KR20120128735A - Controlling method of network system and controlling method of a component for network system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of controlling a component for a network system. According to an aspect, a control method of a component for a network system includes: recognizing low cost interval or high cost interval information; Recognizing a scheduled operation time including a scheduled operation start time of the component; Changing the scheduled operation time such that at least a portion of the scheduled operation time is located in the low cost section; And driving the component at a changed scheduled operation time.

Description

Control method of network system and component control method therefor {Controlling method of network system and controlling method of a component for network system}

The present invention relates to a control method of a network system and a control method of a component therefor.

The supplier simply supplied energy sources such as electricity, water and gas, and the consumer simply used the supplied energy sources. Therefore, effective management in terms of energy production, distribution, or energy use has been difficult to carry out.

In other words, energy is a radial structure that is distributed from energy suppliers toward multiple demand sources, that is, spreads from the center to the periphery, and is characterized by unidirectional supplier center, not consumer center.

The price information for electricity was not only available in real time, but only limitedly through the power exchange, and since the price system is also a de facto fixed price system, incentives such as incentives to consumers through price changes cannot be used. There was also a problem.

In order to solve this problem, there have been a lot of efforts in recent years to implement a horizontal, cooperative, and distributed network that effectively manages energy and enables interaction between consumers and suppliers.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a control method of a network system for effectively managing an energy source and a control method of a component therefor.

According to an aspect, a control method of a component for a network system includes: recognizing low cost interval or high cost interval information; Recognizing a scheduled operation time including a scheduled operation start time of the component; Changing the scheduled operation time such that at least a portion of the scheduled operation time is located in the low cost section; And driving the component at a changed scheduled operation time.

According to another aspect, a control method of a network system includes: recognizing reference information values related to operations of a plurality of components; And changing an operation start time of at least one of the plurality of components so that a component having a relatively large reference information value is driven before a relatively small component.

According to the proposed invention, since the operating time of the component in the low cost interval can be increased, there is an advantage that the energy usage fee can be reduced.

In addition, as at least a part of the operating time interval of the component having a large reference information related to the operation of the component is changed to be included in the low cost interval, there is an advantage that the energy usage fee can be reduced.

In addition, when the energy usage fee of the component is reduced, there is an advantage that it is possible to effectively manage the energy source.

1 is a view schematically showing an example of a network system according to the present invention;
2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a network system according to the present invention;
3 is a block diagram showing an information transfer process on a network system of the present invention.
4 is a diagram illustrating a communication structure of two components of a network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of one communicator constituting communication means.
6 is a diagram illustrating a communication process between a specific component and a communicator according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a communication process between a specific component and a communicator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG.
8 illustrates a communication structure of components configuring a network system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a first component in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a communication structure of components configuring a network system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a first component in FIG. 10.
12 is a schematic diagram of a home network according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a component for a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a component for a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 is a view schematically showing an example of a network system according to the present invention.

This network system is a system for managing energy sources such as electricity, water, and gas. The energy source means that the amount of generation, the amount of use, etc. can be measured. Thus, the energy source may be a SOURCE not mentioned above. Hereinafter, electricity will be described as an example as an energy source, and the contents of the present specification may be equally applied to other energy sources.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary network system includes a power plant that generates electricity. The power plant may include a power plant that generates electricity through thermal power generation or nuclear power generation, and a power plant using water, solar, wind, and the like, which are environmentally friendly energy.

In addition, the electricity generated in the power plant is transmitted to a substation through a transmission line, and the power station transmits electricity to a substation so that the electricity is distributed to a demand destination such as a home or an office.

In addition, the electricity produced by the environmentally friendly energy is also transmitted to the substation to be distributed to each customer. Then, the electricity transmitted from the substation is distributed to the office or home via the electrical storage device or directly.

Even in homes that use a home area network (HAN), they can produce, store, or distribute their own electricity through solar light or fuel cells mounted on a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), You can also sell the extra electricity to the outside world.

In addition, the network system includes a smart meter for real-time measuring the electricity usage of the demand destination (home or office, etc.), and a meter (AMI: Advanced Metering infrastructure) for real-time measurement of the electricity usage of a plurality of demand destinations. May be included.

The network system may further include an energy management system (EMS) for managing energy. The energy management device may generate information about the operation of one or more components in relation to energy (generation, distribution, use, storage, etc.) of energy. The energy management device can generate instructions relating to the operation of at least the component.

In the present specification, a function or a solution performed by the energy management apparatus may be referred to as an energy management function or an energy management solution.

In the network system of the present invention, one or more energy management devices may be present in separate configurations, or may be included in one or more components as an energy management function or solution.

2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a network system according to the present invention.

1 and 2, the network system of the present invention is constituted by a plurality of components. For example, power plants, substations, power stations, energy management devices, appliances, smart meters, capacitors, web servers, instrumentation devices, and home servers are the components of network systems.

In addition, in the present invention, each component may be constituted by a plurality of detailed components. For example, when one component is a home appliance, a microcomputer, a heater, a display, and the like may be detailed components. That is, in the present invention, everything that performs a specific function can be a component, and these components constitute the network system of the present invention. In addition, the two components may communicate by a communication means. In addition, one network may be one component or may be composed of multiple components. In the present specification, a component capable of communicating by a communication means may be referred to as a communication component.

In the present specification, a network system in which communication information is associated with an energy source may be referred to as an energy grid.

The network system according to an exemplary embodiment may be configured of a utility network (UAN) 10 and a home network (HAN) 20. The utility network 10 and the home network 20 may communicate by wire or wirelessly by communication means, and bidirectional communication is possible.

In this specification, a home means a group of specific components such as a building, a company, as well as a home in a dictionary meaning. And, utility means a group of specific components outside the home.

The utility network 10 includes an energy generation component 11 for generating energy, an energy distribution component 12 for distributing or transferring energy, and an energy storage unit for storing energy. An energy storage component 13), an energy management component 14 for managing energy, and an energy metering component 15 for measuring energy related information.

When one or more components constituting the utility network 10 consume energy, the component that consumes energy may be an energy consumer.

The energy consumption unit is a component corresponding to the energy consumption unit 26 constituting the home network 20, and is the same component as the energy consumption unit 26, or another component that is distinguished from the energy consumption unit 26. Can be understood.

The energy generator 11 may be, for example, a power plant. The energy distribution unit 12 distributes or delivers the energy generated by the energy generator 11 and / or the energy stored in the energy storage unit 13 to the energy consumption unit 26 that consumes energy. The energy distribution unit 12 may be a power transmitter, a substation, or a power station.

The energy storage unit 13 may be a storage battery, and the energy management unit 14 is related to energy, the energy generating unit 11, energy distribution unit 12, energy storage unit 13, energy consumption unit ( 26) generates information for one or more of driving. The energy management unit 14 may generate a command regarding the operation of at least a specific component.

The energy management unit 14 may be an energy management device. The energy measuring unit 15 may measure information related to energy generation, distribution, use, storage, and the like, and may be, for example, a measuring device (AMI). The energy management unit 14 may exist in a separate configuration from other components, or may be included as an energy management function in other components.

The utility network 10 may communicate with the home network 20 by a terminal component (not shown). That is, information generated or transmitted by a specific component constituting the utility network 10 may be transmitted to another component through a terminal component, and information of another component may be received through the terminal component. The terminal component may be, for example, a gateway. Such terminal components may be provided in one or more of the utility network 10 and the home network 20.

The terminal component may be understood as a component necessary for transmitting and receiving information between a utility network and a home network. In addition, the two components constituting the utility network 10 may communicate by a communication means.

The home network 20 includes an energy generation component 21 for generating energy, an energy distribution component 22 for distributing energy, and an energy storage component for storing energy. 23, an energy management component 24 that manages energy, an energy metering component 25 that measures energy-related information, and an energy consumption component that consumes energy. 26, a central management component 27 for controlling a plurality of components, and an energy grid assistance component 28.

The energy generation component 21 may be a household generator, the energy storage component 23 may be a storage battery, and the energy management component 24 may be an energy management device. have. For example, the energy generator 21 may be a solar cell, a fuel electric machine, a wind power generator, a generator using geothermal energy, a generator using sea water, or the like.

The energy storage unit 23 may store the energy generated by the energy generator 21. Thus, in terms of energy use, the energy storage unit 23 and the energy generator 11 may be understood as an energy using component that uses energy together with the energy consumption unit 23. That is, the energy use component may include at least an energy consumer, an energy storage unit, and an energy generator. When the energy management unit uses energy, the energy management unit may also be included in an energy use component.

