Power allocation system, power allocation method, and program

Abstract

This system suppresses unwanted power allocations within buildings with multiple air-conditioned spaces. [Solution] The control unit 11 of the management server 10 constituting the power allocation system calculates the value or range of the first power consumption necessary for the air conditioning system in the target space to adjust the values ​​of environmental parameters to target values, compares the value or range of the required power consumption, which is the sum of the first power consumption of all target spaces, with the allocatable power to determine whether to perform the first process, and in the first process, allocates power equivalent to the first power consumption in order from the target spaces with a predetermined priority, and limits the cumulative value of the allocated power based on the allocatable power, and the environmental parameters include at least one of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and airflow.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an energy allocation system, an energy allocation method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] When implementing demand response, a technique is known to ensure fairness by sequentially shutting off the power supply to devices that use electricity (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-046551 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] When demand response is implemented, and the available power is insufficient to meet the power requirements of multiple devices, power allocation may be made to each device. However, when allocating power, prioritizing fairness may lead to unwanted power allocations for users. This disclosure aims to suppress unwanted power allocations by users within buildings with multiple air-conditioned spaces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The power allocation system of this disclosure, which achieves the above objectives, is a power allocation system having a control unit that controls the allocation of power to air conditioning units in multiple target spaces, wherein the control unit calculates a first power consumption value or range necessary for the air conditioning units in the target spaces to adjust the values ​​of environmental parameters to target values, compares the required power consumption value or range, which is the sum of the first power consumption values ​​of all the target spaces, with the allocatable power to determine whether to perform a first process, and in the first process, allocates power corresponding to the first power consumption in order from the target spaces with a predetermined priority, and limits the cumulative value of the allocated power based on the allocatable power, wherein the environmental parameters include at least one of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and airflow. In this case, it is possible to suppress the allocation of power that users in a building with multiple air-conditioned target spaces do not want. Here, the target value may be determined based on an indicator related to comfort or health. Furthermore, the aforementioned indicators relating to comfort or health may be PMV (Predicted Mean Vote). Furthermore, the aforementioned indicators related to comfort or health may be target values ​​desired by the user. Furthermore, the control unit may calculate the power consumption for one or more target values, and if an upper limit of the allocatable power is given, the smallest power consumption among the one or more calculated power consumptions may be set as the value of the first power consumption; if a lower limit of the allocatable power is given, the largest power consumption among the one or more calculated power consumptions may be set as the value of the first power consumption; and if both an upper and lower limit of the allocatable power is given, the range of the one or more calculated power consumptions may be set as the range of the first power consumption. Furthermore, the control unit may perform the first process if an upper limit of the allocatable power is given, and the required power consumption exceeds the upper limit; if a lower limit of the allocatable power is given, and the required power consumption falls below the lower limit; and if both an upper and lower limit of the allocatable power is given, and the required power consumption exceeds the upper limit or falls below the lower limit. Furthermore, the control unit may, when given an upper limit for the allocatable power, restrict the cumulative value of the allocatable power so that it is less than or equal to the upper limit, and may not impose any restrictions when given a lower limit for the allocatable power. Furthermore, after the first process, the control unit may perform a second process in which it allocates the remaining power, obtained by subtracting the cumulative value of power already allocated in the first process from the allocable power, to the target space with the highest priority if an upper limit of allocable power is provided, or to the target space with the lowest priority if a lower limit of allocable power is provided. In this case, if an upper limit of allocable power is provided, it is possible to suppress the allocation of power to a target space with a low priority. Also, if a lower limit of allocable power is provided, it is possible to suppress the allocation of power to a target space with a high priority. Furthermore, if the priority levels are the same, the control unit may determine the order in which to allocate power based on the air conditioning capacity, rated capacity, size of the target space, or a provisional allocation of power. In this case, power can be allocated even if the priority levels are the same. Furthermore, the power allocation method of this disclosure that achieves the above objective is a power allocation method executed by a power allocation system having a control unit that controls the allocation of power to air conditioning units in multiple target spaces, wherein the power allocation method calculates a value or range of first power consumption necessary for the air conditioning units in the target spaces to adjust the values ​​of environmental parameters to target values, compares the value or range of required power consumption, which is the sum of the first power consumptions of all the target spaces, with the allocatable power to determine whether to perform a first process, and in the first process, allocates power corresponding to the first power consumption in order from the target spaces with a predetermined priority, and limits the cumulative value of the allocated power based on the allocatable power, wherein the environmental parameters include at least one of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and airflow. In this case, it is possible to suppress the allocation of power that is not desired by users in a building with multiple air-conditioned target spaces. Furthermore, the program of this disclosure that achieves the above objective is a program in which a power allocation system that controls the allocation of power to air conditioning units in multiple target spaces causes a control unit to calculate a first power consumption value or range necessary for the air conditioning units in the target spaces to adjust the values ​​of environmental parameters to target values, compares the required power consumption value or range, which is the sum of the first power consumption values ​​of all the target spaces, with the available power to determine whether to perform a first process, and in the first process, allocates power corresponding to the first power consumption in order from the target spaces with a predetermined priority, and limits the cumulative value of the allocated power based on the available power, wherein the environmental parameters include at least one of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and airflow. In this case, it is possible to suppress the allocation of power that users in a building with multiple air-conditioned target spaces do not want. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of the power allocation system to which this embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management server that makes up the power allocation system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit of the management server in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the management server when the upper limit power is given. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a building to which the power amount allocation system of FIG. 1 is applied. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a specific example of the first process and the second process by the management server in FIG. 5 when the upper limit power is given. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a specific example of the first process and the second process when there are multiple target spaces with the same priority. [Figure 8] (A) to (C) are diagrams for explaining the power allocation process when it is determined that the allocable power is excessive or insufficient.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Overall Configuration of Power Amount Allocation System 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a power amount allocation system 1 to which this embodiment is applied. The power amount allocation system 1 is configured by connecting a management server 10, air conditioning control devices 30-1 to 30-n (n is an integer value of 1 or more), and an administrator terminal 70 via a network 90. To each of the air conditioning control devices 30-1 to 30-n, m air conditioning devices 50 (m is an integer value of 1 or more) for performing air conditioning of a space to be air-conditioned (hereinafter referred to as "target space") are connected. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to individually describe the air conditioning control devices 30-1 to 30-n, these are collectively referred to as "air conditioning control device 30".

