JP6697769B2 - Energy management device and energy management method - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an energy management device that supports energy saving.

  In recent years, reduction of energy consumption in stores, that is, energy saving has been emphasized in order to improve corporate image or profit. In particular, in a company that develops a plurality of stores such as a plurality of convenience stores or a plurality of supermarkets, energy saving for each store is recommended because the accumulation of fine energy saving for each store has a great effect.

  As a technique for realizing energy saving, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1, for example. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the resident arbitrarily sets the target power consumption within the contracted power. Then, the monitoring control board calculates the total power consumption from the power consumption of each electric device. Then, when the total power consumption exceeds the power consumption target, the monitoring control panel selects an electrical device to be stopped from the operating electrical devices based on the preset priority order, and notifies the excess power consumption. , Stop at a predetermined timing. As a result, energy consumption is suppressed.

JP, 2013-106380, A

  However, in the above-mentioned conventional technique, when the total power consumption exceeds the power consumption target power, an electric device to be stopped and excess power consumption are reported. Such a technique is not necessarily suitable for energy saving based on a reduction target period and reduction target amount of power consumption of a plurality of devices.

  In view of the above circumstances, a certain non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is an energy management device or the like that can appropriately support energy saving based on a reduction target period of power consumption of a plurality of devices and a reduction target amount. I will provide a.

  An energy management apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a reduction target period of power consumption of a plurality of devices, a reduction target amount of the power consumption in the reduction target period, and a special operation schedule of the plurality of devices. An acquisition unit that acquires the expected time of the special operation of each of the one or more devices having a plurality of devices, based on the reduction target period, the reduction target amount, and the expected time of the special operation. A control unit for generating a plurality of control patterns having different control contents from each other, and at least one of the plurality of control patterns shifts the scheduled time of the special operation outside the reduction target period. Is a control pattern for reducing the power consumption in the reduction target period by the reduction target amount or more.

  Note that these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized by a non-transitory recording medium such as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable CD-ROM. , An integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

  The energy management device and the like according to an aspect of the present disclosure can appropriately support energy saving based on a reduction target period and reduction target amount of power consumption of a plurality of devices.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an energy management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the energy management device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the acquisition unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration DB in the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the device state DB in the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the special operation management DB in the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a basic example of the operation of the energy management device according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the operation of the energy management device according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of control pattern generation processing in the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of control pattern #1 in the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of control pattern #2 in the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of control pattern #3 in the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen image for selecting an execution target control pattern in the embodiment.

(Findings that form the basis of this disclosure)
The present inventors have found the following problems regarding an energy management device that supports energy saving.

  For example, it may be required to reduce the power consumption of a plurality of devices in the reduction target period by the reduction target amount or more. In this case, it is not easy to individually change the operation of each of the plurality of devices so that the power consumption of each of the plurality of devices is reduced by the reduction target amount or more.

  In addition, an operation that consumes a large amount of power may be started during the period in which the amount of power consumption is reduced. As a result, the power consumption may not be reduced appropriately.

  Therefore, an energy management device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a reduction target period of power consumption of a plurality of devices, a reduction target amount of the power consumption in the reduction target period, a device type of each of the plurality of devices, Whether or not the special operation is scheduled for each of the plurality of devices, the scheduled time of the special operation for each of one or more devices having the special operation schedule among the plurality of devices, and a state related to each of the plurality of devices Based on the acquisition unit that acquires the reduction target period, the reduction target amount, the device type, the planned presence/absence of the special operation, the planned time of the special operation, and the state. A generation unit that generates a plurality of control patterns that are control patterns and control contents different from each other, a selection unit that selects an execution target control pattern from the plurality of control patterns, and based on the selected execution target control pattern, A control unit that transmits control information for controlling the control target device to a control target device among a plurality of devices, and at least one of the plurality of control patterns includes the scheduled time of the special operation as the reduction target. It is a control pattern for shifting out of the period, and is a control pattern for reducing the power consumption in the reduction target period by the reduction target amount or more.

  Thereby, the control target device is appropriately controlled according to the execution target control pattern for the plurality of devices. Further, it is possible to flexibly control a plurality of devices based on a plurality of control patterns. Then, when the control pattern for shifting the scheduled time of the special operation and reducing the power consumption amount by the reduction target amount or more is selected as the execution target control pattern, the power consumption amount is appropriately reduced. Therefore, the energy management device can appropriately support the energy saving based on the reduction target period and the reduction target amount of the power consumption of the plurality of devices.

  Further, for example, the generation unit may further display the plurality of control patterns on a display device.

  Accordingly, the energy management device can show the user a plurality of control patterns regarding energy saving. Therefore, the energy management device can prompt the user to take action regarding energy saving.

  Further, for example, the selection unit may further accept a selection of the execution target control pattern from a user via an input device.

  Thereby, the energy management device can select the execution target control pattern according to the operation performed by the user. Therefore, the energy management device can select an appropriate control pattern as the execution target control pattern.

  Further, for example, the device type for one of the plurality of devices may be any of an air conditioner, a showcase, and a lighting device.

  Accordingly, the energy management device can generate the control pattern based on the air conditioner, the showcase, or the lighting device.

  Further, for example, the state for one of the plurality of devices may include at least one of an operating state, an operation mode, a set temperature, an indoor temperature, an outdoor temperature, an indoor humidity, and an outdoor humidity.

  Accordingly, the energy management device can generate the control pattern based on the operating state, the operation mode, the set temperature, the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, the indoor humidity, or the outdoor humidity.

