Energy management system, energy management method, and program

Abstract

To control devices for appropriately reflecting a user's desire for an adjusted power amount and comfort at a time of an adjustment request of a power consumption amount.SOLUTION: An operation plan generation unit (102) generates a plurality of operation plans corresponding to an adjustment request of an electric power amount when the adjustment request is accepted from an aggregator server. A power consumption estimation unit (106) estimates an adjustment power amount adjusted by following each of the plurality of operation plans. A comfort estimation unit (107) estimates the comfort of a person in a demand area during an adjustment target period according to each of the plurality of operation plans. A request management unit (101) transmits plan selection information including operation plan information indicating the plurality of operation plans, adjustment power amount information indicating the estimated adjustment power amount, and comfort information indicating the estimated comfort to a terminal device (400). A device control unit (108) controls devices during the adjustment target period according to the operation plan selected by the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an energy management system, an energy management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, energy management systems for improving the balance between energy supply and demand are known. For example, when an energy management system receives an adjustment request in a demand response from an aggregator server, the energy management system generates an operation plan for an adjustment period for equipment used in a demand area. The energy management system then controls the equipment in accordance with the operation plan during the adjustment period. The adjustment request is, for example, a request to reduce the amount of power consumption in the demand area during the adjustment period.

[0003] However, when reducing the power consumption of an appliance in accordance with an adjustment request, it is undesirable for the comfort of people in the demand area to be impaired. For this reason, it is preferable for the energy management system to generate an operation plan taking into consideration not only the adjustment power amount, which is the amount of power consumption adjusted in the adjustment period, but also the comfort of people in the adjustment period. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology for controlling appliances in consideration of the electricity price and the comfort level when the electricity price changes due to demand response. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 141354 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the equipment is controlled according to a control plan that is automatically generated taking into account the electricity rate and the comfort level, so the user who manages the demand area has no room to select the control plan. In other words, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the degree of freedom in selecting the operation plan of the equipment is low, and it is difficult to realize equipment control that reflects the user's wishes regarding the amount of power adjustment and comfort. For this reason, there is a demand for a technology that realizes equipment control that appropriately reflects the user's wishes regarding the amount of power adjustment and comfort when a request for adjustment of power consumption is made.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide an energy management system, an energy management method, and a program that realizes equipment control that appropriately reflects a user's wishes regarding adjustment power amount and comfort when a request for adjustment of power consumption is made. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the energy management system according to the present disclosure comprises: an operation plan generating means for generating, when receiving from an aggregator server an adjustment request for an amount of power consumed in a demand area during an adjustment target period, a plurality of operation plans for equipment used in the demand area in accordance with the adjustment request during the adjustment target period; a power consumption estimation means for estimating the amount of power consumption in the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of the plurality of operation plans is followed, and estimating an adjustment power amount to be adjusted by following each of the plurality of operation plans; a comfort estimation means for estimating comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of the plurality of operation plans is followed; a selection information transmission means for transmitting plan selection information, the plan selection information including operation plan information indicating the plurality of operation plans, adjustment power amount information indicating the adjustment power amount estimated by the power consumption amount estimation means, and comfort information indicating the comfort estimated by the comfort estimation means, to a terminal device used by a user who is an administrator of the demand area; and an equipment control means for controlling the equipment during the adjustment target period in accordance with an operation plan selected by the user from among the plurality of operation plans. Effect of the Invention

[0008] In the present disclosure, plan selection information including operation plan information indicating a plurality of operation plans, adjustment power amount information indicating an estimated adjustment power amount for each operation plan, and comfort information indicating an estimated comfort for each operation plan is transmitted to a terminal device used by a user, and an appliance is controlled according to an operation plan selected by the user. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, appliance control that appropriately reflects the user's desire for adjustment power amount and comfort at the time of a request for adjustment of power consumption amount can be realized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] A configuration diagram of a system including an energy management system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] Configuration diagram of a server according to the first embodiment [Diagram 3] A configuration diagram of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing executed by each device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] Functional configuration diagram of the energy management system according to the first embodiment [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a trained model according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows an operation plan presentation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an operation plan selection screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 shows a result presentation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 shows a contribution ratio calculation table according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart showing an energy management process executed by the energy management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12]Functional configuration diagram of an energy management system according to a second embodiment [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing correspondence relationship information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing executed by each device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system including an energy management system 1000 according to a first embodiment. The energy management system 1000 is a system that manages power consumption in a demand area where power is consumed, in order to improve the balance between power supply and demand. The energy management system 1000 adjusts the amount of power consumption in a building 300 that is a demand area in response to an adjustment request from an aggregator server 200 managed by an aggregator.

[0012] The adjustment request is, for example, a DR (Demand Response) command in a demand response, which is a mechanism for adjusting the balance between power supply and demand. An aggregator is a business that provides an efficient energy management service by aggregating the power demands of consumers. The adjustment request includes a request to reduce the amount of power consumption in a demand area and a request to increase the amount of power consumption in a demand area. In this embodiment, the adjustment request that the energy management system 1000 receives from the aggregator server 200 is a request to reduce the amount of power consumption in a demand area.

[0013] The energy management system 1000 is a system configured by at least one server 100 working in cooperation with one another. The energy management system 1000 is configured as, for example, a cloud. In this embodiment, the energy management system 1000 includes a server 100A and a server 100B. Hereinafter, the server 100A and the server 100B will be collectively referred to as the server 100 as appropriate.

[0014] The server 100 is, for example, a cloud server that provides an energy management service. The cloud server is a server that provides resources in cloud computing. The server 100 executes an energy management process to adjust the amount of power consumption of the entire building 300 in response to an adjustment request from the aggregator server 200. For example, the server 100 creates multiple operation plans in response to the adjustment request, and presents the created multiple operation plans to a user who is the manager of the building 300. The server 100 controls devices in the building 300 in accordance with the operation plan selected by the user. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 100 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 15.

[0015] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an RTC (Real Time Clock), etc. The CPU is also called a central processing unit, a processor, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and functions as a central processing unit that executes processes and calculations related to the control of the server 100. In the control unit 11, the CPU reads out programs and data stored in the ROM, and uses the RAM as a work area to centrally control the server 100. The RTC is, for example, an integrated circuit having a clocking function. The CPU can identify the current date and time from the time information read from the RTC.

[0016] The storage unit 12 includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc., and serves as a so-called auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 12 stores programs and data used by the control unit 11 to execute various processes. The storage unit 12 also stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 11 executing various processes.

[0017] The communication unit 15 communicates with devices connected to the communication network 710 under the control of the control unit 11. The communication unit 15 has a function of connecting to the communication network 710, and communicates with devices connected to the communication network 710. The communication network 710 is, for example, the Internet. The communication unit 15 includes a communication interface that complies with various communication standards.

[0018] The aggregator server 200 is a server managed by the aggregator. The aggregator server 200 transmits and receives various information to and from the server 100 via the communication network 710. For example, the aggregator server 200 transmits an adjustment request to the server 100 via the communication network 710. This adjustment request includes, for example, a target adjustment power amount that is a target value of the adjustment power amount in the demand area, and a time period during which the power consumption amount is requested to be adjusted.

[0019] The adjustment power amount is an adjustment amount of the power consumption, and is the difference between the power consumption amount when the device control according to the adjustment request is not executed and the power consumption amount when the device control according to the adjustment request is executed. For example, the base power consumption amount can be regarded as the power consumption amount when the device control according to the adjustment request is not executed. The base power consumption amount can be, for example, the average value of the top few (e.g., four) power consumption amounts among the power consumption amounts in the corresponding time slots for the most recent few days (e.g., five days). The corresponding time slots are the time slots corresponding to the adjustment target period. The aggregator server 200 transmits an adjustment request to the server 100, for example, according to an instruction from a power company. The aggregator server 200 has a communication interface for connecting to the communication network 710.

[0020] Building 300 is a demand area subject to power consumption adjustment in this embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, the power consumption of the entire building 300 is adjusted in accordance with an adjustment request. An air conditioning system 301 and an entrance / exit control system 302 are constructed in building 300. Air conditioning system 301 is a system for conditioning the air in each floor of building 300. Entrance / exit control system 302 is a system for managing the entrance and exit of people to and from each floor of building 300.

[0021] The air conditioning system 301 includes an air conditioner control device 310, an outdoor unit 320A, an outdoor unit 320B, an outdoor unit 320C, an indoor unit 330AA, an indoor unit 330AB, an indoor unit 330BA, an indoor unit 330BB, an indoor unit 330CA, and an indoor unit 330CB. Hereinafter, the outdoor unit 320A, the outdoor unit 320B, and the outdoor unit 320C are collectively referred to as the outdoor unit 320 as appropriate. In addition, the indoor unit 330AA, the indoor unit 330AB, the indoor unit 330BA, the indoor unit 330BB, the indoor unit 330CA, and the indoor unit 330CB are collectively referred to as the indoor unit 330 as appropriate. The outdoor unit 320 and the indoor unit 330 are an example of an air conditioning device. The air conditioner control device 310 , the outdoor units 320 , and the indoor units 330 are connected to each other via a communication network 311 .

[0022] The air conditioning equipment control device 310 is a device that controls the outdoor unit 320 and the indoor unit 330. For example, the air conditioning equipment control device 310 controls the outdoor unit 320 and the indoor unit 330 according to an operation plan selected by a user in accordance with instructions from the server 100. The outdoor unit 320 is a facility device that is installed outdoors among the facility devices that condition indoor air. The indoor unit 330 is a facility device that is installed indoors among the facility devices that condition indoor air.

