Equipment operation scheduling system and equipment operation scheduling method

Abstract

This allows for adjustment of equipment operation in accordance with the power supply. [Solution] The equipment operation scheduling system 10 comprises a central server 200 and one or more equipment operating devices 300 that perform operations related to power usage for one or more pieces of equipment 620. The equipment operating devices 300 acquire a power usage pattern showing the power usage of the entire equipment 620 by time period and transmit it to the central server 200. The central server 200 generates a power usage schedule for each equipment operating device 300 that shows the upper limit of power usage by time period and transmits it to the equipment operating device 300. The equipment operating devices 300 operate the equipment 620 based on the power usage schedule. If the total power usage by time period shown in the power usage pattern is less than or equal to the supply power, the central server 200 generates the power usage schedule corresponding to the power usage pattern.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an equipment operation scheduling system and an equipment operation scheduling method for adjusting the timing of power consumption of equipment.

Background Art

[0002] In order to promote measures against global warming and the realization of a low-carbon society, it is required to promote the use of renewable energy along with energy-saving measures. Power generation using renewable energy such as solar power and wind power has large output fluctuations depending on the weather, and it is a problem to maintain the balance between the supplied power and the demanded power. As a method for adjusting power demand, it is conceivable to collect information on the power and time used by equipment at customer sites such as factories, offices, and homes, and adjust it to match the supplied power. There is an invention described in Patent Document 1 as a method for information collection.

[0003] The invention described in Patent Document 1 relates to a sensor device including at least one sensor module that captures at least one characteristic around the sensor as raw data, a communication module that transmits the captured raw data to a server, and a processor that receives the raw data of the sensor module and transfers the raw data to the server via the communication module. The at least one sensor module includes a pressure sensor having an accuracy capable of determining a 20 cm vertical drop.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The invention described in Patent Document 1 focuses on the validity of data collection and sharing, but does not touch on the adjustment of power demand by equipment operation according to the supplied power. This invention has been made in view of the above background, and aims to provide an equipment operation scheduling system and equipment operation scheduling method that enable adjustment of equipment operation according to the supplied power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the equipment operation scheduling system according to the present invention comprises a central server and one or more equipment operating devices that perform operations related to power usage for one or more devices, the equipment operating device includes a power usage pattern acquisition unit that acquires a power usage pattern indicating the power usage of all devices operated by the equipment operating device by time of day, according to the time of day the equipment is used or the time of day the equipment uses power, and transmits it to the central server, the central server includes a profile generation unit that generates a power profile indicating the power supply by time of day, and a power usage schedule generation unit that generates a power usage schedule indicating the upper limit of power usage by time of day for each equipment operating device based on the power usage pattern, and transmits it to the equipment operating device, the equipment operating device includes an operation unit that operates the equipment based on the power usage schedule, and the power usage schedule generation unit generates the power usage schedule according to the power usage pattern if the total power usage by time of day indicated by the power usage pattern is less than or equal to the power supply indicated by the power profile. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an equipment operation scheduling system and an equipment operation scheduling method that enable adjustment of equipment operation according to the supplied power. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the overall configuration of the equipment operation scheduling system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]This is a functional block diagram of the device operating device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an example of a power usage pattern according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram of the central server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the equipment operation scheduling process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a functional block diagram of the central server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a functional block diagram of the device operating device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of the equipment operation scheduling process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows the overall configuration of the equipment operation scheduling system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a functional block diagram of the device operating device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a functional block diagram of the local server according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a functional block diagram of the central server according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart of the equipment operation scheduling process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows the overall configuration of the equipment operation scheduling system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a functional block diagram of the local server according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart of the equipment operation scheduling process according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the central server, local server, and device operating device according to the above embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <<Overview of Equipment Operation Scheduling System>> The following describes the overview of the equipment operation scheduling system in the form (embodiment) for implementing the present invention. The equipment operation scheduling system includes an equipment operation device that operates equipment using power and a central server. The equipment operation device is installed for each customer site such as a factory, an office, or a home, and controls the power usage of the equipment at the customer site. For example, the equipment is a natural refrigerant heat pump water heater. In a natural refrigerant heat pump water heater, the timing of boiling water using power and the timing of using hot water do not need to be simultaneous. In a natural refrigerant heat pump water heater, for example, hot water can be boiled in advance using power during a time period when the electricity price is low or when there is excess power from renewable energy.

[0010] The equipment operation device acquires the time periods when the equipment uses power and transmits the pattern of power usage (power usage pattern) per time period at the customer site to the central server. The central server creates a power profile including the power purchase price, supply power (W), etc. for each time period based on information such as the power market and weather forecast. If the total power usage calculated based on the power usage pattern is less than or equal to the supply power indicated by the power profile, the central server transmits the power usage schedule corresponding to the power usage pattern to the equipment operation device. The equipment operation device operates the equipment according to the original power usage pattern. For example, the equipment operation device instructs the start and end of boiling water for a natural refrigerant heat pump water heater.

[0011] If there is a time period when the total power usage exceeds the supply power indicated by the power profile, the central server shifts the time periods of power usage in some of the equipment operation devices to adjust so that there is no time period exceeding the supply power. For example, the central server adjusts by optimizing to minimize the number of equipment operation devices to be shifted. Note that the equipment operation device may transmit a plurality of candidates for the power usage pattern as the power usage pattern, and the central server may adjust by selecting from the candidates so as not to exceed the supply power.

[0012] According to such a device operation scheduling system, the time period during which a device uses power can be adjusted according to the supplied power. For example, by adjusting so that the use of power derived from renewable energy increases, carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced.

[0013] ≪Configuration of Device Operation Scheduling System≫ FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a device operation scheduling system 10 according to the first embodiment. The device operation scheduling system 10 includes a central server 200 and a device operation device 300 that can communicate via a network 690.

[0014] The central server 200 can also communicate with a power market server 630, a weather information server 640, and a power transmission and distribution information server 650 via the network 690. The power market server 630 is a server that provides a service for providing future power purchase information (power purchase price, electricity price). The weather information server 640 is a server that provides a service for providing weather forecast information. The power transmission and distribution information server 650 is a server that provides a service for providing congestion information of the power grid including predictions.

[0015] The device operation device 300 is installed for each customer site 610 such as a factory, an office, or a home. The device operation device 300 performs operations related to power use for one or more devices 620 at the customer site 610. As the device 620, it is assumed that the device operation device 300 can control the timing (time period) of power use, but it is not limited thereto. In the following description, the device operation device 300 is assumed to operate all devices that use power at the customer site 610.

[0016] An example of the device 620 is a natural refrigerant heat pump water heater. The device operation device 300 controls power use by performing operations related to the start and end of boiling water for which the natural refrigerant heat pump water heater uses power. In a household where the amount of hot water used is large at night, for example, by boiling and storing hot water during the daytime when solar power generation is abundant and the price (power purchase price) is low, the electricity bill can be reduced.

[0017] Another example of device 620 is a battery-powered electric vehicle. For example, by charging during off-peak hours when prices are low, electricity costs can be reduced. Device 620 could also be, for example, a washing machine. The user puts laundry in the washing machine before leaving and instructs the device control unit 300 to finish the washing by the time they return home. In this way, the device control unit 300 can reduce electricity costs by instructing the washing machine to start washing during off-peak hours when prices are low. As explained above, it is desirable that device 620 allows the timing of power usage to be changed (shifted) within a predetermined time. The configuration of the device control unit 300 and the central server 200 will be described below.

[0018] As described above, the equipment operation scheduling system 10 comprises a central server 200 and one or more equipment operating devices 300 that perform operations related to power usage for one or more pieces of equipment 620.

[0019] <Configuration of the equipment operating device> Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the device operating device 300 according to the first embodiment. The device operating device 300 is a computer and comprises a control unit 310, a storage unit 320, and an input / output unit 380. User interface devices such as a touch panel display are connected to the input / output unit 380. The input / output unit 380 also includes a communication device and is capable of sending and receiving data with the central server 200 and the device 620.

