Servers and thermal management systems

Abstract

When the number of multiple heat sources is controlled according to the startup priority, both the heat demand and constraints are appropriately satisfied. [Solution] The server 20 comprises a demand forecasting unit 305, a condition forecasting unit 310, an estimation unit 315, and a command unit 320. The demand forecasting unit 305 outputs a heat demand forecast showing the trend of heat demand within facility F. The condition forecasting unit 310 predicts whether the constraint conditions will be met when the control of the number of heat sources 110A to 110D is executed according to a predetermined first priority as the startup priority, according to the heat demand forecast and specification information DB228. If the estimation unit 315 predicts that the constraint conditions will not be met, it estimates a second priority as the startup priority that will satisfy the constraint conditions, according to the heat demand forecast and specification information DB228. The command unit 320 commands the control device 140 to change the startup priority from the first priority to the second priority.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to a server and a thermal management system. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-110487 (Patent Document 1) discloses an air conditioning system. This air conditioning system includes a plurality of heat source devices and a heat source controller. The heat source controller is a general-purpose control device that controls the plurality of heat source devices. The heat source controller executes the number control of the plurality of heat source devices so that a predetermined constraint condition is satisfied according to a predetermined startup priority order. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-110487 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 The number control of a plurality of heat source devices according to the startup priority order is widely implemented. Such number control may be essential from the viewpoints of system design and cost. Basically, the above control device executes the above number control according to various sensor values and various setting values provided in the facility so that the heat demand in the facility where the plurality of heat source devices are installed is satisfied. In this case, depending on the transition situation of the heat demand in the facility, there is a possibility that the constraint condition is not satisfied even though the heat demand is satisfied. 【0005】 The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a server and a thermal management system for appropriately satisfying both the heat demand and the constraint condition when the number control of a plurality of heat source devices is executed according to the startup priority order. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0006】 The server in this disclosure communicates with a control device. The control device performs a number control that controls the number of operating heat sources among a plurality of heat sources installed in the facility, according to the startup priority of the plurality of heat sources. The server comprises a demand forecasting unit, a storage unit, a condition forecasting unit, an estimation unit, and a command unit. The demand forecasting unit outputs a heat demand forecast that shows the trend of heat demand within the facility during a target period. The storage unit stores information that shows predetermined constraint conditions for the plurality of heat sources during the target period, and specification information that shows the specifications of each of the plurality of heat sources. The condition forecasting unit predicts whether the constraint conditions will be met when the number control is performed according to the first priority, which is predetermined as the startup priority, according to the heat demand forecast and specification information. If it is predicted that the constraint conditions will not be met, the estimation unit estimates a second priority as the startup priority that will satisfy the constraint conditions in the number control, according to the heat demand forecast and specification information. The command unit instructs the control device to change the startup priority from the first priority to the second priority. 【0007】 The heat management system of this disclosure comprises a control unit, a demand forecasting unit, a storage unit, a condition forecasting unit, an estimation unit, and a command unit. The control unit performs unit control to control the number of operating heat sources among a plurality of heat sources installed in the facility, according to the startup priority of the plurality of heat sources. The demand forecasting unit outputs a heat demand forecast showing the trend of heat demand within the facility during a target period. The storage unit stores information showing predetermined constraint conditions during the target period and specification information showing the specifications of each of the plurality of heat sources. The condition forecasting unit predicts, according to the heat demand forecast and specification information, whether the constraint conditions will be met when unit control is performed according to a predetermined first priority as the startup priority. If the estimation unit predicts that the constraint conditions will not be met, it estimates a second priority as the startup priority that will satisfy the constraint conditions in unit control, according to the heat demand forecast and specification information. The command unit instructs the control unit to change the startup priority from the first priority to the second priority. [Effects of the Invention] 【0008】 According to this disclosure, when the number of multiple heat sources is controlled according to the startup priority, both the heat demand and the constraints can be adequately satisfied. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0009】 [Figure 1] This diagram shows the overall configuration of the thermal management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the data structure of the specification information database. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example of controlling the number of heat source units in a heat source group using a control device. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram of a server according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the combinations of ni heat sources that operate within each period for each pattern of the starting priority of heat sources in a heat source group, and the total surplus heat under the starting priority of that pattern. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the advantages of Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process performed in Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the ni heat sources operated within each period for each startup priority pattern, and the total operating cost under that startup priority pattern. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating the advantages of Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the ni heat sources operated within each period for each startup priority pattern, and the total emissions under that startup priority pattern. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates the advantages of a modified example 2 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the ni heat sources operated within each period for each startup priority pattern, and the total power consumption under that startup priority pattern. [Figure 13]For each of the 24 patterns of startup priorities, it is a diagram showing ni heat source devices operated within each period and the total gas consumption under the startup priority of that pattern. [Figure 14] For each of the 24 patterns of startup priorities, it is a diagram showing ni heat source devices operated within each period and the total heat usage under the startup priority of that pattern. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the heat management system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 16] It is a functional block diagram of the server in Embodiment 2. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in Embodiment 2. [Figure 18] It is a functional block diagram of the server in Modification 1 of Embodiment 2. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in Modification 1 of Embodiment 2. [Figure 20] It is a functional block diagram of the server in Modification 2 of Embodiment 2. [Figure 21] It is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in Modification 2 of Embodiment 2. 【Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention】 【0010】 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated. Each of the embodiments and their modifications may be combined with each other as appropriate. 