Device control apparatus, device control system, device control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an equipment control device, an equipment control system, an equipment control method, and the like capable of suppressing a peak value of power consumption in an aggregate on the basis of characteristics of operation capability.SOLUTION: The calculator 102 calculates an equipment characteristic indicating a characteristic related to the operating capacity of each of the plurality of pieces of equipment on the basis of equipment information indicating the operating conditions of the plurality of pieces of equipment installed in the aggregation of rooms. A power information acquisition unit 104 acquires power information indicating power consumption in an aggregate from a power measurement device. The determination unit 105 determines the maximum value of the number of devices that allow the high-load operation in the same period based on the power information and a rule predetermined by the administrator. The generation unit 106 generates a control schedule for controlling the plurality of pieces of equipment based on the equipment information and the equipment characteristics so that the number of pieces of equipment that perform the high-load operation does not exceed the maximum value by shifting the time at which the equipment performs the high-load operation. The control unit 107 controls a plurality of devices in accordance with a control schedule.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device control device, a device control system, a device control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] One type of contract for electricity supply in apartment buildings is a high-voltage bulk power receiving contract, in which the apartment building manager enters into a contract with the power company, and each resident enters into a contract with the apartment building manager. In a high-voltage bulk power receiving contract, an upper limit is set for the amount of electricity consumed by the entire apartment building, and if this limit is exceeded even for a moment, the resident must enter into a higher-priced contract with a higher power limit the following year. For this reason, when an increase in electricity consumption is expected due to extreme heat or severe winter, the resident of each apartment is required to reduce their electricity consumption, but this could significantly reduce the resident's comfort.

[0003] Meanwhile, various technologies have been proposed for reducing the power consumed by multiple devices with consideration for user comfort. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which an energy management device of a power company receives a presentation of an adjustable amount of power from each of multiple properties where devices are installed, and transmits a request to each of the multiple properties to reduce power consumption. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-142529 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the above technology, in order to calculate the adjustable amount of power, it is necessary to predefine the allowable operating capacity for each device in the property so as not to cause discomfort to users. Furthermore, in order to control each property so as not to impair user comfort, it is necessary to satisfy multiple conditions set for each of the multiple properties. Therefore, from the perspective of convenience for users and those who manage the control of multiple devices, a simpler method for reducing power consumption in complexes with multiple rooms, such as apartment buildings, is needed.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an equipment control device, an equipment control system, an equipment control method, and a program that are capable of suppressing peak power consumption in an assembly based on the characteristics of the operating capacity of the equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the device control device according to the present disclosure includes: a device information acquisition means for acquiring device information indicating the operating status of a plurality of devices installed in a group of rooms; a calculation means for calculating an equipment characteristic indicating a characteristic related to the operation capability of each of the plurality of equipment based on the equipment information; a power information acquiring means for acquiring power information indicating power consumption in the assembly from a power measuring device that measures power consumption in the assembly; a determination means for determining a maximum number of the devices that are permitted to operate at high load during the same period based on the power information and a predetermined rule; a generation means for generating a control schedule for controlling the plurality of devices based on the device information and the device characteristics by shifting the times at which the devices perform the high-load operation so that the number of devices performing the high-load operation among the plurality of devices does not exceed the maximum value; and and a control means for controlling the plurality of devices in accordance with the control schedule. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an equipment control device, an equipment control system, an equipment control method, and a program that are capable of suppressing peak power consumption in an assembly based on operating capacity characteristics. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Block diagram of a device control system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a device control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a device control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of device information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1A is a diagram showing an example of a change in room temperature according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a change in power consumption according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of device characteristic information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information on the allowable number of devices according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of changes in room temperature of three air conditioners according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of changes in power consumption of three air conditioners according to the first embodiment; and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of changes in total power consumption of three air conditioners according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of changes in room temperature of three air conditioners according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of changes in power consumption of three air conditioners according to the first embodiment; and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of changes in total power consumption of three air conditioners according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart showing a device control process executed by a device control device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a device control device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of estimated information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of changes in room temperature of three air conditioners according to a second embodiment; FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of changes in power consumption of three air conditioners according to a second embodiment; and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of changes in total power consumption of three air conditioners according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a device control process executed by a device control device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information on the number of permitted devices according to a modified example; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Embodiment 1) The device control system 1 according to the first embodiment is a system capable of controlling devices installed in a group of rooms. In the following description, the group is an apartment building and the devices are air conditioners. In addition, in the following description, it is assumed that the manager of the apartment building has a high-voltage bulk power receiving contract with an electric power company.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the device control system 1 includes a device control device 100, air conditioners 200-1 to 200-N (N: a natural number greater than or equal to 2) installed in dwelling units 20-1 to 20-M (M: a natural number greater than or equal to 2) of an apartment building 2, and a power measurement device 300 that measures power consumption in the apartment building 2. Hereinafter, except when describing a specific dwelling unit, the dwelling units 20-1 to 20-M will be collectively referred to as dwelling units 20, and except when describing a specific air conditioner, the air conditioners 200-1 to 200-N will be collectively referred to as air conditioners 200. Each dwelling unit 20 includes one or more living rooms, and the dwelling units 20 may include dwelling units with multiple air conditioners 200 installed or dwelling units with no air conditioner 200 installed. The device control device 100 communicates with the air conditioners 200 and the power measurement device 300 via a network 400.

[0012] The device control device 100 receives device information indicating the operating status from the air conditioner 200. The device control device 100 also receives information on measured power consumption from the power measurement device 300. The device control device 100 controls the air conditioner 200 by referring to the received information.

[0013] The air conditioner 200 is installed in a dwelling unit 20 of the apartment building 2, and operates according to operations by a user or instructions from the equipment control device 100.

[0014] The power measuring device 300 is installed on or off the premises of the apartment building 2 and measures the power consumption of the entire apartment building 2. Here, the power consumption and amount of power consumption in the apartment building 2 refers to the power consumption of all the equipment on the premises of the apartment building 2, and includes the power consumed in each of the dwelling units 20, the power consumed in common areas, etc.

[0015] The network 400 is a wireless or wired communication network, such as the Internet or a telephone network.

[0016] Next, the hardware configuration of the device control device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The device control device 100 has a processor 11 that executes various processes, a main memory unit 12 used as a work area for the processor 11, an auxiliary memory unit 13 that stores various data used in the processes of the processor 11, a communication unit 14 for communicating with external devices, an input unit 15 that acquires input information, and an output unit 16 that presents various information. The main memory unit 12, the auxiliary memory unit 13, the communication unit 14, the input unit 15, and the output unit 16 are all connected to the processor 11 via a bus 17.

[0017] The processor 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 11 executes programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 to realize various functions of the device control device 100.

[0018] The main memory unit 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory). Programs are loaded into the main memory unit 12 from the auxiliary memory unit 13. The main memory unit 12 is used as a working area for the processor 11.

[0019] Auxiliary storage unit 13 includes a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). In addition to programs, auxiliary storage unit 13 stores various data used in the processing of processor 11. In accordance with instructions from processor 11, auxiliary storage unit 13 supplies processor 11 with data used by processor 11 and stores data supplied from processor 11.

