Control terminal, air conditioner control system and control method of air conditioner

Abstract

The invention provides a control terminal capable of appropriately controlling an air conditioner. The control terminal (220) is provided with: a slave control unit (221) for controlling the air conditioner (200) such that the electric power consumption (P200) of the air conditioner (200) is equal to or less than the upper limit electric power consumption in a state in which the communication unit (228) can communicate with the air-conditioning control device (50); an autonomous control condition receiving unit (222) that receives, from the air-conditioning control device (50) via the communication unit (228), an autonomous control condition that specifies a control condition that suppresses the electric power consumption of the air conditioner (200), said control condition being applicable when the communication unit (228) cannot communicate with the air-conditioning control device (50); and an autonomous control unit (223) that controls the air conditioner (200) in accordance with an autonomous control condition when the communication unit (228) is not able to communicate with the air-conditioning control device (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control terminal, an air conditioning control system, and a control method for an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] As background technology in this field, the abstract of the following patent document 1 describes: "A residential equipment control system, wherein a server Sv periodically sends an operation plan to a control device HGW, and the control device HGW sends the received operation plan to a heating device 4 and an air conditioner 5. The heating device 4 and the air conditioner 5 store the received operation plan in storage units 41 and 51, and perform actions according to the operation plan. The storage units 41 and 51 store a default operation plan determined by the user. The server Sv creates an operation plan that is more valuable to the user than the default operation plan by means of a specified time width based on weather forecast data provided from the outside and the device action settings determined by the user. When the heating device 4 and the air conditioner 5 cannot receive the operation plan created by the server Sv, they perform actions according to the default operation plan stored in the storage units 41 and 51."

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-75749 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, among the technologies mentioned above, there is a need for more appropriate control of the air conditioner.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a control terminal, an air conditioning control system and a control method for air conditioning that can appropriately control an air conditioner.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0010] To address the aforementioned issues, the control terminal of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a communication unit that communicates with an air conditioner having an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and communicates with an air conditioning control device that outputs an upper limit power consumption value as an upper limit value of the power consumption of the air conditioner; a subordinate control unit that, when the communication unit is able to communicate with the air conditioning control device, controls the air conditioner such that the power consumption of the air conditioner is below the upper limit power consumption value; an autonomous control condition receiving unit that receives autonomous control conditions from the air conditioning control device via the communication unit, the autonomous control conditions specifying control conditions to be applied when the communication unit cannot communicate with the air conditioning control device, i.e., control conditions to suppress the power consumption of the air conditioner; and an autonomous control unit that, when the communication unit cannot communicate with the air conditioning control device, controls the air conditioner according to the autonomous control conditions.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the present invention, the air conditioner can be appropriately controlled. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the air conditioning control system according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a block diagram of a computer.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a set temperature mode within an electrical receiving device.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the movement of electrical energy (electric force) in a power receiving device.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the predicted power consumption at the point of power reception.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the shift in the electrical power consumption of each part in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the shift in power consumption of each part in the comparative example.

[0020] Figure 8 This is the control timing diagram in the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the autonomous control conditions in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the difference in electrical power.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the predicted power consumption of an air conditioner.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of autonomous control conditions in the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram of the control level in the third embodiment.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of autonomous control conditions in the third embodiment.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of autonomous control conditions in the fourth embodiment.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0029] 1. Air conditioning control system

[0030] 20 Air Conditioning System

[0031] 50 Air Conditioning Control Device

[0032] 57 Autonomous Control Condition Setting Department

[0033] 70 power receiving equipment

[0034] 200 air conditioner

[0035] 201 outdoor unit

[0036] 202 Indoor Unit

[0037] 220 Control Terminal (Computer)

[0038] 221 Subordinate Control Department (Subordinate Control Process)

[0039] 222 Autonomous Control Condition Receiving Unit (Autonomous Control Condition Receiving Process)

[0040] 223 Autonomous Control Department (Autonomous Control Process)

[0041] 228 Department of Communications

[0042] 980 Computer

[0043] LV control level

[0044] TS power suppression control period

[0045] DIC autonomous control conditions

[0046] J70 Electricity

[0047] P20 power consumption

[0048] P70 power consumption

[0049] ΔPh power difference

[0050] P20* Maximum power consumption of air conditioner

[0051] P200 power consumption

[0052] Ph20 Air Conditioner Predicted Power Consumption

[0053] Ph70 power consumption prediction at the power receiving point

[0054] P200* Maximum power consumption. Detailed Implementation

[0055] [Summary of Implementation Methods]

[0056] In the calculation of electricity bills by power companies, demand-based pricing is sometimes applied.

[0057] In Japan, electricity charges for small- to medium-sized electrical receiving equipment (such as buildings) with a power consumption of less than 500kW are mostly based on a demand-based pricing system. In Japanese demand-based pricing schemes, for example, a unit period TU is defined for each 30-minute interval, such as 0-30 minutes or 30-60 minutes (refer to...). Figure 4 The electrical energy (power) in each unit period (TU) is measured. The maximum value of the electrical energy in each unit period (TU) measured over a month is called the demand value. Then, the contracted power supply for each month is determined based on the greater of the demand value for a given month and the maximum value of the demand values ​​over the past 11 months.

