JP2021188860A - Water heater controller, hot water supply system, operation schedule generation method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a water heater control device capable of suppressing occurrence of hot water shortage while reducing total power consumption entirely in a plurality of houses in which water heaters are installed, a water heating system, an operation schedule generation method and a program.SOLUTION: A cooled hot water amount calculation section 121 calculates a cooled hot water amount on the basis of weather information, an operation schedule, an amount of used hot water, and a use time zone. A required power amount calculation section 117 calculates a required power amount and a required operation time of a water heater 3 in each of houses H[1], H[2], ..., H[n] on the basis of the amount of used hot water, the use time zone, an amount of stored hot water, a stored hot water temperature and the cooled hot water amount. A schedule generation section 118 generates the operation schedule of the water heater 3 in each of the houses H[1], H[2], ..., H[n] in schedule generation timing on the basis of the required power amount and the required operation time in such a manner that total power consumption consumed in an entire multiple dwelling house B1 becomes equal to or less than a preset power consumption upper limit value until the next schedule generation timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present disclosure relates to a water heater control device, a hot water supply system, an operation schedule generation method and a program.

A water heater control device for controlling the boiling operation of a plurality of hot water storage type water heaters has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This water heater control device predicts the total power consumption of electrical equipment other than the water heater in the future and the amount of hot water used in each house in the house where each of the multiple water heaters is installed, and each of the multiple water heaters. An operation schedule for each of the plurality of water heaters is generated so that the sum of the power consumption amount and the above-mentioned total power consumption amount is reduced to a preset power consumption amount threshold or less.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-137215

However, in the case of the water heater control device described in Patent Document 1, the time interval between the time when the water heater finishes boiling and the time when the hot water is actually started to be used may open in each house depending on the operation schedule. In some cases. In this case, the hot water boiled by the water heater may cool down at the time when the hot water is actually used, and the hot water may run out.

This disclosure has been made in view of the above reasons, and is a water heater control device, a hot water supply system, which can suppress the occurrence of hot water shortage while reducing the total power consumption of a plurality of houses in which a water heater is installed. The purpose is to provide an operation schedule generation method and a program.

In order to achieve the above object, the water heater control device according to the present disclosure is
A power consumption acquisition unit that acquires power consumption information indicating the power consumption of the water heater and the power consumption of the equipment consumed by the equipment in each of the plurality of houses where the water heater and the equipment are installed. ,
A meteorological information acquisition unit that acquires meteorological information including at least future temperature forecast information in an area where a plurality of houses exist, and a meteorological information acquisition unit.
Hot water supply to acquire hot water supply information including hot water usage history information showing the history of hot water usage in each of the plurality of houses, hot water storage amount information showing the current hot water storage amount of the water heater, and the current hot water storage temperature of the water heater. Machine information acquisition department and
At the time of schedule generation to generate the operation schedule of the water heater installed in each of the plurality of houses that arrives at each preset period, the next step is based on the past power consumption information of each of the plurality of houses. An electric energy prediction unit that predicts the total power consumption of the equipment consumed only by the equipment in the entire plurality of houses in each of the plurality of preset time zones until the arrival time of the schedule generation.
At the schedule generation time, based on the hot water usage history information, a hot water usage prediction unit that predicts the hot water usage in each of the plurality of houses until the next scheduled hot water usage time.
At the schedule generation time, based on the hot water usage history information, a usage time prediction unit that predicts the hot water usage time zone in each of the plurality of houses until the next schedule generation time, and a usage time prediction unit.
Based on the weather information, the operation schedule, the amount of hot water used, and the time zone of use, the temperature immediately after boiling the hot water that has been cooled until the time zone of use arrives after the water heater has boiled. A hot water cooling amount calculation unit that calculates the hot water cooling amount that indicates the boiling amount required to boil up to
Based on the amount of hot water used, the time zone of use, the amount of hot water stored, the temperature of hot water stored, and the amount of hot water cooled, the amount of electric power required for the hot water supply machine of each of the plurality of houses until the next scheduled generation time. And the required electric energy calculation unit that calculates the required operating time,
At the schedule generation time, the total power consumption consumed by the entire plurality of houses is preset based on the required electric energy and the operation required time until the next scheduled generation time. It is provided with a schedule generation unit that generates an operation schedule of the water heaters of each of the plurality of houses so as to be equal to or less than the power consumption threshold.

According to the present disclosure, a plurality of required electric energy calculation units are used until the next scheduled generation time based on the amount of hot water used, the time zone of use, the amount of hot water stored, the temperature of hot water stored, and the amount of hot water cooled in each of the plurality of houses. Calculate the required electric energy and operating time of the water heater for each house. Then, the schedule generation unit presets the total power consumption consumed by the entire plurality of houses until the next scheduled generation time, based on the required electric energy and the required operating time at the schedule generation time. Generate an operation schedule for each of the water heaters in multiple houses so that the power consumption is less than or equal to the upper limit. This is due to the cooling of hot water that occurs between the time when the hot water is used and the time when the hot water is boiled, while reducing the total power consumption of the entire house where the water heater is installed. The occurrence of running out of hot water can be suppressed.

Schematic block diagram of the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Schematic block diagram of the water heater according to the first embodiment Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the water heater according to the first embodiment A block diagram showing a functional configuration of a water heater control device and a terminal device according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the information stored in the meteorological information storage part which concerns on Embodiment 1. (A) is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the electric energy storage unit according to the first embodiment, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the hot water usage history storage unit according to the first embodiment. (A) A diagram showing an example of information stored in the electric energy prediction storage unit according to the first embodiment, (B) a diagram showing an example of information stored in the hot water consumption time prediction storage unit according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the information stored in the schedule storage part which concerns on Embodiment 1. (A) is an operation explanatory diagram of the electric energy prediction unit according to the first embodiment, and (B) is an operation explanatory diagram of the hot water consumption prediction unit according to the first embodiment. The transition of the total power consumption when the water heater is operated according to the operation schedule generated by the schedule generation unit according to the first embodiment is shown, and (A) is the total power consumption when the water heater is operated according to the provisional operation schedule. (B) is a diagram showing the transition of the total power consumption when the water heater is operated according to the final operation schedule. (A) shows the transition of the total power consumption when the water heater operates according to the operation schedule generated by the schedule generation unit according to the first embodiment, and (B) is an operation explanatory diagram of the hot water cooling amount calculation unit. A sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. A sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. A sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the operation screen image displayed on the display part of the terminal apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. A flowchart showing an example of the flow of the operation schedule generation process executed by the water heater control device according to the first embodiment. A flowchart showing an example of the flow of the operation schedule generation process executed by the water heater control device according to the first embodiment. The transition of the total power consumption when the water heater is operated according to the operation schedule generated by the schedule generation unit according to the first embodiment is shown, and (A) is the total power consumption when the water heater is operated according to the provisional operation schedule. (B) is a diagram showing the transition of the total power consumption when the water heater is operated according to another provisional operation schedule. A block diagram showing a functional configuration of a water heater control device and a terminal device according to the second embodiment. A flowchart showing an example of the flow of the hot water cooling amount calculation model generation process executed by the water heater control device according to the second embodiment. A block diagram showing a functional configuration of a water heater control device and a terminal device according to the third embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the information which the used hot water amount time prediction storage unit which concerns on Embodiment 3 have stored. A flowchart showing an example of the flow of the operation schedule generation process executed by the water heater control device according to the third embodiment. A flowchart showing an example of the flow of the operation schedule generation process executed by the water heater control device according to the third embodiment. A block diagram showing a functional configuration of a water heater control device and a terminal device according to the fourth embodiment. A sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the hot water supply system according to the fourth embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the fourth embodiment, and (B) is an operation screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the fourth embodiment. Figure showing an example (A) is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the fourth embodiment, and (B) is an operation screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the fourth embodiment. Figure showing an example (A) is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the fourth embodiment, and (B) is an operation screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the fourth embodiment. Figure showing an example A flowchart showing an example of the flow of the operation schedule generation process executed by the water heater control device according to the fourth embodiment. A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the water heater control device and the terminal device according to the modified example. A block diagram showing a functional configuration of a water heater control device and a terminal device according to a modified example. (A) shows an example of an operation screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the modified example, and (B) shows an example of the operation screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the modified example. figure (A) shows an example of an operation screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the modified example, and (B) shows an example of the operation screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the modified example. figure The figure which shows an example of the operation screen image displayed on the display part of the terminal apparatus which concerns on a modification.

Hereinafter, the hot water supply system according to each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
The hot water supply system according to the present embodiment includes a terminal device and a water heater control device. The water heater control device includes a power consumption acquisition unit that acquires power consumption information indicating the power consumption of the water heater and the power consumption of the equipment in each of the multiple houses in which the water supply and the equipment are installed, and the power consumption acquisition unit of the plurality of houses. It is equipped with a weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information in an existing area. Here, the weather information includes at least weather forecast information indicating the future temperature. In addition, the water heater control device stores water heater information including hot water usage history information indicating the history of hot water usage in water heaters installed in each of a plurality of houses and hot water storage amount information indicating the current hot water storage capacity of the water heater. It is equipped with a water heater information acquisition unit to be acquired and a power consumption prediction unit that predicts the power consumption consumed only by the equipment in a plurality of houses as a whole. Here, the electric energy prediction unit generates past power consumption information of each of the plurality of houses at the schedule generation time of generating the operation schedule of the water heaters installed in each of the plurality of houses arriving at each preset period. Based on the above, the amount of power consumed by the device alone is predicted in each of the plurality of houses in each of the plurality of preset time zones until the next scheduled generation time. Further, the water heater control device has a water heater amount prediction unit that predicts the amount of hot water used in each of a plurality of houses until the next scheduled generation time based on the water heater information at the schedule generation time, and a schedule generation. It is provided with a usage time prediction unit that predicts the usage time of hot water in each of a plurality of houses until the next scheduled generation time, based on the water heater information. In addition, the water heater control device is based on the weather information, the operation schedule, the amount of hot water used, and the time of use, and the temperature immediately after boiling the hot water that has been cooled until the time of use arrives after the water heater has boiled. It is provided with a hot water cooling amount calculation unit for calculating the hot water cooling amount indicating the boiling amount required for boiling up to, a required electric energy calculation unit, and a schedule generation unit. Based on the amount of hot water used, the time of use, the amount of hot water stored, and the amount of hot water cooled, the required electric energy calculation unit calculates the required electric energy and operating time of the water heaters of each of the multiple houses until the next scheduled generation time. calculate. In the schedule generation period, the total power consumption consumed by the entire plurality of houses is set in advance until the next scheduled generation time, based on the required electric energy and the required operating time. Generate an operation schedule for each of the water heaters in multiple houses so that the power is below the upper limit.

The hot water supply system according to the present embodiment is an apartment house having a plurality of houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] (n is a positive integer) as shown in FIG. 1, for example. Used for B1. In each house H [1], H [2], ..., H [n], the distribution board 21 that supplies power to the water heater 3, the electric device 4, the water heater 3, and the electric device 4 respectively. And a power measuring device 22 for measuring the amount of power supplied to the water heater 3 and the electric device 4. Further, in the housing complex B1, for example, a power generation facility 7 such as a solar power generation facility and a power measuring device 72 for measuring the amount of power generated by the power generation facility 7 are installed. The distribution board 21 branches and supplies the electric power supplied from the system power supply PS to the water heater 3 and the electric device 4. Further, the apartment house B1 is provided via the water heater 3, the power measuring device 22, the power measuring device 72, and the local network NW2 installed in the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. A router 6 capable of communicating with the user is installed. The local network NW2 is a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a wired LAN. The router 6 is, for example, a broadband router, and is connected to a wide area network NW1 such as the Internet. Here, the hot water supply system according to the present embodiment includes a terminal device 5 managed by each resident of a house H [1], H [2], ..., H [n], a terminal device 5, and a wide area network. A water heater control device 1 capable of communicating via the NW 1 is provided. The water heater control device 1 includes a water heater 3, a power measuring device 22, a power measuring device 72, and a local network NW2 installed in each house H [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. Communication is possible via the router 6 and the wide area network NW1.

The power measuring device 22 is a so-called smart meter, measures the power consumption of the power supplied from the distribution board 21 to the water supply device 3 and the electric device 4, and generates electric energy information indicating the measured power consumption. And sends it to the water heater control device 1. Further, the power measuring device 72 measures the amount of power generated by the power generation facility 7, generates electric energy information indicating the measured amount of generated power, and transmits it to the water heater control device 1. Here, when the electric energy measuring devices 22 and 72 receive the electric energy information request information requesting the transmission of the electric energy information from the water heater control device 1 to the water heater control device 1 from the water heater control device 1, they receive it. The electric energy information is generated accordingly. Then, the electric power measuring devices 22 and 72 transmit the generated electric energy amount information to the water heater control device 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the water heater 3 is a hot water storage type water heater having a hot water storage tank 31, a heat pump unit 32, and a controller 33, and the heat pump unit 32 boils water stored in the hot water storage tank 31. The heat pump unit 32 includes an evaporator 321 constituting a heat pump, a compressor 322, an expansion valve 324, a heat exchanger 323, a compressor 322, an expansion valve 324, and a control board 325 for controlling the compressor 322. , Have. Here, the water sent from the hot water storage tank 31 to the heat exchanger 323 by the pump 313 is heated in the heat exchanger 323 and returned to the hot water storage tank 31 again. Then, hot water is supplied to the bathroom or kitchen in the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] from the hot water outlet pipe PI1 provided in the hot water storage tank 31, and hot water is stored from the water supply pipe PI2. Water is supplied to the tank 31. Further, the water heater 3 is provided in the hot water outlet pipe PI1 of the hot water storage tank 31 and stores the hot water used in the hot water storage tank 31 and the hot water used measuring unit 311 which measures the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank 31 per unit time. It has a hot water storage amount measuring unit 312 for measuring the amount of hot water stored, which is the amount of hot water. The used hot water amount measuring unit 311 is connected to the controller 33 via a communication line (not shown), and periodically outputs the used hot water amount information indicating the measured used hot water amount to the controller 33. Further, the hot water storage amount measuring unit 312 is also connected to the controller 33 via a communication line (not shown), and periodically outputs hot water storage amount information indicating the measured hot water storage amount to the controller 33. Further, the water heater 3 includes temperature sensors 313a, 313b, 313c, 313d, 313e that detect the water temperature in each division when the inside of the hot water storage tank 31 is divided into a plurality of divisions in the height direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 33 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a main storage unit 302 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a readable / writable non-volatile memory. It includes an auxiliary storage unit 303, a communication interface 310 connected to the control board 325 of the heat pump unit 32 via a communication line (not shown), and a bus 309 connecting them to each other. Here, the CPU 301 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303 into the main storage unit 302 and executes it, so that the schedule receiving unit 331, the heat pump control unit 332, and the water heater information transmitting unit 334 are executed as shown in FIG. It functions as a hot water amount history generation unit 335, a hot water amount acquisition unit 336, a hot water storage amount acquisition unit 337, and a hot water storage temperature acquisition unit 338. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the auxiliary storage unit 303 shown in FIG. 3 stores a hot water amount history storage unit 342 that stores the amount of hot water used, and hot water storage amount information indicating the hot water storage amount and hot water storage temperature information indicating the hot water storage temperature. It has a hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 343 and a schedule storage unit 344 that stores schedule information indicating the operation schedule of the hot water supply machine 3. When the schedule receiving unit 331 receives the schedule information transmitted from the water heater control device 1, the schedule receiving unit 341 stores the received schedule information in the schedule storage unit 344. The heat pump control unit 332 controls the operation of the heat pump of the heat pump unit 32 by transmitting control information to the control board 325 according to the operation schedule indicated by the schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 344.