In terms of receiving energy, the energy storage unit 23 and the energy generating unit 11 (which can generate energy by receiving energy) are components that receive energy supplied with the energy consumption unit 23. It can be understood as (Energy suppiled component).

The energy metering component 25 may measure information related to generation, distribution, use, and storage of energy, and may be, for example, a smart meter. The energy consumption unit 26 may be, for example, a heater, a motor, a display, a controller, or the like constituting a home appliance or a home appliance. Note that there is no restriction on the type of energy consumption unit 26 in this embodiment.

In detail, the energy generator 21 may be understood as a component of another utility network 10 that generates energy to be supplied to the home network 20.

The energy management unit 24 may be configured to exist separately from other components, or may be included as an energy management function in other components. For example, the energy management function may be executed by a control unit for controlling the energy consumption unit, and when the control unit executes the energy management function, the control unit may be understood as an energy management unit.

In detail, the energy management unit 14 constituting the utility network 10 or the energy management unit 24 constituting the home network 20 may be mounted on one or more components of a plurality of components constituting the networks 10 and 20. , May exist as a separate device. The energy manager 24 may recognize information related to energy (energy information) and state information of components controlled by the energy manager 24.

The energy generator 21, the energy distributor 22, and the energy storage unit 23 may be individual components or may constitute a single component. The central management unit 27 may be, for example, a home server that controls a plurality of home appliances.

The energy network assistant 28 is a component that has an original function while performing an additional function for the energy network. For example, the energy network assistant may be a web service provider (for example, a computer), a mobile device, a television, or the like.

In the case of the mobile device, energy information or additional information (to be described later) may be received, and at least an operation of the energy consumption unit 26 may be controlled using the received information. In this case, the mobile device may automatically control the operation of the energy consumption unit 26 or control the operation of the energy consumption unit 26 by a user's operation. The mobile device may display operation information, energy information or additional information of the energy consumption unit 26.

In addition, the two components constituting the home network 20 may communicate by a communication means.

Energy generation unit 11, 21, energy distribution unit 12, 22, energy storage unit 13, 23, energy management unit 14, 24, energy measuring unit 15, 25, energy consumption unit mentioned above (26), the central management unit 27 may exist independently of each other, or two or more may constitute a single component.

For example, the energy management unit 14 and 24, the energy measuring unit 15 and 25, and the central management unit 27 each exist as a single component, and perform smart functions, energy management devices, and home servers that perform their respective functions. Or the energy management unit 14, 24, the energy measuring unit 15, 25, the central management unit 27 may mechanically constitute a single device.

In addition, in performing one function, the function may be sequentially performed in a plurality of components and / or communication means. For example, energy management functions may be sequentially performed in a separate energy management unit, an energy measuring unit, and an energy consumption unit.

In the case of the present network system, a plurality of utility networks 10 may communicate with a single home network 20, and a single utility network 10 may communicate with a plurality of home networks 20.

In addition, a plurality of components of a specific function constituting the utility network and the home network may be provided. For example, there may be a plurality of energy generating units or energy consuming units.

In addition, in the present specification, the components constituting the utility network and the home network each have a function performing component that performs its own function or is itself a function performing component.

For example, when the energy consumption unit is an electric product, the electric product has a function performing component such as a heater, a compressor, a motor, a display unit, and the like. As another example, when the energy consumption unit is a heater, a compressor, a motor, a display unit, or the like, the energy consumption unit itself is a function performing component.

3 is a block diagram showing an information transfer process on a network system of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 3, in the network system of the present invention, a specific component may receive information related to energy (hereinafter, “energy information 40”) by communication means. The specific component 30 may also communicate. The means may further receive additional information (environmental information, time information, etc.) in addition to the energy information 40. At this time, the information may be received from another component, that is, the received information includes at least energy information. do.

The specific component 30 may be one component constituting the utility network 10 or one component constituting the home network 20.

The energy information 40 may be one of information such as electricity, water, and gas, as described above. In the following description, electricity is taken as an example, but the same may be applied to other energy.

For example, the types of information related to electricity include time-based pricing, curtailment, grid emergency, grid reliability, energy increment, and operational priority. (operation priority).

Such information may be classified into schedule information previously generated based on previous information and real time information that changes in real time. The schedule information and the real time information may be distinguished by predicting information after the current time (future).

The energy information 40 may be transmitted / received as a true or false signal such as Boolean on the network system, an actual price may be transmitted or received, or a plurality of levels may be transmitted and received.

The energy information 40 may be classified into time of use (TOU) information, critical peak pattern (CPP) information, or real time pattern (RTP) information according to a change pattern of data over time.

According to the TOU information, data is gradually changed over time. According to the CPP information, the data changes step by step or in real time with time, and emphasis is displayed at a specific time point. According to the RTP information, data changes in real time with time.

When the energy information is, for example, electricity rate information, the information related to the electricity rate is changed. The electric charge information may be transmitted / received by a true or false signal such as a Boolean on a network system, an actual price may be transmitted or received, or a plurality of levels may be transmitted and received.

When the specific component 30 receives a true or false signal such as a Boolean, one specific signal may be recognized as an on-peak signal and the other signal may be recognized as an off-peak signal.

Alternatively, the specific component 30 may recognize at least one driving information including the electric charge, and the specific component 30 compares the recognized information value with the reference information value and compares the on-peak with the on-peak. Off-peak can be recognized.

For example, when the specific component 30 recognizes the leveled information or the actual pricing information, the specific component compares the recognized information value with the reference information value on-peak and off. -peak is recognized.

In this case, the information value related to the driving may be at least one of an electric charge, a power amount, a change rate of the electric charge, a change rate of the power amount, an average value of the electric charge, and an average value of the electric power. The reference information value may be at least one of an average value, an average value of minimum and maximum values of power information during a predetermined section, and a reference rate of change of power information (eg, slope of power consumption per unit time) during the predetermined section.

The reference information value may be set in real time or may be set in advance. The reference information value may be set in a utility network or in a home network (input from a consumer direct input, an energy manager, a central manager, etc.).

When the specific component 30 (for example, the energy consumption unit) recognizes the on-peak (for example, the recognition time), the output may be set to 0 (stopped or stopped) or the output may be reduced. And, if necessary, the output can be restored or increased. The specific component may determine the driving method in advance before starting the operation, or change the driving method when the on-peak is recognized after starting the operation.

Alternatively, when the specific component 30 recognizes on-peak (for example, recognition time), the output is maintained when the specific component 30 is operable. In this case, the operable condition means that the information value related to driving is equal to or less than a predetermined standard. The information value related to the driving may be information on an electric charge, power consumption amount or operation time. The predetermined criterion may be a relative value or an absolute value.

The schedule standard may be set in real time or may be set in advance. The schedule criterion may be set in the utility network or in a home network (input from a consumer direct input, an energy manager, a central manager, etc.).

Alternatively, when the specific component 30 recognizes high cost information, the output of the specific component may be maintained or increased when a difference between the state information value and the reference value of the component is within a predetermined range. For example, when the compressor of the refrigerator is not operating in a low cost section, the temperature of the refrigerating compartment or the refrigerating compartment is increased. Therefore, the compressor should be turned on when the refrigerator compartment or freezer compartment temperature reaches the reference temperature. At this time, when the expensive section arrives after the compressor is turned on, if the difference between the freezer compartment temperature value or the refrigerator compartment temperature value and the reference value is within a certain range, the compressor maintains the current output. Alternatively, when the user selects the power saving driving release button while the specific component 30 recognizes the high cost information, the output of the specific component may be maintained.

Alternatively, when the specific component 30 recognizes on-peak (for example, recognition time), the output may be increased. However, even when the output is increased when the on-peak is recognized, the total output amount during the entire driving period of the specific component may be reduced or maintained more than the total output amount when the specific component operates at the normal output. Or, even if the output is increased when the on-peak is recognized, the total power consumption or total electric charge for the entire driving period of a specific component is lower than the total power consumption or total battery charge when the specific component operates at normal output. Can be.

When the specific component 30 recognizes off-peak (for example, a recognition time), the output may be increased. For example, when an operation reservation is set, a specific component may start driving before a set time, or a component having a larger output among a plurality of components may be driven first. In addition, in the case of the refrigerator, the output may be overcooled by increasing the output than the existing output, or in the case of the washing machine or the washing machine, the hot water may be stored by driving the heater in advance of the scheduled operation time of the heater. (Storage of hot water as an additional medium for the functioning of the washing machine or the washer). Or in the case of the refrigerator can increase the output than the existing output can store the cold air in a separate sub-cooling room. Alternatively, when a specific component recognizes off-peak (for example, a recognition time), power storage can be performed.