[0058] According to this system, when the electrical energy of TU exceeds the specified target upper limit for a certain unit period, it is preferable to suppress the power consumption of the receiving equipment. As a method for suppressing the power consumption of the receiving equipment, suppressing the power consumption of air conditioners is often used. The reason is that air conditioners can have relatively flexible control over their power consumption. Therefore, an external air conditioning control device 50 (refer to...) managed by resource aggregation entities, etc., is considered. Figure 1 Control terminal 220 (refer to) for electrical receiving equipment installed in buildings, etc. Figure 1 It issues a command to suppress the power consumption of the air conditioner 200.

[0059] However, if communication between the air conditioning control device 50 and the control terminal 220 is interrupted, instructions regarding the power consumption of the air conditioner 200 cannot be received. Therefore, if the power consumption of the air conditioner is not suppressed, it is possible that the electrical energy of TU per unit period may exceed the target upper limit. On the other hand, in the event of a communication interruption between the air conditioning control device 50 and the control terminal 220, it is considered to significantly suppress the power consumption of the air conditioner 200. According to this countermeasure, the possibility of the electrical energy of TU per unit period exceeding the target upper limit can be reliably suppressed, but for people inside the electrical equipment, this results in a longer period of reduced comfort. Therefore, the embodiments described below are embodiments that can suppress the electrical energy of TU per unit period from exceeding the target upper limit even in the event of a communication interruption between the air conditioning control device 50 and the control terminal 220, and maintain comfort as much as possible.

[0060] [First Implementation Method]

[0061] <Structure of the First Embodiment>

[0062] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the air conditioning control system 1 based on the first embodiment.

[0063] exist Figure 1 In this system, the air conditioning control system 1 includes a power receiving device 70 for buildings, etc., and an air conditioning control device 50. Furthermore, the air conditioning control device 50 and the power receiving device 70 are connected via a communication network 103. Additionally, the air conditioning control device 50 obtains meteorological information from an external meteorological information system 110 via the communication network 103.

[0064] The building and other electrical equipment 70 includes an air conditioning system 20, a smart meter 72, and an electrical load 74. The electrical load 74 is, for example, a general term for various electrical loads other than the air conditioning system 20, such as lighting and elevators. The air conditioning system 20 includes two air conditioners 200-A and 200-B, a control terminal 220 (computer), and a communication network 230 for the air conditioners.

[0065] Air conditioner 200-A has an outdoor unit 201-A, multiple (three in the illustrated example) indoor units 202-A1, 202-A2, and 202-A3, and a shared refrigerant piping 203-A. The shared refrigerant piping 203-A connects the outdoor unit 201-A with the indoor units 202-A1 to 202-A3 to allow refrigerant (not shown) to circulate.

[0066] Air conditioner 200-B has an outdoor unit 201-B, multiple (two in the illustrated example) indoor units 202-B1 and 202-B2, and a shared refrigerant piping 203-B. The shared refrigerant piping 203-B connects the outdoor unit 201-B with the indoor units 202-B1 and 202-B2, allowing refrigerant (not shown) to circulate.

[0067] Furthermore, in the following description, multiple components, physical quantities, information, etc., with the same or similar functions or meanings will sometimes be indicated by the same reference numerals "-" and English numbers, such as "Indoor Unit 202-A1, 202-A2". However, when it is not necessary to distinguish these multiple components, etc., such as "Indoor Unit 202", the "-" and English numbers are sometimes omitted. Additionally, other ways of expressing multiple components, physical quantities, information, etc., with the same or similar functions or meanings may exist, such as "electrical power difference ΔPh1, ΔPh2" (see reference). Figure 10 In some cases, the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are labeled with subscript letters and numbers. However, when it is not necessary to distinguish these multiple components, for example, when there is a situation like "electrical power difference ΔPh", the subscript letters and numbers are omitted. The number of air conditioners 200 and the number of outdoor units 201 and indoor units 202 in each air conditioner 200 are examples, and these numbers can be changed appropriately.

[0068] The control terminal 220 includes a subordinate control unit 221 (subordinate control process), an autonomous control condition receiving unit 222 (autonomous control condition receiving process), an autonomous control unit 223 (autonomous control process), an air conditioning information acquisition unit 224, an autonomous control condition database 226, and a communication unit 228. The communication unit 228 communicates with the air conditioning control device 50 via the communication network 103, and communicates with each air conditioner 200 via the communication network 230.

[0069] Here, the power consumption of air conditioners 200-A and 200-B is referred to as P200-A and P200-B (not shown), and the command values ​​of the upper limit of these power consumptions are referred to as the upper limit power consumption P200*-A and P200*-B (not shown). When the communication unit 228 is able to communicate with the air conditioning control device 50, the subordinate control unit 221 receives control commands CCT (see reference) containing the upper limit power consumption P200*-A and P200*-B from the air conditioning control device 50 via the communication unit 228. Figure 8 The subordinate control unit 221 instructs the operating status of each outdoor unit 201 and indoor unit 202 to fully meet the upper limit power consumption P200*-A and P200*-B.

