Power management device, power management method, and air conditioning system

Abstract

To visualize electric energy reduced by demand control.SOLUTION: A power management device according to the present invention comprises: a power management unit for managing the presence or absence of demand control that is power saving control for air conditioning devices belonging to a plurality of systems, and reduced electric energy generated in the systems or in a building including the plurality of systems due to the demand control; and an output processing unit for displaying the presence or absence of the demand control and the reduced electric energy on one screen in time series.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power management device, a power management method, and an air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, large-scale electricity consumers such as office buildings and factories have been facing the challenge of minimizing the impact of electricity rate hikes caused by soaring fuel prices. One of the factors that determines electricity rates is the contracted power. The contracted power is determined according to the consumer's "maximum demand value." The maximum demand value is the "maximum value of the average power consumption over 30 minutes" over the past year. Consumers can reduce their contracted power by controlling the maximum demand value. The majority of electricity demand in office buildings is related to air conditioning equipment. Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe technologies for managing the power consumption of air conditioning equipment.

[0003] When the air conditioning device of Patent Document 1 performs demand operation in response to its own power consumption reaching a preset upper limit, it displays the power consumption in chronological order and also displays a message that demand operation has been performed.The energy billing system of Patent Document 2 displays, on the same graph, actual energy usage data acquired by a meter and information that serves as the basis for judging the validity of the actual usage data (past actual usage data, etc.), and helps the user discover, for example, a mistake in changing the meter connection when a tenant in a building moves. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-164188 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-139730 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Consumers are interested not just in lowering the maximum demand value, but also in knowing the specific amount of power saved by lowering the maximum demand value. The air conditioner of Patent Document 1 and the energy billing system of Patent Document 2 do not focus on displaying the difference between the amount of power consumed when demand control is performed on the air conditioner and the amount of power consumed when demand control is not performed. Therefore, it is difficult for consumers (e.g., tenants in an office building) to realize the effect of their efforts. Therefore, the present invention aims to visualize the amount of power saved by demand control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The power management device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a power management unit that manages whether or not demand control, which is power saving control for air conditioning equipment belonging to multiple systems, is being performed, and the amount of reduced power that has occurred in the system or in a building that includes the multiple systems due to the demand control, and an output processing unit that displays the whether or not the demand control is being performed and the amount of reduced power in chronological order on a single screen. Other means will be described in the detailed description of the invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to visualize the amount of power reduced by demand control. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a power management device. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of device information. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reduced power consumption display screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reduced power consumption display screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting and monitoring screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electric energy display screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electric energy display screen. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a processing procedure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, etc. The present embodiment is an example in which an electricity consumer (who is also a user of the power management device) performs demand control on air conditioning equipment, etc., and visually recognizes the effect as reduced power consumption.

[0010] (power management device) 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a power management device 1. The power management device 1 is a general-purpose computer, and includes a central control device 11, input devices 12 such as a camera, microphone, mouse, and keyboard, output devices 13 such as a speaker and display, a main memory device 14, an auxiliary memory device 15, and a communication device 16.

[0011] The input processing unit 21, power management unit 22, and output processing unit 23 in the main memory device 14 are programs. In the following explanation, when an entity is described as "XX unit," it means that the central control device 11 reads the program from the auxiliary memory device 15 to the main memory device 14 and realizes the function of the program (details will be described later). The auxiliary memory device 15 stores device information 31, weather information 32, and power consumption prediction model 33 (details will be described later). The auxiliary memory device 15 may be configured as an independent unit in a separate housing.

[0012] In addition to the power management device 1, there are a network 3, a load 7, an external information device 8, and multiple systems 2. Generally, an office building or the like has multiple systems 2, for example, on each floor. Each individual system 2 has one control terminal 9, one outdoor unit 4, and multiple indoor units 5. One indoor unit 5 is placed for one air-conditioned section (such as a room) that is isolated in terms of air conditioning. Note that the term "air conditioning equipment" is a concept that includes the outdoor unit 4 and the indoor unit 5.

[0013] The outdoor unit 4 and each indoor unit 5 are connected by refrigerant pipes 6. As is well known, the refrigerant passes through the refrigerant pipes 6 and circulates from the outdoor unit 4 to the indoor unit 5, and so on. When the refrigerant changes state between liquid and gas phases, it absorbs energy equivalent to the heat of vaporization from the room (cooling operation) or dissipates energy equivalent to the heat of condensation into the room (heating operation). The outdoor unit 4 has a compressor (not shown) that compresses the refrigerant. Of the power consumed by system 2, the power consumed by the outdoor unit 4 is significantly larger, sometimes accounting for approximately 90%. In this embodiment, the "system" refers to a connection via a refrigerant and is not directly related to a system in the sense of, for example, receiving power from the same main line within a building.