[0020] The communication unit 14 includes a network interface circuit for communicating with an external device. The communication unit 14 receives a signal from the external device and outputs data indicated by the signal to the processor 11. The communication unit 14 also transmits a signal indicating the data output from the processor 11 to the external device.

[0021] The input unit 15 includes input devices such as input keys, a pointing device, etc. The input unit 15 acquires information input by the user of the device control device 100 and notifies the processor 11 of the acquired information.

[0022] The output unit 16 includes output devices such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a speaker. The output unit 16 may be configured as a touch screen integrally formed with a pointing device constituting the input unit 15. The output unit 16 presents various information to the user in accordance with instructions from the processor 11.

[0023] Next, the functions of the device control device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Functionally, the device control device 100 includes a device information acquisition unit 101 that acquires device information, a calculation unit 102 that calculates device characteristics, a storage unit 103 that stores information indicating the device information and the device characteristics, a power information acquisition unit 104 that acquires power information, a determination unit 105 that determines the maximum number of devices that are allowed to operate at high load during the same period, a generation unit 106 that generates a control schedule for the devices, and a control unit 107 that controls the devices.

[0024] The device information acquisition unit 101 acquires device information indicating the operating status of multiple devices installed in a group of rooms. Specifically, the device information acquisition unit 101 acquires device information indicating the operating status of multiple air conditioners 200 installed in the apartment building 2 of the dwelling unit 20. The device information acquisition unit 101 stores the acquired device information in the memory unit 103. The device information acquisition unit 101 is realized by the processor 11 and the communication unit 14 working together. The device information acquisition unit 101 is an example of a device information acquisition means.

[0025] The device information is, for example, the operating state, operating mode, set temperature, power consumption, and room temperature measured by the air conditioner 200 of the air conditioner 200. For example, the device information acquisition unit 101 acquires the device information by transmitting a request to present device information to the air conditioner 200 at a predetermined cycle and receiving the device information transmitted from the air conditioner 200 in response to the presentation request. The predetermined cycle is set by the administrator of the device control device 100, and is set to, for example, a value between 1 minute and 5 minutes. In the following, the predetermined cycle is assumed to be 5 minutes. Furthermore, for the sake of explanation, it is assumed that three air conditioners 200 are installed in the apartment building 2.

[0026] FIG. 4 shows an example of device information stored in the storage unit 103. The device information in FIG. 4 includes an air conditioner ID for identifying the air conditioner 200, the time when the air conditioner 200 transmitted the device information to the device control device 100, the operating state, the operating mode, the set temperature, the room temperature, and the power consumption, all of which are associated with each other. The record on the first line of the device information in FIG. 4 indicates that the air conditioner 200 with the air conditioner ID "A1" is in the operating state "OFF" at the time "July 1, 2024, 8:55 AM." The record on the second line of the device information in FIG. 4 indicates that the air conditioner 200 with the air conditioner ID "A1" is in the operating state "ON" at the time "July 1, 2024, 9:00 AM," and is operating in the operating mode "cooling," with the set temperature "ST1-1," the room temperature "RT1-1," and the power consumption "PC1-1."

[0027] The calculation unit 102 calculates equipment characteristics indicating characteristics related to the operating capacity of each of the plurality of pieces of equipment based on the equipment information. Specifically, the calculation unit 102 calculates equipment characteristics indicating characteristics related to the operating capacity of each of the plurality of air conditioners 200 based on the equipment information stored in the storage unit 103. The calculation unit 102 stores equipment characteristic information indicating the calculated equipment characteristics in the storage unit 103. The calculation unit 102 is realized by the processor 11. The calculation unit 102 is an example of a calculation means.

[0028] Device characteristics indicate characteristics related to the operating capacity of the device, and are expressed, for example, by startup power consumption, steady-state power consumption, and steady-state arrival time coefficient. Start-up power consumption is the power consumption until the room temperature reaches the set temperature. Steady-state power consumption is the power consumption after the room temperature reaches the set temperature. The steady-state arrival time coefficient is an index that indicates how quickly it takes for the temperature to reach the set temperature from the room temperature, and by using the steady-state arrival time coefficient, it is possible to calculate the time it takes to reach the set temperature from the difference between the room temperature and the set temperature. The startup power consumption, steady-state power consumption, and steady-state arrival time coefficient will be specifically explained using Figures 5(A) and 5(B).

[0029] Fig. 5(A) shows an example of the change in room temperature from when the air conditioner 200 starts operating until it stops operating. Fig. 5(B) shows an example of the change in power consumption from when the air conditioner 200 starts operating until it stops operating. As shown in Fig. 5(A), the room temperature of a room in which the air conditioner 200 is installed gradually approaches the set temperature ST from the room temperature RT at time Tx1 when the air conditioner 200 starts operating, reaches the set temperature ST at time Tx2, and is maintained at the set temperature ST during operation. Thereafter, when the air conditioner 200 is stopped operating, the room temperature of the room in which the air conditioner 200 is installed approaches the initial room temperature RT from the set temperature ST from time Tx3 when the air conditioner 200 stops operating. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5(B), the power consumption of the air conditioner 200 reaches the startup power consumption SUPC, which is the highest power consumption, at time Tx1 when the air conditioner 200 starts operating, i.e., when the air conditioner 200 starts up, and operation at the startup power consumption SUPC continues until time Tx2 when the room temperature reaches the set temperature ST. Then, from time Tx2 when the room temperature reaches the set temperature ST until time Tx3 when the air conditioner 200 operation is stopped, the power consumption of the air conditioner 200 is maintained at the steady-state power consumption SSPC, which is lower than the startup power consumption SUPC. Thereafter, when the air conditioner 200 operation is stopped, the power consumption of the air conditioner 200 becomes zero from time Tx3 when the air conditioner 200 operation is stopped. The steady-state attainment time coefficient is a value calculated from the slope of the graph of the change in room temperature from time Tx1 to time Tx2 in FIG. 5(A), and is a value expressed as (ST - RT) / (Tx2 - Tx1).

[0030] For example, the calculation unit 102 calculates the startup power consumption, steady-state power consumption, and steady-state arrival time coefficient for each of the air conditioner IDs "A1," "A2," and "A3" based on the device information of FIG. 4 stored in the storage unit 103. The timing at which the calculation unit 102 calculates the device characteristics is determined in advance by the administrator of the device control system 1. For example, the calculation unit 102 may calculate the device characteristics every time device information is acquired, or may calculate the device characteristics at a predetermined date and time, such as at midnight every day. The calculation unit 102 stores device characteristic information including the calculated startup power consumption, steady-state power consumption, and steady-state arrival time coefficient in the storage unit 103.

[0031] Fig. 6 shows an example of device characteristic information stored in the storage unit 103. The device characteristic information in Fig. 6 includes an air conditioner ID for identifying the air conditioner 200, startup power consumption, steady-state power consumption, and steady-state arrival time coefficient, all associated with each other. The record in the first row of the device characteristic information in Fig. 6 indicates that the startup power consumption of the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" is "SUPC1", the steady-state power is "SSPC1", and the steady-state arrival time coefficient is "C1".