Each time the hot water storage temperature acquisition unit 338 acquires a detection signal indicating the hot water storage temperature detected by each of the temperature sensors 313a, 313b, 313c, 313d, 313e, the hot water storage temperature information corresponding to the acquired detection signal is generated. Then, the hot water storage temperature acquisition unit 338 associates the generated hot water storage temperature information with the category identification information for identifying the category corresponding to each of the temperature sensors 313a, 313b, 313c, 313d, 313e, and stores the generated hot water in the hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 343. Remember in chronological order. Each time the used hot water amount acquisition unit 336 acquires the hot water amount information from the used hot water amount measuring unit 311, the used hot water amount acquisition unit associates the acquired hot water amount information with the time information indicating the time when the hot water amount information measured by the timekeeping unit is acquired. It is stored in the storage unit 342. The hot water storage amount acquisition unit 337 stores the acquired hot water storage amount information in the hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 343 each time the hot water storage amount information is acquired from the hot water storage amount measurement unit 312. When the used hot water amount history generation unit 335 receives the water heater information request information described later from the water heater control device 1, the use from the time when the water heater information request information is recently received from the used hot water amount history storage unit 342 to the present time. The hot water amount information and the corresponding time information are acquired, and the used hot water amount history information including the acquired hot water amount information and the time information is generated. Then, the used hot water amount history generation unit 335 notifies the water heater information transmission unit 334 of the generated hot water amount history information. When the water heater information transmission unit 334 receives the water heater information request information from the water heater control device 1, the water heater information transmission unit 334 receives the water heater information request information, the water heater history information generated by the water heater history generation unit 335, and the hot water storage amount stored by the hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 343. Information and hot water storage temperature information are transmitted to the water heater control device 1.

Returning to FIG. 1, the electric device 4 is, for example, an air conditioner, a lighting device, a floor heating system, a refrigerator, an IH (Induction Heating) cooker, a television, or the like. The electric device 4 is installed in each house and receives power from the distribution board 21.

The weather server 8 has a storage (not shown), a control unit (not shown) that controls the entire weather server 8, and a communication interface (not shown) connected to the wide area network NW1. The storage stores weather forecast information indicating future weather forecasts for each region and weather forecast information indicating past actual weather conditions for each region. The weather forecast information includes information indicating the future temperature and information indicating the weather. In addition, the meteorological record information includes information indicating the current and past temperatures and information indicating the weather. When the meteorological server 8 receives the meteorological information request information requesting the meteorological server 8 to transmit the meteorological information to the hot water supply device control device 1, the meteorological server 8 is included in the meteorological information request information. Extract area information indicating the area. Next, the meteorological server 8 acquires the meteorological record information and the weather forecast information in the area indicated by the extracted area information from the storage, and generates the meteorological information including the acquired meteorological record information and the weather forecast information. Then, the weather server 8 transmits the generated weather information to the water heater control device 1.

The terminal device 5 is, for example, a smartphone, and as shown in FIG. 3, each unit includes a CPU 501, a main storage unit 502, an auxiliary storage unit 503, a display unit 504, an input unit 505, and a wide area communication unit 506. It is provided with a bus 509 to be connected. The main storage unit 502 is a volatile memory used as a work area of the CPU 501. The auxiliary storage unit 103 is a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor flash memory, and stores programs for realizing various functions of the terminal device 5. The display unit 504 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-luminescence) display, or the like, and outputs various information input from the CPU 501. The input unit 505 is, for example, a transparent touch pad arranged on top of the display unit 504, receives various operation information according to the operation of the resident, and outputs the received operation information to the CPU 501. The wide area communication unit 506 has an interface for connecting to the wide area network NW1.

The CPU 501 functions as a receiving unit 511, a display control unit 512, and a receiving unit 513 by reading the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 503 into the main storage unit 502 and executing the program, as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the auxiliary storage unit 503 shown in FIG. 3 has an operation screen storage unit 531 for storing image information for generating an operation screen image for displaying the operation schedule of the water heater 3. The reception unit 513 accepts an operation by the resident via the input unit 505, and notifies the display control unit 512 of the operation information indicating the accepted operation content. The display control unit 512 acquires image information from the operation screen storage unit 531 based on the operation information notified from the reception unit 513, generates an operation screen image from the acquired image information, and displays the generated operation screen image. It is displayed on the unit 504. When the receiving unit 511 receives the schedule information indicating the operation schedule of the water heater 3 transmitted from the water heater control device 1, the reception unit 511 notifies the display control unit 512 of the received schedule information. When the display control unit 512 is notified of the schedule information from the reception unit 511, the display control unit 512 acquires image information for displaying the operation schedule on the display unit 504 from the operation screen storage unit 531, and the schedule information and the acquired image information are combined. Based on this, an operation screen image showing the operation schedule of the water heater 3 is generated and displayed on the display unit 504.

Returning to FIG. 3, the water heater control device 1 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer, and includes a CPU 101, a main storage unit 102, an auxiliary storage unit 103, a wide area communication unit 106 connected to the wide area network NW1, and a local area. It has a local communication unit 107 connected to the network NW2, a timekeeping unit 108, and a bus 109 that connects them to each other. The main storage unit 102 is a volatile memory used as a work area of the CPU 101. The auxiliary storage unit 103 is a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk or a semiconductor flash memory, and stores a program for realizing various functions of the water heater control device 1. The local communication unit 107 communicates with the power measuring device 22 via the local network. The timekeeping unit 108 functions as an RTC (Real Time Clock) for measuring the current date and time.

As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 101 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executes it, so that the weather information acquisition unit 111, the electric energy acquisition unit 112, the water supply machine information acquisition unit 113, Electric energy prediction unit 114, hot water amount prediction unit 115, usage time prediction unit 122, boiling amount calculation unit 116, required electric energy calculation unit 117, hot water cooling amount calculation unit 121, schedule generation unit 118, priority determination unit 123 and transmission. Functions as part 119. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the auxiliary storage unit 103 shown in FIG. 3 includes an electric energy storage unit 131, a weather information storage unit 132, a hot water amount storage unit 133, a hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 134, and an electric energy. It has an amount prediction storage unit 136, a hot water usage time prediction storage unit 137, a schedule storage unit 138, and a threshold storage unit 139.

As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the meteorological information storage unit 132 stores the meteorological record information indicating the actual results of the current and past weather conditions and the weather forecast information indicating the forecast of the future meteorological conditions. It is stored in association with a plurality of preset time zones. In the example shown in FIG. 6, when the weather information storage unit 132 sets the current time from 23:00 to 24:00 on 4/1, the temperature and weather in each time zone before 23:00 on 4/1. The actual results are stored as meteorological record information, and the temperature and weather forecasts for each future time zone after 0:00 on April 2 are stored as meteorological forecast information.

As shown in FIG. 7A, for example, the electric energy storage unit 131 includes housing H [i] (i is a positive integer), H [i + 1], ..., Housing H [i], H [ i + 1], ... It is the actual value of the electric energy consumption of the electric device 4 other than the water supply device 3 and the electric energy consumption of the water supply machine 3 in each of the plurality of preset time zones. The actual value of the power consumption of the water heater is the information indicating the date, day, time zone, and the house identification information ID (H [i]), ID (H [i]) that identifies the house H [i], H [i + 1], ... Store in association with H [i + 1]), .... Further, the electric energy storage unit 131 stores the actual value of the electric power generated by the power generation facility 7 in association with the information indicating the date, the day of the week, and the time zone.

As shown in FIG. 7B, for example, the hot water used history storage unit 133 has a house H [i], H [i + 1], ..., Each house H [i], H [i + 1], ... The actual value of the amount of hot water used in a plurality of preset time zones in the above is stored in association with the date and time of use, the information indicating the day of the week of the date and time of use, and the house identification information ID (H [i]).

Returning to FIG. 5, the hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 134 hot water supply corresponding to each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] most recently acquired by the water heater information acquisition unit 113. The hot water storage amount information and the hot water storage temperature information included in the machine information are stored in association with the house identification information.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the electric energy prediction storage unit 136 is an electric device 4 other than the water heater 3 in a plurality of preset time zones of the entire apartment house B1 predicted by the electric energy prediction unit 114. Obtained by subtracting the amount of power generated by the power generation facility 7 from the predicted value of the total power consumption of the equipment, the predicted value of the amount of power generated by the power generation facility 7, and the predicted value of the total power consumption of the electric device 4 other than the water supply device 3. The information indicating the predicted value of the total power consumption is stored in association with the information indicating the time zone. As shown in FIG. 8B, for example, the hot water usage time prediction storage unit 137 sets the date of the hot water usage start time and the predicted value of the hot water usage for each house H [i], H [i + 1], ... Store information and housing identification information in association with each other.

As shown in FIG. 9, the schedule storage unit 138 has information indicating the use start time, the provisional boiling amount, the provisional operation time, the additional power amount, the additional operation time, the operation end time, the operation time, the operation start time, and the priority. Is stored in association with the housing identification information and the reschedule implementation date information. The use start time corresponds to the time when the amount of hot water used in each house H [i] becomes equal to or higher than the preset hot water amount threshold value for the first time between two schedule generation times adjacent to each other in time. The provisional boiling amount is the boiling amount required to cover the amount of hot water used when the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 31 is not considered to be cooled. Here, the boiling amount is an amount corresponding to the product of the amount of water stored in the hot water storage tank 31 and the temperature difference between the temperature of the water and the hot water storage temperature immediately before use. The hot water storage temperature immediately before use is set in advance, for example, 42 ° C. The provisional operating time corresponds to the operating time of the water heater 3 required to boil only the provisional boiling amount. The additional electric energy corresponds to the electric energy consumed by the water heater 3 when the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 31 is cooled and the hot water is boiled to the hot water storage temperature immediately before use. The additional operating time corresponds to the operating time of the water heater 3 required to boil the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 31 to the hot water storage temperature immediately before use when the hot water is cooled. The operation end time is the time when the water heater 3 ends the operation, the operation time is the time when the water heater 3 operates, and the operation start time is the time when the water heater 3 starts the operation. The priority is a priority for boiling the amount of hot water used by the water heater 3 according to the provisional operation schedule. Here, the priority information indicating the priority may indicate the priority based on the updated operation schedule when the operation schedule is updated once. Alternatively, even if it corresponds to the cumulative value or the average value of the priorities corresponding to the operation schedule after each update when the operation schedule is updated multiple times executed within the preset period. good.

The weather information acquisition unit 111 acquires weather information including weather record information indicating the current temperature and weather and weather forecast information indicating future temperature and weather in the area where the housing complex B1 exists from the weather server 8. The weather information acquisition unit 111 acquires the weather information transmitted from the weather server 8 by transmitting the weather information request information requesting the weather server 8 to transmit the weather information to the weather server 8. Here, the meteorological information includes the meteorological record information indicating the current and past temperature and the actual weather for transmitting the meteorological request information to the meteorological server 8, and after a preset period in the future from the present time, for example, 24 from the present time. Includes weather forecast information, which indicates hourly temperature and weather forecasts up to the hour. Further, each time the weather information acquisition unit 111 determines that the schedule generation time for newly generating the operation schedule of the water heater 3 preset from the time measured by the time measuring unit 108 has arrived, the weather information request information is sent to the weather. Send to server 8. Then, the weather information acquisition unit 111 stores the acquired weather information in the weather information storage unit 132.

The electric energy acquisition unit 112 measures the electric energy indicating the electric energy consumption in each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] in which the water heater 3 and the electric device 4 are installed. Obtained from device 22. Further, the electric energy acquisition unit 112 acquires electric energy information indicating the electric energy generated by the power generation facility 7 from the electric energy measuring device 72. When the electric energy acquisition unit 112 determines that the preset electric energy information acquisition time has arrived from the date and time measured by the electric energy unit 108, the electric energy acquisition unit 112 requests the electric energy measuring devices 22 and 72 to transmit the electric energy information. By transmitting the information request information to the power measuring devices 22 and 72, the electric energy information transmitted from the power measuring devices 22 and 72 is acquired. Then, the electric energy acquisition unit 112 stores the acquired electric energy information in the electric energy storage unit 131.

The water heater information acquisition unit 113 is a water heater history information and a water heater showing a history of the amount of hot water used by the water heater 3 installed in each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. Water heater information including hot water storage amount information indicating the current hot water storage amount of 3 and hot water storage temperature information indicating the current hot water storage temperature of the water heater 3 is acquired from the water heater 3. The water heater information acquisition unit 113 transmits the water heater information request information requesting the water heater 3 to transmit the above-mentioned water heater information to the water heater 3, thereby transmitting the water heater information transmitted from the water heater 3. get. Then, the hot water supply machine information acquisition unit 113 stores the used hot water amount history information included in the acquired hot water supply machine information in the used hot water amount history storage unit 133, and also stores the hot water storage amount information and the hot water storage temperature information included in the acquired hot water supply machine information. It is stored in the hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 134.

The electric energy prediction unit 114 includes past electric energy consumption information and past weather record information for each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] at the preset schedule generation time. Based on the weather forecast information, the total amount of electric energy consumed by only the electric device 4 in the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n], that is, in the whole apartment house B1. Predict the total power consumption of the equipment. Here, the schedule generation time is set to arrive every preset period, for example, every day. Further, the electric energy prediction unit 114 predicts the total electric energy consumption of the entire housing complex B1 in each of the plurality of preset time zones until the next scheduled generation time. Here, the electric energy prediction unit 114 first generates a total equipment power consumption calculation formula showing the correlation between the temperature and the past total equipment power consumption based on the meteorological record information. Specifically, the electric energy prediction unit 114 classifies the power consumption information stored in the electric energy storage unit 131 by the combination of the day of the week and the time for each house H [i]. Next, the power amount prediction unit 114 refers to the weather record information and the weather forecast information stored in the weather information storage unit 132, and sets the date and time zone in which the weather matches each time zone of the target day to be predicted. Specify the combination of the specified date and time zone, and identify the combination of the date and time zone that matches the day of the day from the combinations of the specified date and time zone. Subsequently, the electric energy prediction unit 114 consumes power of the electric equipment 4 other than the water heaters 3 of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] stored in the electric energy storage unit 131. The power consumption information corresponding to the combination of the specified date and time zone is extracted from the quantity information, and the combination of the specified date and time zone is extracted from the weather record information stored in the weather information storage unit 132. Extract the weather record information corresponding to. Then, the electric energy prediction unit 114 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 10 (A), the consumption indicated by the power consumption information of each of the extracted houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. A total equipment power consumption calculation formula showing a correlation between the total equipment power consumption Pa, which is the total power amount, and the temperature Th indicated by the extracted meteorological record information is generated. The example shown in FIG. 10A shows a correlation in which the total equipment power consumption Pa decreases as the air temperature rises. For example, when the air temperature Th is 18 ° C., it is higher than when the air temperature Th is 0 ° C. The total equipment power consumption Pa is small. Further, the electric energy prediction unit 114 has a first standard deviation indicating a variation in the total equipment power consumption, which is the total power consumption indicated by the extracted power consumption information, and a temperature indicated by the extracted meteorological record information. The first standard deviation calculation formula showing the correlation is also generated. Then, the electric energy prediction unit 114 adds N times (N) the first standard deviation calculated by using the first standard deviation calculation formula to the total equipment power consumption calculated by using the total equipment power consumption calculation formula. Is an integer of 1 or more) is added to calculate the total equipment power consumption predicted value. Here, N is set to, for example, one of 1, 2, and 3. Further, when the electric energy generated by the power generation facility 7 is not 0 kWh, the electric energy prediction unit 114 subtracts the electric energy generated by the power generation facility 7 from the total electric energy calculated by using the total electric energy consumption calculation formula. The amount obtained by adding N times the first standard deviation (N is an integer of 1 or more) calculated by using the first standard deviation calculation formula is calculated as the total equipment power consumption predicted value. The electric energy prediction unit 114 may predict the total power consumption of the equipment in each time zone within the period of the length corresponding to the arrival cycle of the schedule generation time, and 24 hours according to the arrival cycle of the schedule generation time. The total equipment power consumption for minutes or 48 hours may be predicted.