[0014] Loads 7 exist outside each system 2. The loads 7 are devices that consume power other than the outdoor units 4 and the indoor units 5. The number of loads 7 is arbitrary. The loads 7 may generate heat themselves and thus become air conditioning loads.

[0015] The outdoor unit 4 and the indoor unit 5 are connected to the power management device 1 via a control terminal 9 and a network 3. The load 7 and an external information device 8 are also connected to the power management device 1 via the network 3. The external information device 8 is operated by a government agency or the like and stores past, present, and future (forecasted) meteorological information (weather and temperature) for various locations in chronological order. The outdoor unit 4 and the load 7 transmit the amount of power they have consumed in chronological order to the power management device 1. The indoor unit 5 has a temperature sensor and a remote control (not shown). The temperature sensor measures the indoor temperature. The remote control accepts user input of the indoor temperature setting, etc. The indoor unit 5 transmits the indoor temperature and the set temperature to the power management device 1. Note that the term "air conditioning system" is a concept that includes the power management device 1, the outdoor unit 4, and the indoor unit 5.

[0016] (Demand control) Demand control broadly refers to all control on the grid 2 that is performed for the purpose of saving power consumption. In this embodiment, there are the following two types of demand control. Demand control can be said to be exceptional (more intentional) control compared to normal control.

[0017] <1> Correcting the set temperature entered for indoor unit 5 For example, in summer, a user (a building user, including a resident) inputs "set temperature = 26°C." This set temperature is somewhat low (allowing for room for power saving). The power management device 1 adds, for example, "2°C" to the set temperature, resulting in "modified set temperature = 28°C." For example, in winter, the user inputs "set temperature = 25°C." This set temperature is slightly high (allowing for some power saving). The power management device 1 subtracts, for example, "3°C" from the set temperature to arrive at "corrected set temperature = 22°C." In either case, the relationship "corrected set temperature = set temperature ± predetermined correction width" holds true.

[0018] <2> Setting the upper limit power for outdoor unit 4 The outdoor unit 4 continues to operate the compressor and supply refrigerant to the indoor unit 5 until the indoor temperature nearly matches the set temperature (or the corrected set temperature). Unless special measures are taken, the outdoor unit 4 will continue to operate at the maximum power consumption specified in the design. Therefore, the user sets an artificial upper power limit at a level lower than the maximum power consumption specified in the design. The upper power limit here is an instantaneous value (kW). Furthermore, the upper power limit may be a numerical value itself, or may be a ratio to the maximum power consumption specified in the design.

[0019] (Device information) Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of device information 31. In the device information 31, in association with the system name stored in a system name field 101, the device name field 102 stores a device name, the indoor unit set temperature field 103 stores an indoor unit set temperature, the outdoor unit upper limit power field 104 stores an outdoor unit upper limit power, the actual power amount field 105 stores an actual power amount, the predicted power amount field 106 stores a predicted power amount, the demand control target flag field 107 stores a demand control target flag, and the priority field 108 stores a priority. One piece of device information 31 is created for each day. Note that various numerical values shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 7 (e.g., the indoor temperature 55a shown in Fig. 5) may also be included in Fig. 2.

[0020] The system name in the system name column 101 is the name of system 2. The system name here is also an identifier that uniquely identifies system 2. Note that although the load is not a system, it is stored here in parallel with the system. The device names in the device name column 102 are the names of the outdoor unit 4 and the indoor unit 5. The device names here are also identifiers that uniquely identify the outdoor unit 4 and the indoor unit 5. The device names here are stored hierarchically so that it is possible to know which outdoor unit 4 is connected to which indoor unit 5.

[0021] The indoor unit set temperature in the indoor unit set temperature field 103 is a 48-dimensional vector whose elements are the set temperatures for the indoor units 5. Each dimension corresponds to a time period obtained by dividing a 24-hour day into 30-minute intervals (and so on). That is, the first element is the set temperature from 0:00 to 0:30, and the last element is the set temperature from 23:30 to 0:00. A "#" is used to abbreviate different numerical values (and so on). A "*" to the right of a "#" indicates that the set temperature is the corrected set temperature described above. The user can decide which time period's "#" is followed by a "*", and how many time periods' "*" is followed by a "#". The indoor unit set temperature is stored only for the indoor unit 5. Note that the indoor unit set temperature here refers to the temperature that the power management device 1 sets for the indoor unit 5 when demand control for the indoor unit 5 is required.

[0022] The outdoor unit upper limit power in the outdoor unit upper limit power column 104 is a 48-dimensional vector whose elements are the upper limit power for the outdoor unit 4. The first element is the upper limit power from 0:00 to 0:30, and the last element is the upper limit power from 23:30 to 0:00. A "*" to the right of a "#" indicates that the upper limit power is the artificial upper limit power described above. In other words, a "#" without an "*" is the maximum power consumption in the design described above. It is up to the user to decide which time period a "*" is attached to and how many time periods a "*" is attached to. The outdoor unit upper limit power is stored only for the outdoor unit 4. The indoor unit temperature setting and the outdoor unit upper limit power each correspond to "setting conditions for the air conditioning equipment."