The energy reduction information is information related to a mode in which a component is stopped or a low electric charge is used. The energy saving information may be transmitted and received as a true or false signal such as Boolean on a network system.

When the specific component 30 recognizes the energy saving information, as described above, the output may be zero (stopped or stopped) or the output may be reduced.

The grid emergency information is information related to a power failure and the like, and may be transmitted / received as a true or false signal such as Boolean. Information related to the power outage is related to the reliability of the component using energy. When the specific component 30 recognizes the emergency information, it can be shut down immediately.

The grid reliability information is information about the quality of electricity, which is high or low of the amount of electricity supplied, or information about the quality of electricity, and is transmitted or received by a true or false signal such as Boolean, or is supplied to a component (for example, home appliance) The component may determine the frequency of the signal. That is, when a frequency lower than the reference frequency of the AC power supplied to the component is detected, it is determined that the supply electricity quantity is low (supply electricity shortage information). Electricity excess information).

When the specific component recognizes that the amount of electricity is low in the network safety information or that the information indicating that the electrical quality is not good (supply electricity quantity lacking information), as described above, the specific component is sometimes output 0 (stop) Or stop) output can be reduced, maintained or increased.

On the other hand, if the electricity supply excess information is recognized, the specific component can be increased in output or switched from off to on.

Energy information information (information) is less information about the amount of electricity consumed by the component that consumes energy compared to the amount of power generation, information on the state of the generation of excess electricity, for example, can be transmitted and received as a true or false signal, such as Boolean.

When the specific component 30 recognizes the energy increase information, the output may be increased. For example, when an operation reservation is set, a specific component may start driving before a set time, or a component having a larger output among a plurality of components may be driven first. In addition, in the case of a refrigerator, the output may be supercooled by increasing the output, or in the case of a washing machine or a washing machine, the hot water may be stored by driving the heater in advance than the scheduled time of operation of the heater. Alternatively, when the specific component 30 recognizes the off-peak (for example, a recognition time), the power storage may be performed.

The energy fee information may include not only the fee information at a specific time period and a specific time but also a fee used in connection with the operation of the component, a fee being used, or a fee to be used (prediction fee). The information other than the energy rate information may include information on energy reduction, emergency situation, network safety, power generation amount, operation priority, energy consumption amount, energy supply amount, etc. It includes newly generated information (eg, rate change rate, average rate, level, etc.) based on the non-fee information. In this case, the energy consumption amount may be an energy consumption amount used in two or more home networks, and may be displayed simultaneously or selectively. The energy consumption information may include past consumption information, current consumption information, future prediction consumption information. In addition, the energy consumption information may include cumulative information, average information, increase rate, decrease rate, maximum consumption information, minimum consumption information, and the like for a specific period (time). The additional information may include one or more of environment information, time information, information related to the one or more components, information related to another component, and information relating to a user who uses the one or more components. The environmental information may include one or more of information related to carbon dioxide emission, carbon dioxide concentration in the air, temperature, humidity, rainfall, rainfall or the like, solar radiation, and air volume. The time information may include one or more of current time information, time information related to energy, and information related to operation of the one or more components.

On-peak information, energy reduction information, and supply electricity shortage information among the energy-related information described above may be recognized as high-price information that is understood to be relatively expensive. In this case, the section in which the high cost information is recognized may be referred to as low cost section information.

On the other hand, off-peak information, energy increase information, and excess electricity supply information among energy-related information may be recognized as low-price (low cost) information which is understood to be relatively low in energy bills. In this case, a section in which the low cost information is recognized may be referred to as a low cost section.

The information (high cost or low cost information) related to the up and down of the energy fee may be recognized as information for determining a power saving driving method of a specific component (for example, the energy consumption unit). That is, by using the information on the up and down of the energy rate, the time period (region: time period) according to the energy rate or the price period (region: pricing period) for determining the driving method of the component is divided into at least two or more recognition can do.

In this case, the high cost section means a high cost time section or a high cost fee zone, and the low cost section means a low cost time period or a low cost fee range.

For example, when information related to energy is recognized as a boolean signal, two charges for determining a time zone or a driving method of a component according to the energy fee may be recognized as two, and the information related to the energy may be at a plurality of levels. When divided into or recognized as real-time information, the time zone or the charge zone may be recognized as three or more.

On the other hand, at least information related to energy rates corresponding to time may be recognized by being divided into information for determining a power saving driving method of the component. That is, by using the information related to the energy bill, it is possible to recognize the time zone (zone) or the charge zone (zone) by dividing it into at least two or more. As described above, the time zone or fee zone to be distinguished may be determined according to the type of information recognized (boolean, multiple levels, real time information).

In other words, two or more determinants for driving a component may be distinguished and recognized using information related to the up and down of the energy rate, and the determinants may include a function relating to time and energy rate.

When information related to the energy charge is leveled and recognized at two or more levels, a driving method may be determined for a specific component according to the leveled information. On the other hand, if the information related to the recognized energy fee is not classified according to a specific criterion (for example, real-time fee information), the information related to the energy fee is compared with predetermined information, and according to the comparison result, the specific component Can be determined.

Here, the predetermined information may be reference information (for example, a reference value) for distinguishing the information related to the energy rate, and the result of the comparison is related to whether or not the information related to the energy rate is greater than or equal to the reference value. Can be.

On the other hand, each kind of information related to the energy, specifically, the unprocessed first information (first information: 41), the second information (second information: 42) that is the information processed from the first information, and the specific The information may be divided into third information 43 which is information for performing a function of a component. That is, the first information is raw data, the second information is refined data, and the third information is a command for performing a function of a specific component.

In addition, information related to energy is included in the signal and transmitted. In this case, one or more of the first to third information may be transmitted only a plurality of times without converting only the signal.

For example, as shown in the figure, any component that has received a signal including the first information may only convert a signal and transmit a new signal including the first information to another component.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the signal conversion and the information conversion are described as different concepts. At this time, it will be easily understood that the signal is also converted when the first information is converted into the second information.

However, the third information may be delivered a plurality of times in the state where the contents are converted or in a state where only the signal is converted while maintaining the same contents.

In detail, when the first information is raw electricity price information, the second information may be processed electricity price information. The processed electricity rate information is information or analysis information in which electricity rates are divided into multiple levels. The third information is a command generated based on the second information. The particular component may generate, transmit or receive one or more of the first to third information. The first to third information are not necessarily sequentially transmitted and received. Only a plurality of third information may be transmitted or received sequentially or in parallel without the first and second information. Alternatively, the first and third information may be transmitted or received together, the second and third information may be transmitted or received together, or the first and second information may be transmitted or received together. For example, when a specific component receives the first information, the specific component may transmit the second information, or may transmit the second information and the third information. When a specific component receives only the third information, the specific component may generate and transmit new third information.

Meanwhile, in the relationship between the two informations, one information is a message and the other information is a response to the message. Accordingly, each component constituting the present network system may transmit or receive a message, and when the message is received, may correspond to the received message. Thus, the transmission of messages and their corresponding responses is a relative concept for individual components. The message may include data (first information or second information) and / or command (third information).

The command (third information) includes a data storage command, a data generating command, a data processing command (including generating additional data), a generating command of an additional command, a sending command of an additional generated command, and a received command. Commands and the like.

In this specification, responding to a received message includes storing data, processing data (including generating additional data), generating a new command, sending a newly generated command, and simply passing the received command (another component). Command can be generated together with the system), operation, transmission of stored information, transmission of acknowledgment character or negative acknowledgment character.

For example, when the message is the first information, the component that has received the first information may correspond to this and generate the second information by processing the first information, or generate the second information and generate new third information. have. The component receiving the message may respond with respect to energy. Here, "correspondence" can be understood as a concept that includes an operation that a component can perform its function. In one example, the home network 20 may receive a message and perform an operation related to energy.

The response (operation) with respect to the energy of the component will be described in detail. The component may be, for example, an energy consumption unit.

The energy consumption unit may be driven such that an energy fee when driven based on the recognition of energy information is lower than an energy fee driven without recognition of the energy information. The component may include a plurality of modes that are driven for performing their own functions. The plurality of modes may be driven in at least one of a first mode and a second mode in which an energy charge is saved in comparison with the first mode. The first mode may be a normal mode, the second mode may be a power saving mode, and the first and second modes may be power saving modes.

The general mode may be understood as a mode in which a component's own function is performed without recognition of energy information. On the other hand, the power saving mode may be understood as a mode that allows the component to perform its own function based on the recognition of the energy information in order to save energy charges.

