Control system, control method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides a control system and the like that can operate an air conditioning system using electricity generated by a solar power generation system. [Solution] The control system (cooling control system 10) includes an acquisition unit 35 that acquires the user's expected return time, a creation unit 36 ​​that creates a cooling operation schedule based on the predicted power generation and the predicted power consumption of the equipment 24 in the facility 90 so as to complete the reduction of the space to the set temperature before the acquired expected return time, and a control unit 37 that executes the cooling operation according to the created schedule. The creation unit 36 ​​creates a schedule that includes pre-cooling, which completes the reduction of the space to the set temperature before the acquired expected return time using surplus power from power generation that exceeds the power consumption, and main cooling, which maintains the space at the set temperature after the expected return time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system and the like related to the cooling operation of a cooling system.

Background Art

[0002] A heat pump type hot water supply system is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a control device for creating a schedule for the boiling operation of a heat pump type hot water supply facility. The hot water supply system can store heat energy that converts water into a state with a high energy level of hot water using electrical energy.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a control system and the like that can operate an air conditioning system (particularly a cooling system) using the generated power of a solar power generation system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A control system according to one aspect of the present invention is a control system that performs cooling operation to lower the temperature of a space within a facility to a preset set temperature using a cooling system installed in the facility, using power generated by a solar power generation system installed in the facility, and comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires the user's expected return time; a creation unit that creates a schedule for the cooling operation based on the predicted power generation and the predicted power consumption of equipment in the facility, so as to complete the reduction of the space to the preset temperature before the acquired expected return time; and a control unit that executes the cooling operation according to the created schedule, wherein the creation unit creates a schedule that includes pre-cooling, which completes the reduction of the space to the preset temperature before the acquired expected return time using surplus power of the power generation that exceeds the power consumption, and main cooling, which maintains the space at the preset temperature after the expected return time.

[0006] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method performed by a computer to perform cooling operation using a cooling system installed in a facility to lower the temperature of a space within the facility to a preset set temperature using power generated by a solar power generation system installed in the facility, and includes the steps of: obtaining the user's expected return time; creating a schedule for the cooling operation based on the predicted power generation and the predicted power consumption of equipment in the facility, so as to complete the reduction of the space to the preset temperature before the obtained expected return time; and executing the cooling operation according to the created schedule, wherein the creation step includes a schedule that includes a preliminary cooling that completes the reduction of the space to the preset temperature before the obtained expected return time using surplus power of the power generation that exceeds the power consumption, and a main cooling that maintains the space at the preset temperature after the expected return time.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the computer to execute the control method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The control system and the like of the present invention can operate an air conditioning system using electricity generated by a solar power generation system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the cooling control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 illustrates various transitions that occur when the cooling operation according to the embodiment is performed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a comparison of costs when the cooling operation according to the embodiment is performed. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates various transitions that occur when the cooling operation according to a modified embodiment is performed. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates various transitions that occur when the cooling operation according to a modified embodiment is performed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0011] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of the cooling control system (also simply called the control system) according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the cooling control system according to the embodiment.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the cooling control system 10 comprises a solar power generation system 21, a power conditioner 22, a distribution board 23, multiple devices 24, a control device 30, an air conditioning system 40, and a weather forecast information distribution server 50. Figure 1 also shows a grid power supply 70 and a wide-area communication network 80. Each component of the cooling control system 10 is installed in a facility 90. The facility 90 is, for example, a detached house, but may be any other facility. In the following description, the cooling operation (cooling operation) of the air conditioning system 40 will be described, so the air conditioning system 40 may be considered as essentially a cooling system.

[0014] The solar power generation system 21 is a power generation system that generates electricity by converting sunlight into electrical energy. The electricity generated by the solar power generation system 21 is output to the power conditioner 22. Specifically, the solar power generation system 21 is implemented using PV (photovoltaic) panels, etc.

