U.S. patent application number 16/426690 was filed with the patent office on 2019-09-12 for information processing apparatus, method for generating electric power price list, information processing system, and display de.
The applicant listed for this patent is Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Toshihisa IKEDA, Tetsuya KOUDA, Hisashi TAKAYAMA, Yuki WAKI, Yasuo YOSHIMURA.
Application Number | 20190279262 16/426690 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48668065 |
Filed Date | 2019-09-12 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190279262 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TAKAYAMA; Hisashi ; et
al. |
September 12, 2019 |
INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD FOR GENERATING ELECTRIC
POWER PRICE LIST, INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND DISPLAY
DEVICE
Abstract
An electric power price information acquisition unit (114)
acquires information related to an electric power purchase price,
which is an electricity cost when an electronic device is operated
using electric power supplied from a commercial power source, a
price determination unit (100) determines, for each time block, a
generated power price which is an electricity cost when an
electronic device is operated using generated power of a power
generator for generating power using natural energy, and a stored
power price which is an electricity cost when an electronic device
is operated using electric power stored in an electric storage
device, and a user price list generation unit (107) generates an
electric power price list capable of displaying, with regard to an
arbitrary time block, the electric power purchase price, the
generated power price and the stored power price.
Inventors: |
TAKAYAMA; Hisashi; (Osaka,
JP) ; WAKI; Yuki; (Osaka, JP) ; KOUDA;
Tetsuya; (Osaka, JP) ; YOSHIMURA; Yasuo;
(Shiga, JP) ; IKEDA; Toshihisa; (Kyoto,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
48668065 |
Appl. No.: |
16/426690 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14127330 |
Dec 18, 2013 |
10354297 |
|
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PCT/JP2012/007869 |
Dec 10, 2012 |
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16426690 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 50/06 20130101;
Y04S 10/40 20130101; Y04S 20/242 20130101; G06Q 30/0206 20130101;
H02J 3/28 20130101; Y02B 70/3266 20130101; Y02B 70/30 20130101;
H02J 13/00001 20200101; Y04S 50/14 20130101; H02J 2310/64 20200101;
G06Q 30/0283 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20060101
G06Q030/02; G06Q 50/06 20060101 G06Q050/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 21, 2011 |
JP |
2011-280364 |
Claims
1. An information processing apparatus, comprising: an acquisition
unit for acquiring information related to an electric power
purchase price, which is an electricity cost when an electronic
device is operated using electric power supplied from a commercial
power source; a price determination unit for determining, for each
time block, a generated power price which is an electricity cost
when an electronic device is operated using generated power of a
power generator for generating power using natural energy, and a
stored power price which is an electricity cost when an electronic
device is operated using electric power stored in an electric
storage device; and an electric power price list generation unit
for generating an electric power price list capable of displaying,
with regard to an arbitrary time block, the electric power purchase
price, the generated power price and the stored power price.
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the acquisition unit additionally acquires an operating
history of the power generator, and an operating history of the
electric storage device, the information processing apparatus
further comprises: an electric power generation prediction unit for
predicting an electric power generation of the power generator by
using the operating history of the power generator acquired by the
acquisition unit; and an operation plan generation unit for
generating an operation plan of the electric storage device by
using the operating history of the electric storage device acquired
by the acquisition unit, and the price determination unit includes:
a power generation price prediction unit for predicting the
generated power price by using a predicted value of the electric
power generation predicted by the electric power generation
prediction unit; and a power storage price prediction unit for
predicting the stored power price based on the electric power
purchase price acquired by the acquisition unit, the generated
power price predicted by the power generation price prediction
unit, and the operation plan of the electric storage device
generated by the operation plan generation unit.
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein the electric power price list generation unit generates an
electric power price list which indicates a time block for which a
most inexpensive price is designated among the electric power
purchase price acquired by the acquisition unit, the generated
power price predicted by the power generation price prediction
unit, and the stored power price predicted by the power storage
price prediction unit.
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the electric power price list generation unit additionally
generates an electric power price list which indicates the most
inexpensive price for each predetermined electric power usage.
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the electric power price list generation unit generates an
electric power price list which indicates, for each predetermined
time block, an electric power price in a case of preferentially
using a less expensive electric power among the electric power
supplied from the commercial power source, the electric power
generated by the power generator, and the electric power stored in
the electric storage device.
6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein the acquisition unit acquires a use history of electric
power used by an electronic device in a user's home, the
information processing apparatus further comprises a demand
prediction unit for predicting an electric power demand of the
electronic device in the user's home by using the use history
acquired by the acquisition unit, and the electric power price list
generation unit superimposes, on the electric power price list, a
prediction result of the electric power demand of the electronic
device in the user's home predicted by the demand prediction
unit.
7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6,
wherein the electric power price list generation unit superimposes,
on the electric power price list, together with the prediction
result of the electric power demand, electric power required for
operating a target electric device among the electronic devices in
the user's home for which an operating time can be shifted, an
operating time that the target electronic device is to be operated,
and information indicating the target electronic device.
8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,
wherein when the operating time of the target electronic device is
changed, the electric power price list generation unit
superimposes, on the electric power price list, together with the
prediction result of the electric power demand, information
indicating the changed operating time of the target electronic
device.
9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6,
wherein the electric power price list generation unit indicates,
for each time block that is more detailed than the predetermined
time block, an electric power price of a portion of the electric
power price list corresponding to the prediction result of the
electric power demand.
10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein the electric power price list generation unit indicates the
electric power purchase price on the electric power price list with
regard to a time block in which the power generator does not
generate power and a time block in which the electric storage
device does not discharge, and indicates, on the electric power
price list and with regard to a time block in which either the
power generator or the electric storage device operates, a least
expensive electric power price of either the electric power of the
operating device or the electric power supplied from the commercial
power source, based on the electric power generation of the power
generator predicted by the electric power generation prediction
unit and the operation plan of the electric storage device
generated by the operation plan generation unit.
11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the electric power price list generation unit generates the
electric power price list that classifies the electric power
purchase price, the generated power price, and the stored power
price with different colors, respectively.
12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising: a sending unit for sending, to a device
including a display unit, the electric power price list generated
by the electric power price list generation unit.
13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising: a display unit for displaying the electric
power price list generated by the electric power price list
generation unit.
14. A method for generating an electric power price list,
comprising: a step of acquiring information related to an electric
power purchase price, which is an electricity cost when an
electronic device is operated using electric power supplied from a
commercial power source; a step of determining, for each time
block, a generated power price which is an electricity cost when an
electronic device is operated using generated power of a power
generator for generating power using natural energy, and a stored
power price which is an electricity cost when an electronic device
is operated using electric power stored in an electric storage
device; and a step of generating an electric power price list
capable of displaying, with regard to an arbitrary time block, the
electric power purchase price, the generated power price and the
stored power price.
15. An information processing system comprising an information
processing apparatus, and a display device communicably connected
to the information processing apparatus via a network, wherein the
information processing apparatus includes: an acquisition unit for
acquiring information related to an electric power purchase price,
which is an electricity cost when an electronic device is operated
using electric power supplied from a commercial power source; a
price determination unit for determining, for each time block, a
generated power price which is an electricity cost when an
electronic device is operated using generated power of a power
generator for generating power using natural energy, and a stored
power price which is an electricity cost when an electronic device
is operated using electric power stored in an electric storage
device; an electric power price list generation unit for generating
an electric power price list capable of displaying, with regard to
an arbitrary time block, the electric power purchase price, the
generated power price and the stored power price; and a sending
unit for sending, to the display device and via the network, the
electric power price list generated by the electric power price
list generation unit, and the display device includes: a receiving
unit for receiving the electric power price list via the network;
and a display unit for displaying the electric power price list
generated by the electric power price list generation unit.
16. A display device communicably connected via a network to an
information processing apparatus including: an acquisition unit for
acquiring information related to an electric power purchase price,
which is an electricity cost when an electronic device is operated
using electric power supplied from a commercial power source; a
price determination unit for determining, for each time block, a
generated power price which is an electricity cost when an
electronic device is operated using generated power of a power
generator for generating power using natural energy, and a stored
power price which is an electricity cost when an electronic device
is operated using electric power stored in an electric storage
device; and an electric power price list generation unit for
generating an electric power price list capable of displaying, with
regard to an arbitrary time block, the electric power purchase
price, the generated power price and the stored power price,
wherein the display device comprises: a receiving unit for
receiving the electric power price list via the network; and a
display unit for displaying the electric power price list received
by the receiving unit.
17. The display device according to claim 16, further comprising:
an input unit for accepting an input on which electric power to use
among the electric power from the commercial power source, the
electric power of the power generator, and the electric power of
the electric storage device with regard to each time block from the
electric power price list displayed on the display unit; and a
sending unit for sending, via the network, a notification signal
for notifying the information processing apparatus of use of the
electric power designated with the input unit.
18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein the input
unit detects which electric power to use based on a user's
operation of a touch panel.
19. The display device according to claim 17, wherein the input
unit detects which electric power to use by receiving an external
signal sent from an external remote controller.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing
apparatus which generates an electric power price list for
displaying an electric power price when electric power supplied
from a commercial power source is used, an electric power price
when electric power generated by a power generator is used, and an
electric power price when electric power stored in an electric
storage device is used. The present invention also relates to a
method for generating an electric power price list, an information
processing system and a display device.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In recent years, a home energy management system for
realizing energy conservation and cost reduction by introducing a
power generator and a storage battery in a home and optimizing the
operation of household electrical appliances has been proposed.
[0003] Moreover, also proposed is a system which changes the
operating time of predetermined household electrical appliances to
a time block with the highest cost benefit; that is, a time block
with the lowest electricity cost.
[0004] For example, in Patent Literature 1, the total balance
regarding all patterns of combinations of the operating start times
of the respective electronic devices is calculated. Subsequently,
the combination of the operating start times of the electronic
devices which will maximize the total balance; that is, the
electronic devices capable of obtaining the greatest profit, is
extracted, and the extracted combination is set as a scheduling
effect.
[0005] Moreover, in Patent Literature 2, the charging schedule of
the storage battery is calculated so that charging is performed
during a time block in which the unit price of the electricity
charge is the most inexpensive, and the discharging schedule of the
storage battery is calculated so that discharging is performed
during a time block in which the unit price of the electricity
charge is the most expensive.
[0006] Nevertheless, with a conventional system, there were cases
where the operating time of the household electrical appliances was
changed to an inconvenient time block for the user and,
consequently, the user's convenience was impaired in certain
cases.
[0007] For example, while it is likely that the scheduling effect
obtained in Patent Literature 1 can obtain the greatest profit, it
is also likely that the user's convenience will be impaired. Thus,
it was difficult to create a schedule capable of achieving both the
user's convenience and the user's profit.
[0008] Moreover, Patent Literature 2 determines whether to store,
in the storage battery, the electric power that was generated by a
solar power generator by comparing the unit price of buying and
selling of the generated power and the electricity charge unit
price for each time block. Thus, no particular consideration was
given to the user's convenience, and it was difficult to create a
charging schedule and a discharging schedule capable of achieving
both the user's convenience and the user's profit.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0009] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication
No. 2008-21152
[0010] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication
No. 2010-233362
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention was devised in order to resolve the
foregoing problems, and an object of this invention is to provide
an information processing apparatus which generates an electric
power price list capable of achieving both user's convenience and
user's profit, method for generating an electric power price list,
an information processing system and a display device.
[0012] The information processing apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present invention comprises an acquisition unit
for acquiring information related to an electric power purchase
price, which is an electricity cost when an electronic device is
operated using electric power supplied from a commercial power
source, a price determination unit for determining, for each time
block, a generated power price which is an electricity cost when an
electronic device is operated using generated power of a power
generator for generating power using natural energy, and a stored
power price which is an electricity cost when an electronic device
is operated using electric power stored in an electric storage
device, and an electric power price list generation unit for
generating an electric power price list capable of displaying, with
regard to an arbitrary time block, the electric power purchase
price, the generated power price and the stored power price.
[0013] According to the foregoing configuration, since an electric
power price list capable of displaying an electric power purchase
price, which is an electricity cost when an electronic device is
operated using electric power supplied from a commercial power
source, a generated power price which is an electricity cost when
an electronic device is operated using generated power of a power
generator for generating power using natural energy, and a stored
power price which is an electricity cost when an electronic device
is operated using electric power stored in an electric storage
device is generated, the user can comprehend the time block in
which the electricity cost can be further reduced by confirming the
generated electric power price list. Thus, it is possible to
generate an electric power price list capable of achieving both
user's convenience and user's profit.
[0014] Note that, in addition to being realized as this kind of
information processing apparatus, the present invention can also be
realized as a method for generating an electric power price list
including, as its steps, the characteristics means contained in the
information processing apparatus, and can also be realized as a
program for causing a computer to execute the foregoing
characteristic steps.
[0015] Moreover, the present invention can also be realized as a
voltage control system including the foregoing information
processing apparatus.
[0016] According to this mode, since an electric power price list
capable of displaying an electric power purchase price, which is an
electricity cost when an electronic device is operated using
electric power supplied from a commercial power source, a generated
power price which is an electricity cost when an electronic device
is operated using generated power of a power generator for
generating power using natural energy, and a stored power price
which is an electricity cost when an electronic device is operated
using electric power stored in an electric storage device is
generated, the user can comprehend the time block in which the
electricity cost can be further reduced by confirming the generated
electric power price list. Thus, it is possible to generate an
electric power price list capable of achieving both user's
convenience and user's profit.
[0017] The object, features and advantages of the present invention
will become more apparent based on the ensuing detailed explanation
and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the
information processing system according to embodiment 1 of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a flowchart explaining the simplified operation of
the energy management device according to embodiment 1 of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a flowchart explaining the detailed operation of
the energy management device according to embodiment 1 of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a diagram explaining the method of calculating the
electric power price of the electric storage device in embodiment 1
of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a first flowchart explaining the processing of
generating a user price list in embodiment 1 of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a second flowchart explaining the processing of
generating a user price list in embodiment 1 of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a third flowchart explaining the processing of
generating a user price list in embodiment 1 of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a diagram explaining the processing of generating
a user price list in embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the time change of
the electric power generation of the power generator and the
charging/discharging plan and the indoor electric power demand of
the electric storage device in embodiment 1 of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the user price
list in embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the user
terminal according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the user price
list before the operating time is changed in embodiment 1.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the user price
list when the operating time is changed and the user price list
after the operating time has been changed in embodiment 1.
