Determination method and determination device

Abstract

In a case where the DR request is accepted based on the record of the power consumption of the lower-level apparatus, there is a concern that the value of the environmental parameter of the target space of the air conditioning cannot be set to the target value.SOLUTION: The determination method includes a reception step, a calculation step, a determination step, and a transmission step. In the reception step, first power consumption in a first period is received from a host device as a DR request. The calculation step calculates the second power consumption. The second power consumption includes power consumption necessary for the air conditioning apparatus included in the lower-level apparatuses to set the value of the temperature (environmental parameter) of the target space of air conditioning to the target temperature (target value) during the first period. The determination step compares the first power consumption and the second power consumption to determine whether or not to accept the DR request. In the transmission step, the determination result is transmitted to a host device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a determination method and a determination device. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 7201341), there is a technique for determining whether to accept a demand response request based on the actual power consumption of a lower-level device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] If a demand response request is accepted based on the actual power consumption of a lower-level device, there is a risk that the environmental parameter values ​​of the space to be air-conditioned may not be set to target values ​​that take into account human comfort or health, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The determination method of the first aspect is performed by a determination device. The determination method is a method for determining whether to accept a demand response request. The determination method includes a receiving step, a calculating step, a determining step, and a transmitting step. The receiving step receives a first power consumption for a first period from a higher-level device as a request. The calculating step calculates a second power consumption. The second power consumption includes power consumption required for the air conditioning device to set the value of an environmental parameter of the space to be air-conditioned to a first target value during the first period. The air conditioning device is included in a lower-level device. The determining step compares the first power consumption with the second power consumption to determine whether to accept the request. The transmitting step transmits the determination result to the higher-level device. The environmental parameters include at least one of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and airflow.

[0005] In the determination method of the first aspect, the determination step compares a first power consumption in a first time period received from a higher-level device as a demand-response request with a second power consumption including power consumption necessary to set the value of an environmental parameter in the air-conditioned space to a first target value during the first time period, and determines whether to accept the request. As a result, the determination method can determine whether to accept the demand-response request, taking into consideration setting the value of the environmental parameter in the air-conditioned space to the target value.

[0006] The determination method from a second aspect is the determination method from the first aspect, in which the first target value is determined based on an index related to comfort or health.

[0007] With this configuration, the determination method according to the second aspect can determine whether or not to accept a demand response request, taking into consideration the comfort or health of people.

[0008] The determination method from the third viewpoint is the determination method from the second viewpoint, and the index related to comfort or health is a predicted mean vote (PMV).

[0009] The determination method from a fourth aspect is the determination method from the second aspect, in which the index related to comfort or health is a target value desired by the user.

[0010] A determination method of a fifth aspect is any one of the determination methods of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein the second power consumption further includes power consumption required to bring the remaining charge of a power storage device included in the lower-level device to a second target value during the first period.

[0011] With this configuration, the determination method according to the fifth aspect can determine whether to accept a demand response request, further taking into consideration setting the remaining charge amount of the power storage device to the second target value.

[0012] A determination method according to a sixth aspect is the determination method according to the fifth aspect, in which the second target value is determined based on safety, deterioration, or a target value desired by the user.

[0013] A determination method of a seventh aspect is the determination method of any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, in which the calculation step calculates the second power consumption at a first time before receiving the request. The transmission step transmits the second power consumption calculated at the first time or a fourth power consumption based on the second power consumption calculated at the first time to the higher-level device before receiving the request. The calculation step recalculates the second power consumption after the first time. The determination step compares the first power consumption with the recalculated second power consumption to determine whether to accept the request.

[0014] The determination method of the seventh aspect transmits the second power consumption calculated in advance to the host device, and can receive the first power consumption adjusted in consideration of the second power consumption from the host device. Furthermore, the determination method of the seventh aspect compares the first power consumption with the second power consumption calculated closer to the first period, thereby making it possible to more accurately determine whether to accept a demand response request.

[0015] A determination method according to an eighth aspect is the determination method according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, in which the determination step determines to accept the request if the upper limit value of the first power consumption is greater than the lower limit value of the second power consumption, and the determination step determines to not accept the request if the upper limit value of the first power consumption is smaller than the lower limit value of the second power consumption.

[0016] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a determination method according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the determination step determines to accept the request if the first lower limit of power consumption is smaller than the second upper limit of power consumption, and the determination step determines to not accept the request if the first lower limit of power consumption is greater than the second upper limit of power consumption.

[0017] A determination method according to a tenth aspect is the determination method according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein if the determination step determines that the request is not accepted, the transmission step further transmits the second power consumption to the higher-level device.

[0018] With this configuration, the determination method according to the tenth aspect can receive the first power consumption adjusted in consideration of the second power consumption from the higher-level device.

[0019] The determination method of the eleventh aspect is any one of the determination methods of the first aspect to the tenth aspect, and the determination step determines to accept the request if the upper device rejects the determination result that the request will not be accepted, if the second power consumption cannot be calculated, if not accepting the request is prohibited, if the number of requests exceeds a predetermined number, or if a predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting the determination result that the request will not be accepted to the upper device.

[0020] The determination method of the twelfth aspect is any one of the determination methods of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect, and if the request is not received within the expected period for receiving the request or if there is an error in the content of the request, the determination step regards the specified third power consumption as the first power consumption and determines to accept the request.

[0021] A determination method according to a thirteenth aspect is the determination method according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein, if the determination step determines that the request is accepted, the transmission step transmits the first power consumption to the lower device.

[0022] A determination method according to a fourteenth aspect is the determination method according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the air conditioner has one or more refrigerant systems.

[0023] A determination method according to a fifteenth aspect is the determination method according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the receiving step receives operating data from the air conditioner, and the calculating step calculates the second power consumption based on the operating data.

[0024] A determination method of a sixteenth aspect is a determination method of the fifth or sixth aspect, in which the calculation step calculates the second power consumption based on at least one of the remaining charge of the storage device at a predetermined time, the charging rate of the storage device, and the chargeable time.

[0025] A seventeenth aspect of the present invention provides a determination device that includes a control unit. The control unit receives a first power consumption for a first period from a higher-level device as a demand response request. The control unit calculates a second power consumption. The second power consumption includes the power consumption required for the air conditioning device to set the value of an environmental parameter of a space to be air-conditioned to a first target value during the first period. The air conditioning device is included in a lower-level device. The control unit compares the first power consumption with the second power consumption to determine whether to accept the request. The control unit transmits the determination result to the higher-level device. The environmental parameters include at least one of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and airflow.

[0026] In a determination device of a seventeenth aspect, a control unit compares a first power consumption in a first time period received from a higher-level device as a demand-response request with a second power consumption including power consumption required to set the value of an environmental parameter of a space to be air-conditioned to a first target value during the first time period, and determines whether to accept the request. As a result, the determination device can determine whether to accept the demand-response request, taking into consideration setting the value of the environmental parameter of the space to be air-conditioned to the target value. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a determination device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioning apparatus and a controller. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a determination device. [Figure 4A] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by a determination device. [Figure 4B] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by a determination device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by a determination device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] (1) Overall structure Demand response is when users (consumers) who receive power from a commercial power grid adjust their power consumption in the commercial power grid based on the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance by a general power transmission and distribution utility or a retail electricity supplier and an aggregator. The general power transmission and distribution utility or retail electricity supplier pays the user a fee in return for the demand response, depending on the amount of adjustment of power consumption in the commercial power grid. The aggregator may be a resource aggregator that directly concludes a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) service contract with the user and controls resources, or it may be an aggregation coordinator that aggregates the amount of power controlled by the resource aggregator and directly trades power with the general power transmission and distribution utility or the retail electricity supplier.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a determination device 1. The determination device 1 receives a demand response request (sometimes referred to as a DR request) from a higher-level device 3, which is an aggregator-side device, to lower-level devices 4 installed in one or more buildings 98, and determines whether to accept the DR request. In this embodiment, the lower-level devices 4 include an air conditioning device 2, a power storage device 5, and other devices that consume or generate power (sometimes referred to as other devices 9). Power-consuming devices included in the other devices 9 include, for example, home appliances and lighting. Power-generating devices included in the other devices 9 include, for example, power generation devices. As shown in FIG. 1, the higher-level device 3, the determination device 1, and a controller 40 are communicatively connected via a network NW1 such as the Internet. The controller 40, the air conditioning device 2, the conversion device 6, and the other devices 9 are communicatively connected via a network NW2 such as a LAN. The distribution board 7 and the air conditioning unit 2, the distribution board 7 and the conversion device 6, the distribution board 7 and other devices 9, the conversion device 6 and the storage device 5, and the distribution board 7 and the commercial power system 8 are connected via power lines 97 so that power can be supplied.

[0030] For simplicity of explanation, the following describes a case where the determination device 1 receives a DR request from a higher-level device 3 to a lower-level device 4 installed in one building 98 and determines whether to accept the DR request.

[0031] The determination device 1 receives, as a DR request, the first power consumption of the lower device 4 in a first period from the higher device 3. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the period during which the determination device 1 receives the DR request from the higher device 3, the first period during which the power consumption of the lower device 4 is adjusted in response to the DR request, and the type of DR request that the determination device 1 receives from the higher device 3 are determined in advance.

[0032] The types of DR requests include an upward DR request, a downward DR request, and a designated value DR request.

[0033] An upward DR request is a request to increase the power consumption of the lower device 4 in the first period compared to when no DR request has been received. The upper device 3 makes an upward DR request to the determination device 1 before the arrival of the first period in which excess power is predicted in the commercial power grid. When the DR request is an upward DR request, the determination device 1 receives from the upper device 3 a lower limit value of the first power consumption of the lower device 4 in the first period.

