Power management system

Abstract

This invention provides a power management system for improving the effectiveness of peak shaving in reducing electricity demand. The power management system includes: a controller that performs peak shaving by switching one or more first air conditioners included in the electricity-consuming facility from their current state to an energy-saving state that consumes less electricity than their current state, in order to reduce electricity demand in the facility; and a decision unit that determines whether to allow the peak shaving process to be performed. If the electricity-consuming facility includes one or more second air conditioners that cannot be controlled by the controller, the decision unit allows the peak shaving process to be performed if the predicted future demand in the electricity-consuming facility is less than a threshold, and disallows the peak shaving process if the predicted future demand exceeds the threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a power management system, and more specifically, to a power management system for managing the power consumption of power-consuming facilities. Background Technology

[0002] In high-voltage power contracts, the base fee is determined based on the maximum average electricity consumption during demand periods (30 minutes) over the past 12 months (also known as the "30-minute demand value"). Furthermore, a demand period refers to a time segment of 30 minutes, divided into 0 to 30 minutes and 30 to 60 minutes per hour. Therefore, peak shaving is implemented to reduce electricity demand during the periods of highest electricity consumption. For example, Japanese Patent No. 6808891 (Patent Document 1) discloses a system that outputs a discharge command to an energy storage device to reduce electricity demand exceeding peak shaving levels.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6808891 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Electricity-consuming facilities typically include air conditioners, which are among the most power-consuming devices. Therefore, as a peak-shaving measure, the operating status of air conditioners can be switched. For example, the air conditioner can be switched from cooling (or heating) operation to ventilation operation.

[0005] However, an electricity-consuming facility may include both air conditioners designated for peak shaving and those not designated for peak shaving within the same space (e.g., the relatively large space of a vehicle dealership). For example, air conditioners that cannot be equipped with peak shaving control devices will not be designated for peak shaving. In this case, even if some of the peak-shaving air conditioners are switched to open-circuit operation to reduce electricity demand, the remaining air conditioners that are not designated for peak shaving may consume more electricity to compensate for temperature changes. As a result, the effect of reducing the electricity demand of the electricity-consuming facility cannot be achieved.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a power management system that improves the effect of reducing electricity demand through peak shaving.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention relates to a power management system comprising: a controller that performs peak shaving processing to switch one or more first air conditioners included in the power-consuming facility from their current state to an energy-saving state that consumes less power than their current state in order to reduce the power demand in the power-consuming facility; and a decision unit that determines whether to allow the peak shaving processing to be performed.

[0008] In cases where the power-consuming facility includes more than one second air conditioning unit that cannot be controlled by the controller, the decision-making department allows peak shaving to be performed if the predicted power demand of the power-consuming facility is less than a threshold, and does not allow peak shaving to be performed if the predicted power demand exceeds the threshold.

[0009] Invention Effects

[0010] The power management system according to the present invention improves the effectiveness of reducing power demand through peak shaving. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the power management system and power-consuming facilities involved in the implementation method.

[0012] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of the process for determining whether a power-consuming facility includes more than one second air conditioning unit.

[0013] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of a process for deciding whether to allow peak shaving operations to switch more than one first air conditioner unit from its current state to an energy-saving state.

[0014] Figure 4 This is an explanation Figure 3 The diagram shows the advantages of the processing in steps S12 to S14.

[0015] Figure 5 This is an explanation Figure 3 The diagram shows the advantages of the processing in steps S15 and S17.

[0016] Figure 6 This is an explanation Figure 3 The diagram shows the advantages of the processing in steps S15 and S16. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or corresponding parts in the drawings are labeled with the same symbols, and their descriptions will not be repeated. In this specification, one of "more than" and "above" can be replaced by the other. One of "below" and "less than" can be replaced by the other.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the power management system and power-consuming facilities involved in the implementation method. Figure 1 The power management system 1 shown manages the electricity consumption of power-consuming facilities 2. Power-consuming facilities 2 include detached houses, apartments, shops, vehicle charging stations, factories, commercial facilities, medical facilities, educational facilities, public facilities, buildings, etc.

