JP2014082810A - Energy management apparatus, management unit and remote management device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an energy management apparatus capable of easily setting control data appropriate to various situations.SOLUTION: The energy management apparatus includes: a management unit 10 that controls the operation of plural load apparatuses 30 according to a target power saving rate in a facility in which the load apparatuses 30 are disposed; and a remote management device 20 that communicates with the management unit 10 and provides control data for controlling the load apparatuses 30 to the management unit 10. The remote management device 20 includes: an information storage section 22 storing a record in which facility information obtained from plural facilities is associated with setting information; an information input section 24 for inputting facility information on the facility in which the load apparatuses 30 managed by the management unit 10 are disposed; a comparison section 23 that extracts a piece of setting information from a record in which a piece of facility information stored in the information storage section 22 and a piece of facility information input from the information input section 24 are determined as similar to each other; and a data generation section 25 that generates a piece of control data to be given to the management unit 10 using the setting information extracted by the comparison section 23 from the information storage section 22.

Description

  The present invention relates to an energy management device that manages operating states of a plurality of load devices arranged in a facility and suppresses energy consumed by the load devices, a management device that constitutes the energy management device, and a remote management device. .

  Conventionally, various technologies for suppressing energy consumed by a load device have been proposed in a facility including a large number of load devices. For example, in a facility such as a supermarket that handles food, a large number of load devices such as lighting devices, air conditioning devices, and refrigeration devices (refrigerators or freezers) are arranged. In order to suppress energy consumed by these load devices, There is provided an energy management device that controls the operation of the load device according to various conditions.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for controlling the capability of a lighting device so that a demand value of power consumption (integrated value) does not exceed preset contract power. The demand value is the integrated value of power consumption in the demand period in units of 30 minutes, and the unit price of the electricity rate for one year from the next month is determined by the peak value of the power consumption (integrated value) for each demand period in the month. It is done.

  Incidentally, in addition to the demand control performed on the consumer side as described above, recently, the consumer must limit the operation of the load device in various situations. For example, even in the case of social demands for continuous energy conservation to control global warming and temporary power savings requested by electric utilities to prevent power outages due to insufficient power supply, It is required to limit energy consumption in load equipment.

JP 2009-240032 A

  As described above, in order to limit the energy consumption of a load device in a facility where a large number of load devices are arranged, the energy required to perform the required operation for the load device necessary for the operation of the facility Energy consumption must be reduced while ensuring That is, a user such as a facility manager is required to determine which load device is to be operated and how to operate the load device according to the power saving rate and environmental conditions.

  Until now, the control data for operating the load equipment according to the power saving rate and the environmental conditions has been set by the know-how of experts and experts who have knowledge about the field. Therefore, it is difficult for a user who is not an expert or an expert to appropriately set control data for various situations.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an energy management apparatus capable of appropriately and easily setting control data for various situations, and further provides a management apparatus and a remote management apparatus constituting the energy management apparatus The purpose is to do.

  The energy management device according to the present invention communicates with a management device that controls the operation of the load device according to a target power saving rate in a facility where a plurality of load devices are arranged, and the load device A remote management device for providing control data for controlling operation to the management device, wherein the remote management device has facility information relating to characteristics of the facility respectively obtained from a plurality of facilities, and the load device operates. The information storage unit storing a record in which the setting information which is the environment information realized by the information is stored, and the facility information of the facility where the load device managed by the management device is arranged is input The setting information from the input unit, the facility information input from the information input unit, and the record determined to be similar to the facility information stored in the information storage unit A comparison unit for output, wherein the comparison unit is characterized in that it comprises a data generation unit for generating the control data to be supplied to the management device by using the setting information extracted from the information storage unit.

  In this energy management device, it is preferable that the information storage unit stores the control information together with the facility information when the control data used by the management device is not changed beyond a predetermined duration. .

  In this energy management apparatus, the information storage unit stores the actual number of times of use of the record adopted by the comparison unit for extracting the setting information, and the comparison unit extracts a plurality of records from the information storage unit. In this case, it is preferable to obtain a weighted average value weighted by the actual number of times for each setting information extracted from these records, and give this weighted average value to the data generation unit as the setting information.

  In this energy management apparatus, it is preferable that the information input unit receives the facility information and the setting information from a user apparatus attached to the management apparatus and operated by a user.

  In this energy management apparatus, it is preferable that the information input unit has a function of inputting the facility information and the setting information to the information storage unit.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, the setting data to be set in the management apparatus is generated using the information stored in the information storage unit of the remote management apparatus, so that the control data for various situations can be set appropriately and easily. Has the advantage that it becomes possible.

It is a block diagram which shows embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the information storage part used for the same as the above. It is a figure which shows the example of the control table used for the same as the above. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of the user apparatus used for the same as the above.

(overall structure)
In the embodiment described below, as shown in FIG. 1, in facilities that are divided into a plurality of areas 41, 42,..., Load devices 31, 32,. Is provided with a management device 10 for managing the power consumption. The power consumption per unit time of the load devices 31, 32,... Is measured by the measuring device 50. The measuring device 50 performs measurement in units of the entire facility, for example, measurement in units of areas 41, 42,..., Measurement in units of types of load devices 31, 32,. It is desirable to have a configuration for performing measurement in units of 31, 32,. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish the load devices 31, 32,..., They are described as the load device 30, and when it is not necessary to distinguish the areas 41, 42,. In the following embodiments, the load devices 31, 32,... Are assumed to be electric loads. However, the load devices 31, 32,.

  The facility may be a supermarket that handles food, a convenience store, a department store, a store building, an office building, a hotel, a building space such as a hospital, a park, a theme park, and the like. These are examples of facilities, and the facility may have any form as long as a plurality of load devices are arranged and the power consumption of the arranged load devices is collectively managed by the consumer. .

  Embodiment described below demonstrates as an example the case where a facility is a supermarket which handles foodstuffs. Although not intended to limit, the supermarket assumed in the present embodiment includes a plurality of areas 40 such as a sales floor, a cash register, a backyard, and an office. A lighting device 301, an air conditioning device 302, and a refrigeration device 303 are arranged in the sales floor and the backyard. In addition, a lighting device 301 and an air conditioning device 302 are arranged in the cash register and the office. The refrigeration equipment 303 means a refrigerator or a freezer that stores and displays food. In the sales floor, various types of showcases such as a flat type, a multistage type, and a reach-in type are arranged as the refrigeration equipment 303, and a large-capacity refrigerator is arranged as the refrigeration equipment 303 in the backyard.

(Management device)
The management device 10 includes a connection unit (not shown) that enables connection with other devices in order to exchange information with other devices and to monitor and control operations of the other devices. The connection unit includes a device that enables electrical connection with other devices, such as a terminal and a connector, and a device for exchanging signals or a device for opening and closing an electric circuit. The management apparatus 10 includes a computer that realizes functions described below as a main hardware element by executing a program. This computer means a combination of a processor and a memory, which are individual devices, and a microcomputer in which the processor and the memory are configured on a single chip.

  Other devices connected to the connection unit of the management device 10 exemplify the remote management device 20, the load device 30, the measurement device 50, and the user device 60 in this embodiment, but other devices than these are connected. It is also possible.