[0034] A downward DR request is a request to reduce the power consumption of the lower device 4 in a first period compared to when the DR request has not been received. The upper device 3 makes a downward DR request to the determination device 1 before the arrival of the first period in which power in the commercial power grid is predicted to be tight. When the DR request is a downward DR request, the determination device 1 receives from the upper device 3 an upper limit value of the first power consumption of the lower device 4 in the first period.

[0035] The specified value DR request is a request to keep the power consumption of the air conditioning device 2 during the first time period within a specified range. The specified value DR request can be considered as a case where both an upward DR request and a downward DR request are made. When the DR request is a specified value DR request, the determination device 1 receives from the upper device 3 the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the first power consumption of the lower device 4 during the first time period.

[0036] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Energy storage device The power storage device 5 includes a stationary storage battery installed in the building 98. The power storage device 5 includes a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. The power storage device 5 is charged with power supplied from the conversion device 6. The power storage device 5 also supplies power to the conversion device 6 by discharging.

[0037] The power storage device 5 may further include an on-board battery of an electric vehicle installed in the building 98.

[0038] (2-2) Distribution board The distribution board 7 distributes AC power supplied from a commercial power system 8 to the air conditioners 2, the converters 6, and other devices 9. The distribution board 7 also supplies AC power supplied from the power storage device 5 and converted by the converters 6 to the air conditioners 2, the other devices 9, and the commercial power system 8.

[0039] (2-3) Conversion device The conversion device 6 converts DC voltage to AC voltage or AC voltage to DC voltage. As a result, the conversion device 6 has the function of converting DC power from the power storage device 5 into AC power and supplying it to the air conditioner 2, other devices 9, and the commercial power grid 8, and the function of converting AC power from the commercial power grid 8 into DC power and supplying it to the power storage device 5.

[0040] The conversion device 6 can acquire from the power storage device 5 the remaining charge amount of the power storage device 5 and the charging rate of the power storage device 5 at a predetermined time.

[0041] (2-4) Air conditioning equipment The air conditioner 2 configures a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and conditions the air of one or more target spaces within the building 98. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 2 is a so-called multi-type air conditioning system for buildings. The air conditioner 2 may also be a central air conditioning system, a multi-type air conditioning system for stores, an outdoor air processing air conditioner, or the like.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner 2 has one or more refrigerant systems RS. Each refrigerant system RS has one outdoor unit 30 and one or more indoor units 20. The outdoor units 30 and indoor units 20 belonging to the same refrigerant system RS are connected by a liquid refrigerant communication pipe and a gas refrigerant communication pipe to form a refrigerant circuit. The controller 40 and the outdoor units 30 are connected to each other so that they can communicate via a network NW2. The outdoor units 30 and indoor units 20 belonging to the same refrigerant system RS are connected to each other so that they can communicate via a communication line 90.

[0043] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioner 2 and the controller 40. Fig. 2 shows, as representatives, one indoor unit 20 and one outdoor unit 30 that belong to the same refrigerant system RS.

[0044] (2-4-1) Indoor unit The indoor unit 20 is installed, for example, on the ceiling of the target space. The indoor unit 20 mainly has an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, an indoor expansion valve 23, and an indoor control unit 29. The indoor unit 20 also has various sensors such as an indoor intake temperature sensor 61 and an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 62.

[0045] The indoor heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through it and the air in the target space. The indoor fan draws air from the target space into the indoor unit 20, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger, and supplies the air to the target space. The indoor fan is driven by the indoor fan motor 22m. The indoor expansion valve 23 is a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit. The indoor suction temperature sensor 61 measures the temperature of the air in the target space drawn in by the indoor unit 20. The indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 62 measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0046] The indoor control unit 29 controls the operation of each component constituting the indoor unit 20. As shown in FIG. 2 , the indoor control unit 29 is communicatively connected to the indoor fan motor 22m and the indoor expansion valve 23. The indoor control unit 29 is also communicatively connected to various sensors, such as the indoor intake temperature sensor 61 and the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 62. The indoor control unit 29 has a control and arithmetic device and a storage device. The control and arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The storage device is a storage medium such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. The control and arithmetic device reads programs stored in the storage device and performs predetermined arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs, thereby controlling the operation of each component constituting the indoor unit 20. The control and arithmetic device can also write arithmetic results to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device in accordance with the programs. The indoor control unit 29 is configured to receive various signals transmitted from an operation remote control corresponding to the indoor unit 20. The indoor control unit 29 also exchanges various information, such as control signals, signals related to measurements by various sensors, and signals related to various settings, with the outdoor control unit 39 of the outdoor unit 30 via a communication line 90.

[0047] (2-4-2) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 30 is installed, for example, on the roof of a building 98. The outdoor unit 30 mainly has a compressor, a flow path switching valve 32, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve 34, an outdoor fan, and an outdoor control unit 39. The outdoor unit 30 also has various sensors such as an outdoor air temperature sensor 66, an outdoor air humidity sensor 67, etc.

[0048] The compressor draws low-pressure refrigerant through the suction pipe, compresses the refrigerant using the compression mechanism, and discharges the compressed refrigerant through the discharge pipe. The compression mechanism of the compressor is driven by a compressor motor 31m. The flow path switching valve 32 switches the refrigerant flow path between a first state and a second state. During cooling operation, the flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the first state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the refrigerant circuit in the following order: outdoor heat exchanger, outdoor expansion valve 34, indoor expansion valve 23, and indoor heat exchanger, before returning to the compressor. In the first state, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. During heating operation, the flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the second state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the refrigerant circuit in the following order: indoor heat exchanger, indoor expansion valve 23, outdoor expansion valve 34, and outdoor heat exchanger, before returning to the compressor. In the second state, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser. The outdoor heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through it and the outdoor air of the building 98. The outdoor expansion valve 34 is a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit. The outdoor fan supplies outdoor air of the building 98 to the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan is driven by an outdoor fan motor 36m. The outdoor air temperature sensor 66 measures the temperature of the outdoor air of the building 98 drawn in by the outdoor unit 30. The outdoor air humidity sensor 67 measures the humidity of the outdoor air of the building 98 drawn in by the outdoor unit 30.

[0049] The outdoor control unit 39 controls the operation of each component constituting the outdoor unit 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the outdoor control unit 39 is communicatively connected to the compressor motor 31m, the flow path switching valve 32, the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the outdoor fan motor 36m. The outdoor control unit 39 is also communicatively connected to various sensors, such as an outdoor air temperature sensor 66 and an outdoor air humidity sensor 67. The outdoor control unit 39 has a control and arithmetic device and a storage device. The control and arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The storage device is a storage medium such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. The control and arithmetic device reads programs stored in the storage device and performs predetermined arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs, thereby controlling the operation of each component constituting the outdoor unit 30. The control and arithmetic device can also write arithmetic results to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device in accordance with the programs. The outdoor control unit 39 exchanges various information, such as control signals, signals related to measurements by various sensors, and signals related to various settings, with the indoor control unit 29 of the indoor unit 20 via a communication line 90. The outdoor control unit 39 also exchanges various types of information, such as control signals, signals related to measurements by various sensors, and signals related to various settings, with the controller 40 via the network NW2.

[0050] The indoor control unit 29 and the outdoor control unit 39 cooperate to air-condition the target space by causing their respective control and arithmetic devices to execute programs stored in their respective storage devices.

[0051] For example, when the indoor control unit 29 and the outdoor control unit 39 receive the target temperature range for the target space for the first period from the controller 40, they adjust the rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34, the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23, etc., so that the temperature of the target space falls within the target temperature range during the first period, thereby air-conditioning the target space.

[0052] For example, when the indoor control unit 29 and the outdoor control unit 39 receive from the controller 40 the upper and / or lower limit values ​​of the first power consumption allocated to the refrigerant system RS for the first period, they adjust the rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34, the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23, etc., so that the power consumption of the refrigerant system RS during the first period does not exceed the upper limit value of the first power consumption allocated to the refrigerant system RS or does not fall below the lower limit value of the first power consumption allocated to the refrigerant system RS, thereby conditioning the air in each target space.

[0053] (2-5) Controller The controller 40 is installed, for example, in a server room in the building 98. As shown in FIG.

[0054] The storage unit 41 is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc. The storage unit 41 stores programs executed by the control unit 49, data necessary for executing the programs, etc. The communication unit 44 includes a network interface device for communicating with the determination device 1 via the network NW1, and a network interface device for communicating with the air conditioning device 2, the conversion device 6, and other devices 9 via the network NW2.

[0055] The control unit 49 is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The control unit 49 centrally controls one or more refrigerant systems RS by reading programs stored in the storage unit 41 and performing predetermined arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs. The control unit 49 can also write arithmetic results to the storage unit 41 and read information stored in the storage unit 41 in accordance with the programs. The control unit 49 exchanges various types of information, such as control signals, signals related to measurements by various sensors, and signals related to various settings, with the air conditioning device 2, the conversion device 6, and other devices 9 via the network NW2. The control unit 49 also exchanges various types of information, such as control signals, signals related to measurements by various sensors, and signals related to various settings, with the determination device 1 via the network NW1.

[0056] For example, the control unit 49 periodically receives operating data D1 from the air conditioner 2. The operating data D1 includes the rotation speed of the indoor fan motor 22m, the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23, the indoor suction temperature (measured value of the indoor suction temperature sensor 61), the indoor heat exchanger temperature (measured value of the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 62), the rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34, the rotation speed of the outdoor fan motor 36m, the outdoor air temperature (measured value of the outdoor air temperature sensor 66), and the outdoor air humidity (measured value of the outdoor air humidity sensor 67). The control unit 49 stores the received operating data D1 in the memory unit 41. The control unit 49 also periodically transmits the received operating data D1 to the determination device 1.

