a predetermined time zone based on the power rate and the comfort level when the operation status of the electric device changes during a time period in which the electric device operates.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric equipment control device and an electric equipment control system.

  A conventional example in this technical field is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-83105 (Patent Document 1). This gazette states: “Energy saving action verification means for generating energy saving advice that recommends the user to use an air conditioner based on sensor information, and an energy saving evaluation value if no use of the air conditioner by the user is detected. The energy saving action performance evaluation means for performing the addition process is provided.

JP2012-83105A

  In the above conventional example, it is disclosed that equipment is controlled to realize a comfortable environment while saving electricity.

  By the way, in recent years, the introduction of demand response to reduce power demand by raising electricity charges during the time when supply and demand are tight and paying incentives for appropriate demand restraint has been considered. I'm starting.

  However, in the above-described conventional example, when the electricity rate changes due to demand response, it is not possible to take into account optimal control of the device in consideration of the electricity rate and comfort.

  In order to solve the above problems, for example, the configuration described in the claims is adopted.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when an electricity bill changes with demand responses, it is possible to realize control of a device that balances the electricity bill and the comfort level as much as possible in consideration of the performance of the user operating the device. .

It is an example of a structure containing an electric equipment control apparatus. It is an example of an internal structure of an electric equipment control apparatus. It is an example of a control plan. It is an example of the data used in order to make a control plan. It is an example which shows the relationship between an electricity bill, the preset temperature of an air-conditioner, and a comfort level. It is an example of the data used in order to make a control plan. It is an example of the screen which selects the balance of comfort. It is an example of the calculation method of a control plan. It is an example of the procedure of control when electric power information is delivered. It is an example of the screen display regarding a demand response. It is an example of the screen display regarding a demand response. It is an example of the procedure of control when electric power information is delivered. It is an example of a screen display at the time of learning comfort. It is an example of the procedure of control when electric power information is delivered. It is an example of the screen display regarding a demand response. It is an example of the screen display regarding use prediction of electricity. It is an example of the screen display regarding use prediction of electricity. It is an example of the procedure of control when electric power information is delivered. It is an example of a structure containing an electric equipment control execution apparatus. It is an example of the procedure of control when electric power information is delivered. It is an example of the procedure of control when electric power information is delivered. It is an example of the procedure of control when electric power information is delivered.

  Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, an example of an apparatus that controls electric equipment in a house will be described. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the house is a house, but it may be a small commercial facility.

  FIG. 1 is an example of a configuration diagram of a system using the electrical device control apparatus 1.

  The electrical equipment control device 1 is connected to electrical equipment (sensor 4, air conditioner 5, lighting 6, television 7, electromagnetic cooker 8, storage battery unit 9, solar power generation unit 10, display terminal 11) via the communication path 3. And control each electrical device. Further, communication with the power information server 12 and the weather information server 13 is possible via the router 2. Air conditioner refers to air conditioners and air conditioners.

  The router 2 has a function of performing routing between the communication path 3 and the external network 14 outside the house. The router 2 may have a gateway function. A configuration in which the electric device control device 1 is integrated with the router 2 may be employed.

  The communication path 3 is a path for performing wireless or wired communication in a house. For example, a communication path capable of performing wired IP communication, a wireless communication path such as a wireless LAN (local area network), and a combination of wired and wireless may be used.

  The sensor 4 measures information such as temperature, humidity, radiation temperature, wind speed, infrared rays, etc. at main locations in the house. The measured information can be provided to other devices via the communication path 3. An equivalent function may be provided in another electrical device.

  The air conditioner 5, the illumination 6, the television 7, and the electromagnetic cooker 8 are electric products used in daily life installed in the house, and use electric power by a user's operation or device setting. In addition, the state of each device can be controlled from the outside via the communication path 3.

  The air conditioner 5 can set the set temperature in accordance with external control via the communication path 3. Also, information on the set temperature can be provided to the outside.

  The illumination 6 can be turned on and off in accordance with external control via the communication path 3.

  The television 7 can be turned on and off in accordance with external control via the communication path 3.

  The electromagnetic cooker 8 can provide information on the operation state to the outside via the communication path 3.

  The storage battery unit 9 includes a battery device and a battery control device, and charges or discharges power according to control from the outside via the communication path 3 to supply power to a power line in the house. It also provides information on the amount of electricity stored.

  The photovoltaic power generation unit 10 includes a photovoltaic power generation panel and a power generation control device, and generates generated power obtained by converting solar energy in accordance with external control via the communication path 3. 9 is supplied. It also provides information on generated power.

  The display terminal 11 has a function of displaying an image obtained from the electric device control apparatus 1. For example, the display is performed by an application or a web browser installed in a personal computer or a terminal with a small wireless communication function. In addition to display, operation means such as a touch panel and a keyboard may be provided, and operation information can be communicated with the electric device control apparatus 1 via the communication path 3.

  The power information server 12 provides information related to power to the electrical device control apparatus 1. The power information server 12 can also provide information regarding power corresponding to each situation to the plurality of electrical device control apparatuses 1. This information is also called demand response information.