[0032] The power information acquiring unit 104 acquires power information indicating the power consumption in the complex from a power measuring device 300 that measures the power consumption in the complex. Specifically, the power information acquiring unit 104 acquires power information indicating the power consumption consumed in the apartment building 2 from the power measuring device 300. The power information acquiring unit 104 is realized by cooperation between the processor 11 and the communication unit 14. The power information acquiring unit 104 is an example of a power information acquiring means.

[0033] Here, the power information includes information indicating the power consumption in the apartment building 2, as well as information indicating the value of the allowable power consumption permitted in the apartment building 2. In this embodiment, the value of the allowable power consumption permitted in the apartment building 2 is the upper limit of peak power consumption specified in the high-voltage bulk power receiving contract. The power information includes, for example, information indicating the total amount of power consumption consumed in the apartment building 2, and information indicating the upper limit of peak power consumption specified in the high-voltage bulk power receiving contract concluded for the apartment building 2.

[0034] For example, when the equipment information acquisition unit 101 acquires equipment information of air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3", the power information acquisition unit 104 transmits a request for presentation of power information to a power measurement device 300 that measures the power consumption of the apartment building 2 in which the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3" are installed, and acquires the power information by receiving the power information sent from the power measurement device 300 in response to the presentation request.

[0035] The determination unit 105 determines the maximum number of devices that are allowed to operate at high load during the same period based on the power information and a predetermined rule. The determination unit 105 is realized by the processor 11. The determination unit 105 is an example of a determination means.

[0036] Here, high-load operation refers to operation in which the power consumption of the equipment during operation is higher than the power consumption during other operations. For example, high-load operation refers to operation from when the air conditioner 200 is started until the room temperature in the room reaches the set temperature, which is the operation from time Tx1 to time Tx2 in the example transition of FIG. 5(B). In other words, high-load operation refers to operation using the startup power consumption SUPC. On the other hand, low-load operation refers to operation in which the power consumption of the equipment during operation is lower than the power consumption during other operations. For example, low-load operation refers to operation from when the room temperature of the air conditioner 200 reaches the set temperature until the air conditioner 200 stops, which is the operation from time Tx2 to time Tx3 in the example transition of FIG. 5(B). In other words, low-load operation refers to operation using the steady-state power consumption SSPC.

[0037] The predetermined rule is a rule for determining the maximum number of devices that are allowed to operate at high loads in the same period, and is determined by the administrator of the device control system 1. For example, the predetermined rule indicates the correspondence between the surplus power in an aggregate and the maximum number of devices that are allowed to operate at high loads in the same period. The surplus power is indicated by the value obtained by subtracting the total power consumption of the aggregate from the allowable power consumption allowed in the aggregate. Hereinafter, the maximum number of devices that are allowed to operate at high loads in the same period will be referred to as the "allowable number of devices." Also, below, information indicating the correspondence between the surplus power and the allowable number of devices will be referred to as "allowable number of devices information." The allowable number of devices information is stored in the memory unit 103.

[0038] An example of allowable device number information is shown in Fig. 7. The record on the first line of Fig. 7 indicates that when the spare power of the apartment building 2 is between "0" and less than "PC1", the allowable device number of air conditioners 200 in the apartment building 2 is "1".

[0039] For example, determination unit 105 determines the surplus power in apartment building 2 by referring to the power information acquired by power information acquisition unit 104, and determines the allowable number of devices by referring to the table of Fig. 7 stored in storage unit 103. For example, if determination unit 105 determines the surplus power in apartment building 2 to be "PC1," it determines the allowable number of devices to be "2."

[0040] Furthermore, the decision unit 105 determines whether or not control according to the control schedule is necessary based on the remaining power.

[0041] For example, when the determination unit 105 determines that the surplus power in the apartment building 2 is "PC2," it determines that the allowable number of devices is "unlimited." In this case, the determination unit 105 determines that control according to the control schedule by the control unit 107 is not necessary, and the generation unit 106 and the control unit 107 do not execute processing.

[0042] The generation unit 106 generates a control schedule for controlling the plurality of devices based on the device information and device characteristics by shifting the times at which the devices perform high-load operation so that the number of devices performing high-load operation among the plurality of devices does not exceed a maximum value. The generation unit 106 is realized by the processor 11. The generation unit 106 is an example of a generation means.

[0043] For example, the generation unit 106 references the device information acquired by the device information acquisition unit 101 and determines the number of air conditioners 200 in operation whose room temperature has not reached the set temperature, i.e., the number of air conditioners 200 operating at high load. Hereinafter, the number of air conditioners 200 whose room temperature has not reached the set temperature will be referred to as the "number of devices whose set temperature has not been reached." Then, when the number of devices whose set temperature has not been reached is equal to or exceeds the allowable number of devices, the generation unit 106 generates a control schedule.

[0044] For example, the generating unit 106 generates a control schedule that satisfies the following conditions (1) to (3).

[0045] Condition (1): When the number of devices that have not reached the set temperature exceeds the allowable number of devices, among the air conditioners 200 operating at high load, the air conditioner 200 with the smallest difference between the set temperature and the room temperature is switched to low load operation. Condition (2): When the difference between the set temperature and room temperature of an air conditioner 200 operating at low load becomes larger than the difference between the set temperature and room temperature of any air conditioner 200 operating at high load, the air conditioner 200 operating at low load is switched to high load operation, and the air conditioner 200 operating at high load with the smallest difference between the set temperature and room temperature is switched to low load operation. Condition (3): Among the air conditioners 200 operating at high load, those for which the difference between the set temperature and the room temperature has become zero are switched to low load operation, and among the air conditioners 200 operating at low load, those for which the difference between the set temperature and the room temperature is not zero are switched to high load operation.

[0046] For example, if the room temperatures of three air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3" have not reached the set temperature and are operating at high load, and the allowable number of devices for the apartment building 2 is "2", the generation unit 106 will determine that the number of devices that have not reached the set temperature has exceeded the allowable number of devices, and will generate a control schedule for the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3" that satisfies conditions (1) to (3) by referring to the device information and device characteristic information of the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3".

[0047] Specifically, in order to perform control that satisfies condition (1), the generation unit 106 references the set temperature and room temperature in the acquired device information and identifies the air conditioner 200 (air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3") that is operating at a high load and has the smallest difference between the set temperature and the room temperature. Here, it is assumed that the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" has the smallest difference between the set temperature and the room temperature. The generation unit 106 generates "control schedule 1" that switches the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" to low-load operation at time TD1 when the number of devices that have not achieved the set temperature exceeds the allowable number of devices, that is, immediately.

