U.S. patent application number 16/386122 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-08 for network system.
The applicant listed for this patent is LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Junho AHN, Yeongjoo CHEON, Yanghwan KIM, Hoonbong LEE, Koonseok LEE, Chulkyu PARK.
Application Number | 20190244311 16/386122 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45371992 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-08 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190244311 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AHN; Junho ; et al. |
August 8, 2019 |
NETWORK SYSTEM
Abstract
Provided is a network system. The network system includes: at
least one unit selected from an energy receiving unit receiving
energy and an energy management unit managing the energy receiving
unit. An energy usage amount or energy usage rate of the energy
receiving unit is adjusted; an energy usage amount or usage rate
when the unit is controlled based on information relating to at
least an energy rate is less than that when the unit is controlled
without the base of information relating to at least an energy
rate; the energy receiving unit comprises a plurality of
components; and an operation of one component among the plurality
of components is controlled based on the energy rate related
information.
Inventors: |
AHN; Junho; (Changwon-si,
KR) ; KIM; Yanghwan; (Changwon-si, KR) ; LEE;
Hoonbong; (Changwon-si, KR) ; LEE; Koonseok;
(Changwon-si, KR) ; PARK; Chulkyu; (Changwon-si,
KR) ; CHEON; Yeongjoo; (Changwon-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG Electronics Inc. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
45371992 |
Appl. No.: |
16/386122 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15376339 |
Dec 12, 2016 |
10296989 |
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16386122 |
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13806730 |
Apr 10, 2013 |
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PCT/KR2011/004663 |
Jun 27, 2011 |
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15376339 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05B 15/02 20130101;
Y04S 20/224 20130101; Y04S 20/20 20130101; H02J 13/0006 20130101;
Y02B 70/325 20130101; G06Q 50/06 20130101; Y04S 20/242 20130101;
Y04S 20/42 20130101; Y04S 20/44 20130101; Y04S 20/12 20130101; H04L
12/2803 20130101; Y02B 70/3225 20130101; Y02B 70/30 20130101; H02J
2310/64 20200101; Y02B 70/3266 20130101; Y04S 20/228 20130101; Y04S
20/30 20130101; H02J 3/28 20130101; Y02B 90/222 20130101; Y04S
20/222 20130101; Y02B 90/20 20130101; H02J 13/00004 20200101; H02J
13/00034 20200101; Y02B 90/246 20130101; H02J 2310/14 20200101;
H02J 3/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 50/06 20060101
G06Q050/06; H02J 3/14 20060101 H02J003/14; H02J 3/28 20060101
H02J003/28; H02J 13/00 20060101 H02J013/00; G05B 15/02 20060101
G05B015/02; H04L 12/28 20060101 H04L012/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 26, 2010 |
KR |
10-2010-0060893 |
Nov 26, 2010 |
IB |
PCT/IB2010/003388 |
Dec 15, 2010 |
KR |
10-2010-0128144 |
May 20, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0047731 |
Claims
1-31. (canceled)
32. An energy consumption unit capable of communicating with a
network system and capable of receiving energy information related
to information related to time-based pricing and information other
than information related to time-based pricing, the energy
consumption unit comprising: a plurality of assigned a priorities;
wherein an operation of a component is adjusted based on the
priority and the energy information related to the information
related to time-based pricing and the information other than
information related to time-based pricing, wherein the plurality of
components comprising: a first component; and a second component
having a larger power consumption amount per unit hour or energy
usage rate than the first component, wherein the second component
is driven at a time interval at which an energy rate is lower than
that of the first component.
33. The energy consumption unit according to claim 32, wherein the
second component is driven when energy information is not
high-price information.
34. The energy consumption unit according to claim 32, wherein the
second component is driven when energy information is low-price
information.
35. The energy consumption unit according to claim 32, wherein when
the energy information indicates that an energy rate is high-price
information, and the component has a low priority among the
plurality of components, the operation of the component having the
low priority is limited.
36. The energy consumption unit according to claim 35, wherein the
high-price information comprises one of recognitions of an on-peak
time interval relating to the energy rate, an energy reduction
signal, a under-frequency lower than a reference frequency, a small
power generation amount, an operation command according to an
operation priority, an energy consumption amount more than a
reference amount, and limit information on the number of available
components.
37. The energy consumption unit according to claim 32, wherein the
priority among the priorities comprises at least one of a priority
of the component to operate preferentially, an operation start
priority, an energy consumption amount priority, and an energy
usage rate priority.
38. The energy consumption unit according to claim 37, wherein the
energy consumption amount priority comprises a current energy
consumption amount priority or a power priority per unit hour; and
the energy usage rate priority comprises a current energy usage
rate priority or a usage rate priority per unit hour.
39. The energy consumption unit according to claim 38, wherein the
component having a current energy consumption amount, a current
energy usage rate, a power per unit hour, and a usage rate per unit
hour that is greater than another component is assigned with a low
priority.
40. The energy consumption unit according to claim 32, wherein the
operation of the energy consumption unit being adjusted based on
the priority and the energy information is based on at least one of
the number of available components, an available total energy
consumption amount, or a total energy rate.
41. The energy consumption unit according to claim 32, wherein the
operation of the component being adjusted based on the priority and
the energy information comprises immediate limitation of the
operation of the component, limitation after one process is
completed when the operation of the component is divided into a
plurality of processes, limitation of the operation of the energy
consumption unit after a predetermined time, limitation of the
operation of the component after the component consumes a
predetermined amount of energy, and limitation of the operation of
the component when a usage energy rate reaches a predetermined
value.
42. The energy consumption unit according to claim 32, wherein if
an operation of component having a higher priority than a component
having an operation limited due to low priority is completed among
the plurality of components, the component having the operation
limited returns to a state before the operation of the component
was limited.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/806,730 filed on Apr. 10, 2013, which is a
35 U.S.C. .sctn. 371 National Stage entry of International
Application No. PCT/KR2011/004663, filed on Jun. 27, 2011, and
claims priority of Korean Application No. 10-2010-0060893, filed on
Jun. 26, 2010, Korean Application No. 10-2010-0128144, filed on
Dec. 15, 2010, Korean Application No. 10-2011-0047731, filed on May
20, 2011, and PCT/IB20120/003388, filed Nov. 26, 2010, all of which
are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a network system.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] A provider has simply provided energy sources such as
electricity, water and gas while a consumer has simply used the
supplied energy sources. This makes difficult to realize efficient
management in terms of the generation, distribution and use of
energy. Therefore, a network system for effectively managing energy
is in need.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0004] Embodiments provide a network system capable of effectively
managing energy sources.
Technical Solution
[0005] In one embodiment, A network system comprises: at least one
unit selected from an energy receiving unit receiving energy and an
energy management unit managing the energy receiving unit, wherein
an energy usage amount or energy usage rate of the energy receiving
unit is adjusted; an energy usage amount or usage rate when the
unit is controlled based on information relating to an energy rate
is less than that when the unit is controlled without the base of
information relating to at least an energy rate; the energy
receiving unit comprises a plurality of components; and an
operation of one component among the plurality of components is
controlled based on the information relating to an energy rate.
[0006] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
Advantageous Effects
[0007] According to embodiments, an energy source can be
efficiently produced, used, distributed, and stored, thus enabling
the effective management of the energy source.
[0008] Also, by using energy information, in-house electric
products can be driven and controlled. The energy usage cost and
power consumption can be reduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an example of a
network system according to the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example
of the network system according to the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an information
transmission process on the network system according to the present
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a view showing the communication structure of two
components that constitute the network system according to a first
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration
of a communication device that constitutes a communication
unit.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a view showing a communication performing process
between a specific component and a communication device according
to the first embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a view showing a communication performing process
between a specific component and a communication device according
to a second embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a view showing the communication structure of
components that constitute the network system according to a third
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration
of a first component in FIG. 8.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a view showing the communication structure of
components that constitute the network system according to a fourth
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the detailed
configuration of a first component in FIG. 10.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example an example of
a component that constitutes the network system of the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating a home network
according to an embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of
an electrical product according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a block diagram when a plurality of electrical
products are controlled according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of driving a
plurality of electrical products in a power saving mode according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of
an electrical product according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
an additional function performing unit according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
an additional function performing unit according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
a network system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
a network system according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
a network system according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 23 is a block diagram of one component constituting a
network system of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
a network system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0033] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an example of a
network system according to the present disclosure.
[0036] The network system is a system for managing an energy source
such as electricity, water or gas. The energy source means one of
which amount generated or used can be metered. Therefore, even a
source not mentioned above may be used as the energy source.
Hereinafter, electricity will be described as an example of the
energy source, and details of this specification may be identically
applied to other energy sources.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, a network system according to an
embodiment includes a power plant for producing electricity. The
power plant may include a power plant for producing electricity
through a thermal power generation or nuclear power generation and
a power plant using water power, sunlight power, wind power or the
like which is eco-friendly energy.
[0038] The electricity produced in the power plant is transmitted
to a sub-control center through a power transmission line, and the
sub-control center transmits the electricity to a substation so
that the electricity is distributed to customers such as houses or
offices.
[0039] Electricity produced by the eco-friendly energy is also
transmitted to the substation so as to be distributed to each of
the customers. The electricity transmitted from the substation is
distributed to each of the offices or houses through electricity
power storage, or is directly distributed to each of the offices or
houses.
[0040] In a house using a home area network (HAN), electricity may
be produced by itself through sunlight, fuel cells built in a
plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or the like. Also, the
produced electricity may be stored or distributed, or surplus
electricity may be resold to the outside world.
[0041] The network system may include a smart meter for detecting
the amount of electricity used in each customer (house, office or
the like) in real time, and an advanced metering infrastructure
(AMI) for metering the amount of electricity used in a plurality of
customers.
[0042] The network system may further include an energy management
system (EMS) for managing energy. The EMS may generate information
on operations of one or more components with respect to energy
(production of energy, distribution of energy, usage of energy,
storage of energy, and the like). The EMS may generate at least a
command for the operations of the components.
[0043] In this specification, a function or solution performed by
the EMS may be referred to as an energy management function or
energy management solution.
[0044] In the network system, one or more EMSs may be provided as a
separate configuration, or the EMS may be included as an energy
management function or energy management solution in one or more
components.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example
of the network system according to the present disclosure.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the network system according to
the present disclosure is configured by a plurality of components.
For example, the components of the network system are a power
plant, a substation, a sub-control center, an EMS, electric home
appliances, a smart meter, a storage battery, a web server, an AMI,
a home server, and the like.
[0047] In the present disclosure, each of the components may be
configured by a plurality of sub-components. As an example, in a
case of one component is an electric home appliance, sub-components
may be a microcomputer (MICOM), a heater, a display and the like.
That is, all that perform a specific function may be components in
the present disclosure, and such components constitute the network
system of the present disclosure. Two components may communicate
with each other by means of a communication unit. One network may
be one component or may be configured by a plurality of
components.
[0048] In this specification, the network system in which
communication information is related to an energy source may be
referred to as an energy grid.
[0049] A network system according to an embodiment may include a
utility area network (UAN) 10 and a home area network (HAN) 20. The
UAN 10 and the HAN 20 may perform wired or wireless communication
by means of a communication unit, and may perform two-way
communication.
[0050] In this specification, the term "home" means not only a
household as a lexical meaning but also a group in which specific
components such as buildings or companies gather. Also, the term
"utility" means a group in which specific components outside the
home gather.
[0051] The UAN 10 includes an energy generation component 11 for
generating energy, an energy distribution component 12 for
distributing or transmitting energy, an energy storage component 13
for storing energy, an energy management component 14 for managing
energy, and an energy metering component 15 for metering
information related to energy.
[0052] In a case where one or more components that constitute the
UAN 10 consume energy, the components that consume the energy may
be energy consumption components.
[0053] The energy consumption component is a component
corresponding to the energy consumption component 26 that
constitutes the HAN 20. The energy consumption component may be the
same component as the energy consumption component 26 or may be
another component distinguished from the energy consumption
component 26.
[0054] The energy generation component 11 may be a power plant as
an example. The energy distribution component 12 distributes or
transmits energy generated in the energy generation component 11
and/or energy stored in the energy storage component 13 to the
energy consumption component 26 that consumes the energy. The
energy distribution component 12 may be a power transmitter,
substation, sub-control center, or the like.
[0055] The energy storage component 13 may be a storage battery,
and the energy management component 14 generates information for
driving one or more of the energy generation component 11, the
energy distribution component 12, the energy storage component 13
and the energy consumption component 26, related to energy. The
energy management component 14 may generate at least a command for
the operation of a specific component.
[0056] The energy management component 14 may be an EMS. The energy
metering component 15 may meter information related to the
generation of energy, the distribution of energy, the usage of
energy, the storage of energy, and the like. The energy metering
component 15 may be an AMI as an example. The energy management
component 14 may be a separate configuration, or may be included in
another component as an energy management function.
[0057] The UAN 10 may communicate with the HAN 20 by a terminal
component (not shown). That is, information generated or
transferred in a specific component that constitutes the UAN 10 may
be transmitted to the HAN 20 through the terminal component, or
information generated or transferred in another component that
constitutes the HAN 20 may be received to the UAN 10 through the
terminal component. The terminal component may be a gate way as an
example. The terminal component may be provided to one or more of
the UAN 10 and the HAN 20.
[0058] The terminal component may be a component necessary for
transmitting/receiving information between the UAN and the HAN.
[0059] Two components that constitute the UAN 10 may communicate
with each other by means of a communication unit.
[0060] The HAN 20 includes an energy generation component 21 for
generating energy, an energy distribution component 22 for
distributing energy, an energy storage component 23 for storing
energy, an energy management component 24 for managing energy, an
energy metering component 25 for metering information related to
energy, an energy consumption component 26 for consuming energy, a
central management component 27 for controlling a plurality of
components, and an energy grid assistance component 28.
[0061] The energy generation component 21 may be a home power
generator, and the energy storage component 23 may be a storage
battery. The energy management component 24 may be an EMS. As an
example, the energy generation component 21 may be a solar cell, a
fuel cell, a wind power generator, a power generator using
subterranean heat, a power generator usng seawater, or the
like.
[0062] The energy storage component 23 may perform storage using
energy generated from the energy generation component 21.
Therefore, in view of the use of energy, the energy storage
component 23 and the energy generation component 11 may be an
energy using component that uses energy together with the energy
consumption component 26. That is, the energy using component may
include at least an energy consumption component, an energy
generation component and an energy storage component. In a case
where the energy management component uses energy, it may be
included in the energy using component.
[0063] In view of the supplied energy, the energy storage component
23, the energy consumption component and the energy generation
component 11 may be an energy supplied component to which energy is
supplied.
[0064] The energy metering component 25 may meter information
related to the generation of energy, the distribution of energy,
the usage of energy, the storage of energy, and the like. The
energy metering component 25 may be a smart meter as an example.
The energy consumption component 26 may be, as an example, an
electric home appliance or a heater, motor, display or the like,
which constitutes the electric home appliance. In this embodiment,
there is no limitation in the kind of the energy consumption
component 26.
[0065] Specifically, the energy generation component 21 may be
another component of the UAN 10, which generates energy to be
supplied to the HAN 20.
[0066] The energy management component 24 may be provided as a
separate configuration or may be included in another component as
an energy management function. As an example, the energy management
function may be performed by a control component that controls the
energy consumption component. In a case where the control component
performs the energy management function, it may be an energy
management component.
[0067] Specifically, the energy management component 14 that
constitutes the UAN 10 or the energy management component 24 that
constitutes the HAN 20 may be built in one or more of the plurality
of components that constitute the networks 10 and 20, or may exist
as a separate device. The energy management component 24 may
recognize the information related to energy (energy information)
and the state information of a component controlled by the energy
management component 24.
[0068] The energy generation component 21, the energy distribution
component 22 and the energy storage component 23 may be individual
components, or may constitute a single component.