[0015] The power conditioner 22 is a power conversion device that converts the DC power generated by the solar power generation system 21 into AC power, and is sometimes called a PCS (Power Conditioning System). The power conditioner 22 is implemented by power conversion circuits such as a DC-DC converter and a DC-AC converter. The power conditioner 22 measures the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 and transmits the measured power generation information to the control device 30. The power conditioner 22 also supplies the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 to multiple devices 24 via the distribution board 23.

[0016] The distribution board 23 is a device that distributes the power supplied from the system power source 70 to a plurality of branch circuits. Equipment 24 is connected to the branch circuits. The distribution board 23 includes a power measurement element such as a CT (Current Transformer), and measures the power consumption of the entire facility 90 (the power consumption of the main circuit) and the power consumption of each branch circuit. Further, the distribution board 23 has a communication function, and transmits power consumption information indicating the measured power consumption to the control device 30.

[0017] Note that it is not essential for the distribution board 23 to have a power measurement function and a communication function. For example, the air conditioning control system 10 may include a smart meter (a power meter with a communication function) separately from the distribution board 23, and the power consumption information indicating the power consumption of the entire facility 90 may be transmitted from the smart meter to the control device 30.

[0018] The equipment 24 is equipment provided in the facility 90. The plurality of equipment 24 includes lighting equipment, hot water supply equipment, ventilation equipment, air purifiers, electric shutters, electric locks, home delivery boxes, and chargers for electric vehicles. Further, the plurality of equipment 24 may include environmental sensors such as temperature sensors and humidity sensors. The plurality of equipment 24 may include sensors other than environmental sensors such as window sensors that sense the opening and closing of windows.

[0019] The control device 30 is an information terminal having an energy management function, and more specifically, is an EMS controller. The control device 30 manages the power consumption amount in the facility 90 measured by the distribution board 23. Further, the control device 30 can control the air conditioning system 40. The control device 30 is not limited to an EMS controller, and may be another controller or a gateway device. The control device 30 includes a first communication unit 31, a second communication unit 32, an information processing unit 33, and a storage unit 34. Note that, similar to the equipment 24, the control device 30 operates using the power supplied from the distribution board 23.

[0020] The first communication unit 31 is a communication circuit for the control device 30 to communicate with the power conditioner 22, the distribution board 23, the air conditioning system 40, etc. via a local communication network. The first communication unit 31 performs, for example, wireless communication, but may also perform wired communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the first communication unit 31 is not particularly limited.

[0021] The second communication unit 32 is a communication circuit for the control device 30 to communicate with the weather forecast information distribution server 50 via the wide area communication network 80. The second communication unit 32 performs, for example, wireless communication, but may also perform wired communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the second communication unit 32 is not particularly limited.

[0022] The information processing unit 33 performs information processing related to the management of power consumption in the facility 90. The information processing unit 33 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 33 includes, as functional components, an acquisition unit 35, a creation unit 36, a control unit 37, and an input / output unit 38. The functions of the acquisition unit 35, the creation unit 36, the control unit 37, and the input / output unit 38 are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 33 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 34. Also, the input / output unit 38 is connected to a user interface (such as a touch display) for output from the control device 30 to the user and input from the user to the control device 30, and can notify the user and receive input from the user. That is, the input / output unit 38 is an example of a notification unit and a reception unit.

[0023] The storage unit 34 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the information processing unit 33. The storage unit 34 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory. The control device 30 receives power consumption information periodically by communicating with the distribution board 23, and past power consumption information (power consumption history information) in the facility 90 is accumulated in the storage unit 34.

[0024] The air conditioning system 40 is an air conditioning system capable of cooling a predetermined space in the facility 90 to a set temperature. Specifically, the air conditioning system 40 comprises a cooling unit 41 including a heat exchanger, a fan 42 for air supply, and an air conditioning control device 43. The air conditioning system 40 can be rephrased as an air conditioning device.

[0025] The cooling unit 41 absorbs heat by expanding a refrigerant compressed by electricity in a heat exchanger, thereby cooling the surrounding air through the heat exchanger. The refrigerant that has expanded in exchange for cooling is compressed again and reused while releasing heat into the atmosphere. The fan 42 blows the cooled air towards a predetermined space, cooling the space to a preset temperature.

