JP6299326B2 - Device management apparatus, device management method, device management program, and device management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a device management apparatus, a device management method, a device management program, and a device management system, and more particularly to a device management device, a device management method, a device management program, and a device management system that manage power consumption of a device.

  A device management system that manages a plurality of devices by communicating with various devices in general homes has been developed (for example, “ECHONET Lite Standard Ver 1.10”, Echonet Consortium, issued on May 31, 2013) (Refer nonpatent literature 1).

"ECHONET Lite Standard Ver 1.10", Echonet Consortium, issued on May 31, 2013 “Smart Energy Profile 2 Application Protocol Standard”, ZigBee Alliance, Inc. and HomePlug Powerline Alliance, Inc. April 2013

  By the way, for example, an electric power company issues a demand response (DR: Demand Response) to an electric power consumer when it is necessary to reduce electric power consumption in a time zone or the like where tightness of electric power supply and demand is expected.

  When a DR is issued, in the device management system as described above, for example, the device management device consumes each device such as an air conditioner, a refrigerator, and a TV installed in the home in order to reduce the power consumption of the entire home. Set power targets.

  Then, by communicating with each device, the device management apparatus changes the operation content of each device so that the power consumption of each device in the time zone in which power consumption should be reduced becomes the target value.

  However, the device management apparatus cannot control the operation of the device when it cannot communicate with some devices due to an abnormality in the communication path or the like even when the power consumption target is set for each device. It may not be possible to reduce the power consumption of the entire home.

  This invention was made in order to solve the above-mentioned subject, The objective is the apparatus management apparatus and apparatus which can implement | achieve reduction of power consumption more reliably by controlling each apparatus appropriately. A management method, a device management program, and a device management system are provided.

  (1) In order to solve the above-described problem, an apparatus management apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an apparatus management apparatus that manages a plurality of apparatuses, and acquires operation information indicating operation contents of each of the apparatuses. An information acquisition unit; a management information acquisition unit that acquires power management information related to power consumption; and a device control unit that transmits control information including a target of power consumption of the device to the device based on the power management information. And the device control unit determines, based on the operation information, that the consumption of power supplied from a predetermined power supply source is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and that there is a device that cannot communicate with the device management apparatus. If so, the power consumption target of the other device is increased.

  (4) In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a device management method according to an aspect of the present invention is a device management method for managing a plurality of devices, and a step of acquiring operation information indicating operation contents of each of the devices. Acquiring power management information related to power consumption, transmitting control information including a target of power consumption of the device to the device based on the power management information, and predetermined based on the operation information A step of increasing the power consumption target of the other device when it is determined that there is a device that is unable to communicate with the power consumed by the power supply source.

  (5) In order to solve the above-described problem, a device management program according to an aspect of the present invention is a device management program for managing a plurality of devices, and stores operation information indicating operation contents of each device on a computer. Obtaining power management information relating to power consumption, transmitting control information including a target of power consumption of the device to the device based on the power management information, and based on the operation information And when the consumption of power supplied from a predetermined power supply source is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and there is the device that cannot communicate, increasing the target of the power consumption of the other device; Is a program for executing

  (6) In order to solve the above-described problem, a device management system according to an aspect of the present invention is a device management system that manages a plurality of devices, and that acquires operation information indicating the operation content of each of the devices. An information acquisition unit; a management information acquisition unit that acquires power management information related to power consumption; and a device control unit that transmits control information including a target of power consumption of the device to the device based on the power management information. And the device control unit determines, based on the operation information, that the consumption of power supplied from a predetermined power supply source is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and that there is the device that is unable to communicate, Increase the power consumption target of the device.

  The present invention can be realized not only as a device management apparatus including such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the device management apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to more reliably realize power consumption reduction by appropriately controlling each device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the device management apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a power saving schedule created when a device is operating normally in the device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power saving schedule created when a device is operating normally in the device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a change in target power consumption when some of the devices in the device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention cannot communicate. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power saving schedule in a case where some of the devices in the device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention cannot communicate. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a change in power consumption target when some of the devices are turned off in the device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. . FIG. 8 shows a power saving schedule in a case where some of the devices in the device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention that have received control information and are in a power saving state are turned off. It is a figure which shows an example. FIG. 9 is a flowchart that defines an example of an operation procedure when the device management apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention receives power management information and controls each device. FIG. 10 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when the device management apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention receives power management information and controls each device. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a device management system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a device central management server according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the contents of the embodiment of the present invention will be listed and described.

  (1) A device management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device management apparatus that manages a plurality of devices, and includes a device information acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operation content of each of the devices, and power consumption A management information acquisition unit that acquires power management information regarding, and a device control unit that transmits control information including a target of power consumption of the device to the device based on the power management information, the device control unit includes: When it is determined based on the operation information that the consumption of power supplied from a predetermined power supply source is a predetermined value or more and communication with the device management apparatus is present, the other device Increase the power consumption target.

  With such a configuration, for example, even when a device that cannot be controlled because communication is performed despite receiving power supply, other devices can be used so that power consumption can be further reduced. Therefore, the overall power consumption target can be achieved. Therefore, the power consumption can be more reliably reduced by appropriately controlling each device.

  (2) Preferably, when the device control unit determines that there is the device whose power consumption from the power supply source is equal to or less than a predetermined value based on the operation information, the consumption of the other device Lower power goals.

  With such a configuration, for example, when a device no longer consumes power, the power consumption of other devices can be further tolerated, so the overall power consumption can be reduced while reducing the user's power saving burden. The goal can be achieved.

  (3) Preferably, the device information acquisition unit acquires, as the operation information, a monitoring result of communication operation and a monitoring result of power consumption of the device, and the device control unit, based on each monitoring result, It is determined whether or not there is a device that consumes power supplied from the power supply source equal to or greater than a predetermined value and cannot communicate with the device management apparatus.

  With such a configuration, the power consumption target can be changed more accurately using the power consumption of the device and the monitoring result of the communication operation.