[0019] The electricity-consuming facility 2 includes a smart meter 21 and one or more first air conditioning units 22. The smart meter 21 has the function of measuring the power supplied from the power system to the electricity-consuming facility 2 (also referred to as "receiving power") and communicating the measurement results. The measurement results are output via any one of the A path, B path, and C path.

[0020] One or more first air conditioning units 22 regulate the air in the space within the electrical appliance facility 2. The one or more first air conditioning units 22 switch between on and off operation according to control commands. Furthermore, the one or more first air conditioning units 22 operate according to control commands in an operating mode selected from multiple operating modes. These multiple operating modes include cooling operation, heating operation, air supply operation, and dehumidification operation. Moreover, the one or more first air conditioning units 22 switch target temperature and airflow according to control commands. The one or more first air conditioning units 22 are capable of communicating with the power management system 1. The one or more first air conditioning units 22 can receive control commands corresponding to user input from a control panel not shown, or they can receive control commands from the power management system 1. That is, the one or more first air conditioning units 22 are controlled objects based on the power management system 1.

[0021] Furthermore, the power-consuming facility 2 may include one or more load devices 23 that consume electricity. Figure 1 In the example shown, one or more load devices 23 include one or more second air conditioning units 24 and various electrical devices 25.

[0022] One or more second air conditioners 24 regulate the air in the space of the electrical appliance facility 2. One or more second air conditioners 24 can be installed in the same space as one or more first air conditioners 22. Like the first air conditioners 22, the one or more second air conditioners 24 operate according to control commands in an operating mode selected from multiple operating modes. Furthermore, the one or more first air conditioners 22 switch target temperature and airflow according to control commands. However, the one or more second air conditioners 24 do not receive control commands corresponding to user input from a control panel not shown in the diagram, nor do they receive control commands from the power management system 1. That is, the one or more second air conditioners 24 are not controlled objects based on the power management system 1. For example, air conditioners that do not have communication capabilities with the power management system 1 or do not have the ability to receive control commands from the power management system 1 can be installed as one or more second air conditioners 24.

[0023] Various electrical devices 25 include, for example, refrigerators, freezers, and charging / discharging devices for electric vehicles. Some or all of the various electrical devices 25 may be able to communicate with the power management system 1, or may be controlled objects based on the power management system 1.

[0024] Furthermore, the power-consuming facility 2 may include one or more sensors 26 that measure parameters related to the power consumption of one or more load devices 23. Parameters may include, for example, some or all of the power consumed by one or more load devices 23, some or all of the current supplied to one or more load devices 23, or some or all of the voltage applied to one or more load devices 23.

[0025] The power management system 1 consists of one or more computers. Furthermore, the power management system 1 may also include virtual machines or containers built in a cloud environment, or a structure consisting of at least some of these. For example, the power management system 1 includes computers and cloud servers located at the power consumption facility 2.

[0026] The power management system 1 includes a processor 10, a memory 11, a storage device 12, a communication interface 13, and a user interface 14. The number of each of the processor 10, memory 11, storage device 12, communication interface 13, and user interface 14 is not limited to one; there can be multiple units. For example, if the power management system 1 is composed of multiple computers, the processors of each of these computers operate as processor 10.

[0027] The processor 10 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor (MPU), and executes a power management program 120 stored in the storage device 12.

[0028] The memory 11 volatilely stores data generated by the power management program 120 executed by the processor 10, data input via the user interface 14, data received from the outside via the communication interface 13, etc.

[0029] Storage device 12 stores data non-volatilely. Storage device 12 is implemented by hard disk drive, solid state drive (SSD) device, etc.

[0030] The communication interface 13 communicates with external devices, for example, via a network including the Internet. The user interface 14 includes, for example, a touch panel, a display, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0031] The processor 10 executes the power management program 120, which implements multiple function blocks. These function blocks include a controller 110, a decision unit 112, and a judgment unit 114.

[0032] In order to reduce the power demand in the power-consuming facility 2, the controller 110 controls the equipment included in the power-consuming facility 2. The equipment controlled by the controller 110 includes one or more first air conditioners 22, but does not include one or more second air conditioners 24. Moreover, the equipment controlled by the controller 110 may include a portion of various electrical devices 25.

