KR101660539B1 - Network system and method of controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a network system and a control method thereof. An appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an energy consuming unit that consumes energy to perform an operation when predetermined conditions for starting operation are satisfied; A data receiving unit for receiving information on energy consumed in the energy consuming unit; And the data receiving unit determines whether it is an on-peak or an off-peak according to the received information, and maintains or changes a condition for starting the operation of the energy consuming unit depending on whether the on- A control unit for controlling the operation of the energy consuming unit in accordance with the changed conditions; . Therefore, according to the present invention, the operation of the home appliances at the on-peak is minimized, so that the effect of using the home appliances can be expected more economically.

Description

Network system and method of controlling same

The present invention relates to a network system and a control method thereof.

Home appliances are products that perform various functions for the convenience of the user by using energy such as electricity, water, and gas. Examples of such household appliances include a washing machine / dehydrator / dryer that performs washing / dehydrating / drying of laundry, a refrigerator that performs refrigeration / refrigeration for fresh storage of food, a refrigerator that performs cooling / An air conditioner, and a water purifier that provides purified cold / hot water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a network system and a control method thereof that can reduce the cost required for further operation.

A network system according to one aspect includes: an energy generating unit for generating energy; And an energy consuming unit for consuming energy generated in the energy generating unit to perform an operation for achieving a target value or a target state; And changes a condition for starting the operation of the energy consuming part in accordance with the information on the energy.

A network system according to another aspect includes: a utility network including an energy generating unit for generating energy; And an energy consuming unit that consumes energy generated by the energy generating unit to perform an operation for achieving a predetermined target value or a target state. And a condition for starting the operation of the energy consuming portion is changed such that the operation of the energy consuming portion is started before or after a predetermined reference time point, the reference time point, or afterwards according to the information about the energy.

A method of controlling a network system according to an aspect includes: generating energy by an energy generating unit; And an energy consuming part consuming energy generated in the energy generating part to perform an operation to achieve a target value or a target state; And the condition for starting the operation of the energy consuming part is varied according to the information about the energy.

In the network system and the control method thereof according to the present invention, the reference for starting the operation of the home appliance is relaxed or strengthened in the on-peak where the power charge is relatively high, so that the operation of the home appliance can be completed quickly, The start time of the operation is delayed. Therefore, by minimizing the operation of the appliances at the on-peak, the effect of using the appliances can be expected more economically.

1 schematically shows a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a block diagram illustrating an information delivery process on a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining the form of the electricity bill; FIG.
5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a home network applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another example of a home network applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another example of a home network applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a washing machine applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
9 is a view showing an example of a washing machine applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a control flowchart showing an example of a control method of a washing machine applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
FIG. 13 is a control flowchart illustrating an example of a control method of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing another example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
15 is a control flowchart showing another example of a control method of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a perspective view showing an example of a water purifier applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
17 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a water purifier applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
18 is a control flowchart showing an example of a control method of a water purifier applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a home electric appliance according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a network system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applicable, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a network system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applicable.

A network system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applicable is a system for managing an energy source such as electricity, water, gas, and the like. The energy source means that the generated amount or the used amount can be measured. Therefore, the energy source can be an energy source not mentioned above. Hereinafter, electricity will be described as an example of an energy source. However, embodiments of the present invention may be equally applied to other energy sources.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a network system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applicable includes a power plant that generates electricity. The power plant may include a power plant that generates electricity through thermal power generation or nuclear power generation, and a power plant that uses eco-friendly energy such as hydroelectric power, solar power, and wind power.

The electricity generated in the power plant is transmitted to the substation through the transmission line. The power station transmits electricity to the substation, and eventually the electricity is distributed to consumers such as homes and offices.

Electricity generated by environmentally friendly energy is also transmitted to the substation. Electricity transmitted from the substation is distributed through an electric storage device or directly to the office or each household.

In the home using a home network (HAN, home area network), electric power can be produced, stored, distributed, or distributed through a solar cell or a fuel cell mounted on a PHEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) The remaining electricity can be returned to the outside.

