Power management system, power management method, and program

Abstract

To automatically determine a target value of a power use amount.SOLUTION: A power management system includes: a target value calculation unit that, on the basis of attribute information indicative of an attribute of a first power consumer; time information indicative of a variable representing an environment which varies according to time and power use amount transition information indicative of transition of the past power use amount of the first power consumer per prescribed time, calculates a target value of a power use amount of each group classified based on the attribute information and the time information; and an output unit that outputs the target values calculated by the target calculation unit to the respective groups.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power management system, a power management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Energy conservation is required when using electrical appliances. Technologies for controlling electrical appliances with the aim of saving energy are known. For example, an air conditioning control system is known that makes it easy for users to decide whether it is more energy-efficient to use an air conditioner with its current settings when the user is away from home, or to turn it off and on again (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Furthermore, target values for power consumption are set. For example, target values for power consumption are set for each day of the week or each time period of the day for power consumers such as stores. The set target values are used to control electrical equipment and to notify power consumers according to their power consumption status. Setting target values for power consumption leads to energy conservation and savings on electricity bills. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-91560 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, it was not possible to set appropriate target values for power consumption unless someone had the necessary know-how. There is a demand for the ability to automatically set target values for power consumption.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a power management system, a power management method, and a program that can automatically set a target value for power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one aspect of the present invention is a power management system comprising: a target value calculation unit that calculates a target value for power consumption for each group classified based on attribute information indicating the attributes of a first power consumer, time information indicating variables that indicate the environment that changes depending on the time of year, and power consumption trend information that indicates the trend in the past power consumption of the first power consumer for each specified time period, based on the attribute information and the time information; and an output unit that outputs the target value calculated by the target value calculation unit for each group.

[0008] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is that, in the above-mentioned power management system, a classification unit is further provided that classifies multiple first power consumers into groups based on the attribute information and the timing information, and the target value calculation unit calculates the target value for each of the groups classified by the classification unit.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described power management system, the target value calculation unit calculates the target value for each group based on a statistical value for each group.

[0010] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is a power management system further comprising: a second power consumer information acquisition unit that acquires the attribute information and the timing information about the second power consumer; a second power consumer classification unit that classifies the second power consumer into the group based on the attribute information and the timing information about the second power consumer; and a second power consumer target value acquisition unit that acquires a target value for power consumption for the second power consumer from the target values for each group output by the output unit based on group information indicating the group into which the second power consumer has been classified by the second power consumer classification unit.

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described power management system, the first power consumer is a store, and the attributes include a business type of the store.

[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described power management system, the attributes further include a population density around the store.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described power management system, the time information includes weather information.

[0014] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is that the above-mentioned power management system further includes a power usage acquisition unit that acquires power usage information indicating the power usage of the first power consumer, and a notification unit that notifies the first power consumer when a predetermined notification condition based on the power usage information acquired by the power usage acquisition unit and the target value calculated by the target value calculation unit is satisfied.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is a power management method including a target value calculation step of calculating a target value for power consumption for each group classified based on attribute information indicating the attributes of a first power consumer, time information indicating variables indicating the environment that changes depending on the time of year, and power consumption trend information indicating the trend in the past power consumption of the first power consumer for each specified time period, and an output step of outputting the target value calculated by the target value calculation step for each group.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a target value calculation step of calculating a target value for power consumption for each group classified based on attribute information indicating the attributes of a first power consumer, time information indicating variables indicating the environment that changes depending on the time of year, and power consumption trend information indicating the trend in the past power consumption of the first power consumer for each specified time period, and an output step of outputting the target value calculated by the target value calculation step for each group. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, the target value of the amount of power consumption can be set automatically. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a power management system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing examples of attribute information A1, time information B1, power usage transition information C1, and target value information D1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a power management system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a target value setting process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a time series of power consumption for a certain power consumer in a specific time period for each day of the week according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a notification process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power management system 1a according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a power management system 1a according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a second target value setting process according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [Configuration of Power Management System 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power management system 1 according to this embodiment. The power management system 1 is a system for automatically setting target values for power consumption for power consumers. The power management system 1 is, for example, a cloud server.

[0020] In this embodiment, the electricity consumers are stores of various types. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the electricity consumers are stores T1, T2, T3, and T4. Stores T1, T2, T3, and T4 are a convenience store, a restaurant, a drugstore, and an automobile dealership, respectively.

[0021] Cubicle-type high-voltage power receiving equipment (hereinafter referred to as "cubicle") is installed in the stores. A cubicle is a piece of equipment housed in a metal outer box that converts high-voltage commercial power supplied by an electric power company or the like into power having a voltage or frequency that conforms to the specifications of the load equipment of the power consumer. In the example shown in Figure 1, stores T1, T2, T3, and T4 are each equipped with a cubicle Q1, a cubicle Q2, a cubicle Q3, and a cubicle Q4.