[0033] In order to reduce the power demand in the power-consuming facility 2, the controller 110 performs peak shaving processing, switching one or more first air conditioning units 22 included in the power-consuming facility 2 from their current state to an energy-saving state that consumes less power than their current state. The controller 110 determines whether peak shaving processing needs to be implemented based on preset conditions. If the controller 110 determines that peak shaving processing needs to be implemented, and the decision unit 112 decides to allow the peak shaving processing, the controller 110 performs the peak shaving processing.

[0034] Preset conditions typically include conditions where the power received by the smart meter 21 exceeds a preset threshold (hereinafter referred to as the "control target"). However, preset conditions may also include other conditions.

[0035] The control target is determined based on user input. For example, if the user is considering the basic cost of an electricity contract, the control target could be the maximum value of the 30-minute demand over the past 12 months, or a value less than that maximum value.

[0036] Energy-saving status is typically the air supply operation status. When the current status is an operation that consumes the rated power (high-load operation status), energy-saving status can include a medium-load operation status or a low-load operation status where power consumption is lower than that of the high-load operation status. Alternatively, energy-saving status can include operation statuses that bring the target temperature setpoint closer to the external ambient temperature of the power-consuming facility 2 than the current value, operation statuses where the upper limit of power consumption is lower than the current value, and operation statuses where the airflow is lower than the current value.

[0037] The decision unit 112 determines whether to allow peak shaving processing, which switches one or more first air conditioners 22 from their current state to an energy-saving state, based on the presence or absence of one or more second air conditioners 24 that the controller 110 cannot control and future power demand predictions. The presence or absence of one or more second air conditioners 24 is determined by the judgment unit 114, as described below.

[0038] The decision unit 112, for example, uses a predictive model to forecast future electricity demand. The predictive model is a learned model that receives inputs of explanatory variables and outputs the predicted electricity demand (predicted electricity demand) at the target point in time as the target variable. The predictive model is generated by executing a machine learning algorithm using training data. There are no particular limitations on the machine learning algorithm, as long as it is capable of solving regression tasks. For example, machine learning algorithms can be used from neural networks, support vector machines, and decision trees. Explanatory variables include, for example, temperature, sunshine duration, date, and time. Training data, for example, represents the values ​​of the explanatory variables over the past two years and the shift in electricity consumption at the receiving end of the power consumption facility 2.

[0039] As described above, in high-voltage power contracts, the basic fee is determined based on the maximum average electricity consumption during demand periods (30 minutes) over the past 12 months. Therefore, the decision unit 112 predicts the electricity demand for the next demand period by inputting explanatory variables (e.g., current temperature, sunshine duration, date and time, or predicted temperature, predicted sunshine duration, date and time at the predicted time) into the prediction model. Temperature and sunshine duration are obtained, for example, from a meteorological data server.

[0040] If the power-consuming facility 2 includes one or more second air conditioning units 24, and the decision unit 112 predicts that the power demand in the next demand period is below the control target, then peak shaving is permitted. If the power-consuming facility 2 includes one or more second air conditioning units 24, and the decision unit 112 predicts that the power demand in the next demand period exceeds the control target, then peak shaving is not permitted.

[0041] The determination unit 114 determines whether the power-consuming facility 2 includes one or more second air conditioners 24 based on status information indicating the status of the power-consuming facility 2 after switching one or more first air conditioners 22 from a first state to a second state that consumes less power than the first state. The first state is, for example, an operating state consuming rated power. Specifically, the first state is a cooling operation state in summer and a heating operation state in winter. The second state is, for example, a fan-operated state or a stopped state.

[0042] Status information, for example, indicates the flow of electricity supplied from the power system to the electricity-consuming facility 2 (power receiving end). This status information is obtained from the smart meter 21.

[0043] refer to Figure 2 The process of judgment processing based on the judgment unit 114 will be explained. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of the process for determining whether a power-consuming facility includes more than one second air conditioning unit.