[0048] Next, in order to perform control that satisfies condition (2), the generation unit 106 references the set temperature and room temperature in the device information of the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1," "A2," and "A3," and the steady-state arrival time coefficient in the device calculation information, calculates the time TD2 at which the difference between the set temperature and room temperature of the air conditioner 200 (air conditioner ID "A2") operating at low load will be greater than the difference between the set temperature and room temperature of any of the air conditioners 200 (air conditioner IDs "A1" and "A3") operating at high load, and identifies the air conditioner 200 (air conditioner IDs "A1" and "A3") operating at high load at the calculated time TD2 that has the smallest difference between the set temperature and room temperature. Here, it is assumed that the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" is identified. The generation unit 106 generates a "control schedule 2" that switches the air conditioner 200 (air conditioner ID "A2") that is operating at low load to high load operation at the calculated time TD2, and switches the identified air conditioner 200 (air conditioner ID "A1") to low load operation.

[0049] In order to perform control that satisfies condition (3), the generation unit 106 references the set temperature and room temperature in the equipment information of the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A2" and "A3" and the steady-state arrival time coefficient in the equipment calculation information, calculates the time TD3 at which the difference between the set temperature and room temperature of one of the air conditioners 200 (air conditioner IDs "A2" and "A3") that is operating at a high load will become zero, and identifies the air conditioner 200 whose difference between the set temperature and room temperature will first become zero. Here, it is assumed that the times at which the difference between the set temperature and room temperature of the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A2" and "A3" become zero are calculated to be the same, and the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A2" and "A3" are identified. The generation unit 106 generates a "control schedule 3" that switches the identified air conditioners 200 (air conditioner IDs "A2" and "A3") to low-load operation at time TD3 and switches the air conditioner 200 (air conditioner ID "A1") that is operating at low load to high-load operation.

[0050] The generating unit 106 stores the generated “control schedule 1”, “control schedule 2”, and “control schedule 3” in the storage unit 103.

[0051] The control unit 107 controls a plurality of devices according to a control schedule. The control unit 107 is realized by cooperation between the processor 11 and the communication unit 14. The control unit 107 is an example of a control means.

[0052] For example, the control unit 107 references "Control Schedule 1," "Control Schedule 2," and "Control Schedule 3" stored in the memory unit 103 to control the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1," "A2," and "A3." Specifically, the control unit 107 references the times specified in "Control Schedule 1," "Control Schedule 2," and "Control Schedule 3," and controls the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1," "A2," and "A3" in chronological order of the specified times.

[0053] For comparison, Fig. 8 shows an example of operation of the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3" when control is not executed by the control unit 107, and Fig. 9 shows an example of operation of the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3" when control is executed by the control unit 107 based on "control schedule 1", "control schedule 2", and "control schedule 3". Each square on the time axis in Figs. 8 and 9 represents a period of, for example, 30 minutes.

[0054] Figure 8(A) shows an example of the change in room temperature of air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3", Figure 8(B) shows an example of the change in power consumption of air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3", and Figure 8(C) shows an example of the change in total power consumption of air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3".

[0055] 8(A) and 8(B), the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" is started up at time Tn1, the room temperature at start-up is room temperature RT1, and high-load operation is performed until time Tn4 when the room temperature reaches the set temperature ST1, and the power consumption from time Tn1 to time Tn4 is start-up power consumption "SUPC1". Next, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" performs low-load operation until time Tn6 when operation is stopped, and the power consumption from time Tn4 to time Tn6 is steady-state power consumption "SSPC1". Thereafter, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" stops operation, and the room temperature gradually approaches the room temperature RT1 at start-up.

[0056] 8(A) and 8(B), the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" is started up at time Tn1, the room temperature at start-up is room temperature RT2, and high-load operation is performed until time Tn3 when the room temperature reaches the set temperature ST2, and the power consumption from time Tn1 to time Tn3 is start-up power consumption "SUPC2." Next, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" performs low-load operation until time Tn5 when operation is stopped, and the power consumption from time Tn3 to time Tn5 is steady-state power consumption "SSPC2." After that, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" stops operation, and the room temperature gradually approaches the room temperature RT2 at start-up.

[0057] 8(A) and 8(B), the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" is started up at time Tn2, the room temperature at start-up is room temperature RT3, and high-load operation is performed until time Tn4 when the room temperature reaches the set temperature ST3, and the power consumption from time Tn2 to time Tn4 is start-up power consumption "SUPC3." Next, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" performs low-load operation until time Tn7 when operation is stopped, and the power consumption from time Tn4 to time Tn7 is steady-state power consumption "SSPC3." Thereafter, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" stops operation, and the room temperature gradually approaches the room temperature RT3 at start-up.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 8(C), the total power consumption becomes a maximum value SUPC_maxn from time Tn2 to time Tn3, and the maximum value SUPC_maxn is the sum of the power consumption of the three air conditioners 200 at startup.

[0059] Figure 9(A) shows an example of the change in room temperature of air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2" and "A3", Figure 9(B) shows an example of the change in power consumption of air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2" and "A3", and Figure 9(C) shows an example of the change in total power consumption of air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2" and "A3". In Figure 9, time Tc2 is time TD1 when the number of devices that have not reached the set temperature exceeds the allowable number of devices. At time Tc2, the generation unit 106 generates "control schedule 1," "control schedule 2," and "control schedule 3," and stores them in the memory unit 103, and the control unit 107 starts controlling the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1," "A2," and "A3" based on "control schedule 1," "control schedule 2," and "control schedule 3" stored in the memory unit 103. Also, in FIG. 9, time Tc3 corresponds to time TD2 when the difference between the set temperature and room temperature of the air conditioner 200 (air conditioner ID "A2") during low-load operation becomes larger than the difference between the set temperature and room temperature of the air conditioners 200 (air conditioner IDs "A1" and "A3") during high-load operation, and time Tc4 corresponds to time TD3 when the difference between the set temperature and room temperature of the air conditioners 200 (air conditioner IDs "A2" and "A3") during high-load operation becomes zero.

[0060] 9(A) and 9(B), the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" is started up at time Tc1, the room temperature at start-up is room temperature RT1, and high-load operation is performed until time TD2 specified in "Control Schedule 2," i.e., time Tc3, the power consumption from time Tc1 to time Tc3 is startup power consumption "SUPC1," and from time Tc3 the air conditioner 200 switches to low-load operation. Next, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" performs low-load operation from time Tc3 to TD3 specified in "Control Schedule 3," i.e., time Tc4, the power consumption from time Tc3 to time Tc4 is steady-state power consumption "SSPC1," and high-load operation is performed from time Tc4 to time T5 when the room temperature reaches the set temperature ST1, and the power consumption from time Tc4 to time Tc5 is startup power consumption "SUPC1." Thereafter, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" stops operating at time Tc7, and the room temperature gradually approaches the room temperature RT1 at the time of startup.

[0061] 9(A) and 9(B), the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" is started up at time Tc1, the room temperature at start-up is room temperature RT2, and high-load operation is performed until time TD1 specified in "control schedule 1," i.e., time Tc2, the power consumption from time Tc1 to time Tc2 is startup power consumption "SUPC1," and from time Tc2 it switches to low-load operation. Next, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" performs low-load operation from time Tc3 to TD2 specified in "control schedule 2," i.e., time Tc3, the power consumption from time Tc2 to time Tc3 is steady-state power consumption "SSPC2," and high-load operation is performed from time Tc3 to time Tc4 when the room temperature reaches the set temperature ST2, and the power consumption from time Tc3 to time Tc4 is startup power consumption "SUPC2." Thereafter, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" stops operating at time Tc6, and the room temperature gradually approaches the room temperature RT2 at the time of startup.

