Notification system, notification method, and program

Abstract

To provide an energy-saving control system capable of efficiently achieving energy conservation in a facility.SOLUTION: The energy-saving control system includes: a first acquisition unit 32a that acquires the electricity usage amount in each of multiple areas 2 in a facility 1; a second acquisition unit 32b that acquires the number of users in each area 2; and a notification unit 32f that notifies notification information to the users in the facility 1 based on the power usage efficiency in each area 2, which is calculated based on the acquired electricity usage amount and the number of users for each area 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification system, a notification method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in response to the need for measures against global warming, energy conservation in facilities has been promoted. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for setting a higher priority for power cut-off in an area where the number of people present is small and the equipment is not operating in an area where power demand target equipment is arranged when it is predicted that the predicted demand value of the entire facility will exceed the target value.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, with the technique described in Patent Document 1, in order to make the demand actual value lower than the demand target value, it is necessary to cut off the power supply in a relatively large number of areas, so it is difficult to say that energy conservation in the facility can be efficiently achieved.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a notification system, a notification method, and a program capable of performing notification regarding the energy efficiency of a facility.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A notification system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition unit that acquires the power consumption of each of a plurality of areas in a facility, a second acquisition unit that acquires the number of users in each of the plurality of areas, and a notification unit that notifies the users of the facility of notification information based on the power usage efficiency calculated based on the power consumption and the number of users acquired for each of the plurality of areas.

[0007] A notification method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition step of acquiring the power consumption of each of a plurality of areas in a facility, a second acquisition step of acquiring the number of users in each of the plurality of areas, and a notification step of notifying the users of the facility of notification information based on the power usage efficiency calculated based on the power consumption and the number of users acquired for each of the plurality of areas.

[0008] A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the notification method.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] The notification system, notification method, and program according to an aspect of the present invention can perform notification regarding the energy efficiency of a facility.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that all the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, connection forms, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0012] Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) [Configuration] Hereinafter, an energy-saving control system according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the energy-saving control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a plurality of areas within a facility to which the energy-saving control system according to the embodiment is applied.

[0014] First, the energy-saving control system 10 will be described. When it is determined that the energy-saving target value will be exceeded after a predetermined time (for example, one hour after the time when the power consumption is acquired) based on the predicted total power consumption of Facility 1, Area 2a is selected from among the plurality of Areas 2 where the power usage efficiency is below the reference value, and control is performed to turn off the power supply of Equipment 3 in the selected Area 2a. The power usage efficiency of each of the plurality of Areas 2 is calculated based on the power consumption of each Area 2 and the number of users in each Area 2. For example, the power usage efficiency of each Area 2 is calculated by dividing the power consumption during the previous X minutes (for example, X = 30) by the number of users in that Area 2. In this way, since the energy-saving control system 10 selects Area 2a where the power usage efficiency is below the reference value and turns off the power supply of Equipment 3 in Area 2a, it is possible to efficiently achieve energy saving in Facility 1 by turning off the power supply of Equipment 3 in fewer Area 2a.

[0015] Facility 1 is, for example, an office, rental space, library, or cram school, etc. Area 2 is, for example, a space partitioned by partitions or walls within Facility 1. Equipment 3 is, for example, at least one of air conditioning equipment, ventilation equipment, lighting equipment, and hot water supply equipment.

[0016] The power consumption of each Area 2 is acquired, for example, by measuring the power consumption (in other words, the power usage) in each of the plurality of branch circuits provided in Facility 1. One or more pieces of Equipment 3 are connected to each of the plurality of branch circuits via outlets. Although in FIG. 1, one piece of Equipment 3 is shown for each Area 2 for ease of viewing, one or more pieces of Equipment 3 are installed in each Area 2.

[0017] The energy-saving target value is the energy reduction target value for any unit period of the entire Facility 1, for example, a period such as half a day (12 hours), one day (24 hours), one week, one month, half a year, or one year. The energy-saving target value may be, for example, the target value of the total power consumption of the entire Facility 1, or may be the target value converted into any one of the generated heat quantity, carbon dioxide (CO2) emission amount, and crude oil usage amount. Further, the energy-saving target value may be the demand target value within a 30-minute time limit set by power demand control. The energy-saving target value may be set by the administrator of Facility 1 or may be automatically set by the energy-saving control system 10.

[0018] The number of users in each area 2 may be calculated at a predetermined cycle (for example, a 1-minute cycle) based on, for example, at least one of the location information of the users of Facility 1 and the access information of the information terminal (for example, the second information terminal 20) held by the user to the network access point in Facility 1. For example, the location information of the user may be obtained by receiving a beacon signal transmitted from a terminal (not shown) such as a smartphone held by the user or a dedicated beacon transmitter (not shown) with a beacon receiver (not shown) installed in each area 2 (for example, on the ceiling of each area 2). Further, for example, the location information of the user may be obtained based on sensor data such as a camera, an infrared sensor, or a seating sensor installed in each area 2. Although one information terminal (second information terminal 20) is shown in each area 2 from the viewpoint of visibility in FIG. 1, the number of information terminals (second information terminals 20) corresponding to the number of users in the area exists in each area 2.