  Further, for example, the special operation for one of the one or more devices having the special operation schedule may be a defrosting operation.

  Accordingly, the energy management device can generate a control pattern for shifting the defrosting operation outside the reduction target period.

  Note that these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized by a non-transitory recording medium such as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable CD-ROM. , An integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a comprehensive or specific example. Numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connection forms of constituent elements, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Further, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, the constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept are described as arbitrary constituent elements.

  In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Further, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and overlapping description may be omitted or simplified.

  Further, the electric power amount usually means an integrated value of electric power in a predetermined time, and corresponds to electric energy. Here, the amount of power may be referred to as the amount of power. Moreover, electric power (power) and electric energy (energy) correspond to each other. Therefore, in this case, the electric power may be used in the meaning of electric power (energy), and the electric power may be used in the meaning of electric power (power) corresponding to the electric power per unit time. Further, the electric power and the electric power amount may mean their respective values.

  In addition, the reduction target period, reduction target amount, identification number, device type, installation location, planned special operation time, scheduled special operation time, and status related to the device may mean information indicating them. is there.

[Energy management system configuration]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an energy management system according to this embodiment. In this configuration example, the energy management system 100 includes an instruction device 101, a display device 102, an input device 103, an energy management device 104, a measuring device 105, and a plurality of devices 106. The display device 102, the input device 103, the energy management device 104, and the measuring device 105 are installed in the staff room of the store, and the plurality of devices 106 are installed in the sales floor of the store.

  The arrangement of the components is not limited to the example shown in FIG. In particular, the energy management device 104 may be installed outside the store. Further, the display device 102, the input device 103, and the measuring device 105 may be installed in the sales floor. In addition, the measuring device 105 may be installed around the store. Further, some of the plurality of devices 106 may be installed in the staff room or may be installed around the store.

  The instruction device 101 is a device that gives an instruction to reduce the amount of power consumption in the reduction target period. This instruction may correspond to so-called demand response. The instruction device 101 may be a computer including a memory and a processor. The pointing device 101 may have a wired communication function or a wireless communication function. For example, the instruction device 101 is managed by a power supplier or the like, and transmits an instruction signal indicating a reduction target period of power consumption and a reduction target amount to the energy management device 104. The instruction device 101 may be managed by an operation headquarters or an administration company that operates and manages a plurality of stores, and each instruction signal may be transmitted to the energy management device 104.

  The display device 102 is a device that displays information. The display device 102 may be a liquid crystal display. For example, the display device 102 displays a plurality of control patterns generated by the energy management device 104.

  The input device 103 is a device for inputting information. The input device 103 may be a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like. The display device 102 and the input device 103 may be integrated devices, and may be tablet terminals, smartphones, mobile phones, or the like. The display device 102 and the input device 103 may have a wired communication function or a wireless communication function.

  The energy management device 104 is a device that generates a plurality of control patterns, selects an execution target control pattern from the plurality of control patterns, and controls the control target device 106 according to the execution target control pattern. The energy management device 104 may be a computer including a memory, a processor and the like.

  The energy management device 104 has a wired or wireless communication function, and can communicate with all or a part of the plurality of devices 106. Further, the energy management device 104 can communicate with the instruction device 101, the display device 102, the input device 103, and the measuring device 105.

  For example, the energy management device 104 receives the instruction signal from the instruction device 101. Further, the energy management device 104 receives the power consumption amount of each device 106 from the measurement device 105. Further, the energy management device 104 receives the information of the device 106 from each device 106. The energy management device 104 also receives the information input to the input device 103.

  Then, the energy management device 104 generates a plurality of control patterns based on the received information and displays them on the display device 102. Then, the energy management device 104 receives the selection of the execution target control pattern via the input device 103, and transmits the control information to the control target device 106 based on the execution target control pattern.

  The execution target control pattern is one control pattern of the plurality of control patterns. The control target device 106 is a device 106 included in the plurality of devices 106, and is a device 106 controlled according to the execution target control pattern.

  The measuring device 105 is a device that measures power consumption. The measuring device 105 may be a so-called smart meter. The measuring device 105 may have a wired communication function or a wireless communication function. The measuring device 105 measures the power consumption of all or a plurality of the devices 106, and notifies the energy management device 104 of the measured power consumption.

  Each of the plurality of devices 106 is an electric device. The device 106 may be an air conditioner, a showcase for freezing or refrigeration, a lighting device, an electric pot, a refrigerator, or a refrigerator. The device 106 may be a cold-requiring device that is collectively referred to as a showcase for freezing or refrigeration. The device 106 basically consumes the electric power supplied to the store, but may generate the electric power. For example, the plurality of devices 106 may include a storage battery or a fuel cell.

  Further, some or all of the plurality of devices 106 may have a wired communication function or a wireless communication function.

[Configuration of energy management device]
FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the energy management device 104 shown in FIG. In this example, the energy management device 104 includes an acquisition unit 111, a generation unit 112, a selection unit 113, and a control unit 114.

  The acquisition unit 111 is an acquisition device that acquires information. For example, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the reduction target period, the reduction target amount, the device type, the planned presence/absence of the special operation, the scheduled time of the special operation, and the state.

