JP2012037222A - Energy controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an energy controller that is capable of controlling deterioration in comfortableness for a user.SOLUTION: A downward controller (30, 30), which controls energy amounts of a plurality of air-conditioners (40, 40, ...) disposed in buildings (A, B), includes a suppressible amount decision portion, a suppression control portion, and a follow control portion. The suppressible amount decision portion decides an energy suppressible amount that is a total suppressible energy amount of the plurality of air-conditioners (40, 40, ...). The suppression control portion, based on the energy suppressible amount, performs suppression control of the energy amount of the air-conditioners (40, 40, ...). The follow control portion performs pre-follow control before starting of the suppression control and/or post-follow control after completion of the suppression control.

Description

  The present invention relates to an energy control apparatus.

  Conventionally, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-304737), the maximum demand energy for each time period is continuously predicted, and the maximum demand energy may exceed the contract energy or the management target energy. There is a system that automatically controls a target device such as an air conditioner when it occurs.

  In the control disclosed in Patent Literature 1, when there is a possibility that the maximum demand energy exceeds the contract energy or the management target energy, it is considered that the state in which the amount of energy consumption is suppressed continues in a predetermined facility device. In such a case, there is a concern that the user's comfort may be affected.

  Then, the subject of this invention is providing the energy control apparatus which can suppress the fall of a user's comfort.

  An energy control device according to a first aspect of the present invention is an energy control device that suppresses the amount of energy of a plurality of equipment installed in a property, and includes a suppressable amount determination unit, a suppression control unit, and a follow control unit. With. The suppressible amount determining unit determines an energy suppressible amount that is a total suppressable energy amount of the plurality of facility devices. The suppression control unit performs suppression control of the energy amount of the facility device based on the energy suppression possible amount. The follow control unit performs pre-follow control before the start of the suppression control and / or post-follow control after the end of the suppression control.

  In the energy control device according to the first aspect of the present invention, for example, prior follow control in which the follow control unit suppresses a decrease in the comfort of the user of the equipment device before and / or after the start of the suppression control, By performing the follow-up control, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user comfort.

  The energy control device according to the second aspect of the present invention is the energy control device according to the first aspect of the present invention, and further includes a suppression possible amount presentation unit and a suppression request reception unit. The suppression possible amount presentation unit presents the energy suppression possible amount to the upper energy management apparatus. The suppression request receiving unit receives a suppression request including a required suppression energy amount that is an energy amount to be suppressed based on the energy suppression possible amount from the energy management device. Then, after the suppression request receiving unit receives the suppression request, the suppression control unit performs suppression control so as to suppress the requested suppression energy amount.

  In the energy control device according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the case of adopting such a configuration that receives a request for suppressing the amount of energy consumption from the higher-order energy management device, the energy-suppressable amount is previously given to the higher-order energy management device. By presenting, the higher-level energy management device can grasp the amount of energy that can be suppressed in the property.

  An energy control device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the energy control device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein a reception unit that accepts a unit price of energy amount for each time zone, and suppression control based on the unit price. A candidate time zone determining unit that determines a candidate time zone to be executed. And a suppression control part performs suppression control so that the amount of energy suppression possible is suppressed in a candidate time slot | zone.

  In the energy control device according to the third aspect of the present invention, for example, a time zone with a high unit price can be determined as a candidate time zone. Thereby, energy saving and cost saving can be achieved.

  The energy control apparatus which concerns on the 4th viewpoint of this invention is an energy control apparatus which concerns on either of the 1st viewpoint of this invention-3rd viewpoint, Comprising: Post-follow control is 1st equipment which the suppression control was complete | finished Is controlled under a predetermined condition for a predetermined period.

  In the energy control device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, for example, the follow control unit operates the first facility device in a state where the driving capability is high for a predetermined period of time, so that the comfort of the user after the suppression control is accelerated. You can get it back.

  The energy control device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the energy control device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the pre-follow control includes heat storage / storage, pre-cooling / pre-heating, This is control for performing at least one of dehumidification / humidification.

  In the energy control device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, at least one of heat storage / power storage, pre-cooling / pre-heating, and dehumidification / humidification is performed before the suppression control, thereby reducing user comfort in the suppression control. It becomes possible to prevent in advance.

  The energy control device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is the energy control device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, and the equipment includes an air conditioner. Further, the predetermined condition is an allowable maximum value that can allow the voltage and current supplied to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, the frequency of the compressor included in the outdoor unit, and the air volume of the fan of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. The conditions are fixed and the set temperature is lowered by a predetermined value during cooling and raised by a predetermined value during heating.

  In the energy control device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the user's comfort can be quickly recovered after the suppression control.

  An energy control device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the energy control device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, and the equipment includes an air conditioner. The predetermined period is a period from the end of the suppression control until the room temperature in the room of the property reaches the predetermined temperature.

  With the energy control device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to continue following the post-control until the user regains comfort.

  An energy control device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the energy control device according to the third aspect of the present invention, and includes an input unit that receives an input of a control tendency that is emphasized by a user, and a plurality of conditions corresponding to the control tendency. And a selection unit that selects one condition from a plurality of conditions based on the control tendency. And the suppression possible amount determination part determines the energy suppression possible quantity based on 1 conditions selected by the selection part.

  In the energy control device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the user's intention is easily reflected in the suppression control.

  An energy control device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the energy control device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, including an air conditioner, a storage unit, and a pleasant / unpleasant determination unit. And another equipment control unit. The storage unit stores information on the comfort / discomfort of the user of the equipment. The pleasure / discomfort determining unit determines the comfort / discomfort of the user. The other equipment control unit controls other equipment which is equipment other than the air conditioner. The other equipment control unit stops the ventilation equipment included in the other equipment when the pleasure / discomfort determination unit determines the user's discomfort when the suppression control is executed or when the suppression control is executed.

  In the energy control device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the amount of cold / warm air from the outside can be suppressed, the air conditioning load in the room where the equipment is installed can be reduced.

  In the energy control device according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user comfort.

  In the energy control device according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to grasp the amount of energy that can be suppressed in the property by the host energy management device.

  In the energy control device according to the third aspect of the present invention, for example, a time zone with a high unit price can be determined as a candidate time zone, so that energy saving and cost saving can be achieved.

  In the energy control device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the comfort of the user after the suppression control can be quickly recovered.

  In the energy control device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent in advance a decrease in user comfort in suppression control.

  In the energy control device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the user's comfort can be quickly recovered after the suppression control.

  With the energy control device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to continue following the post-control until the user regains comfort.

  In the energy control device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the user's intention is easily reflected in the suppression control.

  In the energy control device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the amount of cold / warm air from the outside can be suppressed, the air conditioning load in the room where the equipment is installed can be reduced.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an energy management system according to a first embodiment. The schematic block diagram of the high-order controller which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The schematic block diagram of the low-order controller which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the conditions memorize | stored in the condition memory area which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process in the low-order controller which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the low-order controller which concerns on the modification 1A. The schematic block diagram of the low-order controller which concerns on the modification 1A. The schematic block diagram of the energy management system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The schematic block diagram of the high-order controller which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The schematic block diagram of the low-order controller which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the conditions memorize | stored in the condition memory area which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of unit price information. The figure which shows an example of the cheapest unit price information. The graph which shows the relationship between an energy unit price and time. The flowchart which shows the process of the low-order controller which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process from execution of the energy suppression control in the low-order controller which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The schematic block diagram of the low-order controller which concerns on the modification 2A. The table which shows the prediction energy consumption amount for every predetermined time. The table which shows the prediction energy price for every predetermined time. The graph which shows the relationship between an energy unit price and time concerning the modification 2B.

  Hereinafter, an energy management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
(1) Overall Schematic Configuration of Energy Management System 100 FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an energy management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The energy management system 100 includes a power company 1 that supplies energy to buildings A and B, such as buildings and factories, and a plurality of installed devices (air conditioners 40, 40,..., 40, 40,. .. Property from electric power company 1 by adjusting supply amount for energy demand with the above-mentioned properties A and B, where energy is consumed by water heaters, lighting, and other devices that generate power) This is a system for managing energy supplied to A and B.

  More specifically, in the energy management system 100, each property A, B (specifically, lower controllers 30, 30 described later) is the electric power company 1 (specifically, upper controller 10 described later). A plurality of energy-suppressable amounts indicating how much energy amount can be suppressed is calculated (determined) and presented. Next, the electric power company 1 receives a plurality of energy-suppressable amounts, selects one of the energy-suppressible amounts, and suppresses the energy amount based on the selected energy-suppressable amount. Request each property A, B. Note that the power company 1 may not make the request. Here, the request | requirement regarding suppression of the energy amount from the electric power company 1 to each property A and B is called suppression request | requirement. In addition, the air conditioners 40, 40,... In the properties A and B that are included in the restraint request from the power company 1 and that the power company 1 requests each property A and B based on the selected energy restraint amount.・ ・ The amount of energy that should be reduced as a whole is called the required amount of restricted energy. That is, the required suppression energy amount is the same as the one energy suppression possible amount selected by the electric power company 1 among the plurality of energy suppression possible amounts.

  And each property A and B receives the said suppression request | requirement, the energy suppression control (suppression) which suppresses energy amount based on a predetermined condition within 1st time (for example, 5 minutes) after receiving the suppression request | requirement. .., And the total total suppression energy amount of the air conditioners 40, 40,... Of each property A, B reaches the required suppression energy amount based on the suppression request. Here, the predetermined condition is a condition that is assumed when the energy suppression possible amount selected by the electric power company 1 is determined.

