Equipment monitoring system, equipment monitoring method, and program

Abstract

We provide equipment monitoring systems and the like that can equalize the environmental load of multiple air conditioning units installed in a building. [Solution] The equipment monitoring system 1 is an equipment monitoring system that monitors multiple air conditioners in a building, and comprises an acquisition unit 11 that acquires the first load of each of the multiple air conditioners, a calculation unit 12 that calculates the second load of each of the multiple air conditioning systems formed by the multiple air conditioners, each of which includes at least one air conditioner, based on the first load of each of the multiple air conditioners, and a control unit 14 that performs control to preferentially supply electricity derived from renewable energy to air conditioning systems among the multiple air conditioning systems in which the second load is relatively high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an equipment monitoring system, an equipment monitoring method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has been obligatory to track the Carbon Footprint of Products (CFP) throughout the entire life cycle of products. CFP is a system that converts the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions discharged throughout the entire life cycle from raw material procurement of products to manufacturing, logistics, use, disposal, and recycling into CO2 and displays it on the product.

[0003] In order to realize CFP, it is required to calculate and manage the GHG emissions discharged from raw material procurement of products to disposal and recycling.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for calculating the amount of CO2 emissions discharged in the manufacturing process of products.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, it is common for multiple air conditioners installed in buildings such as office buildings to have varying operating loads (in other words, operating efficiency (fuel consumption)) due to factors such as the inflow load of outside air, the effects of sunlight, and the temperature settings in each room. In this case, the environmental load (e.g., CO2 emissions) varies for each of the multiple air conditioners, but air conditioners with a history of high environmental loads are considered to have low residual value and may be less likely to be chosen by consumers in the secondary market. Therefore, from the perspective of reducing environmental load and maintaining residual value, it is desirable to equalize the environmental load of each of the multiple air conditioners and maintain efficient operation.

[0007] Therefore, this disclosure provides an equipment monitoring system, an equipment monitoring method, and a program that can equalize the environmental load of multiple air conditioners installed in a building. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An equipment monitoring system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an equipment monitoring system for monitoring a plurality of air conditioners in a building, comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring a first load for each of the plurality of air conditioners; a calculation unit for calculating a second load for each of a plurality of air conditioning systems formed by the plurality of air conditioners, each of which includes at least one air conditioner, based on the first load for each of the plurality of air conditioners; and a control unit for performing control to preferentially supply renewable energy-derived power to air conditioning systems among the plurality of air conditioning systems in which the second load is relatively high.

[0009] An equipment monitoring method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an equipment monitoring method for monitoring a plurality of air conditioners in a building, the method being used to acquire a first load for each of the plurality of air conditioners, calculate a second load for each of the plurality of air conditioning systems formed by the plurality of air conditioners, each of which includes at least one air conditioner, based on the first load for each of the plurality of air conditioners, and perform control to preferentially supply electricity derived from renewable energy to the air conditioning systems among the plurality of air conditioning systems in which the second load is relatively high.

[0010] A program relating to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described equipment monitoring method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to realize an equipment monitoring system, etc., that can equalize the environmental load of multiple air conditioners installed in a building. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an equipment monitoring system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the life cycle of products and resources. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] (Background leading to this disclosure) Prior to describing the embodiments of this disclosure, the background leading to this disclosure will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the life cycle of a product and a resource.

[0014] As shown in Figure 4, the entire lifecycle of a product and resource includes raw material procurement, development, production, transportation (arterial logistics), consumption / use, disposal after consumption / use, reuse, and refurbishment. When reuse occurs, transportation (reverse logistics) is included in the lifecycle. When refurbishment occurs, transportation (reverse logistics) and recycling are included in the lifecycle. The system described in Patent Document 1 is a system for calculating CO2 emissions during production.

[0015] In consumption and use, usage information during product use is accumulated for calculating CO2 emissions, etc. From the perspective of reducing environmental impact, efficient operation of products is required. Whether a product is reused or discarded after consumption and use can be determined from data, etc.

[0016] Hereinafter, an example where the product is an air conditioner (air conditioning equipment) with a particularly high energy utilization ratio in a building will be described. The building is a non-residential facility such as a building, office, store, convenience store, etc., but may also be a residential facility such as an apartment building.

[0017] It is common for the operating load of air conditioners installed in buildings to vary, and as a result, variations occur in the operating efficiency (fuel efficiency). That is, in a building, there are air conditioners with high operating efficiency and air conditioners with low (poor) operating efficiency mixed together. If electricity derived from fossil fuels is uniformly allocated to each air conditioner with different operating efficiencies, it is assumed that the environmental impact cost of the air conditioner with low operating efficiency will deteriorate and the price during secondary circulation will increase. As a result, there is a risk that it will become a reused product that is less likely to be selected by consumers.