  The weather information server 13 distributes forecast information and performance information of weather information in response to an inquiry from the electrical equipment control device 1. The weather information includes temperature, humidity, illuminance, sunshine duration, rainfall, snowfall, wind speed, and wind direction.

  The external network 14 is a network in which a large number of servers are connected outside the facility.

  FIG. 2 is an example of an internal configuration of the electric device control apparatus 1.

  The communication bus 21 is a path for performing communication between the functions in the electrical device control apparatus 1.

  The recording unit 22 retains programs necessary for processing by the control unit 20, and is obtained from the power information of the power information server 12, the weather information of the weather information server 13, and the sensor 4 obtained via the communication path 3. And the results obtained by calculation by the control unit 20 are accumulated.

  The display unit 23 has a function necessary for the electric appliance control apparatus 1 to provide information to the user. For example, it is a liquid crystal screen with a contact sensor, and the information can be provided to the user and the user can touch the screen to notify the control unit 20 of the signal and reflect it in the control. Information to be displayed is generated by the control unit 20 to control the display.

  In the communication unit 24, the control unit 20 transmits and receives information via the communication path 3.

  In addition to calculating the comfort level using the comfort level calculation unit 25, the control unit 20 performs various control processes. Calculation is performed using information stored in the recording unit 22 as necessary.

  The control unit 20 receives information related to power from the power information server 12. As a receiving method, there is a method by push from the power information server 12 or a periodic inquiry from the electric equipment control device 1, and information on power is received by either or both methods. As information about electric power, there is information that specifies an electricity bill for a predetermined period. As for the period, there are a case where designation is made continuously at regular intervals, and a case where designation is made only for a certain period. For information to be specified, a priority may be specified. When the information is updated at a fixed time, it may be updated at an arbitrary timing. Usually, it is updated at least before the end of the designated period.

  In order to make a plan for controlling the electrical equipment, the control unit 20 makes a supply and demand prediction of the power in the house. The procedure is as follows. First, prediction is performed using weather information stored in the recording unit 22 and information on the amount of electric power. For example, prediction based on the correlation between a specific item included in weather information and actual power information is performed, and power consumption prediction result information most suitable for the weather forecast on the prediction date is calculated.

  The prediction result information includes predicted power consumption and predicted generated power. The predicted power consumption is power that is expected to be consumed by an electrical device such as the air conditioner 5, and the predicted power generation is power that is expected to be generated by the solar power generation unit 10.

  The control unit 20 calculates control information for the electrical device based on the prediction result information. The control information is information in which the content for controlling the device and the control timing are set. The calculation method will be described later.

  Although various policies can be considered as the control policy, a plurality of policies may be registered in the recording unit 22, and the registered plurality of policies may be displayed on the display unit 23 so that the user can select them.

  Next, power state information is calculated based on the prediction result information and the control information. As the power state information, there are a predicted power storage amount of the storage battery unit 9 and a predicted purchased power. The predicted storage amount is the amount of power that is expected to be stored in the storage battery unit 9 by assuming that charging / discharging has progressed according to the control information starting from the storage amount record at the start of prediction. The predicted purchased power is calculated from the sum of the predicted power consumption, the predicted generated power, and the charge / discharge power of the storage battery unit 9, and is expected to be purchased from an electric power company.

  As described above, the control unit 20 generates prediction result information, control information, and power state information, and records them in the recording unit 22. Further, the control unit 20 generates screen information based on each recorded information, and displays the generated screen information on the display unit 23 or the display terminal 11. In addition, the electric device is controlled according to the control information.

  A method in which the electric appliance control apparatus 1 controls electric appliances in the house will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for generating a plan for controlling the electrical equipment.

  The control unit 20 calculates the optimum degree of comfort that can be suppressed from the electricity charges and accumulated data stored in the recording unit 22 (101). A method for calculating the optimum restrainable comfort level will be described later. Here, the comfort level is a scale indicating whether or not a person staying in the target environment is comfortable.

  The comfort level is calculated by the comfort level calculation unit 25 based on the target environment information. As an example, the degree of comfort felt by humans is calculated using temperature, humidity, radiation temperature, wind speed, human clothing level, and human activity level. As a calculation method, there is a thermal environment evaluation index PMV (Predicted Mean Vote).

  The control part 20 produces | generates the plan which controls an electric equipment using the optimal controllable comfort degree (102).

  The control unit 20 records the generated plan in the recording unit 22 (103).

  After recording the plan, the control unit 20 determines whether it is time to update the plan (104). The timing to be updated here means that when the user performs an operation that requires a plan update on the electric device control apparatus 1, when the information from the power information server 12 is updated, the current time is predetermined. There are cases where the time has been reached, information obtained from the sensor 4 has changed, and so on.

  If it is determined in step 104 that the plan needs to be updated, the process returns to step 101.

  When it is determined that the plan update is unnecessary in the determination of the procedure 104, the control unit 20 refers to the plan recorded in the recording unit 22 and determines whether the control needs to be performed (105).

  When it is determined in step 105 that the control needs to be performed, the control unit 20 refers to the plan recorded in the recording unit 22 and performs the control to be performed. For example, the control unit 20 updates the set temperature of the air conditioner 5 through the communication unit 24 and the communication path 3, turns on / off lighting, turns on / off the TV, and charges / discharges the storage battery unit 9. Control such as instructing. After the control is performed, the process returns to the determination in step 104.

