Power amount adjustment system

Abstract

To provide a power amount adjustment system capable of reducing power consumption according to requests to reduce the power consumption due to tight power supply and demand.SOLUTION: In a power amount adjustment system 100, when a server 4 acquires tight power supply and demand information requiring a reduction in power consumption in a specific time period, the server is configured to change and adjust a start time of defrosting operation when the specific time period overlaps with a time period during which pulldown is scheduled to be performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power adjustment system, and more particularly to a power adjustment system for a cooler that cools articles stored in an article storage section.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a cooling device such as a showcase or a refrigerator in a store, a defrost control device capable of suppressing the power consumption of a refrigerator and peak power during pull-down has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a defrost control device for coolers in a plurality of showcases that cool articles (articles) using a refrigerant supplied from a common refrigerator. In Patent Document 1, during summer when the cooling load increases, the power consumption of the refrigerator increases during pull-down for cooling after the defrost operation ends. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, the timings of the defrost operations of a plurality of showcases are made different so that the peak of the power consumption does not become large.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Although not disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, in recent years, due to the tight power supply and demand, power shortage information may be issued to request a reduction in power consumption during a specific time period. In order to suppress the reduction in power consumption in response to the power shortage information, it is conceivable to reduce the power consumption of lighting, air conditioners, or showcases in the store. However, to stop the lighting and air conditioners, the work of store employees is required, and it is impossible to determine which equipment in the store can be stopped. Therefore, in order to respond to the request for reducing power consumption due to the tight power supply and demand, it is desired to adjust the power consumption of showcases (article storage sections) with relatively large power consumption to reduce the power consumption.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a power amount adjustment system capable of reducing the power consumption in response to the request for reducing the power consumption due to the tight power supply and demand.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, a power amount adjustment system according to an aspect of the present invention includes an article storage section for storing articles, a cooler for cooling the articles stored in the article storage section, and a server for adjusting a defrost operation start time for starting a defrost operation of the cooler at predetermined intervals. When the server acquires power shortage information requesting a reduction in power consumption during a specific time period, the server is configured to change and adjust the defrost operation start time at which the specific time period overlaps with a time period scheduled to perform a pull-down operation for cooling the inside of the article storage section after the defrost operation is completed.

[0008] In the power consumption adjustment system according to one aspect of the present invention, as described above, when the server acquires power shortage information requesting a reduction in power consumption during a specific time period, the server is configured to change the defrost operation start time at which the specific time period overlaps with the time period scheduled for pull-down, and to adjust it. As a result, by adjusting the defrost operation start time, it is possible to shift the time period in which pull-down is performed after the defrost operation and the power consumption increases compared to the defrost operation, and the specific time period. Therefore, the power consumption of the article storage unit in the specific time period can be reduced compared to before adjusting the defrost operation start time. As a result, the power consumption can be reduced in response to the request for reducing the power consumption due to the power supply-demand shortage.

[0009] In the power consumption adjustment system according to the above aspect, preferably, when the server acquires power shortage information, the server is configured to change the defrost operation start time at which the specific time period overlaps with the time period scheduled for pull-down, and to adjust it so that the specific time period does not overlap with the time period scheduled for pull-down. With this configuration, by adjusting so that the specific time period does not overlap with the time period scheduled for pull-down, it is possible to adjust so that pull-down that increases the power consumption in the specific time period is not performed. Therefore, the power consumption of the article storage unit in the specific time period can be further reduced compared to before the adjustment.

[0010] In the power consumption adjustment system according to the above aspect, preferably, when the specific time period overlaps with the time period scheduled for pull-down, the server is configured to change the defrost operation start time so as to end the pull-down before the start of the specific time period or start the pull-down after the end of the specific time period, and to adjust it. With this configuration, by adjusting the defrost operation start time so as to end the pull-down before the start of the specific time period or start the pull-down after the end of the specific time period, it is possible to adjust so that the pull-down and the specific time period do not overlap. Therefore, the power consumption of the article storage unit in the specific time period can be easily reduced.

[0011] In the power amount adjustment system according to the above-mentioned one aspect, preferably, the server changes a predetermined interval within an allowable range that can be extended or shortened, thereby changing the defrost operation start time when a specific time zone overlaps with the time zone scheduled for pull-down, and is configured to adjust so that the specific time zone does not overlap with the time zone scheduled for pull-down. With this configuration, since the predetermined interval can be changed within the allowable range, the defrost operation start time can be easily adjusted, and the time scheduled for pull-down can be easily adjusted so as not to overlap with the specific time zone.

[0012] In this case, preferably, the server acquires power shortage information before the day when reduction of power consumption is requested, and changes and adjusts the defrost operation start time from the day when the power shortage information is acquired so that a specific time zone does not overlap with the time zone scheduled for pull-down. With this configuration, since the server can adjust the defrost operation start time before the day when reduction of power consumption is requested, it can be adjusted more easily so that a specific time zone does not overlap with the time zone scheduled for pull-down.

[0013] In the power amount adjustment system according to the above-mentioned one aspect, preferably, the article storage section and the cooler are arranged in a plurality of stores, and the server is configured to change and adjust the defrost operation start time when a specific time zone overlaps with the time zone scheduled for pull-down for each cooler in the plurality of stores. With this configuration, by adjusting the defrost operation start times of the coolers in the plurality of stores, the time zone when pull-down that increases the power consumption amount occurs in the plurality of stores can be shifted from the specific time zone, so that the power consumption amount can be reduced more than in the case of one store. As a result, the power consumption amount can be effectively reduced in response to the request for reduction of the power consumption amount.