[0019] Subsequently, the configuration of the energy-saving control system 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The energy-saving control system 10 includes, for example, equipment 3 installed in each area 2, a power supply device 4, a first information terminal 5, a second information terminal 20 held by a user of Facility 1, and a server device 30. Hereinafter, configurations other than Facility 1, area 2, and equipment 3 will be described.

[0020] [Power Supply Device] The power supply device 4 is a stabilized power supply device that supplies power to the facility 3. The power supply device 4 functions as a sensor that measures the voltage and current supplied to the facility 3, and transmits at least one of the measured voltage value, measured current value, and measured power consumption value to the first information terminal 5 as the measured power consumption (in other words, power usage). Specifically, the power supply device 4 may transmit, for example, the power consumption measured at the measurement points provided for each of the plurality of facilities 3 to the first information terminal 5 by associating it with the point ID that identifies the measurement point, or may transmit the power consumption measured for each facility 3 by associating it with the facility name to the first information terminal 5.

[0021] Note that when the facility 3 operates using the power supplied from the power grid, the energy-saving control system 10 may not include the power supply device 4. In such a case, the energy-saving control system 10 includes a current sensor that measures the current supplied to the facility 3 and a voltage sensor that measures the voltage supplied to the facility 3. The current sensor and voltage sensor in this case are separate from the facility 3, but may be built into the facility 3. As the current sensor and voltage sensor, an electricity meter such as a smart meter may be used.

[0022] [First Information Terminal] The first information terminal 5 is a computer that receives the measured values output by the power supply device 4 through a local communication network and transmits the received measured values to the server device 30. Specifically, the first information terminal 5 is a general-purpose computer, but may be a dedicated computer of the energy-saving control system 10. Further, the first information terminal 5 may have a function as a controller that controls the facility 3.

[0023] [Second Information Terminal] The second information terminal 20 is a portable information terminal such as a notebook computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal possessed by the user of the facility 1. The second information terminal 20 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, a reception unit 24, and a presentation unit 25.

[0024] The communication unit 21 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the second information terminal 20 to connect to the first information terminal 5 via a local communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 21 is wireless communication, but it may also be wired communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 21 is not particularly limited. Note that the second information terminal 20 may also be able to communicate with the server device 30 via the communication unit 21. In this case, the communication unit 21 may directly receive the notification information from the server device 30.

[0025] The control unit 22 performs various information processes related to the second information terminal 20 based on the operation input received by the reception unit 24. The control unit 22 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but it may also be realized by a processor.

[0026] The storage unit 23 is a storage device in which a dedicated application program for the control unit 22 to execute is stored. The storage unit 23 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0027] The reception unit 24 is an input interface that receives an operation input by a user who holds the second information terminal 20. For example, the reception unit 24 receives the input operation of the user for transmitting information such as the presentation method of the notification information and the area of the destination to the server device 30. Specifically, the reception unit 24 is realized by a touch panel display or the like. For example, when the reception unit 24 is equipped with a touch panel display, the touch panel display functions as the presentation unit 25 and the reception unit 24. Note that the reception unit 24 is not limited to a touch panel display, and may be, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a touch pen or a mouse), or a hardware button. Also, when the reception unit 24 receives an input by voice, it may be a microphone. Also, when the reception unit 24 receives an input by gesture, it may be a camera.

[0028] The notification unit 25 presents the notification information notified by the server device 30. The notification unit 25 is, for example, a display device that displays image information including characters and the like. Further, the notification unit 25 may include an audio output device that outputs audio information. The display device is, for example, a display including a liquid crystal (LC) panel or an organic electro-luminescence (EL) panel as a display device. Also, the audio output device is, for example, a speaker or earphones. For example, the notification unit 25 may display the image information on the display device, output the audio information by the audio output device, or present both the image information and the audio information.

[0029] [Server device] The server device 30 predicts the total power consumption of the facility 1 after a predetermined time (more specifically, after a predetermined time from the time when the power consumption of each area 2 is acquired), and when it is determined that the energy saving target value of the facility 1 is exceeded, selects an area 2a where the facility power supply is turned off from the area 2 with low power usage efficiency so as to be below the energy saving target value, and performs control to turn off the power supply of the facility 3 in the selected area 2a. Further, the server device 30 notifies the user of the area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off with notification information including a notification that the area 2 used by the user is the area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off and a movement instruction to the area 2b where the power supply of the facility 3 is not turned off. The server device 30 is an edge computer provided in the facility 1, but may be a cloud computer provided outside the facility 1. The server device 30 includes a communication unit 31, an information processing unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a setting unit 34.

[0030] The communication unit 31 is a communication circuit (in other words, a communication module) for the server device 30 to communicate with the first information terminal 5 through a local communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 31 may be wireless communication or wired communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 31 is not particularly limited either.