[0023] In this embodiment, one refrigerant system including one outdoor unit 320 and two indoor units 330 is configured for each of the fourth to second floors of the building 300. The outdoor unit 320A, the indoor unit 330AA, and the indoor unit 330AB are arranged on the fourth floor of the building 300 and condition the air in the fourth floor. The outdoor unit 320B, the indoor unit 330BA, and the indoor unit 330BB are arranged on the third floor of the building 300 and condition the air in the third floor. The outdoor unit 320C, the indoor unit 330CA, and the indoor unit 330CB are arranged on the second floor of the building 300 and condition the air in the second floor. In this embodiment, no air conditioner is arranged on the first floor of the building 300.

[0024] The entrance / exit management system 302 includes an entrance / exit management device 340, an entrance / exit detection device 350A, an entrance / exit detection device 350B, and an entrance / exit detection device 350C. Hereinafter, the entrance / exit detection device 350A, the entrance / exit detection device 350B, and the entrance / exit detection device 350C will be collectively referred to as an entrance / exit detection device 350 as appropriate. The entrance / exit management device 340, the entrance / exit detection device 350A, the entrance / exit detection device 350B, and the entrance / exit detection device 350C are connected to each other via a communication network 341.

[0025] The entrance / exit management device 340 is a device that manages the entrance and exit of people to and from each floor of the building 300. The entrance / exit management device 340 identifies the number of people on each floor based on information from the entrance / exit detection device 350 installed on each floor. The entrance / exit management device 340 generates number of people history information that indicates the number of people identified for each floor in chronological order. The number of people history information is stored, for example, in a memory unit (not shown) provided in the entrance / exit management device 340, a storage device 360, or the like.

[0026] The entrance / exit detection device 350 is a device that detects the entrance and exit of people on the corresponding floor. The entrance / exit detection device 350 may have any configuration as long as it is a device that can detect the entrance and exit of people on the corresponding floor. For example, the entrance / exit detection device 350 may be a device that includes a gate sensor provided at the entrance / exit of the corresponding floor and counts the number of people entering the corresponding floor and the number of people leaving the corresponding floor.

[0027] Also, the entrance / exit detection device 350 may be a device equipped with an information reading device provided at the entrance / exit of the corresponding floor, and identifying people entering and leaving the corresponding floor. This information reading device may be, for example, a device that authenticates a person's fingerprint, or a device that reads a person's identification information from a card carried by the person. Also, the entrance / exit detection device 350 may be a device equipped with an imaging device that captures an image of the entire corresponding floor, and counts the number of people on the corresponding floor.

[0028] Entrance / exit detection device 350 transmits number of people information indicating the number of people on the corresponding floor, the number of people who have entered and exited the corresponding floor, etc. to entrance / exit management device 340 via communication network 341. Entrance / exit detection device 350A is placed on the fourth floor of building 300 and detects the entrance and exit of people on the fourth floor of building 300. Entrance / exit detection device 350B is placed on the third floor of building 300 and detects the entrance and exit of people on the third floor of building 300. Entrance / exit detection device 350C is placed on the second floor of building 300 and detects the entrance and exit of people on the second floor of building 300.

[0029] The building 300 is provided with a storage device 360 ​​and a power meter 370. The storage device 360 ​​includes an HDD, an SSD, and the like, and stores various information related to the building 300. For example, the storage device 360 ​​stores the number of people history information generated by the entrance / exit management device 340, building design information which is information related to the design of the building 300, and the like. The building design information is information indicating, for example, the number of floors of the building 300, the material of the walls of the building 300, the floor area of ​​each floor of the building 300, the age of the building 300, the number of outdoor units 320, indoor units 330, and the like installed on each floor of the building 300, and the like.

[0030] The power meter 370 is a device that measures the power consumed in the building 300. For example, the power meter 370 calculates the amount of power consumed on each floor of the building 300 for each unit time. The power meter 370 generates power amount history information that indicates the history of the amount of power consumed for each unit time on each floor. The power meter 370 stores the power amount history information in, for example, a storage unit (not shown) provided in the power meter 370, the storage device 360, or the like.

[0031] The air conditioning equipment control device 310, the entrance / exit management device 340, the storage device 360, and the power meter 370 are connected to each other via a communication network 720 provided in the building 300. The communication network 720 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication network 710 and the communication network 720 are connected to each other, and devices connected to the communication network 710 and devices connected to the communication network 720 can communicate with each other.

[0032] The terminal device 400 is a terminal device used by a user who is an administrator of the building 300. This user has decision-making authority regarding energy management of the building 300. The terminal device 400 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, or the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 400 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a display unit 43, an operation reception unit 44, a communication unit 45, and an imaging unit 46.

[0033] The control unit 41 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an RTC. In the control unit 41, the CPU reads out programs and data stored in the ROM, and uses the RAM as a work area to centrally control the terminal device 400. The storage unit 42 includes non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and serves as a so-called auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 42 stores programs and data used by the control unit 41 to execute various processes. The storage unit 42 also stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 41 executing various processes.

[0034] The display unit 43 displays various images under the control of the control unit 41. For example, the display unit 43 displays a screen for accepting various operations from the user. The display unit 43 includes a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, etc. The operation accepting unit 44 accepts various operations from the user and supplies information indicating the contents of the accepted operations to the control unit 41. The operation accepting unit 44 includes a touch screen, a button, a lever, etc.

[0035] The communication unit 45 communicates with devices connected to the communication network 710 under the control of the control unit 41. The communication unit 45 has a function of connecting to the communication network 710 and communicates with devices connected to the communication network 710. The communication unit 45 includes a communication interface that complies with various communication standards. The imaging unit 46 captures images under the control of the control unit 41. The imaging unit 46 supplies the captured image obtained by imaging to the control unit 41. The imaging unit 46 includes, for example, an image sensor.

[0036] The weather server 500 is a server that provides weather information, which is information related to weather conditions. For example, the weather server 500 transmits weather information indicating the current or future weather conditions around the building 300 to the server 100 via the communication network 710. The weather conditions include the outside temperature, outside humidity, weather, wind speed, etc. The weather server 500 has a communication interface for connecting to the communication network 710.

[0037] Next, the flow of the processes executed by each device will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

[0038] In step S11, the aggregator server 200 transmits a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption in the demand area to the server 100. In step S12, the server 100 creates a plurality of operation plans for the equipment used in the demand area. The operation plans correspond to the adjustment request and reduce the amount of power consumption of the equipment. In this embodiment, the equipment used in the demand area is the outdoor unit 320 and the indoor unit 330. The server 100 also estimates the amount of adjustment power and comfort for each operation plan.

[0039] In step S13, the server 100 transmits plan selection information to the terminal device 400, the plan selection information including operation plan information indicating a plurality of operation plans, adjustment power amount information indicating the adjustment power amount in each operation plan, and comfort information indicating the comfort in each operation plan. In step S14, the terminal device 400 presents a selection screen for allowing the user to select an operation plan based on the plan selection information. If the user responds to the adjustment request, the user selects one operation plan from the presented plurality of operation plans. Note that the user does not have to respond to the adjustment request.

[0040] In step S15, the terminal device 400 transmits the result of the selection made by the user to the server 100. The selection result is a selection result of whether or not to comply with the adjustment request, a selection result of an operation plan in the case where the adjustment request is complied with, etc. In step S16, the server 100 transmits a response to the adjustment request to the aggregator server 200. This response includes whether or not to comply with the adjustment request, an estimated value of the amount of adjustment power in the case where the adjustment request is complied with, etc.

[0041] In step S17, the server 100 instructs the air conditioner control device 310 to operate the outdoor unit 320 and the indoor unit 330 according to the selected operation plan during the time period specified by the adjustment request. In step S18, after the time period specified by the adjustment request ends, the server 100 reports the adjustment result to the aggregator server 200. The adjustment result includes, for example, the actual value of the adjustment power amount.

[0042] In step S19, the aggregator server 200 determines a reward according to the adjustment results. In step S20, the aggregator server 200 notifies the server 100 of the determined reward. In step S21, the server 100 distributes the notified reward to each floor. In step S22, the server 100 notifies the terminal device 400 of the individual reward, which is the reward distributed to each floor.

[0043] Next, functions of the energy management system 1000 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The energy management system 1000 functionally includes a request management unit 101, an operation plan generation unit 102, a number of people estimation unit 103, a design information acquisition unit 104, a weather information acquisition unit 105, a power consumption estimation unit 106, a comfort estimation unit 107, a device control unit 108, a reward management unit 109, and a learning unit 110. Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the ROM or the storage unit 12. Then, the CPU executes the programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 12 to realize each of these functions.

[0044] The request management unit 101 manages adjustment requests. For example, when the request management unit 101 receives an adjustment request from the aggregator server 200, the request management unit 101 instructs the operation plan generation unit 102 to generate multiple operation plans. In addition, the request management unit 101 transmits plan selection information including operation plan information, adjustment power amount information, and comfort information to the terminal device 400 used by a user who is the manager of the demand area. The operation plan information is information indicating multiple operation plans generated by the operation plan generation unit 102. The adjustment power amount information is information indicating the adjustment power amount estimated by the power consumption amount estimation unit 106 for each operation plan. The comfort information is information indicating the comfort estimated by the comfort estimation unit 107 for each operation plan.

[0045] Furthermore, the request management unit 101 receives a user's selection result in response to the adjustment request from the terminal device 400. The request management unit 101 transmits a response to the adjustment request to the aggregator server 200 according to the user's selection result. After the adjustment target period has elapsed, the request management unit 101 transmits the power consumption adjustment record to the aggregator server 200. The request management unit 101 is an example of a selection information transmission means.

[0046] When the operation plan generating unit 102 receives an adjustment request from the aggregator server 200, the operation plan generating unit 102 generates a plurality of operation plans according to the adjustment request for the adjustment period of the equipment used in the demand area. The adjustment request is a request for adjusting the amount of power consumed in the demand area during the adjustment period. The operation plan generating unit 102 generates a plurality of operation plan candidates according to a plurality of plan generating policies related to the amount of adjustment power and comfort, for example.