[0008] The management server 10, which constitutes the power allocation system 1, is an information processing device that acts as a server for managing the entire power allocation system 1. The air conditioning control device 30 is a control device that performs air conditioning control for multiple target spaces by controlling the operation of m air conditioning units 50. The administrator terminal 70 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, or smartphone that is operated by a building manager who manages a building with multiple target spaces. The network 90 is, for example, a LAN (=Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0009] The power allocation system 1 is a system that allocates power to air conditioning units 50 in multiple target spaces. First, the power allocation system 1 calculates the value or range of power (hereinafter referred to as "first power consumption") required for one or more air conditioning units 50 installed in one target space to adjust the values ​​of the environmental parameters of that space (including at least one of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and airflow) to target values. Next, the power allocation system 1 calculates the value or range of power (hereinafter referred to as "required power consumption") obtained by summing the first power consumption of all target spaces.

[0010] Next, the power allocation system 1 compares the required power consumption with the available power. The available power includes, for example, power based on demand response (DR) requests. Demand response is when a retail power company requests power consumers (building managers in this embodiment) to cooperate in adjusting power demand during the target period according to the power supply and demand situation.

[0011] The comparison between required power consumption and available power differs depending on whether the given available power is at the upper limit (hereinafter referred to as "upper limit power") or the lower limit (hereinafter referred to as "lower limit power"). When comparing required power consumption with the upper limit power, if the required power consumption exceeds the upper limit power, the power allocation system 1 performs the first process described later. Conversely, if the required power consumption is less than the upper limit power, the upper limit power can cover the required power consumption, so the first process by the power allocation system 1 is not performed. When comparing required power consumption with the lower limit power, if the required power consumption is less than the lower limit power, the power allocation system 1 performs the first process described later. Conversely, if the required power consumption exceeds the lower limit power, the consumption of required power can consume more than the lower limit power, so the first process by the power allocation system 1 is not performed.

[0012] The first process performed by the power allocation system 1 is to allocate power equivalent to the first power consumption to target spaces in order of their predetermined priority, and if an upper limit power is set, to limit the cumulative value of the allocated power so that it is less than or equal to the upper limit power. Here, "priority" refers to an index that indicates the relative degree of priority for air conditioning control, which is predetermined for each target space.

[0013] Priority can be set in multiple levels. For example, it could be set in three levels such as High, Middle, Low, or 1, 2, 3, or High, Medium, Low, or it could be set in four levels such as A, B, C, D, or 1, 2, 3, 4. It could also be set in other ways (for example, two levels, five or more levels, etc.).

[0014] The power allocation system 1, having performed the first process, then performs the second process. The second process involves subtracting the cumulative value of power already allocated in the first process from the upper limit power, and allocating the remaining power, which was not allocated in the first process, to the target space with the highest priority if an upper limit power was provided, or to the target space with the lowest priority if a lower limit power was provided.

[0015] In the first and second processes described above, there may be multiple target spaces with the same priority. In this case, the power allocation system 1 determines the order in which to allocate power based on the ability of each air conditioning unit 50 to maintain the environmental parameters of the target space at a specific level (hereinafter referred to as "air conditioning capacity"), its rated capacity, and the size of the target space. When determining the order in which to allocate power based on the size of the target space, for example, power may be allocated preferentially to target spaces with smaller volume or area. In this case, a greater air conditioning effect can be obtained even with less power. Also, if a provisional allocation is performed within the upper limit of power, the order in which to allocate power may be determined based on the provisional allocation amount.

[0016] [Management Server 10] The management server 10, which constitutes the power allocation system 1, transmits various information to the air conditioning control device 30, the administrator terminal 70, and external sources, and enables the execution of various processes. In addition, the management server 10 acquires various information transmitted from the air conditioning control device 30, the administrator terminal 70, and external sources, and enables the execution of various processes.

[0017] For example, the management server 10 acquires various information about the target space (hereinafter referred to as "target space information") provided by the administrator terminal 70, stores it in a database, and manages it. The target space information includes, for example, information such as the priority of each target space, the size of the target space, and the air conditioning capacity of each of the one or more air conditioning units 50 installed in each target space. Based on the target space information, the management server 10 calculates a value or range of the first power consumption, and then calculates a value or range of the required power consumption from the calculated first power consumption.

[0018] The management server 10 compares the calculated required power consumption value or range with the available power. If the required power consumption exceeds the upper limit power, the management server 10 performs the first process. Also, if the required power consumption falls below the lower limit power, the management server 10 performs the first process. As described above, the first process allocates power corresponding to the first power consumption in order from the target spaces with the highest priority. For example, if an upper limit power is given, the process limits the cumulative value of the allocated power so that it is less than or equal to the upper limit power. Conversely, if the required power consumption is less than the upper limit power, the upper limit power can cover the required power consumption, so the management server 10 does not perform the first process.

[0019] When the management server 10 performs the first process, it performs the second process. As described above, the second process is to allocate the remaining power, obtained by subtracting the cumulative value of power already allocated in the first process from the upper limit power, to the target space with the highest priority if the upper limit power is provided, and to the target space with the lowest priority if the lower limit power is provided, among the target spaces to which no power was allocated in the first process.

[0020] When the management server 10 has allocated power through the first and second processes, it transmits information regarding the power allocated to multiple target spaces (hereinafter referred to as "power allocation information") to the administrator terminal 70.

[0021] [Air conditioning control device 30] The air conditioning control device 30, which constitutes the power allocation system 1, transmits various information to the management server 10, the air conditioning units 50, and the administrator terminal 70, enabling them to perform various processes. The air conditioning control device 30 also acquires various information transmitted from the management server 10, the air conditioning units 50, and the administrator terminal 70, and performs various processes. For example, the air conditioning control device 30 controls the operation of m units of air conditioning units 50 within the range of power allocated in the first and second processes of the management server 10.

[0022] [Administrator terminal 70] The administrator terminal 70, which constitutes the power allocation system 1, is capable of transmitting various information to the management server 10, the air conditioning control device 30, and external sources. Furthermore, the administrator terminal 70 is capable of acquiring various information transmitted from the management server 10, the air conditioning control device 30, and external sources, and executing various processes.

[0023] For example, the administrator terminal 70 manages building usage information and transmits it to the management server 10 at predetermined intervals. The administrator terminal 70 also receives power allocation information transmitted from the management server 10 and displays it on a display or similar device.

[0024] The configuration of the power allocation system 1 described above is just one example; the power allocation system 1 as a whole only needs to have the functionality to implement the above-described processes. For this reason, some or all of the functions to implement the above-described processes may be shared or collaborated on by each information processing device within the power allocation system 1. In other words, some or all of the functions of the management server 10 may be assigned to the functions of the air conditioning control device 30 or the administrator terminal 70. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each information processing device constituting the power allocation system 1 may be transferred to other servers, etc., not shown in the diagram. This will facilitate the processing of the power allocation system 1 as a whole, and also allow the processing to be complemented by each other.

