Power usage evaluation device and power usage evaluation method

Abstract

The power usage evaluation device 10 includes a temperature information acquisition unit 70 that acquires temperature information P relating to the temperature of area L including the building 20a to be evaluated; a power information acquisition unit 72 that acquires power information relating to the amount of power used W of power used by multiple buildings 20 in the area; an index value calculation unit 74 that calculates an index value I based on the temperature information and power information; a reference value calculation unit 76 that calculates a reference value R; an evaluation unit 78 that uses the index value and reference value to determine an evaluation value V relating to the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building to be evaluated and generates an evaluation result N based on the evaluation value; and an output unit 80 that outputs the evaluation result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power usage evaluation device and a power usage evaluation method.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-122154 discloses a method for obtaining energy demand characteristics. By relating the energy consumption per unit floor area per unit time in an area including a building or the like to the outside air temperature per unit time in the area, the fluctuation characteristics of the cooling and heating load with respect to the outside air temperature are obtained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The area disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-122154 includes buildings and houses. It is difficult to evaluate the power usage of the temperature control device provided in a building based on the fluctuation characteristics of the cooling and heating load in the entire area.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of this disclosure is a power usage evaluation device comprising: a temperature information acquisition unit that acquires temperature information relating to the temperature of an area including a building to be evaluated; a power information acquisition unit that acquires power information relating to the amount of power used by a plurality of buildings, including the building to be evaluated, within the area; an index value calculation unit that calculates an index value which is the ratio of the difference in the amount of power used by the building to be evaluated to the difference in temperature between a first period and a second period different from the first period, based on the temperature information and the power information; a reference value calculation unit that calculates a reference value based on the ratio of the difference in the amount of power used by at least some of the buildings among the plurality of buildings within the area to the difference in temperature between the first period and the second period; an evaluation unit that uses the index value and the reference value to determine an evaluation value relating to the power usage of a temperature control device installed in the building to be evaluated and generates an evaluation result based on the evaluation value; and an output unit that outputs the evaluation result.

[0007] A second aspect of this disclosure is a power usage evaluation method comprising: a temperature information acquisition step of acquiring temperature information relating to the temperature of an area including a building to be evaluated; a power information acquisition step of acquiring power information relating to the amount of power used by a plurality of buildings, including the building to be evaluated, within the area; an index value calculation step of calculating an index value which is the ratio of the difference in the amount of power used by the building to be evaluated to the difference in temperature between a first period and a second period different from the first period, based on the temperature information and the power information; a reference value calculation step of calculating a reference value based on the ratio of the difference in the amount of power used by at least some of the buildings among the plurality of buildings within the area to the difference in temperature between the first period and the second period; an evaluation step of determining an evaluation value relating to the power usage of a temperature control device installed in the building to be evaluated and generating an evaluation result based on the evaluation value using the index value and the reference value; and an output step of outputting the evaluation result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to evaluate the power consumption of temperature control devices installed in a building. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a power usage evaluation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a graph showing an example of monthly changes in electricity consumption and temperature in a particular building. [Figure 3] Figure 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of determining evaluation values ​​using index values ​​and reference values. Figure 3B is a diagram illustrating the number and types of symbols to which evaluation values ​​are associated. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an example of the evaluation results. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure related to the power usage evaluation method performed by the power usage evaluation device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a modified power usage evaluation device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure for determining the first and second periods by the period determination unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a power usage evaluation device 10 according to one embodiment. The power usage evaluation device 10 evaluates the power usage of a temperature control device installed in building 20a, which is one of the buildings 20 in area L. The temperature control device corresponds to, for example, an air conditioning system for heating and cooling. In Figure 1, buildings 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, and 20f are shown along with building 20a, which is the building 20 in area L.

[0011] Buildings 20b, 20c, and 20d were all constructed around the same time as the building under evaluation, 20a, and have a similar total floor area. In other words, buildings 20b, 20c, and 20d are all buildings whose main features are relatively similar to those of the building under evaluation, 20a. Buildings 20e and 20f are both large buildings with a larger total floor area than the building under evaluation, 20a. In other words, buildings 20e and 20f are both buildings whose main features are relatively different from those of the building under evaluation, 20a.

[0012] Each of the buildings 20 within area L is equipped with a smart meter M capable of measuring the electricity usage of each customer occupying that building 20. The electricity usage measured by multiple smart meters M is stored via communication in the storage of a power information server 30 owned by the electric utility company.

[0013] The power information server 30 can calculate the power consumption for each building 20 based on the power consumption measured by multiple smart meters M installed in each building 20. Therefore, the power information server 30 can generate power information regarding the power consumption of all buildings 20 in the region L and store it in storage.

[0014] Temperature information for the area L, including the building 20a under evaluation, can be stored in the storage of the temperature information server 40 owned by the weather information provider. As shown in Figure 1, the power usage evaluation device 10, the power information server 30, and the temperature information server 40 are all connected to the communication network 50. The external device X, which will be described later, is also connected to the communication network 50.