[0057] For example, the control unit 49 controls charging and discharging by the power storage device 5. For example, the control unit 49 charges the power storage device 5 with power supplied from the commercial power grid 8 via the conversion device 6. The control unit 49 also supplies the power charged in the power storage device 5 to the air conditioner 2, other devices 9, and the commercial power grid 8 connected to the distribution board 7 via the conversion device 6. The control unit 49 can obtain from the power storage device 5, via the conversion device 6, the remaining charge amount of the power storage device 5 at a predetermined time and the charging speed of the power storage device 5.

[0058] For example, when the control unit 49 receives from the determination device 1 the upper and / or lower limit values ​​of the first power consumption for the first period, as well as the air conditioning power consumption, storage power consumption, and other power consumption described below, it allocates the upper and / or lower limit values ​​of the first power consumption proportionally to the air conditioning device 2, the storage device 5, and the other devices 9.

[0059] The control unit 49 further allocates the upper and / or lower limit values ​​of the first power consumption allocated to the air conditioning apparatus 2 to each refrigerant system RS based on the operating data D1 and the predicted weather information for the first period, etc. The control unit 49 transmits the upper and / or lower limit values ​​of the first power consumption allocated to each refrigerant system RS to each refrigerant system RS. At this time, instead of the upper limit value of the first power consumption allocated to each refrigerant system RS, the control unit 49 may transmit to each refrigerant system RS a target temperature range that does not exceed the upper limit value of the first power consumption allocated to each refrigerant system RS and that keeps the temperature of the target space within a comfortable temperature range. Furthermore, instead of the lower limit value of the first power consumption allocated to each refrigerant system RS, the control unit 49 may transmit to each refrigerant system RS a target temperature range that does not fall below the lower limit value of the first power consumption allocated to each refrigerant system RS and that keeps the temperature of the target space within a comfortable temperature range.

[0060] The control unit 49 transmits the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption allocated to the power storage device 5 to the power storage device 5. The control unit 49 may control charging and discharging of the power storage device 5 based on the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption allocated to the power storage device 5.

[0061] The control unit 49 transmits the upper limit value and / or the lower limit value of the first power consumption allocated to the other devices 9 to the other devices 9. The control unit 49 may control the other devices 9 based on the upper limit value and / or the lower limit value of the first power consumption allocated to the other devices 9.

[0062] (2-6) Judgment device The determination device 1 is, for example, a computer installed on the cloud. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of the determination device 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the determination device 1 mainly includes a storage unit 11, a communication unit 14, and a control unit 19.

[0063] The storage unit 11 is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc. The storage unit 11 stores programs executed by the control unit 19, data necessary for executing the programs, etc. The communication unit 14 includes a network interface device for communicating with the higher-level device 3 and the controller 40 via the network NW1.

[0064] (2-2-1) Control Unit The control unit 19 is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control unit 19 reads and executes programs stored in the storage unit 11 to realize various functions of the determination device 1. The control unit 19 can also write calculation results to the storage unit 11 and read information stored in the storage unit 11 according to the programs.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 19 has a receiving unit 191, a calculating unit 192, a determining unit 193, and a transmitting unit 194 as functional blocks.

[0066] (2-2-1-1) Receiving unit The receiving unit 191 receives, as a DR request, from the higher-level device 3, the upper limit value and / or the lower limit value of the first power consumption in the first period.

[0067] Furthermore, the receiving unit 191 periodically receives the operating data D1 from the controller 40. The receiving unit 191 stores the received operating data D1 in the storage unit 11.

[0068] Furthermore, the receiving unit 191 receives, from the power storage device 5 via the controller 40, the remaining charge amount of the power storage device 5 at a predetermined time and the charging rate of the power storage device 5.

[0069] (2-2-1-2) Calculation section The calculation unit 192 calculates the upper limit and lower limit of the second power consumption at a first time before receiving the DR request. The second power consumption includes air conditioning power consumption, power consumption by stored power, and other power consumption. In this embodiment, the second power consumption is the sum of the air conditioning power consumption, power consumption by stored power, and other power consumption. More specifically, the upper limit of the second power consumption is the sum of the upper limit of the air conditioning power consumption, the upper limit of the power consumption by stored power, and the upper limit of the other power consumption. The lower limit of the second power consumption is the sum of the lower limit of the air conditioning power consumption, the lower limit of the power consumption by stored power, and the lower limit of the other power consumption.

[0070] (2-2-1-2-1) Air conditioning power consumption The air conditioning power consumption is the power consumption required for the air conditioning device 2 to set the value of the environmental parameter of the space to be air-conditioned to a first target value during a first period. In this embodiment, the environmental parameter is temperature. Therefore, the air conditioning power consumption is the power consumption required for the air conditioning device 2 to set the temperature value of the space to be air-conditioned to the target temperature during a first period. The target temperature is determined based on an index related to comfort or health.

[0071] A comfort or health index is an index determined based on at least one of temperature, humidity, cleanliness (including airborne dust, pollen, mold, viruses, odors, CO2, etc.), and airflow. Examples of comfort indexes include the predicted mean vote (PMV) and discomfort index. Examples of health indexes include the amount of airborne dust (0.15 mg / m3 or less) and CO2 concentration (1000 ppm or less) defined by the Building Environmental Sanitation Management Standards, and the ammonia concentration (25 ppm, which corresponds to odor) defined by the Japan Society for Occupational Health Permissible Concentration.

[0072] In this embodiment, the index related to comfort or health is the PMV (Predicted Mean Vote). In PMV, a person's thermal sensation is expressed by a numerical value ranging from "-3" to "+3." The larger the PMV numerical value, the warmer the person feels, and the smaller the PMV numerical value, the colder the person feels. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a person is comfortable if the PMV numerical value is within the range of "-1" to "+1."

[0073] First, the calculation unit 192 determines a comfort temperature range for each target space within which the PMV value falls within the range of "-1" to "+1." Hereinafter, the temperature of the target space where the PMV value is "-1" will be referred to as the lower comfort temperature limit. The temperature of the target space where the PMV value is "+1" will be referred to as the upper comfort temperature limit. If the first period is a summer season in which cooling operation is performed, the lower comfort temperature limit is, for example, 24°C, and the upper comfort temperature limit is, for example, 28°C. If the first period is a winter season in which heating operation is performed, the lower comfort temperature limit is, for example, 20°C, and the upper comfort temperature limit is, for example, 28°C.

[0074] Next, the calculation unit 192 calculates the upper limit and lower limit of the air conditioning power consumption depending on the time of the first period.

[0075] For example, if the first period is a summer season in which cooling operation is performed, the calculation unit 192 calculates, for each refrigerant system RS, the power consumption required to raise the temperature of each target space to the comfort upper limit temperature (target temperature) based on the operating data D1, weather information for the predicted first period, etc. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the lower limit of power consumption for the corresponding refrigerant system RS. The calculation unit 192 calculates the lower limit of air conditioning power consumption by summing the lower limit of power consumption for each refrigerant system RS. The calculation unit 192 also calculates, for each refrigerant system RS, the power consumption required to raise the temperature of each target space to the comfort lower limit temperature (target temperature) based on the operating data D1, weather information for the predicted first period, etc. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the upper limit of power consumption for the corresponding refrigerant system RS. The calculation unit 192 calculates the upper limit of air conditioning power consumption by summing the upper limit of power consumption for each refrigerant system RS.

[0076] For example, if the first period is a winter season in which heating operation is performed, the calculation unit 192 calculates, for each refrigerant system RS, the power consumption required to raise the temperature of each target space to a comfortable lower limit temperature (target temperature) based on the operating data D1, weather information for the predicted first period, etc. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the lower limit value of the power consumption of the corresponding refrigerant system RS. The calculation unit 192 calculates the lower limit value of the air conditioning power consumption by summing the lower limit values ​​of the power consumption of each refrigerant system RS. The calculation unit 192 also calculates, for each refrigerant system RS, the power consumption required to raise the temperature of each target space to a comfortable upper limit temperature (target temperature) based on the operating data D1, weather information for the predicted first period, etc. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the upper limit value of the power consumption of the corresponding refrigerant system RS. The calculation unit 192 calculates the upper limit value of the air conditioning power consumption by summing the upper limit values ​​of the power consumption of each refrigerant system RS.

[0077] Furthermore, the calculation unit 192 recalculates the upper limit and / or lower limit of the air conditioning power consumption after the first time point, depending on the time of the first period and the type of DR request. In this embodiment, the calculation unit 192 recalculates the upper limit and / or lower limit of the air conditioning power consumption, depending on the time of the first period and the type of DR request, before receiving a DR request.

[0078] For example, if the first period is a summer season in which air conditioning operation is performed and the DR request is a downward DR request, the calculation unit 192 calculates the power consumption required to raise the temperature of each target space to the upper comfort temperature (target temperature) for each refrigerant system RS based on the operation data D1 and predicted weather information for the first period, etc. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the lower limit of the power consumption of the corresponding refrigerant system RS. The calculation unit 192 sums the lower limit of the power consumption for each refrigerant system RS and recalculates the lower limit of the air conditioning power consumption.

[0079] For example, if the first period is a summer season in which cooling operation is performed and the DR request is an upward DR request, the calculation unit 192 calculates, for each refrigerant system RS, the power consumption required to raise the temperature of each target space to the comfortable lower limit temperature (target temperature) based on the operation data D1 and predicted weather information for the first period, etc. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the upper limit of power consumption for the corresponding refrigerant system RS. The calculation unit 192 sums the upper limit of power consumption for each refrigerant system RS and recalculates the upper limit of air conditioning power consumption.