[0070] When the communication unit 228 is able to communicate with the air conditioning control device 50, the autonomous control condition receiving unit 222 receives the autonomous control condition DIC (see reference) from the air conditioning control device 50 via the communication unit 228. Figure 8The autonomous control condition DIC is a control condition applied when the communication unit 228 cannot communicate with the air conditioning control device 50, and it is a control condition to suppress the power consumption P200 of the air conditioner 200. The autonomous control condition receiving unit 222 stores the received autonomous control condition DIC in the autonomous control condition database 226. When the communication unit 228 cannot communicate with the air conditioning control device 50, the autonomous control unit 223 performs autonomous control to suppress the power consumption P200 of the air conditioner 200 based on the autonomous control condition DIC stored in the autonomous control condition database 226.

[0071] Air Conditioning Information Acquisition Unit 224 acquires the status of each outdoor unit 201 and each indoor unit 202, i.e., Air Conditioning Information DAS (refer to...). Figure 8 When the communication unit 228 is able to communicate with the air conditioning control device 50, the air conditioning information acquisition unit 224 sends air conditioning information DAS to the air conditioning control device 50 via the communication unit 228 at predetermined intervals. Here, the air conditioning information DAS includes the following information.

[0072] • Operating status of each outdoor unit 201 (starting, stopping, etc.)

[0073] • Power consumption of each outdoor unit 201

[0074] • Operating status of each indoor unit 202 (starting, stopping, etc.)

[0075] • Power consumption, set temperature, and current room temperature of each indoor unit 202

[0076] • Whether each indoor unit 202 has a protection status for the set temperature (details will be provided later).

[0077] Here, the power received by the receiving device 70 is referred to as the power consumption at the receiving point, P70. The power consumption at the receiving point, P70, is equal to the total power consumption of the power load 74 and the power consumption of the air conditioning system 20, P20. Since the power consumption of the control terminal 220 is very small, it can be considered that the power consumption P20 is equal to the total power consumption of air conditioners 200-A and 200-B, P200-A and P200-B. The intelligent instrument 72 measures the power consumption at the receiving point, P70, at a predetermined period and supplies the measurement results to the air conditioning control device 50.

[0078] The air conditioning control device 50 includes a database unit 51, a target power setting unit 52, a power consumption acquisition unit 53, a weather information acquisition unit 54, an air conditioning information acquisition unit 55, an autonomous control condition setting unit 57, and a communication unit 59. The database unit 51 stores various data described later. The communication unit 59 communicates with the control terminal 220, the weather information system 110, and the smart instrument 72 via the communication network 103.

[0079] The target power setting unit 52 determines the upper limit power consumption P200*-A and P200*-B, which are the target values ​​for the upper limit of air conditioners 200-A and 200-B, based on the power consumption P70 at the power receiving point. That is, the target power setting unit 52 uses the power consumption of the power receiving device 70 in each unit period as the target upper limit power J70max (refer to...). Figure 4 The following method determines the upper limit power consumption P200*-A and P200*-B, and the control command CCT containing the determined upper limit power consumption P200*-A and P200*-B (refer to...) Figure 8 It is sent to the control terminal 220 via the communications unit 59.

[0080] The power consumption acquisition unit 53 receives the power consumption P200-A and P200-B of air conditioners 200-A and 200-B from the control terminal 220 via the communication unit 59. Additionally, the power consumption acquisition unit 53 receives the power consumption P70 of the power receiving point of the power receiving device 70 from the smart meter 72 via the communication unit 59. The power consumption acquisition unit 53 stores this received data as timing information in the database unit 51.

[0081] The meteorological information acquisition unit 54 acquires meteorological information from the meteorological information system 110 and stores it in the database unit 51. The meteorological information includes time-series information on future temperature, humidity, and weather forecasts at the location of the power receiving equipment 70, as well as past time-series information on temperature, humidity, and weather. The air conditioning information acquisition unit 55 acquires the aforementioned air conditioning information DAS from the control terminal 220 at predetermined intervals and stores the acquired air conditioning information DAS as time-series information in the database unit 51.

[0082] The autonomous control condition setting unit 57 determines the control conditions applied under the aforementioned autonomous control condition DIC, i.e., when the communication unit 228 cannot communicate with the air conditioning control device 50, to suppress the power consumption P200 of the air conditioner 200. Further details regarding the autonomous control condition DIC will be described later.

[0083] Figure 2 It is a block diagram of the computer 980. Figure 1 The air conditioning control device 50 and control terminal 220 shown each have one or more units Figure 2 The computer shown is 980.

[0084] exist Figure 2In this computer 980, a CPU 981, a storage unit 982, a communication I / F (interface) 983, an input / output I / F 984, and a media I / F 985 are included. The storage unit 982 includes RAM 982a, ROM 982b, and an SSD (Solid State Drive) 982c. The communication I / F 983 is connected to a communication circuit 986. The input / output I / F 984 is connected to an input / output device 987. The media I / F 985 reads data from a recording medium 988.

[0085] ROM982b stores the IPL (Initial Program Loader) executed by the CPU. SSD982c stores the control program, various data, etc. CPU981 performs various functions by executing the control program read from SSD982c into RAM982a. First, Figure 1 The internal structure of the air conditioning control device 50 and control terminal 220 shown is mainly represented by modules, with functions implemented through control programs, etc.