[0044] The processor 10, which operates as the judgment unit 114, determines whether the power supplied from the power system to the power-consuming facility 2 (power receiving end power) is stable (step S1). For example, the processor 10 determines that the power receiving end power is stable based on the measurement results of the smart meter 21, provided that the fluctuation range of the measured value is within a reference range. Alternatively, the processor 10 may determine that the power receiving end power is stable based on the current time being a stable period. The stable period is preset based on past measurement results of the smart meter 21.

[0045] Next, the processor 10 determines whether one or more first air conditioners 22 are running (step S2).

[0046] If one or more first air conditioners 22 are not operating (No in step S2), the processor 10 outputs an operation start command to one or more first air conditioners 22 and waits for a first predetermined time (step S3). Specifically, the processor 10 outputs a cooling operation start command in summer and a heating operation start command in winter. At this time, the set temperature is set to be more than 3 degrees Celsius different from the indoor temperature. The first predetermined time is, for example, the time required for the indoor temperature to change by more than 3 degrees Celsius.

[0047] After step S3 is completed, the process proceeds to step S4. If one or more first air conditioners 22 are running (as indicated by "Yes" in step S2), the process also proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the processor 10 outputs a stop command to one or more first air conditioners 22. As a result, one or more first air conditioners 22 stop.

[0048] Next, the processor 10 collects status information indicating the status of the power-consuming facility 2 after switching one or more first air conditioners 22 to a stopped state (step S5). Specifically, the processor 10 collects information as status information indicating the change in indoor temperature and power supply at the power-consuming facility 2 during a second predetermined time period after switching one or more first air conditioners 22 to a stopped state. The second predetermined time period is, for example, the time required for the indoor temperature to change by more than 3 degrees.

[0049] Processor 10 acquires indoor temperature data from one or more first air conditioners 22. Alternatively, if one or more sensors 26 include a temperature sensor that measures the indoor temperature, processor 10 can acquire indoor temperature data from the temperature sensor. Processor 10 acquires power data from the smart meter 21.

[0050] Next, the processor 10 calculates the correlation coefficient between the indoor temperature and the power received at the power source (step S6). For example, a linear correlation coefficient such as the Pearson correlation coefficient or a Spearman rank correlation coefficient can be used as the correlation coefficient.

[0051] Next, the processor 10 determines whether there is a correlation between the indoor temperature and the power received by the power source based on the correlation coefficient (step S7). For example, if the processor 10 determines that there is a correlation between the indoor temperature and the power received by the power source based on the correlation coefficient exceeding a preset benchmark value.

[0052] When one or more first air conditioners 22 are stopped, the indoor temperature is related to the power received, indicating that other air conditioners are operating. Therefore, if there is a correlation between the indoor temperature and the power received ("Yes" in step S7), the processor 10 determines that the power-consuming facility 2 includes one or more second air conditioners 24 (step S8). On the other hand, if there is no correlation between the indoor temperature and the power received ("No" in step S7), the processor 10 determines that the power-consuming facility 2 does not include one or more second air conditioners 24 (step S9). The processor 10 stores a flag indicating the determination result of steps S8 and S9 in the memory 11. After steps S8 and S9, the process ends.

[0053] Furthermore, the power received can also be increased through load devices other than air conditioners. Therefore, processor 10 can perform multiple operations. Figure 2 The process shown includes steps S1 to S7, and based on the judgment results of multiple steps S7, it is determined whether the power-consuming facility 2 includes one or more second air conditioners 24. For example, the processor 10 performs steps S1 to S7 N times (N is an integer greater than 2), and based on the judgment that there is a correlation in M ​​times (M is an integer less than N) of steps S7, it is determined that the power-consuming facility 2 includes one or more second air conditioners 24.

[0054] refer to Figures 3 to 6 The process of decision processing based on the decision unit 112 will be explained. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of a process for deciding whether to allow peak shaving operations to switch more than one first air conditioner unit from its current state to an energy-saving state.