[0015] As described above, the power consumption evaluation device 10 evaluates the power consumption of the temperature control device provided in the evaluation target building 20a within the region L. The power consumption evaluation device 10 includes an arithmetic unit 60, a storage unit 62, and a communication unit 64. The arithmetic unit 60 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). That is, the arithmetic unit 60 includes a processing circuitry.

[0016] The storage unit 62 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory. The volatile memory is used as the working memory of the processor. The non-volatile memory stores programs executed by the processor, numerical data corresponding to the first period and the second period to be described later that are determined in advance, and the like. The communication unit 64 is used for the power consumption evaluation device 10 to communicate with the external device X, the power information server 30, and the temperature information server 40 via the communication network 50.

[0017] The arithmetic unit 60 includes a temperature information acquisition unit 70, a power information acquisition unit 72, an index value calculation unit 74, a reference value calculation unit 76, an evaluation unit 78, an output unit 80, and a transmission unit 82. By executing the program stored in the storage unit 62 by the arithmetic unit 60, the temperature information acquisition unit 70, the power information acquisition unit 72, the index value calculation unit 74, the reference value calculation unit 76, the evaluation unit 78, the output unit 80, and the transmission unit 82 are realized.

[0018] At least a part of the temperature information acquisition unit 70, the power information acquisition unit 72, the index value calculation unit 74, the reference value calculation unit 76, the evaluation unit 78, the output unit 80, and the transmission unit 82 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0019] The temperature information acquisition unit 70 acquires temperature information regarding the temperature (air temperature) of the area L including the building 20a to be evaluated from the temperature information server 40 via the communication network 50 and the communication unit 64. The power information acquisition unit 72 acquires power information regarding the power consumption of the power used in the plurality of buildings 20 including the building 20a to be evaluated in the area L from the power information server 30 via the communication network 50 and the communication unit 64. Note that it is more preferable that the acquired power information is power information regarding the power consumption per unit area based on the floor area of each building 20.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the plurality of buildings 20 described above are determined in advance from all the buildings 20 in the area L. In the example shown in FIG. 1, all the buildings 20 in the area L are the six buildings 20 described above. That is, all the buildings 20 in the area L are the building 20a to be evaluated, buildings 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, and 20f.

[0021] In the present embodiment, among all the buildings 20 in the area L, the building 20a to be evaluated and, for example, buildings 20b, 20c, and 20d whose main features are relatively similar to the building 20a to be evaluated are determined in advance as the plurality of buildings 20 described above. Therefore, as described above, the power information acquisition unit 72 acquires power information regarding the power consumption of the power used in the buildings 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d. Thereby, the power consumption of the temperature control device provided in the building 20a to be evaluated can be relatively evaluated with respect to buildings 20 that are relatively similar within the area.

[0022] In the present embodiment, among all the buildings 20 in the area L, the building 20a to be evaluated and, for example, buildings 20b, 20c, and 20d whose main features are relatively similar to the building 20a to be evaluated are determined in advance as the plurality of buildings 20 described above. Therefore, as described above, the power information acquisition unit 72 acquires power information regarding the power consumption of the power used in the buildings 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d. Thereby, the power consumption of the temperature control device provided in the building 20a to be evaluated can be relatively evaluated with respect to buildings 20 that are relatively similar within the area. In addition, when a large number of samples are required in performing an evaluation regarding the power consumption of the temperature control device provided in the building 20a to be evaluated, in addition to the buildings 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, buildings 20e and 20f whose main features are not relatively similar to the building 20a to be evaluated may be determined in advance as the plurality of buildings 20 described above.

[0023] The index value calculation unit 74 calculates an index value I based on the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 70 and the power information acquired by the power information acquisition unit 72. The index value I is used to calculate an evaluation value V related to the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building 20a under evaluation. As will be described later with reference to Figure 2, the index value I is the ratio ra of the difference in power usage of the building 20a under evaluation to the temperature difference between the first period T1 and the second period T2. In other words, the index value I corresponds to the building 20a under evaluation.

[0024] The first period T1 and the second period T2 are both predetermined and stored in the storage unit 62, as described above. Therefore, the index value calculation unit 74 retrieves the first period T1 and the second period T2 from the storage unit 62 and calculates the index value I.

[0025] The reference value calculation unit 76 calculates a reference value R based on the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 70 and the power information acquired by the power information acquisition unit 72. The reference value R is used to calculate an evaluation value V related to the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building 20a under evaluation. The reference value calculation unit 76 may store the calculated reference value R in the storage unit 62.

[0026] The reference value R is calculated based on the ratio r of the difference in power consumption of at least some of the buildings 20 within the region L to the temperature difference between the first period T1 and the second period T2. As described above, the buildings 20 in this embodiment include the building to be evaluated 20a, building 20b, building 20c, and building 20d.

