JP2010124539A - Method and server for controlling electricity utilization - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a server for controlling electricity utilization wherein it is possible to maintain a comfortable feeling of humans and control electricity utilization, including that of information equipment. <P>SOLUTION: The present amount of electricity consumed is acquired from a demand-control system. A control command for instructing changes in a corresponding power-saving mode is generated, with respect to each piece of information equipment, according to change in the present amount of electricity consumed and the command is transmitted to each piece of information equipment. Each piece of information equipment sets a corresponding power-saving mode according to the transmitted control command. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power usage control method for controlling power usage of a power usage device such as an air conditioner installed in an office building or business office, and a power usage control server for executing the method.

  In general, power consumers often make power demand contracts with power companies. The power demand contract is a contract for providing a control service such as stopping a target device for demand control, for example, an air conditioner, when the amount of power in use is predicted to exceed the value of the contract power amount. In order to receive such a service, it is necessary to install a demand control apparatus provided by an electric power company in the office. The demand control device performs demand control by monitoring temporal changes in the amount of power used obtained by a watt-hour meter in a power receiving / transforming facility at a business establishment. For example, the demand control device monitors the amount of power used every predetermined time, and when this exceeds 95% of the amount of power corresponding to the predetermined time in the contracted power amount, the demand control device instructs the stop of the air conditioner. Do.

  However, such demand activation has a problem of impairing the comfort of people in the office. For example, when an air conditioner in a business office is operated with its cooling capacity increased in accordance with a change in room temperature, the amount of power used naturally increases. If it does so, demand activation will be performed at the time of the electric power consumption exceeding a threshold value, and an air conditioner will stop suddenly. A sudden rise in room temperature significantly impairs human comfort.

With regard to such a problem, for example, a technique for changing the mode of demand control by detecting the number of people in the office is known (see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-6-335164

  By the way, information devices such as personal computers and printers are usually installed in business offices. Such information devices are not normally targeted for demand control. In particular, with the recent progress of information technology (IT), the number of information devices installed in offices generally increases, and the amount of power used is considerably large. However, it is difficult to make an information device a target device of a normal demand control apparatus due to business importance and functional complexity.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a power usage control method and a power usage control server capable of maintaining human comfort and performing power usage control including information equipment.

  The power usage control method according to the present invention is a power usage control method in an information system including at least one information device, each of which can be set to any one of at least one power saving mode, and is a demand control related to the information system. A current power usage acquisition step for acquiring the current power usage from the system, and a control command for instructing each information device to change to a power saving mode corresponding to the information device according to a change in the current power usage A control command generation step for generating the control command, a control command transmission step for transmitting the control command to the information device, and a power saving mode corresponding to the control command transmitted to the information device for each information device. And a power saving mode setting step for setting the information device.

  A power usage control server according to the present invention is a power usage control server provided in an information system including at least one information device, each of which can be set to any one of at least one power saving mode according to an external control command, Current power usage acquisition means for acquiring current power usage from a demand control system related to the information system, and a power saving mode corresponding to the information device for each information device according to a change in the current power usage Control command generating means for generating a control command for instructing a change to a control command, and control command transmitting means for transmitting the control command as the external control command to the information device.

  According to the power usage control method and the power usage control server of the present invention, it is possible to maintain human comfort and perform power usage control including information equipment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, and shows an overall configuration including a power usage control server.
The power meter 50 is a watt-hour meter installed in a building or business office, and always measures the power usage and outputs the current power usage (for example, kwh / 30 minutes). The demand control device 60 is a demand control device that takes in the current power usage amount from the power meter 50 and controls a target device such as an air conditioner when the value exceeds a preset predetermined power usage amount. As a control method, for example, there is a method of cutting off the power supply to the target device, or a method of supplying some control command to the target device to control the use of the power source. Each of the air conditioners 71 to 73 changes its power use mode (mode) in response to a control command or power supply from the demand control device 60. Usually, a device called a demand control system includes a power meter 50, a demand control device 60, air conditioners 71 to 73 as target devices, and the like.

  In the following description, a plurality of air conditioners 71 to 73 are set as a target device group A as a target device group for demand control similar to the conventional one.

  The embodiment according to the present invention further includes an information system including a power usage control server 10, a plurality of personal computers (PCs) 31 to 33, and a plurality of printers 41 to 42. This information system is related to the demand control device by being under the air conditioning control of the air conditioning equipment described above. Each device in the information system is interconnected by a LAN 20 so that control commands can be transmitted and received. The plurality of personal computers (PCs) 31 to 33 and the plurality of printers 41 to 42 are assumed to be a target device group B to be controlled by the power usage control server 10. Each information device included in the target device group B disappears with a considerable part of its power usage as a heat source, and affects the temperature control of the air conditioners 71 to 73.