[0018] The environmental impact cost is defined as the environmental load generated throughout the entire life cycle of a product (from raw material extraction to manufacturing, use, and disposal), such as greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, resource consumption, etc., evaluated monetarily.

[0019] Thus, the GHG emissions during the product use phase may affect the residual value of the product at the time of reuse. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the environmental load of air conditioners with low operating efficiency.

[0020] Therefore, the inventor of the present application has intensively studied an equipment monitoring system and the like that can levelize the environmental load of a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building, and has created an equipment monitoring system and the like described below. Specifically, the inventor of the present application monitors the operating efficiency of each air conditioning system, and adaptively allocates power derived from renewable energy preferentially to the air conditioning system with low operating efficiency that changes every moment, thereby leveling the environmental load of each air conditioning system, and maintaining the environmental contribution value even for air conditioners with a usage history including a usage situation with low operating efficiency, and creating an equipment monitoring system and the like that can maintain a value that is easy to reuse. As a result, although the air conditioner with low operating efficiency consumes power, it consumes power derived from renewable energy, so the amount of GHG emissions actually discharged to the earth is small, and the environmental load can be reduced.

[0021] Note that Patent Document 1 only discloses a system that holds power information actually used from among a plurality of types of power, and there is no disclosure or suggestion regarding an appropriate method of selecting power to maintain product value. That is, Patent Document 1 does not disclose leveling the environmental load of a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building.

[0022] The equipment monitoring system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is an equipment monitoring system that monitors a plurality of air conditioners in a building, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires a first load of each of the plurality of air conditioners, and based on the first load of each of the plurality of air conditioners, a calculation unit that calculates a second load of each of a plurality of air conditioning systems formed by the plurality of air conditioners, each of which includes at least one air conditioner, and a control unit that performs control to preferentially supply power derived from renewable energy to the air conditioning system with a relatively high second load among the plurality of air conditioning systems.

[0023] This means that renewable energy-derived electricity is supplied to air conditioning systems with relatively high loads, i.e., air conditioning systems with poor operating efficiency and a high environmental impact, thereby suppressing an increase in GHG emissions from those air conditioners. In other words, it is possible to suppress an increase in the environmental impact of one or more air conditioners included in an air conditioning system with a relatively high load. Therefore, according to the equipment monitoring system, it is possible to equalize the environmental impact of multiple air conditioners installed in a building.

[0024] Furthermore, for example, the equipment monitoring system according to the second embodiment is the equipment monitoring system according to the first embodiment, wherein the control unit may switch the air conditioning system that preferentially supplies electricity derived from renewable energy in response to a change in the air conditioning system with a relatively high second load.

[0025] This allows renewable energy-derived power to be supplied to the air conditioning system with the relatively high load at any given time, even if the air conditioning system with the relatively high load changes over time. Therefore, even when the air conditioning system with the relatively high load changes over time, it is possible to equalize the environmental load of multiple air conditioners installed in a building.

[0026] Furthermore, for example, the equipment monitoring system according to the third embodiment is an equipment monitoring system according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the control unit may perform control to supply the renewable energy-derived power to each of the multiple air conditioning systems if the sum of the first loads of each of the multiple air conditioners is less than or equal to the amount of renewable energy-derived power that can be supplied to the multiple air conditioners.

[0027] This allows each of the multiple air conditioners to be supplied with electricity derived from renewable energy, thereby reducing the overall environmental impact of the multiple air conditioners.

[0028] Furthermore, for example, the equipment monitoring system according to the fourth embodiment is an equipment monitoring system according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the first load in real time, and the control unit performs the control based on the first load acquired in real time.

[0029] This makes it possible to reduce the environmental impact of air conditioners that have low operating efficiency at that particular time.

[0030] Furthermore, for example, the equipment monitoring system according to the fifth embodiment is an equipment monitoring system according to any one embodiment of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the acquisition unit acquires history information of the first load for each of the plurality of air conditioners, and the control unit performs the control based on the history information.

[0031] This makes it possible to reduce the environmental impact of air conditioners with low operating efficiency over a specified period from the past to the present.

[0032] Furthermore, for example, the equipment monitoring system according to the sixth embodiment is an equipment monitoring system according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, wherein the control unit may further perform control to preferentially supply fossil fuel-derived power to the air conditioning system among the plurality of air conditioning systems in which the second load is relatively low.