When the first and second modes are power saving modes, the first mode may be defined as a driving scheme for saving energy bills, and the second mode may be defined as a driving scheme in which energy bills are saved more than the first mode. have.

On the other hand, in relation to the driving of a specific component (for example, the energy consumption unit), at least a part of the driving scheme including at least the driving time and the course is recognized, and the unrecognized portion may be generated to reduce the energy fee. The recognized part may be changed in other ways. For example, at least a part of the driving method may be recognized through user setting, control of the energy management unit, or self control of the energy consumption unit. In addition, when a specific driving method is further needed to save energy charges, the unrecognized driving method part may be newly generated, and the recognized part may be changed in another way to save energy.

Of course, the process of generating the unrecognized portion may be omitted, and in this case, the process of changing the recognized portion in another manner may be performed. On the other hand, a process in which the recognized part is changed in another manner may be omitted, and in this case, a process of newly generating the unrecognized part may be performed.

The driving time may include a driving start time or a driving end time of the component. In addition, the course may include the driving period and the output of the component. The manner in which it is generated or the manner in which it is changed may be the way recommended by a particular component for saving energy bills. Here, the specific component may be an energy consumption unit (control unit) or an energy management unit. For example, when the recognized driving method is a specific driving time, the specific driving time may be changed to another time in order to reduce energy charges, and a specific course may be generated.

On the other hand, when the recognized driving method is a specific course, the specific course may be changed to another course and a specific time may be generated in order to reduce the energy charge.

According to such a control, a time or an output value may be changed with respect to an output function of a component over time. The manner of generation or the manner of change may be made within a set range. That is, in the process of recognizing at least a part of the driving method, the driving method is within a predetermined criterion (for example, a restriction set by the user or set through the control of the energy management unit or the energy consumption unit) indicated by the recognized part. May be created or changed.

Thus, within the range of the predetermined criterion, it is limited that the unrecognized portion is generated or the recognized portion is changed in another manner.

Other embodiments are suggested.

The recognized driving method may further include fee information. That is, when fee information is recognized, a part related to a driving time or a course may be generated. The generated drive scheme may be recommended.

On the other hand, the control of the component based on the information (high cost or low cost information) related to the up and down of the energy bill, for example, output control for power saving driving can be made. Output control may include output reduction (including output 0) or output increase.

Depending on the perception of the information about the energy bill (on-peak or off-peak), it is as described above to reduce, maintain, or increase the output.

If high-price information is recognized, the output can be zeroed or reduced. In detail, the output when high-price information is recognized can be reduced than the output when low-price information is recognized. As described above, the reduction of the output may be determined in advance before the start of the operation of the component, or may be changed when the high-price information is recognized after the start of the operation. If you set the component's output to zero or reduce it, the functionality that the component should perform may be lost than it would normally be. Thus, a countermeasure can be made to preserve the lost functionality. For example, after the output of the component is reduced, the total operating time of the component may be increased, or the output may be controlled to increase in at least one time period after the output is reduced.

In other words, in a section after adjusting the output of the component, when specific reference information related to the energy information is recognized, the corresponding control of the output may be released. Here, the term “section” may be divided based on a recognition time point of the recognized high-price information.

The total operating time may be understood as a time at which a specific target value is reached in the process of performing a component function. For example, when the component is an electrical appliance (washer, dryer, cooking appliance, etc.) that is intermittently driven (driven to a specific course), the total operating time may be understood as the time until the corresponding course is completed.

On the other hand, when the component is always driven electrical appliances (refrigerators, water purifiers, etc.), it can be understood as the time to reach the set goal for the performance of the component. For example, the refrigerator may be a target temperature inside the refrigerator, a target ice level, or a target purified water amount.

And, the total operating time may be increased than the operating time set before the output reduction of the component, or may be increased than the operating time if the output is not reduced. However, even if the total operating time of the component is increased, the total energy charge generated by driving the component is controlled to be saved as compared with the case where the output is not reduced. If high-price information is recognized, the output of the component can be increased.

However, even when the output is increased when the high-price information is recognized, the total output amount during the entire driving period of the specific component may be reduced or maintained more than the total output amount when the specific component operates at the normal output. Alternatively, even if the output is increased at the time when high-price information is recognized, the total power consumption or total electric charge for the entire driving period of a specific component is the total power consumption or total power when the specific component operates at a normal output. Battery charges can be reduced.

If low-price information is recognized, the output can be increased. For example, when an operation reservation is set, a specific component may start driving before a set time, or a component having a larger output among a plurality of components may be driven first. In addition, in the case of a refrigerator, the output may be supercooled by increasing the output, or in the case of a washing machine or a washing machine, the hot water may be stored by driving the heater in advance than the scheduled time of operation of the heater. Alternatively, when a specific component recognizes low-price information (for example, when it is recognized), it can be stored.

On the other hand, even if it is based on the information (high cost or low cost information) related to the up and down of the energy bill, when a specific condition (additional condition) occurs, the response of the component, for example, the output control for power saving driving can be limited. That is, the output of the component can be maintained.

Here, “limitation” can be understood as being unimplemented or the output control being implemented is released.

The specific condition includes a case in which the influence on the energy charge is minute even when the output of the component is not controlled, or when the output of the component needs to be prevented from degrading a function to be performed by the component. Whether the influence on the energy charge is minute may be determined according to a certain criterion (information on an electric charge, power consumption, or operation time). The predetermined criterion may be a relative value or an absolute value. When the function to be performed by the component is deteriorated, for example, it may be considered that the component is a defrost heater of the refrigerator.

When the output is reduced in a high-cost time period and controlled to increase the output in a low-price time period, when the defrost heater is driven more frequently than the normal case (setting cycle), the temperature of the refrigerator storage compartment increases. In this case, it is possible to limit the adjustment of the output.

Meanwhile, the specific component 30 may include a display unit 31 for displaying information. In the present embodiment, 'information display' means that visual information, auditory information, olfactory information, and tactile information are known to the outside. In addition, the display unit 31 may include a touch screen for selecting or inputting information. Alternatively, the specific component 30 may include a separate input unit for inputting information by wire or wirelessly.

In the display unit 31, all the above-mentioned information (energy information or additional information other than energy information) may be displayed. One of the energy information and the additional information may be displayed, or two or more information may be displayed at the same time. In addition, the display unit 31 may display information related to energy of two or more home networks.

That is, two or more pieces of information may be simultaneously displayed on the display unit 31. When two or more pieces of information are displayed at the same time, when any one piece of information is selected, the selected screen may be enlarged and the unselected screen may be reduced. As another example, when any one of two or more pieces of information is selected, the selected screen may be enlarged and the unselected screen may disappear. When the specific information is selected and the screen is enlarged, the enlarged screen may display more specific information than the previous information or information different from the previous information. For example, when the information before selection is a character, graph information may be displayed on the enlarged screen. Alternatively, two or more pieces of information may be displayed sequentially. When two or more pieces of information are displayed on the display unit 31, two or more relative positions may vary.

4 is a diagram illustrating a communication structure of two components constituting a network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of one communicator constituting communication means.

2, 4, and 5, a first component 61 and a second component 62 constituting the present network system are wired or wirelessly communicated by the communication means 50. can do. In addition, the first component 61 and the second component 62 may communicate in one direction or two directions.

When the two components 61 and 62 are in wired communication, the communication means may be a simple communication line or a power line communication means. Of course, the power line communication means may include a communicator (eg, a modem) connected to each of the two components. When the two components 61 and 62 are in wireless communication, the communication means 50 may include a first communicator 51 connected with the first component 61, and a second component 62. It may include a second communicator 52 to be connected. At this time, the first communicator and the second communicator perform wireless communication.

When either one of the first communicator and the second communicator is powered on, one of the two communicators may transmit a network join request signal, and the other may transmit a permit signal. As another example, when either one of the first communicator and the second communicator is powered on, the powered-on communicator transmits a network join request signal to a communicator that has already joined the network, and the communicator receiving the request signal is powered Allowed signal can be sent to the on-communicator.

In addition, when a specific communicator joins the network, when a communicator that recognizes energy information determines whether the information is abnormal, the received information is re-requested. For example, when the first communicator receives energy information from the second communicator, but there is an error in the information, the first communicator may request to retransmit energy information to the second communicator. If the first communicator does not receive normal information for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of times, it is determined as a failure. In this case, information indicating a failure state may be displayed in the first communication device or the first component 61.

The first component 61 may be one component constituting the utility network 10 or one component constituting the home network 20. The second component 62 may be one component constituting the utility network 10 or one component constituting the home network 20. The first component 61 and the second component 62 may be the same type or different types.

