JP2009240050A - Demand control system and demand control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a demand control system and a demand control method capable of predicting with high accuracy whether a demanded value exceeds a target value for a demand-time limit at a control time or longer, in advance. <P>SOLUTION: The demand control system predicts at the time of completion of a demand time limit of 12:00-12:30 as to whether a demand value exceeds a target value at completion of a predicted demand time limit of 13:00-13:30. In this case, the prediction is executed using outside air temperature information equivalent to the outside air temperature of a facility so that increase/decrease of the power consumption of an air conditioner due to a change in outside air temperature can be reflected at the prediction. When it is predicted that the demand value exceeds the target value, the demand control system executes long-time demand control for reducing optical output of the luminaire, as the time elapses over a control time 12:30-13:30. Thus, power consumption P1 of the luminaire during 13:00-13:30 is reduced, and thereby the demand value is prevented from exceeding the target value at the predicted demand-time limit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a demand control system and a demand control method for controlling electrical equipment so as to keep the integrated value of power consumption in a predetermined demand time period low.

  Conventionally, this type of demand control system has been used in order to keep electricity charges low in facilities such as stores (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). That is, in facilities such as stores, there is a demand contract method as a contract method with an electric power company. Under this contract method, the power consumption of the electrical equipment attached to the facility is integrated every predetermined demand period (for example, 30 minutes). A value (hereinafter referred to as a demand value) is calculated, and the electricity rate is determined based on the maximum value in the past year including the current month. Therefore, in order to keep the electricity bill low, it is effective to keep the demand value for each demand period low.

  The demand control system generally has an integrated value of power consumption from the start of the demand time period and the subsequent power consumption when an alarm lock time (for example, 15 to 20 minutes) elapses in a demand time period of 30 minutes. The demand value at the end of the demand period is estimated, and when it is determined that the estimated value exceeds the preset target value, the actual demand value at the end of the demand period is below the target value. In this way, control (demand control) is performed to suppress the output of electrical equipment such as an air conditioner.

  By the way, since the demand control system performs the output control of the electric equipment only within the demand suppression possible time excluding the alarm lock time in the demand time period, the power control effect may not be so great. For example, in a facility where lighting equipment accounts for a large percentage of the power consumption of the entire store, such as a supermarket that mainly handles food, all air conditioning equipment is stopped at the start of demand-suppressed time Even if it is made, the demand value at the end of the demand time limit may exceed the target value. Therefore, the inventors have considered a demand control system that enables demand control by suppressing the output of the lighting device in order to cope with such a facility.

  However, in performing demand control by output control of the lighting device, how to reduce the output of the lighting device becomes a problem. That is, when the output of the lighting device is sharply lowered, a person in the irradiation area of the lighting device may notice a change in illuminance and feel uncomfortable. In the example of the supermarket described above, customers often leave the store in about 30 to 60 minutes after entering the store. Therefore, for example, the output of the lighting device is reduced within a short time of 30 minutes or less (time in which demand can be suppressed). In this case, the customer may feel uncomfortable that the illuminance at the time of leaving the store is clearly lower than when entering the store. On the other hand, if the output of the lighting device is gently reduced, the output of the lighting device cannot be sufficiently reduced by the end of the demand time period, and as a result, the demand value is likely to exceed the target value at the end of the demand time period. .

  Therefore, the inventors predict whether or not the demand value exceeds the target value for the demand time period beyond the control time (for example, 60 minutes) set longer than the demand time period, and control based on the prediction result. The demand control system of the structure which reduces the output of an illuminating device with time progresses over time is considered. In this demand control system, it is possible to prevent the demand value from exceeding the target value at the end of the demand period, while allowing the output of the lighting device to change relatively slowly over a control time longer than the demand period. .

As described above, when predicting whether or not the demand value exceeds the target value for the demand time period ahead of the control time, for example, based on the trend of change in the past demand value, A method is conceivable in which the demand value is estimated and the estimated demand value exceeds the target value.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-240360 JP-A-10-234133

  By the way, the main cause that the demand value fluctuates generally is the air-conditioning apparatus in which the power consumption fluctuates in accordance with the outside environment of the facility such as a store, particularly the outside air temperature. That is, for example, during the cooling operation of the air conditioner, the power consumption of the air conditioner increases and the demand value increases as the outside air temperature increases. However, because the outdoor temperature of the facility varies greatly depending on the season, weather, etc., it is difficult to accurately estimate the change in demand value due to fluctuations in the power consumption of the air conditioner. It is difficult to accurately predict whether the demand value exceeds the target value for the demand time period ahead of time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above reasons, and a demand control system and a demand control method capable of accurately predicting whether a demand value exceeds a target value for a demand time period beyond a control time. The purpose is to provide.

  The invention of claim 1 is used in a facility equipped with an electrical facility including a lighting device and an air conditioner, and a target value that is a preset demand value that is an integrated value of the power consumption of the electrical facility for each predetermined demand period is preset. Demand control system that performs demand control to control the output of electrical equipment based on the power consumption monitoring results so that the demand value at the end of the demand time period beyond the control time set longer than the demand time period Predicting whether or not the target value exceeds the target value according to the current power consumption and a predetermined determination rule, and when the prediction means determines that the demand value exceeds the target value, As the demand value falls below the target value, the output of the lighting device is reduced as time elapses from the control time before the end of the demand time limit to the control time. A lighting control means, and the predicting means includes an outside environment including the outside temperature of the facility so that an increase or decrease in power consumption accompanying a change in the outside environment of the facility is reflected in the demand value at the end of the demand time period. Information is used for the determination rule.