[0023] The actual power amount in the actual power amount column 105 is a 48-dimensional vector whose elements are the amounts of power actually consumed by the outdoor unit 4 and the load 7. The first element is the actual power amount from 0:00 to 0:30, and the last element is the actual power amount from 23:30 to 0:00. The actual power amounts are stored for the outdoor unit 4 and the load 7.

[0024] The predicted power amount in the predicted power amount column 106 is a 48-dimensional vector whose elements are the power amounts predicted in the past by the power management unit 22 using (or without using) the power amount prediction model 33. The first element is the predicted power amount from 0:00 to 0:30, and the last element is the predicted power amount from 23:30 to 0:00. The predicted power amount is stored only for the outdoor unit 4. The power amount prediction model 33 will be described later.

[0025] The demand control target flag in the demand control target flag column 107 is either "○" or "●". "○" indicates that the outdoor unit 4 or the indoor unit 5 is currently subject to demand control. "●" indicates that the outdoor unit 4 or the indoor unit 5 is not currently subject to demand control. There are cases where "○" or "●" is set for only the indoor unit (system K0), and cases where "○" or "●" is set for only the outdoor unit (system K1).

[0026] The priority in the priority column 108 is the priority for which demand control is actually performed (priority for demand control). Priority is stored only for the outdoor unit 4 or indoor unit 5 for which the demand control target flag is "○".

[0027] (Calculation of power reduction amount by power management unit) The power management unit 22 can also calculate the amount of reduced power. For example, the power management unit 22 calculates the actual power amount when demand control was performed within a predetermined period retroactively from the present time (first actual power amount) and the actual power amount when demand control was not performed (second actual power amount). The first actual power amount and the second actual power amount are, for example, average values of power amounts over a 30-minute time period. The power management unit 22 determines the difference obtained by subtracting the first actual power amount from the second actual power amount as the reduced power amount. For example, if the predetermined period is 30 minutes, there may be cases where demand control was performed slightly but not for 30 consecutive minutes. In this case, the power management unit 22 may regard the actual power amount for that period as the first actual power amount. An example of using the power amount prediction model 33 will be described later.

[0028] The actual power consumption (power consumption) of the outdoor unit 4 does not stabilize until a sufficient time has passed after the control of the outdoor unit 4 or the indoor unit 5 is switched from normal control to demand control. Similarly, the actual power consumption (power consumption) of the outdoor unit 4 does not stabilize until a sufficient time has passed after the control of the outdoor unit 4 or the indoor unit 5 is switched from demand control to normal control. Therefore, the power management unit 22 does not use (ignore) the actual power consumption during a predetermined "exclusion period" immediately after the switch. The exclusion period is, for example, 10 minutes.

[0029] (Electricity consumption forecast model) The power management unit 22 can also calculate the amount of power to be reduced using the power amount prediction model 33. Now, assume a function F that takes the indoor unit temperature setting, the outdoor unit upper limit power, and the air temperature as input variables and outputs the predicted amount of power. Estimated power consumption = F (indoor unit set temperature, outdoor unit upper limit power, temperature)

[0030] The power amount prediction model 33 of this embodiment realizes this function F as a neural network. The power amount prediction model 33 can output the predicted power amount for each system or for each building including multiple systems. In practice, the actual power amount of the outdoor unit 4 is considered to be equal to the actual power amount of its system 2. Similarly, the predicted power amount of the outdoor unit 4 is considered to be equal to the predicted power amount of its system 2.

[0031] The power consumption prediction model 33 as a neural network has an input layer, multiple intermediate layers, and an output layer. Each intermediate layer has multiple nodes. A "weight vector" is defined for each node in the intermediate layer, which defines how much information a node receives and to which node in the next intermediate layer it passes on. The power management unit 22 optimizes the weight vector by machine learning the power consumption prediction model 33 using supervised learning data. The supervised learning data is a combination of past values of the input variables and past values of the output variables. When device information 31 is created and accumulated for each day in the past, the collection of device information 31 ultimately becomes supervised learning data.

[0032] When the indoor unit set temperature, outdoor unit upper limit power, and air temperature in the case where no demand control is performed are input to the machine-learned power amount prediction model 33, the power amount prediction model 33 outputs the predicted power amount in the case where no demand control is performed. Note that it is sufficient for the power amount prediction model 33 to input at least the setting conditions for the air conditioning equipment (each of the indoor unit set temperature, outdoor unit upper limit power, and air temperature). However, other variables such as indoor temperature may also be input, and unnecessary variables may be excluded.