[0027] In this embodiment, at least some of the buildings 20 described above are buildings 20b, 20c, and 20d, whose main features are relatively similar to the building 20a under evaluation, and do not include the building 20a under evaluation. Therefore, a suitable reference value R can be calculated for evaluating the power consumption of the temperature control device installed in the building 20a under evaluation. In other words, a more suitable evaluation can be performed.

[0028] However, if the index value I does not show an extremely unusual value compared to the reference value R, the aforementioned at least some of the buildings 20 related to the calculation of the reference value R may include not only buildings 20b, 20c, and 20d, but also the building under evaluation 20a. In that case, the evaluation of the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building under evaluation 20a can be performed more simply. Note that the aforementioned at least some of the buildings 20 do not include only the building under evaluation 20a.

[0029] In this embodiment, the ratio r of the difference in power consumption of at least some of the aforementioned buildings 20 with respect to the temperature difference between the first period T1 and the second period T2 is calculated. Specifically, the ratio rb corresponding to building 20b, the ratio rc corresponding to building 20c, and the ratio rd corresponding to building 20d are calculated.

[0030] The reference value R is the mean, median, or mode of the set of proportions r corresponding to each of at least some of the buildings 20 within a region L. In this embodiment, the mean of the set of proportions r is used. That is, the reference value R is the mean of the set of proportions rb corresponding to building 20b, proportion rc corresponding to building 20c, and proportion rd corresponding to building 20d. However, if the set of proportions r described above contains outliers, the median may be used. If there is a large variation in the proportions included in the set, the mode may be used. An appropriate reference value R can be determined according to the characteristics of the set of proportions r.

[0031] The evaluation unit 78 uses the index value I calculated by the index value calculation unit 74 and the reference value R calculated by the reference value calculation unit 76 to determine the evaluation value V for the power consumption of the temperature control device installed in the building 20a under evaluation. Details of an example of determining the evaluation value V will be described later with reference to Figure 3A.

[0032] The evaluation unit 78 generates an evaluation result based on the determined evaluation value V. The evaluation unit 78 generates an evaluation result using the symbols by associating the evaluation value V with the number or type of symbols indicating superiority or inferiority of the evaluation value V. The evaluation unit 78 determines a comment corresponding to the evaluation value V and generates an evaluation result including the comment. The number of symbols indicating superiority or inferiority of the evaluation value V and the types of symbols indicating superiority or inferiority of the evaluation value V will be described later with reference to Figure 3B. An example of an evaluation result including the determined comment and using the symbols will be described later with reference to Figure 4.

[0033] The output unit 80 outputs the evaluation results as an electronic file. The output unit 80 may also save the output electronic file to the storage unit 62. This makes it easier to utilize the evaluation of the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building 20a being evaluated.

[0034] The transmitting unit 82 transmits the electronic file output by the output unit 80 to an external device X via communication through the communication unit 64 and the communication network 50. The external device X is, for example, a user terminal of the owner, management company, construction company, and / or electric power company of the building 20a under evaluation. The electronic file output by the output unit 80 is saved in the storage of the external device X or displayed on the display unit of the external device X. This makes it easier to utilize the evaluation of the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building 20a under evaluation.

[0035] With the power usage evaluation device 10 configured in this way, it is possible to evaluate the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building 20a under evaluation.

[0036] Figure 2 is a graph showing an example of monthly changes in electricity consumption W and temperature P in a building 20. The horizontal axis of the graph in Figure 2 represents time T, and the two vertical axes represent the electricity consumption W of building 20 and the temperature P of area L, respectively. Along the horizontal axis of time T, a predetermined period is divided into periods of predetermined length. In the example shown in Figure 2, one year from April to March of the following year is divided into months.

[0037] The temperature P, which changes monthly, shows a maximum value Pp in August (summer) and a minimum value Pb in January (winter). Temperature P shows a value Pn in April (spring), which falls between January and August. Power consumption W includes power consumption by the temperature control device. Therefore, power consumption W changes monthly in accordance with the change in temperature P. Power consumption W shows maximum values ​​Wph and Wpc in August (summer) and January (winter), respectively, and a minimum value Wb in April (spring). Power consumption W also shows a minimum value in November (autumn). However, in the example shown in Figure 2, the minimum value of power consumption W shown in November (autumn) is greater than the minimum value Wb shown in April (spring).

[0038] August and January are considered to be the periods in the year when the power consumption of the temperature control device is highest. In this embodiment, August and January are each predetermined as the first period T1. August is the first period T1h, and January is the first period T1c. April, which lies between January and August, is the second period T2, and is considered to be the period in the year when the power consumption of the temperature control device is lowest. In this embodiment, April is predetermined as the second period T2, which is different from the first period T1. The predetermined first period T1 and second period T2 are stored in the storage unit 62 as described above.