[0020] ≪Equipment operating device: Storage section≫ The storage unit 320 is comprised of storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and flash memory. The storage unit 320 stores user setting information 321, a power usage pattern database 330, schedule information 322, an operation log 323, and a program 328. The program 328 includes a description of the processing of the functional units provided in the control unit 310, which will be described later.

[0021] <<Device Operating Device: Memory Unit: User Setting Information>> User setting information 321 stores (sets) the time periods during which the customer (user) uses equipment 620, or the time periods during which equipment 620 uses electricity. If equipment 620 is a natural refrigerant heat pump water heater, user setting information 321 stores the time periods during which hot water is used (time periods during which equipment is used), or the time periods during which water is heated (time periods during which electricity is used).

[0022] ≪Equipment operating device: Memory unit: Power usage pattern database≫ The power usage pattern database 330 stores one or more power usage patterns 331 (see Figure 3 below), which are patterns of power used by the device 620. Each power usage pattern 331 is assigned identification information.

[0023] Figure 3 shows an example of a power usage pattern 331 according to the first embodiment. The power usage pattern 331 shows the power consumption by time of day at the customer site 610, which includes the equipment 620. The power usage pattern 331 shown in Figure 3 shows power consumption every two hours, but the power consumption may be for time intervals other than two hours. In the case of the power usage pattern 331, the amount of hot water used is large after 6 a.m. and after 1 p.m., so the power consumption in the time periods before those times is increased. Note that if equipment 620 with a power consumption of 1 kW is operated for one hour, the amount of power consumed during that time will be 1 kWh, and if it is operated for two hours, the amount of power consumed during that time will be 2 kWh.

[0024] ≪Equipment Operating Device: Memory Unit: Power Usage Schedule≫ Returning to Figure 2, let's continue the explanation of the storage unit 320. The schedule information 322 stores the desired power usage (power usage schedule) for each time period, which is received from the central server 200. As will be described later, the central server 200 determines the power usage schedule by considering the power usage pattern of the entire customer site 610 and the supplied power. For this reason, it is desirable for customers to use power so as not to exceed the power usage for each time period shown in the power usage schedule. For this reason, the power usage schedule can be considered as an upper limit for power usage for each time period.

[0025] <<Equipment operating device: Storage unit: Operation log>> The operation log 323 stores a record of operations performed on the equipment 620. For example, the operation log 323 includes the time of operation, the equipment 620 being operated on, and the details of the operation (e.g., an instruction to start water heating) for each operation. The operation log 323 may also include time-based power consumption for each piece of equipment 620 and time-based power consumption for the entire customer site 610.

[0026] <<Equipment Operating Device: Control Unit>> The control unit 310 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and comprises a user setting reception unit 311, a power usage pattern acquisition unit 312, a power usage schedule setting unit 313, and an operation unit 314.

[0027] ≪Equipment Operating Device: Control Unit: User Setting Reception Unit≫ The user setting reception unit 311 receives settings for the time periods when the user (consumer) will use the equipment 620 and the time periods when the equipment 620 will use electricity, and stores them in the user setting information 321. For example, for a natural refrigerant heat pump water heater, the user setting reception unit 311 accepts time periods when hot water is used in large quantities, such as for bathing or cooking, as the time periods when the equipment 620 will be used. The user setting reception unit 311 also accepts time periods when a battery electric vehicle can be charged and time periods when an air conditioner is used as the time periods when the equipment 620 will use electricity.

[0028] <<Equipment operating device: Control unit: Power usage pattern acquisition unit>> The power usage pattern acquisition unit 312 predicts the power consumption for each time period across the entire customer site 610 based on the user setting information 321. More specifically, the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312 determines the power usage time periods according to the usage time periods of the equipment 620 in the user setting information 321. Next, the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312 calculates the power consumption for each time period based on the determined time periods and the power usage time periods of the equipment 620 in the user setting information 321, thereby determining the power consumption for each time period.

[0029] Next, the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312 acquires a power usage pattern 331 corresponding to the determined power usage from the power usage pattern database 330. Then, the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312 transmits the identification information assigned to the power usage pattern 331 to the central server 200.

[0030] The power usage pattern acquisition unit 312 may acquire and transmit not just one power usage pattern 331, but multiple power usage patterns 331. For example, if the amount of hot water used is large after 6 PM, the power usage time period for the natural refrigerant heat pump water heater may be from 12 PM to 2 PM, from 2 PM to 4 PM, or from 4 PM to 6 PM, and three power usage patterns may be acquired from the power usage pattern database 330 and identification information may be transmitted.

[0031] When transmitting multiple power usage patterns, the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312 may also transmit them with a preferred order (priority). In the example of a natural refrigerant heat pump water heater, since it is desirable to heat the water immediately before use, a power usage pattern with the power usage time for the natural refrigerant heat pump water heater set to 16:00 to 18:00 may be transmitted as the first preference.

[0032] The power usage pattern acquisition unit 312 may transmit acceptable modified power usage and time periods along with the power usage pattern to the central server 200 when the power usage or time periods are changed. Note that changes in power usage or time periods refer to adjustments made by the power usage schedule generation unit 214 in the central server 200, as described later. Acceptable changes are changes in power usage or time periods that do not interfere with the use of the equipment 620 (use of hot water), such as heating water before use in a natural refrigerant heat pump water heater.

[0033] <<Equipment operating device: Control unit: Power usage schedule setting unit>> The power usage schedule setting unit 313 stores the power usage schedule transmitted by the central server 200 in the schedule information 322. Next, based on the power usage schedule, the power usage schedule setting unit 313 determines the schedule (timing) for operating each piece of equipment 620 and stores it in the schedule information 322 as an operation schedule.

[0034] If the power usage schedule is the same as the power usage pattern transmitted to the central server 200, the power usage schedule setting unit 313 determines an operation schedule (operation schedule) according to the power usage time period of the equipment 620 determined by the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312 and stores it in the schedule information 322.

[0035] If the power usage schedule differs from the power usage pattern transmitted to the central server 200, the power usage schedule setting unit 313 shifts the power usage time periods of the equipment 620 to meet the power usage for each time period indicated in the power usage schedule. For example, it moves forward the power usage time periods for heating water with a natural refrigerant heat pump water heater or charging a battery-powered electric vehicle to the extent that it does not interfere with the use of hot water or the battery-powered electric vehicle. If shifting the power usage time periods of the equipment 620 does not meet the power usage for each time period indicated in the power usage schedule, the power usage schedule setting unit 313 shifts the power usage time periods to minimize the time periods and power usage that cannot be met.

[0036] <<Equipment operating device: Control unit: Operation section>> The control unit 314 operates the equipment 620 according to the operation schedule of the equipment 620 stored in the schedule information 322. For example, the control unit 314 instructs the natural refrigerant heat pump water heater to start and stop heating water.

[0037] As described above, the equipment operating device 300 includes a power usage pattern acquisition unit 312 that acquires a power usage pattern 331 indicating the power usage of the entire equipment 620 operated by the equipment operating device 300 for each time period, depending on the time period during which the equipment 620 is used or the time period during which the equipment 620 uses power, and transmits it to the central server 200. The equipment operating device 300 includes an operating unit 314 that operates the equipment 620 based on the power usage schedule. The power usage pattern acquisition unit 312 acquires multiple power usage patterns 331 and transmits them to the central server 200.

[0038] ≪Central Server Configuration≫ Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the central server 200 according to the first embodiment. The central server 200 is a computer and comprises a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a communication unit 280. The communication unit 280 is equipped with a communication device and is capable of sending and receiving data with the equipment operating device 300.

[0039] ≪Central Server: Memory Unit≫ The memory unit 220 is composed of memory devices such as ROM, RAM, and SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory unit 320 stores external information 221, power profiles 222, power usage pattern database 223, site power usage pattern database 230, site power usage schedule database 240, and program 228. Program 228 includes descriptions of the processing of the functional units provided in the control unit 210, which will be described later. The various contents of the memory unit 220 may be stored in an external storage device such as a cloud server and read as needed.