A component may join the utility network 10 or home network 20.

In detail, a plurality of components, for example, a first component and a second component, may be each given an address that may be mapped to at least one group and necessary for communication therebetween.

The address may be understood as a value converted from a unique code of the first component or the second component. That is, at least some of the components constituting the network may have an invariant / unique code, which may be translated into an address for configuring the network.

In other words, the product code for at least some of the plurality of components that may constitute the first network and the second network may be converted into different network codes depending on the network being configured. have. For example, the product code may be a unique code determined at the time of production of electrical appliances or an installation code separately assigned for network registration. The product code may be converted into an ID for identifying a network to which an electric product is registered.

The first network and the second network may be networks constituting the utility network 10 or networks constituting the home network 20. On the other hand, the first network may be a utility network 10, the second network may be a home network 20, the first network may be a home network 20, the second network may be a utility network 10. .

The plurality of components configuring the network may include a first component and a second component for joining the first component to the network. In one example, the first component is an electrical appliance, the second component may be a server (server).

One of the first component and the second component may transmit a request signal to join the network, and the other may transmit a permit signal. That is, the signal can be transmitted and received between the first component and the second component, and whether network participation can be determined according to the transmission time or the number of transmissions of the signal.

For example, the first component transmits a test signal to the second component, and it is determined whether a response signal is transmitted from the second component. If the response signal is not transmitted, the test signal is transmitted again and the transmission of the response signal is judged. This process is repeated, and if the number of transmissions of the test signal exceeds the setting number, it may be determined that the test signal does not participate in the network.

Meanwhile, the first component may transmit the test signal to the second component, and it may be determined that the test component does not participate in the network if a response signal is not transmitted from the second component within a set time.

The first communication unit 51 and the second communication unit 52 may have the same structure. Hereinafter, the first communicator 51 and the second communicator 52 will be collectively referred to as the communicators 51 and 52.

The communicators 51 and 52 may include a first communication part 511 for communication with the first component 61 and a second communication part for communication with the second component 61. 512, a memory 513 storing information received from the first component 61 and information received from the second component 62, a processor 516 for performing information processing, and It may include a power supply (517) for supplying power to the communicators (51, 52).

In detail, the communication language (or method) of the first communication unit 511 may be the same as or different from the communication language (or method) of the second communication unit 512. Two types of information received from the two components may be stored in the memory 513. The two types of information may be stored in a single sector or may be stored separately in separate sectors. In any case, the area in which the information received from the first component 61 is stored is called the first memory 514, and the area in which the information received from the second component 62 is stored is called the second memory 515. can do.

The processor 516 may generate second information or generate second information and third information based on the information received from the component or another communicator. For example, when the communicators 51 and 52 receive the first information, the communicators 51 and 52 may process the data to generate second information one or sequentially. Alternatively, when the communicators 51 and 52 receive the first information, the communicators 51 and 52 may process the data to generate second information and third information. When the communicators 51 and 52 receive the third information, the communicators 51 and 52 may generate new third information.

For example, when the second component is an energy consumption unit (a component constituting a home appliance or a home appliance, etc.), the second communicator may generate a command to reduce energy consumption. When the second component is an energy generator, a distributor, or a storage unit, the second communicator 52 may generate an instruction regarding an energy generation time, generation amount, energy distribution time, distribution amount, energy storage time, storage amount, and the like. have. In this case, the second communicator 52 serves as an energy management unit.

The power supply 517 may be supplied with electricity from the components 61 and 62, may be supplied with power from a separate power source, or may be a battery.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication process between a specific component and a communicator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the second component 62 and the second communicator 52 perform communication by way of example. The communication process between the first component 61 and the first communication unit 51 may be equally applied to the communication process between the second component 62 and the second communication unit 52.

5 and 6, the second communicator 52 receives a message from the first communicator 51. The second communicator 51 may receive a message in real time or periodically without a request to the first communicator 51, or may receive a message as a response to the message request to the first communicator 51. Alternatively, the first communication unit 51 requests information from the first communication unit 51 at the time when the second communication unit 52 is first turned on, and then receives a message from the first communication unit 51 without requesting information. Information can be received liver or periodically.

Information received from the first communication unit 51 is stored in the memory 513. In response to the message, the second communication unit 52 transmits the message to the second component 62. At this time, the message transmitted to the second component 62 relates to new information different from the information previously stored in the memory 513 or to information generated by the processor 516.

Then, the second component 62 transmits an acknowledgment character (ack) or a negative acknowledgment character (Nak) to the second communication unit 52 as a response to the message. Then, the second component 62 performs a function (command generation, operation, etc.) or waits for function execution based on the received information.

Meanwhile, the second communicator 52 requests the second component 62 in real time or periodically for component information, for example, component state information, component unique code, manufacturer, service name code, and electricity usage. . Then, the second component 62 transmits component information to the second communication unit 52 in response to the request. The component information is stored in the memory 513 of the second communicator 52.

In response to the component information request message received from the first communication unit 51, the second communication unit 52 transmits component information stored in the memory 513. Alternatively, the second communicator 52 transmits component information stored in the memory 513 to the first communicator 51 in real time or periodically.

The second communicator 52 may transmit information of the first component stored in the memory together with the information received from the first component to the first component. Alternatively, the second communicator 52 may transmit the information of the first component stored in the memory to the first component separately from transmitting the information received from the first component. Since the second communicator 52 stores the information of the second component 62, when the component information request message is received from the first communicator 51, the second communicator 52 does not request information from the second component 62. Instead, since the component information stored in the memory 513 is directly transmitted to the first communication unit 51, the communication load of the second component 62 may be reduced. That is, the second communicator 52 becomes a virtual component.

FIG. 7 illustrates a process of performing communication between a specific component and a communicator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the second component 62 and the second communicator 52 perform communication by way of example. The communication process between the first component 61 and the first communication unit 51 may be equally applied to the communication process between the second component and the second communication unit 52.

5 and 7, the second communicator 52 receives a message from the first communicator 51. The second communicator 51 may receive a message in real time or periodically without a request to the first communicator 51, or may receive a message as a response to the message request to the first communicator 51. Alternatively, the first communication unit 51 requests information from the first communication unit 51 at the time when the second communication unit 52 is first turned on, and then receives a message from the first communication unit 51 without requesting information. Information can be received liver or periodically.

When the second communicator 52 receives a message about an information request from the second component 62, the second communicator 52 transmits a message to the second component 62 in response thereto. do. At this time, the message transmitted to the second component 62 relates to new information different from the information previously stored in the memory 513 or to information generated by the processor 516. Alternatively, the information transmitted to the second component 62 may be information received from the first component and / or information received from the first component. In addition, the second component 62 performs a function or waits to perform a function based on the received information.

The second component 62, on the other hand, performs information on the second component, for example, component state information, component unique code, manufacturer, service name code, electrical usage, etc., to the second communication unit 52. Transmit liver or periodically.

As described above, the electricity consumption may be determined by the smart meter. When the electricity usage is included in the information of the second component 62, the actual electricity consumption is corrected by comparing the information between the component information and the smart meter. This can be done. Then, the second communicator 52 stores component information in the memory 513 and transmits an acknowledgment character (ack) or a negative acknowledgment character (Nak) to the second component 62 as a response to the message. do. When the second communication unit 52 receives the component information request message from the first communication unit 51, the second communication unit 52 transmits information of the second component stored in the memory 513. Alternatively, the second communicator 52 transmits component information stored in the memory 513 to the first communicator 51 in real time or periodically.

Since the second communicator 52 stores the information of the second component 62, when receiving a request message for component information from the first communicator 51, the second communicator 52 requests an information request from the second component 62. Instead, since the information stored in the memory 513 is directly transmitted to the first communicator 51, the communication load of the second component 62 may be reduced. That is, the second communicator 52 becomes a virtual component.

<Application example>

In the following description, since the first component and the second component may be opposite to each other, redundant description thereof will be omitted. For example, when the first component is a household appliance and the second component is an energy management unit, a description of the case where the first component is an energy management unit and the second component is a household appliance will be omitted.

The information transmitted and received by each component may be all of the above-mentioned information, and in particular, specific information may be transmitted and received for each component.

The energy generators 11 and 21 may transmit and receive information related to the amount of energy generated. The energy distribution units 12 and 22 may transmit and receive information related to energy distribution amount, distribution timing, and the like. The energy storage units 13 and 23 may transmit information regarding energy distribution and storage time. The energy measuring units 15 and 25 may transmit and receive energy consumption information. The energy managers 14 and 24 may transmit and receive information on energy generation, distribution, storage, consumption, charge, stability, emergency situation, and the like.