[0080] For example, if the first period is a winter season in which heating operation is performed and the DR request is a lowering DR request, the calculation unit 192 calculates the power consumption required to raise the temperature of each target space to the comfortable lower limit temperature (target temperature) for each refrigerant system RS based on the operation data D1 and predicted weather information for the first period, etc. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the lower limit value of the power consumption of the corresponding refrigerant system RS. The calculation unit 192 sums the lower limit values ​​of the power consumption for each refrigerant system RS and recalculates the lower limit value of the air conditioning power consumption.

[0081] For example, if the first period is a winter season in which heating operation is performed and the DR request is an upward DR request, the calculation unit 192 calculates, for each refrigerant system RS, the power consumption required to raise the temperature of each target space to the comfort upper limit temperature (target temperature) based on the operation data D1 and predicted weather information for the first period, etc. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the upper limit value of the power consumption of the corresponding refrigerant system RS. The calculation unit 192 sums up the upper limit values ​​of the power consumption for each refrigerant system RS and recalculates the upper limit value of the air conditioning power consumption.

[0082] (2-2-1-2-2) Power consumption of storage battery The power consumption is the power consumption required to make the remaining charge of the power storage device 5 reach the target remaining charge (second target value) during the first period (in the case of discharging, the power consumption is negative). The target remaining charge is determined based on safety, deterioration, or a target value desired by the user.

[0083] First, the calculation unit 192 determines the range of the target remaining charge. For example, if the target remaining charge is determined based on safety, the calculation unit 192 determines the range of the target remaining charge to be, for example, 0% to 100% in order to prevent overcharging or over-discharging. For example, if the target remaining charge is determined based on deterioration, the calculation unit 192 determines the range of the target remaining charge to be, for example, 20% to 80% in order to prevent deterioration of the power storage device 5. For example, if the target remaining charge is determined based on a target value desired by the user, the calculation unit 192 determines the range of the target remaining charge to be the range of the remaining charge desired by the user. The range of the remaining charge desired by the user is stored in advance in the storage unit 11, for example.

[0084] Next, the calculation unit 192 calculates the upper limit and lower limit of the stored power consumption.

[0085] For example, the calculation unit 192 calculates the power consumption required to set the remaining charge of the power storage device 5 to the upper limit of the range of the target remaining charge based on at least one of the remaining charge of the power storage device 5 at the first time, the charging speed of the power storage device 5, and the chargeable time. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the upper limit of the storage power consumption.

[0086] For example, the calculation unit 192 calculates the power consumption required to set the remaining charge of the power storage device 5 to the lower limit of the range of the target remaining charge based on the remaining charge of the power storage device 5 at the first time, the charging speed of the power storage device 5, and the chargeable time. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the lower limit of the storage power consumption.

[0087] Furthermore, the calculation unit 192 recalculates the upper limit and / or lower limit of the stored power consumption according to the type of DR request after the first time point. In this embodiment, the calculation unit 192 recalculates the upper limit and / or lower limit of the stored power consumption according to the type of DR request before receiving a DR request.

[0088] For example, when the DR request is a downward DR request, the calculation unit 192 recalculates the power consumption required to set the remaining charge of the power storage device 5 to the lower limit of the range of the target remaining charge, based on the remaining charge of the power storage device 5 at the calculation time, the charging speed of the power storage device 5, and the chargeable time. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the lower limit of the storage power consumption.

[0089] For example, when the DR request is an upward DR request, the calculation unit 192 recalculates the power consumption required to bring the remaining charge of the power storage device 5 to the upper limit of the range of the target remaining charge, based on the remaining charge of the power storage device 5 at the calculation time, the charging speed of the power storage device 5, and the chargeable time. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the upper limit of the storage power consumption.

[0090] (2-2-1-2-3) Other power consumption The other power consumption is the power consumption consumed or generated by the other device 9 during the first period (if power is generated, the power consumption is negative).

[0091] Calculation unit 192 calculates the upper and lower limits of other power consumption according to the operation mode of other device 9 during the first period. The operation modes of the power-consuming devices included in other device 9 are, for example, energy-saving mode, normal mode, high-output mode, and rapid mode (in which the absolute values ​​of the upper and lower limits of power consumption increase in that order). The operation modes of the power-generating devices included in other device 9 are, for example, low mode, medium mode, high mode, and rapid mode (in which the absolute values ​​of the upper and lower limits of power consumption increase in that order).

[0092] Furthermore, after the first time point, the calculation unit 192 recalculates the upper limit and / or lower limit of the other power consumption according to the operation mode of the other device 9 in the first period and the type of the DR request. In this embodiment, the calculation unit 192 recalculates the upper limit and / or lower limit of the other power consumption according to the type of the DR request before receiving the DR request.

[0093] For example, when the DR request is a downward DR request, the calculation unit 192 recalculates the lower limit value of the other power consumption according to the operation mode of the other device 9 in the first period.

[0094] For example, when the DR request is an upward DR request, the calculation unit 192 recalculates the upper limit value of the other power consumption in accordance with the operation mode of the other device 9 in the first period.

[0095] (2-2-1-3) Judgment section The determination unit 193 compares the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption received by the receiving unit 191 with the upper limit and / or lower limit of the second power consumption recalculated by the calculation unit 192, depending on the type of DR request, to determine whether to accept the DR request. For example, if the second power consumption is a single value, the upper limit and lower limit of the second power consumption are that single value. For example, if the second power consumption is a multiple value, the upper limit of the second power consumption is the maximum value of the multiple values, and the lower limit of the second power consumption is the minimum value of the multiple values.

[0096] For example, when the DR request is a downward DR request, the first power consumption is a single value, so the determination unit 193 determines to accept the DR request if the first power consumption is greater than the lower limit of the second power consumption. The determination unit 193 determines not to accept the DR request if the first power consumption is smaller than the lower limit of the second power consumption.

[0097] For example, when the DR request is an upward DR request, the first power consumption is a single value, so the determination unit 193 determines to accept the DR request if the first power consumption is smaller than the upper limit value of the second power consumption. The determination unit 193 determines not to accept the DR request if the first power consumption is larger than the upper limit value of the second power consumption.

[0098] For example, if the DR request is a specified value DR request, the first power consumption is one or more values, and therefore the determination unit 193 determines to accept the DR request if the upper limit value of the first power consumption is greater than the lower limit value of the second power consumption and the lower limit value of the first power consumption is smaller than the upper limit value of the second power consumption.The determination unit 193 determines not to accept the DR request if the upper limit value of the first power consumption is smaller than the lower limit value of the second power consumption or if the lower limit value of the first power consumption is greater than the upper limit value of the second power consumption.

[0099] (2-2-1-4) Transmitter Before receiving the DR request, the transmission unit 194 transmits to the higher-level device 3 the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the second power consumption calculated by the calculation unit 192 at the first time.

[0100] Furthermore, when the determining unit 193 determines that the DR request is not accepted, the transmitting unit 194 transmits to the upper level device 3 a determination result that the DR request is not accepted.

[0101] If the determination unit 193 determines to accept the DR request, the transmission unit 194 transmits the upper limit value and / or the lower limit value of the first power consumption to the controller 40 depending on the type of DR request. For example, if the DR request is a downward DR request, the transmission unit 194 transmits the upper limit value of the first power consumption to the controller 40. For example, if the DR request is an upward DR request, the transmission unit 194 transmits the lower limit value of the first power consumption to the controller 40. For example, if the DR request is a specified value DR request, the transmission unit 194 transmits the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the first power consumption to the controller 40.

[0102] Furthermore, when the determining unit 193 determines that the DR request is accepted, the transmitting unit 194 transmits the air conditioning power consumption, the storage power consumption, and other power consumption to the controller 40.

[0103] (3) Processing An example of the processing of the determination device 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0104] As shown in step S1, the determination device 1 calculates the upper limit and lower limit of the second power consumption at a first time before receiving a DR request.

[0105] After completing step S1, as shown in step S2, the determination device 1 transmits the upper and lower limit values ​​of the second power consumption calculated by the calculation unit 192 at the first time to the higher-level device 3 before receiving the DR request.

[0106] After step S2 is completed, the determination device 1 recalculates the upper limit and / or lower limit of the second power consumption as shown in step S3.

[0107] After step S3 is completed, the higher-level device 3 transmits a DR request to the determination device 1 as shown in step S4.

[0108] After step S4, the determination device 1 receives the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption for the first period from the higher-level device 3 as a DR request, as shown in step S5.

[0109] After step S5, as shown in step S6, the determination device 1 compares the upper and / or lower limit values ​​of the first power consumption with the recalculated upper and / or lower limit values ​​of the second power consumption depending on the type of DR request, and determines whether to accept the DR request. If the determination device 1 determines that the DR request is to be accepted, the process proceeds to step S7. If the determination device 1 determines that the DR request is not to be accepted, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0110] When the process proceeds from step S6 to step S7, the determination device 1 transmits to the controller 40 the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption, the air conditioning power consumption, the storage power consumption, and other power consumption.

[0111] After completing step S7, as shown in step S8, the controller 40 receives from the determination device 1 the upper and / or lower limits of the first power consumption, the air conditioning power consumption, the power consumption by power storage, and the other power consumption for the first period, and then allocates the upper and / or lower limits of the first power consumption to the air conditioner 2, the power storage device 5, and the other devices 9. When allocating the upper and / or lower limits of the first power consumption based on a ratio, the allocation ratio for the upper limit of the first power consumption is, for example, "upper limit of air conditioning power consumption: upper limit of power storage power consumption: upper limit of other power consumption." The allocation ratio for the lower limit of the first power consumption is, for example, "lower limit of air conditioning power consumption: lower limit of power storage power consumption: lower limit of other power consumption." The controller 40 further allocates the upper and / or lower limits of the first power consumption allocated to the air conditioner 2 to each of the refrigerant systems RS of the air conditioner 2.