【0011】 [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the heat management system according to Embodiment 1. Referring to FIG. 1, the heat management system 1 includes an air conditioning system 10 and a server 20. 【0012】 The air conditioning system 10 is a central air conditioning system installed in facility F (for example, a building) and is provided to harmonize the air within facility F. The air conditioning system 10 includes a heat source group 105, a sensor group 120, a storage device 130, and a control device 140. 【0013】 The heat source group 105 includes heat sources 110A to 110D. Each of the heat sources 110A to 110D generates heat to harmonize the air within facility F. The following description mainly focuses on an example where each of the heat sources 110A to 110D generates thermal heat, but each heat source may also be configured to generate cooling. The generated heat is supplied to an air conditioner (not shown) through a heat transfer medium such as water. The sensor group 120 measures the temperature of the air within facility F, the temperature of the heat transfer medium, and other parameters. Heat sources 110A and 110B are electric heat sources that operate by consuming electric EL. Electric EL is supplied to facility F from the facilities of the power supplier (e.g., the power company) through the power line 32. 【0014】 The heat source unit 110C is connected to a receiving facility (not shown) that receives heat HT (more specifically, the heat transfer medium containing it) from the heat transport pipe 34a of the District Heating and Cooling (DHC) system. This receiving facility is installed at facility F. The heat source unit 110C is a DHC heat source unit that operates to supply heat to facility F using the heat HT received by the receiving facility. The heat HT corresponds to the heat of the heat transfer medium (in this example, supply water) supplied to the heat source unit 110C through the heat transport pipe 34a. After releasing heat in the heat source unit 110C, this supply water enters the heat transport pipe 34b and is returned to the DHC system as return water RW. The temperature of the return water RW is measured by a temperature sensor 35 installed in the heat transport pipe 34b. The measured value mv from the temperature sensor 35 is output to the air conditioning system 10. The operator of the DHC system is also referred to as the "DHC operator". The heat transfer medium supplied through the heat transport pipe 34a may be steam instead of water, such as chilled or hot water. Furthermore, the heat HT (heat transfer medium) received by the receiving equipment may be supplied directly to the air conditioner of facility F without passing through a heat source. In this case, the receiving equipment can be virtually treated as a heat source 110C. 【0015】 The heat source 110D is a gas-powered heat source that operates by consuming gas GS. Gas GS is supplied to facility F from the equipment of a gas supplier (e.g., a gas company) through a gas supply pipe 36. Each heat source is also referred to as "heat source 110". The number of electric heat sources included in the heat source group 105 may be one or more, but not limited to three. Similarly, the number of DHC heat sources included in the heat source group 105 may be two or more. Similarly, the number of gas-powered heat sources included in the heat source group 105 may be two or more. The heat source group 105 may further include a thermal storage tank as a heat source. 【0016】 The memory device 130 stores priority information 135. Priority information 135 indicates the startup priority of the heat sources 110A to 110D. The higher the startup priority of the heat source 110, the more likely it is to be started, and the lower the startup priority, the more likely it is to be stopped. 【0017】 The control device 140 controls the heat source group 105 so that the heat demand within facility F is met. Specifically, the control device 140 controls the heat source group 105 so that it generates more heat than the heat demand. The control device 140 controls the heat source group 105 by feedback control or the like, according to the target temperature of the air within facility F and the temperature measured by the sensor group 120. In this embodiment, the control device 140 performs control of the number of heat sources 110A to 110D according to priority information 135. Number of units control means controlling the number of operating heat sources among the heat sources 110A to 110D. In Embodiment 1, this number of units control is assumed to be start / stop control for each heat source 110, switching between its rated operating state and its stopped state. Number of units control will be explained in detail later. The control device 140 communicates with the server 20. 【0018】 The server 20 includes a communication device 210, a storage device (storage unit) 220, and a processing unit 240. The communication device 210 transmits various commands to the control unit 140 of the air conditioning system 10 by communicating with the control unit 140. These commands will be explained in detail later. 【0019】 The storage device 220 stores the demand forecast DB 222, the constraint information DB 226, and the specification information DB 228. The demand forecast DB 222 contains various information used to predict the trend of heat demand (kJ) within facility F. This information includes historical information on heat demand within facility F in the past, information indicating whether or not there are scheduled events within facility F, information indicating the number of users within facility F, and information indicating the weather outside facility F (atmospheric conditions encompassing weather-related elements such as temperature, humidity, wind, cloud cover, visibility, rain, snow, and thunderstorms). The number of users can be counted using image processing technology with images captured by a camera (not shown) installed in facility F. 【0020】 Constraint Information DB226 shows the specified constraints for heat sources 110A to 110D during the target period (described later). These constraints will be explained in detail later. Specifications Information DB228 shows the specifications for each heat source 110. 【0021】 The processing unit 240 includes memory and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (neither of which are shown). The memory includes ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores the program executed by the processor. The RAM functions as working memory. The CPU performs various arithmetic operations according to the above program. 【0022】 Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the specification information DB228. Referring to Figure 2, the specification information DB228 includes heat quantity information 231, energy efficiency information 232, operating cost information 233, emissions information 234, power consumption information 235, gas consumption information 236, heat usage information 238, and minimum operating time information 237. 【0023】 The heat quantity information 231 indicates the amount of heat generated per unit time by each heat source 110. This amount of heat corresponds to the amount of heat generated (rated output) by the heat source in its rated operating state. In this example, the rated output of heat source 110A is the lowest, and the rated outputs of heat sources 110B, 110C, and 110D are twice that of heat source 110A (QA = 1000). <QB=QC=QD=2000)。 【0024】 Energy efficiency information 232 shows the energy efficiency (COP: Coefficient of Performance) of each heat source 110. Energy efficiency corresponds to the ratio of the amount of heat generated by the heat source 110 to the energy (electrical energy or gas energy) input to the heat source 110. In this example, heat source 110A has the highest energy efficiency, followed by heat sources 110B, 110C, and 110D in descending order of energy efficiency (COP-A > COP-B > COP-C > COP-D). 【0025】 The operating cost information 233 shows the operating cost per unit time for each heat source 110. For example, if the heat source is an electric heat source, the operating cost corresponds to the electricity charge per unit time. If the heat source is a gas heat source, the operating cost corresponds to the gas charge per unit time. The emission information 234 shows the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per unit time associated with the operation of each heat source 110. In this example, these emissions represent the total CO2 emissions from the heat source while it is in operation, but they may also be defined to include the amount of CO2 emitted in connection with the generation of energy (e.g., electricity) required to operate the heat source. 