[0055] First, the processor 10, which operates as the decision unit 112, determines whether the power-consuming facility 2 includes one or more second air conditioning units 24 (step S11). Specifically, the processor 10 confirms this by executing... Figure 2 The process shown is used to store the flags in memory 11 to determine whether the power-consuming facility 2 includes more than one second air conditioner 24.

[0056] If the power consumption facility 2 includes one or more second air conditioning units 24 ("Yes" in step S11), the processor 10 predicts the demand forecast power for the next demand period by inputting the values ​​of the explanatory variables into the prediction model. Then, the processor 10 determines whether the demand forecast power is below the control target (step S12).

[0057] If the demand forecast power is below the control target ("Yes" in step S12), the processor 10 allows peak shaving during the current demand period (step S13). If the demand forecast power exceeds the control target ("No" in step S12), the processor 10 does not allow peak shaving during the current demand period (step S14).

[0058] If the power-consuming facility 2 does not include one or more second air conditioners 24 ("No" in step S11), the processor 10 determines whether the current state of one or more first air conditioners 22 is an operating state capable of consuming rated power (step S15). An operating state capable of consuming rated power is also called a high-load operating state, which is a state in which the power consumption of the compressor exceeds a preset high-load operating value.

[0059] If one or more first air conditioners 22 are currently in an operating state capable of consuming their rated power consumption ("Yes" in step S15), the processor 10 allows peak shaving during the current demand period (step S16). If one or more first air conditioners 22 are not currently in an operating state capable of consuming their rated power consumption ("No" in step S15), the processor 10 does not allow peak shaving during the current demand period (step S17).

[0060] Figure 4 This is an explanation Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the advantages of steps S12 to S14. Figure 4 The top section of the chart shows the change in power consumption at the receiving end. The middle section shows the change in power consumption of the first air conditioner unit 22. The bottom section shows the change in power consumption of the second air conditioner unit 24.

[0061] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the power received exceeds the limit target during the current demand period TA. Therefore, it can be assumed that peak shaving processing, which switches more than one No. 1 air conditioner from its current state to energy-saving state, is permissible during the current demand period TA, regardless of whether it is related to the power demand forecast in the next demand period TB.

[0062] However, if peak shaving is implemented during the current demand period TA, the difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature gradually increases after the peak shaving begins. Therefore, one or more secondary air conditioning units 24 will switch to high-load operation to compensate for this difference. As a result, if the predicted power demand in the next demand period TB exceeds the control target, the power consumption at the receiving end may increase significantly in the next demand period TB. This could lead to a substantial increase in basic costs.

[0063] Therefore, as described above, the processor 10, which operates as the decision unit 112, determines whether peak shaving processing is permitted based on whether the power demand forecast in the next demand period TB is within the limiting target. Figure 4 In the example shown, the predicted power demand in the next demand period TB is below the limit target. Therefore, processor 10 determines "yes" in step S12 and allows peak shaving in the current demand period TA in step S13. As a result, processor 10 switches more than one first air conditioner 22 to energy-saving mode during at least a portion of the current demand period TA (e.g., the latter half of the current demand period TA, time period T (a predetermined time period starting from time t1)). As a result, as shown by dashed line 40, the power consumption of the first air conditioner 22 decreases during time period T.

[0064] By switching one or more air conditioner units 22 to energy-saving mode, after time t1, the difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature gradually increases. Therefore, in Figure 4 In the example shown, to compensate for the difference, one or more second air conditioning units 24 switch to high-load operation at time t2 after time t1. As a result, the power consumption of one or more second air conditioning units 24 increases in the next demand period TB. However, the predicted power demand in the next demand period TB is below the limit target. Therefore, even if the power consumption of one or more second air conditioning units 24 increases, a significant increase in the power received in the next demand period TB can be avoided.

[0065] Figure 5 This is an explanation Figure 3 The diagram shows the advantages of the processing in steps S15 and S17. Figure 5 The chart shown illustrates the change in power consumption of the first air conditioner unit 22. Figure 5In the example shown, the first air conditioner 22 operates in a medium-load operating state, consuming less power than the operating state that can consume rated power (high-load operating state). If peak shaving is allowed in this case, as shown by dashed line 50, the first air conditioner 22 operates in a low-load operating state, consuming less power, for a specified time period T after time t3. After peak shaving begins, the difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature gradually increases. Therefore, after peak shaving is completed (i.e., after time period T), one or more second air conditioners 24 switch to a high-load operating state to compensate for this difference. As a result, the power received after peak shaving can be increased compared to the power received before peak shaving.