[0112] After completing step S8, as shown in step S9, the controller 40 transmits the upper and / or lower limit values ​​of the first power consumption allocated to each refrigerant system RS, the power storage device 5, and the other device 9 to each refrigerant system RS, the power storage device 5, and the other device 9.

[0113] When proceeding from step S6 to step S10, the determination device 1 transmits to the upper device 3 a determination result that the DR request is not accepted.

[0114] After step S10, the higher-level device 3 adjusts the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption and transmits the adjusted value to the determining device 1, as shown in step S11.

[0115] After completing step S11, the process returns to step S6, and the determination device 1 compares the upper and / or lower limit values ​​of the first power consumption with the recalculated upper and / or lower limit values ​​of the second power consumption depending on the type of DR request, and determines whether to accept the DR request.

[0116] (4) Features (4-1) Conventionally, there is a technology that determines whether to accept a demand response request based on the historical power consumption of a lower-level device. However, if a demand response request is accepted based on the historical power consumption of a lower-level device, there is a problem in that the values ​​of the environmental parameters of the air-conditioned space may not be set to target values ​​that take into account human comfort, health, etc.

[0117] The determination method of this embodiment is performed by the determination device 1. The determination method is a method for determining whether to accept a demand response request. The determination method includes a receiving step, a calculation step, a determination step, and a transmission step. The receiving step receives a first power consumption for a first period from the higher-level device 3 as a DR request. The calculation step calculates a second power consumption. The second power consumption includes the power consumption required for the air conditioning device 2 to set the temperature (environmental parameter) value of the space to be air-conditioned to a target temperature (first target value) during the first period. The air conditioning device 2 is included in the lower-level device 4. The determination step compares the first power consumption with the second power consumption to determine whether to accept the DR request. The transmission step transmits the determination result to the higher-level device 3.

[0118] In the determination method of this embodiment, the determination step compares the first power consumption in a first period received from the higher-level device 3 as a demand response request with the second power consumption, which includes the power consumption required to set the temperature (environmental parameter) value of the air-conditioned space to the target temperature (first target value) during the first period, to determine whether to accept the DR request. As a result, the determination method can determine whether to accept the DR request, taking into consideration setting the temperature (environmental parameter) value of the air-conditioned space to the target temperature (first target value).

[0119] (4-2) In the determination method of this embodiment, the target temperature (first target value) is determined based on an index related to comfort or health. As a result, the determination method can determine whether to accept a DR request while taking into account the comfort or health of a person.

[0120] (4-3) In the determination method of this embodiment, the index relating to comfort or health is a predicted mean vote (PMV).

[0121] (4-4) In the determination method of this embodiment, the second power consumption further includes the power consumption required to make the remaining charge of the power storage device 5 included in the lower-level device 4 reach the target remaining charge (second target value) during the first period.

[0122] As a result, the determination method can determine whether to accept the DR request, further taking into consideration that the remaining amount of charge of the power storage device 5 is set to the target remaining amount of charge (second target value).

[0123] (4-5) In the determination method of this embodiment, the target remaining charge amount (second target value) is determined based on safety, deterioration, or a target value desired by the user.

[0124] (4-6) In the determination method of this embodiment, the calculation step calculates the second power consumption at a first time before receiving the DR request. The transmission step transmits the second power consumption calculated at the first time to the higher-level device 3 before receiving the DR request. The calculation step recalculates the second power consumption after the first time. The determination step compares the first power consumption with the recalculated second power consumption to determine whether to accept the DR request.

[0125] As a result, the determination method transmits the second power consumption calculated in advance to the higher-level device 3, and thereby can receive the first power consumption adjusted in consideration of the second power consumption from the higher-level device 3. Furthermore, the determination method can more accurately determine whether to accept the DR request by comparing the first power consumption with the second power consumption calculated at a point in time closer to the first period.

[0126] (4-7) In the determination method of this embodiment, the determination step determines to accept the DR request if the upper limit value of the first power consumption is greater than the lower limit value of the second power consumption, and the determination step determines to not accept the DR request if the upper limit value of the first power consumption is less than the lower limit value of the second power consumption.

[0127] (4-8) In the determination method of this embodiment, the determination step determines to accept the DR request if the lower limit value of the first power consumption is smaller than the upper limit value of the second power consumption, and the determination step determines to not accept the DR request if the lower limit value of the first power consumption is greater than the upper limit value of the second power consumption.

[0128] (4-9) In the determination method of this embodiment, if it is determined in the determination step that the DR request is accepted, the transmission step transmits the first power consumption to the lower-level device 4.

[0129] (4-10) In the determination method of this embodiment, the air conditioner 2 has one or more refrigerant systems RS.

[0130] (4-11) In the determination method of this embodiment, the receiving step receives operating data D1 from the air conditioner 2. The calculating step calculates the second power consumption based on the operating data D1.

[0131] (4-12) In the determination method of the present embodiment, the calculation step calculates the second power consumption based on at least one of the remaining charge of the power storage device 5 at the predetermined time, the charging rate of the power storage device 5, and the chargeable time.

[0132] (4-13) The determination device 1 of this embodiment includes a control unit 19. The control unit 19 receives the first power consumption for a first period from the higher-level device 3 as a DR request. The control unit 19 calculates the second power consumption. The second power consumption includes the power consumption required for the air conditioning device 2 to set the temperature (environmental parameter) value of the space to be air-conditioned to the target temperature (first target value) during the first period. The air conditioning device 2 is included in the lower-level device 4. The control unit 19 compares the first power consumption with the second power consumption to determine whether to accept the DR request. The control unit 19 transmits the determination result to the higher-level device 3.

[0133] In the determination device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 19 compares the first power consumption in a first period received from the higher-level device 3 as a demand response request with the second power consumption, which includes the power consumption required to set the temperature (environmental parameter) value of the air-conditioned space to the target temperature (first target value) during the first period, to determine whether to accept the DR request. As a result, the determination device 1 can determine whether to accept the DR request, taking into consideration setting the temperature (environmental parameter) value of the air-conditioned space to the target temperature (first target value).

[0134] (5) Variations (5-1) Variation 1A In this embodiment, the calculation unit 192 calculated the upper limit and lower limit of the second power consumption at a first time before receiving the DR request. The transmission unit 194 transmitted the upper limit and lower limit of the second power consumption calculated by the calculation unit 192 at the first time to the higher-level device 3 before receiving the DR request.

[0135] However, if the type of DR request is determined in advance, the calculation unit 192 may calculate the upper limit or lower limit of the second power consumption according to the type of DR request at a first time before receiving the DR request. In this case, the transmission unit 194 transmits the upper limit or lower limit of the second power consumption calculated by the calculation unit 192 at the first time to the higher-level device 3 before receiving the DR request.

[0136] For example, if the DR request is a downward DR request, the calculation unit 192 calculates the lower limit of the second power consumption at a first time before receiving the DR request. At this time, the transmission unit 194 transmits the lower limit of the second power consumption calculated by the calculation unit 192 at the first time to the higher-level device 3 before receiving the DR request.

[0137] For example, if the DR request is an upward DR request, the calculation unit 192 calculates the upper limit value of the second power consumption at a first time before receiving the DR request. At this time, the transmission unit 194 transmits the upper limit value of the second power consumption calculated by the calculation unit 192 at the first time to the higher-level device 3 before receiving the DR request.

[0138] For example, if the DR request is a specified value DR request, the calculation unit 192 calculates the upper and lower limit values ​​of the second power consumption at a first time before receiving the DR request. At this time, the transmission unit 194 transmits the upper and lower limit values ​​of the second power consumption calculated by the calculation unit 192 at the first time to the higher-level device 3 before receiving the DR request.

[0139] (5-2) Variation 1B In this embodiment, when the determination unit 193 determines that the DR request is not to be accepted, the transmission unit 194 transmits a determination result indicating that the DR request is not to be accepted to the higher-level device 3. When the determination unit 193 determines that the DR request is not to be accepted, the transmission unit 194 may further transmit the upper limit value and / or the lower limit value of the second power consumption recalculated by the calculation unit 192 to the higher-level device 3.

[0140] For example, if the DR request is a downward DR request, the transmission unit 194 further transmits the lower limit value of the second power consumption to the higher-level device 3. At this time, the transmission unit 194 may transmit to the higher-level device 3, instead of the lower limit value of the second power consumption, the shortage of power consumption obtained by subtracting the upper limit value of the first power consumption from the lower limit value of the second power consumption.

[0141] For example, if the DR request is an upward DR request, the transmission unit 194 further transmits the upper limit value of the second power consumption to the higher-level device 3. At this time, the transmission unit 194 may transmit to the higher-level device 3, instead of the upper limit value of the second power consumption, the excess amount of power consumption obtained by subtracting the upper limit value of the second power consumption from the lower limit value of the first power consumption.

[0142] As a result, the determination device 1 can receive from the host device 3 the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption that has been adjusted in consideration of the upper limit and / or lower limit of the second power consumption.

[0143] (5-3) Variation 1C In this embodiment, before receiving a DR request, the calculation unit 192 recalculates the upper limit and / or lower limit of the second power consumption according to the timing of the first period and the type of DR request.