  If it is determined in step 105 that control is not required, the process returns to step 104.

  The control unit 20 calculates the optimum restrainable comfort level by analyzing the data accumulated in the recording unit 22. The data to be used will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is an example of a data table used in this embodiment. This table is held in the recording unit 22 as electronic information. Data of the controllable comfort level 110, the electricity rate difference 120, and the target period 121 are stored as one set. The control unit 20 calculates the optimum restrainable comfort level using the data in the table of FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the meaning of data to be used. The graph 130 shows the relationship between the time zone on the horizontal axis and the electricity rate on the vertical axis. A graph 131 shows the relationship between the time zone on the horizontal axis and the set temperature of the air conditioner 5 on the vertical axis. The graph 132 shows the relationship between the time zone on the horizontal axis and the comfort level of the room where the air conditioner 5 is installed on the vertical axis. The higher the comfort level, the more comfortable.

  In FIG. 5, it is assumed that the power information server 12 specifies that the power charge will increase during the period indicated by the target period 121. The increased power charge, that is, the electricity charge difference 120 can be calculated by subtracting the normal power charge 135 from the temporary power charge 134. When there is a basic power charge contracted in advance, the normal power charge 135 is a power charge according to the contracted contents. When the electricity rate is updated every day, the electricity rate that is regularly updated is treated as a normal electricity rate 135.

  A graph 131 shows a case where the user changes the set temperature in the target period 121. As a result of the change, the set temperature 136 is changed. The preset temperature 137 set in advance is set by the control unit in the process of step 106.

  The graph 132 represents a case where the comfort level changes as a result of the user changing the set temperature in the target period 121. The controllable comfort level 110 is obtained by subtracting the minimum comfort level during the target period 121 from the comfort level before entering the target period 121.

  A method for calculating the optimum restrainable comfort level will be described. As an example of the calculation method, there is a method using regression analysis. Assuming that the controllable comfort level 110 is an objective variable, and the electricity rate difference 120 is an explanatory variable, the relationship is expressed by a linear equation. The data in the table of FIG. Calculate by such a method. By applying the calculated parameter to the linear equation, the restrainable comfort level 110 can be determined when a certain electricity rate difference 120 is given.

  Sample data is aggregated for each target period. For example, in the case of the table in FIG. 4, No1 and No3 that have the same target period 121 are counted. The target periods 121 do not need to be completely coincident, and may be aggregated, for example, in the morning or in the afternoon. By doing in this way, a user's behavior for every time zone can be distinguished.

  Although the linear equation can represent only the relationship between a pair of parameters, for example, even with a plurality of parameters as shown in FIG.

  Here, the controllable comfort level (thermal environment) 111 is a parameter equivalent to the controllable comfort level 110.

  The restrainable comfort level (television) 112 is a parameter based on the premise that the user is comfortable while watching television. A value of 1 indicates that the power supply is ON, and a value of 0 indicates OFF.

  The outdoor temperature 141 represents the outdoor temperature acquired from the sensor 4. When the sensor 4 is not installed outside, the weather information acquired from the weather information server 13 may be set.

  The humidity 142 represents the indoor humidity acquired from the sensor 4.

  For example, the multiple regression analysis is performed on the accumulated data using the controllable comfort level (thermal environment) 111 and the controllable comfort level (television) 112 as objective variables, and the outside air temperature 141, humidity 142, and electricity rate difference 120 as explanatory variables. Thus, the value of the objective variable can be shown from the explanatory variable.

  By setting the initial set value of the optimally suppressible comfort level to 0, it can be expressed that comfort is not suppressed at all. Further, the initial value may be determined by having the user specify the degree on the screen as shown in FIG. A screen 200 in FIG. 7 shows the degree of priority given to comfort or electricity charge, and is operated by touching the screen. For example, when the degree of comfort that can be optimally suppressed is 0, the bar 201 is expressed in a state where it is close to the left end. In addition, when the optimum restrainable comfort level is sufficiently large, the bar 201 is expressed in a state where it extends to the right end. The relationship is such that the closer the bar position is to the left, the closer the optimal suppression possible value level becomes to zero.

  In the procedure 102 of FIG. 3, the control unit 20 generates a plan for a predetermined period according to the policy in order to control each electrical device.

  The contents of control differ depending on each electric device. For example, in the case of the air conditioner 5, there is a set temperature as a controllable parameter. For example, a plan for the set temperature in accordance with the time series of the air conditioner 5 is made based on a policy that can achieve a predetermined comfort level while making a predetermined electricity price as low as possible.

  The time series is treated as discrete time for calculation. For example, the set temperature can be controlled in units of 10 minutes, and a desired comfort level and power consumption are realized by performing an operation of changing the set temperature when a predetermined time is reached.

  Since there are many combinations of time-series set temperatures, it is necessary to find an appropriate set temperature combination. As a solution method, by expressing the set temperature, the predetermined comfort level, and the constraint condition of the electricity rate with a linear expression, it can be solved using a mathematical method such as linear programming, or the optimality is not guaranteed in advance. There is a method of determining the set temperature according to the policy determined in (1).