  The energy management system 100 is mainly installed in each property A and B, and a host controller (equivalent to an energy management device) 10 that manages and controls the amount of energy consumed by the properties A and B installed in the power company 1. A low-order controller (corresponding to an energy control device) 30 that directly manages and controls the energy amount of the air conditioners 40, 40,. In each property A, B, in addition to the air conditioners 40, 40,..., A power source 6 that supplies power to the air conditioners 40, 40,. A power meter 7 for measuring the amount of energy supplied to is installed.

  The air conditioners 40, 40, ... are outdoor units 41, 41, ..., indoor units 42, 42, ..., outdoor units 41, 41, ..., and indoor units 42, 42. ,... Are connected to refrigerant piping (not shown). The air conditioners 40, 40,... In FIG. 1 are assumed to be multi-type in this embodiment, but may be pair-type. In FIG. 1, only two properties A and B are clearly shown as properties for which the power company 1 manages the amount of energy, but the number of properties is not limited to this.

  The upper controller 10 and the lower controllers 30 and 30 are connected via the Internet 80a. In each property A, B, the air conditioners 40, 40,... And the lower controller 30 are connected via a dedicated control line 80b.

  In the energy management system 100, with the configuration as described above, the lower controllers 30, 30 and the upper controller 10 exchange data such as control commands, thereby managing the amount of energy consumed in each property A, B. Has been done.

  Hereinafter, the structure of each part which mainly comprises the energy management system 100 is demonstrated, referring drawings suitably.

(2) Configuration of Each Unit (2-1) Configuration of Host Controller 10 FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the host controller 10. Hereinafter, the configuration of the host controller 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the host controller 10 mainly includes a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15.

(2-1-1) Communication unit 11
The communication unit 11 is a network interface that enables the host controller 10 to be connected to the Internet 80a.

(2-1-2) Display unit 12
The display unit 12 is mainly composed of a display. On the display unit 12, a management screen showing various information stored in the storage unit 14 to be described later is displayed.

(2-1-3) Input unit 13
The input unit 13 mainly includes operation buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and receives input from an administrator or the like. When an administrator or the like performs an input operation on the input unit 13, internal processing is executed by the control unit 15 described later.

(2-1-4) Storage unit 14
The storage unit 14 is mainly composed of a hard disk or the like, and holds a managed property storage area 14a, a property information storage area 14b, and a presentation content storage area 14c.

(2-1-4-1) Managed property storage area 14a
In the managed property storage area 14a, managed properties A and B of the electric power company 1 are stored. Specifically, information on the names of the properties A and B, the scales of the properties A and B, the necessary minimum energy amount, and the like are stored.

(2-1-4-2) Property information storage area 14b
The property information storage area 14b stores property information related to properties A and B including information related to energy consumption and the like sent from lower controllers 30, 30 described later. The information on energy consumption is information on the amount of energy consumed in each property A and B in a predetermined period.

(2-1-4-3) Presentation content storage area 14c
In the presentation content storage area 14c, information regarding a plurality of energy suppression possible amounts presented by the lower controllers 30 and 30 is stored.

(2-1-5)
The control unit 15 mainly includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 15 functions as the presentation receiving unit 15a, the suppression request transmitting unit 15b, and the like by reading and executing the program stored in the storage unit 14.

(2-1-5-1) Presentation accepting unit 15a
The presentation receiving unit 15a receives a plurality of energy suppression possible amounts sent from the properties A and B.

(2-1-5-2) Suppression request transmitter 15b
The suppression request transmission unit 15b determines one energy suppression possible amount required for each property A, B based on a plurality of energy suppression possible amounts sent from each property A, B received by the presentation receiving unit 15a. Then, a command (suppression request) corresponding to the determined content is transmitted to each of the properties A and B.

(2-2) Configuration of Lower Controllers 30 and 30 FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the lower controllers 30 and 30.

  Hereinafter, the lower controllers 30 and 30 installed in the properties A and B will be described with reference to FIG. One subordinate controller 30, 30 is installed in each property A, B. In the following description, the lower controller 30 installed in the property A will be described, but the lower controller 30 installed in the property B is assumed to have the same configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the lower controller 30 mainly includes a communication unit 31, a display unit 32, an input unit 33, a timer unit 34, a storage unit 35, and a control unit 36.

(2-2-1) Communication unit 31
The communication unit 31 is an interface that enables the lower controller 30 to be connected to the Internet 80a.

(2-2-2) Display unit 32
The display unit 32 mainly includes a display. In the display unit 32, the operating state of the air conditioners 40, 40,... (Operation / stop state, operation mode (cooling mode, heating mode, etc.), wind direction, air volume, humidity, suction temperature, set temperature, etc.) is displayed. A screen is displayed.

(2-2-3) Input unit 33
The input unit 33 mainly includes a touch panel that covers the display. On the touch panel, buttons for inputting various commands for the air conditioners 40, 40,..., In addition to the start / stop signals for the air conditioners 40, 40,. Is arranged. When an administrator or the like touches a button on the touch panel, a control process corresponding to the button is executed by the control unit 36 described later.

(2-2-4) Timer unit 34
The timer unit 34 measures time elements such as time, date, month, year, day of the week, and elapsed time based on a predetermined time. Specific measurement will be described where necessary.

(2-2-5) Storage unit 35
The storage unit 35 is composed of a hard disk or the like, and mainly holds an operation status storage area 35a, a condition storage area 35b, a control information storage area 35c, and a meter value storage area 35d.

(2-2-5-1) Operation status storage area 35a
The operation status storage area 35a stores the operation status of each air conditioner 40, 40,... The operation status of the air conditioners 40, 40,... Includes the operation / stop state of the air conditioners 40, 40,..., The set temperature, the operation mode such as cooling / heating, the operation time, the operation rate, and the operation time. Of the outdoor units 41, 41,... And the state values of the various units of the indoor units 42, 42,... (Fan rotation speed, compressor rotation speed, expansion valve opening, refrigerant temperature, Refrigerant pressure, etc.), outdoor temperature, indoor temperature, suction temperature, allowable deviation between set temperature and room temperature, execution / non-execution of energy suppression control, and the like. Here, the operating capacity at the time of operation of the air conditioners 40, 40,... Means that the rated capacity of the air conditioners 40, 40,. Specifically, for example, it indicates how much capacity the frequency (when the compressor is operating) is operating. Note that various temperatures, pressures, and the like included in the operation status are detected by various sensors.

(2-2-5-2) Condition storage area 35b
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the conditions stored in the condition storage area 35b.

  In the condition storage area 35b, conditions for presenting a plurality of energy suppression possible amounts to the host controller 10 are stored for each of the air conditioners 40, 40,. As shown in FIG. 4, the conditions for presenting a plurality of energy suppression possible amounts include a period for executing energy suppression control (hereinafter referred to as duration of energy suppression control as appropriate) (minutes), and energy suppression control time. The relationship with the driving ability (%) of is included. Specifically, in the condition storage area 35b, the duration of the energy suppression control and the operation capacity of the air conditioners 40, 40,... That can be permitted when the energy suppression control is executed (hereinafter referred to as the allowable operation capacity). It is stored in association.

  Here, the allowable driving ability included in the condition is based on the input value input by the user. Note that the allowable driving ability may be obtained by an arithmetic expression, or may be corrected by learning the user's pleasure / discomfort.

  Here, the energy suppression control is control for realizing the energy suppression possible amount presented to the host controller 10.

(2-2-5-3) Control information storage area 35c
The control information storage area 35c stores the contents of control commands for the air conditioners 40, 40,... Generated by the suppression control unit 36i and the follow control unit 36j described later.

(2-2-5-4) Meter value storage area 35d
In the meter value storage area 35d, meter values acquired by a meter value acquisition unit 36b described later are stored for each of the air conditioners 40, 40,.

(2-2-6) Control unit 36
The control unit 36 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and mainly includes an operation state grasping unit 36a, a meter value acquisition unit 36b, a regular calculation unit 36cd (a regular energy consumption calculation unit 36c, a regular estimated consumption calculation unit 36d). , Periodic controllable amount determination unit 36e, periodic controllable amount presentation unit 36f, presentation control unit 36g (first processing unit 36ga, second processing unit 36gb), suppression request reception unit 36h, suppression control unit 36i, follow control unit 36j And so on.

  Hereinafter, each function of the control unit 36 will be described.

  In addition, the control part 36 of the low-order controller 30 is controlling for every air conditioner 40,40, ... (indoor unit 42,42, ...). By controlling each indoor unit 42, 42,... Independently, air conditioning corresponding to each room in which the individual indoor units 42, 42,. Control can be performed. Here, the control includes execution / non-execution of energy suppression control, relaxation / enhancement of energy suppression control, and the like.

(2-2-6-1) Driving status grasping part 36a
The driving condition grasping unit 36a grasps the driving condition of each air conditioner 40, 40,... At a predetermined time interval (in this embodiment, every five minutes). The driving situation grasping unit 36a stores the driving situation in the above-described driving situation storage area 35a.

(2-2-6-2) Meter value acquisition unit 36b
The meter value acquisition unit 36b acquires the meter value (data related to the energy amount) measured by the power meter 7 at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 1 minute). The meter value acquisition unit 36b stores the meter value in the meter value storage area 35d described above.