  Here, the reduction target period is a reduction target period of the power consumption amounts of the plurality of devices 106. The reduction target amount is the reduction target amount of power consumption in the reduction target period. The device type is a device type of each of the plurality of devices 106. The scheduled presence/absence of a special operation is the scheduled presence/absence (whether or not to have a schedule) of each of the plural devices 106. The special operation scheduled time is a special operation scheduled time of each of one or more devices 106 having a special operation schedule among the plurality of devices 106. The state is a state regarding each of the plurality of devices 106.

  For example, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the reduction target period and the reduction target amount by receiving the instruction signal indicating the reduction target period and the reduction target amount from the instruction device 101. Moreover, the acquisition unit 111 may acquire the reduction target period and the reduction target amount for maintaining the power consumption amount within the target power amount by receiving the power consumption amount from the measurement device 105.

  In addition, for example, the acquisition unit 111 receives the information of the device 106 from each of the plurality of devices 106 to acquire the device type, the planned presence/absence of the special operation, the scheduled time of the special operation, and the state. The acquisition unit 111 may acquire the device type, the presence/absence of a special operation, the expected time of the special operation, and the state by receiving the information input by the user to the input device 103.

  The generation unit 112 is a generator that generates a plurality of control patterns. For example, the generation unit 112 generates a plurality of control patterns based on the reduction target period, the reduction target amount, the device type, the scheduled presence/absence of the special operation, the scheduled time of the special operation, and the state. Each of the plurality of control patterns is a control pattern for the plurality of devices 106, and the control content is different between the plurality of control patterns. The generation unit 112 may display the plurality of generated display patterns on the display device 102.

  The selection unit 113 is a selector that selects an execution target control pattern from a plurality of control patterns. The selection unit 113 may receive a selection of an execution target control pattern from the user via the input device 103. Then, the selection unit 113 may select the execution target control pattern from the plurality of control patterns generated by the generation unit 112 according to the accepted selection.

  The control unit 114 is a controller that controls the device 106. For example, the control unit 114 transmits control information for controlling the control target device 106 to the control target device 106 among the plurality of devices 106 based on the execution target control pattern selected by the selection unit 113, The device to be controlled 106 is controlled.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the acquisition unit 111 shown in FIG. The acquisition unit 111 includes, for example, a device information acquisition unit 121, a device configuration DB 122, a device state DB 123, a special operation management DB 124, and a power consumption management unit 125.

  The device information acquisition unit 121 is a processing unit that acquires information on a plurality of devices 106. The device information acquisition unit 121 may acquire information of the plurality of devices 106 from the plurality of devices 106, may acquire information of the plurality of devices 106 from the input device 103, or may acquire the plurality of devices 106 and the input. Information on a plurality of devices 106 may be acquired from the device 103. The device information acquisition unit 121 stores information on the plurality of devices 106 in the device configuration DB 122, the device state DB 123, and the special operation management DB 124.

  The power consumption management unit 125 is a processing unit that manages the power consumption of the plurality of devices 106. For example, the power consumption amount management unit 125 acquires the reduction target period and the reduction target amount by receiving the instruction signal indicating the reduction target period and the reduction target amount of the power consumption from the instruction device 101. The power consumption amount management unit 125 sets the reduction target period and the reduction target amount of the power consumption amount based on the power consumption amount measured by the measuring device 105 so that the power consumption amount for a predetermined period becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. The reduction target period and the reduction target amount may be acquired by deriving.

  Further, the power consumption amount management unit 125 may measure the reduction amount of the power consumption amount in the power consumption amount reduction target period via the measuring device 105.

  The generation unit 112 acquires information on the plurality of devices 106 from the device configuration DB 122, the device state DB 123, and the special operation management DB 124. Further, the generation unit 112 acquires the reduction target period and the reduction target amount from the power consumption amount management unit 125. The device information acquisition unit 121 acquires the information of the plurality of devices 106 from the device configuration DB 122, the device state DB 123, and the special operation management DB 124, and the generation unit 112 acquires the information of the plurality of devices 106 from the device information acquisition unit 121. You may.

  The device configuration DB 122, the device status DB 123, and the special operation management DB 124 may not be arranged in the acquisition unit 111. That is, the acquisition unit 111 may not include the device configuration DB 122, the device state DB 123, and the special operation management DB 124. Then, for example, the acquisition unit 111 may store information of the plurality of devices 106 in the external device configuration DB 122, device state DB 123, and special operation management DB 124.

  In addition, the acquisition unit 111 may include a history DB for storing the history of the power consumption amounts and the states of the plurality of devices 106. Alternatively, the energy management device 104 may include a history DB outside the acquisition unit 111. Then, the device information acquisition unit 121 of the acquisition unit 111, the power consumption amount management unit 125, and the like may store the history of the power consumption amount and the state in the history DB. Then, the generation unit 112 may generate a plurality of control patterns by referring to the history DB.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration DB 122 shown in FIG. The device configuration DB 122 has information about the configurations of the plurality of devices 106. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 4, the device configuration DB 122 has, as information, identification numbers, device types, and installation locations of the plurality of devices 106.

  The identification number is an identifier for identifying each of the plurality of devices 106. The device type is a type of each of the plurality of devices 106, and indicates an air conditioner, a showcase, a lighting device, or the like. The installation place is a place where each of the plurality of devices 106 is installed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the device state DB 123 shown in FIG. The device status DB 123 has a status regarding each of the plurality of devices 106 as information. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 5, the device state DB 123 corresponds to the device 106 whose device type is an air conditioner (indoor unit), and has an identification number, update date and time, operation state, operation mode, set temperature, The indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, the indoor humidity, and the outdoor humidity are included as information.