[0062] 9(A) and 9(B), the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" is started at time Tc2, the room temperature at start-up is room temperature RT3, and high-load operation is performed until time TD3 specified in "control schedule 3," that is, time Tc4 when the room temperature reaches set temperature ST3. The power consumption from time Tc2 to time Tc4 is startup power consumption "SUPC3," and from time Tc4 the air conditioner switches to low-load operation. Next, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" performs low-load operation until time Tc8 when operation is stopped, and the power consumption from time Tc4 to time Tc8 is steady-state power consumption "SSPC3." Thereafter, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" stops operation, and the room temperature gradually approaches the room temperature RT3 at start-up.

[0063] 9(C), the total power consumption is at a maximum value SUPC_maxc from time Tc2 to time Tc4, and the maximum value SUPC_maxc is the sum of the startup power consumption of two air conditioners 200 and the steady-state startup power of one air conditioner 200. In this way, when the control unit 107 controls the air conditioners 200 based on the control schedule, the maximum value SUPC_maxc of the total power consumption can be set to a value lower than the maximum value SUPC_maxn of the total power consumption when control is not being performed by the control unit 107, and the maximum value of the total power consumption in the apartment building 2 can be suppressed.

[0064] Next, the device control process executed by the device control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 10. The device control device 100 starts the device control process of Fig. 10 based on, for example, an operation by an administrator of the device control device 100.

[0065] The power information acquiring unit 104 determines whether or not the device information has been acquired by the device information acquiring unit 101 (step S101). If the power information acquiring unit 104 determines that the device information has been acquired by the device information acquiring unit 101 (step S101; YES), the power information acquiring unit 104 acquires power information from the power measuring device 300 (step S102). On the other hand, if the power information acquiring unit 104 determines that the device information has not been acquired by the device information acquiring unit 101 (step S101; NO), the power information acquiring unit 104 waits.

[0066] For example, when the device information acquisition unit 101 acquires device information on air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3", the power information acquisition unit 104 acquires power information from the power measurement device 300 that measures the power consumption of the apartment building 2 in which the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3" are installed. On the other hand, if the device information acquisition unit 101 has not acquired any device information, the power information acquisition unit 104 remains on standby.

[0067] The determination unit 105 determines the allowable number of devices based on the power information and a predetermined rule (step S103). The determination unit 105 determines whether or not there is a limit to the allowable number of devices (step S104). If the determination unit 105 determines that there is a limit to the allowable number of devices (step S104; YES), the generation unit 106 refers to the device information acquired by the device information acquisition unit 101 and determines the number of devices that have not reached the set temperature among the operating air conditioners 200 (step S105). On the other hand, if the determination unit 105 determines that there is no limit to the allowable number of devices (step S104; NO), the process returns to step S101.

[0068] For example, the determination unit 105 references the power information acquired by the power information acquisition unit 104 to determine the surplus power in the apartment building 2 in which air conditioners 200 "A1," "A2," and "A3" are installed, and references the table of FIG. 7 stored in the memory unit 103 to determine the allowable number of appliances to be "2." Next, the generation unit 106 references the appliance information acquired by the appliance information acquisition unit 101 to determine the number of operating air conditioners 200 that have not achieved the set temperature, i.e., the number of air conditioners 200 operating at a high load. On the other hand, if the determination unit 105 determines that the allowable number of appliances is "unlimited" based on the surplus power and the table of FIG. 7, the process returns to step S101.

[0069] The generation unit 106 determines whether the number of devices that have not reached the set temperature is equal to or greater than the allowable number of devices (step S106). If the generation unit 106 determines that the number of devices that have not reached the set temperature is equal to or greater than the allowable number of devices (step S106; YES), the generation unit 106 generates a control schedule (step S107). The control unit 107 controls the multiple devices in accordance with the control schedule (step S108). On the other hand, if the generation unit 106 determines that the number of devices that have not reached the set temperature is less than the allowable number of devices (step S106; NO), the process returns to step S101.

[0070] For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , at time Tc2, if the room temperatures of three air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1," "A2," and "A3" have not reached the set temperature and are operating at high load, and the allowable number of devices in the apartment building 2 is "two," the generation unit 106 determines that the number of devices that have not reached the set temperature has exceeded the allowable number. The generation unit 106 then references the device information and device characteristic information of the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1," "A2," and "A3," generates "control schedule 1," "control schedule 2," and "control schedule 3," and stores them in the memory unit 103. The control unit 107 references "control schedule 1," "control schedule 2," and "control schedule 3" stored in the memory unit 103, and controls the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1," "A2," and "A3." On the other hand, if the generation unit 106 determines that the number of devices that have not reached the set temperature is not equal to or greater than the allowable number of devices, the process returns to step S101.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the peak power consumption in the complex where the devices are installed is suppressed by shifting the time when the devices perform high-load operation. This makes it possible to suppress the peak power consumption in the complex through simple control, without the need to set conditions for the users of multiple devices or to process the conditions set for each of multiple properties. Furthermore, even devices that have been shifted from performing high-load operation to suppress peak power consumption are operated at low load, thereby minimizing the impact on user comfort. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the power consumption limit set in the high-voltage bulk power receiving contract from being exceeded.

[0072] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by utilizing the characteristic that the air conditioner enters a high power consumption state when started up and transitions to a low power consumption state after reaching the set temperature, the peak power consumption of the entire assembly can be easily suppressed.

[0073] (Embodiment 2) The device control system 1 of the second embodiment differs from the device control system 1 of the first embodiment in the function of the device control device 100. The following describes the functions that differ from the functions of the device control device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0074] The functions of the device control device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Functionally, the device control device 100 includes a device information acquisition unit 101 that acquires device information, a calculation unit 102 that calculates device characteristics, a storage unit 103 that stores device information and information indicating the device characteristics, a power information acquisition unit 104 that acquires power information, a determination unit 105 that determines the maximum number of devices that are allowed to operate at high load during the same period, a generation unit 106 that generates a device control schedule, a control unit 107 that controls the devices, and an estimation unit 108 that estimates time periods during which the devices will be used.

[0075] The estimation unit 108 estimates the time periods during which the multiple devices will be used based on the device information. Specifically, the estimation unit 108 estimates the time periods during which the air conditioners 200 will be used based on the device information of the multiple air conditioners 200 installed in the apartment building 2, which is stored in the memory unit 103. The estimation unit 108 is realized by the processor 11. The estimation unit 108 is an example of an estimation means.