[0086] <Operation of the First Embodiment>

[0087] (Overview of temperature control)

[0088] Figure 3 Indicates power receiving equipment 70 (reference) Figure 1 Example of setting temperature mode 80 in ).

[0089] The power receiving equipment 70 has, for example, multiple zones 82, such as rooms or corridors. One or more indoor units 202 are assigned to each zone 82 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0090] Figure 3 The set temperature modes 80-A, 80-B, 80-C, and 80-D shown represent the set temperature modes for each zone 82. Zones 82 are classified into protected zones and unprotected zones. A "protected zone" refers to a zone 82 marked with a grid in each set temperature mode 80. In a protected zone, the user-specified set temperature is protected; that is, the set temperature will not be automatically changed by the control terminal 220. Protected zones are, for example, server rooms, areas used for manufacturing or inspecting goods, and areas with strictly controlled room temperature ranges.

[0091] On the other hand, the "non-protected area" refers to the area 82 marked with shaded areas or dots in each set temperature mode 80. In the non-protected area, the user-specified set temperature is not always maintained. That is, when it is necessary to reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner 200, the control terminal 220 may sometimes change to a set temperature that consumes less power. Figure 3In the diagram, the shaded area 82 represents the state where a user-specified set temperature (e.g., 20–26°C) is applied; this state is referred to as the "non-suppression state." Conversely, the dotted area 82 represents the state where a set temperature (e.g., 28°C) is forcibly applied to suppress power consumption; this state is referred to as the "power suppression state."

[0092] Figure 3 Setting temperature mode 80-A is a mode with no power suppression, setting temperature mode 80-B is a mode with low power suppression. Setting temperature mode 80-C is a mode with moderate power suppression, and setting temperature mode 80-D is a mode with high power suppression. However, in setting temperature modes 80-B and 80-C, the non-suppression state (shaded) and the power suppression state (dot) are not fixed as shown in the diagram; the control terminal 220 cycles through these states at predetermined intervals. Therefore, in each zone 82, the time of discomfort impairment can be made approximately equalized.

[0093] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the shift of electrical energy J70 in the power receiving device 70.

[0094] Graphs G10 and G12 both represent the progression of electrical energy J70 within a specific unit period TU (30 minutes in the illustrated example) in the powered equipment 70. Furthermore, in graphs G10 and G12, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time within the unit period TU (30 minutes in the illustrated example), and the vertical axis represents electrical energy. The target upper limit electrical energy J70max is the target value for the upper limit of electrical energy J70 within the unit period TU.

[0095] In graph G10, approximately 13 minutes have elapsed in the unit period TU when the power suppression in the air conditioning system 20 begins. That is, before suppression begins, a user-specified set temperature mode, such as set temperature mode 80-A (see reference...), is used. Figure 3 After suppression begins, consider using a set temperature mode such as 80-B or 80-C.

[0096] In graph G12, approximately 22 minutes have elapsed in the unit period TU when the suppression of the electrical power of the air conditioning system 20 begins. In this example, it is also considered that a set temperature mode 80-A is used before the suppression begins, and a set temperature mode 80-D with a larger suppression amount is used after the suppression begins. In graphs G10 and G12, the non-suppressed electrical energy Jn70 shown by the dashed line is the electrical energy J70 assuming that the electrical power of the air conditioning system 20 is not suppressed.

[0097] (Control for handling communication interruptions)

[0098] Figure 5This is a diagram illustrating an example of the predicted power consumption Ph70 at the point of power reception.

[0099] The predicted power consumption Ph70 at the power receiving point is the predicted value of the power consumption P70 at the power receiving point without suppressing the power of the air conditioning system 20. The horizontal axis in the figure represents future times, and the vertical axis represents power (electricity). The target upper limit power Pmax is the target upper limit power J70max (refer to...). Figure 4 The value is obtained by dividing the unit period TU by the length (30 minutes). Additionally, the control threshold power Pc is obtained by multiplying the target upper limit power Pmax by a specified value less than "1.0" (e.g., 0.8). Autonomous control condition setting unit 57 (see reference) Figure 1 Based on the meteorological information (future temperature forecast, past temperature, etc.) and the time series information of the power consumption P70 of the power receiving point in the past, the predicted power consumption Ph70 of the power receiving point is calculated.

[0100] The period during which the predicted power consumption Ph70 at the power receiving point exceeds the control threshold power Pc is called the power suppression control period TS. In the illustrated example, two power suppression control periods TS-1 and TS-2 are generated. In this embodiment, during these power suppression control periods TS, the air conditioning control device 50 or the control terminal 220 performs control to suppress the power consumption of the air conditioning system 20.

[0101] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the shift in the electrical power consumption of each part in the first embodiment.

[0102] Right now, Figure 6 Curve G20 in the diagram represents an example of the shift in power consumption P70 at the power receiving point in the first embodiment, and curve G22 represents an example of the shift in power consumption P20 of the air conditioning system 20. Curves G20 and G22 show the power suppression control periods TS-1 and TS-2, which occur twice. These are related to... Figure 5 The periods shown are the same. During the power suppression control period TS, as... Figure 4 As shown, the control of the electrical energy of the air conditioning system 20 in the unit period is performed to suppress the power consumption.

