JP2007170726A - Temperature control device, system, method and program for equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a temperature control device, a temperature control system, a temperature control method and a temperature control program for equipment capable of dispersing concentration of electric power demand by inhibiting sudden increase of electric power demand when a plurality of equipment are recovered from a night set temperature to a normal set temperature to perform a normal operation. <P>SOLUTION: This temperature control device 1 is applied in recovering temperatures of a plurality of temperature adjustment appliances 6 from the night set temperature to the normal set temperature to perform the normal operation, and comprises first control means 27, 37. The first control means 27, 37 perform control to acquire an upper limit value of predetermined demand control, and to adjust a starting time of a temperature return operation of at least one of the temperature adjusting appliances, so that the electric power demand is not over the upper limit value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a temperature control device for equipment, a temperature control system, a temperature control method, and a temperature control program.

  Conventionally, the temperature setting of a plurality of equipment such as showcases has been made to save energy and to save electricity by setting the set temperature slightly higher during nighttime light loads. Then, in order to perform normal operation at a limited time such as when the store is opened or at the start of work, an operation is performed to simultaneously return the set temperatures of the respective equipment to the normal set temperature.

  However, as described above, if the set temperature of multiple equipment is set to the normal set temperature all at a limited time such as when the store opens or the start of work, the power demand rises intensively to a specific level. Demand peaks will be created during the time. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, if the set temperatures of a plurality of showcases that are equipment are set to the normal set temperature at 7 o'clock, the power consumption at 7 o'clock as compared to the power consumption in other time zones Rises rapidly.

An object of the present invention is to perform a control that suppresses a sudden increase in power demand when a plurality of equipment is returned to a normal set temperature for normal operation from a night set temperature.
The problem is to distribute the concentration of power demand.

  A temperature control device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a temperature control device for returning the temperature in a plurality of temperature control devices from a night set temperature to a normal set temperature for normal operation, and includes a first control means. Yes. The first control unit obtains a preset upper limit value of demand control, and performs control to adjust the start time of at least one temperature return operation among the temperature control devices so that the power demand does not exceed the upper limit value.

  Here, the preset upper limit value of demand control is a target value of demand control which is equal to or less than contract power. This upper limit value is not limited to the power demand of the temperature control device, but may be a control target value for the power demand combined with other equipment device systems. For example, a supermarket or the like is provided with a system such as an air conditioner in addition to a plurality of showcases as temperature control devices. You may set the upper limit of the electric power demand combining these other systems. The start time is adjusted by advancing or delaying the start time.

  According to the temperature control device of the present invention, the rapid increase in power demand when the temperature control device returns from the night set temperature to the normal set temperature is alleviated. This makes it possible to distribute the concentration of power demand.

  A temperature control device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the temperature control device according to the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising return time determining means. The return time determining means determines a temperature return time that is a time required for the temperature adjusting device to return to the normal set temperature.

  According to the temperature control apparatus of the present invention, the return time to the normal set temperature of the temperature control device is grasped in advance. Thereby, it becomes possible to grasp in advance the start time and completion time of the temperature return operation of the temperature control device, and predictive processing can be performed.

  A temperature control device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the temperature control device according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, further comprising a power demand prediction unit, a storage unit, and a transmission unit. The power demand prediction means calculates the power demand and determines whether the power demand exceeds the upper limit value. The storage means stores at least the temperature control device and the start time in association with each other. The transmission means transmits the control command of the first control means to the temperature adjusting device. The first control unit has a processing function of advancing the start time of at least one temperature return operation among the temperature control devices when the power demand prediction unit determines that the power demand exceeds the upper limit value. The first control means has a processing function for storing the earlier start time in the storage means, and a processing function for generating a control command based on the stored start time.

  According to the temperature control device of the present invention, by performing the process of advancing the disclosure time of the temperature return operation of the temperature adjustment device, all the temperature adjustment devices perform the temperature return operation in accordance with a predetermined time (for example, store opening time). Predictive processing can be performed to complete the process.

  A temperature control device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the temperature control device according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the storage means has a start time control database including an association between the ID code of the temperature control device and the start time.

  According to the temperature control device of the present invention, it is possible to perform a predictive process so as to complete the temperature recovery of all temperature control devices in a predetermined time.

  A temperature control apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the temperature control apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising a power charge calculating means. The power rate calculation means has a processing function for calculating a reduction amount of the power rate obtained by adjusting the start time, and a processing function for calculating an increase in the metered rate of power obtained by adjusting the start time. Have. Further, the first control means has a processing function for comparing and calculating the reduction amount and the increase in the metered fee, and a processing function for adjusting the upper limit when the increase in the metered fee exceeds the reduction amount.

  Here, adjusting the upper limit means raising the target value of demand control.

