U.S. patent application number 13/515207 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-22 for power control method, communication device, and power control system.
This patent application is currently assigned to SONY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Taiji Ito, Kyohei Iwamoto.
Application Number | 20120296481 13/515207 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44167188 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120296481 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Iwamoto; Kyohei ; et
al. |
November 22, 2012 |
POWER CONTROL METHOD, COMMUNICATION DEVICE, AND POWER CONTROL
SYSTEM
Abstract
Power control can be performed for electronic apparatuses that
are unable to connect to a network. A user accesses the URL of a
power supply center, and downloads an application (S11). The
application is downloaded for each individual electronic apparatus
to be controlled. In S12, the user makes various settings. After
the settings are complete, the power supply center 2 transmits a
power-limiting signal (S2), and a communication device receives the
power-limiting signal (S 13). If it is determined in S14 that the
power-limiting function is set active, the application is started
in S16. In S17, the kind of the communication that has been set is
infrared. If the kind of the communication is infrared, in S18, a
power-limiting signal is transmitted to a target electronic
apparatus via infrared communication.
Inventors: |
Iwamoto; Kyohei; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Ito; Taiji; (Kanagawa, JP) |
Assignee: |
SONY CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
44167188 |
Appl. No.: |
13/515207 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
November 29, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2010/071764 |
371 Date: |
June 11, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/286 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02T 10/70 20130101;
H04W 52/0206 20130101; H02J 13/00004 20200101; H02J 3/14 20130101;
H04Q 2209/43 20130101; H04W 52/0219 20130101; Y02T 10/7072
20130101; H02J 13/00024 20200101; Y02T 90/167 20130101; Y02T 90/12
20130101; H02J 13/00026 20200101; H02J 2310/12 20200101; B60L
11/1838 20130101; Y02T 90/16 20130101; Y02T 90/168 20130101; Y04S
30/12 20130101; B60L 53/66 20190201; H02J 13/0075 20130101; G05B
15/02 20130101; H04Q 2209/60 20130101; H04Q 2209/886 20130101; H02J
13/00034 20200101; H04Q 9/00 20130101; Y02D 30/70 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/286 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/26 20060101
G06F001/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 18, 2009 |
JP |
2009-287260 |
Claims
1. A power control method comprising the steps of: transmitting a
power control signal that controls electric power via a wireless
network, by a power supply center provided on a power supply side;
receiving the power control signal, by a first communication
section of a communication device provided on a demand side; and
transmitting a remote control signal that remote-controls power
consumption of one or a plurality of electronic apparatuses in
accordance with the received power control signal, by a second
communication section of the communication device.
2. The power control method according to claim 1, wherein
application data for generating the remote control signal with
respect to the electronic apparatus to be controlled is received
and stored in advance.
3. The power control method according to claim 1, wherein the
communication device is a portable telephone that has a function of
performing communication by an infrared ray or a radio wave.
4. The power control method according to claim 1, wherein whether
or not to perform power control is set in advance.
5. A communication device comprising: a first communication section
that receives a power control signal from a power supply side via a
wireless network; and a second communication section that transmits
a remote control signal that remote-controls power consumption of
one or a plurality of electronic apparatuses in accordance with the
received power control signal.
6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein
application data for generating the remote control signal with
respect to the electronic apparatus to be controlled is received
and stored in advance.
7. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the
communication device is a portable telephone that has a function of
performing communication by an infrared ray or a radio wave.
8. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein whether
or not to perform power control is set in advance.
9. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the first
communication section receives the power control signal via an
Internet.
10. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the
remote control signal transmitted by the second communication
section uses an infrared ray or a radio wave as a medium.
11. A power control system comprising: a power supply center that
is provided on a power supply side, and transmits a power control
signal that controls electric power via a wireless network; and a
communication device that is provided on a demand side, and
includes a first communication section that receives the power
control signal, and a second communication section that transmits a
remote control signal that remote-controls power consumption of one
or a plurality of electronic apparatuses in accordance with the
received power control signal.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power control method, a
communication device, and a power control system that are used to
control the power consumption of electronic apparatuses installed
in homes, for example.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Lately, power generation utilizing renewable energy instead
of fossil fuels is being put into practical use. It is regarded as
a certainty that this trend will further strength in the future. As
power generation utilizing renewable energy, photovoltaic power
generation, wind power generation, wind power generation, biomass
power generation, wave activated power generation, and the like
have been developed. Under such circumstances, it is desired that
power consumption (load) fluctuations on the side of consumers such
as ordinary homes, office buildings, and factories be as small as
possible.