[0103] In this power suppression control, the target power setting unit 52 (refer to...) Figure 1 The control performed by the subordinate control unit 221 is called "remote control," and the period during which remote control is performed is called the remote control period (TSR). Furthermore, in the event of a communication interruption between the air conditioning control device 50 and the control terminal 220, the autonomous control unit 223 of the control terminal 220 performs power suppression control. The power suppression control performed by the autonomous control unit 223 is called "autonomous control," and the period during which autonomous control is performed is called the autonomous control period (TSI).

[0104] exist Figure 6 In this embodiment, the entire period of power suppression control TS-1 is the remote control period TSR. On the other hand, during power suppression control TS-2, communication between the air conditioning control device 50 and the control terminal 220 is interrupted at a certain point in the middle. Therefore, during power suppression control TS-2, the period before the communication interruption is the remote control period TSR, and the period after the communication interruption becomes the autonomous control period TSI. In this embodiment, during the autonomous control period TSI, the power consumption P20 of the air conditioning system 20 is suppressed by autonomous control performed by the autonomous control unit 223. For example, during the autonomous control period TSI, the control terminal 220 can use the set temperature mode 80-B, 80-C, 80-D (see reference). Figure 3 Any one of them. Therefore, in the example shown, the power consumed at the receiving point P70 is always suppressed to below the target upper limit power Pmax.

[0105] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the shift in power consumption of each part in the comparative example.

[0106] Right now, Figure 7 Curve G30 in the comparative example represents the shift in power consumption P70 at the power receiving point, and curve G32 represents the shift in power consumption P20 of the air conditioning system 20 in the comparative example. In curves G30 and G32, similar to curves G20 and G22, two power suppression control periods TS-1 and TS-2 are generated. At the midpoint of power suppression control period TS-2, communication between the air conditioning control device 50 and the control terminal 220 is interrupted.

[0107] exist Figure 7 In the comparative example, no autonomous control was performed after the communication interruption, therefore the power consumption P70 at the receiving point exceeded the target upper limit power Pmax. Therefore, the energy J70 in TU per unit period after the communication interruption (refer to...) Figure 4 There is a higher possibility that the electrical energy consumption will exceed the target upper limit J70max. Although the illustration is omitted here, it is also possible to consider having the air conditioner 200 controlled by the control terminal 220 after a communication interruption until communication between the air conditioner control device 50 and the control terminal 220 is restored, in order to suppress the power consumption of the air conditioner 200. However, in this case, if the time until communication is restored is long, the time during which comfort is compromised will also be prolonged.

[0108] Figure 8 This is the control timing diagram in the first embodiment.

[0109] exist Figure 8In step S2, the autonomous control condition setting unit 57 in the air conditioning control device 50 determines the autonomous control condition DIC, and the communication unit 59 sends the autonomous control condition DIC to the control terminal 220. In step S4, the control terminal 220 saves the autonomous control condition DIC in the autonomous control condition database 226. Steps S2 and S4 can be executed at least once a week, more preferably once a day or more, and even more preferably three times a day or more. This is because the control terminal 220 uses the last received autonomous control condition DIC; therefore, the higher the update frequency of the autonomous control condition DIC, the more effectively it can apply autonomous control condition DIC based on updated weather forecast data.

[0110] While the current time falls within the power suppression control period TS and the air conditioning control device 50 and control terminal 220 are in a state where communication is possible, steps S10 to S18 are repeatedly performed. First, in step S10, the air conditioning control device 50 obtains the power consumption P70 at the power receiving point from the smart meter 72. Next, when the process proceeds to step S12, the air conditioning control device 50 outputs a control command CCT to the control terminal 220 specifying the upper limit power consumption P200*. That is, the target power setting unit 52 in the air conditioning control device 50 sets the upper limit power consumption P200* to set the current time within the unit period TU (refer to...). Figure 4 The electrical energy J70 in the target upper limit is suppressed to below the target upper limit electrical energy J70max.

[0111] Next, when the process proceeds to step S14, the control terminal 220 outputs air conditioning information DAS to the air conditioning control device 50. Then, when the process proceeds to step S16, the control terminal 220 outputs an operation command COP to the air conditioner 200. The operation command COP in step S16 specifies the state of each indoor unit 202 to meet (fully utilize but not exceed) the upper limit power consumption P200* of the air conditioner 200, thereby achieving the aforementioned set temperature mode 80 (refer to...). Figure 3 Next, when the process enters step S18, the air conditioner 200 outputs air conditioning information DAS to the control terminal 220.

[0112] Furthermore, if the current time is during the power suppression control period TS and communication between the air conditioning control device 50 and the control terminal 220 is interrupted, the processing steps S30 to S34 are repeated. In step S30, the control terminal 220 reads the latest autonomous control condition DIC stored in the autonomous control condition database 226.