  The remote management device 20 is a computer server including one or more computers, and executes a program for realizing the functions described below. Therefore, the connection unit includes an interface unit (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as “I / F unit”) for communicating with the remote management device 20 through the communication network NT1. The remote management device 20 may include a plurality of computers associated with each other so as to be able to communicate with each other. The communication network NT1 is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) constructed using a public network such as the Internet.

  The load device 30 used in the present embodiment has a function of communicating with the management apparatus 10, a function of controlling an operation state according to an instruction from the management apparatus 10, and a function of notifying the management apparatus 10 of the operation state. Therefore, the connection unit includes an I / F unit (not shown) for communicating with the load device 30. However, the load device 30 may be configured to accept only on / off control by a communication signal from the management device 10. It is also possible to use a load device 30 that does not have a function of communicating with the management apparatus 10. In this case, the management apparatus 10 needs to include a switch element such as a relay for turning on and off the electric circuit that supplies power to the load device 30.

  The measuring device 50 transmits the measured power information to the management device 10. The connection unit includes an I / F unit (not shown) for communicating with the measurement device 50. The transmission path used for communication between the management apparatus 10 and the measurement apparatus 50 may be either a wired communication path or a wireless communication path. However, when the management apparatus 10 is arranged near the distribution board, a wired communication path is adopted because the distance to the measurement apparatus 50 is short, and when the management apparatus 10 is arranged away from the distribution board, wireless communication is performed. It is desirable to adopt a road. The above-described I / F unit (not shown) acquires power information from the measurement device 50 every unit time. Here, the unit time is selected from, for example, 1 minute, 5 minutes, and the like.

  The user device 60 includes a display unit and an operation unit as a user interface, a function for displaying and visualizing information acquired by the management device 10 on the display unit, and an operation unit by a user such as a facility manager. A function of reflecting the operation content in the operation of the management apparatus 10. It is desirable that the display unit and the operation unit include an operation display having a configuration in which a touch panel is superimposed on a flat panel display screen. The user device 60 can use a computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. in addition to a dedicated device. The connection unit includes an I / F unit (not shown) configured to be able to use such a user device 60. When the I / F unit uses a computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like as the user device 60, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) specification is adopted.

  The management device 10 includes a target setting unit 11 in which a target value of power consumption is set, an evaluation unit 12 that compares the power acquired from the measurement device 50 with a target value set in the target setting unit 11, And an instruction unit 13 for instructing the operation of the load device 30 according to the evaluation result. Hereinafter, the target value of power consumption is referred to as “target power”. When the power saving rate is given, the target setting unit 11 obtains the target power by multiplying the preset reference power by the power saving rate. There are cases where the reference power is defined by contract power determined by a contract with an electric power company or the like, or is obtained from the actual power consumption in the facility.

  The target power set in the target setting unit 11 is set so as to reduce the power consumption of the facility. Here, the constant target power is determined according to the utility of the person existing in the area 40 so as not to impair the convenience that the person existing in the area 40 enjoys by driving the load device 30. In addition, the target power in an emergency such as when the power saving rate is instructed by the electric power company is determined so as to match the instructed power saving rate.

  Since the target power is different for each facility, it can be obtained from the past power consumption record and the power saving rate in the required power saving period. The power saving period is selected from a time zone of one day, a period specified by a date and time, a period of a plurality of days, a day of the week, a year, and the like. For example, if the power saving period is the time when the demand for power peaks during the day, or the period when the demand for power peaks during the year, the peak of power consumption will be suppressed. It becomes possible to suppress the peak of electric power. In addition, the target power may be set so as to reduce the annual power consumption in the facility.

  In principle, the target value of the target setting unit 11 is set from the remote management device 20, but may be set by the user using the user device 60. A technique for setting the target power by the remote management device 20 will be described later. When the user device 60 is used, the target power can be set for the entire facility, and can be set individually for each load device 30 or area 40.

  The target setting unit 11 stores a first target power set using the user device 60 and a second setting power stored using the first target power 111 set by the remote management device 20. The setting unit 112 is provided. The first setting unit 111 and the second setting unit 112 also store a power saving period in which the target power should be achieved. The first setting unit 111 and the second setting unit 112 are configured by a storage device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk.

  The target setting unit 11 may include a power storage unit 113 that stores a change in power consumption of the facility during a predetermined period. Although it is desirable that the power storage unit 113 stores a transition of actual power consumption in the facility, there is no record of storing the power storage unit 113 immediately after the use of the management apparatus 10 is started. Therefore, it is also possible to use the power storage unit 113 by storing the transition of power consumption obtained at a facility of the same scale as the facility where the management apparatus 10 is installed. Information on such other facilities can be acquired from the remote management device 20.

  When the power storage unit 113 is provided, the target setting unit 11 extracts the power consumption in the period corresponding to the power saving period from the power storage unit 113, and uses the specified power saving rate to set the first target power and A second target power is calculated.

  The first target power set from the remote management device 20 may be set according to a request from an electric power company such as an electric power company, for example, and the power saving period for executing the process is urgent as the current day or the next day. May have sex. On the other hand, the second target power set by the user device 60 often has a relatively long power saving period for executing processing. Therefore, the first target power has a power saving period individually set, the second target power has a relatively long application period, and the daily time zone in the application period is adopted as the power saving period. In other words, the power saving period of the first setting unit 111 is individually set, and the power saving period of the second setting unit 112 is specified by a combination of the application period and the time zone. Thus, if the power saving period set by the user device 60 is a combination of the application period and the time zone, the troublesome operation of the user device 60 is eliminated.

  The target setting unit 11 includes a target selection unit 114 in order to determine which of the first target power and the second target power is selected. The target selection unit 114 selects one of the first target power and the second target power according to an instruction from either the remote management device 20 or the user device 60.

  By the way, the management apparatus 10 can select a plurality of types of operation modes, and the target selection unit 114 selects one of the first target power and the second target power according to the operation mode. The operation mode includes a normal mode, a remote priority mode, a user priority mode, and the like. The operation mode is selected by the remote management device 20 or the user device 60.

  In the user priority mode, the use of the first target power from the user device 60 can be prohibited in case a serious problem occurs in the facility when the first target power set from the remote management device 20 is used. This is the operation mode. That is, even if the remote management device 20 sets the first target power (or power saving rate) without considering the actual environmental state of the facility, the use of the first target power can be prohibited. The person can operate the load device 30 according to the environmental condition of the site.

  For example, as an example in which a serious problem occurs in operating a food supermarket, there is a case where the temperature of the refrigeration apparatus 303 is set to a high state for a long time. Therefore, when the temperature of the refrigeration apparatus 303 is higher than a predetermined value, if the user priority mode is permitted, the food priority deterioration may be caused by the temperature increase of the refrigeration apparatus 303 while preventing the abuse of the user priority mode. Can be prevented.

  In the normal mode, the target selection unit 114 selects a higher power saving rate from the first target power and the second target power. Therefore, when the normal mode is selected, the power consumption satisfies both the first target power and the second target power.

  The evaluation unit 12 calculates power consumption by integrating power information acquired from the measuring device 50 every unit time, and in a required determination period, the ratio of power consumption (integrated value) to the target power and the start of the determination period The transition of power consumption (integrated value) is predicted using the elapsed time from. Then, when it is predicted that the power consumption exceeds the target power at the end of the determination period, the evaluation unit 12 instructs the operation to suppress the power consumption of the load device 30. The degree to which power consumption is suppressed (hereinafter referred to as “control level”) varies depending on the ratio between power consumption and target power. Therefore, the evaluation unit 12 notifies the instruction unit 13 of a control level corresponding to the relationship between the power consumption and the target power. The control level can be selected from a plurality of levels (4 levels in the following description).