  According to this configuration, the predicting unit predicts whether the demand value at the end of the demand time period beyond the control time exceeds the target value, and the lighting control unit is based on the prediction result of the predicting unit, Since the output of the lighting device is lowered with the passage of time over the control time so that the demand value at the end of the demand time period falls below the target value, the output of the lighting device is gradually increased over the control time longer than the demand time period. While changing, it is possible to avoid exceeding the target value of the demand value at the end of the demand time period. In addition, since the prediction means performs prediction using the external environment information including the outside air temperature of the facility, the demand time period beyond the control time is taken into consideration when considering the power consumption of the air conditioner that changes according to the outside air temperature. Whether the value exceeds the target value can be accurately predicted.

  The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the prediction means comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the outside temperature of the facility.

  According to this configuration, by using the temperature sensor, the prediction unit can easily measure the outdoor temperature of the facility without performing complicated calculation processing.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the prediction means includes temperature data acquisition means for acquiring temperature data transmitted from a weather information provider, and uses the acquired temperature data. Then, the outside temperature of the facility is obtained.

  According to this configuration, the air temperature data transmitted from the weather information provider does not vary depending on the temperature sensor mounting position, sunlight, etc. unlike the outside air temperature measured by the temperature sensor. Prediction based on the outside air temperature with high reliability is possible. The weather information provider includes a public company such as the Japan Meteorological Agency and a private company that provides a service for providing weather information.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the predicting means includes air conditioning data acquisition means for acquiring air conditioning data relating to power consumption of the air conditioner, and the external environment information is obtained using the acquired air conditioning data. It is characterized by calculating | requiring.

  According to this configuration, the external environment information can be obtained without providing a temperature sensor. Therefore, even when it is not preferable to install a temperature sensor outside the facility, the predicting means can use the external environment including the outdoor temperature of the facility. Prediction based on environmental information is possible.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the prediction means includes a solar radiation amount sensor that measures a solar radiation amount outside the facility, and the external environment is determined according to the solar radiation amount. It is characterized by correcting environmental information.

  According to this configuration, since the external environment information is corrected according to the amount of solar radiation, the prediction unit can perform prediction based on relatively reliable external environment information.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, an air conditioning control unit that performs output control of an air conditioning device that adjusts the air temperature in the facility is provided, and the air conditioning control unit includes the prediction If it is determined by the means that the demand value exceeds the target value, the output of the air conditioner is reduced so that the demand value at the end of the demand time period is reduced.

  According to this configuration, since the output control of the air conditioner is also possible, the power consumption can be further reduced as compared with the case where only the output control of the lighting device is performed. As a result, the target of the demand value at the end of the demand time limit The possibility of avoiding over-value increases. In addition, the air conditioning control means can start the output control of the air conditioner before the alarm lock time elapses based on the prediction result of the prediction means, and within the demand suppression possible time excluding the alarm lock time in the demand time period The demand value at the end of the demand time period can be reduced compared to the case where the output control of the air conditioner is performed only at.

  The invention of claim 7 is used for a facility equipped with an electrical facility including a lighting device and an air conditioner, and a target value that is a preset demand value that is an integrated value of the power consumption of the electrical facility for each predetermined demand period is preset. Demand control system that performs demand control to control the output of electrical equipment based on the power consumption monitoring results so that the demand value at the end of the demand time period beyond the control time set longer than the demand time period Predicting whether or not the target value exceeds the target value according to the current power consumption and a predetermined determination rule, and when the prediction means determines that the demand value exceeds the target value, At least one of the lighting device and the air conditioner over the control time from before the control time at the end of the demand time period so that the demand value falls below the target value Control means for reducing the force, and priority judgment means for judging which output of the lighting device and the air conditioner is to be preferentially controlled based on a predetermined condition, and the control means outputs the output of the lighting device. When reducing the output, the output of the lighting device is reduced with the passage of time over the control time, and the predicting means determines whether the increase or decrease in power consumption accompanying the change in the external environment of the facility is the demand value at the end of the demand time period. As described above, the outside environment information including the outside temperature of the facility is used in the determination rule.

  According to this configuration, the predicting means predicts whether or not the demand value at the end of the demand time period beyond the control time exceeds the target value, and the control means determines the demand value based on the prediction result of the predicting means. Since the output of at least one of the lighting device and the air conditioner is reduced as time passes over the control time so that the demand value at the end of the time limit falls below the target value, the output of the lighting device is controlled to be longer than the demand time limit. While changing slowly over time, it is possible to avoid exceeding the target value of the demand value at the end of the demand time period. In addition, since the prediction means performs prediction using the external environment information including the outside air temperature of the facility, the demand time period beyond the control time is taken into consideration when considering the power consumption of the air conditioner that changes according to the outside air temperature. Whether the value exceeds the target value can be accurately predicted.