[0031] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of the
information processing system according to a modified example of
embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of the
information processing system according to embodiment 2 of the
present invention.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the
energy management device according to embodiment 2 of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the user price
list that is generated in embodiment 2 of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of the
information processing system according to embodiment 3 of the
present invention.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the
energy management device according to embodiment 3 of the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the time change
of the electric power generation of the power generator and the
charging/discharging plan and the indoor electric power demand of
the electric storage device in embodiment 3 of the present
invention.
[0038] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the user price
list in embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the time change
of the electric power generation of the power generator and the
charging/discharging plan and the indoor electric power demand of
the electric storage device according to a modified example of
embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the user price
list according to a modified example of embodiment 3 of the present
invention.
[0041] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of the
information processing system according to embodiment 4 of the
present invention.
[0042] FIG. 25 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the
energy management device according to embodiment 4 of the present
invention.
[0043] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the user price
list in embodiment 4 of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0044] Embodiments of the present invention are now explained with
reference to the appended drawings. Note that the following
embodiments are merely examples that embody the present invention,
and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present
invention. The numerical values, shapes, constituent elements,
arrangement of constituent elements, mode of connection, order of
steps and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely
examples. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited by
these respective modes. The present invention is limited only based
on the scope of its claims. Thus, among the constituent elements in
the following embodiments, the constituent elements that are not
described in the independent claims that show the most significant
concept of the present invention are not necessarily required to
achieve the object of the present invention, and are explained as
an example of an embodiment of the present invention.
Embodiment 1
[0045] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the
information processing system according to embodiment 1 of the
present invention. The information processing system 1 shown in
FIG. 1 comprises an energy management device 10, an electric
storage device 11, a power generator 12, a weather information
server 13, an electric power price information server 14, a power
consumption measuring device 15, a user terminal 16 and an
electronic device 17.
[0046] The commercial power source 18 is operated by an electric
power company and supplies electric power to the respective
households, and purchases electric power from the respective
households.
[0047] The electric storage device 11 is disposed in a user's home,
comprises a storage battery, and stores electric power in the
storage battery. The electric storage device 11 stores, in the
storage battery, the electric power supplied from the commercial
power source 18 and the electric power generated by the power
generator 12, and supplies, to the electronic device 17, the
electric power stored in the storage battery.
[0048] The power generator 12 is disposed in a user's home, and
generates power by using natural energy. The power generator 12 is
configured, for example, from a solar power generator. The solar
power generator comprises a solar panel for converting solar
energy, which is natural energy, into electric power. The power
generator 12 supplies, to the electronic device 17, the electric
storage device 11 and the commercial power source 18, the electric
power that was generated using natural energy. The power generator
12 supplies the electric power to the commercial power source 18
upon selling the electric power that was generated using natural
energy.
[0049] The weather information server 13 stores weather prediction
information, which is prediction of future weather, and sends the
weather prediction information to the energy management device 10.
Note that, preferably, the weather prediction information is, for
example, information indicating the weather for each predetermined
time on the following day, and information indicating the weather
of every hour.
[0050] The electric power price information server 14 stores the
electric power price information which indicates the price of the
electric power that is supplied from the commercial power source
18, and sends the electric power price information to the energy
management device 10. The electric power price information includes
electric power purchase price information which indicates the price
in the case of purchasing electric power from the commercial power
source 18, and electric power selling price information which
indicates the price upon selling electric power to the commercial
power source 18. Note that the electric power purchase price
information and the electric power selling price information
indicate, for example, the price of every hour.
[0051] The power consumption measuring device 15 comprises a
plurality of power sensors, and measures and stores the power
consumption of the electronic device 17, and the electric power
supplied from the commercial power source 18. The power consumption
measuring device 15 sends, to the energy management device 10, the
power consumption information indicating the measured power
consumption.
[0052] The energy management device 10 and the electric storage
device 11, the power generator 12, the weather information server
13, the electric power price information server 14, the power
consumption measuring device 15, the user terminal 16 and the
electronic device 17 are communicably connected to each other via a
wireless or wired network.
[0053] The energy management device 10 comprises an information
acquisition unit 101, a power generation prediction unit 102, a
power generation price prediction unit 103, a charging/discharging
plan generation unit 104, a power storage price prediction unit
105, an indoor electric power demand prediction unit 106, a user
price list generation unit 107, a device control unit 108 and a
communication unit 130.
[0054] The information acquisition unit 101 acquires information
related to the electric power purchase price, which is an
electricity cost when an electronic device is operated using
electric power supplied from a commercial power source. The
information acquisition unit 101 acquires the electric power
purchase price upon purchasing electric power from the commercial
power source 18, the electric power selling price upon selling
electric power to the commercial power source 18, the operating
history of the power generator 12 that generates power by using
natural energy, the weather prediction information, and the
operating history of the electric storage device 11 that stores
electric power in the storage battery. Moreover, the information
acquisition unit 101 acquires the use history (power consumption
information) of electric power used by the respective electronic
devices in a user's home.
[0055] The information acquisition unit 101 comprises a power
generation operating history information acquisition unit 111, a
weather prediction information acquisition unit 112, a power
storage operating history information acquisition unit 113, an
electric power price information acquisition unit 114 and a power
consumption information acquisition unit 115.
[0056] The power generation operating history information
acquisition unit 111 acquires, from the power generator 12,
operating history information indicating the operating history of
the power generator 12. The weather prediction information
acquisition unit 112 acquires weather prediction information from
the weather information server 13. The power storage operating
history information acquisition unit 113 acquires, from the
electric storage device 11, operating history information
indicating the operating history of the electric storage device 11.
The electric power price information acquisition unit 114 acquires
electric power price information from the electric power price
information server 14. The power consumption information
acquisition unit 115 acquires power consumption information from
the power consumption measuring device 15.
[0057] The power generation prediction unit 102 predicts the
electric power generation, for each predetermined time block, of
the power generator 12 by using the operating history information
of the power generator 12 acquired by the power generation
operating history information acquisition unit 111, and the weather
prediction information acquired by the weather prediction
information acquisition unit 112.
[0058] The power generation price prediction unit 103 generates a
generated power operating plan, which is an operating plan of the
electric power generated by the power generator 12, by using the
electric power generation for each predetermined time block
predicted by the power generation prediction unit 102, and the
electric power selling price information contained in the electric
power price information acquired by the electric power price
information acquisition unit 114, and predicts, for each
predetermined time block, the electric power price of the electric
power usage of electric power that was generated by the power
generator 12.
[0059] Here, a generated power operating plan is the plan for
distributing electric power to the following three uses; namely,
"use of the generated electric power by an electronic device",
"selling of the generated electric power to the commercial power
source 18", and "storage of the generated electric power in the
electric storage device 11".
[0060] The indoor electric power demand prediction unit 106
predicts the indoor electric power demand of the electronic device
17 in a user's home by using the power consumption information
acquired by the power consumption information acquisition unit 115.
The indoor electric power demand prediction unit 106 predicts the
indoor electric power demand of the following day, for example,
based on the electric energy that was used on the same weekday in
the past, or based on the electric energy that was used on that
day.
[0061] The charging/discharging plan generation unit 104 generates
an operation plan for the charging and discharging of the electric
storage device 11 based on the operating history information of the
electric storage device 11 acquired by the power storage operating
history information acquisition unit 113, the electric power
purchase price information contained in the electric power price
information acquired by the electric power price information
acquisition unit 114, the indoor electric power demand predicted by
the indoor electric power demand prediction unit 106, and the
allocation, to "storage of the generated electric power in the
electric storage device 11", of the electric power generated based
on the generated power operating plan generated by the power
generation price prediction unit 103. Note that the
charging/discharging plan generation unit 104 may also generate the
operation plan of the electric storage device 11 by using only the
operating history information of the electric storage device 11
acquired by the power storage operating history information
acquisition unit 113. The charging/discharging plan generation unit
104 predicts the charging/discharging plan of the following day,
for example, based on the operating history of the same weekday in
the past, or the operating history of that day.
[0062] The power storage price prediction unit 105 predicts, for
each predetermined time block, the electric power price when the
electric power stored in the electric storage device 11 is used
based on the electric power purchase price information contained in
the electric power price information acquired by the electric power
price information acquisition unit 114, the electric power price of
the electric power generated by the power generator 12 which was
predicted by the power generation price prediction unit 103, and
the electric energy charged or discharged based on the
charging/discharging plan of the electric storage device 11 which
was generated by the charging/discharging plan generation unit
104.
[0063] Note that the price determination unit 100 is configured
from a power generation prediction unit 102, a power generation
price prediction unit 103, a charging/discharging plan generation
unit 104, a power storage price prediction unit 105 and an indoor
electric power demand prediction unit 106. The price determination
unit 100 determines, for each time block, the generated power price
which is the electricity cost upon operating the electronic device
17 by using the generation power of the power generator 12 which
generates power using natural energy, and the stored power price
which is the electricity cost upon operating the electronic device
17 by using the electric power stored in the electric storage
device 11.
[0064] The user price list generation unit 107 generates a user
price list which indicates, for each predetermined electric power
usage and for each predetermined time block, the price of the
electric power used by the electronic device 17 based on the
electric power purchase price information contained in the electric
power price information acquired by the electric power price
information acquisition unit 114, the electric power price of the
electric power generated by the power generator 12 which was
predicted by the power generation price prediction unit 103, and
the electric power price upon using the electric power stored in
the electric storage device 11 which was predicted by the power
storage price prediction unit 105.
[0065] Here, the user price list generation unit 107 generates the
user price list by giving consideration to the allocation to "use
of the generated electric power by an electronic device" of the
electric power generated based on the generated power operating
plan that was generated by the power generation price prediction
unit 103, and the amount of discharge which indicates the
charging/discharging plan that was generated by the
charging/discharging plan generation unit 104.
[0066] The user price list generation unit 107 generates a user
price list capable of displaying, with regard to an arbitrary time
block, the electric power purchase price, the generated power price
and the stored power price. The user price list generation unit 107
generates a user price list which indicates a time block that
designates the most inexpensive price among the electric power
purchase price acquired by the information acquisition unit 101,
the generated power price predicted by the power generation price
prediction unit 103, and the stored power price predicted by the
power storage price prediction unit 105.
[0067] The user price list generation unit 107 generates a user
price list which indicates, for each predetermined electric power
usage and for each predetermined time block, the electric power
price in a case of preferentially using a less expensive electric
power among the electric power supplied from the commercial power
source 18, the electric power generated by the power generator 12,
and the electric power stored in the electric storage device
11.
[0068] In this embodiment, the electric power price of the electric
power generated by the power generator 12 is the least expensive,
the electric power stored in the electric storage device 11 is the
second least expensive, and the electric power supplied from the
commercial power source 18 is the third least expensive, and the
electric power generated by the power generator 12, the electric
power stored in the electric storage device 11, and the electric
power supplied from the commercial power source 18 are
preferentially used, in that order, by the electronic device
17.
[0069] In addition, the user price list generation unit 107
superimposes, on the user price list, the prediction result of the
indoor electric power demand predicted by the indoor electric power
demand prediction unit 106. Furthermore, the user price list
generation unit 107 superimposed, on the user price list, together
with the prediction result of the indoor electric power demand, the
electric power required for operating a target electric device
among the electronic devices in the user's home for which the
operating time can be shifted, the operating time that the target
electronic device is to be operated, and information indicating the
target electronic device.
[0070] The communication unit 130 sends the user price list
generated by the user price list generation unit 107 to the user
terminal 16.
[0071] The device control unit 108 sends the control signal for
controlling the electronic device 17 to the electronic device
17.
[0072] The user terminal 16 is configured, for example, from a
portable phone, a personal computer or a display device, and
comprises a user price list acquisition unit 161, a user price list
display unit 162 and an operating time change acceptance unit
163.
[0073] The user price list acquisition unit 161 acquires the user
price list created with the user price list generation unit 107 of
the energy management device 10. The user price list acquisition
unit 161 receives the user price list via a network. The user price
list display unit 162 is configured, for example, from a liquid
crystal display device, and displays the user price list acquired
by the user price list acquisition unit 161. The user price list
display unit 162 displays the user price list received by the user
price list acquisition unit 161.
[0074] The operating time change acceptance unit 163 is configured,
for example, from an operation button, a touch panel, a keyboard
and a mouse, and accepts changes to the operating time of the
electronic device 17. Among the electronic devices 17, there are
electronic devices in which the operating time can be changed and
electronic devices in which the operating time cannot be changed,
and the user price list display unit 162 displays, in a
distinguishable manner, the electric power usage of electronic
devices in which the operating time can be changed. The operating
time change acceptance unit 163 accepts changes to the operating
time of the electronic devices 17 in which the operating time can
be changed.
[0075] The operating time change acceptance unit 163 sends, to the
energy management device 10, operating schedule information which
indicates the operating time that was changed by the operating time
change acceptance unit 163. The communication unit 130 receives the
operating schedule information that was sent by the operating time
change acceptance unit 163, and controls the electronic device 17
to change the operating time based on the operating schedule
information received by the device control unit 108. Moreover, when
the operating time of the electronic device 17 is changed, the user
price list display unit 162 superimposes, on the user price list,
together with the prediction result of the indoor electric power
demand, information indicating the changed operating time of the
electronic device 17 that was accepted by the operating time change
acceptance unit 163.
[0076] Note that the user terminal 16 may also comprise an input
unit for accepting an input on which electric power to use among
the electric power from the commercial power source 18, the
electric power of the power generator 12, and the electric power of
the electric storage device 11 with regard to each time block from
the electric power price list displayed on the user price list
display unit 162, and a sending unit for sending, via the network,
a notification signal for notifying the energy management device 10
of use of the electric power designated with the input unit. In the
foregoing case, the input unit may detect which electric power to
use based on a user's operation of a touch panel. Moreover, the
input unit may detect which electric power to use by receiving an
external signal sent from an external remote controller.