[0022] A monitoring device is installed in each cubicle. The monitoring device displays various information related to the cubicle. For example, the monitoring device displays the amount of power used measured by a power meter installed in the cubicle. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a monitoring device 21, a monitoring device 22, a monitoring device 23, and a monitoring device 24 are installed in each of cubicles Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. The monitoring device 21, the monitoring device 22, the monitoring device 23, and the monitoring device 24 each communicate with the power management system 1 via the Internet established by the communication network N1.

[0023] Based on attribute information A1, time information B1, and power usage trend information C1, the power management system 1 calculates a target value for power usage for each group classified based on the attribute information A1 and time information B1. The power management system 1 sets the calculated target value for each group as a target value for each power consumer. In the following description, the group classified based on the attribute information A1 and time information B1 will be referred to as group G1.

[0024] Here, the attribute information A1, time information B1, power usage trend information C1, and target value information D1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing examples of the attribute information A1, time information B1, power usage trend information C1, and target value information D1 according to this embodiment. The attribute information A1, time information B1, power usage trend information C1, and target value information D1 are information for each power consumer. In the example shown in FIG. 2, information is shown for two convenience stores, three restaurants, three drugstores, and one car dealership as power consumers. For one convenience store, information in the time information B1 for cases where temperatures are different from each other is shown. For one car dealership, information in the time information B1 for cases where weather information and temperatures are different from each other is shown.

[0025] The attribute information A1 is information indicating the attributes of the electricity consumer. Examples of the attributes indicated by the attribute information A1 include the type of store, the population density around the store, the location conditions of the surrounding area, the number of seats, and the area of the store. In this embodiment, the types of stores include convenience stores, fast food restaurants, restaurants, izakayas, drug stores, clothing stores, and automobile dealerships.

[0026] The population density is indicated, for example, by the population density of the area where the store is located. The area is indicated, for example, by a city, town, or ward. The population density may also be indicated by the population density within a predetermined distance from the store (for example, within a radius of 1 kilometer). The neighborhood location conditions include, for example, facilities such as stations, parks, and schools located near the store, residences, and major roads adjacent to the store.

[0027] As described above, the attribute information A1 includes attributes indicated by categorical variables such as business type and location conditions, and attributes indicated by numerical variables such as population density, number of seats, and store area.

[0028] The attribute information A1 is input in advance by a user. The attribute information A1 is input in advance for each power consumer for whom a target value for power consumption is to be set. The user may be an administrator of the power management system 1 or may be a power consumer (such as a store owner).

[0029] The time information B1 is information indicating variables that indicate the environment that changes depending on the time of year. In this embodiment, the time information B1 indicates variables that indicate the environment that changes from day to day. In FIG. 2, current day information is shown as an example of the time information B1. The current day information includes nearby event information, pedestrian traffic information, and weather information. The nearby event information is information that indicates whether or not an event is being held near the store on a particular day, and the type of event. Furthermore, if a school is located near the store, the events may include classes at the school. The pedestrian traffic information is information that indicates the level of pedestrian traffic near the store on a particular day using a predetermined number of variables. The pedestrian traffic information is indicated by, for example, two types of variables: "high" or "low." The weather information includes the weather, the minimum temperature, and the maximum temperature.

[0030] The time information B1 may indicate variables that indicate an environment that changes every half day or every predetermined time. Furthermore, the time information B1 is indicated mainly by categorical variables, as described above. The time information B1 may also include numerical variables such as minimum and maximum temperatures.

[0031] The time information B1 is obtained, for example, from a predetermined website via the Internet. Regarding the time information B1, current day information is obtained from a website that provides information about various facilities near the store. Foot traffic information is obtained, for example, from a website that provides measured or estimated foot traffic based on location information. Weather information is obtained from a website that provides weather information.

[0032] The time information B1 may be acquired from the local area around the store. For example, the time information B1 may be input from a terminal device by a user such as the store owner or employee. In this case, the user inputs information acquired from a website or various media (such as television or radio) as the time information B1.

[0033] The power consumption trend information C1 is information that indicates the power consumption values for each predetermined time period of the power consumer over a predetermined period in the past. The predetermined time period is, for example, one hour. The predetermined time period may be shorter than one hour, such as 30 minutes. In one example of this embodiment, the power consumption trend information C1 indicates the trend of power consumption by day of the week over the past month.

[0034] 2 shows only the change in power usage over two days, the power usage trend information C1 may include, for example, the change in power usage over one month. The period of change in power usage indicated by the power usage trend information C1 may be shorter or longer than one month. However, it is preferable that the period of change in power usage indicated by the power usage trend information C1 be as long as possible. The power usage amount transition information C1 is generated based on the amount of power usage obtained from the monitoring device for each power consumer.

[0035] The target value information D1 is information indicating the target value of power consumption calculated by the power management system 1. The target value is calculated for each group G1. The target value is also calculated for each predetermined time period of a day. Details of the method for calculating the target value will be described later. Although only some of the time periods of a day are shown in FIG. 2, the target value information D1 includes all of the predetermined time periods of a day. Furthermore, although the target value for only one day is shown in FIG. 2, the target value information D1 includes target values for 365 days.