[0025] <Hardware Configuration> [Hardware configuration of management server 10] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 10 that constitutes the power allocation system 1 in Figure 1. The management server 10 includes a control unit 11, a memory 12, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a display unit 16. These units are connected by a data bus, an address bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, etc.

[0026] The control unit 11 is a processor that controls the functions of the management server 10 through the execution of various software such as the OS (operating system) and application software. In this embodiment, various processes are executed on any computer. This computer may be implemented as a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. This computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer for a specific purpose, a workstation, or any other system capable of executing various processes.

[0027] The processor is configured to perform various processes in cooperation with the program. The processor can function as each unit or each means in this embodiment. The execution order of the processes performed by the processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment and can be changed as needed.

[0028] A processor can be configured with one or more hardware components. The types of hardware that make up a processor are not limited to any particular type. For example, a processor may be a CPU (=Central Processing Unit), an MPU (=Micro Processing Unit), a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (=Field Programmable Gate Array), a dedicated circuit for performing specific processing such as an ASIC (=Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (=Graphic Processing Unit), or hardware such as an NPU (=Neural Processing Unit).

[0029] A processor can be configured not only with a combination of multiple hardware components of the same type, but also with a combination of multiple hardware components of different types. When multiple hardware components are configured to perform one or more processes of a given processor, these components may reside in physically separate devices or in the same device. Hardware is composed of electrical circuits, etc., which are combinations of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0030] In any embodiment, the execution order of various processes by the processor is not limited to the order described in each embodiment and can be changed as necessary. The program may be firmware or software such as microcode. The program may also be, for example, a group of program modules. Each function constituting the group of program modules may be implemented by a processor configured to execute each function. The program in each embodiment may be program code or multiple code segments stored in one or more non-temporary computer-readable media (e.g., semiconductor memory, magnetic or optical storage media, or other storage).

[0031] A program may be divided and stored on multiple non-temporary computer-readable media located on devices that are physically separated from each other. Program code and multiple code segments may be represented by any combination of procedures, functions, subprograms, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, instructions, data structures, and program statements. Program code and multiple code segments may be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.

[0032] Memory 12 is a memory area that stores various software and data used for its execution, and is used as a work area during calculations. Memory 12 is composed of, for example, RAM (=Random Access Memory).

[0033] The memory unit 13 is a memory area that stores input data for various software and output data from various software. The memory unit 13 is composed of, for example, an HDD (=Hard Disk Drive), SSD (=Solid State Drive), or semiconductor memory used to store programs and various setting data. The memory unit 13 is provided with a database for storing various information. An example of a database provided in the memory unit 13 is a database that stores building information.

[0034] The communication unit 14 transmits and receives data between the air conditioning control device 30, the administrator terminal 70, and the outside world via the network 90. ​​The operation unit 15 consists of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, mechanical buttons, and switches, and accepts input operations.

[0035] The operation unit 15 also includes a touch sensor that forms a touch panel integrally with the display unit 16. The display unit 16 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (=Electro-Luminescence) display used for displaying information, and displays image and text data. The display unit 16 displays a user interface, etc.

[0036] [Hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 30, air conditioning unit 50, and administrator terminal 70] The air conditioning control device 30, the air conditioning unit 50, and the administrator terminal 70 each include a control unit, memory, storage unit, communication unit, operation unit, and display unit, respectively, corresponding to the control unit 11, memory 12, storage unit 13, communication unit 14, operation unit 15, and display unit 16 in Figure 2.

[0037] <Functional Configuration> [Functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the management server 10] Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the management server 10 shown in Figure 2. The control unit 11 of the management server 10 includes an acquisition unit 111 that acquires various types of information, a management unit 112 that records and manages various types of information, and a calculation unit 113 that calculates the value or range of the first power consumption and the required power consumption. The control unit 11 also includes a comparison unit 114 that compares the value or range of the required power consumption with the available power, an allocation unit 115 that allocates power to the target space, and a transmission control unit 116 that controls the transmission of various types of information.

[0038] The acquisition unit 111 acquires various types of information via the communication unit 14 (see Figure 2). For example, the acquisition unit 111 acquires information about the target space. The acquisition unit 111 also acquires information about the available power. This information about the available power is, for example, information transmitted from the building manager's administrator terminal 70, which received the demand response request, if the available power is based on a demand response request.

[0039] The management unit 112 stores and manages various types of information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 in the database of the storage unit 13 (see Figure 2). For example, the management unit 112 stores and manages target space information in the database. The management unit 112 also stores and manages information regarding allocatable power in the database.

[0040] The calculation unit 113 calculates the value or range of the first power consumption. The first power consumption is the power consumption required for the air conditioning unit 50 to bring the values ​​of the environmental parameters of the air-conditioned space to target values. For example, if the environmental parameter is temperature, it is the power consumption required for the air conditioning unit 50 to bring the temperature of the air-conditioned space to the target temperature. For example, if the environmental parameter is humidity, it is the power consumption required for the air conditioning unit 50 to bring the humidity of the air-conditioned space to the target humidity. For example, if the environmental parameter is CO2 concentration among the cleanliness, it is the power consumption required for the air conditioning unit 50 to bring the CO2 concentration of the air-conditioned space to the target cleanliness (target CO2 concentration). For example, if the environmental parameter is airflow, it is the power consumption required for the air conditioning unit 50 to bring the airflow of the air-conditioned space to the target airflow. These target temperature, target humidity, target cleanliness, and target airflow are determined based on indicators related to comfort or health.

[0041] Comfort or health indicators are defined based on at least one of the following: temperature, humidity, cleanliness (including airborne dust, pollen, mold, viruses, odors, and CO2), and airflow. Examples of comfort indicators include PMV (Predicted Mean Vote), PPD (Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied), and the discomfort index. Examples of health indicators include the amount of airborne dust (0.15 mg / m3 or less) and CO2 concentration (1000 ppm or less) as defined by the Building Environmental Hygiene Management Standards, and ammonia concentration (25 ppm, corresponding to odor) as defined by the Japan Society for Occupational Health's permissible concentration standards. Furthermore, the calculation unit 113 calculates the required power consumption value or range from the calculated first power consumption. Specifically, for example, the calculation unit 113 calculates the sum of the first power consumption of all air conditioning units subject to power allocation within the system, target space, or group of equipment for which demand response is contracted as the required power consumption value or range. The comparison unit 114 compares the required power consumption value or range calculated by the calculation unit 113 with the allocatable power managed by the management unit 112.