[0003] Owing to the instability of the amount of power generation
in cases where renewable energy is introduced, load leveling is
required to maintain the quality of supply power. Further, for the
power supply side as well, investments in power sources to meet
load peaks can be avoided, thereby improving profitability. A next
generation power network (hereinafter, referred to as smart grid),
which utilizes information technologies to solve problems
associated with transfer of electric power between suppliers and
consumers, makes it possible to control and thereby suppress power
consumption on the consumer side from the supplier side (DR (Demand
Response). For example, during times of peak power demand, power
utilities control load by changing the temperature settings of air
conditioners in houses. Including this DR, undertaking measures
directed toward consumers from the supply side is called DSM
(Demand Side Management).
[0004] In PTL 1, it is described that a centralized power DSM
controller is connected to a DSM command station in a power company
via a public network, and limitations are placed on the use of
electric power by a plurality of electronic apparatuses connected
to a home network in a home. That is, it is described that the
centralized power DSM controller controls use of electric power in
accordance with the consumers' demands and priorities. In PTL 2, it
is described that the power consumption of a plurality of
appliances connected to a home network is controlled by a central
controller, each of the appliances includes a secondary battery,
and during time periods of peak power usage, the appliance operates
on electric power from the secondary battery, and in other time
periods, the appliance operates on electric power from a commercial
power source, and the secondary battery is charged. The central
controller receives a power control command from the power supplier
side.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0005] PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication
No. 11-222834
[0006] PTL 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication
No. 2001-258176
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0007] The techniques described in PTL 1 and PTL 2 make it
necessary to control electronic apparatuses within the home with
respect to a controller provided for each individual home, and
connect the controller to a DSM control center in the power
company. Accordingly, the controller itself is required. Further,
both a network for connecting the controller to the DSM control
center, and a network for controlling the electronic apparatuses
within the home with respect to the controller are required. As a
result, significant changes to the existing power network are
required, making it difficult to achieve leveling of electric
power. Further, in addition to these problems, the technique using
a secondary battery described in PTL 2 also has a problem in that
installation of the secondary battery, and control of the secondary
battery become necessary.
[0008] Accordingly, an object is to provide a communication device
that can minimize changes to the existing power network in the case
of performing leveling of power consumption.
Solution to Problem
[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a method according to
the present disclosure is a power control method including the
steps of:
[0010] transmitting a power control signal that controls electric
power via a wireless network, by a power supply center provided on
a power supply side;
[0011] receiving the power control signal, by a first communication
section of a communication device provided on a demand side;
and
[0012] transmitting a remote control signal that remote-controls
power consumption of one or a plurality of electronic apparatuses
in accordance with the received power control signal, by a second
communication section of the communication device.
[0013] A device according to the present disclosure is a
communication device including:
[0014] a first communication section that receives a power control
signal from a power supply side via a wireless network; and
[0015] a second communication section that transmits a remote
control signal that remote-controls power consumption of one or a
plurality of electronic apparatuses in accordance with the received
power control signal.
[0016] A system according to the present disclosure is a power
control system including:
[0017] a power supply center that is provided on a power supply
side, and transmits a power control signal that controls electric
power via a wireless network; and
[0018] a communication device that is provided on a demand side,
and includes a first communication section that receives the power
control signal, and a second communication section that transmits a
remote control signal that remote-controls power consumption of one
or a plurality of electronic apparatuses in accordance with the
received power control signal.
[0019] Preferred aspects are as follows.
[0020] Application data for generating the remote control signal
with respect to the electronic apparatus to be controlled is
received and stored in advance.
[0021] The communication device is a portable telephone that has a
function of performing communication by an infrared ray or a radio
wave.
[0022] Whether or not to perform power control is set in
advance.
[0023] The first communication section receives the power control
signal via an internet.