  The determination period is selected from, for example, 30 minutes, 1 day, 1 month, and 1 year. For example, in a case where a charge system is adopted in which the unit price of the electricity charge is determined at the maximum monthly power consumption every 30 minutes, 30 minutes is selected as the determination period. When the power saving rate of monthly or annual power consumption is set as a target value, the determination period is one month or one year. The power consumption is integrated from the start of the determination period and reset to 0 when the determination period ends.

  When the control unit is notified of the control level from the evaluation unit 12, the instructing unit 13 selects the load device 30 that reduces the power consumption so that the power consumption of the facility is reduced to match the control level, and the selected load device. 30 operations are determined. The control level is associated with the type and operation of the load device 30, and the type and operation of the load device 30 can be changed over time.

  The relationship between the control level and the type and operation of the load device 30 is stored in the control table 14. The control table 14 may store a control procedure for the load device 30 so that at least one of the type and operation of the load device 30 to be controlled is changed with time. When the control unit is notified of the control level from the evaluation unit 12, the instruction unit 13 refers to the contents of the control table 14 and gives an instruction to the load device 30 according to the type and operation of the load device 30 read from the control table 14.

  Further, the content of the control table 14 may be associated with the control level in order of limiting the power for the type and operation of the load device 30. For example, in a supermarket that handles food, reducing the power consumption of the lighting equipment 301 and the air conditioning equipment 302 in the office has little influence on the operation of the store, but it is difficult to reduce the power consumption of the refrigeration equipment 303. Therefore, the content of the control table 14 is an operation for reducing the power consumption for the lighting device 301 and the air conditioning device 302 in the office for a control level with a low ratio of reducing the power consumption. In other words, in the content of the control table, the type and operation of the load device 30 are associated with the control level in order from the least influential when power consumption is reduced.

  The contents of the control table 14 can be rewritten, and information including the contents of the control table 14 is transmitted from the remote management device 20. Information including the contents of the control table 14 transmitted from the remote management device 20 is received by the update unit 15 provided in the management device 10, and the update unit 15 receives the contents of the control table 14 according to the information transmitted from the remote management device 20. Update. The contents of the control table 14 can also be set using the user terminal 60.

  By the way, the target power (or power saving rate) may become too strict when the target facility is operated. In particular, as described above, the first target power is unilaterally determined from the remote management device 20 without considering the on-site environmental condition, and this type of problem is likely to occur. In addition, the second target power set using the user device 60 may be set too low, causing a problem in the operation of the facility.

  As described above, the management apparatus 10 includes the target evaluation unit 16 that evaluates the target power set in the target setting unit 11 so that the target power is not set to be too low (the power saving rate is too high). The target evaluation unit 16 uses recommended power (recommended value), which is the minimum power consumption necessary for operating the facility without problems, and compares the target power set in the target setting unit 11 with the recommended power. When the target power set in the target setting unit 11 is smaller than the recommended power, the target evaluation unit 16 alerts the user through the user device 60. The recommended power is given from the remote management device 20 in principle, but may be input from the user device 60.

  The recommended power is estimated for each facility using the past results of power consumption in the facility and the result of simulation. As will be described later, the remote management device 20 includes a function for estimating an environmental state for operating a facility without problems and a function for performing simulation of power consumption.

  In addition, the technology for alerting the user through the user device 60 includes a technology for displaying a comment sentence on the display device of the user device 60, a technology for changing the background color of the display device to red, and a beep sound. Selected from technology. The management apparatus 10 includes a presentation control unit 17 for displaying information on the display unit of the user device 60 and a presentation content storage unit 18 that stores display content to be displayed on the display unit. As a result of the evaluation unit 12 comparing the electric power acquired from the measurement device 50 and the target value set in the target setting unit 11, the presentation content storage unit 18 indicates to the user device 60 such as an evaluation result by the target evaluation unit 16. Stores information to be displayed. In addition, the presentation control unit 17 has a function of presenting information stored in the presentation content storage unit 18 to the user device 60. The presentation control unit 17 also displays on the user device 60 the content instructed by the instruction unit 13 to the load device 30.

  As described above, when the evaluation unit 12 notifies the instruction unit 13 of the control level, the instruction unit 13 compares the control level with the control table 14 and extracts the type and operation of the load device 30 according to the control level. . Here, if the control level is higher and the power consumption by the load device 30 is reduced but the target power exceeds the target power, the instruction unit 13 determines that further power saving is impossible in operating the facility. Then, the determination result is presented to the user device 60 through the presentation control unit 17. The management apparatus 10 may change the operation mode to the user priority mode using the determination result of the instruction unit 13. In the user priority mode, it is possible to prohibit power saving or increase the power consumption of the load device 30 by operating the user device 60. That is, the user can increase the power consumption according to the actual environmental state of the facility space while accepting the first target power (or power saving rate) instructed from the remote management device 20. You will be convinced and save power.

(Remote management device)
The remote management device 20 can communicate with a plurality of management devices 10, and a target instruction unit 21 in which a target power saving rate is set in order to notify each management device 10 of the same first power saving rate. And a communication interface (not shown) that communicates with the management apparatus 10 through the communication network NT1. The power saving period and the first power saving rate on the current day or the next day determined by an electric power company or the like are input from the information input unit 24 to the target instruction unit 21 and notified to the management device 10 at an appropriate timing.

  With this configuration, when the headquarters manages many stores like a convenience store or a food supermarket, the first power saving rate set in the management device 10 of each store is remote from the headquarters managing the store. It becomes possible to transmit from the management apparatus 20. In addition, even when an electric power company or the like requests power saving at a specific date (time zone) on the current day or the next day, the requested first power saving rate can be transmitted to the management device 10 of each store.

  By the way, in order for the management device 10 to operate the load device 30 so as to satisfy the first power saving rate, it is necessary to determine the operation of the load device 30 according to the environmental conditions of the facility where the management device 10 is disposed. There is. In other words, the relationship between the control level registered in the control table 14 and the type and operation of the load device 30 must be set appropriately.

  On the other hand, since the remote management device 20 can communicate with a plurality of management devices 10, it is possible to collect power consumption history for each management device 10. When there are other remote management devices 20 with different management devices 10 that are communication targets, a history of power consumption for each management device 10 is collected from the other remote management devices 20.

  The collected data relating to the power consumption history is associated with the facility information regarding the characteristics of the facility, and is stored in the information storage unit 22 provided in the remote management device 20. That is, the remote management device 20 stores a large amount of data related to the power consumption history for each facility in association with the characteristics of the facility. The information stored in the information storage unit 22 receives facility information and setting information related to the characteristics of the facility from the user device 60 through the management device 10. The facility information and setting information stored in the information storage unit 22 can also be input from an information input unit 24 provided in the remote management device 20.

  The facility information is acquired from the management apparatus 10 together with the power consumption history for each facility. The facility information includes environmental information and setting information, and the environmental information includes facility information, scene information, and external environment information.