(1) When the second component is a component of the home network

The second component may be an energy consumption unit 26, for example, a heater, a motor, a compressor, a display, and the like. In this case, the first component 61 may be, for example, a microcomputer or an energy consumption unit 26. The microcomputer or one energy consumption unit 26 may transmit a message for reducing energy consumption to the other energy consumption unit 26. Then, the other energy consuming unit 26 may perform an operation for reducing energy as an example.

As another example, the energy consumption unit 26 may be a home appliance. In this case, the first component 61 may include an energy storage unit 23, an energy consumption unit 26 (home appliances), an energy management unit 24, an energy measurement unit 25, a central management unit 27, or a web server component. 28, or one component constituting the utility network.

In this case, the energy management function may or may not be included in the first component 61 except for the energy management unit 24.

If the energy management function or solution is not included in the first component 61, the energy management function or solution may be included in the communication means, or the energy management function or solution may be included in the microcomputer of the second component. The energy management function at this time is related to energy consumption.

As another example, the second component 62 may be an energy generator 21, an energy distributor 22, or an energy storage unit 23. In this case, the first component (61) comprises an energy management unit (24), a central management unit (27), and a web server component (28). Or one component constituting the utility network.

The second component 62 may transmit a message such as an energy generation time or an amount of energy, an energy storage time or an amount of energy, such as an energy storage time or an amount of energy, or the like.

In this case, the energy management function may or may not be included in the first component 61 except for the energy management unit 24.

When the energy management function or solution is not included in the first component 61, the communication means may include an energy management function or solution. Energy management functions at this time are related to the generation, distribution and storage of energy.

As another example, the second component may be an energy measuring unit 25. In this case, the first component 61 may be one component constituting the central management unit 27, the web server component 28, and the utility network 10.

The energy measuring unit 25 may or may not include an energy management function. If the energy measurement unit 25 includes an energy management function, the energy measurement unit 25 has the same function as the energy management device.

When no energy management function or solution is included in the energy measuring unit 25, the communication means may include an energy management function or solution, or the second component may include an energy management function or solution.

As another example, the second component 62 may be a central management unit 27. In this case, the first component 61 may be a component constituting the web server 28 and the utility network 10.

(2) When the second component is a component of the utility network

The first component 61 may be one component constituting the utility network 10. In this case, the first component 61 and the second component 62 may be the same type or different types.

An energy management function may be included in the first component 61 or the second component 62 or the communication means.

The energy management function included in the specific component or the energy management function included in the energy management unit 14 may be related to the amount of power generation, distribution, storage, and energy consumption of one component constituting the home network.

In the present specification, an example in which a network system can be configured has been described, and it is apparent that even a component not mentioned in the present specification can be a first component or a second component that performs communication through a communication means. For example, the automobile may be the second component, and the first component may be the energy management unit 24.

(3) When one of the first and second components communicate with the third component

In the above examples, communication between two components has been described, but each of the first component or the second component may communicate with one or more components (third component? N th component).

Even in this case, the relationship between the first component and the second component that communicates with the third component may be one of the above-mentioned examples.

For example, the first component may be one component constituting a utility network, the second component may be an energy management unit 24 in communication with the first component, and the third component may be energy consumed in communication with the second component. May be part 26. At this time, one or more of the three components may communicate with another component.

In the present specification, the first to n-th components may be components constituting a utility network, components constituting a home network, some components constituting a utility network, and others may be components constituting a home network. .

Hereinafter, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present embodiments are described mainly for differences compared to the previous embodiments, and the same reference numerals and descriptions of the previous embodiments are used for the same parts.

8 is a diagram illustrating a communication structure of components configuring a network system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a first component in FIG. 8.

8 and 9, the first component 70 may be in communication with the second to fifth components 82, 83, 84, 85. Hereinafter, as an example, the first component 70 is a central management unit (home server), the second and third components 82 and 83 are energy consumption units (home appliances), and the fourth component 84 measures energy. The fifth component 85 will be described as being a component constituting the utility network. Each of the components may communicate with each other by a communication means. In the network system illustrated in FIG. 8, although each component is directly connected to and communicates with the first component 70, when each component 82, 83, 84, and 85 communicates with new components, a new component is used. By doing so, the network system according to the present invention can be extended and operated.

The second component 82 and the third component 83 may be the same type or a different kind. In the present embodiment, the second component 82 and the third component 83 are different types of energy consumption units. This will be described with an example.

The first component 70 simply passes information received from the fourth component 84 and / or the fifth component 85 to the second component 82 and / or the third component 83 or The received information can be processed and transmitted.

In addition, the first component 70 simply transfers the information received from the second component 82 and / or the third component 83 to the fourth component 84 and / or the fifth component 85. Transmit (signal can be converted) or process received information and send (information converted).

The first component 70 communicates with a communication means 760 for communicating with another component, a central manager 710 for managing overall operation and / or information processing of the first component. An application programming interface (API, 720: hereinafter referred to as “API”) that serves as an interface between the means 760 and the central manager 710 (specifically application software).

The communication unit 760 may include a first communication unit 762 for communicating with the second component 82 and the third component 83, and for communicating with the fourth component 84. A second communication unit 764 and a third communication unit 766 for communicating with the fifth component 85.

In this case, the first communication unit 762 and the second communication unit 764 may use different communication protocols. For example, the first communication unit 762 may use zigbee, and the second communication unit 764 may use wi-fi. In the present embodiment, the first communication unit 762 and the second communication unit 764 may be used. It is noted that there are no restrictions on the type of communication protocol or method used. For example, the third communication unit 766 may use internet communication.

The API 720 includes a first API 722, a second API 724, and a third API 726. The third API 726 is an interface between the central manager 710 and the third communication unit 766, and the first API 722 and the second API 724 are the first communication unit 762. And an interface between the second communication unit 764 and the central manager 710.

In addition, the first component 70 corresponds to each energy consumption unit when the information to be transmitted or received between the API 720 and the communication unit 760 is information related to the operation of the energy consumption unit (home appliance). An interpreter 750 for interpreting the local manager 740 in which the information is output, and information transmitted from the local manager 740 to the communication means 760 or information received from the communication means 760. It further includes. The information output from the interpreter is used to input information values related to each energy consumption unit or to obtain information values.

The local manager 740 includes a memory (not shown) in which information relating to one or more energy consumption units is stored. Alternatively, the local manager 740 may be connected to a memory in which information related to one or more energy consumers is stored. The information related to each energy consuming unit of one or more energy consuming units may include operation information of each energy consuming unit and information for controlling the energy consuming unit. In addition, it may further include software download information for operating each energy consumption unit, information for remote control / monitoring.

For example, when a plurality of energy consumption units include a washing machine, a refrigerator, and a cooking appliance, information related to each product is stored in a memory. Information related to the energy consumption unit stored by the local manager 740 may be changed according to changes of components connected to the network system.

When a signal is transmitted from the API 720 to the local manager 740, information corresponding to a specific energy consumption unit is output. When there are a plurality of energy consumption units, the memory stores information on the plurality of energy consumption units. The interpreter 750 converts the information transmitted from the local manager 740 into a machine language for transmission to the energy consuming unit. The machine language may be a signal for setting or getting operation information of the energy consumer.

An information transfer process in the first component 70 will be described. For example, the first component 70 may receive energy information (eg, an energy saving signal: first command) from the fourth component 45 through the second communication unit 764. The received energy information is communicated to the central manager 710 via the second API 724. At this time, in the information transfer process between the second API 724 and the central manager 710, only the signal including the information is converted, but the content of the information is not converted.

Since the energy information is information related to energy consumption reduction of the energy consumer, the central manager 710 transmits information (second command) related to the operation of the energy consumer to the API 720. For example, the central manager 710 transmits information necessary for powering off the washing machine and the refrigerator.

Then, the information is transferred from the first API 722 to the local manager 740.

The local manager 740 transmits information (third command) for controlling the operation of each energy consumption unit to the interpreter 750 based on the information transmitted from the first API 722. For example, when the information transmitted from the first API 722 is information targeting different types of energy consumption units, the local manager 740 transmits information related to control of each energy consumption unit to the interpreter 750. do. At this time, since the local manager 740 receives the second command and outputs the third command, the information input to the local manager 740 is converted and output by the local manager 740.

The interpreter 750 then converts the information sent from the local manager 740 into a machine language (signal). Then, the converted signal is transmitted to the target energy consuming part (second and third components) through the first communication part 762. Then, the energy consuming portion (second and third component) is finally turned off to reduce the energy.