  The update date and time is the date and time when the record indicating the state regarding the device 106 was updated, and the date and time corresponding to the state indicated by the record. The operating state is whether the device 106 is operating (whether the device 106 is on or off), and corresponds to the on/off state of the device 106. The operation mode is an operation mode of the device 106 and indicates cooling, heating, dehumidifying, humidifying, automatic, or the like. The set temperature is a temperature set for the device 106 as a target temperature of the room temperature.

  The room temperature is the temperature in the facility where the device 106 is installed. The outdoor temperature is the outside air temperature around the facility where the device 106 is installed. The indoor humidity is the humidity in the facility where the device 106 is installed. The outdoor humidity is the outside air humidity around the facility where the device 106 is installed.

  The indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, the indoor humidity, and the outdoor humidity may be used to generate a recommended control pattern. For example, when the difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value and the difference between the indoor humidity and the outdoor humidity is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold value, a control pattern for stopping the air conditioner may be generated. Also, the recommended control pattern may be generated with reference to past control in an equivalent or similar environment.

  The items that the device status DB 123 has vary depending on the device type. The device status DB 123 may have a different table for each device type. For example, the device status DB 123 includes information indicating the status obtained in the device 106. Then, the device state DB 123 may include information indicating a state measured by a measuring device included in the device 106. Further, the device status DB 123 may include information indicating various setting values as the information indicating the status.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the special operation management DB 124 shown in FIG. The special operation management DB 124 stores information regarding special operations of each of the plurality of devices 106. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 6, the special motion management DB 124 has, as information, an identification number, a planned presence/absence of the special motion, and a scheduled time of the special motion.

  The presence/absence of a special operation is the presence/absence of a special operation of each of the plurality of devices 106. That is, the presence/absence of the special operation schedule indicates whether or not each of the plurality of devices 106 has the special operation schedule. The special operation scheduled time is the scheduled time of the special operation of each of the one or more devices 106 having the special operation schedule, and indicates the scheduled start time and the scheduled end time of the special operation.

  The special operation is an operation that consumes more power than the normal operation. That is, the power consumption during the special operation is larger than the power consumption during the other time. For example, the special operation of the showcase may be a defrosting operation. The special operation of the air conditioner may be a self-cleaning operation, and the special operation of the electric pot may be a heating operation.

  For example, a showcase with an identification number of 4 has a plan to perform a defrosting operation from 14:00 to 14:30 on 2016/08/10. However, when the power consumption reduction target period is from 13:00 to 15:00 on the same day, a control pattern for postponing the defrosting operation after 15:00 is generated.

[Operation of energy management device]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a basic example of the operation of the energy management device 104 shown in FIG.

  First, the acquisition unit 111 determines the target period of power consumption reduction, the target amount of power consumption reduction, the device type of each device 106, the presence/absence of a special operation schedule of each device 106, the special operation of the device 106 having the special operation schedule. The scheduled operation time and the status regarding each device 106 are acquired (S101).

  Next, the generation unit 112 generates a plurality of control patterns based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. That is, the generation unit 112 generates a plurality of control patterns based on the reduction target period, the reduction target amount, the device type, the scheduled presence/absence of the special operation, the scheduled time of the special operation, and the state (S102).

  Here, each of the plurality of control patterns is a control pattern for the plurality of devices 106, and the control contents of the plurality of control patterns are different from each other. At least one of the plurality of control patterns is a control pattern for shifting (shifting) the scheduled time of the special operation outside the reduction target period, in order to reduce the power consumption during the reduction target period by the reduction target amount or more. Is a control pattern of.

  Next, the generation unit 112 displays the generated plurality of control patterns on the display device 102 (S103). Next, the selection unit 113 receives the selection of the execution target control pattern from the user via the input device 103 (S104). Next, the selection unit 113 selects an execution target control pattern from the plurality of control patterns according to the accepted selection (S105).

  Next, the control unit 114 transmits control information for controlling the control target device 106 to the control target device 106 based on the execution target control pattern selected by the selection unit 113 (S106).

  The display of the plurality of control patterns (S103) and the acceptance of the selection (S104) may not be performed. The selection unit 113 may select an execution target control pattern from a plurality of control patterns based on a predetermined priority. For example, the selection unit 113 may select a control pattern in which the amount of power consumption is reduced most, or may select a control pattern in which the amount of power consumption reduction is closest to the reduction target amount, or the priority. A control pattern that maintains the operation of the high-performance device 106 may be selected.

  Further, the selection may not be accepted (S104), and a plurality of control patterns may be displayed (S103). In this case, the execution target control pattern that is automatically selected may be displayed together with the plurality of control patterns. As a result, the user can confirm a plurality of control patterns and execution target control patterns.

  Further, instead of displaying a plurality of control patterns (S103), voices indicating a plurality of control patterns may be output via a voice output device (speaker). In this case, the selection may be accepted (S104) without displaying the plurality of control patterns (S103).

  Further, all the control patterns generated by the generation unit 112 may be control patterns for shifting the scheduled time of the special operation outside the reduction target period. Further, all the control patterns generated by the generation unit 112 may be control patterns for reducing the power consumption in the reduction target period by the reduction target amount or more.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the operation of the energy management device 104 shown in FIG.

  First, the device information acquisition unit 121 of the acquisition unit 111 searches for a plurality of devices 106 in the site (S201). The device information acquisition unit 121 may search for devices 106 around the base. Then, the device information acquisition unit 121 stores information on the plurality of searched devices 106 in the device configuration DB 122 or the like.