[0040] ≪Central Server: Storage Unit: External Information, Power Profile, Power Usage Pattern Database≫ External information 221 stores power grid congestion information, including electricity purchase prices, weather forecasts, and predictions, which are acquired by the external information acquisition unit 211 described later. The power profile 222 stores the power (supplied power) that can be supplied to the customer site 610 for each time period, as calculated by the profile generation unit 212 described later. The power usage pattern database 223 is the same as the power usage pattern database 330 provided in the equipment operating device 300.

[0041] ≪Central Server: Storage Unit: Site Power Usage Pattern Database, Site Power Usage Schedule Database≫ The site power usage pattern database 230 stores identification information for the power usage pattern of each equipment operating device 300, which is received by the power usage pattern reception unit 213, described later. The site power usage schedule database 240 stores the power usage schedule for each customer site 610 (equipment operating device 300) calculated by the power usage schedule generation unit 214, which will be described later.

[0042] ≪Central Server: Control Unit≫ The control unit 210 includes a CPU and comprises an external information acquisition unit 211, a profile generation unit 212, a power usage pattern reception unit 213, and a power usage schedule generation unit 214.

[0043] ≪Central Server: Control Unit: External Information Acquisition Unit≫ The external information acquisition unit 211 acquires electricity purchase prices from the electricity market server 630 and stores them in the external information 221. The external information acquisition unit 211 also acquires weather forecasts from the weather information server 640 and stores them in the external information 221. Furthermore, the external information acquisition unit 211 acquires power grid congestion information from the power transmission and distribution information server 650 and stores it in the external information 221. The electricity purchase price and power grid congestion information includes not only current information but also information for the near future (e.g., one week).

[0044] ≪Central Server: Control Unit: Profile Generation Unit≫ The profile generation unit 212 predicts the power supply for each time period based on the external information 221 and stores it in the power profile 222. For example, the profile generation unit 212 calculates the power supply for each time period by adding the predicted power generation from solar power and wind power based on weather forecasts to the power generated by thermal power and nuclear power plants. If the power transmission and distribution information server 650 provides power supply for each time period, this information may also be used as the power profile.

[0045] ≪Central Server: Control Unit: Power Usage Pattern Reception Unit≫ The power usage pattern receiving unit 213 receives the power usage pattern transmitted by the equipment operating device 300 and stores it in the site power usage pattern database 230.

[0046] ≪Central Server: Control Unit: Power Usage Schedule Generation Unit≫ The power usage schedule generation unit 214 generates a power usage schedule for each customer site 610 (equipment control device 300) based on the power usage pattern database 223 and the power profile 222. Next, the power usage schedule generation unit 214 stores the generated power usage schedule in the site power usage schedule database 240. Subsequently, the power usage schedule generation unit 214 transmits the power usage schedule to the corresponding equipment control device 300.

[0047] The power usage schedule generation unit 214 generates a power usage schedule according to the power usage pattern if the total power usage (W) for each time period in the power usage pattern in the power usage pattern database 223 is less than or equal to the supplied power (W) in the power profile 222. In other words, the power usage schedule is generated so that the power usage indicated by the power usage schedule for each time period matches the power usage indicated by the power usage pattern. The power usage pattern database 223 contains identification information for power usage patterns, but by referring to the power usage pattern database 223, power usage for each time period can be obtained.

[0048] If there is a period of time when the total power consumption exceeds the supplied power (hereinafter also referred to as the excess period), the power usage schedule generation unit 214 generates a power usage schedule by adjusting it so that the total power consumption does not exceed the supplied power. In the following, the process of generating a power usage schedule by adjusting it so that the total power consumption does not exceed the supplied power may be simply referred to as "adjusting".

[0049] For example, the power usage schedule generation unit 214 adjusts the power usage so that the total power usage does not exceed the supplied power by shifting some of the power usage patterns shown in the excess time period to another time period. It is preferable to shift the power usage time period forward. For example, the power usage schedule generation unit 214 may adjust the system so that the number of power usage patterns (equipment operating devices 300) to be shifted is minimized. Alternatively, the power usage schedule generation unit 214 may adjust the system so that the total time difference of the shifts is minimized. In addition, the power usage schedule generation unit 214 may adjust the system so that the total amount of power usage to be shifted is minimized. Such adjustments can be made using mathematical optimization methods where the supplied power is the constraint and the number of power usage patterns to be shifted or the time difference of the shifts is the objective function, but other methods may also be used. Other methods include random assignment, simulated annealing, tabu search, and genetic algorithms.

[0050] In addition, if the equipment operating device 300 transmits multiple power usage patterns, the power usage schedule generation unit 214 may adjust by selecting the power usage pattern with the lowest desired rank. For example, the power usage schedule generation unit 214 may adjust so that the sum of the ranks lowered is minimized. The sum of the ranks is 11 (=2×4+1×3) if there are four power usage patterns lowered from rank 1 to rank 3 and three usage patterns lowered from rank 1 to rank 2.

[0051] Furthermore, if the equipment operating device 300 transmits acceptable modified power consumption and time zones, the power consumption schedule generation unit 214 may adjust to conform to these modified power consumption and time zones. For example, the power consumption schedule generation unit 214 may adjust to minimize the total time difference of the modified time zones.

[0052] When changing the power consumption or time periods indicated in the power usage pattern, the power usage schedule generation unit 214 may prioritize changes to time periods with lower electricity prices. For example, if there are multiple time periods to shift from excess usage periods, the unit may prioritize shifting to time periods with lower prices. When making such adjustments, the profile generation unit 212 generates price-specific power profiles and stores them in the power profile 222. The power usage schedule generation unit 214 then generates price-specific power usage schedules by referring to the price-specific power profiles.

[0053] As described above, the central server 200 includes a profile generation unit 212 that generates a power profile showing the power supply for each time period. The central server 200 includes a power usage schedule generation unit 214 that generates a power usage schedule indicating the upper limit of power usage for each time period for each equipment operating device 300 based on the power usage pattern 331, and transmits it to the equipment operating device 300. The power usage schedule generation unit 214 generates a power usage schedule corresponding to the power usage pattern if the total power usage for each time period indicated by the power usage pattern is less than or equal to the supply power indicated by the power profile.

[0054] The power usage schedule generation unit 214 generates a new power usage schedule and transmits it to the equipment operating device 300 if there is a period of time when the total power usage indicated by the power usage pattern exceeds the power supply indicated by the power profile.

[0055] The new power usage schedule is a power usage schedule in which the total power usage when power is used according to the new power usage schedule is less than or equal to the supply power indicated by the power profile, and in which a portion of the power usage indicated by the power usage pattern transmitted by the equipment operating device 300 is shifted to a different time period, and the new power usage schedule is optimized to minimize the number of equipment operating devices 300 that do not match the power usage pattern, the total shift time difference, or the total shifted power usage.

[0056] A new power usage schedule is one in which the total power usage when power is used according to the new power usage schedule is less than or equal to the supply power indicated by the power profile, and which corresponds to one of the power usage patterns among the multiple power usage patterns transmitted by the equipment operating device 300.

[0057] <<Equipment Operation Scheduling Process>> Figure 5 is a flowchart of the equipment operation scheduling process according to the first embodiment. Before the start of the equipment operation scheduling process, the user setting information 321 of the equipment operating device 300 is assumed to have already been set, including the time period during which the customer (user) will use the equipment 620 and the time period during which the equipment 620 will use electricity. It is also assumed that the power profile 222 of the central server 200 has already been generated. The equipment operation scheduling process is a process that is executed at a predetermined timing, for example, at a predetermined time during the day.

[0058] In step S11, the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312 in the equipment operating device 300 determines the power usage for each time period, acquires the power usage pattern corresponding to the power usage for that time period, and transmits the corresponding identification information to the central server 200. The power usage pattern receiving unit 213 in the central server 200 receives the power usage pattern and stores it in the site power usage pattern database 230.