【0026】 The power consumption information 235 indicates the power consumption per unit time for each of the at least one electric heat source included in the heat source group 105. The gas consumption information 236 indicates the gas consumption per unit time for each of the at least one gas heat source included in the heat source group 105. The heat usage information 238 indicates the heat usage per unit time for each of the at least one DHC heat source included in the heat source group 105. 【0027】 The minimum operating time information 237 indicates the minimum operating time for each heat source 110. The minimum operating time is the minimum time required for the heat source to continue operating after it has been started, and is predetermined from the standpoint of protecting the heat source. The control device 140 controls the number of heat sources 110A to 110 so that each heat source 110 continues to operate for a time equal to or longer than its minimum operating time after it has been started. In this example, the minimum operating times for heat sources 110A to 110D are 3 hours, 5 hours, 3 hours, and 1 hour, respectively. 【0028】 Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of controlling the number of heat sources 110A to 110 by the control device 140. This example corresponds to a comparative example in which the number control described later in the embodiment is not performed. In the comparative example, priority information 135 is predetermined so that the higher the energy efficiency of the heat source 110, the higher its startup priority. In the example in Figure 2, the startup priority in the comparative example is in the order of heat sources 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D. This predetermined startup priority is also called the "default priority". 【0029】 Referring to Figure 3, the horizontal axis represents time. Period TPi (i=7~18) represents the time period from i to (i+1). For example, period TP7 represents the time period from 7:00 to 8:00. The vertical axis represents heat quantity. Line TD represents the actual change in heat demand Di during a period (period TP) from 7:00 to 19:00 on a given day. Heat demand Di is the amount of heat that must be generated by the heat source group 105 within period TPi, and is determined according to the target temperature of the air in facility F and the measured temperature of the sensor group 120. 【0030】 The surplus heat quantity Hi corresponds to the difference between the amount of heat generated by the ni (1≦ni≦4, i=7~18) heat sources 110 operating during period TPi and the heat demand quantity Di. For example, during period TP7, since heat source 110A is in operation, the surplus heat quantity H7 corresponds to the difference between the rated output (QA) of heat source 110A and the heat demand quantity D7. During period TP9, since heat sources 110A and 110B are in operation, the surplus heat quantity H9 corresponds to the difference between the sum of the rated outputs of heat sources 110A and 110B (QA+QB) and the heat demand quantity D9. The surplus heat quantity Hi is related to the overall energy efficiency of the heat source group 105. Specifically, the smaller the surplus heat quantity Hi, the higher the energy efficiency, while the larger the surplus heat quantity Hi, the lower the energy efficiency. 【0031】 The operating cost Ci corresponds to the operating cost of ni heat sources 110 during period TPi. The CO2 emission Ei corresponds to the amount of CO2 emitted from ni heat sources 110 during period TPi. 【0032】 The control device 140 controls the number of heat sources 110A to 110 according to the priority information 135 so that the amount of heat generated by ni heat sources 110 in each period TPi meets the heat demand within that period. As mentioned above, in the comparative example, the startup priority indicated by the priority information 135 is the default priority, so heat source 110A is started with the highest priority, followed by heat sources 110B, 110C, and 110D in that order. The number control in the comparative example will be described in detail below. 【0033】 For example, when 7:00 arrives, the control device 140 is required to start one of the heat sources 110A to 110D so that the heat demand for period TP7 is met. In this example, heat source 110A has the highest starting priority, and starting heat source 110A will meet the heat demand for period TP7 (QA > TD), so the control device 140 starts heat source 110A from among heat sources 110A to 110D. In period TP8, the heat demand is the same as in period TP7, so the heat demand can be met by continuing to operate heat source 110A. Therefore, the control device 140 is not required to start another heat source 110, and continues to operate heat source 110A. 【0034】 When 9:00 arrives, the heat demand increases. Simply continuing to operate heat source 110A is insufficient to meet the heat demand during period TP9. Therefore, the control device 140 needs to start another heat source 110 in addition to heat source 110A. In this example, heat source 110B has the second highest starting priority, and starting heat source 110B will meet the heat demand during period TP9 (QA + QB > TD), so the control device 140 starts heat source 110B at 9:00. At 10:00, the heat demand increases somewhat, but continuing to operate heat sources 110A and 110B will meet the heat demand during period TP11. Therefore, the control device 140 does not need to start another heat source 110 and continues to operate heat sources 110A and 110B. 【0035】 As 11 o'clock approaches, the heat demand increases. Simply continuing to operate heat sources 110A and 110B is insufficient to meet the heat demand during period TP11. Therefore, the control device 140 needs to start another heat source 110 in addition to heat sources 110A and 110B. In this example, heat source 110C has the third highest starting priority, and starting heat source 110C will meet the heat demand during period TP11 (QA + QB + QC > TD). Therefore, the control device 140 starts heat source 110C at 11 o'clock. 【0036】 As 12 o'clock approaches, the heat demand decreases sharply. During period TP12, the heat demand can be met simply by continuing to operate heat sources 110A and 110B (QA + QB > TD). Therefore, it would seem preferable for the control device 140 to immediately stop heat source 110C, which has the lowest startup priority among heat sources 110A to 110C, in order to reduce the surplus heat H12. However, as mentioned above, each heat source 110 must be operated for a period longer than its minimum operating time. In this example, heat source 110C was just started at 11 o'clock, and its minimum operating time is 3 hours. Therefore, the control device 140 cannot stop heat source 110C during period TP12. Similarly, during period TP13, the heat demand can be met by heat sources 110A and 110B alone (QA + QB > TD), but the control device 140 cannot shut down heat source 110C during period TP13 due to its minimum operating time. 【0037】 For these reasons, in the comparative example, the surplus heat amounts H12 and H13 in periods TP12 and TP13 increase excessively. As a result, the total surplus heat amount in period TP may increase unnecessarily. The total surplus heat amount is the difference between the total heat generated by heat sources 110A to 110D over period TP and the total heat demand within facility F over period TP (TD1 = D7 + D8... + D18). In the comparative example, the total surplus heat amount is TH01 (= H7 + H8... + H18). 【0038】 As described above, in the comparative example, the control of the number of heat sources 110A to 110D is performed according to the default priority. As a result, even though the more energy-efficient heat source 110 is started with priority, the total surplus heat (wasted energy consumption) over the entire period TP may increase unnecessarily. 【0039】 The constraints in the constraint information DB226 (Figure 1) are described below. In Embodiment 1, the constraints include the condition that the total surplus heat amount of heat sources 110A to 110D during period TP is less than or equal to a standard amount (surplus heat condition). In the comparison example in Figure 3, the total surplus heat amount may increase, potentially failing to satisfy the surplus heat condition. As a result, it may not be possible to properly satisfy the constraints. 【0040】 Therefore, the server 20 according to Embodiment 1 is equipped with a configuration to address such problems. Specifically, the server 20 predicts whether constraints such as the surplus heat quantity condition will be met when the number of heat source units 110A to 110B is controlled according to the default priority. If the server 20 predicts that the constraints will not be met, it sends a command signal to the control device 140 of the air conditioning system 10 to change the startup priority from the default priority (first priority) to another startup priority (second priority) that is estimated to satisfy the constraints. As a result, even if the constraints cannot be met under the default priority, the startup priority is appropriately changed, and the constraints can be met. 