[0031] The communication unit 31 receives, for example, the power consumption of each area in the facility 1 and the number of users transmitted by the first information terminal 5, and transmits a presentation command (not shown in FIG. 3 described later) for presenting notification information to the presentation unit 25 of the second information terminal 20 to the second information terminal 20 via the first information terminal 5. Note that the server device 30 may also communicate with the second information terminal 20 via the communication unit 31. In this case, the communication unit 31 may directly transmit the notification information to the second information terminal 20.

[0032] The information processing unit 32 performs prediction processing of the total power consumption of the facility 1, determination processing of whether or not the energy saving target value is exceeded, calculation processing of the power usage efficiency of each area 2, selection processing of selecting the area 2a to turn off the power of the facility 3, and notification processing. Specifically, the information processing unit 32 is realized by a microcomputer or a processor.

[0033] The information processing unit 32 includes, as functional components, a first acquisition unit 32a, a second acquisition unit 32b, a calculation unit 32c, a selection unit 32d, and a notification unit 32f. The functions of the first acquisition unit 32a, the second acquisition unit 32b, the calculation unit 32c, the selection unit 32d, and the notification unit 32f are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 32 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 33. Details of the functions of the first acquisition unit 32a, the second acquisition unit 32b, the calculation unit 32c, the selection unit 32d, and the notification unit 32f will be described later in the section [Operation].

[0034] The storage unit 33 is a storage device that stores the power consumption and the number of users of each area 2 received by the communication unit 31, and a computer program executed by the information processing unit 32. The storage unit 33 is realized, for example, by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory.

[0035] The setting unit 34 sets the energy-saving target value for Facility 1. The energy-saving target value is the energy reduction target value for any unit period of the entire Facility 1. The energy-saving target value may be, for example, the target value of the total power consumption of the entire Facility 1, or may be the target value converted into any of the generated heat quantity, carbon dioxide (CO2) emission amount, and crude oil usage amount. Further, the energy-saving target value may be the demand target value within a 30-minute time limit set by power demand control. The setting unit 34 may, for example, automatically set the energy-saving target value based on past data, or may set the energy-saving target value by accepting an input operation by the administrator of Facility 1.

[0036] [Operation] Next, the operation of the energy-saving control system 10 will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0037] [First Example] First, the first example of the operation will be described. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the first example of the operation of the energy-saving control system 10 according to the embodiment.

[0038] The setting unit 34 of the server device 30 sets the energy-saving target value for Facility 1 (S01). The setting unit 34 may, for example, automatically set the energy-saving target value for Facility 1 based on past data stored in the storage unit 33, or may set the energy-saving target value by accepting an input operation by the administrator of Facility 1. Since the energy-saving target value has been described above, the description here will be omitted. Note that the energy-saving target value may be the demand target value within a 30-minute time limit set by power demand control. Although not shown, the setting unit 34 stores the set energy-saving target value in the storage unit 33.

[0039] Next, when the energy-saving target value is set by the setting unit 34 in step S01, the information processing unit 32 of the server device 30 transmits a start command for energy-saving control to the first information terminal 5 (S02). The facility 3 is one or more facilities installed in each area 2, and is, for example, at least one of air-conditioning facilities, ventilation facilities, lighting facilities, and hot water supply facilities.

[0040] Next, the first information terminal 5 transmits a signal (not shown) requesting the power consumption of each area 2 to the power supply device 4. The power supply device 4 transmits the power consumption of each area 2 to the first information terminal 5 (not shown). The first information terminal 5 transmits the acquired power consumption of each area 2 to the server device 30 (S03).

[0041] When the communication unit 31 of the server device 30 receives the power consumption of each area 2 transmitted by the first information terminal 5 in step S03 (not shown), the first acquisition unit 32a of the information processing unit 32 acquires the power consumption of each area 2 received by the communication unit 31 (S04). At this time, the information processing unit 32 may associate the power consumption of each area 2 acquired by the first acquisition unit 32a with the identification ID of each area 2 and store it in the storage unit 33.

[0042] Next, the second information terminal 20 possessed by the user of the facility 1 transmits at least one of the position information of the second information terminal 20 and the access information to the network access point in the facility 1 to the first information terminal 5 (S05).

[0043] Based on at least one of the position information and the access information to the network access point in the facility 1 transmitted from the second information terminal 20 in step S05, the first information terminal 5 calculates the number of users in each area 2 at a predetermined cycle (for example, a 1-minute cycle) (not shown), and transmits the calculated number of people to the server device 30 (S06). Note that the method of acquiring the position information may be the method described above, but is not particularly limited.

[0044] Next, when the communication unit 31 of the server device 30 receives the number of users in each area 2 transmitted by the first information terminal 5 in step S06 (not shown), the second acquisition unit 32b of the information processing unit 32 acquires the number of users in each area 2 received by the communication unit 31 (S07). At this time, the information processing unit 32 may associate the number of users in each area 2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 32b with the identification ID of each area 2 and store it in the storage unit 33. Note that steps S03 to S04 and steps S05 to S06 may be performed in parallel or the order of processing may be reversed.