  The power charge is usually composed of a total amount of a basic charge determined by contract power and a power charge charged according to the amount of power used. Since the contract power for determining the basic charge is updated in accordance with the demand value (maximum demand power), an increase in the power charge can be suppressed by distributing the concentration of the power demand. On the other hand, by adjusting the start time of the temperature return operation, the time for performing the temperature return operation as a whole is lengthened, so that a metered fee is added.

  According to the temperature control device of the present invention, while calculating the reduction amount of the power charge saved by adjusting the start time, the increase amount of the metered charge is calculated, and the increase amount by the metered charge is the above-mentioned decrease amount. Judgment is made on whether or not it is exceeded, and if it is exceeded, adjustment is performed by raising the upper limit value. This makes it possible to perform control using the fee as a key.

  A temperature control device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the temperature control device according to the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising second control means. A 2nd control means performs control which changes the preset temperature of a temperature control apparatus to the said normal preset temperature in steps. The first control means and the second control means can be selected. Here, selection is possible, for example, by displaying an input screen of a computer so that the user can select and set it, or it may be set so that only a program that has been set in advance is activated. Alternatively, processing may be performed in which a charging fee is calculated by each control means, and a more fixed amount control means is automatically selected.

  According to the temperature control apparatus of the present invention, the second control means performs a reduced operation in which the set temperature of the temperature adjusting device is changed stepwise to the normal set temperature. Further, either the first control means or the second control means can be selected. As a result, it is possible to avoid a sudden increase in power demand and to select one of the control means according to the situation.

  A temperature control device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the temperature control device according to the first or sixth aspect of the present invention, further comprising third control means. A 3rd control means performs control which makes a heat storage utilization driving | operation operate | move about a temperature control apparatus. The first control means and the third control means can be selected. Here, selection is possible, for example, by displaying an input screen of a computer so that the user can select and set it, or it may be set so that only a program that has been set in advance is activated. Alternatively, a fee may be calculated by each control means, and a process for automatically selecting the lower charge control means may be performed.

  According to the temperature control device of the present invention, the third control means causes the temperature control device to perform the heat storage operation. Further, either the first control means or the third control means can be selected. Alternatively, any one of the first control means, the second control means, and the third control means can be selected. As a result, it is possible to avoid a sudden increase in power demand and to select one of the control means according to the situation.

  A temperature control device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the temperature control device according to the first aspect of the present invention, and the temperature adjusting device is a showcase.

  According to the temperature control device of the present invention, the rapid increase in power demand when the showcase is restored from the night set temperature to the normal set temperature is alleviated. Thereby, the concentration of power demand can be distributed.

  A temperature control system according to a ninth invention includes the temperature control device according to any one of the first, sixth, and seventh inventions, a controller, and a plurality of temperature adjusting devices. The controller can communicate with the temperature control device, receives a control command from the temperature control device, and controls the temperature of the temperature adjusting device. The temperature control device is connected to the controller.

  According to the temperature control system of the present invention, the rapid increase in power demand when the temperature equipment returns from the night set temperature to the normal set temperature is alleviated. Thereby, the concentration of power demand can be distributed.

  A temperature control method according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a temperature control method for returning the temperature in a plurality of temperature control devices from a night set temperature to a normal set temperature for normal operation, and includes two steps. That is, a step of acquiring a preset upper limit value of demand control and a step of adjusting a start time of at least one temperature return operation among the temperature control devices so that the power demand does not exceed the upper limit value.

  According to the temperature control method of the present invention, the rapid increase in the power demand when the temperature equipment returns from the night set temperature to the normal set temperature is alleviated. Thereby, the concentration of power demand can be distributed.

  A temperature control program according to an eleventh aspect of the invention is a temperature control program for returning the temperatures in a plurality of temperature control devices from a night set temperature to a normal set temperature for normal operation. Let the computer execute 9 steps. In the first step, at least the night set temperature, the normal set temperature, and the preset upper limit value of the power demand are acquired. In the second step, a temperature return time, which is a time required for the temperature control device to return to the normal set temperature, is acquired. In the third step, an individual cooling demand, which is a power demand of each temperature control device required to reach the normal set temperature, is calculated. In the fourth step, the start time of the temperature return operation of the temperature control device is calculated. In the fifth step, the individual cooling demand of the temperature control device is added. In the sixth step, the added power demand obtained by adding the individual cooling demands is compared with the upper limit value. The seventh step stores the start time or the start time obtained by dividing the temperature return time from the start time based on the result of the comparison operation of the sixth step. In the eighth step, the fifth to seventh steps are repeated for the temperature control device. In the ninth step, a control command generated according to the start time stored for each temperature control device is transmitted to the temperature control device.