[0066] Therefore, if one or more of the first air conditioners 22 are not currently operating at their rated power consumption, the processor 10 does not allow peak shaving during the current demand period. This avoids a situation where the power received after peak shaving is higher than the power received before peak shaving.

[0067] Figure 6 This is an explanation Figure 3 The diagram shows the advantages of the processing in steps S15 and S16. Figure 6 The chart shown illustrates the change in power consumption of the first air conditioner unit 22. Figure 6 In the example shown, the first air conditioner 22 operates in a high-load operating state capable of consuming its rated power consumption. If peak shaving is permitted in this case, as shown by dashed line 60, the first air conditioner 22 operates in a low-load operating state with low power consumption for a specified time period T after time t3. After peak shaving begins, the difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature gradually increases. Therefore, after peak shaving is completed (i.e., after time period T), one or more second air conditioners 24 return to the high-load operating state to compensate for this difference. In this case, the power received after peak shaving is the same as the power received before peak shaving. That is, even with peak shaving, the power received after peak shaving will not be greater than the power received before peak shaving. Therefore, when one or more first air conditioners 22 are currently operating in a state capable of consuming their rated power consumption, the processor 10 allows peak shaving during the current demand period. This allows for a reduction in the power received during the current demand period without increasing the power received during the next demand period.

[0068] The following describes various variations. When peak shaving is applied to one or more first air conditioners 22, the difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature increases. Therefore, after peak shaving, the power consumption of one or more first air conditioners 22 can increase significantly. Therefore, the controller 110 can control one or more first air conditioners 22 for a predetermined time after peak shaving to consume less power than the rated power consumption. Thus, after peak shaving, the significant increase in power consumption of one or more first air conditioners 22 is suppressed. The predetermined time is preset based on experimental or simulation results. For example, based on simulation results, the time required until the difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is less than a predetermined value is set as the predetermined time.

[0069] As a method for reducing the power consumption of one or more first air conditioning units 22 to less than the rated power consumption, methods such as making the target temperature closer to the external ambient temperature of the power-consuming facility 2 than the current setting value, limiting the upper limit of power consumption, and reducing the air volume can be considered.

[0070] The processor 10, which performs the actions of the judgment unit 114, can... Figure 2 In step S5, information on the shift of measurement results from a sensor 26 that measures parameters related to the power consumption of one or more load devices 23 included in the power-consuming facility 2 and information on the shift of indoor temperature are used as status information.

[0071] When one or more first air conditioning units 22 are stopped, the indoor temperature is related to the power consumption of one or more load devices 23, suggesting that the one or more load devices 23 include one or more second air conditioning units 24. Therefore, the processor 10 in Figure 2 In step S6, the correlation coefficient between indoor temperature and the power consumption of one or more load devices 23 is calculated. Therefore, the processor 10 can also determine whether the power-consuming facility 2 includes one or more second air conditioning units 24.

[0072] Alternatively, the processor 10 may acquire only information as status information, representing the shift in power supplied from the power system to the power-consuming facility 2 (power receiving end power) or the shift in measurement results from one or more sensors 26 that measure parameters related to the power consumption of one or more load devices 23. In this case, the processor 10 can determine that the power-consuming facility 2 includes one or more second air conditioning units 24 based on the increase in power indicated by the status information. Furthermore, the processor 10 can determine that the power-consuming facility 2 does not include one or more second air conditioning units 24 based on the lack of increase in power indicated by the status information.