[0069] The central management component 27 may be, as an example, a
home server for controlling a plurality of electric home
appliances.
[0070] The energy grid assistance component 28 is a component
having a primary function while performing an additional function
for the energy grid. For example, the energy grid assistance
component 28 may be a web service providing component (e.g., a
computer or the like), mobile device, television, or the like.
[0071] The mobile device may receive energy information or
additional information (described later), and control the operation
of at least the energy consumption component 26 using the received
information.
[0072] Two components that constitute the HAN 20 may communicate
with each other by means of a communication unit.
[0073] The energy generation components 11 and 21, the energy
distribution components 12 and 22, the energy storage components 13
and 23, the energy management components 14 and 24, the energy
metering components 15 and 25, the energy consumption component 26
and the central management component may independently exist, or
two or more of them may constitute a single component.
[0074] For example, the energy management component 14 or 24, the
energy metering component 15 or 25 and the central management
component 27 may exist as single components so as to be configured
as a smart meter, an EMS and a home server, which perform their
functions, respectively. Alternatively, the energy management
component 14 or 24, the energy metering component 15 or 25 and the
central management component 27 may constitute a single system.
[0075] When a function is performed, it may be sequentially
performed in a plurality of components and/or communication units.
For example, an energy management function may be sequentially
performed in the energy management component, the energy metering
component and the energy consumption component.
[0076] In the network system, a plurality of UANs 10 may
communicate with a single HAN 20, and a single UAN 10 may
communicate with a plurality of HANs 20.
[0077] The component with a specific function, which constitutes
the UAN and the HAN, may be configured as a plurality of
components. For example, the energy generation component, the
energy consumption component or the like may be configured as a
plurality of components.
[0078] In this specification, each of the components that
constitute the UAN and HAN may having a function performing
component that performs its own function, or each of the components
itself may be a function performing component.
[0079] As an example, in a case where the energy consumption
component is an electric product, the electric product has a
function performing component such as a heater, compressor, motor
or display. As another example, in a case where the energy
consumption component is a heater, compressor, motor, display or
the like, the energy consumption component itself is a function
performing component.
[0080] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an information
transmission process on the network system according to the present
disclosure.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 3, in the network system according to the
present disclosure, a specific component 30 may receive information
related to energy (hereinafter, referred to as energy information
40) by means of a communication unit. The specific component 30 may
further receive additional information (environment information,
time information and the like) by means of the communication unit.
In this instance, the information may be received from another
component. That is, at least energy information is contained in the
received information.
[0082] The specific component 30 may be a component that
constitutes the UAN 10 or a component that constitutes the HAN
20.
[0083] As described above, the energy information 40 may be one of
information related to electricity, water, gas and the like.
Hereinafter, information related to electricity will be described
as an example of the energy information, but information related to
other energy sources may be identically applied.
[0084] For example, the kind of information related to the
electricity may include time-based pricing, curtailment, grid
emergency, grid reliability, energy increment, operation priority,
and the like.
[0085] The information may be divided into scheduled information
previously produced based on previous information, and real-time
information changed in real time. The scheduled information and the
real-time information may be divided by whether or not predict
information after the current time (in the future).
[0086] The energy information 40 may be transmitted/received as a
true or false signal such as a Boolean signal on the network
system, or may be transmitted/received as a real price.
Alternatively, the energy information 40 may be
transmitted/received by being divided into a plurality of
levels.
[0087] The energy information 40 may be divided into time of use
(TOU) information, critical peak pattern (CPP) information or real
time pattern (RTP) information according to the change in the
pattern of data with respect to time.
[0088] According to the TOU information, a data is changed step by
step depending on time. According to the CPP information, a data is
changed step by step or in real time depending on time, and
emphasis is displayed at a specific point of time. According to RTP
information, a data is changed in real time depending on time.
[0089] In a case where the energy information is time-based pricing
information as an example, the time-based pricing information is
changed. The time-based pricing information may be
transmitted/received as a true or false signal such as a Boolean
signal on the network system, or may be transmitted/received as a
real price. Alternatively, the time-based pricing information may
be transmitted/received by being divided into a plurality of
levels.
[0090] In a case where the specific component 30 receives a true or
false signal such as a Boolean signal, one signal may be recognized
as an on-peak signal, and the other signal may be recognized as an
off-peak signal.
[0091] Alternatively, the specific component 30 may recognize
information on at least one drive, which contains the time-based
information, and may recognize an on-peak or off-peak signal by
comparing the value of the recognized information with the value of
reference information.
[0092] For example, in a case where the specific component 30
recognizes information divided into levels or real pricing
information, it recognizes an on-peak or off-peak signals by
comparing the value of the recognized information with the value of
reference information.
[0093] In this case, the value of the information on drive may be
at least one of time-based pricing, electric energy, the variation
of time-based pricing, the variation of electric energy, the
average of time-based pricing and the average of electric energy.
The value of reference information may be at least one of an
average, the average between maximum and minimum values of power
information during a predetermined period of time and the reference
variation of power information during the predetermined period of
time (e.g., the slope of consumed electric energy per unit
time).
[0094] The value of reference information may be determined in real
time or may be previously determined. The value of reference
information may be determined on the UAN or may be determined on
the HAN (a customer's direct input or an input from the energy
management component, the central management component or the
like).
[0095] In a case where the specific component 30 (e.g., the energy
consumption component) recognizes an on-peak signal (e.g., at a
point of time of recognition), an output may be determined as zero
(stop or maintenance of a stop state) or may be decreased. If
necessary, the output may be restored or increased. The driving
scheme of the specific component may be previously determined
before the specific component is operated, or may be changed when
the specific component recognizes an on-peak signal posterior to
the start of operation.
[0096] Alternatively, in a case where the specific component 30
recognizes an on-peak signal (e.g., at a point of time of
recognition), the output is maintained under an operable condition.
In this case, the operable condition means that the value of the
information on drive is less than a predetermined reference. The
value of the information on drive may be time-based pricing,
consumed electric energy, operation time, or the like. The
predetermined reference may be a relative or absolute value.
[0097] The predetermined reference may be determined in real time
or may be previously determined. The predetermined reference may be
determined on the UAN or may be determined on the HAN (a customer's
direct input or an input from the energy management component, the
central management component or the like).
[0098] Alternatively, in a case where the specific component 30
recognizes high-cost information, the output of the specific
component may be maintained or increased when the difference
between a state information value and a reference value is within a
predetermined range. For example, in a case where a compressor of a
refrigerator is not operated in a low-cost section, the temperature
of a cool chamber or freezing chamber is increased. Therefore, the
compressor is necessarily turned on when the temperature of the
cool chamber or freezing chamber approaches a reference
temperature. In a case where a high-cost section comes after the
compressor is turned on, the compressor maintains a current output
when the difference between the temperature of the cool chamber or
freezing chamber and the reference temperature is within a
predetermined range. In a case where a user selects a button for
cancelling power saving in the state that the specific component 30
recognizes the high-cost information, the output of the specific
component may be maintained.
[0099] Alternatively, in a case where the specific component 30
recognizes an on-peak signal (e.g., at a point of time of
recognition), the output may be increased. However, although the
output is increased at the point of time when the specific
component recognizes the on-peak signal, the total output amount of
the specific component during the entire drive period may be
decreased or maintained as compared with that when the specific
component is operated at a normal output level. Alternatively,
although the output is increased at the point of time when the
specific component recognizes the on-peak signal, the total
consumed power or total time-based pricing of the specific
component during the entire operation period may be decreased as
compared that when the specific component is operated at a normal
output level.
[0100] In a case where the specific component 30 recognizes an
off-peak signal (e.g., at a point of time of recognition), the
output may be increased. For example, in a case where the operation
reservation of the specific component is set up, the drive of the
specific component may be started before the setup time, or a
component having a large output among a plurality of components may
be first driven. In a case where the specific component is a
refrigerator, supercooling may be performed by increasing an output
as compared with the existing output (change in the state of cool
air that is a medium for performing the function of the
refrigerator). In a case where the specific component is a washing
machine or washer, hot water may be stored by driving a heater
earlier than the time when the heater is to be operated (storage of
hot water that is an additional medium for performing the function
of the washing machine or washer). Alternatively, in a case where
the specific component is a refrigerator, cool air may be stored in
a separate supercooling chamber by increasing an output as compared
with the existing output. Alternatively, in a case where the
specific component recognizes an off-peak signal (e.g., at a point
of time of recognition), electricity may be stored.
[0101] The curtailment information is information related to a mode
in which the specific component is stopped or a small amount of
time-based pricing is taken. As an example, the curtailment
information may be transmitted/received as a true or false signal
such as a Boolean signal on the network system.
[0102] If the specific component 30 recognizes curtailment
information, the output may be determined as zero (stop or
maintenance of a stop state) or may be decreased as described
above.
[0103] The grid emergency information is information related to a
power failure or the like. As an example, the grid emergency
information may be transmitted/received as a true or false signal
such as a Boolean signal on the network system. The information
related to a power failure or the like has a relation with the
reliability of a component using energy.
[0104] In a case where the specific component 30 recognizes grid
emergency information, it may be immediately shut down.
[0105] The grid reliability information is information related to
the supply amount of electricity supplied or information related to
the quality of electricity. The grid reliability information may be
transmitted/received as a true or false signal such as a Boolean
signal on the network system, or may be determined by a component
(e.g., an electric home appliance) through the frequency of AC
power supplied to the component.
[0106] That is, if a frequency lower than the frequency of AC power
supplied to the component is sensed, it may be determined that the
amount of electricity supplied is small (information on the
deficiency of the amount of electricity supplied). If a frequency
higher than the frequency of AC power supplied to the component is
sensed, it may be determined that the amount of electricity
supplied is large (information on the excess of the amount of
electricity supplied).
[0107] In a case where the specific component recognizes shortage
of the amount of electricity or poor quality of electricity in the
grid reliability information, an output may be determined as zero
(stop or maintenance of a stop state) or may be decreased. If
necessary, the output may be restored or increased.
[0108] On the other hand, in a case where the specific component
recognizes the information on the excess of the amount of
electricity supplied, the output may be increased, or the operation
may be converted from an off-state to an on-state.
[0109] The energy increment information is information related to a
state that surplus electricity is generated because the amount of
electricity used by a component is less than that of power
generation. As an example, the energy increment information may be
transmitted/received as a true or false signal such as a Boolean
signal on the network system.
[0110] In a case where the specific component 30 recognizes energy
increment information, the output may be increased. For example, in
a case where the operation reservation of the specific component is
set up, the drive of the specific component may be started before
the setup time, or a component having a large output among a
plurality of components may be first driven. In a case where the
specific component is a refrigerator, supercooling may be performed
by increasing an output as compared with the existing output. In a
case where the specific component is a washing machine or a washer,
hot water may be stored by driving a heater earlier than the time
when the heater is to be operated. Alternatively, in a case where
the specific component recognizes an off-peak signal (e.g., at a
point of time of recognition), electricity may be stored.
[0111] Meanwhile, in a case where the specific component 30 is the
energy storage component 13 or 23, the energy storage component 13
or 23 may store electricity by receiving the electricity supplied
from the UAN, for example, when electricity storage cost is smaller
than a predetermined value.
[0112] However, in a case where the energy storage component 23 is
connected to the energy generation component 21 that constitutes
the HAN, it may continuously store energy generated by the energy
generation component 21 until the electricity storage is completed.
That is, the energy generated while the energy generation component
21 generates energy may be stored in the energy storage component
23.
[0113] The presence of completion of the electricity storage is
determined while the energy storage component 13 or 23 stores
electricity. In a case where the electricity storage is completed,
the electricity supply for the electricity storage is cut off.
Specifically, the presence of completion of the electricity storage
may be determined using a sensor that senses the voltage,
temperature or current of the energy storage component 13 or 23.
The cutoff of the electricity supply may be performed using a
switch (or circuit breaker) provided to a supply stage through
which the electricity is supplied to the energy storage unit 13 or
23.
[0114] The electricity storage cost may be cost consumed in the
electricity storage for a specific time period or electricity cost
at a specific time.
[0115] As an example, in a case where the electricity storage cost
is in an off-peak section (in a case where the specific component
recognizes low-cost information which will be described later), the
energy storage component 13 or 23 may store electricity.
Alternatively, in a case where an on-peak section corresponds to an
allowance section (in a case where the specific component
recognizes high-cost information which will be described later),
the energy storage component 13 or 23 may store in the on-peak
section. In this instance, the allowance section is a section in
which a power consumption information value is less than a
predetermined reference. The power consumption information value
may be a electricity cost, a power consumption amount, a time
range, or the like. The predetermined reference may be a
predetermined cost, a predetermined power consumption amount, a
predetermined time, or the like. The predetermined reference may be
a relative value or absolute value, and may be changed
automatically or manually.
[0116] The energy storage component 13 or 23 may store a counter
electromotive force generated when an energy consumption component
that is rotatably operated or a motor provided to the energy
consumption component is stopped (rotated).
[0117] Alternatively, the energy storage component 13 or 23 may
store electricity using an energy consumption component that is
rotatably operated or a motor provided to the energy consumption
component. For example, in a case where the energy consumption
component is a refrigerator, the energy storage component 13 or 23
may store electricity generated when a fan motor provided to the
refrigerator is rotated (the fan motor may serve as a power
generator or may be connected to the power generator).
Alternatively, in a case where the energy consumption component is
a washing machine, the energy storage component 13 or 23 may store
electricity generated when a motor that rotates a drum for
accommodating the laundry is rotated. In a case where the energy
consumption component is a cooking appliance, the energy storage
component 13 or 23 may store electricity generated when a motor for
rotating a cooling fan is rotated. In a case where the energy
consumption component is an air cleaner, the energy storage
component 13 or 23 may store electricity generated when a motor for
rotating a fan is rotated. That is, in this embodiment, in a case
where a motor is provided regardless of the kind of the energy
consumption component, the energy storage component 13 or 23 may
store electricity generated when the motor is rotated.
Alternatively, in a case where a power generator is connected to a
fan rotated by the flow of air (natural flow or forcible flow), the
energy storage component 13 or 23 may store electricity generaged
by the power generator.
[0118] The electricity stored in the energy component 13 or 23 may
be supplied to one or more energy consumption components 26. In a
case where electricity cost is higher than a reference value, the
electricity stored in the energy component 13 or 23 may be supplied
to the energy consumption component 26. As an example, in a case
where the electricity cost is an on-peak (in a case where the
specific component recognizes the high-cost information), the
electricity stored in the energy storage component 13 or 23 may be
supplied to the energy consumption component 26. In a case where
the electricity cost is an off-peak (in a case where the specific
component recognizes the low-cost information) but is close to the
on-peak, the electricity stored in the energy storage component 13
or 21 may be supplied to the energy consumption component. If the
electricity stored in the energy storage component 13 or 23 is less
than a predetermined value, electricity generated in the energy
generation component 11 is supplied to the energy consumption
component. Thus, it is possible to prevent the operation of the
energy consumption component from being stopped due to the cutoff
of the electricity supply while the energy consumption component is
operated.
[0119] In a case where the supply of electricity generated in the
energy generation component 11 is cut off by interruption of
electric power, the electricity stored in the energy component 13
or 23 may be supplied to the energy consumption component. In a
case where the energy consumption component is an electric product,
the electricity stored in the energy storage component 13 or 23 may
be supplied to a communication unit or control unit provided to the
electric product.
[0120] The electricity stored in the energy component 13 or 23 may
be supplied to a portion of a plurality of energy consumption
components. As an example, the stored electricity may be supplied
to an electric product such as a refrigerator required in
continuous operation among a plurality of electric products.
Alternatively, the stored electricity may be supplied to an energy
consumption component with relatively low power among a plurality
of energy consumption components that constitute one electric
product. It will be apparent that the stored electricity is
supplied to an energy consumption component with high power.