[0026] The air conditioning control device 43 performs cooling operation by controlling the cooling unit 41 and the fan 42, thereby cooling the air and sending the cooled air to a predetermined space. The air conditioning control device 43 is implemented by a communication unit that communicates with the control device 30, an information processing unit implemented by a microcomputer or processor, a storage unit, a user interface that accepts user operations, and a display unit that displays an image showing the operating status of the air conditioning system 40. Similar to the equipment 24, the air conditioning control device 43 operates using power supplied from the distribution board 23.

[0027] The weather forecast information distribution server 50 is a server (cloud server) that distributes weather forecast information to the control device 30. Weather forecast information includes, for example, predicted solar radiation information that shows the amount of solar radiation per unit time for the following day. In other words, the weather forecast information distribution server 50 distributes predicted solar radiation information to the control device 30.

[0028] Although not shown in the diagram, the facility may also be equipped with a battery capable of receiving and storing electricity generated from the solar power generation system 21 via a power conditioner 22.

[0029] [Example of operation 1] The facility 90 (multiple devices 24) is supplied with power from either the grid power supply 70 or the power conditioner 22 (solar power generation system 21). During the day, the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 is supplied to the multiple devices 24 for self-consumption, thereby reducing the consumption of power supplied from the grid power supply 70. In other words, the user can save on electricity costs.

[0030] Here, if the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 exceeds the power consumption of multiple devices 24 (power consumption at the facility 90), resulting in so-called surplus power, it is conceivable to use the surplus power to operate the air conditioning system 40 (i.e., to lower the temperature of the space to a predetermined level using the surplus power). In particular, if there is no battery storage and the surplus power is sold directly, and the purchase price of electricity is significantly higher than the selling price, it is preferable from the standpoint of saving on electricity costs to use the surplus power for self-consumption as much as possible. Alternatively, even if there is a battery storage system, the same applies if the surplus power exceeds the amount of electricity that can be stored by the battery, or if the instantaneous value of the surplus power exceeds the amount of electricity that the battery can accept.

[0031] In the air conditioning system 40, lowering the temperature of a space to a predetermined temperature requires a large amount of power to lower it from the initial room temperature to the predetermined temperature, and then maintaining that temperature with relatively little power (while allowing for slight fluctuations due to temperature variations). In addition to maintaining a high energy level like a hot water supply system, it is also meaningful to store energy as a difference at an energy level lower than the outside temperature, in terms of the magnitude of the energy difference. In other words, by using surplus power to lower the temperature to the predetermined temperature, and then using only a small amount of power to maintain the predetermined temperature after the surplus power is gone, it becomes possible to store energy as energy for heat dissipation (energy with the opposite sign to the heat-generating energy of a hot water supply system).

[0032] Therefore, in this embodiment, the generated power is used as power for cooling operation. In this case, the phase of lowering the temperature to a predetermined temperature that requires the most power is performed during the period when surplus power is generated (surplus power generation period), so that the surplus power can be effectively stored as energy for heat dissipation.

[0033] The control device 30 estimates how much surplus power is expected to be generated on the target day, or calculates how much surplus power is generated, based on the expected power generation or actual power generation of the solar power generation system 21 and the expected power consumption or actual power consumption of the multiple devices 24. Meanwhile, it obtains the user's expected return time and creates a schedule for supplying power from the generated power to the air conditioning system 40 for cooling operation. Then, calculating backward from the user's expected return time, if it is possible (especially if there is a greater economic benefit) to perform a phase of lowering the temperature to a predetermined level during the surplus power generation period, power is supplied from the generated power to the air conditioning system 40 according to that schedule. In the following, the process of lowering the temperature to a predetermined level during the surplus power generation period and then maintaining the space at the set temperature using surplus power or power from the grid power supply 70 after the temperature has been lowered to the set temperature will be referred to as "pre-cooling." On the other hand, if there is no such pre-cooling, the cooling operation from the timing when the cooling operation starts, calculated backward from the user's expected return time, will be referred to as "main cooling." This cooling system includes maintaining the set temperature after the user's expected return time, and further includes completing the temperature drop to a predetermined level if no pre-cooling is performed.