  A method for selecting an optimum plan from a plurality of plan candidates will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the control unit 20 calculates a target comfort level (151). The target comfort level is a comfort level to be achieved in a certain target period. The target comfort level is a comfort level obtained by subtracting the optimally restrainable comfort level from the ideal comfort level corresponding to the target period.

  Next, the control unit 20 calculates a set temperature control plan candidate aimed at achieving the target comfort level (152).

  The control unit 20 calculates the comfort level using the comfort level calculation unit 25 based on the set temperature of the plan (153). The comfort level in a certain target period is calculated from a combination of information on humidity, radiation temperature, and wind speed predicted in advance by the control unit 20 and information assumed in advance.

  The power consumption of the air conditioner is calculated based on the set temperature of the plan (154). The power consumption can be calculated by assuming the heat load by integrating the weather forecast information obtained from the weather information server 13 and the airtightness of the room where the air conditioner is installed and the daily information.

  Then, the control unit 20 determines whether the power rate is low and the target comfort level is achieved (155).

  As a result of the determination in step 155, when determining that the control plan 20 has been achieved, the control unit 20 stores the control plan candidate as a solution in the recording unit 22.

  As a result of the determination in step 155, if it is determined that it has not been achieved, the control unit 20 determines whether or not to continue the calculation (157).

  If the calculation is continued as a result of the determination in step 157, the process returns to step 152. In determining whether to continue, a method of determining whether the number of generations of control plan candidates has exceeded a predetermined threshold, a method of determining whether to converge using the degree of achievement of the target comfort level as a scale, etc. There is.

  If the calculation is not continued as a result of the determination in step 157, the control unit 20 adopts the best control plan candidate within the calculated range (158), and stores the plan in the recording unit 22 in accordance with step 156. Alternatively, the combination may be selected in accordance with a priority policy that gives priority to a predetermined power rate or to give priority to comfort.

  The set temperature and power consumption of the air conditioner are repeatedly calculated according to the above procedure, and a combination of set temperatures that can achieve a predetermined comfort level with a low power charge is determined.

  A method for collecting the data shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 will be described. The optimal controllable comfort level must reflect the behavior due to changes in the electricity rate, so data selection is important. If inappropriate data is targeted, the user's intention is not correctly reflected, so it is necessary to select appropriate data that reflects the user's intention. By using appropriate data, it is possible to correctly learn the relationship between electricity charges and user behavior.

  A sequence of procedures for selecting appropriate data is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 9, attention is focused on the control of the air conditioner 5.

  The power information set by the power information server 12 is transmitted to the electric device control apparatus 1 via the communication path 3 (161).

  After receiving the power information, the electric equipment control device 1 confirms the set temperature of the air conditioner 5 (162). The confirmed set temperature is stored in the recording unit 22 in order to confirm whether or not the temperature has been changed by a user operation in a later process.

  The electric equipment control apparatus 1 presents demand response information on the display unit 23 (163).

  When the display of the demand response information is completed or when the user presses a confirmation button or the like, the display ends (164). Depending on the type of demand response information, after displaying for a certain period, the display may be automatically terminated without waiting for user confirmation.

  The electric equipment control apparatus 1 notifies the power information server 1 that the user has confirmed (165). Notification may be omitted depending on the type of demand response information.

  After the confirmation by the user, the electric equipment control device 1 generates a control plan (166). The contents of the processing are the same as the procedures 101, 102, and 103.

  The electric equipment control device 1 performs temperature setting for the air conditioner 5 based on the plan generated by the control unit 20 (167).

  After the procedure 167, the electrical equipment control apparatus 1 periodically monitors the electrical equipment as shown in the range of the procedure 168. This monitoring will continue until the end of the period when electricity charges are rising.

  The electric equipment control apparatus 1 periodically checks the set temperature of the air conditioner 5 (169).

  The electric equipment control apparatus 1 periodically checks the information of the sensor 4 (171).

  When the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 5 (170), the electric device control apparatus 1 can know that the change has been made by periodically checking the set temperature. Here, in order to change the set temperature of the air conditioner 5, an operating device such as a remote controller may be used, or even if the electric device control device 1 indirectly changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 5 according to a user instruction. Good.

  The electrical equipment control device 1 makes a data analysis determination after the period when the electricity price increases (172).

  By following the procedure as described above, information from the power information server 12 can be expanded to the user, and information necessary for data analysis can be collected.

  In step 163, the screen provided to the user by the electric appliance control device 1 is for providing information related to power to the user. By providing easy-to-understand information, the user can select an appropriate screen according to the power information. Can encourage action. An example is shown using the figure.

  FIG. 10 shows a screen 210 for notifying the user of a demand response. The screen shows that the electricity charge between 14:00 and 16:00 is three times the normal charge.

  The user confirms that the electricity charge changes by viewing this screen. If confirmed, the user presses the confirmation button 211. When the confirmation button 211 is pressed, the control unit 20 performs a process of deleting the screen.