[0036] By calculating target values for 365 days, it is possible to set target values taking into account seasonal fluctuations in power usage. Note that target values may be calculated only for a predetermined period shorter than 365 days. A predetermined period shorter than 365 days may be, for example, six months, three months, or one month. Furthermore, the target values may be calculated for only some of the time periods of a day, in which case the time periods may differ for each group.

[0037] As described above, the attribute information A1, time information B1, and power usage trend information C1 are acquired in advance. The power management system 1 manages the acquired attribute information A1, time information B1, and power usage trend information C1 as a database. It is preferable that the attribute information A1, time information B1, and power usage trend information C1 be acquired for as many power consumers (stores in one example of this embodiment) as possible. It is preferable that the attribute information A1, time information B1, and power usage trend information C1 be big data.

[0038] In the following description, store T1 may be used as a representative power consumer. The processing details of the power management system 1 for stores T2, T3, and T4 are the same as for store T1.

[0039] [Functional configuration of power management system 1] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the power management system 1 according to this embodiment. The power management system 1 includes a classification unit 10, a target value calculation unit 11, an output unit 12, a power usage acquisition unit 13, a notification unit 14, and a storage unit 15. As described above, the power management system 1 is a cloud server. Therefore, the classification unit 10, the target value calculation unit 11, the output unit 12, the power usage acquisition unit 13, the notification unit 14, and the storage unit 15 are implemented by one or more servers. Therefore, the power management system 1 may be implemented by a single server.

[0040] The classification unit 10, the target value calculation unit 11, the output unit 12, the power consumption acquisition unit 13, and the notification unit 14 are each realized by, for example, a CPU loading a program from a ROM (Read Only Memory) into a RAM (Random Access Memory) and executing processing in accordance with the program. The ROM and RAM are included in the storage unit 15.

[0041] The classification unit 10 classifies a plurality of power consumers into a group G1 based on the attribute information A1 and the time information B1. Based on the attribute information A1, the time information B1, and the power consumption trend information C1, the target value calculation unit 11 calculates a target value of power consumption for each group G1 classified based on the attribute information A1 and the time information B1. In this embodiment, the target value calculation unit 11 calculates a target value of power consumption for each group G1 classified by the classification unit 10.

[0042] The output unit 12 outputs, for each group G1, the target value of the amount of power consumption calculated by the target value calculation unit 11. In this embodiment, the output unit 12 outputs the target value to the storage unit 15.

[0043] The power consumption obtaining unit 13 obtains power consumption information. The power consumption information is information indicating the amount of power consumed by the power consumer. The notification unit 14 notifies the power consumer when a predetermined notification condition based on the power consumption information acquired by the power consumption acquisition unit 13 and the target value calculated by the target value calculation unit 11 is satisfied.

[0044] The memory unit 15 stores various types of information. The memory unit 15 is configured using a memory device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory device. The information stored in the memory unit 15 includes attribute information A1, timing information B1, power consumption trend information C1, and target value information D1. The attribute information A1, timing information B1, and power consumption trend information C1 are acquired in advance before the power management system 1 starts processing and stored in the memory unit 15. The target value information D1 is registered or updated based on the target value output from the output unit 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the attribute information A1, timing information B1, power consumption trend information C1, and target value information D1 are associated with each power consumer and stored in the memory unit 15. In other words, the attribute information A1, timing information B1, power consumption trend information C1, and target value information D1 are a database associated with each power consumer.

[0045] [Target value setting process] Next, a target value setting process in which the power management system 1 sets a target value for power consumption will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the target value setting process according to this embodiment.

[0046] Step S10: The classification unit 10 classifies the plurality of power consumers into groups G1 based on the attribute information A1 and the time information B1. Here, the classification unit 10 reads the attribute information A1 and the time information B1 from the storage unit 15 and performs the classification process. The classification unit 10 supplies the classification results into groups G1 to the target value calculation unit 11.

[0047] The type of algorithm used by the classification unit 10 for classification is not limited. For example, the classification unit 10 classifies each attribute included in the attribute information A1 and each variable included in the time information B1 into a predetermined class. The predetermined class is set in advance by the user.

[0048] For example, the classification unit 10 classifies stores having different categorical variables among the attributes included in the attribute information A1 into different classes. For example, a store whose business type is "convenience store" and whose location condition is "station" is classified into one class. The classification unit 10 classifies, for example, numerical variables of attributes included in the attribute information A1 into a predetermined number of classes according to the magnitude of the numerical variables. For example, population density is classified into three classes: less than 10,000 people, between 10,000 and 20,000 people, and 20,000 people or more. For example, the number of seats is classified into three classes: less than 50 seats, between 50 and 100 seats, and 100 seats or more.