(2-2-6-3) Periodic calculation unit 36cd
The regular calculation unit 36cd calculates the regular energy consumption and the regular estimated consumption for each air conditioner 40, 40,... At a predetermined time interval (for example, every 30 minutes). The calculation here includes the concept of prediction and estimation.

  Here, the regular energy consumption is calculated for each air conditioner 40, 40,... Consumed when performing normal control without performing energy suppression control, which is calculated every predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes). It is the amount of energy. The regular estimated consumption amount is calculated when energy suppression control for suppressing the energy amount is executed according to conditions such as the conditions A to C shown in FIG. 4 calculated every predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes). It is energy amount of each air conditioner 40, 40, ... consumed.

  Specifically, the regular calculation unit 36cd functions as a regular energy consumption calculation unit 36c that calculates the regular energy consumption and a regular estimated consumption calculation unit 36d that calculates the regular estimated consumption. Hereinafter, these operations will be briefly described.

(2-2-6-3-1) Periodic energy consumption calculation unit 36c
The periodic energy consumption calculation unit 36c is configured to determine the current operation status of each air conditioner 40, 40,... Grasped by the operation status grasping unit 36a, and each air conditioner 40, stored in the meter value storage area 35d. Based on the meter value of 40,..., The regular energy consumption is calculated. Specifically, the regular energy consumption calculation unit 36c calculates the regular energy consumption of each of the air conditioners 40, 40, ... when normal control is continued for a predetermined time. Here, the predetermined time refers to the duration of energy suppression control stored in the condition storage area 35b (for example, 60 minutes, 30 minutes, and 15 minutes as shown in FIG. 4). That is, in the case as shown in FIG. 4, the regular energy consumption calculation unit 36 c performs regular energy consumption when normal control of each air conditioner 40, 40,... Is performed for 60 minutes, 30 minutes, and 15 minutes. The amount is calculated.

(2-2-6-3-2) Regular estimated consumption calculation unit 36d
The regular estimated consumption calculating unit 36d is configured to determine the current operation status of each air conditioner 40, 40,... Grasped by the operation status grasping unit 36a and each air conditioner 40, 40 stored in the meter value storage area 35d. Based on the meter value of 40,..., The regular estimated consumption is calculated. Specifically, the regular estimated consumption calculation unit 36d performs the control of the air conditioners 40, 40,... Under the respective conditions as shown in FIG.・ ・ Estimated periodical consumption is calculated. That is, the regular estimated consumption calculating unit 36d operates each air conditioner 40, 40,... For 60 minutes with an allowable driving capacity of 80%, or for 30 minutes with an allowable driving capacity of 60%. Then, the regular estimated consumption amount is calculated in the case of operating at an allowable driving capacity of 40% for 15 minutes. The periodic estimated consumption is obtained by the product of the rated power (kW) and the allowable driving capacity (%).

(2-2-6-4) Periodic suppression possible amount determination unit 36e
The periodic controllable amount determination unit 36e has a regular individual energy controllable amount that is the amount of energy that can be suppressed by each of the air conditioners 40, 40,... And the air conditioners 40, 40,... Determine the total amount of energy that can be regularly suppressed, which is the amount of energy that can be suppressed as a whole. The specific operation of the regular suppression possible amount determining unit 36e will be described later.

(2-2-6-5) Regular suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f
The periodical suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f presents a plurality of periodical energy suppression possible amounts for each condition determined by the periodical suppression possible amount determination unit 36e to the host controller 10. Specifically, the periodic restrainable amount presenting unit 36 f presents a plurality of regular energy restrainable amounts to the upper controller 10 by sending them to the upper controller 10 via the communication unit 31.

  The regular suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f presents the regular energy suppression possible amount according to the control of the presentation control unit 36g described later. This will be described in the presentation control unit 36g.

(2-2-6-6) Presentation control unit 36g
The presentation control unit 36g controls the presentation of the regular energy suppression possible amount to the host controller 10 by the regular suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f described above. Specifically, the presentation control unit 36g functions as a first processing unit 36ga and a second processing unit 36gb.

  The first processing unit 36ga restricts the presentation of the regular energy suppression possible amount to the upper controller 10 by the regular suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f. Specifically, the first processing unit 36ga performs regular energy suppression by the regular suppression possible amount presenting unit 36f for a predetermined time after a control command indicating that energy suppression control is performed by the suppression control unit 36i described later. Limit presentation of possible amounts. Here, the predetermined period after the generation of the control command indicating that the energy suppression control is performed is a continuous period in which the energy suppression control is continued. When the first processing unit 36ga restricts the presentation of the regular energy suppression possible amount, the above regular suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f gives the upper controller 10 a zero response or the regular individual energy suppression possible amount and the regular total energy. The answer that the suppression possible amount is 0 kW is presented.

  On the other hand, the second processing unit 36gb allows the presentation of the regular energy suppression possible amount by the regular suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f. Specifically, during the time when the energy suppression control is not executed, the second processing unit 36gb allows the periodic energy suppression possible amount to be presented by the periodic suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f.

  As long as the presentation is not limited by the first processing unit 36ga, the regular suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f sends the regular energy suppression possible amount to the host controller 10 every predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes). Present.

(2-2-6-7) Suppression Request Accepting Unit 36h
The suppression request receiving unit 36 h receives a suppression request regarding suppression of the amount of energy sent from the host controller 10. In addition, in this suppression request, as described above, the required suppression energy amount (that is, one periodic total energy suppression possible amount selected by the host controller 10 among a plurality of regular total energy suppression possible amounts presented to the host controller 10). ) Is included.

(2-2-6-8) Suppression control unit 36i
When the suppression request receiving unit 36h receives a suppression request sent from the host controller 10, the suppression control unit 36i starts the energy suppression control of the energy suppression control target air conditioner.

  Here, the energy suppression control target air conditioner is an air conditioner subject to energy suppression control, and an air conditioner for which the periodic energy suppression possible amount has been determined as being able to suppress the energy amount when determining the regular energy suppression possible amount. It is.

  In addition, the suppression control part 36i is the energy suppression control target air conditioner so that the total suppression energy amount of the energy suppression control target air conditioner reaches the required suppression energy amount within the first time from the reception of the suppression request. Controls energy consumption. Specific operation of the suppression control unit 36i will be described later.

(2-2-6-9) Follow control unit 36j
The follow control unit 36j executes post-follow control after the energy suppression control is completed. Specific operation of the follow control unit 36j will be described later.

(3) Control Process Performed by Energy Management System 100 FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process flow in the lower controller 30.

  Hereinafter, the flow of processing in the lower controller 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the air conditioners 40, 40,... Are controlled at the time of receiving a suppression request under the conditions that are the preconditions for determining the regular energy suppression possible amount. Specifically, it is assumed that the energy suppression control of the energy suppression control target air conditioner at the time of reception of the suppression request is performed on the condition that is a precondition for determining the periodic energy suppression possible amount. More specifically, for example, the periodic total energy suppression possible amount selected from the host controller 10 of a certain first air conditioner is 60 minutes (for the duration of the energy suppression control) as shown in A of FIG. It is assumed that the operation is based on a condition that the vehicle is operated at an allowable driving capacity of 80%. At this time, when the lower controller 30 receives a suppression request from the upper controller 10, the suppression controller 36i operates the first air conditioner for 60 minutes (for the duration of the energy suppression control) with an allowable operating capacity of 80%. It is assumed that.

  As shown in FIG. 5, first, in step S101, the periodic restrainable amount determining unit 36e determines the periodic energy restrainable amount.

  Specifically, the periodic controllable amount determination unit 36e is based on the regular energy consumption calculated by the regular energy consumption calculation unit 36c and the regular estimated consumption calculated by the regular estimated consumption calculation unit 36d. The amount of energy that can be suppressed by each air conditioner 40, 40,... Is determined every predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes). More specifically, the periodic controllable amount determination unit 36e determines the difference between the periodic energy consumption amount and the periodic estimated consumption amount as the periodic individual energy suppression amount (periodic individual energy suppression amount = periodic energy consumption). Amount-periodic estimated consumption). More specifically, the regular individual energy suppression possible amount of each air conditioner 40, 40, ... for each condition stored in the condition storage area 35b is determined.

  In addition, the periodic suppression possible amount determination unit 36e calculates the total periodic total energy suppression possible amount W (kW) (corresponding to the energy suppression possible amount) of the air conditioners 40, 40,. It is calculated (determined) using (consumption amount−periodic estimated consumption amount). More specifically, the regular suppression possible amount determination unit 36e determines the regular total energy suppression possible amount of the air conditioners 40, 40,... According to conditions stored in the condition storage area 35b. That is, when the condition is as shown in FIG. 4, the periodic controllable amount determination unit 36e has three types of periodic total energy controllable amount and periodic individual energy controllable amount corresponding to the three conditions (hereinafter referred to as these Are collectively referred to as “periodic energy controllable amount” as appropriate.

  In step S <b> 102, the regular suppression possible amount presentation unit 36 f presents the regular energy suppression possible amount for each condition to the host controller 10.

  At this time, the regular suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f further presents to the host controller 10 a suppression request reception valid time during which a suppression request sent from the host controller 10 can be received.

  In step S103, the suppression control unit 36i determines whether the suppression request receiving unit 36h has received a suppression request from the host controller 10. When it determines with having received, it transfers to step S104, and on the other hand, when determining with having not received, the process of step S103 is repeated.