  The device information acquisition unit 121 may receive information of a plurality of devices 106 from the user via the input device 103, and store the received information in the device configuration DB 122 or the like. For example, the device information acquisition unit 121 may supplement the information of the plurality of searched devices 106 with the information obtained from the input device 103. Further, for example, the information of the device 106 that does not have the communication function may be complemented with the information obtained from the input device 103.

  Next, the device information acquisition unit 121 periodically acquires the state of each device 106 (S202). Then, the device information acquisition unit 121 stores the acquired state in the device state DB 123. Then, the state acquisition process (S202) is repeated until the power consumption needs to be reduced (S203).

  Next, the power consumption amount management unit 125 acquires the reduction target period and the reduction target amount of the power consumption amount and transmits them to the generation unit 112 (S204).

  The method of acquiring the reduction target period and the reduction target amount is not limited. For example, the reduction target period and the reduction target amount may be acquired by receiving an instruction signal (demand response signal) indicating the reduction target period and the reduction target amount from the instruction device 101. Alternatively, the power consumption of the plurality of devices 106 may be acquired from the measurement device 105, and the reduction target period and the reduction target amount may be derived so that the power consumption does not exceed a preset threshold. ..

  Next, the generation unit 112 generates a plurality of control patterns to present to the user (S205). Then, the generation unit 112 presents the plurality of control patterns to the user by transmitting the generated plurality of control patterns to the display device 102 (S206).

  Next, the selection unit 113 receives the selection of the execution target control pattern from the user via the input device 103. At this time, if the predetermined time has elapsed before the selection input is completed (Yes in S207), the selection unit 113 selects an execution target control pattern from a plurality of control patterns based on a predetermined priority. If the input of the selection is completed before the predetermined time elapses (Yes in S208), the selection unit 113 selects the execution target control pattern from the plurality of control patterns based on the input information (that is, the accepted selection). To do.

  Next, the control unit 114 controls the control target device 106 according to the execution target control pattern (S209). Specifically, the control unit 114 controls the control target device 106 by transmitting control information for controlling the control target device 106 according to the execution target control pattern to the control target device 106 at the start of the reduction target period. To do.

  After that, when the reduction target period ends (Yes in S210), the process is repeated from the state acquisition process (S202) of each device 106. At that time, the control for reducing the power consumption may be released.

  When the predetermined time has elapsed before the selection input is completed (Yes in S207), the selection unit 113 may select a control pattern that does not control the plurality of devices 106.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing control pattern generation processing in the generation unit 112 shown in FIG.

  First, the generation unit 112 selects one from the plurality of devices 106 (S301). For example, the generation unit 112 refers to the device configuration DB 122 and selects devices 106 that have not been selected in the order of identification numbers.

  Next, the generation unit 112 generates a control content candidate of the selected device 106 (device 106 selected from the plurality of devices 106) (S302). For example, the generation unit 112 refers to the device configuration DB 122 and the device state DB 123 and generates control content candidates for reducing the power consumption amount of the selected device 106.

  For example, when the device type of the selected device 106 is a lighting device and the operation state of the selected device 106 is on, the control content candidate may be to turn off the operation state of the selected device 106. When the device type of the selected device 106 is the air conditioner and the set temperature of the selected device 106 is not within the predetermined range from the outdoor temperature, the control content candidate may bring the set temperature close to the predetermined range from the outdoor temperature. When the device type of the selected device 106 is the showcase, the control content candidate may be to turn off the internal illumination of the selected device 106.

  The generation unit 112 may generate a control whose power consumption has been reduced in the past as a control content candidate. In this case, the generation unit 112 may generate control in a past environment similar to the current environment (indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, indoor humidity, and outdoor humidity) as a control content candidate.

  The generation unit 112 may generate a plurality of control content candidates for one selected device 106.

  Next, the generation unit 112 refers to the special operation management DB 124 and determines whether or not the selected device 106 has a special operation schedule and the special operation scheduled time of the selected device 106 is included in the reduction target period. Is determined (S303).

  When the special operation scheduled time of the selected device 106 is included in the reduction target period (Yes in S303), the generation unit 112 sets the special operation scheduled time as the control target candidate of the selected device 106 in the reduction target period. Including shifting out (S304). For example, the generation unit 112 includes, in the control content candidates of the selected device 106, shifting the scheduled time of the special operation after the end of the reduction target period.

  Next, the generation unit 112 derives the planned reduction amount of power consumption for the control content candidate of the selected device 106 (S306). For example, the generation unit 112 estimates the power consumption amount before and after the control based on the control content candidate based on the estimated power consumption amount that is predetermined for each state of the selected device 106. The planned reduction amount may be derived. Alternatively, the generation unit 112 may derive the planned reduction amount of the power consumption amount based on the reduction amount of the power consumption amount in the past control similar to the control content candidate.

  Next, the generation unit 112 determines whether generation of control content candidates and derivation of the planned reduction amount have been completed for all the devices 106 (S306). When the generation and derivation are not completed (No in S306), the generation unit 112 repeats the process from the device selection (S301).

  Next, the generation unit 112 generates a control pattern by combining a plurality of control content candidates for the plurality of devices 106 so that the total of the planned reduction amounts is equal to or more than the reduction target amount (S307). For example, the generation unit 112 generates, as a plurality of control patterns, a plurality of combinations in which the total of the planned reduction amounts is equal to or more than the reduction target amount.