[0042] The allocation unit 115 allocates power to the target space based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 114. Specifically, if the required power consumption exceeds the upper limit power as a result of the comparison between the required power consumption and the upper limit power by the comparison unit 114, the allocation unit 115 performs a first process to allocate power to the target space. Also, if the required power consumption falls below the lower limit power as a result of the comparison between the required power consumption and the lower limit power by the comparison unit 114, the allocation unit 115 performs a first process to allocate power to the target space. As described above, the first process allocates power corresponding to the first power consumption in order from the target space with the highest priority, and if an upper limit power is given, for example, it is a process to limit the cumulative value of the power to be allocated so that it is less than or equal to the upper limit power. On the other hand, if the required power consumption falls below the upper limit power as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit 114, the required power consumption can be covered by the upper limit power, so the allocation unit 115 does not perform the first process.

[0043] The allocation unit 115, having performed the first processing, then performs the second processing. As described above, the second processing involves subtracting the cumulative value of the power already allocated in the first processing from the upper limit power, and allocating the remaining power, which was not allocated in the first processing, to the target space with the highest priority if the upper limit power was provided, and to the target space with the lowest priority if the lower limit power was provided. Specific examples of the first and second processing will be described later with reference to Figures 5 and onward.

[0044] The transmission control unit 116 controls the transmission of various types of information via the communication unit 14 to the air conditioning control device 30, the administrator terminal 70, and external sources. For example, the transmission control unit 116 controls the transmission of power allocation information to the administrator terminal 70.

[0045] <Processing flow of management server 10> Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the management server 10 when an upper limit power is provided.

[0046] When the management server 10 receives target space information (YES in step 41), it acquires and manages the transmitted target space information (step 42). Conversely, if no target space information has been transmitted (NO in step 41), the management server 10 repeats the decision process in step 41. Here, the target space information transmitted to the management server 10 includes, for example, information such as the priority, rated capacity, size of the target space, and the air conditioning capacity of each of the one or more air conditioning units 50 installed in each target space.

[0047] When the management server 10 receives a power limit (YES in step 43), it retrieves and manages the received power limit (step 44). Conversely, if no power limit has been received (NO in step 43), the management server 10 repeats the decision process in step 43.

[0048] The management server 10 calculates the first power consumption based on the target space information obtained in step 42 (step 45). Then, the management server 10 calculates the required power consumption from the calculated first power consumption (step 46). Next, the management server 10 compares the required power consumption with the upper limit power (step 47). If the required power consumption exceeds the upper limit power (YES in step 48), the management server 10 performs the first process (step 49). On the other hand, if the required power consumption is less than the upper limit power (NO in step 48), the upper limit power can cover the required power consumption, so the management server 10 terminates processing without performing the first process (END). Having performed the first process in step 49, the management server 10 performs the second process (step 50). This completes the processing of the management server 10 (END). Although not shown in the diagram, the decision logic in step 48 of Figure 4 changes when a lower limit of the allocatable power is provided. Specifically, if the required power consumption is below the lower limit, the management server 10 performs the first process. On the other hand, if the required power consumption exceeds the lower limit, the management server 10 can allocate a required power consumption equal to or greater than the lower limit, so it terminates the process without performing the first process.

[0049] <Specific example> Figure 5 shows a specific example of a building to which the power allocation system 1 in Figure 1 is applied. Figure 6 shows specific examples of the first and second processes performed by the management server 10 in Figure 5 when an upper limit power is provided. Figure 5 shows a building 200 to which the power allocation system 1 of Figure 1 is applied, a management server 10 that manages the entire power allocation system 1, and an administrator terminal 70 operated by the building manager of building 200. It also shows an air conditioning control device 30-1 that controls the operation (for example, temperature setting among environmental parameters) of two air conditioning units 50 that provide air conditioning to target space 311 of building 200 and one air conditioning unit 50 that provides air conditioning to target space 312 of building 200. It also shows an air conditioning control device 30-2 that controls the operation of one air conditioning unit 50 that provides air conditioning to target space 321 of building 200. It also shows an air conditioning control device 30-3 that controls the operation of one air conditioning unit 50 that provides air conditioning to target space 331 of building 200 and one air conditioning unit 50 that provides air conditioning to target space 332 of building 200. In the example shown in Figure 5, the target spaces 311, 312, 320, 331, and 332 are all located within a single building 200, but the target spaces may be distributed across multiple buildings.

[0050] In Figure 5, the air conditioning control device 30-1 and the target spaces 311 and 312 that are subject to air conditioning control by the air conditioning control device 30-1 constitute the air conditioning system 301 of the building 200. Furthermore, the air conditioning control device 30-2 and the target space 320 that is subject to air conditioning control by the air conditioning control device 30-2 constitute the air conditioning system 302 of the building 200. In addition, the air conditioning control device 30-3 and the target spaces 331 and 332 that are subject to air conditioning control by the air conditioning control device 30-3 constitute the air conditioning system 303 of the building 200.

[0051] Here, since the target space 320 is part of a single system, the first power consumption of the target space 320 can be calculated by calculating the power consumption of system 302. In contrast, for target spaces 311 and 312, since multiple spaces are air-conditioned by a single system, it is not easy to distribute the power consumption of the system to each target space and calculate the first power consumption of each target space. Therefore, in the example in Figure 5, when multiple spaces are air-conditioned by a single system, these multiple spaces are treated as a single space. In other words, target spaces 311 and 312 are treated as a single target space 310, and target spaces 331 and 332 are treated as a single target space 330.

[0052] At this point, since priority is assigned to each individual object space, it is necessary to determine the priority of the space that combines the individual object spaces. Here, the highest priority among the individual object spaces is taken as the priority of the space that combines the object spaces. For example, if object space 311 has a priority of "high" and object space 312 has a priority of "medium," then object space 310 will have the highest priority of "high." Here, the priority of the space that combines the object spaces can also be determined using other methods, such as the average, median, or weighted average of the individual object space priorities.

[0053] Here, the management server 10 calculates the first power consumption of the air conditioning units 50 installed in each of the target spaces 310 (target spaces 311 and 312), 320, and 330 (target spaces 331 and 332) based on the target space information provided by the administrator terminal 70.

[0054] In this embodiment, the index for comfort or health is PMV (Predicted Mean Vote). In PMV, a person's perception of temperature is represented by a numerical value from "-3" to "+3". The higher the PMV value, the warmer a person feels, and the lower the PMV value, the colder a person feels. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a person is comfortable if the PMV value is within the range of "-1" to "+1".