【0041】 Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the server 20 according to Embodiment 1. Referring to Figure 4, the server 20 includes, as its functional configuration, a demand forecasting unit 305, a condition forecasting unit 310, an estimation unit 315, and a command unit 320. The functions of the demand forecasting unit 305, the condition forecasting unit 310, and the estimation unit 315 are realized by the CPU of the processing unit 240 executing a program stored in ROM. The function of the command unit 320 is realized by the cooperative operation of the communication device 210 and the processing unit 240. 【0042】 The demand forecasting unit 305 predicts the trend of heat demand within facility F during the target period according to the demand forecasting DB 222, and outputs a heat demand forecast showing the predicted result of this trend. The target period is not particularly limited, but in this example it is period TP (Figure 3). The demand forecasting unit 305 predicts the amount of heat demand for each unit period TPi, but the unit period may be freely set. In one example, the demand forecasting unit 305 outputs a heat demand forecast assuming that the trend of heat demand within facility F during the period from 7:00 to 19:00 on the same date in the past is equal to the trend of heat demand during the target period. The demand forecasting unit 305 may also output a heat demand forecast according to the weather, using a machine learning model that has learned the relationship between the weather outside facility F and the amount of heat demand. The demand forecasting unit 305 may also output a heat demand forecast by mathematical statistical processing. The demand forecasting unit 305 may also predict the number of visitors to facility F according to information indicating the type of event to be held inside facility F and the time of day when the event will be held, and output a heat demand forecast accordingly. 【0043】 The condition prediction unit 310 predicts whether the constraints in the constraint information DB226 will be met when the number of heat sources 110A to 110D is controlled according to the default priority, based on the heat demand forecast and the specification information DB228 (for example, heat quantity information 231 and minimum operating time information 237). The following is an example of the processing procedure by the condition prediction unit 310. 【0044】 The condition prediction unit 310 predicts, for example, for each period TPi, the combinations of ni heat sources 110 that satisfy the predicted value of the heat demand, according to the default priority. 【0045】 In one example, the condition prediction unit 310 determines whether the rated output of the heat source 110A, which has the highest startup priority, is equal to or greater than the predicted value of heat demand during period TPi, according to the specification information DB228 (specifically, the heat quantity information 231 in Figure 2). If this rated output is equal to or greater than the predicted value, the condition prediction unit 310 predicts that the above combination for period TPi is the heat source 110A. On the other hand, if the rated output of the heat source 110A is less than the predicted value of heat demand, the condition prediction unit 310 determines whether the combined rated output of the heat sources 110A and 110B is equal to or greater than the predicted value of heat demand, according to the heat quantity information 231. If this combined value is equal to or greater than the predicted value, the condition prediction unit 310 predicts that the above combination for period TPi is the heat sources 110A and 110B. 【0046】 If the rated output values ​​of heat sources 110A and 110B are less than the predicted value of heat demand, the condition prediction unit 310 determines, according to the heat quantity information 231, whether the sum of the rated outputs of heat sources 110A to 110C is greater than or equal to the predicted value. If this sum is greater than or equal to the predicted value, the condition prediction unit 310 predicts that the above combination for period TPi is heat sources 110A to 110C. If the rated output values ​​of heat sources 110A to 110C are less than the predicted value of heat demand, the condition prediction unit 310 determines, according to the heat quantity information 231, whether the sum of the rated outputs of heat sources 110A to 110D is greater than or equal to the predicted value. If this sum is greater than or equal to the predicted value, the condition prediction unit 310 predicts that the above combination for period TPi is heat sources 110A to 110D. 【0047】 The condition prediction unit 310 predicts combinations of heat sources 110 for each period TPi as described above. These combinations are predicted under the assumption that each heat source 110 will continue to operate for a time longer than its minimum operating time after being started. For example, even if the heat source 110 with the lowest startup priority is removed from the combination predicted for period TPi, it may still be possible to satisfy the heat demand for period TP(i+1). However, if the operating time of this heat source 110 at the time of period TP(i+1) is less than its minimum operating time, the condition prediction unit 310 predicts combinations of heat sources 110 for period TP(i+1) under the assumption that this heat source 110 will not be stopped and will continue to operate during period TP(i+1). 【0048】 The condition prediction unit 310 predicts whether the constraint conditions (e.g., surplus heat conditions) for period TP will be met for each combination of heat sources 110 predicted as described above, according to the specification information DB228. In Embodiment 1, the condition prediction unit 310 predicts the amount of heat generated by the heat source group 105 for each period TPi when the heat source group 105 is operated with the combination of heat sources 110 predicted as described above, according to the heat information 231. The condition prediction unit 310 predicts the amount of surplus heat for each period TPi according to the predicted heat generation results and the heat demand forecast, and predicts the total amount of surplus heat for period TP based on these prediction results. The condition prediction unit 310 predicts whether the surplus heat conditions will be met according to the predicted total amount of surplus heat. In this example, the condition prediction unit 310 predicts that the surplus heat conditions as constraint conditions will not be met under the default priority. 【0049】 If the estimation unit 315 predicts that the constraints will not be met, it estimates an optimized startup priority (second priority) for controlling the number of heat sources 110A to 110D to satisfy the constraints, according to the heat demand forecast and specification information DB228 (for example, heat quantity information 231 and minimum operating time information 237). In one example, the estimation unit 315 estimates the second priority according to the above forecast result, heat quantity information 231, and minimum operating time information 237 so that the total surplus heat amount is less than or equal to a standard amount. The process by which the estimation unit 315 estimates the second priority will be described in more detail below. 【0050】 Figure 5 shows the combinations of ni heat sources 110 that are operated within each period TPi for each startup priority pattern of heat sources 110A to 110D, and the total surplus heat under that startup priority pattern. In this example, the above combinations and total surplus heat are shown for each of the 24 (=4!) startup priority patterns. 【0051】 Referring to Figure 5, the estimation unit 315 predicts, for each startup priority pattern, the ni heat sources 110 to be operated during each period TPi based on the heat demand forecast, heat quantity information 231, and minimum operating time information 237. Using these prediction results, the estimation unit 315 predicts the amount of heat generated from the heat source group 105 during each period TPi according to the heat quantity information 231. Using these prediction results, the estimation unit 315 predicts the total amount of heat generated over the entire period TP. 