In addition, the network system includes a smart meter for real-time monitoring of electricity consumption of a consumer (home or office), an AMI (Advanced Metering infrastructure) for measuring electricity usage of a large number of consumers, May be included.

In addition, the network system may further include an energy management system (EMS: Energy Management System) for managing energy. The energy management device can generate information about the operation of one or more components in relation to energy (generation, distribution, use, storage, etc.) of the energy.

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

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

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

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the network system of the present invention is configured by a plurality of components. For example, power plants, substations, power stations, energy management devices, household appliances, smart meters, capacitors, web servers, measuring devices, and home servers are components of the network system.

Further, in the present invention, each component can be constituted by a plurality of detailed components. For example, when one component is a household appliance, a microcomputer, a heater, a display, or the like may be a detailed component.

That is, in the present invention, everything that performs a specific function may be a component, and these components constitute the network system of the present invention. And the two components can communicate by communication means.

Further, one network may be a single component or a plurality of components.

In this specification, a network system in which information to be transmitted and received is related to an energy source may be referred to as an energy grid.

The network system to which the embodiment of the present invention is applicable may be composed of a Utility Area Network (UAN) and a Home Area Network (HAN) 20. The utility network 10 and the home network 20 can be wired or wirelessly communicated by communication means.

In this specification, assumption means a group of specific components such as a building, a company, and the like, as well as assumptions of a dictionary meaning. A utility is a collection of specific components outside the home.

The utility network 10 includes an energy generation component 11 for generating energy, an energy distribution component 12 for distributing or transferring energy, and an energy storage unit An energy storage component 13 for managing energy, an energy management component 14 for managing energy, and an energy metering component 15 for measuring energy related information. In this specification, "part" means a component.

When one or more components of the utility network 10 consume energy, the energy consuming component may be an energy consuming part.

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

The energy storage unit 13 may be a battery and the energy management unit 14 may include an energy generation unit 11, an energy distribution unit 12, an energy storage unit 13, And generates information for at least one drive.

The energy management unit 14 may be an energy management device. The energy measurement unit 15 may measure information related to the generation, distribution, use, storage, etc. of energy, and may be an AMI, for example. The energy management unit 14 may have a separate configuration or may be included as an energy management function in another component.

The utility network 10 can transmit information or receive information via a terminal component (not shown). That is, the information generated or transferred in the specific component that constitutes the utility network 10 may be transmitted through the terminal component or receive information from the other component.

The home network 20 includes an energy generation component 21 for generating energy, an energy distribution component 22 for distributing energy, an energy storage component 22 for storing energy, 23, an energy management component 24 for managing energy, an energy metering component 25 for measuring energy related information, and an energy consumption component 26, a central management component 27 for controlling a number of components, and an energy grid assistance component 28. [

The energy generation component 21 may be a household power generator and the energy storage component 23 may be a battery and the energy management component 24 may be an energy management device. have.

The energy metering component 25 may measure information related to energy generation, distribution, use, storage, and the like, and may be, for example, a smart meter. The energy consuming unit 26 may be, for example, a heater, a motor, a display, or the like that constitutes a household appliance or an appliance. It is to be noted that there is no limitation in the kind of the energy consuming section 26 in the present embodiment.

The energy management unit 24 may have a separate configuration or may be included as an energy management function in another component.

The energy generating unit 21, the energy distributing unit 22, and the energy storing unit 23 may be individual components or a single component.

The central management unit 27 may be, for example, a home server for controlling a plurality of appliances.

The energy network auxiliary unit 28 is a component having an original function while performing an additional function for the energy network. For example, the energy network sub-unit may be a web service providing unit (e.g., a computer), a mobile device, a television, and the like.

The above-mentioned energy generating units 11 and 21, the energy distributing units 12 and 22, the energy storing units 13 and 23, the energy managing units 14 and 24, and the energy measuring units 15 and 25 ), The energy consumption unit 26, and the central management unit 27 may exist independently of each other, or two or more may constitute a single component.