[0033] This means that electricity derived from fossil fuels is supplied to air conditioning systems with relatively low loads, i.e., air conditioning systems that are highly efficient and tend to have a low environmental impact, thus increasing the GHG emissions of those air conditioners. In other words, the environmental impact of one or more air conditioners in an air conditioning system with a relatively low load can be brought closer to the environmental impact of one or more air conditioners in an air conditioning system with a relatively high load. Therefore, according to the equipment monitoring system, it is possible to further equalize the environmental impact of multiple air conditioners installed in a building.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, the equipment monitoring system according to the seventh embodiment is an equipment monitoring system according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, and may further include a storage unit that stores the usage status of the renewable energy-derived electricity for each of the plurality of air conditioners.

[0035] This allows the usage status of each air conditioner to be recorded, making it possible to present the environmental contribution value for each air conditioner when it is reused. Examples of environmental contribution value include the percentage of electricity derived from renewable energy in the total electricity consumption and GHG emissions.

[0036] Furthermore, for example, the equipment monitoring system according to the eighth embodiment is an equipment monitoring system according to any one embodiment of the first to seventh embodiments, and further comprises a prediction unit that predicts the residual value of each of the plurality of air conditioners based on the environmental load of each of the plurality of air conditioners, and an output unit that outputs information indicating the residual value.

[0037] This helps building managers to easily manage their air conditioning equipment assets.

[0038] Furthermore, the equipment monitoring method according to the ninth aspect of this disclosure is an equipment monitoring method for monitoring multiple air conditioners in a building, which acquires the first load of each of the multiple air conditioners, calculates the second load of each of the multiple air conditioning systems formed by the multiple air conditioners, each of which includes at least one air conditioner, based on the first load of each of the multiple air conditioners, and performs control to preferentially supply electricity derived from renewable energy to the air conditioning systems among the multiple air conditioning systems in which the second load is relatively high. Furthermore, the program according to the tenth aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the equipment monitoring method according to the ninth aspect.

[0039] This will produce the same effect as the equipment monitoring system described above.

[0040] These general or specific embodiments may be implemented using a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or a non-temporary recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or any combination of a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0041] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0042] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0043] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Therefore, for example, the scale may not necessarily match in each figure. Also, in each figure, substantially identical components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0044] Furthermore, in this specification, numerical values ​​and numerical ranges do not represent only strict meanings, but also include substantially equivalent ranges, such as differences of a few percent (or about 10%).

[0045] (Embodiment) The equipment monitoring system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0046] [1. Configuration of the equipment monitoring system] First, the configuration of the equipment monitoring system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the equipment monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1, the equipment monitoring system 1 is a system for monitoring the load (operating load), energy efficiency, etc., of multiple air conditioners, and comprises a control device 10, each power generation facility, and multiple air conditioning systems S1 to Sn (hereinafter also referred to as multiple air conditioning systems S1, etc., or each air conditioning system S1, etc.). Note that the equipment monitoring system 1 only needs to include the control device 10.

[0048] Multiple air conditioning systems S1, etc., are examples of equipment introduced (installed) in a building, and each system consists of one outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units. In this specification, outdoor units and indoor units are collectively referred to as air conditioners. Multiple air conditioners are installed in a building, and each of the multiple air conditioning systems S1, etc., has one or more air conditioners from among the multiple air conditioners.

[0049] Figure 1 shows an example where air conditioning systems S1 and S2 have a relatively higher load compared to air conditioning systems S3 and Sn, and are therefore supplied with electricity derived from renewable energy (renewable energy supply), while air conditioning systems S3 and Sn have a relatively lower load compared to air conditioning systems S1 and S2, and are therefore supplied with electricity derived from fossil fuels (non-renewable energy supply).

[0050] The control device 10 is an information processing device that performs processing to reduce the overall environmental load by prioritizing the allocation of renewable energy-derived power to air conditioning systems that are operating with low operational efficiency. The control device 10 performs control to equalize the air conditioning environmental load of multiple air conditioners or multiple air conditioning systems S1, etc. The control device 10 calculates the load of each air conditioning system S1, etc. and the available power resources, and determines the power allocation to each air conditioning system S1, etc. The control device 10 is also called a microgrid controller or an EMS (Energy Management System) controller. The control device 10 may be installed inside the building or installed separately from the building.