[0033] The difference obtained by subtracting the actual amount of power when demand control is performed from the estimated amount of power when demand control is not performed is the reduced amount of power 70 .

[0034] Generally, there are fewer opportunities to use air conditioning equipment at night. As a result, the accuracy of the predicted power consumption during nighttime hours is lower than during the daytime. Therefore, a power consumption prediction model 33 for daytime and a power consumption prediction model 33 for nighttime may be prepared separately. Furthermore, a power consumption prediction model 33 may be prepared for each time period in more detail.

[0035] For the sake of convenience, hereinafter, an example of a screen displayed on output device 13 by power management apparatus 1 will be described first, and then the processing procedure executed by power management apparatus 1 will be described.

[0036] (Reduced power amount display screen) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a reduced power amount display screen 41. On the reduced power amount display screen 41, 30-minute time periods are arranged horizontally in chronological order. Originally, 48 time periods should be displayed, but only a portion of them are displayed here due to space limitations (the same applies to FIGS. 4 to 7). The reduced power amount and the system name of each system are arranged vertically. A square in the system name row that is shaded with diagonal lines slanting downward to the right indicates that demand control was performed in that system during that time period. A square in the system name row that is not shaded indicates that demand control was not performed in that system during that time period. Note that the squares may be distinguished in a manner other than "shading," for example, by color (the same applies to FIGS. 4 to 7).

[0037] Looking at the row for the amount of reduced power, the squares for the time periods in which demand control was performed in at least one system are shaded with diagonal lines going up to the right. Furthermore, the shaded squares display the amount of reduced power (the amount of reduced power generated in the entire building including multiple systems, in kWh) with a "▽" next to it. When the user selects a shaded square with the input device 12 (mouse), the amount of reduced power for each system is displayed. For example, when the user selects square "▽8" at "8:30," "(2,2,0,2,2,0,0)" is displayed.

[0038] Looking at Figure 3 as a whole, we can see, for example: An office building has seven train systems. On one day, demand control was performed for most of the working hours, except for the 60 minutes from 9:00 and 15:00, when demand control was not performed. The number of time periods during which demand control was performed differed for each system, with system K0 having the most and system K5 having the least. During the time periods when demand control was performed in at least one grid, the amount of reduced power consumption was recorded. In other words, the demand control was effective. The more grids that implement demand control during a certain time period, the greater the amount of power reduction. The contribution to reduced power consumption can be considered to be 2kWh per system.

[0039] Now, let us assume that the user selects "system K0" using the input device 12 (such as a mouse), and the screen then transitions to the reduced power amount display screen 41 shown in FIG.

[0040] Fig. 4 is also a diagram showing an example of the reduced power amount display screen 41. In Fig. 4, rows for indoor units B0, B1, ..., and B5 belonging to system K0 are displayed in the hierarchical level immediately below the row for system K0. Shaded squares in the rows for indoor units indicate that demand control was performed for that indoor unit during that time period. Unshaded squares in the rows for indoor units indicate that demand control was not performed for that indoor unit during that time period. Note that the additional display of the row for indoor units in Fig. 4 is merely an example, and a row for outdoor units may also be displayed.

[0041] Looking at Figure 4 as a whole, we can see, for example: During the 60 minutes from 10:30, demand control was performed on all indoor units in system K0. The number of time periods during which demand control was performed differed for each indoor unit, with indoor units B2 and B3 having the most and indoor units B0 and B5 having the least.

[0042] (Settings / Monitoring screen) Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the setting and monitoring screen 51. The setting and monitoring screen 51 is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning zones of a building having multiple floors (a clinic in the example of Fig. 5) as viewed from the side. The grid 52 for each air conditioning zone displays the following items.

[0043] -Type of equipment installed in the air-conditioning section (outdoor unit or indoor unit)53 Name of air-conditioned area (hospital room, examination room, hall, etc.) 53 Since the outdoor unit is usually placed on a balcony, rooftop, etc., the name of the air conditioning section for the outdoor unit may be omitted. Current operating information 54 "Stopped" indicates that the air conditioner is stopped. "Demand controlled" indicates that the air conditioner is operating with demand control being performed. "Operating" indicates that the air conditioner is operating without demand control being performed. Condition image column 55 The status image field 55 displays the following:

[0044] Current indoor temperature in the air-conditioned compartment: 55a For outdoor units, the temperature (outside air temperature) is not displayed. Icon 55b showing current operating information A black fan indicates that it is “stopped,” a white fan indicates that it is “operating,” and a fan surrounded by a circle indicates that it is “under demand control.” These may be distinguished by color, not just grayscale. Demand control target flag 55c Current priority 55d "000" indicates that the priority is not defined because the item is not subject to demand control.