[0045] Next, the selection unit 32d of the server device 30 predicts the total power consumption of the facility 1 after a predetermined time from the time when the power consumption acquired by the first acquisition unit 32a in step S04 is acquired, based on the power consumption (S08). Then, the selection unit 32d determines whether or not the energy saving target value is exceeded after the predetermined time, based on the total power consumption predicted in step S08 (S09). If the selection unit 32d determines that the energy saving target value is not exceeded (No in S09), the server device 30 returns to the process of step S04. Note that the power consumption and the number of users in each area 2 may be acquired by the first information terminal 5 at a predetermined cycle (in other words, at a predetermined time interval) and transmitted to the server device 30.

[0046] On the other hand, when the selection unit 32d determines that the energy saving target value is exceeded (Yes in S09), the calculation unit 32c calculates the power usage efficiency of each area 2 (S10). As described above, the power usage efficiency of each area 2 is calculated based on the power consumption of each area 2 and the number of users in each area 2. For example, the power usage efficiency of each area 2 is calculated by dividing the power consumption during the previous X minutes (for example, X = 30) by the number of users in the area 2. At this time, the information processing unit 32 may associate the power usage efficiency of each area 2 calculated by the calculation unit 32c with the identification ID of each area 2 and store it in the storage unit 33.

[0047] Next, the selection unit 32d selects at least one area 2a in which the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off from among the areas 2 in which the power usage efficiency is lower than the reference value so as to be below the energy saving target value (S11). FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a more detailed flow of step S11.

[0048] For example, in step S11, the selection unit 32d sequentially selects at least one (for example, n, where n is a natural number) area candidate 6a in which the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off from the area with the lowest power usage efficiency among the areas 2 in which the power usage efficiency is lower than the reference value (S21).

[0049] Next, the selection unit 32d determines whether the number n of the area candidates 6a selected in step S21 is 1 (S22). When the selection unit 32d determines that the number n of the selected area candidates 6a is 1 (Yes in S22), it predicts the total power usage amount of the facility 1 when the power supply of the facility 3 in the selected one area candidate 6a is turned off (S23). Next, the selection unit 32d determines whether the energy saving target value is exceeded based on the total power usage amount predicted in step S23 (S24). Next, when the selection unit 32d determines that the energy saving target value is not exceeded (No in S24), it selects the at least one area candidate 6a (here, one area candidate 6a) as at least one area 2a in which the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off (S27).

[0050] On the other hand, when the selection unit 32d determines that the energy saving target value is exceeded (Yes in S24), it adds 1 to the number n of the area candidates 6a to be selected (S25), and returns to step S21. The selection unit 32d sequentially selects at least one (here, n = n + 1) area candidate 6a in which the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off from the area with the lowest power usage efficiency among the areas 2 in which the power usage efficiency is lower than the reference value (S21).

[0051] Next, the selection unit 32d determines whether the number n of area candidates 6a selected in step S21 is 1 (S22). When the selection unit 32d determines that the number n of the selected area candidates 6a is not 1 (No in S22), it predicts the total power consumption of facility 1 when the power supply of facility 3 for the two or more (here, n = 2) selected area candidates 6a is turned off (S26). Next, the selection unit 32d determines whether the energy saving target value is exceeded (S24). Next, when the selection unit 32d determines that the energy saving target value is exceeded (Yes in S24), it adds 1 to the number n (here, n = 2) of area candidates 6a to be selected (S25), and returns to step S21. On the other hand, when the selection unit 32d determines that the energy saving target value is not exceeded (No in S24), it selects at least one of the selected at least one area candidate 6a (here, two area candidates 6a) as at least one area 2a where the power supply of facility 3 is turned off (S27).

[0052] Referring to FIG. 3 again, when at least one area 2a where the power supply of facility 3 is turned off is selected in step S11, the notification unit 32f notifies the user of facility 1 of the notification information (S12). More specifically, the notification unit 32f notifies the user of facility 1 of the notification information before the control to turn off the power supply of facility 3 is performed by the first information terminal 5. At this time, the notification unit 32f transmits the notification information to the first information terminal 5 via the communication unit 31 (S13), and the first information terminal 5 may transmit the notification information transmitted by the server device 30 to the second information terminal 20 held by the user of facility 1 (S14). The notification information includes, for example, information regarding area 2a where the power supply of facility 3 is turned off among a plurality of areas 2 in facility 1 and information regarding area 2b where the power supply of facility 3 is not turned off. In FIG. 3, the server device 30 transmits the notification information to the second information terminal 20 of the user of facility 1 via the first information terminal 5, but it is not limited to this. For example, the server device 30 may directly transmit the notification information to the second information terminal 20 of the user of facility 1.

[0053] Next, the presentation unit 25 of the second information terminal 20 presents the notification information acquired via the communication unit 21 in step S14 (S15). For example, the notification information may be presented to the presentation unit 25 of the second information terminal 20 held by a user within facility 1, or may be presented to the presentation unit 25 of the second information terminal 20 held by a user in at least one area 2 where the power supply of facility 3 is turned off. Also, when the second information terminal 20 acquires the notification information, it may transmit a response signal to the first information terminal 5 (not shown). For example, after receiving the response signal from the second information terminal 20, the server device 30 transmits a control instruction to turn off the power supply of the facility 3 in at least one area 2a to the first information terminal 5 after a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed (S16).