  Here, the individual cooling demand is a power demand of each temperature adjusting device that takes from the night set temperature to the normal set temperature, that is, a cooling load of each temperature adjusting device. This individual cooling demand is calculated from, for example, the cooling capacity value of each temperature control device, the temperature recovery time, and the like. The cooling capacity of the temperature control device is specified by a cooling capacity value obtained by an equation such as heat quantity (kcal) × showcase capacity × 0.3 (the influence of leaking outside air, etc.).

  According to the temperature control method of the present invention, the rapid increase in the power demand when the temperature equipment returns from the night set temperature to the normal set temperature is alleviated. Thereby, the concentration of power demand can be distributed.

  In the present invention, the concentration of power demand is distributed by performing control that suppresses a sudden increase in power demand when a plurality of equipment returns to normal setting temperature for normal operation from the night setting temperature. Can be made.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a temperature control system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

<Schematic configuration of temperature control system>
As shown in FIG. 1, the temperature control system 100 mainly includes a temperature control device 1 and a plurality of showcases 6 (for cooling) that are temperature control devices.

  The temperature control device 1 is communicably connected to a plurality of showcases 6. This connection may be either wired or wireless. Further, the temperature control device 1 may be installed at a remote management center, and may manage and control the temperature of the showcase 6 in the store via a network, a relay device, or the like.

<Showcase>
Each showcase 6 is connected to the temperature control device 1 in a communicable manner, and has a controller 61 that receives a control command from the temperature control device 1 and controls the temperature of the showcase.

  In the present embodiment, the same type of showcase 6 is connected to the temperature control device 1, but a plurality of different types of showcases and other equipment such as air conditioners may be connected. Each showcase 6 has a cooling capacity specified by its model. This cooling capacity is specified by a cooling capacity value obtained by an equation such as heat quantity (kcal) × showcase capacity × 0.3 (effect of leaking outside air, etc.).

<Temperature control device>
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the temperature control device 1. The temperature control device 1 is mainly a device such as a computer including a reception unit 10, a storage unit 20, an arithmetic processing unit 30, and a transmission unit 40.
(1) Receiving unit The receiving unit 10 receives information such as temperature information transmitted from each showcase 6.
(2) Storage Unit The storage unit 20 stores information processed by the arithmetic processing unit 30 described later, information from the receiving unit 10, information input by a predetermined input unit, and the like. The storage unit 20 includes both an internal memory such as a RAM and a ROM and an external memory such as a hard disk. The storage unit 20 stores a nighttime set temperature and a normal set temperature value of a showcase, which will be described later, an upper limit value of demand control, and other numerical values of calculation results. Further, the storage unit 20 stores first to third control programs 27 to 29, a start time control database 21, and the like.

The 1st-3rd control programs 27-29 are programs which perform control by the 1st-3rd control parts 37-39 mentioned below. The start time control database 21 is a relational database that associates a code that identifies each showcase 6 with the start time of the temperature return operation of each showcase 6.
(3) Arithmetic Processing Unit The arithmetic processing unit 30 is configured by a device such as a CPU that performs arithmetic processing on information from the storage unit 20 and the receiving unit 10. The calculation processing unit 30 includes a return time calculation unit 31, three calculation units of an individual cooling demand calculation unit 32, a total power demand calculation unit 33, and a demand comparison calculation unit 34 as power demand prediction means, and first to third. And control units 37-39.

  The return time calculation unit 31 calculates a temperature return time which is a time required for each showcase 6 to return from the night set temperature to the normal set temperature for normal operation. As will be described later, the temperature recovery time is calculated based on the night set temperature, the normal set temperature, the showcase cooling capacity value, and the like. Note that this temperature recovery time does not necessarily have to be calculated, and may be obtained by reading out the recovery time that has been grasped in advance.

  The individual cooling demand calculation unit 32 is an electric power demand of each showcase 6 from the night set temperature to the normal set temperature, that is, an individual cooling demand E1... E8 which is a cooling load of each showcase 6 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). ) Is calculated. Specifically, the individual cooling demands E1 to E8 are calculated based on the cooling capacity value of the showcase 6 and the temperature recovery time.

  The total power demand calculation unit 33 calculates the total power demand by adding a cooling power demand (FIGS. 5A and 5B) described later to the individual cooling demands of all the showcases 6. In the present embodiment, eight showcases 6 having individual cooling demands E1... E8 are taken as an example, and the total power demand is calculated considering only these individual cooling demands. A power demand including other systems such as a case group and an air conditioner may be calculated as a total power demand.

  The demand comparison calculation unit 34 reads the value of the upper limit power demand, which is a preset upper limit value of demand control, and compares it with the value of the total power demand. The upper limit power demand is equal to or less than the contract power and is a target value for demand control, and is set in advance.