[0034] The following describes an example of operation 1 of the air conditioning control system 10. Figure 2 is a flowchart of the operation example 1 of the control device 30 in the air conditioning control system 10.

[0035] The acquisition unit 35 of the control device 30 acquires the generated power by querying the distribution board 23 (S11). If a battery is present, the acquisition unit 35 may also acquire the generated power by querying the power conditioner 22. Next, the acquisition unit 35 of the control device 30 acquires the power consumption by querying the distribution board 23 (S12). Then, the acquired generated power and power consumption are linked to time information and stored in the storage unit 34 (S13). Steps S11 to S13 are performed continuously as described above, and by repeatedly executing them, a history of past generated power and power consumption is stored in the storage unit 34.

[0036] Meanwhile, the acquisition unit 35 acquires solar radiation information for the target day by querying the weather forecast information distribution server 50 (S14). This allows the system to predict the power generation for the target day based on the solar radiation information for that day. Then, using the predicted power consumption for the target day, the system can predict the surplus power for that day. Here, the acquisition unit 35 acquires the user's expected return time for the target day based on the user's input to the input / output unit 38 (S15). The expected return time may also be acquired by predicting it based on the user's past return times. For this purpose, the storage unit 34 may store the user's past return times. The acquisition of the expected return time may be performed only once, and thereafter that initially entered expected return time may be used, or the system may prompt the user to input the time each target day through notifications or other means.

[0037] The control unit 36 ​​of the control device 30 creates a schedule without backup cooling during the morning of the target day, before the generation of surplus power begins (S16). The schedule created here is not the final schedule used to control the air conditioning system 40 as is, but rather undergoes several processes before finally becoming the final schedule used to control the air conditioning system 40. In other words, the schedule created in step S16 is also one of the candidate schedules from the perspective of not having backup cooling.

[0038] First, the input / output unit 38 calculates the estimated electricity cost for the schedule created in step S16 based on the electricity rate (set when the control device 30 is built, or obtained from an electricity rate distribution server not shown) (S17). The creation unit 36 ​​also creates candidate schedules with backup cooling (S18). The input / output unit 38 calculates the estimated electricity cost for these candidate schedules as well and determines if there are any candidate schedules with a lower estimated electricity cost than the schedule created in step S16 (S19). If there are candidate schedules with a lower estimated electricity cost (Yes in S19), the input / output unit 38 presents those candidate schedules and waits for user approval. If the user approves a candidate schedule, the input / output unit 38 recreates a new schedule based on that candidate schedule (S20).

[0039] Furthermore, when recreating a schedule using a new schedule candidate from the schedule created in step S16, step S20 may be executed automatically after the user selects Yes in step S19, without obtaining user approval.

[0040] Then, the air conditioning system 40 is controlled according to the created schedule, i.e., the cooling operation is performed. If there are no candidate schedules cheaper than the estimated electricity cost (No in S19), the process proceeds to step S21, and the air conditioning system 40 is controlled according to the schedule created in step S16.

[0041] In step S21, specifically, it is determined whether or not the cooling start time in the schedule created (or recreated, if applicable) above has arrived (S21). If the current time is the cooling start time (Yes in S21), the control unit 37 sends a cooling operation start command to the air conditioning system 40 (S22) and starts the cooling operation to lower the space to the set temperature. If it is before the cooling start time (No in S21), the determination in step S21 is repeated.

[0042] Figure 3 shows an example of the following when cooling operation is performed: (1) power generated by the solar power generation system 21, (2) power consumption in the facility 90, (3) schedule for the air conditioning system 40 to perform cooling operation (with pre-cooling), (4) changes in power consumption by the air conditioning system 40 (with pre-cooling), and (5) changes in room temperature in the space (with pre-cooling), as well as (6) schedule for the air conditioning system 40 to perform cooling operation (without pre-cooling), (7) changes in power consumption by the air conditioning system 40 (without pre-cooling), and (8) changes in room temperature in the space (without pre-cooling).