[0047] In this embodiment, the demand area includes a plurality of areas. Specifically, the demand area, that is, building 300, includes three areas: the fourth floor, the third floor, and the second floor. In this embodiment, the plurality of plan generation policies include a first plan generation policy, a second plan generation policy, and a third plan generation policy.

[0048] The first plan generation policy is a policy that prioritizes comfort on floors with a large number of people. More specifically, the first plan generation policy is a policy that, for example, ensures a second target adjustment power amount that is less than the target adjustment power amount specified by the adjustment request, and maximizes comfort per person. In this embodiment, the area of ​​each floor is basically the same, and the air conditioning load of each floor is also the same. Therefore, increasing comfort per person corresponds to prioritizing comfort on floors with a large number of people.

[0049] The second plan generation policy is a policy for uniformly setting the comfort level of each floor. More specifically, the second plan generation policy is a policy for maximizing the comfort level per person by, for example, securing a third target adjustment power amount that is less than the target adjustment power amount specified by the adjustment request and setting the comfort level of each floor uniformly.

[0050] The third plan generation policy is a policy that secures a target adjustment power amount specified by an adjustment request and prioritizes comfort on floors with a large number of people. More specifically, the third plan generation policy is, for example, a policy that secures a target adjustment power amount specified by an adjustment request and maximizes comfort per person. The first plan generation policy, the second plan generation policy, and the third plan generation policy are all policies that maximize comfort per person under various constraints.

[0051] The operation plan generating unit 102 can generate an operation plan according to the plan generation policy by referring to the estimation results by the power consumption estimating unit 106 and the comfort estimating unit 107. The estimation result by the power consumption estimating unit 106 includes, for example, an estimated value of the adjustment power amount when the equipment control according to the operation plan is executed. The estimation result by the comfort estimating unit 107 includes, for example, an estimated value of the comfort when the equipment control according to the operation plan is executed. The operation plan generating unit 102 generates an operation plan according to the plan generation policy by adjusting the contents of the operation plan so that the estimated value of the adjustment power amount becomes the adjustment power amount according to the plan generation policy and the estimated value of the comfort becomes the comfort according to the plan generation policy. The operation plan generating unit 102 is an example of an operation plan generating means.

[0052] The number of people estimation unit 103 estimates the number of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period. Specifically, the number of people estimation unit 103 estimates the number of people on the fourth floor during the adjustment target period, the number of people on the third floor during the adjustment target period, and the number of people on the second floor during the adjustment target period. The method by which the number of people estimation unit 103 estimates the number of people on each floor can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the number of people estimation unit 103 may estimate the number of people on each floor based on the number of people history information acquired from the entrance / exit management device 340. For example, the number of people estimation unit 103 may estimate the average number of people in a past period corresponding to the same time period and day of the week as the adjustment target period as the number of people in the adjustment target period.

[0053] The design information acquisition unit 104 acquires building design information, which is information related to the design of the building 300. For example, the design information acquisition unit 104 acquires from the storage device 360 ​​building design information indicating the number of floors of the building 300, the material of the walls of the building 300, the floor area of ​​each floor of the building 300, the age of the building 300, the number of outdoor units 320, indoor units 330, etc. installed on each floor of the building 300, etc.

[0054] The weather information acquisition unit 105 acquires weather information that is information related to weather conditions. For example, the weather information acquisition unit 105 acquires weather information indicating the outside temperature, outside humidity, weather, wind speed, etc. around the building 300 during the adjustment target period from the weather server 500.

[0055] The power consumption estimation unit 106 estimates the power consumption of the demand area during the adjustment target period. Specifically, the power consumption estimation unit 106 estimates the power consumption of the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of a plurality of operation plans is followed. In the present embodiment, the power consumption estimation unit 106 estimates the power consumption of each floor during the adjustment target period for each of the plurality of operation plans.

[0056] Furthermore, the power consumption estimation unit 106 estimates the amount of adjustment power to be adjusted by following each of the multiple operation plans. For example, the power consumption estimation unit 106 estimates the difference between the estimated value of the power consumption of the demand area when the operation plan is followed and the estimated value of the power consumption of the demand area when the operation plan is not followed as the amount of adjustment power of the demand area when the operation plan is followed. In this embodiment, the estimated value of the power consumption of the demand area when the operation plan is not followed is the base power consumption.

[0057] The power consumption estimation unit 106 can estimate the power consumption of the demand area in the adjustment target period for each of the multiple operation plans using the first trained model. The first trained model is a model that inputs the operation conditions including the set temperature and the weather conditions in the demand area, and outputs the power consumption of the demand area. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the trained model 121, which is an example of the first trained model, is a model that inputs a variable indicating the operation condition, a variable indicating the weather conditions, a variable indicating the floor condition, and a variable indicating the building design information as explanatory variables, and outputs a variable indicating the power consumption and a variable indicating the comfort index value as objective variables. Hereinafter, the variables indicating each element are simply referred to as each element as appropriate. The trained model 121 is generated by the learning unit 110 and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0058] The operating conditions are conditions for operating the equipment used in the demand area, and include the set temperature, air volume, time when the operation starts, room temperature when the operation starts, etc. The operating conditions are identified, for example, from the operation plan generated by the operation plan generating unit 102. The weather conditions are the weather conditions around the demand area, and include the outside temperature, outside humidity, weather, wind speed, etc. The weather conditions are identified, for example, from weather information acquired by the weather information acquiring unit 105.

[0059] The floor status is the status of each floor of the building 300 which is the demand area, and includes, for example, the number of people on the floor. The floor status is identified, for example, from the number of people estimated by the number of people estimation unit 103. The building design information is information related to the design of the building 300 which is the demand area, and includes the number of floors, wall material, floor area of ​​each floor, age of the building, number of outdoor units 320, indoor units 330, etc. installed on each floor, etc. The building design information is acquired, for example, from the design information acquisition unit 104.

[0060] The power consumption estimation unit 106 inputs, for example, the operation conditions indicated by the operation plan generated by the operation plan generation unit 102, the weather conditions indicated by the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 105, the floor conditions including the number of people estimated by the number of people estimation unit 103, and the building design information acquired by the design information acquisition unit 104 to the trained model 121. The power consumption estimation unit 106 acquires the power consumption output by the trained model 121. The power consumption estimation unit 106 is an example of a power consumption estimation means.

[0061] The comfort estimation unit 107 estimates the comfort of people in the demand area. Specifically, the comfort estimation unit 107 estimates the comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of a plurality of operation plans is followed. How to express the comfort can be adjusted as appropriate. In this embodiment, the comfort is expressed by a comfort index value that is an index value indicating the comfort. The comfort index value may be room temperature, or may be a comfort level that is set higher as the temperature difference between the room temperature and the appropriate room temperature is smaller. In this embodiment, the comfort level is set to 10 when the appropriate room temperature is 25°C and the temperature difference between the room temperature and the appropriate room temperature is 0°C, and the comfort level decreases by 1 every time the temperature difference between the room temperature and the appropriate room temperature increases by 1°C.

[0062] The comfort estimation unit 107 can use the second trained model to estimate the comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period for each of the multiple operation plans. The second trained model is a model that inputs operation conditions including the set temperature and weather conditions in the demand area, and outputs a comfort index value indicating the comfort of people in the demand area. In this embodiment, the trained model 121 shown in FIG. 6 is the second trained model. That is, in this embodiment, the trained model 121 is the first trained model that estimates the amount of power consumption, and is also the second trained model that estimates the comfort index value. In this embodiment, the comfort index value output by the second trained model is the room temperature.

[0063] The comfort estimation unit 107 inputs, for example, the operation conditions indicated by the operation plan generated by the operation plan generation unit 102, the weather conditions indicated by the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 105, the floor conditions including the number of people estimated by the number of people estimation unit 103, and the building design information acquired by the design information acquisition unit 104 to the trained model 121. The comfort estimation unit 107 acquires the comfort index value output by the trained model 121. The comfort estimation unit 107 is an example of a comfort estimation means.

[0064] The operation plan generating unit 102 generates an operation plan according to the plan generation policy by referring to the estimation result by the power consumption estimating unit 106 and the estimation result by the comfort estimating unit 107. Specifically, first, the operation plan generating unit 102 acquires explanatory variables other than the operation conditions. For example, the operation plan generating unit 102 acquires weather conditions including the outside temperature, floor conditions including the number of people on the floor, and building design information including the material of the walls. After acquiring explanatory variables other than the operation conditions, the operation plan generating unit 102 causes the power consumption estimating unit 106 to estimate the power consumption and the comfort estimating unit 107 to estimate the comfort while switching the operation conditions.

[0065] Here, the operating conditions of the entire building 300 include the operating conditions of each floor, and there are many patterns of the operating conditions of each floor. Therefore, the number of patterns of the operating conditions of the entire building 300 is enormous. Therefore, the operation plan generating unit 102 selects appropriate operating conditions from the enormous number of operating conditions. For example, the operation plan generating unit 102 may set constraint conditions for each plan generation policy and use a mathematical method such as linear programming to find an optimal solution that satisfies the set constraint conditions.

[0066] For example, the operation plan A shown in Fig. 7 is an operation plan specified according to a first plan generation policy that prioritizes the comfort of floors with a large number of people. In other words, the operation plan generating unit 102 sets the operation plan A as an operation plan obtained when an optimal solution is found that satisfies the constraint that the adjustment power amount is 30 kWh and maximizes the comfort level per person. The comfort level per person is the average value of the comfort levels of all people in the demand area. In this embodiment, the target adjustment power amount is 40 kWh, and the second target adjustment power amount is 30 kW.