  The invention of claim 8 is used in a facility equipped with an electrical facility including a lighting device and an air conditioner, and a target value that is a preset demand value that is an integrated value of power consumption of the electrical facility for each predetermined demand period is preset. Demand control system that performs demand control to control the output of electrical equipment based on the power consumption monitoring results so that the demand value at the end of the demand time period beyond the control time set longer than the demand time period Predicting whether or not the target value exceeds the target value according to the current power consumption and the predetermined determination rule, and if the demand value is determined to exceed the target value in the prediction process, As the demand value falls below the target value, the output of the lighting device is reduced as time elapses from the control time before the end of the demand time limit to the control time. A lighting control process, and the prediction process includes an external environment including the outdoor temperature of the facility so that an increase or decrease in power consumption accompanying a change in the external environment of the facility is reflected in the demand value at the end of the demand time period. Information is used for the determination rule.

  According to this configuration, in the prediction process, it is predicted whether or not the demand value at the end of the demand time period beyond the control time exceeds the target value. In the lighting control process, based on the prediction result of the prediction process Because the output of the lighting device is reduced with the passage of time over the control time so that the demand value at the end of the demand time period falls below the target value, the output of the lighting device is gradually increased over the control time longer than the demand time period. However, it is possible to avoid the demand value exceeding the target value at the end of the demand time period. Moreover, since the prediction process uses the external environment information including the outside air temperature of the facility, the demand time period ahead of the control time is taken into consideration in consideration of the power consumption of the air conditioner that changes according to the outside air temperature. Whether the value exceeds the target value can be accurately predicted.

  In the present invention, since the prediction means performs prediction using the external environment information including the outside air temperature of the facility, the demand time limit beyond the control time is taken into consideration in consideration of the power consumption of the air conditioner that changes according to the outside air temperature. There is an advantage that it is possible to accurately predict whether or not the demand value exceeds the target value.

(Embodiment 1)
The demand control system of the present embodiment is mainly used in a supermarket (hereinafter referred to as a store) that handles foods, and as shown in FIG. 2, a lighting device 21 provided in the store (facility). And a controller (demand control device) 10 connected to various electric facilities such as an air conditioner 22 and a freezer / refrigerator 23. Furthermore, the controller 10 is connected to a watt-hour meter 20 provided on the power line Lp for measuring the power consumption of the above-described various electric facilities. The controller 10 monitors the power consumption measured by the watt-hour meter 20. It is configured to be able to.

  Here, the store where the demand control system is used calculates an integrated value of power consumption (hereinafter referred to as a demand value) for each predetermined demand period (here, 30 minutes) as a contract method with an electric power company, It is assumed that a demand contract method is adopted in which the electricity rate is determined based on the maximum value in the past one year including this month among the demand values. In this store, since there is the freezer / refrigerator 23, the power consumption of the air conditioner 22 hardly increases even in the summer, and the proportion of the lighting device 21 in the power consumption of the entire store increases.

  Therefore, the demand control system according to the present embodiment outputs the output of the lighting device 21 so that the demand value does not exceed a preset target value (hereinafter also referred to as contracted electric energy) in order to keep the electricity charge of the store low. To control. Specifically, in the 30-minute demand period, the alarm lock time of a predetermined length (in this case 20 minutes) from the start of the demand period and the demand suppression from the elapse of the alarm lock period until the end of the demand period The possible time (here, 10 minutes) is set, and the controller 10 determines whether or not to control the output of the lighting device 21 when the alarm lock time elapses for each demand period.

  That is, the controller 10 consumes the signal receiving unit 11 that receives the output signal of the watt hour meter, the control output unit 12 that outputs the control signal for controlling the output of the lighting device 21, and the output of the watt hour meter 20. A power calculation unit 13 that calculates an integrated value of power, a timer unit 14, a demand prediction unit 15 that determines whether or not to perform output control of the lighting device 21, and a control output unit according to the output of the demand prediction unit 15 And a control unit 16 for controlling 12. The power calculation unit 13 includes an instantaneous power calculation unit 13a that calculates an instantaneous value of power consumption, and an integrated power calculation unit 13b that calculates an integrated value of power consumption.

  The demand prediction unit 15 includes a short-term demand prediction unit 15a that estimates a demand value at an end point of the demand time period (that is, after the elapse of demand suppression time) as an estimated demand value at the time when the alarm lock time has elapsed, and a long-term demand that will be described later. And a prediction unit 15b. Here, the estimated demand value is calculated based on the integrated value of actual power consumption from the start of the demand time period at the time of alarm locking and the amount of power estimated to be consumed by the end of the demand time period.