[0043] The period during which the difference between (1) and (2) in the diagram is above a certain level is the surplus power generation period. In the example in the diagram, a portion of the daytime is the surplus power generation period. When performing pre-cooling, as shown in (5) in the diagram, the goal is to complete the reduction of the space to the set temperature within the surplus power generation period (before the surplus power becomes zero). After that, the space is maintained at the set temperature until the main cooling is started. As shown in (4) in the diagram, completing the reduction of the space to the set temperature requires a relatively large amount of power, but since this large amount of power can be covered by surplus power, there is an advantage in terms of saving on electricity costs.

[0044] Furthermore, in order to minimize the time required to maintain the space at the set temperature, it is desirable that the completion of the space's temperature drop to the set temperature coincides with the time when the surplus power becomes zero. In other words, the timing for starting pre-cooling should be the latest possible time, taking into account the room temperature, the set temperature, the capacity of the air conditioning system 40, and heat inflow from partitions and other components that divide the space, so that the space's temperature drops to the set temperature within the period of surplus power generation.

[0045] If the air conditioning is to operate in accordance with the user's expected return time without backup cooling, the main air conditioning should be started several tens of minutes to several hours before the expected return time, as shown in (6) to (8) in the diagram, so that the temperature of the space is lowered to the set temperature before the expected return time.

[0046] Figure 4 illustrates a comparison of electricity costs when the cooling operation according to the embodiment is performed. Figure 4 shows the changes in electricity consumption and electricity costs for each time (every hour) with and without backup cooling. The electricity costs are calculated using the electricity rates shown at the bottom. At 16:00 and 17:00, since it is within the period of surplus power generation, the electricity rate used is the rate at which the generated power is sold (in other words, the rate that would have been obtained if it had not been used). Also, at 23:00, the rate is cheaper than other times due to the nighttime discount.

[0047] As shown in the diagram, if backup cooling is available, the space can be cooled to the set temperature using inexpensive surplus electricity, resulting in a lower final total cost (total cost from 4 PM to 11 PM) compared to when backup cooling is not available. In other words, by using backup cooling during periods of surplus electricity generation as described above, it is possible to save even more on electricity costs.

[0048] [A variation of pre-cooling] In the embodiments described above, a cooling operation was described in which pre-cooling is performed, including lowering the temperature of the space to the set temperature using surplus power, and maintaining the space at the set temperature using surplus power or power from the grid after the temperature has been lowered to the set temperature. Below, a cooling operation is described in which pre-cooling is performed, including lowering the temperature of the space to an over-temperature below the set temperature using surplus power, and raising the space to the set temperature by stopping the power supply after the temperature has been lowered to the over-temperature.

[0049] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate various transitions when cooling operation is performed according to a modified embodiment. Figure 5 shows the same diagrams as in Figure 3 for this modified embodiment: (3) the schedule for the air conditioning system 40 to perform cooling operation (with pre-cooling), (4) the transition of power consumption by the air conditioning system 40 (with pre-cooling), and (5) the transition of room temperature in the space (with pre-cooling). As shown in the figure, in this modified embodiment, the temperature is lowered to an over-temperature even below the set temperature by surplus power, thereby reducing the power used to maintain the set temperature thereafter. In other words, the operation of the air conditioning system 40 is stopped, and the time difference until the scheduled time of returning home is consumed while the over-temperature rises to the set temperature.

[0050] For example, if the surplus power is less than the threshold power, which is the boundary between whether or not it is possible to reduce the temperature to the overheat level, the cooling operation is performed in a way that includes using the surplus power to complete the reduction of the space to the set temperature, as described in the above embodiment, and then performing preliminary cooling to maintain the space at the set temperature using either the surplus power or power from the grid after the reduction to the set temperature is complete. On the other hand, if the surplus power is equal to or greater than the threshold power, the cooling operation is performed in a way that includes using the surplus power to complete the reduction of the space to the overheat level below the set temperature, and then performing preliminary cooling to raise the space to the set temperature by stopping the power supply after the reduction to the overheat level is complete, as in this modified example. In this way, surplus power can be used more effectively for energy storage.