[0077] The electronic device 17 is, for example, a household
electrical appliance such as a TV, refrigerator, washer/dryer, rice
cooker, electric water heater or dishwasher. Note that the
electronic device 17 is an electrical appliance that is used
domestically, including sensors for measuring and detecting housing
equipment and living environments. Moreover, while one electronic
device 17 is connected to the energy management device 10 in FIG.
1, a plurality of electronic devices in a household are connected
to the energy management device 10.
[0078] Moreover, among the above, the target electronic devices in
which the operating time can be shifted are, for example, household
electrical appliances such as a washer/dryer, a rice cooker, an
electric water heater and a dishwasher.
[0079] Note that, in embodiment 1, the information acquisition unit
101 corresponds to an example of the acquisition unit, the power
generation prediction unit 102 corresponds to an example of the
power generation prediction unit, the power generation price
prediction unit 103 corresponds to an example of the power
generation price prediction unit, the charging/discharging plan
generation unit 104 corresponds to an example of the operation plan
generation unit, the power storage price prediction unit 105
corresponds to an example of the power storage price prediction
unit, the user price list generation unit 107 corresponds to an
example of the electric power price list generation unit, the
indoor electric power demand prediction unit 106 corresponds to an
example of the demand prediction unit, and the communication unit
130 corresponds to an example of the sending unit.
[0080] The simplified operation of the energy management device 10
according to embodiment 1 is now explained.
[0081] FIG. 2 is a flowchart explaining the simplified operation of
the energy management device according to embodiment 1 of the
present invention.
[0082] Foremost, in step S1, the information acquisition unit 101
acquires the electric power purchase upon purchasing electric power
from the commercial power source 18, the electric power selling
price upon selling electric power to the commercial power source
18, the operating history of the power generator 12 that generates
power by using natural energy, the weather prediction information,
and the operating history of the electric storage device 11 that
stores electric power in the storage battery.
[0083] Subsequently, in step S2, the power generation prediction
unit 102 predicts the electric power generation of the power
generator 12 by using the operating history of the power generator
12 acquired by the information acquisition unit 101.
[0084] Subsequently, in step S3, the power generation price
prediction unit 103 predicts, for each predetermined time block,
the electric power price of the electric power usage of the
electric power generated by the power generator 12 by using the
electric power generation predicted by the power generation
prediction unit 102.
[0085] Subsequently, in step S4, the charging/discharging plan
generation unit 104 generates an operation plan of the electric
storage device 11 by using the operating history of the electric
storage device 11 acquired by the information acquisition unit
101.
[0086] Subsequently, in step S5, the power storage price prediction
unit 105 predicts, for each predetermined time block, the electric
power price of the electric power usage when the electric power
stored in the electric storage device 11 is used based on the
electric power purchase price information acquired by the
information acquisition unit 101, the electric power price of the
power generator 12 predicted by the power generation price
prediction unit 103, and the electric energy charged or discharged
to or from the electric storage device 11 based on the operation
plan of the electric storage device 11 which was generated by the
charging/discharging plan generation unit 104.
[0087] Subsequently, in step S6, the user price list generation
unit 107 generates a user price list which indicates, for each
predetermined electric power usage and for each predetermined time
block, based on the electric power purchase price information
acquired by the information acquisition unit 101, the electric
power price of the electric power generated by the power generator
12 which was predicted by the power generation price prediction
unit 103, and the electric power price upon using the electric
power stored in the electric storage device 11 which was predicted
by the power storage price prediction unit 105.
[0088] A more detailed operation of the information processing
system 1 according to embodiment 1 is now explained.
[0089] FIG. 3 is a flowchart explaining the detailed operation of
the energy management device according to embodiment 1 of the
present invention.
[0090] Foremost, in step S11, the power consumption information
acquisition unit 115 acquires, from the power consumption measuring
device 15, power consumption information which indicates the power
consumption of the electronic device 17, and the electric power
supplied from the commercial power source 18. Note that, in
embodiment 1, the energy management device 10 starts the processing
for generating the user price list, for example, at the start of
each hour, and generates a user price list of 24 hours in the
future. The power consumption information acquisition unit 115
acquires, for example, the power consumption information of the
past 24 hours.
[0091] Note that, in embodiment 1, while the energy management
device 10 starts the processing for generating the user price list
at the start of each hour, the present invention is not limited
thereto, and the processing may be started at an arbitrary time or
started pursuant to a start command from the user. Moreover, in
embodiment 1, while the energy management device 10 generates a
user price list of 24 hours in the future, the present invention is
not limited thereto, and the energy management device 10 may also
generate a user price list of arbitrary hours from an arbitrary
time. Moreover, the power consumption information acquisition unit
115 may also acquire the power consumption information of the past
arbitrary houses from an arbitrary time.
[0092] Subsequently, in step S12, the electric power price
information acquisition unit 114 acquires, from the electric power
price information server 14, electric power price information
containing the electric power purchase price information which
indicates the price in the case of purchasing electric power from
the commercial power source 18, and electric power selling price
information which indicates the price upon selling electric power
to the commercial power source 18. The electric power price
information acquisition unit 114 acquires the electric power price
information, for example, every hour of 24 hours in the future.
Note that the electric power price information acquisition unit 114
may also acquire the electric power price information of arbitrary
hours in the future from an arbitrary time.
[0093] Subsequently, in step S13, the weather prediction
information acquisition unit 112 acquires, from the weather
information server 13, the weather prediction information, which is
prediction of future weather. The weather prediction information
acquisition unit 112 acquires the weather prediction information,
for example, every hour of 24 hours in the future. Note that the
weather prediction information acquisition unit 112 may also
acquire the weather prediction information of arbitrary hours in
the future from an arbitrary time. Note that the weather prediction
information includes, in addition to weather of the future
(following day), history of past weather, and may also include the
sunrise time, the sunset time and air temperature change
predictions. In addition, the weather prediction information may
also include the future wind velocity and wind direction.
[0094] Subsequently, in step S14, the power generation operating
history information acquisition unit 111 acquires, from the power
generator 12, the operating history information which indicates the
operating history of the power generator 12.
[0095] The operating history information includes the electric
power generation for each predetermined time block, and the
breakdown of the usage thereof; namely, the electric energy used
for the electronic device 17, the electric energy sold to the
commercial power source 18, and the electric energy stored in the
electric storage device 11.
[0096] The power generation operating history information
acquisition unit 111 acquires, for example, the operating history
information of the power generator 12 of the past week. Note that
the power generation operating history information acquisition unit
111 may also acquire the operating history information of the power
generator 12 of the past arbitrary hours from an arbitrary time
such as one week worth of information of the same time of the
previous year.
[0097] Subsequently, in step S15, the power storage operating
history information acquisition unit 113 acquires, from the
electric storage device 11, the operating history information which
indicates the operating history of the electric storage device 11.
The power storage operating history information acquisition unit
113 acquires, for example, the difference in comparison to the
operating history information of the electric storage device 11 of
the past 24 hours or the operating history information acquired
from the electric storage device 11.
[0098] The operating history information includes the date and time
of charging, the charged electric energy, and the average price of
the charged electric power with regard to charging, and includes
the date of time of charging, the charged electric energy and the
remaining amount of charge of the electric storage device 11 with
regard to discharging.
[0099] Note that the power storage operating history information
acquisition unit 113 may also acquire the operating history
information of the electric storage device 11 the past arbitrary
hours from an arbitrary time.
[0100] The order of processing for acquiring the respective pieces
of information from step S11 to step S15 is not particularly
limited to the foregoing order, and the respective pieces of
information may be acquired in any order.
[0101] Subsequently, in step S16, the indoor electric power demand
prediction unit 106 predicts the electric power demand of the
respective electronic device 17 in the user's home by using the
power consumption information acquired by the power consumption
information acquisition unit 115. The indoor electric power demand
prediction unit 106 sets, as the indoor electric power demand of 24
hours in the future, the average of the power consumption
information of the same time block in the past or the power
consumption information of the past 24 hours. Note that the indoor
electric power demand prediction unit 106 may also predict the
indoor electric power demand based on a neutral network model in
which the past power consumption information is used as an input
parameter and the indoor electric power demand of the current day
is used as an output parameter.
[0102] Moreover, the indoor electric power demand prediction unit
106 reflects, in the indoor electric power demand prediction, the
operating time of the electronic device 17 for which a reservation
setting was made by the user. In other words, the user uses the
user terminal 16 or the electronic device 17 and performs the
reservation setting of the operating time of a specific electronic
device 17. When the reservation setting of the operating time of a
specific electronic device 17 is performed, the user terminal 16 or
the electronic device 17 sends, to the communication unit 130, the
operating time for which the reservation setting was performed as
the operating schedule information, and the communication unit 130
sends the received operating schedule information to the indoor
electric power demand prediction unit 106 via the device control
unit 108. The indoor electric power demand prediction unit 106
predicts the indoor electric power demand, upon giving
consideration to the operating time and the power consumption of
the electronic device for which the reservation setting was
performed, based on the received operating schedule
information.
[0103] Subsequently, in step S17, the power generation prediction
unit 102 predicts the electric power generation, for each
predetermined time block, of the power generator 12 by using the
operating history information of the power generator 12 acquired by
the power generation operating history information acquisition unit
111, and the weather prediction information acquired by the weather
prediction information acquisition unit 112. The electric power
generation of a power generator which converts natural energy into
electric power will change considerably depending on the weather
conditions. For example, the electric power generation of a solar
power generator will change depending on whether or not the weather
is sunny. Thus, the power generation prediction unit 102 can
predict the electric power generation by using the weather
prediction information acquired by the weather prediction
information acquisition unit 112. Moreover, the operating history
information of the power generator 12 is information which
associates actual past weather and the actual value of electric
power generation. Thus, the power generation prediction unit 102
calculates the time change of the electric power generation of the
following day based on the weather of each predetermined time (for
instance, every hour) from the sunrise time to the sunset time of
the following day, and the electric power generation that is
associated with that weather.
[0104] Note that, in embodiment 1, while the power generation
prediction unit 102 predicts the electric power generation, for
each predetermined time block, the power generator 12 by using the
operating history information of the power generator 12 and the
weather prediction information, the present invention is not
limited thereto. The power generation prediction unit 102 may also
predict the electric power generation, for each predetermined time
block, of the power generator 12 by using only the operating
history information of the power generator 12, or predict the
electric power generation, for each predetermined time block, of
the power generator 12 by using only the weather prediction
information. When using only the operating history information of
the power generator 12, the power generation prediction unit 102
uses, as-is, the time change of the electric power generation of
the previous day (for example, from the current time to 24 hours
before) as the electric power generation of the following day (for
example, from the current time to 24 hours later). Moreover, when
using only the weather prediction information, the power generation
prediction unit 102 calculates the time change of the electric
power generation from the weather of the following day (for
example, from the current time to 24 hours later).
[0105] Subsequently, in step S18, the power generation price
prediction unit 103 generates the generated power operating plan by
using the electric power generation for each predetermined time
block predicted by the power generation prediction unit 102, and
the electric power selling price information contained in the
electric power price information acquired by the electric power
price information acquisition unit 114, and additionally predicts,
for each predetermined time block, the electric power price of the
electric power usage of electric power that was generated by the
power generator 12. For example, the power generation price
prediction unit 103 of this embodiment sets the electric power
price, upon using the electric power generated by the power
generator 12, to 0 yen/kWh since natural energy which is free from
fuel costs is used.
[0106] Note that the power generation price prediction unit 103 may
also more closely predict, for each predetermined time block, the
electric power price of the electric power usage of electric power
that was generated by the power generator 12 by giving
consideration to the installation cost of the power generator 12
and the electric power selling price of the generated electric
power. In the foregoing case, for example, the cumulative amount
(I) of earnings from electric power selling is subtracted from the
total costs (C) that were required upon installing the power
generator 12, and the product is divided by the expected value (E)
of the total electric power generation until the power generator 12
reaches its lift, and the resulting value (C-I)/E yen/kWh is set as
the electric power price.
[0107] The power generation price prediction unit 103 calculates
the cumulative amount (I) of earnings from the electric power
selling based on the electric power selling price information
contained in the electric power price information acquired by the
electric power price information acquisition unit 114 and the
electric energy sold to the commercial power source 18 contained in
the operating history information of the power generator 12 which
was acquired through the power generation prediction unit 102, and
predicts, for each predetermined time block, the electric power
price when the electric power generated by the power generator 12
is used.
[0108] Subsequently, in step S19, the charging/discharging plan
generation unit 104 generates an operation plan of the electric
storage device 11 by using the operating history information of the
electric storage device 11 acquired by the power storage operating
history information acquisition unit 113, the electric power
purchase price information contained in the electric power price
information acquired by the electric power price information
acquisition unit 114, the indoor electric power demand predicted by
the indoor electric power demand prediction unit 106, and the
allocation of storage of the generated electric power in the
electric storage device 11, for each predetermined time block, in
the generated power operating plan generated by the power
generation price prediction unit 103.
[0109] The charging/discharging plan generation unit 104 generates
a charging/discharging plan for performing charging in a time block
in which the electric power purchase price is least expensive and
in a time block when power is generated by the power generator 12,
and performing discharging in a time block when the electric power
purchase price is most expensive. The charging/discharging plan
generation unit 104 determines the time block and amount of charge
for performing charging using the electric power generated by the
power generator 12 based on the allocation to the storage of the
generated electric power in the electric storage device 11 for each
predetermined time block in the generated power operating plan
which was generated by the power generation price prediction unit
103. Moreover, the charging/discharging plan generation unit 104
determines the time block and the amount of charge for performing
charging using the electric power supplied from the commercial
power source 18 based on the electric power purchase price
information contained in the electric power price information which
was acquired by the electric power price information acquisition
unit 114. Note that the charging/discharging plan generation unit
104 makes the determination so that charging is performed in a time
block in which the electric power purchase price is the least
expensive.