Returning to FIG. 5, the used hot water amount prediction unit 115 is based on the used hot water amount history information stored in the used hot water amount history storage unit 132 at the above-mentioned schedule generation time, until the next scheduled generation time. Predict the amount of hot water used in each of [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. Specifically, the used hot water amount prediction unit 115 classifies the used hot water amount information stored in the used hot water amount history storage unit 133 for each house H [i] by the combination of the day of the week and the time zone. Next, the hot water usage prediction unit 115 refers to the weather record information and the weather forecast information stored in the weather information storage unit 132, and the weather matches each time zone of the target day to be predicted and the temperature is the target day. Specify the combination of the date and time zone in which the temperature difference from the air temperature in each time zone is a preset temperature range, and the date and time zone where the day matches from the combination of the specified date and time zone. Identify the combination with. Subsequently, the hot water usage prediction unit 115 specified from the hot water usage history information of each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] stored in the hot water usage history storage unit 133. The amount of hot water used corresponding to the combination of the date and the time zone is extracted, and the meteorological record information corresponding to the combination of the specified date and the time zone is extracted from the meteorological record information stored in the weather information storage unit 132. .. Then, the hot water used prediction unit 115 correlates the extracted hot water used and the temperature indicated by the extracted meteorological record information for each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. Generate a formula for calculating the amount of hot water used. In addition, the hot water used prediction unit 115 also has a hot water standard deviation calculation formula showing a correlation between the standard deviation of the hot water used, which indicates the variation in the hot water used indicated by the extracted hot water used information, and the temperature indicated by the extracted meteorological record information. Generate. Then, the used hot water amount prediction unit 115 calculates the used hot water amount using the used hot water amount standard deviation calculation formula to the hot water amount calculated by using the used hot water amount calculation formula for each time zone until the next scheduled generation time. The amount of hot water is calculated by adding S times the standard deviation (S is an integer of 1 or more). Here, S is set to, for example, one of 1, 2, and 3. After that, the used hot water amount prediction unit 115 calculates the total amount of hot water calculated for each time zone until the next scheduled generation time as the used hot water amount predicted value. Further, the used hot water amount prediction unit 115 stores the predicted used hot water amount information indicating the calculated used hot water amount predicted value in the used hot water amount time prediction storage unit 137 in association with the date information and the house identification information.

The usage time prediction unit 122 uses the hot water usage history storage unit 133 at the schedule generation time, and based on the hot water usage history information, the houses H [1] and H [2] until the next schedule generation time. , ..., Predict the usage time zone of hot water in each of H [n]. Specifically, the usage time prediction unit 122 has two schedules that are temporally adjacent to each other within a preset usage time calculation period in the past, based on the usage hot water amount history information stored in the hot water usage history storage unit 133. In the generation period, the average time of the time when the amount of hot water used is equal to or more than the preset threshold and the second standard deviation indicating the variation of the time when the amount of hot water is equal to or more than the threshold are calculated. Here, the period for calculating the usage time is set to, for example, a period from the date and time retroactive by one month to the schedule generation time. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the amount of hot water used in the house H [i] is first used at the time Ts [i] during the period between the two schedule generation times Tsc that are adjacent in time. Assuming that the amount of hot water is equal to or greater than the threshold value Vth, the usage time prediction unit 122 specifies the time Ts [i] as the usage start time of the house H [i]. In this way, the usage time prediction unit 122 has specified the average time of the usage start time for each of the periods between the two schedule generation periods adjacent in time within the past usage time calculation period, and the second usage time. Calculate the standard deviation. Then, the use time prediction unit 122 sets a margin time to the time before the calculated average time by M times the second standard deviation (M is an integer of 1 or more) or M times the second standard deviation. Only the added time is calculated using the previous time as the start time. Here, M is set to, for example, one of 1, 2, and 3. Further, the usage time prediction unit 122 stores the usage start time information indicating the calculated usage start time in the usage hot water amount time prediction storage unit 137 in association with the date information and the house identification information.

The boiling amount calculation unit 116 stores the hot water storage amount and the hot water storage temperature information indicated by the hot water storage amount information of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] stored in the hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 134. Based on the hot water storage temperature shown and the hot water used predicted value indicated by the predicted hot water used information stored in the hot water used time prediction storage unit 137, the houses H [1] and H [2] are set by the next scheduled generation time. , ..., The boiling amount in the water heater 3 installed in each of H [n] is calculated. The boiling amount calculation unit 116 calculates using the relational expression of the following equation (1).

Here, X indicates the boiling amount, ρt indicates the density of water at the preset target temperature Tt, Vt indicates the preset target hot water storage amount, and ct indicates the water at the target temperature Tt. The specific heat of. Further, Tk (k = 1, 2, ... 5) indicates the temperature detected by the temperature sensors 313a, 313b, 313c, 313d, 313e, respectively, and ρk indicates the density of water at the temperature Tk. , Ck indicate the specific heat of water at the temperature Tk. Further, Vk indicates the amount of hot water stored in each of the temperature sensors 313a, 313b, 313c, 313d, and 313e in the hot water storage tank 31. Then, the boiling amount calculation unit 116 notifies the required electric energy calculation unit 117 of the boiling amount information indicating the calculated boiling amount. When the amount of hot water used is, for example, 100 L, the boiling amount calculation unit 116 sets the hot water storage temperature of 70 L to 70 L when the hot water storage temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 31 is the temperature immediately before the start of use and the hot water storage amount is 30 L. Calculate the corresponding boiling amount.

The required electric energy calculation unit 117 is based on the predicted value of the amount of hot water used, the amount of hot water stored, the hot water storage temperature, and the amount of hot water cooled to be described later. ..., H [n] Calculate the required electric energy and the required operating time of each water heater 3. The required electric energy calculation unit 117 converts the boiling amount calculated based on the predicted hot water amount used, the hot water storage amount, and the hot water storage temperature, and the boiling amount, which are notified from the boiling amount calculation unit 116, into the electric energy. The product of the coefficient for this (for example, 1/860) is calculated as the required electric energy. Further, the required electric energy calculation unit 117 calculates the average power consumption per unit time during operation of the water supply machine 3 stored in the electric energy storage unit 131, and calculates the required electric energy amount of the calculated water supply machine 3. The required operating time is calculated by dividing by the average power consumption during operation.

The schedule generation unit 118 is based on the required power consumption, the required operating time, and the priority calculated by the required power consumption calculation unit 117 at the schedule generation time, and the entire housing complex B1 until the next schedule generation time is reached. Generates an operation schedule for each of the water heaters 3 of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] so that the total power consumption consumed in is equal to or less than the preset upper limit of power consumption. do. The schedule generation unit 118 first generates a provisional operation schedule for the water heater 3 so that the amount of hot water used will boil at the start time of use, based on the start time of use, the required electric power amount, and the required operation time. For example, when the use start time is 20:00, the schedule generation unit 118 generates a provisional operation schedule of the water heater 3 so that the amount of hot water used will boil up by 20:00. Next, the schedule generation unit 118 operates the water heaters 3 installed in each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] according to the provisional operation schedule, and the total power consumption If there is an excess time zone that exceeds the power consumption threshold, the operation schedule of the water heater 3 installed in at least one of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] is set. , Regenerate so that the amount of hot water used will boil before the time of use. Here, the schedule generation unit 118 stores the houses [i] for which the operation schedule is to be recreated, the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] stored in the schedule storage unit 138. Select in ascending order of priority. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the water heaters 3 installed in the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] are operated according to the provisional operation schedule, it is 17:00. It is assumed that there is an excess time zone A11 in which the total power consumption Pt exceeds the power consumption threshold Ptth between 19:00 and 19:00. In this case, the schedule generation unit 118 sets the operating time of the water heater 3 installed in the house [i] for 3 hours from 17:00 to 19:00 between 11:00 and 13:00 before the operation start time of 14:00. Recreate the moved provisional operation schedule. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the water heaters 3 installed in the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] are operated according to the provisional operation schedule. , The operating time zone of the water heater 3 installed in the housing H [i] shifts to the operating time zone including the time zone A12, and a part of the power consumption Psp [i] of the housing H [i] is total. The device power consumption Pt2 is assigned to a relatively small time zone, and the total power consumption Pt is equal to or less than the power consumption threshold Ptth.

In this way, when the schedule generation unit 118 changes the provisional operation schedule for the house H [i], the water heater 3 has a time from the time when the boiling of the amount of hot water used is completed to the time when the water heater starts to be used, so that the hot water is cooled. appear. Therefore, when the provisional operation schedule for the house H [i] is generated again, the schedule generation unit 118 notifies the hot water cooling amount calculation unit 121 of the changed provisional operation schedule and the use start time. Then, the hot water cooling amount calculation unit 121 includes the elapsed time from the operation end time of the water supply machine 3 indicated by the regenerated provisional operation schedule to the start time of use, and the temperature indicated by the weather forecast information stored in the weather information storage unit 132. , Calculate the amount of hot water cooling. The hot water cooling amount calculation unit 121 notifies the required electric energy calculation unit 117 of the calculated hot water cooling amount. Further, when the required electric energy calculation unit 117 is notified of the hot water cooling amount by the hot water cooling amount calculation unit 121, the boiling amount notified by the boiling amount calculation unit 116 and the hot water cooling amount notified by the hot water cooling amount calculation unit 121 are used. The required electric energy is newly calculated from the amount corresponding to the sum of. Then, the required electric energy calculation unit 117 calculates the average power consumption per unit time when the water supply machine 3 stored in the electric energy storage unit 131 is in operation, and the newly calculated required electric energy amount is calculated. The required operating time is newly calculated by dividing by the average power consumption during operation of 3. The required electric energy calculation unit 117 notifies the schedule generation unit 118 of the newly calculated operation required time. Then, the schedule generation unit 118 starts operation at a time earlier than the operation start time in the provisional operation schedule by a time corresponding to the difference between the operation required time in the provisional operation schedule and the newly calculated operation required time. Generate an operation schedule with time. As shown in FIG. 12A, for example, the schedule generation unit 118 boil the water heater 3 installed in the house H [i] by the amount of hot water cooling more than the operating time ΔT [i] in the provisional operation schedule. A long operating time ΔTf [i] is generated by the operating time required for ΔText [i].

Further, the schedule generation unit 118 can operate the water supply machine 3 with an operation schedule different from the provisional operation schedule among the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. After recreating the operation schedule for the house, the total consumption when the water heaters 3 installed in each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] are operated according to the operation schedule. When there is an excess time zone in which the electric energy exceeds the power consumption threshold, the power consumption threshold stored in the threshold storage unit 139 is updated to the upper limit of the total power consumption in the excess time zone.

First, the hot water cooling amount calculation unit 121 is a preset unit from the operation end time of the water heater 3 indicated by the provisional operation schedule notified from the schedule generation unit 118 to the use start time notified from the schedule generation unit 118. Calculate the amount of hot water cooled per unit time for each time that arrives for each hour. Here, the hot water cooling amount calculation unit 121 uses the relational expression f (Th) between the hot water cooling amount dXext [i] and the air temperature Th, as shown in FIG. 12B, for example, to cool the hot water per unit time. Calculate the amount. Then, the hot water cooling amount calculation unit 121 calculates the hot water cooling amount using the relational expression shown in the following formula (2).

Here, Xext indicates the amount of hot water cooling, dXext [i] (t) indicates the amount of hot water cooling per unit time at time t, tre indicates the operation end time of the water heater 3, and ts indicates the start time of use. Is shown.

The priority determination unit 123 determines the priority for boiling the amount of hot water used by the water heater 3 according to the provisional operation schedule described above. Here, the priority determination unit 123 determines the priority based on the information indicating the additional operating time, the additional power amount, etc. of the water heater 3 included in the updated schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 138. Further, each time the schedule generation unit 118 updates the schedule information, the priority determination unit 123 sets in advance the priority corresponding to the house [i] to which the provisional operation schedule is changed in the updated operation schedule. The priority information stored in the schedule storage unit 138 is updated in a form of increasing by the number of times. On the other hand, in the priority determination unit 123, every time the schedule information is updated by the schedule generation unit 118, the priority corresponding to the house that is not the target of the change of the provisional operation schedule is set in advance in the updated operation schedule. The priority information stored in the schedule storage unit 138 is updated by reducing the number by the number of the schedule storage unit 138. The priority determination unit 123 determines the priority of the water heater 3 based on the updated operation schedule when the operation schedule is updated once, and the priority is stored in the schedule storage unit 138. You may update the information. Alternatively, the priority determination unit 123 calculates and calculates the cumulative value or the average value of the priorities corresponding to the operation schedule after each update when the operation schedule is updated a plurality of times within a preset period. The priority information stored in the schedule storage unit 138 may be updated with the information indicating the accumulated value or the average value.

The transmission unit 119 transmits the schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 138 to the water heater 3. Further, the transmission unit 119 terminals the schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 138, the hot water usage history information stored in the hot water usage history storage unit 133, and the hot water storage amount information stored in the hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 134. It is transmitted to the device 5.

Next, the operation of the hot water supply system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16. First, as shown in FIG. 13, when the preset electric energy information acquisition time arrives, the electric energy information request information that requests the electric energy measuring devices 22 and 72 to transmit the electric energy information is the water heater control device. It is transmitted from 1 to the power measuring devices 22 and 72 (step S1). On the other hand, when the power measuring devices 22 and 72 receive the power information request information, the power measuring devices 22 and 72 generate the power amount information accordingly (step S2). Next, the generated electric energy amount information is transmitted from each of the electric power measuring devices 22 and 72 to the water heater control device 1 (step S3). At this time, the water heater control device 1 stores the received electric energy amount information in the electric energy storage unit 131. After that, each time the electric energy information acquisition time comes, a series of processes from steps S1 to S3 are executed.

Further, when the preset schedule generation time arrives, the weather information request information requesting the weather server 8 to transmit the weather information is transmitted from the water heater control device 1 to the weather server 8 (step S4). On the other hand, when the meteorological server 8 receives the meteorological information request information, it generates the meteorological information including the meteorological record information and the meteorological forecast information corresponding to the received meteorological information request information (step S5). Subsequently, the generated meteorological information is transmitted from the meteorological server 8 to the water heater control device 1 (step S6). Here, when the water heater control device 1 receives the weather information, the weather information storage unit 132 stores the weather record information and the weather forecast information included in the received weather information.

After that, the water heater information request information requesting the water heater 3 to transmit the above-mentioned water heater information is transmitted from the water heater control device 1 to the water heater 3 (step S7). On the other hand, when the water heater 3 receives the water heater information request information, it generates water heater information including the used hot water amount history information, the hot water storage amount information, and the hot water storage temperature information (step S8). Next, the generated water heater information is transmitted from the water heater 3 to the water heater control device 1 (step S9). At this time, the water heater control device 1 stores the hot water amount history information included in the received hot water supply machine information in the hot water amount history storage unit 133, and stores the hot water storage amount information and the hot water storage temperature information in the hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 134. Remember.

Subsequently, the water heater control device 1 stores past electric energy consumption information and past electric energy of each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] stored in the electric energy prediction storage unit 136. Based on the power generation information of the equipment 7, the past weather record information, and the weather forecast information, the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] are consumed only by the electric device 4. Predict the transition of the total equipment power consumption, which is the total of the equipment power consumption (step S10). Here, the water heater control device 1 stores the total power consumption information indicating the total power consumption of the equipment in the predicted housing complex B1 in the power consumption prediction storage unit 136. After that, as shown in FIG. 14, the water heater control device 1 uses the hot water used history storage unit 132 to store the hot water used history information, and the house H [1], until the next scheduled generation time. The amount of hot water used and the start time of use for each of H [2], ..., And H [n] are predicted (step S11). Next, the hot water supply device control device 1 has the hot water storage amount and the hot water storage temperature indicated by the hot water storage amount information of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] stored in the hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 134. Based on the hot water storage temperature indicated by the information and the predicted hot water usage value indicated by the predicted hot water usage information stored in the hot water usage time prediction storage unit 137, the houses H [1], H [ 2], ..., The boiling amount in the water heater 3 installed in each of H [n] is calculated (step S12). Subsequently, the water heater control device 1 is based on the predicted value of the amount of hot water used, the amount of hot water stored, and the hot water storage temperature. , H [n] Calculate the required electric energy and the required operating time of each water heater 3 (step S13).