[0039] The ratio r of the difference in power consumption W of building 20 to the difference in temperature P between the first period T1 and the second period T2 is given by equation (1) or equation (2). When the first period T1 = T1h, the ratio r is given by equation (1). When the first period T1 = T1c, the ratio r is given by equation (2). The difference in power consumption W included in the numerator of the right-hand side of equations (1) and (2) is considered to represent the difference in power consumption by the temperature control device. The smaller the ratio r, the stronger the power saving tendency in the temperature control performance of the temperature control device installed in building 20 is considered to be. r=(Wph-Wb) / |Pp-Pn| ···(1) r=(Wpc-Wb) / |Pb-Pn| ···(2)

[0040] Using formula (1) or formula (2), the ratio r corresponding to each of the plurality of buildings 20 within region L is calculated. That is, the ratio ra corresponding to the evaluation target building 20a described above, the ratio rb corresponding to the building 20b, the ratio rc corresponding to the building 20c, and the ratio rd corresponding to the building 20d are calculated. The ratio ra is determined as the index value I. The average value of the set of the ratios rb, the ratio rc, and the ratio rd is determined as the reference value R.

[0041] FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining an example of determining the evaluation value V using the index value I and the reference value R. In FIG. 3A, the reference value R is shown on the number line indicating the index value I. Also, five ranges Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5 that may include values that the index value I can take are shown using the reference value R and the step width u. The step width u is determined in advance based on, for example, the distribution of the ratio r included in the set of the ratios r corresponding to each of the plurality of buildings 20 within region L, the reference value R, and the number of the above-described ranges (in this embodiment, 5).

[0042] When the index value I is smaller than the value R - 3u calculated using the reference value R (I < R - 3u), the index value I is included in the range Z1. In that case, the evaluation value V = 1 is determined. The evaluation value V = 1 indicates the evaluation level 1. When the index value I is greater than or equal to the value R - 3u and smaller than the value R - u calculated using the reference value R (R - 3u ≤ I < R - u), the index value I is included in the range Z2. In that case, the evaluation value V = 2 is determined. The evaluation value V = 2 indicates the evaluation level 2.

[0043] When the index value I is not less than the value R - u and not more than the value R + u calculated using the reference value R (R - u ≤ I ≤ R + u), the index value I is included in the range Z3. In that case, the evaluation value V = 3 is determined. The evaluation value V = 3 indicates the evaluation level 3. When the index value I is greater than the value R + u and not more than the value R + 3u calculated using the reference value R (R + u < I ≤ R + 3u), the index value I is included in the range Z4. In that case, the evaluation value V = 4 is determined. The evaluation value V = 4 indicates the evaluation level 4. When the index value I is greater than the value R + 3u (R + 3u < I), the index value I is included in the range Z5. In that case, the evaluation value V = 5 is determined. The evaluation value V = 5 indicates the evaluation level 5.

[0044] In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the index value I = I0 is included in the range Z4. In that case, the evaluation value V = 4 regarding the power consumption of the temperature control device provided in the evaluation target building 20a corresponding to the index value I = I0 is determined. Thus, the evaluation unit 78 determines the evaluation value V using the index value I and the reference value R. However, the evaluation unit 78 may determine the evaluation value V according to the difference G between the index value I and the reference value R.

[0045] When the difference G between the index value I and the reference value R is less than the value -3u (G < -3u), the index value I is included in the range Z1. In that case, the evaluation value V = 1 is determined. The evaluation value V = 1 indicates the evaluation level 1. When the difference G between the index value I and the reference value R is not less than the value -3u and less than the value -u (-3u ≤ G < -u), the index value I is included in the range Z2. In that case, the evaluation value V = 2 is determined. The evaluation value V = 2 indicates the evaluation level 2.

[0046] When the difference G between the index value I and the reference value R is greater than or equal to the value -u and less than or equal to the value u (-u ≦ G ≦ u), the index value I is included in the range Z3. In that case, the evaluation value V = 3 is determined. The evaluation value V = 3 indicates the evaluation level 3. When the difference G between the index value I and the reference value R is greater than the value u and less than or equal to the value 3u (u < G ≦ 3u), the index value I is included in the range Z4. In that case, the evaluation value V = 4 is determined. The evaluation value V = 4 indicates the evaluation level 4. When the difference G between the index value I and the reference value R is greater than the value 3u (3u < G), the index value I is included in the range Z5. In that case, the evaluation value V = 5 is determined. The evaluation value V = 5 indicates the evaluation level 5.

[0047] Since the sign indicating whether the difference G between the index value I and the reference value R is a positive number or a negative number shows the magnitude relationship between the index value I and the reference value R, the evaluation regarding the power consumption of the temperature control device provided in the evaluation target building 20a becomes easier to understand.

[0048] FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating the number and types of symbols to which the evaluation value V is associated. The evaluation value V is associated with symbols indicating the superiority or inferiority of the evaluation value V. Thereby, the evaluation result can be generated using symbols.