  In addition to the information provided on the screen 210, FIG. 11 shows an increase in the electricity charge calculated as the total of the day in the text “The electricity charge per day is expected to increase by 100 yen compared to normal”. This is a screen 220 that shows the degree of power and conveys to the user the effect of an increase in the electricity bill in an easy-to-understand manner.

  The electricity charges considering the increase are calculated from the power supply and demand forecast for one day on the assumption that the control unit 20 has changed only the electricity charges without changing the control plan.

  The data analysis judgment (172) performed by the control unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The control unit 20 determines whether or not the target period 121 in which the electricity rate is increasing has ended (301). Wait for it to finish.

  When it is determined in step 301 that the target period 121 in which the electricity rate is increasing has ended, the control unit 20 determines whether the user's operation was in the time period of the target period 121 (302). The user's operation in the case of the air conditioner 5 indicates a change in the set temperature. As a method for distinguishing whether or not there has been an operation, there has been a change in the set temperature from a certain time before the start time of the target period 121 to the end time of the target period 121 during the target period 121 where the electricity rate is rising In this case, it may be determined that there is an operation.

  When the control unit 20 determines in step 302 that there is an operation, the control unit 20 automatically determines that the set temperature before the change by the user operation is made based on the plan data stored in the recording unit 22. It is determined whether it has been set (303).

  When the set temperature is not automatically set, the control unit 20 calculates the comfort level by the comfort level calculation unit 25 using the information of the sensor 4. The period to calculate is during the target period 121. Then, it is determined whether or not the actually measured comfort level is lower than the assumed comfort level using the difference between the comfort level assumed when there is no user operation and the comfort level actually measured and calculated by the sensor 4 ( 304).

  If it can be determined that the comfort level has decreased, the control unit 20 registers information in the data table shown in FIG. 4 (305).

  If it cannot be determined in step 304 that the comfort level has decreased, the process ends. The operation is a learning target only when the temperature setting is set such that the comfort level is lowered with respect to the set temperature that is not automatically set based on the determination in step 304. In this way, it is possible to reflect in the plan the behavior of having put up with comfort in response to an increase in the electricity bill.

  In step 303, when the set temperature is automatically set, the control unit 20 calculates the comfort level by the comfort level calculation unit 25 using the information of the sensor 4. The period to calculate is during the target period 121. Whether or not the actually measured comfort level has changed with respect to the assumed comfort level, using the difference between the comfort level assumed when there was no user operation and the comfort level actually measured by the sensor 4 Judgment is made (306).

  If it can be determined that the comfort level has changed, the control unit 20 registers the controllable comfort level 110, the electricity rate difference 120, and the target period 121 in the data table shown in FIG. 4 (305).

  When registered, a screen 230 as shown in FIG. 13 may be displayed on the display unit 23. On the screen 230, the comfort balance 231 corresponding to the calculated optimum restrainable comfort before registering information in the data table and the comfort corresponding to the calculated optimum restrainable comfort after registering information in the data table. The sex balance 232 is shown. By viewing this screen, the user can see how much the user's operation has affected the comfort balance.

  If it cannot be determined in step 306 that the process has changed, the process ends. Only when the temperature is set such that the comfort level changes with respect to the automatically set temperature based on the determination in step 306, the operation becomes a learning target. By doing in this way, it can detect that a user's hope has shifted | deviated with respect to the comfort based on a plan, and can reflect it in a plan.

  By implementing the above configuration and procedure, the electric device control apparatus 1 can automatically learn the relationship between the electricity charge and the user's action without bothering the user. As a result of the learning, the electric appliance control device 1 can perform appropriate control when the electricity rate changes without direct operation by the user. Further, by not considering the operation performed by the user regardless of the change in the electricity bill, it is possible to learn appropriate data and avoid making a plan based on the temperature setting that does not reflect the user's intention. Further, even after learning progresses, by distinguishing whether or not the temperature setting is automatically set, the learning result can be updated optimally at any time.

  In this embodiment, the air conditioner 5 is used as a control target. However, in other electrical devices, the same effect can be achieved by regarding the set temperature in the present embodiment as a control target parameter of the target electrical device. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, an example of the electric device control apparatus 1 that can reflect not only the information when a user operation is performed but also whether or not a person stays in the target room is reflected. explain.

  About the structure of a present Example, it is the same as the structure to which the same code | symbol shown by already demonstrated FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 was attached | subjected, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 14 is an example of a processing procedure in the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 14, attention is focused on the control of the air conditioner 5. It is assumed that the sensor 4 is installed in the same room as the air conditioner 5.

First, the power information set by the power information server 12 is transmitted to the electrical device control apparatus 1 via the communication path 3. (401)
After receiving the power information, the electric equipment control device 1 checks the set temperature of the air conditioner 5 (402). The confirmed set temperature is stored in the recording unit 22 in order to confirm whether or not the temperature has been changed by a user operation in a later process.

  The electric equipment control device 1 generates a control plan in consideration of the received power information (403). The contents of the processing are the same as the procedures 101, 102, and 103.

  The electric appliance control apparatus 1 also refers to the plan information generated in step 403 and presents demand response information on the display unit 23 (404).