[0076] For example, the estimation unit 108 references the device information in FIG. 4 stored in the storage unit 103 to estimate the use start time and use end time for the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1," "A2," and "A3." Here, the period of the device information to be referenced is assumed to be specified in advance by the administrator of the device control system 1. For example, the estimation unit 108 estimates the use start time and use end time as the start time and use end time of a time period that was frequently used around the same time period as the time period to be estimated in the device information for the past year. For example, if the time period to be estimated is July 10, 2024, the same time period is the period from July 3, 2023 to July 10, 2023. Furthermore, the estimation unit 108 estimates the set temperature (hereinafter referred to as the "comfort set temperature") that will be set from the use start time to the use end time for the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1," "A2," and "A3." For example, the estimation unit 108 references the device information and estimates the set temperature that is most frequently set from the estimated use start time to the estimated use end time as the comfort set temperature. Then, the estimation unit 108 stores the estimated use start time, use end time, and comfort set temperature as estimated information in the storage unit 103. The estimation unit 108 also references the device information to estimate the room temperature measured at the use start time, and stores the estimated room temperature information in the storage unit 103 in association with the estimated information.

[0077] Fig. 12 shows an example of estimated information stored in the memory unit 103. The estimated information in Fig. 12 includes an air conditioner ID for identifying the air conditioner 200, a usage start time, a usage end time, and a comfort set temperature, all associated with each other. The record in the first line of the estimated information in Fig. 12 indicates that the estimated usage start time of the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" is "Ts1", the estimated usage end time is "Te1", and the estimated comfort set temperature is "CST1".

[0078] The generation unit 106 generates a control schedule that shifts the time at which the appliance performs high-load operation during the estimated time period.

[0079] Condition (4): If there is a period between the estimated start time and end time of use where the number of devices that have not reached the set temperature exceeds the allowable number of devices, the start time of high-load operation is advanced in order from the air conditioner 200 that is operating at high load, starting with the air conditioner 200 with the smallest difference between the comfortable set temperature and the estimated room temperature, so as not to overlap with the time period when other air conditioners 200 are operating at high load.

[0080] For example, suppose the estimation unit 108 estimates that the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1" and "A2" have the same usage start time, and that the usage start time for the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" arrives while the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1" and "A2" are operating at high load. Also, suppose that the difference between the comfort set temperature and the room temperature at start-up is estimated to be the smallest for the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2", followed by the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3", and the largest for the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1". In this case, the generation unit 106 generates a "control schedule 4" in which the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" is started first, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" is started after the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" has finished executing its high-load operation, and the usage start time for the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" arrives after the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" has finished executing its high-load operation. The start time for the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" and the start time for the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" are determined from the comfort set temperature, estimated room temperature, and steady-state temperature attainment time coefficient for each air conditioner 200. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the start time for the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" is determined as time Tp1, and the start time for the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" is determined as time Tp2.

[0081] The generation unit 106 generates a "control schedule 4" that starts up the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" at time Tp1, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" at time Tp2, and the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" at usage start time Ts1. The generation unit 106 then stores the generated "control schedule 4" in the storage unit 103.

[0082] The control unit 107 refers to the "control schedule 4" stored in the storage unit 103 and controls the air conditioners 200 with the air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3".

[0083] Fig. 13 shows an example of the operation of the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3" when control is executed by the control unit 107 based on "control schedule 4". One square on the time axis in Fig. 13 represents a period of, for example, 30 minutes.

[0084] FIG. 13(A) shows an example of the transition of room temperature for air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1," "A2," and "A3," FIG. 13(B) shows an example of the transition of power consumption for air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1," "A2," and "A3," and FIG. 13(C) shows an example of the transition of total power consumption for air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1," "A2," and "A3." In FIG. 13, time Tc'1 corresponds to time Tp1 when the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" is started up, and time Tc'2 corresponds to time Tp2 when the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" is started up. Also in FIG. 13, time Tc'3 is the time when the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" is started up, and corresponds to the estimated start time of use Ts1.

[0085] 13(A) and 13(B), the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" is started at the use start time Ts1 specified in "control schedule 4," i.e., time Tc'3, the room temperature at start-up is room temperature RT1, and high-load operation is performed, and the power consumption from time Tc'3 to time Tc'4 when the room temperature reaches the set temperature ST1 is start-up power consumption "SUPC1." Next, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" switches to low-load operation at time Tc'4 when the room temperature reaches the set temperature ST1, and performs low-load operation until time Tc'6 when operation is stopped, and the power consumption from time Tc'4 to time Tc'6 is steady-state power consumption "SSPC1." After that, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" stops operation, and the room temperature gradually approaches the room temperature RT1 at start-up.

[0086] 13(A) and 13(B), the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" is started at time Tp1 specified in "Control Schedule 4," i.e., Tc'1, the room temperature at start-up is room temperature RT2, and high-load operation is performed, and the power consumption from time Tc'1 to time Tc'2 when the room temperature reaches set temperature ST2 is start-up power consumption "SUPC2." Next, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" switches to low-load operation at time Tc'2 when the room temperature reaches set temperature ST2, and performs low-load operation until time Tc'5 when operation is stopped, and the power consumption from time Tc'2 to time Tc'5 is steady-state power consumption "SSPC2." After that, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" stops operation, and the room temperature gradually approaches the room temperature RT2 at start-up.

[0087] 13(A) and 13(B), the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" is started at time Tp2 specified in "Control Schedule 4," i.e., Tc'2, the room temperature at start-up is room temperature RT3, and high-load operation is performed, and the power consumption from time Tc'2 to time Tc'3 when the room temperature reaches set temperature ST3 is start-up power consumption "SUPC3." Next, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" switches to low-load operation at time Tc'3 when the room temperature reaches set temperature ST3, and performs low-load operation until time Tc'7 when operation is stopped, and the power consumption from time Tc'3 to time Tc'7 is steady-state power consumption "SSPC3." After that, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" stops operation, and the room temperature gradually approaches the room temperature RT3 at start-up.

[0088] As shown in Figure 13 (C), the total power consumption reaches a maximum value SUPC_maxc' from time Tc'3 to time Tc'4, and the maximum value SUPC_maxc' is the sum of the startup power consumption of one air conditioner 200 and the steady-state startup power of two air conditioners 200. In this way, when the control unit 107 controls the air conditioners 200 based on the control schedule, the maximum value SUPC_maxc' of the total power consumption can be set to a value lower than the maximum value SUPC_maxn of the total power consumption when control is not being performed by the control unit 107, and the maximum value of the total power consumption in the apartment building 2 can be suppressed.

[0089] Next, the device control process executed by the device control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 14. The device control device 100 starts the device control process of Fig. 14 based on, for example, an operation from an administrator of the device control device 100.

[0090] The estimation unit 108 acquires the device information and the device characteristic information stored in the storage unit 103 (step S201). Next, the estimation unit 108 estimates the time period during which the device will be used based on the device information (step S202).

[0091] For example, the estimation unit 108 acquires device information for the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3" from the storage unit 103. Next, the estimation unit 108 references the acquired device information and estimates the usage start time, usage end time, and comfortable temperature setting for the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3".

[0092] The power information acquiring unit 104 acquires power information from the power measuring device 300 (step S203). Furthermore, the determining unit 105 determines the maximum number of devices that are allowed to operate at high load during the same period based on the power information and a predetermined rule (step S204).