In the above description, it has been described that the first component receives information through a second communication unit. Alternatively, the first component may receive information through the third communication unit so that information related to control of the energy consumption unit may be output. .

Meanwhile, the second component 82 and the third component 83 may transmit their operation information to the first component 70. Since the information transmitted from the second and third components 82 and 83 is related to the operation of the energy consumption unit, the signal received by the first communication unit 762 may be interpreted by the interpreter 750 or the local manager 760. The first manager 710 transmits the information to the central manager 710 via the first API 722. In this information transfer process, information relating to the second and third components 82, 83 is stored in the local manager 740. In the present embodiment, since the information related to the energy consumption unit is stored in the local manager, the local manager may be described as playing a virtual energy consumption unit.

The central manager 710 may transmit the received information to the second communication unit 764 and 766 and / or the third communication unit.

In summary, the information received through the communication means 760 is directly transmitted to the API 720 or converted according to the type (or signal format) or converted (via the interpreter and the local manager). May be passed to the API 720.

In addition, the information transmitted from the central manager 710 may be directly transmitted to the communication unit 760 or converted and transmitted to the communication unit 760 depending on whether the energy consumption unit is operated.

As another example, an interpreter may be included in the local manager 740, and the information received through the communication unit 760 is transmitted to the local manager, but the information is converted according to the content of the transmitted information. You can output it as is, without converting the information.

On the other hand, when the information transmitted to the API through the second communication unit 764 or the third communication unit 766 is information related to the electricity bill (raw data or refined data), the central manager 710 is ON-peak time If it is determined whether the information is on-peak time, information (first command) for controlling the operation of the energy consumer may be transmitted to the API 720. Then, this information is converted through the local manager 740 (second command), and then transmitted to the energy consuming unit through the interpreter 750 and the first communication unit 762. In contrast, the central manager 710 may transmit the electricity rate information to the first communication unit 762 through the second API 724 without determining ON-peak. In this case, the information may or may not be converted. That is, when the central manager receives the first information (raw data), the central manager may transmit the first information as it is, or convert the second information into converted data.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a communication structure of components configuring a network system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a first component in FIG. 10.

10 and 11, the network system of the present embodiment may include at least first to fourth components 92, 94, 96, and 98.

In addition, the first component 92 may communicate with the second to fourth components 94, 96, and 98. The fourth component 98 may communicate with first to third components 92, 94, 96.

Hereinafter, as an example, the first component 92 is a central management unit (home server), the second and third components are energy consumption units (home appliances), and the fourth component 98 is an energy measurement unit (smart meter). It will be described as. The central management unit (home server) may be understood as a component necessary to control at least one component constituting the home network 20.

The first component 92 includes: a communication means 970 for communicating with another component, a central manager 920 for managing overall operation and / or information transmission / reception processing of the first component; An application programming interface (API) 930, which serves as an interface between the communication means 970 and the central manager 920 (specifically application software).

The communication unit 970 may include a first communication unit 972 for performing communication with the second to fourth components 94, 96, and 98, and a second communication unit 974 for performing internet communication. It may include.

The API 930 includes a first API 932 and a second API 934. The second API 934 is an interface between the central manager 920 and the second communication unit 974, and the first API 930 is the first communication unit 972 and the central manager 920. Is the interface between.

In addition, the first component 92 corresponds to the energy consumption unit when the information to be transmitted and received between the first API 932 and the communication means 970 is information related to the operation of the energy consumption unit (home appliance). An interpreter 960 for interpreting the local manager 950 for outputting information and information transmitted from the local manager 950 to the communication means 970 or information transmitted from the communication means 970. It further includes.

Since the functions of the interpreter and the local manager are the same as in the third embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

An information transfer process in the first component 92 will be described.

For example, the first component 92 may receive energy information (for example, an energy reduction signal) from the fourth component 98 through the first communication unit 972. Alternatively, energy information may be received from an external component connected to the Internet through the second communication unit 974.

The received energy information is sent directly to the first API 932 or the second API 934 and then to the central manager 920. Since the energy information is information related to reducing energy consumption of the energy consumer, the central manager 920 transmits information related to the operation of the energy consumer to the first API 932. For example, the central manager 920 transmits information necessary for powering off the washing machine and the refrigerator.

Then, the information is transferred from the first API 932 to the local manager 950. The local manager 950 transmits information for controlling the operation of each energy consumption unit to the interpreter 960 based on the information transmitted from the first API 932. For example, when the information transmitted from the first API is information related to different types of energy consumption units, the local manager transmits information related to control of each energy consumption unit to the interpreter 960.

The interpreter 960 then converts the information sent from the local manager 950 into a machine language (signal). Then, the converted signal is transmitted to the energy consumption unit through the first communication unit 972. Then, the energy consumption unit is finally turned off to reduce the energy.

Meanwhile, the second component 94 and the third component 96 may transmit their operation information to the first component 92. Since the information transmitted from the second and third components is information related to the operation of the energy consumption unit, the signal received by the first communication unit 972 is the interpreter 960, the local manager 950, and the first API. Via 932 is passed to the central manager (920). In this information transfer process, information relating to the second and third components 950 is stored in the local manager 950.

The central manager 920 may transmit the received information to the first communication unit 974. Then, the information of the second and third components 94 and 96 is transferred to the fourth component 98.

Summarizing the operation of the first component, the information received through the communication means 970 is directly transferred or converted (via an interpreter and a local manager) to the API according to the kind (or signal format) of the API 930. Can be delivered.

On the contrary, the information transmitted from the central manager may be directly transmitted to the communication means 970 or converted and transmitted to the communication means 970 depending on whether or not the energy consumption unit is operated.

On the other hand, when the information transmitted to the API through the second communication unit is the information related to the electricity bill, the central manager determines whether the ON-peak time, in the case of the on-peak time for controlling the operation of the energy consumption unit Information can be sent to the API. This information is then transferred to the energy consumer via the local manager, interpreter, and first communicator. In this case, the first component may be understood to serve as an energy management unit.

Although two energy consumers are described in communication with the first component in the above description, it is noted that there is no limit to the number of energy consumers in communication with the first component.

For example, although the first component is an example of a home server, the first component may be an energy management unit. In this case, in the above embodiments, the fourth component may be a central manager, an energy manager, a smart meter, or the like.

As another example, the first component may be a smart meter. In this case, in the above embodiments, the fourth component may be a central manager, an energy manager, or the like.

As another example, the first component may be the terminal component (eg, a gateway).

As another example, the second and third components may be an energy generator, an energy storage unit, or the like constituting a home network. That is, in the spirit of the present invention, at least one of the energy generating unit, the energy consuming unit, and the energy storing unit may communicate with the first component. In this case, the memory included or connected to the local network includes not only information related to the energy consumption unit, but also information related to the energy generation unit (for example, information related to the operation of the energy generation unit) and the energy storage unit. Information (for example, information related to the operation of the energy storage unit) may be stored. In addition, although the first component has been described as performing internet communication, the first component may not perform internet communication.

In addition, although the first embodiment is described as having a single local manager, a plurality of local managers may be provided. In this case, for example, the first local manager may process information about home appliances such as a refrigerator and a washing machine, and the second local manager may process information about display products such as a television and a monitor.

12 is a schematic diagram of a home network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, the home network 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an energy measuring unit capable of measuring in real time power and / or electricity rates supplied from the utility network 10 to each home ( 25) For example, it may include a smart meter, an energy management unit 24 connected to the energy measuring unit 25 and an electric appliance and controlling their operation.

The energy management unit 24 is an electrical appliance as the energy consumption unit 26, that is, a refrigerator 61, a washing machine 62, an air conditioner 63, a dryer 64, or a cooking appliance 65 through a network inside the home. It can be connected to electrical appliances such as two-way communication.

The communication in the home can be made through a wireless method such as Zigbee, wifi or a wire such as power line communication (PLC), and one electric product can be connected to communicate with other electric products.

13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a component for a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, the component 120 for a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit 122 for performing communication with other components constituting the network system.

The component 120 may include a user interface 123 for inputting a predetermined command or displaying information, a memory unit 124 capable of storing information of the component 120 or information received from the outside, and a controller. And may include 121.

The user interface 123 may include an input unit for inputting a command and / or a display unit for displaying information.

Through the user interface 123, an operating condition of the washing machine 62 or an operating condition of another component may be input. The operation condition may include an operation method, an operation time, and the like. For example, when the component 120 is a refrigerator, the refrigerator may select an internal temperature of the refrigerator, whether an ice maker is operated, or the like. When the component 120 is a washing machine, a course to be performed, an amount of water, a temperature of water, a rinsing frequency, an operation start time, an operation end time, and the like may be selected.