After that, the water heater control device 1 is used as described above based on the usage start time, the required electric energy, and the required operating time in each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. A provisional operation schedule for the water heater 3 is generated so that the amount of hot water used is boiled at the start time, and the generated provisional operation schedule is stored in the schedule storage unit 138 (step S14). Next, when the water heater control device 1 operates the water heaters 3 installed in each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] according to the provisional operation schedule, the total power consumption It is assumed that it is determined that there is an excess time zone in which the amount exceeds the power consumption threshold (step S15). In this case, the water heater control device 1 extracts a candidate house H [i] for reschedule the provisional operation schedule (step S16). Specifically, the water heater control device 1 extracts a house [i] in which a part of the operating time zone of the provisional operation schedule of the water heater 3 is included in the excess time zone. Subsequently, the water heater control device 1 refers to the priority information stored in the schedule storage unit 138 to determine the priority for executing reschedule for the extracted house [i] (step S17). Here, the water heater control device 1 determines the priority of the extracted houses [i] so that the lower priority house [i] is preferentially rescheduled.

After that, the water heater control device 1 calculates the operation start time when the provisional operation schedule is reschedule for the extracted house [i] (step S18). Next, it is assumed that the water heater control device 1 determines that the provisional operation schedule can be reschedule based on the calculated operation start time (step S19). Here, the water heater control device 1 determines that reschedule is possible if the operation start time is later than the schedule generation time. Subsequently, the water heater control device 1 calculates the amount of hot water cooled between the operation end time and the use start time of the water heater 3 indicated by the provisional operation schedule (step S20). After that, the water heater control device 1 newly calculates the required electric energy amount and the required operating time from the boiling amount and the hot water cooling amount calculated from the amount of hot water used (step S21).

Next, the water heater control device 1 is the total consumption consumed by the entire housing complex B1 in each time zone until the next scheduled generation time, based on the newly calculated required electric energy and the required operating time. A new operation schedule for the water heater 3 of the house H [i] is generated so that the amount of electric power is reduced (step S22). Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15, the total power consumption of the entire housing complex B1 in each time zone until the next scheduled generation time is set in advance by the water heater control device 1. It is assumed that it is determined that the power consumption is equal to or less than the electric energy threshold (step S23). In this case, the water heater control device 1 updates the schedule information indicating the provisional operation schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 138 with the newly generated schedule information indicating the operation schedule, and the priority stored in the schedule storage unit 138. The information is updated (step S24). Here, the water heater control device 1 updates the priority information in the updated operation schedule in a form of increasing the priority corresponding to the house [i] to which the provisional operation schedule is changed.

Next, the updated schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 138 is transmitted from the water heater control device 1 to the water heater 3 (step S25). On the other hand, when the water heater 3 receives the schedule information, it operates based on the received schedule information (step S26). Subsequently, the updated schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 138, the used hot water amount history information stored in the hot water amount history storage unit 133, and the hot water storage amount information stored in the hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 134 are the hot water supply device control device. It is transmitted from 1 to the terminal device 5 (step S27). On the other hand, when the terminal device 5 receives the schedule information, the hot water amount history information, and the hot water storage amount information, the terminal device 5 causes the display unit 504 to display the received schedule information, hot water amount information, and hot water storage amount information (step S28). At this time, the terminal device 5 includes, for example, a message M111 indicating the updated operation schedule as shown in FIG. 16, a message M112 indicating the average amount of hot water used and the current amount of hot water stored calculated based on the information on the history of the amount of hot water used. The operation screen image GA11 including the above is displayed on the display unit 504. Further, the operation screen image GA11 includes the button image BU11, and the resident corresponds to the button image BU11 in the input unit 505 in a state where the terminal device 5 displays the operation screen image GA11 on the display unit 504. When the portion to be touched is touched, the terminal device 5 erases the operation screen image GA11 from the display unit 504.

Returning to FIG. 15, after the above-mentioned step S15, the water heater control device 1 provisionally operates all of the extracted houses [i] that can be rescheduled based on the calculated operation start time. After reschedule the schedule, it is assumed that reschedule is impossible for the remaining houses [i] (step S29). In this case, the water heater control device 1 installs the total power consumption threshold stored in the threshold storage unit 139 in each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] according to the operation schedule. The upper limit of the total power consumption when the water heater 3 is operated is updated (step S30). After that, the processing after step S25 described above is executed.

Next, the operation schedule generation process executed by the water heater control device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19. This operation schedule generation process is started when the power is turned on to the water heater control device 1. Further, in parallel with this operation schedule generation process, the electric energy acquisition unit 112 requests the electric energy measuring devices 22 and 72 to transmit the electric energy information every time the power consumption information acquisition time arrives. By transmitting the request information to the electric energy measuring devices 22 and 72, the electric energy information transmitted from the electric energy measuring devices 22 and 72 is acquired, and the acquired electric energy information is stored in the electric energy storage unit 131.

First, the weather information acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not the schedule generation time has arrived (step S101). As long as the weather information acquisition unit 111 determines that the schedule generation time has not yet arrived (step S101: No), the process of step S101 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when the weather information acquisition unit 111 determines that the schedule generation time has arrived (step S101: Yes), the weather information request information is transmitted to the weather server 8 (step S102). Then, the weather information acquisition unit 111 acquires the weather information transmitted from the weather server 8, and stores the weather record information and the weather forecast information included in the acquired weather information in the weather information storage unit 132 (step S103).

Next, the water heater information acquisition unit 113 transmits the water heater information request information to the water heater 3 (step S104). As a result, the water heater information acquisition unit 113 acquires the water heater information including the used hot water amount history information, the hot water storage amount information, and the hot water storage temperature information transmitted from the water heater control device 1 (step S105). At this time, the hot water supply machine information acquisition unit 113 stores the used hot water amount history information included in the acquired hot water supply machine information in the used hot water amount history storage unit 133, and stores the hot water storage amount information and the hot water storage temperature information in the hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 134. To memorize. Subsequently, the electric energy prediction unit 114 stores past electric energy consumption information and past power generation of each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] stored in the electric energy prediction storage unit 136. Based on the power generation information of the equipment 7, the past weather record information, and the weather forecast information, the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] are consumed only by the electric device 4. Predict the transition of the total electric energy consumption of the equipment, which is the total electric energy of the equipment (step S106). Here, the water heater control device 1 stores the total power consumption information indicating the total power consumption of the equipment in the predicted housing complex B1 in the power consumption prediction storage unit 136.

After that, the house H [1], H [2], ... The amount of hot water used in each of the two, H [n] is predicted, and the time-of-use prediction unit 122 predicts the amount of hot water used in each of the houses H [1] and H [2] until the next scheduled generation time based on the history information of the amount of hot water used. ], ..., And predict the amount of hot water used and the start time of use in each of H [n] (step S107). Next, the boiling amount calculation unit 116 stores the hot water storage amount and the hot water storage amount indicated by the hot water storage amount information of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] stored in the hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 134. Based on the hot water storage temperature indicated by the temperature information and the predicted hot water usage value indicated by the predicted hot water usage information stored in the hot water usage time prediction storage unit 137, the houses H [1], H by the next scheduled generation time. [2], ..., The boiling amount in the water heater 3 installed in each of H [n] is calculated (step S108). Subsequently, the required electric energy calculation unit 117 is based on the predicted value of the amount of hot water used, the amount of hot water stored, and the hot water storage temperature, and the houses H [1], H [2], ... -The required electric energy and the required operating time of each of the water heaters 3 of H [n] are calculated (step S109).

After that, the schedule generation unit 118 starts the above-mentioned use based on the use start time, the required electric energy, and the required operation time in each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. A provisional operation schedule for the water heater 3 is generated so that the amount of hot water used is boiled at the time, and the generated provisional operation schedule is stored in the schedule storage unit 138 (step S110). Next, the schedule generation unit 118 operates the water heaters 3 installed in each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] according to the provisional operation schedule, and the total power consumption Determines whether or not there is an excess time zone that exceeds the power consumption threshold (step S111). Here, when the schedule generation unit 118 determines that there is no excess time zone in which the total power consumption exceeds the power consumption threshold value (step S111: No), the process of step S122, which will be described later, is executed as it is.

On the other hand, when the schedule generation unit 118 determines that there is an excess time zone in which the total power consumption exceeds the power consumption threshold (step S111: Yes), the house H [i] which is a candidate for reschedule the provisional operation schedule. Is extracted (step S112). Here, the schedule generation unit 118 extracts the house [i] in which a part of the operating time zone of the provisional operating schedule of the water heater 3 is included in the excess time zone. Subsequently, the schedule generation unit 118 refers to the priority information stored in the schedule storage unit 138, and determines the change priority for executing reschedule for the extracted house [i] (step S113). Here, the water heater control device 1 determines the priority of the extracted houses [i] so that the lower priority house [i] is preferentially rescheduled.

After that, as shown in FIG. 18, the schedule generation unit 118 calculates the operation start time when the provisional operation schedule is reschedule for the extracted house [i] (step S114). Next, the schedule generation unit 118 determines whether or not the provisional operation schedule can be reschedule based on the calculated operation start time (step S115). Here, the water heater control device 1 determines that reschedule is possible if the operation start time is later than the schedule generation time. The schedule generation unit 118 reschedules the provisional operation schedule for all the reschedulable houses [i] among the extracted houses [i] based on the calculated operation start time, and then the remaining houses [i]. It is assumed that reschedule is impossible (step S115: No). In this case, the schedule generation unit 118 sets the total power consumption threshold stored in the threshold storage unit 139 to the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n], respectively, according to the provisional operation schedule after the change. The upper limit of the total power consumption when the water heater 3 installed in is operated is updated (step S116). After that, the process of step S122 described later is executed.

On the other hand, when the schedule generation unit 118 determines that the provisional operation schedule can be reschedule (step S115: Yes), the hot water cooling amount calculation unit 121 uses the water heater 3 from the operation end time indicated by the provisional operation schedule. The amount of hot water cooled up to the start time is calculated (step S117). After that, the water heater control device 1 newly calculates the required electric energy amount and the required operating time from the boiling amount and the hot water cooling amount calculated from the amount of hot water used (step S118).

Next, the schedule generation unit 118 is the total power consumption consumed by the entire housing complex B1 in each time zone until the next scheduled generation time, based on the newly calculated required electric energy and the required operating time. A new operation schedule of the water heater 3 of the house H [i] is generated so that the amount is reduced (step S119). Subsequently, the schedule generation unit 118 follows the new operation schedule of the water heaters 3 installed in the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] until the next schedule generation time. It is determined whether or not the total power consumption consumed by the entire housing complex B1 in each time zone when the vehicle is operated is equal to or less than the above-mentioned power consumption threshold (step S120). Here, when the schedule generation unit 118 operates the water heaters 3 installed in each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] according to a new operation schedule, the next It is assumed that it is determined that there is an excess time zone in which the total power consumption exceeds the power consumption threshold until the arrival schedule generation time (step S120: No). For example, as shown in FIG. 19 (A), the total consumption when the water heaters 3 installed in the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] are operated according to the provisional operation schedule. It is assumed that there is an excess time zone A13 in which the electric energy Pt exceeds the electric energy threshold Ptth. Here, it is assumed that the schedule generation unit 118 newly generates the operation schedule in the form of shifting the operation time zone forward as shown in FIG. 19 (B) for the provisional operation schedule of the water heater 3 of the house H [i]. .. In this case, when the water heaters 3 installed in the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] are operated according to the new operation schedule, the total power consumption Pt is still high. There will be an excess time zone A14 that exceeds the power consumption threshold Ptth. In such a case, the schedule generation unit 118 determines that there is an excess time zone A14 in which the total power consumption Pt exceeds the power consumption threshold Ptth when the water heater 3 is operated according to the new operation schedule. In this case, the schedule generation unit 118 selects the house H [i + 1] having the next change priority order as the target for changing the provisional operation schedule based on the determined change priority order, and the processing after step S114 is executed again. Will be done.

Returning to FIG. 18, on the other hand, in step S120, the total power consumption of the entire housing complex B1 in each time zone until the next scheduled generation time is set in advance by the schedule generation unit 118. It is assumed that it is determined that the power consumption is equal to or less than the power consumption threshold (step S120: Yes). In this case, the schedule generation unit 118 updates the schedule information indicating the provisional operation schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 138 with the newly generated schedule information indicating the operation schedule, and the priority determination unit 123 determines the schedule storage unit. The priority information stored in 138 is updated (step S121). Here, the priority determination unit 123 determines the priority based on the information indicating the additional operating time, the additional electric energy, etc. of the water heater 3 included in the updated schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 138. In addition, the priority determination unit 123 increases the priority corresponding to the house [i] whose provisional operation schedule has been changed by a preset number (for example, "1") in the updated operation schedule. Update the priority information with. On the other hand, the priority determination unit 123 prioritizes the updated operation schedule by reducing the priority corresponding to the house that was not the target of the change of the provisional operation schedule by a preset number (for example, "1"). Update the information.

After that, the transmission unit 119 transmits the updated schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 138 to the water heater 3 (step S122). At this time, when the water heater 3 receives the schedule information, the water heater 3 operates based on the received schedule information. Next, the transmission unit 119 stores the updated schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 138, the used hot water amount history information stored in the used hot water amount history storage unit 133, and the hot water storage amount information stored in the hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 134. It is transmitted to the terminal device 5 (step S123). At this time, when the terminal device 5 receives the schedule information, the hot water amount history information, and the hot water storage amount information, the terminal device 5 causes the display unit 504 to display the received schedule information, hot water amount information, and hot water storage amount information. After that, the process of step S101 is executed again.

As described above, according to the water heater control device 1 according to the present embodiment, the required electric energy calculation unit 117 is in each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. Based on the amount of hot water used, the time of use, the amount of hot water stored, the temperature of hot water stored, and the amount of hot water cooled, the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] until the next scheduled generation time. The required electric energy and the required operating time of each water heater 3 are calculated. Then, the schedule generation unit 118 consumes the total consumption of the entire housing complex B1 in each time zone until the next scheduled generation time, based on the required electric energy and the required operating time in the schedule generation time. The operation schedule of the water heater 3 is generated so that the electric energy is equal to or less than the above-mentioned electric energy threshold. As a result, while reducing the total power consumption of the entire housing complex B1 in which the water heater 3 is installed, the hot water is cooled after the water is boiled by the water heater 3 until the time when the hot water is used. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of hot water shortage caused by it.

By the way, in the housing complex B1, there is a case where a contract is made with an electric power company to receive a batch supply of high-voltage power, and in this case, the electricity charge of the housing complex B1 is determined by the peak value of the total annual power consumption. Often. Therefore, in such an apartment house B1, if the operating times of the water heaters 3 are concentrated at night, for example, the peak value of the total power consumption of the entire apartment house B1 becomes large, and as a result, the electricity charge becomes high. There is a risk that it will be expensive. On the other hand, in the water heater control device 1 according to the present embodiment, the total power consumption consumed by the entire housing complex B1 in each time zone until the next scheduled generation time is the above-mentioned power consumption. The operation schedule of the water heater 3 is generated so as to be equal to or less than the quantity threshold. As a result, the peak value of the total power consumption of the entire housing complex B1 can be set to be equal to or less than the power consumption threshold, and the electricity charge can be kept low by that amount.

Further, the schedule generation unit 118 according to the present embodiment is based on the usage time zone, the required electric energy, and the required operation time in each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. , Generate a provisional operation schedule of the water heater 3 so that the amount of hot water used will boil at the start time of use. Further, the schedule generation unit 118 consumes total power when the water heaters 3 installed in the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] are operated according to the provisional operation schedule. When there is an excess time zone that exceeds the power consumption threshold, the water heater installed in at least one of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] The operation schedule of 3 is regenerated so that the amount of hot water used is boiled before the time of use. Then, the hot water cooling amount calculation unit 121 calculates the hot water cooling amount based on the elapsed time from the operation end time indicated by the regenerated operation schedule to the start time of the usage time zone and the temperature indicated by the weather forecast information. .. As a result, the total power consumption of the entire housing complex B1 can be reduced to the power consumption threshold or less, and the amount of hot water cooled can be accurately calculated to suppress the occurrence of hot water shortage. [2], ..., H [n] It is possible to increase the satisfaction of each resident.