[0049] For example, the classification unit 10 classifies stores having different categorical variables among the attributes included in the period information B1 into different classes. For example, a store whose nearby event information is "exhibition," whose foot traffic information is "heavy," and whose weather information is "sunny" is classified into one class. The classification unit 10 classifies, for example, the numerical variables of the attributes included in the time information B1 into a predetermined number of classes according to the magnitude of the numerical variables. For example, temperatures are classified into three classes, "hot," "comfortable," and "cold," according to the minimum and maximum temperatures included in the weather information.

[0050] In the above example, group G1 includes as many groups as the number of business types, location conditions, population density classes, seating capacity classes, nearby event information, foot traffic information classes, weather classes, and temperature classes multiplied together.

[0051] Step S20: The target value calculation unit 11 calculates a statistical value of the amount of power consumption for each group G1. The statistical value is, for example, an average value or a median value. The group G1 is indicated by the classification result supplied from the classification unit 10. In calculating the statistical value, the target value calculation unit 11 reads out power consumption trend information C1 for each power consumer from the storage unit 15.

[0052] The target value calculation unit 11 calculates statistical values for one or more power consumers belonging to group G1 for each predetermined time period from the values for each predetermined time period of past power consumption indicated by the power consumption trend information C1. For example, the target value calculation unit 11 calculates statistical values for one or more power consumers belonging to group G1 (for example, a group of stores whose business type is "convenience store," whose location condition is "station," and whose weather is "sunny") for each of the times from midnight to 1:00, 1:00 to 2:00, ..., and 11:00 to 2:00. In order to improve the accuracy of the statistical values, it is preferable that the attribute information A1, the time information B1, and the power usage amount transition information C1 be collected for as many power consumers as possible.

[0053] Step S30: The target value calculation unit 11 calculates a target value for power consumption for each group G1 based on a predetermined algorithm using the calculated statistical values. The target value calculation unit 11 calculates a target value for each predetermined time period of a day (for example, every hour). The target value calculation unit 11 supplies the calculated target value for each group G1 to the output unit 12. Therefore, the target value calculation unit 11 calculates the target value for each group G1 based on the statistical value for each group G1.

[0054] Here, with reference to FIG. 5, a target value calculation algorithm, which is an algorithm for calculating a target value for power consumption, will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a time series of power consumption during a specific time period for each day of the week of a certain power consumer according to this embodiment. The power consumption is the amount of power consumption during a specific time period of one day (for example, from 9:00 to 10:00) shown for each day of the week. The power consumption is also a statistical value calculated in step S20. Note that in the explanation of FIG. 5, the statistical value may be simply referred to as power consumption. The target value calculation algorithm calculates a target value such that the number of times that power consumption during a specific time period for each day of the week exceeds the target value within a specified range during a specified period of time.

[0055] In this embodiment, the target value is calculated using statistical values calculated from the power usage trend information C1 for the past one month as the predetermined period, but for simplicity, the predetermined period is described as two weeks in FIG. 5. In the example shown in Figure 5, when the target value is 12 kW, the power usage exceeds the target value a total of zero times in the first and second weeks combined. The value of 12 kW is considered to be too generous as a target value. When the target value is 11 kW, the power usage exceeds the target value a total of two times in the first and second weeks combined. The value of 11 kW is considered to be a reasonable target value. When the target value is 10 kW, the power usage exceeds the target value a total of eight times in the first and second weeks combined. The value of 10 kW is considered to be too strict as a target value. Therefore, according to the target value calculation algorithm, the target value is calculated to be 11 kW.

[0056] The appropriate range for the number of times that the power consumption (statistical value) for a specific time period for each day of the week exceeds the target value during a predetermined period is set, for example, based on the know-how of an experienced person. In the example shown in Figure 5, the appropriate range is the number of times that the power consumption (statistical value) exceeds the target value over a two-week period, which is the predetermined period.

[0057] When the predetermined period is one month, the target value is calculated in the same manner as when the predetermined period is two weeks as shown in Fig. 5. In this case, a reasonable range for the number of times that the power consumption (statistical value) exceeds the target value during the predetermined period is, for example, between four and six times.

[0058] Furthermore, by selecting various periods of the year (e.g., January, February, ..., December) with the past one month as the predetermined period for the power usage trend information C1, it is possible to calculate target values for each of those periods based on the target value calculation algorithm described above. Also, by selecting specific time periods of the day (e.g., from midnight to 1:00, from 1:00 to 2:00, ..., from 11:00 to 2:00), it is possible to calculate target values for each of those time periods based on the target value calculation algorithm described above. In other words, it is possible to calculate target values for specific time periods of the day (e.g., every hour) for each of those periods.

[0059] The target value calculation unit 11 applies the above-described target value calculation algorithm for each predetermined time period of the day, and calculates the target value for each time period. As described above, the attribute information A1 and the time information B1 are used to classify the group G1. For example, it may be the case that the weather was sunny on every Monday in the past month. Therefore, in the past month, depending on the day of the week, only certain variables in the time information B1 may apply. It is preferable that the specified past period is long enough so that the amount of power usage for each day of the week can be obtained for all groups G1.