  Then, the demand response information is displayed, and when confirmed by the user, the display is terminated (405).

  The electric equipment control apparatus 1 notifies the power information server 12 that the user has confirmed (406). Notification may be omitted depending on the type of demand response information.

  The electric equipment control apparatus 1 performs temperature setting for the air conditioner 5 based on the plan generated by the control unit 20 (407).

  After the procedure 407, the electrical device control apparatus 1 periodically monitors the electrical device as shown in the range of the procedure 408. This monitoring will continue until the end of the period when electricity charges are rising.

  The electric equipment control apparatus 1 periodically checks the set temperature of the air conditioner 5 (409). The confirmed information is stored in the recording unit 22 together with the confirmed time.

  The electrical equipment control apparatus 1 periodically checks the information of the sensor 4 (410).

  In step 410, information on the infrared sensor of the sensor 4 is acquired. This information is information having such an accuracy that it can be determined whether or not a person is present in the room where the air conditioner 5 is installed. The confirmed information is stored in the recording unit 22 together with the confirmed time.

  After the period when the electricity rate increases, the data analysis is judged (411).

  By following the procedure as described above, information from the power information server 12 can be expanded to the user, and information necessary for data analysis based on the user's occupancy can be collected.

  Examples of screens to be displayed in the procedure 403 are shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and FIG.

  FIG. 15 shows a screen 240 having information indicating the state of power supply and demand. In addition to the demand response information, the screen 240 has a screen 241 indicating normal power supply and demand, a screen 242 indicating a case where the electricity rate is triple, and a confirmation button 243.

  Details of the screen 241 are shown in FIG. The screen 241 includes a power consumption graph 250 in the house when a normal increase in electricity charges is not considered, and a control plan graph 255 of the air conditioner 5. A daily power consumption prediction 251 is displayed from the integrated value of power consumption in the house. Further, the target period during which the power rate increases is indicated by an arrow 252.

  The control plan graph 255 shows a set temperature graph of the air conditioner 5 that does not take into account a normal increase in electricity charges. This graph uses information generated in step 102.

  Details of the screen 242 are shown in FIG. The screen 242 includes a power consumption graph 260 in the house when a normal increase in electricity charges is considered, and a control plan graph 265 of the air conditioner 5. A daily power consumption prediction 261 is displayed from the integrated value of power consumption in the house. Further, the target period during which the power rate increases is indicated by an arrow 252.

  The control plan graph 265 shows a set temperature graph of the air conditioner 5 that does not consider a normal increase in the electricity bill. This graph uses information generated in step 102.

  During the target period 252, the set temperature of the graph 265 is higher than that of the graph 255. This is because the comfort level may be lowered by the degree of optimum restrainable comfort level, so the set temperature is planned to be raised. By increasing the set temperature, the power consumption during the target period 252 of the graph 260 is lower than that of the graph 250.

  By viewing the screen 240, the user can easily grasp the range of influence on the power consumption.

  Details of the procedure 411 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of the procedure 411.

  The control unit 20 determines whether or not the target period 252 in which the electricity rate has increased has ended (501). Wait for it to finish.

  When it is determined in the procedure 501 that the target period 252 in which the electricity rate is increasing has ended, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the user is present during the target period 252 (502). In order to confirm the presence of the user, the information of the infrared sensor collected in step 410 is confirmed.

  If it is determined in step 502 that the user is not occupying the room, the process ends because there is no need to accumulate data.

  If it is determined in step 502 that the user is in the room, the control unit 20 determines whether the demand response information has been confirmed (503). For the determination, it is based on whether or not the confirmation of the procedure 405 has been made by a user operation.

  If it is determined in step 503 that confirmation has not been made, it is assumed that the user has not been aware of demand response information, and the process ends without accumulating data.

  If it is determined in step 503 that the information has been confirmed, the control unit 20 registers the controllable comfort level 110, the electricity rate difference 120, and the target period 121 in the data table shown in FIG. 4 (505).

  By implementing the above configuration and procedure, if the user does not confirm the demand response information, the data will not be learned, and it is more certain that the user's action is the result of the demand response response. Can be.

  Also, by checking whether the user is in the room by the sensor 4, it is possible to prevent learning of the situation when the user is absent and to learn data reflecting the user's intention.

  In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the arrangement of functions provided in the electrical device control apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to have a relationship between a server and a client, so that a plurality of data can be linked.

  FIG. 19 is an example of a configuration diagram in the third embodiment.

  The description of the components having the same functions as those shown in FIG. 1 already described with reference to FIG. 1 is omitted.

  The plan management server 15 has a function of generating a plan for controlling the electrical equipment. The contents of the plan and the function to be generated are assumed to be the same as those of the electric device control apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Further, the generated plan is sent to the electric equipment control execution device 16 through the communication path 3 and the electric equipment control execution device 16 receives the plan.

  The plan management server 15 can generate and send a control plan suitable for each condition to a plurality of electrical device control execution apparatuses 16. Data necessary to generate the plan is stored in an internal recording device. The information notified from the electrical device control execution device 16 is accumulated for the sensor information, the electrical device status information, and the power supply / demand information in the planned housing.