For example, the energy management unit 24, the energy measurement unit 25, and the central management unit 27 are constituted by a smart meter, an energy management device, and a home server, each of which functions as a single component, The energy management unit 24, the energy measurement unit 25, and the central management unit 27 may constitute a single apparatus.

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

In this network system, a plurality of utility networks 10 can communicate with a single home network 20, and a single utility network 10 can communicate with a plurality of home networks 20.

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

On the other hand, a specific component of the present invention may receive information related to energy by a communication means. In addition, the specific component can further receive additional information (environment information, time information, etc.) in addition to information related to energy by the communication means. At this time, the specific component may receive information from another component. That is, the received information includes at least energy information.

The specific component may be one component of the utility network 10 or one component of the home network.

The information related to the energy may be one of electricity, water, gas, and the like as described above.

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

Such information can be divided into scheduled information generated in advance based on the previous information and real time information that varies in real time. The schedule information and the real-time information can be classified according to whether the information is predicted after the current time (future).

Information related to the energy may be transmitted or received as a true or false signal such as a Boolean on a network system, an actual price may be transmitted or received, or a plurality of levels may be transmitted and received. The energy related information may be time of use (TOU) information, critical peak pattern (CPP) information, or real time pattern (RTP) information according to a change pattern of data over time.

According to the TOU information, data is changed stepwise according to time. According to the CPP information, the data changes stepwise or real-time with time, and emphasis is displayed at a specific time point. According to the RTP information, data changes in real time.

If the information relating to energy is, for example, electricity rate information, the information relating to the electricity rate will vary. The electricity bill information may be transmitted or received as a true or false signal such as a Boolean on a network system, a real price may be transmitted or received, or a plurality of levels may be transmitted and received.

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

Alternatively, a particular component may recognize an information value for at least one drive that includes an electricity bill, and the specific component may compare the recognized information value with a reference information value to recognize an on-peak and an off-peak .

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

At this time, the information value about the driving may be at least one of an electricity rate, a power rate, a rate of change of the electricity rate, a rate of change of the electric power rate, an average value of the electricity rate and an average value of the electric power amount. The reference information value may be at least one of an average value, an average value of a minimum value and a maximum value of power information during a predetermined section, and a reference change rate of power information during a predetermined section (for example, a power consumption amount slope per unit time).

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

When the specific component (for example, the energy consuming unit) recognizes the on-peak (for example, at the time of recognition), the output may be set to 0 (stop or stop). And, the output can be recovered or increased as needed. The specific component may determine the driving method in advance before starting the operation, or may change the driving method when the on-peak is recognized after the operation starts.

Alternatively, if the specific component recognizes the on-peak (for example, when it recognizes it), it can maintain the output if the condition is operable. At this time, the operable condition means that the information value of the driving is below a certain standard. The information value of the driving may be information on an electric charge, an amount of power consumption, or an operation time. The constant criterion may be a relative value or an absolute value.

The predetermined criteria may be set in real time, or may be set in advance. The predetermined criteria may be set in the utility network or in a home network (input by a consumer direct input, energy management unit, central management unit, etc.).

Alternatively, the output may be increased if the particular component recognizes the on-peak (for example, at the time of recognition). However, even if the output increases at the time when the on-peak is recognized, the total output amount during the entire driving period of the specific component may be reduced or maintained to be less than the total output amount when the specific component operates at the normal output. Alternatively, even if the output increases at the time when the on-peak is recognized, the total consumed power or the total electricity charge during the entire driving period of the specific component is lower than the total consumed power or the total battery charge when the specific component operates at the normal output .

If the particular component recognizes an off-peak (for example, at the time of recognition), the output may be increased. For example, when the operation reservation is set, a component having a large output before a set time starts driving or a component having a large output among a plurality of components may be driven first. Further, in the case of a refrigerator, it is possible to store the hot water by driving the heater in advance of the scheduled operation time of the heater in the case of a washing machine or a washing machine,

The energy curtailment information is information related to a mode in which the component is stopped or the electricity fee is reduced. The energy reduction information may be transmitted or received as a true or false signal, for example, as a Boolean on a network system.