[0110] Moreover, the charging/discharging plan generation unit 104
determines the time block and the amount of charge for performing
discharging based on the electric power purchase price information
contained in the electric power price information which was
acquired by the electric power price information acquisition unit
114 and the indoor electric power demand which was predicted by the
indoor electric power demand prediction unit 106. Note that the
charging/discharging plan generation unit 104 makes the
determination of performing discharging in a time block in which
the electric power purchase price is the most expensive and in a
time block in which the electric power used indoors is the
greatest. Moreover, the charging/discharging plan generation unit
104 may also make the determination of performing discharging in a
time block in which the electric power purchase price is a
predetermined price or more, and in a time block in which the
electric power used indoors is a predetermined electric power or
more.
[0111] Subsequently, in step S20, the power storage price
prediction unit 105 predicts, for each predetermined time block,
the electric power price when the electric power stored in the
electric storage device 11 is used by computing the substantial
unit price of the electric power stored in the electric storage
device 11 based on the electric power purchase price information
contained in the electric power price information which was
acquired by the electric power price information acquisition unit
114, the electric power price of the electric power generated by
the power generator 12 which was predicted by the power generation
price prediction unit 103, and the electric energy charged or
discharged based on the charging/discharging plan of the electric
storage device 11 which was generated by the charging/discharging
plan generation unit 104.
[0112] The method of calculating the electric power price upon
using the electric power stored in the electric storage device 11
is now explained in detail. Note that, in the ensuing explanation,
the electric power price upon using the electric power stored in
the electric storage device 11 shall be the electric power price or
the stored power price of the electric storage device 11.
[0113] FIG. 4 is a diagram explaining the method of calculating the
electric power price of the electric storage device 11 in
embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 4, in order from top
to bottom, indicated are a charged power value C.sub.PV(T) and an
electric power price P.sub.PV(T) of the power generator 12, a
charged power value C.sub.UT(T) and an electric power price
P.sub.UT(T) of the commercial power source 18, and a discharge
power value D.sub.SB(T), a State Of Charge (SOC), and a stored
power price P.sub.SB(Tn).
[0114] The charged power value C.sub.PV(T) is a value obtained by
subtracting the sold electric energy and the electric energy
consumed indoors from the electric power generation of the power
generator 12.
[0115] The power storage price prediction unit 105 calculates the
stored power price P.sub.SB(Tn) based on Formula (1) below.
[ Math . 1 ] ##EQU00001## P SB ( Tn ) = .intg. T 0 Tn P UT ( t ) C
UT ( t ) dt + .intg. T 0 Tn P PV ( t ) C PV ( t ) dt - a = 1 n ( P
SB ( T a - 1 ) .intg. Ta Ta D SB ( s ) ds ) .intg. T 0 Tn C UT ( t
) dt + .intg. T 0 Tn C PV ( t ) dt - .intg. T 0 Tn D SB ( s ) dt (
1 ) ##EQU00001.2##
[0116] The stored power price P.sub.SB(Tn) indicates the stored
power price at timing T1, T2, T3, T4, when the series of charging
operations of the electric storage device 11 are ended. The stored
power price changes during the charging operation, and does not
change during the discharging operation.
[0117] In particular, T1 indicates the timing that the first
charging operation has ended in the electric storage device 11 in a
state with no charge (SOC=0%). In the foregoing case, since there
is no need to give consideration to the discharged portion, the
stored power price P.sub.SB(T1) is calculated based on Formula (2)
below.
[ Math . 2 ] ##EQU00002## P SB ( T 1 ) = .intg. T 0 T 1 P UT ( t )
C UT ( t ) dt + .intg. T 0 T 1 P PV ( t ) C PV ( t ) dt .intg. T 0
T 1 C UT ( t ) dt + .intg. T 0 T 1 C PV ( t ) dt ( 2 )
##EQU00002.2##
[0118] Subsequently, in step S21, the user price list generation
unit 107 generates a user price list which indicates, for each
predetermined electric power usage and for each predetermined time
block, the electric power purchase price information contained in
the electric power price information acquired by the electric power
price information acquisition unit 114, the electric power price of
the electric power generated by the power generator 12 which was
predicted by the power generation price prediction unit 103, and
the electric power price upon using the electric power stored in
the electric storage device 11 which was predicted by the power
storage price prediction unit 105.
[0119] Subsequently, in step S22, the communication unit 130 sends,
to the user terminal 16, the user price list that was generated by
the user price list generation unit 107.
[0120] The processing of generating a user price list in embodiment
1 is now explained in further detail with reference to FIG. 5 to
FIG. 8.
[0121] FIG. 5 is a first flowchart explaining the processing of
generating a user price list in embodiment 1 of the present
invention, FIG. 6 is a second flowchart explaining the processing
of generating a user price list in embodiment 1 of the present
invention, FIG. 7 is a third flowchart explaining the processing of
generating a user price list in embodiment 1 of the present
invention, and FIG. 8 is a diagram explaining the processing of
generating a user price list in embodiment 1 of the present
invention.
[0122] Note that, in the ensuing explanation, explained is the
processing for generating a user price list which indicates the
electric power price, with the electric power usage M(0 to Mmax) as
the predetermined electric energy interval Mu, in a time block
between time A and time (A+Au).
[0123] Foremost, in step S201, the user price list generation unit
107 sets the electric power usage M to 0.
[0124] Subsequently, in step S202, the user price list generation
unit 107 determines whether the planned indoor usage G of the
generated power in the time block (A to A+Au) based on the
generated power operating plan is not less than the predetermined
electric energy interval Mu. Here, when it is determined that the
planned indoor usage G is not less than the predetermined electric
energy interval Mu (step S202: YES), in step S203, the user price
list generation unit 107 sets the electric power price in the time
block (A to A+Au) and the electric power usage (M to M+Mu) of the
user price list to the generated power price P.sub.PV. The
generated power price P.sub.PV is the electric power price of the
power generator 12.
[0125] Subsequently, in step S204, the user price list generation
unit 107 subtracts the electric energy interval Mu from the planned
indoor usage G of the generated power, and ads the electric energy
interval Mu to the electric power usage M.
[0126] Subsequently, in step S205, the user price list generation
unit 107 determines whether the electric power usage M is the
maximum value Mmax. Here, when it is determined that the electric
power usage M is the maximum value Mmax (step S205: YES), the user
price list generation processing in the time block (A to A+Au) is
ended.
[0127] Meanwhile, when it is determined that the electric power
usage M is not the maximum value Mmax(step S205: NO), the
processing returns to step S202.
[0128] Moreover, in step S202, when it is determined that the
planned indoor usage G is smaller than the predetermined electric
energy interval Mu (step S202: NO), in step S206, the user price
list generation unit 107 subtracts the planned indoor usage G from
the electric energy interval Mu and sets the resulting value as a
first value R1.
[0129] Subsequently, in step S207, the user price list generation
unit 107 determines whether the discharge power value D of the
electric storage device 11 in the time block (A to A+Au) based on
the charging/discharging plan is not less than the first value R1.
Here, when it is determined that the discharge power value D of the
electric storage device 11 is not less than the first value R1
(step S207: YES), in step S208, the user price list generation unit
107 sets the electric power price in the time block (A to A+Au) and
the electric power usage (M to M+Mu) of the user price list to
(P.sub.PV.times.G+P.sub.SB.times.R1)/Mu. Note that P.sub.SB
indicates the stored power price in the time block (A to A+Au)
predicted by the power storage price prediction unit 105.
[0130] Subsequently, in step S209, the user price list generation
unit 107 subtracts the first value R1 from the discharge power
value D of the electric storage device 11, adds the electric energy
interval Mu to the electric power usage M, and the processing
proceeds to step S213 described later.
[0131] Meanwhile, when it is determined that the discharge power
value D of the electric storage device 11 is smaller than the first
value R1 (step S207: NO), in step S210, the user price list
generation unit 107 subtracts the discharge power value D from the
first value R1 and sets the resulting value as a second value
R2.
[0132] Subsequently, in step S211, the user price list generation
unit 107 sets the electric power price in the time block (A to
A+Au) and the electric power usage (M to M+Mu) of the user price
list to (P.sub.PV.times.G+P.sub.SB.times.R1+P.sub.UT.times.R2)/Mu.
Note that P.sub.UT indicates the electric power purchase price of
the electric power supplied from the commercial power source 18 in
the time block (A to A+Au).
[0133] Subsequently, in step S212, the user price list generation
unit 107 adds the electric energy interval Mu to the electric power
usage M, and the processing proceeds to step S220 described
later.
[0134] In step S213, the user price list generation unit 107
determines whether the electric power usage M is the maximum value
Mmax. Here, when it is determined that the electric power usage M
is the maximum value Mmax (step S213: YES), the user price list
generation processing in the time block (A to A+Au) is ended.
[0135] Meanwhile, when it is determined that the electric power
usage M is not the maximum value Mmax (step S213: NO), in step
S214, the user price list generation unit 107 determines whether
the discharge power value D of the electric storage device 11 in
the time block (A to A+Au) is not less than the electric energy
interval Mu. Here, when it is determined that the discharge power
value D of the electric storage device 11 is not less than the
electric energy interval Mu (step S214: YES), in step S215, the
user price list generation unit 107 sets the electric power price
in the time block (A to A+Au) and the electric power usage (M to
M+Mu) of the user price list to the stored power price
P.sub.SB.
[0136] Subsequently, in step S216, the user price list generation
unit 107 subtracts the electric energy interval Mu from the
discharge power value D of the electric storage device 11, adds the
electric energy interval Mu to the electric power usage M, and the
processing returns to step S213.
[0137] Meanwhile, when it is determined that the discharge power
value D of the electric storage device 11 is less than the electric
energy interval Mu (step S214: NO), in step S217, the user price
list generation unit 107 sets the value obtained by subtracting the
discharge power value D from the electric energy interval Mu as a
third value R3.
[0138] Subsequently, in step S218, the user price list generation
unit 107 sets the electric power price in the time block (A to
A+Au) and the electric power usage (M to M+Mu) of the user price
list to (P.sub.SB.times.D+P.sub.UT.times.R3)/Mu.
[0139] Subsequently, in step S219, the user price list generation
unit 107 adds the electric energy interval Mu to the electric power
usage M.
[0140] Subsequently, in step S220, the user price list generation
unit 107 determines whether the electric power usage M is the
maximum value Mmax. Here, when it is determined that the electric
power usage M is the maximum value Mmax (step S220: YES), the user
price list generation processing in the time block (A to A+Au) is
ended.
[0141] Meanwhile, when it is determined that the electric power
usage M is not the maximum value Mmax (step S220: NO), in step
S221, the user price list generation unit 107 sets the electric
power price in the time block (A to A+Au) and the electric power
usage (M to M+Mu) of the user price list to the electric power
purchase price P.sub.UT.
[0142] Subsequently, in step S222, the user price list generation
unit 107 adds the electric energy interval Mu to the electric power
usage M, and the processing returns to step S220.
[0143] Based on the foregoing processing, the user price list in
the time block (A to A+Au) is generated. Note that the user price
list generation unit 107 sets the electric power prices in time
blocks other than the current time block (A to A+Au) in the same
manner as described above.
[0144] In the example of the user price list shown in FIG. 8, the
electric energy interval Mu is 0.1 kWh, the maximum value Mmax is
2.0 kWh, the time interval Au is 30 minutes, and the electric power
price is set every 30 minutes and every 0.1 kWh.
[0145] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the time change of
the electric power generation of the power generator and the
charging/discharging plan and the indoor electric power demand of
the electric storage device in embodiment 1 of the present
invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the user
price list in embodiment 1 of the present invention. Note that the
user price list shown in FIG. 10 was generated from the prediction
result shown in FIG. 9.
[0146] In the example shown in FIG. 9, power is generated by the
power generator 12 between 6:00 and 18:00, power is stored
(charged) by the electric storage device 11 in the late-night time
block (from 1:00 to 5:00) in which the electric power purchase
price is the least expensive and in the time block (from 9:00 to
12:00) when power is being generated by the power generator 12, and
discharge is performed by the electric storage device 11 in the
morning time block (from 6:00 to 9:00) and the evening time block
(from 16:00 to 19:00) when the indoor electric power demand
increases.
[0147] Moreover, with the user price list shown in FIG. 10, the
electric power price of the least expensive electric power that is
available is displayed for every hour and every electric power
usage of 1 kWh. In other words, the user price list generation unit
107 generates a user price list which indicates, for each
predetermined electric power usage and for each predetermined time
block, the least expensive electric power price among the electric
power purchase price acquired by the electric power price
information acquisition unit 114, the electric power price of the
electric power generated by the power generator 12 which was
predicted by the power generation price prediction unit 103, and
the electric power price upon using the electric power stored in
the electric storage device 11 which was predicted by the power
storage price prediction unit 105.
[0148] Moreover, the electric power purchase price of a standard
time block, the electric power purchase price of a late-night time
block, the generated power price of the power generator 12, and the
stored power price of the electric storage device 11 are
respectively displayed in a distinguishable manner; for instance,
by being color coded. In other words, the user price list
generation unit 107 generates a user price list in which the
electric power purchase price acquired by the electric power price
information acquisition unit 114, the electric power price of the
electric power generated by the power generator 12 which was
predicted by the power generation price prediction unit 103, and
the electric power price upon using the electric power stored in
the electric storage device 11 which was predicted by the power
storage price prediction unit 105 are respectively indicated with
different colors.
[0149] In FIG. 10, the electric power purchase price of the
standard time block is 36.5 yen/kWh, the electric power purchase
price of the late-night time block is 20.2 yen/kWh, the generated
power price is 0 yen/kWh, and the stored power price is 17.5
yen/kWh or 10.5 yen/kWh. Note that, while prices are indicated in
the user price list in FIG. 10, the present invention is not
particularly limited thereto, and the user price list may also be
color-coded without indicating the prices.
[0150] In addition, the indoor electric power demand is
superimposed on the user price list and displayed. In other words,
the user price list generation unit 107 superimposes, on the user
price list, the prediction result of the electric power demand of
the electronic device 17 in the user's home which was predicted by
the indoor electric power demand prediction unit 106.