[0045] The user can specify a square 52 at any time and set or change each of the above items now or in the future. However, whether or not demand control is executed as a result of the setting or change is determined by the power management device 1 depending on the power surplus or shortage, etc. Now, let's say the user selects the second square 52 from the left on the top row. Then, a demand control setting field 56 appears on the setting and monitoring screen 51. In the demand control setting field 56, the user sets either "operation," "stop," or "demand control" for the equipment in the air conditioning section for each time period (colorless squares are shaded).

[0046] (Electric energy display screen) 6 is a diagram showing an example of the power consumption display screen 61. The power consumption display screen 61 is roughly divided into an upper graph section and a lower table section. The upper graph section displays the following: ·Air conditioner power consumption 65 This is the time-series actual amount of power (kWh) consumed by the outdoor unit 4. Of the outdoor unit 4, indoor unit 5, and control terminal 9 included in system 2, the outdoor unit 4 generally has an exceptionally large amount of power, so here the air conditioner power amount 65 is represented by the actual amount of power of the outdoor unit 4, but the actual amounts of power of the outdoor unit 4 and the indoor unit 5, or the outdoor unit 4, the indoor unit 5, and the control terminal 9 may also be used as the air conditioner power amount 65. ·Power consumption other than air conditioners 64 This is the actual amount of power (kWh) consumed over time by the load 7. Note that the amount of power other than air conditioners 64 may be obtained by subtracting the air conditioner power amount 65 from the amount of power consumed by the entire building. ·Target power amount 62 This is the sum (kWh) of the power consumption amounts of the outdoor unit 4 and the load 7 over time, which is set as a target by the user. Estimated power consumption 63 This is the time-series predicted power amount (kWh) calculated by the power management unit 22 (power amount prediction model 33). The predicted power amount in Fig. 6 is the predicted power amount in the case where demand control is not performed. Note that the predicted power amount may be calculated as the sum of the predicted power amounts of individual devices, or as the predicted power amount for the entire building. Numerical summary column 66 This is a column that summarizes the air conditioner power consumption and the like for the time period ("13:00" in FIG. 6) that the user specifies via an input device such as a mouse. If the user does not specify a time period, the numerical value summary column 66 will not be displayed.

[0047] The table at the bottom shows the following: Weather Icon 69 This is based on time-series weather information acquired from the external information device 8. Temperature 68 This is also based on time-series weather information acquired from the external information device 8. Control period specification column 67 The squares in the column are either densely or sparsely shaded. Densely shaded areas indicate that demand control was scheduled to be performed on at least one air conditioner during that time period (regardless of whether demand control was actually performed). Sparsely shaded areas indicate that demand control is scheduled to be performed on at least one air conditioner during that time period. The current time is just after 1:30 PM. Legend 71 This is the legend for the graph section. Unlike the numerical summary section 66, the legend 71 is always displayed.

[0048] FIG. 7 is also a diagram showing an example of the reduced power amount display screen 41. Compared to FIG. 6, in FIG. 7, a reduced power amount 70 is additionally displayed in the graph portion at the top. Here, the reduced power amount 70 is the difference obtained by subtracting the past actual power amount when demand control is performed from the past actual power amount when demand control is not performed, as described above. The power management unit 22 outputs the past actual power amount when demand control is not performed and the past actual power amount when demand control is performed. Note that the reduced power amount 70 may also be the difference obtained by subtracting the actual power amount from the predicted power amount when demand control is not performed. The graph portion at the top of the power amount display screen 61 in FIGS. 6 and 7 displays numerical values for each system 2 or for the entire building including multiple systems 2, in response to a user operation.

[0049] In the graph portion of Fig. 7, from the bottom up, air conditioner power amount 65, power amount other than air conditioner power amount 64, and reduced power amount 70 are piled up. Of these, air conditioner power amount 65 and power amount other than air conditioner power amount 64 are the power amounts themselves, while reduced power amount 70 is the difference between the power amounts. In other words, in Fig. 7, the power amount corresponding to the top side of the rectangle for reduced power amount 70 is the level at which "power will be consumed up to this point if demand control is not performed."

[0050] (Processing Procedure) 8 is a flowchart of the processing procedure. An example of performing demand control on the outdoor unit 4 and the indoor unit 5 will be described below.

[0051] In step S201, the power management device 1 accepts settings such as control for devices. Specifically, first, the output processing unit 23 displays a setting and monitoring screen 51 (FIG. 5) on the output device 13. At this stage, each square 52 on the setting and monitoring screen 51 shows current operation information 54 and the like. The power management unit 22 acquires the indoor temperature in real time from the temperature sensor of each indoor unit 5, refers to the latest device information 31 (FIG. 2), and passes the information necessary to display the setting and monitoring screen 51 to the output processing unit 23.