[0073] Alternatively, if the processor 10 has one or more sensors 26, including an image sensor that captures images of the space within the power-consuming facility 2, it can determine whether the power-consuming facility 2 includes one or more second air conditioners 24 based on the images acquired from the image sensors. For example, the processor 10 performs object recognition processing on the image and determines whether the power-consuming facility 2 includes one or more second air conditioners 24 based on identifying more than the number of first air conditioners 22. Alternatively, the processor 10 can also determine whether the power-consuming facility 2 includes one or more second air conditioners 24 based on identifying air conditioners in the image at locations other than pre-registered locations. The locations of one or more first air conditioners 22 are registered as pre-registered locations.

[0074] When the processor 10, which operates as the decision-making unit 112, is able to acquire information indicating the status of one or more second air conditioners 24, it can perform the following processing. That is, the processor 10... Figure 3 If step S12 is "No", it is determined whether the current state of one or more second air conditioners 24 is an operating state capable of consuming rated power (high-load operating state). If the current state of one or more second air conditioners 24 is a high-load operating state, the power consumption of one or more second air conditioners 24 will not increase further. Therefore, if the current state of one or more second air conditioners 24 is a high-load operating state, the processor 10 proceeds to step S13, allowing peak shaving processing during the current demand period.

[0075] On the other hand, if one or more second air conditioners 24 are not currently operating under high load, allowing peak shaving during the current demand period would significantly increase power consumption in the next demand period. Therefore, if one or more second air conditioners 24 are not currently operating under high load, the processor 10 proceeds to step S14, disallowing peak shaving during the current demand period.

[0076] In the case where the power management system 1 is composed of multiple computers, the controller 110, the decision unit 112, and the judgment unit 114 can be implemented by different computers. For example, the controller 110 is installed at the electricity consumer facility 2 and is implemented by the computer that constitutes the home energy management system (HEMS). On the other hand, the decision unit 112 and the judgment unit 114 are implemented by a cloud server.

[0077] Some or all of the functions of the decision unit 112 and the judgment unit 114 can be implemented by the computer constituting the HEMS. For example, the function of predicting future demand and electricity in the decision unit 112 can be implemented by a cloud server, and the function of deciding whether to allow peak shaving processing based on the future demand and electricity can be implemented by the computer constituting the HEMS.

[0078] The embodiments disclosed herein are considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is defined not by the description of the above embodiments but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0079] Symbol Explanation

[0080] 1-Power management system, 2-Power consumption facilities, 10-Processor, 11-Memory, 12-Storage device, 13-Communication interface, 14-User interface, 21-Smart meter, 22-First air conditioner, 23-Load equipment, 24-Second air conditioner, 25-Electrical equipment, 26-Sensor, 110-Controller, 112-Decision unit, 114-Judgment unit, 120-Power management program.

Claims

1. A power management system, characterized in that, have: The controller, in order to reduce the power demand in the power-consuming facility, performs peak shaving processing, switching one or more first air conditioning units included in the power-consuming facility from their current state to an energy-saving state that consumes less power than their current state; and The decision-making department decides whether to allow the peak-shaving process to be performed. In the case where the power-consuming facility includes more than one second air conditioner that cannot be controlled by the controller, the decision unit allows the peak shaving process to be performed if the predicted power demand in the power-consuming facility is less than a threshold, and does not allow the peak shaving process to be performed if the predicted power demand exceeds the threshold.

2. The power management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: The determination unit determines whether the power-consuming facility includes the one or more second air conditioners based on status information indicating the status of the power-consuming facility after switching one or more first air conditioners from a first state to a second state that consumes less power than the first state. The status information represents the shift of power supplied from the power system to the power-consuming facility or the shift of sensor measurements of parameters related to the power consumption of one or more load devices other than the first air conditioner included in the power-consuming facility.

3. The power management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: The determination unit determines, based on an image obtained by photographing the space within the power-consuming facility, whether the power-consuming facility includes one or more second air conditioning units.

4. The power management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, If the power-consuming facility does not include the one or more second air conditioners, the decision unit allows the peak shaving process to be performed if the current state is an operating state capable of consuming the rated power, and does not allow the peak shaving process to be performed if the current state is not the operating state.

5. The power management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, After completing the peak shaving process, the controller controls one or more first air conditioners for a specified period of time to consume less power than the rated power consumption.

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