[0055] First, the calculation unit 113 determines the target temperature based on, for example, PMV. Specifically, the calculation unit 113 determines a comfortable temperature range for each target space in which the PMV value is within the range of "-1" to "+1". Hereinafter, the temperature of the target space in which the PMV value is "-1" will be referred to as the lower comfort temperature. The temperature of the target space in which the PMV value is "+1" will be referred to as the upper comfort temperature. For example, in the summer when cooling is in operation, the lower comfort temperature is, for example, 24°C, and the upper comfort temperature is, for example, 28°C. In the winter when heating is in operation, the lower comfort temperature is, for example, 20°C, and the upper comfort temperature is, for example, 28°C.

[0056] Next, the calculation unit 113 calculates the first power consumption for each refrigerant system based on the operating data and predicted weather information. In this embodiment, when cooling is performed, the first power consumption is the power consumption required to bring the temperature of each target space to the comfortable upper limit temperature (target temperature). Similarly, when heating is performed, the first power consumption is the power consumption required to bring the temperature of each target space to the comfortable lower limit temperature (target temperature). This means that the comparison unit 114 determines whether it is possible to ensure a minimum level of comfort with a power consumption below the upper limit power, and the first power consumption is the power consumption required to achieve that minimum level of comfort. However, the method of determining the target temperature is not limited to this. For example, an intermediate temperature within the comfortable temperature range may be used as the target temperature.

[0057] The management server 10 then calculates the required power consumption from the calculated first power consumption. Next, the management server 10 compares the calculated required power consumption with the maximum power supply provided by the administrator terminal 70. If the required power consumption exceeds the maximum power supply, it means that it is impossible to ensure a minimum level of comfort, and the management server 10 performs the first processing. On the other hand, if the required power consumption is less than the maximum power supply, the required power consumption can be covered by the maximum power supply, and the management server 10 does not perform the first processing.

[0058] For example, suppose the priority of target space 310 (target spaces 311 and 312) constituting system 301 is predetermined as "medium," the priority of target space 320 constituting system 302 is predetermined as "high," and the priority of target space 330 (target spaces 331 and 332) constituting system 303 is predetermined as "low." In this case, as the first process, the management server 10 allocates power equivalent to the first power consumption in the order of target space 320 (high priority), then target space 310 (target spaces 311 and 312), and then target space 330 (target spaces 331 and 332). At this time, the management server 10 limits the cumulative value of the allocated power so that it is less than or equal to the upper limit power.

[0059] Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 6(A), suppose the required power consumption calculated as the sum of the first power consumptions of the target spaces 310, 320, and 330 is "30kW" (15kW + 5kW + 10kW), and the upper power limit is "25kW". In this case, since the required power consumption (30kW) exceeds the upper power limit (25kW), the first processing is performed by the management server 10.

[0060] When the first processing is performed by the management server 10, as shown in Figure 6(B), 5kW of power is allocated to the target space 320 with the highest priority, and 15kW of power is allocated to the target space 310 with the next highest priority. As a result, the cumulative value of the allocated power becomes 20kW, so the remaining power after subtracting the cumulative value of the allocated power (20kW) from the upper limit power (25kW) becomes 5kW. At this point, the management server 10 needs to limit the cumulative value of the power to be allocated so that it is less than or equal to the upper limit power, but since the first power consumption of the target space 330 with the lowest priority is 10kW, no power is allocated to the target space 330 in the first processing.

[0061] The management server 10, which performed the first processing, then performs the second processing. As a result, as shown in Figure 6(C), the remaining power (5kW), which is the upper limit power (25kW) minus the cumulative value of power already allocated in the first processing (20kW), is allocated to the target space with the highest priority among the target spaces that were not allocated in the first processing. In the example in Figure 6(C), since there are no other systems (target spaces) besides target space 330, the remaining power (5kW) is allocated to target space 330 even though its priority is "low".

[0062] Alternatively, the remaining power may be allocated to the target space with the highest priority among all target spaces, including the target space allocated in the first process. In this case, since target space 320 is the target space with the highest priority, the remaining power (5kW) will be allocated to target space 320. In this case, if a minimum power limit is provided, the remaining power is allocated to the target space with the lowest priority among all target spaces, since it has already been allocated to all target spaces in the first process.

[0063] Figure 7 shows specific examples of the first and second processes when there are multiple target spaces with the same priority. Note that Figure 7 also shows the case where an upper limit power is provided, similar to Figure 6. In the example shown in Figure 7, the required power consumption calculated as the sum of the first power consumptions of the target spaces 310, 320, and 330 is "30kW" (15kW + 5kW + 10kW), and the upper power limit is "25kW". In this case, since the required power consumption (30kW) exceeds the upper power limit (25kW), the first processing is performed by the management server 10.

[0064] However, in the example in Figure 7, the target spaces 330 and 310 have the same priority of "low". Therefore, the order in which power is allocated is determined based on the air conditioning capacity of each air conditioning unit 50, its rated capacity, and the size of the target spaces 330 and 310. Also, in the example in Figure 7, a provisional allocation (provisional apportionment) of the upper limit power has been made in advance, so the order in which power is allocated may be determined based on the provisional apportionment amount. Below, with reference to Figure 7, an example of determining the order in which power is allocated based on the provisional apportionment amount will be explained.

[0065] Figure 7(A) shows the priority, first power consumption (left side), and provisional allocation amount (right side) for each of the target spaces 330, 320, and 310. Specifically, it shows that the first power consumption of target space 330 is "10kW" and the provisional allocation amount is "9kW". It also shows that the first power consumption of target space 320 is "5kW" and the provisional allocation amount is "4kW". Furthermore, it shows that the first power consumption of target space 310 is "15kW" and the provisional allocation amount is "13kW".

[0066] When the first processing is performed by the management server 10, as shown in Figure 7(B), the highest priority target space 320 is allocated "5kW" of power, the same as the first power consumption. This leaves the remaining power in the upper limit as 20kW (25kW - 5kW). For the next allocation, since target spaces 330 and 310 have the same priority of "low," target space 310, which has a larger provisional allocation amount than target space 330, is allocated "15kW" of power, the same as the first power consumption. This leaves the remaining power in the upper limit as "5kW" (20kW - 15kW).

[0067] Here, the management server 10 needs to limit the cumulative value of the allocated power so that it is less than or equal to the upper limit power. However, since the first power consumption of target space 330, which has the lowest priority and whose provisional allocation amount is less than that of target space 310, is "10kW", the management server 10 does not allocate power to target space 330 in the first process.

[0068] Next, the management server 10 performs the second process. As a result, as shown in Figure 7(C), the remaining power (5kW), which is the upper limit power (25kW) minus the cumulative value of power already allocated in the first process (20kW), is allocated to the target space with the highest priority among the target spaces that were not allocated in the first process. In the example in Figure 7(C), since there are no target spaces other than target space 330, the remaining power (5kW) is allocated to target space 330 even though its priority is "low". As a result, the remaining power of the upper limit becomes "0kW" (5kW-5kW), and the second process is completed.