  The facility information includes information on the area where the facility exists, information on the use of the facility, information on the size of the facility, and information on the type and power capacity of the installed load device 30. The information regarding the use includes a division such as a store, an office building, and a hotel, and a division of an area 40 such as a sales floor and an office. Further, the information indicating the size is represented by the floor area of the area 40. The information regarding the type of the load device 30 represents the illumination device 301, the air conditioning device 302, and the refrigeration device 303. Information on the power capacity is divided by the floor area of the area 40 and stored in the information storage unit 22 as the power load density (capacity basic unit) per unit area. In addition, although the floor area of the area 40 can be replaced with a volume, the following description will be made using the floor area.

The power load density is information that indicates the grade of the facility and the capacity for energy saving. For example, the area 40 where the power load density of the lighting device 301 is large shows a tendency that the illuminance is high, and it can be said that there is a large energy saving energy compared to the area 40 where the illuminance is low. The same applies to the air conditioning equipment 302 and the refrigeration equipment 303. If supermarkets, the power load density of the air conditioning equipment 302 is generally are often designed at about 110W / m ^2, if the power load density is 200 W / m ² of a, a large margin for energy saving I can say that. The facility grade mainly represents the heat insulation performance of the area 40.

  The scene information represents environment information that affects the operation of the load device 30 such as a busy time zone, a spread time zone, a non-business time zone, and a power saving time zone. That is, it represents the difference in the environment mainly due to the number and attributes of the people present in the facility (different of employees and visitors).

  The external environment information represents information related to outside air temperature, humidity, solar radiation amount, and the like.

  On the other hand, the setting information is information on the environment realized by the operation of the load device 30, and here represents the set illuminance of the lighting device 301, the set temperature of the air conditioning device 302, and the set temperature of the refrigeration device.

  The remote management device 20 generates the contents of the control table 14 provided in the management device 10 using the data stored in the information storage unit 22. Therefore, a comparison unit 23 that compares the facility information of the facility where the management apparatus 10 is arranged with the facility information stored in the information storage unit 22 and evaluates the similarity according to a predetermined evaluation rule is provided. The characteristics of the facility where the load device 30 managed by the management apparatus 10 is arranged are given from the information input unit 24 to the comparison unit 23. The information input unit 24 includes a configuration for receiving facility characteristics input from a user device 60 provided in the management apparatus 10 in addition to a configuration for inputting facility characteristics using an operation unit such as a keyboard and a mouse. It may be. The function of the information input unit 24 will be described later.

  The comparison unit 23 extracts setting information using the environment information of the facility characteristics given from the information input unit 24 as a key. When the environment information used for the key is represented by characters, a record including information that matches the key is extracted. Further, when the environmental information used for the key is expressed by a numerical value such as an electric power load density or an outside air temperature, the similarity is evaluated by a predetermined evaluation rule for each type of the load device 30 and similar for each type of the load device 30. High setting information is selected. This process will be described later. It is desirable that the environmental information used for the key includes at least the facility classification, the area 40 classification, the power load density, the scene information, and the outside temperature.

  When there are a plurality of setting information extracted by the comparison unit 23 from the data stored in the information storage unit 22, the extracted setting information is transmitted to the management device 10 and presented to the user device 60. May be selected by the user.

  When the data matching the key given from the information input unit 24 cannot be extracted from the information storage unit 22, the comparison unit 23 notifies the management device 10 and prompts user intervention through the user device 60. At this time, it is desirable that the user device 60 indicates the key from which the data is extracted, and allows the user to exclude some keys.

  When the setting information can be extracted from the data stored in the information storage unit 22, the setting information set by an expert or expert can be used for a facility having similar environmental information. Therefore, by simply communicating between the management device 10 and the remote management device 20, even a user who does not have special knowledge can easily set appropriate setting information. That is, it becomes possible to determine the contents of the control table 14 in a short time using setting information suitable for the facility where the load device 30 managed by the management apparatus 10 is arranged. The remote management device 20 includes a data generation unit 25 that generates control data that is the content of the control table 14 based on the data extracted by the comparison unit 23. As described above, the contents of the control table 14 are associated with the operation of the load device 30 for each control level.

  By the way, even if all the information collected from the management apparatus 10 as the setting contents for each facility is stored in the information storage unit 22, the collected information includes information that is not control information set by a skilled person or an expert. There is a possibility. In addition, there is a possibility that control information obtained with a desired result in the facility is included even though it is not control information set by an expert or expert. Therefore, when the control data selected by the management device 10 is not changed beyond a predetermined duration (for example, 1 hour), the information storage unit 22 is in a state where this operation of the load device 30 is desirable for the user. It may be judged and recorded. That is, the information storage unit 22 stores the control information of the load device 30 when the user determines that the operation is desirable together with the facility information. Since the information stored in the information storage unit 22 in this way becomes a successful example, the possibility of being reused in other facilities becomes high.

  The remote management device 20 has a function of notifying the management device 10 of the first power saving rate notified from the above-mentioned electric power company and the like, and a function of defining the contents of the control table 14 provided in the management device 10. A function for calculating the reference power is provided. That is, the remote management device 20 includes an energy calculation unit 26 that determines the reference power and the recommended power to be given to the target evaluation unit 16 of the management device 10.

  The energy calculator 26 estimates the power consumption of the facility by computer simulation using the same information as the above-described facility characteristics. That is, the energy calculation unit 26 is realized by executing an application program for performing an energy simulation on a computer. Known application programs for energy simulation include TRNSYS and EnergyPlus.

  In order to use these application programs, the information regarding the facility given to the energy calculation unit 26 includes the heat insulation performance, the window area, the floor area, etc. of the facility or area 40. In addition, this type of information includes the power capacity of the load device 30, efficiency information indicating the energy efficiency of the load device 30, the set illuminance of the lighting device 301, the set temperature of the air conditioning device 302, the set temperature of the refrigeration device 303, and the load device. 30 operating hours are also included. Furthermore, it is necessary to give the energy calculation unit 26 weather information such as the outside temperature, humidity, and amount of solar radiation in the area where the management device 10 is arranged.

  By the way, since the energy calculation part 26 uses the application program for energy simulation, the information (parameter) which should be input into the energy calculation part 26 will be about 200-300 types. Thus, it is difficult to give a large amount of information to the energy calculation unit 26 unless it is a skilled person or an expert. Therefore, the remote management device 20 includes a parameter estimation unit 27 that automatically generates 200 to 300 types of information to be given to the energy calculation unit 26 by only inputting about 10 types of information.

  The parameter estimation unit 27 uses the information input by the user by the remote management device 20 communicating with the management device 10 and the information (parameters) given to the energy calculation unit 26 using the information stored in the information storage unit 22. ). Information input to the user device 60 attached to the management device 10 is stored in a holding unit provided in the information input unit 24. The information stored in the holding unit is information on basic conditions related to the facility such as floor area, age, facility usage (store, office, etc.), region, business hours (usage time zone), and type of load device 30. is there. Information given to the parameter estimation unit 27 is not only input from the user device 60 to the information input unit 24 but may be directly input to the information input unit 24.

  On the other hand, the information extracted by the parameter estimation unit 27 from the information storage unit 22 and used is the power load density of the load device 30 arranged for each area 40, the grade of the facility, the energy efficiency of the electrical device 30, and the area where the facility exists. , Including outside air temperature, humidity, and solar radiation. Furthermore, the parameter estimation unit 27 has a function of estimating the operation time of the load device 30 from business hours. In order to estimate the operation time from the business hours, a data table or an arithmetic expression is used.