  The first control unit 37 operates when it is determined that the total power demand exceeds the upper limit power demand as a result of the comparison calculation by the demand comparison calculation unit 34 and the first control unit 37 is selected. As will be described later, the first control unit 37 performs a process of advancing the disclosure time of the temperature return operation of each showcase 6 according to the first control program 27.

  The second control unit 38 operates when it is determined that the total power demand exceeds the upper limit power demand as a result of the comparison calculation by the demand comparison calculation unit 34 and the second control unit 38 is selected. As will be described later, the second control unit 38 performs a process of reducing each showcase 6 according to the second control program 28.

  The third control unit 39 operates when it is determined that the total power demand exceeds the upper limit power demand as a result of the comparison calculation by the demand comparison calculation unit 34 and the third control unit 39 is selected. The 3rd control part 39 performs the process for operating a heat storage utilization driving | operation according to the 3rd control program 29 so that it may mention later.

The first to third control units 37 to 39 operate according to first to third control programs 27 to 29 stored in the storage unit 20. Which of the first to third control programs 27 to 29 is selected may be displayed on a computer input screen so that the user can select and set the program, or only a program that has been set in advance in advance is activated. It may be set. Alternatively, the charge by each control unit may be calculated and the control unit with the lower charge may be automatically selected.
(4) Transmission unit The transmission unit 40 transmits the control commands generated by the first to third control units 37 to 39 to the controller 61 of each showcase 6.

<Explanation of operation of temperature control system>
3A and 3B are flowcharts showing the flow of temperature control processing by the temperature control system 100 according to this embodiment. The operation of the temperature control system according to the present embodiment will be described along this flowchart.

  First, the night set temperature, the normal set temperature, and the cooling capacity value of each showcase 6 stored in advance in the storage unit 20 are acquired (step S101). Next, based on the night set temperature, the normal set temperature, and the cooling capacity value, a temperature return time that is a time required for each showcase 6 to return from the night set temperature to the normal set temperature is calculated (step S102). Based on the cooling capacity value and the temperature recovery time, the individual cooling demands E1... E8 (FIGS. 5A and 5B), which are power demands required for each showcase 6 from the night set temperature to the normal set temperature, are calculated. Further, a total power demand is calculated by adding the power demand for cooling to the sum of the individual cooling demands E1... E8 (step S103). Here, the refrigeration power demand is a power demand other than the cooling load required for temperature recovery (FIGS. 5A and 5B), and is set low and low when the showcase temperature is set high. When you are high. Next, an upper limit power demand that is an upper limit value of demand control is acquired (step S104).

  Further, the total power demand and the upper limit power demand are compared and calculated (step S105). If the total power demand is less than or equal to the upper limit power demand as a result of this comparison calculation, the process is terminated. When the total power demand exceeds the upper limit power demand, the process proceeds to step S106 in order to perform control to suppress within the upper limit power demand.

  Next, a process for determining whether or not to select the first control unit 37 is performed (step S106). The 1st control part 37 is a means to perform control which suppresses the total electric power demand by adjusting the start time of the temperature return operation | movement about each showcase 6, respectively, that is, adjusting to shift ahead. If the first control unit 37 is selected, the process proceeds to step S107 (steps S107a to S107g). If not selected, the process proceeds to step S108.

  Processing for determining whether or not to select the second control unit 38 is performed (step S108). The second control unit 38 performs a process for reducing the operation of each showcase 6. If the second control unit 38 is selected, the process proceeds to step S109 (steps S109a to S109c), and if not selected, the process proceeds to step S110.

  When neither the first control unit 38 nor the second control unit 39 is selected, processing by the third control unit 39 is performed (step S110). The 3rd control part 39 performs the process for operating a heat storage utilization driving | operation.

  A control command generated by any one of the first to third control units 37 to 39 is transmitted (step S111). The control command generated by each control unit is transmitted to the controller 61 of each showcase 6 via the transmission unit 40.

<Description of operation of each control unit>
Next, processing of the first to third control units 37 to 39 will be described.
(1) First Control Unit As shown in FIG. 4, the first control unit 37 performs processing mainly according to steps S107a to S107g. FIG. 5A is a graph showing a predicted power demand before processing by the first control unit, and FIG. 5B is a graph showing a predicted power demand after the following processing.

  In step S106 (FIG. 3B), after determining that the first control unit is selected, the process proceeds to step S107a. First, the start time of the temperature return operation of each showcase 6 is calculated (step S107a). Specifically, it is the time obtained by dividing the temperature return time of each showcase 6 from the store opening time (predetermined time). Next, the individual cooling demand E1 of each showcase 6 and the cooling power demand are added to obtain an added power demand (step S107b). Thereafter, a loop process for sequentially adding the individual cooling demands E1 to E8 is performed.