14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a component for a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

13 and 14, energy information is recognized (S1). For example, high cost section or low cost section information may be recognized. The high cost section or the low cost section may be recognized by the component 120 or other components.

Then, the scheduled start time of operation of the component 120 is recognized (S2). For example, the scheduled operation time of the component 120 may be scheduled through the user interface 120. The scheduled operation time may include one or more of a scheduled operation start time and an scheduled operation end time. If one of the scheduled operation start time and scheduled operation end time is selected through the user interface 120, the other one may be calculated. Alternatively, the scheduled operation start time and the scheduled operation end time may be input together through the user interface 120.

Then, if the change condition of the scheduled operation time of the component 120 is satisfied, at least a part of the scheduled operation time may be changed to be located at a low cost interval. For example, the scheduled start time of operation of the component may be changed to be located in a low cost section (S3).

The control unit of the component 120 may change the scheduled start time of operation, or change the scheduled start time of operation by another component (for example, the energy management unit) and transmit the same to the component 120.

For example, when the scheduled start time of operation of the component 120 is located in a high cost interval (when a change condition is satisfied), a low cost interval in which the scheduled start time of the component 120 arrives before the high cost interval It can be changed to be located at.

In this case, the changed start scheduled start time may be earlier than the scheduled start start time before the change. As the scheduled start time of operation is changed, the scheduled end time of operation may also be changed. In this case, the modified scheduled end time may be located in the low cost section or the high cost section.

The case where the changed scheduled operation end time is located in the low cost section may be a case where the length of the low cost interval is longer than the length of the changed scheduled operation time interval. In the case where the modified scheduled end time is located in the high cost section, for example, the length of the low cost section may be shorter than the length of the modified scheduled time section.

As another example, when the scheduled start time is located in a low cost section and the scheduled end time is located in a high cost section (when a change condition is satisfied), the scheduled start time and the scheduled end time are together It can be changed to be located at a low cost interval. In this case, the scheduled start and end times may be earlier than the scheduled start and end times before the change.

The modified scheduled start time may be the start time of the low cost interval. The change of the scheduled operation start time may be performed at the time of recognition of the low cost section.

As another example, when the first high cost section, the low cost section, and the second high cost section arrive sequentially and the scheduled start time is located in the second high cost section (when a change condition is satisfied), the scheduled operation time of the component The scheduled operation time may be changed such that at least some of the positions are located in the low cost section. In this case, the modified scheduled start time may be located in the first high cost section or the low cost section. In this case, the power rate in the second high cost section may be higher than the power rate in the first high cost section.

Then, when the scheduled operation time is changed, the changed scheduled operation start time may be output from the user interface (S4). Alternatively, the modified scheduled end time may be output in the user interface. Alternatively, the modified scheduled start and end times may be output together in the user interface.

Next, the component is operated at the changed scheduled start time (S5).

In the above embodiment, the component may be an electrical appliance or one of the energy consumption units constituting the electrical appliance. In this case, when the component is an energy consuming part constituting the electrical appliance, the scheduled start time of the component may be set by a user, or the scheduled start time of the component may be automatically recognized by the controller constituting the electrical appliance. have.

According to this embodiment, since the operating time of the component in the low cost interval can be increased, there is an advantage that the energy usage fee can be reduced.

15 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The control method of the present network system can be applied when an operation reservation of a plurality of components is set.

Referring to FIG. 15, energy information may be recognized (S11). For example, high cost section or low cost section information may be recognized. Then, information related to the operation of the plurality of components can be recognized (S12). The information related to the operation of the plurality of components may include an operation start start time or operation end time of each of the components, and reference information values related to operation of each component. Reference information related to the operation of the component may include an expected energy consumption or an expected operating time length of the component.

Next, a component having a relatively large reference information value related to operation among the plurality of components is controlled to be driven before a relatively low component (S13). At this time, the driving order may be determined by the energy management unit that can communicate with a plurality of components, for example.

Among the plurality of components, a component having a high estimated energy consumption (hereinafter referred to as a first component) may be controlled to be driven before a smaller component (hereinafter referred to as a second component). Alternatively, a component having a longer expected operating time length (hereinafter, referred to as a first component) among a plurality of components may be controlled to drive before a smaller component (hereinafter referred to as a second component).

Alternatively, a component in which the estimated energy consumption exceeds a reference value among one of the plurality of components (one or more components may correspond to: first component hereinafter) may be equal to or less than a reference value (one or more components may correspond: 2 components). Alternatively, a component whose expected operating time length exceeds a reference length among a plurality of components (one or more components may correspond to: first component hereinafter) may be equal to or less than the reference length (one or more components may correspond to: In the following, it may be controlled to drive before the second component.

For example, when the scheduled start time of each of the plurality of components is located in the high cost section, the scheduled start time of the first component is transferred to the high cost section regardless of whether the scheduled start time of the plurality of components is after or after. It can be modified to be located at a low cost interval to arrive at. In this case, the scheduled end time of operation of the first component may be located in a high cost section or a low cost section.

At this time, the scheduled operation start time of the second component may be changed or not changed to be located in the low cost section. However, the scheduled start time of operation of the second component may be later than the scheduled start time of operation of the second component.

As another example, when the scheduled start time of each of the plurality of components is located in a low cost interval, and the scheduled start time of the first component is later than the scheduled start time of the second component, the scheduled start time of the first component This may be earlier than the scheduled start of operation of the second component.

As another example, when the scheduled start time of operation of the first component is located in the high cost section, and the scheduled start time of operation of the second component is located in the low cost section that comes before the high cost section, the scheduled operation of the first component The start time may be earlier than the scheduled start of operation of the second component. In this case, the modified start scheduled start time of the first component may be located in a low cost section or in a high cost section that comes before the low cost section.

In the above example, the first component and the second component may operate together in at least some intervals. Alternatively, the operation of the second component may be started after the operation of the first component is completed. If the scheduled start time is changed, the scheduled end time may also be changed.

Then, the scheduled start time of the component whose scheduled operation time is changed may be output in the user interface of the corresponding component.

According to the present embodiment, as a part or all of the operation sections of the component having a large energy consumption or a long operation time length is changed to a low cost section, the energy usage fee may be reduced.

10: utility network 20: home network

Claims (17)

In the control method of a component for a network system that can communicate with other components,
Recognizing low cost section or high cost section information;
Recognizing a scheduled operation time including a scheduled operation start time of the component;
Changing the scheduled operation time such that at least a portion of the scheduled operation time is located in the low cost section; And
And operating said component at a modified scheduled operation time. The method of claim 1,
The scheduled start time of operation is changed, and the changed scheduled start time is faster than the scheduled start of operation before the change. The method of claim 1,
The control method of the component for the network system is changed so that the scheduled start time is located in the high-cost period is located in the low-cost period. The method of claim 1,
The method of controlling a component for a network system, wherein the scheduled start time of operation which is located in the low cost section is advanced within the low cost section. The method of claim 1,
The first high cost section, the low cost section, the second high cost section arrives sequentially,
And when the scheduled start time is located in a second high cost period, the scheduled start time is advanced so that at least a portion of the scheduled time of operation of the component is located in the low cost period. The method of claim 5, wherein
The modified scheduled start time is located in the first high cost section or the control method for the component for the network system located in the low cost section. The method of claim 1,
The scheduled operation time includes a scheduled operation end time, and the scheduled operation end time is also changed along with the scheduled operation start time. The method of claim 1,
The control method of the component for a network system that the scheduled start time of operation is changed to the start time of the low cost interval. The method of claim 1,
And outputting the changed scheduled operation time information through a user interface. Recognizing reference information values related to the operation of the plurality of components; And
And changing an operation start time of at least one of the plurality of components so that a component having a larger reference information value is driven before a component having a smaller relative value. 11. The method of claim 10,
The control method of the network system further comprising the step of recognizing the low cost section or high cost section information. The method of claim 11,
The reference information related to the operation, the control method of the network system including the energy consumption or operating time length of each component. The method of claim 11,
And controlling the start time of a component having a relatively large reference information value to be located in the low cost section. The method of claim 13,
The operation start time of the component having a relatively small reference information value is located in the low cost section or the control method of the network system. The method of claim 11,
And a control sequence of a component having a relatively large reference information value and an operation sequence of a relatively small component. The method of claim 11,
And a component having a relatively large reference information value and a component having a relatively small value work together in at least some sections. The method of claim 11,
And after the operation of the component having a relatively large reference information value is completed, operation of a relatively small component is started.

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