When the specific component recognizes the energy reduction information, the output can be set to 0 (stop or stop) and the output can be reduced as described above.

The emergency information is information related to a power failure or the like, and may be transmitted or received as a true or false signal, such as a Boolean. The information related to the power failure or the like is related to the reliability of components using energy.

If the specific component recognizes the emergency information, it can be shut down immediately.

The grid reliability information is information about the amount of electricity supplied or the amount of electricity supplied or information about the quality of electric power. The grid reliability information may be transmitted or received as a true or false signal such as a Boolean or an AC power source supplied as a component (for example, The frequency of the component may be determined.

That is, if the frequency lower than the reference frequency of the AC power supplied to the component is detected, it is determined that the supplied electricity quantity is small. If a frequency higher than the reference frequency of the AC power supply is detected, it can be determined that the supplied electricity quantity is large.

When the specific component recognizes that the amount of electricity is low among the network safety information or recognizes that the electrical quality is not good, the specific component may set the output 0 (stop or stop) Or to maintain the output or to increase the output.

Generated electricity quantity excess information is information about the state where the electricity consumption of the component consuming energy is smaller than the electricity generation amount and the surplus electricity is generated and can be transmitted or received as a true or false signal such as a Boolean.

When the specific component recognizes the electricity generation amount excess information, the output can be increased. For example, when the operation reservation is set, a component having a large output before a set time starts driving or a component having a large output among a plurality of components may be driven first. Further, in the case of a refrigerator, it is possible to store the hot water by supercooling the output by increasing the output from the existing output, or by driving the heater in advance of the operation time of the heater in the case of the washing machine or the washing machine. Or if a particular component recognizes an off-peak (for example, when it recognizes it).

Hereinafter, an example of a washing machine applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a washing machine applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a washing machine applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the washing machine 100 is an appliance for washing / dehydrating / drying laundry. The washing machine 100 includes a control unit 110, a motor 120, a sensor 130, and a data receiving unit 140. The control unit (110) controls the operation of the washing machine (100). The motor 120 provides a driving force for rotation of the washing tub 121 in which the laundry is housed. Therefore, the motor 120 may be substantially referred to as an energy consuming portion. The sensor 130 senses information related to the balance of the laundry in the washing tub 121. The data receiving unit 140 receives information related to energy.

More specifically, the control unit 110 controls operation of the motor 120, water supply, and the like in order to perform a washing / dewatering / drying process. The control unit 110 determines whether or not the washing cloth inside the washing tub 121 is balanced according to the data sensed by the sensor 130 in the dewatering process and controls the operation of the motor 120 do. In other words, the control unit 110 controls the operation of the motor 120 so that the dewatering stroke is started only when the laundry in the washing tub 121 is balanced. Here, the 'case where the laundry is balanced' means that the laundry is uniformly positioned on the wall surface of the washing tub 121, and the case where the laundry is not balanced means that the laundry is eccentrically positioned on the wall surface of the washing tub 121 .

For example, the control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to rotate at a predetermined first setting RPM. The control unit 110 detects whether or not the washing cloth inside the washing tub 121 is balanced according to the value of the sensor 130 during the rotation of the motor 120 by the first set RPM do. If it is determined that the laundry in the washing tub 121 is in an equilibrium state, the control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to rotate by a predetermined dehydration RPM. Therefore, a dewatering process for dewatering the laundry in the washing tub 121 is started. If it is determined that the laundry in the washing tub 121 is not in an equilibrium state, the control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to rotate at a predetermined second setting RPM. After the motor 120 rotates at the second setting RPM for a predetermined time, the control unit 110 determines whether the laundry in the washing tub 121 is in an equilibrium state according to the sensed value of the sensor 130 I judge again. The control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to rotate the dehydrating RPM for the dehydration process or the laundry in the washing tub 121 according to whether the laundry is equilibrated in the washing tub 121, To a second setting RPM for equilibrium.