[0014] In this case, preferably, the server changes the defrost operation start time at which a specific time zone overlaps with the time zone scheduled for pull-down by changing the predetermined interval within an allowable range in which the predetermined interval can be extended or shortened, so as to adjust so that the specific time zone and the time zone scheduled for pull-down do not overlap. Here, the allowable range in which the predetermined interval can be extended or shortened is set so that even if the predetermined interval is extended, the frost adhering to the cooler does not become excessively large, and even if the predetermined interval is shortened, the number of defrost operations does not become excessively large. By doing so, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption due to excessive frost adhesion to the cooler and an increase in power consumption due to an excessively large number of defrost operations. Therefore, if configured as described above, the defrost operation can be performed at an appropriate interval, so that the power consumption in a specific time zone can be further reduced, and an increase in power consumption can also be suppressed even outside the specific time zone.

[0015] In the power consumption adjustment system according to the above-described aspect, preferably, one or more article storage units and coolers are arranged in a plurality of stores, and when the time zone scheduled for pull-down adjusted by changing the predetermined interval within the allowable range overlaps with the specific time zone, the server adjusts the defrost operation start time so that the total power consumption per unit time within the specific time zone of all the coolers arranged in the plurality of stores that perform the defrost operation in the specific time zone becomes smaller than before the change. With this configuration, when the time zone scheduled for pull-down in some stores overlaps with the specific time zone, it is possible to suppress an increase in the total power consumption of some stores in the specific time zone, so that the power consumption of all the stores in the specific time zone can be reduced.

[0016] In this case, preferably, when there is one or more stores where the time zone in which the server plans to perform the changed pull-down overlaps with a specific time zone, the server is configured to vary the defrost operation start times among the stores so that the total power consumption per unit time within the specific time zone of all the coolers arranged in the plurality of stores that perform the defrost operation during the specific time zone becomes smaller than before the change. With this configuration, when the time zone in which a pull-down is planned to be performed in some stores overlaps with a specific time zone, by varying the defrost operation start times, it is possible to vary the time zones during which pull-downs that increase the power consumption occur in the specific time zone. As a result, compared to the case where a plurality of stores perform pull-downs simultaneously within a specific time zone, the power consumption can be reduced.

Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a power consumption adjustment system capable of reducing the power consumption in response to the demand for reducing the power consumption due to the tight power supply and demand.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

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Figure 10

Figure 11

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] (Configuration of Power Amount Adjustment System) With reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, the configuration of the power amount adjustment system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the power amount adjustment system 100 includes a showcase 1, a cooler 2, and a server 4. The power amount adjustment system 100 also includes an in-store control device 3. One or more showcases 1 and coolers 2 are arranged in a plurality of stores 50. The power amount adjustment system 100 is used to control the defrost operation of the cooler 2 provided in the plurality of showcases 1 arranged inside the store 50. Specifically, the server 4 communicates with the in-store control device 3 in one or more stores 50, sets the defrost operation start time of one or more showcases 1 provided in the one or more stores 50 that perform communication, and the in-store control device 3 is configured to control the cooler 2 based on the set defrost operation start time to perform the defrost operation. Note that the showcase 1 is an example of the "article storage unit" described in the claims.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, articles 5 are stored inside the showcase 1. The showcase 1 is provided with, for example, a shelf 1a for placing the articles 5. The showcase 1 includes a refrigerated showcase and a frozen showcase.

[0023] In showcase 1, the cooler 2 is arranged below the part for storing the article 5. Specifically, the showcase 1 is provided with two vertically separated spaces. The article 5 is stored in the upper space, and the cooler 2 is arranged in the lower space. In addition, a flow path for circulating air is formed at the boundary between the upper space and the lower space. The showcase 1 includes a separate-type showcase not provided with a compressor described later inside, and a built-in-type showcase provided with a compressor inside.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the cooler 2 is configured to perform a cooling operation, a defrosting operation, and a pull-down as operation modes. In the cooling operation, the cooler 2 is configured to supply cooled air into the showcase 1 to cool the article 5 stored in the showcase 1.

[0025] As shown by the arrow in FIG. 3, the air cooled by the cooler 2 is discharged toward the back side (X2 side) of the showcase 1 and is configured to flow from the bottom side (Z2 side) toward the top side (Z1 side). On the way of flowing from the bottom side (Z2 side) toward the top side (Z1 side), the cooled air is configured to flow toward the shelf 1a on which the article 5 is arranged. The air reaching the top side (Z1 side) is configured to flow from the back side (X2 side) to the front side (X1 side) and then from the top side (Z1 side) toward the bottom side (Z2 side). By flowing the cooled air from the top side (Z1 side) toward the bottom side (Z2 side), an air curtain is formed, and the rise in temperature inside the showcase 1 can be suppressed. In addition, the air flowing to the bottom side (Z2 side) is configured to be supplied to the cooler 2.

[0026] The cooler 2 is an evaporator that constitutes a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle is composed of an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion section in addition to the cooler 2. The refrigeration cycle is configured to circulate a refrigerant and cool an object (in this embodiment, the air inside the showcase 1) with the refrigerant. The compressor is configured to compress the refrigerant. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant sent from the compressor is condensed in the condenser and then changed into a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant by the expansion section. The refrigerant supplied from the expansion section is supplied to the cooler 2, and heat exchange is performed with the air inside the showcase 1, so that the refrigerant is warmed and the air inside the showcase 1 is cooled. By supplying the cooled air into the showcase 1, the inside of the showcase 1 is cooled and the article 5 is cooled.

[0027] The cooler 2 is configured to cool the article 5 inside the showcase 1 during the cooling operation. Note that the operation of the refrigeration cycle can be adjusted by changing the driving frequency of the compressor. In the refrigeration cycle, the main component that consumes power is the compressor. During the cooling operation, the driving frequency of the compressor is adjusted so that the temperature inside the showcase 1 reaches the set temperature.