[0051] Each power generation facility includes, for example, a solar power generation facility 21, an energy storage facility 22, and a power generation facility 23 that uses fossil fuels. The solar power generation facility 21, the energy storage facility 22, and the power generation facility 23 that uses fossil fuels are examples of power sources that can be procured by the building. Fossil fuels include petroleum, coal, and natural gas.

[0052] The solar power generation equipment 21 is an example of equipment capable of generating electricity derived from renewable energy, and generates electricity using sunlight, which is an example of renewable energy. The solar power generation equipment 21 may be installed on a building or installed separately from a building. Renewable energy is energy that exists in nature and includes wind power, geothermal energy, etc., in addition to sunlight. Equipment capable of generating electricity derived from renewable energy is not limited to the solar power generation equipment 21, and may also include, for example, wind power generation equipment, geothermal power generation equipment, etc.

[0053] The energy storage system 22 is an example of equipment capable of storing electricity derived from renewable energy sources, for example, storing at least a portion of the electricity generated by the solar power generation system 21. The energy storage system 22 includes, but is not limited to, a battery.

[0054] The fossil fuel-based power generation facility 23 is an example of a facility capable of generating electricity derived from non-renewable energy sources, and it generates electricity using fossil fuels. The fossil fuel-based power generation facility 23 is, for example, a thermal power generation facility, but is not limited to this. In this embodiment, non-renewable energy refers to fossil energy (energy derived from fossils).

[0055] The building is supplied with electricity derived from renewable energy sources from the solar power generation equipment 21 and the energy storage equipment 22, while the building is supplied with electricity derived from non-renewable energy sources from the fossil fuel power generation equipment 23.

[0056] The equipment monitoring system 1 may further include a switch (not shown) for switching the source of electricity, and a power meter (not shown) for measuring the electricity supplied to each air conditioning system S1 or each air conditioner. The power meter is capable of measuring electricity for each source of electricity supplied to the air conditioning system or air conditioner. For example, the power meter is capable of distinguishing and measuring electricity from renewable energy sources and electricity from fossil fuel sources.

[0057] Here, the configuration of the control device 10 will be further explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device 10 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 2 shows an exemplary functional configuration of the control device 10, and the functional configuration of the control device 10 is not limited to Figure 2.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, the control device 10 comprises an acquisition unit 11, a calculation unit 12, a determination unit 13, a control unit 14, a prediction unit 15, an output unit 16, a display unit 17, and a storage unit 18. The hardware configuration of the control device 10 also includes a non-volatile memory where the program is stored, a volatile memory which is a temporary storage area for executing the program, input / output ports, a communication interface, and a processor that executes the program. The memory is ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and can store programs executed by the processor. Each component of the control device 10 is realized by a processor that executes the program stored in memory. The control device 10 may be realized by a stationary PC (Personal Computer), a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, a dedicated computer, a server (e.g., a cloud server), or a combination thereof.

[0059] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the power consumption of each of the multiple air conditioners in the building (in this embodiment, the power consumption per unit time). The acquisition unit 11 acquires the power consumption of each of the multiple air conditioners from each of the multiple air conditioners, or from a measuring instrument such as a power meter.

[0060] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the amount of electricity consumed from renewable energy sources and the amount of electricity consumed from fossil fuel sources for each air conditioner. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire the amount of electricity consumed directly from the air conditioner or power meter, or it may acquire the amount of electricity consumed via other devices. The acquisition unit 11 may be configured to include, for example, a communication circuit (or communication module).

[0061] The calculation unit 12 performs various calculations to control (switch) the source of power supplied to each of the multiple air conditioning systems S1, etc. The calculation unit 12 calculates the total power consumption (air conditioning power consumption) for each of the multiple air conditioning systems S1, etc., based on the power consumption of each of the multiple air conditioners. For example, the calculation unit 12 calculates the total power consumption per unit time by adding up the power consumption of one or more air conditioners included in the air conditioning system.

[0062] Furthermore, the calculation unit 12 calculates the load of each air conditioner using the following equations (Equation 1) to (Equation 5). The load may be calculated based on the amount of power consumed per unit time (for example, the instantaneous value of power consumption), as shown in (Equation 2) and (Equation 4).

[0063] The calculation unit 12 calculates, for example, the heating load of the air conditioner during heating (heating load) using the following (Equation 1) or (Equation 2).