  The generation unit 112 may generate a plurality of control patterns in which the totals of the planned reduction amounts are different from each other. For example, the generation unit 112 may generate a plurality of control patterns such as “large energy saving”, “medium energy saving”, and “small energy saving”. Alternatively, the generation unit 112 may generate a plurality of control patterns in which the sums of the planned reduction amounts are equal to each other. For example, the generation unit 112 may generate a control pattern that turns off the lighting device and a control pattern that brings the set temperature of the air conditioner closer to the outdoor temperature, as the plurality of control patterns having the same total sum of the planned reduction amounts. .

  In addition, in the above operation, the generation unit 112 generates a plurality of control patterns in which the total of the planned reduction amounts is smaller than the reduction target amount. However, the plurality of control patterns generated by the generation unit 112 may include a control pattern in which the total planned reduction amount is smaller than the reduction target amount.

  Further, in the above operation, the generation unit 112 generates a control pattern in which the special operation scheduled time is shifted outside the reduction target period. However, the generation unit 112 may generate a control pattern in which the special operation scheduled time is not shifted outside the reduction target period and is maintained within the reduction target period. That is, the plurality of control patterns generated by the generation unit 112 may include a control pattern in which the scheduled time of the special operation is not shifted outside the reduction target period and is maintained within the reduction target period.

  In addition, the generation unit 112 shifts the scheduled time of a part of the special operation of the plurality of devices 106 having the schedule of the special operation outside the reduction target period, and reduces the scheduled time of the other special operation. A control pattern that is maintained within the period may be generated.

  Further, the generation unit 112 may generate a control content candidate only by shifting the scheduled time of the special operation outside the reduction target period. That is, the generation unit 112 may generate a control content candidate in which the scheduled time of the special operation is shifted outside the reduction target period and the other states are maintained. Further, the generation unit 112 may generate control content candidates for only some of the plurality of devices 106.

  Further, the generation unit 112 may generate a control pattern that does not control the plurality of devices 106 as one of the plurality of control patterns.

  Further, for example, the generation unit 112 may assign a weight value to the control content candidate based on the tendency of the execution target control pattern selected by the user in the past. Specifically, the higher the probability (frequency) at which a control pattern including a certain control content candidate is selected as an execution target control pattern based on the past tendency, the higher the weighting value of the control content candidate. May be assigned.

  Then, the generation unit 112 may calculate the evaluation score by multiplying the planned reduction amount of the control content candidate by the weighting value of the control content candidate. Then, the generation unit 112 may generate a plurality of control patterns including, as a control pattern, a combination having the highest evaluation score among a plurality of combinations of the plurality of control content candidates. Further, the generation unit 112 may generate a plurality of control patterns including, as a control pattern, a combination having the largest total of the planned reduction amounts among a plurality of combinations of the plurality of control content candidates.

[Example of control pattern]
10 to 12 show examples of a plurality of control patterns generated based on the information of the plurality of devices 106 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. In addition, the format of the control information in these examples complies with "ECHONET Lite" (registered trademark) which is a standard communication protocol of the home energy management system (HEMS).

  FIG. 10 schematically shows a data table forming the control pattern #1 among a plurality of control patterns. This control pattern #1 sets the set temperature of the air conditioner (indoor unit) on the east side of the store to 28 degrees, and sets the set temperature of the air conditioner (indoor unit) on the west side of the store to 28 degrees. It includes control information #1-2 and control information #1-3 that turns off the lighting device on the south side of the store.

  When the reduction target period is from 13:00 to 15:00 on 2016/08/10, the control pattern #1 sets the scheduled time of the special operation of the showcase on the southeast side of the store to 15:00 to 15:30. Control information for shifting may be included.

  FIG. 11 schematically shows a data table forming the control pattern #2 among the plurality of control patterns. Control pattern #2 includes control information #2-1 for turning off the air conditioner (indoor unit) on the east side of the store, control information #2-2 for turning off the air conditioner (indoor unit) on the west side of the store, and south side of the store. Control information #2-3 for turning off the lighting device.

  When the reduction target period is from 13:00 to 15:00 on 2016/08/10, the control pattern #2 sets the scheduled time of the special operation of the showcase on the southeast side of the store to 15:00 to 15:30. Control information for shifting may be included.

  FIG. 12 schematically shows a control pattern #3 among a plurality of control patterns. The control pattern #3 is a control pattern that does not control the plurality of devices 106 and does not include control information.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen image for selecting an execution target control pattern from the plurality of control patterns shown in FIGS. In this example, a plurality of control patterns are displayed on the device in which the display device 102 and the input device 103 are integrated, and the selection of the execution target control pattern is input.

  Specifically, in this example, the reduction target period, the reduction target amount, and a plurality of control patterns are displayed in the upper part of the screen. Further, the control content is displayed for each control pattern. Further, the planned reduction amount is displayed for each control pattern. Then, a selection button for selecting one execution target control pattern from a plurality of control patterns is displayed as a GUI component. Further, an input confirmation button for confirming the selection of the execution target control pattern is displayed as a GUI component.

  Further, if the control pattern includes shifting the operation time of the special operation outside the reduction target period, even if the shifting of the operation time of the special operation outside the reduction target period is displayed as the control content of the control pattern. Good. For example, shifting the defrosting operation of the showcase on the southeast side of the store from 15:00 to 15:30 may be displayed as the control content of the control pattern.