[0028] During the defrosting operation, the cooler 2 (evaporator) is configured to be defrosted. During the defrosting operation, the operation of the cooler 2 (evaporator) is not performed, and the temperature of the cooler 2 (evaporator) is configured to rise. In this case, a heater (not shown) may be operated to heat the cooler 2 (evaporator), or defrosting may be performed by wind pressure by a fan, or defrosting may be performed by hot gas. Specifically, the compressor may be stopped to stop the circulation of the refrigerant and then the cooler 2 (evaporator) may be heated by a heater, or the driving frequency of the compressor may be weakened to perform defrosting by wind pressure or hot gas. During the defrosting operation, since the operation of the cooler 2 (evaporator) is not performed, the inside of the showcase 1 is not cooled and the temperature inside the showcase rises.

[0029] The defrost operation is configured to be performed at predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval is set to, for example, 6 hours. The defrost operation has a predetermined interval and a defrost operation start time set in advance in the in-store control device 3, and is configured to be automatically performed by the in-store control device 3 based on the settings. The defrost operation is performed, for example, every day and is configured to be performed 4 times a day.

[0030] Pull-down is the operation of cooling down the showcase 1 after the defrost operation ends. Pull-down is performed in combination with the defrost operation. When the temperature inside the showcase 1 reaches a predetermined temperature due to the defrost operation, or when a certain period of time has elapsed after the start of the defrost operation, the defrost operation ends and the pull-down is started. Pull-down is configured to increase the number of compressor drives more than in the cooling operation to rapidly cool the temperature inside the showcase 1, which increased during the defrost operation, to near the set temperature. Note that near the set temperature includes a temperature slightly higher and slightly lower than the set temperature. Pull-down is configured to end when it cools to near the set temperature or when a preset time has elapsed. The defrost operation is set to perform defrosting by controlling the compressor drive for 30 minutes, for example, and then perform pull-down for 15 minutes.

[0031] The in-store control device 3 is provided in each of a plurality of stores 50. The in-store control device 3 is configured to control the operations of a plurality of showcases 1 provided in the store 50. The in-store control device 3 is configured to be communicable with the server 4 via the network 10. The in-store control device 3 is configured to perform the defrost operation of the cooler 2 at a predetermined interval based on the defrost operation start time transmitted from the server 4. Further, the in-store control device 3 is configured to perform pull-down after the defrost operation of the cooler 2 ends.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the server 4 is configured to be communicable with the in-store control devices 3 (see FIG. 1) in a plurality of stores 50. Specifically, when the plurality of stores 50 are chain stores, the server 4 is configured to manage all the chain stores. The server 4 is configured to adjust the start time of the defrosting operation. Also, the server 4 is configured to group the plurality of stores 50 and manage them collectively for each group. The group may be, for example, a group for each jurisdiction of the power supply company 30, or a group for each number of the showcases 1 arranged inside the store 50. In the present embodiment, the server 4 is configured to group and manage the stores 50 for each jurisdiction of the power supply company 30.

[0033] In the example of FIG. 2, the server 4 is configured to manage by dividing into a group including stores a to e supplied with power from the power supply company A and a group including stores f to j supplied with power from the power supply company B. Specifically, it is grouped based on the jurisdiction of the power supply company 30, such as the power supply company 30 having jurisdiction over the Kanto region, the power supply company 30 having jurisdiction over the Chubu region, and the power supply company 30 having jurisdiction over the Kinki region. Note that the group may be further divided into finer groups such as an urban area and a mountainous area. Note that there may be more stores 50 and power supply companies 30 than shown in FIG. 2.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply company 30 is configured to transmit power shortage information to the administrative agency 20. Based on this, the administrative agency 20 is configured to transmit power shortage information to the server 4 by email or the like. The power shortage information includes the jurisdiction of the power supply company 30 that requests reduction of power consumption and the date and time when the reduction of power consumption is requested. Since the power shortage information is created for each power supply company 30, the server 4 may acquire one piece of power shortage information or may acquire power shortage information of a plurality of power supply companies 30 at the same time. The server 4 is configured to transmit a command to optimize the environment in the store 50, such as ventilation in the store 50 and operation of the air conditioner, to the in-store control device 3 (see FIG. 1). Further, when the server 4 acquires the power shortage information, it is configured to adjust the defrost operation start time for each store 50 and transmit it to the in-store control device 3 of the store 50. Note that since the transmission of the power shortage information is configured to be transmitted when the power demand is tight, it is not usually performed. Therefore, in FIG. 2, the information transmission and reception between the server 4 and the in-store control device 3 that are usually performed and the information transmission and reception between the power supply company 30 or the server 4 and the administrative agency 20 are shown by different lines.

[0035] The server 4 is configured to adjust the defrost operation start time for starting the defrost operation of the cooler 2 performed at predetermined intervals. Further, the server 4 is configured to adjust the start time or end time of the pull-down performed in conjunction with the defrost operation by adjusting the defrost operation start time. Specifically, when the server 4 acquires power shortage information that requests reduction of power consumption in a specific time zone, it is configured to change and adjust the defrost operation start time when the specific time zone overlaps with the time zone in which the pull-down is scheduled to be performed. The length of the specific time zone is not particularly limited.

[0036] Server 4 is configured to obtain power shortage information before the day when reduction of power consumption is requested. The power shortage information includes the date and time when reduction of power consumption is requested, and is transmitted to Server 4, for example, two days before the requested day. The transmitted power shortage information may be automatically recognized by Server 4 or may be configured to accept manual input.