[0059] In step S12, the power usage schedule generation unit 214 in the central server 200 generates a power usage schedule for each equipment operating device 300 based on the power usage pattern and power profile 222, and transmits it to the respective equipment operating device 300.

[0060] In step S13, the power usage schedule setting unit 313 in the equipment operating device 300 determines a schedule for operating the equipment 620 (operation schedule) based on the received power usage schedule and stores it in the schedule information 322. In step S14, the operation unit 314 operates the device 620 according to the operation schedule for the device 620 in the schedule information 322.

[0061] Features of the Equipment Operation Scheduling System According to the equipment operation scheduling system 10, the power usage of equipment 620 can be adjusted according to the supplied power and the consumer's use of equipment 620. The adjustment is made, for example, by shifting the time of power usage in a natural refrigerant heat pump water heater by moving the water heating time earlier, so that it can be adjusted so as not to disrupt usage (use of hot water).

[0062] <<Variation: Adjustment considering the power source>> In the embodiment described above, power usage is adjusted based on a power usage pattern, which is the power used during different time periods. Furthermore, power usage may be adjusted to take into account the power source desired by the consumer. For example, the consumer specifies the desired percentage of electricity derived from renewable energy. The power usage pattern acquisition unit 312 in the equipment operating device 300 transmits this percentage along with identification information of the power usage pattern.

[0063] The profile generation unit 212 in the central server 200 generates power profiles (power supply by time of day) for each power source. The power usage schedule generation unit 214 should then adjust power usage so that the total power usage does not exceed the power supply, both by time of day and by power source, and generate a power usage schedule.

[0064] <<Variation Example: Coordination between the central server and the equipment control device>> In the embodiment described above, the central server 200 adjusts the power usage schedule of the customer site 610 (equipment control device 300). The central server 200 may also adjust the power usage schedule including the equipment control device 300.

[0065] For example, suppose the power usage schedule instructed (sent) by the central server 200 does not allow the customer (user) to use the equipment 620 they desire (e.g., use of hot water) even if the power usage time period is shifted. In such a case, the power usage schedule setting unit 313 in the equipment operating device 300 notifies the central server 200 that it rejects the power usage schedule of the equipment operating device 300. The power usage schedule generation unit 214 then generates (readjusts) the power usage schedule of the equipment operating device 300 to satisfy the power usage pattern of the equipment operating device 300 and sends it to each of the equipment operating devices 300.

[0066] The readjustment may apply to all equipment control devices 300, or it may be adjusted to minimize the number of equipment control devices 300 whose power usage schedules are changed. Such adjustments can be performed using a mathematical optimization method that incorporates the power usage patterns of the rejected equipment control devices 300 as constraints, but other methods may also be used.

[0067] As a method of coordination between the central server 200 and the equipment operating device 300, the central server 200 may request the equipment operating device 300 to change the power usage pattern. For example, suppose the power usage schedule generation unit 214 adjusts to minimize the number of power usage patterns (equipment operating device 300) to be shifted, the total time difference to be shifted, or the total power usage to be shifted, but fails to adjust because it exceeds a predetermined value (limit value).

[0068] In such cases, the power usage schedule generation unit 214 transmits to the equipment operating device 300 the excess time period, which is the period during which the total power usage exceeds the supplied power, causing the adjustment to fail. Next, the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312 in the equipment operating device 300 acquires a power usage pattern with reduced power usage during the excess time period and transmits it to the central server 200. Subsequently, the power usage schedule generation unit 214 generates and adjusts the power usage schedule again based on the newly received power usage pattern. This improves the likelihood of successful adjustment of the power usage schedule.

[0069] ≪Second Embodiment≫ In the first embodiment, the equipment operating device 300 obtains the power usage pattern from the power usage pattern database 330 based on the user setting information 321 set by the customer and transmits it to the central server 200. The equipment operating device 300 may also obtain the power usage pattern based on the power profile 222 and user setting information 321 transmitted by the central server 200 and transmit it to the central server 200.

[0070] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram of the central server 200A according to the second embodiment. The profile generation unit 212A differs from the central server 200 in the first embodiment (see Figure 4). The profile generation unit 212A transmits the generated power profile to the equipment operating device 300A. The power profile includes the power supply by time of day. The power profile may further include the power supply by time of day and the power price by time of day for each power source.

[0071] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of the equipment operating device 300A according to the second embodiment. Compared to the equipment operating device 300 in the first embodiment (see Figure 2), the user setting reception unit 311A ​​and the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312A are different.

[0072] The user setting reception unit 311A ​​displays the power profile received from the central server 200A and accepts settings (instructions) for the time periods when the user will use the device 620 and the time periods when the device 620 will use power. By referring to the power prices for each time period and the power supply for each power source, it is expected that the user will set the usage time periods and power usage time periods for the device 620 to use power during times when the power supply is high and the power price is low, or during times when the power supply of the desired power source is high. Note that the displayed power profile is not necessarily the latest profile. For example, to show recent trends, it may be the average value of the power prices for each time period and the power supply for each power source over the most recent predetermined period.

[0073] The power usage pattern acquisition unit 312A determines the time-of-day power usage for the entire customer site 610 based on the user setting information 321 and the power profile received from the central server 200A. For example, when determining the time of day for power usage of a natural refrigerant heat pump water heater, the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312A ensures that power is used during a time when electricity prices are low, before the time when hot water is used.

[0074] The user setting reception unit 311A ​​may be configured to accept the power source preferred by the consumer (power source specification). In this case, the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312A determines the power usage for each time period so that power usage is higher during the time periods when the power supplied by the power source shown in the power profile is high.

[0075] ≪Second Embodiment: Equipment Operation Scheduling Process≫ Figure 8 is a flowchart of the equipment operation scheduling process according to the second embodiment. In step S21, the profile generation unit 212A in the central server 200A generates a power profile and transmits it to the equipment operating device 300A.

[0076] In step S22, the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312A in the equipment operating device 300A determines the power usage for each time period by referring to the power profile received from the central server 200A. Subsequently, the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312A acquires the power usage pattern corresponding to the power usage for each time period and transmits the corresponding identification information to the central server 200A. Steps S23 to S25 are the same as steps S12 to S14 shown in Figure 5.

[0077] Features of the second embodiment In the second embodiment, the customer sets the usage time period and power usage time period for the equipment 620 while referring to the power price and power supply power for each power source included in the power profile. The power usage pattern acquisition unit 312A determines the power usage for each time period at the entire customer site 610 based on the power profile. As a result, it is expected that power usage patterns with high power usage during times when the total power supply and power supply power for each power source are high will be sent from the equipment operating device 300A to the central server 200A. Consequently, the number of cases in which a power usage schedule different from the power usage pattern is generated when the central server 200A creates a power usage schedule (adjusts power usage) will decrease. In addition, the processing load for creating power usage schedules will be reduced, so the frequency of creation can be increased. Consequently, it will be possible to respond to sudden changes in power supply and power usage.

[0078] ≪Modification: Adjustment considering electricity purchase price and power source≫ In the embodiment described above, power usage is adjusted based on power usage patterns, which are power usage by time of day. Furthermore, power usage may be adjusted considering the electricity purchase price and power source desired by the consumer. For example, the consumer (user of equipment 620) specifies the desired proportion of power from each power source and the price (purchase price). The specified proportions and prices are stored in the user setting information 321, along with the time periods during which the user uses equipment 620 and the time periods during which equipment 620 uses electricity.

[0079] The profile generation unit 212A in the central server 200A generates power profiles based on electricity purchase price and power source, and transmits them to the equipment operating device 300A. The power usage pattern acquisition unit 312A in the equipment operating device 300A transmits power usage patterns by power source and by electricity purchase price, based on the usage time period and power usage time period of the equipment 620, as well as the power ratio and price of each power source specified by the user, as contained in the user setting information 321.

[0080] Furthermore, the power usage schedule generation unit 214 in the central server 200A generates a power usage schedule by adjusting power usage by time of day, purchase price, and power source so that the total power usage does not exceed the supplied power, and so that it satisfies the power ratio and price for each power source transmitted by the equipment operating device 300A.