[0067] 7 is an operation plan specified according to the second plan generation policy that sets the comfort level of each floor uniformly. That is, the operation plan generating unit 102 sets as operation plan B an operation plan obtained when the optimal solution is found so that the comfort level of each floor is maximized while satisfying the constraints that the adjustment power amount is 30 kWh and the comfort level of each floor is the same. In this embodiment, the third target adjustment power amount is 30 kW.

[0068] 7 is an operation plan specified according to the third plan generation policy that secures the amount of power adjustment specified by the adjustment request and prioritizes comfort on floors with a large number of people. In other words, the operation plan generating unit 102 determines the operation plan C as the operation plan obtained when an optimal solution is found that satisfies the constraint that the amount of power adjustment is 40 kWh and maximizes the comfort level per person.

[0069] As described above, the request management unit 101 transmits plan selection information including operation plan information, adjustment power amount information, and comfort information to the terminal device 400. The terminal device 400 displays an operation plan presentation screen that presents a plurality of operation plans together with the estimated adjustment power amount and comfort for each operation plan based on the plan selection information. Fig. 7 shows a screen 810 that is the operation plan presentation screen.

[0070] On the operation plan presentation screen, the target adjustment power amount and the time period that is the adjustment target period are presented as the contents of the adjustment request. Furthermore, on the operation plan presentation screen, the operation mode, set temperature, number of people, power consumption, and comfort level are presented for each floor regarding the current operation status. Furthermore, on the operation plan presentation screen, the operation mode, set temperature, estimated number of people, estimated power consumption, and estimated comfort level are presented for each floor regarding each of the multiple operation plans. The estimated number of people is an estimate of the number of people on each floor during the adjustment target period. The estimated power consumption is an estimate of the power consumption of each floor during the adjustment target period. The estimated comfort level is an estimate of the comfort level of people on each floor during the adjustment target period.

[0071] In addition, the operation plan presentation screen presents the estimated total adjustment power amount, the estimated average comfort level per floor, and the estimated average comfort level per person for each of the multiple operation plans. The estimated total adjustment power amount is the total value of the estimated adjustment power amounts of each floor. The estimated adjustment power amount of each floor is, for example, the difference between the current power consumption amount and the estimated power consumption amount when each operation plan is followed. In this embodiment, the current power consumption amount is assumed to be the same as the base power consumption amount. The estimated average comfort level per floor is the average value of the estimated comfort levels of each floor. The estimated average comfort level per person is the average value of the estimated comfort levels of people on all floors.

[0072] In addition, the operation plan presentation screen presents an image showing the change in the number of people on each floor. Specifically, on the operation plan presentation screen, the current number of people is shown by the length of the dashed line, and the estimated number of people in the adjustment target period is shown by the number of images representing people. Note that a row of images representing people that is longer than the length of the dashed line indicates that the number of people will increase from the present to the adjustment target period.

[0073] On the operation plan presentation screen, operation plans A, B, and C are presented. Operation plan A is an operation plan that prioritizes comfort on floors with a large number of occupants. In operation plan A, maintaining comfort is prioritized over reducing power consumption for floors with a large number of occupants, and reducing power consumption is prioritized over comfort for floors with a small number of occupants. In operation plan A, the set temperature for floors with a small number of occupants is set low so that the estimated total adjustment power amount reaches the second target adjustment power amount, and the estimated power consumption for floors with a small number of occupants is low.

[0074] For example, in the adjustment target period, the estimated number of people on the 4th floor is the highest, and the estimated number of people on the 2nd floor is the lowest. Therefore, in the operation plan A, the set temperature on the 4th floor is set highest, so the estimated comfort level of people on the 4th floor is the highest, and the set temperature on the 2nd floor is set lowest, so the estimated comfort level of people on the 2nd floor is the lowest. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the room temperature matches the set temperature, and when the set temperature is 25°C, the estimated comfort level is 10, and the estimated comfort level decreases by 1 for every 1°C decrease in the set temperature. In this embodiment, the estimated power consumption is reduced by 10 kWh for every 1°C decrease in the set temperature. In this embodiment, heating operation is assumed, and the estimated power consumption is reduced by 1 kWh for every increase in the number of people by one person. In the operation plan A, the set temperature is set higher on floors with a larger estimated number of people, so the estimated average comfort level per person is the highest at 9.4.

[0075] Operation plan B is an operation plan in which comfort is set uniformly for each floor. In operation plan B, the same balance between reducing power consumption and maintaining comfort is set for each floor. In other words, in operation plan B, the same set temperature is set for all floors, and the estimated comfort level is the same for all floors. Also, in operation plan B, the set temperature for each floor is set so that the estimated total adjustment power amount reaches the third target adjustment power amount.

[0076] Operation plan C is an operation plan in which comfort on floors with a large number of occupants is prioritized while maximizing the amount of regulated power. In operation plan C, maintaining comfort is prioritized over reducing power consumption for floors with a large number of occupants, and reducing power consumption is prioritized over comfort for floors with a small number of occupants. In operation plan C, the set temperature for floors with a small number of occupants is set extremely low so that the estimated total regulated power consumption reaches the target regulated power consumption specified by the adjustment request, and the estimated power consumption for floors with a small number of occupants is extremely low. In operation plan C, the set temperature is set higher for floors with a larger estimated number of occupants, so the estimated average comfort level per person is high at 9.3. In operation plan C, the set temperature is set extremely low for floors with a small number of occupants, so the estimated total regulated power consumption is the highest at 40 kWh.

[0077] In this way, the operation plan presentation screen presents a plurality of operation plans, and the adjustment power amount and comfort when each operation plan is followed. As the operation plan, an operation mode, a set temperature, etc. are presented. As the adjustment power amount, an estimated total adjustment power amount is presented. As the adjustment power amount, the adjustment power amount for each floor may be presented. As the comfort, an estimated comfort level for each floor, an estimated average comfort level per floor, an estimated average comfort level per person, etc. are presented.

[0078] In addition to the operation plan presentation screen, the terminal device 400 can present an operation plan selection screen that allows the user to select an operation plan. FIG. 8 shows a screen 820 that is the operation plan selection screen. The operation plan selection screen presents the estimated total adjustment power amount and the estimated average comfort level per person in each operation plan as information for determining whether to comply with the adjustment request and which operation plan to select. The user can select whether to comply with the adjustment request by referring to the operation plan presentation screen and the operation plan selection screen, and if the adjustment request is to be complied with, can select one operation plan from among multiple operation plans.

[0079] FIG. 8 shows an example in which a user selects operation plan A with emphasis on the estimated average comfort level per person. Note that the estimated total adjustment power amount of operation plan A, 30 kWh, is smaller than the target adjustment power amount of 40 kWh specified by the adjustment request. In this manner, the estimated total adjustment power amount of each operation plan may be smaller than the target adjustment power amount. The terminal device 400 transmits the user's selection result to the server 100. The selection result includes whether or not to comply with the adjustment request, and the operation plan selected by the user if the adjustment request is to be complied with.

[0080] When the request management unit 101 receives a user selection result from the terminal device 400, it transmits a response to the adjustment request to the aggregator server 200. The response to the adjustment request includes identification information of the adjustment request, identification information of the energy management system 1000, an estimated total adjustment power amount, whether or not to comply with the adjustment request, and the like.

[0081] The equipment control unit 108 controls the equipment during the adjustment target period according to an operation plan designated by the user from among multiple operation plans. For example, the equipment control unit 108 may control the outdoor unit 320 and the indoor unit 330 via the air conditioning equipment control device 310 according to the designated operation plan. Alternatively, the equipment control unit 108 may transmit the designated operation plan to the air conditioning equipment control device 310 and instruct the air conditioning equipment control device 310 to operate the outdoor unit 320 and the indoor unit 330 according to the designated operation plan. The equipment control unit 108 is an example of equipment control means.

[0082] After the adjustment target period ends, the request management unit 101 transmits the adjustment result to the terminal device 400. The terminal device 400 presents a result presentation screen that is a screen for presenting the adjustment result. FIG. 9 shows a screen 830 that is the result presentation screen. The result presentation screen presents an operation plan selected by the user and a planned value of the adjustment amount of power in this operation plan. The result presentation screen also presents the planned value of the adjustment amount of power for each floor and the actual value of the adjustment amount of power for each floor. The result presentation screen also presents the sum of the planned value of the adjustment amount of power for each floor and the sum of the actual value of the adjustment amount of power for each floor. The planned value of the adjustment amount of power in the selected operation plan is the estimated total adjustment amount of power in the selected operation plan, and is the sum of the planned value of the adjustment amount of power for each floor. The planned value of the adjustment amount of power for each floor is the estimated adjustment amount of power for each floor.

[0083] After the end of the adjustment period, the request management unit 101 reports the adjustment results to the aggregator server 200. The adjustment results include identification information of the adjustment request, identification information of the energy management system 1000, the planned value of the adjustment amount of power in the selected operation plan, the actual value of the adjustment amount of power on each floor, the total value of the actual value of the adjustment amount of power on each floor, and the like.

[0084] The aggregator server 200 determines a remuneration based on the adjustment results. The remuneration is basically determined based on the total value of the actual value of the adjustment power amount of each floor. In this embodiment, the target adjustment power amount is 40 kWh, the estimated total adjustment power amount of A is 30 kWh, and the total value of the actual value of the adjustment power amount of each floor is 26 kWh. Here, for example, assume that the remuneration for demand suppression in the negawatt contract concluded between the consumer and the aggregator, which is a negawatt business operator, is 30 yen / kWh. In this case, the aggregator server 200 pays 30×26=780 yen to the energy management system 1000 as compensation for the demand suppression. The remuneration may be paid in cash or points.