[0024] The remote control signal transmitted by the second
communication section uses an infrared ray or a radio wave as a
medium.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0025] According to at least one embodiment, the power consumption
of each individual home can be controlled from the supplier side
even without provision of a controller called smart meter. Further,
even in a state in which electronic apparatuses within the home are
not connected to a network, the power consumption of each
individual electronic apparatus can be controlled. In this way,
even if the electronic apparatus itself does not have the function
of being able to connect to a network, a reduction in power
consumption can be achieved by exploiting the remote control
function of the electronic apparatus. Further, if a portable
telephone is used as the communication device, on the basis of a
network application of the portable telephone, a remote commander
that can be made subordinate to a network by controlling a
communication function included in the portable telephone can be
easily implemented.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first example of a power
control system.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a flowchart used for describing operation in the
first example.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram used for describing operation
in the first example.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a second example of a power
control system.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Hereinafter, examples according to the present disclosure
are described. It should be noted that the description is given in
the following order.
<1. First Example>
<2. Second Example>
<3. Modifications>
[0031] The examples described below are preferred concrete examples
of the invention. While various preferable technical limitations
are given, in the following description, the scope of the invention
is not to be limited to these embodiments unless it is specifically
stated that the embodiments limit the invention.
1. First Example
"Example of Power Control System"
[0032] An example of a power control system is described with
reference to FIG. 1. Electric power generated by a power plant 1 of
a power supplier is connected to a wattmeter 4 in a home 3 via
unillustrated power transmission network and power distribution
network. The power plant 1 is a thermal power plant, a nuclear
power plant, or the like. A power supply center 2 that generates a
command for controlling power supply in association with the power
plant 1 is provided.
[0033] The wattmeter 4 is connected with a conversion section 5. A
solar battery 6 and a wind power generator 7 are connected to the
conversion section 5. The electric power supplied to the wattmeter
4 in the home 2 from the power plant 1 is commercial
alternating-current electric power. Electric power generated by the
solar battery 6 and the wind power generator 7 is converted into
alternating-current electric power in the conversion section 5, and
introduced into the home while being added to the commercial
alternating-current electric power. Other than the solar battery 6
and the win, a fuel battery, a storage battery, or the like may be
used.
[0034] The alternating-current electric power from the conversion
section 5 is supplied to a switchboard (including a distribution
panel) 8, and is connected to electronic apparatuses 91, 92, . . .
, 9n via lighting circuits and outlets taken from the switchboard
8. Examples of these electronic apparatuses 91 to 9n include an air
conditioner, a refrigerator, a lighting fixture, a washing machine,
and a television receiver. The electronic apparatuses 91 to 9n are
electronic apparatuses that are subject to power control, and not
meant to represent all electronic apparatuses within the home
2.
[0035] Further, to enable remote control by a communication device
10 (remote control commander), the electronic apparatuses 91 to 9n
each have a communication device used for remote control. Remote
control by the communication device 10 is performed in order to
control power consumption of the electronic apparatuses. For
example, On/Off of the power sources for the electronic apparatuses
91 to 9n is controlled by a remote control signal from the
communication device 10. Alternatively, the electronic apparatuses
91 to 9n can be switched between a normal power consumption mode,
and a low power consumption mode in which power consumption is
lowered.
[0036] For example, transition from the normal power consumption
mode to the low power consumption mode can be made by changing the
temperature setting of an air conditioner during cooling to a
higher temperature. In the case of a liquid crystal television,
transition to the low power consumption mode can be made by
lowering the illuminance of the back light, lowering the image
processing function, lowering the operating clock frequency, and so
on in comparison to the normal power consumption mode. In the case
of a lighting fixture, transition to the low power consumption mode
can be made by lowering the brightness of lighting. When changing
modes, unlike a switching operation, the transition to another mode
is controlled so as to take place gradually. This prevents
discomfort to the user using the apparatus, and also makes it
possible to prevent abrupt fluctuations in the amount of power
consumption. In the case of an electronic apparatus not capable of
such mode change, On/Off of the power source is controlled.
[0037] The remote control of the electronic apparatuses 91 to 91n
is preferably performed by a remote control scheme identical or
similar to an existing remote control scheme. As the medium for
wireless communication of a remote control signal, an infrared ray
or radio wave is used. As the remote control scheme using an
infrared ray, an existing scheme used for the electronic apparatus
may be used. For television receivers, air conditioners, lighting
fixtures, and the like, remote control schemes using infrared rays
have already been put into practical use. A new communication
scheme different from existing ones may be also adopted.