【0052】 For example, the estimation unit 315 predicts that, for pattern 1, under the default priority, the heat source units 110 of the types shown in the diagram will be in operation during periods TP7 to TP18. This prediction is based on the assumption that the heat demand is met in each period TPi, and that the number of heat source units 110A to 110D is controlled so that each heat source unit 110 operates for the minimum operating time after its startup. In the diagram, "A" to "D" represent heat source units 110A to 110D, respectively. 【0053】 Under the default priority, the estimation unit 315 predicts, for example, that only heat source 110A will be operational during periods TP7 and TP8, and that heat sources 110A and 110B will be operational during periods TP9 and TP10. The estimation unit 315 predicts the total amount of heat generated based on the predicted results for the ni heat sources 110 that will be operational during each period TPi and the heat quantity information 231. The estimation unit 315 predicts the total surplus heat (TH01) by subtracting the sum of the predicted values ​​of the heat demand for each period TPi based on the heat demand forecast from the predicted total amount of heat generated. Similarly, the estimation unit 315 predicts the total surplus heat (TH02, ... TH24) for each startup priority other than the default priority. 【0054】 The estimation unit 315 estimates the startup priority corresponding to one of the predicted total surplus heat amounts (TH01, TH02, ... TH24) that is less than or equal to a standard amount (for example, the smallest TH02) as the second priority mentioned above. In this example, the second priority is assumed to be in the order of heat sources 110A, 110B, 110D, and 110C. 【0055】 In the above, the estimation unit 315 predicts the total surplus heat for all theoretically conceivable patterns (all 24 patterns) of the startup priority of the heat sources 110A to 110D, and estimates the second priority according to the prediction results. Alternatively, the estimation unit 315 may predict the total surplus heat for each of a predetermined number of patterns that have been narrowed down in advance based on the constraint information DB226 and specification information DB228 as patterns with a high probability of realization, and estimate the second priority according to the prediction results. 【0056】 Referring again to Figure 4, in response to the estimation of the second priority by the estimation unit 315, the command unit 320 transmits a command signal INS to the control device 140. The command signal INS is a signal that commands the control device 140 of the air conditioning system 10 to change the startup priority from the default priority to the second priority. In response to receiving the command signal INS, the control device 140 rewrites the priority information 135 so that the startup priority indicated by the priority information 135 is changed from the default priority to the second priority. Subsequently, the control device 140 performs control of the number of heat source units 110A to 110D according to the second priority indicated by the rewritten priority information 135. 【0057】 As described above, in Embodiment 1, the demand forecasting unit 305 outputs a forecast result (heat demand forecast) of the trend of heat demand within facility F during the target period. The condition forecasting unit 310 predicts whether constraint conditions such as the surplus heat condition will be met when the number control of heat sources 110A to 110D is performed according to the default priority. The estimation unit 315 predicts that the constraint conditions will not be met under the default priority, and estimates another priority (second priority) that will satisfy the constraint conditions. Since the second priority is estimated considering the heat demand forecast, it is estimated appropriately so that the constraint conditions are ultimately met, taking into account the timing when the heat demand decreases sharply during period TP (for example, the decrease in heat demand at 12:00 as shown in Figure 3). The command unit 320 commands the control device 140 to change the startup priority of heat sources 110A to 110D from the default priority to the second priority. As a result, the number control of heat sources 110A to 110D is performed according to the second priority instead of the default priority. Therefore, unlike the comparative example, constraints such as the excess heat quantity condition can ultimately be appropriately satisfied. 【0058】 FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the advantages of Embodiment 1. Referring to FIG. 6, the line TDP represents the predicted heat demand output by the demand prediction unit 305. In this example, it is assumed that the predicted heat demand is accurate and the line TDP is the same as the line TD (FIG. 3). Embodiment 1 is different from the comparative example (FIG. 3) in that the control of the number of the heat source devices 110A to 110D is executed according to the second priority order determined in the order of the heat source devices 110A, 110B, 110D, and 110C instead of the default priority order. 【0059】 According to Embodiment 1, the surplus heat amounts in the periods TP12 and TP13 are less than those in the comparative example (H12a < H12, H13a < H13). As a result, the total surplus heat amount (TH02) of Embodiment 1 is less than the total surplus heat amount (TH01) of the comparative example. Therefore, even when the surplus heat amount condition is not satisfied under the default priority order, the surplus heat amount condition can be satisfied by changing the start priority order. Thus, the waste of the consumed energy in the heat source group 105 can be reduced. 【0060】 FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in Embodiment 1. This flowchart starts before the period TP. Hereinafter, the steps are abbreviated as "S". 【0061】 Referring to FIG. 7, the server 20 outputs a heat demand prediction by predicting the transition of the heat demand in the facility F during the period TP according to the demand prediction DB222 (S105). The server 20 reads the constraint information DB226 and the specification information DB228 from the storage device 220 (S110). 【0062】 Server 20 predicts, according to the heat demand forecast and specification information DB228, whether the constraints in the constraint information DB226 will be met when the number of heat sources 110A to 110D is controlled according to the default priority (S115). If it is predicted that the constraints will be met (YES in S115), the process ends. In this case, the startup priority remains, for example, the default priority. If it is predicted that the constraints will not be met (NO in S115), Server 20 predicts the number of ni heat sources 110 to be operated in each period TPi according to the heat demand forecast and specification information DB228, and estimates the second priority accordingly (S120). Then, Server 20 sends a command signal INS to the control device 140 of the air conditioning system 10 (S135). 【0063】 When the control device 140 receives the command signal INS (S240), it rewrites the priority information 135 according to the command signal INS (S245). Subsequently, the control device 140 controls the number of heat sources 110A to 110D according to the second priority indicated by the rewritten priority information 135, instead of the default priority (S250). This control is performed so that in each period TPi, the amount of heat generated by the heat source group 105 is greater than the heat demand within the facility F, and each heat source 110 operates for a period longer than its minimum operating time after startup. 【0064】 As described above, according to Embodiment 1, the control device 140 is instructed to change the startup priority of the heat sources 110A to 110D from the default priority to the second priority. As a result, the number of units is controlled according to the second priority instead of the default priority. Therefore, when the number of units of the heat sources 110A to 110D is controlled according to the priority information 135, the heat demand within the facility F can be met while the constraints can be appropriately satisfied. For example, the second priority is estimated so that the total surplus heat is below the standard amount, and the control device 140 of the air conditioning system 10 controls the number of units according to the estimated second priority. As a result, unlike the comparative example (Figure 3), even if the heat demand decreases sharply during a certain time period, an increase in the total surplus heat over the entire period TP can be avoided. Furthermore, the control device 140 only needs to rewrite the priority information 135 according to the command signal INS from the command unit 320, so complex control is not required. As a result, both the heat demand and constraints can be appropriately satisfied with a simple configuration. 