  An operation example for reducing the power consumption in the facility using the management device 10, the remote management device 20, and the user device 60 described above will be described below.

(Operation example 1)
Below, the operation | movement which the content of the control table 14 produces | generates the remote management apparatus 20 and the operation | movement which controls the load apparatus 30 using the control table 14 in order to achieve a 1st power saving rate are demonstrated.

  As described above, when information related to the facility is given from the management device 10 to the information input unit 24, the remote management device 20 causes the comparison unit 23 to send information corresponding to the information given to the information input unit 24 to the information storage unit. 22 is extracted. The data generation unit 25 generates the contents of the control table 14 using the information extracted from the information storage unit 22 by the comparison unit 23 and transmits the contents of the control table 14 to the update unit 15 of the management apparatus 10. The update unit 15 writes the content received from the data generation unit 25 in the control table 14.

  As described above, the information provided from the management apparatus 10 to the information input unit 24 is facility information, scene information, and external environment information, and data that matches or is similar is extracted from the information storage unit 22. Therefore, setting information is extracted with the contents of these information as conditions. Since the extracted setting information is setting information set by an expert or expert, the data generation unit 25 generates the contents of the control table 14 relatively easily and appropriately by using the extracted setting information. To do.

  Thus, the data generation unit 25 automatically generates the contents of the control table 14 by using past setting information. The contents of the control table 14 can be corrected by the user by operating the user device 60.

FIG. 2 shows an example of information stored in the information storage unit 22. The illustrated example assumes a food supermarket, and the refrigeration equipment 303 represents a refrigerated showcase. In the illustrated example, a set of 10 items (No, area, scene, outside air temperature, basic unit of air conditioning capacity, basic unit of lighting capacity, basic unit of case capacity, set temperature (air conditioning), set illuminance, set temperature (case)). Is composed of records. (Area, air conditioning capacity basic unit, lighting capacity basic unit, case capacity basic unit) is equipment information, (scene) is scene information, (outside temperature) is external environment information, (set temperature (air conditioning), set illuminance, set temperature (Case)) corresponds to setting information. (No) is a number for distinguishing records. The capacity unit of the load device 30 is represented by the power load density, and the unit is W / m ² . The unit of the set temperature is ° C., and the unit of the set illuminance is lx. In the illustrated example, “case” means a refrigerated showcase.

  The expert or expert determines the operation of the load device 30 by estimating the margin of power saving for each area 40 by considering the power load density. However, it is difficult for a general user to determine the operation of the load device 30 in consideration of the power load density. In the present embodiment, since the expert or expert stores the setting information adopted for the condition combining the facility information, the scene information, and the external environment information in the information storage unit 22, by using this information, The setting information can be set easily and appropriately.

Now, in the information input unit 24, the area 40 is a sales floor, the scene is busy, the outside temperature is 29 ° C., the air conditioning capacity basic unit is 140 W / m ² , the lighting capacity basic unit is 26 W / m ² , and the case capacity basic unit is information that 200 W / ^{m 2} have been inputted. That is, it is assumed that the air conditioner 302 performs a cooling operation. The comparison unit 23 attempts to extract a record from the information storage unit 22 using this information (sales floor, busy, 29, 140, 26, 200) as a key. As described above, the comparison unit 23 generates data similar to the condition represented by the characters, and the condition represented by the numerical value is similar for each type of the load device 30.

  That is, in the example shown in the figure, since records with “No” “1” and “3” represent sales floors and busy hours, the comparison unit 23 narrows down the records to be extracted to these two records. . Next, for each load device 30 using the extracted record, the degree of similarity is evaluated using the capacity unit and the outside air temperature, and setting information corresponding to a condition with a high degree of similarity is selected, thereby setting information To decide. Here, there is no influence of the outside air temperature on the set illuminance of the lighting device 301, and there is an influence of the outside air temperature on the setting temperatures of the air conditioner 302 and the refrigeration equipment 303. Therefore, the similarity for determining the set temperature is the outside air temperature. Including and evaluating.

The two records mentioned above, the capacity per unit of the lighting apparatus 301 is a 25W / ^{m 2} and 20W / ^{m 2} DOO, similarity between 26W / ^{m 2} is set illuminance instructed from the information input unit 24 Is larger than 25 W / m ² , 750 lx which is the set illuminance of the record “1” is adopted as the set illuminance. The set temperature of the air conditioner 302 is 26 ° C., which is the set temperature of the record “3”, and the set temperature of the refrigerating machine 303 is 5 ° C., which is the set temperature of the record “1”. That is, in this example, a value corresponding to “1” is selected as the set illuminance of the lighting device 301, a value corresponding to “3” is selected as the set temperature of the air conditioner 302, and the set temperature of the refrigeration device 303 is “ The value corresponding to “1” is selected. The outside air temperature is 28 ° C. for the “1” record and 30 ° C. for the “3” record, but 30 ° C., which is the worse condition, is adopted. Accordingly, the information (sales floor, busy, 30, 150, 25, 200, 26, 750, 5) is delivered to the data generation unit 25.

  When the comparison unit 23 evaluates the similarity, when a plurality of setting information with substantially no difference is extracted, the average value of each setting information is adopted. In addition, the number of times the extracted record has been used may be stored in the information storage unit 22, and the comparison unit 23 may employ a weighted average value weighted by the number of times the record has been used as setting information. . That is, when the comparison unit 23 extracts a plurality of records from the information storage unit 22, based on the actual number of times for each setting information extracted from these records, the weighting coefficient that increases as the actual number of times increases. To calculate a weighted average value of the setting information. The weighted average value thus calculated is set as setting information to be given to the data generation unit 25. Further, when considering the utility of the user, if the user name is included in the record stored in the information storage unit 22, it is possible to narrow down the records to be selected using the user name as a key.

  By the way, when a record is extracted from the information storage unit 22 using the key specified by the information input unit 24, there is a possibility that inappropriate information is included in the key due to an input mistake or the like. Even if information is extracted from the information storage unit 22 using such inappropriate information, appropriate setting information cannot be obtained. Therefore, it is desirable that the information input unit 24 has a function of determining the contents of the key in advance and treating the given information as invalid when deviating from the appropriate information range. It is desirable to evaluate whether or not the information stored in the information storage unit 22 is within the appropriate information range, and to treat the information as invalid if it is in an inappropriate range.

  In order to determine whether the contents of the key or the information stored in the information storage unit 22 are appropriate, numerical information included in the environmental information (in the illustrated example, the outside air temperature and the capacity unit) are used as explanatory variables. A regression equation using the setting information as an objective variable may be created for each type of load device 30. When using the regression equation, the information is treated as invalid when the deviation between the setting information estimated by the regression equation with respect to the environment information and the setting information extracted by the comparison unit 23 deviates from the allowable range. You can do it.

  The information determined by the comparison unit 23 is transferred to the data generation unit 25, and the data generation unit 25 generates the contents of the control table on the basis of the information transferred from the comparison unit 23. Therefore, a new control table 14 is generated on the basis of proven information created by experts and experts in the past, and a control table 14 comparable to the control table created by experts and experts is obtained. .