[0049] When the evaluation value V is associated with the number of symbols, for example, a star mark is used as the symbol, and the evaluation value V is represented by the number of star marks. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the evaluation value V = 5 is represented by 5 star marks. The evaluation value V = 4 is represented by 4 star marks. The evaluation value V = 3 is represented by 3 star marks. The evaluation value V = 2 is represented by 2 star marks. The evaluation value V = 1 is represented by 1 star mark.

[0050] When an evaluation value V is associated with a type of symbol, for example, if an alphabet letter is used as the symbol, the evaluation value V is represented by that letter. In the example shown in Figure 3B, an evaluation value V=5 is represented by the letter A. An evaluation value V=4 is represented by the letter B, which is different from letter A. An evaluation value V=3 is represented by the letter C, which is different from letters A and B. An evaluation value V=2 is represented by the letter D, which is different from letters A, B, and C. An evaluation value V=1 is represented by the letter E, which is different from letters A, B, C, and D. This makes it easier to understand the evaluation of the power consumption of the temperature control device installed in the building 20a being evaluated.

[0051] Figure 4 is an example of the evaluation result N. As described above, the evaluation unit 78 generates the evaluation result N using symbols indicating the superiority or inferiority of the evaluation value V. In addition to these symbols, the evaluation result N includes, for example, the name of the building 20a being evaluated, the total floor area, the location (region L), and the evaluation level. The evaluation levels shown are the evaluation level when using air conditioning, which is obtained based on the ratio r calculated using formula (1), and the evaluation level when using heating, which is obtained based on the ratio r calculated using formula (2).

[0052] As described above, the evaluation unit 78 determines a comment corresponding to the evaluation value V regarding the power consumption of the temperature control device installed in the building 20a under evaluation, and generates an evaluation result N including the comment. The comment includes an explanation of the evaluation level and suggestions for further improvement of the temperature control performance of the temperature control device. This makes it easier to address the evaluation of the power consumption of the temperature control device installed in the building 20a under evaluation.

[0053] The explanations and suggestions included in the comments are prepared in advance for each evaluation value V based on the total floor area, location, and other characteristics of the building 20a being evaluated, and are stored in the storage unit 62. The evaluation unit 78 retrieves the explanations and suggestions corresponding to the evaluation value V from the storage unit 62 based on the evaluation value V of the building 20a being evaluated, and creates a comment. The evaluation unit 78 may also create a comment that includes other explanations such as power consumption W.

[0054] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure related to the power usage evaluation method performed by the power usage evaluation device 10. This processing procedure is carried out by the calculation unit 60 of the power usage evaluation device 10 executing a program stored in the storage unit 62.

[0055] When this processing procedure is started, in step S1, the temperature information acquisition unit 70 acquires temperature information P related to the temperature of area L, which includes the building 20a under evaluation, from the temperature information server 40. In step S2, the power information acquisition unit 72 acquires power information W related to the power consumption of multiple buildings 20, including the building 20a under evaluation, within area L, from the power information server 30.

[0056] In step S3, the index value calculation unit 74 obtains the first period T1 and the second period T2 from the storage unit 62. In step S4, the index value calculation unit 74 calculates the index value I using the first period T1 and the second period T2 obtained in step S3, based on the temperature information obtained in step S1 and the power information obtained in step S2.

[0057] In step S5, the reference value calculation unit 76 calculates the reference value R based on the temperature information obtained in step S1 and the power information obtained in step S2, using the first period T1 and the second period T2 obtained in step S3. The reference value R may be calculated in advance before the processing procedure shown in Figure 5 is performed and stored in the storage unit 62. In that case, instead of performing the processing in step S5, the evaluation unit 78 performs the process of obtaining the reference value R from the storage unit 62.

[0058] In step S6, the evaluation unit 78 determines an evaluation value V using the index value I calculated in step S4 and the reference value R calculated in step S5. The evaluation unit 78 generates an evaluation result N based on the determined evaluation value V. In step S7, the output unit 80 outputs the evaluation result N generated in step S6 as an electronic file. In step S8, the transmission unit 82 transmits the electronic file of the evaluation result N output in step S7 to the external device X. Once the processing in step S8 is completed, this processing procedure ends.

[0059] The embodiments described above may be modified as follows. In the following modifications, explanations that overlap with those in the embodiments will be omitted. Also, in the figures used in the following modifications, components identical to those described in the embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0060] (modified version) In the embodiment described above, the first period T1 and the second period T2 are predetermined and stored in the storage unit 62. However, the first period T1 and the second period T2 may be automatically determined based on temperature information or power information over a predetermined period in the past.