[0060] The target value calculation algorithm may calculate a target value that exceeds the target value a predetermined number of times for a period other than two weeks, such as one week, three weeks, four weeks or more.

[0061] Step S40: The output unit 12 outputs the target value of power consumption calculated by the target value calculation unit 11 for each group G1. The output unit 12 outputs the target value to the memory unit 15. The target value information D1 stored in the memory unit 15 is updated by the target value output from the output unit 12. Note that if the target value for a certain group G1 is not included in the target value information D1, the target value output from the output unit 12 is newly registered in the target value information D1. The target value indicated by the target value information D1 is set as the target value of power consumption for the power consumers classified into the group G1. With this, the power management system 1 ends the target value setting process.

[0062] As described above, the target value calculation unit 11 calculates a target value for each group G1 based on the statistical value for each group G1. Note that the target value calculation unit 11 may calculate a target value for each group G1 and then calculate a statistical value for each group G1 of the target value. In this case, the target value calculation unit 11 applies a target value calculation algorithm to the power consumers and calculates a target value for each power consumer. Thereafter, the target value calculation unit 11 calculates a statistical value for each group G1 from the calculated target value for each power consumer, and sets the calculated statistical value as the target value for each group G1.

[0063] The target value calculation unit 11 may correct the target value by reflecting holidays in the annual calendar.

[0064] [Notification Processing] Next, a notification process in which the power management system 1 notifies the power consumer when a predetermined notification condition is satisfied will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the notification process according to this embodiment. Note that the notification process is executed after the target value setting process described above is executed and the target value information D1 is stored in the storage unit 15.

[0065] Step S110: The power usage acquisition unit 13 acquires power usage information of the power consumer from the monitor device 21 provided in the cubicle Q1 of the power consumer. The power usage acquisition unit 13 supplies the acquired power usage information to the notification unit 14.

[0066] Step S120: The notification unit 14 determines whether a predetermined notification condition is satisfied. The notification condition is, for example, that the power consumption indicated by the power consumption information supplied from the power consumption acquisition unit 13 exceeds the power consumption indicated by the target value information D1. If the notification unit 14 determines that the notification condition is satisfied (step S120; YES), it executes the process of step S130. On the other hand, if the notification unit 14 determines that the notification condition is not satisfied (step S120; NO), the power consumption acquisition unit 13 executes the process of step S110 again.

[0067] Step S130: The notification unit 14 notifies the power consumer. For example, the notification unit 14 sends an email to the terminal device of the power consumer indicating that the power usage has exceeded the target value. As another example, the notification unit 14 may cause the terminal device of the power consumer to output a sound indicating that the power usage has exceeded the target value. This is how the power management system 1 ends the notification process.

[0068] The classification unit 10 may be omitted from the configuration of the power management system 1. In that case, the classification of the power consumers into the group G1 is performed by an external device separate from the power management system 1. In that case, the target value calculation unit 11 acquires the classification results from the external device. As another example, the classification of the power consumers into the group G1 may be performed by a user of the power management system 1.

[0069] The power consumption acquisition unit 13 and the notification unit 14 may be omitted from the configuration of the power management system 1. In that case, the target value of power consumption registered as target value information D1 in the power management system 1 is used by, for example, a power consumer to refer to the target value and make an effort to prevent power consumption from exceeding the target value. As another example, the target value of power consumption registered as target value information D1 may be acquired by an external device separate from the power management system 1, such as a monitor device installed in a cubicle or a terminal device of the power consumer. In that case, if power consumption exceeds the target value, a notification may be issued by the external device.

[0070] As described above, the power management system 1 according to this embodiment includes the target value calculation unit 11 and the output unit 12. The target value calculation unit 11 calculates a target value for power consumption for each group G1 classified based on the attribute information A1 and the time information B1, based on attribute information A1 indicating the attributes of the first power consumers (in this embodiment, stores T1, T2, T3, and T4), time information B1 indicating variables indicating the environment that changes depending on the time of year, and power consumption trend information C1 indicating the trend in the past power consumption of the first power consumers for each specified time period. The output unit 12 outputs the target value calculated by the target value calculation unit 11 for each group G1.

[0071] With this configuration, the power management system 1 of this embodiment can calculate target power consumption values for each group G1 classified based on variables indicating the environment, which changes depending on attributes and time, from the trends in past power consumption at specified time intervals, and therefore can automatically set target power consumption values. The power management system 1 can automatically set target values based on the trends in past power usage for each specified time period, allowing for reductions in daily power usage without manual intervention. This allows power consumers to lower their electricity bills accordingly.