[0037] When Server 4 receives the power shortage information, it is configured to change and adjust the defrost operation start times of a plurality of stores 50 based on the power shortage information. Specifically, when Server 4 obtains the power shortage information, it changes the defrost operation start times at which a specific time period overlaps with the time period scheduled for pull-down after the defrost operation, and is configured to adjust so that the specific time period does not overlap with the time period scheduled for pull-down. When a specific time period overlaps with the time period scheduled for pull-down, Server 4 is configured to change the defrost operation start time so as to finish the pull-down before the start of the specific time period or start the pull-down after the end of the specific time period, and to adjust.

[0038] When Server 4 receives the power shortage information, it obtains the defrost operation start times from the stores 50 within the power shortage area and calculates pull-down information including the time period scheduled for pull-down. In this case, the time period during which the pull-down is performed may be calculated based on the preset defrost operation start time, the preset defrost operation time, and the preset pull-down time, or for each store 50, the time for performing the pull-down may be calculated from the actual defrost operation time and pull-down time of the previous day.

[0039] Server 4 is configured to change the defrost operation start times at which a specific time period overlaps with the time period scheduled for pull-down by changing the preset interval within an allowable range where the preset interval can be extended or shortened, and to adjust so that the specific time period does not overlap with the time period scheduled for pull-down. The allowable range is set, for example, in the range from the preset interval minus 1 hour to the preset interval plus 1 hour.

[0040] When changing the defrost operation start time, the server 4 is configured to obtain the defrost operation start time set by the in-store control device 3. The server 4 is configured to obtain the defrost operation start time for each group. Therefore, when the server 4 obtains power shortage information, it is configured to select the store 50 included in the group in the pipe where reduction of power consumption is requested. Note that the defrost operation start time of the stores 50 included in one group may be set at the same time for all the stores 50 or may be set at the same time for some of the stores 50.

[0041] When the server 4 starts the defrost operation at the obtained defrost operation start time, if the time zone in which pull-down is planned to be performed in accordance with the defrost operation does not overlap with a specific time zone, the server 4 is configured to adjust the defrost operation start time so as not to change it. When the server 4 starts the defrost operation at the obtained defrost operation start time, if the time zone in which pull-down is planned to be performed in accordance with the defrost operation overlaps with a specific time zone, with the preset defrost operation start time as the reference defrost operation start time, by changing the predetermined interval within an allowable range in which the predetermined interval can be extended or shortened, an updated defrost operation start time is created by changing the defrost operation start time at which the specific time zone and the time zone in which pull-down is planned to be performed overlap, so as to adjust so that the specific time zone and the time zone in which pull-down is planned to be performed do not overlap. The server 4 is configured to change and adjust the defrost operation start time at which the specific time zone and the time zone in which pull-down is planned to be performed overlap for each cooler 2 in the plurality of stores 50. Specifically, the server 4 is configured to adjust so that pull-down is not performed in the specific time zone.

[0042] When the time period in which the server 4 is scheduled to perform a pull-down adjusted by changing a predetermined interval within an allowable range overlaps with a specific time period, the defrost operation start time is adjusted so that the total power consumption per unit time within the specific time period of the entire cooler arranged in all the stores 50 that perform a pull-down during the specific time period becomes smaller than before the change. Specifically, when there is one or more stores 50 in which the time period in which the server 4 is scheduled to perform the changed pull-down after the change within the allowable range overlaps with the specific time period, the defrost operation start time is made different among the stores 50 so that the total power consumption per unit time within the specific time period of the entire cooler arranged in all the stores 50 that perform a pull-down during the specific time period becomes smaller than before the change.

[0043] Based on FIG. 4, a method of changing the defrost operation start time when the specific time period and the time period in which a pull-down is scheduled to be performed overlap, and adjusting so that the specific time period and the time period in which a pull-down is scheduled to be performed do not overlap will be described. In FIG. 4, it is assumed that the time from 18:00 to 21:00 (20:59) indicated by hatching is the specific time period, and the reference defrost operation start times are set at 0:00, 6:00, 12:00, and 18:00. Also, it is assumed that the predetermined interval is 6 hours, and the allowable range is set in the range from the predetermined interval minus 1 hour to the predetermined interval plus 1 hour. That is, the predetermined interval is set between 5 hours and 7 hours. The allowable range is set so that frost does not excessively adhere to the cooler 2 and the temperature inside the showcase 1 does not excessively rise. In FIG. 4, the black rhombuses represent the reference defrost operation start times. Also, it is assumed that within 1 hour from the defrost operation start time, the defrost operation and the pull-down are completed. As an example, it is assumed that the defrost operation is performed for 30 minutes and the pull-down is performed for 15 minutes, and the pull-down starts 30 minutes after the defrost operation start time and the pull-down ends 45 minutes after the defrost operation start time. Note that the black rhombuses in FIG. 4 may be the reference defrost operation end time or the start / end times of a trial pull-down instead of the reference defrost operation start time.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, when the defrost operation scheduled to start at 18:00 overlaps with a specific time period, the server 4 is configured to create an updated defrost operation start time by changing a predetermined interval within an allowable range based on the reference defrost operation start time. FIG. 4 shows an example where the server 4 creates from the first pattern to the nth pattern. When creating the updated defrost operation start time, the server 4 is configured to set the defrost operation start time within a predetermined interval and an allowable range from the last defrost operation start time of the previous day. In FIG. 4, it is assumed that the defrost operation is performed at 18:00 of the previous day, and the defrost operation is performed at 0:00, which is 6 hours after the predetermined interval, or between 23:00 and 1:00 within the allowable range.