[0054] Next, when the first information terminal 5 receives the control instruction, it turns off the power supply of the facility 3 in the corresponding area 2a according to the control instruction (S17).

[0055] [Modification Example 1 of the First Example] Note that in step S16, the server device 30 may transmit a control instruction to turn off the power supply of the facility 3 in area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off to the first information terminal 5 when it is determined that, for example, a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the first example, the server device 30 determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed after receiving the response signal from the second information terminal 20, and when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, transmits the above control instruction to the first information terminal, but the predetermined condition is not limited to this example. For example, for each of at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off, the server device 30 may transmit a control instruction to turn off the power supply of the facility 3 in the area 2a to the first information terminal 5 when the number of users in the area 2a becomes 0. In this case, for each of at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off, the first information terminal 5 performs control to turn off the power supply of the facility 3 in the area 2a when the number of users in the area 2a becomes 0.

[0056] Note that the information processing unit 32 of the server device 30 may determine, for each of at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off, whether the number of users in the area 2a has become zero based on, for example, the number of users in each area 2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 32b, or the first information terminal 5 may determine whether the number of users in the area 2a has become zero. In the former case, when the information processing unit 32 determines that the number of users in at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off has become zero, the information processing unit 32 transmits the control signal to the first information terminal 5. In the latter case, the information processing unit 32 sequentially transmits a control instruction for turning off the power supply of the facility 3 to the first information terminal 5 from the area 2a where the number of users has become zero. Then, the first information terminal 5 performs control to sequentially turn off the power supply of the facility 3 in the area 2a where it is determined that the number of users has become zero according to the control instruction.

[0057] [Second Example] Next, a second example of the operation will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a second example of the operation of the energy-saving control system 10 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 5, the same step numbers are assigned to the steps common to FIG. 3.

[0058] In the first example of the operation, when at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off is selected, the notification unit 32f notifies the users of the facility 1 of the notification information. The second example is different from the first example in that the notification information is notified to the users in at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off among the users of the facility 1. Further, in the second example, the notification information includes a notification that the area 2 used by the user corresponds to at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off and a movement instruction to at least one candidate area 6b for the destination, which is different from the first example. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the points different from the first example, and the overlapping points will be omitted or simplified.

[0059] The first information terminal 5 transmits the identification information of the second information terminal 20 held by the user of the facility 1 to the first information terminal 5 (S31). The identification information is, for example, MAC (Media Access It is an address for control) or an IP (Internet Protocol) address, but it is not particularly limited as long as it can identify the second information terminal 20. The first information terminal 5 acquires the identification information transmitted by the second information terminal 20 and transmits the acquired identification information to the server device 30 (S32).

[0060] Next, the second acquisition unit 32b of the server device 30 acquires, via the communication unit 31, the number of users in each area 2 transmitted by the first information terminal 5 in step S06, and the identification information of the second information terminal 20 of the user of the facility 1 transmitted by the first information terminal 5 in step S32 (S33). At this time, the information processing unit 32 may associate the number of users in each area 2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 32b and the identification information of the second information terminal 20 of the user with the identification ID of each area 2 and store them in the storage unit 33.

[0061] Here, steps S08 to S11 are the same as those in the first example shown in FIG. 3, so the description here is omitted. In the second example, in addition to selecting at least one area 2a for turning off the power of the facility 3 (S11), at least one candidate moving destination area 6b that is a candidate for prompting the user of the area 2a where the power of the facility 3 is turned off to move is selected in order from the area with the highest power usage efficiency among the areas 2 with a power usage efficiency exceeding the reference value among the plurality of areas 2 (S34).

[0062] Next, the notification unit 32f notifies notification information to the users in at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off (S35). At this time, the notification unit 32f outputs the notification information together with the identification information of the second information terminal 20 held by the users in at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off to the first information terminal 5 via the communication unit 31 (S36). The first information terminal 5 transmits the identification information and the notification information output by the notification unit 32f to the second information terminal 20 of the user of the facility 1 (S37). Thereby, the notification unit 32f notifies the users in at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off among the users of the facility 1 of the notification that the area 2 used by the user corresponds to at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off, and the notification information including the movement instruction to at least one candidate area for movement 6b. In this case, the notification unit 32f may notify at least one candidate area for movement 6b to the users in at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off in the order of proximity to the area 2 used by the user or in the order of high power usage efficiency.

[0063] The second information terminal 20 held by the user of the facility 1 acquires notification information including identification information that matches its own identification information (not shown). Next, the presentation unit 25 presents the notification information acquired via the communication unit 21 (S38). Note that the second information terminal 20 may transmit a response signal to the first information terminal 5 when it acquires the notification information (not shown). For example, the server device 30 may transmit a control instruction to turn off the power supply of the facility 3 in at least one area 2a to the first information terminal 5 after a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since receiving the response signal from the second information terminal 20 (S16). Note that, as described in the first modification example of the first example, the server device 30 may transmit a control signal for performing control to turn off the power supply of the facility 3 in the area 2a to the first information terminal 5 when the number of users in the area 2a becomes 0 for each of at least one area 2a.