  Each information device included in the target device group B has a power control function for changing the power usage mode in accordance with a control command from the power usage control server 10, and the power control function can be controlled from the outside. There is a need to.

  For the personal computers (PC) 31 to 33, a power saving program or a power saving setting profile that is normally provided can be used as the power control function. The power saving program provides a power saving mode such as a mode for turning off the monitor power and a mode for stopping the rotation of the hard disk. The power saving profile provides a power saving mode that operates with low power while leaving the use program in the memory depending on the setting. Therefore, the power usage control server 10 transmits a control command to the personal computers 31 to 33, and each of the personal computers 31 to 33 starts a power saving program in accordance with the control command. Further, the power usage control server 10 transmits a power saving setting profile as a control command to the personal computers 31 to 33 using a normal file transfer means, and each of the personal computers 31 to 33 stores the power saving setting file. The own power saving setting profile is updated accordingly.

  On the other hand, as for the printers 41 to 42, a power saving mode for reducing the heater temperature of the toner fixing device of the printer is usually provided as a power control function. Therefore, the power usage control server 10 transmits a control command using, for example, the SNMP protocol and controls the change to the power saving mode in each of the printers 41 to 42.

  In the present embodiment, the target device group B controlled by the power usage control server 10 has been described as including only a personal computer and a printer as an example, but there is no limitation on the present invention, and the power usage control server 10, and various information devices such as a mainframe computer, a server, a router, a gateway device, a scanner, a facsimile device, and an external storage device may be included.

  FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of the power usage control server 10 shown in FIG. Here, the power usage control server 10 includes at least a communication interface unit 11, a power usage control unit 12, a power meter interface unit 13, and a control table 15.

  The communication interface unit 11 transmits a control command to the plurality of personal computers (PCs) 31 to 33 and the plurality of printers 41 to 42 via the LAN 20. The power meter interface unit 13 captures the current power usage from the power meter 50. The power usage control server 10 may also include a demand control device interface unit 14, and the demand control device interface unit 14 takes in the current power usage amount from the power meter 50 via the demand control device 60.

  The power usage control unit 12 generates a control command for each device in the target device group B according to the current power usage value supplied from the power meter interface unit 13 or the power meter 50, The data is supplied to each device of the target device group B via the communication interface unit 11. The type and content of the control command (for example, the setting control command and the release control command) are determined based on the setting content of the control table 15.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the control table 15. Referring to the figure, the target device name, the IP address for communication via the LAN, and the type and content of at least one control command to be generated for the target device are set in association with each other. The For example, in the target device name “first PC” corresponding to the personal computer (PC) 31 shown in FIG. 1, “192.1.1.1” is set as the IP address, and “monitor” is set as the setting control command when the power saving is set. “Normal command” is set as an “off command” and a cancel control command at the time of canceling power saving. Here, when power saving is set, for example, the current power usage is 80% or more, and when power saving is released, for example, when the current power usage is in a normal state of less than 60% Means.

  FIG. 4 shows a processing procedure of the power usage control method executed in the power usage control server 10. As a premise, the power meter 50 constantly measures the current power consumption. The following processing procedure is executed mainly by the power usage control unit 12 (see FIG. 2) provided in the power usage control server 10.

  The power usage control server 10 acquires the current power usage from the power meter (step S1). Next, it is determined whether the current power consumption is 80% or more of the maximum power consumption (step S2). Here, the ratio 80% is merely an example, and may be an arbitrary ratio appropriate for operation. For example, in the prior setting in the demand control device 60, an operation is assumed in which demand activation is performed on the target device group A (air conditioning device or the like) when the current power consumption reaches 95% of the maximum power amount. In this case, if the current power usage reaches 80% or more of the maximum power consumption before the current power usage increases, for example, 30 minutes ago, power saving for the target device group B (PC, printer, etc.) Control shall be performed. As an example, the reason for 30 minutes ago is that the basic charge for power consumption in Japan is calculated based on the maximum power consumption in 30-minute units. Of course, the time may be other than 30 minutes.

  In step S2, if the current power consumption is 80% or more, the power usage control server 10 refers to the control table 15 (see FIG. 3) (step S3) and the target device set in the control table 15 Every time (group B), a setting control command corresponding to the device is generated based on the contents of the control table and transmitted to the device (step S4). Each target device shifts to a corresponding power saving mode according to the transmitted setting control command. The power usage control server 10 then returns to step S1.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the current power consumption is less than 80% of the maximum power consumption, the power usage control server 10 further saves power for the target device group B (PC, printer, etc.). It is determined whether the current power consumption is under control and less than 60% of the maximum power consumption (step S5). If the power saving control is not being performed or if the current power consumption is 60% or more, the process returns to step S1.