【0065】 In the above, (1) the specification information DB228 includes minimum operating time information 237, and (2) the control device 140 controls the heat source group 105 so that each heat source 110 operates for a period longer than its minimum operating time. However, neither (1) nor (2) is essential. Even if one or both of (1) and (2) are not met, the condition prediction unit 310 predicts whether the constraint conditions (e.g., surplus heat conditions) will be met when the number of units is controlled according to the default priority, based on the heat demand forecast and the specification information DB228 (e.g., heat quantity information 231). Then, if the estimation unit 315 predicts that the constraint conditions will not be met, it estimates the second priority based on the heat demand forecast and the specification information DB228. In this case as well, the command unit 320 transmits a command signal INS to the control device 140. 【0066】 [Modification 1 of Embodiment 1] The constraints may include cost conditions in addition to or instead of the surplus heat condition. The cost condition is that the total operating cost of heat sources 110A to 110D during period TP is less than or equal to the base cost. If the constraints include cost conditions, the estimation unit 315 estimates the second priority according to the heat demand forecast and operating cost information 233 (Figure 2) so that the total operating cost is less than or equal to the base cost. This point will be explained in detail below. 【0067】 In this modified example, the hardware configuration and processing procedures of the thermal management system 1 are essentially the same as those in Embodiment 1, unless otherwise specified. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated. The same applies to the other modified examples 2 to 4 described later. 【0068】 Figure 8 shows the ni heat sources 110 that are operated within each period TPi for each startup priority pattern, and the total operating cost under the startup priority of that pattern. 【0069】 Referring to Figure 8, the estimation unit 315 predicts the number of ni heat sources 110 to be operated during each period TPi for each of the 24 patterns of startup priority. Using these predictions, the estimation unit 315 predicts the total operating cost for each pattern based on the operating cost information 233. 【0070】 For example, for pattern 1, the estimation unit 315 predicts that, under the default priority, the illustrated types of heat sources 110 will be in operation during periods TP7 to TP18. This prediction is based on the assumption that the heat demand is met in each period TPi and that the number of heat sources 110A to 110D is controlled so that each heat source 110 operates for the minimum operating time after its startup. The estimation unit 315 predicts the total operating cost (TC01) according to the prediction results for the ni heat sources 110 that will be in operation in each period TPi and the operating cost information 233. Similarly, the estimation unit 315 predicts the total operating costs (TC02, ... TC24) for the startup priority of other patterns. 【0071】 The estimation unit 315 estimates the startup priority corresponding to any one of the predicted total operation costs (TC01, TC02, … TC24) that are less than or equal to the reference cost (for example, the smallest TC03) as the second priority. In this example, it is assumed that the second priority is in the order of the heat source devices 110A, 110C, 110B, 110D. The command unit 320 transmits a command signal INS to the control device 140 of the air conditioning system 10 so as to change the startup priority from the default priority to the second priority estimated as described above. 【0072】 With such a configuration, the second priority is estimated so that the total operation cost is less than or equal to the reference cost, and the number control of the heat source devices 110A to 110D is executed according to the estimated second priority. As a result, an excessive increase in cost during the operation of these heat source devices 110 can be avoided. 【0073】 FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the advantages of Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. Referring to FIG. 9, the line TDP is a heat demand prediction, which is the same as that shown in FIG. 6. This modification is different from the comparative example (FIG. 3) in that the number control of the heat source devices 110A to 110D is executed according to the second priority determined in the order of the heat source devices 110A, 110C, 110B, 110D instead of the default priority. According to this Modification 1, since the surplus heat amounts in the periods TP9, TP10, and TP17 are less than those of the comparative example (C9a < C9, C10a < C10, C17a < C17), the total operation cost (TC03) of this modification is less than the total operation cost (TC01) of the comparative example. Therefore, even when the cost condition is not satisfied under the default priority, the cost condition can be satisfied by changing the startup priority. 【0074】 [Modification 2 of Embodiment 1] The constraints may include a CO2 emission condition in place of or in addition to the surplus heat condition. The CO2 emission condition is that the total amount of CO2 emitted from the operation of heat sources 110A to 110D during period TP is less than or equal to the baseline emission. In this example, this total emission is assumed to be the total amount of CO2 emitted from these heat sources, but it may also be defined to include the amount of CO2 emitted in connection with the generation of energy (e.g., electricity) required to operate these heat sources. If the constraints include a CO2 emission condition, the estimation unit 315 estimates the second priority according to the heat demand forecast and emission information 234 (Figure 2) so that the total emission is less than or equal to the baseline emission. This point will be explained in detail below. 【0075】 Figure 10 shows the ni heat sources 110 that operate within each period TPi for each startup priority pattern, and the total emissions under the startup priority of that pattern. 【0076】 Referring to Figure 10, the estimation unit 315 predicts the number of ni heat sources 110 that will be operated during each period TPi for each of the 24 startup priority patterns. Using these predictions, the estimation unit 315 predicts the total emissions for each pattern based on the emissions information 234. 【0077】 For example, for pattern 1, the estimation unit 315 predicts that, under the default priority, the illustrated types of heat sources 110 will be in operation during periods TP7 to TP18. This prediction is based on the assumption that the heat demand is met in each period TPi and that the number of heat sources 110A to 110D is controlled so that each heat source 110 operates for the minimum operating time after its startup. The estimation unit 315 predicts the total emissions (TE01) according to the prediction results for the ni heat sources 110 operating in each period TPi and the emissions information 234. Similarly, the estimation unit 315 predicts the total emissions (TE02, ... TE24) for the startup priority of other patterns. 【0078】 The estimation unit 315 estimates the startup priority corresponding to any one of the predicted total emissions (TE01, TE02, … TE24) that is less than or equal to the reference emission as the second priority. In this example, it is assumed that the second priority is in the order of the heat source devices 110D, 110B, 110C, and 110A. The command unit 320 transmits a command signal INS to the control device 140 of the air conditioning system 10 so as to change the startup priority from the default priority to the second priority estimated as described above. 【0079】 With such a configuration, the second priority is estimated so that the total CO2 emissions are less than or equal to the reference emissions, and the number control of the heat source devices 110A to 110D is executed according to the estimated second priority. As a result, excessive CO2 emissions during the operation of these heat source devices 110 can be avoided. 【0080】 FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the advantages of Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. Referring to FIG. 11, the line TDP is a heat demand prediction and is the same as that shown in FIG. 6. This modification is different from the comparative example (FIG. 3) in that the number control of the heat source devices 110A to 110D is executed according to the second priority determined in the order of the heat source devices 110D, 110B, 110C, and 110A instead of the default priority. According to this Modification 2, since the CO2 emissions during the periods TP7 to TP17 are all less than those of the comparative example (Eia < Ei, 7 ≤ i ≤ 18), the total emissions (TE23) of this modification are less than the total emissions (TE01) of the comparative example. Therefore, even when the CO2 emissions condition is not satisfied under the default priority, the CO2 emissions condition can be satisfied by changing the startup priority. 