Alternatively, when a course using a relatively small amount of
power is performed among a plurality of courses in which an
electric product is performed, the stored electricity may be
supplied. It will be apparent that the stored electricity may be
supplied even when a course using a large amount of power is
performed.
[0121] Meanwhile, in a case where electricity is generated and
stored by a fan or motor as described above, the electricity stored
in the energy storage component 13 or 23 may be supplied to an
energy consumption unit with relatively low power. As an example,
the electricity stored in the energy storage component 13 or 23 may
be supplied to an LED lamp, a display, a control unit, a
communication unit, a low-power heater, or the like. Alternatively,
in a case where the energy consumption component performs a
plurality of courses, the electricity stored in the energy storage
component 13 or 23 may be supplied to the energy consumption
component in a course that requires low power.
[0122] The energy storage component 23 may be built in connected to
one energy consumption component. Alternatively, a plurality of
energy storage components 23 may be built in or connected to a
plurality of energy consumption components, respectively.
Alternatively, a plurality of energy storage components 23 may be
built in or connected to one energy consumption component. The
plurality of energy storage components 23 may be connected to one
another to share the stored electricity.
[0123] Among the information related to energy, the on-peak
information, the curtailment information and information on the
deficiency of the amount of electricity supplied may be recognized
as high-cost information considered that energy cost is relatively
expensive. In this instance, the section in which the high-cost
information is recognized by the specific component may referred to
as a low-cost section.
[0124] On the other hand, among the information related to energy,
the off-peak information, the energy increment information and the
information on the excess of the amount of electricity supplied may
be recognized as low-cost information considered that energy cost
is relatively cheap. In this instance, the section in which the
low-cost information is recognized by the specific component may be
referred to as a low-cost section.
[0125] The information related to the fluctuation of the energy
cost (high-cost or low-cost information) may be recognized as
information for determining a power saving driving scheme of the
specific component (e.g., the energy consumption component). That
is, the information related to the fluctuation of the energy cost
may be recognized by dividing a time slot (time period) based on
energy cost or pricing period (pricing zone) for determining a
driving scheme of the specific component into at least two or
more.
[0126] A high period means a high price time period (period of high
cost) or a high pricing period and a low period means a low price
time period (period of low cost) and a low pricing period.
[0127] As an example, in a case where the information related to
energy is recognized as a Boolean signal, the time slot (time
period) based on energy cost or pricing period (pricing zone) for
determining a driving scheme of the specific component may be
divided into two. In a case where the information related to energy
is divided into a plurality of levels or recognized as real-time
information, the time period or pricing period may be divided into
three or more.
[0128] Meanwhile, the information related to energy cost
corresponding to at least time may be recognized as information for
determining a power saving driving scheme of the specific
component. That is, the information related to energy cost may be
recognized by dividing a time slot (time period) or pricing zone
(time period) into at least two or more. As described above, the
divided time period or pricing period may be determined based on
the kinds of the recognized information (the Bloolean signal, the
plurality of levels and the real-time information).
[0129] In other words, the information related to fluctuation of
energy cost may be recognized by dividing a determination factor
for driving the specific component into two or more, and functions
on time and energy cost may be included in the determination
factor.
[0130] In a case where the information related to energy cost is
divided into two levels or more, the driving scheme of the specific
component may be determined according to the information divided
into levels.
[0131] On the other hand, in a case where the recognized
information related to energy cost is not divided based on a
specific reference (e.g., real-time cost information), it is
compared with predetermined information, and the driving scheme of
the specific component may be determined based on the compared
result.
[0132] Here, the predetermined information may be reference
information (e.g. reference value) for dividing the information
related to energy cost, and the compared result may be whether not
the information related to energy cost is more or less than the
reference value.
[0133] Specifically, each of the kinds of information related to
energy may be divided into first information 41 that is raw
information, second information 42 that is refined information, and
third information 43 that is information for performing the
function of the specific component. That is, the first information
is a raw data, the second information is a refined data, and the
third information is a command for performing the function of the
specific component.
[0134] The information related to energy is included a signal, and
the signal is transmitted. In this instance, one or more of the
first to third information may be transmitted several times while
the content of the information is not converted but only the signal
including the information is converted.
[0135] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a component that receives a
signal including the first information may convert only the signal
and transmit a new signal including the first information to
another component.
[0136] Therefore, it is described in this embodiment that the
conversion of signal is a different concept from the conversion of
information. In this instance, it can be readily understood that
when the first information is converted into the second
information, the signal including the first information is also
converted into the signal including the second information.
[0137] However, the third information may be transmitted several
times in the state that the content of the third information is
converted or in the state that only the signal including the third
information is converted while the content of the third information
is identically maintained.
[0138] Specifically, in a case where the first information is raw
information on time-based pricing, the second information may be
refined information on the time-based pricing. The refined
information on the time-based pricing is information in which the
time-based pricing is divided into a plurality of levels or
analysis information. The third information is a command generated
based on the second information.
[0139] The specific component may generate, transmit or receive one
or more of the first to third information. The first to third
information are not necessarily transmitted or received in
sequence. Only a plurality of pieces of third information without
the first and second information may be transmitted in sequence or
parallel. 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.
[0140] As an example, in a case where the specific component
receives the first information, it may transmit the second
information or may transmit the second and third information.
[0141] In a case where the specific information receives only the
third information, it may generate and transmit new third
information.
[0142] Meanwhile, in the relation between two pieces of
information, one is a message and the other is a response for the
message. Thus, each of the components that constitute the network
system may transmit or receive a message. In a case where each of
the components receives a message, it may respond to the message.
Therefore, in the case of an individual component, the transmission
of a message is a relative concept with the response for the
message.
[0143] The message may include a data (first or second information)
and/or a command (third information).
[0144] The command (third information) may include a command for
storing the data, a command for generating the data, a command for
processing the data (including the generation of an additional
data), a command for generating an additional command, a command
for transmitting the additionally generated command, a command for
transmitting a received command, and the like.
[0145] In this specification, the response for the received message
means storage of the data, processing of the data (including
generation of an additional data), generation of a new command,
transmission of the newly generated command, simple transmission of
a received command (including generation of a command for
transmitting the received command to another component), operation,
transmission of the stored information, transmission of an
acknowledge message (acknowledge character or negative acknowledge
character), or the like.
[0146] For example, in a case where the message is first
information, the specific component that receives the first
information may generate second information by processing the first
information, or may generate the second information and new third
information, as a response for the message.
[0147] The specific component that receives the message may provide
a response related to energy. Here, the term "response" may be
understood as a concept including an operation through which the
specific component can perform a function. As an example, the HAN
20 may perform an operation related to energy by receiving a
message.
[0148] The response (operation) related to energy, provided by the
specific component, will be described in detail. For example, the
specific component may be an energy consumption component.
[0149] The energy consumption component may be driven so that the
energy cost when it is driven based on the recognition for energy
information is reduced as compared with that when it is driven
without the recognition for energy information.
[0150] The specific component may include a plurality of modes in
which it is driven to perform its own function. The plurality of
modes are a first mode and a second mode in which energy cost is
relatively saved as compared with that in the first mode. The
specific component may be driven in at least one of the first and
second modes.
[0151] Here, the first mode may be a general mode and the second
mode may be a power saving mode. Alternatively, the first and
second modes may all be power saving modes.
[0152] The general mode may be understood as a mode in which the
function of the specific component is performed without recognition
of energy information. On the other hand, the power saving mode may
be understood as a mode in which the function of the specific
component is performed based on the recognition of energy
information so as to save energy cost.
[0153] In a case where the first and second modes are power saving
modes, the first mode may be specified as a driving scheme for
saving energy cost and the second mode may be specified as a
driving scheme in which the energy cost in the second mode is more
saved than that in the first mode.
[0154] Meanwhile, in a case where the specific component (e.g., the
energy consumption component) is driven, at least a portion is
recognized in a driving scheme including at least drive time and
course. In this case, an unrecognized portion may be generated so
as to save energy cost, and a recognized portion may be converted
into another scheme.
[0155] For example, at least a portion of the driving scheme may be
recognized under the control of the energy management component,
the control of the energy consumption component, or the like. In a
case where a specific driving scheme is further required so as to
save energy cost, an unrecognized portion of the driving scheme may
be newly generated, and a recognized portion may be converted into
another scheme so as to save energy.
[0156] It will be apparent that the process of generating the
unrecognized portion may be omitted. In this case, the process of
converting the recognized portion into another scheme. On the other
hand, the process of converting the recognized portion into another
scheme may be omitted. In this case, the process of newly
generating the unrecognized portion may be performed.
[0157] The drive time may include a drive start time or drive end
time. The course may include a drive period of the specific
component and the power of the specific component.
[0158] The generated scheme or converted scheme may be a scheme
recommended by the specific component so as to save energy cost.
Here, the specific component may be an energy consumption component
(control component) or the energy management component.
[0159] As an example, in a case where the recognized scheme is a
specific drive time, the specific drive time may be converted into
another time so as to save energy cost, and a specific course may
be generated.
[0160] On the other hand, in a case where the recognized scheme is
a specific course, the specific course may be converted into
another course so as to save energy cost, and a specific time may
be generated.
[0161] Under the control described above, a change in time or power
may be made with respect to the output function of the specific
component based on time.
[0162] The generated scheme or converted scheme may be performed
within a set range. That is, in the process of recognizing at least
a portion of the driving scheme, the generation or conversion of
the driving scheme may be performed within a predetermined
reference in which the recognized portion appears (e.g.,
restriction set by a user, constraint set under the control of the
energy management component or energy consumption component, or the
like).
[0163] Therefore, in a case where the set range is out of the
predetermined reference, it is restricted to generate the
unrecognized portion or to convert the recognized portion into
another scheme.
[0164] Another embodiment is proposed.
[0165] Cost information may further included in the recognized
driving scheme. That is, in a case where the cost information is
recognized, a portion related to the drive time or course may be
generated. The generated driving scheme may be recommended.
[0166] Meanwhile, a response of the specific component based on the
information related to the fluctuation of the energy cost
(high-cost or low-cost information), e.g., a power control for
power saving driving, may be performed. An output decrease
(including an output of zero) or output increase may be included in
the output control.
[0167] It is as described above that the output is decreased or
zero, maintained or increased based on the recognition for the
information (on-peak or off-peak) related to energy cost.
[0168] If high-cost information is recognized, the output may be
zero or decreased. Specifically, the output in the recognition of
the high-cost information may be decreased as compared with that in
the recognition of low-cost information. As described above, the
decrease of the output may be previously determined before the
specific component is operated, or may be changed when the
high-cost information is recognized posterior to the start of the
operation of the specific component.
[0169] In a case where the output of the specific component is zero
or decreased, the function to be performed by the specific
component may be lost as compared with a normal case. Therefore, a
response for restoring the lost function may be performed.
[0170] As an example, after the output of the specific component is
decreased, the specific component may be controlled so that the
total operation time of the specific component is increased or so
that the output is increased in at least a time period.
[0171] In other words, if specific reference information related to
energy information is recognized in a period after the output of
the specific component is controlled, the response for controlling
the output may be released. Here, the term "period" may be divided
based on a point of time when the high-cost information is
recognized.
[0172] The total operation time may be understood as a time
approaching a specific target in the process of performing the
function of the specific component. As an example, in a case where
the specific component is an electric appliance (washing machine,
drying machine, cooking appliance or the like) intermittently
driven (or driven in a specific course), the total operation time
may be understood as a time until a corresponding course is
completed.
[0173] On the other hand, in a case where the specific component is
an electric appliance (refrigerator, water purifier, or the like)
driven at normal times, the total operation time may be understood
as a time approaching a target set for performing the function of
the specific component. For example, the set target may be a target
temperature, a target amount of ice produced, or a target amount of
clean water in the refrigerator.
[0174] The total operation time may be increased as compared with
the operation time set before the output of the specific component
is decreased. In a case where the output of the specific component
is not decreased, the total operation time may be increased as
compared with the operation time of the specific component.
However, although the total operation time of the specific
component is increased, the specific component is controlled so
that the total energy cost generated through the drive of the
specific component can be saved as compared with that when the
output of the specific component is not decreased.
[0175] If the high-cost information is recognized, the output of
the specific component may be increased.
[0176] However, although the output is increased at a point of time
when the high-cost information is recognized, the total output of
the specific component during the entire driving period may be
decreased or maintained as compared with that when the specific
component is operated under a normal output. Alternatively,
although the output is increased at a point of time when the
high-cost information is recognized, the total power consumption or
total time-based pricing of the specific component during the
entire driving period may be decreased as compared with that when
the specific component is operated under the normal output.
[0177] If the low-cost information is recognized, the output of the
specific component may be increased. For example, in a case where
the operation reservation of the specific component is set up, the
driving of the specific component may be started before the setup
time, or a component having a large output in a plurality of
components may be first driven. In a case where the specific
component is a refrigerator, supercooling may be performed by
increasing an output as compared with the existing output. In a
case where the specific component is a washing machine or a washer,
hot water may be stored by driving a heater earlier than the time
when the heater is to be operated. Alternatively, in a case where
the specific component recognizes an off-peak signal (e.g., at a
point of time of recognition), electricity may be stored.
[0178] Meanwhile, in a case of a specific condition (additional
condition) is generated based on the information related to the
fluctuation of the energy cost (high-cost or low-cost information),
the response of the specific component, e.g., the output control
for power saving driving, may be limited. That is, the output of
the specific component may be maintained.
[0179] Here, the term "limitation" may be understood as the release
of the output control performed or not performed.
[0180] The specific condition includes a case where influence on
energy cost is minute even though the output control of the
specific component is not performed or a case where it is necessary
to prevent a function to be performed by the specific component
from being degraded when the output of the specific component is
controlled.
[0181] Whether or not the influence on the energy cost is minute
may be determined based on a predetermined reference (time-based
pricing, power consumption or information on operation time). The
predetermined reference may be a relative or absolute value.
[0182] The case where the function to be performed by the specific
component is degraded may be considered as a case where the
specific component is a defrosting heater, for example.
[0183] In a case where it is controlled to decrease the output in a
high-cost time period and to increase the output in the low-cost
time period, the driving of the defrosting heater is more
frequently performed than that during a normal time (setup period).
In this case, the temperature of a storage room in the refrigerator
is increased, and thus, the control of the output can be
limited.
[0184] Meanwhile, the specific component 30 may include a display
unit 31 for displaying information. In this embodiment, the term
"information display" means that visual, auditory, olfactory and
tactile information is known to the outside. 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 cable or radio.
[0185] All the information (energy information or additional
information except the energy information) described above may be
displayed in the display unit 31. One of the energy information and
additional information may be displayed, or two or more pieces of
information may be simultaneously displayed. That is, two or more
pieces of information may be simultaneously displayed in the
display unit 31. As an example, in a case where two or more pieces
of information are simultaneously displayed, any one of the
information is selected. Then, the selected screen may be enlarged,
and the unselected screen may reduced. As another example, if any
one of the two or more pieces of information is selected, the
selected screen may be enlarged, and the unselected screen may
disappear. In a case where specific information is selected and the
selected screen is enlarged, information more specific that the
previous information or information different from the previous
information may be displayed on the enlarged screen. For example,
in a case where the selected information is a character, graphic
information may be displayed on the enlarged screen, or two or more
pieces of information may be sequentially displayed on the enlarged
screen. In a case where two or more pieces of information are
displayed in the display unit 31, two or more relative positions
may be varied.
[0186] Information except energy cost information and energy cost
may be displayed in the display unit 31. The energy cost
information may include current cost, past cost or estimated cost
in the future. The energy cost information may include not only
information on cost information in a specific period or time but
also information on cost used with respect to the operation of a
component, cost used in the present, cost to be used (estimation
cost), or the like.