[0072] Moreover, the power management system 1 according to this embodiment further includes a classification unit 10. The classification unit 10 classifies a plurality of first power consumers (stores T1, T2, T3, and T4 in this embodiment) into a group G1 based on the attribute information A1 and the time information B1. The target value calculation unit 11 calculates a target value of the amount of power consumption for each group G1 classified by the classification unit 10.

[0073] With this configuration, the power management system 1 of this embodiment can classify multiple first power consumers into group G1 based on attribute information A1 and timing information B1, thereby eliminating the need for an external device to perform the classification or the effort required for the user to perform the classification.

[0074] Furthermore, in the power management system 1 according to this embodiment, the target value calculation unit 11 calculates a target value for the amount of power consumption for each group G1 based on the statistical value for each group G1.

[0075] With this configuration, the power management system 1 of this embodiment can prevent bias in target values due to individual trends in power consumption among power consumers within the same group G1, thereby allowing for more reliable target values to be set than when they are not based on statistical values.

[0076] Even when the target value is calculated based on the target value calculation algorithm described above, the power consumers may include power consumers that use more power than the average power consumers in the same group G1 (for example, the same business type) and power consumers that use less power. By calculating the target value based on the statistical value for each group G1, it is possible to prevent bias in the target value due to individual trends in power consumption of power consumers in the same group G1.

[0077] In the power management system 1 according to this embodiment, the first power consumer is a store, and the attributes indicated by the attribute information A1 include the type of business of the store. Here, it is considered that the amount of power consumption varies greatly depending on the type of business. With the above configuration, in the power management system 1 according to this embodiment, when the first power consumer is a store, it is possible to calculate the target value of power consumption for each group G1 classified based on at least the type of business, and therefore to automatically set a target value at an appropriate level according to the type of business.

[0078] Furthermore, in the power management system 1 according to this embodiment, the attributes indicated by the attribute information A1 further include the population density around the store. Here, it is considered that power consumption varies greatly depending on the population density around a store, even if the store is of the same business type. With the above configuration, in the power management system 1 according to this embodiment, when the first power consumer is a store, it is possible to calculate a target value for power consumption for each group G1 classified based on at least the business type and the population density around the store, and therefore to automatically set a target value at an appropriate level according to the population density.

[0079] Furthermore, in the power management system 1 according to this embodiment, the time information B1 includes weather information. Here, it is considered that power consumption varies greatly depending on the weather, even for the same business type. With the above configuration, in the power management system 1 according to this embodiment, when the first power consumer is a store, it is possible to calculate the target value of power consumption for each group G1 classified based on at least the business type and the weather, and therefore to automatically set a target value at an appropriate level according to the weather.

[0080] As described above, the attribute information A1 preferably includes at least the type of business of the store. It is more preferable that the attribute information A1 includes the population density around the store in addition to the type of business of the store. Furthermore, it is preferable that the time information B1 includes at least weather information.

[0081] The power management system 1 according to this embodiment further includes a power usage amount acquisition unit 13 and a notification unit 14. The power consumption obtaining unit 13 obtains power consumption information indicating the power consumption of the first power consumers (store T1, store T2, store T3, and store T4 in this embodiment). The notification unit 14 notifies the first power consumer (in this embodiment, store T1, store T2, store T3, and store T4) when a predetermined notification condition based on the power consumption information acquired by the power consumption acquisition unit 13 and the target value calculated by the target value calculation unit 11 is met.

[0082] With this configuration, the power management system 1 of this embodiment can notify the first power consumer when a specified notification condition is met, thereby preventing power consumption from exceeding a set target value.

[0083] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, the power management system 1 classifies first power consumers into group G1 based on attribute information A1 and time information B1, and sets a target value for power consumption for each group G1. In the present embodiment, the power management system classifies second power consumers that are not pre-registered in the database into group G1, into which already-registered first power consumers are classified, and sets a target value for power consumption for the second power consumers.

[0084] The power management system according to this embodiment will be referred to as a power management system 1a. The same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components and operations may be omitted.

[0085] [Configuration of power management system 1a] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power management system 1a according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the power consumers include a first power consumer and a second power consumer. For the first power consumer, a target value for power consumption calculated in advance by the power management system 1a is registered as target value information D1. The method for calculating the target value for power consumption is the same as in the first embodiment. Stores T1, T2, T3, and T4 are examples of first power consumers. The second power consumer is a target for which a new target value is calculated. The second store T10 is an example of a second power consumer. The second store T10 is a convenience store.

[0086] The power management system 1a acquires second consumer attribute information A10 and second consumer time information B10 for the second power consumer. The power management system 1a classifies the second power consumer into group G1 based on the second consumer attribute information A10 and second consumer time information B10 for the second power consumer. Group G1 is a group classified based on the attribute information A1 and time information B1 described in the first embodiment. The power management system 1a acquires a target value for power consumption for the second power consumer from the target values for each group G1 based on group information indicating the group into which the second power consumer is classified.