[0144] However, the calculation unit 192 may not need to recalculate the upper limit and / or lower limit of the second power consumption depending on the timing of the first period and the type of the DR request before receiving the DR request. In this case, the determination unit 193 compares the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption received by the receiving unit 191 with the upper limit and / or lower limit of the second power consumption calculated by the calculation unit 192 at the first time before receiving the DR request depending on the type of DR request, and determines whether to accept the DR request.

[0145] (5-4) Variation 1D In this embodiment, the calculation unit 192 calculated the upper limit and lower limit of the second power consumption at a first time before receiving the DR request. Then, the transmission unit 194 transmitted the upper limit and lower limit of the second power consumption calculated by the calculation unit 192 at the first time to the higher-level device 3 before receiving the DR request.

[0146] However, the calculation unit 192 does not have to calculate the upper and lower limit values ​​of the second power consumption at the first time before receiving the DR request. Then, the transmission unit 194 does not have to transmit the upper and lower limit values ​​of the second power consumption calculated by the calculation unit 192 at the first time to the higher-level device 3 before receiving the DR request. In this case, the determination unit 193 compares the upper and / or lower limit values ​​of the first power consumption received by the reception unit 191 with the upper and / or lower limit values ​​of the second power consumption calculated by the calculation unit 192 before receiving the DR request, depending on the type of DR request, and determines whether to accept the DR request.

[0147] (5-5) Variation 1E In this embodiment, the upper and lower limits of the second power consumption are calculated by the calculation unit 192 of the determination device 1. However, the upper and lower limits of the second power consumption may be calculated by the control unit 49 of the controller 40.

[0148] At this time, the control unit 49 calculates the upper and lower limit values ​​of the second power consumption at a first time before receiving the DR request, and transmits them to the determination device 1. The transmission unit 194 transmits the upper and lower limit values ​​of the second power consumption calculated by the control unit 49 at the first time to the higher-level device 3 before receiving the DR request.

[0149] Furthermore, before receiving the DR request, the control unit 49 recalculates the upper limit and / or lower limit of the second power consumption depending on the timing of the first period and the type of DR request, and transmits the recalculated values ​​to the determination device 1. The determination unit 193 compares the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption received by the receiving unit 191 with the upper limit and / or lower limit of the second power consumption recalculated by the control unit 49 depending on the type of DR request, and determines whether to accept the DR request.

[0150] (5-6) Variation 1F In this embodiment, when the first period is a summer season in which cooling operation is performed, the calculation unit 192 calculates, for each refrigerant system RS, the power consumption required to raise the temperature of each target space to a comfort upper limit temperature (target temperature), and sets the calculated power consumption as the lower limit of power consumption for the corresponding refrigerant system RS. Furthermore, the calculation unit 192 calculates, for each refrigerant system RS, the power consumption required to raise the temperature of each target space to a comfort lower limit temperature (target temperature), and sets the calculated power consumption as the upper limit of power consumption for the corresponding refrigerant system RS.

[0151] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the first period is a winter season in which heating operation is performed, the calculation unit 192 calculates, for each refrigerant system RS, the power consumption required to raise the temperature of each target space to a comfort lower limit temperature (target temperature), and sets the calculated power consumption as the lower limit of the power consumption for the corresponding refrigerant system RS. Furthermore, the calculation unit 192 calculates, for each refrigerant system RS, the power consumption required to raise the temperature of each target space to a comfort upper limit temperature (target temperature), and sets the calculated power consumption as the upper limit of the power consumption for the corresponding refrigerant system RS.

[0152] However, the calculation unit 192 may select multiple temperatures between the upper comfort temperature limit and the lower comfort temperature limit, and calculate the power consumption required to set the temperature of each target space to each of the multiple temperatures for each refrigerant system RS. In this case, the calculation unit 192 sets the smallest power consumption among the multiple calculated power consumption values ​​as the lower limit of the power consumption for the corresponding refrigerant system RS, and the largest power consumption as the upper limit of the power consumption for the corresponding refrigerant system RS.

[0153] (5-7) Variation 1G In this embodiment, when the DR request is a downward DR request, the determining unit 193 determines not to accept the DR request if the upper limit value of the first power consumption is smaller than the lower limit value of the second power consumption. Also, when the DR request is an upward DR request, the determining unit 193 determines not to accept the DR request if the lower limit value of the first power consumption is greater than the upper limit value of the second power consumption.

[0154] However, if the upper device 3 rejects the determination result that the DR request will not be accepted, if the second power consumption cannot be calculated, if rejecting the DR request is prohibited, if the number of DR requests exceeds a predetermined number, or if a predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting the determination result that the DR request will not be accepted to the upper device 3, the determination unit 193 may determine that the DR request will be accepted.

[0155] Furthermore, if a DR request is not received within the expected period for receiving the DR request or if the content of the DR request is incomplete, the determination unit 193 may determine to accept the DR request by regarding the predetermined upper limit and / or lower limit of the third power consumption as the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption. The predetermined upper limit and / or lower limit of the third power consumption is, for example, the upper limit and / or lower limit of the second power consumption calculated by the calculation unit 192.

[0156] (5-8) Variation 1H When the receiving unit 191 receives an upper limit value and / or a lower limit value of the first power consumption for a plurality of first periods from the higher-level device 3 as a DR request, the determining unit 193 may compare, for each of the plurality of first periods, the upper limit value and / or the lower limit value of the first power consumption received by the receiving unit 191 with the upper limit value and / or the lower limit value of the second power consumption recalculated by the calculating unit 192, and determine whether to accept the DR request.

[0157] For example, the determination unit 193 determines not to accept the DR request if the magnitude relationship between the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption and the upper limit and / or lower limit of the second power consumption is not satisfied in at least one of the multiple first periods.

[0158] (5-9) Variation 1I In this embodiment, when the control unit 49 of the controller 40 receives the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption for the first period from the determination device 1, it allocates the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption proportionally to the air conditioner 2, the power storage device 5, and the other device 9. The control unit 49 further allocates the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption allocated to the air conditioner 2 proportionally to each refrigerant system RS. However, the allocation of the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption proportionally may be performed by the control unit 19 of the determination device 1.

[0159] (5-10) Variation 1J In this embodiment, the environmental parameter is temperature. However, the environmental parameter may include at least one of temperature, humidity, cleanliness (including airborne dust, pollen, mold, viruses, odor, CO2, etc.), and airflow. The process by which the calculation unit 192 calculates the upper limit and / or lower limit of the air conditioning power consumption mainly differs depending on the type of environmental parameter.

[0160] For example, if the environmental parameter is humidity, the calculation unit 192 first determines a target humidity based on, for example, the PMV. Specifically, the calculation unit 192 determines a comfortable humidity range for each target space, within which the PMV falls within the range of −1 to +1. Hereinafter, the minimum value of the comfortable humidity range will be referred to as the “lower comfort humidity limit,” and the maximum value of the comfortable humidity range will be referred to as the “upper comfort humidity limit.” Next, the calculation unit 192 calculates upper and lower limit values ​​of air conditioning power consumption according to the time of the first period. For example, if the first period is a period during which dehumidification is performed, the calculation unit 192 calculates, for each refrigerant system RS, the power consumption required to set the humidity in each target space to the lower comfort humidity limit (target humidity) based on the operating data D1 and predicted weather information for the first period. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the upper limit value of power consumption for the corresponding refrigerant system RS. The calculation unit 192 calculates the upper limit value of air conditioning power consumption by adding up the upper limit values ​​of power consumption for each refrigerant system RS. Furthermore, the calculation unit 192 calculates the power consumption required for each refrigerant system RS to set the temperature of each target space to the comfortable upper limit humidity (target humidity) based on the operating data D1 and the predicted weather information for the first period, etc. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the lower limit of the power consumption of the corresponding refrigerant system RS. The calculation unit 192 calculates the lower limit of the air conditioning power consumption by adding up the lower limit of the power consumption of each refrigerant system RS.

[0161] For example, if the environmental parameter is airborne dust, the calculation unit 192 first determines a target cleanliness level based on the amount of airborne dust defined, for example, by the Building Environmental Sanitation Management Standards. Specifically, the calculation unit 192 determines a comfortable cleanliness level range for each target space, within which the amount of airborne dust falls within a range from 0 mg / m³ to 0.15 mg / m³. Hereinafter, the minimum value of the comfortable cleanliness level range will be referred to as the "lower comfortable cleanliness level," and the maximum value of the comfortable cleanliness level range will be referred to as the "upper comfortable cleanliness level." Next, the calculation unit 192 calculates upper and lower limit values ​​for air conditioning power consumption according to the timing of the first period. For example, if the first period is a period during which air purification is performed, the calculation unit 192 calculates, for each device, the power consumption required to bring the cleanliness level of each target space to the lower comfortable cleanliness level (target cleanliness level) based on the operating data D1 and predicted weather information for the first period. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the upper limit of power consumption for the corresponding device. The calculation unit 192 adds up the upper limit of power consumption for each device to calculate the upper limit of air conditioning power consumption. The calculation unit 192 also calculates, for each device, the power consumption required to set the cleanliness of each target space to the comfortable upper limit cleanliness level (target cleanliness level) based on the operating data D1 and predicted weather information for the first period, etc. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the lower limit of power consumption for the corresponding device. The calculation unit 192 adds up the lower limit of power consumption for each device to calculate the lower limit of air conditioning power consumption.