  (4) A device management method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device management method for managing a plurality of devices, the step of acquiring operation information indicating the operation content of each of the devices, and power management related to power consumption. A step of acquiring information, a step of transmitting control information including a target of power consumption of the device to the device based on the power management information, and a supply from a predetermined power supply source based on the operation information. And increasing the power consumption target of another device when it is determined that there is the device that is unable to communicate with a device whose power consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

  By such a method, for example, even when a device that cannot be controlled because communication is performed despite being operated with power supply, other devices can be used so that power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, the overall power consumption target can be achieved. Therefore, the power consumption can be more reliably reduced by appropriately controlling each device.

  (5) A device management program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device management program for managing a plurality of devices, the step of acquiring operation information indicating the operation content of each device from a computer, and power consumption Obtaining power management information related to the device; transmitting control information including a power consumption target of the device to the device based on the power management information; and a predetermined power supply source based on the operation information A program for executing a step of increasing the power consumption target of the other device when it is determined that there is the device whose power consumption supplied from the device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and communication is impossible is there.

  With such a configuration, for example, even when a device that cannot be controlled because communication is performed despite receiving power supply, other devices can be used so that power consumption can be further reduced. Therefore, the overall power consumption target can be achieved. Therefore, the power consumption can be more reliably reduced by appropriately controlling each device.

  (6) A device management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device management system that manages a plurality of devices, and includes a device information acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operation content of each of the devices, and power consumption. A management information acquisition unit that acquires power management information regarding, and a device control unit that transmits control information including a target of power consumption of the device to the device based on the power management information, the device control unit includes: When it is determined that the consumption of power supplied from a predetermined power supply source is equal to or greater than a predetermined value based on the operation information and there is a device that cannot communicate, the power consumption of the other device Increase the goal.

  With such a configuration, for example, even when a device that cannot be controlled because communication is performed despite receiving power supply, other devices can be used so that power consumption can be further reduced. Therefore, the overall power consumption target can be achieved. Therefore, the power consumption can be more reliably reduced by appropriately controlling each device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated. Moreover, you may combine arbitrarily at least one part of embodiment described below.

<First Embodiment>
[Configuration and basic operation]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the device management system 101 includes a power management server 10, a device management apparatus 11, a plurality of devices 12, a plurality of taps 13, a distribution board 14, and a smart meter 15. The device management system 101 is, for example, a HEMS (Home Energy Management System).

  The power management server 10 is installed, for example, in an electric power company, and transmits power management information to the device management apparatus 11 via, for example, the Internet.

  The power management information is, for example, information related to power consumption transmitted to the device management apparatus 11 when a power company issues a demand response, and information indicating that power supply is tight, by day or by time zone This is information such as electricity bill information or a power saving request for power consumption of the entire house where the device management apparatus 11 is installed.

  The device management apparatus 11, the device 12, the tap 13, the distribution board 14, and the smart meter 15 are installed in the house 5 which is a house, for example. The device 12 is an electrical device such as an air conditioner, a television, or a refrigerator, and can communicate with the device management apparatus 11. The house 5 is not limited to a house but may be a commercial building or a factory.

  For example, the device management apparatus 11 transmits polling information to the device 12 when polling the device 12. Upon receiving the polling information from the device management apparatus 11, the device 12 transmits the polling response information to the device management apparatus 11 as a response to the received polling information. For example, the device 12 manages the status information indicating its own operation state. Transmit to device 11.

  The configuration in which the device management apparatus 11 polls the device 12 is not limited, and a configuration in which the device 12 polls the device management device 11 may be used. In this case, the device 12 transmits polling information to the device management apparatus 11. When receiving the polling information from the device 12, the device management apparatus 11 transmits the polling response information to the device 12 as a response to the received polling information.

  The tap 13 is installed for each device 12, for example, and supplies power from the distribution board 14 to the corresponding device 12 through itself. The tap 13 includes a power sensor and a communication module, measures the power supplied to the device 12, that is, the power consumption of the device 12, and transmits power measurement information indicating the measurement result to the device management apparatus 11.

  The smart meter 15 acquires, for example, overall power information indicating the power consumption of the entire house 5 from the distribution board 14 and transmits it to the power management server 10. Further, the smart meter 15 transmits the acquired total power information to the device management apparatus 11. The smart meter 15 and the device management apparatus 11 may communicate directly with each other by, for example, Wi-SUN (registered trademark), or may communicate with each other via the distribution board 14 by PLC (Power Line Communication).

  Based on the power management information received from the power management server 10, the device management apparatus 11 sets a target value of power consumption for the entire house 5 (hereinafter also referred to as an overall target value). And the apparatus management apparatus 11 is based on the electric power measurement information received from the tap 13, and the total electric power information received from the smart meter 15, for example, so that the electric power consumption of the house 5 becomes an overall target value. Create a power saving schedule.

  The power saving schedule indicates, for example, information indicating a time at which power saving should be started and a time at which power saving should be ended, and a target of power consumption in a period during which power saving is performed. The target of power consumption is represented by, for example, a target power consumption value (hereinafter also referred to as target power consumption), or a ratio of power consumption to be reduced compared to the normal time.

  The device management apparatus 11 controls each device 12 based on the power saving schedule created by itself. Specifically, the device management apparatus 11 transmits control information including a target of power consumption to the device 12 at the time when power saving should be started, for example, as indicated by the power saving schedule.

  The device 12 receives the control information from the device management apparatus 11 and changes its operation content so that the power consumption target included in the received control information matches its own power consumption. Hereinafter, a state in which the device 12 is operating so as to match the power consumption target included in the received control information with its own power consumption is also referred to as a power saving state.

  Specifically, for example, the device management apparatus 11 transmits control information including “600 W” as a power consumption target to the air conditioner that is the device 12. Here, it is assumed that the air conditioner normally consumes 1000 W of power.

  The air conditioner receives control information from the device management apparatus 11 and adjusts its “air volume” and “set temperature” so that its power consumption is 600 W.

  The device management system 101 is not limited to the configuration including the tap 13 and may include a power meter instead of the tap 13. In this case, the power meter measures the power consumption of the corresponding device 12, and transmits information indicating the measurement result to the device management apparatus 11 as power measurement information. In this case, the device 12 directly receives power from the distribution board 14.

  The distribution board 14 may measure the power consumption of each device 12 and transmit information indicating the measurement result to the device management apparatus 11 as power measurement information.

  Further, the device 12 may measure its own power consumption and transmit information indicating the measurement result to the device management apparatus 11 as power measurement information.