  In the loop process, the added power demand and the upper limit power demand are compared and calculated (step S107c). If the additional power demand exceeds the upper limit power demand, the process proceeds to step S107e in order to perform processing for shifting the start time first. If the additional power demand is less than or equal to the upper limit power demand, the process proceeds to step S107d.

  When the additional power demand is less than or equal to the upper limit power demand, the value of the current start time (start time input in step S107a) is input as the start time of the showcase 6 in the start time control database 21 (step S107d). Next, the process proceeds to step S107g.

  On the other hand, when the additional power demand exceeds the upper limit power demand, the temperature recovery time is further divided from the start time (step S107e). Next, the value of the start time divided in the previous step (step S107e) is input as the start time of the showcase 6 in the start time control database 21 (step S107f). Furthermore, the value of the added power demand is obtained by adding the individual cooling demand (previous individual cooling demand) of the showcase 6 that is the latest addition target and the refrigerated power demand (step S107f). As a result, the value of the added power demand is reset, and the process is started again from the added power demand at the earlier start time.

  And the process which adds the separate cooling demand (next separate electric power demand) of the showcase 6 which is the next addition object is performed (step S107g).

  By the process of the first control unit 37 described above, the start time of each showcase 6 is advanced as shown in FIG. 5B, and as a result, the peak of demand can be suppressed as shown in FIG. 9B.

Note that EI indicated by hatching in FIG. 5B indicates an increase in power consumption due to the processing of the first control unit 37, which will be described later.
(2) Second Control Unit As shown in FIG. 6, the second control unit 38 performs processing mainly according to steps S109a to S109c.

  First, the set temperature of each showcase 6 is set to the first set temperature (step S109a). The first set temperature is set lower than the night set temperature but higher than the target normal set temperature. Next, the set temperature is set to the second stage (step S109b). The set temperature of the second stage is set lower than the set temperature of the first stage but higher than the target normal set temperature. Finally, the normal set temperature is set (step S109c).

In the second control unit 38, the temperature of each showcase 6 is gradually brought close to the normal set temperature, so that the reduction operation is performed and a sudden increase in power demand can be suppressed. Note that this reduced operation control processing is merely an example, and for example, control for increasing the output of each showcase 6 in stages may be performed.
(3) 3rd control part The 3rd control part 39 performs control by starting a thermal storage utilization driving | operation in S110 step (FIG. 3B).

<Characteristics of the air conditioning control system of the first embodiment>
(1) The temperature control apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first control unit 37, and the first control unit 37 performs adjustment to advance the start time of the temperature return operation of the showcase 6. Therefore, the rapid increase in the power demand when the showcase 6 returns from the night set temperature to the normal set temperature is mitigated. Thereby, the concentration of power demand can be distributed.

  In addition, as a result of the distribution of power demand, it is possible to prevent an increase in electricity charges. The power charge is usually composed of a total amount of a basic charge determined by contract power and a power charge charged according to the amount of power used. Since the contract power for determining the basic charge is updated in accordance with the demand value (maximum demand power), an increase in the power charge can be suppressed by distributing the concentration of the power demand.

  (2) The temperature control device 1 according to this embodiment grasps the temperature return time of each showcase 6 and predicts the power demand so that the temperature return of all the showcases 6 is completed at a predetermined time. It becomes possible.

(3) The temperature control apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes second and third control units 38 and 39 in addition to the first control unit 37, and these control units can be selected. Therefore, a control method suited to the situation can be selected.
<Modification of First Embodiment>
In the processing by the first control unit 37 of the first embodiment, adjustment is performed to advance the start time of the temperature return operation of each showcase 6 to the normal set temperature. Instead, adjustment by simply delaying the start time of the temperature return operation is also possible. For example, the processing is as follows.
(A) The set temperature of each showcase 6 is sequentially set to the normal set temperature, and the temperature recovery operation is started.
(B) If the showcase 6 sequentially enters the temperature return operation and determines that the upper limit power demand is exceeded, the start of the temperature return operation of the next showcase 6 is interrupted. Then
(C) When the temperature return of the previous showcase 6 is completed and the power demand decreases, the return operation of the next showcase 6 is started.

The processes (a) to (c) are repeated, and the return to the normal set temperature of all the showcases 6 is completed while delaying the start time of the temperature return operation. That is, in this case, the temperature recovery operation is performed in real time without performing prediction. This processing is particularly useful unless there is a circumstance that the return to the normal set temperature must be completed at a predetermined time.
(Second Embodiment)
A temperature control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, since the schematic structure of this air-conditioning control system is the same as that of the air-conditioning control system 100 of 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the illustration and description are abbreviate | omitted. The configuration of the showcase 6 is also the same as that of the first embodiment, so illustration and description thereof are omitted, and the reference numerals are the same as those of the first embodiment.