[0061] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a modified power usage evaluation device 10. Compared to the power usage evaluation device 10 shown in Figure 1, the power usage evaluation device 10 shown in Figure 6 differs in that the calculation unit 60 of the power usage evaluation device 10 further includes a period determination unit 90. The period determination unit 90 is realized by the calculation unit 60 executing a program stored in the storage unit 62. The period determination unit 90 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA, or by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0062] The period determination unit 90 determines a period of predetermined length as the first period T1, which includes the maximum value Pp or minimum value Pb of temperature P during the predetermined period, as indicated by the temperature information for the past predetermined period. If the predetermined period is one month and the past predetermined period is one year, then the temperature information for the past predetermined period is, for example, the temperature information shown in Figure 2. That is, the temperature information in Figure 2 is information showing the monthly change in temperature P over the past year.

[0063] As described above, in the example shown in Figure 2, the one-month period corresponding to the maximum value Pp of temperature P in the past year is August. The one-month period corresponding to the minimum value Pb of temperature P in the past year is January. Therefore, the period determination unit 90 determines the month corresponding to the maximum value Pp or minimum value Pb of temperature P in the past year as the first period T1. That is, the period determination unit 90 determines August, which corresponds to the maximum value Pp of temperature P in the past year, as the first period T1h, and January, which corresponds to the minimum value Pb of temperature P in the past year, as the first period T1c.

[0064] The period determination unit 90 determines the month in which the temperature P corresponds to a temperature value between the maximum value Pp and the minimum value Pb as the second period T2. That is, the period determination unit 90 determines the month in which the temperature P does not correspond to either the maximum value Pp or the minimum value Pb in the past year as the second period T2. For example, April is determined to be the second period T2. The temperature P value Pn corresponding to April is a temperature value between the maximum value Pp and the minimum value Pb. In this way, the first period T1 and the second period T2 are automatically determined, making it easier to evaluate the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building 20a under evaluation.

[0065] The period determination unit 90 may determine the first period T1 as a period of predetermined length that includes the maximum value Wph or Wpc of the power consumption W during the predetermined period, as indicated by the power information of the building 20a under evaluation during the predetermined period in the past. If the predetermined period is one month and the predetermined period in the past is one year, then, for example, the power information shown in Figure 2 is obtained as the power information for the predetermined period in the past. That is, the power information in Figure 2 is information showing the change in monthly power consumption W over the past year.

[0066] As described above, in the example shown in Figure 2, the one-month period corresponding to the maximum value Wph of electricity consumption W over the past year is August. The one-month period corresponding to the maximum value Wpc of electricity consumption W over the past year is January. Therefore, the period determination unit 90 determines the month corresponding to the maximum value Wph or maximum value Wpc of electricity consumption W over the past year as the first period T1. That is, the period determination unit 90 determines August, which corresponds to the maximum value Wph of electricity consumption W over the past year, as the first period T1h, and January, which corresponds to the maximum value Wpc of electricity consumption W over the past year, as the first period T1c.

[0067] In the example shown in Figure 2, the one-month period corresponding to the minimum value Wb of power consumption W over the past year is April. Therefore, the period determination unit 90 determines April, which corresponds to the minimum value Wb of power consumption W over the past year, as the second period T2. The period determination unit 90 stores the determined first period T1 and second period T2 in the storage unit 62. In this way, the first period T1 and second period T2 are determined automatically, making it easier to evaluate the power consumption of the temperature control device installed in the building 20a under evaluation.

[0068] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure for determining the first period T1 and the second period T2 by the period determination unit 90. This processing procedure is performed by the calculation unit 60 of the power usage evaluation device 10 executing a program stored in the storage unit 62.

[0069] When this processing procedure is started, in step S21, the temperature information acquisition unit 70 acquires temperature information P relating to the temperature of area L, including the building 20a under evaluation, from the temperature information server 40 over a predetermined period in the past. Alternatively, in step S21, the power information acquisition unit 72 acquires power information relating to the amount of power used W of electricity used by multiple buildings 20, including the building 20a under evaluation, within area L, from the power information server 30 over a predetermined period in the past.

[0070] In step S22, the period determination unit 90 determines the first period T1 and the second period T2 using the temperature information or power information for a predetermined past period acquired in step S21. In step S23, the period determination unit 90 stores the first period T1 and the second period T2 determined in step S22 in the storage unit 62. The first period T1 and the second period T2 thus stored are acquired in step S3 of the flowchart shown in Figure 5. Once the processing in step S23 is completed, this processing procedure ends.

[0071] With regard to the embodiments and modifications described above, the following additional information is disclosed.