  In this case, the timer unit 34 measures the period from when the periodic suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f presents a plurality of periodic energy suppression possible amounts to the host controller 10 until the suppression request reception valid time ends. Then, when the suppression request receiving unit 36h receives a suppression request from the host controller 10 within the suppression request reception effective time after presenting a plurality of periodic energy suppression possible amounts, the process proceeds to step S104, and a plurality of periodic energy suppression is possible. If it is within the suppression request reception valid time after presenting the amount, the suppression request reception unit 36h waits until it receives the suppression request (that is, the process of step S103 is performed again).

  Therefore, when the suppression request reception unit 36h does not receive the suppression request from the host controller 10 within the suppression request reception valid time after presenting a plurality of periodic energy suppression possible amounts, the process returns to step S101 and thereafter Will be processed. That is, in step S103, when the suppression request reception valid time has not elapsed since the plurality of regular energy suppression possible amounts have been presented, the process waits until the suppression request reception unit 36h receives the suppression request (processing in step S103). Although not shown, when the suppression request acceptance valid time has elapsed since a plurality of periodic energy suppression possible amounts have been presented, the process returns to step S101 and the subsequent processing is performed.

  Here, when the suppression request acceptance valid time has elapsed since the amount of regular energy suppression possible, the flag is set so that the suppression request reception unit 36h does not accept the suppression request from the host controller 10. Yes.

  In step S104, the suppression control unit 36i starts the energy suppression control of the energy suppression control target air conditioner. Specifically, the suppression control unit 36i generates a control command for initiating energy suppression control for the energy suppression control target air conditioner, and transmits the control command to the energy suppression control target air conditioner. The energy suppression control of the suppression control target air conditioner is started.

  The control command for starting the energy suppression control includes the allowable driving capability and the duration of the energy suppression control included in the conditions that are the preconditions for determining the periodic energy suppression possible amount. In other words, the suppression control unit 36i generates a control command that causes the energy suppression control target air conditioner to operate for the duration of the energy suppression control with the allowable operation capability.

  The control command is stored in the control information storage area 35c by the suppression control unit 36i.

  In step S105, the follow control unit 36j determines whether the energy suppression control continuation period (suppression control period) of the energy suppression control target air conditioner has elapsed. When it determines with having passed, it transfers to step S106. On the other hand, when it determines with not having passed, the process of step S105 is repeated. Here, the duration time of the energy suppression control is specifically the one periodic total energy suppression possible amount selected by the upper controller 10 among the plurality of regular total energy suppression possible amounts presented by the lower controller 30 to the upper controller 10. This is the duration of energy suppression control that is included in the conditions that are the preconditions for determining.

  Here, changes in the usage status of the user (increase in the number of people in the room, etc.) and changes in the external environment (outside air temperature If the air conditioner after receiving the suppression request is operated under the same conditions as the preconditions for determining the periodic energy suppression possible amount, the user comfort will be improved. There is a concern that it will affect.

  Therefore, in step S106, the suppression control unit 36i ends the energy suppression control of the energy suppression control target air conditioner, and the follow control unit 36j starts post-following control. Specifically, after the suppression control unit 36i completes the energy suppression control, the follow control unit 36j is an air conditioner that was the energy suppression control target air conditioner, that is, the air conditioner that completed the energy suppression control (first A control command for starting follow-up follow-up control (equivalent to equipment) is generated. Here, an air conditioner that has been an energy suppression control target air conditioner, that is, an air conditioner for which energy suppression control has ended is referred to as a suppression control end air conditioner. Then, the follow control unit 36j transmits the generated control command to the suppression control end air conditioner.

  Here, the post-follow control is control that causes the suppression control end air conditioner to operate at full power for a predetermined period. Here, by performing the follow-up control, the reduction in the user's comfort during the execution of the energy suppression control is recovered more quickly.

  Full power operation means the voltage and current supplied to the outdoor unit of the suppression control end air conditioner, the frequency of the compressor included in the outdoor unit of the suppression control end air conditioner, and the fan of the indoor unit of the suppression control end air conditioner The air volume is fixed at a permissible maximum value, and the set temperature is lowered by a predetermined value (arbitrary value determined in advance by an administrator, etc.) during cooling. The operation is performed under a condition (corresponding to a predetermined condition) to be increased). It should be noted that a suppression request is not accepted during the follow-up control.

  In step S107, the follow control unit 36j determines whether or not the temperature in the rooms of the properties A and B where the air conditioners 40, 40,... Are installed (hereinafter referred to as room temperature) has reached the set temperature. judge. That is, the follow control unit 36j determines that the room temperature is changed from the end of the duration of the energy suppression control of the air conditioners 40, 40,... 40,... (Specifically, post-follow control is performed for a period until reaching a set temperature (corresponding to a predetermined temperature) of the suppression control end air conditioner).

  If it is determined in step S107 that the follow control unit 36j has reached, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the follow control unit 36j has not reached, the process of step S107 is repeated. Here, by terminating post-mortem follow-up control when the room temperature reaches the set temperature, the time during which energy suppression control cannot be performed can be shortened as much as possible. Further, by performing the follow-up follow control until the room temperature reaches the set temperature, the follow-up follow control can be continued until the user regains comfort.

(4) Features (4-1)
In the present embodiment, first, in the lower controllers 30, 30 (corresponding to the energy control device) (in the properties A, B), the periodic controllable amount determining unit 36e includes the air conditioners 40, 40,. The total amount of energy that can be suppressed (equivalent) is determined as a periodic total energy suppression possible amount (equivalent to the energy suppression possible amount), and the periodic energy suppression possible amount including the regular total energy suppression possible amount is determined by the host controller 10 (energy Equivalent to the management device).

  Then, based on the presented regular energy suppression possible amount, the upper controller 10 (electric power company 1) makes a suppression request regarding the suppression of the energy amount to the lower controllers 30 and 30.

  Here, the suppression request includes a required suppression energy amount that is the amount of energy that should be suppressed by the air conditioners 40, 40,. As described above, the required suppression energy amount is one periodic total energy suppression possible amount selected by the upper controller 10 among the plurality of regular total energy suppression possible amounts presented by the lower controllers 30 and 30.

  The lower controllers 30, 30 (specifically, the suppression control unit 36i) that have received the suppression request from the upper controller 10 are energy suppression targets of energy suppression control among the air conditioners 40, 40,. The energy suppression control of the controlled air conditioner is started. Note that, as described above, the suppression control unit 36i includes the total suppression energy amount (specifically, the plurality of energy sources) of the plurality of air conditioners 40, 40,... Within the first time from the reception of the suppression request. The total control target air conditioner suppression energy amount of the suppression control target air conditioner) is made to reach the required suppression energy amount.

  And in this embodiment, a change of a user's use condition (increase of the number of people in a room, etc.) between the time of determination of a regular energy suppression possible amount and presentation, and the time of reception of a control request, and change of an external environment In consideration of various changes such as an increase in the outside air temperature, the follow control unit 36j performs post-follow control. Specifically, after the energy suppression control of the energy suppression control target air conditioner is completed, the follow control unit 36j starts the post-follow control. That is, the post-follow control is started to recover the deterioration of the comfort of the user at the time of executing the energy suppression control when there is a change as described above.

  Here, the post-follow control is a control for causing the suppression control end air conditioner (corresponding to the first facility device) for which the energy suppression control is ended to be operated at full power for a predetermined period as described above. The full power operation is an operation under a predetermined condition as described above.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, after the end of the energy suppression control, the post-follow control is performed, so that the reduction in user comfort can be recovered more quickly. That is, the user's comfort can be quickly recovered.

(4-2)
In the present embodiment, the regular suppression possible amount presentation unit 36 f presents the regular energy suppression possible amount to the host controller 10 in advance. Thereby, the high-order controller 10 can grasp | ascertain the energy amount which can be suppressed in each property A and B. FIG.

(5) Modifications While the embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be changed without departing from the gist of the invention. .

(5-1) Modification 1A
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the lower controller 30 according to the modification 1A. In step S111, step S112, and step S114 to step S118, processing similar to that in step S101, step S102, and step S103 to step S107 shown in FIG. 5 is performed.

  In the above embodiment, the follow control unit 36j executes the follow-up follow control after the energy suppression control is finished, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6, after the periodic suppression possible amount presentation unit 36 f presents the periodic energy suppression possible amount to the host controller 10 in step S <b> 112, before the follow control unit 36 j starts the energy suppression control. The pre-follow control in step S113 may be further started (that is, before entering the duration of the energy suppression control). Here, after the step S112, the preliminary follow control is performed. However, the preliminary follow control is performed before the energy suppression control is started, and the effect of the preliminary follow control is exhibited when the energy suppression control is executed. Anytime. In addition, you may determine the timing which performs prior follow control by, for example, predicting the operation state of the air conditioners 40, 40,.

  Here, the pre-follow control includes control for performing heat storage / power storage, pre-cooling / pre-heating, dehumidification / humidification, and the like.

  As an example of the case where the follow control unit 36j performs the heat storage control, there is one using a heat storage tank (not shown) for storing thermal energy. At this time, the heat storage tank is connected to the air conditioners 40, 40,. In this case, the cold energy stored in the heat storage tank has a role of cooling the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger functioning as a condenser during cooling. Moreover, the thermal energy stored in the thermal storage tank has a role of warming the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator during heating.

  In addition to the above example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-3750, an ice heat storage device that cools and freezes a heat storage medium such as water stored in a heat storage tank and stores cold as latent heat of the heat storage medium There is heat storage control using the stored cold energy for cooling operation.