[0038] As the remote control scheme using a radio wave, Bluetooth
or Zigbee can be used. The Bluetooth scheme is applied to
multimedia communications, and enables communications via
one-to-many connection. The ZigBee scheme uses the physical layer
of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
802.15.4. The IEEE802.15.4 is the name of a short-range wireless
network standard called PAN (Personal Area Network) or W (Wireless)
PAN.
[0039] These wireless communication schemes using radio waves can
prevent wiretapping and erroneous connections, thereby ensuring
security. That is, an example of electronic apparatus that can be
remote-controlled by the communication device 10 is a specific one
or plurality of electronic apparatuses within the home 3. Which
electronic apparatus to control is set when the communication
device 10 downloads the application program. In the case of
remote-controlling a plurality of electronic apparatuses, target
electronic apparatuses are selected manually or automatically.
[0040] Further, as compared with infrared communication schemes,
wireless communication schemes using radio waves have the advantage
of being able to reach out-of-sight areas such as a different room.
In the case of an average-size detached home, the remote control
signal on a radio wave can be transmitted throughout the entire
area within the home, and thus even electronic apparatuses to be
controlled which are installed at distant locations can be
remote-controlled by a single communication device 10.
[0041] The electronic apparatuses 91 to 9n may be connected with a
secondary battery so that power supply can be received from the
secondary battery. In cases where it is not possible to obtain an
adequate function in relation to the amount of power consumption to
be reduced, the electronic apparatus receives power supply from the
secondary battery to satisfy the required function. Charging of the
secondary battery is also performed in accordance with the power
supply conditions in the power system. The charging operation of
the secondary battery is controlled in the basis of a power control
signal from the power supply center 2.
"With Regard to Communication Device"
[0042] The communication device 10 includes a communication unit
11a as a first communication section that receives a power control
signal via a network 12 from the power supply center 2 as the power
supply side. The communication device 10 includes a communication
unit 11b as a second communication section that transmits a remote
control signal that remote-controls the power consumption of the
electronic apparatuses 91 to 9n in accordance with the received
power control signal. Further, although not illustrated, the
communication device 10 has a control section or the like that
controls the overall operation of the communication device 10
including the communication units 11a and 11b.
[0043] In schemes using radio waves, for example, the Bluetooth
scheme, with the communication unit 11b serving as a master, the
communication unit 11b can remote-control seven slaves (the
electronic apparatuses 91 to 9n) that can be connected concurrently
within 10 m around the communication unit 11b. That is, the
communication device 10 acts as a multi remote control. In the case
of using the IEEE802.15.4 scheme, pairing is first established
between the communication unit 11b and a communication unit in the
electronic apparatus to be controlled.
[0044] An example of the communication device 10 is a portable
telephone. Among existing portable telephones, those having the
infrared communication function and/or Bluetooth function have been
put into practical use. The second communication unit 11b can be
configured by making use of this infrared communication and/or
Bluetooth function. It should be noted that other than a portable
telephone, the communication device 10 may be configured as a multi
remote control commander.
[0045] A power control application (program) is downloaded and
installed into the communication device 10 in advance via the
network 12 (portable telephone network) and the communication unit
11a. For example, a portable telephone can access the URL of the
power supply center 2 to download the application program. The
power supply center 2 can identify users downloading the
application program on the basis of information unique to
individual portable telephones (e.g. telephone number).
Accordingly, by accumulating information on users who have
downloaded the power-limiting application program, it is possible
to keep track of the approximate ratio of users who are using the
power-limiting program within the coverage area of power supply, or
provide services individually to such users from the power supply
side. In this case, the power supply center 2 may be configured to
receive the history of executed power-limiting operations from the
portable telephone. For example, a conceivable configuration is to
keep track of the fact that power limitation has been executed on
the basis of an acknowledgment from the electronic apparatus side,
and create history information on the power limitation.
[0046] A plurality of channels are made available for transmitting
remote control signals. The user manipulates buttons while watching
the screen to set an apparatus (such as a television, lighting, an
air conditioner, or a personal computer) and set the manufacturer
of the apparatus for an unoccupied channel. Existing programs can
be used for the substantial part of the application program used
for remote control. On/off control of the power source can be
applied to the power limitation. Control of changes to the
temperature setting of an air conditioner can be applied to the
power limitation. Control of changes to the brightness setting of
lighting can be applied to the power limitation. Control of changes
to the luminance of images on a television receiver can be applied
to the power limitation.