[0081] As described above, the profile generation unit 212A generates a power profile that includes the power supply for each time period related to at least one of the electricity purchase price and the power source, and transmits it to the equipment operating device 300A. The power usage pattern acquisition unit 312A acquires power usage patterns 331 by electricity purchase price or by power source, based on the time period during which the equipment 620 is used or the time period during which the equipment 620 uses electricity, as well as the user's instructions for the equipment 620 (power ratio and price by power source) and power profile, and transmits them to the central server 200A. The power usage schedule generation unit 214A generates a power usage schedule so that the total power usage for each time period indicated by the power usage pattern does not exceed the power supply indicated by the power profile, for each time period and power source.

[0082] ≪Third Embodiment≫ In the first embodiment, the central server 200 generates a power usage schedule based on the power usage patterns transmitted by the device operating devices 300. As the number of device operating devices 300 increases, the load on the power usage schedule generation process increases. In the third embodiment (see Figure 9 below), a local server 400 is provided between the central server 200B and the device operating devices 300B. The local server 400 aggregates the power usage patterns of the device operating devices 300B under its control and transmits them to the central server 200A. The central server 200A can reduce the burden on the generation process by generating a power usage schedule based on the aggregated power usage patterns. Consequently, it becomes possible to support a larger number of device operating devices 300B.

[0083] ≪Third Embodiment: Configuration of the Equipment Operation Scheduling System≫ Figure 9 shows the overall configuration of the equipment operation scheduling system 10B according to the third embodiment. The equipment operation scheduling system 10B consists of a central server 200B and equipment operation devices 300B, as well as a local server 400. It is assumed that there are multiple local servers 400, but there may be just one.

[0084] The central server 200B can communicate with the local servers 400 via the network 690. The local servers 400 can communicate with one or more equipment control devices 300B belonging to them via the network. The local servers 400 are installed, for example, by region. The local servers 400 may also be installed for each type of customer site 610, such as a factory, office, or home. The equipment control devices 300B belong to any one of the local servers 400.

[0085] As described above, the equipment operation scheduling system 10B includes one or more local servers 400. The equipment operating device 300B belongs to one of the local servers 400.

[0086] ≪Third Embodiment: Equipment Operating Device≫ Figure 10 is a functional block diagram of the equipment operating device 300B according to the third embodiment. The power usage pattern acquisition unit 312B is different from the equipment operating device 300 in the first embodiment (see Figure 2). The power usage pattern acquisition unit 312B transmits identification information of the power usage pattern acquired from the power usage pattern database 330 to the local server 400.

[0087] In this case, the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312B determines the power usage based on the local server-specific power profile transmitted by the local server 400, which will be described later. This is similar to how the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312A in the second embodiment determines the power usage for each time period across the entire customer site 610 based on the power profile transmitted by the central server 200A.

[0088] As described above, the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312B acquires the power usage pattern based on the local server-specific power profile 421 and transmits it to the local server 400.

[0089] ≪Third Embodiment: Local Server≫ Figure 11 is a functional block diagram of the local server 400 according to the third embodiment. The local server 400 is a computer and comprises a control unit 410, a storage unit 420, and a communication unit 480. The communication unit 480 is equipped with a communication device and is capable of sending and receiving data with the central server 200B and the equipment operating device 300B.

[0090] ≪Third Embodiment: Local Server: Storage Unit≫ The memory unit 420 is comprised of memory devices such as ROM, RAM, and SSD. The memory unit 420 stores local server-specific power profiles 421, a site power usage pattern database 430, a site power usage schedule database 440, and a program 428. The various contents of the memory unit 420 may be stored in an external storage device such as a cloud server and read as needed. The program 428 contains descriptions of processes to be executed by the functional units provided in the control unit 410, which will be described later.

[0091] Local server-specific power profile 421 stores the power profiles for each local server 400 that were sent by the central server 200B. The power profiles for each local server 400 will be described later. The site power usage pattern database 430 stores identification information of power usage patterns received by the power usage pattern receiving unit 412, which will be described later. The site power usage schedule database 440 stores power usage schedules categorized by power usage pattern, received from the central server 200B.

[0092] ≪Third Embodiment: Local Server: Control Unit≫ The control unit 410 includes a CPU and comprises a profile transfer unit 411, a power usage pattern reception unit 412, a power usage pattern aggregation unit 413, and a power usage schedule transfer unit 414.

[0093] The profile transfer unit 411 receives the local server-specific power profile transmitted by the central server 200B and stores it in the local server-specific power profile 421. Next, the profile transfer unit 411 transmits the local server-specific power profile to the subordinate equipment operating device 300B.

[0094] The power usage pattern receiving unit 412 receives identification information of the power usage pattern transmitted by the equipment operating device 300 and stores it in the site power usage pattern database 430. The power usage pattern aggregation unit 413 calculates the number of customer sites 610 (equipment operating devices 300B) for each power usage pattern in the site power usage pattern database 430 (total number of aggregated power usage patterns) and transmits it to the central server 200B.

[0095] The power usage schedule transfer unit 414 stores the power usage schedules for each power usage pattern received from the central server 200B in the site power usage schedule database 440. Next, the power usage schedule transfer unit 414 refers to the site power usage pattern database 430 and sends the power usage schedule corresponding to the power usage pattern transmitted by the equipment operating device 300B to the equipment operating device 300B.

[0096] As described above, the local server 400 includes a profile transfer unit 411 that transmits the local server-specific power profile 421 to the equipment operating device 300B belonging to it. The local server 400 includes a power usage pattern aggregation unit 413 that calculates the total number of power usage patterns by aggregating the number of equipment operating devices 300 for each power usage pattern based on the received power usage patterns, and transmits this to the central server 200B. The local server 400 includes a power usage schedule transfer unit 414 that transmits the power usage schedule to the equipment operating device 300B that transmitted the power usage pattern corresponding to the power usage schedule.

[0097] ≪Third Embodiment: Central Server≫ Figure 12 is a functional block diagram of the central server 200B according to the third embodiment. Compared to the central server 200 in the first embodiment (see Figure 4), the profile generation unit 212B, power usage pattern reception unit 213B, power usage schedule generation unit 214B, site power usage pattern database 230B, and site power usage schedule database 240B are different. Furthermore, the storage unit 220 stores a local server-specific power profile database 250.

[0098] ≪Third Embodiment: Central Server: Storage Unit≫ The site power usage pattern database 230B stores the number of consumer sites 610 for each power usage pattern (total number of power usage patterns) received from the local server 400, separately for each local server 400. The site power usage schedule database 240B stores power usage schedules for each local server 400, and further categorized by power usage pattern. The local server-specific power profile database 250 stores the power profiles for each local server 400 generated by the profile generation unit 212B, which will be described later.

[0099] ≪Third Embodiment: Central Server: Profile Generation Unit≫ In addition to the power profile in the first embodiment, the profile generation unit 212B generates a power profile for each local server 400 and stores it in the local server-specific power profile database 250. The profile generation unit 212B allocates power supply for each time period according to, for example, the number of equipment operating devices 300B under the local server 400 and generates a power profile for the local server 400.

[0100] If a local server 400 is installed for each type of customer site 610, a power profile for the local server 400 is generated according to the power usage pattern of the customer site 610. The profile generation unit 212B may generate a power profile for the local server 400 based, for example, on actual power usage at the customer site 610 on a daily or monthly basis.

[0101] If there are differences in power supply from region to region due to limitations in the power transmission network, the profile generation unit 212B may generate a power profile corresponding to the power supply of that region for the local server 400 installed in each region. The power supply from region to region due to limitations in the power transmission network is obtained from the power transmission and distribution information server 650 (see Figure 9).