[0085] In this embodiment, the server 100 calculates the adjustment power amount from the base power consumption both when generating an operation plan and when reporting the adjustment result. Specifically, when generating an operation plan, the server 100 calculates an estimated adjustment power amount, which is the difference between the base power consumption and the estimated power consumption, for each floor, and sets the total value of the estimated adjustment power amounts for each floor as the estimated total adjustment power amount. Furthermore, when reporting the adjustment result, the server 100 calculates the actual value of the adjustment power amount, which is the difference between the base power consumption and the actual value of the power consumption, for each floor, and calculates the total value of the actual value of the adjustment power amount for each floor. The aggregator server 200 notifies the server 100 of the determined remuneration.

[0086] The reward management unit 109 manages rewards obtained by responding to an adjustment request. For example, the reward management unit 109 distributes rewards notified by the aggregator server 200 to each floor. The reward management unit 109 distributes a higher reward to floors that have contributed more to the adjustment request. For example, the reward management unit 109 calculates the contribution rate of each floor according to the contribution rate calculation table shown in FIG. 10.

[0087] First, the remuneration management unit 109 calculates the error of the actual value of the adjustment power amount relative to the planned value of the adjustment power amount for each floor. This error is, for example, the ratio of the difference between the planned value of the adjustment power amount and the actual value of the adjustment power amount relative to the planned value of the adjustment power amount. If the planned value of the adjustment power amount is 10 kWh or less, the remuneration management unit 109 calculates the error by regarding the planned value of the adjustment power amount as 10 kWh. The remuneration management unit 109 calculates a correction coefficient according to the error for each floor. In this embodiment, if the error is within 10%, the correction coefficient is 1.1, if the error is within 20% but exceeds 10%, the correction coefficient is 1.0, and if the error is more than 20%, the correction coefficient is 0.9.

[0088] The remuneration management unit 109 calculates the contribution degree to the adjustment request for each floor. For example, the remuneration management unit 109 calculates the product of the actual value of the adjustment power amount and a correction coefficient as the contribution degree. The remuneration management unit 109 calculates the total value of the contribution degrees for each floor. The remuneration management unit 109 calculates the contribution degree ratio, which is the ratio of the contribution degree to the total value of the contribution degrees, for each floor.

[0089] The reward management unit 109 calculates an individual reward according to the contribution ratio for each floor. That is, the reward management unit 109 calculates the product of the reward notified by the aggregator server 200 and the contribution ratio of each floor as the individual reward for each floor. The reward management unit 109 notifies the terminal device 400 of the individual reward for each floor. The terminal device 400 presents the individual reward for each floor. Note that the reward management unit 109 may transmit the contribution ratio calculation table shown in FIG. 10 to the terminal device 400 in addition to the individual reward for each floor. In this case, the terminal device 400 may present this contribution ratio calculation table in addition to the individual reward for each floor. The reward management unit 109 is an example of a reward distribution means.

[0090] The learning unit 110 generates the trained model 121 by machine learning based on the history information 122. For example, the learning unit 110 can train an estimation model that inputs explanatory variables and outputs objective variables by machine learning using LightGBM (Gradient Boosting Machine). For example, the learning unit 110 extracts teacher data from the history information 122, inputs the extracted teacher data to the estimation model, and proceeds with training of the estimation model, thereby generating the trained model 121. The teacher data includes operating conditions, weather conditions, floor conditions, and building design information as explanatory variables, and includes power consumption and a comfort index value as objective variables.

[0091] The history information 122 includes operating condition history information indicating the history of operating conditions, weather condition history information indicating the history of weather conditions, floor status history information indicating the history of floor status, power consumption history information indicating the history of power consumption, and comfort history information indicating the history of comfort index values. Note that the building design information is basically immutable, and therefore may be stored in the storage unit 12 separately from the history information 122. The learning unit 110 can generate teacher data by matching the time series from the history information 122 to extract the operating conditions, weather conditions, floor status, power consumption, and comfort index values, and adding the building design information to the extracted explanatory variables and objective variables.

[0092] The operating condition history information is generated, for example, by accumulating operating condition information indicating operating conditions grasped by the device control unit 108. The weather condition history information is generated, for example, by accumulating weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 105. The floor status history information is generated, for example, by accumulating number of people information acquired by the entry / exit management device 340. The power consumption history information is generated, for example, by accumulating power consumption information indicating the amount of power consumption measured by the power meter 370. The comfort history information is generated, for example, by accumulating room temperature information indicating the room temperature grasped by the device control unit 108.

[0093] Next, the energy management process executed by the server 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0094] First, the control unit 11 included in the server 100 determines whether or not an adjustment request has been received (step S101). That is, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an adjustment request for the amount of power consumption has been received from the aggregator server 200. If the control unit 11 determines that an adjustment request has not been received (step S101: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S101. If the control unit 11 determines that an adjustment request has been received (step S101: YES), the control unit 11 generates a plurality of operation plans (step S102).

[0095] When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S102, it estimates the amount of power consumption during operation according to the operation plan (step S103). When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S103, it estimates the amount of adjustment power during operation according to the operation plan (step S104). For example, the control unit 11 estimates the difference between the amount of power consumption during operation according to the operation plan and the base amount of power consumption as the amount of adjustment power. When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S104, it estimates the comfort during operation according to the operation plan (step S105). When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S105, it transmits plan selection information to the terminal device 400 (step S106). When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S106, it receives selection result information from the terminal device 400 (step S107).

[0096] When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S107, it transmits answer information to the aggregator server 200 (step S108). The answer information is information indicating a response to the adjustment request. When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S108, it determines whether or not the user has accepted the adjustment request (step S109). When the control unit 11 determines that the user has not accepted the adjustment request (step S109: NO), it returns the process to step S101.

[0097] When the control unit 11 determines that the user has accepted the adjustment request (step S109: YES), it waits until the adjustment target period (step S110). When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S110, it controls the equipment according to the selected operation plan (step S111). When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S111, it determines whether or not the adjustment target period has ended (step S112). When the control unit 11 determines that the adjustment target period has not ended (step S112: NO), it returns the process to step S111.

[0098] When the control unit 11 determines that the adjustment target period has ended (step S112: YES), it calculates the actual value of the adjustment power amount (step S113). For example, the control unit 11 calculates the actual value of the adjustment power amount of each floor and the total value of the actual value of the adjustment power amount of each floor based on the power consumption and the base power consumption indicated by the power consumption amount information acquired from the power meter 370. When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S113, it transmits the actual information to the aggregator server 200 (step S114). When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S114, it receives the remuneration information from the aggregator server 200 (step S115).

[0099] When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S115, it calculates the individual remuneration for each floor (step S116). When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S116, it transmits individual remuneration information indicating the individual remuneration to the terminal device 400 (step S117). When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S117, it returns the process to step S101.

[0100] In this embodiment, plan selection information including operation plan information indicating a plurality of operation plans, power adjustment amount information indicating an estimated power adjustment amount for each operation plan, and comfort information indicating a comfort estimated for each operation plan is transmitted to a terminal device 400 used by a user, and an appliance is controlled according to an operation plan selected by the user. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, appliance control that appropriately reflects the user's desire for power adjustment amount and comfort at the time of a power consumption adjustment request can be realized.

[0101] In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of operation plans are generated according to a plurality of plan generation policies regarding the amount of power to be adjusted and comfort. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of the user's selection regarding the amount of power to be adjusted and comfort when a request for adjustment of the power consumption amount is made.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the plurality of plan generation policies include a first plan generation policy that prioritizes the comfort of areas with many people. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to select an operation plan that maintains the comfort of many people.

[0103] In the present embodiment, the plurality of plan generation policies includes a second plan generation policy that uniformly sets the comfort of the plurality of areas. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to select an operation plan that suppresses a significant decrease in the comfort of people in a specific area.

[0104] In this embodiment, the multiple plan generation policies include a third plan generation policy that secures the target adjustment power amount specified by the adjustment request and prioritizes the comfort of areas with a large number of people. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to select an operation plan that secures the target adjustment power amount and maintains the comfort of many people.

[0105] In addition, in this embodiment, the first trained model is used to input the operating conditions including the set temperature and the weather conditions in the demand area, and output the power consumption in the demand area, and the power consumption in the demand area during the adjustment target period is estimated for each of the multiple operation plans. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the power consumption can be estimated quickly and accurately.

[0106] In addition, in this embodiment, a second trained model is used that inputs operating conditions including a set temperature and weather conditions in a demand area, and outputs a comfort index value indicating the comfort of people in the demand area, and estimates the comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period for each of a plurality of operation plans. Therefore, according to this embodiment, comfort can be estimated quickly and accurately.

[0107] In addition, in this embodiment, rewards are distributed to multiple areas according to the contribution of each area based on the actual value of the regulated power amount of each floor. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to motivate users on each floor to actively regulate their power consumption.

[0108] In this embodiment, the contribution is set higher as the actual value of the adjustment power amount is larger, and the contribution is set higher as the error between the planned value of the adjustment power amount and the actual value of the adjustment power amount is smaller. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to motivate users on each floor to adjust their power consumption according to the plan.

[0109] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, an example of estimating power consumption and comfort level using the trained model 121 has been described. In the present embodiment, an example of estimating power consumption and comfort level using correspondence relationship information 123 in which power consumption and comfort level are associated with other information will be described. Note that the description of the same configuration and functions as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0110] As shown in Fig. 12, in this embodiment, the energy management system 1000A functionally includes a request management unit 101, an operation plan generation unit 102, a number of people estimation unit 103, a design information acquisition unit 104, a weather information acquisition unit 105, a power consumption estimation unit 106, a comfort estimation unit 107, a device control unit 108, a reward management unit 109, and an accumulation unit 111. The energy management system 1000A has the same functions as the energy management system 1000, except that the energy management system 1000A includes the accumulation unit 111 instead of the learning unit 110 and that the storage unit 12 includes the correspondence relationship information 123 instead of the trained model 121. The energy management system 1000A also physically includes the same configuration as the energy management system 1000.