Here, the first set RPM is the number of revolutions of the motor 120 for detecting whether or not the laundry in the washing tub 121 is equilibrated. The second setting RPM may be set such that when the laundry in the washing tub 121 is determined not to be in equilibrium, the washing tub 121 is rotated in order to balance the laundry in the washing tub 121 Is the number of revolutions of the motor (120). The dehydrated RPM is the number of revolutions of the motor 120 for dehydrating the laundry in the washing tub 121. Therefore, the second set RPM is set to a value smaller than the first set RPM, and the dehydrated RPM will be set to a larger value than the first set RPM.

Also, the control unit 110 determines whether the data reception unit 140 is on-peak or off-peak based on the received energy information. The control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to operate in a relatively easy manner to dehydrate the laundry in the washing tub 121 as compared with the case of off-peak in the case of on-peak . In other words, the control unit 110 relaxes the condition for starting the dehydration stroke in the case of on-peak compared to the off-peak. To this end, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the washing cloth is equilibrated in the washing tub 121 according to whether it is on-peak or off-peak, Respectively.

For example, a Hall sensor for sensing the rotation period of the motor 120 may be used as the sensor 130. The rotation period of the motor 120 may be relatively increased when the laundry in the washing tub 121 is not in equilibrium, compared to when the laundry in the washing tub 121 is balanced. off-peak, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the internal temperature of the washing tub 121 is higher than the first predetermined value if the sensed value of the sensor 130, that is, It is judged that the laundry is not balanced. However, in the case of on-peak, when the control unit 110 determines that the rotation period of the motor 120 detected by the sensor 130 is equal to or larger than a predetermined second set value exceeding the first set value It is determined that the laundry in the washing tub 121 is not in equilibrium.

As another example, at least two weight sensors may be used for the sensor 130. [ The control unit 110 may compare the difference of the sensed values of the sensor 130 with a preset reference value. The control unit 110 determines that the laundry in the washing tub 121 is not in equilibrium only when the difference between the sensed values of the sensor 130 and the off-peak is greater than a predetermined first set value. Also, the control unit 110 determines that the laundry in the washing tub 121 is not in equilibrium only when the difference between the sensed values of the sensor 130 and the on-peak exceeds a predetermined second set value. At this time, if the second set value is set to a value exceeding the first set value, the condition for entry into the dehydration stroke from the on-peak can be relaxed as compared with the off-peak, as in the case described above.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling a washing machine applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

10 is a control flowchart showing an example of a control method of a washing machine applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10, the control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to rotate at the first setting RPM (S11). Then, the control unit 110 determines whether the data received by the data receiving unit 140 Therefore, it is determined whether or not the off-peak is present (S13)

If it is determined in step 13 that the off-peak value is off-peak, the control unit 110 determines whether the sensed value of the sensor 130 is less than a first set value, that is, whether the laundry in the washing tub 121 is in equilibrium The sensing value of the sensor 130 may be determined by the rotation period of the motor 120 or the weight of the laundry in the washing tub 121, This can be the difference in weight detected at two locations.

If the sensed value of the sensor 130 is equal to or less than the first set value in step 15, the laundry in the washing tub 121 is in an equilibrium state. Therefore, the control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to rotate by the dehydrated RPM (S17)

Next, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the dewatering process has been completed (S19). If it is determined in operation 19 that the dewatering process is completed, the control unit 110 determines whether the motor 120 is stopped (S21)

Meanwhile, if the sensed value of the sensor 130 is greater than the first set value in step 15, the laundry in the washing tub 121 is not balanced. The control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to rotate at the second setting RPM so that the laundry in the washing tub 121 is balanced. When the motor 120 rotates at a second set RPM for a preset time or a predetermined number of times, the controller 130 compares the sensed value of the sensor 130 in the fifteenth step with the first set value, It is determined whether or not the inside of the laundry is balanced.

In step S25, the control unit 110 compares the sensed value of the sensor 130 with the second set value when it is determined that it is not an off-peak in step 13, that is, If it is determined in step 25 that the sensed value of the sensor 130 is equal to or less than the second set value, the control unit 110 performs a dehydration process, that is, the seventeenth through twenty-first steps. However, the control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to rotate at the second setting RPM when the sensed value of the sensor 130 is determined to exceed the second set value in operation 25. (S27)

As described above, the washing machine 100 minimizes the operation of the motor 120 for balancing the laundry contained in the washing tub 121 in the on-peak condition. Therefore, according to the washing machine 100, energy on the peak, that is, electricity consumption can be minimized.