  Further, when the follow control unit 36j performs power storage control, the energy management system 100 further requires a power storage device (not shown). In this case, the air conditioners 40, 40,... Can be operated by using the energy stored in the power storage device as an auxiliary.

  Thereby, since cold / warm heat stored in advance can be used at the time of execution of energy suppression control, while maintaining energy consumption, that is, while making the total suppression energy amount reach the required suppression energy amount Thus, it is possible to prevent (relieve or suppress) a decrease in user comfort in advance.

  Further, when the follow control unit 36j performs pre-cooling / pre-heating control, the follow control unit 36j, for example, after the regular suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f presents the regular energy suppression possible amount to the host controller 10, the air conditioner 40, 40,... (Specifically, the air conditioner 40, 40,... (Specifically, energy suppression) in order to cool / warm the temperature in the room where the energy suppression control target air conditioner is installed. A control command for cooling / heating is transmitted to the control target air conditioner.

  Further, when the follow control unit 36j performs dehumidification / humidification control, the follow control unit 36j, for example, after the regular suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f presents the regular energy suppression possible amount to the host controller 10, the air conditioner 40, 40,... (Specifically, the air conditioner 40, 40,... (Specifically, energy suppression) in order to cool / warm the temperature in the room where the energy suppression control target air conditioner is installed. A control command to perform dehumidification / humidification is transmitted to the control target air conditioner.

  The above-described pre-cooling / pre-heating control and dehumidification / humidification control are used to cool / warm the room in advance, so even if energy suppression control is started, while maintaining energy consumption, that is, total suppression energy amount Can be reduced or suppressed while the user's comfort is reduced.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the follow control part 36j has started the follow-up follow control after completion | finish of energy suppression control, it may replace with the said follow-up follow control and may perform only the above-mentioned follow-up control. Even in this case, it is possible to mitigate or suppress the decrease in user comfort during the execution of the energy suppression control.

  Note that such prior follow control is more effective when a suppression request is periodically sent from the upper controller 10 to the lower controller 30. For example, if the suppression request is sent every predetermined time, if the pre-cooling / preheating control or the dehumidification / humidification control is started from the predetermined time before the suppression request is sent, while contributing to energy saving / cost saving, as described above There is an effect. Further, for example, when the suppression request transmission unit 15b of the host controller 10 transmits a suppression request to start energy suppression control after a predetermined time after transmitting the suppression request, a predetermined start time of the energy suppression control is determined. If pre-cooling / preheating control or dehumidification / humidification control is started before the time, the above-described effects can be achieved while contributing to energy saving / cost saving.

  Note that the three controls described above as the pre-follow control may be executed in appropriate combination.

  Further, the follow control unit 36j, in addition to the control that performs the follow control before and after the energy suppression control (the post-follow control and the prior follow control are collectively referred to as this), the follow-up control at the time of execution of the energy suppression control. May be performed.

  A specific example will be described below.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the lower controller 30 according to the modification 1A.

  As the follow-up control at the time of suppression, for example, there is control that suppresses a decrease in user comfort by controlling other equipment other than the air conditioners 40 and 40.

  In this case, the control unit 36 further functions as an other facility control unit 36k that controls other facilities other than the air conditioners 40, 40,. Then, during the duration of the energy suppression control by the suppression control unit 36i, the other equipment control unit 36k controls the external air conditioner (for example, ventilation equipment) included in the other equipment (specifically, the operation is stopped). Thus, the amount of cold / warm air from the outside is suppressed. Thereby, the air conditioning load in the living room can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to mitigate or suppress a decrease in user comfort during execution of energy suppression control.

  The other equipment control unit 36k may control the external air conditioner as described above by grasping the user's pleasure / discomfort. That is, when the user feels uncomfortable, the other equipment control unit 36k stops the operation of the external air conditioner by inputting his / her discomfort via the input unit 33. In this case, the storage unit 35 further holds a pleasant / unpleasant information storage area 35e for storing the user's pleasant / unpleasant. Therefore, the information input by the user is stored in the pleasant / unpleasant information storage area 35e.

  In the above case, the control unit 36 may further function as a pleasure / discomfort determination unit 36l that determines the user's pleasure / discomfort. In this case, the other equipment control unit 36k stops the operation of the air conditioner when the pleasure / discomfort determining unit 36l determines the user's discomfort during the execution of the energy suppression control.

  Note that, for example, the user's pleasure / discomfort by the pleasure / discomfort determining unit 36l depends on the degree of deviation from the upper limit (cooling) / lower limit (heating) of the set temperature, or the difference between the set temperature and the room temperature. To be determined. Specifically, the pleasant / uncomfortable determination unit 36l exceeds the upper limit value of the set temperature by 2 ° C. or more / below the lower limit value by 2 ° C. or when the difference between the set temperature and the room temperature exceeds 2 ° C. The user's discomfort is determined as the user feels uncomfortable. The threshold value such as 2 ° C. described above may be a value set in advance by an administrator or the like, or a value determined by the control unit 36 based on the operation data of the air conditioners 40, 40,. Also good. When the pleasure / discomfort determination unit 36l determines the user's pleasure / discomfort, the pleasure / discomfort information of the user is stored in the pleasure / discomfort information storage area 35e held by the storage unit 35.

  Thereby, the control based on the user's comfort level becomes possible, and the decrease in the user's comfort during the execution of the energy suppression control can be alleviated or suppressed as described above.

  In addition, as a follow-up control at the time of suppression, the follow control unit 36j is configured to control the indoor units 42, 42,... So that the amount of air blown from the indoor units 42, 42,. Controlling the air volume of indoor fans can be mentioned. In this case, it is possible to maintain the user's sensible temperature by increasing the amount of blown air. Therefore, a user's comfort fall can be eased or suppressed.

  Further, as the follow-up control at the time of suppression, the follow control unit 36j can suppress the target individual suppression energy amount that is an energy amount to be individually suppressed based on the required suppression energy amount (that is, the regular individual energy suppression presented to the host controller 10 can be suppressed). A plurality of indoor units 42, 42,... (Air conditioning) so that the amount of suppression energy of the air conditioner subject to energy suppression control reaches the one regular individual energy suppression amount selected by the host controller 10 among the amounts. The machine 40, 40, ...) is controlled as follows.

  The control will be specifically described. The plurality of indoor units 42, 42,... (Air conditioners 40, 40,...) Are set to the first set temperature (at the time of cooling). , Current set temperature> first set temperature, and at the time of heating, set temperature change control for changing to the current set temperature <first set temperature), and a plurality of indoor units 42, 42,. , 40,...) Are forcibly thermo-off one by one in order, and among the plurality of indoor units 42, 42,... (Air conditioners 40, 40,...), Thermo-off is forcibly performed. Forced thermo-off to increase the operating capacity of indoor units 42, 42, ... (air conditioners 40, 40, ...) other than indoor units 42, 42, ... (air conditioners 40, 40, ...) There is control. Thereby, room temperature deterioration can be relieved. Therefore, it contributes to energy saving and cost saving while mitigating or suppressing a decrease in user comfort.

  In such a case, priorities are set for each of the indoor units 42, 42,... (Air conditioners 40, 40,...), And priority is set. Based on the degree, the above-described set temperature change control or forced thermo-off control may be performed.

(5-2) Modification 1B
In the above embodiment, the predetermined period during which the follow-up control is performed is the energy from the end of the duration of the energy suppression control of the air conditioners 40, 40,... (Specifically, the energy suppression control target air conditioner). Setting of the air conditioners 40, 40,... (Specifically, the air conditioners for which the suppression control ends) that the temperatures of the rooms A and B in which the suppression control target air conditioners are installed (hereinafter referred to as room temperatures) are set. Although it has been described that it is a period until the temperature (corresponding to a predetermined temperature) is reached, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, a fixed period set in advance by the administrator or the like via the input unit 33 may be used.

  In addition, some of the above-described fixed periods may be set, and a period selected by an administrator or the like in accordance with the operation of the air conditioners 40, 40,. Moreover, the period which the follow control part 36j determined based on the grasp / determination of the user's pleasure / discomfort described in the modified example 1A may be used. Even in this case, similarly to the above embodiment, the time during which the energy suppression control cannot be performed can be shortened as much as possible, and the follow-up control can be continued until the user regains comfort.

(5-3) Modification 1C
At the time of execution of the follow-up control in the above embodiment, the follow control unit 36j uses an air conditioner other than the suppression control end air conditioner or an air conditioner to consume the amount of energy consumed by the suppression control end air conditioner performing full power operation. By suppressing the amount of energy consumed by equipment other than 40, 40,..., The total amount of energy consumed by the properties A and B may be minimized. Further, when the follow-up control described in the modification example 1A is performed, the follow control unit 36j may perform control to supplement the energy required for the full control operation by the suppression control end air conditioner by heat storage / storage. In this case, it contributes to energy saving and cost saving.

(5-4) Modification 1D
Presentation of the periodic energy suppression possible amount of the regular suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f to the host controller 10 is not limited to the above embodiment.

  For example, the periodic suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f can suppress the periodic energy when the elapsed time after transmission after the suppression control unit 36i transmits a control command for the air conditioners 40, 40,. An amount may be presented. At this time, the elapsed time after transmission is measured by the timer unit 34.

(5-5) Modification 1E
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that what is sent from the lower level controllers 30, 30 to the higher level controller 10 is the regular individual energy suppression possible amount and the regular total energy suppression possible amount. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Only the suppression possible amount may be sufficient.