[0072] (Note 1) The power consumption evaluation device (10) of this disclosure includes a temperature information acquisition unit (70) that acquires temperature information relating to the temperature (P) of an area (L) including the building to be evaluated (20a), a power information acquisition unit (72) that acquires power information relating to the amount of power consumed (W) of power used in a plurality of buildings (20) including the building to be evaluated within the area, and an index value (r) which is the ratio of the difference in the amount of power consumed by the building to be evaluated to the difference in temperature between a first period (T1) and a second period (T2) different from the first period. The system includes an index value calculation unit (74) for calculating I), a reference value calculation unit (76) for calculating a reference value (R) based on the ratio of the difference in power consumption of at least some of the buildings among the multiple buildings in the area to the temperature difference between the first period and the second period, an evaluation unit (78) for determining an evaluation value (V) regarding the power consumption of the temperature control device installed in the building under evaluation using the index value and the reference value, and for generating an evaluation result (N) based on the evaluation value, and an output unit (80) for outputting the evaluation result. With this configuration, the power consumption of the temperature control device installed in the building under evaluation can be evaluated.

[0073] (Note 2) The power usage evaluation device described in Appendix 1 may be configured such that the multiple buildings within the area are predetermined from among all buildings within the area. With this configuration, the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building under evaluation can be evaluated relative to that of relatively similar buildings within the area.

[0074] (Note 3) The power usage evaluation device described in Appendix 1 may include at least some of the buildings among the multiple buildings in the area as the building to be evaluated. With this configuration, a suitable reference value can be calculated for evaluating the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building to be evaluated. In other words, a more suitable evaluation can be performed.

[0075] (Note 4) The power usage evaluation device described in Appendix 1 is such that at least some of the multiple buildings within the area do not have to include the building being evaluated. With this configuration, the evaluation of the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building being evaluated can be performed more simply.

[0076] (Note 5) The power usage evaluation device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the reference value may be the mean, median, or mode of each set of ratios corresponding to each of the buildings among the multiple buildings in the area. With such a configuration, an appropriate reference value can be determined according to the characteristics of each set of ratios.

[0077] (Note 6) The power usage evaluation device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4 may further include a period determination unit (90) that determines a period of predetermined length as the first period, corresponding to the maximum (Pp) or minimum (Pb) of the temperature during the predetermined period indicated by the temperature information during the predetermined period. With such a configuration, the evaluation of the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building under evaluation can be performed more easily.

[0078] (Note 7) The power usage evaluation device described in Appendix 6 may be configured such that the period determination unit determines a period of predetermined length that does not correspond to either the maximum or minimum temperature value during the predetermined period as the second period. With such a configuration, the evaluation of the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building under evaluation can be performed more easily.

[0079] (Note 8) The power usage evaluation device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4 may further include a period determination unit that determines a period of predetermined length as the first period, corresponding to the maximum value (Wph, ​​Wpc) of the amount of power usage during the predetermined period indicated by the power information of the building under evaluation during the predetermined period. With such a configuration, the evaluation of the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building under evaluation can be performed more easily.

[0080] (Note 9) The power usage evaluation device described in Appendix 8 may have the period determination unit determine a period of predetermined length as the second period, which corresponds to the minimum value (Wb) of the amount of power used during the predetermined period, as indicated by the power information of the building under evaluation during the predetermined period. With such a configuration, the evaluation of the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building under evaluation can be performed more easily.

[0081] (Note 10) The power usage evaluation device described in Appendix 1 may have an evaluation unit that determines the evaluation value according to the difference (G) between the index value and the reference value. With such a configuration, it becomes easier to understand the evaluation of the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building being evaluated.

[0082] (Note 11) The power usage evaluation device described in Appendix 10 may generate the evaluation result using the symbols by associating the evaluation value with the number of symbols or the type of symbols indicating the superiority or inferiority of the evaluation value. With such a configuration, the evaluation of the power usage of the temperature control device installed in the building under evaluation becomes easier to understand.

[0083] (Note 12) The power usage evaluation device described in Appendix 10 or 11 may include an evaluation unit that determines a comment corresponding to the evaluation value and generates the evaluation result including the comment. Such a configuration makes it easier to evaluate the power usage of temperature control devices installed in the building being evaluated.

[0084] (Note 13) The power usage evaluation device is described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4, and the output unit may output the evaluation results as an electronic file. With such a configuration, it becomes easier to utilize the evaluation of power usage of temperature control devices installed in the building being evaluated.

[0085] (Note 14) The power usage evaluation device described in Appendix 13 may further include a transmission unit (82) that transmits the electronic file output by the output unit to an external device (X) via communication. With such a configuration, the evaluation of power usage of temperature control devices installed in the building under evaluation becomes easier to utilize.

[0086] (Note 15) The power usage evaluation method of this disclosure comprises: a temperature information acquisition step of acquiring temperature information relating to the temperature of an area including the building to be evaluated; a power information acquisition step of acquiring power information relating to the amount of power used by a plurality of buildings, including the building to be evaluated, within the area; an index value calculation step of calculating an index value which is the ratio of the difference in the amount of power used by the building to be evaluated to the difference in temperature between a first period and a second period different from the first period, based on the temperature information and the power information; a reference value calculation step of calculating a reference value based on the ratio of the difference in the amount of power used by at least some of the buildings among the plurality of buildings within the area to the difference in temperature between the first period and the second period; an evaluation step of determining an evaluation value relating to the power usage of a temperature control device installed in the building to be evaluated and generating an evaluation result based on the evaluation value using the index value and the reference value; and an output step of outputting the evaluation result. With this configuration, the power usage of a temperature control device installed in a building can be evaluated.