  The controller 10 determines whether the short-term demand prediction unit 15a may exceed the target value with respect to the estimated demand value calculated as described above. In the present embodiment, the safety factor α ( When the estimated demand value is compared with a value obtained by multiplying <1) (hereinafter referred to as the first threshold) and the estimated demand value is larger than the first threshold, the estimated demand value may exceed the target value Therefore, the control unit 16 performs demand control for reducing the light output of the lighting device 21. Here, the control signal output from the control output unit 12 is a dimming signal for dimming the lighting device 21, and the output control of the lighting device 21 decreases the dimming ratio of the lighting device 21 over time. For example, by reducing the dimming ratio by 1% every predetermined time from the state where the dimming ratio is 100% (full lighting), for example, an appropriately set evacuation output (for example, dimming) The light output of the illumination device 21 is reduced to a ratio of 40%). Here, the save output is appropriately calculated for each demand control in accordance with the magnitude of the estimated demand value so that the demand value at the end of the demand time period is lower than the target value. Thereby, compared with the case where demand control is not performed, the power consumption of the illuminating device 21 within the demand-suppressable time becomes lower. As a result, the demand value at the end of the actual demand time period becomes lower and the demand value becomes smaller. It is possible to avoid exceeding the target value.

  By the way, in the demand control (hereinafter referred to as short-term demand control) in which the output control of the lighting device 21 is performed only within the demand suppression time as described above, the light output of the lighting device 21 is within the demand suppression time of 10 minutes. Since the dimming ratio is reduced from 100% to the evacuation output, a person in the store may notice a change in illuminance and feel uncomfortable.

  In short, in a store as assumed in the present embodiment, a customer often leaves the store in about 30 to 60 minutes after entering the store, and therefore the lighting device 21 within a short time of 10 minutes as described above. If the light output is reduced to the evacuation output, the customer may feel uncomfortable with the difference in illuminance between entering the store and leaving the store. Therefore, in the demand control system of the present embodiment, not only the above-described short-term demand control but also long-term demand control in which the light output of the lighting device 21 is dimmed to the retracted output in a longer span.

  The long-term demand control will be specifically described. In the controller 10, a control time longer than the demand time limit (here, 60 minutes) is set in advance. This control time may be changed by a setting operation of the controller 10. Then, the controller 10 provides a function as a predicting means for predicting, by a method described later, whether the demand value at the end of the demand period beyond the control time exceeds the target value at the end of the demand period. It is provided in the prediction unit 15b. Here, it is assumed that whether the demand value 60 minutes ahead (that is, the end time of the next demand time period) exceeds the target value at the end time of the demand time period. Hereinafter, the current demand time period is referred to as the current demand time period, and the demand time period (in this case, the demand time period after the current demand time period) that is a target of prediction whether the demand value exceeds the target value is referred to as the predicted demand time period.

  When the controller 10 determines that the demand value exceeds the target value at the end of the predicted demand time period, the controller 10 is an illumination control unit that starts output control of the lighting device 21 before the control time at the end time of the predicted demand time period. These functions are provided in the control unit 16. The output control of the illuminating device 21 is performed by lowering the dimming ratio of the illuminating device 21 over time. For example, the dimming ratio is increased by 1% every predetermined time from the state where the dimming ratio is 100% (all lighting). By reducing, the light output of the illuminating device 21 is reduced to the appropriately set evacuation output at the end of the predicted demand time period. Thereby, it is possible to avoid that the power consumption of the lighting device 21 in the predicted demand time period is reduced, the demand value at the end of the actual predicted demand time period is lowered, and the demand value exceeds the target value.

  Here, the flowchart of FIG. 3 shows the operation of the controller 10 regarding the long-term demand control. That is, when the long-term demand control is started, the controller 10 determines the evacuation output according to the demand value at the end of the predicted demand time limit being lower than the target value (S1), and starts the output control of the lighting device 21 (S2). ). At this time, the reduction rate of the light output per unit time is determined so that the light output of the lighting device 21 becomes the retracted output at the end of the predicted demand time period, and the light output of the lighting device 21 is changed with time with this reduction rate. Reduce (S3).

  Then, when the control time elapses (that is, the predicted demand time period ends) (S4: Yes), it is determined whether or not to cancel the output control of the lighting device 21 (S5). Here, even if the output control of the lighting device 21 is canceled in step S5, it is determined whether or not the demand value does not exceed the target value in the next and subsequent demand time periods of the predicted demand time period. The output control of the lighting device 21 is released (S6), and when it is determined that the output is exceeded, the light output of the lighting device 21 is maintained at the retracted output. When canceling the output control of the lighting device 21, it is desirable to increase the light output with the passage of time so that a person in the store does not notice the change in illuminance.

  By the way, in general, the main cause of the fluctuation of the demand value is the air conditioner 22 and the freezer / refrigerator 23 whose power consumption fluctuates according to the outside environment of the store, particularly the outside air temperature. That is, for example, the air conditioner 22 during the cooling operation has higher power consumption as the outside air temperature becomes higher, and the demand value increases as the power consumption increases. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the prediction of whether the demand value of the predicted demand time limit exceeds the target value is performed according to the current power consumption (demand value of the current demand time limit) and a predetermined determination rule. The outside environment information including the outside air temperature of the store is used as the parameter of The external environment information includes, for example, weather, humidity, and the like, but in the present embodiment, external air temperature information corresponding to an external air temperature that has a large influence on fluctuations in demand values will be described as an example of external environment information.