[0069] In addition, similar to the case where there are no multiple target spaces with the same priority, the remaining power may be allocated to the target space with the highest priority among all target spaces, including the target space allocated in the first process. In this case, since target space 320 is the target space with the highest priority, the remaining power (5kW) will be allocated to target space 320. In this case, if a minimum power limit is given, the remaining power is allocated to the target space with the lowest priority among all target spaces, similar to the case where there are no multiple target spaces with the same priority.

[0070] <Other Embodiments> Each configuration described above is not limited to the embodiments and their variations, and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the claims. In other words, it is understood that a variety of changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. The configurations described above are not the only ones you may use; you may also omit some of the components in each configuration described above, or add other functions to each configuration described above. Furthermore, although multiple embodiments have been described above, it is also possible to swap the configurations included in one embodiment with those included in other embodiments, or to add the configurations included in one embodiment to other embodiments.

[0071] For example, in the above embodiment, the required power consumption calculated from the first power consumption was compared with the upper limit power, but the comparison may also be made using energy.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a priority is set for each target space. However, the priority of the target space with the highest priority among the target spaces constituting the building's air conditioning system may be treated as the priority of that system. In this case, a provisional apportionment or allocation of the upper limit power may be performed based on the system priority.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first power consumption was a single value, but it may also be a range. For example, since the power consumption of an air conditioner is greatly affected by the weather, the first power consumption may be a range of power consumption required for the air conditioner in the target space to adjust the environmental parameter values ​​to target values, calculated based on multiple weather forecast scenarios. Also, for example, since the calculated value of the first power consumption may include errors, the power consumption required for the air conditioner in the target space to adjust the environmental parameter values ​​to target values ​​may be a range that takes these errors into account.

[0074] At this point, the steps that change in Figure 4 will be explained. The management server 10 defines the required power consumption as the range of power values ​​obtained by summing the first power consumption of all target spaces (step 46). In other words, the sum of the lower limits of the first power consumption becomes the lower limit of the required power consumption, and the sum of the upper limits of the first power consumption becomes the upper limit of the required power consumption. The comparison unit compares the upper limit power with the range of the first power consumption. If, as a result of the comparison, all values ​​within the range of required power consumption exceed the upper limit power (YES in step 48), the management server 10 performs the first process (step 49). If any value within the range of required power consumption falls below the upper limit power (NO in step 48), the upper limit power can cover any of the required power consumption, so the management server 10 terminates the process without performing the first process (END).

[0075] Conversely, if a lower limit power is given, the first power consumption may also be used as a range. In this case, the parts that change in Figure 4 will be explained. The management server 10 uses the range of power values ​​obtained by summing the first power consumption of all target spaces as the required power consumption (step 46). In other words, the sum of the lower limits of the first power consumption becomes the lower limit of the required power consumption, and the sum of the upper limits of the first power consumption becomes the upper limit of the required power consumption. The comparison unit also compares the lower limit power with the range of the first power consumption. If, as a result of the comparison, all values ​​within the range of the required power consumption are below the lower limit power (YES in step 48), the management server 10 performs the first process (step 49). If any value within the range of the required power consumption exceeds the lower limit power (NO in step 48), the management server 10 terminates the process without performing the first process (END).

[0076] In this embodiment, the environmental parameter was temperature. However, the environmental parameter may include at least one of the following: temperature, humidity, cleanliness (including airborne dust, pollen, mold, viruses, odor, CO2, etc.), and airflow. Depending on the type of environmental parameter, the calculation unit 113 mainly differs in the process of calculating the first power consumption. The following describes the case where the first power consumption is within a range.

[0077] For example, if the environmental parameter is humidity, the calculation unit 113 first determines the target humidity, for example, based on PMV. Specifically, the calculation unit 113 determines a comfortable humidity range for each target space in which the PMV value is within the range of "-1" to "+1". Hereinafter, the minimum value of the comfortable humidity range will be referred to as the comfortable lower humidity limit, and the maximum value of the comfortable humidity range will be referred to as the comfortable upper humidity limit. Next, the calculation unit 113 calculates the range of the first power consumption for each refrigerant system based on the operating data and predicted weather information, etc. For example, when dehumidifying, the power consumption required to bring the humidity of each target space to the comfortable lower humidity limit (target humidity) becomes the lower limit of the first power consumption, and the power consumption required to bring it to the comfortable upper humidity limit (target humidity) becomes the upper limit of the first power consumption. For example, when humidifying, the power consumption required to bring the humidity of each target space to the comfortable lower humidity limit (target humidity) becomes the upper limit of the first power consumption, and the power consumption required to bring it to the comfortable upper humidity limit (target humidity) becomes the lower limit of the first power consumption.

[0078] For example, if the environmental parameter is suspended dust among the cleanliness parameters, the calculation unit 113 first determines the target cleanliness based on the amount of suspended dust as defined by, for example, the building environmental hygiene management standards. Specifically, the calculation unit 113 determines a comfortable cleanliness range for each target space in which the amount of suspended dust is within the range of "0 mg / m3" to "0.15 mg / m3". Hereinafter, the minimum value of the comfortable cleanliness range will be referred to as the lower comfort cleanliness limit, and the maximum value of the comfortable cleanliness range will be referred to as the upper comfort cleanliness limit. Next, the calculation unit 113 calculates the range of the first power consumption for each piece of equipment and each refrigerant system based on the operating data and predicted weather information, etc. For example, when performing air purification, the power consumption required to bring the cleanliness of each target space to the lower comfort cleanliness limit (target cleanliness) is the upper limit of the first power consumption, and the power consumption required to bring it to the upper comfort cleanliness limit (target cleanliness) is the lower limit of the first power consumption.

[0079] For example, if the environmental parameter is airflow, the calculation unit 113 first determines the target airflow based on, for example, PMV. Specifically, the calculation unit 113 determines the comfortable airflow range for each target space, where the PMV value is within the range of "-1" to "+1". Hereinafter, the minimum value of the comfortable airflow range will be referred to as the lower comfort airflow, and the maximum value of the comfortable humidity range will be referred to as the upper comfort airflow. Next, the calculation unit 113 calculates the range of the first power consumption for each piece of equipment or system based on operating data and predicted weather information, etc. For example, when increasing airflow, the power consumption required to make the airflow in each target space the upper comfort airflow (target airflow) becomes the upper limit of the first power consumption, and the power consumption required to make it the lower comfort airflow (target airflow) becomes the lower limit of the first power consumption. For example, when decreasing airflow, the power consumption required to make the airflow in each target space the upper comfort airflow (target airflow) becomes the lower limit of the first power consumption, and the power consumption required to make it the lower comfort airflow (target airflow) becomes the upper limit of the first power consumption.