  If it is determined in step S5 that the power saving control is being performed and the current power consumption is less than 60%, the power usage control server 10 refers to the control table 15 (see FIG. 3) (step S5). S6) For each target device set in the control table 15, a release control command corresponding to the device is generated based on the contents of the control table and transmitted to the device (step S7). Each target device cancels the corresponding power saving mode in accordance with the transmitted cancel control command and shifts to the normal state. The power usage control server 10 then returns to step S1.

  Thus, before the demand control device 60 executes power saving control for a device (target device A group), the information device (target device B group) when the power usage control server 10 has a current power consumption of 80% or more. ), The current power consumption can be suppressed only by the power saving control for the information device (target device B group), and the current power usage does not reach 95%. The demand control is not activated for the target device A group). In other words, even if the power usage control server 10 executes the power saving control for the information device (target device B group), the demand control device 60 is only connected to the device (target device) when the current power consumption reaches 95%. Demand control is activated for group A).

  FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the passage of time and the amount of power used in this embodiment in comparison with the conventional example. In this figure, the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, and the vertical axis indicates the change in power consumption. In the change of the conventional example (the solid line A shown in the figure), the power usage increases with the passage of time, and demand control is activated when it exceeds 95% of the maximum usage, for example, at least some of the air conditioning equipment stops. As a result, the amount of power used decreases rapidly. After that, there is a gradual rise, but gradually starts to decrease from around 15:00, and the amount of power used drops to 60%. Therefore, the power supply of the air conditioner suddenly turns on and the power consumption increases to about 70%.

  On the other hand, even in the change in the present embodiment (broken line B shown in the figure), the amount of power used increases with time. After that, when it exceeds 80% before exceeding 95% of the maximum usage, the power usage control server 10 performs the power saving control to suppress the power usage for the information device (target device group B: PC and printer) by the operation of the power usage control server 10. The power consumption decreases over about 30 minutes. Thereafter, the amount of electric power used increases monotonously with the increase in the operation of the air conditioner, but this rate of increase is a gentle angle compared to the rate of increase at the same time of the conventional example. The amount of power used from about 14:00 becomes almost the same as the conventional example, but gradually decreases from about 15:00 and the current power usage drops to 60% at about 17:00. When the power usage is less than 60%, the power usage control server 10 operates to release the suppression of power usage for the information device (target device group B: PC and printer), and the current power usage gradually increases. Turn. At about 18:00, the present example and the conventional example follow the same decrease.

  FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the passage of time and the room temperature in this example compared with the conventional example. In this figure, the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, and the vertical axis indicates the room temperature. It is assumed that the room temperature is 27 degrees and that the room is comfortable. In the change in the case of the conventional example (solid line A in the figure), the room temperature is kept at 27 while the air conditioner is operating, but when the maximum power consumption exceeds 95%, demand control for the air conditioner is activated. Therefore, the room temperature continues to rise. Thereafter, the room temperature gradually decreases and decreases, and when the power consumption falls to 60%, the demand control for the air conditioner is canceled and the air conditioner is operated, so that the room temperature is maintained at 27 degrees.

  On the other hand, the change in the present embodiment (broken line B shown in the figure) keeps the room temperature at 27 degrees because demand control for the air conditioner is not activated.

  In the above embodiment, the power usage control server actively issues a setting control command and a release control command for energy saving to the target device. However, there is no limitation according to the present invention, and it is possible to implement a mode in which the target device itself inquires of the power usage control server whether energy saving control is necessary. In addition, the target device itself takes in the current power consumption from the power usage control server or power meter, performs the same processing as the power usage control server described above (see FIG. 4), and automatically performs setting control for energy saving. A command may be generated.

<Modification>
(1) In steps 3 and 4 of FIG. 4, the case where the entire target device B group is shifted to the power saving mode at a time has been described. However, a priority is added to each target device set in the control table 15. It is also possible to generate a setting control command from a target device with a high priority and shift to the power saving mode. Also, target devices can be grouped and shifted to the power saving mode for each group.

  (2) The power usage control server 10 acquires the current power usage from the power meter 50 or the demand control device 60, and “whether it is 80% or more of the maximum power consumption (step 2 in FIG. 4)” and “target It is determined whether power saving control is being performed on the device (group B) and the current power consumption is less than 60% (step 5 in FIG. 4). The demand control device 60 executes the determination of step 2 and step 5 based on the current power consumption, and the demand control device 60 controls the demand control interface unit 14 in FIG. You may make it the structure which transmits OFF. As processing on the power usage control server 10 side, when the control signal taken in by the demand control interface unit 14 is on, the process proceeds to step 3 in FIG. 4, and when the control signal is off, the process in step 6 in FIG. Will proceed to.