  The energy management device 104 can present a plurality of control patterns to the user via the operation screen as shown in FIG. 13 and accept the selection of the execution target control pattern from the user. The energy management device 104 can prompt the user to voluntarily save energy by causing the user to select an execution target control pattern from a plurality of control patterns. As a result, the energy management device 104 can prevent the control for energy saving from being canceled by the user's operation.

  Specifically, when the automatic control for raising the set temperature of the air conditioner is performed in the summer, the user may feel uncomfortable and the manual control for lowering the set temperature of the air conditioner may be performed. As a result, the reduction target amount of power consumption may not be achieved. The energy management device 104 can suppress such an adverse effect by causing the user to select an execution target control pattern from a plurality of control patterns.

[Summary and supplement]
As described above, the energy management device 104 can appropriately support energy saving based on the reduction target period and the reduction target amount of the power consumption of the plurality of devices 106.

  Specifically, the energy management device 104 includes an acquisition unit 111, a generation unit 112, a selection unit 113, and a control unit 114. The acquisition unit 111 acquires the reduction target period, the reduction target amount, the device type, the planned presence/absence of the special operation, the scheduled time of the special operation, and the state.

  Here, the reduction target period is a reduction target period of the power consumption amounts of the plurality of devices 106. The reduction target amount is the reduction target amount of power consumption in the reduction target period. The device type is a device type of each of the plurality of devices 106. The presence/absence of a special operation is the presence/absence of a special operation of each of the plurality of devices 106. The special operation scheduled time is a special operation scheduled time of each of one or more devices 106 having a special operation schedule among the plurality of devices 106. The state is a state regarding each of the plurality of devices 106.

  The generation unit 112 generates a plurality of control patterns based on the reduction target period, the reduction target amount, the device type, the planned presence/absence of the special operation, the scheduled time of the special operation, and the state. Each of the plurality of control patterns is a control pattern for the plurality of devices 106, and the control content differs among the plurality of control patterns. Further, at least one of the plurality of control patterns is a control pattern for shifting the scheduled time of the special operation outside the reduction target period, and is a control pattern for reducing the power consumption in the reduction target period by the reduction target amount or more. Is.

  The selection unit 113 selects an execution target control pattern from a plurality of control patterns. The control unit 114 transmits control information for controlling the control target device 106 to the control target device 106 among the plurality of devices 106 based on the selected execution target control pattern.

  As a result, the control target device 106 is appropriately controlled according to the execution target control pattern for the plurality of devices 106. Further, it is possible to flexibly control the plurality of devices 106 based on the plurality of control patterns. Then, when the control pattern for shifting the scheduled time of the special operation and reducing the power consumption amount by the reduction target amount or more is selected as the execution target control pattern, the power consumption amount is appropriately reduced.

  Therefore, the energy management device 104 can appropriately support the energy saving based on the reduction target period and the reduction target amount of the power consumption of the plurality of devices 106.

  For example, the generation unit 112 may display a plurality of control patterns on the display device 102. Accordingly, the energy management device 104 can show the user a plurality of control patterns regarding energy saving. Therefore, the energy management apparatus 104 can prompt the user to take actions regarding energy saving.

  Further, for example, the selection unit 113 may receive a selection of an execution target control pattern from the user via the input device 103. As a result, the energy management device 104 can select the execution target control pattern according to the operation performed by the user. Therefore, the energy management device 104 can select an appropriate control pattern as the execution target control pattern.

  Further, for example, the device type for one of the plurality of devices 106 may be any of an air conditioner, a showcase, and a lighting device. Thereby, the energy management device 104 can generate the control pattern based on the air conditioner, the showcase, or the lighting device.

  Further, for example, the state for one of the plurality of devices 106 may include at least one of an operating state, an operation mode, a set temperature, an indoor temperature, an outdoor temperature, an indoor humidity, and an outdoor humidity. Accordingly, the energy management device 104 can generate the control pattern based on the operating state, the operation mode, the set temperature, the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, the indoor humidity, or the outdoor humidity.

  Also, for example, the special operation for one of the one or more devices 106 that has a special operation schedule may be a defrosting operation. Accordingly, the energy management device 104 can generate a control pattern for shifting the defrosting operation outside the reduction target period.

  Further, for example, each of the plurality of control patterns may be a control pattern for shifting the scheduled time of the special operation outside the reduction target period. As a result, no matter which control pattern is selected as the execution target control pattern, the special operation is appropriately shifted, and the increase in power consumption during the reduction target period is suppressed.

  Further, for example, each of the plurality of control patterns may be a control pattern for reducing the power consumption in the reduction target period by the reduction target amount or more. Thereby, no matter which control pattern is selected as the execution target control pattern, the power consumption is appropriately reduced.

  Further, for example, the plurality of control patterns may include a control pattern in which the plurality of devices 106 are not controlled. As a result, the energy management device 104 can reject the control for reducing the power consumption amount depending on the situation.

  Also, for example, even if the special operation is performed periodically, or even if the special operation is performed irregularly such as when starting or stopping, the special operation is prohibited during the reduction target period and the special operation scheduled time is reduced. A control pattern for shifting the value outside the reduction target period may be generated.

  Further, for example, a control pattern for shifting the scheduled time of the special operation after the end of the reduction target period may be generated, or a control pattern for shifting the scheduled time of the special operation before the start of the reduction target period may be generated. It may be generated.