[0080] For example, the air conditioning system 50 in Figure 1 conditioned the air in the target space so that the humidity, cleanliness, or airflow of the target space would be within the target humidity range, target cleanliness range, or target airflow range, respectively. In this case, the air conditioning system 50 may be an absorption air conditioner, an air purifier, or the like.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the required power consumption value or range calculated from the first power consumption is compared with the upper limit power, which is the upper limit of the power that can be allocated. If the required power consumption exceeds the upper limit power, the first processing is performed by the management server 10. However, it is not limited to this. There may also be a lower limit of the power that can be allocated, so in such cases, the following processing may be performed.

[0082] Figures 8(A) through (C) illustrate the process of allocating power when the available power is determined to be excessive or insufficient. In the example of FIG. 8, the description is given assuming that the upper limit power and the lower limit power are provided. However, when only the upper limit power is provided, the lower limit power can be considered to be 0 (zero) kW in the same way. Similarly, when only the lower limit power is provided, the upper limit power can be considered to be +∞ (positive infinity) kW in the same way.

[0083] FIG. 8(A) shows an example of power allocation when it is determined that the allocable power is excessive. FIG. 8(B) shows an example of power allocation when it is determined that the allocable power is insufficient. In FIGS. 8(A) and (B), "P R " indicates the required power consumption, "P Ru " indicates the upper limit value of the required power consumption, "P Rb " indicates the lower limit value of the required power consumption. Also, "P I " indicates the allocable power, "P Iu " indicates the upper limit value of the allocable power, "P Ib " indicates the lower limit value of the allocable power. Here, "excessive" means that all values between the upper limit value P Iu and the lower limit value P Ib of the allocable power (the range marked "OK") are excessive with respect to all values between the upper limit value P Ru and the lower limit value P Rb of the required power consumption (the range marked "OK"). Also, "insufficient" means that all values between the upper limit value P Iu and the lower limit value P Ib of the allocable power are insufficient with respect to all values between the upper limit value P Ru and the lower limit value P Rb of the required power consumption. In this case, the management server 10 of the power amount allocation system 1 performs power allocation in the following processing flow.

[0084] FIG. 8(C) shows the processing flow of power allocation when it is determined that the allocable power is excessive or insufficient. As shown in FIG. 8(C), the management server 10 performs the following processing. Hereinafter, the target space targeted inside the loop processing is referred to as target space i, and the lower limit value of its first power consumption is piRb , the upper limit is p iRu This is expressed as follows. In this case, the required power consumption is the sum of the first power consumptions of all target spaces, so P Ru p of all object spaces iRu The sum of P Rb p of all object spaces iRb It is the sum of the two.

[0085] First, the management server 10 determines whether the available power is "too much," "too little," or "neither" (step 81). If it is "neither," the management server 10 terminates without allocating any power (END).

[0086] Next, if the available power is excessive ("excessive" in step 81), the management server 10 starts the following loop processing for each target space in order of priority, which is predetermined (step 82). The management server 10 sets the upper limit of the first power consumption p for the i-th target space. iRu Assign (step 84) and proceed to the decision process in step 87.

[0087] Furthermore, if the available power is insufficient (in step 81, "insufficient"), the management server 10 starts the following loop processing for each target space in order of priority, which is predetermined (step 83). Then, the management server 10 sets the lower limit value p of the first power consumption for the i-th target space. iRb When allocated, the sum of the allocated power is equal to the upper limit of the available power P. Iu The following (sum of allocated power ≤ P) Iu Determine whether the sum of allocated powers ≤ P Iu If the result is " (YES in step 85), the lower limit of the first power consumption is p iRb Assign (step 86) and proceed to the decision process in step 87. In response to this, "Sum of allocated power ≤ P Iu If the result is not "NO" (NO in step 85), the management server 10 proceeds to the decision process in step 87. Note that if the result is excessive, p is added to all target spaces regardless of the order of the loop processing. iRuThis is assigned. Therefore, in step 82, the following loop processing may be started in order of lowest priority.

[0088] If the management server 10 has completed processing for all target spaces (YES in step 87), it terminates the process (END). Conversely, if the processing for all target spaces is not yet complete (NO in step 87), the management server 10 returns to the process in step 81.

[0089] Each of the embodiments described above can be understood as follows. In other words, the power allocation system of this disclosure (for example, power allocation system 1 in Figure 1) is a power allocation system having a control unit (for example, control unit 11 in Figure 2) that controls the allocation of power to air conditioning units (for example, air conditioning unit 50 in Figure 5) in a plurality of target spaces (for example, target spaces 310, 320, 330 in Figure 5), wherein the control unit calculates a value or range of first power consumption necessary for the air conditioning units of the target spaces to adjust the values ​​of environmental parameters to target values, compares the value or range of required power consumption, which is the power value obtained by summing the first power consumption of all target spaces, with the available power to determine whether to perform a first process, and in the first process, allocates power corresponding to the first power consumption in order from the target spaces with a predetermined priority, and limits the cumulative value of the power to be allocated based on the available power, wherein the environmental parameters include at least one of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and airflow. In this case, the first power consumption is allocated in order of predetermined priority. As a result, it is possible to suppress the allocation of power that users do not want within a building with multiple air-conditioned spaces.

[0090] Here, the target value may be determined based on indicators related to comfort or health.

[0091] Furthermore, indicators related to comfort or health may be PMV (Predicted Mean Vote).

[0092] Furthermore, indicators related to comfort or health may be target values ​​desired by the user.

[0093] Furthermore, the control unit may calculate the power consumption for one or more target values, and if an upper limit of the allocatable power is given, the smallest power consumption among the calculated one or more power consumptions may be set as the value of the first power consumption; if a lower limit of the allocatable power is given, the largest power consumption among the calculated one or more power consumptions may be set as the value of the first power consumption; and if both an upper and lower limit of the allocatable power is given, the range of the calculated one or more power consumptions may be set as the range of the first power consumption.

[0094] Furthermore, the control unit may perform the first process if, given an upper limit for the allocatable power, the required power consumption exceeds the upper limit; if, given a lower limit for the allocatable power, the required power consumption falls below the lower limit; and if, given both an upper and lower limit for the allocatable power, the control unit may perform the first process if the required power consumption exceeds the upper limit or falls below the lower limit.

[0095] Furthermore, the control unit may, if given an upper limit on the amount of power that can be allocated, restrict the cumulative value of the allocated power so that it is less than or equal to the upper limit, and may not impose any restrictions if given a lower limit on the amount of power that can be allocated.