  By statistically processing the accumulated data for a plurality of houses, it is possible to perform a prediction process such as a demand reflecting the tendency of a specific region.

  The electrical equipment control execution device 16 has a function of controlling electrical equipment via the in-home communication path 3 based on the plan received from the plan management server 15. Further, it has a function of collecting measured values from the sensor 4 in the house and notifying the plan management server 15 and a function of notifying the plan management server 15 of the state information of the electric equipment and the information on the power supply and demand.

  The electrical equipment control execution device 16 may take a configuration integrated with the router 2.

  A procedure for making and executing a normal plan when there is no change in the power rate will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which the plan management server 15 generates a control plan for an electric device for a specific house.

  The plan management server 15 calculates the optimum restrainable comfort level from the accumulated data (601). The calculation algorithm is the same as the procedure 101.

  Next, the plan management server 15 generates a plan using the optimally restrainable comfort level (602).

  The plan management server 15 transmits the generated plan to the target house via the communication path 3 (603).

  After transmitting the plan, the plan management server 15 stands by until the plan update timing is reached (604). If the update timing has been reached, the processing returns to the procedure 601.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for executing the plan received by the electrical equipment control execution device 16 from the plan management server 15.

  The electric equipment control execution device 16 checks whether an electric equipment control plan has arrived from the plan management server 15 (701).

  If a new plan has arrived as a result of the confirmation in step 701, the old plan is updated with the newly received plan (702).

  If it is determined whether the update has been completed or the new plan has not arrived as a result of the confirmation in step 701, the latest plan is referred to and it is determined whether it is time to execute control of the electrical device (703).

  As a result of the determination in step 703, when control of the electric device is executed, the electric device is controlled according to the contents of the recorded plan (704).

  As a result of the determination in step 704, if it is determined that it is not the timing to control the electric device, the process returns to the process in step 701.

  By such a procedure, the electrical equipment control execution device 16 can receive the plan from the plan management server 15 and execute control according to the received plan.

  The procedure in the case where the plan management server 15 and the electrical equipment control execution device 16 cooperate to generate a plan reflecting the user's operation will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the power information set by the power information server 12 is transmitted to the plan management server 15 via the communication path 3. (801)
The plan management server 15 refers to the received power information and selects a house to which the power information is to be applied. Power information is transmitted via the communication path 3 to the electrical equipment control execution device 16 of the selected house (802).

  After receiving the power information, the electric equipment control execution device 16 confirms the set temperature of the air conditioner 5 (803). The confirmed set temperature is stored in the recording unit 22 in order to confirm whether or not the temperature has been changed by a user operation in a later process.

  The electrical equipment control execution device 16 notifies the plan management server 15 of the confirmed set temperature information (804). The plan management server 15 records the notified set temperature information and time therein.

  The electrical equipment control execution device 16 displays the demand response information on the display unit 23 (805). The contents to be displayed are the same as the contents of the electric equipment control device 1.

  When the display of demand response information is completed or the user presses a confirmation button or the like (806), the display ends.

  The electric equipment control execution device 16 transmits a confirmation response to the plan management server 15.

  The plan management server 15 receives the confirmation response from the electrical equipment control execution device 16. Confirmation responses from a plurality of houses are received, and the results are collected and notified to the power information server 12 (808).

  After the procedure 808, the plan management server 15 generates a control plan (809). The contents of the processing are the same as the procedures 101, 102, and 103.

  The plan management server 15 transmits the generated plan to the electric equipment control execution device 16 (810).

  The electric equipment control execution device 16 performs temperature setting for the air conditioner 5 based on the received plan (811).

  After the procedure 811, the electrical equipment control execution device 16 periodically monitors the electrical equipment and notifies the plan management server 15 as shown in the range of the procedure 812. This monitoring will continue until the end of the period when electricity charges are rising.

  The electric equipment control execution device 16 periodically checks the set temperature of the air conditioner 5 (813). The confirmed result is notified to the plan management server 15 (814).

  The electric equipment control execution device 16 periodically checks the information of the sensor 4 (816). Then, the value of the confirmed sensor is notified to the plan management server 15 (817).

  When the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 5 (815), the plan management server 16 can know that the change has been made by periodically receiving notification of the set temperature.

  After the period when the electricity price increases, the data analysis is judged (818).

  By implementing the above configuration and procedure, the plan management server 15 and the electrical equipment control execution device 16 can be linked to each other via the network to realize the same function as in the first embodiment.

  Since the plan management server 15 can aggregate information from the electrical equipment control execution devices 16 of a plurality of houses, it can be used to improve the accuracy of the control plan using the aggregated information.

  In order to generate a control plan, it is necessary to perform a lot of calculation processing. Therefore, by integrating the plan generation processing with a high processing load into the plan management server 15, the processing load of the electric equipment control execution device 16 is reduced, The hardware cost of the electric equipment control execution device 16 can be reduced.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to an above-described Example, Various modifications are included. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Further, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. Further, it is possible to add, delete, and replace other configurations for a part of the configuration of each embodiment.