[0111] The accumulation unit 111 accumulates in the memory unit 12 first correspondence relationship information indicating the correspondence between operating conditions including the set temperature, weather conditions in the demand area, and power consumption in the demand area when the air conditioning apparatus is operated. FIG. 13 shows correspondence relationship information 123 which is the first correspondence relationship information. The correspondence relationship information 123 is information indicating the correspondence between operating conditions, weather conditions, floor conditions, building design information, power consumption, and comfort index values. The first correspondence relationship information is used to determine a response variable from the explanatory variables, with the operating conditions, weather conditions, floor conditions, and building design information as explanatory variables and the power consumption as a response variable.

[0112] The accumulation unit 111 can extract operating conditions, weather conditions, floor conditions, power consumption, and comfort index values ​​by matching time series from the history information 122, and generate correspondence information 123 by adding building design information to the extracted explanatory variables and objective variables. Furthermore, when the air conditioning apparatus is operated, the accumulation unit 111 accumulates in the memory unit 12 second correspondence information indicating the correspondence between operating conditions including the set temperature, weather conditions in the demand area, and comfort index values ​​of people in the demand area. Note that the above-mentioned correspondence information 123 is both the first correspondence information and the second correspondence information. The accumulation unit 111 is an example of a first accumulation means and a second accumulation means.

[0113] The power consumption estimation unit 106 estimates the power consumption of the demand area in the adjustment target period for each of the multiple operation plans based on the first correspondence information accumulated in the storage unit 12. The power consumption estimation unit 106 can extract records with similar conditions from the first correspondence information using, for example, a nearest neighbor method, and estimate the power consumption from the extracted records. For example, when estimating a response variable under a condition defined by an explanatory variable, the power consumption estimation unit 106 extracts records including explanatory variables that match or are similar to the explanatory variable from the first correspondence information, and estimates the response variable under this condition based on the response variable included in the extracted record. This response variable is the power consumption.

[0114] Here, the explanatory variables include categorical variables, which are discrete variables, and continuous variables, which are continuous variables. For example, the material of the wall included in the building design information is a categorical variable. Also, for example, the floor area included in the building design information and the outside temperature included in the weather conditions are continuous variables. When extracting a record corresponding to the explanatory variable of interest from the first correspondence relationship information, a record including an explanatory variable that matches the explanatory variable of interest for categorical variables and an explanatory variable that is similar to the explanatory variable of interest for continuous variables is extracted. When one record is extracted, the power consumption included in the extracted record is estimated as the power consumption corresponding to the explanatory variable of interest. When multiple records are extracted, the average value of the power consumption included in the extracted multiple records is estimated as the power consumption corresponding to the explanatory variable of interest. Hereinafter, a specific example of estimating the power consumption will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0115] For example, suppose that the power consumption is estimated when the set temperature is 25°C, the outside temperature is 10°C, the number of people on the floor is 30, and the wall material is reinforced concrete. In this case, the top record is the only record that matches all four explanatory variables. Therefore, the power consumption in this case is estimated to be 100 kWh, which is the power consumption in the top record. Also, suppose that the power consumption is estimated when the set temperature is 25°C, the outside temperature is 10°C, the number of people on the floor is 50, and the wall material is reinforced concrete. In this case, the second record from the top and the fourth record from the top are the records that match all four explanatory variables. Therefore, the power consumption in this case is estimated to be 80 kWh, which is the average of the power consumption in the second record from the top, which is 90 kWh, and the power consumption in the fourth record from the top, which is 70 kWh.

[0116] Also, for example, assume that the power consumption is estimated when the set temperature is 25°C, the outside temperature is 11°C, the number of people on the floor is 30, and the wall material is reinforced concrete. In this case, there is no record in which all four explanatory variables match. However, there are records in which the three explanatory variables other than the outside temperature match, namely the top record and the fifth record from the top. In this example, the outside temperature of 11°C is the average value of the outside temperature of 10°C in the top record and the outside temperature of 12°C in the fifth record from the top. Therefore, the power consumption in this case is estimated to be 90kWh, which is the average value of the power consumption of 100kWh in the top record and the power consumption of 80kWh in the fifth record from the top.

[0117] Furthermore, the comfort estimation unit 107 estimates the comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period for each of the multiple operation plans based on the second correspondence information accumulated in the storage unit 12. The method by which the comfort estimation unit 107 estimates comfort is basically the same as the method by which the power consumption estimation unit 106 estimates the power consumption. That is, when estimating a response variable under a condition defined by an explanatory variable, the comfort estimation unit 107 extracts a record including an explanatory variable that matches or is similar to the explanatory variable from the second correspondence information, and estimates the response variable under this condition based on the response variable included in the extracted record. This response variable is a comfort index value.

[0118] In this embodiment, the power consumption of the demand area during the adjustment period is estimated for each of the multiple operation plans based on the first correspondence relationship information. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the power consumption can be estimated with high accuracy without using the trained model 121 that takes time to generate.

[0119] In addition, in this embodiment, the comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment period is estimated for each of the multiple operation plans based on the second correspondence information. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to estimate the comfort with high accuracy without using the trained model 121 that takes time to generate.

[0120] (Embodiment 3) In the first embodiment, an example in which the energy management system 1000 executes the energy management process for one demand area has been described. For example, when the target adjustment power amount specified in the adjustment request from the aggregator server 200 to the energy management system 1000 is large, it is preferable for the energy management system 1000 to execute the energy management process for multiple demand areas. In the present embodiment, an example in which the energy management system 1000 executes the energy management process for multiple demand areas will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Note that the description of the same configurations and functions as those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0121] In this embodiment, the terminal device 400 used by the manager of one demand area is referred to as terminal device 400A, and the air conditioning equipment control device 310 that controls the equipment used in this one demand area is referred to as air conditioning equipment control device 310A. Also, the terminal device 400 used by the manager of the other demand area is referred to as terminal device 400B, and the air conditioning equipment control device 310 that controls the equipment used in this other demand area is referred to as air conditioning equipment control device 310B.

[0122] In step S31, the aggregator server 200 transmits a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption in the demand area to the server 100. In step S32, the server 100 selects a request destination for the power adjustment. The method of selecting the request destination can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the server 100 may select the request destination in descending order of the achievement rate of adjustment requests made in the past. This achievement rate may be, for example, the probability that the error between the planned value of the adjustment amount of power and the actual value of the adjustment amount of power is within 10%.

[0123] The server 100 may perform the process of transmitting the adjustment request and receiving the planned value of the adjustment power amount in the order of the demand area with the highest achievement rate. In this case, when the total value of the planned values ​​of the adjustment power amount notified from the terminal devices 400 of the demand areas reaches the target adjustment power amount, the server 100 may stop making requests to the request destinations thereafter. It is preferable that the memory unit 12 included in the server 100 stores history information 122 including adjustment performance history information which is a history of the operation plan selected at the time of the adjustment request, whether or not to comply with the adjustment request, the planned value of the adjustment power amount, the actual value of the adjustment power amount, etc.

[0124] In step S33, the server 100 creates multiple operation plans for the equipment used in the selected demand area for each of the multiple demand areas. The server 100 also estimates the power consumption and comfort for each operation plan. In step S34, the server 100 transmits plan selection information for one demand area to the terminal device 400A used by the manager of one demand area. In step S35, the server 100 transmits plan selection information for the other demand area to the terminal device 400B used by the manager of the other demand area.

[0125] In step S36, the terminal device 400A presents a selection screen presenting a plurality of operation plans, and the power consumption and comfort for each operation plan. In step S37, the terminal device 400B presents a selection screen presenting a plurality of operation plans, and the power consumption and comfort for each operation plan. In step S38, the terminal device 400A transmits the user's selection result to the server 100. In step S39, the terminal device 400B transmits the user's selection result to the server 100.

[0126] In step S40, the server 100 responds to the adjustment request to the aggregator server 200. This response includes a response regarding one demand area and a response regarding the other demand area. In step S41, the server 100 instructs the air conditioning equipment control devices 310A and 310B to operate the outdoor unit 320 and the indoor unit 330 according to the selected operation plan during the time period specified by the adjustment request. In step S42, after the time period specified by the adjustment request ends, the server 100 reports the adjustment result to the aggregator server 200. This adjustment result includes the adjustment result regarding one demand area and the adjustment result regarding the other demand area.

[0127] In step S43, the aggregator server 200 determines a remuneration according to the adjustment results. The aggregator server 200 may determine a remuneration for each of the two demand areas, or may determine a remuneration for both demand areas. In step S44, the aggregator server 200 notifies the server 100 of the determined remuneration. In step S45, the server 100 distributes the remuneration for each demand area to each floor for each of the two demand areas.

[0128] When the server 100 is notified of the reward for the two demand areas as a whole, the server 100 distributes the notified reward to the two demand areas according to the adjustment results, and then distributes the reward for each demand area to each floor. In step S46, the server 100 notifies the terminal device 400A of the individual reward, which is the reward distributed to each floor. In step S47, the server 100 notifies the terminal device 400B of the individual reward, which is the reward distributed to each floor.

[0129] In this embodiment, the energy management process is performed for a plurality of demand areas. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when an adjustment instruction specifying a target adjustment amount of power that is difficult to procure in one demand area is transmitted from the aggregator server 200 to the energy management system 1000, the target adjustment amount of power is likely to be procured.