[0045] The first pattern is a pattern in which the predetermined interval is changed to 5 hours. In the first pattern, assuming that the first defrost operation is performed at 0:00, the updated defrost operation start times are set at 5:00, 10:00, 15:00, and 20:00. When the defrost operation start time is 20:00, the time period scheduled for pull-down is from 20:30 to 20:45, so the specific time period and the time period scheduled for pull-down overlap.

[0046] The second pattern is a pattern in which the predetermined interval is changed to 7 hours. In the second pattern, assuming that the first defrost operation is performed at 0:00, the updated defrost operation start times are set at 0:00, 7:00, 14:00, and 21:00. When the defrost operation start time is 21:00, the time period scheduled for pull-down is from 21:30 to 21:45, so the specific time period and the time period scheduled for pull-down do not overlap.

[0047] The third pattern is a pattern in which the predetermined interval is changed to 5 hours. In the third pattern, assuming that the first defrost operation is performed at 0:00, the updated defrost operation start times are set at 0:00, 5:00, 11:00, 17:00, and 23:00. When the defrost operation start time is 17:00, the time period scheduled for pull-down is from 17:30 to 17:45, so the specific time period and the time period scheduled for pull-down do not overlap.

[0048] In this way, the server 4 is configured to create a plurality of patterns for the start time of the update defrost operation, select the optimal pattern, and then transmit it to the in-store control device 3. In the case of FIG. 4, the server 4 is configured to select and transmit either the second pattern or the third pattern. In this case, by selecting a pattern that ends the defrost operation immediately before the start of the defrost operation, even if a specific time period is extended, it is possible to avoid the overlap between the specific time period and the time period scheduled for pull-down, which is preferable. Specifically, in the case of the third pattern where the defrost operation starts at 17:00 and the pull-down ends before the start of the specific time period, even if the specific time period is extended until 22:00, the next defrost start time is 23:00, and the time period scheduled for pull-down is from 23:30 to 23:45, so the specific time period and the time period scheduled for pull-down do not overlap. Therefore, the third pattern is more preferable than the second pattern.

[0049] After acquiring the power shortage information, if further power shortage information is received before a specific time period elapses and the specific time period is changed, the server 4 is configured to change the defrost operation start time so that the time period scheduled for pull-down does not overlap with the specific time period. Therefore, when the defrost operation start time is extended, the server 4 changes the defrost operation start time so that the time period scheduled for pull-down does not overlap with the specific time period. However, depending on the timing of acquiring the power shortage information, such as when it is changed on a day when a reduction in power consumption is requested, the server 4 may be configured to perform the defrost operation exceeding a predetermined interval and an allowable range. When the specific time period has passed, the server 4 is configured to change the defrost operation start time back to the reference defrost operation start time and make adjustments.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the server 4 is configured to adjust the defrost operation start time for the stores 50 within the group. In FIGS. 5 and 6, an example is shown where one group includes six stores, but the number of stores included in one group is not particularly limited as long as it is one or more. Note that in FIG. 5, the reference defrost operation start times for the first store and the second store are the same, and different from those of the first store and the third store. However, the reference defrost operation start times may be the same or different for all the stores 50.

[0051] In FIG. 5, the time period from 20:00 to 0:00 (23:59) is set as a specific time period. Also, assuming that the predetermined interval is 6 hours and the allowable range is set to the range from the predetermined interval - 1 hour to plus 1 hour of the predetermined interval. The reference defrost operation start times are set to 2:00, 8:00, 14:00, and 20:00 for the first store and the second store, set to 3:00, 9:00, 15:00, and 21:00 for the third store and the fourth store, set to 1:00, 7:00, 13:00, and 19:00 for the fifth store, and set to 4:00, 10:00, 16:00, and 22:00 for the sixth store. Also, in FIGS. 5 and 6, the black diamonds represent the reference defrost operation start times. Also, it is assumed that the defrost operation and the pull - down are completed within 1 hour from the reference defrost operation start time. As an example, assuming that the defrost operation is performed for 30 minutes and the pull - down is performed for 15 minutes, the pull - down starts 30 minutes after the defrost operation start time and ends 45 minutes after the defrost operation start time. Note that the black diamonds in FIGS. 5 and 6 may represent the reference defrost operation end time, the start / end times of the trial pull - down instead of the reference defrost operation start time.

[0052] In the case of FIG. 5, the server 4 is configured to change and adjust the defrost operation start times for the first store to the fourth store and the sixth store. The adjustment method is the same as the method described based on FIG. 4. Thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the server 4 selects the pattern in which the defrost operation is performed at 19:00 for the first store to the fourth store, and is configured to select the pattern in which the defrost operation is performed at 17:00 and 24:00 (not shown in the figure, which is 0:00 of the next day) for the sixth store.

[0053] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a case will be described where, as shown in FIG. 5, there are a plurality of stores 50 in which the reference defrost operation start time is set, and a specific time zone is wider than a predetermined interval. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a case where the specific time zone is from 15:00 to 23:00 (22:59) will be described.

[0054] As a result of the adjustment, when the specific time zone overlaps with the time zone in which pull-down is scheduled, the server 4 avoids a pattern of the updated defrost operation start time at which the time zones in which pull-down is scheduled overlap among a plurality of stores as shown in FIG. 8, and as shown in FIG. 7, is configured to create an updated defrost operation start time with different defrost operation start times in order to make the time zones in which pull-down is scheduled different. In FIG. 7, the updated defrost operation start times are different for all the stores 50, but when the number of stores 50 is large, the defrost operation start times may overlap. In this case, the server 4 is configured to reduce (preferably minimize) the number of stores 50 whose defrost operation start times overlap. Thereby, it is configured to reduce the total power consumption per unit time within a specific time zone of the entire showcase 1 arranged in a plurality of stores 50 that perform pull-down during the specific time zone. Specifically, assuming that the unit time is 30 minutes, the power consumption by pull-down is 200 kWh, and pull-down starts 30 minutes after the defrost operation start time, in the five stores where the updated defrost operation start time is set at 19:00 as shown in FIG. 8, since pull-down is performed between 19:30 and 20:00, the total power consumption per unit time between 19:30 and 20:00 becomes 1000 kWh. On the other hand, if the updated defrost operation start times are different as in FIG. 7, for example, since pull-down is performed in one store between 19:30 and 20:00, the total power consumption per unit time can be set to 200 kWh.