【0081】 In addition to the constraint conditions regarding the total emissions, the estimation unit 315 may specify the startup priority for which the constraint conditions regarding other elements such as carbon tax and carbon credit are satisfied from the 24 patterns of startup priorities, and estimate the specified startup priority as the second priority. 【0082】 [Modification 3 of Embodiment 1] The constraints may include power contract conditions in place of or in addition to the surplus heat condition. The power contract condition is that the total power consumption during period TP by at least one electric heat source included in heat source group 105 is within the first reference range. In this example, the at least one electric heat source is heat source 110A to 110C. 【0083】 The first reference range is determined based on a contract between the business operator using facility F and the power supplier. The first reference range is predetermined to ensure an appropriate balance of power supply and demand in the power grid. The first reference range may be determined by an upper and lower limit, or by either an upper or lower limit alone. 【0084】 If the constraints include electricity contract conditions, the estimation unit 315 estimates a second priority according to the heat demand forecast and electricity consumption information 235 so that the total electricity consumption falls within the first reference range. This point will be explained in detail below. 【0085】 Figure 12 shows the ni heat sources 110 that operate within each period TPi for each startup priority pattern, and the total power consumption under the startup priority of that pattern. 【0086】 Referring to Figure 12, the estimation unit 315 predicts the number of ni heat sources 110 that will be operated during each period TPi for each of the 24 startup priority patterns. Using these predictions, the estimation unit 315 predicts the total power consumption for each pattern based on the power consumption information 235. 【0087】 For example, the estimation unit 315 predicts that, for pattern 1, under the default priority, the illustrated types of heat sources 110 will be in operation during periods TP7 to TP18. This prediction is based on the assumption that the heat demand is met in each period TPi and that the number of heat sources 110A to 110D is controlled so that each heat source 110 operates for the minimum operating time after its startup. The estimation unit 315 predicts the total power consumption (TP01) according to the prediction results for the ni heat sources 110 operating in each period TPi and the power consumption information 235. Similarly, the estimation unit 315 predicts the total power consumption (TP02, ... TP24) for the startup priority of other patterns. 【0088】 The estimation unit 315 estimates the startup priority corresponding to one of the predicted total power consumptions (TP01, TP02, ... TP24) that falls within the first reference range (for example, the smallest TP04) as the second priority. In this example, the second priority is assumed to be in the order of heat sources 110A, 110C, 110D, and 110B. The command unit 320 sends a command signal INS to the control device 140 of the air conditioning system 10 to change the startup priority from the default priority to the second priority estimated as described above. 【0089】 With this configuration, a second priority is estimated so that the total power consumption falls within the first reference range, and the number of heat source units 110A to 110D is controlled according to the estimated second priority. As a result, it is possible to appropriately contribute to securing the balance of power supply and demand while properly complying with the contract between the business operator using facility F and the power supplier. 【0090】 [Modification 4 of Embodiment 1] The constraints may include gas contract conditions in place of or in addition to the surplus heat condition. The gas contract condition is that the total gas consumption during period TP by at least one gas-powered heat source included in heat source group 105 is within the second reference range. In this example, the at least one gas-powered heat source is heat source 110D. 【0091】 The second standard range is determined based on the contract between the business operator using facility F and the gas supplier. The second standard range is predetermined to ensure an appropriate balance of gas supply and demand in the gas supply network. The second standard range may be determined by an upper and lower limit, or by either the upper or lower limit alone. 【0092】 If the constraints include gas contract conditions, the estimation unit 315 estimates the second priority according to the heat demand forecast and gas consumption information 236 so that the total gas consumption falls within the second reference range. This point will be explained in detail below. 【0093】 Figure 13 shows the ni heat sources 110 that are operated within each period TPi, and the total gas consumption under the startup priority of each of the 24 startup priority patterns. 【0094】 Referring to Figure 13, the estimation unit 315 predicts the number of ni heat sources 110 that will be operated during each period TPi for each startup priority pattern. Using these predictions, the estimation unit 315 predicts the total gas consumption for each pattern based on the gas consumption information 236. 【0095】 For example, for pattern 1, the estimation unit 315 predicts that, under the default priority, the illustrated types of heat sources 110 will be in operation during periods TP7 to TP18. This prediction is based on the assumption that the heat demand is met in each period TPi and that the number of heat sources 110A to 110D is controlled so that each heat source 110 operates for the minimum operating time after its startup. The estimation unit 315 predicts the total gas consumption (TG01) according to the prediction results for the ni heat sources 110 that will be in operation in each period TPi and the gas consumption information 236. Similarly, the estimation unit 315 predicts the total gas consumption (TG02, ... TG24) for the startup priority of other patterns. 【0096】 The estimation unit 315 estimates the startup priority corresponding to one of the predicted total gas consumption amounts (TG01, TG02, ... TG24) that falls within the second reference range (in this example, the smallest, TP05) as the second priority. In this example, the second priority is assumed to be in the order of heat sources 110A, 110D, 110B, and 110C. The command unit 320 sends a command signal INS to the control device 140 of the air conditioning system 10 to change the startup priority from the default priority to the second priority estimated as described above. 【0097】 With this configuration, a second priority is estimated so that the total gas consumption falls within the second standard range, and the number of heat source units 110A to 110D is controlled according to the estimated second priority. As a result, it is possible to appropriately contribute to securing the balance of gas supply and demand while properly complying with the contract between the business operator using facility F and the gas supplier. 【0098】 [Modification 5 of Embodiment 1] The constraints may include, in place of or in addition to the surplus heat quantity condition, contractual conditions stipulated in the contract between the business operator using facility F and the aforementioned DHC business operator. These contractual conditions are also referred to as "DHC contractual conditions." For example, the DHC contractual condition is that the total heat consumption during period TP by at least one DHC heat source included in heat source group 105 is within the third standard range. In this example, the at least one DHC heat source is heat source 110C. 【0099】 The third reference range is determined based on the DHC contract terms and is predetermined, for example, to ensure an appropriate balance of heat supply and demand in the DHC system. The third reference range may be defined by its upper and lower limits, or by either the upper or lower limit alone. 【0100】 If the constraint is a DHC contract condition, the estimation unit 315 estimates the second priority according to the heat demand forecast and heat usage information 238 so that the total heat usage falls within the third reference range. This point will be explained in detail below. 