[0102] ≪Third Embodiment: Central Server: Power Usage Pattern Reception Unit≫ The power usage pattern receiving unit 213B receives the total number of power usage patterns by type from the local server 400 and stores it in the site power usage pattern database 230B. The power usage pattern receiving unit 213B stores the total number of power usage patterns in the site power usage pattern database 230B without distinguishing between local servers 400. The power usage pattern receiving unit 213B may also store the total number of power usage patterns by type for each local server 400 in the site power usage pattern database 230B.

[0103] ≪Third Embodiment: Central Server: Power Usage Schedule Generation Unit≫ The power usage schedule generation unit 214B generates power usage patterns according to the power usage patterns for each local server 400. More specifically, the power usage schedule generation unit 214B generates a power usage schedule for each power usage pattern based on the number of aggregated power usage patterns corresponding to the local server 400 in the site power usage pattern database 230B and the power profile corresponding to the local server 400 in the local server-specific power profile database 250, and stores it in the site power usage schedule database 240B. Next, the power usage schedule generation unit 214B sends the power usage schedule to the corresponding local server 400. The process of generating a power usage schedule for each power usage pattern (customer site 610) based on the power profile for each local server 400 is the same as that of the power usage schedule generation unit 214 in the first embodiment.

[0104] As described above, the profile generation unit 212B generates and transmits local server-specific power profiles 421, which are power profiles for each local server 400, based on the power profile. The power usage schedule generation unit 214B generates a power usage schedule for each power usage pattern based on the total number of power usage patterns and sends it to the local server 400.

[0105] Local Server 400 will be installed on a regional basis. The profile generation unit 212B generates and transmits a local server-specific power profile 421 based on the regional power supply.

[0106] The local server 400 is installed according to the type of customer site 610 where the equipment operating device 300B is installed. The profile generation unit 212B generates and transmits local server-specific power profiles 421 based on the actual power consumption data for each type of customer site 610.

[0107] ≪Third Embodiment: Equipment Operation Scheduling Process≫ Figure 13 is a flowchart of the equipment operation scheduling process according to the third embodiment. In step S31, the profile generation unit 212B in the central server 200B generates a power profile for each local server 400 and stores it in the local server-specific power profile database 250 for each local server 400. Next, the profile generation unit 212B transmits the corresponding power profile for each local server 400.

[0108] In step S32, the profile transfer unit 411 of the local server 400 stores the received power profile in the local server-specific power profile 421 and transmits it to the subordinate equipment operating device 300B.

[0109] In step S33, the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312B in the equipment operating device 300B determines the power usage by time period by referring to the power profile received from the local server 400. Subsequently, the power usage pattern acquisition unit 312B acquires identification information of the power usage pattern corresponding to the power usage by time period and transmits it to the local server 400. The power usage pattern receiving unit 412 in the local server 400 stores the received power usage pattern in the site power usage pattern database 430.

[0110] In step S34, the power usage pattern aggregation unit 413 in the local server 400 calculates (aggregates) the number of customer sites 610 (equipment operating devices 300B) for each power usage pattern in the site power usage pattern database 430 and transmits it to the central server 200B.

[0111] In step S35, the power usage schedule generation unit 214B in the central server 200B generates a power usage schedule for each power usage pattern for each local server 400. Next, the power usage schedule generation unit 214B stores the power usage schedule in the site power usage schedule database 240B and sends it to the corresponding local server 400.

[0112] In step S36, the power usage schedule transfer unit 414 in the local server 400 stores the power usage schedules for each power usage pattern received from the central server 200B in the site power usage schedule database 440. Next, the power usage schedule transfer unit 414 refers to the site power usage pattern database 430 and transfers the power usage schedule corresponding to the power usage pattern transmitted by the equipment operating device 300B to the equipment operating device 300B. Steps S37 and S38 are the same as steps S13 and S14 shown in Figure 5, respectively.

[0113] ≪Third Embodiment: Features of the Equipment Operation Scheduling System≫ In the equipment operation scheduling system 10B, the central server 200B generates a power usage schedule based on the power usage patterns aggregated by the local server 400 from the power usage patterns of individual equipment operating devices 300B. Therefore, the central server 200B can support a larger number of equipment operating devices 300B compared to the central server 200 of the first embodiment, which generates a power usage schedule based on the power usage patterns transmitted by individual equipment operating devices 300.

[0114] ≪Fourth Embodiment≫ In the third embodiment, the central server 200A generates a power usage schedule based on aggregated power usage patterns. In the fourth embodiment, the local server 400C (see Figure 15 below) generates a power usage schedule for each customer site 610 (equipment operating device), similar to the central server 200 in the first embodiment.

[0115] ≪Fourth Embodiment: Configuration of the Equipment Operation Scheduling System≫ Figure 14 shows the overall configuration of the equipment operation scheduling system 10C according to the fourth embodiment. The equipment operation scheduling system 10C consists of a central server 200C, a local server 400C, and an equipment operating device 300C. It is assumed that there are multiple local servers 400, but there may be just one. The central server 200C and the equipment operating device 300C have the same configuration as the central server 200B and equipment operating device 300B of the third embodiment.

[0116] ≪Fourth Embodiment: Local Server≫ Figure 15 is a functional block diagram of the local server 400C according to the fourth embodiment. Compared to the local server 400 of the third embodiment (see Figure 11), the control unit 410 includes a power usage schedule generation unit 415 instead of the power usage pattern aggregation unit 413 and the power usage schedule transfer unit 414. The storage unit 420 is equipped with a power usage pattern database 422, which has the same configuration as the power usage pattern database 330 provided in the equipment operating device 300 (see Figure 2). Another difference is the site power usage schedule database 440C.

[0117] The site power usage schedule database 440C is the same as the site power usage schedule database 240 (see Figure 4). The site power usage schedule database 440C stores the power usage schedule for each customer site 610 (equipment operating device 300C) calculated by the power usage schedule generation unit 415, which will be described later.

[0118] The power usage schedule generation unit 415 (also referred to as the local power usage schedule generation unit) is the same as the power usage schedule generation unit 214 provided in the central server 200 of the first embodiment. More specifically, the power usage schedule generation unit 415 generates a power usage schedule for each customer site 610 (equipment operating device 300C) based on the power usage patterns in the power usage pattern database 422, the local server-specific power profile 421, and the site power usage pattern database 430. Next, the power usage schedule generation unit 415 stores the generated power usage schedule in the site power usage schedule database 440C. Subsequently, the power usage schedule generation unit 415 transmits the power usage schedule to the corresponding equipment operating device 300C.

[0119] As described above, the local server 400C includes a local power usage schedule generation unit (power usage schedule generation unit 415) that generates a power usage schedule according to the power usage pattern if the total power usage by time period indicated by the power usage pattern is less than or equal to the supply power indicated by the local server's power profile.

[0120] The local power usage schedule generation unit generates a new power usage schedule and transmits it to the equipment control device 300C if there are any time periods in which the total power usage indicated by the power usage pattern exceeds the power supply indicated by the local server-specific power profile 421.

[0121] The new power usage schedule is a power usage schedule in which the total power usage when power is used according to the new power usage schedule is less than or equal to the supply power indicated by the local server power profile 421, and in which a portion of the power usage indicated by the power usage pattern is shifted to a different time period, and the new power usage schedule is optimized to minimize the number of equipment operating devices 300C that do not match the power usage pattern, the total shifted time difference, or the total shifted power usage.

[0122] A new power usage schedule is one in which the total power usage when power is used according to the new power usage schedule is less than or equal to the supply power indicated by the local server power profile 421, and the power usage schedule corresponds to one of the power usage patterns among the multiple power usage patterns transmitted by the equipment operating device 300C.

[0123] ≪Fourth Embodiment: Equipment Operation Scheduling Process≫ Figure 16 is a flowchart of the equipment operation scheduling process according to the fourth embodiment. Steps S41 to S43 are the same as steps S31 to S33 shown in Figure 13. Steps S44 to S46 are the same as steps S12 to S14 shown in Figure 5.