[0187] The information except the energy cost information may
include information on energy reduction, emergency situation, grid
safety, power generation quantity, operation priority, energy
consumption, energy supply amount, information (e.g., cost change
rate, average cost, levle or the like) newly generated based on two
or more pieces of information (one or more pieces of energy cost
information and/or information except the one or more pieces of
energy cost information), and the like. In this instance, the
energy consumption may be energy consumption used two or more HANs,
and may be simultaneously or selectively displayed.
[0188] The information on energy consumption may include
information on past consumption, current consumption and estimated
consumption in the future. The information on energy consumption
may include information on accumulated consumption for a specific
period (time), average consumption, increasing rate of consumption,
decreasing rate of consumption, maximum consumption, minimum
consumption, and the like.
[0189] 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 related to a user using the one or more
components. The environment information may include one or more of
information related to carbon dioxide emission rate, concentration
of carbon dioxide in air, temperature, humidity, precipitation,
presence of rainfall, amount of solar radiation, amount of
wind.
[0190] In addition to the information described above, information
refined based on at least one information or newly generated
information may also be displayed in the display unit 31.
[0191] In a case where the specific component 30 is the energy
storage component 13 or 23, the presence of use of the stored
electricity, the remaining amount of the store electricity and the
like may be displayed. If the remaining amount of the stored
electricity is less than a predetermined value, alarm information
may be displayed.
[0192] The information displayed in the display unit 31 may include
one or more of information on number, character, sentence, figure,
shape, symbol, image and light. The information displayed in the
display unit 31 may include one or more of information on graph for
each time or period, level, table. One or more of the shape, color,
brightness, size, position, alarm period, alarm time of the
information displayed in the display unit 31 may be varied.
[0193] A currently operable function (or menu) may be displayed in
the display unit 31. Alternatively, among a plurality of functions,
operable and inoperable function may be divided by size, color,
position and the like, and then displayed in the display unit 31.
Alternatively, in a case where separate input units are provided,
only an input units for selecting an operable function may be
activated, or an input unit for selecting an operable function and
an input unit for selecting an inoperable function may be displayed
in different colors.
[0194] The target or display method of information displayed in the
display unit 31 may be set and changed by a user, or may be changed
automatically.
[0195] In a case where a condition for informing the user of
information is satisfied, specific information may be displayed in
the display unit 31. It will be apparent that a portion of a
plurality pieces of information may be continuously displayed in
the state that a component is turned on. The display time of the
information may be changed or set automatically or manually.
[0196] If specific information (one or more pieces of information)
is selected using the input unit, the selected information may be
displayed. If a user contacts a portion of a component, e.g., an
input unit, a handle, a display or the like, regardless of
information display selection, or operates one or more buttons or
knobs that constitute the input unit, a portion of the information
may be displayed. In this instance, the information to be displayed
may be set or changed. It will be apparent that a sensing unit for
sensing a user's contact may be provided to the component.
Alternatively, the specific information may be displayed by
installation environment or variation of outdoor environment.
Alternatively, the specific information may be displayed when the
specific component receives new information. Alternatively, the
specific information may be displayed when the kind or state of the
specific component is changed. As an example, if a light emitting
unit is turned off in an off-peak section and an on-peak section
comes, the light emitting unit may be turned on. Alternatively, the
specific information may be automatically displayed when the
operation or state of the component is changed. As an example, in a
case where the mode of the component is changed, information
related to the changed mode may be automatically displayed.
[0197] Meanwhile, the display unit 31 may be separably connected or
fixed to the component 30. In a case where the display unit 31 is
separable from the component 30, it may perform wired or wireless
communication with the component 30 (or control unit of the
component). In a case where the display unit 31 is fixed to the
component 30, it may also perform wired or wireless communication
with the component 30.
[0198] In a case where the display unit 31 is separable from the
component 30, a communication unit and an input unit for inputting
or selecting information may be provided to the display unit 31.
Thus, information can be inputted or selected through the input
unit in the state that the display unit 31 is separated from the
component 30. The communication unit may be provided to the
component 30, and only the display unit 31 may be separated from
the component 30. The display unit 31 may be the energy management
component 24, the energy metering component 25 or the central
management component 27, or may be a separate control
apparatus.
[0199] In a case where the display unit 31 is provided with a
communication unit, a communication unit may also provided to the
component 30. In a case where the display unit 31 and the component
30 are in the state that they are communicated with each other and
information is transmitted/receive through a communication signal,
the display unit 31 may be used. That is, in a case where the
intensity of a signal is secured so that information can be
included in the communication signal, the display unit 31 may be in
an available state. On the other hand, in a case where the display
unit 31 is not communicated with the component 30 or information is
not included in the communication signal due to the weak intensity
of the signal, the display unit may be in an unavailable state. One
of the display unit 31 and the component 30 transmits a
communication signal, and the other of the display unit 31 and the
component 30 transmits a response signal. The presence of use of
the display unit 31 may be determined by the presence of reception
of the communication and response signals and the signal intensity.
That is, in a case where any one of the display unit 31 and the
component 30 does not receive a signal or the intensity of received
signal is less than a reference intensity, it may be determined
that the display unit 31 is unavailable. Any one of the display
unit 31 and the component 30 may increase the intensity of a
transmission signal until it receives a response signal of which
intensity is more than the reference intensity.
[0200] Information for informing the user of the presence of use of
the display unit 31 may be displayed in the display unit 31 or the
component 30. If it is recognized that the display unit 31 is
unavailable, the component 30 may be controlled to increase its
unique performance, to perform a door locking function or to limit
its operation. Alternatively, the power of the component may be off
while maintaining the power of a communication apparatus (modem)
required to perform communication in the network system.
Alternatively, the power of the component may be off while
maintaining only a memory function for storing the state
information of the component.
[0201] Meanwhile, sensors may be provided to the respective display
unit 31 and component 30 so as to sense the presence of mounting of
the display unit 31. As an example, the presence of mounting of the
display unit 31 may be determined when the component 30 is
operated. Each of the sensors may be a vibration sensor for sensing
vibration. If the display unit 31 is mounted on the component 30,
vibration generated in the operation of the component 30 can be
transferred to the display unit 31. Therefore, in a case where the
difference between the values of vibrations respectively sensed by
the sensors is less than a predetermined value, it may be
recognized that the display unit 31 is mounted on the component 30.
If it is recognized that the display unit 31 is mounted on the
component 30, the operation of the component 30 may be controlled
so that vibration or noise generated in the operation of the
component 30 is decreased. As an example, in a case where the
component 30 is a washing machine or drier, the rotation speed of a
motor may be decreased. In a case where the component 30 is a
refrigerator, the driving period of a compressor may be decreased.
On the contrary, if it is recognized that the display unit 31 is
separated from the component 30, the component may be controlled to
increase its unique performance, to perform a door locking function
or to limit its operation.
[0202] As another example, each of the sensor may be a temperature
sensor. In a case where the difference between the values of
temperatures respectively sensed by the sensors is less than a
predetermined value, it may be recognized that the display unit 31
is mounted on the component 30.
[0203] In the state that the display unit 31 is separated from the
component 30, an auxiliary display unit may be provided to the
component 30 so as to enable the operation of the component 30. The
presence of operation of the auxiliary display unit may be
determined based on the presence of use of the display unit 31. As
an example, if the display unit 31 is separated from the component
30 or is unavailable, the auxiliary display unit may be turned
on.
[0204] FIG. 4 is a view showing the communication structure of two
components that constitute the network system according to a first
embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the detailed
configuration of a communication device that constitutes a
communication unit.
[0205] Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, first and second component 61
and 62 that constitute the network system may perform wired or
wireless communication by means of a communication unit 50. The
first and second components 61 and 62 may perform unidirectional or
bidirectional communication.
[0206] In a case where the two components 61 and 62 perform wired
communication, the communication unit 50 may be a simple
communication line or power line communication means. It will be
apparent that the power line communication means may include
communicators (e.g., a modem or the like) respectively connected to
the two components.
[0207] In a case where the two components 61 and 62 perform
wireless communication, the communication unit 50 may include a
first communicator 51 connected to the first component 61 and a
second communicator 52 connected to the second component 62. In
this case, the first and second communicators 51 and 52 perform
wireless communication with each other.
[0208] As an example, if any one of the first and second
communicators is powered on, one of the two communicators may
transmit a network participation request signal, and the other of
the two communicators may transmit a permission signal. As another
example, if any one of the first and second communicators is
powered on, the powered-on communicator may transmit a network
participation request signal to a communicator previously
participated in the network, and the communicator that receives the
request signal may transmit a permission signal to the powered-on
communicator.
[0209] In a case where a communicator that recognizes energy
information determines that an error occurs in the received
information in the state that a specific component participates in
the network, the information is re-requested. For example, in a
case where the first communicator receives energy information from
the second communicator but an error occurs in the received
information, the first communicator may request the second
communicator to re-transmit the energy information. If the first
communicator does not receive normal information for a
predetermined time or number of times, it is determined that the
first communicator has an error. In this case, information for
informing a user of the error may be displayed in the first
communicator or the first component 61.
[0210] The first component 61 may be a component that constitutes
the UAN 10 or a component that constitutes the HAN 20.
[0211] The second component 62 may be a component that constitutes
the UAN 10 or a component that constitutes the HAN 20.
[0212] The first and second components 61 and 62 may be the same
kind of component or different kinds of components.
[0213] Components may be joined in the UAN 10 or the HAN 20.
[0214] Specifically, addresses may be assigned to a plurality of
components, e.g., first and second components, respectively. Here,
the addresses are necessary for performing communication between
the components and can be mapped to at least a group.
[0215] The address may be understood as values respectively
converted from the unique code of the first or second component.
That is, at least a portion of the components that constitute the
network system may have an unchangeable/unique code, and the code
may be converted into an address for building a network.
[0216] In other words, product codes for at least some of the
plurality of components capable of constituting first and second
networks may be converted into different network codes based on the
constituted networks.
[0217] As an example, the product code may be a unique code
determined in production of electric appliances or a code
separately provided for the registration of a network. The product
code may be converted into an identity (ID) for identifying a
network to which the electric appliance is to be registered.
[0218] The first and second networks may be networks that
constitute the UAN 10 or networks that constitute the HAN 20. On
the other hand, the first and second networks may be the UAN 10 and
the HAN 20, respectively. Alternatively, the first and second
networks may be the HAN 20 and the UAN 10, respectively.
[0219] A first component and a second component for allowing the
first component to participate in the network may be included in
the plurality of components that constitute the network. For
example, the first component may be an electric appliance and the
second component may be a server.
[0220] Any one of the first and second components transmits a
request signal for participating in the network, and the other of
the first and second components may transmit a permission
signal.
[0221] That is, a signal may be transmitted/received between the
first and second components, and whether or not to participate in
the network may be determined based on the transmission time or
number of the signal.
[0222] As an example, the first component transmits a test signal
to the second component, and it is determined whether or not a
response signal from the second component is transmitted to the
first component. In a case where the response signal is not
transmitted, the first component re-transmits the test signal, and
it is re-determined whether or not a response signal from the
second component is transmitted to the first component. By
repeating such a process, if the transmission number of the test
signal exceeds the setting number of the test signal, it may be
determined that the second component does not participate in the
network.
[0223] Meanwhile, the first component may transmit the test signal
to the second component. If a response signal from the second
component is not transmitted within a setup time, it may be
determined that the second component does not participate in the
network.
[0224] The first and second communicators 51 and 52 may have the
same structure. Hereinafter, the first and second communicators 51
and 52 will be referred to as a communicator 51 and 52.
[0225] The communicator 51 and 52 may include a first communication
part 511 for communication with the first component 61, a second
communication part 512 for communication with the second component
62, a memory 513 for storing information received from the first
component 61 and information received from the second component 62,
a processor 516 for performing information processing, and a power
supply 517 for supplying power to the communicator 51 and 52.
[0226] Specifically, the communication language (or scheme) of the
first communication part 511 may be identical to or different from
that of the second communication part 512.
[0227] Two kinds of information respectively received from the two
components may be stored in the memory 513. The two kinds of
information may be stored in a single sector or may be respectively
stored in sectors. In any case, an area in which the information
received from the first component 61 may be referred to as a first
memory 514, and an area in which the information received from the
second component 62 may be referred to as a second memory 515.
[0228] The processor 516 may generate first information or generate
second and third information based on information received from the
component or another communicator.
[0229] As an example, in a case where the communicator 51 and
receives the first information, it may generate information or
sequentially generate the information and the second information by
processing a data. Alternatively, in a case where the communicator
51 and 52 receives the first information, it may generate the
second and third information by processing a data. In a case where
the communicator 51 and 52 receives the third information, it may
new third information.
[0230] For example, in a case where the second component is an
energy consumption component (electric home appliance, component
that constitutes the electric home appliance, or the like), the
second communicator may generate a command for reducing energy
consumption. In a case where the second component is an energy
generation component, energy distribution component or energy
storage component, the second communicator 52 may generate a
command for energy generation time, generation amount, energy
distribution time, distribution amount, energy storage time,
storage amount or the like. In this case, the second communicator
52 serves as an energy management component.
[0231] The power supply 517 may receive electricity supplied from
the components 61 and 62 or may receive electricity supplied from a
separate power source. Alternatively, the power supply 517 may be a
battery or the like.
[0232] FIG. 6 is a view showing a communication performing process
between a specific component and a communication device according
to the first embodiment.
[0233] Hereinafter, for convenience of illustration, a
communication performing process between the second component 62
and the second communicator 52 will be described as an example. A
communication performing process between the first component 61 and
the first communicator 51 may be identically applied to that
between the second component 62 and the second communicator 62.
[0234] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the second communicator 52
receives a message from the first communicator 51. The second
communicator 52 may receive a message in real time or by periods
without transmitting a request for the message to the first
communicator 51, or may receive a message as a response for the
request for the message to the first communicator 51.
Alternatively, the second communicator 52 may receive a message by
requesting information to the first communicator 51 at a point of
time when it is initially turned on. Then, the second communicator
52 may receive information in real time or by periods from the
first communicator 51 without a request for information.
[0235] The information received from the first communicator 51 is
stored in the memory 513. The second communicator 52 transmits a
message to the second component 62 as a response for the message.
In this instance, the message transmitted to the second component
62 relates to new information different from the information
previously stored in the memory 513, or information generated in
the processor 516.
[0236] Then, the second component 62 transmits an acknowledge
character (ack) or negative acknowledge character (Nak) to the
second communicator 52 as a response for the message. The second
component 62 performs a function (generation of a command,
operation, or the like) based on the received information, or waits
for performing the function.
[0237] Meanwhile, the second communicator 52 requests component
information to the second component 62 in real time or by periods.
As an example, the component information may be component state
information or information on a component unique code, a
manufacturer, a service name code, an electricity use amount, and
the like. Then, the second component 62 transmits component
information to the second communicator 52 as a response for the
request. The component information is stored in the memory 513 of
the second communicator 52.
[0238] If the second communicator 52 receives a message for
requesting the component information from the first communicator
51, it transmits the component information stored in the memory 513
to the first communicator 51 as a response for the message.
Alternatively, the second communicator 52 transmits the component
information stored in the memory 513 to the first communicator 51
in real time or by periods.
[0239] The second communicator 52 may transmit the information of
the first component, stored in the memory, to the first component
together with the information received from 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.
[0240] The second communicator 52 stores the information of the
second component 62 in the memory 513. Hence, in a case where the
second communicator 52 receives a message for requesting the
component information from the first communicator 51, it transmits
the component information stored in the memory 513 directly to the
first communicator 51 without a request for information to the
second component 62, and thus, the communication load of the second
component 62 can be reduced. That is, the second component becomes
a virtual component.
[0241] FIG. 7 is a view showing a communication performing process
between a specific component and a communication device according
to a second embodiment.
[0242] Hereinafter, for convenience of illustration, a
communication performing process between the second component 62
and the second communicator 52 will be described as an example. A
communication performing process between the first component 61 and
the first communicator 51 may be identically applied to that
between the second component 62 and the second communicator 62.