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the control table 14 associates operation information for each control level with respect to the lighting device 301, the air conditioning device 302, and the refrigeration device 303. In the present embodiment, the control level can be selected from four levels of 0 to 3. Control level 0 is a control state in which no energy-saving measures are taken, control level 1 is a normal energy-saving control state, control level 2 is the most severe control state that can be routinely put up, and control level 3 is performed extraordinarily. This is a particularly severe control condition.

  In other words, the control level means a control state in which the convenience of using the load device 30 decreases as the numerical value increases. In a food supermarket, control level 1 is set to be close to normal operation and is selected during busy hours. Control level 2 is a setting for energy saving operation, and is selected in a quiet time zone. The control level 3 is selected for power saving, and the control level 4 is a so-called demand response, which is selected when responding to a second power saving rate required by an electric power company or the like. That is, the control level corresponds to the setting condition for each scene.

  As described above, the management apparatus 10 whose contents of the control table 14 are determined measures and monitors the power consumption of the facility. The evaluation unit 12 provided in the management device 10 compares the power consumption measured by the measurement device 50 with the target power set in the target setting unit 11, and based on the ratio of the power consumption to the target power, the determination period It is predicted whether the power consumption is equal to or lower than the target power at the end of the step.

  When it is predicted that the power consumption at the end of the determination period exceeds the target power, the evaluation unit 12 instructs the instruction unit to increase the control level so that the power consumption in the load device 30 is reduced. 13 On the other hand, the evaluation unit 12 uses the load device 30 when the power consumption at the end of the determination period is less than the target power and the difference between the target power and the power consumption is predicted to be a predetermined value or more. The instruction unit 13 is instructed to lower the control level so as to improve the convenience.

  The instruction unit 13 instructs the load device 30 to determine the operation state according to the control level by checking the control level against the control table 14. Here, even if the evaluation unit 12 selects the control level 3, if it is predicted that the power consumption still exceeds the target power, the content that prompts the user device 60 to stop some of the load devices 30 is displayed. To present. The content to be presented to the user device 60 is read from the presentation content storage unit 18 and output to the user device 60 through the presentation control unit 17. For example, the output to the user device 60 employs a format that displays a warning message on the screen of the user device 60 as “the demand will be exceeded as it is, so please stop the operation of the surrounding load devices”. . Further, a plurality of characters (icons) may be switched and displayed on the screen of the user device 60 so that the urgency level can be intuitively understood according to the control level employed.

(Operation example 2)
The operation example 1 has been described focusing on the process of generating the contents of the control table 14 based on the environment information input by the user from the user device 60. In this operation, the content of the control table 14 is generated based on the information extracted from the information storage unit 22 using the evaluation rule in the comparison unit 23, but the generated content is not verified.

  Below, the operation | movement which gives the content of the control table 14 which the data generation part 25 produced | generated to the energy calculation part 26, and performs an energy simulation is demonstrated. That is, the remote management device 20 inputs the control data (contents of the control table 14) generated by the data generation unit 25 to the energy calculation unit 26 together with the facility environment information. The environment information input to the energy calculation unit 26 includes information necessary for energy simulation such as facility use classification, area 40 classification, external environment information, scene information, power load density, and energy efficiency of the load device 30. Including. The energy calculator 26 calculates recommended power, which is the lowest power that does not cause a failure in the operation of the facility, by energy simulation.

  The target evaluation unit 16 of the management device 10 compares the recommended power, which is the minimum power for realizing the environmental state for operating the facility without problems, with the target power determined by the reference power and the power saving rate. When the target power is smaller than the recommended power, the target evaluation unit 16 determines that the requested power saving rate is difficult to realize and alerts the user through the user device 60. In order to call attention by the user device 60, for example, the background screen of the user device 60 is changed from blue to red, a notification sound is output from the user device 60, or displayed on the user device 60. What is necessary is just to change the form of the icon to perform.

  The feasible recommended power is determined by using a regression equation that obtains the maximum power per day using the power load density and the maximum daily temperature of the outside air temperature as explanatory variables. This regression equation is obtained by extracting information on a facility having a similar use and configuration of the load device 30 managed by the management device 10 from the information storage unit 22 and using the extracted information. Determined. In order to actually obtain the recommended power, the maximum value of the power load density is predicted by fitting the expected maximum temperature on the corresponding day to the above regression equation in the facility where the management device 10 is installed. Multiply the area of the facility by the maximum power load density. Since the result of this calculation is considered to be the maximum power for the corresponding day at the corresponding facility, this value is used as the recommended recommended power.

  As described above, the energy calculator 26 predicts and obtains recommended power that does not hinder the facility operation by energy simulation. The target evaluation unit 16 compares the target power corresponding to the power saving rate set using the user device 60 with the recommended power, and evaluates the feasibility of the target power. As described above, if the target power is difficult to realize, the presentation control unit 17 alerts the user through the user device 60, so that the user can set an appropriate power saving rate.

  In addition, in order to provide the user device 60 with intuitive and easy-to-understand information for the user, as shown in FIG. 4, the screen display is changed according to the ratio of the current power consumption to the target power. It is desirable. For example, an icon 61 representing the face is displayed on the screen of the user device 60, and the expression of the icon 61 is changed according to the current power consumption with respect to the target power. In this example, the icon 61 represents a smile if the power consumption (integrated value) has a margin with respect to the target power (for example, 80% or less), and the power consumption with respect to the target power is a predetermined threshold ( For example, if it exceeds 90%), a crying face may be represented. The target evaluation unit 16 determines the ratio of the current power consumption to the target power.

  In addition, a straight line whose slope is determined by the target power and the judgment period is set, and when the power consumption (integrated value) is below the straight line in the judgment period, it indicates that the target is approaching the target consumption. If the power is above the straight line, it may indicate that the target is far from being achieved. That is, two regions for determining the transition of power consumption (integrated value) by the straight line are set as the determination period, and the icon 61 is displayed depending on whether the power consumption (integrated value) is an upper region or a lower region of the straight line. The display may be switched.

  A plurality of straight lines may be set for the determination period. As described above, two states can be determined by setting one straight line. On the other hand, for example, assuming that the target power is 100%, three lines are set: a straight line that reaches 120% of the target power, a straight line that reaches 80% of the target power, and a straight line that reaches 100% of the target power. If so, four states can be determined. The icon 61 may be associated with a form for each area divided by three straight lines. Further, it is not essential that the icon 61 is a facial expression, and an appropriate character may be used. The concept of the form of the icon 61 includes not only the shape but also the size and color.

  Further, if the ratio of the power consumption (integrated value) with respect to the target power exceeds the above threshold when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the determination period described above, the target power may be exceeded at the end of the determination period. From this, the user is notified so as to limit the operation of the appropriate load device 30. This notification is performed by displaying a message on the screen of the user device 60 or outputting a notification sound.

  As described above, if the degree of power consumption with respect to the target power is notified by changing the form of the icon 61, the user can intuitively understand the notification. In addition, the display part 62 which shows a power saving rate is provided in the lower part of the screen of the user apparatus 60 shown in FIG. The display unit 62 represents the lower limit value of the power saving rate by a broken-line square, and the realized power saving rate is represented by a solid-line square.