[0052] Second, the input processing unit 21 accepts the user's designation of any one of the squares 52 and the chronological setting of "operation", "stop" or "demand control" in the demand control setting field 56. When changing the "predetermined correction range" described above, the user inputs a new correction range such as "±2", "+1, -2" or the like in the "demand control" square. Third, the power management unit 22 updates the "#" for the time period in which "demand control" is set with "#*" among the indoor unit temperature setting and / or outdoor unit upper limit power in the device information 31. The power management unit 22 maintains the "#" for the time period in which "demand control" is not set among the indoor unit temperature setting and / or outdoor unit upper limit power in the device information 31.

[0053] In step S202, the power management device 1 calculates the predicted amount of power. Specifically, first, the power management unit 22 inputs the indoor unit temperature setting and / or the outdoor unit upper limit power that were updated in “third” of step 201 to the power amount prediction model 33 that has undergone machine learning, and obtains the predicted amount of power output by the power amount prediction model 33. Second, the power management unit 22 inputs the indoor unit set temperature and / or outdoor unit upper limit power that were maintained as they were in “third” of step 201 into the machine-learned power consumption prediction model 33, and obtains the predicted power consumption output by the power consumption prediction model 33. Third, the power management unit 22 subtracts the estimated power amount acquired in the "first" step S202 from the estimated power amount acquired in the "second" step S202 to acquire the reduced power amount.

[0054] The power management unit 22 may calculate the amount of reduced power consumption by the method described above in "Calculation of reduced power consumption by the power management unit" without using the power consumption prediction model 33.

[0055] In step S203, the power management device 1 updates the device information 31. Specifically, the power management unit 22 stores the updated "#*" or the unchanged "#" in the indoor unit temperature setting field 103 and / or outdoor unit upper limit power field 104 of the device information 31 in the "third" of step S201. The power management unit 22 stores the information acquired in step S202 in the expected power amount field 106. At this time, the power management unit 22 may store in the expected power amount field 106 the expected power amount acquired in the "first" of step S202, or the expected power amount acquired in the "second" of step S202, or may store both.

[0056] The processes of steps S202 and S203 are repeatedly executed for all systems. Thereafter, the input processing unit 21 acquires actual power amounts from the outdoor unit 4 and the load 7 in chronological order. The power management unit 22 stores the actual power amounts acquired by the input processing unit 21 in the actual power amount column 105 of the device information 31. In other words, the power management unit 22 manages whether or not demand control, which is power-saving control for air conditioning equipment belonging to multiple systems 2, is being performed, and the amount of power reduction that has occurred in system 2 or in the entire building including multiple systems 2 due to the demand control. Note that in this embodiment, the building is the entire building, but the amount of power reduction that has occurred in part of the building may also be managed.

[0057] The processing up to this point is often executed after the end of business on the previous day or before the start of business on the current day. At any point during business hours on the current day, the user can input an instruction via the input device 12 to display the reduced power amount display screen 41, the setting and monitoring screen 51, and / or the power amount display screen 61.

[0058] In step S204, the power management device 1 determines whether or not an instruction to display the reduced power amount display screen 41 has been received. Specifically, if the input processing unit 21 has received an instruction from the user to display the reduced power amount display screen 41 (step S204 "Yes"), the input processing unit 21 proceeds to step S205. Otherwise (step S204 "No"), the input processing unit 21 proceeds to step S206 (or may remain in standby in step S204).

[0059] In step S205, the power management device 1 displays the reduced power amount display screen 41. Specifically, first, the power management unit 22 references the device information 31 and acquires information necessary to display the reduced power amount display screen 41 (such as the reduced power amount for each time period and whether or not demand control "*" is enabled). Second, the output processing unit 23 displays the reduced power consumption display screen 41 (FIG. 3) on the output device 13. Thirdly, when the input processing unit 21 receives an operation by the user to select, for example, "system K0," the output processing unit 23 displays on the output device 13 a reduced power consumption display screen 41 (Figure 4) having rows for indoor units belonging to system K0.

[0060] In step S206, the power management device 1 determines whether or not an instruction to display the power amount display screen 61 has been received. Specifically, if the input processing unit 21 has received an instruction from the user to display the power amount display screen 61 (step S206 "Yes"), the input processing unit 21 proceeds to step S207. Otherwise (step S206 "No"), the input processing unit 21 proceeds to step S208 (or may wait in step S206).

[0061] In step S207, the power management device 1 displays the power amount display screen 61. Specifically, first, the power management unit 22 references the device information 31 and acquires information necessary to display the power amount display screen 61 (such as the actual power amount, predicted power amount, and presence or absence of demand control "*" for each time period). If there is a time period for which the actual power amount cannot be acquired, the power management unit 22 interpolates the actual power amount for that time period using the acquired actual power amounts for the previous and following time periods. Second, the output processing unit 23 displays the power amount display screen 61 (FIG. 6 or FIG. 7) on the output device 13. The output processing unit 23 displays the interpolated actual power amount in a manner different from other actual power amounts (for example, in a different color).