[0243] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the second communicator 52
receives a message from the first communicator 51. The second
communicator 52 may receive a message in real time or by periods
without transmitting a request for the message to the first
communicator 51, or may receive a message as a response for the
request for the message to the first communicator 51.
Alternatively, the second communicator 52 may receive a message by
requesting information to the first communicator 51 at a point of
time when it is initially turned on. Then, the second communicator
52 may receive information in real time or by periods from the
first communicator 51 without a request for information.
[0244] If the second communicator 52 receives a message for
requesting information from the second component 62, it transmits a
message to the second component 62 as a response for the message
for requesting the information. In this instance, the message
transmitted to the second component 62 relates to new information
different from the information previously stored in the memory 513,
or information generated in the processor 516. Alternatively, the
information transmitted to the second component 62 may be
information received from the first component.
[0245] The second component 62 performs a function based on the
received information or waits for performing the function.
[0246] Meanwhile, the second component 62 transmits component
information to the second component 62 in real time or by periods.
As an example, the component information may be component state
information or information on a component unique code, a
manufacturer, a service name code, an electricity use amount, and
the like.
[0247] As described above, the electric use amount may be detected
by the smart meter. In a case where the electricity use amount is
included in the information of the second component 62, the
correction of an actual electricity use amount may be performed by
comparing the information of the second component 62 with the
information of the smart meter.
[0248] Then, the second communicator 52 stores the information of
the second component 62 in the memory 513, and transmits an
acknowledge character (ack) or negative acknowledge character (Nak)
to the second component 62 as a response for the message.
[0249] If the second communicator 52 receives a message for
requesting component information from the first communicator 51, it
transmits the information of the second component 62, stored in the
memory 513, to the first communicator 51 as a response for the
message. Alternatively, the second communicator 52 the information
of the second component 62, stored in the memory 513, to the first
communicator 51 in real time or by periods.
[0250] The second communicator 52 stores the information of the
second component 62 in the memory 513. Hence, in a case where the
second communicator 52 receives the message for requesting the
component information from the first communicator 51, it transmits
the information stored in the memory 513 directly to the first
communicator 51 without transmitting a request for information to
the second component 62, and thus, the communication load of the
second component 62 can be reduced. That is, the second
communicator 52 becomes a virtual component.
[0251] <Applications>
[0252] In the following descriptions, the first and second
components may be reversed to each other, and therefore,
overlapping descriptions will be omitted. For example, in a case
where the first component is an electric home appliance and the
second component is an energy management component, description in
a case where the first component is an energy management component
and the second component is an electric home appliance will be
omitted.
[0253] Information transmitted/received by each of the components
may be all the information described above. Particularly, specific
information may be transmitted/received for each of the
components.
[0254] The energy generation components 11 and 21 may
transmit/receive information related to energy generation amount,
and the like. The energy distribution components 12 and 22 may
transmit/receive information related to energy distribution amount,
distribution time, and the like. The energy storage components 13
and 23 may transmit/receive information related to energy storage
amount, storage time, and the like. The energy metering components
15 and 25 may transmit/receive information related to energy
consumption amount, and the like. The energy management components
14 and 24 may transmit/receive information related to energy
generation, distribution, storage, consumption, cost, reliability,
emergency situation, and the like.
[0255] (1) Case where Second Component is One Component of HAN
[0256] The second component 62 may be an energy consumption
component 26, e.g., a heater, motor, compressor, display or the
like. In this case, the first component 61 may be a MICOM or energy
consumption component 26 as an example. The MICOM or energy
consumption component 26 may transmit a message for reducing energy
consumption to another energy consumption component 26. Then, the
another energy consumption component 26 may perform an operation
for reducing energy, for example.
[0257] As another example, the energy consumption component 26 may
be an electric home appliance. In this case, the first component 61
may be an energy storage component 23, an energy consumption
component 26 (electric home appliance), an energy management
component 24, an energy metering component 25, a central management
component 27, a web server component 28, or a component that
constitutes the UAN 10.
[0258] In this instance, an energy management function may be
included or not included in the first component 61 except the
energy management component 24.
[0259] In a case where an energy management function or solution is
not included in the first component 61, it may be included in the
communication unit or may be included in the MICOM of the second
component 62. In this case, the energy management function is
related to the consumption of energy.
[0260] As still another example, the second component 62 may be an
energy generation component 21, an energy distribution component 22
or an energy storage component 23. In this case, the first
component 61 may be an energy management component 24, a central
management component 27, a web server component 28 or a component
that constitutes the UAN 10.
[0261] A message may be transmitted to the second component 62.
Here, the message may include energy generation time, generation
amount or the like, energy distribution time, distribution amount
or the like, and energy storage time, storage amount or the
like.
[0262] In this instance, an energy management function may be
included or not included in the first component 61 except the
energy management component 24.
[0263] In a case where an energy management function or solution is
not included in the first component 61, it may be included in the
communication unit. In this case, the energy management function is
related to the generation, distribution and storage of energy.
[0264] As still another example, the second component may be an
energy metering component 25. In this case, the first component 61
may be a central management component 27, a web server component 28
or a component that constitutes the UAN 10.
[0265] An energy management function may be included or not
included in the energy metering component. In a case where the
energy management function is included in the energy metering
component 25, the energy metering component 25 performs the same
operation as the EMS.
[0266] In a case where an energy management function or solution is
included in the energy metering component 25, it may be included in
the communication unit or may be included in the second component
62.
[0267] As still another example, the second component 62 may be a
central management component 27. In this case, the first component
61 may be a web server component 28 or a component that constitutes
the UAN 10.
[0268] (2) Case where Second Component is One Component of UAN
[0269] The first component 61 may be a component that constitutes
the UAN 10. In this case, the first and second components 61 and 62
may be the same kind of component or different kinds of
components.
[0270] An energy management function may be included in the first
component 61, the second component 62 or the communication
unit.
[0271] The energy management function included in a specific
component or the energy management function included in the energy
management component 14 may be related to generation amount,
distribution amount, storage amount, energy use amount of a
component that constitutes the HAN 20.
[0272] In this specification, an example capable of constituting
the network system has been described. However, any component not
mentioned in this specification may be a first or second component
that performs communication through the communication unit. For
example, an automobile may be a second component, and the energy
management component 24 may be a first component.
[0273] (3) Case where One of First and Second Components
Communicates with Third Component
[0274] Although the communication between two components has been
described in the aforementioned examples, each of the first and
second components may perform communication with one or more
components (a third component to an n-th component).
[0275] In this case, the relation of the first or second component
that performs communication with the third component and the like
may be one of the aforementioned examples.
[0276] For example, the first component may be a component that
constitutes the UAN, the second component may be an energy
management component 24 that communicates with the first component,
and the third component may be an energy consumption component 26
that communicates with the second component. In this instance, one
or more of the three components may communicate with another
component.
[0277] In this specification, the first to n-th components may be
components that constitute the UAN or components that constitute
the HAN. Alternatively, a portion of the components may be
components that constitute the UAN, or another portion of the
components may be components that constitute the HAN.
[0278] Hereinafter, third and fourth embodiments will be described.
A difference between these embodiments and the aforementioned
embodiments will be mainly described, and descriptions and
reference numerals will be quoted to elements of these embodiments
identical to those of the aforementioned embodiments.
[0279] FIG. 8 is a view showing the communication structure of
components that constitute the network system according to a third
embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the detailed
configuration of a first component in FIG. 8.
[0280] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a first component 70 may
communicate with second to fifth components 82, 83, 84 and 85.
Hereinafter, it will be described as an example that the first
component 70 is a central management component (home server), the
second and third components 82 and 83 are energy consumption
components (electric home appliances), the fourth component 84 is
an energy metering component (smart meter), and the fifth component
85 is a component that constitutes the UAN. The components may
communicate with each other by means of a communication unit. In
the network system illustrated in FIG. 8, each of the components is
directly connected to the first component 70 to communicate with
the first component 70. However, in a case where each of the
components 82, 83, 84 and 85 is connected to new components to
communicate with the new components, the network system may be
extended and operated by the new components.
[0281] The second and third components 82 and 83 may be the same
kind of component or different kinds of components. In this
embodiment, it will be described as an example that the second and
third components 82 and 83 are different kinds of energy
consumption components.
[0282] The first component 70 may simply transmit 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 may
process the received information and transmit the processed
information.
[0283] The first component 70 may simply transmit information
received from the second component 82 and/or the third component 83
to the fourth component 84 and/or the fifth component 85 (a signal
may be converted), or may process the received information and
transmit the processed information (the information is
converted.
[0284] The first component 70 includes a communication unit 760 for
performing communication with another component, a central manager
710 for managing the entire operation and/or information processing
of the first component, and an application programming interface
720 (hereinafter, referred to as an PI? for performing an interface
between the communication unit 760 and the central manager 710
(specifically, application software).
[0285] The communication unit 760 includes a first communication
part 762 for performing communication with the second and third
components 82 and 83, a second communication part 764 for
performing communication with the fourth component 84, and a third
communication part 766 for performing communication with the fifth
component 85.
[0286] In this instance, the first and second communication parts
762 and 764 may use different communication protocols from each
other. As an example, the first communication part 762 may use
Zigbee and the second communication part 764 may use Wi-fi. In this
embodiment, the kind of communication protocol or method used by
the first and second communication parts 762 and 764 is not
limited. The third communication component 766 may use Internet
communication as an example.
[0287] 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 part 766, and the
first API 722 is an interface between the first communication part
762 and the central manager 710. The second API 724 is an interface
between the second communication part 762 and the central manager
710.
[0288] The first component 70 further includes a local manager 740
and an interpreter 750. In a case where the information to be
transmitted/received between the API 720 and the communication unit
760 is information related to operations of energy consumption
components (electric home appliances), the local manager 740
outputs information corresponding to the respective energy
consumption components. The interpreter 750 interprets information
transmitted from the local manager 740 to the communication unit
760 or information received in the communication unit 760. The
information outputted from the interpreter 750 is used to set or
get values of information related to the respective energy
consumption components.
[0289] The local manager 740 includes a memory (not shown) in which
information related to one or more energy consumption components is
stored. Alternatively, the local manager 740 may be connected to a
memory in which information related to one or more energy
consumption components is stored. The information related to each
of the energy consumption components may include operation
information of each of the energy consumption components and
information for controlling the energy consumption components. The
information related to each of the energy consumption components
may further include software download information for operating
each of the energy consumption components and information for
remote controlling/monitoring.
[0290] As an example, in a case where a plurality of energy
consumption components include a washing machine, a refrigerator
and a cooking appliance, information related to each of the energy
consumption components is stored in the memory. The information
related to each of the energy consumption components may be changed
as components connected to the network system are changed.
[0291] If a signal is transmitted from the API 720 to the local
manager 740, information corresponding to a specific energy
consumption component is outputted. In a case where a plurality of
energy consumption components exist, information on the plurality
of energy consumption components is outputted. The interpreter 750
interprets the information transmitted from the local manager 740
into a machine language so as to transmit the information to the
energy consumption components. The machine language may be a signal
used to set or get the operation information of the energy
consumption components.
[0292] The information transmission process in the first component
70 will be described.
[0293] As an example, the first component 70 may receive energy
information (e.g., an energy reduction signal: first command) from
the forth component 45 through the second communication part 764.
The received energy information is transmitted to the central
manager 710 through the second API 724. In the process of
information transmission between the second API 724 and the central
manager 710, only a signal including the information is converted,
and the content of the information is not converted.
[0294] Since the energy information is information related to the
energy consumption reduction of the energy consumption components,
the central manager 710 transmits information (second command)
related to operations of the energy consumption components to the
API 720. As an example, the central manager 710 transmits
information necessary for turning off power of the washing machine
or refrigerator.
[0295] Then, the information is transmitted from the first API 722
to the local manager 740.
[0296] The local manager 740 transmits information (third command)
for controlling the operation of each of the energy consumption
components to the interpreter 750 based on the information
transmitted from the first API 722. As an example, in a case where
the information transmitted from the first API 722 is information
having different kinds of energy consumption components as targets,
the local manager 740 transmits information related to the control
of each of the energy consumption components to the interpreter
750. In this case, since the local manager 740 receives the second
command and outputs the third command, the information inputted to
the local manager 740 is converted and outputted by the local
manager 740.
[0297] Subsequently, the interpreter 750 interprets the information
transmitted from the local manager 740 into a machine language
(signal). Then, the converted signal is transmitted to the target
energy consumption components (second and third components) through
the first communication part 762. Then, the energy consumption
components (second and third components) are finally turned off so
as to reduce energy.
[0298] Although it has been described above that the first
component receives information through the second communication
part, the first component may receive information through the third
component so that the information related to the energy consumption
components is outputted.
[0299] Meanwhile, the second and third components 82 and 83 may
transmit their own operation information to the first component 70.
Since the information transmitted from the second and third
components 82 and 83 is information related to operations of the
energy consumption components, the signal received in the first
communication part 762 is transmitted to the central manager 710
via the interpreter 750, the local manager 760 and the first API
722. In such an information transmission process, the information
related to the second and third components 82 and 83 is stored in
the local manager 740. In this embodiment, since the information
related to the energy consumption components is stored in the local
manager, the local manager may be understood as a virtual energy
consumption component (abstraction model).
[0300] The central manager 710 may transmit the received
information to the second communication part 764 and/or the third
communication part 766.
[0301] The operation of the first component will be described. The
information received through the communication unit 760 may be
transmitted directly to the API 720, or may be converted (via the
interpreter and the local manager) and then transmitted to the API
720, based on the kind of information (or the type of signal).
[0302] The information transmitted from the central manager 740 may
be transmitted directly to the communication unit 760, or may be
converted and then transmitted to the communication unit 760.
[0303] As another example, the interpreter may be included in the
local manager 740, and the information received through the
communication unit 760 is transmitted to the local manager 740.
However, converted information may be outputted, or information may
be outputted as it is without converting the information.
[0304] Meanwhile, in a case where the information transmitted to
the API 720 through the second or third communication part 764 or
766 is information (raw data or refined data) related to time-based
pricing, the central manager 710 determines the presence of on-peak
time. In the case of the on-peak time, the central manager 710 may
transmit the information (first command) for controlling the
operations of the energy consumption components to the API 720.
Then, the information is converted through the local manager 740,
and the converted information (second command) is transmitted to
the energy consumption components through the first communication
part 762. Alternatively, the central manager 710 may transmit the
information related to the time-based pricing to the first
communication part 762 through the second API 724 without
determining the presence of on-peak time. In this case, the
information may be converted or not converted. That is, in a case
where the central manager directly receives first information (raw
data), it may transmit the first information as it is, or convert
the first information into a second information (refined data) and
then transmit the second information.
[0305] FIG. 10 is a view showing the communication structure of
components that constitute the network system according to a fourth
embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the detailed
configuration of a first component in FIG. 10.
[0306] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the network system of this
embodiment may include at least first to fourth components 92, 94,
96 and 98.
[0307] The first component 92 may communicate with the second to
fourth components 94, 96 and 98. The fourth component 98 may
communicate with the first to third components 92, 94 and 96.
[0308] Hereinafter, it will be described as an example that the
first component 92 is a central management component (home server),
the second and third components 94 and 96 are energy consumption
components (electric home appliances), and the fourth component 98
is an energy metering component (smart meter).
[0309] The central management component (home server) may be
understood as a component necessary for controlling at least a
component that constitutes the HAN 20.
[0310] The first component 92 includes a communication unit 970 for
performing communication with another component, a central manager
920 for managing the entire operation and/or information
transmission/reception of the first component 92, and an
application programming interface 930 (hereinafter, referred to as
an "API") that serves as an interface between the communication
unit 970 and the central manager 920 (specifically, application
software).