[0087] [Functional configuration of power management system 1a] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a power management system 1a according to this embodiment. The power management system 1a includes a classification unit 10, a target value calculation unit 11, an output unit 12, a power usage acquisition unit 13, a notification unit 14, a second power consumer information acquisition unit 16a, a second power consumer classification unit 17a, a second power consumer target value acquisition unit 18a, and a storage unit 15.

[0088] Comparing the power management system 1a (FIG. 8) according to this embodiment with the power management system 1 (FIG. 3) according to the first embodiment, the second power consumer information acquisition unit 16a, the second power consumer classification unit 17a, and the second power consumer target value acquisition unit 18a are different. Here, the functions of the other components (classification unit 10, target value calculation unit 11, output unit 12, power usage acquisition unit 13, notification unit 14, and storage unit 15) are the same as those of the first embodiment. Descriptions of the same functions as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the second embodiment will be described mainly with reference to the parts that are different from the first embodiment.

[0089] The second power consumer information acquisition unit 16a acquires second consumer attribute information A10 and second consumer time information B10 about the second power consumer.

[0090] The second power consumer classification unit 17a classifies the second power consumers into a group G1 based on the second consumer attribute information A10 and the second consumer time information B10 about the second power consumers.

[0091] The second power consumer target value acquisition unit 18a acquires a target value for power consumption for the second power consumer from the target values for each group G1 output by the output unit 12 based on group information indicating the group G1 into which the second power consumer is classified by the second power consumer classification unit 17a.

[0092] [Second target value setting process] Next, a second target value setting process, which is a process in which the power management system 1a sets a target value for power consumption for a second power consumer, will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the second target value setting process according to this embodiment. Note that the second target value setting process is executed after the target value setting process (Fig. 4) described in the first embodiment is executed and target value information D1 is stored in the storage unit 15.

[0093] Step S210: The second power consumer information acquisition unit 16a acquires second consumer attribute information A10 and second consumer time information B10. The second consumer attribute information A10 and second consumer time information B10 are each input from a terminal device by, for example, the owner or employee of the second store T10, which is the second power consumer, and transmitted to the power management system 1. The second power consumer information acquisition unit 16a supplies the acquired second consumer attribute information A10 and second consumer time information B10 to the second power consumer classification unit 17a.

[0094] Step S220: The second power consumer classification unit 17a classifies the second power consumers into group G1 based on the second consumer attribute information A10 and the second consumer time information B10. The algorithm used by the second power consumer classification unit 17a for classification is the same as the algorithm used by the classification unit 10 for classification (see step S10 in FIG. 4), so a description thereof will be omitted. The second power consumer classifying unit 17a supplies group information indicating the group G1 into which the second power consumers are classified to the second power consumer target value obtaining unit 18a.

[0095] Step S230: The second power consumer target value acquisition unit 18a acquires a target value for power consumption for the second power consumer from the target values for each group G1 included in the target value information D1 based on the group information. The second power consumer target value acquisition unit 18a reads out target values for the first power consumers classified into the same group as the group G1 indicated by the group information from the target value information D1 stored in the memory unit 15. The second power consumer target value acquisition unit 18a supplies the acquired target value to the output unit 12.

[0096] Step S240: The output unit 12 outputs the target value acquired by the second power consumer target value acquisition unit 18a. The output unit 12 outputs the target value to the storage unit 15. The target value output from the output unit 12 is newly registered in the target value information D1 stored in the storage unit 15. With this, the power management system 1a ends the second target value setting process.

[0097] As described above, the power management system 1a according to this embodiment includes a second power consumer information acquisition unit 16a, a second power consumer classification unit 17a, and a second power consumer target value acquisition unit 18a. The second electricity consumer information acquisition unit 16a acquires attribute information (in this embodiment, second consumer attribute information A10) and time information (in this embodiment, second consumer time information B10) about the second electricity consumer (in this embodiment, the second store T10). The second electricity consumer classification unit 17a classifies the second electricity consumer (in this embodiment, the second store T10) into group G1 based on attribute information (in this embodiment, second consumer attribute information A10) and time information (in this embodiment, second consumer time information B10) about the second electricity consumer (in this embodiment, the second store T10). The second power consumer target value acquisition unit 18a acquires a target value for power consumption for the second power consumer (in this embodiment, the second store T10) from the target values for power consumption for each group G1 output by the output unit 12 based on group information indicating the group G1 into which the second power consumer (in this embodiment, the second store T10) has been classified by the second power consumer classification unit 17a.

[0098] With this configuration, the power management system 1a according to this embodiment classifies the second power consumer into group G1 based on attribute information and time information about the second power consumer, and can set the target value that has already been calculated for group G1 as the target value for the second power consumer. Therefore, even if power usage trend information C1 has not been acquired for a second power consumer such as a newly opened store, or the amount of data for power usage trend information C1 is small, the power management system 1a can set the target value for the second power consumer to the target value for the power consumer that is classified into the same group G1 as the second power consumer.