Hereinafter, an example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the refrigerator 200 is a household appliance that stores an article such as food by refrigeration / refrigeration and stores it freshly. The refrigerator 200 includes a control unit 210 for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 200, a refrigeration cycle 220 for forming a cool air for freezing / refrigerating the product, a sensor 230 for sensing information for defrosting A data receiving unit 240 for receiving information on energy, and a defrost heater 260 for defrosting. Therefore, in this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle 220 and the defrost heater 260 will be substantially energy-consuming.

More specifically, the control unit 210 controls the operation of the refrigeration cycle 220 for refrigeration / refrigeration of the article. Also, the control unit 210 operates the defrost heater 260 according to the sensed value of the sensor 230 to perform defrosting. For example, the sensor 230 senses the temperature of the evaporator constituting the refrigeration cycle, and the control unit 210 determines whether or not the defrosting is based on the sensed value of the sensor 230, that is, the temperature of the evaporator . That is, if the sensed value of the sensor 230 is lower than a predetermined temperature, the control unit 210 can operate the defrost heater 260 to perform defrosting. As another example, the control unit 210 can operate the defrost heater 260 to perform defrosting when the operation time of the compressor constituting the refrigeration cycle lapses.

Also, the control unit 210 determines whether the data receiving unit 240 is on-peak or off-peak, based on the received energy information. The control unit 210 enhances the condition for starting the defrosting relative to the case of off-peak in the case of on-peak.

For example, when defrosting is started according to the temperature of the evaporator, the control unit 210 determines that the on-peak value of the sensor 230, that is, the temperature of the evaporator, The defrost heater 260 can be controlled so that defrosting is started at a low temperature. Also, when defrosting is started according to the operation time of the compressor, the control unit 210 controls the defrost heater 210 so that defrosting is started when a long time elapses after the operation of the compressor is started, (260). To this end, the control unit 210 sets a reference value to be compared with the temperature of the evaporator or the operating time of the compressor in order to determine whether defrosting is initiated depending on whether the on-peak or off-peak is detected.

For example, when defrosting is initiated in accordance with the temperature of the evaporator, the control unit 210 may be configured such that, compared to the first setpoint, which is compared with the temperature of the evaporator sensed by the sensor 230 at off- the second set value, which is compared with the temperature of the evaporator at the on-peak, can be set to a lower temperature. In addition, when defrosting is started according to the operation time of the compressor, the control unit 210 determines the operation time of the compressor at an on-peak in comparison with the first set value which is compared with the operation time of the compressor at off- The second set value to be compared can be set to a longer time.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling a refrigerator applicable to a network according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

13 is a control flowchart illustrating an example of a control method of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

13, the control unit 210 determines whether the data reception unit 240 is off-peak according to the received information (S31). If it is determined that the data is off-peak in the step 31, The control unit 210 determines whether the sensed value of the sensor 230, that is, the temperature of the evaporator is equal to or less than the first set value (S33)

If the sensed value of the sensor 230 is less than or equal to the first set value in step 33, the defrosting start condition is satisfied. Therefore, the control unit 210 controls the operation of the defrost heater 260 so that defrosting is performed (S35)

The control unit 210 compares the sensed value of the sensor 230 with the second set value when it is determined that the sensor is not off-peak in step 31, that is, If the sensed value of the sensor 230 is equal to or less than the second set value in step 37, the control unit 210 performs the thirty-first step because it satisfies the defrost start condition.

Of course, when the start of defrosting is determined according to the operation time of the compressor, the control unit 210 compares the operation time and the time of the compressor with predetermined first and second preset values to determine whether or not defrost will be. The control unit 210 determines whether the defrost is started or not based on whether the operation time of the compressor is equal to or greater than the first set value or the second set value.