[0047] A power control signal is transmitted from the power supply
center 2 via the network 12 to the communication device 10
installed with the power control application, for example, a
portable telephone. The communication device 10 generates an
infrared or radio-wave remote control signal for reducing power
consumption of the electronic apparatuses 91 to 9n in response to
the received power control signal. The electronic apparatuses 91 to
9n having received the remote control signal transitions from the
normal power consumption mode to the low power consumption mode,
thus forcing a reduction in power consumption in the home 3. An
indication of the fact that power limitation has been executed is
displayed on the screen of the portable telephone. In the case of
the portable telephone, power limitation cannot be executed when
the user is carrying the portable telephone outdoors. This means
that, conveniently, power limitation is executed only when the user
is at home and operating the electronic apparatus.
"Mode of Operation in First Example"
[0048] Operation in the first example is described with reference
to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates an overview of the flow of
communication processing executed between the communication device
10 and the power supply center 2. The communication device 10 is,
for example, a portable telephone, and the network 12 is a portable
telephone network.
[0049] The user accesses the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the
power supply center 2, and as indicated by step S1, an application
transmitted from the power supply center 2 is downloaded by the
communication unit 11a (step S11). The application is downloaded
for each individual electronic apparatus to be controlled. In this
case, if it is desired to use the portable telephone as an ordinary
remote control commander, an application including control items
not related to power limitation is downloaded. It should be noted,
however, that an application limited to items concerning power
limitation may be downloaded.
[0050] Next, in step S12, the user opens a menu to make various
settings. An example of the items to be set is given below. [0051]
Selection of the model of the electronic apparatus to be controlled
(kind and manufacturer of the apparatus) [0052] Selection of the
kind of communication (infrared, Bluetooth) [0053] Active/inactive
setting of the power-limiting function [0054] Setting of a low
power consumption mode according to the apparatus to be controlled
(e.g. the setting of temperature when the electronic apparatus to
be controlled is an air conditioner, or a setting to lower the
luminance in the case of a television receiver)
[0055] On/Off control of the power source may be used as the low
power consumption mode. However, this is not a very favorable
scheme in the sense that if the power source is turned off, the
apparatus cannot be used at all.
[0056] After settings are complete in the communication device 10,
the power supply center 2 transmits a power-limiting signal (step
S2), and the communication unit 11a of the communication device 10
receives the power-limiting signal (step S13). The power supply
center 2 can transmit the same power-limiting signal to not only a
specific one communication device but also to a number of
communication devices within a selected area. At the time of making
settings, it is determined in step S14 whether or not the
power-limiting function is set active. If the power-limiting
function is set inactive, the processing ends (step S15).
[0057] If it is determined in step S14 that the power-limiting
function is set active, the application is started in step S16. In
step S17, it is determined whether or not the kind of the
communication that has been set is infrared. If the kind of the
communication is infrared, in step S18, a power-limiting signal is
transmitted to a target electronic apparatus via infrared
communication by the communication unit 11b. If the kind of the
communication is not infrared, in step S19, Bluetooth communication
is performed by the communication unit 11b.
[0058] Unless the communication device 10 exists within the user's
own home, even when a power-limiting signal is transmitted, the
power-limiting signal is not delivered to the electronic apparatus
of the other party. Thus, a power-limiting operation is not
executed in actuality. Whether or not a power-limiting operation
has been actually executed can be confirmed by two-way
communication between the communication unit 11b and the electronic
apparatus. A history indicating that the communication unit 11b has
transmitted a remote control signal for entering the low power
consumption mode is stored in a non-volatile memory included in the
communication device 10. On the basis of an acknowledgment signal
from the electronic apparatus, a history indicating that the lower
power consumption mode has been actually entered is recorded.
[0059] History information stored in the communication device 10 is
transmitted from the communication unit 11a of the communication
device 10 to the power supply center 2 periodically or upon request
from the power supply center 2 (step S20). The power supply center
2 receives the history information (step S3). Then, the history
information is analyzed (step S4). For example, history information
is managed for each individual user, and information on the kind of
power limitation that has been executed can be obtained for each
individual user. Such analysis results can be reflected on the
power rates charged to users, for example.