(5-6) Modification 1F
The control target is not limited to the device of the above embodiment. For example, other devices such as lighting and a water heater may be controlled (in this case, the air conditioners 40, 40,..., And other devices correspond to facility devices). In this case, a device required for control in the energy management system 100 such as a meter for measuring the amount of energy of these devices is required. In this case, the lighting operation state and operation state include ON / OFF and brightness levels, and the water heater operation state and operation state include ON / OFF, hot water supply temperature, hot water supply amount, and the like. included. Various temperatures, pressures, and the like included in various operating situations are detected by various sensors.

(5-7) Modification 1G
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the total total suppression energy amount of the air conditioners 40, 40,... Of each property A, B reaches the required suppression energy amount based on the suppression request. It is not limited.

  For example, as described in the modified example 1F, when a device other than the air conditioners 40, 40,... Is to be controlled, a plurality of devices (air conditioners 40, 40 installed in the property A, B). ,..., Or other devices other than the air conditioners 40, 40,... You may make it reach | attain the energy amount which should be suppressed by the whole property A and B contained. In this case, it is necessary to grasp the amount of energy consumption of other devices other than the air conditioners 40, 40,.

(5-8) Modification 1H
In the above embodiment, the regular suppression possible amount presentation unit 36f unilaterally presents the regular energy suppression possible amount to the host controller 10, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the lower controller 30 presents the amount of energy that can be suppressed in the properties A and B to the upper controller 10 by making a presentation request for the host controller 10 to present the amount of energy that can be suppressed in the properties A and B. May be.

(5-9) Modification 1I
In the above embodiment, it has been described that a plurality of conditions are stored in the condition storage area 35b. However, one condition may be stored.

(5-10) Modification 1J
If it is not necessary to implement post-follow control, post-follow control need not be performed. As such an example, the user's comfort may be maintained even after the energy suppression control by the prior follow control described in the modified example 1A.

(5-11) Modification 1K
In the above embodiment, only one power company is shown, but there may be a plurality of power companies.

Second Embodiment
Subsequently, an energy management system 200 according to the second embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, a case where two electric power companies 1a and 1b exist will be described as an example. In addition, about the structure similar to the energy management system 100 in the energy management system 200, the same number is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

(1) Overall Configuration of Energy Management System 200 FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of an energy management system 200 according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the energy management system 200 is mainly installed in the host controllers 20 and 20 installed in the electric power companies 1a and 1b and the respective properties A and B, and is mainly installed in the respective properties A and B. , And low-order controllers 230 and 230 for managing and controlling the energy amount of the air conditioners 40, 40,. The upper controllers 20 and 20 and the lower controllers 230 and 230 are connected via the Internet 80a. In each property A and B, the air conditioners 40, 40,... And the lower controllers 230, 230 are connected via a dedicated control line 80b.

  In the energy management system 200, the upper controllers 20 and 20 communicate with the lower controllers 230 and 230 via the Internet 80a at predetermined time intervals (in the present embodiment, at intervals of one day). (Hereinafter referred to as energy unit price). Specifically, the energy unit price for each time zone in a predetermined period (in this embodiment, one day) is transmitted. In the present embodiment, the energy unit price is determined by the electric power companies 1a and 1b and varies depending on the time zone. Usually, the unit price of energy is high during a time period when the demand for the amount of energy is high, and is cheap during a period when the demand for the amount of energy is low.

  Hereinafter, the structure of each part which mainly comprises the energy management system 200 is demonstrated, referring drawings suitably.

(2) Configuration of Each Unit (2-1) Configuration of Host Controllers 20 and 20 FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the host controllers 20 and 20 according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the host controller 20 installed in the power company 1a will be described, but the host controller 20 installed in the power company 1b also basically has the same configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the host controller 20 mainly includes a communication unit 21, a display unit 22, an input unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a control unit 25. Note that the communication unit 21, the display unit 22, and the input unit 23 are the same as the communication unit 11, the display unit 12, and the input unit 13 according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

(2-1-1) Storage unit 24
The storage unit 24 includes a hard disk or the like and has an energy unit price storage area 24a. In the energy unit price storage area 24a, the energy unit price transmitted to each property A, B is stored. The energy unit price may be different between the properties A and B depending on the contract content. In addition, the memory | storage part 24 may have the management property storage area 14a and the property information storage area 14b similarly to 1st Embodiment.

(2-1-2) Control unit 25
The control unit 25 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 25 reads out and executes the program stored in the storage unit 24, so that the unit price of energy is given to each property A and B at predetermined time intervals (in this embodiment, at intervals of one day). Send.

(2-2) Configuration of Lower Controllers 230 and 230 FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of the lower controllers 230 and 230. Hereinafter, although the lower controller 230 installed in the property A will be described, the lower controller 230 installed in the property B has the same configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the lower-level controller 230 mainly includes a communication unit 231, a display unit 232, an input unit 233, a timer unit 234, a storage unit 235, and a control unit 236. The communication unit 231, the display unit 232, the input unit 233, and the timer unit 234 have the same functions as the communication unit 31, display unit 32, input unit 33, and timer unit 34 of the first embodiment, and thus will be described. Omitted.

(2-2-1) Storage unit 235
The storage unit 235 includes a hard disk or the like. The storage unit 235 mainly includes an operation state storage area 235a, a meter value storage area 235b, a condition storage area 235c, a unit price information storage area 235d, a cheapest unit price storage area 235e, and a control information storage area 235f. . Note that the driving situation storage area 235a and the meter value storage area 235b have the same configuration as the driving situation storage area 35a and the meter value storage area 35d, and thus description thereof is omitted.

(2-2-1-1) Condition storage area 235c
A plurality of conditions are stored in the condition storage area 235c. The conditions here are conditions used at the time of execution of energy suppression control that suppresses the amount of energy consumption. Specifically, the condition is an operating capacity of the air conditioners 40, 40,. Examples of the plurality of conditions stored in the condition storage area 235c include conditions A to C shown in FIG.

(2-2-1-2) Unit price information storage area 235d
In the unit price information storage area 235d, the energy unit price transmitted from the host controllers 20 and 20 and the unit price information created by the unit price information creation unit 236d are stored. Unit price information is a table in which energy unit prices for a plurality of time periods transmitted from a plurality of electric power companies 1a and 1b are collected in one table. An example is shown in FIG.

  The host controllers 20 and 20 also transmit the name of the electric power company that transmitted the energy unit price together with the energy unit price. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the unit price information storage area 235d stores the energy unit price and the name of the power company that transmitted the energy unit price in association with each other. As a result, as in this embodiment, even when energy unit prices are received from a plurality of power companies, it is possible to determine which power company has received the energy unit price.

(2-2-1-3) Lowest unit price storage area 235e
The cheapest unit price storage area 235e stores the cheapest unit price information created by the cheapest unit price information creation unit 236e. The cheapest unit price information is a summary of the lowest unit price of energy (the lowest unit price) among energy unit prices transmitted from multiple power companies and the name of the power company presenting the lowest unit price by time zone. Information, an example of which is shown in FIG.

(2-2-1-4) Control information storage area 235f
The control information storage area 235f stores the content of energy suppression control executed by the suppression control unit 236k and the content of follow control executed by the follow control unit 236l.

  The contents of the energy suppression control include candidate time zones (specifically, the number of candidate time zones, start times and end times of candidate time zones) determined by a candidate time zone determination unit 236f described later, and condition storage One condition selected by the selection unit 236g described later from the conditions stored in the area 235c is stored. The candidate time zone is a time zone during which the energy suppression control of the air conditioners 40, 40,.

(2-2-2) Control unit 236
The control unit 236 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 236 mainly reads and executes the program stored in the storage unit 235, so that the driving state grasping unit 236a, the meter value acquisition unit 236b, the reception unit 236c, the unit price information creation unit 236d, It functions as the cheapest unit price information creation unit 236e, a candidate time zone determination unit 236f, a selection unit 236g, a calculation unit 236hi, a suppression possible amount determination unit 236j, a suppression control unit 236k, and a follow control unit 236l. In addition, since the driving condition grasping part 236a and the meter value acquiring part 236b mainly function in the same manner as the driving condition grasping part 36a and the meter value acquiring part 36b, description thereof is omitted.

(2-2-2-1) Reception unit 236c
The accepting unit 236c accepts information input by the administrator or the like via the input unit 233, or accepts energy unit prices from the host controllers 20 and 20 at predetermined time intervals (in this embodiment, at intervals of one day). . The reception unit 236c stores the energy unit price transmitted from the host controllers 20 and 20 in the unit price information storage area 235d.

(2-2-2-2) Unit price information creation unit 236d
The unit price information creation unit 236d creates unit price information based on the energy unit price transmitted from the plurality of electric power companies 1a and 1b. Then, the created unit price information is stored in the unit price information storage area 235d.

(2-2-2-3) Lowest unit price information creation unit 236e
The cheapest unit price information creating unit 236e creates the cheapest unit price information based on the energy unit price and unit price information stored in the unit price information storage area 235d. Specifically, the cheapest unit price information creation unit 236e compares the energy unit prices of the plurality of electric power companies 1a and 1b by time period, and determines the cheapest unit price by time period. And the cheapest unit price information and the electric power company which has shown the cheapest unit price are linked | related, and the cheapest unit price information is produced.

  In addition, when multiple electric power companies present the same energy unit price in a certain time zone, for example, decide which electric power unit energy unit price will be the lowest unit price, or the time zone before that It is preferable to determine in advance, for example, the energy unit price of the electric power company that has presented the lowest unit price as the lowest unit price.