[0064] Heating load = Sensible heat load / Rated heating capacity =(air conditioning air volume [m 3 [s] × air density [kg / m³] 3 ] × Specific heat of air [kJ / kg·K] × (Outlet temperature - Inlet temperature) [K]) / Rated heating capacity [kW] ... (Equation 1) Heating load = (Rated heating capacity / Rated heating power) × Instantaneous power consumption ... (Equation 2)

[0065] Furthermore, the calculation unit 12 calculates, for example, the cooling load of the air conditioner during cooling operation (cooling load) using the following equation (3) or (4).

[0066] Cooling load = (Sensible heat load + Latent heat load) / Rated cooling capacity =(air conditioning air volume [m 3 [s] × air density [kg / m³] 3 ] × Specific heat of air [kJ / kg·K] × (Outlet temperature - Inlet temperature) [K] + Air conditioning airflow [m 3 [s] × air density [kg / m³] 3 ] × Latent heat of vaporization of water [kJ / kg] × (Absolute humidity of intake air - Absolute humidity of intake air) / Rated heating capacity [kW] ... (Equation 3) Cooling load = (Rated cooling capacity / Rated cooling power) × Instantaneous power consumption ... (Equation 4)

[0067] The latent heat load shown in (Equation 3) may also be calculated simply using the empirically determined coefficient K, as shown in (Equation 5) below.

[0068] Latent heat load = Sensible heat load × K ···(Equation 5)

[0069] The coefficient K often takes a value of approximately 1.1 to 1.3, but is not limited to this range.

[0070] The determination unit 13 determines the source of the power (power supply system) to be allocated (supplied) to each of the multiple air conditioning systems S1, etc., based on the load of each of the multiple air conditioners. The determination unit 13 determines whether to supply renewable energy-derived power or fossil energy-derived power to each of the multiple air conditioning systems S1, etc., based on the load of each of the multiple air conditioners. The source of the power is determined moment by moment.

[0071] The determination unit 13 may also determine the source (power supply system) of the power supplied (allocated) to each of the multiple air conditioners based on the history information of each of the multiple air conditioners, as described later.

[0072] The control unit 14 controls the power supplied to each air conditioning system S1, etc. The control unit 14 controls the origin of the power supplied to each air conditioning system S1, etc. Specifically, the control unit 14 controls the power supplied to each air conditioning system S1, etc., switching between power derived from renewable energy and power derived from fossil fuels. For example, the control unit 14 controls the supply of renewable energy to an air conditioning system with a relatively high load compared to an air conditioning system with a relatively low load. For example, the control unit 14 adaptively switches which air conditioning system receives renewable energy preferentially in response to changes in the air conditioning system with a relatively high load over time. In other words, the control unit 14 preferentially allocates renewable energy to an air conditioning system with a relatively high load. "Preferential" means that there is a high priority for supplying renewable energy.

[0073] The prediction unit 15 predicts the residual value in the reuse market for each of the multiple air conditioners based on the environmental impact of each air conditioner. Assuming that the initial value of the air conditioner when new is V0, the cumulative operating time is t, the maximum operating time (recommended value) of the air conditioner is tmax, the cumulative GHG emissions are G, and the GHG emissions when the air conditioner is operated entirely on electricity derived from fossil fuels is Gmax, the prediction unit 15 calculates the residual value V based on the following (Equation 6).

[0074]

number

[0075] Note that the formula for calculating the residual value V used by the prediction unit 15 is not limited to (Equation 6), and other formulas may be used.

[0076] The residual value V of the air conditioner predicted by the prediction unit 15 is displayed when it is reused, making it possible to visualize the residual value V of the air conditioner. In addition, since the residual value V of the air conditioner is predicted, building managers can easily manage the assets of the air conditioner.

[0077] The output unit 16 outputs the generated information generated by the control device 10 to an external device. The output unit 16 outputs information indicating the remaining value V for each of the multiple air conditioners predicted by the prediction unit 15. The output unit 16 may, for example, output information indicating the remaining value V at the time of reuse, or it may output information indicating the remaining value V at the present time upon request. The external device may be, for example, an information terminal for the air conditioner manager, or a server device. The information terminal may be a smartphone, tablet, PC, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0078] The output unit 16 may include, for example, a communication circuit (or communication module). The output unit 16 may output the generated information via wired communication or via wireless communication.

[0079] The display unit 17 is a display device that displays generated information. The display unit 17 displays, for example, information regarding the environmental load of at least one of the multiple air conditioners (for example, each of the multiple air conditioners). The display unit 17 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, etc., but is not limited thereto. The display unit 17 may also be implemented as a separate device from the control device 10. The display unit 17 may also be implemented, for example, by a display unit on the information terminal of the air conditioner manager.