<Temperature control device>
FIG. 7 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the temperature control device 201. The temperature control device 201 is mainly a computer including a receiving unit 210, a storage unit 220, an arithmetic processing unit 230, and a transmitting unit 240.
(1) Receiving unit The receiving unit 210 receives information such as temperature information transmitted from each showcase 6.
(2) Storage Unit The storage unit 220 stores information processed by an arithmetic processing unit 230 described later, information from the reception unit 210, information input by a predetermined input unit, and the like. The storage unit 220 includes both an internal memory such as a RAM and a ROM and an external memory such as a hard disk. The storage unit 220 stores a nighttime set temperature and a normal set temperature value of a showcase, which will be described later, an upper limit value of demand control, and other numerical values of calculation results. Further, the storage unit 220 stores a first control program 227, a start time control database 221, a power rate database 223, and the like.

  The first control program 227 is a program for executing control by a first control unit 237 described later. The start time control database 221 is a relational database that associates a code that identifies each showcase 6 with the start time of the temperature return operation of each showcase 6.

The electricity rate database 223 is a relational database that associates the amount of electric power used with its basic fee, usage fee, and the like. In the present embodiment, the electricity rate database 223 is stored in the storage unit 220 of the temperature control device 201, but is not limited thereto. Information on these electricity charges may be obtained by accessing a server or other storage device through a communication line, for example.
(3) Arithmetic Processing Unit The arithmetic processing unit 230 is configured by a device such as a CPU that performs arithmetic processing on information from the storage unit 220 and the receiving unit 210. The calculation processing unit 230 includes a return time calculation unit 231, three calculation units of an individual cooling demand calculation unit 232, a total power demand calculation unit 233, and a demand comparison calculation unit 234 as a power demand prediction unit, and a power charge calculation unit 235. And a first control unit 237.

  The return time calculation unit 231 calculates a temperature return time, which is a time required for each showcase 6 to return to the normal set temperature for normal operation from the night set temperature. As will be described later, the temperature recovery time is calculated based on the night set temperature, the normal set temperature, the showcase cooling capacity value, and the like. Note that this temperature recovery time does not necessarily have to be calculated, and may be obtained by reading out the recovery time that has been grasped in advance.

  The individual cooling demand calculation unit 232 calculates the power demand of each showcase 6 from the night set temperature to the normal set temperature, that is, the individual cooling demands E1... E8 (FIG. 5B) that are the cooling load of the showcase 6. . Specifically, the individual cooling demands E1 to E8 are calculated based on the cooling capacity value of the showcase 6 and the temperature recovery time.

  The total power demand calculation unit 233 calculates a total power demand obtained by adding a cooling power demand (FIGS. 5A and 5B) described later to the individual power demands of all the showcases 6. In this embodiment, eight showcases 6 having individual cooling demands E1... E8 are taken as an example, and the total power demand is calculated considering only these individual cooling demands. The power demand that includes these systems may be calculated as the total power demand.

  The demand comparison calculation unit 234 reads the value of the upper limit power demand, which is a preset upper limit value of demand control, and compares it with the value of the total power demand. The upper limit power demand is equal to or less than the contract power and is a target value for demand control, and is set in advance.

  The power rate calculation unit 235 calculates a reduction amount of the power rate obtained as a result of the processing by the first control unit 235 and an increase due to a metered rate imposed as a result of the processing by the first control unit 235.

The first control unit 237 operates when it is determined that the total power demand exceeds the upper limit power demand as a result of the comparison calculation by the demand comparison calculation unit 39. As will be described later, the first control unit 237 performs processing for advancing the disclosure time of the temperature return operation of each showcase 6 according to the first control program 27.
(4) Transmitter The transmitter 240 transmits the control command generated by the first controller 237 to the controller 61 of each showcase 6.

<Explanation of operation of temperature control system>
8A and 8B are flowcharts showing the flow of temperature control processing by the temperature control system according to the present embodiment. The operation of the temperature control system according to the present embodiment will be described along this flowchart. Note that the processing by the first control unit (step S214) in the drawing is the same as the processing by the first control unit (S107a to S107g in FIG. 4) of the first embodiment, and thus illustration is omitted here.

  First, the night set temperature, the normal set temperature, and the cooling capacity value of each showcase 6 stored in advance in the storage unit 220 are acquired (step S211). Next, based on the night set temperature, the normal set temperature, and the cooling capacity value, a temperature return time that is a time required for each showcase 6 to return from the night set temperature to the normal set temperature is calculated (step S212). Based on the cooling capacity value and the temperature recovery time, the individual cooling demands E1... E8 (FIGS. 5A and 5B), which are power demands required for each showcase 6 from the night set temperature to the normal set temperature, are calculated. A total power demand is calculated by adding the power demand for cooling to the sum of the individual cooling demands E1... E8 (step S213). Next, an upper limit power demand that is an upper limit value of demand control is acquired (step S214). Here, the refrigeration power demand is a power demand other than the cooling load required for temperature recovery (FIGS. 5A and 5B), and is set low and low when the showcase temperature is set high. When you are high.