[0096] Furthermore, after the first process, the control unit may perform a second process in which it allocates the remaining power, obtained by subtracting the cumulative value of power already allocated in the first process from the available power, to the target space with the highest priority if an upper limit of available power is provided, or to the target space with the lowest priority if a lower limit of available power is provided, among the target spaces where no power was allocated in the first process. In this case, if an upper limit is given for the amount of power that can be allocated, the remaining power may be allocated to the target space with the highest priority among all target spaces, including the target space to which power has already been allocated. As a result, the allocation of power to low-priority target spaces can be suppressed. Also, if a lower limit is given for the amount of power that can be allocated, for example, when the amount of power that can be allocated is "excessive" in the decision process in step 81 of Figure 8(C), the first power consumption has already been allocated to all target spaces, so the remaining power is allocated to the target space with the lowest priority among all target spaces. As a result, the over-allocation of power to high-priority target spaces can be suppressed. From the above, it is possible to suppress the allocation of power that users do not want in a building with multiple air-conditioned target spaces.

[0097] Furthermore, if the priority is the same, the control unit may determine the order in which to allocate power based on the air conditioning capacity, rated capacity, size of the target space, or a provisional allocation of power. In this case, power can be allocated even if the priority levels are the same.

[0098] Furthermore, the power allocation method of this disclosure that achieves the above objective is a power allocation method executed by a power allocation system having a control unit that controls the allocation of power to air conditioning units in multiple target spaces, which calculates a value or range of first power consumption necessary for the air conditioning units in the target spaces to adjust the values ​​of environmental parameters to target values, compares the value or range of required power consumption, which is the sum of the first power consumptions of all target spaces, with the available power to determine whether to perform a first process, and in the first process, allocates power corresponding to the first power consumption in order from the target spaces with a predetermined priority, and limits the cumulative value of the power to be allocated based on the available power. In this case, power is allocated in order of predetermined priority. As a result, it is possible to suppress the allocation of power that users in a building with multiple air-conditioned spaces do not want.

[0099] Furthermore, the program of this disclosure that achieves the above objectives is a program that causes a control unit in a power allocation system that controls the allocation of power to air conditioning units in multiple target spaces to calculate a value or range of first power consumption necessary for the air conditioning units in the target spaces to adjust the values ​​of environmental parameters to target values, compares the value or range of required power consumption, which is the sum of the first power consumptions of all target spaces, with the available power to determine whether to perform a first process, and in the first process, allocates power equivalent to the first power consumption in order from the target spaces with a predetermined priority, and performs a process to limit the cumulative value of the allocated power based on the available power. In this case, power is allocated in order of predetermined priority. As a result, it is possible to suppress the allocation of power that users in a building with multiple air-conditioned spaces do not want. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 1...Power allocation system, 10...Management server, 11...Control unit, 30...Air conditioning control unit, 50...Air conditioning unit, 70...Administrator terminal, 90...Network, 111...Acquisition unit, 112...Management unit, 113...Calculation unit, 114...Comparison unit, 115...Allocation unit, 116...Transmission control unit

Claims

1. A power allocation system having a control unit that controls the allocation of power to air conditioning units in multiple target spaces, The control unit, The value or range of the first power consumption necessary for the air conditioning system in the target space to adjust the values ​​of environmental parameters to target values ​​is calculated. The system compares the required power consumption value or range, which is the sum of the first power consumption values ​​of all the target spaces, with the available power to determine whether to perform the first process. In the first process, power corresponding to the first power consumption is allocated to the target spaces in order of priority, and the cumulative value of the allocated power is limited based on the available power. The aforementioned environmental parameters include at least one of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and airflow. Electricity allocation system.

2. The aforementioned target value is determined based on indicators related to comfort or health. The power allocation system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned comfort or health index is PMV (Predicted Mean Vote). The power allocation system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned comfort or health indicators are target values ​​desired by the user. The power allocation system according to claim 2.

5. The control unit calculates the power consumption for one or more of the target values, If the upper limit of the allocatable power is given, the smallest of the one or more calculated power consumptions shall be set as the value of the first power consumption. If the lower limit of the allocatable power is given, the largest of the one or more calculated power consumptions will be set as the value of the first power consumption. If the upper and lower limits of the allocatable power are given, the calculated range of one or more power consumptions shall be defined as the range of the first power consumption. The power allocation system according to claim 1.

6. The control unit, If an upper limit of the allocatable power is given, the first process is performed if the required power consumption exceeds the upper limit. If a lower limit of the allocatable power is given, the first process is performed if the required power consumption falls below the lower limit. Given the upper and lower limits of the allocatable power, the first process is performed if the required power consumption exceeds the upper limit or falls below the lower limit. The power allocation system according to claim 1.

7. The control unit, If an upper limit is given for the amount of power that can be allocated, the cumulative value of the allocated power will be limited so that it is less than or equal to the upper limit. If the lower limit of the allocatable power is given, no restriction will be imposed. The power allocation system according to claim 1.

8. After the first process, the control unit subtracts the cumulative value of the power already allocated in the first process from the available power to allocate, and allocates the remaining power from the target space where no power was allocated in the first process. If an upper limit on the allocatable power is given, the target space with the highest priority will be allocated If a lower limit of the allocatable power is given, then the target space with the lowest priority, Perform the second assignment process. The power allocation system according to claim 1.

9. The control unit, when the priority is the same, determines the order in which to allocate power based on the air conditioning capacity, rated capacity, size of the target space, or provisional allocation amount of power. The power allocation system according to claim 1.

10. A power allocation method performed by a power allocation system having a control unit that controls the allocation of power to air conditioning units in multiple target spaces, The value or range of the first power consumption necessary for the air conditioning system in the target space to adjust the values ​​of environmental parameters to target values ​​is calculated. The system compares the required power consumption value or range, which is the sum of the first power consumption values ​​of all the target spaces, with the available power to determine whether to perform the first process. In the first process, power corresponding to the first power consumption is allocated to the target spaces in order of priority, and the cumulative value of the allocated power is limited based on the available power. The aforementioned environmental parameters include at least one of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and airflow. Method of allocating electricity.

11. A power allocation system that controls the allocation of power to air conditioning units in multiple target spaces includes a control unit, The air conditioning system in the aforementioned target space calculates the value or range of the first power consumption necessary to adjust the values ​​of environmental parameters to target values. The system will then compare the required power consumption value or range, which is the sum of the first power consumption values ​​of all the target spaces, with the available power to determine whether to perform the first process. In the first process, power corresponding to the first power consumption is allocated to the target spaces in order of priority, and the cumulative value of the allocated power is limited based on the available power. The aforementioned environmental parameters include at least one of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and airflow. program.

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