  (3) Instead of a mode in which power saving control is performed based on discrete values of the current power consumption, information devices that perform a change prediction of the current power usage based on an increase / decrease tendency of the current power consumption over a certain period You may make it perform power saving control with respect to. For example, if the rate of increase / decrease per hour exceeds a predetermined threshold, the power usage control server predicts that demand will be triggered for the air conditioner etc. after 30 minutes, and sends a control command to the information device. Send.

(4) If the demand control device 60 has a plurality of different modes depending on the value of the current power consumption, for example, a mode that suppresses the power usage of the air conditioner step by step, the power is correspondingly adjusted. It is also possible for the usage control server to suppress the power usage of the information equipment in stages.
(5) The target device B is exemplified as a PC and a printer as information devices, but is not limited to these, and is an IT device, a device connected to an outlet, a production facility, or the like. Used in offices and stores such as equipment (routers, switches, wireless access points, etc.), copy machines, server equipment (file servers, Web servers), exchanges, business equipment (KIOSK, automatic machines, ATMs, ticket machines, etc.) Various information devices can be applied. It can also be said that the target device B is an information device that does not directly affect the human body. The target device A is exemplified by an air conditioner, but is not limited to this, and is a building facility or the like. Specifically, various devices used in offices, stores, etc., such as devices for adjusting room temperature, lighting, elevators, and the like. Can be applied. It can also be said that the target device A is a device that directly affects a human body (such as temperature of experience, body illuminance, etc.).

  As is apparent from the above embodiments and modifications, the application of the present invention can reduce power consumption in advance on the information equipment side, and suppress demand control for anticipated air conditioning equipment in advance. Can do. As a result, a drastic change in room temperature is suppressed and human comfort is not impaired. Further, since the amount of heat generated from the personal computer or printer is reduced by reducing the power consumption of the personal computer or printer in advance, the load on the air conditioner can be reduced and the power consumption on the air conditioner side can be reduced. For this reason, as a result, it becomes possible to reduce the electric power consumption of the whole office.

  Furthermore, power saving control for information devices can be set in the control table according to the difference between each information device, and information devices that were not subject to demand control in the past can be In addition to conventional equipment, it is possible to make it a control target.

  The power usage control method according to the present invention is not limited to being executed in an independent device such as a power usage control server, but can also be executed in a conventional demand control device. The power usage control server according to the present invention is not limited to being realized as a dedicated independent device, and can be incorporated as an additional function in a normal server device that provides information services to each information device. is there.

It is a block diagram which shows the Example of this invention and shows the whole structure containing a data use control server. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the electric power usage control server shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control table illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which performs an electric power usage control method. It is a figure which shows the relationship between time passage in a present Example, and electric power consumption compared with a prior art example. It is a figure which shows the relationship between time passage in this example, and room temperature compared with a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Power usage control server 12 Power usage control part 15 Control table 20 LAN
31-33 Personal computer (PC)
41-42 Printer 50 Electricity measuring device 60 Demand control device 71-73 Air-conditioning equipment

Claims (7)

A power usage control method in an information system including at least one information device, each of which can be set to any of at least one power saving mode,
A current power usage acquisition step of acquiring current power usage from a demand control system associated with the information system;
A control command generating step for generating a control command for instructing a change to a power saving mode corresponding to the information device for each information device in accordance with a change in the current power consumption;
A control command transmission step of transmitting the control command to the information device;
For each information device, a power saving mode setting step for setting the information device to a power saving mode corresponding to the control command transmitted to the information device;
A power usage control method comprising:   2. The power usage control method according to claim 1, wherein the control command generation step generates the control command according to a setting content of a management table preset for each information device.   The management table generates a power saving setting control command to be generated when the current power usage is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and when the current power usage is less than the predetermined threshold or another predetermined threshold. 3. The power usage control method according to claim 2, wherein a power saving cancellation control command to be executed is set.   2. The power usage control method according to claim 1, wherein the control command generation step generates the control command according to a change in an increase / decrease rate of the current power consumption for every predetermined time. The demand control system includes a demand control device connected to at least one device different from the information device, and the demand control device causes the device to enter a power saving mode according to a change in the current power consumption. A device control step for instructing the change,
The current power consumption acquisition step, the control command generation step, the control command transmission step, and the power saving mode setting step for the information system are executed prior to the execution of the device control step. Item 2. The power usage control method according to Item 1.   6. The power usage control method according to claim 5, wherein the information device is a personal computer or a printer, and the device is an air conditioner. A power usage control server provided in an information system including at least one information device, each of which can be set to any one of at least one power saving mode in response to an external control command,
Current power usage acquisition means for acquiring current power usage from a demand control system related to the information system;
Control command generating means for generating a control command for instructing a change to a power saving mode corresponding to the information device for each information device according to a change in the current power consumption;
Control command transmitting means for transmitting the control command to the information device as the external control command;
A power usage control server comprising:

Images