  Each of the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, and the like may be realized by hardware by designing a part or all of them with, for example, an integrated circuit. Each of the above-described configurations, functions, and the like may be realized by software by interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function by the processor. Information such as programs, tables, and files for realizing each function can be stored in a recording device such as a memory, a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, an SD card, or a DVD.

  Further, the communication path indicates what is considered necessary for the description, and does not necessarily indicate all communication paths in the product. Actually, it may be considered that almost all the components are connected to each other.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electric equipment control apparatus 2 Router 3 Communication path 4 Sensor 5 Air conditioner 6 Lighting 7 Television 8 Electromagnetic cooker 9 Storage battery unit 10 Solar power generation unit 11 Display terminal 12 Power information server 13 Weather information server 14 External network 15 Plan management server 16 Electricity Device control execution device 20 Control unit 21 Communication bus 22 Recording unit 23 Display unit 24 Communication unit 25 Comfort level calculation unit

Claims (10)

An electrical device control device for controlling operation of the electrical device, connected by communication, an electrical device that consumes one or a plurality of electric power, at least one sensor, a server that transmits information about an electricity bill, and communication ,
A comfort level calculation unit for calculating a comfort level based on the information of the sensor;
A control unit for managing the operating status of the electrical equipment,
The controller is
An electrical device that performs operation control of the electrical device in a predetermined time zone based on the power rate and the comfort level when the operation status of the electrical device changes during a time zone when the electricity rate changes Control device. It is an electric equipment control device according to claim 1, Comprising:
A storage unit for storing a change amount of the electricity rate and a change amount of the comfort level in the time zone when the electricity rate changes
The control unit, when the comfort level is changed by a user operation during a time period when the electricity rate is higher than normal, causes the storage unit to accumulate the amount of change in the electricity rate and the amount of change in the comfort level, An electrical device control apparatus, comprising: determining a balance between the electricity rate and the comfort level based on the accumulated information, and performing operation control of the electrical device in a predetermined time period according to the determined balance. It is an electric equipment control device according to claim 2, Comprising:
A display unit for displaying information;
The said control part displays the balance of the said electricity bill and the said comfort level on the said display part, The electric equipment control apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. It is an electric equipment control device according to claim 1, Comprising:
A storage unit for storing a change amount of the electricity rate and a change amount of the comfort level in the time zone when the electricity rate changes
The control unit can determine whether a human is in a predetermined room based on the information of the sensor,
When a person is present in a predetermined room during a time period when the electricity rate is higher than normal, the change amount of the electricity rate and the change amount of the comfort level are accumulated in the storage unit, and the accumulated information is stored in the accumulated information. An electrical device control apparatus, comprising: determining a balance between the electricity rate and the comfort level based on the control, and performing operation control of the electrical device in a predetermined time period according to the determined balance. It is an electric equipment control device according to claim 2 or 4,
A display unit for displaying information;
The control unit causes the display unit to display information related to the electricity charge, and accumulates the change amount of the electricity charge and the change amount of the comfort level in the storage unit when the display is confirmed by a user. Electrical equipment control device. An electric device that consumes one or a plurality of electric power, at least one sensor, a server that transmits information related to an electricity bill, and an electric device controller that is connected by communication and controls the operation of the electric device. An electrical equipment control system,
The electrical equipment control device
A comfort level calculation unit for calculating a comfort level based on the information of the sensor;
A control unit for managing the operating status of the electrical equipment,
The controller is
An electrical device that performs operation control of the electrical device in a predetermined time zone based on the power rate and the comfort level when the operation status of the electrical device changes during a time zone when the electricity rate changes Control system. The electrical equipment control system according to claim 6,
The electrical equipment control device further includes a storage unit that stores a change amount of the electricity rate and a change amount of the comfort level in a time zone when the electricity rate changes,
The control unit, when the comfort level is changed by a user operation during a time period when the electricity rate is higher than normal, causes the storage unit to accumulate the amount of change in the electricity rate and the amount of change in the comfort level, An electrical equipment control system, wherein a balance between the electricity rate and the comfort level is determined based on the accumulated information, and operation control of the electrical equipment in a predetermined time period is performed according to the determined balance. The electrical equipment control system according to claim 7,
The electrical equipment control device further includes a display unit for displaying information,
The said control part displays the balance of the said electricity bill and the said comfort level on the said display part, The electric equipment control system characterized by the above-mentioned. The electrical equipment control system according to claim 6,
The electrical equipment control device further includes a storage unit that stores a change amount of the electricity rate and a change amount of the comfort level in a time zone when the electricity rate changes,
The control unit can determine whether a human is in a predetermined room based on the information of the sensor,
When a person is present in a predetermined room during a time period when the electricity rate is higher than normal, the change amount of the electricity rate and the change amount of the comfort level are accumulated in the storage unit, and the accumulated information is stored in the accumulated information. A balance between the electricity rate and the comfort level is determined based on the control, and an operation control of the electrical device in a predetermined time zone is performed according to the determined balance. It is an electric equipment control system according to claim 7 or 9,
The electrical equipment control device further includes a display unit for displaying information,
The control unit causes the display unit to display information on the electricity rate, and accumulates the change amount of the power rate and the change amount of the comfort level in the storage unit when the display is confirmed by a user. Electrical equipment control system.

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