[0113] Next, when processing proceeds to step S32, the control terminal 220 generates an operation command COP based on the autonomous control condition DIC and outputs it to the air conditioner 200. Then, when processing proceeds to step S34, the control terminal 220 obtains the air conditioning information DAS from the air conditioner 200. Furthermore, although not specifically illustrated, if the current time is not within the power suppression control period TS, power suppression control is not performed. Therefore, the indoor unit 202 of each air conditioner 200, for example, implements the set temperature mode 80-A (see reference). Figure 3 The action is performed in the manner described above.

[0114] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the autonomous control condition DIC in the first embodiment.

[0115] like Figure 9 As shown, the autonomous control condition DIC in the first embodiment has a control start time and a control end time during the power suppression control period TS. In the illustrated autonomous control condition DIC, there is no specific specification regarding the power consumption of the air conditioning system 20 or each air conditioner 200 during the power suppression control period TS. Therefore, any set temperature mode 80 during the power suppression control period TS (see reference) can be predetermined. Figure 3 And apply.

[0116] [Second Implementation]

[0117] Next, the second embodiment will be described.

[0118] Except as described below, the structure and operation of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the descriptions of each embodiment, sometimes the same reference numerals are used for parts corresponding to those in the other embodiments described above, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0119] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram of the power difference ΔPh.

[0120] Figure 10 The predicted power consumption Ph70 at the power receiving point shown is the same as that described in the first embodiment (refer to...). Figure 5 The same applies to the target upper limit power Pmax, control threshold power Pc, and the significance of TS-1 and TS-2 during power suppression control. Figure 5 The same applies to what is being described.

[0121] The autonomous control condition setting unit 57 in this embodiment (see reference) Figure 1The calculation calculates the difference between the peak value of the predicted power consumption Ph70 at the power receiving point in each power suppression control period TS-1 and TS-2 and the control threshold power Pc. The calculated differences are called power differences ΔPh1 and ΔPh2. The autonomous control condition setting unit 57 calculates the upper limit values ​​of air conditioning power consumption P20*1 and P20*2, which decrease as the power difference ΔPh increases (refer to...). Figure 11 ), and include it in the autonomous control condition DIC.

[0122] Here, the upper limit values ​​of air conditioner power consumption P20*1 and P20*2 are instruction values ​​that determine the upper limit of the power consumption P20 of the air conditioning system 20. They are applicable to situations where communication between the air conditioning control device 50 and the control terminal 220 is interrupted during power suppression control periods TS-1 and TS-2. That is, when communication between the air conditioning control device 50 and the control terminal 220 is interrupted, the control terminal 220 sets the state of each outdoor unit 201 and indoor unit 202 so that the total power consumption P200-A and P200-B is below the upper limit value P20* of the air conditioning power consumption.

[0123] Figure 11 This is a graph representing an example of the predicted power consumption Ph20 of an air conditioner.

[0124] The predicted power consumption Ph20 of the air conditioner is the predicted power consumption P20 of the air conditioner system 20 when the power consumption of the air conditioner system 20 is not suppressed. Autonomous control condition setting unit 57 (see reference) Figure 1 Based on the aforementioned meteorological information (future temperature forecasts, past temperatures, etc.) and the time-series information of the past power consumption P20 of the air conditioning system 20, the predicted power consumption Ph20 of the air conditioning system is calculated. The horizontal axis in the figure represents future times, and the vertical axis represents power. In the illustrated example, during the power suppression control period TS-1, the peak value of the predicted power consumption Ph20 of the air conditioning system is equal to the sum of the power difference ΔPh1 and the upper limit of the power consumption P20*1. Similarly, during the power suppression control period TS-2, the peak value of the predicted power consumption Ph20 of the air conditioning system is equal to the sum of the power difference ΔPh2 and the upper limit of the power consumption P20*2.

[0125] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the autonomous control condition DIC in the second embodiment.

[0126] like Figure 12As shown, the autonomous control condition DIC in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, having a control start time and a control end time during the power suppression control period TS. Furthermore, the autonomous control condition DIC in the second embodiment has an upper limit value P20* for air conditioning power consumption during each power suppression control period TS. Thus, according to this embodiment, when the power difference ΔPh is small, the upper limit value P20* for air conditioning power consumption can be increased, thereby achieving higher comfort.

[0127] [Third Implementation Method]

[0128] Next, the third embodiment will be described.

[0129] Except for the points described below, the structure and operation of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0130] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram of the control level LV in the third embodiment.

[0131] Figure 13 The predicted power consumption Ph70 at the power receiving point shown is the same as that described in the first embodiment (refer to...). Figure 5 The same applies to the predicted power consumption P70 at the power receiving point when the power of the air conditioning system 20 is not suppressed. Furthermore, the target upper limit power Pmax and the control threshold power Pc also have the same significance as... Figure 5 The same applies as described. However, in this embodiment, the autonomous control condition setting unit 57 (see reference 57) Figure 1 The threshold electrical power Pe1 and Pe2 are further set between the control threshold electrical power Pc and the target upper limit electrical power Pmax. The autonomous control condition setting unit 57 determines the "control level LV" based on the relationship between these electrical powers and the predicted power consumption Ph70 at the power receiving point.