Further, when the schedule generation unit 118 according to the present embodiment regenerates the operation schedule in the form of reschedule the operation schedule for all the houses that can be rescheduled, the house according to the regenerated operation schedule. It is assumed that there is an excess time zone in which the total power consumption exceeds the power consumption threshold when the water heaters 3 installed in each of H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] are operated. .. In this case, the schedule generation unit 118 sets the power consumption amount threshold value stored in the threshold value storage unit 139 to the upper limit value of the total power consumption amount in the above-mentioned excess time zone. As a result, the water heaters 3 of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., And H [n] can be smoothly operated, so that the satisfaction of the resident can be enhanced.

Further, the priority determination unit 123 according to the present embodiment has a priority so as to raise the priority of boiling the water heater 3 according to the provisional operation schedule based on the history of the change of the provisional operation schedule. To decide. Then, the schedule generation unit 119 generates an operation schedule of each of the water heaters 3 of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] based on the determined priority. As a result, the average value of the history of each of the priorities of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] can be made uniform, so that the houses H [1], H [2] , ..., H [n] can reduce the bias of each priority, and in the operation schedule of each of the water heaters 3 of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. Fairness can be guaranteed. Further, the priority determination unit 123 determines the priority based on the information indicating the additional operating time, the additional power amount, etc. of the water heater 3 included in the updated schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 138. As a result, the priority determination unit 123 described above in a form corresponding to the change state of the boiling time zone by the water heater 3 caused by reducing the total power consumption of the entire apartment house B1, that is, the actual state of the amount of hot water cooled. Priority can be determined.

(Embodiment 2)
The water heater control device according to the present embodiment calculates the amount of hot water cooling to calculate the amount of hot water cooling from the elapsed time from the operation end time of the hot water supply machine to the start time of the usage time zone, the temperature indicated by the weather forecast information, and the hot water cooling amount. It differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a model generation unit that generates a model. Then, the hot water cooling amount calculation unit uses the hot water cooling amount calculation model to cool the water from the elapsed time from the operation end time indicated by the regenerated operation schedule to the start time of the usage time zone and the temperature indicated by the weather forecast information. Calculate the amount.

The hardware configuration of the hot water supply system according to the present embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration described in the first embodiment. Further, the functional configurations of the controller 33 and the terminal device 5 of the water heater 3 according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. In the following description of the present embodiment, the same configuration will be appropriately described using the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 101 of the water heater control device 2001 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executes it, so that the weather information acquisition unit 2111, the electric energy acquisition unit 112, and the hot water supply unit are executed. Machine information acquisition unit 2113, electric energy prediction unit 114, hot water consumption prediction unit 115, usage time prediction unit 122, boiling amount calculation unit 116, required electric energy calculation unit 117, hot water cooling amount calculation unit 2121, schedule generation unit 118, priority It functions as a degree determination unit 123, a transmission unit 119, and a model generation unit 2124. In FIG. 20, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. Further, the auxiliary storage unit 103 includes an electric energy storage unit 131, a weather information storage unit 132, a hot water amount storage unit 133, a hot water storage amount / temperature history storage unit 2134, an electric energy prediction storage unit 136, and a hot water amount time. It has a predictive storage unit 137, a schedule storage unit 138, a threshold storage unit 139, and a hot water cooling amount calculation model storage unit 2140. The hot water storage amount / temperature history storage unit 2134 is included in the hot water storage amount included in the hot water supply machine information corresponding to each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] acquired by the hot water supply machine information acquisition unit 2113. The history of the hot water storage amount indicated by the information and the hot water storage temperature indicated by the hot water storage temperature information is stored in association with the house identification information.

The hot water cooling amount calculation model storage unit 2140 shows a hot water cooling amount calculation model for calculating the hot water cooling amount from the elapsed time from the operation end time of the hot water supply machine to the start time of the usage time zone, the temperature indicated by the weather forecast information, and the hot water cooling amount. Store model information. As a model for calculating the amount of hot water cooling, for example, an input layer for inputting the elapsed time from the operation end time of the water supply machine to the start time of the usage time zone and the temperature indicated by the weather forecast information, and an output layer for outputting the hot water cooling amount. It is possible to adopt a neural network provided with. In this case, the model information includes information indicating various parameters such as the number of nodes in the hot water cooling amount calculation model, the number of hidden layers, and the weighting coefficient. Further, the hot water cooling amount calculation model storage unit 2140 stores model information corresponding to each of the water heaters 3 of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] in association with the house identification information. do.

The weather information acquisition unit 2111 determines that the above-mentioned schedule generation time or the model update time for updating the preset hot water cooling amount calculation model has arrived from the time measured by the time measuring unit 108, and the weather information request information is meteorological. Meteorological information is acquired from the meteorological server 8 by transmitting to the server 8. Then, the weather information acquisition unit 2111 stores the acquired weather information in the weather information storage unit 132.

The water heater information acquisition unit 2113 is a water heater history information and a water heater showing a history of the amount of hot water used in the water heater 3 installed in each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. Water heater information including hot water storage amount information indicating the hot water storage amount of 3 and hot water storage temperature information indicating the hot water storage temperature of the water heater 3 is periodically acquired from the water heater 3. When the water heater information acquisition unit 2113 determines that the preset water heater information acquisition time has arrived from the date and time measured by the time measuring unit 108, the water heater information acquisition unit 2113 requests the water heater 3 to transmit the water heater information. By transmitting the information to the water heater 3, the water heater information transmitted from the water heater 3 is acquired. Then, the hot water supply machine information acquisition unit 2113 stores the used hot water amount history information included in the acquired hot water supply machine information in the used hot water amount history storage unit 133, and also stores the hot water storage amount information and the hot water storage temperature information included in the acquired hot water supply machine information. It is stored in the hot water storage amount / temperature history storage unit 2134.

The model generation unit 2124 contains the elapsed time from the operation end time to the use start time of each of the past water heaters 3 of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n], and the weather record information. Generate a hot water cooling amount calculation model for calculating the hot water cooling amount from the indicated temperature. The model generation unit 2124 is the power consumption of the water heater, which is the power consumption of the water heaters 3 of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] stored in the electric energy storage unit 131. Based on the history, the operation end time of each water heater 3 in the past is specified. Further, the model generation unit 2124 acquires information indicating the past usage start time of each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] from the hot water usage history storage unit 133. At the same time, the weather record information is acquired from the weather information storage unit 132. Next, the model generation unit 2124 describes each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] from the operation end time of the specified water heater 3 to the use start time of the acquired hot water. Calculate the elapsed time. Further, the model generation unit 2124 calculates the past hot water cooling amount based on the hot water storage amount information and the hot water storage temperature information at the hot water use start time stored in the hot water storage amount / temperature history storage unit 2134. Then, the model generation unit 2124 generates a trained hot water cooling amount calculation model by using the calculated elapsed time, the temperature indicated by the acquired meteorological record information, and the calculated past hot water cooling amount. The model generation unit 2124 stores the generated learned hot water cooling amount calculation model in the hot water cooling amount calculation model storage unit 2140. Further, the model generation unit 2124 repeats the generation of the hot water cooling amount calculation model every time the preset model update time arrives.

The hot water cooling amount calculation unit 2121 uses the hot water cooling amount calculation model stored in the hot water cooling amount calculation model storage unit 2140 to determine the elapsed time from the operation end time indicated by the regenerated operation schedule to the start time of the usage time zone, and the weather. Calculate the amount of hot water cooled from the temperature indicated by the forecast information.

Next, the hot water cooling amount calculation model generation process executed by the water heater control device 2001 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 21. This hot water cooling amount calculation model generation process is executed in parallel with the operation schedule generation process described in the first embodiment. First, the weather information acquisition unit 2111 determines whether or not the model update time has arrived (step S2201). When the weather information acquisition unit 2111 determines that the schedule generation time has not yet arrived (step S2201: No), the process of step S2201 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when the weather information acquisition unit 2111 determines that the model update time has arrived (step S2201: Yes), the weather information request information is transmitted to the weather server 8 (step S2202). Then, the weather information acquisition unit 2111 acquires the weather information transmitted from the weather server 8, and stores the weather record information and the weather forecast information included in the acquired weather information in the weather information storage unit 132 (step S2203).

Next, the model generation unit 2124 is based on the history of the power consumption of each of the water heaters 3 of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] stored in the electric energy storage unit 131. , The operation end time of each water heater 3 in the past is specified (step S2204). Subsequently, the model generation unit 2124 acquires information indicating the past usage start times of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] from the hot water usage history storage unit 133. (Step S2205). After that, the model generation unit 2124 elapses from the operation end time of the specified water heater 3 to the use start time of the acquired hot water for each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. Calculate the time (step S2206). Next, the model generation unit 2124 calculates the past hot water cooling amount based on the hot water storage amount information and the hot water storage temperature information at the hot water use start time stored in the hot water storage amount / temperature history storage unit 2134 (step S2207). Subsequently, the model generation unit 2124 generates a trained hot water cooling amount calculation model using the calculated elapsed time, the temperature indicated by the acquired meteorological record information, and the calculated past hot water cooling amount (step S2208). here. The model generation unit 2124 stores the generated learned hot water cooling amount calculation model in the hot water cooling amount calculation model storage unit 2140. After that, the process of step S2201 is executed again.

As described above, according to the water heater control device 2001 according to the present embodiment, the model generation unit 2124 has the elapsed time from the operation end time of the water supply machine 3 to the start time of the usage time zone, and the weather forecast information. Generates a hot water cooling amount calculation model for calculating the hot water cooling amount from the temperature indicated by. Then, the hot water cooling amount calculation unit 2121 uses the hot water cooling amount calculation model stored in the hot water cooling amount calculation model storage unit 2140 to determine the elapsed time from the operation end time indicated by the regenerated operation schedule to the start time of the usage time zone. , Calculate the amount of hot water cooled from the temperature indicated by the weather forecast information. As a result, the amount of hot water cooled can be calculated accurately, so that the occurrence of hot water running out due to hot water cooling can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 3)
The water heater control device according to the first embodiment is different from the water heater control device according to the first embodiment in that the water heater control device according to the first embodiment is provided with a policy acquisition unit for acquiring policy information indicating the policy when generating an operation schedule of the water heater. .. Then, when the policy information indicates a hot water cooling amount reduction priority policy that prioritizes the reduction of the hot water cooling amount, the priority determination unit raises the priority of the water heater corresponding to the policy information. Further, when the policy information indicates the hot water shortage prevention priority policy that prioritizes the prevention of hot water running out, the schedule generation unit generates an operation schedule for operating the water heater immediately after the end time of the hot water usage time zone.

The hardware configuration of the hot water supply system according to the present embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration described in the first embodiment. Further, the functional configuration of the controller 33 of the water heater 3 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the following description of the present embodiment, the same configuration will be appropriately described using the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, the CPU 501 of the terminal device 3005 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 503 into the main storage unit 502 and executes the program to generate the reception unit 511, the display control unit 512, the reception unit 513, and the policy. It functions as a unit 3514 and a policy transmission unit 3515. Further, the auxiliary storage unit 503 has an operation screen storage unit 531. It is assumed that the display control unit 512 performs an operation for selecting a policy via the input unit 505 while the display unit 504 displays an operation screen image for selecting a policy. In this case, the policy generation unit 3514 generates the policy information based on the operation information indicating the operation content for selecting the policy received by the reception unit 513. Then, the policy transmission unit 3515 transmits the generated policy information to the water heater control device 3001.

The CPU 101 of the water heater control device 3001 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executes it, so that the weather information acquisition unit 111, the electric energy acquisition unit 112, the water supply machine information acquisition unit 113, and the electric power are executed. Amount prediction unit 114, hot water amount prediction unit 115, usage time prediction unit 122, boiling amount calculation unit 116, required power amount calculation unit 117, hot water cooling amount calculation unit 2121, schedule generation unit 3118, priority determination unit 3123, transmission unit It functions as 119 and the policy acquisition unit 3125. In FIG. 22, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 5 are attached to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment. Further, the auxiliary storage unit 103 includes an electric energy storage unit 131, a weather information storage unit 132, a hot water amount storage unit 133, a hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 134, an electric energy prediction storage unit 136, and a hot water amount time prediction. It has a storage unit 3137, a schedule storage unit 138, a threshold storage unit 139, and a policy storage unit 3141.

The policy storage unit 3141 stores policy information indicating the policy desired by the resident of each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] when generating the operation schedule of the water heater 3. It is stored in association with the house identification information. The policies indicated by the policy information include, for example, a hot water cooling amount reduction priority policy that prioritizes reduction of hot water cooling amount, a hot water shortage prevention priority policy that prioritizes prevention of hot water running out, and a boiling completion time by the water heater 3, that is, the water heater 3 An example is a boiling completion time priority policy in which the operation end time of the water heater is set to a preset time. The policy information includes the boiling completion time information indicating the boiling completion time specified by the resident when indicating the boiling completion time priority policy. Further, as the policy, there is also a priority reduction policy that contributes to the reduction of the total power consumption of the entire apartment house B1 by lowering the priority as much as possible. As shown in FIG. 23, for example, the used hot water amount time prediction storage unit 3137 determines the used hot water start time, the used end time, and the predicted value of the used hot water amount for each house H [i], H [i + 1], ... Stores in association with date information and house identification information.

The policy acquisition unit 3125 acquires the policy information transmitted from the terminal device 5, and stores the acquired policy information in the policy storage unit 3141. When the policy information indicates the hot water cooling amount reduction priority policy, the priority determination unit 3123 sets a high priority for the water heater corresponding to the policy information. On the other hand, when the priority information indicates the priority reduction policy, the priority determination unit 3123 sets the priority of the water heater corresponding to the policy information to a low level.

When the usage time prediction unit 3122 indicates a hot water shortage prevention priority policy in which the prevention of hot water running out is prioritized, the usage time prediction unit 3122 indicates the housing H [1] until the next scheduled generation time based on the hot water usage history information. , H [2], ..., H [n], and predict the end time of use together with the start time of use. The usage time prediction unit 3122 stores information indicating the usage end time together with the usage start time in the usage hot water amount time storage unit 3137. Then, the schedule generation unit 3118 generates an operation schedule for operating the water heater 3 immediately after the end time of the hot water usage time zone when the policy information indicates the hot water shortage prevention priority policy that gives priority to the prevention of hot water running out. Further, when the policy information indicates the boiling completion time priority policy, the schedule generation unit 3118 boil the amount of hot water used for the corresponding water heater 3 at the boiling completion time indicated by the boiling completion time information included in the policy information. Generate an operation schedule to complete.

Next, the operation schedule generation process executed by the water heater control device 3001 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25. In FIGS. 24 and 25, the same processing as in the first embodiment is designated by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 17 and 18. Further, the policy acquisition unit 3125 shall store the acquired policy information in the policy storage unit 3141 every time the policy information is acquired from the terminal device 3005 in parallel with the operation schedule generation process.

First, as shown in FIG. 24, after a series of processes from steps S101 to S106 are executed, the usage time prediction unit 3122, the schedule generation unit 3118, and the priority determination unit 3123 receive the policy information from the policy storage unit 3141. Acquire (step S3101). Next, the use time prediction unit 3122 determines whether or not there is policy information indicating the hot water shortage prevention priority policy (step S3102). When the use time prediction unit 3122 determines that there is no policy information indicating the hot water shortage prevention priority policy (step S3102: No), the processes after step S107 are executed. On the other hand, when the usage time prediction unit 3122 determines that there is policy information indicating the hot water running out prevention priority policy (step S3102: Yes), the hot water running out prevention unit 3122 prevents the hot water running out based on the hot water usage history information stored in the hot water usage history storage unit 132. For the house H [i] corresponding to the policy information indicating the priority policy, the end time of the amount of hot water used is predicted, and the houses H [1], H [2], ... Predict the usage start time for each of H [n]. Then, the housing H [1], H [2], ... -Predict the amount of hot water used in each of H [n] (step S3103). Subsequently, the processes of steps S108 and S109 are executed.