[0055] Server 4 is configured to obtain power shortage information before the day when reduction of power consumption is requested, and to change and adjust the defrost operation start time from the day when the power shortage information is obtained so that a specific time period and the time period scheduled for pull-down do not overlap. Here, depending on the settings of a predetermined interval and an allowable range, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, there are cases where adjustment is possible within one day and cases where adjustment is possible over two or more days.

[0056] For example, when the reference defrost operation start times are 0:00, 6:00, 12:00, and 18:00, the predetermined interval is 6 hours, the allowable range is 30 minutes, and pull-down starts 30 minutes after the defrost operation starts, and assuming that the specific time period is from 16:00 to 20:00 (19:59), if the interval is shortened by 30 minutes each time, it becomes 0:00, 5:30, 11:00, 16:30, 22:00, and if the interval is lengthened by 30 minutes each time, it becomes 0:00, 6:30, 13:00, 19:30. In this case, the time period scheduled for pull-down and the specific time period will overlap. Specifically, if the defrost operation starts at 16:30, pull-down will start at 17:00, 30 minutes later. Also, if the defrost operation starts at 19:30, pull-down will start at 20:00, 30 minutes later. That is, no matter which pattern is selected, the time period scheduled for pull-down and the specific time period will overlap. Therefore, if the interval is shortened by 30 minutes each day on the first day to 0:00, 5:30, 11:00, 16:30, 22:00, and further shortened by 30 minutes on the second day to 3:30, 9:00, 14:30, 20:00, when the defrost operation starts at 14:30, pull-down will start at 15:00, and when the defrost operation starts at 20:00, pull-down will start at 20:30. As a result, pull-down ends before 16:00, the start time of the specific time period, and the next pull-down is performed after 20:00, the end time, so that the specific time period and the defrost operation start time do not overlap. In this way, Server 4 is configured to change and adjust the defrost operation start time so that a specific time period and the time period scheduled for pull-down do not overlap.

[0057] Based on FIGS. 9 to 11, the processing flow of Server 4 based on power shortage information will be described.

[0058] 9 shows an outline of the process flow of the server 4 based on the power tightness information. In step S1, the server 4 is configured to acquire the power tightness information. Specifically, the server 4 is configured to receive the power tightness information and acquire the days and specific time periods for reducing the amount of power consumption from the power tightness information.

[0059] In step S2, the server 4 is configured to respond to the power shortage. Details of the power shortage response will be described later. In step S3, the step to be taken differs depending on whether or not the specific time period has passed. If the specific time period has passed, the server 4 is configured to proceed to step S4 and cancel the power shortage response. If the specific time period has not passed, the server 4 repeats step S3 until the specific time period has passed. Note that if the power shortage information is updated before the specific time period has passed (for example, if the specific time period has been extended), the server 4 may return to step S1.

[0060] The power tightness response will be described with reference to Fig. 10. In step S11, the server 4 is configured to create a list of target stores included in the power tightness area based on the power tightness information acquired in step S1 of Fig. 9. Specifically, the server 4 is configured to group stores 50 in an area for which a reduction in power consumption is requested based on the power tightness information. In this case, if there are multiple pieces of power tightness information and the power supply companies 30 are under different jurisdictions, the stores 50 may be grouped by jurisdiction.

[0061] In step S12, the server 4 is configured to obtain the defrost operation start time for the target stores in the power shortage area. In other words, the server 4 is configured to obtain the defrost operation start times for all the stores 50 grouped in one group in step S11. Specifically, the server 4 instructs the in-store control device 3 in all the stores 50 grouped in one group in step S11 to transmit the defrost operation start time, and is configured to obtain the defrost operation start time when the defrost operation start time is transmitted from the in-store control device 3.

[0062] In step S13, the server 4 is configured to adjust the defrost operation start time. Specifically, it is configured to create a change pattern for changing the defrost operation start time of each store 50 included in one group, and create an update pattern in which a specific time period where a reduction in power consumption is requested does not overlap with the time period scheduled for pull-down. At this time, the server 4 is configured to combine the update patterns so that the number of stores 50 where the specific time period where a reduction in power consumption is requested does not overlap with the time period scheduled for pull-down increases. The details of the process for adjusting the defrost operation start time will be described later.

[0063] In step S14, it is configured to update to the defrost operation start time adjusted in step S13. Specifically, the server 4 transmits the updated defrost operation start time to the in-store control device 3 in each store 50, and the in-store control device 3 in each store 50 is configured to receive the updated defrost operation start time. The in-store control device 3 in each store 50 is configured to perform the defrost operation based on the updated defrost operation start time.

[0064] In step S15, the steps to proceed differ depending on whether the defrost operation start time has been adjusted. Specifically, the defrost operation start time is changed so that the time zone in which pull-down is scheduled does not overlap with a specific time zone, and the steps to proceed differ depending on whether the adjustment has been completed. If the adjustment has been made, the process ends as it is, and if the adjustment has not been made, the process is configured to return to step S14. And between the day when the power shortage information is acquired and the day when a reduction in power consumption is requested, the server 4 is configured to change and adjust the defrost operation start time so that the time zone in which pull-down is scheduled does not overlap with a specific time zone.