  Further, for example, the control unit 114 may control the special operation based on the information stored in the special operation management DB 124. For example, the control unit 114 may cause the device 106 to start the special operation by transmitting control information for causing the device 106 to start the special operation based on the special operation scheduled time in the special operation management DB 124. .. In this case, the control unit 114 may shift the special operation scheduled time by updating the special operation scheduled time in the special operation management DB 124.

  Further, for example, the control pattern includes not only control performed by the energy management device 104 transmitting control information to the control target device 106 but also control performed by the user operating the control target device 106. May be. Then, the generation unit 112 can prompt the user to operate the control target device 106 by displaying such a control pattern on the display device 102.

  Further, for example, the control pattern may include control for generating electric power. Specifically, control for discharging the storage battery may be included, or control for causing the fuel cell to generate power may be included.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the power consumption of the store is reduced, but the power consumption of a facility such as a general house may be reduced. That is, the energy management device 104 may be used not only in the store but also in another facility.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded in a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. Here, the software that realizes the energy management device 104 and the like of the above-described embodiment is the following program.

  That is, this program causes a computer to reduce a power consumption amount of a plurality of devices, a reduction target amount of the power consumption in the reduction target period, a device type of each of the plurality of devices, and a plurality of devices of the plurality of devices. Acquiring the planned presence/absence of each special operation, the scheduled time of the special operation of each of one or more devices having the special operation schedule among the plurality of devices, and the status regarding each of the plurality of devices, Based on the reduction target period, the reduction target amount, the device type, the planned presence/absence of the special operation, the scheduled time of the special operation, and the state, each is a control pattern for the plurality of devices and the control contents are mutually different. Generate a plurality of different control patterns, select an execution target control pattern from the plurality of control patterns, and based on the selected execution target control pattern, the control target device to the control target device among the plurality of devices. And transmitting control information for controlling, wherein at least one of the plurality of control patterns is a control pattern for shifting the scheduled time of the special operation outside the reduction target period, and the reduction target period. The energy management method, which is a control pattern for reducing the amount of power consumption in step 1 above, by the reduction target amount or more is executed.

  Moreover, each component included in the energy management apparatus 104 may be a circuit. These circuits may form one circuit as a whole or may be separate circuits. Further, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

  The energy management apparatus 104 and the like according to one or more aspects have been described above based on the embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. As long as it does not depart from the gist of the present disclosure, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art may be applied to the present embodiment, and a configuration constructed by combining components in different embodiments is also within the scope of one or more aspects. May be included within.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the process executed by a specific component may be executed by another component instead of the specific component. Further, the order of the plurality of processes may be changed, or the plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.

  The present disclosure can be used for an energy management device or the like for supporting energy saving based on a reduction target period of power consumption and a reduction target amount, and for example, energy for supporting energy saving of facilities such as stores or houses. It can be applied to management systems.

100 Energy Management System 101 Indication Device 102 Display Device 103 Input Device 104 Energy Management Device 105 Measuring Device 106 Equipment 111 Acquisition Unit 112 Generation Unit 113 Selection Unit 114 Control Unit 121 Device Information Acquisition Unit 122 Device Configuration DB
123 Device status DB
124 Special operation management DB
125 Power consumption management unit

Claims (10)

A reduction target period of power consumption of a plurality of devices, a reduction target amount of the power consumption in the reduction target period, and the special operation of each of one or more devices having a special operation schedule among the plurality of devices An acquisition unit that acquires the scheduled time of
A generation unit that generates a plurality of control patterns, each of which is a control pattern for the plurality of devices and has different control contents, based on the reduction target period, the reduction target amount, and the scheduled time of the special operation ,
At least one of the plurality of control patterns is a control pattern for shifting the scheduled time of the special operation outside the reduction target period, and reduces the power consumption amount in the reduction target period by the reduction target amount or more. An energy management device that is a control pattern for Further, a selection unit for selecting an execution target control pattern from the plurality of control patterns is provided.
The energy management device according to claim 1. Further, based on the selected execution target control pattern, a control unit for transmitting control information for controlling the control target device to a control target device among the plurality of devices,
The energy management device according to claim 2. The acquisition unit further acquires at least one of the device type of each of the plurality of devices, the planned presence/absence of the special operation, and the state,
The generation unit further generates the plurality of control patterns based on the acquired at least one of the device type, the planned presence/absence of the special operation, and the state. The energy management device according to claim 1. The energy management device according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit further displays the plurality of control patterns on a display device. The energy management device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the selection unit further receives a selection of the execution target control pattern from a user via an input device. The energy management device according to claim 4, wherein the device type for one of the plurality of devices is one of an air conditioner, a showcase, and a lighting device. The energy management device according to claim 4, wherein the state for one of the plurality of devices includes at least one of an operating state, an operation mode, a set temperature, an indoor temperature, an outdoor temperature, an indoor humidity, and an outdoor humidity. The energy management device according to claim 1, wherein the special operation for one of the one or more devices having the special operation schedule is a defrosting operation. A reduction target period of power consumption of a plurality of devices, a reduction target amount of the power consumption in the reduction target period, and the special operation of each of one or more devices having a special operation schedule among the plurality of devices Get the scheduled time of
Generating a plurality of control patterns, each of which is a control pattern for the plurality of devices and has different control contents, based on the reduction target period, the reduction target amount, and the scheduled time of the special operation,
At least one of the plurality of control patterns is a control pattern for shifting the scheduled time of the special operation outside the reduction target period, and reduces the power consumption amount in the reduction target period by the reduction target amount or more. Energy management method that is a control pattern for.

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