  In addition, when each device 12 measures its own power consumption, the device management apparatus 11 may acquire information indicating the measurement result as power measurement information by accessing each device 12.

  In addition, the device management apparatus 11 is not limited to the configuration in which the power measurement information is directly received from the transmission source device such as the tap 13, but may be received from a server or the like via an external network.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the device management apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the device management apparatus 11 includes a management information acquisition unit 21, a device information acquisition unit 22, and a device control unit 23. The device information acquisition unit 22 includes a communication unit 25 and a power information acquisition unit 26.

  The management information acquisition unit 21 receives power management information from the power management server 10 and sends the received power management information to the device control unit 23.

  The device information acquisition unit 22 acquires operation information indicating the operation content of each device 12. Specifically, the device information acquisition unit 22 acquires a communication operation monitoring result and a power consumption monitoring result of each device 12 as operation information. Then, the device information acquisition unit 22 sends the acquired operation information to the device control unit 23.

  Specifically, in the device information acquisition unit 22, the communication unit 25 communicates with each device 12 and monitors the communication operation of each device 12, for example, whether communication is possible.

  In the device information acquisition unit 22, the power information acquisition unit 26 receives power measurement information from each tap 13, for example, and monitors the power consumption of each device 12 using the received power measurement information. The power information acquisition unit 26 may receive the overall power information from the smart meter 15 and monitor the power consumption of each device 12 using the received overall power information.

  Based on the power management information received from the management information acquisition unit 21, the device control unit 23 sets, for each device 12, a power saving schedule indicating a target of power consumption, a time to start power saving, and a time to end power saving. create. The device control unit 23 refers to the created power saving schedule, and transmits control information including the power consumption target of each device 12 to each device 12 when it is time to start power saving.

[Communication failure]
Based on the operation information received from the device information acquisition unit 22, the device control unit 23 consumes power supplied from a predetermined power supply source, for example, the distribution board 14, and the device management apparatus 11 When it is determined that there is a device 12 that can no longer communicate with the device, the power consumption target of the other device 12 is changed to be higher.

  Here, “to increase the power consumption target” specifically means to make the power consumption target more strict. For example, if the power consumption target is expressed as a power value, that is, the target power consumption value, this value should be made smaller, and the power consumption target should be reduced compared to the normal time. In the case of being expressed by the ratio, it is to increase the ratio.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a power saving schedule created when a device is operating normally in the device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 3 shows a case where two devices 12 </ b> A and 12 </ b> B are under the device management apparatus 11 as the devices 12. Referring to FIG. 3, device 12 </ b> A and device 12 </ b> B are in an on state, for example, a state in which power is supplied from distribution board 14 when the power switch is on. Further, the device 12A and the device 12B are in communication with the device management apparatus 11.

  In this state, the device control unit 23 of the device management apparatus 11 creates power saving schedules for the devices 12A and 12B.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power saving schedule created when a device is operating normally in the device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the level of power consumption. Referring to FIG. 4, a graph G <b> 11 shows the device control unit 23 of the device management apparatus 11 in a state as illustrated in FIG. 3 in which the device 12 </ b> A and the device 12 </ b> B are in the on state and are in communication with the device management apparatus 11. Shows a power saving schedule of the device 12A created by the above.

  The graph G12 shows the state of the device 12B created by the device control unit 23 of the device management apparatus 11 in a state as shown in FIG. 3 in which the device 12A and the device 12B are in the on state and are communicating with the device management apparatus 11. The power saving schedule is shown.

  Here, it is assumed that the device control unit 23 determines that power saving is unnecessary until 13:00 and determines that power saving is required after 13:00 based on the power management information.

  Referring to graph G11, the target power consumption from 12 o'clock to 13 o'clock of device 12A is set to level W13, which is the level of normal power consumption of device 12A, for example. And target power consumption after 13:00 of apparatus 12A is set to level W14 lower than level W13.

  With reference to the graph G12, the target power consumption of the device 12B from 12:00 to 13:00 is set to, for example, a level W11 that is a normal power consumption level of the device 12B. And the target power consumption after 13:00 of the apparatus 12B is set to the level W12 lower than the level W11.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a change in target power consumption when some of the devices in the device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention cannot communicate.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the device 12 </ b> A is in an on state from a state in which it is operating normally, that is, in an on state and communicating with the device management apparatus 11, for example, due to a communication path abnormality. Transition to a communication abnormal state in which communication with the device management apparatus 11 is not possible. On the other hand, the device 12B is in a normally operating state and continues this state.

  The device control unit 23 of the device management apparatus 11 determines that the device 12 is in an ON state when, for example, the power supplied from the distribution board 14 to the device 12, that is, when the power consumption in the device 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. To do. The predetermined value is, for example, the minimum value in the range of power consumed by the device 12 in normal operation. The predetermined value may be a value near zero watts.

  Even if the device control unit 23 creates a power saving schedule for the devices 12A and 12B that are operating normally, the device 12B transitions to the communication abnormal state before transmitting the control information. Change the power saving schedule to set a higher target for power consumption.

  That is, when the device control unit 23 determines that a device 12 in an abnormal communication state has occurred before transmitting control information, even when a power saving schedule is created for each device 12 operating normally. The power saving schedule of other devices 12 other than the device 12 is changed to set the power consumption target high.

  For example, the device control unit 23 is turned on based on the monitoring result of the communication operation of each device 12 by the communication unit 25 and the monitoring result of the power consumption of each device 12 by the power information acquisition unit 26, and It is determined that there is a device 12 that cannot communicate with the management apparatus 11.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power saving schedule in a case where some of the devices in the device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention cannot communicate.

  In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the level of power consumption. Referring to FIG. 6, graph G13 shows the power consumption of device 12A when device 12A transitions to a communication abnormal state after the power saving schedule shown in FIG. 4 is created and before control information is transmitted. The time change of is shown.

  The graph G14 is changed by the device control unit 23 of the device management apparatus 11 when the device 12A transitions to the communication abnormal state after the power saving schedule shown in FIG. 4 is created and before the control information is transmitted. The power saving schedule of the device 12B is shown.

  The device control unit 23 cannot transmit control information to the device 12A when the device management apparatus 11 and the device 12A cannot communicate with each other. That is, the device control unit 23 cannot reduce power consumption of the device 12A after 13:00.