  More specifically, the demand control system includes a temperature sensor 17 for measuring the outside air temperature, and the outside air temperature measured by the temperature sensor 17 is periodically (for example, at the end of the demand time limit) by the controller 10. Monitor. The temperature sensor 17 is installed outside the store and in a place (for example, under the eaves) that is not easily affected by exhaust heat such as the sun or an outdoor unit. Here, the outside temperature measured by the temperature sensor 17 is stored in a memory (storage means) in association with the demand value at the time of temperature measurement. For example, the relationship between the outside temperature and the demand value for the past one year is shown. Based on this, a demand value prediction formula using the outside air temperature as an explanatory variable is obtained. By using this prediction formula, the demand value of the predicted demand time period can be calculated as the predicted value based on the demand value of the current demand time period and the measured value of the outside air temperature. For example, the demand value in the predicted demand time period after the afternoon of the same day can be calculated according to the outside air temperature from the morning to the afternoon and the rate of change thereof. Alternatively, the predicted value may be calculated in consideration of the outside air temperature before the previous day.

  The controller 10 determines the possibility that the predicted value calculated in this way exceeds the target value, and similarly to the short-term demand control, a value obtained by multiplying the target value by the safety factor α (first threshold value). ) And the predicted value, and when the predicted value is larger than the first threshold, it is determined that the demand value is likely to exceed the target value at the end of the predicted demand time period. Start long-term demand control to reduce output.

  Here, since the outside air temperature may change depending on the amount of solar radiation, a solar radiation sensor (not shown) for measuring the amount of solar radiation outside the store is added, and the temperature sensor according to the amount of solar radiation measured by the solar radiation sensor The actual measurement value (outside air temperature) of 17 may be corrected. As a result, the reliability of the outside air temperature is increased, and as a result, the reliability of the prediction as to whether or not the demand value of the predicted demand time limit exceeds the target value is increased.

  The operation of the demand control system of the present embodiment described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 4 shows a processing flow for one day (24 hours).

  The controller 10 starts a demand time period and measures power consumption (S11). When the alarm lock time (20 minutes in this case) elapses during the demand period (S12: Yes), the integrated value of power consumption at that time is calculated (S13), and the power consumption until the end of the current demand period is estimated. Thus, the power consumption integrated value (demand value) at the end of the current demand time period is calculated as the estimated demand value (S14). Then, the magnitude relationship between the calculated estimated demand value and the first threshold value (a value obtained by multiplying the contract power amount by the safety factor α) is compared (S15). If the estimated demand value is larger, the short-term demand control described above is performed. (S16).

  On the other hand, if the estimated demand value is smaller than the first threshold value, the demand value is the first at the end time of the next demand time period (predicted demand time period) at the end time of the current demand time period after the demand suppression possible time has elapsed (S17: Yes). The process proceeds to a prediction process (S18 to S22) for predicting whether or not the threshold value 1 is exceeded.

  When the process proceeds to the prediction process, first, the demand value of the current demand time period obtained by actually integrating the power consumption is stored in the memory (storage means) (S18), and the outside air temperature measured by the temperature sensor 17 is acquired (S19). ). Then, a predicted value, which is a demand value of the predicted demand time limit, is calculated using the outside air temperature and the prediction formula (S20), and the magnitude relationship between the predicted value and the first threshold value is compared (S21). At this time, if it is determined that the predicted value is larger than the first threshold, the above-described long-term demand control is started (S22).

  Thereafter, until the end of the day (S23), the processes of steps S11 to S22 described above are repeated for the next demand time period (S24).

  Next, a specific example of long-term demand control using the above-described demand control system will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1A is a plot of integrated values of power consumption for each demand time period monitored by the controller 10 at intervals of 5 minutes, and FIG. 1B corresponds to FIG. The instantaneous values of power consumption are plotted at intervals of 5 minutes. In FIG. 1B, P1 indicates the power consumption of the lighting device 21, P2 indicates the power consumption of the air conditioner 22, P3 indicates the total value of P1 and P2, and the power consumption P1 includes the lighting. In addition to the device 21, it is assumed to include base power that is considered to be substantially constant. In addition, the broken line in FIG. 1 shows data when the demand control system is not used, that is, when demand control is not performed.

  In this example, the controller 10 at the end time of the demand time period from 12: 0 to 12:30 (12:30), the end time point of the demand time period from 13:00:00 to 13:30 (13:30) that becomes the predicted demand time period. ) Predicts that the demand value will exceed the target value. Then, long-term demand control is performed to gradually reduce the light output of the lighting device 21 over a control time (60 minutes) of 12:30 to 13:30. As a result, the demand value of the predicted demand time limit (the integrated value of the power consumption at 13:30) is suppressed to be equal to or lower than the first threshold value and is below the target value. If the output control of the lighting device 21 is canceled at the time of 13:30, it is predicted that the demand value will exceed the target value in the demand time period from 13:30 to 14:00. The light output of the device 21 is maintained at the retracted output.