[0151] Furthermore, the user price list generation unit 107
indicates the electric power purchase price on the user price list
with regard to the time block in which the power generator 12 does
not generate power and the time block in which the electric storage
device 11 does not perform discharging, and indicates the electric
power price in a case of preferentially using a less expensive
electric power among the electric power supplied from the
commercial power source 18, the electric power generated by the
power generator 12, and the electric power stored in the electric
storage device 11 on the user price list with regard to the time
block in which either the power generator 12 or the electric
storage device 11 is operated based on the electric power
generation of the power generator 12 predicted by the power
generation prediction unit 102 and the operation plan of the
electric storage device 11 generated by the charging/discharging
plan generation unit 104.
[0152] The operation of the user terminal according to embodiment 1
of the present invention is now explained.
[0153] FIG. 11 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the user
terminal according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0154] Foremost, in step S31, the user price list acquisition unit
161 acquires the user price list that was sent by the communication
unit 130 of the energy management device 10.
[0155] Subsequently, in step S32, the user price list display unit
162 displays the user price list that was acquired by the user
price list acquisition unit 161.
[0156] Subsequently, the operating time change acceptance unit 163
accepts the change in the operating time of the electronic device,
in which the operating time can be changed, from the user price
list displayed by the user price list display unit 162. The user
price list also displays the indoor electric power demand together
with the electric power price. Here, the operating time of the
electronic device, in which the operating time can be changed, is
displayed in a distinguishable manner.
[0157] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the user price
list before the operating time is changed in embodiment 1, and FIG.
13 is a diagram showing an example of the user price list when the
operating time is changed and the user price list after the
operating time has been changed in embodiment 1.
[0158] As shown in FIG. 12, the user price list displays the indoor
electric power demand. This indoor electric power demand include an
operating change region 301 which indicates the operating time and
the electric power usage of the electronic device in which the
operating time can be changed. The user uses, for example, an
operation button, a touch panel, a keyboard or a mouse to select
the operating change region 301 corresponding to an electronic
device in which the operating time can be changed, and moves the
selected operating change region 301 to the intended position.
Here, the operating change region 301 is displayed by the user
price list display unit 162 so as to move along the line indicating
the indoor electric power demand.
[0159] As shown in FIG. 13, when the current operating change
region 301 is the operating time from 0:20 to 2:20, the cost can be
minimized by moving the operating change region 301 at 9:00 onward.
Nevertheless, for example, if the user is scheduled to go out from
8:45 and the operation of the electronic device needs to be
completed before 8:45, the operating change region 301 cannot be
moved to the position of 9:00. Thus, the user moves the operating
change region 301 to a position 302 of 6:30 to 8:30, which is
before 8:45 and in which the cost can be minimized. As described
above, the operating time can be changed so that both the user's
convenience and profit can be achieved while engaging in trial and
error through operations on the screen of the user's terminal
displaying the user price list.
[0160] It is thereby possible to determine the schedule capable of
achieving both the user's convenience and the user's profit.
[0161] Note that, in addition to merely displaying the operating
change region 301 and the operating change region 302, it is also
possible to calculate the price of the electric power used by the
electronic device 17 corresponding to the operating change region,
and simultaneously display the operating change region 301 and the
operating change region 302 together with their corresponding
calculated prices.
[0162] Returning to FIG. 11, in step S34, the operating time change
acceptance unit 163 determines whether the operating time has been
changed. Here, when it is determined that the operating time has
not been changed (step S34: NO), the processing proceeds to step
S36. Meanwhile, when it is determined that the operating time has
been changed (step S34: YES), in step S35, the operating time
change acceptance unit 163 sends, to the energy management device
10, the operating schedule information which indicates the
operating time that was changed by the operating time change
acceptance unit 163.
[0163] Subsequently, the communication unit 130 of the energy
management device 10 receives the operating schedule information
that was sent by the operating time change acceptance unit 163. The
communication unit 130 outputs the received operating schedule
information to the device control unit 108. The device control unit
108 outputs a control signal to the electronic device for changing
the operating time based on the operating schedule information.
Moreover, the device control unit 108 outputs the operating
schedule information to the indoor electric power demand prediction
unit 106. The indoor electric power demand prediction unit 106
reflects the changed operating time accepted by the operating time
change acceptance unit 163 in the indoor electric power demand, and
outputs, to the user price list generation unit 107, the indoor
electric power demand which reflects the changed operating time.
The user price list generation unit 107 superimposes, on the user
price list, the indoor electric power demand which reflects the
changed operating time.
[0164] Subsequently, in step S36, the user price list display unit
162 determines whether the display of the user price list should be
ended. Here, when it is determined that the user price list should
be ended (step S36: YES), the processing is ended. Meanwhile, when
it is determined that the user price list should not be ended (step
S36: NO), the processing returns to step S33.
[0165] The information processing system according to a modified
example of embodiment 1 of the present invention is now
explained.
[0166] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of the
information processing system according to a modified example of
embodiment 1 of the present invention. The information processing
system 2 shown in FIG. 14 comprises an energy management device 10,
an electric storage device 11, a power generator 12, a weather
information server 13, an electric power price information server
14, a power consumption measuring device 15 and an electronic
device 17. The information processing system 2 shown in FIG. 14 and
the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 differ with
respect to the point that the information processing system 2 does
not comprise a user terminal, and the function of the user terminal
of the information processing system 1 is equipped in the
electronic device.
[0167] The energy management device 10 comprises an information
acquisition unit 101, a power generation prediction unit 102, a
power generation price prediction unit 103, a charging/discharging
plan generation unit 104, a power storage price prediction unit
105, an indoor electric power demand prediction unit 106, a user
price list generation unit 107 and a communication unit 130. The
electronic device 17 comprises a user price list acquisition unit
171, a user price list display unit 172, an operating time change
acceptance unit 173 and a device control unit 174. The price
determination unit 100 is configured from a power generation
prediction unit 102, a power generation price prediction unit 103,
a charging/discharging plan generation unit 104, a power storage
price prediction unit 105 and an indoor electric power demand
prediction unit 106.
[0168] The user price list acquisition unit 171, the user price
list display unit 172 and the operating time change acceptance unit
173 have the same functions as the user price list acquisition unit
161, the user price list display unit 162 and the operating time
change acceptance unit 163 shown in FIG. 1. The device control unit
174 controls the electronic device 17. The device control unit 174
changes the operating time based on the operating schedule
information which indicates the operating time that was changed by
the operating time change acceptance unit 163. Moreover, the
communication unit 130 outputs the received operating schedule
information to the indoor electric power demand prediction unit
106. The indoor electric power demand prediction unit 106 reflects,
in the indoor electric power demand, the changed operating time
that was accepted by the operating time change acceptance unit 163,
and outputs, to the user price list generation unit 107, the indoor
electric power demand which reflects the changed operating
time.
[0169] Note that, since the remaining configuration of the
information processing system 2 is the same as the configuration of
the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the detailed
explanation thereof is omitted.
[0170] As described above, with the modified example of embodiment
1, the user price list can be displayed on the electronic
device.
[0171] Note that the power generator 12 in embodiment 1 is not
limited to a solar power generator, and is preferably one among a
solar power generator, a wind power generator which converts wind
energy into electric power, a water power generator which converts
water power energy into electric power, a geothermal power
generator which converts geothermal energy into electric power, or
a fuel cell power generator which converts chemical energy into
electric power by causing the hydrogen obtained from fuel such as
town gas to react with oxygen in the air.
[0172] In addition, with embodiment 1, while the user price list is
displayed on the user terminal 16 or the electronic device 17, the
present invention is not limited thereto, and the energy management
device 10 may also comprise a user price list display unit.
Embodiment 2
[0173] The information processing system according to embodiment 2
is now explained. The information processing system according to
embodiment 2 calculates the optimal operation timing of the
electronic device, and superimposes, with the user price list, the
electric power usage and the operating time according to the
calculated operation timing.
[0174] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of the
information processing system according to embodiment 2 of the
present invention. The information processing system 3 shown in
FIG. 15 comprises an energy management device 10, an electric
storage device 11, a power generator 12, a weather information
server 13, an electric power price information server 14, a power
consumption measuring device 15, a user terminal 16 and an
electronic device 17.
[0175] The energy management device 10 comprises an information
acquisition unit 101, a power generation prediction unit 102, a
power generation price prediction unit 103, a charging/discharging
plan generation unit 104, a power storage price prediction unit
105, an indoor electric power demand prediction unit 106, a user
price list generation unit 107, a device control unit 108, an
optimal timing calculation unit 109, an optimal timing
superimposing unit 110 and a communication unit 130. The electronic
device 17 comprises an operating information input unit 175 and a
communication unit 176. Note that, in embodiment 2, the same
configuration as the information processing system 1 according to
embodiment 1 is given the same reference numeral, and the
explanation thereof is omitted.
[0176] The price determination unit 100 is configured from a power
generation prediction unit 102, a power generation price prediction
unit 103, a charging/discharging plan generation unit 104, a power
storage price prediction unit 105 and an indoor electric power
demand prediction unit 106. Note that the price determination unit
100 is omitted in FIG. 15.
[0177] The operating information input unit 175 is, for example, an
input terminal comprising an operation screen or the like, and
accepts the input of operating information from the user such as
the selection of a specific operation menu or timer setting. When
the operating information input unit 175 accepts an input of
operating information, the operating period information which
indicates the period that the electronic device 17 needs to be
operated and the electric power information which indicates the
electric power required for operating the electronic device 17 are
determined. Note that, in this embodiment, while the operating
information input unit 175 accepts the input of operating period
information of the electronic device 17 from the user, the present
invention is not limited thereto, and the operating information
input unit 175 may also accept the input of the desired operating
start time or the desired operating end time of the electronic
device 17, or accept the inputs of both the desired operating start
time and the desired operating end time of the electronic device
17. In the foregoing case, the operating information input unit 175
calculates the operating period information based on the desired
operating start time and/or the desired operating end time. The
operating information input unit 175 outputs the operating period
information and the electric power information to the communication
unit 176.
[0178] The communication unit 176 sends, to the energy management
device 10, the operating period information which indicates the
period that the electronic device 17 needs to be operated and the
electric power information which indicates the electric power
required for operating the electronic device 17. Note that the
configuration may also be such that the communication unit 176 of
the electronic device 17 sends, to the energy management device 10,
the operating information accepted by the operating information
input unit 175, and the energy management device 10 converts the
operating period information and the electric power information of
the electronic device 17.
[0179] The communication unit 130 of the energy management device
10 receives the operating period information which indicates the
period that the electronic device 17 needs to be operated and the
electric power information which indicates the electric power
required for operating the electronic device 17. The communication
unit 130 outputs the received operating period information and
electric power information to the optimal timing calculation unit
109.
[0180] The user price list generation unit 107 outputs the
generated user price list to the optimal timing calculation unit
109.
[0181] The optimal timing calculation unit 109 calculates, as the
optimal timing, the operating start time in which the price of the
electric power that is used when the electronic device 17 will not
be greater than a predetermined price based on the operating period
information and the electric power information received by the
communication unit 130 and the user price list generated by the
user price list generation unit 107. Note that the optimal timing
calculation unit 109 calculates, as the optimal timing, the
operating start time in which the price of the electric power that
is used when the electronic device 17 will be the least expensive
price. Moreover, the optimal timing calculation unit 109 may also
calculate only the operating end time rather than calculating only
the operating start time, or calculate both the operating start
time and the operating end time.
[0182] The optimal timing superimposing unit 110 acquires the user
price list from the user price list generation unit 107. The
optimal timing superimposing unit 110 superimposed, on the user
price list, the operation period and the electric energy required
for operating the electronic device 17 based on the operating start
time calculated by the optimal timing calculation unit 109. The
optimal timing superimposing unit 110 outputs, to the user price
list generation unit 107, the user price list which was
superimposed with the operation period and the electric energy
required for operating the electronic device 17.
[0183] Note that the operation of the information processing system
3 according to embodiment 2 is now explained.
[0184] FIG. 16 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the
energy management device according to embodiment 2 of the present
invention.
[0185] Since the processing of step S41 to step S45 is the same as
the processing of step S11 to step S15 of FIG. 3, the explanation
thereof is omitted.
[0186] In step S46, the communication unit 130 receives, from the
electronic device 17, electric power information which indicates
the operating period information which indicates the period that
the electronic device 17 needs to be operated and the electric
power information which indicates the electric power required for
operating the electronic device 17. The operating information input
unit 175 of the electronic device 17 accepts the input of the
operating information of the electronic device 17 from the user.
Subsequently, the communication unit 176 sends, to the energy
management device 10, the operating period information and the
electric power information that were input by the operating
information input unit 175. The communication unit 130 of the
electronic device 17 outputs the received operating period
information and electric power information to the optimal timing
calculation unit 109.
[0187] Note that, in embodiment 2, while the electronic device 17
accepts the input of the operating period information and the
electric power information, the present invention is not limited
thereto, and the user terminal 16 may also accept the input of the
operating period information and the electric power
information.
[0188] Since the processing of step S47 to step S52 is the same as
the processing of step S16 to step S21 in FIG. 3, the explanation
thereof is omitted.
[0189] In step S53, the optimal timing calculation unit 109
calculates, as the optimal timing, the operating start time in
which the price of the electric power that is used when the
electronic device 17 is operated becomes the least expensive price
based on the operating period information and the electric power
information received by the communication unit 130 and the user
price list generated by the user price list generation unit
107.
[0190] Subsequently, in step S54, the optimal timing superimposing
unit 110 acquires the user price list from the user price list
generation unit 107, acquires the operating start time from the
optimal timing calculation unit 109, and superimposes, on the user
price list, the operating period and the electric energy that is
required for operating the electronic device 17.