[0130] (Modification) Although the embodiments have been described above, various modifications and applications are possible. It is up to the discretion of which parts of the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments are adopted. In addition to the above-mentioned configurations, functions, and operations, further configurations, functions, and operations may be adopted. The configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments can be freely combined.

[0131] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the server 100 indirectly controls the outdoor unit 320 and the indoor unit 330 via the air conditioning equipment control device 310. The server 100 may directly control the outdoor unit 320 and the indoor unit 330. Furthermore, the devices that are subject to adjustment of power consumption used in a demand area are not limited to air conditioning devices such as the outdoor unit 320 and the indoor unit 330. The devices that are subject to adjustment of power consumption used in a demand area may be devices other than air conditioning devices, such as lighting devices and hot water heaters.

[0132] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the comfort index value is room temperature or a comfort level based on the room temperature. The comfort index value is not limited to this example. For example, the comfort index value may be a value of a predicted mean vote (PMV). PMV is an index that indicates how comfortable a person is, and is calculated from six elements, namely, temperature, humidity, radiation temperature, air flow rate, amount of clothing, and amount of activity. For elements that can be easily measured by a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a flow rate sensor, etc., such as temperature, humidity, radiation temperature, and air flow rate, output values ​​of these sensors may be used. On the other hand, for elements that are difficult to measure easily, such as amount of clothing and amount of activity, predetermined values ​​may be used.

[0133] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the first trained model for estimating power consumption and the second trained model for estimating a comfort index value are integrated. The first trained model for estimating power consumption and the second trained model for estimating a comfort index value may be separate models. In addition, in the second embodiment, an example has been described in which the first correspondence relationship information for estimating power consumption and the second correspondence relationship information for estimating a comfort index value are integrated. The first correspondence relationship information for estimating power consumption and the second correspondence relationship information for estimating a comfort index value may be separate information.

[0134] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which a demand area managed by one user includes multiple areas. A demand area managed by one user may include only one area. Also, in the first embodiment, an example has been described in which a demand area managed by one user is one building 300. A demand area managed by one user is not limited to one building 300. For example, a demand area managed by one user may be one floor or one room in one building 300. Also, a demand area managed by one user may be the entirety of multiple buildings 300. In this case, the demand area may include each building 300 as each area.

[0135] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which an operation plan with a high average comfort level per person is prepared on the premise that the area of ​​each floor is the same and the air conditioning load of each floor is the same, and as a result, an operation plan in which the comfort of floors with a large number of people is prioritized is prepared. Even if the area of ​​each floor is not the same and the air conditioning load of each floor is not the same, it is sufficient to prepare an operation plan with a high average comfort level per person.

[0136] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the contribution degree is calculated taking into consideration the error between the planned value of the adjustment power amount and the actual value of the adjustment power amount. Specifically, in the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the contribution degree is calculated by multiplying the actual value of the adjustment power amount by a correction coefficient based on the error between the planned value of the adjustment power amount and the actual value of the adjustment power amount. The method of calculating the contribution degree is not limited to this example. For example, the contribution degree may be calculated taking into consideration the comfort of the floor.

[0137] Specifically, the contribution degree may be calculated by multiplying the actual value of the adjustment power amount by a correction coefficient based on the comfort of the floor in addition to a correction coefficient based on the error between the planned value of the adjustment power amount and the actual value of the adjustment power amount. The correction coefficient based on the comfort of the floor may be set to a larger value as the comfort level of the floor is lower. For example, the correction coefficient based on the comfort of the floor may be set to 1.1 when the comfort level of the floor is 8 or lower, 1.0 when the comfort level of the floor is 9, and 0.9 when the comfort level of the floor is 10.

[0138] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the adjustment request is a request to reduce the amount of power consumption in a demand area when a power shortage is predicted. The adjustment request may be a request to increase the amount of power consumption in a demand area when a power surplus is predicted. In this case, too, the user can select an operation plan taking into consideration the amount of adjustment power and the comfort level during the adjustment target period. For example, when it is estimated that comfort during the adjustment target period will decrease due to pre-cooling operation, pre-warming operation, or the like during the adjustment target period, the user can select an operation plan taking into consideration the comfort during this adjustment target period.

[0139] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the trained model 121 is used to input, as explanatory variables, operating conditions including the set temperature, weather conditions including the outside temperature, floor conditions including the number of people on the floor, and building design information including the material of the walls, and output the power consumption and comfort index value. The explanatory variables in the trained model 121 are not limited to this example. For example, when the power consumption or comfort index value differs for each floor of the building 300 even if the conditions corresponding to the explanatory variables are the same, the floor number indicating the floor number of the floor of the building 300 may be included in the explanatory variables. In addition, when there is a large difference between the start room temperature, which is the room temperature at the start time of the preparation target period, and the set temperature, and when the power consumption or comfort differs depending on the start room temperature even if the conditions corresponding to the explanatory variables are the same, the start room temperature may be included in the explanatory variables.

[0140] In addition, by preparing a large number of explanatory variables to absorb differences in conditions, the versatility of the trained model 121 can be increased. For example, by adding building design information to the explanatory variables, differences due to differences in buildings 300 can be absorbed, and there is no need to prepare a trained model 121 for each building 300. Also, for example, by adding the floor number to the explanatory variables, differences due to differences in floor number can be absorbed, and there is no need to prepare a trained model 121 for each floor. Also, for example, by adding the type of air conditioning device to the explanatory variables, differences due to differences in the type of air conditioning device can be absorbed, and there is no need to prepare a trained model 121 for each type of air conditioning device.

[0141] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the server 100 estimates the number of people on each floor during the adjustment target period based on the number of people history information generated by the entrance / exit management device 340. The method of estimating the number of people on each floor is not limited to this example. For example, when the building 300 is a building of a commercial facility, there may be a high correlation between the congestion state of the nearest station to the building 300 and the number of people on each floor of the building 300. In this case, the server 100 may estimate the number of people on each floor during the adjustment target period based on congestion forecast information indicating the predicted result of the congestion state of the nearest station during the adjustment target period. The congestion forecast information can be acquired, for example, from a congestion state providing server (not shown) connected to the communication network 710.

[0142] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the power consumption is estimated using the first trained model, and the comfort is estimated using the second trained model. In the second embodiment, an example was described in which the power consumption is estimated using the first correspondence information, and the comfort is estimated using the second correspondence information. The power consumption may be estimated using the first trained model and the first correspondence information, and the comfort may be estimated using the second trained model and the second correspondence information. For example, the average value of the power consumption estimated using the first trained model and the power consumption estimated using the first correspondence information may be adopted. Similarly, the average value of the power consumption estimated using the second trained model and the power consumption estimated using the second correspondence information may be adopted.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 functions as each unit shown in Figs. 5 and 12 by the CPU executing a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 12. However, in the present disclosure, the control unit 11 may be dedicated hardware. The dedicated hardware is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. When the control unit 11 is dedicated hardware, the functions of each unit may be realized by individual hardware, or the functions of each unit may be realized together by a single piece of hardware. In addition, some of the functions of each unit may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the other parts may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the control unit 11 can realize each of the above-mentioned functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0144] By applying an operation program that specifies the operation of the server 100 according to the present disclosure to a computer such as an existing personal computer or information terminal device, it is also possible to make the computer function as the server 100 according to the present disclosure. In addition, the method of distributing such a program is arbitrary, and for example, the program may be distributed by storing it in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk ROM), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), or a memory card, or may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0145] Various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure are possible without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments are for explaining the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the scope of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0146] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0147] (Appendix 1) an operation plan generating means for generating, when receiving from an aggregator server an adjustment request for an amount of power consumed in a demand area during an adjustment target period, a plurality of operation plans for equipment used in the demand area in accordance with the adjustment request during the adjustment target period; a power consumption estimation means for estimating the amount of power consumption in the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of the plurality of operation plans is followed, and estimating an adjustment power amount to be adjusted by following each of the plurality of operation plans; a comfort estimation means for estimating comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of the plurality of operation plans is followed; a selection information transmission means for transmitting plan selection information, the plan selection information including operation plan information indicating the plurality of operation plans, adjustment power amount information indicating the adjustment power amount estimated by the power consumption amount estimation means, and comfort information indicating the comfort estimated by the comfort estimation means, to a terminal device used by a user who is an administrator of the demand area; and an equipment control means for controlling the equipment during the adjustment target period according to an operation plan selected by the user from among the plurality of operation plans. Energy management system. (Appendix 2) The operation plan generation means generates the plurality of operation plans according to a plurality of plan generation policies related to the adjustment power amount and the comfort. 2. An energy management system as defined in claim 1. (Appendix 3) The demand area includes a plurality of areas, The plurality of plan generation policies include a first plan generation policy that prioritizes comfort in areas with a large number of people. 2. An energy management system as defined in claim 1. (Appendix 4) The demand area includes a plurality of areas, The plurality of plan generation policies includes a second plan generation policy for uniformly setting comfort in the plurality of areas. 4. An energy management system according to claim 2 or 3. (Appendix 5) The demand area includes a plurality of areas, The plurality of plan generation policies include a third plan generation policy that secures a target adjustment power amount specified by the adjustment request and prioritizes comfort in areas with a large number of people. 5. An energy management system according to any one of claims 2 to 4. (Appendix 6) The equipment includes an air conditioner that conditions air in the demand area, the power consumption estimation means inputs operating conditions including a set temperature and weather conditions in the demand area, and estimates the power consumption in the demand area during the adjustment target period for each of the plurality of operation plans using a first trained model that outputs the power consumption in the demand area; 6. An energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) The equipment includes an air conditioner that conditions air in the demand area, the comfort estimation means inputs operating conditions including a set temperature and weather conditions in the demand area, and estimates the comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period for each of the plurality of operation plans using a second trained model that outputs a comfort index value indicating the comfort of people in the demand area; 7. An energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) The equipment includes an air conditioner that conditions air in the demand area, a first storage means for storing, in a storage unit, first correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between operating conditions including a set temperature, weather conditions in the demand area, and power consumption in the demand area when the air conditioning device is operated; The power consumption estimation means estimates the power consumption of the demand area during the adjustment target period for each of the plurality of operation plans based on the first correspondence relationship information stored in the storage unit. 8. An energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) The equipment includes an air conditioner that conditions air in the demand area, a second storage means for storing, in a storage unit, second correspondence relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship between operating conditions including a set temperature, weather conditions in the demand area, and a comfort index value indicating the comfort of people in the demand area when the air conditioning device is operated; The comfort estimation means estimates the comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period for each of the plurality of operation plans based on the second correspondence information accumulated in the accumulation means. 9. An energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. (Appendix 10) The demand area includes a plurality of areas, a reward distribution means for distributing the reward to the plurality of areas in accordance with a contribution level of each area based on a performance value of the amount of power adjustment of each area when the reward is received from the aggregator server for complying with the adjustment request; 10. An energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. (Appendix 11) the reward distribution means sets the degree of contribution higher as the actual value of the amount of adjustment power is larger, and sets the degree of contribution higher as the error between the planned value of the amount of adjustment power and the actual value of the amount of adjustment power is smaller. 11. The energy management system of claim 10. (Appendix 12) When a request for adjusting the amount of power consumed in a demand area during an adjustment target period is received from an aggregator server, a plurality of operation plans are generated in response to the adjustment request for the adjustment target period of equipment used in the demand area; Estimating the amount of power consumption at the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of the plurality of operation plans is followed, and estimating an adjustment power amount that is adjusted by following each of the plurality of operation plans; Estimating comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of the plurality of operation plans is followed; Transmitting plan selection information, including operation plan information indicating the plurality of operation plans, adjustment power amount information indicating the estimated adjustment power amount, and comfort information indicating the estimated comfort, to a terminal device used by a user who is an administrator of the demand area; controlling the device during the adjustment target period in accordance with an operation plan selected by the user from among the plurality of operation plans; Energy management methods. (Appendix 13) Computer, an operation plan generating means for generating, when receiving from an aggregator server an adjustment request for an amount of power consumed in a demand area during an adjustment target period, a plurality of operation plans for equipment used in the demand area in accordance with the adjustment request during the adjustment target period; a power consumption estimation means for estimating the amount of power consumption in the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of the plurality of operation plans is followed, and estimating an adjustment power amount to be adjusted by following each of the plurality of operation plans; a comfort estimation means for estimating comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of the plurality of operation plans is followed; a selection information transmitting means for transmitting plan selection information, the plan selection information including operation plan information indicating the plurality of operation plans, adjustment power amount information indicating the adjustment power amount estimated by the power consumption amount estimating means, and comfort information indicating the comfort estimated by the comfort estimating means, to a terminal device used by a user who is an administrator of the demand area; and causing the device to function as an equipment control unit that controls the device during the adjustment target period in accordance with an operation plan selected by the user from among the plurality of operation plans. program. [Industrial Applicability]