After that, the schedule generation unit 3118 determines whether or not there is policy information indicating the boiling end time priority policy (step S3104). When the schedule generation unit 3118 determines that there is no policy information indicating the boiling end time priority policy (step S3104: No), the processing after step S110 is executed as it is. On the other hand, when the schedule generation unit 3118 determines that there is policy information indicating the boiling end time priority policy (step S3104: No), the target to which the boiling end time priority policy is applied when the operation schedule of the water heater 3 is generated. (Step S3105). Next, the schedule generation unit 3118 determines the provisional operation schedule information so that the water heater 3 completes the boiling of the amount of hot water used at the time indicated by the boiling end time information included in the policy information for the specified house H [i]. Is generated, and the generated provisional operation schedule information is stored in the schedule storage unit 138 (step S110). Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 25, the processes of steps S111 and S112 are executed.

After that, the priority determination unit 3123 determines whether or not there is a policy information indicating a hot water cooling amount reduction policy or a priority reduction policy in the policy information corresponding to the house H [i] which is a candidate for reschedule of the provisional operation schedule. (Step S3106). The priority determination unit 3123 determines that neither the policy information indicating the hot water cooling amount reduction policy nor the policy information indicating the priority reduction policy is included in the policy information corresponding to the house H [i] which is a candidate for reschedule. Then (step S3106: No), the processing after step S113 is executed as it is. On the other hand, it is assumed that the priority determination unit 3123 determines that the policy information corresponding to the house H [i] that is a candidate for reschedule includes the policy information indicating the hot water cooling amount reduction policy or the priority reduction policy (). Step S3106: Yes). In this case, if the priority information corresponding to the house H [i] that is a candidate for reschedule includes the policy information indicating the hot water cooling amount reduction policy, the priority determination unit 3123 of the corresponding house H [i]. The priority information is updated so that the priority becomes the highest priority among the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n], and there is policy information indicating the priority reduction policy. In this case, the priority information is updated so that the priority of the corresponding house H [i] is the highest priority among the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] ( Step S3107). Here, when the priority determination unit 3123 has a plurality of policy information indicating the hot water cooling amount reduction policy, the priority of each of the corresponding plurality of houses H [i] is set to the houses H [1], H [2], ... ..., The priority information is updated in the form of assigning the priority in order from the highest priority among H [n]. On the other hand, when the priority determination unit 3123 has a plurality of policy information indicating the priority reduction policy, the priority of each of the corresponding plurality of houses H [i] is set to the houses H [1], H [2], ... -The priority information is updated by assigning the priority in order from the lowest priority in H [n]. Next, the processes after step S113 are executed.

As described above, according to the water heater control device 3001 according to the present embodiment, the policy acquisition unit 3118 acquires the policy information indicating the policy when generating the operation schedule of the water heater 3, and the priority determination unit 3123 determines. Update priority information based on policy information. Then, the schedule generation unit generates an operation schedule of the water heater 3 based on the policy information. As a result, the requests of the residents of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] can be easily reflected in the operation schedule of the water heater 3, so that the convenience of the water heater 3 of the residents can be easily reflected. Can be enhanced.

(Embodiment 4)
The water heater control device 1 according to the first embodiment is provided with a change request acquisition unit for acquiring change request information for requesting a change in the operation schedule transmitted from the terminal device. Is different from. Here, the change request information includes information indicating the operation end time of the changed operation schedule, and the schedule generation unit uses the change request information based on the operation end time of the changed operation schedule indicated by the change request information. Change the operation schedule of the corresponding water heater.

The hardware configuration of the hot water supply system according to the present embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration described in the first embodiment. Further, the functional configuration of the controller 33 of the water heater 3 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the following description of the present embodiment, the same configuration will be appropriately described using the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 26, the CPU 501 of the terminal device 4005 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 503 into the main storage unit 502 and executes it, so that the reception unit 511, the display control unit 512, the reception unit 513, and the change request are executed. It functions as a generation unit 4514 and a change request transmission unit 4515. In FIG. 26, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. Further, the auxiliary storage unit 503 has an operation screen storage unit 531. With the display control unit 512 displaying the operation screen image for requesting the change of the operation schedule of the water heater 3 on the display unit 504, the resident ends the operation of the changed operation schedule via the input unit 505. It is assumed that the operation of inputting the time and the amount of hot water used is performed. In this case, the change request generation unit 4514 generates change request information including the operation end time information indicating the operation end time and the used hot water amount information indicating the used hot water amount, based on the operation end time and the used hot water amount received by the reception unit 513. Generate. Then, the change request transmission unit 4515 transmits the generated change request information to the water heater control device 4001.

The CPU 101 of the water heater control device 4001 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executes it, so that the weather information acquisition unit 111, the electric energy acquisition unit 112, the water supply machine information acquisition unit 113, and the electric power are executed. Amount prediction unit 114, hot water amount prediction unit 115, usage time prediction unit 122, boiling amount calculation unit 116, required power amount calculation unit 117, hot water cooling amount calculation unit 121, schedule generation unit 4118, priority determination unit 123, transmission unit Functions as 119 and change request acquisition 4125. Further, the auxiliary storage unit 103 includes an electric energy storage unit 131, a weather information storage unit 132, a hot water amount storage unit 133, a hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit 134, an electric energy prediction storage unit 136, and a hot water amount time prediction. It has a storage unit 137, a schedule storage unit 138, a threshold storage unit 139, and an operation end time storage unit 4142.

The operation end time storage unit 4142 stores the operation end time information included in the change request information in association with the house identification information corresponding to the change request information. The change request acquisition unit 4125 acquires the change request information transmitted from the terminal device 4005, associates the operation end time information included in the acquired change request information with the house identification information corresponding to the change request information, and causes the operation end time. It is stored in the storage unit 4142. Further, the change request acquisition unit 4125 notifies the predicted hot water amount update unit 4136 of the used hot water amount information included in the acquired change request information. The predicted hot water usage update unit 4136 indicates the predicted hot water usage amount of the house H [i] corresponding to the change request information stored in the usage hot water amount time prediction storage unit 137 by the usage hot water information notified from the change request acquisition unit 4125. Update with the amount of hot water used.

When the change request acquisition unit 4125 acquires the change request information after updating the operation schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 138, the schedule generation unit 4118 is the operation indicated by the operation end time information stored in the operation end time storage unit 4142. Based on the operation end time of the schedule, the operation schedule of the water heater 3 of the house H [i] corresponding to the change request information is changed. Here, the schedule generation unit 4118 changes the operation schedule only when the operation end time of the operation schedule indicated by the operation end time information is earlier than the operation end time of the operation schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 138. There may be.

Next, the operation of the hot water supply system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 27. In FIG. 27, the same processing as in the first embodiment is designated by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. First, in the first embodiment, a series of processes from steps S1 to S22 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 are executed, and then the process of step S23 shown in FIG. 27 is executed. Next, the water heater control device 1 updates the schedule information indicating the provisional operation schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 138 with the newly generated schedule information indicating the operation schedule (step S41).

Next, the updated schedule information, the hot water amount history information, and the hot water storage amount information stored in the schedule storage unit 138 are transmitted from the water heater control device 1 to the terminal device 4005 (step S42). On the other hand, when the terminal device 4005 receives the schedule information, the hot water amount history information, and the hot water storage amount information, the terminal device 4005 causes the display unit 504 to display the received schedule information, hot water amount information, and hot water storage amount information (step S43). At this time, the terminal device 4005 has, for example, a message M111 indicating the updated operation schedule as shown in FIG. 28A, and a message indicating the average amount of hot water used and the current amount of hot water stored calculated based on the history information of the amount of hot water used. The operation screen image GA41 including M112 is displayed on the display unit 504. Further, the operation screen image GA41 includes the button images BU412 and BU411, and in a state where the terminal device 4005 displays the operation screen image GA41 on the display unit 504, the resident can display the button image BU411 in the input unit 505. When the portion corresponding to is touched, the terminal device 4005 erases the operation screen image GA41 from the display unit 504. On the other hand, when the resident touches the portion of the input unit 505 corresponding to the button image BU412 while the terminal device 4005 displays the operation screen image GA41 on the display unit 504, the terminal device 4005 may see, for example, FIG. 28 (B). ), The operation screen image GA42 including the input field B421 for the operation end date and time and the input field B422 for the amount of hot water used is displayed on the display unit 504. Further, the operation screen image GA42 includes the button images BU421 and BU422, and the resident displays the button image BU422 in the input unit 505 in a state where the terminal device 4005 displays the operation screen image GA42 on the display unit 504. When the portion corresponding to is touched, the terminal device 4005 causes the display unit 504 to display the operation screen image GA41 again.

The terminal device 4005 displays the operation screen image GA43 including the message M42 indicating the updated operation schedule and the button images BU431 and BU432 on the display unit 504, as shown in FIG. 29A, for example. You may. When the resident touches the portion of the input unit 505 corresponding to the button image BU432 while the terminal device 4005 displays the operation screen image GA43 on the display unit 504, the terminal device 4005 displays the operation screen image GA43 on the display unit. Erase from 504. On the other hand, when the resident touches the portion of the input unit 505 corresponding to the button image BU431 while the terminal device 4005 displays the operation screen image GA43 on the display unit 504, the terminal device 4005 may see, for example, FIG. 29 (B). ) Is displayed on the display unit 504 for the operation screen image GA44 including the operation end date and time input field B441. Further, the operation screen image GA44 includes the button image BU442, and the resident corresponds to the button image BU442 in the input unit 505 in a state where the terminal device 4005 displays the operation screen image GA44 on the display unit 504. When the portion to be touched is touched, the terminal device 4005 causes the display unit 504 to display the operation screen image GA43 again.

Alternatively, the terminal device 4005 obtains, for example, a message M45 indicating the updated operation schedule and the amount of hot water stored as shown in FIG. 30A, an average amount of hot water used calculated based on the history information of the amount of hot water used, and the current amount of hot water stored. The operation screen image GA45 including the graph image GR45 shown is displayed on the display unit 504. Further, the operation screen image GA45 includes the button images BU451 and BU452, and the resident displays the button image BU452 in the input unit 505 in a state where the terminal device 4005 displays the operation screen image GA45 on the display unit 504. When the portion corresponding to is touched, the terminal device 4005 erases the operation screen image GA45 from the display unit 504. On the other hand, when the resident touches the portion of the input unit 505 corresponding to the button image BU451 while the terminal device 4005 displays the operation screen image GA45 on the display unit 504, the terminal device 4005 may see, for example, FIG. 30 (B). ), The operation screen image GA46 including the operation end date and time input field B461 and the cursor image CAL for inputting the amount of hot water used is displayed on the display unit 504. Further, the operation screen image GA46 includes the button images BU461 and BU462, and the resident displays the button image BU462 in the input unit 505 in a state where the terminal device 4005 displays the operation screen image GA46 on the display unit 504. When the portion corresponding to is touched, the terminal device 4005 causes the display unit 504 to display the operation screen image GA45 again. In addition, the resident can select the amount of hot water to be used by performing an operation of moving the cursor image CAL on the operation screen image GA46.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 28B, with the terminal device 4005 displaying the operation screen image GA42 on the display unit 504, the resident inputs the date and time in the operation end date and time input field B421 in the operation screen image GA42. It is assumed that the operation of inputting and inputting the amount of hot water used in the input field B422 of the amount of hot water used is performed, and then the portion corresponding to the button image BU421 in the input unit 505 is touched. In this case, the terminal device 4005 accepts the change request operation as shown in FIG. 27 (step S44). Then, the terminal device 4005 receives change request information including the operation end time information indicating the operation end time input in the operation end date / time input field B421 and the used hot water amount information indicating the used hot water amount input in the used hot water amount input field B422. Generate (step S45). Subsequently, the generated change request information is transmitted from the terminal device 4005 to the water heater control device 4001 (step S46). On the other hand, when the water heater control device 4001 receives the change request information, the water heater control device 4001 identifies the water heater 3 to be changed in the operation end time corresponding to the received change request information (step S47). After that, the processes after step S22 are executed.

Next, the operation schedule generation process executed by the water heater control device 4001 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 31. In FIG. 31, the same processing as in the first embodiment is designated by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 17 and 18. First, as shown in FIG. 31, after a series of processes from steps S101 to S121 are executed, the transmission unit 119 stores the updated schedule information, the hot water amount history information, and the hot water storage amount information stored in the schedule storage unit 138. Is transmitted to the terminal device 4005 (step S401). At this time, when the terminal device 4005 receives the schedule information, the hot water amount history information, and the hot water storage amount information, the terminal device 4005 causes the display unit 504 to display the received schedule information, hot water amount information, and hot water storage amount information.

Next, the change request acquisition unit 4125 transmits the change request information from the terminal device 4005 within the preset standby period after the transmission unit 119 transmits the schedule information, the hot water amount history information, and the hot water storage amount information to the terminal device 4005. It is determined whether or not it has been acquired (step S402). When the change request acquisition unit 4125 determines that the change request information is not acquired from the terminal device 4005 within the above-mentioned standby period (step S402: No), the change request acquisition unit 4125 transmits the updated schedule information to the water heater 3 (step S403). Subsequently, the process of step S101 is executed again.

On the other hand, when the change request acquisition unit 4125 determines that the change request information has been acquired from the terminal device 4005 (step S402: Yes), the operation end time information included in the acquired change request information is identified as the house corresponding to the change request information. The information is stored in the operation end time storage unit 4142 in association with the information (step S404). Further, the change request acquisition unit 4125 notifies the predicted hot water amount update unit 4136 of the used hot water amount information included in the acquired change request information. Then, the predicted hot water amount updating unit 4136 notifies the predicted hot water amount of the house H [i] corresponding to the change request information stored in the used hot water amount time prediction storage unit 137 from the change request acquisition unit 4125. Update with the amount of hot water used indicated by (step S405). After that, the schedule generation unit 118 temporarily operates so that the water heater 3 of the house H [i] corresponding to the change request information boils the updated amount of hot water at the operation end time stored in the operation end time storage unit 4142. Generate a schedule (step S110). Next, the processes after step S111 are executed.

As described above, according to the water heater control device 4001 according to the present embodiment, the schedule generation unit 118 corresponds to the water heater 3 corresponding to the change request information based on the operation end time of the changed operation schedule indicated by the change request information. Change the operation schedule of. As a result, the requests of the residents of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] can be easily reflected in the operation schedule of the water heater 3, so that the convenience of the water heater 3 of the residents can be easily reflected. Can be enhanced.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 32, the house H [1], H [2], ..., H [ n] It may be provided with an electricity charge calculation unit 5126 for calculating an electricity charge for each. In FIG. 32, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 5 are attached to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment. The water heater control device 5001 further includes a priority history storage unit 5144 for storing a history of priorities corresponding to each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n], and the house H [ It is provided with an electricity charge storage unit 5143 for storing electricity charge information corresponding to each of 1], H [2], ..., H [n]. Further, the water heater control device 5001 acquires the priority information every time the priority information stored in the schedule storage unit 138 is updated, and stores the acquired priority information in the priority history storage unit 5144. It includes a history acquisition unit 5128 and an electricity charge transmission unit 5127 that transmits electricity charge information stored in the electricity charge storage unit 5143 to the electricity charge management server 5009. Here, the electricity rate management server 5009 is a server owned by, for example, an electric power company, an electric power company, or the like.

The electricity rate calculation unit 5126 may use the housing H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] based on the electricity rate calculation formula showing the correlation between the average value of the past priorities and the electricity rate. Calculate the electricity rate corresponding to each. Here, the electricity rate calculation formula shows a correlation that the lower the average value of the past priorities, the lower the electricity rate. The electricity charge calculation unit 5126 calculates the average value of the past priorities based on the information indicating the history of the past priorities stored in the priority history storage unit 5144, and calculates the electricity charge calculation formula from the calculated average value. It is used to calculate the electricity charges corresponding to each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. Then, the electricity charge calculation unit 5126 stores the electricity charge information indicating the electricity charges corresponding to each of the calculated houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] in the electricity charge storage unit 5143. .. Further, the electricity rate calculation unit 5126 notifies the priority determination unit 5123 of the electricity rate determination notification information when the electricity rate information is stored in the electricity rate storage unit 5143.