  According to the demand control system having the configuration described above, if the demand value is predicted to exceed the target value at the end of the predicted demand time period ahead of the control time, the predicted demand time period ends before the start of the predicted demand time period. Since the light output of the illuminating device 21 can be reduced over time over the control time up to the time point, the light output of the illuminating device 21 is gradually reduced so that the person in the store does not feel the change in illuminance. While decreasing, it is possible to avoid the demand value from exceeding the target value by dropping the light output of the lighting device 21 to the retracted output at the end of the predicted demand period, which is the end of the control time. In short, since the light output of the lighting device 21 is reduced to the evacuation output over a control time, the control time is at least 30 minutes (preferably 60 minutes) in a store as assumed in this embodiment. By setting to, it becomes difficult for customers to notice the difference in illuminance when entering and leaving the store.

  Moreover, since the demand control system predicts the demand value (predicted value) of the predicted demand time period based on the outside air temperature information corresponding to the outside air temperature of the store, there is a large tendency of the outside air temperature to change depending on the season and weather. Even if different, it is possible to predict the predicted value from the past trend of changes in the outside air temperature. Therefore, the power consumption change of the electrical equipment in which the power consumption changes according to the outside air temperature like the air conditioner 22 is taken into consideration, and it is accurately predicted whether or not the demand value of the predicted demand time limit exceeds the target value. be able to.

  Although the demand value of the predicted demand time period is predicted not to exceed the target value at the end of the current demand time period, the demand value is likely to exceed the target value in the actual predicted demand time period against the prediction. In this case, in the demand control system of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the demand value below the target value at the end of the predicted demand time period by starting the short-term demand control from the time when the alarm lock time of the predicted demand time period has elapsed. .

  Further, as another example of the present embodiment, instead of a prediction formula having the outside air temperature as an explanatory variable, a table indicating a relationship between the outside air temperature and the demand value is stored, and this table is used to predict the predicted demand time limit. It may be predicted whether the demand value exceeds the target value. With this configuration, the calculation algorithm for the prediction formula becomes unnecessary, and the processing load can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the target value excess at the end of the next demand time period (predicted demand time period) is predicted at the end of each demand time period. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. Every time, the outside air temperature may be acquired, and the target value excess at the end of the next demand time period may be predicted. In this case, even if the target value excess in the predicted demand time period is predicted in the middle of the current demand time period, the long-term demand control is performed after waiting for the current demand time period end time, which is before the control time of the predicted demand time period end time. It is desirable to have a configuration that starts.

  Further, the save output is not limited to be determined each time demand control is performed, but may be predetermined as a predetermined value together with the control time. Note that the evacuation output may be a dimming ratio of 0%, that is, an extinguished state.

(Embodiment 2)
The demand control system according to the present embodiment is different from the demand control system according to the first embodiment in a method for determining whether or not the demand value of the predicted demand time limit exceeds the target value.

  That is, in the first embodiment, the temperature sensor 17 that measures the outside air temperature is used, and the outside temperature measured by the temperature sensor 17 is regularly monitored. However, depending on the location conditions of the store, the temperature may vary depending on the location conditions of the store. Since it may be difficult to accurately measure the outside temperature of the store using the sensor 17, this embodiment employs a configuration that can acquire outside temperature information corresponding to the outside temperature of the store without using the temperature sensor 17. .

  More specifically, the controller 10 is a temperature data such as a monthly or daily normal outside temperature transmitted from a weather information provider, or a predicted value of the outside temperature (minimum temperature, maximum temperature) of the next day announced every day. Is provided as a temperature data acquisition unit for calculating the outdoor temperature of the store based on the acquired temperature data. Then, using the outside air temperature calculated in this way, it is determined whether or not the demand value of the predicted demand time limit exceeds the target value. The weather information provider mentioned here includes not only public organizations such as the Japan Meteorological Agency, but also private companies that provide weather information providing services.

  Moreover, after measuring the outdoor temperature of a store with the temperature sensor 17, you may make it obtain | require outdoor temperature using the temperature data from a weather information provider as mentioned above. In this case, the correction coefficient is obtained by periodically acquiring the temperature data announced by the weather information provider and accumulating the correlation (calibration curve) with the outside air temperature (actual measurement value) measured by the temperature sensor 17. Further, it is possible to obtain a highly reliable outdoor temperature by correcting the actually measured value by the temperature sensor 17 with the correction coefficient. That is, even when the actual measurement value of the temperature sensor 17 becomes higher than the actual outside air temperature due to, for example, the influence of sunlight, the actual measurement value of the temperature sensor 17 can be corrected to the actual outside air temperature based on the correlation.

  Furthermore, as another example of the present embodiment, the controller 10 has a function as air conditioning data acquisition means for acquiring air conditioning data related to the power consumption of the air conditioner 22, and obtains outside air temperature information based on the air conditioning data. It is also possible to adopt a configuration. That is, the air conditioner 22 operates so as to maintain the air temperature in the store at the set temperature, and the power consumption fluctuates according to the change in the outside air temperature. Information (outside air temperature information) corresponding to the outside air temperature of the store can be obtained based on the air-conditioning data regarding. In this configuration, since it is not necessary to install the temperature sensor 17, it is possible to apply the demand control system of the present invention even when the installation of the temperature sensor 17 is not preferable in terms of the appearance of the store, for example.

  Other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 3)
The demand control system according to the present embodiment is different from the demand control system according to the first embodiment in that not only the lighting device 21 but also the air conditioner 22 are subjected to short-term demand control and long-term demand control.