[0311] The communication unit 970 may include a first communication
component 972 for performing communication with the second to
fourth components 94, 96 and 98, and a second communication
component 974 for performing Internet communication.
[0312] 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 part 974, and the first API 930 is an
interface between the first communication part 972 and the central
manager 920.
[0313] The first component 92 further includes a local manager 950
and an interpreter 960. In a case where the information to be
transmitted/received between the API 932 and the communication unit
970 is information related to operations of energy consumption
components (electric home appliances), the local manager 950
outputs information corresponding to the respective energy
consumption components. The interpreter 960 interprets information
transmitted from the local manager 950 to the communication unit
970 or information received in the communication unit 970.
[0314] In this embodiment, the functions of the interpreter and the
local manager are identical to those of the third embodiment, and
therefore, their detailed descriptions will be omitted.
[0315] The information transmission process in the first component
92 will be described.
[0316] As an example, the first component 92 may receive energy
information (e.g., energy reduction signal) from the fourth
component 98 through the first communication part 972.
Alternatively, the first component 92 may receive energy
information from an external component connected to Internet
through the second communication part 974.
[0317] The received energy information is transmitted directly to
the first or second API 932 or 934 and then transmitted to the
central manager 920. Since the energy information is information
related to the energy consumption reduction of the energy
consumption components, the central manager 920 transmits
information related to the operations of the energy consumption
components to the first API 932. As an example, the central manager
920 transmits information necessary for turning off power of a
washing machine or refrigerator.
[0318] Then, the information is transmitted from the first API 932
to the local manager 950.
[0319] The local manager 950 transmits information for controlling
the operation of each of the energy consumption components to the
interpreter 960 based on the information transmitted from the first
API 932. As an example, in a case where the information transmitted
from the first API is information related to different kinds of
energy consumption components, the local manager 950 transmits
information related to the control of each of the energy
consumption components to the interpreter 960.
[0320] Subsequently, the interpreter 960 interprets the information
transmitted from the local manager 960 into a machine language
(signal). Then, the interpreted signal is transmitted to the energy
consumption components through the first communication part 972.
Then, the energy consumption components are finally turned off so
as to reduce energy.
[0321] Meanwhile, the second and third components 94 and 96 may
transmit their own operation information to the first component 92.
Since the information transmitted from the second and third
components is information related to the operations of the energy
consumption components, the signal received in the first
communication part 972 is transmitted to the central manager 920
via the interpreter 960, the local manager 950 and the first API
932. In such an information transmission process, the information
related to the first and second components is stored in the local
manager 950.
[0322] The central manager 920 may transmit the received
information to the first communication part 972. Then, the
information of the second and third components 94 and 96 is
transmitted to the fourth component 98.
[0323] The operation of the first component will be described. The
information received through the communication unit 970 may be
transmitted directly to the API 930, or may be converted (via the
interpreter and the local manager) and then transmitted to the API
930, based on the kind of information (or the type of signal).
[0324] On the contrary, the information transmitted from the
central manager 920 may be transmitted directly to the
communication unit 970, or may be converted and then transmitted to
the communication unit 970.
[0325] Meanwhile, in a case where the information transmitted to
the API 930 through the second communication part 974 is
information related to time-based pricing, the central manager 920
determines the presence of on-peak time. In the case of the on-peak
time, the central manager 920 may transmit the information for
controlling the operations of the energy consumption components to
the API 930. Then, the information is transmitted to the energy
consumption components through the local manager, the interpreter
and the first communication part. In this case, the first component
may be understood as an energy management component.
[0326] Although it has been described above that two energy
consumption components communicate with the first component, the
number of energy consumption components that communicate with the
first component is not limited.
[0327] Although it has been described as an example that the first
component is a home server, the first component may be an energy
management component. In this case, the fourth component may be a
central management component, an energy management component, a
smart meter, or the like.
[0328] As another example, the first component may be a smart
meter. In this case, the fourth component may be a central
management component, an energy management component, or the
like.
[0329] As still another example, the first component may be a
terminal component (e.g., a gate way).
[0330] As still another example, each of the second and third
components may be an energy generation component, an energy storage
component or the like, which constitutes the HAN. That is, one or
more of the energy generation component, the energy consumption
component and the energy storage component may communicate with the
first component. In addition to information related to the energy
consumption component, information related to the energy generation
component (e.g., information related to the operation of the energy
generation component) and information related to the energy storage
component (e.g., information related to the operation of the energy
storage component) may be stored in the memory included in a local
network or connected to the local network.
[0331] Although it has been described above that the first
component performs Internet communication, the Internet
communication may not be performed.
[0332] Although it has been described in the first embodiment that
a single local manager is provided, a plurality of local managers
may be provided. As an example, a first local manager may process
information on an electric home appliance such as a refrigerator or
washing machine, and a second local manager may process information
on a display product such as a television or monitor.
[0333] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example an example of
a component that constitutes the network system of the present
disclosure. The following component 100 may be one component of the
UAN or HAN.
[0334] Referring to FIG. 12, the component 101 may include a
control unit 102, an input unit 103 for inputting an operational
command, and a display unit 104 for displaying information. In this
instance, the input unit 103 may be provided in the form of a touch
screen to the display unit 104. The control unit 102 may
communicate with a communicator 105.
[0335] The component 100 may further include a sensor, a driver, a
memory and the like according to the kind of the component 100. The
input unit or display unit may not be provided to the component 100
according to the kind of the component 100. The component 100 may
be a function performing component, or may include the function
performing component.
[0336] Hereinafter, various examples of the operating method of the
component 100 will be described.
[0337] The estimated power information corresponding to the
operation mode of the component 100 or another component may be
made as a table and then stored in the memory unit of the component
100. For example, power consumption information corresponding to
the selected course or mode may be stored in the memory unit, and
an estimated electricity usage cost may be determined by the
multiplication of the power consumption and cost.
[0338] Additional information corresponding the operation mode of
the component 100 or another component, e.g., performance or
efficiency information, may be stored in the memory unit of the
component 100.
[0339] Therefore, if the operation mode of the component 100 or
another component is recognized, the component 100 may recognize
estimated power information corresponding the recognized operation
mode. The recognized estimated power information may be displayed
in the display unit 130 of the component 100 or in a display unit
of another component. The actual power consumption information or
actual electricity usage cost information in the operation of the
component 100 or another component may be recognized. In a case
where it is required to correct the estimated power information,
the estimated power information may be corrected based on the
actual power consumption information or actual electricity usage
cost information. The actually used electric energy or actually
used cost when the component 100 is operated or after the operation
of the component 100 is ended may be displayed in the display unit
130 of the component 100. Alternatively, in the operation of the
component 100, the estimated power information may be displayed, or
the estimated power information and the actually used information
may be simultaneously displayed. Alternatively, the optimal time or
cost may be determined within a specific time range based on the
estimated power information stored in the memory unit. The optimal
time may be an operation start time of the component. The optimal
cost may be an energy usage cost generated when the component is
operated at a specific time.
[0340] In a case where the energy cost information is real-time
information, the optimal cost may be determined based on the
previous energy cost information stored in the memory unit. Then,
in a case where the energy cost is changed, the optimal cost may be
corrected by reflecting the changed cost.
[0341] A plurality of conditions for configuring the operation mode
may be selected by the user, and estimated power information or
additional information corresponding to an operation mode
configured under a selected condition may be displayed in the
display unit of the component. An arbitrary operation mode (user
preference mode) may be stored in the memory unit of the component,
and the user preference mode may be selected using the input unit
120. For example, the user may arbitrarily set the operation method
of the component through the input unit 120, and the estimated
power information and additional information in the operation of
the component may be determined using the set operation method. The
user may determine whether or not the user determines the set
operation method as the user preference mode by identifying the
estimated power information and the additional information.
[0342] As still another example, in a case where the component
includes a plurality of energy consumption components, the energy
consumption components to be controlled may be differently selected
according to the kind or state of the energy information or
additional information. For example, the energy consumption
components to be constrolled may be differently selected according
to the energy cost value or energy cost level. The reference
information may include a first reference information and a second
reference information greater than the first reference information.
Alternatively, the reference information value may include a single
value. For example, if the value of the energy information or
additional information is greater than the second reference
information value, the power of a first energy consumption
component (function performing component that consumes energy) may
be controlled (operation limitation). If the value of the energy
information or additional information is between the first and
second reference information values, the power of a second energy
consumption component (function performing component that consumes
energy) may be controlled (operation limitation). If the value of
the energy information or additional value is smaller than the
first reference information value, electricity may be stored in an
energy storage component (the operation of a function performing
component that stores energy may be started).
[0343] That is, any one of a plurality of control objects or
methods may be selected according to the kind or state of the
energy information or additional information.
[0344] As still another example, if the high-cost information is
recognized in the operation of the component 100, the sum of powers
of a plurality of energy consumption components that constitute the
component 100 and perform the same function may be decreased. The
plurality of energy consumption components may be the same kind or
different kinds from one another. In a case where the high-cost
information is recognized, only some energy consumption components
may be turned off, or the power of the some energy consumption
components may be decreased. Alternatively, in a case where the
high-cost information is recognized, the power of each of the power
consumption components may be decreased while the plurality of
power consumption components maintain an on-state. Alternatively,
in a case where the high-cost is recognized, the power of the
plurality of energy consumption components may be decreased with
the same power amount or power reduction rate. Alternatively, in a
case where the high-cost information is recognized, the power of
the plurality of energy consumption components may be decreased
with a different power amount or power reduction rate.
Alternatively, in a case where the high-cost information is
recognized, the plurality of energy consumption components may be
alternately turned on and turned off.
[0345] As still another example, if the high-cost information is
recognized in the operation of the component 100, among a plurality
of energy consumption components that constitute the component 100,
the function performance of one or more energy consumption
components may be limited, and the function of another one or more
energy consumption components may be performed. The power
consumption of the energy consumption components of which function
is limited is greater than that of the energy consumption
components of which function is performed. For example, in a case
where the high-cost information is recognized while a component
with relatively high power is operated, energy consumption
components with high power may be turned off, and energy
consumption components with low power may be turned on.
[0346] As still another example, if the high-cost information is
recognized in the operation of the component 100, the operation of
energy consumption components that satisfy a limitation condition
may be limited among a plurality of energy consumption components
that constitute the component. In this instance, the limitation
condition may be power consumption, energy used cost or limitation
order. That is, among the plurality of energy consumption
components, the operation of energy consumption components of which
power consumption or energy use cost exceeds a reference value may
be limited. Alternatively, the limitation condition may be power
consumption that is relatively large among the plurality of energy
consumption components.
[0347] As still another example, in a case where the operation mode
of the component 100 includes a plurality of processes, at least
one of the plurality of processes may be limited in the section in
which the high-cost information is recognized. The limitation means
that the process is stopped or the power consumption in the
performance of the process is decreased. For example, in a case
where the component is a washing machine, the operation mode may be
a standard course, quilt course, wool course or the like. The
plurality of processes may include at least one of soaking,
washing, rinsing, dehydrating and drying processes. The limited
process may be automatically set, or may be manually set or
changed.
[0348] As still another example, if the high-cost information is
recognized in the operation of the component 100, two or more of a
plurality of factors related to the operation of one or more energy
components (function performing components) that constitute the
component may be changed. The factor may include operation speed,
operation time, power, operation rate and the like. If the value
related to any one of two or more factors is decreased, the value
of another factor may be increased.
[0349] As an example, when an energy consumption component is a
motor, the rotation speed of the motor may decrease, and a rotation
time may increase. When the energy consumption component is a
heater, the output of the heater may decrease, and an operation
time may increase. That is, when high-cost information is
recognized, two or more factors associated with the operations of
one or more energy consumption components may vary.
[0350] Alternatively, when the energy consumption component is a
motor, the operation pattern of the motor may vary. Specifically,
when the energy consumption component is a motor that rotates a
drum included in a washing machine or a washer, the motor may
rotate in one direction or another direction. In the case of a
washing machine or a washer, the motor is controlled for laundry to
be lifted and then dropped. A drum driving motion may be changed
according to the rotation speed of the motor and a rotation angle
in a specific direction. The drum driving motion may be divided
into a general driving motion and one or more special motions
(which have a rotation speed faster than the general motion or a
large rotation angle in one-time rotation). Furthermore, the power
consumption amount of the motor that is driven in the special
motion is greater than the power consumption amount of the motor
that is driven in the general motion. In this example, when
high-cost information is reduced while the motor is being driven in
the special motion, the washing machine or the washer may perform
the general motion. When the high-cost information is recognized
while the general motion is being performed, the washing machine or
the washer performs a specific motion to be originally performed at
a time when low-cost information is recognized.
[0351] As another example, the operation may be controlled based on
the specific order of a plurality of components which may be
operated with respect to energy. The specific order may be any one
of the order of components which must be firstly operated, the
order of operation start, and the order of energy consumption
amount or energy usage cost. For example, the bigger the current
energy consumption amount, the current energy usage cost, the
energy consumption amount for a predetermined time, and the energy
usage cost for a predetermined time are, it may be set at the
latter order. Alternatively, the operation order may be manually
selected by a user, and a plurality of the same or other species
components may be set at the same order.
[0352] In a case where high-cost information is recognized during
the operation of a plurality of components, the operation of the
component in the last order may be limited. Alternatively, the
operation of a plurality of components in the latter orders
(components in a plurality of orders) may be limited. And, if
low-cost information is recognized in the state where the operation
of components is limited, the components with their operations
limited may be again operated. The reference for limitation on
operation may be any one of the number of operable components and
available total energy consumption amount or total energy usage
cost. At this time, the limitation on operation of components may
be immediately performed. Alternatively, in a case where the
operation of a component consists of a number of processes, the
operation of the component may be limited after one process is
completed. Alternatively, the operation of the component may be
limited after high-cost information is recognized and a
predetermined time is passed. Alternatively, after a component
whose operation is to be limited has consumed a predetermined
amount of energy or the energy usage cost reaches a certain level,
the operation of the component may be limited. Information
notifying that the operation is limited may be displayed in the
display unit of a component with its operation limited.
Alternatively, information notifying that the operation is limited
may be displayed in the display unit of other component which may
control the component.
[0353] In another example, the component 100 may have a plurality
of compartments, and the plurality of compartments may be cooled or
heated. Also, according to the type or state of the energy
information that is recognized, the cooled or heated states of the
plurality of compartments may be varied. For example, when high
cost information is recognized, one or more compartments of the
plurality of compartments may not be cooled or heated. Also, levels
of priority of the plurality of compartments may be determined, and
the compartments may be cooled or heated in order of highest to
least priority. Here, the highest priority for the plurality of
compartments may be designated by a user or automatically. In
another example, when high cost information is recognized, cold air
or heat from one compartment may be routed to another compartment,
from among the plurality of compartments. For example, when high
cost information is recognized, heat from a cooking compartment may
be supplied to a warming compartment to keep food warm.
[0354] FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating a home network
according to an embodiment.
[0355] Referring to FIG. 13, a home network 20 according to an
embodiment includes an energy measurement unit 25 (e.g., a smart
meter) capable of measuring the cost of power and/or electricity,
being supplied to each home, in real-time from the utility network
10, and an energy management unit 24 connected to the energy
measurement unit 25 and an electric product and controlling the
operation thereof. The energy management unit 24 is connected to
electric products, the energy consumption units 26, such as a
refrigerator 100a, a washing machine 100b, an air conditioner 100c,
a drying machine 100d, and a cooking appliance 100e through an
in-house network for two-way communication. In-house communication
may be performed by wireless communication such as Zigbee, WiFi or
the like or by wire communication such as power line communication
(PLC). Furthermore, the electric products may be connected to each
other so as to communicate with each other.
[0356] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of
an electrical product according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0357] Referring to FIG. 14, as an "energy consumption unit"
according to an embodiment of the present invention, a
communication unit 210 is included in the electrical product 100.