  Specifically, referring to the graph G13, the power consumption of the device 12A is the level W13 at 12:00 and the level W13 after 13:00.

  Therefore, the device control unit 23 changes the power saving schedule to lower the target power consumption of the device 12B in the time zone for power saving.

  Specifically, referring to the graph G14, the target power consumption from 12 o'clock to 13 o'clock of the device 12B is, for example, a level W11 that is a normal power consumption level of the device 12B, as in the graph G12 of FIG. Set to Then, the target power consumption of the device 12B after 13:00 is set to a level C1 that is lower than the level W12.

  For example, the device control unit 23 sends the control information including “level C1” as the power consumption target to the device 12B at 13:00, thereby causing the device 12B to operate so that the power consumption becomes level C1. Thereby, the apparatus control part 23 can suppress the power consumption of the whole house 5 of the house 5 to the whole target value, when it becomes impossible to control the apparatus 12A.

  When the device control unit 23 first creates a power saving schedule for each device 12 and determines that there is a device 12 whose power consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and cannot communicate, the device 12 Do not create a power saving schedule for.

  In this case, the device control unit 23 creates a power saving schedule for the device 12 other than the device 12, that is, the communicable device 12, and controls the communicable device 12 based on the created power saving schedule. The power consumption of the entire house 5 is suppressed to the overall target value. At this time, the target of power consumption of the communicable devices 12 is higher than when all the devices 12 are operating normally.

  In addition, when each device 12 receives control information from the device control unit 23 and is in a power saving state, the device control unit 23 uses the device 12 whose power consumption exceeds a predetermined value and cannot communicate. When it is determined that the device 12 exists, the operation of each device 12 is continued as it is.

[Power OFF]
When the device control unit 23 determines that there is a device 12 whose power consumption from the predetermined power supply source, for example, the distribution board 14 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, based on the operation information received from the device information acquisition unit 22 The power consumption target of the other device 12 is changed and lowered.

  Here, “lowering the target of power consumption” means loosening the target of power consumption. For example, if the power consumption target is represented by a power value, that is, the target power consumption value, this value should be increased, and the power consumption target should be reduced as compared to the normal time. When expressed as a ratio, the ratio is reduced.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a change in power consumption target when some of the devices are turned off in the device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. .

  Here, the off state is a state in which power is not supplied from the distribution board 14 because the power switch is off.

  Referring to FIG. 7, device 12A transitions from a normally operating state to an off state. As a result, the device 12A transitions to a state where it cannot communicate with the device management apparatus 11. On the other hand, the device 12B is in a normally operating state and continues this state.

  Even when the device control unit 23 of the device management apparatus 11 has created a power saving schedule for the devices 12A and 12B that are operating normally, the device 12A has transitioned to the off state before transmitting control information. From this, the power saving schedule of the device 12B is changed to set the power consumption target low.

  In other words, even when the device control unit 23 creates a power saving schedule for each device 12 that is operating normally, when it is determined that the device 12 in the off state has occurred before transmitting the control information, The power saving schedule of the device 12 other than the device 12 is changed to set the power consumption target of the device 12B low.

  Thereby, the power consumption of the entire house 5 can be suppressed to the overall target value while reducing the power saving burden on the user.

  Note that when the device control unit 23 first creates a power saving schedule for each device 12 and determines that there is a device 12 in an off state, the device control unit 23 does not create a power saving schedule for the device 12.

  In this case, the device control unit 23 creates a power saving schedule for another device 12 other than the device 12, that is, the device 12 in the on state, and controls the device 12 in the on state based on the created power saving schedule. At this time, the target of the power consumption of the devices 12 in the on state is lower than when all the devices 12 are in the on state.

  FIG. 8 shows a power saving schedule in a case where some of the devices in the device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention that have received control information and are in a power saving state are turned off. It is a figure which shows an example.

  In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the level of power consumption. Referring to FIG. 8, graph G15 shows the time of power consumption of device 12A when device 12A transitions to the off state after device 12A and device 12B enter the power saving state based on the power saving schedule shown in FIG. It shows a change.

  The graph G16 shows the device changed by the device control unit 23 of the device management apparatus 11 when the device 12A transitions to the off state after the device 12A and the device 12B enter the power saving state based on the power saving schedule shown in FIG. 12B shows a power saving schedule of 12B.

  Here, it is assumed that the device control unit 23 determines that power saving is unnecessary until 13:00 and determines that power saving is required after 13:00 based on the power management information.

  Referring to graph G15, the power consumption of device 12A is level W13 at 12:00. The power consumption of the device 12A becomes level W14 when the device 12A transitions to the power saving state at 13:00. The power consumption of the device 12A becomes, for example, zero watts because the device 12A is turned off at time 14:30.

  Referring to graph G16, target power consumption of device 12B from 12:00 to 13:00 is set to level W11, which is a level of normal power consumption of device 12A, for example. And target power consumption after 13:00 of apparatus 12A is set to level W12 lower than level W11.

  For example, the device control unit 23 transmits control information including “level W14” as a power consumption target to the device 12B at 13:00, thereby operating the device 12B so that the power consumption of the device 12B becomes the level W14.

  When the device control unit 23 determines that the power consumption of the device 12A is equal to or less than a predetermined value at 14:30, here, zero watts, the subsequent power saving schedule is changed, and the target power consumption of the device 12B is changed from the level W12. Set to high level C2.

  That is, when the device 12A and the device 12B are operating in the power saving state and the device 12A is turned off, the device control unit 23 increases the target power consumption of the device 12B.

  Then, the device control unit 23 operates the device 12B so that the power consumption of the device 12B becomes level C2 by transmitting control information including “level C2” as a power consumption target to the device 12B.

[Operation]
Each device in the device management system includes a computer, and an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU in the computer reads and executes a program including a part or all of each step of the following flowcharts and sequences from a memory (not shown). Each of the programs of the plurality of apparatuses can be installed from the outside. The programs of the plurality of apparatuses are distributed while being stored in a recording medium.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart that defines an example of an operation procedure when the device management apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention receives power management information and controls each device.

  With reference to FIG. 9, first, in the device management apparatus 11, the device control unit 23 confirms the communication availability and power consumption of each device 12 using the operation information acquired by the device information acquisition unit 22 (steps). S100).