[0051] Furthermore, the excess temperature needs to be set appropriately according to the time difference between the completion of the temperature drop to the excess temperature and the scheduled time of return home, as it is necessary to raise the temperature to the set temperature before the scheduled time of return home. Figure 6 shows various transitions when the cooling operation according to the modified example is performed for different scheduled return times, i.e., different excess temperatures. Figure 6 shows a diagram similar to Figure 5, and in (5) in the figure, a part of the transition shown in Figure 5 is shown superimposed with a dotted line.

[0052] For example, as shown in Figure 6 for Figure 5, if the expected time of returning home is relatively early and the time difference between the completion of the temperature drop to the excess temperature and the expected time of returning home is small, the temperature difference between the set temperature and the excess temperature will also be small. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5 for Figure 6, if the expected time of returning home is relatively late and the time difference between the completion of the temperature drop to the excess temperature and the expected time of returning home is large, the temperature difference between the set temperature and the excess temperature will also be large. In this way, when performing pre-cooling that involves cooling to the excess temperature, the temperature can be raised appropriately to reach the set temperature in line with the expected time of returning home.

[0053] [Effects, etc.] The following describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from such inventions.

[0054] Invention 1 is a control system (cooling control system 10) that uses the power generated by a solar power generation system 21 installed in the facility 90 to perform cooling operation to lower the space inside the facility 90 to a preset temperature using a cooling system (air conditioning system 40) installed in the facility 90, and comprises an acquisition unit 35 that acquires the user's expected return time, a creation unit 36 ​​that creates a cooling operation schedule based on the predicted power generation and the predicted power consumption of equipment 24 inside the facility 90 so as to complete the reduction of the space to the preset temperature before the acquired return time, and a control unit 37 that executes the cooling operation according to the created schedule, wherein the creation unit 36 ​​creates a schedule that includes pre-cooling, which completes the reduction of the space to the preset temperature before the acquired return time using surplus power of power generation that exceeds power consumption, and main cooling, which maintains the space at the preset temperature after the return time.

[0055] Such a control system can use surplus power to lower the temperature to a relatively low set temperature. Then, by simply maintaining a relatively low temperature, it can provide a space cooled to the set temperature when the user returns home. In this way, the control system can operate the cooling system using the power generated by the solar power generation system 21.

[0056] Invention 2 is the control system described in Invention 1, wherein the creation unit 36 ​​creates a candidate schedule that includes pre-cooling, which is completed before the scheduled time of return home, to lower the temperature of the space to the set temperature using surplus power, and main cooling, which maintains the space at the set temperature after the scheduled time of return home. If the created candidate schedule is approved by the user, the system creates a schedule using the approved candidate schedule.

[0057] Such a control system can create a schedule for the operation of the cooling system, subject to user approval.

[0058] Invention 3 is a control system according to Invention 1 or Invention 2, wherein the creation unit 36 ​​creates (i) candidate schedules including pre-cooling which is completed before the scheduled time of returning home to lower the temperature of the space to the set temperature using surplus power, and main cooling which maintains the space at the set temperature after the scheduled time of returning home, and (ii) candidate schedules including main cooling which is completed before the scheduled time of returning home to lower the temperature of the space to the set temperature without using surplus power and maintains the space at the set temperature, and creates a schedule using the candidate schedule that allows for cheaper cooling operation by comparing based on electricity rates.

[0059] Such a control system can operate the cooling system on a less expensive schedule by comparing candidate schedules based on electricity rates, with and without using surplus power.

[0060] Invention 4 is a control system according to any one of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the pre-cooling includes completing the reduction of the space to a set temperature using surplus power, and maintaining the space at the set temperature using surplus power or power from the grid power supply 70 after the reduction to the set temperature is complete.