[0093] For example, power information including a value of allowable power consumption is acquired from a power measurement device 300 that measures the power consumption of an apartment building 2 in which air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1," "A2," and "A3" are installed. The determination unit 105 then references the power information acquired by the power information acquisition unit 104, the device characteristic information acquired by the estimation unit 108, and the use start time and use end time estimated by the estimation unit 108 to find an estimate of the surplus power in the apartment building 2 in which the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1," "A2," and "A3" are installed, and determines the allowable number of devices by reference to the table of FIG. 7 stored in the memory unit 103.

[0094] If there is a period during which the number of appliances that have not reached the set temperature is equal to or greater than the allowable number of appliances during the period from the estimated use start time to the use end time, the generation unit 106 generates a control schedule for shifting the times at which the appliances perform high-load operation (step S205).Then, the control unit 107 controls the plurality of appliances according to the control schedule (step S206).

[0095] For example, suppose the estimation unit 108 estimates that the use start times of the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1" and "A2" are the same, and that the use start time of the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner IDs "A3" subsequently arrives while the air conditioners 200 with air conditioner IDs "A1" and "A2" are operating at high load. In this case, the generation unit 106 determines that there is a period from the estimated use start time to the use end time during which the number of devices that have not achieved the set temperature will be equal to or greater than the allowable number of devices, and generates "control schedule 4" in which the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" is started earliest, and after the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A2" has finished operating at high load, the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" is started, and the use start time of the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A1" arrives after the air conditioner 200 with air conditioner ID "A3" has finished operating at high load. The control unit 107 then references the "control schedule 4" stored in the storage unit 103 and controls the air conditioners 200 with the air conditioner IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3".

[0096] According to this embodiment, the peak power consumption in the cluster where the devices are installed is suppressed by estimating the time periods during which the devices will perform high-load operation and shifting the time at which the devices will perform high-load operation. This makes it possible to suppress the peak power consumption in the cluster with simple control. Furthermore, by advancing the start time of high-load operation of the air conditioner 200 with the smallest difference between the estimated set temperature and the room temperature, the power consumption required to maintain the set temperature can be reduced.

[0097] (Variation) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, various modifications and applications are possible in implementing the present disclosure.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the complex has been described as an apartment building, but the complex is not limited to this. For example, the complex may be a commercial facility, an office building, etc. Also, the equipment has been described as an air conditioner, but is not limited to this. The equipment may be any equipment installed in a room of the complex and capable of transitioning from high-load operation to low-load operation.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the power measuring device 300 transmits power information to the device control device 100 in response to a presentation request from the device control device 100, but this is not limited to this. For example, the power measuring device 300 may periodically transmit the measured power consumption at intervals predetermined by the device control device 100. The predetermined intervals do not need to be constant and can be arbitrarily determined by the administrator of the device control system 1.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, high-load operation refers to operation from when the air conditioner 200 is started until the room temperature reaches the set temperature, but this is not limited to this. For example, high-load operation may refer to operation while the difference between the set temperature of the air conditioner 200 and the room temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Alternatively, high-load operation may refer to both operation from when the air conditioner 200 is started until the room temperature reaches the set temperature, and operation while the difference between the set temperature of the air conditioner 200 and the room temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. This is because, in the case of an air conditioner, when the set temperature is changed and the difference between the set temperature and the current room temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the air conditioner enters high-load operation, which consumes a lot of power, in order to increase the compressor rotation speed. The predetermined value is set by the administrator of the device control system 1.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the determination unit 105 determines whether or not control according to the control schedule is necessary based on the surplus power, but this is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 107 may obtain power supply information indicating the supply status of power supplied to the aggregate, and when the power supply information indicates a power shortage, control multiple devices according to the control schedule. The power supply information is, for example, information indicating the power usage status for each area provided by a power company.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, Fig. 7 is shown as an example of information on the allowable number of devices, but this is not limiting. For example, as shown in the table of Fig. 15, the allowable number of devices may be expressed as a ratio to the number of connected devices that are communicably connected to the device control device 100. In the table of Fig. 15, the allowable number of devices "100% of the number of connected devices" corresponds to "no limit" on the allowable number of devices.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the time when the difference between the set temperature of the air conditioner 200 and the room temperature becomes 0 is the same and the start time of use is the same is described, but the same time does not necessarily mean that the time is the same in units of one second, but may also be considered to be the same within a time range of one to five minutes.

[0104] Furthermore, in condition (4) of the second embodiment, the start time of high-load operation is advanced in order from the air conditioner 200 with the smallest difference between the comfort temperature setting and the estimated room temperature, but this is not limited to this. For example, the start time of high-load operation may be advanced in order from the air conditioner 200 with the shortest estimated period from the time the air conditioner 200 is pre-started to the time use starts.

[0105] In addition, by applying an operating program that specifies the operation of the device control device 100 according to the above embodiment to an existing personal computer or information terminal device, it is also possible to make the personal computer or information terminal device function as the device control device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0106] Furthermore, the method of distribution of such a program is arbitrary; for example, it may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a memory card and distributed, or it may be distributed via a communications network such as the Internet.

[0107] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0108] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0109] (Appendix 1) a device information acquisition means for acquiring device information indicating the operating status of a plurality of devices installed in a group of rooms; a calculation means for calculating an equipment characteristic indicating a characteristic related to the operation capability of each of the plurality of equipment based on the equipment information; a power information acquiring means for acquiring power information indicating power consumption in the assembly from a power measuring device that measures power consumption in the assembly; a determination means for determining a maximum number of the devices that are permitted to operate at high load during the same period based on the power information and a predetermined rule; a generation means for generating a control schedule for controlling the plurality of devices based on the device information and the device characteristics by shifting the times at which the devices perform the high-load operation so that the number of devices performing the high-load operation among the plurality of devices does not exceed the maximum value; and a control means for controlling the plurality of devices in accordance with the control schedule; Equipment control device.

[0110] (Appendix 2) further comprising an estimation means for estimating a time period in which the plurality of devices will be used based on the device information; the generating means generates the control schedule to shift the time at which the device performs the high-load operation within the time period. The device control device described in Appendix 1

[0111] (Appendix 3) the device is an air conditioner, The high-load operation is an operation from the start of the air conditioner until the room temperature of the living room reaches the set temperature. 3. The device control device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0112] (Appendix 4) the device is an air conditioner, The high-load operation is an operation in which the difference between the set temperature of the air conditioner and the room temperature of the room is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. 4. The device control device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3.

[0113] (Appendix 5) the predetermined rule indicates a correspondence between a surplus power obtained by subtracting a total power consumption value of the aggregate from an allowable power consumption value allowed in the aggregate, and a maximum number of the devices that are allowed to operate at a high load during the same period; the determining means determines whether or not control according to the control schedule is necessary based on the surplus power. 5. The device control device according to any one of appendices 1 to 4.

[0114] (Appendix 6) the complex is an apartment building, The value of the allowable power consumption is an upper limit of peak power consumption stipulated in a high-voltage bulk power receiving contract concluded in the apartment building. 6. The device control device according to claim 5.