As described above, the refrigerator 200 enhances the defrosting start condition at the on-peak. Therefore, according to the refrigerator 200, the defrosting operation on the on-peak is minimized, so that the increase in the cost required for defrosting can be prevented.

Hereinafter, another example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing another example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention will be omitted from the description of the components of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14, the refrigerator 200 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 210, an ice maker 260, and an ice bank 270. The control unit 210 controls the operation of the ice-making device 260. The ice maker 260 manufactures ice, and the ice bank 270 stores ice produced by the ice maker 260.

More specifically, the ice making device 260 includes a ice-making part 261, an ice-making part 263, and a sensing part 265. The ice making section 261 substantially produces ice. The ice part (263) transfers ice produced in the ice part (261) to the ice bank (270). The sensing unit 265 senses the amount of ice stored in the ice bank 270. Therefore, in this embodiment, substantially speaking, the ice making device 260, the ice-making part 261, can be understood as an energy-consuming part.

The control unit 210 controls the ice making unit 263 so that the ice made in the ice making unit 261 is supplied to the ice making unit 263 according to the amount of ice stored in the ice bank 270 sensed by the sensing unit 265 To be transferred to the ice bank (270). That is, the control unit 210 controls the amount of ice stored in the ice bank 270 by the sensing unit 265 (i.e., the sensing value of the sensing unit 265) ), The ice bank 270 is controlled to transfer the ice. The control unit 210 controls the ice making unit 261 to produce ice when the ice making unit 270 has been unloaded by the ice making unit 263.

The control unit 210 determines whether the data reception unit 240 is on-peak or off-peak based on the received energy information. Also, the control unit 210 sets the set value to be compared with the sensed value of the sensing unit 265 for de-icing depending on whether the on-peak or off-peak is detected. That is, the control unit 210 compares the first set value with the sensed value of the sensing unit 265 when it is off-peak, and sets the sensed value to a value smaller than the first set value when the on- And the sensing value of the sensing unit 265 are compared with each other. Accordingly, the control unit 210 substantially strengthens the conditions for manufacturing and transporting ice by the ice maker 260 in the case of an on-peak.

Hereinafter, another example of a control method of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

15 is a control flowchart showing another example of a control method of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

15, the control unit 210 operates the ice maker 261 to manufacture the ice (S41). Then, the control unit 210 controls the ice maker 260 according to the information received by the data receiver 240 off-peak is determined in step 43. If it is determined in step 43 that the off-peak is off-peak, the control unit 210 determines whether the off- It is determined whether or not the amount of ice is equal to or less than the first set value (S45)

If the sensed value of the sensing unit 265 is equal to or lower than the first set value in step 45, the ice made by the ice-making unit 261 is transferred to the ice bank 270 (S47). When the ice removal in the step 47 is completed, the control unit 210 causes the ice making unit 261 to manufacture the ice.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 43 that it is not an off-peak, that is, the on-peak is detected, the control unit 210 compares the detection value of the sensing unit 265 with a second set value. The control unit 210 performs step 45 if it is determined in step 49 that the sensing value of the sensing unit 265 is equal to or less than the second set value.

As described above, in the refrigerator (200), the start condition of icing in the on-peak is strengthened, thereby enhancing the starting condition of icing associated therewith. Therefore, according to the refrigerator 200, it is possible to prevent the increase of the cost required for defrosting by minimizing the start of ice making on-peak.

Hereinafter, an example of a water purifier applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a water purifier applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a water purifier applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

16 and 17, the water purifier 300 is a household appliance that purifies water. Also, the water purifier 300 may cool or heat the purified water to supply it as cold water or hot water. The water purifier 300 includes a control unit 310, a pump 320, a water tank 321, a sensor 330, and a data receiving unit 340.

More specifically, the control unit 310 controls the operation of the pump 320 so that water is stored in the water storage tank 321. The pump 320 is connected to an external water supply source to supply water to the water storage tank 321. The sensor 330 senses the level of water stored in the water storage tank 321. The data receiving unit 340 receives information about energy. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the pump 320 is a substantial energy-consuming part.