[Power-Limiting Operation]
[0060] An example of power-limiting operation according to the
first example is described with reference to FIG. 3. In FIG. 3A,
symbol 31a denotes time variation of total power consumption in a
day. The total power consumption is estimated by the power supply
side. The total power consumption is statistically calculated by
taking variable factors such as season and the number of consumers
into consideration, without use of any particular feedback
information related to the actual power consumption from consumers
such as homes. The value of the maximum power consumption is set as
indicated by a broken line TG1, for example. When a time period
during which power consumption exceeds the set value is reached, a
power control signal that limits power consumption is transmitted
from the power supply center 2 to the communication device 10 in
each home. The remote control signal from the communication device
10 causes the power consumption of an electronic apparatus within
the home to enter the low power consumption mode, thereby limiting
the total power consumption as indicated by symbol 31b.
[0061] In FIG. 3B, symbol 32a denotes another example of time
variation of total power consumption. As illustrated in FIG. 3B,
the set value TG2 of maximum power consumption is set by taking
typical changes in power consumption over time into consideration.
In this case, when a time period during which power consumption
exceeds the set value TG2 of maximum power consumption is reached,
a power control signal that limits power consumption is transmitted
from the power supply center 2 to the communication device 10 in
each home. The remote control signal from the communication device
10 causes the power consumption of an electronic apparatus within
the home to enter the low power consumption mode, thereby limiting
the total power consumption as indicated by symbol 32b. Further,
the set value of maximum power consumption may be made to vary in
the same manner as the time variation of maximum power consumption.
Further, the set value of maximum power consumption may be adapted
to each individual user or each individual user group on the basis
of user information (address, age, occupation, etc.).
Second Example
[0062] Lately, HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles), EVs (Electric
Vehicles), and PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) are being
developed, and measures to address increases in load with increase
in the number of these automobiles using electrical energy are
becoming necessary. The second example can be applied to these
measures.
[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, power plants 11, 12,
. . . , and power supply centers 21, 22, . . . are installed for
the respective areas (each indicated by a rectangle for simplicity)
R1, R2, . . . covered by base stations 201, 202, . . . for portable
telephones. The areas R1, R2, are separated from each other by a
center-to-center distance of about several km to several tens of
km. Consumers 31, 32, . . . such as homes and office buildings are
connected to the power plants 11, 12, . . . , respectively. The
power plants 11, 12, . . . (or the power supply centers 21, 22, . .
. ) are able to communication with each other.
[0064] An automobile 40 using a PHEV scheme is able to communicate
with the base stations 201, 202, . . . , for example. The base
stations 201, 202, . . . are, for example, base stations for
portable telephones. As the capacity of the secondary battery of
the automobile 40 decreases and charging becomes necessary, an
inquiry about charging locations is made to the power supply center
21 in the area R1 to which the automobile 40 belongs. The current
position of the automobile is located from the inquiry. The
positional information need not be detailed but may be any
information as long as the area where the automobile is driving is
located.
[0065] The power supply center 21 having received the inquiry about
charging locations performs communication with the area R1 of the
current position of the automobile 40, and the power supply centers
22, 23, 24, . . . in the surrounding adjacent areas R2, R3, R4, . .
. , and acquires information about total power consumptions in the
respective areas. Then, information on charging facilities
(including homes) in the area with the least total power
consumption is transmitted to the automobile. Alternatively,
information on charging facilities in the area where a power plant
with the greatest surplus supply power exists is transmitted to the
automobile. The automobile 40 goes to the charging facilities in
accordance with the transmitted information, and performs charging.
In this case, the distance between the current position of the
automobile 40 and the charging location may be taken into
consideration.
3. Modifications
[0066] While the invention has been described in detail above, the
invention is not limited to the above-mentioned example, but
various modifications based on the technical idea of the invention
are possible. For example, the first communication unit 11a of the
communication device 10 may communicate with the power supply
center via the Internet. Further, the first communication unit 11a
of the communication device 10 may include a receiver for FM
(Frequency Modulation), AM (Amplitude Modulation), or both. In
cases where there is no need to exchange information in two ways,
and it suffices to only receive information, the remote commander
may be controlled in a simple manner by carrying control
information on an FM or AM radio wave.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0067] 1 power plant [0068] 2 power supply center [0069] 3 home
[0070] 91 to 9n electronic apparatus [0071] 10 communication device
[0072] 11a first communication unit [0073] 11b second communication
unit [0074] 12 network
* * * * *