[0062] In step S208, the power management device 1 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to display the setting and monitoring screen 51. Specifically, if the input processing unit 21 has received an instruction from the user to display the setting and monitoring screen 51 (step S208 "Yes"), it proceeds to step S209. Otherwise (step S208 "No"), the input processing unit 21 ends the processing procedure (it may remain in standby in step S208).

[0063] In step S209, the power management device 1 displays the setting and monitoring screen 51. Specifically, first, the power management unit 22 references the device information 31 and acquires information necessary to display the setting and monitoring screen 51 (demand control target flag, priority, presence or absence of demand control "*" for each time period, etc.), as well as the value of the temperature sensor of the indoor unit 5. Second, the output processing unit 23 displays the setting and monitoring screen 51 (FIG. 5) on the output device 13. After that, the processing procedure ends.

[0064] (Screen display at start) At the start of the processing procedure, the output processing unit 23 may display a "selection screen" on the output device 13. The selection screen is a screen having buttons for requesting the display of the reduced power amount display screen 41, the power amount display screen 61, and the setting and monitoring screen 51, respectively. When the input processing unit 21 receives a user pressing any of the buttons, the output processing unit 23 displays any of the reduced power amount display screen 41, the power amount display screen 61, and the setting and monitoring screen 51 on the output device 13.

[0065] (Variation: Comfort information and priority) Immediately after completion of step S203, the power management unit 22 transmits the information in the device information 31 (such as the indoor unit temperature setting and the outdoor unit upper limit power consumption) to each system 2. At this time, the power management unit 22 transmits the indoor unit temperature setting and / or the outdoor unit upper limit power consumption marked with an "*" in accordance with the priority order (column 108 in FIG. 2). However, even if there is an indoor unit temperature setting and / or an outdoor unit upper limit power consumption marked with an "*", the power management unit 22 may intentionally transmit the indoor unit temperature setting and / or the outdoor unit upper limit power consumption before the "*" was added.

[0066] The power management unit 22 receives comfort information from the indoor unit 5. Comfort information is information about current comfort or discomfort that is input by building users (including residents) in the air-conditioned section of the indoor unit 5 via the remote control of the indoor unit 5. "Comfortable" could be, for example, "the air conditioning is just right," and "uncomfortable" could be "cold" in winter or "hot" in summer. Building users (including residents) can send comfort information to the power management device 1 or its user (administrator) by any method. If building users (including residents) feel "comfortable," they do not need to bother to input that information. Therefore, comfort information basically indicates "uncomfortable."

[0067] Assume that the priorities are "001, 002, 003, and 004." The user (administrator) has preset the number of demand control applications to "2." Furthermore, assume that demand control is set for four air conditioners, each corresponding to "001, 002, 003, and 004," during a specific time period. In this case, the power management unit 22 transmits the indoor unit temperature setting and / or outdoor unit upper limit power consumption marked with an "*" to the air conditioners with priorities "001" and "002." Similarly, the power management unit 22 transmits the indoor unit temperature setting and / or outdoor unit upper limit power consumption before the "*" was added to the air conditioners with priorities "003" and "004." In other words, the power management unit 22 considers that the air conditioning zones corresponding to "001" and "002" will not output comfort information of "uncomfortable," even if the "*" setting is prioritized for the purpose of saving energy.

[0068] Suppose that after a sufficient amount of time has passed, the input processing unit 21 receives comfort information of "uncomfortable" from the air-conditioned section corresponding to "001." In this case, the power management unit 22 changes the priority order as follows: "001" is moved to the end and the others are moved up. Change “001” to “004”. Change “002” to “001”. Change “003” to “002”. Change “004” to “003”.

[0069] Thereafter, the power management unit 22 transmits the indoor unit set temperature and / or outdoor unit upper limit power with an "*" attached to the air conditioner whose priority has been changed to "002". The power management unit 22 transmits the indoor unit set temperature and / or outdoor unit upper limit power before the "*" was attached to the air conditioner whose priority has been changed to "004". Ultimately, with the cooperation of air conditioning zones whose air conditioning effect is relatively less important, air conditioning is performed without restrictions in air conditioning zones whose air conditioning effect is relatively less important.

[0070] Regardless of whether the input processing unit 21 has received the comfort information or not, the power management unit 22 may automatically rotate, for example at a predetermined interval, the air conditioning equipment that will transmit the indoor unit set temperature and / or outdoor unit upper limit power marked with an "*" and the air conditioning equipment that will not transmit.