[0064] Next, when the first information terminal 5 receives the control instruction, it turns off the power supply of the facility 3 in the corresponding area 2a according to the control instruction (S17).

[0065] [Modification Example 1 of the Second Example] In the second example, after the second information terminal 20 presents notification information to the users in at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off and a predetermined time has elapsed, control is performed to turn off the power supply of the facility 3 in the area 2a. In Modification Example 1 of the second example, the reception unit 24 may receive an input operation for selecting one candidate destination area from among at least one candidate destination area indicated by the movement instruction presented to the presentation unit 25. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of presenting notification information.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the presentation unit 25 of the second information terminal 20 held by the user in at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off presents notification information including a notification that the area 2 used by the user corresponds to the area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is to be turned off and a movement instruction to at least one candidate destination area 6b.

[0067] When the user selects one candidate destination area 6b from among at least one candidate destination area 6b, the reception unit 24 receives an input operation for the user to select one candidate destination area 6b.

[0068] In this case, when the input operation is received by the reception unit 24, the selection unit 32d of the server device 30 may predict the increase in the power consumption of the selected candidate destination area 6b when the user moves to the selected candidate destination area 6b. Then, based on the predicted increase in power consumption, the selection unit 32d may determine whether the total power consumption of the facility 1 exceeds the energy-saving target value when the power supply of the facility 3 in at least one area 2a is turned off. When it is determined by the selection unit 32d that the energy-saving target value is not exceeded, the notification unit 32f may transmit a notification permitting the user to move to the selected one candidate destination area 6b to the second information terminal 20 held by the user.

[0069] On the other hand, when it is determined by the selection unit 32d that the energy saving target value is exceeded, the notification unit 32f may transmit a notification to the second information terminal 20 held by the user, prompting the user to select a destination area candidate 6b other than the selected one among at least one destination area candidate 6b presented to the presentation unit 25.

[0070] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the energy saving control system 10 includes a setting unit 34 that sets an energy saving target value for the facility 1, a first acquisition unit 32a that acquires the power consumption of each of the plurality of areas 2 in the facility 1, a second acquisition unit 32b that acquires the number of users in each of the plurality of areas 2, a calculation unit 32c that calculates the power usage efficiency of each of the plurality of areas 2 based on the power consumption and the number of users acquired for each of the plurality of areas 2, a prediction unit that predicts the total power consumption of the facility 1 at a predetermined time after the time when the power consumption is acquired based on the power consumption acquired by the first acquisition unit 32a, and when it is determined based on the predicted total power consumption that the energy saving target value will be exceeded at a predetermined time later, a selection unit 32d that selects at least one area 2a from among the areas 2 where the power usage efficiency is lower than the reference value so as to turn off the power of the equipment 3 in order to be below the energy saving target value, and a control unit (for example, the first information terminal 5) that performs control to turn off the power of the equipment 3 in at least one area 2a selected by the selection unit 32d.

[0071] Such an energy saving control system 10 can calculate the power usage efficiency of each area 2 by dividing the power consumption of each area 2 by the number of users in that area 2, for example, and can be selected as the area 2a where the power of the equipment 3 in the area 2 with low utilization efficiency by the user is turned off. In other words, the power of the equipment 3 can be turned off from the area 2 where there is a lot of waste. Therefore, the energy saving control system 10 can efficiently achieve energy saving of the facility 1.

[0072] Also, for example, in the energy-saving control system 10, the selection unit 32d selects at least one area candidate 6a that is a candidate to turn off the power supply of the facility 3 in ascending order from the area 2 where the power usage efficiency is lower than the reference value and has the lowest power usage efficiency among them. Then, it predicts the total power consumption when the power supply of the facility 3 in the selected at least one area candidate 6a is turned off. Based on the predicted total power consumption, if it is determined that the energy-saving target value will not be exceeded after a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour) from the time when the power consumption is obtained, the at least one area candidate 6a is selected as at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off.

[0073] Such an energy-saving control system 10 selects the area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off in ascending order from the area with the lowest power usage efficiency. By turning off the power supply of the facility 3 in a relatively small number of areas 2, it is possible to control the total power consumption of the facility 1 so as not to exceed the energy-saving target value. Therefore, the energy-saving control system 10 can efficiently achieve the energy-saving of the facility 1.

[0074] Also, for example, in the energy-saving control system 10, the second acquisition unit 32b acquires the number of users in each of the plurality of areas 2 calculated at a predetermined cycle (for example, a 1-minute cycle) based on at least one of the location information of the users of the facility 1 and the access information of the information terminal (for example, the second information terminal 20) held by the user to the network access point in the facility 1.

[0075] Such an energy-saving control system 10 can accurately grasp the number of users in each area 2, so it can accurately calculate the power usage efficiency of each area 2. Therefore, the energy-saving control system 10 can efficiently achieve the energy-saving of the facility 1.