[0061] Such a control system can perform preliminary cooling, which includes using surplus power to complete the reduction of the space to a set temperature, and maintaining the space at the set temperature using surplus power or power from the grid power supply 70 after the reduction to the set temperature is complete.

[0062] Invention 5 is a control system according to any one of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the pre-cooling includes using surplus power to lower the temperature of the space to an over-temperature below the set temperature, and raising the space to the set temperature by stopping the power supply after the temperature has been lowered to the over-temperature.

[0063] Such a control system can perform preliminary cooling, which includes using surplus power to lower the temperature of the space to below the set temperature, and then, after the temperature has dropped to below the set temperature, cutting off the power supply to raise the space back to the set temperature.

[0064] Invention 6 is a control system according to any one of Inventions 1 to 5, wherein the creation unit 36 ​​creates a schedule that includes pre-cooling, which involves using surplus power to lower the temperature of the space to a set temperature and maintaining the space at the set temperature using surplus power or power from the grid power supply 70 after the temperature has been lowered to the set temperature, or a schedule that includes pre-cooling, which involves using surplus power to lower the temperature of the space to an over-temperature below the set temperature and raising the space to the set temperature by stopping the power supply after the temperature has been lowered to the over-temperature, according to the amount of surplus power.

[0065] Such a control system can selectively create a schedule that includes pre-cooling, which involves using surplus power to lower the space to a set temperature and then maintaining the space at the set temperature using either surplus power or power from the grid power supply 70, depending on the amount of surplus power; or a schedule that includes pre-cooling, which involves using surplus power to lower the space to an over-temperature below the set temperature and then raising the space to the set temperature by cutting off the power supply after the over-temperature has been lowered.

[0066] Invention 7 is a control system according to any one of Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the pre-cooling includes using surplus power to lower the temperature of the space to an over-temperature below the set temperature, and after the temperature has been lowered to the over-temperature, stopping the power supply to raise the space to the set temperature, and the larger the time difference between the timing when the surplus power becomes 0 and the scheduled time of returning home, the larger the difference between the over-temperature and the set temperature.

[0067] Such a control system can lower the excess temperature and store more surplus power as cooling energy the greater the time difference between when the surplus power becomes zero and the expected time of returning home.

[0068] Invention 8 is a control method executed by a computer that uses the power generated by a solar power generation system 21 installed in the facility 90 to perform a cooling operation to lower the space inside the facility 90 to a preset temperature using a cooling system (air conditioning system 40) installed in the facility 90, and includes the steps of: obtaining the user's expected return time (S15); creating a cooling operation schedule (S16) based on the predicted power generation and the predicted power consumption of the equipment 24 inside the facility 90, so as to complete the reduction of the space to the preset temperature before the obtained expected return time; and executing the cooling operation according to the created schedule (S21 onwards), wherein the creation step creates a schedule that includes pre-cooling, which completes the reduction of the space to the preset temperature before the obtained expected return time using surplus power of power generation exceeding power consumption, and main cooling, which maintains the space at the preset temperature after the expected return time.

[0069] This control method allows the air conditioning system 40 to operate using the electricity generated by the solar power generation system 21.

[0070] Invention 9 is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method of Invention 8.

[0071] According to such a program, the computer can use the electricity generated by the solar power generation system 21 to operate the air conditioning system 40.

[0072] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0073] For example, in the above embodiment, the cooling control system was implemented by multiple devices. In this case, the components of the cooling control system may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way. For example, some or all of the processing performed by the control device may be performed by the air conditioning control device. Alternatively, the cooling control system may be implemented by a single device. For example, the cooling control system may be implemented as a single device corresponding to the control device.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0076] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0077] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0078] For example, the present invention may be implemented as an air conditioning control system or control device according to the above embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a method executed by a computer, such as an air conditioning control system or control device, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a method. The present invention may also be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0079] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 10. Air Conditioning Control System 21 Solar power generation system 22 Power Conditioner 23 Distribution board 24 Equipment 30 Control device 31. First Communications Department 33 Information Processing Department 34 Storage section 35 Acquisition Department 36 Creation Department 37 Control Unit 38 Input / output section 40. Air conditioning system (cooling system) 41 Cooling section 42 Fans 43 Air conditioning control system 50 Weather forecast information distribution server 70 Grid power supply 80 Wide-area telecommunications network 90 facilities