  The device control unit 23 checks the communication availability and power consumption of each device 12 as described above, for example, periodically until the device management apparatus 11 receives the power management information (NO in step S102). Perform (step S100).

  Next, when the device management apparatus 11 receives the power management information (YES in step S102), the device control unit 23 creates a power saving schedule for each device 12 (step S104).

Next, the device control unit 23 confirms whether each device 12 can communicate and consume power periodically, for example, until the time to start power saving indicated by the created power saving schedule (NO in step S106). (Step S108).

  If the device control unit 23 determines that there is a device 12 that satisfies the predetermined condition as a result of the confirmation (YES in step S110), the device control unit 23 changes the power saving schedule (step S104).

  Specifically, the device control unit 23 determines that there is a device 12 whose power consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and cannot communicate with the device management apparatus 11, or a device whose power consumption is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If it is determined that 12 exists, the power saving schedule is changed.

  More specifically, the device control unit 23 has a device 12 whose power consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and cannot communicate with the device management apparatus 11 after the creation of the power saving schedule and before transmission of the control information. If so, the power saving schedule is changed to increase the power consumption target of the devices 12 other than the device 12. If the device control unit 23 determines that there is a device 12 whose power consumption is equal to or less than a predetermined value after the creation of the power saving schedule and before transmission of the control information, the device control unit 23 changes the power saving schedule to change the device 12. Lower the target of the power consumption of the other devices 12.

  Next, for example, when it is time to start power saving indicated by the power saving schedule (YES in step S106), the device control unit 23 transmits control information including a target of power consumption to each device 12 (step S112). The device 12 changes its own operation content so that the power consumption target included in the received control information matches its own power consumption, and transitions to the power saving state.

  Next, the device control unit 23 checks the power consumption of each device 12 periodically, for example, until the time to end power saving indicated by the power saving schedule (NO in step S114), for example (step S116). It is determined whether or not there is a device 12 whose power consumption is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S118).

  If the device control unit 23 determines that there is a device 12 whose power consumption is equal to or less than the predetermined value (YES in step S118), the device control unit 23 changes the power saving schedule of each device 12 (step S120). Specifically, in this case, the device control unit 23 lowers the power consumption target of the devices 12 other than the device 12. Then, the device control unit 23 transmits control information including a new power saving target to each device 12 (step S122). The device 12 changes its operation content so that the power consumption target included in the control information received from the device control unit 23 matches its own power consumption.

  Next, for example, when it is time to end power saving indicated by the power saving schedule (YES in step S114), the device control unit 23 transmits control information instructing cancellation of the power saving state to each device 12 (step S124). ). Each device 12 receives control information from the device control unit 23 and returns to normal operation.

  By the way, when a DR is issued by a power company, for example, the device management device sets a power consumption target for each device such as an air conditioner, a refrigerator, and a television installed in the home in order to reduce the power consumption of the entire home. To do. However, the device management apparatus cannot control the operation of the device when it cannot communicate with some devices due to an abnormality in the communication path, etc., even when the power consumption target is set for each device, and follows the DR. It may not be possible to reduce the power consumption of the entire home.

  On the other hand, in the device management apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the device information acquisition unit 22 acquires operation information indicating the operation content of each device 12. The management information acquisition unit 21 acquires power management information related to power consumption. The device control unit 23 transmits control information including the power consumption target of the device 12 to the device 12 based on the power management information. If the device control unit 23 determines that there is a device 12 whose power consumption from the distribution board 14 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and cannot communicate with the device management apparatus 11 based on the operation information, The target of power consumption of the device 12 is increased.

  With such a configuration, for example, even when there is a device 12 that cannot be controlled because it is operated while receiving power supply, other power consumption can be reduced. Since the device 12 can be controlled, the overall power consumption goal can be achieved.

  Therefore, in the device management apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the power consumption can be reduced more reliably by appropriately controlling each device 12.

  In the device management apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the device control unit 23 indicates that there is a device 12 whose power consumption from the distribution board 14 is equal to or less than a predetermined value based on the operation information. If it is determined, the power consumption target of the other device 12 is lowered.

  With such a configuration, for example, when a certain device 12 no longer consumes power, the power consumption of other devices 12 can be further tolerated. Power goals can be achieved.

  In the device management apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the device information acquisition unit 22 acquires a monitoring result of communication operation and a monitoring result of power consumption of the device 12 as operation information. Based on each monitoring result, the device control unit 23 determines whether or not there is a device 12 whose power consumption from the distribution board 14 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and cannot communicate with the device management apparatus 11. to decide.

  With such a configuration, the power consumption target can be changed more accurately by using the power consumption of the device 12 and the monitoring result of the communication operation.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

<Second Embodiment>
This embodiment is different from the device management system according to the first embodiment in the control method of the device 12. The contents other than those described below are the same as those in the device management system according to the first embodiment.

  Specifically, in the device management system 101 according to the first embodiment, the device management apparatus 11 transmits control information including a target of power consumption to the device 12 at the timing when the device 12 should transition to the power saving state. To do. The device 12 receives the control information from the device management apparatus 11, and immediately transitions to the power saving state, for example.

  On the other hand, in the device management system 102 according to the present embodiment, the device management apparatus 11 uses, as control information, a power saving target, a time to start power saving, a time to end power saving, and the like. Transmit to the device 12. When the device 12 receives the power saving schedule from the device management apparatus 11, the device 12 sets a schedule for the device 12 to transition to the power saving state, and transitions to the power saving state according to the set schedule.

[Configuration and basic operation]
FIG. 1 also shows the configuration of a device management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  When each device 12 receives the power saving schedule from the device management apparatus 11 as control information, each device 12 sets its own power consumption schedule according to the received power saving schedule.

  Specifically, each device 12 refers to the received power saving schedule, and determines the power consumption schedule of the device 12 between the time when power saving should be started and the time when power saving should be terminated. Set the value according to the target.

  Here, the schedule of power consumption is represented by the value of power consumption or the ratio of power consumption to be reduced with respect to the power consumption during normal time.

  Then, when it is time to start power saving, the device 12 changes its operation content so that its power consumption matches the power consumption schedule. Hereinafter, the state in which the device 12 is operating so as to match the scheduled power consumption with its own power consumption is also referred to as a power saving state.