[0162] For example, if the environmental parameter is airflow, the calculation unit 192 first determines a target airflow based on, for example, the PMV. Specifically, the calculation unit 192 determines a comfortable airflow range for each target space, where the PMV value falls within the range of "-1" to "+1." Hereinafter, the minimum value of the comfortable airflow range is referred to as the "comfort lower limit airflow," and the maximum value of the comfortable humidity range is referred to as the "comfort upper limit airflow." Next, the calculation unit 192 calculates upper and lower limits of air-conditioning power consumption depending on the time of the first period. For example, if the first period is a period in which airflow is increased, the calculation unit 192 calculates, for each refrigerant system RS, the power consumption required to set the airflow in each target space to the comfortable upper limit airflow (target airflow) based on the operating data D1 and predicted weather information for the first period. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the upper limit of power consumption for the corresponding refrigerant system RS. The calculation unit 192 calculates the upper limit of air-conditioning power consumption by adding up the upper limit of power consumption for each refrigerant system RS. Furthermore, the calculation unit 192 calculates, for each refrigerant system RS, the power consumption required to set the airflow in each target space to the comfort lower limit airflow (target airflow) based on the operating data D1 and the predicted weather information for the first period, etc. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the lower limit of the power consumption of the corresponding refrigerant system RS. The calculation unit 192 calculates the lower limit of the air conditioning power consumption by adding up the lower limit of the power consumption for each refrigerant system RS.

[0163] For example, the air conditioner 2 conditions the air of the target space during the first period so that the humidity, cleanliness, or airflow of the target space falls within a target humidity range, target cleanliness range, or target airflow range, respectively. In this case, the air conditioner 2 may be an absorption type air conditioner, an air purifier, or the like.

[0164] (5-11) Variation 1K In this embodiment, the calculation unit 192 recalculates the upper limit and / or lower limit of the second power consumption according to the time of the first period and the type of the DR request before receiving the DR request. However, the calculation unit 192 may recalculate the upper limit and / or lower limit of the second power consumption according to the time of the first period and the type of the DR request after receiving the DR request.

[0165] Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing of the determination device 1 in this modified example. In the processing in this modified example, the processing of steps S3 to S5 in Fig. 4A in the present embodiment is replaced with the processing of steps S'3 to S'5 in Fig. 5, as will be described below.

[0166] After completing step S2, the higher-level device 3 transmits a DR request to the determination device 1 as shown in step S'3.

[0167] After completing step S'3, as shown in step S'4, the determination device 1 receives the upper limit value and / or the lower limit value of the first power consumption for the first period from the higher-level device 3 as a DR request.

[0168] After step S'4, the determination device 1 recalculates the upper limit and / or lower limit of the second power consumption as shown in step S'5.

[0169] After completing step S'5, as shown in step S6, the determination device 1 compares the upper limit and / or lower limit of the first power consumption with the recalculated upper limit and / or lower limit of the second power consumption depending on the type of DR request, and determines whether to accept the DR request.

[0170] (5-12) Variation 1L In this embodiment, before receiving a DR request, the transmission unit 194 transmits the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the second power consumption calculated by the calculation unit 192 at the first time to the higher-level device 3. However, the transmission unit 194 may transmit the fourth power consumption (for example, adjustment capacity) based on the second power consumption calculated at the first time to the higher-level device 3.

[0171] First, the calculation unit 192 calculates the second power consumption at a first time before receiving a DR request. For example, if the first period is a summer season in which cooling operation is performed, the calculation unit 192 determines a comfort upper limit temperature and a comfort lower limit temperature, as in the present embodiment. Then, for each refrigerant system RS, the calculation unit 192 calculates the power consumption required to raise the temperature of each target space to the comfort upper limit temperature (target temperature) and the power consumption required to raise the temperature of each target space to a first temperature (target temperature). Here, the first temperature is the temperature of the target space desired by the user. The first temperature is, for example, a set temperature.

[0172] Next, the calculation unit 192 determines the difference between the two second power consumptions, each including the two calculated air conditioning power consumptions, as the fourth power consumption.

[0173] The transmission unit 194 transmits the fourth power consumption calculated by the calculation unit 192 at the first time to the higher-level device 3 before receiving the DR request.

[0174] (5-13) Variation 1M In this embodiment, the calculation unit 192 calculates the upper and lower limits of the air conditioning power consumption depending on whether the first period is a summer season in which cooling operation is performed or a winter season in which heating operation is performed. However, the time period for classifying the first period may be any time. For example, the calculation unit 192 calculates the upper and lower limits of the air conditioning power consumption depending on whether the first period is a summer season in which cooling operation is performed, a winter season in which heating operation is performed, or a rainy season in which dehumidification operation is performed.

[0175] (5-14) Variation 1N In this embodiment, calculation unit 192 calculates the upper and lower limit values ​​of air conditioning power consumption depending on whether the first period is a summer season in which cooling operation is performed or a winter season in which heating operation is performed. However, calculation unit 192 may also calculate the upper and lower limit values ​​of air conditioning power consumption depending on whether the first period is a period in which the value should be increased or decreased in order to keep the environmental parameter within the comfort range during the first period.

[0176] In this case, calculation unit 192 calculates the upper and lower limits of the air conditioning power consumption according to the values ​​of the environmental parameters predicted for the first period. For example, if it is a cool summer, the temperature predicted for the target period is 23°C, and the comfortable temperature range is 24 to 28°C, heating is required to achieve a temperature within the comfortable temperature range.

[0177] In this case, some target spaces may need to be cooled and some target spaces may need to be heated. In this case, the calculation unit 192 calculates, for each refrigerant system RS, the power consumption required to bring the target spaces to the target temperatures, with the target temperatures being a lower comfort limit temperature for the target spaces to be cooled and a higher comfort limit temperature for the target spaces to be heated. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the upper limit of power consumption for the corresponding refrigerant system RS. Furthermore, the calculation unit 192 calculates, for each refrigerant system RS, the power consumption required to bring the target spaces to the target temperatures, with the target temperatures being a higher comfort limit temperature for the target spaces to be cooled and a lower comfort limit temperature for the target spaces to be heated. The calculation unit 192 sets the calculated power consumption as the lower limit of power consumption for the corresponding refrigerant system RS. The calculation unit 192 totals the lower limit of power consumption for each refrigerant system RS, and totals the lower and upper limits of air conditioning power consumption to calculate the upper limit of air conditioning power consumption.

[0178] (5-15) Variation 1O In this embodiment, the calculation unit 192 determines a comfortable temperature range for each target space within the range of "-1" to "+1" for the PMV value, and sets the temperature of the target space where the PMV value is "-1" as the lower comfort temperature limit, and the temperature of the target space where the PMV value is "+1" as the upper comfort temperature limit.

[0179] However, the comfortable temperature range may be a temperature determined based on other indices such as discomfort index, building environmental sanitation management standards, and the permissible concentration of the Japan Society for Occupational Health. An example of this process will be described.

[0180] The index and the range to be determined as the comfort range are stored in advance in the memory unit 11. The index and comfort range to be used may be arbitrarily specified by the user. For example, a discomfort index ranging from 60 to 75 is determined as the comfort range based on the discomfort index. The calculation unit 192 reads the type of index and the comfort range from the memory unit 11 and determines the comfortable temperature range within which the reference value falls within the comfort range. For example, if the temperature at which the discomfort index is 60 is 16°C and the temperature at which the discomfort index is 75 is 26°C, the comfort temperature range is from 16°C to 26°C. In this case, the lower comfort limit temperature is 16°C and the upper comfort limit temperature is 26°C. Next, as in the present embodiment, the calculation unit 192 calculates the upper and lower limits of air conditioning power consumption depending on the time of the first period.

[0181] (5-16) Variation 1P In this embodiment, the calculation unit 192 determines a comfortable temperature range for each target space within the range of "-1" to "+1" for the PMV value, and sets the temperature of the target space where the PMV value is "-1" as the lower comfort temperature limit, and the temperature of the target space where the PMV value is "+1" as the upper comfort temperature limit.

[0182] However, the PMV range for determining the comfort temperature range may be different. For example, the comfort temperature range may be determined based on user feedback (including complaints, surveys, remote control operation history, DR success rate, and machine learning based on these). For example, the temperature range in which the PMV value ranges from "0" to "+1" is defined as the comfort temperature range, the temperature in the target space where the PMV value is "0" is defined as the comfort lower limit temperature, and the temperature in the target space where the PMV value is "+1" is defined as the comfort upper limit temperature. In this case, if the first period is a summer season in which cooling operation is performed, the comfort lower limit temperature is, for example, 26°C, and the comfort upper limit temperature is, for example, 28°C. If the first period is a winter season in which heating operation is performed, the comfort lower limit temperature is, for example, 24°C, and the comfort upper limit temperature is, for example, 28°C. Next, as in the present embodiment, the calculation unit 192 calculates the upper and lower limits of air conditioning power consumption depending on the time of the first period.

[0183] (5-17) Variation 1Q In this embodiment, the calculation unit 192 determines a comfortable temperature range for each target space within the range of "-1" to "+1" for the PMV value, and sets the temperature of the target space where the PMV value is "-1" as the lower comfort temperature limit, and the temperature of the target space where the PMV value is "+1" as the upper comfort temperature limit.

[0184] However, the comfortable temperature range may be a temperature range desired by the user. The temperature range desired by the user is stored in advance in, for example, the storage unit 11. An example of the processing in this case will be described.

[0185] For example, assume that the comfortable temperature range is from 23° C. to 25° C. In this case, the comfortable lower limit temperature is 23° C. and the comfortable upper limit temperature is 25° C. Next, as in the present embodiment, the calculation unit 192 calculates the upper limit and lower limit values ​​of the air conditioning power consumption depending on the time of the first period.

[0186] This makes it possible to determine whether or not to accept a demand response request based on whether the user's wishes can be reflected, even if a general indicator such as PMV differs from the user's sense of comfort.