[0124] ≪Fourth Embodiment: Features of the Equipment Operation Scheduling System≫ The local server 400C, like the central server 200 in the first embodiment, adjusts the power usage schedule to minimize, for example, the number of shifted power usage patterns, the total shifted time difference, and the total shifted power usage. As a result, compared to the third embodiment, it becomes possible to use power according to the desired power usage patterns at a greater number of customer sites 610.

[0125] <<Variation Example: Adjustment of Electricity Usage Schedule>> As a modification of the first embodiment, the adjustment of the power usage schedule between the central server 200 and the equipment operating device 300 was described. In the fourth embodiment, the adjustment may also be made between the local server 400C and the equipment operating device 300C. Furthermore, if the adjustment at the local server 400C is unsuccessful, the power profile may be adjusted between the local server 400C and the central server 200C.

[0126] For example, if the power supply is insufficient during a certain period and the power usage schedule cannot be adjusted, the power usage schedule generation unit 415 of the local server 400C requests the central server 200C to increase the power supply during that period (excess period). The profile generation unit of the central server 200C generates a power profile for the local server 400C with increased power supply during that period and sends it to the local server 400C. The local server 400C adjusts the power usage schedule based on this power profile. This increases the likelihood of successful adjustment of the power usage schedule.

[0127] As described above, the equipment operating device 300C includes a power usage schedule setting unit 313 that sets the timing for the operating unit 314 to operate the equipment 620 based on the power usage schedule. If the power usage schedule setting unit 313 changes the time period during which the equipment 620 is used or the time period during which the equipment 620 uses power, and it is not possible to set a timing for operating the equipment 620 that satisfies the power usage for each time period shown in the power usage schedule, it notifies the local server 400C of the rejection of the power usage schedule.

[0128] The local power usage schedule generation unit (power usage schedule generation unit 415) generates a new power usage schedule for the equipment operating device 300C that has notified a rejection, such that the new power usage schedule is a power usage schedule corresponding to the power usage pattern transmitted by the equipment operating device 300C.

[0129] If the local power usage schedule generation unit fails to generate a power usage schedule because the number of equipment operating devices 300C whose power usage schedule does not match the power usage pattern, the total shift time difference, or the total shift power usage exceeds a predetermined value, the unit transmits an excess time period to the equipment operating devices 300C, which is the time period during which the total power usage indicated by the power usage pattern exceeds the power supply indicated by the local server-specific power profile 421.

[0130] The power usage pattern acquisition unit 312C acquires a power usage pattern that reduces power consumption during excess periods, based on the local server-specific power profile 421, and transmits it to the local server 400C. The local power usage schedule generation unit regenerates the power usage schedule based on the power usage pattern.

[0131] If the local power usage schedule generation unit fails to regenerate the power usage schedule, it notifies the central server 200C of the excess time period. The profile generation unit 212B generates a new power profile with increased power supply during the excess period and sends it to the local server 400C. The local power usage schedule generation unit generates a power usage schedule based on a new power profile and power usage pattern.

[0132] <<Other variations>> Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. In the embodiments described above, the equipment operating devices 300B and 300C belong to one of the local servers 400 and 400C. In preparation for a failure of local servers 400 and 400C, the equipment operating devices 300B and 300C may be configured to switch to the local server 400 and 400C to which they belong.

[0133] The present invention can take on various other embodiments, and furthermore, various modifications such as omissions and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention as described herein, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims.

[0134] Hardware Configuration The central servers 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, local servers 400, 400C, and equipment operating devices 300, 300A, 300B, 300C according to the above-described embodiment are realized by a computer 900 with a configuration such as that shown in Figure 17. Figure 17 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 900 that realizes the functions of the central servers 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, local servers 400, 400C, and equipment operating devices 300, 300A, 300B, 300C according to the above-described embodiment. The computer 900 includes a CPU 901, ROM 902, RAM 903, SSD 904, and an input / output interface 905 (labeled as input / output I / F (Interface) in Figure 17). Furthermore, the computer 900 includes a communication interface 906 (labeled as communication I / F in Figure 17) and a media interface 907 (labeled as media I / F in Figure 17). Computer 900 may be equipped with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) instead of an SSD904, or it may be equipped with an HDD in addition to the SSD904.

[0135] The CPU 901 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 902 or SSD 904 and is controlled by the control units 210, 310, and 410. The ROM 902 stores boot programs executed by the CPU 901 when the computer 900 starts up, as well as programs related to the computer 900's hardware.

[0136] The CPU 901 controls input devices 910, such as a mouse and keyboard, and output devices 911, such as a display and printer, via the input / output interface 905. The CPU 901 acquires data from the input devices 910 and outputs the generated data to the output devices 911 via the input / output interface 905.

[0137] SSD904 stores programs executed by CPU901 and data used by those programs. Communication interface906 receives data from other devices (not shown) via the communication network (e.g., central server200 and equipment operating device300) and outputs it to CPU901, and also transmits data generated by CPU901 to other devices via the communication network.

[0138] The media interface 907 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 912 and outputs it to the CPU 901 via the RAM 903. The CPU 901 loads the program from the recording medium 912 onto the RAM 903 via the media interface 907 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 912 can be an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), a magnetic recording medium, a conductive memory tape medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0139] For example, when computer 900 functions as central servers 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, local servers 400, 400C, and equipment operating devices 300, 300A, 300B, 300C according to the above embodiment, the CPU 901 of computer 900 realizes the functions of the central servers 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, local servers 400, 400C, and equipment operating devices 300, 300A, 300B, 300C by executing programs 228, 328, 428 loaded on RAM 903. The CPU 901 reads and executes the programs from the recording medium 912. In addition, the CPU 901 may read programs from other devices via a communication network, or it may install and execute programs 228, 328, 428 from the recording medium 912 onto the SSD 904. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 10,10B,10C Equipment Operation Scheduling System 200, 200A, 200B, 200C Central Server 211 External Information Acquisition Department 212, 212A, 212B Profile Generation Unit 213,213B Power usage pattern reception section 214,214B Power usage schedule generation unit 221 External Information 222 Power Profiles 223 Power Usage Pattern Database 230,230B Site Power Usage Pattern Database 240,240B Site Power Usage Schedule Database 250 Local Server Power Profile Databases 300,300A,300B,300C Equipment operating device 311,311A User Configuration Reception Section 312, 312A, 312B Power usage pattern acquisition unit 313 Power Usage Schedule Setting Unit 314 Operation section 321 User Settings Information 322 Schedule Information 323 Operation Log 330 Power Usage Pattern Database 331 Power Usage Patterns 400, 400C local server 411 Profile Transfer Section 412 Power Usage Pattern Reception Unit 413 Power Usage Pattern Aggregation Unit 414 Power Usage Schedule Transfer Unit 415 Power Usage Schedule Generation Unit (Local Power Usage Schedule Generation Unit) 421 Power Profiles by Local Server 422 Power Usage Pattern Database 430 Site Power Usage Pattern Database 440,440C Site Power Usage Schedule Database

Claims

1. It comprises a central server and one or more device operating devices that perform operations related to power usage for one or more devices, The aforementioned device operating device is The system includes a power usage pattern acquisition unit that acquires a power usage pattern indicating the power consumption of all equipment operated by the equipment control device for each time period, depending on the time period during which the equipment is used or the time period during which the equipment uses power, and transmits it to the central server. The aforementioned central server, A profile generation unit that generates a power profile showing the power supply by time period, The system includes a power usage schedule generation unit that generates a power usage schedule indicating the upper limit of power consumption for each time period for each equipment operating device based on the aforementioned power usage pattern, and transmits it to the equipment operating device. The aforementioned device operating device is The device is equipped with an operating unit that operates the device based on the aforementioned power usage schedule. The aforementioned power usage schedule generation unit, If the total power consumption for each time period shown in the power usage pattern is less than or equal to the power supply shown in the power profile, the power usage schedule corresponding to that power usage pattern is generated. Equipment operation scheduling system.