  More specifically, for example, when the device 12 is an air conditioner, the device management apparatus 11 transmits to the air conditioner a power saving schedule indicating that the target of power consumption between 13:00 and 15:00 the next day is “600 W”. . Here, it is assumed that the air conditioner normally consumes 1000 W of power.

  When the air conditioner receives the power saving schedule from the device management apparatus 11, the air conditioner sets its own power consumption schedule between 13:00 and 15:00 on the next day according to the received power saving schedule to “600 W”.

  Then, the air conditioner transitions to the power saving state at 13:00 the next day, and operates until 15:00 on the same day, for example, by adjusting its own “air volume” and “operation content” so that the power consumption becomes 600 W. .

  FIG. 2 also shows the configuration of the device management apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the device management apparatus 11, the device control unit 23 creates a power saving schedule for each device 12 based on the power management information received from the management information acquisition unit 21. Then, the device control unit 23 transmits the created power saving schedule to each device 12 as control information.

[Communication failure]
FIG. 5 is also a diagram for explaining a change in target power consumption when some of the devices in the device management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention are in a communication abnormal state.

  The device control unit 23 of the device management apparatus 11 creates power saving schedules for the devices 12A and 12B operating normally, and transmits the created power saving schedules to the devices 12A and 12B.

  The device 12A and the device 12B receive the power saving schedule, and set their own power consumption schedule according to the received power saving schedule.

  Here, even if the device 12A or the device 12B, for example, receives the power saving schedule and then transitions to the communication abnormal state, the device 12A or the device 12B may set its own power consumption schedule according to the already received power saving schedule and transition to the power saving state. it can.

  Therefore, for example, after transmitting the power saving schedule, the device control unit 23 does not change the power saving schedule of the device 12B even when the device 12A transitions to a communication abnormal state.

[Power OFF]
FIG. 7 is also a diagram for explaining a change in power consumption target when some of the devices are turned off in the device management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. .

  In the device management apparatus 11, the device control unit 23 creates a power saving schedule for the devices 12A and 12B operating normally, and transmits the created power saving schedule as control information.

  The device 12A and the device 12B receive the power saving schedule, and set their own power consumption schedule according to the received power saving schedule.

  Thereafter, when the device 12A transitions to the off state, the device control unit 23 changes the power saving schedule and sets the target of the power consumption of the device 12B to be low. Then, the device control unit 23 transmits the changed power saving schedule to the device 12B.

  In other words, when the device control unit 23 determines that there is a device 12 whose power consumption from the predetermined power supply source, for example, the distribution board 14 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the power consumption target of the other device 12 is changed. And lower. Then, the device control unit 23 transmits the changed power saving schedule to the other device 12.

  Here, based on the operation information received from the device information acquisition unit 22, the device control unit 23 determines that there is a device 12 whose power consumption from a predetermined power supply source is a predetermined value or less.

  The device 12B receives the changed power saving schedule from the device control unit 23, and changes its own power consumption schedule based on the received power saving schedule.

  Thereby, the power consumption of the entire house 5 can be suppressed to the overall target value while reducing the power saving burden on the user.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when the device management apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention receives power management information and controls each device.

  Referring to FIG. 10, first, in the device management apparatus 11, the device control unit 23 uses the operation information acquired by the device information acquisition unit 22 to check the communication availability and power consumption of each device 12 (steps). S200).

  And until the device management apparatus 11 receives the power management information (NO in step S202), the device control unit 23 periodically checks the communication availability and power consumption of each device 12 as described above, for example. Perform (step S200).

  Next, when the device management apparatus 11 receives the power management information (YES in step S202), the device control unit 23 creates a power saving schedule for each device 12 (step S204).

  Next, the device control unit 23 transmits a power saving schedule as control information to each device 12 (step S206).

  The device 12 receives the power saving schedule from the device control unit 23, and sets its own power consumption schedule according to the received power saving schedule. The device 12 transitions to a power saving state when it is time to start power saving according to its power consumption schedule.

  Next, the device control unit 23 checks the power consumption of each device 12 periodically, for example, until the power saving time indicated by the power saving schedule created by itself (NO in step S208) (step S208). S210). If the device control unit 23 determines that there is a device 12 whose power consumption is equal to or less than the predetermined value (YES in step S212), the device control unit 23 changes the power saving schedule of each device 12 (step S204), and changes the power saving. The schedule is transmitted to each device 12 (step S206).

  When the device 12 receives the changed power saving schedule from the device control unit 23 before transitioning to the power saving state, that is, before the time to start power saving, the device 12 consumes its own power according to the received power saving schedule. Change the schedule of.

  Further, when the device 12 is in the power saving state and receives the changed power saving schedule from the device control unit 23, the device 12 changes its own power consumption schedule, and the operation content of the device 12 according to the changed schedule. To change.

  Next, for example, when it is time to end power saving indicated by the power saving schedule (YES in step S208), the device control unit 23 waits until the device management apparatus 11 receives power management information again (in step S202). NO), confirmation of the availability of communication and power consumption of each device 12 is performed periodically (step S200).

  Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the device management system according to the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

<Third Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, each device 12 in a plurality of houses 5 is centrally managed as compared with the device management system according to the first embodiment. The contents other than those described below are the same as those in the device management system according to the first embodiment.

[Configuration and basic operation]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a device management system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 11, a device management system 201 includes a power management server 10, a plurality of device management apparatuses 11, a plurality of devices 12, a plurality of taps 13, a plurality of distribution boards 14, and a plurality of smart devices. A meter 15 and a device central management server (device management apparatus) 19 are provided.

  The power management server 10 is installed in, for example, an electric power company, and transmits power management information to the device central management server 19 via the Internet.

  The device management apparatus 11, the distribution board 14, and the smart meter 15 are installed, for example, one by one in each house 5. A plurality of devices 12 and taps 13 are installed in each house 5.

  For example, the device management apparatus 11 receives power measurement information of each device 12 from each tap 13 and transmits the received power measurement information to the smart meter 15.

  For example, the smart meter 15 acquires overall power information indicating the power consumption of the entire house 5 from the distribution board 14. Then, the smart meter 15 transmits the overall power information acquired from the distribution board 14 and the power measurement information of each device 12 received from the device management apparatus 11 to the device central management server 19.