[0080] The memory unit 18 is a memory device that stores various types of information. The memory unit 18 stores history information that shows the history of the load of each of the multiple air conditioners. The history information includes the usage status of renewable energy-derived electricity for each air conditioner, and may include information showing the percentage of renewable energy-derived electricity out of the total amount of electricity consumed by the air conditioner, or it may include the total amount of electricity consumed from renewable energy sources, or it may include the total amount of electricity consumed from fossil fuel sources, or it may include the environmental impact up to the present (for example, the total amount of CO2 emissions). For example, by recording the history of renewable energy usage, it becomes possible to objectively demonstrate the environmental contribution value of the air conditioner when it is reused.

[0081] Furthermore, the storage unit 18 may store the power consumption of each air conditioner acquired by the acquisition unit 11, the load of each air conditioning system S1 etc. calculated by the calculation unit 12, the air conditioning power consumption, the residual value V predicted by the prediction unit 15, etc., or it may store various threshold values. When storing the power consumption of each air conditioner, the storage unit 18 distinguishes between the power consumption of electricity derived from renewable energy and the power consumption of electricity derived from fossil fuels.

[0082] The memory unit 18 is implemented by, but is not limited to, semiconductor memory or HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0083] [2. Operation of the control device] Next, the operation of the control device 10 configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation (equipment monitoring method) of the control device 10 according to this embodiment. The control device 10 repeatedly performs the operation shown in Figure 3 in accordance with the load or load change of multiple air conditioners.

[0084] As shown in Figure 3, the control device 10 first acquires the power consumption per unit time for a floor within a building, or for multiple air conditioners within a building (S10). The acquisition unit 11 acquires the power consumption per unit time in real time, for example. Real time means that the measured power consumption is acquired immediately. The timing at which the acquisition unit 11 acquires multiple power consumption values ​​is not particularly limited; they may be acquired at the same time or at different times.

[0085] In addition, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire various parameters used in (Equations 1) to (5) (for example, air conditioning airflow rate, outlet temperature, intake temperature, etc.) along with the power consumption in step S10.

[0086] The calculation unit 12 calculates the power consumption per unit time for each of the multiple air conditioning systems S1, etc., from the power consumption per unit time for each of the multiple air conditioners obtained. Then, the calculation unit 12 calculates the total air conditioning power consumption, which is the sum of the power consumed by each air conditioner per unit time, by adding up the power consumption of each air conditioner. Here, the power consumption of each air conditioner is the sum of the power consumption from renewable energy sources and the power consumption from fossil fuel sources.

[0087] In step S10, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire the amount of power consumed by the air conditioning system, or it may acquire the amount of power consumed per unit time for each of the multiple air conditioning systems S1, etc.

[0088] Next, the determination unit 13 determines whether the amount of electricity consumed by the air conditioning per unit time is equal to or greater than the total amount of renewable energy that can be procured during that unit time (S20). The total amount of renewable energy that can be procured per unit time is the total amount of renewable energy-derived electricity that the building can receive (total electricity), and is obtained via the acquisition unit 11. "Procured" means that it is possible to receive electricity from solar power generation equipment 21, wind power generation equipment, etc., and from storage batteries charged with electricity generated by these power generation resources.

[0089] Next, if the calculation unit 12 determines that the amount of air conditioning power consumption per unit time is equal to or greater than the total amount of renewable energy that can be procured during that unit time (Yes in S20), the calculation unit 12 calculates the load (second load) of each air conditioning system S1, etc. (S30). The calculation unit 12 calculates the load (first load) of each air conditioner using any of the above equations (1) to (5), and calculates the load of each of the multiple air conditioning systems S1, etc. by summing the loads of one or more air conditioners included in that air conditioning system. The calculation unit 12 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the first load by calculating it. The calculation unit 12 may also calculate the first load in real time.

[0090] Next, the determination unit 13 determines whether the load calculated in step S30 is greater than a threshold for each of the multiple air conditioning systems S1, etc. (S40). The threshold may be set in advance and stored in the storage unit 18.

[0091] Next, the decision unit 13 determines that if the load is greater than the threshold (Yes in S40), it will allocate renewable energy to the air conditioning system (S50). If it determines that the load is less than or equal to the threshold (No in S40), it will allocate fossil fuels to the air conditioning system (S60). It can also be said that the decision unit 13 determines to supply (or switch to supplying) electricity derived from renewable energy to the air conditioning system if Yes in step S40, and to supply (or switch to supplying) electricity derived from fossil fuels to the air conditioning system if No in step S40.