  Further, the total power demand and the upper limit power demand are compared and calculated (step S215). If the total power demand is less than or equal to the upper limit power demand as a result of this comparison calculation, the process is terminated. When the total power demand exceeds the upper limit power demand, the process proceeds to step S216, and the process by the first control unit 237 is performed. As described above, the processing by the first control unit 237 in this embodiment is the same as the processing by the first control unit 37 according to the first embodiment (steps S107a to S107g in FIG. 4). Is omitted.

  After the processing by the first control unit 237, the power rate calculation unit 235 calculates a reduction amount of the power rate obtained as a result of the processing by the first control unit 237 based on the information read from the power rate database 223 (S217). Step). Here, the reduction amount of the electric power charge is imposed on the electric power demand when the temperature is returned all at once without adjusting the start time of the temperature return operation by the first control unit 237 for the showcase 6. This is the difference between the power charge and the power charge for the power demand as a result of processing by the first control unit 237. Further, the power rate calculation unit 235 calculates an increase in the power rate due to the metered rate as a result of the processing of the first control unit 237 based on the information read from the power rate database 223 (step S218). Next, the power rate calculation unit 235 compares and calculates the reduction amount due to the processing of the first control unit 237 and the increase amount due to the usage fee (step S219).

  When the reduction amount is equal to or more than the increase amount, the transmission unit 240 transmits a control command from the first control unit 237 to the controller 61 of each showcase 6.

  On the other hand, if the reduction amount is less than the increase amount, the upper limit power demand is adjusted (step S220). Specifically, the upper limit power demand is raised. And the process by the 1st control part 237 is performed again (step S221).

  The significance of adopting the processing according to the second embodiment is as follows. As a result of shifting the start time of the temperature recovery operation of each showcase 6 by the processing by the first control unit 237, the time from the start to the end of the temperature recovery becomes longer. An increase is conceivable. If this increased amount exceeds the amount of reduction in power charges that is the effect of the processing by the first control unit 237, the effect of the present invention will not be exhibited. Therefore, while the increased amount exceeds the reduced amount, (adjustment of the upper limit power demand) → (processing by the first control unit) is performed. By raising the upper limit power demand, the time from the start to the end of the temperature recovery can be shortened, so that an increase in the usage fee can be suppressed.

<Characteristics of the air conditioning control system of the second embodiment>
The first control unit 237 adjusts the start time of the temperature return operation, and the time for performing the temperature return operation as a whole becomes longer, so that a metered fee is added. In addition to the characteristics of the temperature control device 1 of the first embodiment, the temperature control device 201 further includes a power charge calculation unit 235. Therefore, the power charge reduction amount resulting from the processing of the first control unit 237 is increased by a metered charge. If the minute exceeds, adjust the upper limit power demand. Therefore, it is possible to avoid an increase in the electricity bill.

<Modification of Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, only the first control unit 237 is provided, but the second and third control units may be provided as in the first embodiment. In this case, for example, it may be set such that the lowest cost control unit is selected by comparing the power charges as a result of the processing of each control unit.

  The temperature control device, the temperature control system, the temperature control method, and the temperature control program according to the present invention increase the power demand sharply when a plurality of equipment return to the normal set temperature for normal operation from the night set temperature. It is useful as a temperature control device, a temperature control system, a temperature control method, and a temperature control program that can reduce the electricity bill by performing control that suppresses this.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a temperature control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The schematic block diagram of the temperature control apparatus in 1st Embodiment. The first half of the flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the temperature control apparatus in 1st Embodiment. The latter half part of the flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the temperature control apparatus in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process by the 1st control part of a temperature control apparatus. The graph which shows the relationship between the time before the process by the 1st control part of a temperature control apparatus, and prediction electric power demand. The graph which shows the relationship between the time after the process by the 1st control part of a temperature control apparatus, and prediction electric power demand. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process by the 2nd control part of a temperature control apparatus. The schematic block diagram of the temperature control apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The first half of the flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the temperature control apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. The latter half part of the flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the temperature control apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. The graph which shows the relationship between time and power consumption in the conventional temperature reset operation | movement. The graph which shows the relationship between the time in the temperature reset operation | movement of this invention, and power consumption.