[0148] The present disclosure is applicable to energy management systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 11,41 Control unit, 12,42 Memory unit, 15,45 Communication unit, 43 Display unit, 44 Operation reception unit, 46 Imaging unit, 100,100A,100B Server, 101 Request management unit, 102 Operation plan generation unit, 103 Number of people estimation unit, 104 Design information acquisition unit, 105 Weather information acquisition unit, 106 Power consumption estimation unit, 107 Comfort estimation unit, 108 Equipment control unit, 109 Reward management unit, 110 Learning unit, 111 Accumulation unit, 121 Learned model, 122 History information, 123 Correspondence information, 200 Aggregator server, 300 Building, 301 Air conditioning system, 302 Entrance and exit management system, 310,310A,310B Air conditioning equipment control device, 311,341,710,720 Communication network, 320, 320A, 320B, 320C Outdoor unit, 330AA, 330AB, 330BA, 330BB, 330CA, 330CB Indoor unit, 340 Entrance / exit management device, 350, 350A, 350B, 350C Entrance / exit detection device, 360 Storage device, 370 Power meter, 400, 400A, 400B Terminal device, 500 Weather server, 810, 820, 830 Screen, 1000, 1000A Energy management system

Claims

1. an operation plan generating means for generating, when receiving from an aggregator server an adjustment request for an amount of power consumed in a demand area during an adjustment target period, a plurality of operation plans for equipment used in the demand area in accordance with the adjustment request during the adjustment target period; a power consumption estimation means for estimating the amount of power consumption in the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of the plurality of operation plans is followed, and estimating an adjustment power amount to be adjusted by following each of the plurality of operation plans; a comfort estimation means for estimating comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of the plurality of operation plans is followed; a selection information transmission means for transmitting plan selection information, the plan selection information including operation plan information indicating the plurality of operation plans, adjustment power amount information indicating the adjustment power amount estimated by the power consumption amount estimation means, and comfort information indicating the comfort estimated by the comfort estimation means, to a terminal device used by a user who is an administrator of the demand area; and an equipment control means for controlling the equipment during the adjustment target period according to an operation plan selected by the user from among the plurality of operation plans. Energy management system.

2. The operation plan generation means generates the plurality of operation plans according to a plurality of plan generation policies related to the adjustment power amount and the comfort. The energy management system of claim 1 .

3. The demand area includes a plurality of areas, The plurality of plan generation policies includes a first plan generation policy that prioritizes comfort in areas with a large number of people. The energy management system of claim 2.

4. The demand area includes a plurality of areas, The plurality of plan generation policies includes a second plan generation policy for uniformly setting comfort levels of the plurality of areas.

4. An energy management system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The demand area includes a plurality of areas, the plurality of plan generation policies include a third plan generation policy that secures a target adjustment power amount specified by the adjustment request and prioritizes comfort in areas with a large number of people.

4. An energy management system according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The equipment includes an air conditioner that conditions air in the demand area, the power consumption estimation means inputs operating conditions including a set temperature and weather conditions in the demand area, and estimates the power consumption in the demand area during the adjustment target period for each of the plurality of operation plans using a first trained model that outputs the power consumption in the demand area; 4. An energy management system according to claim 1 .

7. The equipment includes an air conditioner that conditions air in the demand area, the comfort estimation means inputs operating conditions including a set temperature and weather conditions in the demand area, and estimates the comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period for each of the plurality of operation plans using a second trained model that outputs a comfort index value indicating the comfort of people in the demand area; 4. An energy management system according to claim 1 .

8. The equipment includes an air conditioner that conditions air in the demand area, a first storage means for storing, in a storage unit, first correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between operating conditions including a set temperature, weather conditions in the demand area, and power consumption in the demand area when the air conditioning device is operated; The power consumption estimation means estimates the power consumption of the demand area during the adjustment target period for each of the plurality of operation plans based on the first correspondence relationship information stored in the storage unit.

4. An energy management system according to claim 1 .

9. The equipment includes an air conditioner that conditions air in the demand area, a second storage means for storing, in a storage unit, second correspondence relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship between operating conditions including a set temperature, weather conditions in the demand area, and a comfort index value indicating the comfort of people in the demand area when the air conditioning device is operated; The comfort estimation means estimates the comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period for each of the plurality of operation plans based on the second correspondence relationship information stored in the storage unit.

4. An energy management system according to claim 1 .

10. The demand area includes a plurality of areas, a reward distribution means for distributing the reward to the plurality of areas in accordance with a contribution level of each area based on a performance value of the amount of power adjustment of each area when the reward is received from the aggregator server for complying with the adjustment request; 4. An energy management system according to claim 1 .

11. the reward distribution means sets the degree of contribution higher as the actual value of the amount of adjustment power is larger, and sets the degree of contribution higher as the error between the planned value of the amount of adjustment power and the actual value of the amount of adjustment power is smaller. The energy management system of claim 10.

12. When a request for adjusting the amount of power consumed in a demand area during an adjustment target period is received from an aggregator server, a plurality of operation plans are generated in response to the adjustment request for the adjustment target period of equipment used in the demand area; Estimating the amount of power consumption at the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of the plurality of operation plans is followed, and estimating an adjustment amount of power that is adjusted by following each of the plurality of operation plans; Estimating comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of the plurality of operation plans is followed; Transmitting plan selection information, including operation plan information indicating the plurality of operation plans, adjustment power amount information indicating the estimated adjustment power amount, and comfort information indicating the estimated comfort, to a terminal device used by a user who is an administrator of the demand area; controlling the device during the adjustment target period in accordance with an operation plan selected by the user from among the plurality of operation plans; Energy management methods.

13. Computer, an operation plan generating means for generating, when receiving from an aggregator server an adjustment request for an amount of power consumed in a demand area during an adjustment target period, a plurality of operation plans for equipment used in the demand area in accordance with the adjustment request during the adjustment target period; a power consumption estimation means for estimating the amount of power consumption in the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of the plurality of operation plans is followed, and estimating an adjustment power amount to be adjusted by following each of the plurality of operation plans; a comfort estimation means for estimating comfort of people in the demand area during the adjustment target period when each of the plurality of operation plans is followed; a selection information transmitting means for transmitting plan selection information, the plan selection information including operation plan information indicating the plurality of operation plans, adjustment power amount information indicating the adjustment power amount estimated by the power consumption amount estimating means, and comfort information indicating the comfort estimated by the comfort estimating means, to a terminal device used by a user who is an administrator of the demand area; and causing the device to function as an equipment control unit that controls the device during the adjustment target period in accordance with an operation plan selected by the user from among the plurality of operation plans. program.

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