[0191] The optimal timing superimposing unit 110 superimposes the
operating period and the electric energy that is required for the
operation on the display position that is identified by the user
price list, the operating start time, the operating period and the
electric energy that is required for the operation. Here, the
optimal timing superimposing unit 110 superimposes, on the user
price list, the operating region which indicates the operating
period and the electric energy that is required for operating the
electronic device 17 in a distinguishable manner. The optimal
timing superimposing unit 110 output, to the user price list
generation unit 107, the user price list which was superimposed
with the operating period and the electric energy that is required
for operating the electronic device 17, and the user price list
generation unit 107 outputs, to the communication unit 130, the
user price list which was superimposed with the operating period
and the electric energy that is required for operating the
electronic device 17.
[0192] Subsequently, in step S55, the communication unit 130 sends,
to the user terminal 16, the user price list that was output from
the user price list generation unit 107.
[0193] Note that, since the operation of the user terminal 16
according to embodiment 2 is the same as the operation of the user
terminal 16 according to embodiment 1, the explanation thereof is
omitted.
[0194] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the user price
list that is generated in embodiment 2 of the present
invention.
[0195] As shown in FIG. 17, the optimal timing superimposing unit
110 superimposes, on the user price list, the operating region 311
which indicates the operating period and the electric energy
required for operating the electronic device 17 in a
distinguishable manner.
[0196] Note that the operating region 311 can be moved in the same
manner as the operating change region 301 explained in embodiment
1. In other words, the user can select the operating region 311 by
using, for example, an operation button, a touch panel, a keyboard
or a mouse, and move the selected operating region 311 to the
intended position. The operating region 311 is the optimal timing
that was automatically calculated by the energy management device
10. Thus, this does not reflect the user's convenience and is not
necessarily an operation during the user's desired hours. Thus, the
user's convenience can be improved by accepting the change of the
operating region 311 that was calculated by the energy management
device 10.
[0197] Moreover, the user price list generation unit 107 may also
display the electric power price of a portion of the user price
list corresponding to the prediction result of the electric power
demand, for each time block that is more detailed than the
predetermined time block. In particular, the user price list
generation unit 107 may generate a user price list, in which the
accuracy of the electric power price of a column to which the
operating region 311 can be moved has been improved, based on the
indoor electric power demand, and the electric energy that is
required for operating the electronic device 17. In other words,
the user price list generation unit 107 may generate a user price
list in which the column to which the operating region 311 can be
moved is additionally divided into a plurality of columns.
[0198] As shown in FIG. 17, for example, one column to which the
operating region 311 can be moved is divided into four columns in
the direction indicating the electric power usage, and divided into
five columns in the direction indicating the time. Consequently,
the electric power price that was indicated for each hour and for
each 1 kWh can now be indicated for each 12 minutes and for each
0.25 kWh. Consequently, the user can move the operating time of the
electronic device 17 in more detail, and the user's convenience can
thereby be improved.
[0199] Note that the information processing system 3 according to
embodiment 2 does not need to comprise the user terminal 16, and
the electronic device 17 may comprise the function of the user
terminal 16.
Embodiment 3
[0200] The information processing system according to embodiment 3
is now explained. The information processing system according to
embodiment 3 generates a user price list which reflects the
electric power supply/demand status.
[0201] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of the
information processing system according to embodiment 3 of the
present invention. The information processing system 4 shown in
FIG. 18 comprises an energy management device 10, an electric
storage device 11, a power generator 12, a weather information
server 13, an electric power price information server 14, a power
consumption measuring device 15, a user terminal 16, an electronic
device 17 and an electric power demand prediction information
server 19.
[0202] The energy management device 10 comprises an information
acquisition unit 101, a power generation prediction unit 102, a
power generation price prediction unit 103, a charging/discharging
plan generation unit 104, a power storage price prediction unit
105, an indoor electric power demand prediction unit 106, a user
price list generation unit 107, a device control unit 108, an
optimal timing calculation unit 109, an optimal timing
superimposing unit 110, a weighting processing unit 121 and a
communication unit 130. The electronic device 17 comprises an
operating information input unit 175 and a communication unit 176.
Note that, in embodiment 3, the same configuration as the
information processing systems 1 to 3 according to embodiments 1
and 2 is given the same reference numeral, and the explanation
thereof is omitted.
[0203] The price determination unit 100 is configured from a power
generation prediction unit 102, a power generation price prediction
unit 103, a charging/discharging plan generation unit 104, a power
storage price prediction unit 105, an indoor electric power demand
prediction unit 106 and a weighting processing unit 121. Note that
the price determination unit 100 is omitted in FIG. 18.
[0204] The electric power demand prediction information server 19
stores electric power demand prediction information which indicates
the future electric power demand and the time change of the
electric power supply capacity, and sends the electric power demand
prediction information to the energy management device 10. Note
that the electric power demand prediction information includes, for
example, a power usage ratio which is the ratio of the total
electric energy that can be supplied to a predetermined territory,
including the user's home, from the commercial power source 18 of a
predicted value of the total electric power usage to be used in the
predetermined territory for each predetermined time (for example,
every hour) of the following day. Moreover, the electric power
demand prediction information is created for each territory, and
distributes the electric power demand prediction information
according to the territory where the user lives.
[0205] The information acquisition unit 101 comprises a power
generation operating history information acquisition unit 111, a
weather prediction information acquisition unit 112, a power
storage operating history information acquisition unit 113, an
electric power price information acquisition unit 114, a power
consumption information acquisition unit 115 and an electric power
demand prediction information acquisition unit 116.
[0206] The electric power demand prediction information acquisition
unit 116 acquires, from the electric power demand prediction
information server 19, the electric power demand prediction
information indicating the future electric power demand and the
time change of the electric power supply capacity.
[0207] The weighting processing unit 121 performs weighting
processing, so that the price increases, to the electric power
purchase price of a time block in which the power usage ratio
contained in the electric power demand prediction information
acquired by the electric power demand prediction information
acquisition unit 116 is a predetermined value (for instance, 95%)
or higher among the electric power purchase prices for each
predetermined time contained in the electric power price
information acquired by the electric power price information
acquisition unit 114. The weighting processing unit 121 outputs the
electric power purchase price information, which was subject to the
weighting processing, to the charging/discharging plan generation
unit 104 and the user price list generation unit 107. Moreover, the
weighting processing unit 121 may also perform weighting at a ratio
according to the power usage ratio.
[0208] The charging/discharging plan generation unit 104 generates
an operation plan of the electric storage device 11 based on the
operating history information of the electric storage device 11
acquired by the power storage operating history information
acquisition unit 113, the electric power purchase price subject to
the weighting processing by the weighting processing unit 121, the
indoor electric power demand predicted by the indoor electric power
demand prediction unit 106, and the allocation, to "storage of the
generated electric power in the electric storage device 11", of the
electric power generated based on the generated power operating
plan generated by the power generation price prediction unit
103.
[0209] The user price list generation unit 107 generates a user
price list which indicates, for each predetermined electric power
usage and for each predetermined time block, the price of electric
power that is used by the electronic device 17 based on the
electric power purchase price subject to the weighting processing
by the weighting processing unit 121, the performance index
information of the electric power generated by the power generator
12 which was predicted by the power generation price prediction
unit 103, and the electric power price upon using the electric
power stored in the electric storage device 11 which was predicted
by the power storage price prediction unit 105.
[0210] The operation of the information processing system 4
according to embodiment 3 of the present invention is now
explained.
[0211] FIG. 19 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the
energy management device according to embodiment 3 of the present
invention.
[0212] Since the processing of step S61 to step S66 is the same as
the processing of step S41 to step S46 in FIG. 16, the explanation
thereof is omitted.
[0213] Subsequently, in step S67, the electric power demand
prediction information acquisition unit 116 acquires, from the
electric power demand prediction information server 19, the
electric power demand prediction information indicating the future
electric power demand and the time change of the electric power
supply capacity. The electric power demand prediction information
acquisition unit 116 acquires a power usage ratio which is the
ratio of the total electric energy that can be supplied to a
predetermined territory, including the user's home, from the
commercial power source 18 of a predicted value of the total
electric power usage to be used in the predetermined territory for
each predetermined time (for example, every hour) of the following
day.
[0214] Since the processing of step S68 to step S70 is the same as
the processing of step S47 to step S49 in FIG. 16, the explanation
thereof is omitted.
[0215] Subsequently, in step S71, the weighting processing unit 121
performs weighting processing to the electric power purchase price
of a time block in which the power usage ratio contained in the
electric power demand prediction information acquired by the
electric power demand prediction information acquisition unit 116
is a predetermined value (for instance, 95%) or higher among the
electric power purchase prices for each predetermined time
contained in the electric power price information acquired by the
electric power price information acquisition unit 114. More
specifically, the weighting processing unit 121 adds or multiplies
a predetermined weighting value to the electric power purchase
price of a time block in which, for example, the power usage ratio
is 95% or higher.
[0216] Since the processing of step S72 is the same as the
processing of step S50 in FIG. 16, the explanation thereof is
omitted.
[0217] Subsequently, in step S73, the power storage price
prediction unit 105 predicts, for each predetermined time block,
the electric power price when the electric power stored in the
electric storage device 11 is used by computing the substantial
unit price of the electric power stored in the electric storage
device 11 based on the electric power purchase price subject to the
weighting processing by the weighting processing unit 121, the
electric power generation for each predetermined time block of the
power generator 12 which was predicted by the power generation
prediction unit 102, the electric power price of the electric power
generated by the power generator 12 which was predicted by the
power generation price prediction unit 103, and the electric energy
charged or discharged based on the charging/discharging plan of the
electric storage device 11 which was generated by the
charging/discharging plan generation unit 104.
[0218] Subsequently, in step S74, the user price list generation
unit 107 generates a user price list which indicates, for each
predetermined electric power usage and for each predetermined time
block, the price of the electric power used by the electronic
device 17 based on the electric power purchase price subject to the
weighting processing by the weighting processing unit 121, the
electric power price of the electric power generated by the power
generator 12 which was predicted by the power generation price
prediction unit 103, and the electric power price upon using the
electric power stored in the electric storage device 11 which was
predicted by the power storage price prediction unit 105.
[0219] Since the processing of step S75 to step S77 is the same as
the processing of step S53 to step S55 in FIG. 16, the explanation
thereof is omitted. Moreover, since the operation of the user
terminal 16 according to embodiment 3 is the same as the operation
of the user terminal 16 according to embodiment 1, the explanation
thereof is omitted.
[0220] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the time change
of the electric power generation of the power generator and the
charging/discharging plan and the indoor electric power demand of
the electric storage device in embodiment 3 of the present
invention. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the user
price list in embodiment 3 of the present invention. Note that the
user price list shown in FIG. 21 was generated from the prediction
result shown in FIG. 20.
[0221] The time change of the electric power generation of the
power generator, the charging/discharging plan of the electric
storage device and the indoor electric power demand in embodiment 3
shown in FIG. 20 are the same as the time change of the electric
power generation of the power generator, the charging/discharging
plan of the electric storage device and the indoor electric power
demand in embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 9.
[0222] As shown in FIG. 20, in embodiment 3, the time block from
12:00 to 16:00 is the time block in which the electric power demand
reaches its peak, and the power usage ratio of the time block from
12:00 to 16:00 is set to be a predetermined value or higher.
[0223] In the foregoing case, the weighting processing unit 121
performs weighting processing to an electric power purchase price
of a time block (12:00 to 16:00) in which, for example, the power
usage ratio is 95% or higher. For example, the weighting processing
unit 121 adds the weighting value of 63.5 yen/kWh to 36.5 yen/kWh,
which is the electric power purchase price of the time block of
12:00 to 16:00. Consequently, the weighting processing unit 121
changes the electric power purchase price of the time block of
12:00 to 16:00 to 100.0 yen/kWh.
[0224] Consequently, as shown in FIG. 21, the electric power
purchase price corresponding to the electric power usage of 4 to 5
kWh in the time block of 11:00 to 12:00, the time block of 12:00 to
13:00, the time block of 13:00 to 14:00, the time block of 14:00 to
15:00 and the time block of 15:00 to 16:00, as well as the electric
power usage of 3 to 4 kWh in the time block of 15:00 to 16:00
becomes 100.0 yen/kWh.
[0225] As described above, with the information processing system
according to embodiment 3, since it is possible to generate a user
price list which reflects the electric power demand prediction and
the user can confirm a user price list which reflects the electric
power demand prediction, it is possible to suppress the use of
electronic devices in a time block when the electric power demand
is high; that is, in a time block in which power needs to be
conserved in the territory where the user lives. Meanwhile, even in
a time block when the electric power demand is high; that is, in a
time block in which power needs to be conserved in the territory
where the user lives, it is possible to determine that the
electronic devices can be used when there is sufficient generated
power of the power generator 12 and electronic devices can be used,
or when there is sufficient electric power charged in the electric
storage device 11 and electronic devices can be used.
[0226] Note that, in embodiment 3, while the electric power demand
prediction information includes, for example, the power usage ratio
of the commercial power source 18 for each predetermined time (for
instance, every hour) of the following day, the present invention
is not limited thereto, and the electric power demand prediction
information may also include information which indicates the time
block when a rolling blackout will take place. In other words, when
a rolling blackout is to be performed for each territory, the
electric power demand prediction information server 19 sends, to
the energy management device 10, the electric power demand
prediction information containing information which indicates the
time block in which a blackout will take place.
[0227] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the time change
of the electric power generation of the power generator and the
charging/discharging plan and the indoor electric power demand of
the electric storage device according to a modified example of
embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing
an example of the user price list according to a modified example
of embodiment 3 of the present invention. Note that the user price
list shown in FIG. 23 was generated from the prediction result
shown in FIG. 22.
[0228] The time change of the electric power generation of the
power generator, the charging/discharging plan of the electric
storage device and the indoor electric power demand in the modified
example of embodiment 3 shown in FIG. 22 are the same as the time
change of the electric power generation of the power generator, the
charging/discharging plan of the electric storage device and the
indoor electric power demand in embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 9.
[0229] As shown in FIG. 22, with the modified example of embodiment
3, the time block of 12:00 to 16:00 is the time block in which the
rolling blackout will take place.