2. The aforementioned power usage schedule generation unit, If the total power consumption shown in the aforementioned power usage pattern exceeds the power supply shown in the aforementioned power profile for any given period, a new power usage schedule is generated as a power usage schedule and transmitted to the equipment control device. The aforementioned new electricity usage schedule is: The total power consumption when power is used according to the new power usage schedule is less than or equal to the power supply indicated by the power profile, This is a power usage schedule in which a portion of the power usage indicated by the power usage pattern transmitted by the aforementioned equipment operating device is shifted to a different time period. The new power usage schedule is optimized so that the number of equipment operating devices that do not match the power usage pattern, the total shift in time difference, or the total shift in power usage are minimized. The equipment operation scheduling system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned power usage pattern acquisition unit, Multiple power usage patterns are acquired and transmitted to the central server. The aforementioned power usage schedule generation unit, If the total power consumption shown in the aforementioned power usage pattern exceeds the power supply shown in the aforementioned power profile for any given period, a new power usage schedule is generated as a power usage schedule and transmitted to the equipment control device. The aforementioned new electricity usage schedule is: The total power consumption when power is used according to the new power usage schedule is less than or equal to the power supply indicated by the power profile, This is a power usage schedule corresponding to one of the power usage patterns among the multiple power usage patterns transmitted by the aforementioned equipment operating device. The equipment operation scheduling system according to claim 1.

4. The profile generation unit, The system generates a power profile including the power supply for each time period related to at least one of the electricity purchase price and the power source, and transmits it to the equipment operating device. The aforementioned power usage pattern acquisition unit, In addition to the time period during which the equipment is used or the time period during which the equipment uses electricity, the power usage pattern is acquired by electricity purchase price or by power source based on the instructions of the equipment user and the power profile, and transmitted to the central server. The aforementioned power usage schedule generation unit, A power usage schedule is generated so that the total power usage for each time period, as indicated by the power usage pattern, does not exceed the power supply indicated by the power profile, for each time period and power source. The equipment operation scheduling system according to claim 1.

5. With one or more additional local servers, The aforementioned device operating device is Belonging to one of the aforementioned local servers, The profile generation unit, Based on the aforementioned power profile, a local server-specific power profile, which is the power profile for each local server, is generated and transmitted. The aforementioned local server is The system includes a profile transfer unit that transmits the aforementioned local server-specific power profiles to the equipment operating devices belonging to it. The aforementioned power usage pattern acquisition unit, Based on the power profile for each local server, the power usage pattern is acquired and transmitted to the local server. The aforementioned local server is The power usage pattern aggregation unit calculates the total number of power usage patterns by aggregating the number of equipment operating devices for each power usage pattern based on the received power usage patterns, and transmits this to the central server. The aforementioned power usage schedule generation unit, Based on the number of aggregated power usage patterns, a power usage schedule is generated for each power usage pattern and sent to the local server. The aforementioned local server is The system includes a power usage schedule transfer unit that transmits the power usage schedule to the equipment operating device that transmitted the power usage pattern corresponding to the power usage schedule. The equipment operation scheduling system according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned local server is They are installed in different regions. The profile generation unit, Based on regional power supply, generate and transmit the power profile for each local server. The equipment operation scheduling system according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned local server is The aforementioned equipment operating device is installed according to the type of customer site where it is installed. The profile generation unit, Based on the actual power consumption data for each type of customer site, the local server-specific power profile is generated and transmitted. The equipment operation scheduling system according to claim 5.

8. With one or more additional local servers, The aforementioned device operating device is Belonging to one of the aforementioned local servers, The profile generation unit, Based on the aforementioned power profile, a local server-specific power profile, which is the power profile for each local server, is generated and transmitted. The aforementioned local server is The system includes a profile transfer unit that transmits the aforementioned local server-specific power profiles to the equipment operating devices belonging to it. The aforementioned power usage pattern acquisition unit, Based on the power profile for each local server, the power usage pattern is acquired and transmitted to the local server. The aforementioned local server is The system includes a local power usage schedule generation unit that generates a power usage schedule corresponding to the power usage pattern if the total power usage for each time period shown in the power usage pattern is less than or equal to the power supply shown in the local server-specific power profile. The equipment operation scheduling system according to claim 1.

9. The local power usage schedule generation unit, If the total power consumption shown in the aforementioned power usage pattern exceeds the power supply shown in the local server-specific power profile for any given period, a new power usage schedule is generated as a power usage schedule and transmitted to the equipment control device. The aforementioned new electricity usage schedule is: The total power consumption when power is used according to the new power usage schedule is less than or equal to the power supply indicated by the local server-specific power profile. This is a power usage schedule in which a portion of the power usage shown in the aforementioned power usage pattern is shifted to a different time period. The new power usage schedule is optimized so that the number of equipment operating devices that do not match the power usage pattern, the total shift in time difference, or the total shift in power usage are minimized. The equipment operation scheduling system according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned power usage pattern acquisition unit, Multiple power usage patterns are acquired and transmitted to the local server. The local power usage schedule generation unit, If the total power consumption shown in the aforementioned power usage pattern exceeds the power supply shown in the local server-specific power profile for any given period, a new power usage schedule is generated as a power usage schedule and transmitted to the equipment control device. The aforementioned new electricity usage schedule is: The total power consumption when power is used according to the new power usage schedule is less than or equal to the power supply indicated by the local server-specific power profile. This is a power usage schedule corresponding to one of the power usage patterns among the multiple power usage patterns transmitted by the aforementioned equipment operating device. The equipment operation scheduling system according to claim 8.

11. The aforementioned device operating device is The system includes a power usage schedule setting unit that sets the timing at which the operation unit operates the equipment based on the aforementioned power usage schedule, The aforementioned power usage schedule setting unit, If, even after changing the time period during which the equipment is used or the time period during which the equipment uses electricity, it is not possible to set a timing for operating the equipment that satisfies the power usage for each time period shown in the power usage schedule, the local server is notified of the rejection of the power usage schedule. The local power usage schedule generation unit, The new power usage schedule for the equipment operating device that has notified the rejection is generated such that it corresponds to the power usage pattern transmitted by the equipment operating device. The equipment operation scheduling system according to claim 9.

12. The local power usage schedule generation unit, If the number of equipment operating devices whose power usage schedule does not match the power usage pattern, the total of the shifted time differences, or the total of the shifted power usage exceeds a predetermined value, the generation of the power usage schedule fails. The equipment operating device is informed of the excess time period, which is the time period during which the total power consumption shown in the power usage pattern exceeds the power supply shown in the local server-specific power profile. The aforementioned power usage pattern acquisition unit, Based on the power profile for each local server, the power usage pattern with reduced power consumption during the excess period is obtained and transmitted to the local server. The local power usage schedule generation unit, Based on the aforementioned power usage pattern, the power usage schedule is regenerated. The equipment operation scheduling system according to claim 9.

13. The local power usage schedule generation unit, If the regeneration of the power usage schedule fails, the excess time period is notified to the central server. The profile generation unit, A new power profile is generated with increased power supply during the aforementioned excess period and transmitted to the local server. The local power usage schedule generation unit, Based on the new power profile and the power usage pattern, the power usage schedule is generated. The equipment operation scheduling system according to claim 12.

14. In a device operation scheduling system comprising a central server and one or more device operating devices that perform operations related to power usage for one or more devices, The aforementioned device operating device is Depending on the time period during which the equipment is used or the time period during which the equipment uses power, the device operator acquires a power usage pattern showing the power consumption of all equipment operated by the device operator by time period and transmits it to the central server. The aforementioned central server, A step of generating a power profile showing the power supply by time period, Based on the aforementioned power usage pattern, the following steps are performed: generate a power usage schedule for each equipment operating device that indicates the upper limit of power usage for each time period, and transmit it to the equipment operating device; The aforementioned device operating device is Based on the aforementioned power usage schedule, the steps to operate the equipment are performed. When the central server generates the power usage schedule, If the total power consumption for each time period shown in the power usage pattern is less than or equal to the power supply shown in the power profile, the step of generating the power usage schedule corresponding to the power usage pattern is executed. Equipment operation scheduling method.

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