  The power saving rate employed in the management device 10 needs to consider the power saving rate instructed from the remote management device 20. Therefore, in the example illustrated in FIG. 4, information indicating whether the current power saving rate is set to the management device 10 or the remote management device 20 is displayed on the screen of the user device 60 (“ "Server" indicates the power saving rate from the remote management device 20).

  In the operation example 2, in order to adjust the power saving rate instructed from the remote management device 20 while allowing the facility manager to set the power saving rate using the user device 60, the management device 10 The operating state of the load device 30 to be managed is fed back. Further, the relationship between the target power and the power consumption is determined so that the power saving rate set by the user such as the facility manager from the user device 60 does not interfere with the operation of the facility. Such an operation is performed by the target evaluation unit 16. In other words, the target evaluation unit 16 adjusts the power saving rate so that the power saving rate set by the user and the power saving rate set by the remote management device 20 are balanced, and both the power saving and the operation in the facility are compatible. .

(Operation example 3)
As described as the configuration of the management device 10, the target setting unit 11 of the management device 10 uses the first target power corresponding to the power saving rate instructed from the remote management device 20 and the facility manager through the user device 60. The second target power corresponding to the power saving rate set by the user is set. Therefore, it can be considered that the first target power and the second target power compete with each other. In order to avoid contention, the target setting unit 11 includes a target selection unit 114 that selects one of the first target power and the second target power. Below, the procedure for selecting the target power when the first target power and the second target power compete with each other will be described.

  Now, it is assumed that the remote management device 20 has an event of power saving on the current day or the next day due to a request from an electric power company or the like. In this case, a power saving period (date and time) for power saving and a power saving rate are instructed from the remote management device 20 to the required management device 10. Upon receiving the power saving rate from the remote management device 20, the management device 10 calculates the first target power based on the power saving rate, and stores the first target power in the first setting unit 111 together with the power saving period. .

  On the other hand, when a user such as a facility manager inputs a power saving period and a power saving rate using the user device 60, the second target power is calculated from the power saving rate, and the second target power is the power saving. It is stored in the second setting unit 112 together with the period.

  The target setting unit 11 refers to the current date and time measured by a clock unit (not shown) built in the management apparatus 10, and operates the load device 30 without power saving if the referenced date and time is not a power saving period. Let Moreover, the target setting part 11 will operate the load apparatus 30 so that it may correspond to the 1st or 2nd target electric power according to the applicable power saving period, if the referred date and time is a power saving period.

  Here, if the power saving period set in the first setting unit 111 and the power saving period set in the second setting unit 112 overlap, the target selection unit 114 satisfies both target powers. Furthermore, the smaller one of the first target power and the second target power is adopted as the target power. In other words, the target selection unit 114 employs a larger power saving rate.

  Generally, the second power saving rate set using the user device 60 is considered to be smaller than the first power saving rate requested from the remote management device 20, and depending on the type of the load device 30 used in the facility If the first power saving rate is adopted, an operational obstacle may occur. For example, in a food supermarket, if the power consumption of the refrigeration equipment 303 that stores food that needs to be refrigerated or frozen is not maintained, the food will deteriorate and hinder the operation.

  Therefore, when a small power saving rate is intentionally input using the user device 60 during the power saving period in which the power saving rate requested from the remote management device 20 is implemented, the target selection unit 114 has an operational obstacle. The power saving rate input from the user device 60 is preferentially used. For example, when power saving is requested from the remote management device 20, the power saving rate set by the user device 60 is 15% before the start of the power saving period, but is reduced to 5% after the start of the power saving period. If saved, the power saving rate will be 5%. Note that even when the power saving rate set by the user device 60 is 0% before the start of the power saving period, the target selection unit 114 determines that power saving causes an operational obstacle and saves power. Absent.

  However, if the second power saving rate set by the user device 60 is always used preferentially, the second power saving rate is abused and the first power saving rate set from the remote management device 20 is not used. there is a possibility. Therefore, it is desirable to attach permission conditions for using the second power saving rate set from the user device 60 in preference to the first power saving rate set from the remote management device 20.

  The permission condition is, for example, that the integrated value of power consumption within the determination period (usually 30 minutes) for determining the unit price of the electricity bill reaches 90% or more of the upper limit value set for the determination period. This permission condition permits the use of the second power saving rate as a countermeasure when the demand power (demand) at the facility approaches a peak (upper limit value). Further, the permission condition may be that the internal temperature of any of the refrigeration devices 303 is higher than a predetermined reference temperature. This permission condition permits the use of the second power saving rate as a countermeasure for preventing deterioration of food due to an increase in the internal temperature of the refrigerator device 303. Thus, only when the permission condition is satisfied, the second power saving rate is prevented from being abused by allowing the second power saving rate to be used in preference to the first power saving rate.

  By the operation described above, when a user such as a facility manager who is entrusted with field operation determines that it is difficult to save power at the power saving rate instructed from the remote management device 20 in the operation of the facility, The power saving rate can be reduced. In addition, since the restriction by the permission condition is added, when the first power saving rate is set from the remote management device 20 by a social request, the second set by the user if the permission condition is not satisfied. The abuse of the second power saving rate can be suppressed by not using the power saving rate.

(Operation example 4)
The remote management device 20 includes an energy calculation unit 26 that performs energy simulation by computer simulation. Depending on the scale of the facility, 200 to 300 types of information are required for the energy calculator 26 to accurately perform the energy simulation. It is difficult for general users such as facility managers to set such a large number of pieces of information correctly according to the facility, and it is difficult to perform energy simulations unless they are skilled workers or experts. .

  On the other hand, this embodiment makes it possible to generate a large number of pieces of information necessary for calculation by the energy calculation unit 26 from a small number of pieces of input information by the parameter estimation unit 27 provided in the remote management device 20. Yes. That is, it is possible to perform an energy simulation even by a user who is not an expert or an expert only by giving about 10 pieces of input information to the parameter estimation unit 27.

  The input information given to the parameter estimation unit 27 is information that can be easily known by the user among the environmental information. The input information includes the floor area of the facility, the age of the facility, the use classification of the facility, the geographical area where the facility exists, the business hours of the facility, and the type of the load device 30 arranged in the facility. The listed input information is the minimum necessary information and can be easily obtained by a user.

  When the input information is given, the parameter estimation unit 27 collects information necessary for the calculation in the energy calculation unit 26 from the information storage unit 22 by referring to various information stored in the information storage unit 22.

  As described above, the information stored in the information storage unit 22 includes the power load density (or power capacity) of the load device 30 arranged for each area 40, the heat insulation performance and floor area of the area 40, and the electric device 30. Energy efficiency, facility grade, energy efficiency of electrical equipment 30, area where the facility is located, outside temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and the like. Furthermore, the parameter estimation unit 27 has a function of estimating the operation time of the load device 30 from business hours. In order to estimate the operation time from the business hours, a data table or an arithmetic expression stored in the information storage unit 22 is used.

  The information storage unit 22 can use the size (scale unit) for the refrigeration equipment 303 instead of the power capacity. The refrigeration equipment 303 is often expressed in units of scale in industry customs, and since the power capacity of the refrigeration equipment 303 and the floor area of the area 40 are not directly related, the power load density is used rather than the power load density. The accuracy of estimating the power capacity is higher when the scale unit is used. When using the scale unit for the refrigeration equipment 303, the user may roughly estimate the number of scales in which the refrigeration equipment 303 is arranged from the layout of the area 40.