[0099] The second power consumer target value acquisition unit 18a may acquire the target value of power consumption for the second power consumer based on machine learning. Examples of machine learning algorithms include neural networks, decision trees, logistic regression, and support vector machines. In this case, a trained learning model is used so that, when attribute information and time information about the second power consumer are input, a target value of power consumption for each time period of a day for the second power consumer is output. A set of attribute information A1, time information B1, and target value information D1 is used as training data for the learning model. The target value information D1 is generated in advance as described in the first embodiment.

[0100] In the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which all of the information included in the attribute information and the time information is used in classifying into group G1, but this is not limited to this. Part of the information included in the attribute information and the time information may be used in classifying into group G1. For example, the second power consumer classification unit 17a may classify second power consumers into group G1 based on part of the information included in the second consumer attribute information A10 and the second consumer time information B10. When part of the information included in the attribute information and the time information is used in classifying into group G1, which information is used is specified by the user.

[0101] In the above-described embodiments, an example in which the power consumer is a store has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The power consumer may be a facility or a residence. If the power consumer is a facility, the number of seats in the attribute information is replaced with the capacity of the facility. Furthermore, if the electricity consumer is a residential house, the business type in the attribute information is replaced by the type of house (detached house, apartment building, etc.). In this case, the number of seats and store area in the attribute information are replaced by the number of residents and the area of the house, respectively. In this case, population density and location conditions are excluded from the attribute information. In this case, information about nearby events and pedestrian traffic may be excluded from the information about the day.

[0102] Note that parts of the power management systems 1 and 1a in the above-described embodiments, such as the classification unit 10, target value calculation unit 11, output unit 12, power consumption acquisition unit 13, notification unit 14, second power consumer information acquisition unit 16a, second power consumer classification unit 17a, and second power consumer target value acquisition unit 18a, may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a program for implementing this control function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read and executed by a computer system. Note that the "computer system" here refers to a computer system built into the power management systems 1 and 1a, including hardware such as an operating system (OS) and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), and a storage device such as a hard disk built into the computer system. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may include a medium that dynamically stores a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, or a medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory within a computer system that serves as a server or client in such a case. The program may also be one that realizes part of the above-mentioned functions, or one that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system. Furthermore, part or all of the power management systems 1 and 1a in the above-described embodiments may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each functional block of the power management systems 1 and 1a may be individually implemented as a processor, or part or all of them may be integrated into a processor. Furthermore, the integrated circuit implementation method is not limited to LSI, and may be implemented using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit implementation technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.

[0103] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1, 1a...power management system, 11...target value calculation unit, 12...output unit, A1...attribute information, B1...time information, C1...power usage transition information

Claims

1. a target value calculation unit that calculates a target value of power consumption for each group classified based on attribute information indicating attributes of a first power consumer, time information indicating variables indicating an environment that changes depending on the time, and power consumption trend information indicating a trend in past power consumption of the first power consumer for each predetermined time period; and an output unit that outputs the target value calculated by the target value calculation unit for each group; A power management system comprising:

2. a classification unit that classifies the first power consumers into the groups based on the attribute information and the time information, The target value calculation unit calculates the target value for each of the groups classified by the classification unit. The power management system of claim 1 .

3. The target value calculation unit calculates the target value for each group based on a statistical value for each group. The power management system of claim 1 .

4. a second power consumer information acquisition unit that acquires the attribute information and the time information about a second power consumer; a second power consumer classification unit that classifies the second power consumers into the groups based on the attribute information and the time information about the second power consumers; a second power consumer target value acquisition unit that acquires a target value of power consumption for the second power consumer from the target values for each group output by the output unit based on group information indicating the group into which the second power consumer is classified by the second power consumer classification unit; and The power management system of claim 1 further comprising:

5. The first electricity consumer is a store, The attributes include the type of business of the store. The power management system of claim 1 .

6. The attributes further include the population density around the store. The power management system of claim 5 .

7. The time information includes weather information. The power management system of claim 5 .

8. a power consumption acquisition unit that acquires power consumption information indicating the power consumption of the first power consumer; a notification unit that notifies the first power consumer when a predetermined notification condition based on the power consumption information acquired by the power consumption acquisition unit and the target value calculated by the target value calculation unit is satisfied; The power management system of claim 1 further comprising:

9. a target value calculation step of calculating a target value of power consumption for each group classified based on attribute information indicating attributes of a first power consumer, time information indicating variables indicating an environment that changes depending on the time, and power consumption trend information indicating a trend in past power consumption of the first power consumer for each predetermined time period; an output step of outputting the target value calculated by the target value calculation step for each of the groups; A power management method comprising:

10. On the computer, a target value calculation step of calculating a target value of power consumption for each group classified based on attribute information indicating attributes of a first power consumer, time information indicating variables indicating an environment that changes depending on the time, and power consumption trend information indicating a trend in past power consumption of the first power consumer for each predetermined time period; an output step of outputting the target value calculated by the target value calculation step for each of the groups; A program to execute.

Images