[0230] In the foregoing case, the weighting processing unit 121
performs weighting processing to the electric power purchase price
of the time block (12:00 to 16:00) in which the blackout will take
place. For example, the weighting processing unit 121 changes the
electric power purchase price of the time block of 12:00 to 16:00
from the current 36.5 yen/kWh to cc yen/kWh (cc means
infinite).
[0231] Consequently, as shown in FIG. 23, the electric power
purchase price corresponding to the electric power usage of 4 to 5
kWh in the time block of 11:00 to 12:00, the time block of 12:00 to
13:00, the time block of 13:00 to 14:00, the time block of 14:00 to
15:00, and the time block of 15:00 to 16:00, as well as the
electric power usage of 3 to 4 kWh in the time block of 15:00 to
16:00 becomes cc yen/kWh. Here, since electric power in which the
electric power purchase price is cc yen/kWh essentially cannot be
used, the operating time change acceptance unit 163 of this
embodiment does not accept the change in the operating time of the
electronic device 17 to a time block in which the power consumption
of the electronic device 17 becomes cc yen/kWh in the user price
list.
[0232] As described above, with the information processing system
according to the modified example of embodiment 3, since it is
possible to generate a user price list which reflects a blackout
and the user can confirm a user price list which reflects a
blackout, it is possible to prevent an operating time of the
electronic device from being set in a time block in which the
blackout of the commercial power source 18 will take place.
Meanwhile, even in a time block in which the blackout of the
commercial power source 18 will take place, it is possible to
determine that the electronic devices can be used when there is
sufficient generated power of the power generator 12 and electronic
devices can be used, or when there is sufficient electric power
charged in the electric storage device 11 and electronic devices
can be used.
[0233] Note that, in FIG. 23, while the symbol of cc which
indicates an infinite price is indicated in the user price list,
the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is also
possible to indicate that the electric power cannot be used by
color coding or with a different symbol without indicating the
symbol of .infin. in the user price list.
[0234] Note that the information processing system 4 according to
embodiment 3 does not need to comprise the user terminal 16, and
the electronic device 17 may comprise the function of the user
terminal 16.
Embodiment 4
[0235] The information processing system according to embodiment 4
is now explained. The information processing system according to
embodiment 4 generates a user price list which reflects the
environmental load upon generating power with the commercial power
source 18.
[0236] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of the
information processing system according to embodiment 4 of the
present invention. The information processing system 5 shown in
FIG. 24 comprises an energy management device 10, an electric
storage device 11, a power generator 12, a weather information
server 13, an electric power price information server 14, a power
consumption measuring device 15, a user terminal 16, an electronic
device 17 and an electric power environmental load information
server 20.
[0237] The energy management device 10 comprises an information
acquisition unit 101, a power generation prediction unit 102, a
power generation price prediction unit 103, a charging/discharging
plan generation unit 104, a power storage price prediction unit
105, an indoor electric power demand prediction unit 106, a user
price list generation unit 107, a device control unit 108, an
optimal timing calculation unit 109, an optimal timing
superimposing unit 110, a performance index calculation unit 122
and a communication unit 130. The electronic device 17 comprises an
operating information input unit 175 and a communication unit 176.
Note that, in embodiment 4, the same configuration as the
information processing systems 1 to 4 according to embodiments 1 to
3 is given the same reference numeral, and the explanation thereof
is omitted.
[0238] The price determination unit 100 is configured from a power
generation prediction unit 102, a power generation price prediction
unit 103, a charging/discharging plan generation unit 104, a power
storage price prediction unit 105, an indoor electric power demand
prediction unit 106 and a performance index calculation unit 122.
Note that the price determination unit 100 is omitted in FIG.
24.
[0239] The electric power environmental load information server 20
stores electric power environmental load information which
indicates the environmental load upon generating power with the
commercial power source 18, and sends the electric power
environmental load information to the energy management device 10.
Note that the electric power environmental load information
includes the time change of the carbon dioxide emission converted
value which is obtained by converting the electric power generated
by the commercial power source 18 into a carbon dioxide
emission.
[0240] The information acquisition unit 101 comprises a power
generation operating history information acquisition unit 111, a
weather prediction information acquisition unit 112, a power
storage operating history information acquisition unit 113, an
electric power price information acquisition unit 114, a power
consumption information acquisition unit 115 and an electric power
environmental load information acquisition unit 117.
[0241] The electric power environmental load information
acquisition unit 117 acquires, from the electric power
environmental load information server 20, the electric power
environmental load information which indicates the environmental
load upon generating power with the commercial power source 18.
[0242] The performance index calculation unit 122 normalizes the
electric power environmental load information acquired by the
electric power environmental load information acquisition unit 117,
normalizes the electric power purchase price information contained
in the electric power price information acquired by the electric
power price information acquisition unit 114, and calculates
performance index information obtained by synthesizing, at a
predetermined ratio, the normalized electric power environmental
load information and the normalized electric power purchase price
information. The performance index calculation unit 122 outputs the
calculated performance index information to the
charging/discharging plan generation unit 104 and the user price
list generation unit 107.
[0243] Moreover, as with the case of embodiment 1, the power
generation price prediction unit 103 of embodiment 4 generates a
generated power operating plan of the electric power generated by
the power generator 12, calculates the electric power price of the
generated electric power, and calculates, in relation to the
electric power generated by the power generator 12, a performance
index similar to the performance index related to the commercial
power source 18 calculated by the performance index calculation
unit 122.
[0244] Let it be assumed that, in the foregoing case, the electric
power environmental load information of the electric power
generated by the power generator 12 has been set in advance in
accordance with the type of power generator. For example, when the
power generator 12 is a type that uses natural energy such as a
solar power generator, a wind power generator, a water power
generator or a geothermal power generator, the carbon dioxide
emission converted value contained in that electric power
environmental load information will be extremely small.
[0245] As with the case of embodiment 1, the power generation price
prediction unit 103 of embodiment 4 calculates the electric power
price when the electric power generated by the power generator 12
is used, additionally normalizes the calculated electric power
price, normalizes the electric power environmental load information
of the electric power generated by the power generator 12, and
calculates the performance index information by synthesizing, at a
predetermined ratio, the normalized electric power environmental
load information and the normalized electric power price.
[0246] Moreover, the charging/discharging plan generation unit 104
of embodiment 4 generates an operation plan for the charging
operation and the discharging operation of the electric storage
device 11 based on the operating history information of the
electric storage device 11 acquired by the power storage operating
history information acquisition unit 113, the performance index
information calculated by the performance index calculation unit
122, the indoor electric power demand predicted by the indoor
electric power demand prediction unit 106, and the allocation, to
"storage of the generated electric power in the electric storage
device 11", of the electric power generated based on the generated
power operating plan generated by the power generation price
prediction unit 103.
[0247] Moreover, the power storage price prediction unit 105 of
embodiment 4 predicts, for each predetermined time block, the
performance index information when the electric power stored in the
electric storage device 11 is used by computing the performance
index information of the electric power charged in the electric
storage device 11 based on the performance index information of the
electric power supplied from the commercial power source 18 which
was calculated by the performance index calculation unit 122, the
electric power generation for each predetermined time block of the
power generator 12 which was predicted by the power generation
prediction unit 102, the performance index information of the
electric power generated by the power generator 12 which was
predicted by the power generation price prediction unit 103, and
the electric energy charged or discharged based on the
charging/discharging plan of the electric storage device 11 which
was generated by the charging/discharging plan generation unit
104.
[0248] The user price list generation unit 107 generates a user
price list which indicates, for each predetermined electric power
usage and for each predetermined time block, the performance index
information calculated by the performance index calculation unit
122, the performance index information of the electric power
generated by the power generator 12 which was predicted by the
power generation price prediction unit 103, and the performance
index information upon using the electric power stored in the
electric storage device 11 which was predicted by the power storage
price prediction unit 105.
[0249] The operation of the information processing system 5
according to embodiment 4 is now explained.
[0250] FIG. 25 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the
energy management device according to embodiment 4 of the present
invention.
[0251] Since the processing of step S81 to step S86 is the same as
the processing of step S41 to step S46 in FIG. 16, the explanation
thereof is omitted.
[0252] Subsequently, in step S87, the electric power environmental
load information acquisition unit 117 acquires, from the electric
power environmental load information server 20, the electric power
environmental load information which indicates the environmental
load upon generating power with the commercial power source 18.
More specifically, the electric power environmental load
information acquisition unit 117 acquires the time change of the
carbon dioxide emission converted value which is obtained by
converting the electric power generated by the commercial power
source 18 into a carbon dioxide emission.
[0253] Since the processing of step S88 to step S89 is the same as
the processing of step S47 to step S48 in FIG. 16, the explanation
thereof is omitted.
[0254] Subsequently, in step S90, as with the case of embodiment 1,
the power generation price prediction unit 103 calculates the
electric power price when the electric power generated by the power
generator 12 is used, and additionally normalizes the calculated
electric power price, normalizes the carbon dioxide emission
converted value of the electric power generated by the power
generator 12, and predicts the performance index information by
synthesizing, at a predetermined ratio, the normalized carbon
dioxide emission converted value and the normalized electric power
price.
[0255] Subsequently, in step S91, the performance index calculation
unit 122 normalizes the carbon dioxide emission converted value
acquired by the electric power environmental load information
acquisition unit 117, normalizes the electric power purchase price
information contained in the electric power price information
acquired by the electric power price information acquisition unit
114, and calculates the performance index information by
synthesizing, at a predetermined ratio, the normalized carbon
dioxide emission converted value and the normalized electric power
purchase price information.
[0256] Note that, in embodiment 4, calculated is performance index
information obtained by synthesizing, for example, at a ratio of
2:8, the normalized carbon dioxide emission converted value and the
normalized price information. This synthesizing ratio may be set in
advance, or set by the user via the user terminal 16. When the
synthesizing ratio is set by the user, performance index
information based on a ratio that is valued by the user in relation
to "environmental load" and "price" is calculated.
[0257] Since the processing of step S92 is the same as the
processing of step S50 in FIG. 16, the explanation thereof is
omitted.
[0258] Subsequently, in step S93, the power storage price
prediction unit 105 predicts, for each predetermined electric power
usage and for each predetermined time block, the performance index
information when the electric power stored in the electric storage
device 11 is used by computing the performance index information of
the electric power charged in the electric storage device 11 based
on the performance index information of the electric power supplied
from the commercial power source 18 which was calculated by the
performance index calculation unit 122, the electric power
generation for each predetermined time block of the power generator
12 which was predicted by the power generation prediction unit 102,
the performance index information of the electric power generated
by the power generator 12 which was predicted by the power
generation price prediction unit 103, and the electric energy
charged or discharged based on the charging/discharging plan of the
electric storage device 11 which was generated by the
charging/discharging plan generation unit 104.
[0259] Subsequently, in step S94, the user price list generation
unit 107 generates a user price list which indicates, for each
predetermined electric power usage and for each predetermined time
block, the performance index information of the electric power
generated by the power generator 12 which was calculated by the
performance index calculation unit 122, the performance index
information of the electric power generated by the power generator
12 which was predicted by the power generation price prediction
unit 103, and the performance index information upon using the
electric power stored in the electric storage device 11 which was
predicted by the power storage price prediction unit 105.
[0260] Since the processing of step S95 to step S97 is the same as
the processing of step S53 to step S55 in FIG. 16, the explanation
thereof is omitted. Moreover, since the operation of the user
terminal 16 according to embodiment 4 is the same as the operation
of the user terminal 16 according to embodiment 1, the explanation
thereof is omitted.
[0261] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the user price
list in embodiment 4 of the present invention. Note that, in
embodiment 4, the time change of the electric power generation of
the power generator, the charging/discharging plan of the electric
storage device and the indoor electric power demand are the same as
the time change of the electric power generation of the power
generator, the charging/discharging plan of the electric storage
device and the indoor electric power demand in embodiment 1 shown
in FIG. 9.
[0262] The carbon dioxide emission converted value of the electric
power supplied from the commercial power source 18 will change
depending on what kind of power generation means is used by the
commercial power source 18 for supplying the electric power. In the
case of the commercial power source 18 of the example shown in FIG.
26, since the ratio of using the power generation means with a high
carbon dioxide emission converted value increases in the time block
between 13:00 and 16:00, the performance index information of the
electric power supplied from the commercial power source 18 in the
time block between 13:00 and 16:00 will also increase. Moreover, in
the case of the example shown in FIG. 26, the performance index
information of the electric power generated by the power generator
12 becomes 0.
[0263] Thus, as shown in FIG. 26, the performance index of the
standard time block becomes 9.2 to 10.0, the performance index of
the late-night time block becomes 5.4, the performance index of the
generated power of the power generator 12 becomes 0, and the
performance index of the stored electric power of the electric
storage device 11 becomes 3.9 to 5.4.
[0264] As described above, with the information processing system
according to embodiment 4, since it is possible to generate a user
price list which reflects the environmental load and the user can
confirm the user price list which reflects the environmental load,
electronic devices can be used in a time block with a low
environmental load.
[0265] Note that the information processing system 5 according to
embodiment 4 does not need to comprise the user terminal 16, and
the electronic device 17 may comprise the function of the user
terminal 16.
[0266] Note that the specific embodiments described above mainly
include the invention which is configured as described below.
[0267] The information processing apparatus according to one
embodiment of the present invention comprises an acquisition unit
for acquiring information related to an electric power purchase
price, which is an electricity cost when an electronic device is
operated using electric power supplied from a commercial power
source, a price determination unit for determining, for each time
block, a generated power price which is an electricity cost when an
electronic device is operated using generated power of a power
generator for generating power using natural energy, and a stored
power price which is an electricity cost when an electronic device
is operated using electric power stored in an electric storage
device, and an electric power price list generation unit for
generating an electric power price list capable of displaying, with
regard to an arbitrary time block, the electric power purchase
price, the generated power price and the stored power price.