The priority history storage unit 5144 stores not only the priority information but also information indicating the history such as the additional power amount and the additional operating time of the water heater 3 included in the schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 138. You may. In this case, the electricity charge calculation unit 5126 may calculate the electricity charge based on the information indicating the history of the additional electric energy amount and the additional operating time of the water heater 3 described above.

After the electricity rate determination notification information is notified from the electricity rate calculation unit 5126, the priority determination unit 5123 charges the resident of the house H [i] for operating the water heater 3 with a low priority. At the timing of reduction in, the priority indicated by the priority information stored in the schedule storage unit 138 is returned to the initial value. Here, when the priority information indicates the cumulative value of the priority corresponding to a plurality of updated operation schedules within the preset period, the priority determination unit 5123 sets the priority indicated by the priority information as the initial value. (For example, it is updated to "0"), and the reschedule execution date information indicating the date when the operation schedule is updated is stored in the schedule storage unit 138 as the date to be returned by the electricity rate. The priority determination unit 5123 uses, for example, reschedule implementation date information corresponding to the latest priority used for calculating the electricity rate for returning the electricity rate from the information indicating the history of the past priority. May be stored in the schedule storage unit 138. As a result, the electricity is returned to the resident of the house H [i] who has operated the water heater 3 with a low priority, so that the house H [1], H [2], ..., H [ The unfairness of priority between n] is eliminated, and the fairness of priority is guaranteed.

Further, the priority determination unit 5123 is an electricity rate calculation unit when the priority information stored in the schedule storage unit 138 indicates the priority based on the updated operation schedule when the operation schedule is updated once. The schedule storage unit 138 may store the electricity charge calculation date information indicating the date when the 5126 actually calculated the electricity charge. Here, the electricity rate calculation unit 5126 has not only the information indicating the priority history stored in the priority history storage unit 5144, but also the additional electric energy, additional operating time, etc. included in the schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 138. You may calculate the electricity rate based on the history of. As a result, the electricity charge calculation unit 5126 may use the priority or the average value of the additional electric energy of the water heater 3, the additional operating time, etc. within a preset period from the previous electricity charge calculation date stored in the schedule storage unit 138. By calculating the cumulative value, it is possible to calculate the electricity rate to be returned to the resident of the house H [i]. Further, in this case, the priority determination unit 5123 calculates the average value or the cumulative value of the priority, the additional electric energy of the water heater 3, the additional operating time, etc. within the period preset from the previous electricity charge calculation date. Thereby, the priority of the water heater 3 can be determined.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the electricity charge is returned to the house H [i] that contributes to the reduction of the total power consumption as described above. It may be configured to return with discount points that can be used when purchasing products at affiliated stores. In this case, the electricity rate management server 5009 uses the housing H [1], based on the discount point calculation formula showing the correlation between the average value of the past priorities and the discount points that can be used in the above-mentioned store. A point calculation unit (not shown) for calculating discount points corresponding to each of H [2], ..., And H [n] may be provided. Here, the discount point calculation formula shows a correlation such that the lower the average value of the past priorities, the higher the discount points. Further, the electricity rate management server 5009 includes a point information transmission unit (not shown) that transmits point information indicating discount points calculated by the point calculation unit to the store server (not shown) owned by the store. You can do it.

By the way, when the operation schedule of the water heater 3 is generated in consideration of the amount of hot water cooled by the water heater 3, the time interval between the operation end time of the water heater 3 and the start time of using the hot water is long. In the house H [i] set in the schedule, extra boiling is performed by the amount of hot water cooled, so that a large amount of electric power is consumed. That is, the power consumption of the water heater 3 increases as the house H [i] contributes to the reduction of the total power consumption of the apartment house B1 as a whole. On the other hand, according to this configuration, the electricity rate calculation unit 5126 has a low average value of past priorities of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n], that is, The electricity rate is calculated lower for the house H [i] where the change from the provisional operation schedule is frequently performed. As a result, the more the housing H [i] contributes to the reduction of the total power consumption of the housing complex B1, the more the electricity is reduced, so that the housing H [1], H [2], ..., H [n ] The fairness of each electricity rate can be guaranteed.

In the water heater control device 1 according to the first embodiment, the water heater 3 is based on the history of the total power consumption of the entire housing complex B1, the history of the hot water storage temperature of the water heater 3, and the power consumption threshold. It may be provided with an evaluation information generation unit that generates evaluation information for evaluating the validity of the operation schedule of the above. For example, the manager of the housing complex B1 installs this evaluation information in the history of the total power consumption of the entire housing complex B1, the housing H [1], H [2], ..., H [n], respectively. It is used when monitoring or evaluating the generation status of the operation schedule of the water heater 3 by the water heater control device 1 based on the history of the hot water storage temperature of the water heater 3.

As shown in FIG. 33, the terminal device 6005 according to this modification includes an evaluation request generation unit 6516 and an evaluation request transmission unit 6517. Then, the display control unit 512 causes the display unit 504 to display an operation screen image for requesting the water heater control device 6001 to transmit evaluation information for evaluating the validity of the operation schedule of the water heater 3. For example, it is assumed that the manager of the apartment house B1 performs an operation for requesting the transmission of the evaluation result information via the input unit 505. In this case, the evaluation request generation unit 6516 generates evaluation request information based on the operation information indicating the operation content received by the reception unit 513. Then, the evaluation request transmission unit 6517 transmits the generated evaluation request information to the water heater control device 6001. The receiving unit 6511 receives the evaluation information transmitted by the water heater control device 6001 according to the evaluation request information, and notifies the display control unit 512 of the received evaluation information.

Further, the water heater control device 6001 according to this modification includes an evaluation request acquisition unit 6130, an evaluation information generation unit 6128, an evaluation information storage unit 6144, and an evaluation information transmission unit 6129. The evaluation information storage unit 6144 stores evaluation information according to the evaluation request information transmitted from the terminal device 6005. The evaluation request acquisition unit 6130 acquires the evaluation request information transmitted from the terminal device 6005. The evaluation information generation unit 6128 determines the validity of the operation schedule of the water heater 3 based on the history of the total power consumption of the entire housing complex B1, the history of the hot water storage temperature of the water heater 3, and the power consumption threshold. Generates evaluation information for evaluating. The evaluation information generation unit 6128 stores the generated evaluation information in the evaluation information storage unit 6144. The evaluation transmission unit 6129 transmits the evaluation information stored in the evaluation information storage unit 6144 to the terminal device 6005.

Here, the terminal device 6005 has a message M611 regarding the power consumption threshold and the total power consumption of the entire housing complex B1 as shown in FIG. 34 (A), for example, based on the evaluation information received from the water supply device control device 6001. The operation screen image GA61 including the graph image A611 showing the transition of the amount may be displayed on the display unit 504. Further, the terminal device 6005 changes in the total power consumption of each of the houses H [i] and H [i + 1] as shown in FIG. 34 (B), for example, based on the evaluation information received from the water heater control device 6001. The operation screen image GA62 including the graph images A621 and A622 showing the above and the messages M621 and M622 showing the operating status of the water heater 3 may be displayed on the display unit 504.

Further, when the water heater control device 6001 includes an electricity charge calculation unit as in the modified example described with reference to FIG. 32, the water heater control device 6001 may generate evaluation information including information on the electricity charge. can. In this case, the terminal device 6005 displays the operation screen image GA63 including the message M631 regarding the electricity charge on the display unit 504 based on the evaluation information received from the water heater control device 6001, for example, as shown in FIG. 35 (A). You may let me.

Alternatively, based on the evaluation information received from the water heater control device 6001, the terminal device 6005 displays an operation screen image GA64 including information indicating the occurrence record of excess hot water and running out of hot water, as shown in FIG. 35 (B), for example. It may be displayed on the display unit 504.

According to this configuration, for example, the manager of the apartment house B1 installs the history of the total power consumption of the whole apartment house B1, each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n]. There is an advantage that it becomes easy to monitor or evaluate the generation status of the operation schedule of the water heater 3 by the water heater control device 1 based on the history of the hot water storage temperature of the water heater 3.

In the first embodiment, the electric energy prediction unit 114 predicts the total electric energy consumption of the entire housing complex B1 by using the total electric energy consumption calculation formula showing the correlation between the temperature and the past total electric energy consumption of the equipment. An example of doing so was explained. However, not limited to this, the electric energy prediction unit calculates the average value or the maximum value of the total equipment power consumption predicted each time the schedule generation time arrives as the predicted value of the total equipment power consumption. May be good. In addition, the electric energy prediction unit adds an integral multiple of the standard deviation indicating the variation in the total equipment power consumption to the average value and average value of the total equipment power consumption within the same month or week as the schedule generation time in the previous year. The amount or the maximum value may be calculated as a predicted value of the total power consumption of the equipment. Alternatively, the power prediction unit is an average value of the total equipment power consumption within a preset period (for example, 2 weeks) immediately before the schedule generation time, and an integer of the standard deviation indicating the variation of the total equipment power consumption in the average value. The amount obtained by multiplying or the maximum value may be calculated as a predicted value of the total power consumption of the equipment. In addition, the electric energy prediction unit is a standard that shows the variation in the total electric energy consumption in the average value or the average value of the total electric energy consumption on the same day or weekday as the past schedule generation time and the day of the same type of holiday. The amount obtained by adding an integral multiple of the deviation may be calculated as a predicted value of the total electric energy consumption of the device. In this case, the electric energy prediction unit is the average value of the total equipment power consumption on weekdays and the average value of the total equipment power consumption on holidays, whichever is larger in each time zone until the next schedule generation time. May be calculated as the predicted value of the total power consumption of the equipment. In addition, the electric energy prediction unit is the average of the equipment power consumption per house obtained by dividing the prediction of the total power consumption of the entire housing B1 by the number of houses based on the number of houses belonging to the housing B1. The value may be calculated, and the product of the calculated average value and the number of houses may be calculated as a predicted value of the total electric energy consumption of the equipment. In this case, the electric energy prediction unit consumes the total equipment by adding the power consumption in the common part of the apartment house B1 to the product of the average value of the equipment power consumption per house and the number of houses. It may be calculated as an electric energy.

In the first embodiment, the hot water used prediction unit 115 extracts the hot water used for each of the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n], and the temperature indicated by the extracted meteorological record information. An example of predicting the amount of hot water used using a formula for calculating the amount of hot water used, which shows the correlation between the above, has been described. However, not limited to this, the hot water used predicting unit adds an integral multiple of the standard deviation indicating the variation in the hot water used to the average value and the average value of the hot water used per day within the latest preset period in the past. The obtained value or the maximum value may be calculated as a predicted value of the amount of hot water used. Alternatively, the hot water usage prediction unit adds an integral multiple of the standard deviation indicating the variation in the hot water usage to the average value or the average value of the hot water usage on the same day of the week or weekday as the past schedule generation time and the day of the same holiday type. The amount may be calculated as a predicted value of the amount of hot water used.

In the first embodiment, the usage time prediction unit 122 uses the hot water usage history storage unit 133 to store the hot water usage history storage unit 133 at the schedule generation time, and the house H [1] until the next schedule generation time. ], H [2], ..., H [n], an example of predicting the usage time zone of one hot water has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the usage time prediction unit performs the housing H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] until the next scheduled generation time at the schedule generation time. For each of them, the usage time zone of a plurality of hot waters may be predicted.

In the first embodiment, as a result of boiling being executed based on the calculated boiling amount by the boiling amount calculation unit 116, the used hot water amount predicted value indicated by the predicted hot water amount information stored in the used hot water amount time prediction storage unit 137. If the amount of hot water used cannot be boiled, the amount of hot water used may be increased until the predicted value of the amount of hot water used is reached.

In the first embodiment, the houses H [1], H [2], ..., H [n] according to the operation schedule regenerated in the form of reschedule the operation schedule for all the houses whose operation schedule can be reschedule. ] When there is an excess time zone in which the total power consumption exceeds the power consumption threshold when each water supply machine 3 is operated, the schedule generation unit 118 sets the power consumption threshold stored in the threshold storage unit 139 in advance. It may be set to a value obtained by multiplying by a coefficient larger than the set 1. The coefficient is set to, for example, 1.2.

In the fourth embodiment, in the terminal device 4005, for example, in a state where the operation screen image GA43 as shown in FIG. 29A is displayed on the display unit 504, the resident corresponds to the button image BU431 in the input unit 505. When the portion is touched, the terminal device 4005 displays the operation screen image GA74 including the input field B741 for the operation end date and time and the button images BU741, BU742, and BU743 for selecting the amount of hot water used, as shown in FIG. 36, for example. It may be displayed on. Then, when any of the parts corresponding to the button images BU741, BU742, and BU743 in the input unit 505 is touched, the terminal device 4005 sets the amount of hot water to be used to the amount of hot water used corresponding to the selected button images BU741, BU742, and BU743. The change request information requesting the change may be generated and transmitted to the water heater control device 4001. When the portion of the input unit 505 corresponding to the button image BU741 is touched, the terminal device 4005 generates change request information requesting an increase in the amount of hot water used and transmits it to the water heater control device 4001. Further, when the portion corresponding to the button image BU742 in the input unit 505 is touched, the terminal device 4005 generates change request information requesting that the amount of hot water used is reduced and transmits it to the water heater control device 4001. Further, when the portion corresponding to the button image BU743 in the input unit 505 is touched, the terminal device 4005 generates change request information requesting that the amount of hot water used is maintained as it is and transmits it to the water heater control device 4001.

On the other hand, when the water heater control device 4001 indicates that the received change request information requests an increase in the amount of hot water used, the water heater control device 4001 stores the change request information in the house H [i] stored in the hot water amount time prediction storage unit 137. Increase the estimated amount of hot water used by a preset amount of hot water. On the other hand, when the water heater control device 4001 indicates that the received change request information requests a decrease in the amount of hot water used, the water heater control device 4001 stores the change request information in the house H [i] stored in the hot water amount time prediction storage unit 137. The estimated amount of hot water used is reduced by a preset amount of hot water. The operation screen image GA74 shown in FIG. 36 includes a button image BU744, and in a state where the terminal device 4005 displays the operation screen image GA74 on the display unit 504, the resident presses the button on the input unit 505. When the portion corresponding to the image BU 744 is touched, the terminal device 4005 causes the display unit 504 to display the operation screen image GA43 again.

Further, various functions of the water heater control devices 1, 2001, 3001, 4001, 5001 and 6001 according to the present disclosure may be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. In this case, the software or firmware is written as a program, and the program can be read by a computer such as a flexible disc, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) and an MO (Magneto-Optical Disc). A computer capable of realizing each of the above-mentioned functions may be configured by storing and distributing the program in a recording medium, reading the program into a computer, and installing the program. When each function is realized by the division between the OS (Operating System) and the application or the cooperation between the OS and the application, only the part other than the OS may be stored in the recording medium.

Furthermore, it is also possible to superimpose each program on the carrier wave and distribute it via the network. For example, the program may be posted on a bulletin board system (BBS, Bulletin Board System) on the network, and the program may be distributed via the network. Then, by starting these programs and executing them in the same manner as other application programs under the control of the OS, the above-mentioned processing may be executed.

The present disclosure is suitable as a hot water supply system for determining the operation schedule of the water heater installed in each house in an apartment house having a collective power receiving contract with an electric power company.