[0187] (5-18) Variation 1R In this embodiment, the controller 40 and the other devices 9 are connected so that they can communicate with each other. However, depending on the configuration of the building 98 and the types of devices, there may be cases where communication with or control of all or some of the other devices 9 is not possible. These devices are called other uncontrollable devices.

[0188] When other uncontrollable devices are present, it is not possible to perform DR using the other uncontrollable devices, and therefore the operation of the control unit 19 differs in the following respects.

[0189] The calculation unit 192 also calculates other uncontrollable power consumption, which is the power consumption of only the other uncontrollable devices, separately from other power consumption, which is the power consumption of the entire other devices 9 including the other uncontrollable devices.

[0190] If the determination unit 193 determines that the DR request is accepted, the transmission unit 194 transmits to the controller 40 each of the air conditioning power consumption, the storage power consumption, and the power consumption obtained by subtracting the other uncontrollable power consumption from the other power consumption.

[0191] (5-19) Variation 1S In this embodiment, when the determination unit 193 determines to accept the DR request, the controller 40 performs allocation based on the ratio of the air conditioning power consumption, the storage power consumption, and the other power consumption. However, the controller 40 may perform allocation by correcting the ratio based on conditions such as priority.

[0192] For example, the priorities for allocating power consumption to the air conditioning device 2, the power storage device 5, and other devices 9 can be determined, and the power consumption can be allocated in order of priority using machine learning, optimization, etc., with the first power consumption as a constraint, so that the power consumption satisfies the upper and / or lower limit conditions of each device.

[0193] For example, suppose the first power consumption is 100 to 120 kW, the air conditioning power consumption is 60 to 70 kW, the power storage power consumption is 0 to 50 kW, and the other power consumption is 50 to 60 kW, and allocation is performed through optimization in the following order of priority: other device 9, air conditioner 2, power storage device 5. In this case, first, 50 kW, for example, is allocated to the other device 9 within the range of the first power consumption and the range of the other power consumption (step S"1). Next, 60 kW, for example, is allocated to the air conditioner 2 within the range (50 to 70 kW) obtained by subtracting the power allocation amount to the other device 9 from the first power consumption, and within the range of the air conditioning power consumption (step S"2). Finally, 10 kW is allocated to the power storage device 5 within the range (-10 to 10 kW) obtained by subtracting the power allocation amounts to the other devices 9 and the air conditioner 2 from the first power consumption, and the range of the stored power consumption (step S"3). If 0 kW is included in the range (-20 to 0 kW) obtained by subtracting the power allocation amounts to the other devices 9, the air conditioner 2, and the power storage device 5 from the first power consumption (step S"4), the allocation process ends. If there is no power consumption that satisfies both conditions in each step, the process returns to the previous step and performs allocation again. By repeating this process until the condition in step S"4 is met, it is possible to perform allocation while satisfying the power range conditions of each device.

[0194] (5-20) Variation 1T In this embodiment, when the determination unit 193 determines to accept the DR request, the controller 40 performs allocation based on the ratio of the air conditioning power consumption, the power storage power consumption, and the other power consumption. However, when there are multiple air conditioning devices 2, multiple power storage devices 5, and multiple other devices 9, the controller 40 may perform allocation for each device.

[0195] For example, if there are two air conditioners 2 and power is allocated proportionally to each device, the allocation ratio for the upper limit of the first power consumption is, for example, "upper limit of power consumption for air conditioner 1: upper limit of power consumption for air conditioner 2: upper limit of power consumption for power storage: upper limit of power consumption for other devices." The allocation ratio for the lower limit of the first power consumption is, for example, "lower limit of power consumption for air conditioner 1: lower limit of power consumption for air conditioner 2: lower limit of power consumption for power storage: lower limit of power consumption for other devices."

[0196] (5-21) Variation 1U In this embodiment, when the determination unit 193 determines to accept the DR request, the transmission unit 194 transmits each of the air conditioning power consumption, the power consumption by storage, and the other power consumption to the controller 40. However, the transmission unit 194 may transmit the information to the controller 40 in a different format. For example, the information may be transmitted as a ratio of "air conditioning power consumption:power consumption by storage:other power consumption."

[0197] (5-22) Variation 1V In the present embodiment, the controller 40 transmits the upper limit value and / or the lower limit value of the first power consumption allocated to each of the refrigerant systems RS, the power storage device 5, and the other devices 9 to each of the refrigerant systems RS, the power storage device 5, and the other devices 9. However, if each of the devices is controlled by a controller or the like of a different system, the controller 40 may transmit instructions to the controller or the like of the different system. For example, the controller 40 may transmit instructions to a Building Energy Management System (BEMS), a Home Energy Management System (HEMS), a Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud, or the like.

[0198] (5-23) Variation 1W In this embodiment, the power storage device 5 and other devices 9 are installed inside the building 98. However, the power storage device 5 and other devices 9 may be installed at a location away from the building 98 as long as the controller 40 and the power storage device 5 are communicably connected via a network NW1 such as the Internet.

[0199] For example, when using an off-site PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) or the services of a battery aggregator, the generator and battery are physically located away from the building 98, but can communicate via the network NW1 as if they were located within the building 98.

[0200] (5-24) Variation 1X In this embodiment, when the determination unit 193 determines that the DR request should be accepted, the transmission unit 194 transmits each of the air conditioning power consumption, the storage power consumption, and the other power consumption to the controller 40. However, the transmission unit 194 may transmit only some of the air conditioning power consumption, the storage power consumption, and the other power consumption to the controller 40. For example, only the air conditioning power consumption may be transmitted.

[0201] (5-25) Variation 1Y In the present embodiment, the controller 40 transmits the upper limit value and / or the lower limit value of the first power consumption apportioned to each of the refrigerant system RS, the power storage device 5, and the other devices 9 to each of the refrigerant system RS, the power storage device 5, and the other devices 9. However, the controller 40 may transmit the power consumption to only some of the refrigerant system RS, the power storage device 5, and the other devices 9. For example, the power consumption may be transmitted only to the refrigerant system RS.

[0202] (5-26) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0203] 1 Judgment device 2. Air conditioning equipment 3 Upper device 4 Lower-level devices 5. Energy storage device 19 Control Unit D1 Operation data RS refrigerant system [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0204] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7201341

Claims

1. A method for determining whether to accept a demand response request, performed by a determination device (1), comprising: a receiving step of receiving, as the request, a first power consumption during a first period from a higher-level device (3); a calculation step of calculating second power consumption, including power consumption required for an air conditioning device (2) included in a lower-level device (4) to set the value of an environmental parameter of a space to be air-conditioned to a first target value during the first period; a determination step of comparing the first power consumption with the second power consumption to determine whether or not to accept the request; a transmitting step of transmitting a determination result to the upper device; Equipped with the environmental parameters include at least one of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and airflow; Judgment method.

2. The first target value is determined based on an index related to comfort or health. The determination method according to claim 1 .

3. The comfort or health index is PMV (Predicted Mean Vote), The determination method according to claim 2 .

4. The comfort or health index is a target value desired by the user. The determination method according to claim 2 .

5. The second power consumption further includes power consumption required to make the remaining charge of a power storage device (5) included in the lower-level device reach a second target value during the first period. The determination method according to claim 1 .

6. The second target value is determined based on safety, deterioration, or a target value desired by a user. The determination method according to claim 5 .

7. the calculating step calculates the second power consumption at a first time before receiving the request; the transmitting step transmits, to the higher-level device, the second power consumption calculated at the first time or a fourth power consumption based on the second power consumption calculated at the first time before receiving the request; the calculating step calculates the second power consumption again after the first time; the determining step compares the first power consumption with the recalculated second power consumption to determine whether or not to accept the request. The determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The determining step If the upper limit value of the first power consumption is greater than the lower limit value of the second power consumption, it is determined that the request is accepted; If the upper limit value of the first power consumption is smaller than the lower limit value of the second power consumption, it is determined that the request is not accepted. The determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The determining step If the lower limit value of the first power consumption is smaller than the upper limit value of the second power consumption, it is determined that the request is accepted; If the lower limit value of the first power consumption is greater than the upper limit value of the second power consumption, it is determined that the request is not accepted. The determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. If the determining step determines that the request is not accepted, the transmitting step further transmits the second power consumption to the higher-level device. The determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. If the host device rejects the request, If the second power consumption cannot be calculated, If you are prohibited from accepting such request, If the number of such requests exceeds a predetermined number, or If a predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting a determination result that the request is not accepted to the upper device, The determining step determines that the request is accepted. The determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. If we do not receive your request within the timeframe in which we expect to receive it, or If there are any deficiencies in the content of the request, the determining step considers a predetermined third power consumption as the first power consumption and determines to accept the request. The determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

13. If it is determined in the determining step that the request is accepted, the transmitting step transmits the first power consumption to the lower device. The determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. The air conditioning device has one or more refrigerant systems (RS), The determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

15. The receiving step receives operating data (D1) from the air conditioning device, The calculation step calculates the second power consumption based on the operating data. The determination method according to claim 14.

16. the calculating step calculates the second power consumption based on at least one of a remaining charge amount of the power storage device at a predetermined time, a charging speed of the power storage device, and a chargeable time of the power storage device; The determination method according to claim 5 or 6.

17. A control unit (19) is provided, The control unit receiving a first power consumption in a first period from a higher-level device (3) as a demand response request; During the first period, a second power consumption is calculated, which includes the power consumption required for an air conditioning device (2) included in a lower-level device (4) to set the value of an environmental parameter of a space to be air-conditioned to a first target value; comparing the first power consumption with the second power consumption to determine whether to accept the request; Transmitting the determination result to the higher-level device; the environmental parameters include at least one of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and airflow; Determination device (1).

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