  The device 12 can communicate with the device management apparatus 11. The device 12 can also communicate with the device central management server 19 via the device management apparatus 11.

  In the device management system 201, as compared with the device management system 101, the device central management server 19 creates a power saving schedule instead of the device management apparatus 11. And the apparatus centralized management server 19 transmits the control information containing the target of power consumption to each apparatus 12 in each house 5 based on the created power saving schedule.

  Specifically, the device central management server 19 is installed in, for example, a HEMS service provider, and sets an overall target value for each house 5 based on the power management information received from the power management server 10. And the apparatus centralized management server 19 produces the power-saving schedule of each apparatus 12 in each house 5 so that the power consumption of each house 5 becomes a corresponding whole target value.

  The device central management server 19 transmits control information including a target of power consumption to each device 12 via the device management apparatus 11 when, for example, the time to start power saving indicated by the power saving schedule is reached. Each device 12 receives control information from the device central management server 19 via the device management apparatus 11 and transitions to a power saving state.

  In addition, the device central management server 19 transmits the overall power information received from the smart meter 15 in each house 5 to the power management server 10.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a device central management server according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 12, the device central management server 19 includes a management information acquisition unit 41, a device information acquisition unit 42, and a device control unit 43. The device control unit 43 includes a communication monitoring information acquisition unit 45 and a power monitoring information acquisition unit 46.

  The management information acquisition unit 41 receives power management information from the power management server 10 and sends the received power management information to the device control unit 43.

  The device information acquisition unit 42 acquires operation information indicating the operation content of each device 12 in each house 5 from each device management apparatus 11. Specifically, the device information acquisition unit 42 acquires a communication operation monitoring result and a power consumption monitoring result of each device 12 as operation information. Then, the device information acquisition unit 42 sends the acquired operation information to the device control unit 43.

  Specifically, for example, in each house 5, the device management apparatus 11 monitors the communication operation between each device 12 and itself in its own house 5, and transmits communication monitoring result information indicating the monitoring result to the device central management server 19. It transmits to the communication monitoring information acquisition unit 45.

  In each house 5, the smart meter 15 transmits the power measurement information of each device 12 in its own house 5 as a result of monitoring the power consumption of each device 12.

  The device information acquisition unit 42 acquires the communication monitoring result information transmitted from each device management apparatus 11 and the power measurement information transmitted from each smart meter 15 as operation information and sends it to the device control unit 43.

  Based on the power management information received from the management information acquisition unit 41, the device control unit 43 generates, for example, a power saving schedule indicating the power consumption target, the time to start power saving, and the time to end power saving in each house 5. Created for each device 12. The device control unit 43 refers to the created power saving schedule, and transmits control information including the power consumption target to each device 12 via the device management apparatus 11 when it is time to start power saving.

[Communication failure]
Based on the operation information received from the device information acquisition unit 42, the device control unit 43 consumes power supplied from a predetermined power supply source, for example, the distribution board 14 in a certain house 5, and is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If it is determined that there is a device 12 that can no longer communicate with the device central management server 19 or the device management apparatus 11, the power consumption target of the other device 12 in the house 5 is changed to be higher.

  Specifically, for example, even when the device control unit 43 creates a power saving schedule for each device 12 that is operating normally in each house 5, before transmitting control information to each device 12, When it is determined that a device 12 in an on state and incapable of communicating with the device management apparatus 11 has occurred in a certain house 5, the power saving schedule of the other device 12 in the house 5 is changed to change the power consumption target. Set high.

  Here, for example, the device control unit 43 is in an ON state based on the communication monitoring result information acquired from each device management device 11 and the power measurement information acquired from each smart meter 15, and the device control device 11 It is determined that there is a device 12 that can no longer communicate.

[Power OFF]
Based on the operation information received from the device information acquisition unit 42, the device control unit 43 has a device 12 in which power consumption from a predetermined power supply source, for example, the distribution board 14 becomes a predetermined value or less, in a certain house 5. If it is determined, the power consumption target of another device 12 in the house 5 is changed and lowered.

  Specifically, for example, even when the device control unit 43 creates a power saving schedule for each device 12 that is operating normally in each house 5, before transmitting control information to each device 12, When it is determined that the off-state device 12 has occurred in a certain house 5, the power saving schedule of the other device 12 in the house 5 is changed to set the target of power consumption low.

  In addition, when each device 12 is operating in a power saving state in each house 5, when the device control unit 43 determines that the off-state device 12 has occurred in a certain house 5, another device in the house 5. The subsequent power saving schedule of 12 is changed, and the target of power consumption is set low.

  As described above, in the device central management server 19 which is a device management apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the device information acquisition unit 42 acquires operation information indicating the operation content of each device 12. The management information acquisition unit 41 acquires power management information related to power consumption. The device control unit 43 transmits control information including the power consumption target of the device 12 to the device 12 based on the power management information. When the device control unit 43 determines that there is a device 12 whose power consumption from the distribution board 14 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and cannot communicate with the device central management server 19 based on the operation information, Increase the power consumption target of the other device 12.

  With such a configuration, for example, even when there is a device 12 that cannot be controlled because it is operated while receiving power supply, other power consumption can be reduced. Since the device 12 can be controlled, the overall power consumption goal can be achieved.

  Therefore, in the device management apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the power consumption can be more reliably reduced by appropriately controlling each device 12.

  Moreover, in the equipment management apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, the equipment control part 43 has the equipment 12 from which the power consumption from the distribution board 14 became below predetermined value based on operation information. If it is determined, the power consumption target of the other device 12 is lowered.

  With such a configuration, for example, when a certain device 12 no longer consumes power, the power consumption of other devices 12 can be further tolerated. Power goals can be achieved.

  In the device management apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the device information acquisition unit 42 acquires a monitoring result of communication operation and a monitoring result of power consumption of the device 12 as operation information. Based on each monitoring result, the device control unit 43 determines whether or not there is a device 12 whose power consumption from the distribution board 14 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and is no longer able to communicate with the device central management server 19. Judging.

  With such a configuration, the power consumption target can be changed more accurately by using the power consumption of the device 12 and the monitoring result of the communication operation.

  Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the device management system according to the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In the device management system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the device central management server 19 consumes at the timing when the device 12 should transition to the power saving state, similarly to the device management apparatus 11 in the first embodiment. Although the control information including the power target is configured to be transmitted to the device 12, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, like the device management apparatus 11 in the second embodiment, the device central management server 19 controls a power saving schedule indicating a target of power consumption, a time to start power saving, a time to end power saving, and the like. The information may be transmitted to each device 12 as information. In this case, the device central management server 19 transmits a power saving schedule to each device 12 via each device management apparatus 11. When the device 12 receives the power saving schedule from the device central management server 19, the device 12 sets a schedule for transition to the power saving state and transitions to the power saving state according to the set schedule.

  The above embodiment should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The above description includes the following features.

[Appendix 1]
A device management apparatus for managing a plurality of devices in HEMS,
A device information acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operation content of each device;
As power management information related to power consumption, a management information acquisition unit that acquires information related to demand response,
A device control unit that transmits control information including a target of power consumption of the device to the device based on the power management information;
When the device control unit determines, based on the operation information, that the consumption of power supplied from a predetermined power supply source is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and that there is a device that cannot communicate with the device management apparatus. A device management apparatus for increasing the power consumption target of other devices.

5 House 10 Power Management Server 11 Device Management Device 12 Device 13 Tap 14 Distribution Panel 15 Smart Meter 19 Device Central Management Server 21, 41 Management Information Acquisition Unit 22, 42 Device Information Acquisition Unit 23, 43 Device Control Unit 25 Communication Unit 26 Power information acquisition unit 45 Communication monitoring information acquisition unit 46 Power monitoring information acquisition unit 101, 102, 201 Device management system

Claims (6)

A device management apparatus for managing a plurality of devices,
A device information acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operation content of each device;
A management information acquisition unit for acquiring power management information related to power consumption;
A device control unit that transmits control information including a target of power consumption of the device to the device based on the power management information;
The device control unit determines whether or not the consumption of power supplied from a predetermined power supply source by the device is greater than or equal to a predetermined value based on the operation information, thereby turning on and off the device. And when it is determined that there is the device that is in the ON state and cannot communicate with the device management apparatus, increase the power consumption target of the other device ,
The device control unit creates, for each device, a power saving schedule indicating a power consumption target of the device, a start time to start power saving, and an end time to end power saving, based on the power management information.
After the creation of the power saving schedule until the start time, the device control unit confirms whether communication with each device is possible and the power consumption of each device based on the new operation information, When it is determined that there is the device that is in an ON state and cannot communicate with the device management apparatus, the power saving schedule of another device is changed, and when the start time is reached, the changed power saving A device management apparatus that transmits control information including the target indicated by a schedule to the other device.   When the device control unit determines that there is the device whose power consumption from the power supply source is equal to or lower than a predetermined value based on the operation information, the device control unit lowers the power consumption target of the other device. The device management apparatus according to claim 1. The device information acquisition unit acquires, as the operation information, a communication operation monitoring result and a power consumption monitoring result of the device,
The device control unit, based on each of the monitoring results, whether or not there is the device that consumes power supplied from the power supply source is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and cannot communicate with the device management apparatus. The device management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device management apparatus determines whether or not A device management method in a device management apparatus for managing a plurality of devices,
Obtaining operation information indicating the operation content of each device;
Obtaining power management information relating to power consumption;
Based on the power management information, creating a power saving schedule for each device indicating a target of power consumption of the device, a start time to start power saving, and an end time to end power saving;
Based on the previous SL operation information, consumption by the device of the power supplied from a predetermined power supply source to determine the ON and OFF states of the device by determining whether a predetermined value or more, the When it is determined that there is the device that is in an on state and cannot communicate, increasing the target of the power consumption of the other device ;
The control information including the target of the power consumption of the previous SL equipment and sending to the device,
In the step of determining the on state and the off state of the device, whether the communication with each device is possible or not based on the new operation information after the creation of the power saving schedule and until the start time is reached. Check the power consumption of each device, if it is determined that the device is in an on state and the device that can no longer communicate with the device management device, change the power saving schedule of the other device,
In the step of transmitting the control information, at the start time , a device management method of transmitting control information including the target indicated by the power saving schedule after the change to the other device . A device management program used in a device management apparatus for managing a plurality of devices,
Obtaining operation information indicating the operation content of each device;
Obtaining power management information relating to power consumption;
Based on the power management information, creating a power saving schedule for each device indicating a target of power consumption of the device, a start time to start power saving, and an end time to end power saving;
Based on the previous SL operation information, consumption by the device of the power supplied from a predetermined power supply source to determine the ON and OFF states of the device by determining whether a predetermined value or more, the When it is determined that there is the device that is in an on state and cannot communicate, increasing the target of the power consumption of the other device ;
A program for causing the control information including the target of the power consumption of the previous SL equipment and a step of transmitting to the device,
In the step of determining the on state and the off state of the device, whether the communication with each device is possible or not based on the new operation information after the creation of the power saving schedule and until the start time is reached. Check the power consumption of each device, if it is determined that the device is in an on state and the device that can no longer communicate with the device management device, change the power saving schedule of the other device,
In the step of transmitting the control information, at the start time , a device management program that transmits control information including the target indicated by the changed power saving schedule to the other device . A device management system for managing a plurality of devices,
A device information acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operation content of each device;
A management information acquisition unit for acquiring power management information related to power consumption;
A device control unit that transmits control information including a target of power consumption of the device to the device based on the power management information;
The device control unit determines whether or not the consumption of power supplied from a predetermined power supply source by the device is greater than or equal to a predetermined value based on the operation information, thereby turning on and off the device. And when the device is in an on state and it is determined that there is the device that is unable to communicate, increase the power consumption target of the other device ,
The device control unit creates, for each device, a power saving schedule indicating a power consumption target of the device, a start time to start power saving, and an end time to end power saving, based on the power management information.
After the creation of the power saving schedule until the start time, the device control unit confirms whether communication with each device is possible and the power consumption of each device based on the new operation information, When it is determined that there is the device that is in an on state and cannot communicate, the power saving schedule of another device is changed, and when the start time is reached, the target indicated by the changed power saving schedule A device management system for transmitting control information including the information to the other device .

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