[0087] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the spirit of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments described above are given as examples only and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 10...Power usage evaluation device 20...Building 30...Power information server 40...Temperature information server 50...Communication network 60...Processing unit 62...Memory Unit 64...Communication Unit 70…Temperature information acquisition unit 72…Power information acquisition unit 74...Indicator value calculation unit 76...Reference value calculation unit 78...Evaluation section 80...Output section 82...Transmission unit 90...Period determination unit

Claims

1. A temperature information acquisition unit that acquires temperature information regarding the area including the building being evaluated, A power information acquisition unit that acquires power information regarding the amount of electricity used in multiple buildings, including the building to be evaluated, within the aforementioned area, An index value calculation unit calculates an index value which is the ratio of the difference in the amount of electricity used by the building under evaluation to the difference in temperature between a first period and a second period different from the first period, based on the temperature information and the power information. A reference value calculation unit that calculates reference values ​​based on the ratio of the difference in power consumption of at least some of the buildings among the multiple buildings in the area to the temperature difference between the first period and the second period, An evaluation unit that determines an evaluation value for the power consumption of a temperature control device installed in the building under evaluation using the aforementioned index value and reference value, and generates an evaluation result based on the aforementioned evaluation value, An output unit that outputs the evaluation results, A power usage evaluation device equipped with the following features.

2. A power usage evaluation device according to claim 1, Multiple buildings within the aforementioned area are power usage evaluation devices, which are predetermined from among all buildings within the aforementioned area.

3. A power usage evaluation device according to claim 1, A power usage evaluation device in which at least some of the buildings among the multiple buildings in the area include the building to be evaluated.

4. A power usage evaluation device according to claim 1, A power usage evaluation device wherein at least some of the multiple buildings within the area do not include the building being evaluated.

5. A power usage evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A power usage evaluation device in which the reference value is the mean, median, or mode of the set of ratios corresponding to each of the buildings among the multiple buildings in the area.

6. A power usage evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A power usage evaluation device further comprising a period determination unit that determines a period of predetermined length as the first period, corresponding to the maximum or minimum value of the temperature during the predetermined period indicated by the temperature information during the predetermined period in the past.

7. A power usage evaluation device according to claim 6, The power usage evaluation device, wherein the period determination unit determines a period of predetermined length as the second period, which does not correspond to either the maximum or minimum value of the temperature during the predetermined period.

8. A power usage evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A power usage evaluation device further comprising a period determination unit that determines a period of predetermined length as the first period, corresponding to the maximum value of the amount of power used during the predetermined period as indicated by the power information of the building to be evaluated during the predetermined period in the past.

9. A power usage evaluation device according to claim 8, The power usage evaluation device, wherein the period determination unit determines a period of predetermined length as the second period, which corresponds to the minimum value of the amount of power used during the predetermined period indicated by the power information of the building to be evaluated during the predetermined period.

10. A power usage evaluation device according to claim 1, The evaluation unit is a power usage evaluation device that determines the evaluation value according to the difference between the index value and the reference value.

11. A power usage evaluation device according to claim 10, The power usage evaluation device generates the evaluation result using the symbols by associating the evaluation value with the number of symbols or the type of symbols indicating the superiority or inferiority of the evaluation value.

12. A power usage evaluation device according to claim 10 or 11, The power usage evaluation device comprises an evaluation unit which determines a comment according to the evaluation value and generates the evaluation result including the comment.

13. A power usage evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The output unit is a power usage evaluation device that outputs the evaluation results as an electronic file.

14. A power usage evaluation device according to claim 13, A power usage evaluation device further comprising a transmission unit that transmits the electronic file output by the output unit to an external device via communication.

15. A temperature information acquisition step to obtain temperature information regarding the temperature of the area including the building to be evaluated, A power information acquisition step involves acquiring power information regarding the amount of electricity used in multiple buildings, including the building to be evaluated, within the aforementioned area. An index value calculation step, based on the temperature information and the power information, calculates an index value which is the ratio of the difference in the amount of electricity used by the building under evaluation to the difference in temperature between a first period and a second period different from the first period; A reference value calculation step of calculating a reference value based on the ratio of the difference in power consumption of at least some of the buildings among the multiple buildings in the area to the temperature difference between the first period and the second period, An evaluation step in which an evaluation value is determined for the power consumption of the temperature control device installed in the building to be evaluated, using the index value and the reference value, and an evaluation result is generated based on the evaluation value, An output step for outputting the evaluation results, A method for evaluating power usage, comprising the following components.

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