  When there is one electric power company, the transmitted energy unit price for each time zone is used as it is as the cheapest unit price for each time zone.

(2-2-2-4) Candidate time zone determination unit 236f
The candidate time zone determination unit 236f is configured to perform a predetermined period (in this embodiment, based on the lowest unit price information stored in the lowest unit price storage area 235e at a predetermined time interval (in this embodiment, every day). 1 day) candidate time zones are determined. Specifically, the candidate time zone determination unit 236f determines the time zone having the highest energy unit price as a candidate time zone during a predetermined period. In the example of FIG. 13, in the predetermined period (period from 9:00 am on the current day to 9:00 am on the next day), 13:00 to 16:00 on that day is a time zone in which the energy unit price is the maximum, so The candidate time zone is until 16:00 (see also FIG. 14).

  Then, the candidate time zone determination unit 236f stores the candidate time zone in the control information storage area 235f.

(2-2-2-5) Selection unit 236g
The selection unit 236g selects one condition that matches the user's control tendency from among a plurality of conditions stored in the condition storage area 235c. Specifically, for example, it is assumed that the user has selected in advance via the input unit 233 a control tendency that the user attaches importance such as “energy saving priority”, “comfort importance”, and “balance importance”. At this time, the selection unit 236g selects a condition that matches the input control tendency of the user from a plurality of conditions stored in the condition storage area 235c. More specifically, the case where a plurality of conditions are three types of conditions A to C will be described as an example. If priority is given to energy saving, the condition C (allowable driving capacity 40%) with the least amount of energy consumption is given. ), If the emphasis is on comfort, select the condition A (allowable driving capacity 80%) with the least amount of energy consumption, and if the emphasis is on balance, select the intermediate condition B (allowable driving capacity 60%) To do. Note that the control tendency need not be three types. Further, the user may select the control tendency from symbols such as the energy saving mode 1, the energy saving mode 2,... Instead of selecting the control tendency from the above conceptual options. Further, the user may select the value of the allowable driving ability itself. The selection unit 236g stores the selected one condition in the control information storage area 235f.

(2-2-2-6) Calculation unit 236hi
The calculation unit 236hi calculates an energy consumption amount and an estimated consumption amount.

  The energy consumption is the air conditioner 40 that is consumed when the operation immediately before entering the candidate time zone (specifically, in this embodiment, five minutes before entering the candidate time zone) is continued in the candidate time zone. The amount of energy is 40,.

  The estimated consumption amount is the energy amount of the air conditioners 40, 40,... Consumed when the energy suppression control is executed in the candidate time zone based on the one condition stored in the control information storage area 235f. It is.

  The calculation unit 236hi functions as an energy consumption calculation unit 236h and an estimated consumption calculation unit 236i that calculates an estimated consumption. Hereinafter, these operations will be described.

(2-2-2-6-1) Energy consumption calculation unit 236h
The energy consumption amount calculation unit 236h includes the operation status of the air conditioners 40, 40,... Grasped by the operation status grasping unit 236a and the air conditioners 40, 40,... Stored in the meter value storage area 235b. Are used to calculate the energy consumption of the air conditioners 40, 40,... When the operation immediately before entering the candidate time zone is continued in the candidate time zone.

  Specifically, the energy consumption calculation unit 236h determines the energy consumption as the latest energy consumption per unit time (kW) stored in the driving situation storage area 235a immediately before entering the candidate time zone, and the candidate. Calculated by the product of the time length (h) of the time zone. In addition, when a candidate time slot | zone is 13: 00-16: 00, the time length of a candidate time slot | zone will be 3 hours.

(2-2-2-6-2) Estimated consumption calculation unit 236i
The estimated consumption calculation unit 236i includes the operation status of the air conditioners 40, 40,... Grasped by the operation status grasping unit 236a and the air conditioners 40, 40,. Is used to calculate the estimated consumption when energy suppression control is executed in the candidate time zone based on the one condition stored in the control information storage area 235f. For example, if the one condition stored in the control information storage area 235f is the condition A shown in FIG. 11, the estimated consumption calculation unit 236i sets the condition A (allowable driving capacity to 80% in the candidate time zone). ) To calculate the estimated consumption. The estimated consumption is calculated using the following (Equation 1).

(Equation 1) Estimated consumption (kWh) = (Driving capacity when calculating energy consumption (%) × Permissible driving capacity stored in control information storage area 235f (%)) × When calculating energy consumption Energy consumption per unit time (kW) x time length of candidate time zone (h)
(2-2-2-7) Suppressable amount determination unit 236j
The controllable amount determination unit 236j determines the amount of energy that can be suppressed by the air conditioners 40, 40,... When energy suppression control is executed in the candidate time zone (referred to as energy suppression possible amount). Specifically, the suppression possible amount determination unit 236j calculates a difference between the energy consumption amount and the estimated consumption amount. Therefore, the energy suppression possible amount can be shown by the following (formula 2).

(Expression 2) Energy suppression possible amount (kWh) = (Driving capacity when calculating energy consumption (%) − Permissible driving capacity stored in control information storage area 235f (%)) × just before entering the candidate time zone The latest energy consumption per unit time (kW) stored in the driving status storage area 235a × time length of candidate time zone (h)
For example, it is assumed that the air conditioners 40, 40,... Are currently operating with 100% operating capacity, and an energy amount of 100 kW is used per hour. Then, when the one condition stored in the control information storage area 235f is the condition A and the candidate time zone of the energy suppression control is 1 hour, the energy suppression possible amount is determined to be 20 kWh.

(2-2-2-8) Suppression control unit 236k
The suppression control unit 236k reads information stored in the control information storage area 235f, and executes energy suppression control based on one condition stored in the control information storage area 235f in the candidate time zone. That is, the suppression control unit 236k performs energy suppression control so as to suppress the energy suppression possible amount determined by the suppression possible amount determination unit 236j.

  Specifically, for example, when the one condition stored in the control information storage area 235f is the condition A and the candidate time zone is 13:00 to 16:00, the driving is performed from 13:00 to 16:00 Energy suppression control for operating the air conditioners 40, 40,... With 80% capacity is executed.

(2-2-2-9) Follow control unit 236l
The follow control unit 236l has the same function as the follow control unit 36j of the first embodiment mobile phone. Specifically, post-follow control is executed after the end of the energy suppression control (that is, after the end of the candidate time period).

(3) Process of Lower Controller 230 According to Second Embodiment FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing a process flow of the lower controller 230 according to the second embodiment.

  In step S201, the accepting unit 236c accepts the energy unit price for each time zone from 9:00 am on the current day to 9:00 am on the next day from the host controllers 20 and 20 arranged in the plurality of electric power companies 1a and 1b.

  In step S202, the unit price information creation unit 236d creates unit price information based on the energy unit price for each time zone transmitted from the host controllers 20 and 20. Then, the unit price information is stored in the unit price information storage area 235d.

  In step S203, the cheapest unit price information creation unit 236e stores the energy unit price and unit price for each time period stored in the unit price information storage area 235d a predetermined time before 9:00 am (10 minutes before in the present embodiment). Read information. Then, the lowest unit price information is created based on the read energy unit price and unit price information for each time zone. And the cheapest unit price information preparation part 236e stores the cheapest unit price information in the cheapest unit price storage area 235e.

  In step S204, the candidate time zone determination unit 236f determines a time zone in which the energy unit price is the maximum as a candidate time zone between 9 am on the current day, which is a predetermined period, and 9 am on the next day.

  In step S205, the selection unit 236g selects one condition that matches the user's control tendency from the plurality of conditions stored in the condition storage area 235c. Then, the selected one condition is stored in the control information storage area 235f.

  In step S206, the calculation unit 236hi determines whether or not the current time is a predetermined time before the start time of the candidate time zone (for example, 5 minutes before). If it is determined that it is before the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not before the predetermined time, the process waits until the predetermined time is reached.

  In step S207, the energy consumption calculation unit 236h calculates the energy consumption.

  In step S208, the estimated consumption calculation unit 236i calculates the estimated consumption.

  In step S209, the suppression possible amount determination unit 236j determines the energy suppression possible amount.

  In step S210, the suppression control unit 236k determines whether or not the current time is the start time of the candidate time zone. When it determines with becoming, it transfers to step S211 shown in FIG. 16, and when it determines with it not being on the other hand, it waits until it becomes a candidate time slot | zone.

  In step S211, the suppression control unit 236k performs energy suppression control based on the one condition stored in the control information storage area 235f in the candidate time zone.

  In step S212, the follow control unit 236l determines whether or not the current time is the end time of the candidate time zone. When it determines with becoming, it transfers to step S213, and on the other hand, when it determines with it not becoming, energy suppression control is continued and performed.

  In step S213, the follow control unit 236l executes post-follow control.

  In step S214, the follow control unit 236l determines whether or not the room temperature has reached the set temperature. If it is determined that it has been reached, the follow-up follow control is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that it has not been reached, the follow-up follow control is continued until the room temperature reaches the set temperature.

(4) Features In the energy management system 100 according to the first embodiment, each property A, B (lower controllers 30, 30) calculates a plurality of energy suppression possible amounts for the electric power company 1 (upper controller 10). Presenting. And the electric power company 1 performs the suppression request | requirement with respect to the property A and B based on the some energy suppression possible amount shown from the property A and B, and based on this suppression request, the property A and B Energy suppression control is performed. That is, in the energy management system 100 according to the first embodiment, energy suppression control is performed by the host controller 10 and the lower controllers 30 and 30 exchanging bidirectionally.