Claims

1. A control system that uses electricity generated by a solar power generation system installed in the facility to perform cooling operation using a cooling system installed in the facility to lower the temperature of the space inside the facility to a preset temperature, An acquisition unit that obtains the user's expected time of return home, A creation unit creates a schedule for the cooling operation based on the predicted power generation and the predicted power consumption of the equipment within the facility, so as to complete the reduction of the space to the set temperature before the acquired scheduled time of return home. The system includes a control unit that performs the cooling operation according to the created schedule, The creation unit creates a schedule that includes pre-cooling, which is completed before the scheduled time of return home, to lower the temperature of the space to the set temperature using surplus power from the generated power that exceeds the power consumption, and main cooling, which maintains the space at the set temperature after the scheduled time of return home. Control system.

2. The aforementioned creation unit, A candidate schedule is created that includes pre-cooling, which is completed before the scheduled time of return home, to lower the temperature of the space to the set temperature using the surplus power, and main cooling, which maintains the space at the set temperature after the scheduled time of return home. If a candidate schedule created is approved by the user, the schedule will be created using the approved candidate schedule. The control system according to claim 1.

3. The creation unit creates (i) a candidate schedule including pre-cooling to be completed before the scheduled time of return home, which has been reduced to the set temperature of the space using the surplus power, and main cooling to maintain the space at the set temperature after the scheduled time of return home, and (ii) a candidate schedule including main cooling to complete the reduction of the space to the set temperature before the scheduled time of return home without using the surplus power, and to maintain the space at the set temperature. The aforementioned schedule is created by comparing electricity rates to determine the most cost-effective schedule for operating the air conditioner. The control system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned pre-cooling includes completing the reduction of the space to the set temperature using the surplus power, and maintaining the space at the set temperature using the surplus power or power from the grid after the reduction to the set temperature is complete. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned pre-cooling includes using the surplus power to lower the temperature of the space to an over-temperature below the set temperature, and, after the temperature has been lowered to the over-temperature, stopping the power supply to raise the space to the set temperature. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The creation unit creates a schedule that includes pre-cooling, which involves using the surplus power to lower the space to the set temperature and maintaining the space at the set temperature using the surplus power or power from the grid after the lowering to the set temperature is complete, or a schedule that includes pre-cooling, which involves using the surplus power to lower the space to an over-temperature below the set temperature and raising the space to the set temperature by stopping the power supply after the lowering to the over-temperature is complete, according to the amount of surplus power. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The aforementioned pre-cooling includes using the surplus power to lower the temperature of the space to an over-temperature below the set temperature, and, after the temperature has been lowered to the over-temperature, stopping the power supply to raise the space to the set temperature. The greater the time difference between the moment the surplus power becomes zero and the scheduled time of returning home, the larger the difference between the excess temperature and the set temperature. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A control method, executed by a computer, that uses the power generated by a solar power generation system installed in the facility to perform cooling operation using a cooling system installed in the facility to lower the temperature of the space within the facility to a preset temperature, Steps to obtain the user's expected return time, The steps include creating a schedule for the cooling operation based on the predicted power generation and the predicted power consumption of the equipment within the facility, so as to complete the reduction of the space to the set temperature before the acquired scheduled time of return home, The steps include: performing the cooling operation according to the schedule created; In the step described above, the schedule is created which includes: pre-cooling, which is completed before the scheduled time of return home, to lower the temperature of the space to the set temperature using the surplus power of the generated power that exceeds the power consumption; and main cooling, which maintains the space at the set temperature after the scheduled time of return home. Control method.

9. To cause the computer to execute the control method described in claim 8. program.

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