[0268] According to the foregoing configuration, since an electric
power price list capable of displaying an electric power purchase
price, which is an electricity cost when an electronic device is
operated using electric power supplied from a commercial power
source, a generated power price which is an electricity cost when
an electronic device is operated using generated power of a power
generator for generating power using natural energy, and a stored
power price which is an electricity cost when an electronic device
is operated using electric power stored in an electric storage
device is generated, the user can comprehend the time block in
which the electricity cost can be further reduced by confirming the
generated electric power price list. Thus, it is possible to
generate an electric power price list capable of achieving both
user's convenience and user's profit.
[0269] Moreover, as an example of the foregoing information
processing apparatus, the acquisition unit additionally acquires an
operating history of the power generator, and an operating history
of the electric storage device, the information processing
apparatus further comprises an electric power generation prediction
unit for predicting an electric power generation of the power
generator by using the operating history of the power generator
acquired by the acquisition unit, and an operation plan generation
unit for generating an operation plan of the electric storage
device by using the operating history of the electric storage
device acquired by the acquisition unit, and the price
determination unit includes a power generation price prediction
unit for predicting the generated power price by using a predicted
value of the electric power generation predicted by the electric
power generation prediction unit, and a power storage price
prediction unit for predicting the stored power price based on the
electric power purchase price acquired by the acquisition unit, the
generated power price predicted by the power generation price
prediction unit, and the operation plan of the electric storage
device generated by the operation plan generation unit.
[0270] According to the foregoing configuration, since an electric
power price list which indicates, for each predetermined time
block, an electric power purchase price, a predicted generated
power price, and a predicted stored power price is generated, the
user can comprehend the time block in which the electricity cost
can be further reduced by confirming the generated electric power
price list. Thus, it is possible to generate an electric power
price list capable of achieving both user's convenience and user's
profit.
[0271] Moreover, as an example of the foregoing information
processing apparatus, the electric power price list generation unit
generates an electric power price list which indicates a time block
for which a most inexpensive price is designated among the electric
power purchase price acquired by the acquisition unit, the
generated power price predicted by the power generation price
prediction unit, and the stored power price predicted by the power
storage price prediction unit.
[0272] According to the foregoing configuration, since an electric
power price list which indicates a time block for which a most
inexpensive price is designated among an electric power purchase
price, a predicted generated power price, and a predicted stored
power price is generated, the user can comprehend the time block in
which the electricity cost can be further reduced by confirming the
generated electric power price list. Thus, it is possible to
generate an electric power price list capable of achieving both
user's convenience and user's profit.
[0273] Moreover, as an example of the foregoing information
processing apparatus, the electric power price list generation unit
additionally generates an electric power price list which indicates
the most inexpensive price for each predetermined electric power
usage.
[0274] According to the foregoing configuration, it is possible to
generate an electric power price list which indicates, for each
predetermined electric power usage, the most inexpensive price
among the electric power purchase price upon purchasing electric
power from a commercial power source, the generated power price
upon using electric power generated by a power generator, and the
stored power price upon using electric power stored in the electric
storage device.
[0275] Moreover, as an example of the foregoing information
processing apparatus, the electric power price list generation unit
generates an electric power price list which indicates, for each
predetermined time block, an electric power price in a case of
preferentially using a less expensive electric power among the
electric power supplied from the commercial power source, the
electric power generated by the power generator, and the electric
power stored in the electric storage device.
[0276] According to the foregoing configuration, since an electric
power price list which indicates, for each predetermined time
block, an electric power price in a case of preferentially using a
less expensive electric power among the electric power supplied
from the commercial power source, the electric power generated by
the power generator, and the electric power stored in the electric
storage device is generated, the user can comprehend the time block
in which the electricity cost can be reduced the most by confirming
the generated electric power price list. Thus, it is possible to
generate an electric power price list capable of achieving both
user's convenience and user's profit.
[0277] Moreover, as an example of the foregoing information
processing apparatus, the acquisition unit acquires a use history
of electric power used by an electronic device in a user's home,
the information processing apparatus further comprises a demand
prediction unit for predicting an electric power demand of the
electronic device in the user's home by using the use history
acquired by the acquisition unit, and the electric power price list
generation unit superimposes, on the electric power price list, a
prediction result of the electric power demand of the electronic
device in the user's home predicted by the demand prediction
unit.
[0278] According to the foregoing configuration, the acquisition
unit acquires a use history of electric power used by an electronic
device in a user's home. The demand prediction unit predicts an
electric power demand of the electronic device in the user's home
by using the use history acquired by the acquisition unit. The
electric power price list generation unit superimposes, on the
electric power price list, a prediction result of the electric
power demand of the electronic device in the user's home predicted
by the demand prediction unit.
[0279] Accordingly, since the prediction result of the electric
power demand of the electronic device in the user's home is
superimposed on the electric power price list, the user can
simultaneously comprehend the electric power price and the
prediction result of the electric power demand by confirming the
generated electric power price list.
[0280] Moreover, as an example of the foregoing information
processing apparatus, the electric power price list generation unit
superimposes, on the electric power price list, together with the
prediction result of the electric power demand, electric power
required for operating a target electric device among the
electronic devices in the user's home for which an operating time
can be shifted, an operating time that the target electronic device
is to be operated, and information indicating the target electronic
device.
[0281] According to the foregoing configuration, the electric power
price list generation unit superimposes, on the electric power
price list, together with the prediction result of the electric
power demand, electric power required for operating a target
electric device among the electronic devices in the user's home for
which the operating time can be shifted, an operating time that the
target electronic device is to be operated, and information
indicating the target electronic device as a two-dimensional
diagram.
[0282] Accordingly, the user can comprehend the electric power
required for operating a target electric device for which the
operating time can be shifted, the operating time that the target
electronic device is to be operated, and the target electronic
device by confirming the generated electric power price list, and
additionally comprehend the consequent used electric power price
when the operating time is shifted, and the user can thereby shift
the operating time of the target electronic device to the intended
time.
[0283] Moreover, as an example of the foregoing information
processing apparatus, when the operating time of the target
electronic device is changed, the electric power price list
generation unit superimposes, on the electric power price list,
together with the prediction result of the electric power demand,
information indicating the changed operating time of the target
electronic device.
[0284] According to the foregoing configuration, when the operating
time of the target electronic device is changed, the electric power
price list generation unit superimposes, on the electric power
price list, together with the prediction result of the electric
power demand, information indicating the changed operating time of
the target electronic device.
[0285] Accordingly, the user can confirm the changed operating time
of the target electronic device, and confirm the price of the
electric power used by the target electronic device.
[0286] Moreover, as an example of the foregoing information
processing apparatus, the electric power price list generation unit
indicates, for each time block that is more detailed than the
predetermined time block, an electric power price of a portion of
the electric power price list corresponding to the prediction
result of the electric power demand.
[0287] According to the foregoing configuration, since the electric
power price list generation unit indicates, for each time block
that is more detailed than the predetermined time block, an
electric power price of a portion of the electric power price list
corresponding to the prediction result of the electric power
demand, it is possible to improve the prediction accuracy of the
used electric power price when the operating time of the target
electronic device, in which the operating time thereof can be
shifted, is shifted.
[0288] Moreover, as an example of the foregoing information
processing apparatus, the electric power price list generation unit
indicates the electric power purchase price on the electric power
price list with regard to a time block in which the power generator
does not generate power and a time block in which the electric
storage device does not discharge, and indicates, on the electric
power price list and with regard to a time block in which either
the power generator or the electric storage device operates, a
least expensive electric power price of either the electric power
of the operating device or the electric power supplied from the
commercial power source, based on the electric power generation of
the power generator predicted by the electric power generation
prediction unit and the operation plan of the electric storage
device generated by the operation plan generation unit.
[0289] According to the foregoing configuration, it is possible to
indicate the electric power purchase price on the electric power
price list with regard to a time block in which the power generator
does not generate power and a time block in which the electric
storage device does not discharge, and indicate, on the electric
power price list and with regard to a time block in which either
the power generator or the electric storage device operates, a
least expensive electric power price of either the electric power
of the operating device or the electric power supplied from the
commercial power source.
[0290] Moreover, as an example of the foregoing information
processing apparatus, the electric power price list generation unit
generates the electric power price list that classifies the
electric power purchase price, the generated power price, and the
stored power price with different colors, respectively.
[0291] According to the foregoing configuration, an electric power
price list that classifies the electric power purchase price, the
generated power price, and the stored power price is generated by
different colors, respectively.
[0292] Accordingly, since the electric power purchase price, the
electric power price upon using the electric power generated by the
power generator, and the electric power price upon using the
electric power stored in the electric storage device are displayed
with different colors, respectively, it is possible to improve the
user's visibility.
[0293] Moreover, as an example of the foregoing information
processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus further
comprises a sending unit for sending, to a device including a
display unit, the electric power price list generated by the
electric power price list generation unit.
[0294] According to the foregoing configuration, since the electric
power price list is sent to a device including a display unit, the
electric power price list can be confirmed at a location away from
the information processing apparatus.
[0295] Moreover, as an example of the foregoing information
processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus further
comprises a display unit for displaying the electric power price
list generated by the electric power price list generation
unit.
[0296] According to the foregoing configuration, since the display
unit displays the electric power price list generated by the
electric power price list generation unit, the user can confirm the
electric power price list.
[0297] The method for generating an electric power price list
according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a
step of acquiring information related to an electric power purchase
price, which is an electricity cost when an electronic device is
operated using electric power supplied from a commercial power
source, a step of determining, for each time block, a generated
power price which is an electricity cost when an electronic device
is operated using generated power of a power generator for
generating power using natural energy, and a stored power price
which is an electricity cost when an electronic device is operated
using electric power stored in an electric storage device, and a
step of generating an electric power price list capable of
displaying, with regard to an arbitrary time block, the electric
power purchase price, the generated power price and the stored
power price.
[0298] The information processing system according to an embodiment
of the present invention comprises an information processing
apparatus, and a display device communicably connected to the
information processing apparatus via a network, wherein the
information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit for
acquiring information related to an electric power purchase price,
which is an electricity cost when an electronic device is operated
using electric power supplied from a commercial power source, a
price determination unit for determining, for each time block, a
generated power price which is an electricity cost when an
electronic device is operated using generated power of a power
generator for generating power using natural energy, and a stored
power price which is an electricity cost when an electronic device
is operated using electric power stored in an electric storage
device, an electric power price list generation unit for generating
an electric power price list capable of displaying, with regard to
an arbitrary time block, the electric power purchase price, the
generated power price and the stored power price, and a sending
unit for sending, to the display device and via the network, the
electric power price list generated by the electric power price
list generation unit, and the display device includes a receiving
unit for receiving the electric power price list via the network,
and a display unit for displaying the electric power price list
generated by the electric power price list generation unit.
[0299] The display device according to an embodiment of the present
invention is a display device communicably connected via a network
to an information processing apparatus including: an acquisition
unit for acquiring information related to an electric power
purchase price, which is an electricity cost when an electronic
device is operated using electric power supplied from a commercial
power source; a price determination unit for determining, for each
time block, a generated power price which is an electricity cost
when an electronic device is operated using generated power of a
power generator for generating power using natural energy, and a
stored power price which is an electricity cost when an electronic
device is operated using electric power stored in an electric
storage device; and an electric power price list generation unit
for generating an electric power price list capable of displaying,
with regard to an arbitrary time block, the electric power purchase
price, the generated power price and the stored power price,
wherein the display device comprises a receiving unit for receiving
the electric power price list via the network, and a display unit
for displaying the electric power price list received by the
receiving unit.
[0300] According to the foregoing configuration, since an electric
power price list capable of displaying, with regard to an arbitrary
time block, an electric power purchase price, which is an
electricity cost when an electronic device is operated using
electric power supplied from a commercial power source, a generated
power price which is an electricity cost when an electronic device
is operated using generated power of a power generator for
generating power using natural energy, and a stored power price
which is an electricity cost when an electronic device is operated
using electric power stored in an electric storage device is
displayed, the user can comprehend the time block in which the
electricity cost can be further reduced by confirming the generated
electric power price list. Thus, it is possible to generate an
electric power price list capable of achieving both user's
convenience and user's profit.
[0301] Moreover, as an example of the foregoing display device, the
display device further comprises an input unit for accepting an
input on which electric power to use among the electric power from
the commercial power source, the electric power of the power
generator, and the electric power of the electric storage device
with regard to each time block from the electric power price list
displayed on the display unit, and a sending unit for sending, via
the network, a notification signal for notifying the information
processing apparatus of use of the electric power designated with
the input unit.
[0302] According to the foregoing configuration, since an input on
which electric power to use among the electric power from the
commercial power source, the electric power of the power generator,
and the electric power of the electric storage device with regard
to each time block is accepted from the displayed electric power
price list, the user can use the electric power in which the
electricity cost can be further reduced.
[0303] Moreover, as an example of the foregoing display device, the
input unit detects which electric power to use based on a user's
operation of a touch panel.
[0304] According to the foregoing configuration, since which
electric power to use is detected based on a user's operation of a
touch panel, the user can easily select which electric power to use
among the commercial power source, the power generator, and the
electric storage device with regard to each time block from the
displayed electric power price list.
[0305] Moreover, as an example of the foregoing display device, the
input unit detects which electric power to use by receiving an
external signal sent from an external remote controller.
[0306] According to the foregoing configuration, since which
electric power to use is detected by receiving an external signal
sent from an external remote controller, the user can easily select
which electric power to use among the commercial power source, the
power generator, and the electric storage device with regard to
each time block from the displayed electric power price list.
[0307] Note that the specific embodiments or examples that were
described in the section of Description of Embodiments are merely
provided for clarifying the technical contents of the present
invention, and the present invention should not be narrowly
interpreted by being limited to such specific embodiments or
examples, and may be variously modified and implemented within the
scope of the spirit and claims of the present invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0308] The information processing apparatus, the method for
generating an electric power price list, the information processing
system and the display device according to the present invention
are effective as an information processing apparatus, a method for
generating an electric power price list, an information processing
system and a display device capable of generating an electric power
price list capable of achieving both user's convenience and user's
profit, and generating an electric power price list for displaying
an electric power price when electric power supplied from a
commercial power source is used, an electric power price when
electric power generated by a power generator is used, and an
electric power price when electric power stored in an electric
storage device is used.
* * * * *