The electrical product 100 may include the refrigerator 100a, the
washing machine 100b, the air conditioner 100c, the drier 100d, and
the cooking appliance 100e.
[0358] The communication unit 210 may communicate with at least one
of an energy measurement unit 25 for energy information or
additional information other than the energy information and an
energy management unit 24 for managing (controlling) the driving of
the electrical product 100 according to the energy information or
the additional information. The energy measurement unit 25 and the
energy management unit 24 may be connected to each other for mutual
communication. Also, the communication unit 210 may be provided in
the electrical product 100, or may be detachable from the
electrical product 100.
[0359] The electrical product 100 includes an input unit 220 for
inputting a predetermined command, a display unit 230 for
displaying driving information of the electrical product 100 or
information recognized from the communication unit 210, a memory
unit 250 for storing the received information, that is, energy
information (for example, energy rate information) or additional
information (for example, environment information), and a control
unit 200 for controlling these components.
[0360] In more detail, the input unit 220 includes a power input
unit 221 for inputting power On/OFF of the electrical product 100,
a mode selection unit 223 for selecting a mode (a power saving mode
or a normal mode) on whether to drive the electrical product 100 on
the basis of the received information (or information recognized
from the communication unit 210), and a start input unit 225 for
inputting a driving command of the electrical product 100.
[0361] Here, the "mode" may be understood as a concept that
includes specific components, specific driving courses, or cycles
constituting the electrical product 400 in relation to functions
that the electrical product 100 performs. The power saving mode is
a mode in which an electrical product is controlled based on
received information, and the normal mode is a mode in which an
electrical product is controlled not based on received
information.
[0362] When the power saving mode is selected, the electrical
product 100 controls an energy usage amount or a usage rate when
being controlled based on received information (for example, energy
rate information) to be less than that when being controlled
without energy information (that is, when being controlled in a
normal mode).
[0363] Moreover, when the electrical product 100 is driven in a
power saving mode, a time slot of an inexpensive energy rate, that
is, an optimum driving time, is recommended from an interval from a
current time to a predetermined time on the basis of the received
energy rate information. The electrical product 100 may be set to a
normal mode or a power saving mode by default, or after power is
on, one of the modes may be selected. Moreover, a mode set once may
change into another mode.
[0364] The mode selection unit 223 may include a selection unit for
selecting a power saving mode to reduce an energy rate or power
consumption, when a plurality of electrical products 100 are
driven. For convenience, such a power saving mode may be referred
to as a "multiple product power saving mode". When the "multiple
product power saving mode" is selected, a plurality of electrical
products may be driven in different time intervals according to a
predetermined reference or setting value. The detailed description
thereto will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0365] Moreover, a command inputted through the input unit 220 may
be performed through the energy management unit 24. That is, when
the plurality of electrical products 100 are connected to
communicate with the energy management unit 24, the power input,
mode selection, or start input of each electrical product 100 may
be conveniently inputted through the energy management unit 24.
Accordingly, operations of the plurality of electrical products 100
may be controlled the energy management unit 24.
[0366] FIG. 15 is a block diagram when a plurality of electrical
products are controlled according to an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of driving
a plurality of electrical products in a power saving mode according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0367] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the plurality of the
electrical products 100 may include the refrigerator 100a, the
washing machine 100b, the air conditioner 100c, the drier 100d, and
the cooking appliance 100e. Of course, other kinds of electronic
products may be suggested.
[0368] The energy supplied from the energy generation unit 11 or 21
may be supplied to the plurality of the electrical products 100
through the energy measurement unit 25 and the energy management
unit 24. The energy measurement unit 25 and the energy management
unit 24 may equipped as separate components, or one component
including a plurality of functions. Also, the energy management
unit 24 or the plurality of the electrical products 100 may receive
energy related information, that is, the energy information or
additional information.
[0369] The plurality of the electrical products 100 may be driven
in different time intervals on the basis of the energy related
information, for example, high-price information understood as a
relatively expensive energy rate or low-price information
understood as a relatively inexpensive energy rate.
[0370] The different time intervals may be understood as intervals
in which the size of each energy rate (cost) is provided
differently. As one example, energy rate information may vary
depending on time, and the plurality of electrical products 100 may
have different (high or low) energy rates varying according to a
time interval at which each electrical product is driven.
[0371] Moreover, the size of the energy rate is an energy rate per
each unit hour. When the energy rate per unit hour is high, the
received information may include on-peak information, curtailment
information, and supply electricity amount shortage information. On
the other hand, when the energy rate per unit hour is low, the
received information may include off-peak information, energy
increase information, and supply electricity amount excessive
information.
[0372] The size of the energy rate may be determined as a rate
accumulated during an interval at which the plurality of electrical
products 100 are driven. Since each electrical product 100 may have
a different size of energy (power) consumed per unit hour, even
when different electrical products 100 are driven at an interval
having the same energy rate per unit hour, an occurring (used)
energy rate may vary.
[0373] The different time intervals may be understood as an
interval at which at least one of driving start times and end times
of the plurality of electrical products 100 is different. That is,
among the plurality of electrical products 100, one electrical
product and another electrical product may have the same driving
start time but different end times, or different driving start
times but having the same end time. As one example, the driving
intervals of the plurality of electrical products 100 may have at
least some overlapping intervals. That is, there is a time interval
at which the electrical product and the other electrical product
are driven simultaneously.
[0374] On the other hand, the one electrical product may start to
be driven after the driving of the other electrical product is
terminated. In this case, the driving interval of the one
electrical product does not overlap that of the other electrical
product, and accordingly, the driving intervals of the plurality of
electrical products 100 belong to different time intervals.
[0375] The plurality of electrical products 100 includes a first
electrical product and a second electrical product having a larger
power consumption per unit hour or energy usage rate than the first
electrical product. That is, the second electrical product is
understood as a product that requires a larger energy usage amount
or usage rate for driving than the first electrical product.
[0376] In this case, the second electrical product may be driven at
an energy rate interval lower than that at which the first
electrical product is driven. That is, an electrical product having
a larger energy consumption amount or energy usage amount may be
driven preferentially at an interval having a low energy rate.
[0377] The first electrical product or the second electrical
product may determine its driving interval on the basis of whether
an energy rate is greater or less than a setting value. The setting
value may be an energy rate per unit hour or an energy rate
accumulated during a driving period of the first electrical product
or the second electrical product. The second electrical product may
be driven when the energy rate is less than the setting value. That
is, the setting value may become a driving condition of the second
electrical product. Also, the setting value may include a plurality
or reference values. As one example, the setting value may include
a first reference value and a second reference value, and the
second reference value may be greater than the first reference
value.
[0378] When an energy rate is less than the first reference value,
the second electrical product may be driven. Also, when the energy
rate is greater than the first reference value and less than the
second reference value, the driving of the second electrical
product may stop, and the first electrical product may be driven.
On the other hand, when the energy rate is greater than the second
reference value, the driving of the first electrical product and
the second electrical product may stop.
[0379] Referring to FIG. 16, a method of controlling a plurality of
electrical products will be described according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0380] First, a power saving mode is set in a plurality of
electrical products. As mentioned above, the power saving mode may
be understood as a mode that reduces an energy usage amount or
energy usage rate on the basis of the energy information received
from an external in operation S11.
[0381] The energy information from an external is recognized. The
energy information includes the above rate information and
information other than that, and is understood as information that
is distinguished according to a high or low price of an energy rate
in operation S12.
[0382] Also, a plurality of electrical products may be recognized
as a driving target. As one example, the plurality of electrical
products may be electrical products in a home or manageable by the
energy management unit 24. The recognized contents of electrical
products may include the type, quantity, and power consumption per
unit hour of an electrical product, or rate information in
operation S13.
[0383] A power saving driving mode may be performed on the
plurality of recognized electrical products. Once the power saving
driving mode is performed, as mentioned above, on the basis of a
high or low price of energy rate, the plurality of electrical
products may be controlled to be driven in different time
intervals. According to such a control method, an energy
consumption amount or a usage rate according to the driving of the
plurality of electrical products may be reduced.
[0384] Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention
will be described. With respect to the same part as the pervious
embodiment in this embodiment, the description and reference
numerals of the previous embodiment will be invoked.
[0385] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of
an electrical product according to another embodiment of the
present invention. Referring to FIG. 17, the electrical product 100
as an "energy consumption unit" includes a communication unit 210,
an input unit 220 for inputting a predetermined command, a display
unit 230 for displaying driving information of the electrical
product 100 or information recognized from the communication unit
210, a memory unit 250 for storing the received information, that
is, energy information (for example, energy rate information) or
additional information (for example, environment information), and
a control unit 250 for controlling these components.
[0386] Also, the electrical product 100 includes a first function
performing unit 260 and a second function performing unit 270,
which operate to perform functions of the electrical product 100.
The first function performing unit 260 may be understood as a unit
for performing a first function (a target function) that the
electrical product 100 is to accomplish. For convenience of
description, the first function performing unit 260 is referred to
as a "first unit".
[0387] The target function corresponds to an effect that a user
wants to obtain through the electrical product 100. As one example,
when the electrical product 100 is a washing machine 120, the
target function may be "clothing laundry". As another example, when
the electrical product 100 is a refrigerator 110, an air
conditioner 130, a drier 140, or a cooking appliance 150, the
target function may be "cooling", "air conditioning", "drying
clothing" or "cooking food". That is, the target function may be
understood as an essential function that is to be obtained through
the driving of the electrical product 100. Also, the target
function may be a function preset to the electrical product
100.
[0388] The first unit 260 may be a component for performing such an
essential function. As one example, the first unit 260 may include
a driving unit or a heating unit (a heater). The driving unit
includes a driving motor or a compressor.
[0389] The second function performing unit 270 may be understood as
a unit for performing a second function (an additional function)
other than an essential function of the electrical product 100. For
convenience of description, the second function performing unit 270
is referred to as a "second unit".
[0390] The additional function corresponds to a means for improving
easy of use while the electrical product 100 is driven. That is,
the additional function may be understood as a selection function
or a convenience function, which is not necessarily required for
the electrical product 100 to perform an essential function. The
second unit 270 may be a component for performing such a
convenience function. As one example, the second unit 270 may
include a display unit (screen and sound) or a light emitting unit
for lighting a predetermined space, which is provided to the
electrical product 100.
[0391] While the electrical product 100 performs an essential
function, the second unit 270 may not perform a function. However,
while the second unit 270 does not perform a function, the
electrical product 100 may perform a target function by using the
first unit 260. Thus, in relation to the electrical product 100
including the first unit performing an essential function and the
second unit performing an additional function other than the
essential function, the performing of a function by the second unit
may be controlled on the basis of energy related information.
[0392] The energy related information includes the above high-price
information or low-price information. As one example, the
high-price information or low-price information may be
distinguished based on the predetermined reference value (a
reference information value). There may be a plurality of reference
values.
[0393] When energy rate related information exceeds the reference
value and thus is determined as high-price information, the
performing of a function having a relatively low importance, that
is, an additional function, by the second unit 270, may be limited.
The "limit" of the function performance includes a function
performance stop, a function performance delay, an output reduction
of the second unit 270. Also, the function performance stop may
include `immediate stop` or `stop after set time operation`. As one
example, when an OFF request of a display unit or a light emitting
unit is recognized, the driving of the display unit or the light
emitting unit may be OFF after a set time elapses from a recognized
time.
[0394] Moreover, there may be a plurality of the second units 270
As one example, when the electrical product 100 is the refrigerator
110, the refrigerator 110 includes, as the second unit 270, a
display unit for displaying an operational state of the
refrigerator 110 and a light emitting unit for lighting the inside
when a refrigerator's door is open. Likewise, when the electrical
product 100 is a washing machine 120, a drier 140, or a cooking
appliance 150, it may include a display unit and a light emitting
unit.
[0395] Priorities between a plurality of second units 270 may be
set according to energy consumption information such as consumed
energy amount or usage energy rate. In more detail, the second unit
270 having a large energy consumption amount or high energy rate
may not operate preferentially. As one example, when an energy
consumption amount of when the light emitting is ON is greater than
that of when the display unit is ON, the function performance of
the light emitting unit may be limited preferentially.
[0396] Additionally, as a level of the high-price becomes higher,
for example, when an energy rate becomes more expensive (when there
are a plurality of the reference values), the function performance
of the display unit is restricted to a low priority. That is, a
plurality of the second units 270 may be relatively limited to
operate according to the size of an energy consumption amount or
energy rate.
[0397] On the other hand, the function performances of the
plurality of the second units 270 may be limited depending on
whether the energy consumption information is greater than a
setting value. As one example, when high-price information relating
to an energy rate is recognized, the function performance of one
unit that consumes energy greater than the setting value may be
limited. Such limitation of an additional function performance may
be done when the electrical product 100 is set to a power saving
mode. Here, the "mode" may be understood as a concept that includes
specific components, specific driving courses, or cycles
constituting the electrical product 100 in relation to functions
that the electrical product 100 performs.
[0398] The power saving mode is a mode in which an electrical
product is controlled based on received information, and the normal
mode is a mode in which an electrical product is controlled not
based on received information. When the power saving mode is
selected, the electrical product 100 controls an energy usage
amount or a usage rate when being controlled based on received
information (for example, energy rate information) to be less than
that when being controlled without energy information (that is,
when being controlled in a normal mode).
[0399] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
an additional function performing unit according to another
embodiment of the present invention. When an energy consumption
unit, that is, the electrical product 100, is turned on, energy
information or additional information is received from the energy
measurement unit 25 or the energy management unit 24 in operations
S21 and S22.
[0400] It is determined whether the energy information or
additional information exceeds a reference value. As one example,
if the energy information exceeds the reference value (on-peak
information), it is determined that high-price information is
received.
[0401] Additionally, as mentioned above, when curtailment
information and supply electricity amount shortage information are
received in addition to the on-peak information, it is determined
that high-price information is received. For convenience of
description, the case that the energy information or additional
information exceeds the reference value will be described with
reference to the drawing.
[0402] When the energy information or additional information
exceeds the reference value, whether to control (limit) the second
unit 270 may be determined. A control (limit) method of the second
unit 270 may include a function performance limitation of the
second unit 270, i.e. the function performance stop of the second
unit 270, an output reduction or a delayed driving in operations
S23 and S24.
[0403] On the other hand, if it is recognized that the energy
information or additional information does not exceed the reference
value (off-peak information), a function performing unit available
in the energy consumption unit 100, i.e. the first unit 260 or the
second unit 270, may perform a function according to a specific
course. Additionally, as mentioned above, when energy increase
information and supply electricity amount excessive information are
received in addition to the off-peak information, it is determined
that low-price information is received in operation S25.
[0404] While determination is made on whether to limit the function
performance of the second unit 270, it may be recognized whether
the second unit (an additional function performing unit), i.e. a
target to stop, is in operation in operation S26. If the second
unit 270 is in operation, the driving of the second unit 270 is
immediately stopped, stopped after a set time operation, or
delay-driven after stop. Or, an output of the second unit 270 may
be reduced. On the other hand, if the second unit 270 is OFF, its
OFF state may be maintained in operations S27 and S28. According to
such a control method, while high-price information is received,
the function performance limitation of an energy consumption unit
is efficiently provided.
[0405] Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described. In that
this embodiment includes a plurality of additional function
performing units, there is a difference between this embodiment and
the above embodiments. Therefore, the difference will be mainly
described.
[0406] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
an additional function performing unit according to another
embodiment of the present invention. When an energy consumption
unit, that is, the electrical product 100, is turned on, energy
information or additional information is received from the energy
measurement unit 25 or the energy management unit 24 in operations
S31 and S32.
[0407] It is determined whether the energy information or
additional information exceeds a reference value, that is, whether
high-price information is received, in operation S33. When the
energy information or additional information exceeds the reference
value (i.e. when it is recognized as high-price information),
whether to control (limit) the second unit 270 may be determined.