[0132] That is, if Ph70 < Pc, then control level LV is not set; if Pc ≤ Ph70 < Pe1, then control level LV = 1; if Pe1 ≤ Ph70 < Pe2, then control level LV = 2; if Pe2 ≤ Ph70 < Pmax, then control level LV = 3; and if Pmax ≤ Ph70, then control level LV = 4. Furthermore, the autonomous control condition setting unit 57 switches the power suppression control period TS each time the control level LV is switched. Figure 13 In the example, the period when the control level LV=1 is called the power suppression control period TS-11 and TS-15, the period when the control level LV=2 is called the power suppression control period TS-12 and TS-14, and the period when the control level LV=3 is called the power suppression control period TS-13.

[0133] The control level LV represents the magnitude of suppressing the power consumption P20 of the air conditioning system 20. The larger the value of the control level LV, the greater the power consumption suppressed by the control terminal 220 in the air conditioning system 20. The control level LV, for example, specifies area 82 in the powered equipment 70 (refer to...). Figure 3 The number and proportion of regions 82 in the power suppression state (point) of the data.

[0134] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the autonomous control condition DIC in the third embodiment.

[0135] like Figure 14 As shown, the autonomous control condition DIC in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, having a control start time and a control end time during the power suppression control period TS. Furthermore, the autonomous control condition DIC in the third embodiment includes the control level LV in each power suppression control period TS. Figure 5 The rows in the diagram correspond from top to bottom to the aforementioned power suppression control periods TS-11 to TS-15. Thus, according to the third embodiment, when the predicted power consumption Ph20 of the air conditioner is relatively low during the power suppression control period TS, the control level LV is reduced, thereby achieving greater comfort.

[0136] [Fourth Implementation Method]

[0137] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0138] Except for the points described below, the structure and operation of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0139] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the autonomous control condition DIC in the fourth embodiment.

[0140] like Figure 15 As shown, the autonomous control condition DIC in this embodiment has two autonomous control conditions, DIC-1 and DIC-2. Autonomous control condition DIC-1 is similar to the autonomous control condition DIC in the second embodiment (see reference). Figure 9 )same.

[0141] In addition, the autonomous control condition DIC-2 includes the air conditioning system ID to which each indoor unit 202 belongs, the indoor unit ID of each indoor unit 202, the start time, and the stop time. The air conditioning system ID uniquely identifies the air conditioning system. Figure 1 In the example, either air conditioner 200-A or 200-B is specified. Additionally, the indoor unit ID uniquely identifies any indoor unit 202 belonging to that air conditioner 200.

[0142] The start-up and stop-stop times are the times when the indoor unit 202 starts and stops in the event of a communication interruption between the air conditioning control device 50 and the control terminal 220. Generally, the power consumption of the indoor unit 202 increases during the start-up time. According to this embodiment, by including the start-up and stop-stop times in the autonomous control condition DIC, the start-up times of the indoor unit 202 are dispersed, thereby dispersing the times when power consumption increases.

[0143] [Variation Example]

[0144] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. The embodiments described above are examples illustrative for ease of understanding of the invention and are not necessarily limited to having all the structures described. Furthermore, a portion of the structure of one embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment, or the structure of another embodiment can be added to the structure of one embodiment. Additionally, a portion of the structure of each embodiment can be deleted, or other structures can be added or replaced. Furthermore, the control lines and information lines shown in the figures represent portions deemed necessary for explanation and are not limited to representing all control lines and information lines required on the product. In practice, almost all structures can be considered interconnected. Modifications possible with respect to the above embodiments are as follows.

[0145] (1) In the above embodiments, the air conditioning control device 50 specifies the upper limit power consumption P200*-A and P200*-B using the control command CCT. However, this structure can be replaced by specifying the upper limit value of the air conditioning power consumption P20*. In this case, the control terminal 220 can control each air conditioner 200 so that the total value of the power consumption P200-A and P200-B is below the upper limit value of the air conditioning power consumption P20*.

[0146] (2) The hardware of the air conditioning control device 50 and the control terminal 220 in the above embodiments can be implemented by a general computer. Therefore, the above block diagrams, the processes corresponding to each flowchart, and other programs that execute the above processes can be stored in a storage medium (a computer-readable recording medium containing the program) or distributed via a transmission path.

[0147] (3) The above block diagrams, the corresponding processes of each flowchart, and other processes described above are described as software processes using programs in the above embodiments, but they can also be partially or completely replaced by hardware processes using ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0148] [Effects of the Implementation Method]

[0149] As described above, according to the various embodiments described above, the control terminal 220 includes: a subordinate control unit 221, which controls the air conditioner 200 such that the power consumption P200 of the air conditioner 200 is below the upper limit power consumption P200* when the communication unit 228 can communicate with the air conditioning control device 50; an autonomous control condition receiving unit 222, which receives from the air conditioning control device 50 via the communication unit 228 an autonomous control condition DIC specifying control conditions to be applied when the communication unit 228 becomes unable to communicate with the air conditioning control device 50, i.e., control conditions to suppress the power consumption P200 of the air conditioner 200; and an autonomous control unit 223, which controls the air conditioner 200 according to the autonomous control condition DIC when the communication unit 228 becomes unable to communicate with the air conditioning control device 50. Therefore, even when the communication unit 228 becomes unable to communicate with the air conditioning control device 50, the air conditioner 200 can still be controlled according to the autonomous control condition DIC, thus enabling appropriate control of the air conditioner 200.