  On the other hand, in the energy management system 200 according to the second embodiment, the lower controllers 230 and 230 existing in the respective properties A and B have energy suppression possible amounts relative to the upper controllers 20 and 20 existing in the power companies 1a and 1b. No presentation will be made. In the energy management system 200 according to the second embodiment, the lower controllers 230 and 230 perform energy suppression control without using the suppression request from the upper controllers 20 and 20 as a trigger.

  Specifically, in the energy management system 200, the energy unit price is transmitted from the upper controllers 20 and 20 to the lower controllers 230 and 230 via the Internet 80a at predetermined time intervals. Then, the lower controllers 230 and 230 determine a time zone (candidate time zone) for performing the energy suppression control by themselves based on the energy unit price unilaterally transmitted from the upper controllers 20 and 20.

  Here, even if information is unilaterally transmitted from the upper controllers 20, 20, the energy suppression control can be executed on the lower controller 230 side. Similarly, in the second embodiment, the post-follow control is performed after the energy suppression control, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in user comfort.

  In the second embodiment, the time zone with the highest energy unit price is determined as the candidate time zone. This facilitates control according to the intentions of the electric power companies 1a and 1b to reduce the amount of energy consumed during peak demand, and is also useful for the property side because it can achieve cost and energy savings.

  In the second embodiment, the user inputs his / her control tendency in advance via the input unit 233, and the selection unit 236g selects one condition from a plurality of conditions based on the control tendency. Then, based on the one condition selected by the selection unit 236g, the estimated consumption calculation unit 236i calculates the estimated consumption. That is, the suppression possible amount determination unit 236j determines the energy suppression possible amount based on the user's control tendency.

  Thereby, a user's intention becomes easy to be reflected in energy suppression control.

(5-1) Modification 2A
FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of the low-order controllers 230 and 230 according to Modification 2A. FIG. 18 is a table showing the predicted energy consumption per predetermined time. FIG. 19 is a table showing the predicted energy price for each predetermined time.

  In the above embodiment, the candidate time zone determination unit 236f has been described as determining the candidate time zone based on the cheapest unit price information. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  Hereinafter, specific examples will be described.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the control unit 236 further functions as a consumption energy amount prediction unit 236m and a prediction energy price calculation unit 236n, and the storage unit 235 stores a prediction consumption energy amount storage region 235g and a prediction energy price storage. It has a region 235h.

  Then, the consumed energy amount prediction unit 236m predicts the consumed energy amount for each predetermined time (here, one hour) in a predetermined period (one day in the present embodiment). As a prediction method, the amount of energy consumed for each time period before the predetermined period (for example, one day before) accumulated in the driving situation storage area 235a may be used as it is, or the consumption for every predetermined time in the past week. An average value of energy amount may be used, or may be calculated from meteorological data on the day. The predicted consumption energy amount predicted by the consumption energy amount prediction unit 236m is stored in the predicted consumption energy amount storage area 235g.

  The predicted energy price calculation unit 236n reads the lowest unit price information stored in the lowest unit price storage area 235e and the predicted energy consumption information stored in the predicted energy consumption storage area 235g, and calculates the product at predetermined time intervals. To calculate the predicted energy price. More specifically, when the cheapest unit price information of FIG. 12 is stored in the lowest unit price storage area 235e, and the predicted energy consumption amount of FIG. 18 is stored in the predicted energy consumption storage area 235g, FIG. The predicted energy price for every predetermined time as shown in FIG. Information on the predicted energy price is stored in the predicted energy price storage area 235h.

  In the above case, the candidate time zone determination unit 236f may determine the candidate time zone based on the predicted energy price. Specifically, a time zone in which the predicted energy price is maximum is determined as a candidate time zone. In the example of FIG. 19, 13: 0 to 16:00 is a candidate time zone. The candidate time zone determination unit 236f may determine the candidate time zone based on the predicted energy consumption amount instead of the predicted energy price.

(5-2) Modification 2B
FIG. 20 is a graph showing the relationship between the unit price of energy and the time according to Modification 2B.

  In the above embodiment, the candidate time zone determination unit 236f has been described as determining the time zone with the highest energy unit price as the candidate time zone, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 20, a time zone that exceeds the first value may be determined as a candidate time zone. In this case, the first value may be a fixed value determined in advance by an administrator or the like, may vary depending on the unit price of energy transmitted every day, or may be a value that is corrected by learning. There may be. Even in this case, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

(5-3) Modification 2C
In 2nd Embodiment, not only a candidate time zone and conditions are determined as a premise for performing energy suppression control, but you may determine an energy suppression control object air conditioner similarly to 1st Embodiment.

(5-4) Modification 2D
In the above embodiment, the selection unit 236g selects one condition from a plurality of conditions in advance, and the estimated consumption calculation unit 236i calculates the estimated consumption based on the selected one condition. Is not something

  For example, the estimated consumption calculation unit 236i may calculate the estimated consumption based on a plurality of conditions stored in the condition storage area 235c. At this time, the energy consumption amount calculation unit 236h also calculates a plurality of energy consumption amounts, and the suppression possible amount determination unit 236j determines a plurality of energy suppression possible amounts.

  In this case, if a plurality of energy suppression possible amounts are displayed on the display unit 232, the user can select one energy suppression possible amount from the plurality of energy suppression possible amounts.

(5-5) Modification 2E
The energy suppression control unit 236k may not perform the energy suppression control when determining that the user's comfort cannot be ensured. That is, in the above embodiment, the transmission of the energy unit price is a trigger for the properties A and B to perform the energy suppression control, but the transmission of the energy unit price forces the energy suppression control for each property A and B. It is not a thing.

  The present invention is applicable to various energy control devices that suppress the amount of energy consumption.

10 Host controller (energy management device)
30 Subordinate controller (energy control device)
33 Input unit 35 Storage unit 36e Periodic suppression possible amount determination unit (energy suppression possible amount determination unit)
36f Regular suppression possible amount presentation part (energy suppression possible quantity presentation part)
36h Suppression request reception unit 36i Suppression control unit 36j Follow control unit 36k Other equipment control unit 36l Pleasure / discomfort determination unit 40 Air conditioner 41 Outdoor unit 42 Indoor unit 233 Input unit 235 Storage unit 236c Reception unit 236f Candidate time zone determination unit 236g selection Department A, B Property

JP 2003-304637 A

Claims (9)

An energy control device (30) that suppresses the amount of energy of a plurality of equipment installed in a property (A, B),
A reducible amount determining unit (36e) for determining an energy reducible amount that is a total reducible energy amount of the plurality of facility devices;
A suppression control unit (36i) that performs suppression control of the energy amount of the facility device based on the energy suppression possible amount;
A follow control unit (36j) that performs pre-follow control before the start of the suppression control and / or post-follow control after the suppression control ends;
An energy control device (30) comprising: A suppressable amount presentation unit (36f) for presenting the energy suppressible amount to a higher-order energy management device (10);
A suppression request receiving unit (36h) that receives a suppression request including a required suppression energy amount that is an energy amount to be suppressed based on the energy suppression possible amount from the energy management device;
Further comprising
The suppression control unit performs the suppression control so as to suppress the request suppression energy amount after the suppression request reception unit receives the suppression request.
The energy control device according to claim 1. An accepting unit (236c) that accepts a unit price of energy amount by time period;
A candidate time zone determination unit that determines a candidate time zone for executing the suppression control based on the unit price;
Further comprising
The suppression control unit performs the suppression control so as to suppress the energy suppression possible amount in the candidate time zone.
The energy control device according to claim 1. The post-follow control is a control for operating the first equipment for which the suppression control has ended under a predetermined condition for a predetermined period.
The energy control apparatus of any one of Claims 1-3. The pre-follow control is control for performing at least one of heat storage / power storage, pre-cooling / pre-heating, and dehumidification / humidification,
The energy control apparatus of any one of Claims 1-4. The equipment includes air conditioners (40, 40,...)
The predetermined conditions include the voltage and current supplied to the outdoor units (41, 41,...) Of the air conditioner, the frequency of the compressor included in the outdoor unit, and the indoor unit (42 of the air conditioner). , 42,...) And the fan air volume are fixed at allowable maximum values, respectively, and the set temperature is reduced by a predetermined value during cooling and is increased by a predetermined value during heating.
The energy control device according to claim 4. The equipment includes air conditioners (40, 40,...)
The predetermined period is a period from the end of the suppression control until the room temperature in the room of the property reaches a predetermined temperature.
The energy control device according to claim 4. An input unit (33, 233) for receiving an input of a control tendency emphasized by the user;
A storage unit (35, 235) for storing a plurality of conditions corresponding to the control tendency;
A selection unit (236g) that selects one condition from the plurality of conditions based on the control tendency;
Further comprising
The suppressible amount determining unit determines the energy suppressable amount based on one condition selected by the selecting unit.
The energy control device according to claim 3. The equipment includes air conditioners (40, 40,...)
A storage unit (35) for storing information on pleasure / discomfort of the user of the equipment;
A pleasure / discomfort determination unit (36l) for determining the user's comfort / discomfort;
Other equipment control part (36k) which controls other equipment which is equipment other than the air conditioner,
Further comprising
The other facility control unit (36k) is included in the other facility when the suppression control is executed or when the pleasant / unpleasant determination unit (36l) determines the user's discomfort during the execution of the suppression control. Stop ventilation equipment,
The energy control apparatus of any one of Claims 1-5.

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