[0092] When the process in step S60 is executed, the control unit 14 connects the power lines of the air conditioning system to the power lines from the fossil fuel power generation equipment 23 by switching a switch. Also, when the process in step S50 is executed, the control unit 14 connects the power lines of the air conditioning system to the power lines from the solar power generation equipment 21 or the energy storage equipment 22 by switching a switch, from the viewpoint of suppressing an increase in the environmental load caused by the electricity consumed by the air conditioning system.

[0093] In this way, the control unit 14 controls the source of the supplied power so that renewable energy-derived power is preferentially supplied to air conditioning systems with a relatively large load, i.e., low operating efficiency. Alternatively, the control unit 14 may control the source of the supplied power so that fossil fuel-derived power is preferentially supplied to air conditioning systems with a relatively low load, i.e., high operating efficiency. Furthermore, the control unit 14 may perform such power source switching control based on load acquired in real time.

[0094] Furthermore, if the decision unit 13 determines that the amount of air conditioning power consumed per unit time is less than the total amount of renewable energy that can be procured during that unit time (No in S20), it decides to allocate renewable energy to all air conditioning systems (S70). It can also be said that if the decision unit 13 determines No in step S20, it decides to supply power derived from renewable energy to all air conditioning systems (or to switch to supplying power derived from renewable energy).

[0095] Then, in accordance with the determination of step S70 by the determination unit 13, the control unit 14 controls the supply of renewable energy-derived power to each of the air conditioning systems S1, etc. Specifically, the control unit 14 connects each power line of each air conditioning system S1, etc. to the power lines from the solar power generation equipment 21 or the energy storage equipment 22 by switching a switch.

[0096] Next, the control device 10 executes the processing for the next processing frame (S80). In other words, the control device 10 returns to step S10 and continues processing.

[0097] The determination in step S40 may be performed based on historical information regarding the load of each of the multiple air conditioners. In this case, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the historical information, and the calculation unit 12 calculates the load of each air conditioning system S1, etc., for a predetermined period based on the historical information in step S30. The predetermined period is, for example, the period from when the air conditioner was first put into use to the present, but is not limited to this. For example, the determination in step S40 may be performed using the total amount of CO2 emissions in the past. The control unit 14 may also perform control to switch the power source based on the historical information regarding the load. The historical information may be included in the usage history.

[0098] As the process shown in Figure 3 is repeatedly executed, the source of the power supplied to each air conditioning system S1, etc., switches over time according to the load. At that point, renewable energy-derived power is allocated to the air conditioning system with the relatively high load, making it possible to equalize the environmental load of each air conditioning system S1, etc. (i.e., each air conditioner).

[0099] (Other embodiments) Although the above has described one or more embodiments of equipment monitoring systems, etc., based on embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications to these embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive of, or forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments, may also be included in this disclosure.

[0100] For example, the above embodiment describes an example in which the calculation unit calculates the load (first load) of each air conditioner, but it is not limited to this. For example, the calculated load may be acquired by the acquisition unit via communication from an external device.

[0101] Furthermore, although the above embodiment uses an air conditioner (air conditioning equipment) as an example of equipment installed in a building, it is not limited to this. The equipment can be any equipment installed in a building that consumes electricity. The equipment may be, for example, a lighting fixture (lighting equipment).

[0102] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes an example of switching between electricity derived from renewable energy and electricity derived from fossil fuels on an air conditioning system basis, it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be possible to switch between them for each air conditioner.

[0103] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes an example in which fossil fuels are allocated to an air conditioning system with a load below a threshold in step S40 shown in Figure 3, the embodiment is not limited to this example. It is sufficient to allocate electricity with a higher environmental impact compared to an air conditioning system with a load above a threshold. For example, an air conditioning system with a load below a threshold may be allocated electricity that is a mixture of electricity derived from renewable energy and electricity derived from fossil fuels.

[0104] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which a threshold is used to make a determination in step S40 shown in Figure 3, it is not limited to this, and for example, a predetermined number of air conditioning systems with high second loads (for example, the top 5 air conditioning systems with high second loads) may be selected as air conditioning systems to which renewable energy will be allocated.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be implemented by being composed of dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0106] Furthermore, the order in which each step in the flowchart is performed is illustrative for the purpose of specifically illustrating this disclosure, and may be in a different order. Also, some of the above steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps, and some of the above steps may not be performed.