The control method of the plurality of second units 270 may include
the function performance limitation of the second unit 270 in
operation S34.
[0408] A control target may be selected based on energy consumption
information on the plurality of second units 270. The energy
consumption information may include a consumption energy amount of
the second unit 270 or a usage energy rate. A unit having
relatively large energy consumption information among the plurality
of second units 270 may be selected as a control target. That is, a
function performance of a unit having a large energy consumption
amount or a high usage energy rate may be limited in operation S35.
The driving of the selected the second unit 270 may be immediately
stopped, stopped after a set time operation, or delay-driven after
stop. Or, an output of the second unit 270 may be reduced in
operation S36.
[0409] On the other hand, when it is recognized that the energy
information or additional information does not exceed the reference
value (i.e. when it is recognized as low-price information), a
function performing unit available in the energy consumption unit
100 may operate. The available function performing unit may include
a plurality of second units 270 or first units 260 in operation
S37.
[0410] Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention
will be described. With respect to the same part as the previous
embodiment, the description and reference numerals of the previous
embodiment are invoked, and differences compared to the previous
embodiments will be mainly described.
[0411] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
a network system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0412] Referring to FIG. 20, a plurality of components (or referred
to as a plurality of first components) consume energy in order to
perform a specific function in operation
[0413] S41. In this embodiment, the plurality of first components
are energy consumption units, as an example, and this will be
described. Also, as an example, a plurality of first components
receive a command from an energy management unit (referred to as a
second component: any component constituting a utility network or
home network is possible), and this will be described. The entire
first components may be in operation or at least two of the entire
first components may be in operation.
[0414] Also, operation priorities (priorities of components to be
operated preferentially) between the plurality of first components
are set. At this point, the priorities are set according to the
types of the first component. As one example, since a refrigerator
needs to operate continuously in order to keep food fresh, it may
be set with the highest priority. Or, as the total output amount of
an energy consumption unit is less, it may be set with a high
priority. In this embodiment, operation priorities between the
plurality of components may be manually set or changed.
[0415] It is determined in operation S42 whether information
(hereinafter, referred to as reduction information) relating to the
reduction of an energy consumption amount or an energy rate is
recognized in the second component while a plurality of first
components are in operation. The recognition of the reduction
information determined based on an energy rate by the second
component includes on-peak recognition, energy reduction signal
recognition, recognition of a underfrequency less than a reference
frequency, recognition of less power generation, recognition of an
operation command according to an operation priority, recognition
that an energy consumption amount exceeds a reference amount, and
recognition of limit information on the number of available
units.
[0416] When the reduction information is recognized, the second
component controls operations of the plurality of first components
on the basis of set operation priority information. At this point,
since the second component receives operational or state
information and energy information from each of the plurality of
first components, it may recognize the type, number, operating
state, and energy consumption information on a currently operating
component.
[0417] Once the reduction information is recognized, an operation
of at least one having a low priority among the plurality of first
components may be limited. As one example, when seven first
components are provided and five first components are in operation,
if the reduction information is recognized, operations of two first
components having a low priority among the five first components
may be limited.
[0418] At this point, a limitation reference for an operation of
the first component may include the number of available first
components, an available total energy consumption amount, or a
total energy rate. As one example, when the number of available
first components is three, if more than four first components are
to operate, an operation of one having the lowest priority among
the four first components may be limited. The operation limit
reference of the first component may be manually set or
changed.
[0419] As another example, when an available total energy
consumption amount is set, if a current total energy consumption
amount (or an energy rate) of a plurality of first components in
operation exceeds a set consumption amount (rate), an operation of
at least one first component having a low priority may be limited
in order to make the current total energy consumption amount less
than the set consumption amount. An operational limitation of the
first component includes turning off of the first component or its
output reduction.
[0420] Additionally, an operation of the first component may be
immediately limited, limited after one process is completed when a
specific mode is divided into a plurality of processes in a
specific first component, limited after a predetermined time,
limited after a first component to be limited consumes a
predetermined amount of energy, or limited when a usage energy rate
reaches a predetermined value.
[0421] If the first component does not operate currently but an
operation start time is reserved, when the operation start time is
reached while the reduction information is recognized, the first
component may wait to operate until the reduction information is
not recognized.
[0422] The display unit of the first component whose operation is
limited may display operational limitation state information. In
this case, a user may easily confirm whether an operation of a
current first component is limited. Also, the display unit of the
first component not in operation may display operational limitation
state information.
[0423] The first component whose operation is limited may perform a
minimum function to prevent performance deterioration according to
a function limitation. As one example, when an operation of the
first component is stopped during the laundry operation of a
washing machine, the washing machine may rotate a drum for a
predetermined time at a predetermined time interval.
[0424] Then, when an operation of the first component having a
higher priority than the first component whose operation is limited
is completed, the first component having a higher priority than the
first components whose operation is limited may return to a state
before limitation.
[0425] Moreover, when the second component recognizes the reduction
information in advance by using schedule rate information, some
first components among the first components to be limited are
driven before the time for reduction, and when they reach the time
for reduction, an operation of the first component may be
limited.
[0426] According to the present invention, operations of a
plurality of first components may be limited according to types of
energy information, and when a reduction signal is recognized,
since operations of some components are limited, an energy
consumption amount and an energy rate may be reduced.
[0427] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
a network system according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0428] Referring to FIG. 21, a plurality of first components
consume energy in order to perform a specific function in operation
S51. An example that a plurality of first components are energy
consumption units and receive a command from an energy management
unit (a second component) will be described. At this point, the
entire first components may be in operation or at least two of the
entire first components may be in operation. It is determined in
operation S52 whether information (hereinafter, referred to as
reduction information) relating to the reduction of an energy
consumption amount or an energy rate is recognized in the second
component while a plurality of first components are in operation.
The recognition type of the reduction information is the same as
that described with reference to FIG. 9, and thus its detailed
description will be omitted.
[0429] When the reduction information is recognized likewise, the
second component controls operations of the plurality of first
components on the basis of an operation start priority. At this
point, since the second component receives operational or state
information and energy information from each of the plurality of
first components, it may confirm an operation start priority of a
first component currently in operation.
[0430] Once the reduction information is recognized, an operation
of at least one having a low priority among the plurality of first
components may be limited. That is, when seven first components are
provided and five first components are among them in operation, if
the reduction information is recognized, operations of two first
components having a low priority among the five first components
may be limited. If two first components start at the same time, an
operation of a first component having a higher total power amount
may be limited.
[0431] Other contents besides the controlling of operations of a
plurality of components on the basis of an operation start priority
of a plurality of first components are the same as those in the
first embodiment, and thus their detailed descriptions will be
omitted.
[0432] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
a network system according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0433] Descriptions on a plurality of first components and second
components are invoked from the description on the above
embodiments. A plurality of components operate in operation S61,
and It is determined in operation S62 whether information
(hereinafter, referred to as reduction information) relating to the
reduction of an energy consumption amount or an energy rate is
recognized in the second component while the plurality of first
components are in operation. The recognition type of the reduction
information is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 9,
and thus its detailed description will be omitted.
[0434] When the reduction information is recognized likewise, the
second component controls operations of the plurality of first
components on the basis of an energy consumption amount priority or
an energy usage rate priority in operation S63. At this point,
since the second component receives operational or state
information and energy information from each of the plurality of
first components, it may confirm the energy consumption amount or
energy usage rate of the first component currently in
operation.
[0435] As one example, as a component has a greater current energy
consumption amount, it is set to a low priority, and as a component
has a higher energy usage rate, it is set to a low priority. As
another example, as a component has a greater power per unit hour
energy consumption amount, it is set to a low priority, and as a
component has a higher usage rate per unit hour, it is set to a low
priority.
[0436] Once the reduction information is recognized, an operation
of at least one having a low priority among the plurality of first
components may be limited. That is, when seven first components are
provided and five first components are in operation, if the
reduction information is recognized, operations of two first
components having a low priority among the five first components
may be limited.
[0437] Other contents besides the controlling of operations of a
plurality of components on the basis of an energy consumption
amount or an energy usage rate priority of a plurality of first
components are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus
their detailed descriptions will be omitted.
[0438] Although it is described in the above embodiment that
operations of a plurality of components are controlled by
recognizing reduction information, unlike this, operations of a
plurality of components may be controlled on the basis of an
operation priority, a start priority, an energy consumption amount
or an energy rate when electricity generation amount excessive
information is recognized, a greater frequency than a reference
frequency is recognized, or an off-peak is recognized.
[0439] For example, when an off-peak is recognized, on the basis of
an operation priority of a plurality of first components, an output
is increased in order to store warm water, accumulate electricity,
or perform supercooling. Additionally, when some first components
among a plurality of first components not in operation are
reserved, a component having a high priority may be driven before a
reservation time.
[0440] FIG. 23 is a block diagram of one component constituting a
network system of the present invention. FIG. 23 illustrates a
configuration of an energy management unit as one example, and its
configuration may be identically applied to other components other
than the energy management unit.
[0441] Referring to FIG. 23, the energy management unit 24 includes
a control unit 241, a communication means 242, an input unit 243, a
memory unit 244, and a display unit 245. The energy management unit
24 may perform wired/wireless communication with at least one
another component 24 and 401 to 405 through the communication mean
242. The energy management unit 24 may recognize information
relating to an operation of at least one another component, or may
generate and deliver operation related information. Also, the
communication means 242 may communicate with the control unit 241.
The control unit 241 may recognize several types of
information.
[0442] The control unit 241 may recognize energy information,
additional information other than the energy information, and new
information based on at least one of the energy information and the
additional information. Additionally, the control unit 241 may
generate the energy information, the additional information, and
the new information based on at least one of the energy information
and the additional information. Also, the control unit 241 may
recognize operational information of the energy management unit by
itself and may receive information relating to another component
through the communication means 242 and then, may recognize it.
[0443] By using the input unit 243, an operating condition of the
energy management unit or an operating condition of at least one
another component may be inputted. Additionally, by using the input
unit 243, a power saving mode performing a function on the basis of
energy information and a normal mode performing a function without
the basis of energy information may be selected. The power saving
mode and the normal mode may be manually set or switched or
automatically set or mutually switched. When the power saving mode
is selected, the energy management unit itself may operate to
reduce energy or may generate an operation command to reduce energy
of other components.
[0444] The display unit 245 may display energy information,
additional information, and new information based on at least one
of the energy information and the additional information.
[0445] Although it is described in the above that the energy
management unit and the energy consumption unit are separately
provided, unlike this, one of the energy management unit and the
energy consumption unit may exist, or the energy management unit
may be included in the energy consumption unit as an energy
management function. In this case, an energy consumption unit
including the energy management unit or an energy consumption unit
including an energy management function may generate a command on
an operation of another component, or may recognize operational
information on another component.
[0446] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
a network system according to an embodiment of the present
invention. Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, when the energy management
unit 24 is turned on, it may recognize operational information of
at least one another component in operation S71. The operational
information may include an operation time of another component, an
energy consumption amount during a specific period, and an energy
usage rate. For example, the energy management unit 24 may
recognize information on an energy consumption amount pattern and
energy usage rate pattern of a refrigerator during the day. Then,
the recognized information is stored in the memory unit 244.
[0447] The energy management unit 24 predicts a future operation
pattern of a refrigerator on the basis of the recognized
operational information, and determines an operating condition of
another component in operation S72. For example, when yesterday's
(or past week's or past month's) operational information on a
refrigerator is stored, the energy management unit 24 predicts
today's (or this week or this month) operation pattern of a
refrigerator and determines an operating condition of the other
component.
[0448] At this point, the energy management unit 24 determines an
operating condition of another component (for example, an
intermittently driven product) on the basis of operational
information on a constantly driven component (a reference
component), for example, a refrigerator and a water purifier. The
reason is that since a constantly driven product consumes energy
constantly with different energy consumption amounts or energy
usage rates at each time slot, an operating condition of another
component is determined based on the constantly driven product. In
this specification, an intermittently driving product includes a
washing machine, a dish washer, a drier, an air conditioner, and a
cooking appliance, which operate only if necessary. The operating
condition includes an operation method and/or an operating timing
of another component.
[0449] As another example, the operational information recognized
by the energy management unit 24 may be displayed on the display
unit 245. A user may determine an operating condition of another
component by using the input unit 243 on the basis of the
information displayed on the display unit 245. That is, an
operating condition of the other component may be manually or
automatically determined. Also, the determined condition may be
automatically or manually changed.
[0450] Also, the other component operates on the basis of the
operating condition determined by the energy management unit or a
user. For example, when other components operate simultaneously at
a time slot with a large energy consumption amount or high energy
usage rate of the refrigerator, since a total energy consumption
amount or energy usage rate is increased, an operation of another
component may be limited at a time slot with a large energy
consumption amount or high energy usage rate of the refrigerator.
At this point, operational limitation information may be displayed
on a display unit of another component whose operation is limited
or a display unit of the energy management unit.
[0451] Whether an energy consumption amount or energy usage rate of
the refrigerator is large or small may be determined based on a
specific reference value. That is, when an energy consumption
amount or energy usage rate is greater than a specific reference
value, it is determined that the energy consumption amount or
energy usage rate is large. The specific reference value may be set
or changed by a user or may be automatically set or changed. Also,
a time slot with a large energy consumption amount or energy usage
rate and a time slot with a small energy consumption amount or
energy usage may vary according to an operation pattern of the
refrigerator.
[0452] The operational limitation includes no operation of at least
one another component and a power saving mode operation of at least
one another component. Additionally, the operational limitation may
include operational limitation of another component having a low
priority after a priority is determined between a plurality of
other components. The reference for operational limitation may
include the number of operational components, a total energy
consumption amount, or a total energy usage rate.
[0453] As one example, if the number of operational components is
set to three and five other components are in operation, when a
time slot with a large energy consumption amount or energy usage
rate of the refrigerator comes, operations of other components
beside three components including the refrigerator may be
limited.
[0454] As another example, when an available total energy
consumption amount is set, in order to prevent a current total
energy consumption amount (or an energy rate) of a plurality of
other components in operation and the refrigerator from exceeding a
set consumption amount (rate), an operation of at least one another
component may be limited.
[0455] On the other hand, another component may operate without
limitation at a time slot with a small energy consumption amount of
the refrigerator. At this point, another component whose operation
is limited before may operate with a higher output than a normal
output before or after operational limitation when a time slot with
a small energy consumption amount or energy usage rate of the
refrigerator comes (operational limitation is released). At this
point, a time slot with a large energy consumption amount or energy
usage rate of the refrigerator includes a time slot at which a
compressor operates, a time slot at which the number of opening a
refrigerator's door or a refrigerator's opening time is large, and
a time slot at which a compressor and a heating unit operate
simultaneously.
[0456] Although it is described above that a future operation of a
reference component is predicted on the basis of operational
information on the reference component and thus an operating
condition of another component is determined, unlike this, an
operating condition of the other component may be determined based
on real-time operational information of the reference component.
For example, when an energy consumption amount or energy usage rate
of a current reference component is greater than a specific
reference value, an operation of another component may be limited.
For example, when an energy consumption amount or energy usage rate
of a current reference component is greater than a specific
reference value, an operation of another component may be limited.
Also, while the reference component is in operation, an operational
limitation of another component may be released at the timing at
which an energy consumption amount or energy usage rate is less
than a specific reference value.
[0457] According to the suggested embodiment, since an operating
condition of another component is determined based on operational
information of a reference component, an increase of an energy
consumption amount or energy usage rate is prevented at a specific
time slot. Especially, if the specific time slot is a high-price
interval, since an increase of an energy consumption amount or
energy usage rate is prevented, a total energy consumption amount
or energy usage rate is reduced in a home.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0458] According to the network system of the embodiments, since an
energy source is efficiently produced, used, distributed, and
stored, an effective management of an energy source becomes
possible and thus, Industrial applicability is remarkable.
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