[0065] Based on FIG. 11, the process of adjusting the defrost operation start time of the server 4 will be described. In step S21, the server 4 calculates the pull-down information of the target stores included in the power shortage area. Specifically, it is configured to calculate the time zone in which pull-down is performed from the defrost operation start time of the cooler 2 of the target store, and to calculate whether the calculated time zone in which pull-down is performed overlaps with a specific time zone.

[0066] In step S22, for the defrost operation start time of store 50 where the specific time zone overlaps with the time zone in which pull-down is performed, the server 4 is configured to create a change pattern of the defrost operation start time. The server 4 is configured to create a plurality of patterns of the changed defrost operation start time based on a predetermined interval and an allowable range, with the currently set defrost operation start time as the reference defrost operation start time.

[0067] In step S23, the steps to proceed differ depending on whether there is a pattern in which pull-down is not performed in a specific time zone among the patterns of the changed defrost operation start time created in step S22. If there is, the process proceeds to step S24, and if not, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0068] In step S24, the server 4 is configured to select an optimal defrost operation start time from patterns where a pulldown is not performed during a specific time period. For example, the server 4 is configured to select a pattern in which the pulldown ends immediately before the specific time period from patterns where the specific time period and the time period scheduled for pulldown do not overlap.

[0069] In step S25, the server 4 is configured to smooth the power consumption during a specific time period. Specifically, the server 4 is configured to create a pattern in which the start time of the defrost operation is varied so that the power consumption per unit time among the 50 stores 50 where the defrost operation is performed during the specific time period is below a threshold value (for example, the average power consumption). Then, in step S24, the server 4 is configured to select the change pattern with the minimum power consumption per unit time among the 50 stores 50 where the defrost operation is performed during the specific time period as the changed defrost operation start time.

[0070] (Effect of this Embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0071] In this embodiment, as described above, when the server 4 acquires power shortage information that requests reduction of power consumption in a specific time period, the server 4 is configured to change and adjust the defrost operation start time at which the specific time period and the time period scheduled for pulldown overlap. As a result, by adjusting the defrost operation start time, it is possible to shift the time period in which the pulldown, which is performed after the defrost operation and has a higher power consumption than the defrost operation, is performed and the specific time period. Therefore, the power consumption of the showcase 1 in the specific time period can be reduced compared to before adjusting the defrost operation start time. As a result, the power consumption can be reduced in response to the request for reducing the power consumption due to the tight power supply and demand.

[0072] In this embodiment, as described above, when the server 4 acquires power shortage information, it changes the defrost operation start time at which a specific time zone overlaps with the time zone scheduled for pull-down, and is configured to adjust so that the specific time zone does not overlap with the time zone scheduled for pull-down. As a result, by adjusting so that the specific time zone does not overlap with the time zone scheduled for pull-down, it is possible to adjust so that pull-down that increases the power consumption in the specific time zone is not performed. Therefore, the power consumption of the showcase 1 in the specific time zone can be further reduced compared to before the adjustment.

[0073] In this embodiment, as described above, when a specific time zone overlaps with the time zone scheduled for pull-down, the server 4 is configured to change and adjust the defrost operation start time so as to finish the pull-down before the start of the specific time zone or start the pull-down after the end of the specific time zone. As a result, by adjusting the defrost operation start time so as to finish the pull-down before the start of the specific time zone or start the pull-down after the end of the specific time zone, it is possible to adjust so that the pull-down does not overlap with the specific time zone. Therefore, the power consumption of the showcase 1 in the specific time zone can be easily reduced.

[0074] In this embodiment, as described above, the server 4 changes the defrost operation start time at which a specific time zone overlaps with the time zone scheduled for pull-down by changing a predetermined interval within an allowable range in which the predetermined interval can be extended or shortened, and is configured to adjust so that the specific time zone does not overlap with the time zone scheduled for pull-down. As a result, since the predetermined interval can be changed within the allowable range, the defrost operation start time can be easily adjusted, and the time scheduled for pull-down can be easily adjusted so as not to overlap with the specific time zone.

[0075] In this embodiment, as described above, the server 4 acquires power shortage information before the day when reduction of power consumption is requested, and changes and adjusts the defrost operation start time from the day when the power shortage information is acquired so that a specific time period and the time period scheduled for pull-down do not overlap. As a result, since the server 4 can adjust the defrost operation start time before the day when reduction of power consumption is requested, it can be adjusted more easily so that a specific time period and the time period scheduled for pull-down do not overlap.

[0076] In this embodiment, as described above, the showcase 1 and the cooler 2 are arranged in a plurality of stores 50, and the server 4 changes and adjusts the defrost operation start time at which a specific time period and the time period scheduled for pull-down overlap for each cooler 2 in the plurality of stores 50. As a result, by adjusting the defrost operation start times of the coolers 2 in the plurality of stores 50, it is possible to shift the time period during which pull-down that increases the power consumption amount is performed and a specific time period in the plurality of stores 50, so that the power consumption amount can be further reduced compared to the case of performing it in one store. As a result, the power consumption amount can be effectively reduced in response to the request for reduction of the power consumption amount.

[0077] In this embodiment, as described above, the server 4 changes the defrost operation start time at which a specific time zone overlaps with the time zone scheduled for pull-down by changing the predetermined interval within an allowable range in which the predetermined interval can be extended or shortened, so as to adjust so that the specific time zone and the time zone scheduled for pull-down do not overlap. Here, the allowable range in which the predetermined interval can be extended or shortened is set so that even if the predetermined interval is extended, the frost adhering to the cooler 2 does not become excessively large, and even if the predetermined interval is shortened, the number of defrost operations does not become excessively large. By doing so, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption due to excessive frost adhesion to the cooler 2 and an increase in power consumption due to an excessively large number of defrost operations. Therefore, by configuring as described above, the defrost operation can be performed at an appropriate interval, so that the power consumption in a specific time zone can be further reduced, and an increase in power consumption can also be suppressed even outside the specific time zone.