[0071] (Effects of the embodiment) The power management device of this embodiment has the following advantages. (1) The power management device can display on one screen in chronological order whether or not demand control is being performed on air conditioning equipment belonging to each system, and the amount of power reduction that has occurred in the system or the entire building. (2) The power management device can determine and change the priority of air conditioning equipment that is subject to demand control based on the comfort information. (3) The power management device can hierarchically display whether or not demand control is performed, dividing the system and the air conditioning equipment belonging to the system. (4) The power management device can calculate the amount of power reduction based on whether or not demand control was performed in the past.

[0072] (5) The power management device can calculate the amount of power reduction using a power amount prediction model. (6) The power management device can correlate the presence or absence of demand control, the possibility of being subject to demand control, and the priority level, and then display these on another screen. (7) The power management device can lower the priority if the comfort information is uncomfortable. (8) The power management device can display, in chronological order on another screen, whether or not demand control is being performed, the actual amount of power consumed by the air conditioner, and weather information. (9) The power management device can further display the actual amount of power consumed by the load in chronological order on another screen.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0074] For example, in Figure 1, one system 2 is described for one control terminal 9, but if there are multiple systems 2 for one control terminal 9, multiple outdoor units 4 may be connected to one system 2.

[0075] Furthermore, the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be partly or entirely implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. The above-mentioned configurations, functions, etc. may also be implemented in software, with a processor interpreting and executing a program that implements each function. Information such as the programs, tables, and files that implement each function can be stored in a memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD. In addition, the control lines and information lines shown are those that are considered necessary for the explanation, and do not necessarily show all the control lines and information lines in the product. In reality, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1 Power management device 2 systems 3 Network 4 Outdoor unit 5 Indoor unit 6 Refrigerant pipe 7 Load 8 External information device 9 Control Terminal 11 Central control unit 12 Input Devices 13 Output Devices 14 Main memory 15 Auxiliary storage 16. Communications equipment 21 Input processing section 22 Power Management Department 23 Output Processing Section 31 Device information 32 Weather Information 33 Power consumption forecast model 41 Power reduction display screen 51 Settings and monitoring screen 61 Electric energy display screen

Claims

1. a power management unit that manages whether or not demand control, which is power saving control for air conditioning equipment belonging to a plurality of systems, is performed, and the amount of power reduction that occurs in the system or in a building including the plurality of systems due to the demand control; an output processing unit that displays the presence or absence of the demand control and the reduced power amount in chronological order on one screen; A power management device comprising:

2. an input processing unit that receives comfort information, which is information about the comfort and discomfort of building users at the current time; The power management unit determining and changing the priority of the demand control of the air conditioning equipment that is the target of the demand control based on the comfort information; The power management device of claim 1 .

3. The output processing unit hierarchically displaying the presence or absence of the demand control separately for the system and the air conditioning equipment belonging to the system; The power management device of claim 1 .

4. The power management unit The reduced power amount is calculated by subtracting the amount of power consumption of the air conditioning equipment when the demand control was performed from the amount of power consumption of the air conditioning equipment when the demand control was not performed in the past. The power management device of claim 1 .

5. The power management unit and setting the reduced power amount as a result of subtracting the actual power amount from the predicted power amount obtained as a result of inputting setting conditions related to control into an electric power amount prediction model which inputs at least setting conditions for the air conditioning equipment and outputs the predicted power amount of the air conditioning equipment; The power management device of claim 1 .

6. The output processing unit Displaying on another screen whether or not the demand control is being performed, whether or not the air conditioning equipment is subject to the demand control, and the priority of the air conditioning equipment subject to the demand control in a manner that correlates these information with each other; The power management device of claim 1 .

7. The power management unit Lowering the priority of the air conditioning equipment in the air-conditioned section where the comfort information indicates discomfort; The power management device according to claim 2 .

8. The output processing unit Displaying information on whether or not the demand control period is in progress, the actual amount of power consumed by the air conditioning equipment, and weather information in chronological order on another screen; The power management device of claim 1 .

9. The power management unit Manage the actual power consumption of loads other than the air conditioning equipment, The output processing unit Furthermore, the actual amount of power actually consumed by the load is displayed on the other one screen in chronological order. The power management device of claim 8 .

10. The power management unit of the power management device Manage whether or not demand control, which is power saving control for air conditioning equipment belonging to a plurality of systems, is performed, and the amount of reduced power caused in the system or in a building including the plurality of systems due to the demand control; The output processing unit of the power management device Displaying the presence or absence of the demand control and the reduced power amount in chronological order on one screen; A power management method comprising:

11. An air conditioning system including air conditioning equipment and a power management device belonging to a plurality of systems, The power management device a power management unit that manages whether or not demand control, which is power saving control for the air conditioning equipment, is performed and the amount of reduced power that occurs in the system or in the building including the multiple systems due to the demand control; an output processing unit that displays the presence or absence of the demand control and the reduced power amount in chronological order on one screen; To have An air conditioning system characterized by:

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