[0150] Furthermore, the autonomous control condition receiving unit 222 receives the autonomous control condition DIC at a frequency of once or more per week. The autonomous control condition DIC preferably further includes the start and end times of the period during which the power consumption P200 of the air conditioner 200 is suppressed, i.e., the power suppression control period TS. Thus, the power suppression control period TS during which the power consumption P200 of the air conditioner 200 should be suppressed can be specified through the autonomous control condition DIC.

[0151] Furthermore, as shown in the third or fourth embodiment, the autonomous control condition DIC preferably further includes: an upper limit value P20* for the power consumption of the air conditioner, which is the upper limit value of the power consumption P20 of the air conditioning system 20 including the air conditioner 200; a control level LV, which represents the magnitude of the suppression of the power consumption P200 of the air conditioner 200; and the start time or stop time of the air conditioner 200. Therefore, during the power suppression control period TS, the power consumption P200 of the air conditioner 200 can be controlled more appropriately.

[0152] Furthermore, as described in the embodiments above, the air conditioning control device 50 preferably further includes an autonomous control condition setting unit 57, which determines the autonomous control condition DIC based on timing information of past power consumption P70 at the power receiving point in the power receiving device 70, timing information of past temperature at the installation location of the power receiving device 70, timing information of future temperature prediction at the installation location of the power receiving device 70, or timing information of past power consumption P200 of the air conditioner 200. This allows for the determination of an appropriate autonomous control condition DIC.

Claims

1. A control terminal, characterized in that, include: The communication unit is used to communicate with an air conditioner having an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and to communicate with an air conditioning control device that outputs an upper limit power consumption value as an upper limit value of the power consumption of the air conditioner. The subordinate control unit controls the air conditioner so that the power consumption of the air conditioner is below the upper limit power consumption when the communication unit is able to communicate with the air conditioner control device. An autonomous control condition receiving unit receives autonomous control conditions from the air conditioning control device via the communication unit. The autonomous control conditions specify control conditions applied when the communication unit cannot communicate with the air conditioning control device to suppress the power consumption of the air conditioner. and An autonomous control unit controls the air conditioner according to the autonomous control conditions when the communication unit cannot communicate with the air conditioning control device.

2. The control terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The autonomous control condition receiving unit receives the autonomous control conditions at a frequency of more than once per week. The autonomous control conditions include the start and end times of the period during which the power consumption of the air conditioner is suppressed, i.e., the power suppression control period.

3. The control terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that: The autonomous control conditions also include the upper limit of the power consumption of the air conditioning system including the air conditioner, the upper limit of the power consumption of the air conditioner, the control level indicating the amount of suppression of the power consumption of the air conditioner, the start time of the air conditioner, or the stop time of the air conditioner.

4. An air conditioning control system, characterized in that, include: An air conditioner with an outdoor unit and an indoor unit; An air conditioning control device whose output is the upper limit of the target value of the power consumption of the air conditioner; and The control terminal controls the air conditioner based on the upper limit of power consumption. The control terminal has: The communication unit communicates with the air conditioner and the air conditioner control device; The subordinate control unit controls the air conditioner so that the power consumption of the air conditioner is below the upper limit power consumption when the communication unit is able to communicate with the air conditioner control device. An autonomous control condition receiving unit receives autonomous control conditions from the air conditioning control device via the communication unit. These autonomous control conditions specify control conditions applied when the communication unit cannot communicate with the air conditioning control device to suppress the power consumption of the air conditioner. and An autonomous control unit controls the air conditioner according to the autonomous control conditions when the communication unit cannot communicate with the air conditioning control device.

5. The air conditioning control system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The air conditioner is installed in the building, i.e., the power receiving equipment. The air conditioning control device has an autonomous control condition setting unit. This autonomous control condition setting unit determines the autonomous control conditions based on the timing information of past power consumption at the power receiving point in the power receiving equipment, the timing information of past temperature at the installation location of the power receiving equipment, the timing information of future temperature prediction at the installation location of the power receiving equipment, or the timing information of past power consumption of the air conditioner. The autonomous control conditions include the start and end times of the power suppression control period for suppressing the power consumption of the air conditioner. The autonomous control conditions also include: an upper limit value for the power consumption of the air conditioner, a control level indicating the amount of power suppression for the power consumption of the air conditioner, the start time of the air conditioner, or the stop time of the air conditioner.

6. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The computer performs the following procedure: In the subordinate control process, when the communication unit is able to communicate with the air conditioning control device, it controls the air conditioner so that the power consumption of the air conditioner is below the upper limit power consumption. The communication unit is used to communicate with the air conditioner, which has an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and to communicate with the air conditioning control device, which outputs the upper limit power consumption as the upper limit value of the power consumption of the air conditioner. The autonomous control condition receiving process receives autonomous control conditions from the air conditioning control device via the communication unit. These autonomous control conditions specify control conditions applied when the communication unit cannot communicate with the air conditioning control device to suppress the power consumption of the air conditioner; and In the autonomous control process, when the communication unit cannot communicate with the air conditioning control device, the air conditioner is controlled according to the autonomous control conditions.

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