  Hereinafter, a specific example of long-term demand control using the demand control system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 (a) is a plot of integrated values of power consumption for each demand time period monitored by the controller 10 at 5-minute intervals, and FIG. 5 (b) corresponds to FIG. 5 (a). The instantaneous values of power consumption are plotted at intervals of 5 minutes. In FIG. 5B, P1 indicates the power consumption of the lighting device 21, P2 indicates the power consumption of the air conditioner 22, P3 indicates the total value of P1 and P2, and the power consumption P1 includes the lighting. In addition to the device 21, it is assumed to include base power that is considered to be substantially constant. Note that the broken lines in FIG. 5 indicate data when the demand control system is not used, that is, when demand control is not performed.

  In this example, the controller 10 at the end time of the demand time period from 12: 0 to 12:30 (12:30), the end time point of the demand time period from 13:00:00 to 13:30 (13:30) that becomes the predicted demand time period. ) Predicts that the demand value will exceed the target value. Then, over the control time (60 minutes) of 12:30 to 13:30, each of the lighting device 21 and the air conditioning device 22 is decreased by gradually decreasing the light output of the lighting device 21 and lowering the output of the air conditioning device 22. Long-term demand control to reduce power consumption. As a result, the demand value of the predicted demand time limit (the integrated value of the power consumption at 13:30) is suppressed to be equal to or lower than the first threshold value and is below the target value. If the output control of the lighting device 21 and the air conditioner 22 is canceled at 13:30, the demand value is predicted to exceed the target value in the demand time period from 13:30 to 14:00. Even after 30, the light output of the lighting device 21 is maintained at the retracted output and the output control of the air conditioner 22 is continued.

  According to this configuration, the power consumption can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where only the lighting device 21 is the target of demand control, and there is an advantage that the probability of avoiding the demand value exceeding the target value is increased.

  By the way, since the load of the air conditioner 22 changes depending on the number of people in the store, the number of people in the store is used as a parameter of the determination rule for judging whether or not the demand value of the predicted demand time limit exceeds the target value. You may do it. That is, when the air conditioner 22 is used for cooling, as the number of people in the store increases, the temperature in the store increases, the load on the air conditioner 22 increases, and the demand value tends to exceed the target value. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to install a device for measuring the number of customers in the store at the store entrance and start long-term demand control according to the number of customers. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, the number of customers is measured for each demand time period (S51), and when the number of customers and the rate of increase in the number of customers per unit time exceed a reference value (S52), the demand value is targeted in the predicted demand time period. It is determined that there is a high possibility that the value will be exceeded (S53), and long-term demand control is started (S54).

  Other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 4)
The demand control system of the present embodiment functions as a priority determination unit that determines which output control of the lighting device 21 or the air conditioner 22 is preferentially performed at the start of short-term demand control or long-term demand control. Is different from the demand control system of the third embodiment in that output control can be preferentially performed for either one of the lighting device 21 and the air conditioning device 22.

  That is, when the output of the air conditioner 22 is lowered, if the person in the store feels uncomfortable (hot or cold), the output of the lighting device 21 is preferentially reduced over the air conditioner 22, If the person in the store feels uncomfortable (dark) when the output of the lighting device 21 is lowered, the output of the air conditioner 22 is preferentially reduced over the lighting device 21. Thereby, there is an advantage that the demand value can be prevented from exceeding the target value without causing discomfort to the people in the store. As a specific example, under conditions where the outside light is sufficiently taken into the store, suppressing the output of the air conditioner 22 during the day when it is clear and the outside air temperature is relatively high makes the people in the store uncomfortable. Although there is a possibility of feeling hot, even if the output of the lighting device 21 is reduced, the possibility that the inside of the store becomes dark and people in the store feel uncomfortable is low. Preferentially suppress.

  In addition, when the output of the lighting device 21 is reduced, there is a possibility that a person outside the store may receive a dark impression when looking at the store from the store entrance, even if the person inside the store does not notice the change in illuminance. As a result, the visual customer attraction may be reduced. Therefore, in the time zone when the number of people in the store is less than the predetermined threshold, the output control of the air conditioner 22 is preferentially performed over the lighting device 21, while in the time zone where the number of people in the store is larger than the threshold, It is also conceivable to determine the priority of the output control according to the number of people in the store so that the output control of the lighting device 21 is preferentially performed over the air conditioner 22.

  Here, when priority is given to the output control of one of the lighting device 21 and the air conditioner 22, for example, only the one output control is started at the start of demand control, and then the demand value exceeds the target value. When it is determined that the effect of reducing the amount of electric power sufficient for avoiding the above cannot be obtained, the other output control may be performed together.

  Hereinafter, a specific example of long-term demand control using the demand control system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7A is a plot of integrated power consumption values for each demand time period monitored by the controller 10 at 5-minute intervals, and FIG. 7B corresponds to FIG. The instantaneous values of power consumption are plotted at intervals of 5 minutes. In FIG. 7B, P1 indicates the power consumption of the lighting device 21, P2 indicates the power consumption of the air conditioner 22, P3 indicates the total value of P1 and P2, and the power consumption P1 includes lighting. In addition to the device 21, it is assumed to include base power that is considered to be substantially constant. 7 indicates data when the demand control system is not used, that is, when demand control is not performed.