[0078] In this embodiment, as described above, the showcase 1 and the cooler 2 are arranged one or more in a plurality of stores 50, and when the time zone scheduled for pull-down adjusted by changing the predetermined interval within the allowable range overlaps with the specific time zone, the server 4 is configured to adjust the defrost operation start time so that the total power consumption per unit time within the specific time zone of all the coolers 2 arranged in the plurality of stores 50 where the defrost operation is performed in the specific time zone becomes smaller than before the change. Thereby, when the time zone scheduled for pull-down in some of the stores 50 overlaps with the specific time zone, it is possible to suppress an increase in the total power consumption of some of the stores 50 in the specific time zone, so that the power consumption of all the stores in the specific time zone can be reduced.

[0079] In the present embodiment, as described above, when there is one or more stores 50 in which the time zone in which the server 4 plans to perform the pull-down after the change overlaps with a specific time zone, the total power consumption per unit time within the specific time zone of the entire cooler 2 arranged in the plurality of stores 50 that perform the defrosting operation in the specific time zone is made smaller than before the change, and the defrosting operation start times are configured to be different among the stores 50. As a result, when the time zone in which the pull-down is planned to be performed in some of the stores 50 overlaps with the specific time zone, by making the defrosting operation start times different, it is possible to make the time zones in which the pull-down that increases the power consumption occurs in the specific time zone different. As a result, compared to the case where a plurality of stores 50 perform the pull-down simultaneously within the specific time zone, the power consumption can be reduced.

[0080] (Modification example) The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the description of the above embodiment but by the claims, and further includes all changes (modification examples) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0081] For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the article storage unit is the showcase 1 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the article storage unit may be a vending machine.

[0082] Also, in the above embodiment, an example in which the predetermined interval is 6 hours is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The predetermined interval may be shorter or longer than 6 hours.

[0083] Also, in the above embodiment, an example in which the defrosting operation is performed every day and four times a day is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The number of times the defrosting operation is performed may be one or more. Also, it is not necessary to perform the defrosting operation every day. For example, the defrosting operation may be performed every other day.

[0084] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which defrosting is performed for 30 minutes and pull-down is performed for 15 minutes is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The time for defrosting and the time for pull-down may be changed as appropriate.

[0085] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the allowable range is 1 hour is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the allowable range may be shorter or longer than 1 hour.

[0086] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the unit time is 30 minutes is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the unit time may be shorter or longer than 30 minutes.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0087] 1 Showcase (article storage section) 2 Cooler 4 Server 100 Power amount adjustment system

Claims

1. An article storage section for storing articles, A cooler for cooling the articles stored in the article storage section, A server for adjusting the defrost operation start time for starting the defrost operation of the cooler performed at predetermined intervals, and comprising: When the server acquires power shortage information requesting reduction of power consumption in a specific time zone, the defrost operation start time at which the specific time zone and the time zone scheduled to perform a pull-down for cooling the inside of the article storage section after the defrost operation overlap is changed and adjusted, a power amount adjustment system.

2. When the server acquires the power shortage information, the defrost operation start time at which the specific time zone and the time zone scheduled to perform a pull-down overlap is changed so that the specific time zone and the time zone scheduled to perform a pull-down do not overlap, the power amount adjustment system according to claim 1.

3. When the specific time zone and the time zone scheduled to perform a pull-down overlap, the defrost operation start time is changed and adjusted so that the pull-down ends before the start of the specific time zone or the pull-down starts after the end of the specific time zone, the power amount adjustment system according to claim 1.

4. The server changes the defrost operation start time at which the specific time zone and the time zone scheduled to perform a pull-down overlap by changing the predetermined interval within an allowable range in which the predetermined interval can be extended or shortened, so that the specific time zone and the time zone scheduled to perform a pull-down do not overlap, the power amount adjustment system according to claim 1.

5. The server acquires the power shortage information before the day requesting reduction of power consumption, and changes and adjusts the defrost operation start time so that the specific time zone and the time zone scheduled to perform a pull-down do not overlap from the day the power shortage information is acquired, the power amount adjustment system according to claim 4.

6. The article storage section and the cooler are arranged in a plurality of stores, The server is configured to change and adjust the defrost operation start time at which the specific time zone and the time zone scheduled to perform a pull-down overlap for each cooler in the plurality of stores, the power amount adjustment system according to claim 1.

7. The server is configured to change the defrost operation start time at which the specific time zone and the time zone scheduled for pull-down overlap by changing the predetermined interval within an allowable range in which the predetermined interval can be extended or shortened, so as to adjust so that the specific time zone and the time zone scheduled for pull-down do not overlap. The power amount adjustment system according to claim 6.

8. The article storage unit and the cooler are arranged in one or more of a plurality of stores. When the time zone scheduled for pull-down adjusted by changing the predetermined interval within the allowable range overlaps with the specific time zone, the server is configured to adjust the defrost operation start time so that the total power consumption per unit time within the specific time zone of the entire cooler arranged in a plurality of stores that perform defrost operation in the specific time zone becomes smaller than before the change. The power amount adjustment system according to claim 7.

9. When there is one or more stores in which the time zone scheduled for the changed pull-down overlaps with the specific time zone, the server is configured to make the start time of the defrost operation different between stores so that the total power consumption per unit time within the specific time zone of the entire cooler arranged in a plurality of stores that perform defrost operation in the specific time zone becomes smaller than before the change. The power amount adjustment system according to claim 8.

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