1,2001,3001,4001,5001,6001 Water heater control device, 3 water supply machine, 4 electrical equipment, 5,2005,4005 terminal equipment, 6 routers, 7 power generation equipment, 8 weather server, 21 distribution board, 22, 72 Electric energy measuring device, 31 Hot water storage tank, 32 Heat pump unit, 33 controller, 101,301,501 CPU, 102,302,502 Main storage unit, 103,303,503 Auxiliary storage unit, 106,506 Wide area communication unit, 107, 307 Local communication unit, 108,308 Measuring unit, 109,509 Bus, 111 Meteorological information acquisition unit, 112 Electric energy acquisition unit, 113 Water heater information acquisition unit, 114 Electric energy prediction unit, 115 Hot water consumption prediction unit, 116 Boiling Amount calculation unit, 117 Required electric energy calculation unit, 118, 3118, 4118 Schedule generation unit, 119 transmission unit, 121,2121 Hot water cooling amount calculation unit, 122,3122 Usage time prediction unit, 123,5123 Priority determination unit, 131 Electric power Amount storage unit, 132 Meteorological information storage unit, 133 Hot water usage history storage unit, 134,2134 Hot water storage amount / temperature storage unit, 136 Electric power consumption prediction storage unit, 137 Hot water consumption time prediction storage unit, 138,344 Schedule storage unit, 139 Threshold storage unit, 310 communication interface, 311 hot water consumption measurement unit, 312 hot water storage amount measurement unit, 313a, 313b, 313c, 313d, 313e temperature sensor, 321 evaporator, 322 compressor, 323 heat exchanger, 324 expansion valve, 325 Control board, 331 schedule receiving unit, 332 heat pump control unit, 334 hot water supply machine information transmission unit, 335 hot water usage history generation unit, 336 hot water consumption acquisition unit, 337 hot water storage capacity acquisition unit, 338 hot water storage temperature acquisition unit, 342 hot water storage capacity storage unit 343 Hot water storage / temperature storage unit, 344 schedule storage unit, 504 display unit, 505 input unit, 511 and 6511 receiver unit, 512,2512 display control unit, 513 reception unit, 513 operation screen storage unit, 2124 model generation unit, 2140 Hot water cooling amount calculation model storage unit, 3125 policy acquisition unit, 3141 policy storage unit, 3514 policy generation unit, 3515 policy transmission unit, 4125 change request acquisition unit, 4126 predicted hot water volume change New section, 4142 operation end time storage section, 4514 change request generation section, 4515 change request transmission section, 5009 electricity rate management server, 5126 electricity rate calculation section, 5127 electricity rate transmission section, 5128 priority history acquisition section, 5143 electricity rate Storage unit, 5144 priority history storage unit, 6128 evaluation information generation unit, 6129 evaluation information transmission unit, 6130 evaluation request acquisition unit, 6144 evaluation information storage unit, 6516 evaluation request generation unit, 6517 evaluation request transmission unit, B1 apartment complex, B421, B422, B442, B461, B741 input field, BU11, BU411, BU421, BU421, BU422, BU4311, BU432, BU442, BU4511, BU452, BU461, BU462, BU741, BU742, BU743 button image, GA11, GA41, GA42, GA43, GA44, GA45, GA46, GA74 Operation screen image, H [1], H [2], H [i], H [i + 1], H [i + 2], H [i + 3], H [i + 4], H [ i + 5], H [n] housing, M111, M112 message, NW1 wide area network, NW2 local network, PS grid power supply

Claims (17)

A power consumption acquisition unit that acquires power consumption information indicating the power consumption of the water heater and the power consumption of the equipment consumed by the equipment in each of the plurality of houses where the water heater and the equipment are installed. ,
A meteorological information acquisition unit that acquires meteorological information including at least future temperature forecast information in an area where a plurality of houses exist, and a meteorological information acquisition unit.
Hot water supply that acquires hot water supply information including hot water usage history information indicating the history of hot water usage in each of the plurality of houses, hot water storage amount information indicating the current hot water storage amount of the water heater, and the current hot water storage temperature of the water heater. Machine information acquisition department and
At the time of schedule generation to generate the operation schedule of the water heater installed in each of the plurality of houses that arrives at each preset period, the next step is based on the past power consumption information of each of the plurality of houses. An electric energy prediction unit that predicts the total power consumption of the equipment consumed only by the equipment in the entire plurality of houses in each of the plurality of preset time zones until the arrival time of the schedule generation.
At the schedule generation time, based on the hot water usage history information, a hot water usage prediction unit that predicts the hot water usage in each of the plurality of houses until the next scheduled hot water usage time.
At the schedule generation time, based on the hot water usage history information, a usage time prediction unit that predicts the hot water usage time zone in each of the plurality of houses until the next schedule generation time, and a usage time prediction unit.
Based on the weather information, the operation schedule, the amount of hot water used, and the time zone of use, the temperature immediately after boiling the hot water that has been cooled until the time zone of use arrives after the water heater has boiled. A hot water cooling amount calculation unit that calculates the hot water cooling amount that indicates the boiling amount required to boil up to
Based on the amount of hot water used, the time zone of use, the amount of hot water stored, the temperature of hot water stored, and the amount of hot water cooled, the amount of electric power required for the hot water supply machine of each of the plurality of houses until the next scheduled generation time. And the required electric energy calculation unit that calculates the required operating time,
At the schedule generation time, the total power consumption consumed by the entire plurality of houses is preset based on the required electric energy and the operation required time until the next scheduled generation time. It is provided with a schedule generation unit that generates an operation schedule of the water heaters of each of the plurality of houses so as to be equal to or less than the power consumption threshold.
Water heater control device. The schedule generation unit generates a provisional operation schedule of the water supply machine so that the amount of hot water used will boil at the start time of the time zone based on the usage time zone, the required electric energy amount, and the operation required time. If there is an excess time zone in which the total power consumption exceeds the power consumption threshold when the water heater installed in each of the plurality of houses is operated according to the provisional operation schedule, the plurality of houses The operation schedule of the water heater installed in at least one of the houses was regenerated so that the amount of hot water used would boil before the time of use.
The hot water cooling amount calculation unit calculates the hot water cooling amount based on the elapsed time from the operation end time indicated by the regenerated operation schedule to the start time of the usage time zone and the temperature indicated by the weather forecast information. do,
The water heater control device according to claim 1. The schedule generation unit has an excess time zone in which the total power consumption exceeds the power consumption threshold when the water heaters installed in each of the plurality of houses are operated according to the regenerated operation schedule. If so, the power consumption threshold is set to the upper limit of the total power consumption in the excess time zone.
The water heater control device according to claim 2. Further provided with a priority determination unit for determining the priority for boiling the amount of hot water used in the water heater according to the provisional operation schedule based on the history of changes in the provisional operation schedule.
The schedule generation unit generates the operation schedule based on the priority.
The water heater control device according to claim 2 or 3. Further, a policy acquisition unit for acquiring policy information indicating the policy when generating the operation schedule of the water heater is provided.
The priority determination unit determines the priority of the water heater corresponding to the policy information based on the history of changes in the provisional operation schedule and the policy information.
The water heater control device according to claim 4. When the policy information indicates a hot water cooling amount reduction priority policy that prioritizes reduction of the hot water cooling amount, the priority determination unit raises the priority of the water heater corresponding to the policy information.
The water heater control device according to claim 5. When the priority information indicates a priority reduction policy that lowers the priority as much as possible, the priority determination unit lowers the priority of the water heater corresponding to the policy information.
The water heater control device according to claim 5 or 6. Further, a policy acquisition unit for acquiring policy information indicating the policy when generating the operation schedule of the water heater is provided.
When the policy information indicates a hot water shortage prevention priority policy that prioritizes prevention of hot water running out, the schedule generation unit generates an operation schedule for operating the water heater immediately after the end time of the usage time zone.
The water heater control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A model generation unit that generates a hot water cooling amount calculation model for calculating the hot water cooling amount from the elapsed time from the operation end time of the water supply machine to the start time of the usage time zone and the temperature indicated by the weather forecast information. Further preparation
The hot water cooling amount calculation unit uses the hot water cooling amount calculation model to obtain the elapsed time from the operation end time indicated by the regenerated operation schedule to the start time of the usage time zone, the temperature indicated by the weather forecast information, and the temperature. The amount of hot water cooled is calculated from
The water heater control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The meteorological information further includes meteorological record information indicating current and past temperatures in the area where the plurality of houses exist.
Based on the meteorological record information, the electric energy prediction unit has a total equipment power consumption calculation formula showing the correlation between the temperature and the past total equipment power consumption, and the temperature and the past total equipment power consumption. The first standard deviation calculation formula showing the relationship with the first standard deviation showing the variation of the above is generated, and the first standard deviation calculation formula is calculated by using the total equipment power consumption calculation formula. The amount obtained by adding N times (N is an integer of 1 or more) of the first standard deviation calculated using the standard deviation calculation formula is calculated as the total equipment power consumption predicted value.
The water heater control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. Based on the hot water usage history information, the usage time prediction unit initially presets the hot water usage amount in two schedule generation time periods that are temporally adjacent to each other within the preset usage time calculation period in the past. The second standard deviation indicating the variation between the average time of the time exceeding the threshold and the time exceeding the threshold of the amount of hot water used is calculated, and the calculated average time is at least M times the second standard deviation (M is 1 or more). Calculates the time just before (integer) as the usage time,
The water heater control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. A transmission unit that transmits schedule information indicating the operation schedule to a terminal device possessed by a resident of at least one of the plurality of houses.
Further, a change request acquisition unit for acquiring change request information for requesting a change in the operation schedule transmitted from the terminal device is provided.
The change request information includes information indicating the operation end time of the operation schedule after the change.
The schedule generation unit changes the operation schedule of the water heater corresponding to the change request information based on the operation end time of the changed operation schedule indicated by the change request information.
The water heater control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Further, an electricity rate calculation unit for calculating an electricity rate for each of the plurality of houses based on the priority is provided.
The water heater control device according to claim 4 or 5. Further provided with an evaluation information generation unit that generates evaluation information for evaluating the validity of the operation schedule based on the history of the total power consumption, the history of the hot water storage temperature, and the power consumption threshold value.
The water heater control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Water heaters installed in each of the multiple houses where the equipment is installed,
A power consumption acquisition unit that acquires power consumption information indicating the power consumption of the water heater consumed by the water heater and the power consumption of the equipment consumed by the equipment in each of the plurality of houses.
A meteorological information acquisition unit that acquires meteorological information including at least future temperature forecast information in an area where a plurality of houses exist, and a meteorological information acquisition unit.
Hot water supply that acquires hot water supply information including hot water usage history information indicating the history of hot water usage in each of the plurality of houses, hot water storage amount information indicating the current hot water storage amount of the water heater, and the current hot water storage temperature of the water heater. Machine information acquisition department and
At the time of schedule generation to generate the operation schedule of the water heater installed in each of the plurality of houses that arrives at each preset period, the next step is based on the past power consumption information of each of the plurality of houses. An electric energy prediction unit that predicts the total power consumption of the equipment consumed only by the equipment in the entire plurality of houses in each of the plurality of preset time zones until the arrival time of the schedule generation.
At the schedule generation time, based on the hot water usage history information, a hot water usage prediction unit that predicts the hot water usage in each of the plurality of houses until the next scheduled hot water usage time.
At the schedule generation time, based on the hot water usage history information, a usage time prediction unit that predicts the hot water usage time zone in each of the plurality of houses until the next schedule generation time, and a usage time prediction unit.
Based on the weather information, the operation schedule, the amount of hot water used, and the time zone of use, the temperature immediately after boiling the hot water that has been cooled until the time zone of use arrives after the water heater has boiled. A hot water cooling amount calculation unit that calculates the hot water cooling amount that indicates the boiling amount required to boil up to
Based on the amount of hot water used, the time zone of use, the amount of hot water stored, the temperature of hot water stored, and the amount of hot water cooled, the amount of electric power required for the hot water supply machine of each of the plurality of houses until the next scheduled generation time. And the required electric energy calculation unit that calculates the required operating time,
At the schedule generation time, the total power consumption consumed by the entire plurality of houses is preset based on the required power amount and the operation required time until the next schedule generation time. It is provided with a schedule generation unit that generates an operation schedule of the water heaters of each of the plurality of houses so as to be equal to or less than the upper limit of power consumption.
Hot water supply system. The water heater control device acquires power consumption information indicating the power consumption of the water heater consumed by the water heater and the power consumption of the equipment consumed by the equipment in each of the plurality of houses where the water heater and the equipment are installed. Steps to do and
A step in which the water heater control device acquires weather information including weather forecast information indicating at least the future temperature in the area where the plurality of houses exist.
The water heater control device includes hot water used history information indicating the history of hot water used in each of the plurality of houses, hot water storage information indicating the current hot water storage amount of the water heater, and the current hot water storage temperature of the water heater. Steps to get water heater information and
The past power consumption of each of the plurality of houses at the time when the water heater control device generates the operation schedule of the water heaters installed in the plurality of houses that arrive at each preset period. Based on the information, a step of predicting the total equipment power consumption consumed by the equipment alone in the entire plurality of houses in each of the preset time zones until the next scheduled generation time. ,
A step in which the water heater control device predicts the amount of hot water used in each of the plurality of houses until the next arrival of the schedule generation time based on the hot water usage history information at the schedule generation time.
A step in which the water heater control device predicts the hot water usage time zone in each of the plurality of houses until the next scheduled generation time, based on the hot water usage history information, at the schedule generation time. When,
Based on the weather information, the operation schedule, the amount of hot water used, and the time zone of use, the water heater control device has cooled the hot water after the water heater has boiled until the time zone of use arrives. The step of calculating the amount of water cooling, which indicates the amount of boiling required to boil to the temperature immediately after boiling again, and
Based on the amount of hot water used, the time zone of use, the amount of hot water stored, the temperature of hot water stored, and the amount of hot water cooled, the water heater control device of each of the plurality of houses until the next scheduled generation time. The step of calculating the required electric energy and the required operating time of the water heater, and
The total consumption of the water heater control device in the entire plurality of houses until the next scheduled generation time, based on the required electric energy and the operation required time, at the schedule generation time. Including a step of generating an operation schedule of a water heater for each of the plurality of houses so that the amount of electric power is equal to or less than a preset upper limit of power consumption.
Operation schedule generation method. Computer,
A power consumption acquisition unit that acquires power consumption information indicating the power consumption of the water heater and the power consumption of the equipment consumed by the equipment in each of the plurality of houses in which the water heater and the equipment are installed.
A meteorological information acquisition unit that acquires meteorological information including meteorological forecast information indicating at least the future temperature in the area where a plurality of houses exist.
Hot water supply that acquires hot water supply information including hot water usage history information indicating the history of hot water usage in each of the plurality of houses, hot water storage amount information indicating the current hot water storage amount of the water heater, and the current hot water storage temperature of the water heater. Machine information acquisition department,
At the time of schedule generation to generate the operation schedule of the water heater installed in each of the plurality of houses that arrives at each preset period, the next step is based on the past power consumption information of each of the plurality of houses. An electric energy prediction unit that predicts the total power consumption of the equipment consumed only by the equipment in the entire plurality of houses in each of the plurality of preset time zones until the arrival time of the schedule generation.
A hot water usage prediction unit that predicts the hot water usage in each of the plurality of houses until the next scheduled hot water generation time based on the hot water usage history information at the schedule generation time.
A usage time prediction unit that predicts the usage time zone of hot water in each of the plurality of houses until the next scheduled generation time, based on the hot water usage history information at the schedule generation time.
Based on the weather information, the operation schedule, the amount of hot water used, and the time zone of use, the temperature immediately after boiling the hot water that has been cooled until the time zone of use arrives after the water heater has boiled. Hot water cooling amount calculation unit that calculates the hot water cooling amount that indicates the boiling amount required to boil up to
Based on the amount of hot water used, the time zone of use, the amount of hot water stored, the temperature of hot water stored, and the amount of hot water cooled, the amount of electric power required for the hot water supply machine of each of the plurality of houses until the next scheduled generation time. And the required electric energy calculation unit that calculates the required operating time,
At the schedule generation time, the total power consumption consumed by the entire plurality of houses is preset based on the required power amount and the operation required time until the next schedule generation time. A schedule generator that generates an operation schedule for the water heaters of each of the plurality of houses so that the power consumption is equal to or less than the upper limit.
A program to function as.

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