  In this example, the controller 10 at the end time of the demand time period from 12: 0 to 12:30 (12:30), the end time point of the demand time period from 13:00:00 to 13:30 (13:30) that becomes the predicted demand time period. ) Predicts that the demand value will exceed the target value. At this time, the controller 10 determines that the output control of the air conditioner 22 is preferentially performed, and the air conditioning is performed by reducing the output of the air conditioner 22 over a control time (60 minutes) of 12:30 to 13:30. Long-term demand control is performed to reduce power consumption with the apparatus 22. As a result, the demand value of the predicted demand time limit (the integrated value of the power consumption at 13:30) is suppressed to be equal to or lower than the first threshold value and is below the target value. Note that if the output control of the air conditioner 22 is canceled at the time of 13:30, the demand value is predicted to exceed the target value in the demand time period of 13:30 to 14:00. The output control of the device 22 is continued.

  However, in the example of FIG. 7, if it is determined that it is not possible to avoid exceeding the target value of the demand value in the predicted demand time period only by the output control of the air conditioner 22 within the control time of 12:30 to 13:30, The control for reducing the light output of the lighting device 21 is also performed together with the output control of the air conditioner 22.

  Other configurations and functions are the same as those of the third embodiment.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic system block diagram which shows a structure same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of long-term demand control same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example of Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Controller (Demand control device)
17 Temperature sensor 20 Electricity meter 21 Illumination device 22 Air conditioner P1 Power consumption of illumination device P2 Power consumption of air conditioner

Claims (8)

  Used in facilities equipped with electrical equipment including lighting equipment and air conditioners, power consumption so that the demand value, which is the integrated value of power consumption of the electrical equipment for each predetermined demand period, falls below a preset target value Whether the demand value exceeds the target value at the end of the demand time period beyond the control time set longer than the demand time period. Whether or not the demand value exceeds the target value when the prediction means determines that the demand value exceeds the target value, and the demand value at the end of the demand time period falls below the target value Lighting control means for reducing the output of the lighting device as time elapses over the control time from before the control time at the end of the demand time period, And the predicting means includes, in the determination rule, the outside environment information including the outside air temperature of the facility so that the increase / decrease in power consumption accompanying the change in the outside environment of the facility is reflected in the demand value at the end of the demand time period. A demand control system characterized by being used.   The demand control system according to claim 1, wherein the prediction unit includes a temperature sensor that measures an outside temperature of the facility.   The said prediction means is equipped with the temperature data acquisition means which acquires the temperature data transmitted from a weather information provider, and calculates | requires the outdoor temperature of the said facility using the acquired temperature data. The demand control system according to claim 2.   The demand control according to claim 1, wherein the predicting means includes air conditioning data acquisition means for acquiring air conditioning data relating to power consumption of the air conditioner, and obtains the external environment information using the acquired air conditioning data. system.   The said prediction means is equipped with the solar radiation amount sensor which measures the solar radiation amount outside the said facility, and correct | amends the said external environment information according to the said solar radiation amount, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The demand control system according to item.   Air conditioning control means for controlling the output of the air conditioner for adjusting the temperature in the facility is provided, and the air conditioning control means ends the demand time limit when the prediction means determines that the demand value exceeds the target value. The demand control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the output of the air conditioner is lowered so that the demand value at the time is lowered.   Used in facilities equipped with electrical equipment including lighting equipment and air conditioners, power consumption so that the demand value, which is the integrated value of power consumption of the electrical equipment for each predetermined demand period, falls below a preset target value Whether the demand value exceeds the target value at the end of the demand time period beyond the control time set longer than the demand time period. Whether or not the demand value exceeds the target value when the prediction means determines that the demand value exceeds the target value, and the demand value at the end of the demand time period falls below the target value As described above, the control for reducing the output of at least one of the lighting device and the air conditioner over the control time from before the control time at the end of the demand time limit. And a priority determining unit that determines which output of the lighting device and the air conditioner is to be preferentially controlled based on a predetermined condition, and the control unit is configured to reduce the output of the lighting device. Decreases the output of the lighting device over time over the control time, and the prediction means reflects the increase or decrease in power consumption accompanying the change in the external environment of the facility in the demand value at the end of the demand time period. In addition, a demand control system characterized in that external environment information including an outside temperature of a facility is used for the determination rule.   Used in facilities equipped with electrical equipment including lighting equipment and air conditioners, power consumption so that the demand value, which is the integrated value of power consumption of the electrical equipment for each predetermined demand period, falls below a preset target value Whether the demand value exceeds the target value at the end of the demand time period beyond the control time set longer than the demand time period. Whether or not the demand value exceeds the target value in the prediction process, and the demand value at the end of the demand time period falls below the target value. Lighting control processing for reducing the output of the lighting device with the passage of time over the control time from the control time before the end of the demand time period, Preparation, the prediction process includes the outside environment information including the outside temperature of the facility in the determination rule so that the increase / decrease in power consumption accompanying the change in the outside environment of the facility is reflected in the demand value at the end of the demand time period. Demand control method characterized by using.

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