  That is, when the input information described above is given, the parameter estimation unit 27 collates the input information with various information stored in the information storage unit 22 and evaluates the similarity with the input information, thereby calculating the energy calculation unit 26. Estimate the information given to. In other words, the parameter estimation unit 27 collates a small number of pieces of information with a large number of pieces of information stored in the information storage unit 22, thereby obtaining a small number of pieces of information necessary for energy simulation in the energy calculation unit 26. Expand into information.

    In addition to the information described above, the information storage unit 22 stores standard information on the ceiling height, window area ratio, and the like, and standard information on the insulation performance of walls and windows for each geographical area. doing. Therefore, given as input information to the parameter estimation unit 27, the floor area of the facility, the age of the facility, the classification of the usage of the facility, and the geographical area where the facility exists, the ceiling height of the facility necessary for the energy simulation Information such as window area and heat insulation performance can be obtained.

  In addition, the information storage unit 22 stores external environment information such as outside air temperature, humidity, and amount of solar radiation classified for each region, and the parameter estimation unit 27 is given the region where the facility exists as input information. And output external environment information.

  In addition to the facility information, scene information, and external environment information, the information storage unit 22 stores setting information regarding the load device 30. Therefore, the setting information of the load device 30 corresponding to the facility can be extracted by searching the facility information, the scene information, and the external environment information using the input information of the parameter estimation unit 27 as a key.

  When a plurality of information is extracted from the information storage unit 22 with respect to the input information, the parameter estimation unit 27 narrows down the information by majority vote if it is non-numeric information, and average value if it is numeric information Etc. are used. The operating time of the load device 30 is extracted from the information storage unit 22 based on the business hours of the facility. The information storage unit 22 stores a reference value for the operation time of the load device 30 and a correction value corresponding to the business hours. When the parameter business unit 27 is given the business hours of the facility as input information, The operation time of the load device 30 corresponding to the business hours is calculated for each area 40.

  For example, in a store whose business hours are from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, 1 to 2 hours before the start of the business hours is a preparation time before opening the store, and 1 to 2 hours after the end of the business hours is a cleanup time after the store is closed. become. Here, in the preparation time, if the lighting device 301 is turned on so as to secure an illuminance of a workable level and the air conditioning device 302 is stopped, the operation time of the air conditioning device 302 matches the business hours. The device 301 must be in an operating state necessary for work for 1-2 hours outside business hours. In addition, the refrigeration equipment 303 needs to continue operation regardless of business hours except for the interior lighting during the period in which the goods are stored in the interior.

  On the other hand, stores that are open 24 hours are preparing for replenishment of goods and cleaning for the time when the number of visitors increases at night (from 0:00 am to 5:00 am) when there are few visitors regardless of business hours. . Therefore, it is only necessary to continue the operation without stopping the lighting device 301 and the air conditioning device 302.

  Accordingly, if a correction value corresponding to the business hours is stored in the information storage unit 22 for a store that is not open 24 hours, the parameter estimation unit 27 sets the operation time of the load device 30 to the business hours of the facility. Can be estimated accordingly.

  The information storage unit 22 stores energy efficiency (equipment efficiency) for each type of load device 30. For example, in the case of the air conditioner 302, the energy efficiency is represented by the relationship between the outside air temperature and the device efficiency (COP: Coefficient Of Performance). Accordingly, when the external environment information is estimated from the facility area, the parameter estimation unit 27 estimates the equipment efficiency using the outside air temperature included in the external environment information.

  By the way, the parameter estimation unit 27 estimates information necessary for energy simulation in the energy calculation unit 26 from the input information. Therefore, if the information amount of the input information increases, the estimation accuracy of information given to the energy calculation unit 26 increases. . Therefore, it is conceivable that a user such as a skilled person or an expert who has knowledge of energy simulation intends to directly input a large number of pieces of information to the energy calculation unit 26 in order to improve the accuracy of the energy simulation. . Therefore, the energy calculation unit 26 allows a large number of pieces of information to be directly input by an expert or expert. That is, when all the input information included in the facility information is input from the information input unit 24, the energy calculation unit 26 calculates the recommended power without using the parameter generated by the parameter estimation unit 27. The energy calculation unit 26 may calculate the reference power together with the recommended power.

In addition, when a large number of pieces of information are directly input to the energy calculation unit 26 by a skilled person or an expert, the contents of the information storage unit 22 can be updated. For example, when the power capacity is directly input as 150 kW for the air conditioner 302 arranged on the sales floor having a floor area of 1000 m ² to the energy calculation unit 26, this air conditioning capacity basic unit is 150 W / m ² . . The value obtained in this way is stored in the information storage unit 22. That is, information directly input to the energy calculation unit 26 by a skilled person or an expert is stored in the information storage unit 22 and used for subsequent estimation by the parameter estimation unit 27. Therefore, new information is added to the information stored in the information storage unit 22 as needed. Here, if old information of a predetermined period before the added information is deleted from the information storage unit 22, the information stored in the information storage unit 22 is prevented from being obsolete.

  When the parameter estimation unit 27 generates information used for the energy simulation based on the input information, the energy calculation unit 26 performs the energy simulation using the purpose and effect of energy saving as a constraint condition. Through this simulation, the energy calculation unit 26 calculates the target power for the facility indicated by the input information.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Management apparatus 11 Target setting part 12 Evaluation part 13 Instruction part 14 Control table 15 Update part 16 Target evaluation part 17 Presentation control part 18 Presentation content storage part 20 Remote management apparatus 21 Target instruction part 22 Information storage part 23 Comparison part 24 Information input Unit 25 Data generation unit 26 Energy calculation unit 27 Parameter estimation unit 30 Load device 31, 32 Load device 40 Area 41, 42 Area 50 Measuring device 60 User device 61 Icon 301 Lighting device 302 Air conditioning device 303 Refrigeration device

Claims (7)

A management device that controls the operation of the load device according to a target power saving rate in a facility where a plurality of load devices are arranged;
A remote management device that communicates with the management device and provides control data to control the operation of the load device to the management device;
The remote management device is:
An information storage unit storing a record in which facility information relating to characteristics of the facility respectively obtained from a plurality of facilities is associated with setting information which is environment information realized by the operation of the load device; ,
An information input unit for inputting the facility information of the facility where the load device managed by the management device is arranged;
A comparison unit that extracts the setting information from the record that is determined to be similar to the facility information that is input from the information input unit and the facility information that is stored in the information storage unit;
An energy management device comprising: a data generation unit configured to generate the control data to be provided to the management device by using the setting information extracted from the information storage unit by the comparison unit.   The information storage unit stores the control information together with the facility information when the control data used by the management device is not changed beyond a predetermined duration. Energy management equipment. The information storage unit stores the actual number of times used for the record adopted by the comparison unit in the extraction of the setting information,
When the comparison unit extracts a plurality of records from the information storage unit, the comparison unit obtains a weighted average value weighted by the actual number of times for each setting information extracted from these records, and calculates the weighted average value. The energy management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information is given to the data generation unit.   The energy management according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information input unit receives the facility information and the setting information from a user device attached to the management device and operated by a user. apparatus.   The energy management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information input unit has a function of inputting the facility information and the setting information to the information storage unit.   The management apparatus used for the energy management apparatus of any one of Claims 1-5.   A remote management device used for the energy management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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