[0076] Further, for example, the energy-saving control system 10 further includes a notification unit 32f that notifies the user of the facility 1 of notification information including information regarding the area 2a in which the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off among the plurality of areas 2 and information regarding the area 2b in which the power supply of the facility 3 is not turned off. The notification unit 32f notifies the user of the facility 1 of the notification information before the control unit (for example, the first information terminal 5) performs the control to turn off the power supply of the facility 3.

[0077] Such an energy-saving control system 10 can, for example, enable the user of the facility 1 to grasp whether each area 2 of the facility 1 is the area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off or the area 2b where the power supply of the facility 3 is not turned off before the control to turn off the power supply of the facility 3 is performed. Therefore, the energy-saving control system 10 can, for example, prompt the user of the facility 1 to move before the control to turn off the power supply of the facility 3 is performed. In this way, by receiving the notification before the control to turn off the power supply of the facility 3 is performed, it is possible to prevent the disadvantage that the work of the user working in the facility 1 is interrupted.

[0078] Further, for example, in the energy-saving control system 10, the selection unit 32d further selects at least one movement destination area candidate 6b that is a candidate for prompting the user of at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off to move, in order from the area 2 with the highest power usage efficiency among the areas 2 where the power usage efficiency exceeds the reference value. The notification unit 32f notifies the user of at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off among the users of the facility 1 of notification information including the notification that the area 2 used by the user corresponds to at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off and the movement instruction to at least one movement destination area candidate 6b.

[0079] Such an energy-saving control system 10 can select a relatively small number of areas 2 as candidate destination areas 6b in order to select the candidate destination areas 6b in order from the area with the highest power usage efficiency. Therefore, the energy-saving control system 10 can control so that the energy-saving target value of the facility 1 is not exceeded by the movement of users among a relatively small number of areas 2. Therefore, the energy-saving control system 10 can efficiently achieve the energy-saving of the facility 1.

[0080] Also, for example, in the energy-saving control system 10, the notification unit 32f notifies at least one candidate destination area 6b to the users in at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off, in the order of proximity to the area 2 used by the user or in the order of high power usage efficiency.

[0081] Such an energy-saving control system 10 can achieve the energy-saving of the facility 1 in a way that does not burden the users in at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off, or in a more energy-efficient way.

[0082] Also, for example, in the energy-saving control system 10, the second acquisition unit 32b further acquires the identification information (for example, MAC address or IP address, etc.) of the information terminal (for example, the second information terminal 20) possessed by the user of the facility 1, and the notification unit 32f outputs the notification information together with the identification information (for example, MAC address or IP address, etc.) of the information terminal (for example, the second information terminal 20) possessed by the user in at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off among the users of the facility 1, thereby notifying the notification information to the users in at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off.

[0083] Such an energy-saving control system 10 can notify notification information only to users in at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off. In addition, since the energy-saving control system 10 can present the notification information on the second information terminal 20 held by the users in the area 2a, the possibility of reliably conveying the notification information to the users in the area 2a is increased. Therefore, according to the energy-saving control system 10, the possibility of preventing the disadvantage that the work of the users in the area 2a is interrupted due to the power supply of the facility 3 being turned off is increased.

[0084] Also, for example, in the energy-saving control system 10, the control unit (for example, the first information terminal 5) performs control to turn off the power supply of the facility 3 in the area 2a when the number of users in at least one area 2a where the power supply of the facility 3 is turned off becomes 0.

[0085] In such an energy-saving control system 10, the power supply of the facility 3 in the area 2a is turned off after the users in the area 2a have evacuated from the area 2a. Therefore, according to the energy-saving control system 10, it is possible to surely prevent the disadvantage that the work of the users in the area 2a is interrupted due to the power supply of the facility 3 being turned off.

[0086] Also, for example, in the energy-saving control system 10, the energy-saving target value is the demand target value within a 30-minute time limit set by power demand control.

[0087] Such an energy-saving control system 10 can suppress abnormal energy consumption and can also suppress an increase in the electricity bill to be paid.

[0088] The energy-saving control method further includes: a setting step (S01 in FIG. 3) for setting an energy-saving target value for Facility 1; a first acquisition step (S04) for acquiring the power consumption of each of a plurality of areas 2 in Facility 1; a second acquisition step (S07) for acquiring the number of users in each of the plurality of areas 2; a calculation step (S10) for calculating the power usage efficiency of each of the plurality of areas 2 based on the power consumption and the number of users acquired for each of the plurality of areas 2; predicting the total power consumption of Facility 1 at a predetermined time (e.g., 1 hour) after the time when the power consumption is acquired based on the power consumption acquired in the first acquisition step (S04), and if it is determined (Yes in S09) that the energy-saving target value is exceeded at the predetermined time (e.g., 1 hour) based on the predicted total power consumption, a selection step (S11) for selecting at least one area 2a from among the areas 2 where the power usage efficiency is lower than the reference value among the plurality of areas 2 so as to turn off the power supply of equipment 3; and a control step (S17) for performing control to turn off the power supply of the equipment 3 in at least one area 2a selected in the selection step (S11).