[0115] (Appendix 7) Multiple devices installed in a group of rooms, a power measurement device for measuring power consumption in the cluster; a device control device that controls the plurality of devices, The device control device a device information acquisition means for acquiring device information indicating the operating status of the plurality of devices; a calculation means for calculating an equipment characteristic indicating a characteristic related to the operation capability of each of the plurality of equipment based on the equipment information; a power information acquiring means for acquiring power information indicating power consumption of the assembly from the power measuring device; a determination means for determining a maximum number of the devices that are permitted to operate at high load during the same period based on the power information and a predetermined rule; a generation means for generating a control schedule for controlling the plurality of devices based on the device characteristics by shifting the times at which the devices perform the high-load operation so that the number of devices performing the high-load operation among the plurality of devices does not exceed the maximum value; and a control means for controlling the plurality of devices in accordance with the control schedule; Equipment control system.

[0116] (Appendix 8) A device control method executed by a device control device, The device control device Acquires device information indicating the operating status of multiple devices installed in a group of rooms, calculating an equipment characteristic indicating a characteristic related to the operation capability of each of the plurality of equipment based on the equipment information; acquiring power information indicating power consumption in the aggregate from a power measurement device that measures power consumption in the aggregate; determining a maximum number of the devices that are permitted to operate at high loads during the same period based on the power information and a predetermined rule; generating a control schedule for controlling the plurality of devices based on the device information and the device characteristics, by shifting the times at which the devices perform the high-load operation so that the number of devices performing the high-load operation among the plurality of devices does not exceed the maximum value; controlling the plurality of devices according to the control schedule; Equipment control methods.

[0117] (Appendix 9) Computer, device information acquisition means for acquiring device information indicating the operating status of a plurality of devices installed in a group of rooms; a calculation means for calculating an equipment characteristic indicating a characteristic related to the operation capacity of each of the plurality of equipment based on the equipment information; a power information acquiring means for acquiring power information indicating power consumption in the assembly from a power measuring device that measures power consumption in the assembly; a determination means for determining a maximum value of the number of the devices that are permitted to operate at high load during the same period based on the power information and a predetermined rule; a generation means for generating a control schedule for controlling the plurality of devices based on the device information and the device characteristics by shifting the times at which the devices perform the high-load operation so that the number of devices performing the high-load operation among the plurality of devices does not exceed the maximum value; and functioning as a control means for controlling the plurality of devices in accordance with the control schedule; program. [Industrial Applicability]

[0118] The present disclosure can provide an appliance control device, an appliance control system, an appliance control method, and a program that can suppress peak power consumption in an assembly based on operating capacity characteristics. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1 Equipment control system, 2 Apartment building, 11 Processor, 12 Main memory unit, 13 Auxiliary memory unit, 14 Communication unit, 15 Input unit, 16 Output unit, 17 Bus, 20, 20-1, 20-2, 20-M Dwelling unit, 100 Equipment control device, 101 Equipment information acquisition unit, 102 Calculation unit, 103 Memory unit, 104 Power information acquisition unit, 105 Determination unit, 106 Generation unit, 107 Control unit, 108 Estimation unit, 200, 200-1, 200-2, 200-N Air conditioner, 300 Power measurement device, 400 Network.

Claims

1. a device information acquisition means for acquiring device information indicating the operating status of a plurality of devices installed in a group of rooms; a calculation means for calculating an equipment characteristic indicating a characteristic related to the operation capability of each of the plurality of equipment based on the equipment information; a power information acquiring means for acquiring power information indicating power consumption in the assembly from a power measuring device that measures power consumption in the assembly; a determination means for determining a maximum number of the devices that are permitted to operate at high load during the same period based on the power information and a predetermined rule; a generation means for generating a control schedule for controlling the plurality of devices based on the device information and the device characteristics by shifting the times at which the devices perform the high-load operation so that the number of devices performing the high-load operation among the plurality of devices does not exceed the maximum value; and a control means for controlling the plurality of devices in accordance with the control schedule; Equipment control device.

2. further comprising an estimation means for estimating a time period in which the plurality of devices will be used based on the device information; the generating means generates the control schedule to shift the time at which the device performs the high-load operation within the time period. The equipment control device according to claim 1 .

3. the device is an air conditioner, The high-load operation is an operation from the start of the air conditioner until the room temperature of the living room reaches the set temperature. The device control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the device is an air conditioner, The high-load operation is an operation in which the difference between the set temperature of the air conditioner and the room temperature of the room is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The device control device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the predetermined rule indicates a correspondence between a surplus power obtained by subtracting a total power consumption value of the aggregate from an allowable power consumption value allowed in the aggregate, and a maximum number of the devices that are allowed to operate at a high load during the same period; the determining means determines whether or not control according to the control schedule is necessary based on the surplus power. The device control device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the complex is an apartment building, The value of the allowable power consumption is an upper limit of peak power consumption stipulated in a high-voltage bulk power receiving contract concluded in the apartment building. The equipment control device according to claim 5 .

7. Multiple devices installed in a group of rooms, a power measurement device for measuring power consumption in the cluster; a device control device that controls the plurality of devices, The device control device a device information acquisition means for acquiring device information indicating the operating status of the plurality of devices; a calculation means for calculating an equipment characteristic indicating a characteristic related to the operation capability of each of the plurality of equipment based on the equipment information; a power information acquiring means for acquiring power information indicating power consumption of the assembly from the power measuring device; a determination means for determining a maximum number of the devices that are permitted to operate at high load during the same period based on the power information and a predetermined rule; a generation means for generating a control schedule for controlling the plurality of devices based on the device characteristics by shifting the times at which the devices perform the high-load operation so that the number of devices performing the high-load operation among the plurality of devices does not exceed the maximum value; and a control means for controlling the plurality of devices in accordance with the control schedule; Equipment control system.

8. A device control method executed by a device control device, The device control device Acquires device information indicating the operating status of multiple devices installed in a group of rooms, calculating an equipment characteristic indicating a characteristic related to the operation capability of each of the plurality of equipment based on the equipment information; acquiring power information indicating power consumption in the aggregate from a power measurement device that measures power consumption in the aggregate; determining a maximum number of the devices that are permitted to operate at high loads during the same period based on the power information and a predetermined rule; generating a control schedule for controlling the plurality of devices based on the device information and the device characteristics so that the number of devices performing the high-load operation among the plurality of devices does not exceed the maximum value by shifting the times at which the devices perform the high-load operation; controlling the plurality of devices according to the control schedule; Equipment control method.

9. Computer, device information acquisition means for acquiring device information indicating the operating status of a plurality of devices installed in a group of rooms; a calculation means for calculating an equipment characteristic indicating a characteristic related to the operation capacity of each of the plurality of equipment based on the equipment information; a power information acquiring means for acquiring power information indicating power consumption in the assembly from a power measuring device that measures power consumption in the assembly; a determination means for determining a maximum value of the number of the devices that are permitted to operate at high load during the same period based on the power information and a predetermined rule; a generation means for generating a control schedule for controlling the plurality of devices based on the device information and the device characteristics by shifting the times at which the devices perform the high-load operation so that the number of devices performing the high-load operation among the plurality of devices does not exceed the maximum value; and functioning as a control means for controlling the plurality of devices in accordance with the control schedule; program.

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