Explanation of symbols

1,201 Temperature controller 10, 210 Receiver 20, 220 Storage unit (storage means)
21, 221 Start time control database 27, 227 First control program (first control means)
28 Second control program (second control means)
29 Third control program (third control means)
30, 230 Calculation processing units 31, 231 Return time calculation units 32, 232 Individual cooling demand calculation units 33, 233 Total power demand calculation units 34, 234 Demand comparison calculation units 37, 237 First control unit (first control means)
38 2nd control part (2nd control means)
39 3rd control part (3rd control means)
40, 240 Transmitter 100 Temperature control system 233 Electricity rate database 235 Electricity rate calculation unit (Electricity rate calculation means)

Claims (11)

A temperature control device (1) for returning the temperature in a plurality of temperature control devices (6) from a night set temperature to a normal set temperature for normal operation,
First control means for obtaining a preset upper limit value of demand control and performing control for adjusting a start time of at least one temperature return operation among the temperature control devices so that the electric power demand does not exceed the upper limit value ( 27, 37, 227, 237)
A temperature control device comprising: Return time determining means (31, 231) for determining a temperature return time which is a time required for the temperature adjusting device (6) to return to the normal set temperature;
The temperature control device according to claim 1, further comprising: Power demand prediction means (32-34, 232-234) for calculating the power demand and determining whether the power demand exceeds the upper limit;
Storage means (20, 220) for storing at least the temperature control device and the start time in association with each other;
Transmitting means (40, 240) for transmitting a control command of the first control means (27, 37, 227, 237) to the temperature adjusting device (6);
Further comprising
The first control means (27, 37, 227, 237)
If the power demand predicting means (32 to 34, 232 to 234) determines that the power demand exceeds the upper limit value, the start time of at least one temperature return operation of the temperature control device (6) is set. Processing function to speed up,
A processing function for storing the earlier start time in the storage means (20, 220);
A processing function for generating the control command based on the stored start time,
The temperature control device according to claim 1 or 2. The storage means (20, 220) has a start time control database (21, 221) including an association between the ID code of the temperature control device (6) and the start time.
The temperature control device according to claim 3. A power rate calculation means (235);
The power rate calculation means (235)
A processing function for calculating a reduction in electric power charge obtained by adjusting the start time;
A processing function for calculating an increase in the metered charge of power obtained by adjusting the start time;
A processing function for comparing and calculating the reduction amount and the increase in the pay-as-you-go fee;
A processing function that adjusts the upper limit when the increase in the usage fee exceeds the reduction amount,
The temperature control apparatus according to claim 1. A second control means (28, 38, 228, 238) for performing control to change the set temperature of the temperature adjusting device (6) stepwise to the normal set temperature;
The first control means (27, 37, 227, 237) and the second control means (28, 38, 228, 238) are selectable.
The temperature control apparatus according to claim 1. Further comprising third control means (29, 39, 229, 239) for controlling the temperature control device (6) to perform a heat storage use operation,
The first control means (27, 37, 227, 237) and the third control means (29, 39, 229, 239) are selectable.
The temperature control device according to claim 1 or 6. The temperature control device is a showcase (6).
The temperature control apparatus according to claim 1. The temperature control device (1) according to any of claims 1, 6 and 7,
A controller (61) capable of communicating with the temperature control device (1, 201), receiving a control command from the temperature control device (1, 201), and performing temperature control of the temperature adjusting device (6);
A plurality of temperature control devices (6) connected to the controller;
A temperature control system (100) comprising: A temperature control method for returning the temperature in the plurality of temperature control devices (6) from a night set temperature to a normal set temperature for normal operation,
Obtaining a preset upper limit value of demand control;
Adjusting the start time of at least one temperature return operation of the temperature control device (6) so that the power demand does not exceed the upper limit;
A temperature control method comprising: A temperature control program for returning the temperature in the plurality of temperature control devices (6) from a night set temperature to a normal set temperature for normal operation,
A first step of obtaining at least the night set temperature, the normal set temperature, and a preset upper limit value of demand control;
A second step of obtaining a temperature return time which is a time required for the temperature control device (6) to return to the normal set temperature;
A third step of calculating an individual cooling demand (E1... E8) that is a power demand of each of the temperature control devices required to reach the normal set temperature;
A fourth step of calculating the start time of the temperature return operation of the temperature control device (6);
A fifth step of adding the individual cooling demands (E1... E8) of the temperature control device;
A sixth step of comparing and calculating the added power demand obtained by adding the individual cooling demands (E1... E8) and the upper limit value;
A seventh step of storing a start time obtained by dividing the temperature return time from the start time or the start time based on the result of the comparison operation of the sixth step;
An eighth step of repeating the fifth step to the seventh step for the temperature adjusting device (6);
A ninth step of transmitting, to the temperature adjusting device (6), a control command to be generated according to the start time stored for each of the temperature adjusting device (6);
Temperature control program for causing a computer to execute.

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