Also, although not shown, the water purifier 300 includes a filter member for the essence of water. In the case of supplying cold water or hot water, the water purifier 300 may further include a refrigeration cycle for cooling water and a heating member for heating water.

Meanwhile, the control unit 310 controls the operation of the pump 320 for supplying water to the water storage tank 321 according to the sensed value of the sensor 330, that is, the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 321 . The control unit 310 determines whether an on-peak or an off-peak is determined based on information related to the energy received by the data receiving unit 340.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 310 determines whether a setting value to be compared with the sensing value of the sensor 330 for the operation of the pump 320, that is, The water level value of the water stored in the tank 321 is set differently. However, in order to prevent the operation of the pump 320 relative to the off-peak at the on-peak,

In other words, the control unit 310 compares the first set value with the detection value of the sensing unit 365 in the off-peak state, and when the on-peak value is smaller than the first set value And the sensing value of the sensing unit 365 are compared with each other. Therefore, the control unit 310 operates the pump 320 only when the amount of water stored in the water tank 321 is substantially smaller than the amount of water stored in the water tank 321 .

Hereinafter, a method of controlling a water purifier applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18 is a control flowchart showing an example of a control method of a water purifier applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

18, the control unit 310 determines whether the data reception unit 340 is off-peak according to the received information (S51). If it is determined that the data is off-peak in the step 51, The control unit 310 determines whether the sensed value of the sensor 330 and the water level of the water stored in the water storage tank 321 are equal to or less than a first set value (S53)

The control unit 310 controls the pump 320 to be operated when the sensed value of the sensor 330 is equal to or less than the first set value at step 53. At step S55, The water is supplied to the water storage tank 321 by the operation of FIG.

In step S57, the control unit 310 compares the sensed value of the sensor 330 with the second set value when it is determined that it is not an off-peak in step 51, that is, If the detection value of the sensor 330 is determined to be equal to or lower than the second set value in step 57, the control unit 310 performs step 55.

Although not shown, the control unit 310 may stop the operation of the pump 320 when the sensor 330 reaches the full water level of the water stored in the water storage tank 321. Accordingly, the supply of water to the water storage tank 321 is stopped.

As described above, in the on-peak of the water purifier 300, the pump 320 is operated only when the water level of the water stored in the water storage tank 321 is lower to supply water to the water storage tank 321 . Therefore, according to the water purifier 300, the operation of the pump 320 at the on-peak is minimized, thereby preventing an increase in the cost required for the operation of the pump 320.

100: Washing machine 110: Control unit
120: motor 130: sensor
140: Data receiving unit 200: Refrigerator
210: control unit 220: refrigeration cycle
230: sensor 240: data receiving unit
250: defrost heater 300: water purifier
310: control unit 320: pump
330: sensor 340: data receiving unit

Claims (23)

An energy generating unit for generating energy; And
An energy consuming unit for consuming energy generated by the energy generating unit to perform an operation for achieving a target value or a target state; Lt; / RTI >
The energy-
A washing machine in which the laundry is stored,
A motor for providing a driving force for rotating the washing tub;
A sensor for sensing a detection value for determining whether the laundry in the washing tub is balanced,
And a control unit for controlling the motor and the sensor and changing a reference value for starting the operation of the motor in accordance with the information about the energy,
Wherein the control unit comprises:
Determine whether it is an off-peak according to the information on the energy,
Peak is set, the reference value is set to a first set value, and when the on-peak is determined to be an on-peak, the reference value is set to a second set value that is larger than the first set value,
If the sensed value is smaller than the first set value or the second set value, activates the motor for a dehydration stroke, and if the sensed value is greater than the first set value or the second set value, And operates the motor so that the laundry is balanced. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the start of operation of the motor is started before or after a predetermined reference time point, the reference time point, or the like in accordance with the information about the energy so that the amount of energy consumed or the rate of energy consumed by the operation of the motor is reduced. delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the sensor is a hall sensor for sensing a rotation period of the motor. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the sensor is a weight detection sensor that is installed at each of at least two positions of the energy consuming unit and senses the weight of the washing tub housed in the washing tub. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

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