[0107] Furthermore, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is just one example; multiple functional blocks can be implemented as a single functional block, a single functional block can be divided into multiple parts, or some functions can be moved to other functional blocks. In addition, the functions of multiple functional blocks with similar functions can be processed in parallel or time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0108] Furthermore, the control device according to the above embodiment may be implemented as a single device or as a plurality of devices. When the control device is implemented as a plurality of devices, the individual components of the control device may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner. When the control device is implemented as a plurality of devices, the method of communication between the plurality of devices is not particularly limited and may be wireless communication or wired communication. In addition, wireless communication and wired communication may be combined between the devices.

[0109] Furthermore, each component described in the above embodiment may be implemented as software, or typically as an integrated circuit (LSI). These may be individually integrated onto a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated onto a single chip. Here, we refer to them as LSIs, but depending on the degree of integration, they may also be called ICs, system LSIs, super LSIs, or ultra LSIs. Moreover, the method of integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits (general-purpose circuits that execute dedicated programs) or general-purpose processors. After LSI manufacturing, a programmable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a reconfigurable processor that allows for the reconfiguration of the connections or settings of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit implementation technology that replaces LSIs emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derived technologies, it is naturally possible to integrate the components using that technology.

[0110] A system LSI is a highly functional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple processing units onto a single chip. Specifically, it is a computer system composed of components such as a microprocessor, ROM, and RAM. The ROM stores the computer program. The system LSI achieves its function by operating according to the computer program, with the microprocessor working accordingly.

[0111] Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure may be a computer program that causes a computer to perform each of the characteristic steps included in the equipment monitoring method shown in Figure 3.

[0112] Furthermore, for example, the program may be a program to be executed by a computer. Also, in one aspect of this disclosure, such a program may be recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium. For example, such a program may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed or made available. For example, by installing the distributed program on a device having another processor and having that processor execute the program, it becomes possible to have that device perform the above-mentioned processes. [Industrial applicability]

[0113] This disclosure is useful for equipment monitoring systems that monitor air conditioners installed in buildings. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 1. Equipment monitoring system 10 Control device 11 Acquisition Department 12 Calculation part (acquisition part) 13. Decision-making section 14 Control Unit 15 Prediction Section 16 Output section 17 Display 18 Memory section 21 Solar power generation equipment 22 Energy storage equipment 23. Power generation facilities using fossil fuels S1, S2, S3, Sn air conditioning system

Claims

1. A building equipment monitoring system that monitors multiple air conditioning units within a building, An acquisition unit that acquires the first load of each of the aforementioned multiple air conditioners, A calculation unit calculates the second load of each of the multiple air conditioning systems formed by the multiple air conditioning systems, each of which includes at least one air conditioning unit, based on the first load of each of the multiple air conditioning systems, The system includes a control unit that performs control to prioritize the supply of electricity derived from renewable energy to the air conditioning system among the plurality of air conditioning systems in which the second load is relatively high. Equipment monitoring system.

2. The control unit switches the air conditioning system that preferentially supplies electricity derived from renewable energy in response to a change in the air conditioning system with a relatively high second load. The equipment monitoring system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, when the sum of the first loads of each of the multiple air conditioners is less than or equal to the amount of renewable energy-derived electricity that can be supplied to the multiple air conditioners, performs control to supply the renewable energy-derived electricity to each of the multiple air conditioning systems. The equipment monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The acquisition unit acquires the first load in real time, The control unit performs the control based on the first load acquired in real time. The equipment monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The acquisition unit acquires the history information of the first load for each of the plurality of air conditioners. The control unit performs the control based on the history information. The equipment monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The control unit further performs control to prioritize the supply of fossil fuel-derived power to the air conditioning system among the plurality of air conditioning systems in which the second load is relatively low. The equipment monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. Furthermore, it includes a storage unit that stores the usage status of the renewable energy-derived electricity for each of the multiple air conditioners. The equipment monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. moreover, A prediction unit that predicts the remaining value of each of the multiple air conditioners based on the environmental load of each of the multiple air conditioners, The system includes an output unit that outputs information indicating the residual value. The equipment monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A method for monitoring equipment, which monitors multiple air conditioning units within a building, The first load of each of the aforementioned multiple air conditioners is acquired, Based on the first load of each of the aforementioned multiple air conditioners, the second load of each of the multiple air conditioning systems formed by the aforementioned multiple air conditioners, each of which includes at least one air conditioner, is calculated. Among the multiple air conditioning systems, the system is controlled to prioritize the supply of electricity derived from renewable energy to the air conditioning system with the second load being relatively high. Equipment monitoring method.

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the equipment monitoring method described in claim 9.

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