[0089] Such an energy-saving control method can, for example, calculate the power usage efficiency of each area 2 by dividing the power consumption of each area 2 by the number of users in that area 2, and thus can select, as area 2a where the power supply of equipment 3 in the area 2 with low usage efficiency by users is turned off. In other words, the power supply of equipment 3 can be turned off from the area 2 with a lot of waste. Therefore, the energy-saving control method can efficiently achieve the energy-saving of Facility 1.

[0090] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0091] For example, in the above embodiment, the energy-saving control system is realized by a plurality of devices, but it may also be realized as a single device. For example, the energy-saving control system may be realized as a single device corresponding to a server device. When the energy-saving control system is realized by a plurality of devices, the components (especially functional components) included in the energy-saving control system may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner. For example, some or all of the functional components included in the server device may be provided by the first information terminal.

[0092] Also, the information transmission path in the above embodiment is an example and is not particularly limited. When two devices transmit and receive information by communication in the above embodiment, a relay device (not shown) may be interposed between the two devices.

[0093] Also, in the above embodiment, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of a plurality of processes may be changed, or a plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.

[0094] Also, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0095] Also, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits respectively. Also, these circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits respectively.

[0096] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented in a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented in any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0097] For example, the present invention may be implemented as an energy-saving control method executed by a computer such as an energy-saving control system, or may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute such an energy-saving control method. The present invention may be implemented as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0098] In addition, forms obtained by applying various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to each embodiment, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0099] 1 Facility 2, 2a, 2b Area 3 Equipment 5 First Information Terminal 6a Area Candidate 6b Destination Area Candidate 10 Energy-Saving Control System 24 Reception Unit 32a First Acquisition Unit 32b Second Acquisition Unit 32c Calculation Unit 32d Selection Unit 32f Notification Unit 34 Setting Unit

Claims

1. A first acquisition unit that acquires the power consumption of each of a plurality of areas within a facility; A second acquisition unit that acquires the number of users in each of the plurality of areas; A notification unit that notifies the users of the facility of notification information based on the power usage efficiency calculated based on the power consumption and the number of users acquired for each of the plurality of areas; Comprising: A notification system.

2. Furthermore, A setting unit that sets an energy-saving target value for the facility; Based on the power consumption acquired by the first acquisition unit, predicts the total power consumption of the facility at a predetermined time after the time when the power consumption was acquired, and if it is determined that the energy-saving target value will be exceeded at the predetermined time based on the predicted total power consumption, selects at least one area among the areas where the power usage efficiency is below the reference value among the plurality of areas to turn off the equipment power supply so as to be below the energy-saving target value, and a selection unit; The notification unit notifies the users of the facility of the notification information including information on the area where the equipment power supply is turned off and information on the area where the equipment power supply is not turned off among the plurality of areas. The notification system according to Claim 1.

3. The selection unit: Selects at least one area candidate that is a candidate for turning off the equipment power supply, in order from the area with the lowest power usage efficiency among the areas where the power usage efficiency is below the reference value; Predicts the total power consumption when the equipment power supply of the selected at least one area candidate is turned off; If it is determined that the energy-saving target value will not be exceeded at the predetermined time based on the predicted total power consumption, selects the at least one area candidate as at least one area where the equipment power supply is turned off. The notification system according to Claim 2.

4. The notification unit notifies the users of the facility of the notification information before the control to turn off the equipment power supply is performed. The notification system according to Claim 3.

5. The selection unit further: Selects at least one moving destination area candidate that is a candidate for prompting the users of at least one area where the equipment power supply is turned off to move, in order from the area with the highest power usage efficiency among the areas where the power usage efficiency is above the reference value. The notification unit notifies the notification information including, to users in at least one area where the facility power supply is turned off among the users of the facility, a notification that the area where the user is located corresponds to at least one area where the facility power supply is turned off, and an instruction to move to at least one of the candidate destination areas. The notification system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The notification unit notifies the at least one candidate destination area to users in at least one area where the facility power supply is turned off, in order of proximity to the area where the user is located or in order of higher power usage efficiency. The notification system according to claim 5.

7. The second acquisition unit further acquires identification information of an information terminal possessed by a user of the facility. The notification unit notifies the notification information to users in at least one area where the facility power supply is turned off by outputting the notification information together with the identification information of the information terminal possessed by the user in at least one area where the facility power supply is turned off among the users of the facility. The notification system according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The energy saving target value is a demand target value within a 30-minute time limit set by power demand control. The notification system according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

9. The second acquisition unit acquires the number of users in each of the plurality of areas calculated at a predetermined cycle based on at least one of the position information of the users of the facility and the access information of the information terminal possessed by the user to the network access point in the facility. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A first acquisition step of acquiring the power usage amount in each of a plurality of areas in the facility; A second acquisition step of acquiring the number of users in each of the plurality of areas; A notification step of notifying users of the facility of notification information based on the power usage efficiency calculated based on the power usage amount and the number of users acquired for each of the plurality of areas; including Notification method.

11. For causing a computer to execute the notification method according to claim 10 Program.

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