【0101】 Figure 14 shows the ni heat sources 110 that are operated within each period TPi, and the total heat consumption under the startup priority of each of the 24 startup priority patterns. 【0102】 Referring to Figure 14, the estimation unit 315 predicts the number of ni heat sources 110 that will be operated during each period TPi for each startup priority pattern. Using these predictions, the estimation unit 315 predicts the total heat consumption for each pattern based on the heat consumption information 238. 【0103】 For example, for pattern 1, the estimation unit 315 predicts that, under the default priority, the illustrated types of heat sources 110 will be in operation during periods TP7 to TP18. This prediction is based on the assumption that the heat demand is met in each period TPi and that the number of heat sources 110A to 110D is controlled so that each heat source 110 operates for the minimum operating time after its startup. The estimation unit 315 predicts the total heat consumption (TU01) according to the prediction results for the ni heat sources 110 that will be in operation during each period TPi and the heat consumption information 238. Similarly, the estimation unit 315 predicts the total heat consumption (TU02, ... TU24) for the startup priority of other patterns. 【0104】 The estimation unit 315 estimates the startup priority corresponding to one of the expected total heat consumption amounts (TU01, TU02, ... TU24) that falls within the third reference range as the second priority. The command unit 320 sends a command signal INS to the control device 140 of the air conditioning system 10 to change the startup priority from the default priority to the second priority estimated as described above. 【0105】 With this configuration, the second priority is estimated so that the total heat consumption falls within the third standard range, and the number of heat sources 110A to 110D is controlled according to the estimated second priority. As a result, it is possible to appropriately contribute to securing the balance of heat supply and demand while properly complying with the contract between the business operator using facility F and the DHC operator. 【0106】 The DHC contract condition as a constraint may be a temperature condition that the temperature of the returned water RW is within the fourth reference range over the period TP. The fourth reference range is predetermined based on the contract between the operator using facility F and the DHC operator. If the DHC contract condition is the above temperature condition, the estimation unit 315 estimates the second priority according to the heat demand forecast and heat usage information 238 so that the temperature of the returned water RW is within the fourth reference range over the period TP. 【0107】 In one example, the estimation unit 315 estimates the second priority as follows. First, the estimation unit 315 estimates the temperature of the returned water RW in each period TPi for each pattern based on the measured value mv immediately before period TP, the predicted results of the combination of ni heat sources 110 that are operated in each pattern, and the heat usage information 238. Then, based on the predicted temperature of the returned water RW, the estimation unit 315 estimates for each pattern whether or not the above temperature condition is met. Next, the estimation unit 315 estimates one of the startup priorities corresponding to the pattern in which the above temperature condition is met as the second priority. 【0108】 [Embodiment 2] In Embodiment 2, the server 20 notifies the user of the estimated second priority and asks the user whether to change the startup priority from the default priority to the second priority. The user is, for example, the administrator of the air conditioning system 10. The server 20 may send a command signal INS to the control device 140 only if the user performs the operation to change the startup priority to the second priority. 【0109】 Figure 15 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the thermal management system according to Embodiment 2. Referring to Figure 15, the thermal management system 1A differs from the thermal management system 1 of Embodiment 1 or its modifications 1 to 4 (Figure 1) in that it further includes a user terminal 400. In other respects, the thermal management system 1A is the same as the thermal management system 1 unless otherwise specified. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated. 【0110】 The user terminal 400 includes a communication device 405, a display device 410, an input device 415, and a processing device 420. The communication device 405 communicates with the server 20. The display device 410 displays various screens. The input device 415 receives various operations from the user U. The processing device 420 includes a CPU and ROM (neither shown). The CPU executes programs stored in the ROM. 【0111】 Figure 16 is a functional block diagram of the server 20 in Embodiment 2. Referring to Figure 16, the server 20 in Embodiment 2 differs from the server 20 in Embodiment 1 or its modifications 1 to 4 in that its functional configuration further includes a notification unit 325. In other respects, the server 20 in Embodiment 2 is the same as the server 20 in Embodiment 1 or its modifications 1 to 4 unless otherwise specified. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated. 【0112】 The notification unit 325 notifies user U of the second priority estimated by the estimation unit 315 before the command unit 320 commands the control device 140 to change the startup priority (before the command signal INS is transmitted). For example, the notification unit 325 transmits a notification signal NS to the user terminal 400 to notify user U of the second priority. The function of the notification unit 325 is realized by the cooperative operation of the communication device 210 and the processing unit 240 of the server 20. 【0113】 The user terminal 400 receives a notification signal NS from the server 20. As a result, the user terminal 400 displays a screen on the display device 410 notifying user U of the second priority and asking for their approval. 【0114】 The input device 415 of the user terminal 400 can receive an approval operation input from user U after notifying user U of the second priority (after receiving the notification signal NS). An approval operation is a user operation to approve the second priority. When the input device 415 receives an approval operation input, the user terminal 400 sends an approval signal AS to the server 20 via the communication device 405. The approval signal AS indicates that an approval operation has been performed. The input device 415 can also receive a disapproval operation input from user U. A disapproval operation is a user operation to disapprove the second priority. When the input device 415 receives a disapproval operation input, the user terminal 400 sends a disapproval signal DS to the server 20 via the communication device 405. The disapproval signal DS indicates that a disapproval operation has been performed. 【0115】 The command unit 320 transmits a command signal INS to the control device 140 only when the input device 415 receives an approval operation input, that is, when the server 20 receives an approval signal AS. 【0116】 The demand forecasting unit 305 may be unable to properly forecast the trend of heat demand due to disturbances. Disturbances include, for example, the sudden cancellation of an event scheduled within facility F. Since the second priority is estimated according to the heat demand forecast, if the demand forecasting unit 305 is unable to properly forecast the heat demand as described above, the estimation unit 315 may also be unable to properly estimate the second priority. As a result, the number of heat sources 110A to 110D may be controlled according to an inappropriate second priority, and the constraints during period TP may not be properly met. 【0117】 User U can appropriately predict the trend in heat demand within Facility F by considering various factors, including the disturbances described above and past experience with Facility F. In this case, User U can determine the appropriateness of the second priority based on their own prediction of the trend in heat demand, and thereby perform an approval or rejection operation. 【0118】 If an approval operation is performed, a command signal INS is sent from the server 20 to the control device 140. On the other hand, if an approval operation is performed, the command signal INS is not sent from the server 20 to the control device 140. This prevents the control of the number of heat sources 110A to 110D from being performed according to a second priority that has been improperly estimated due to disturbances or other reasons. As a result, it is possible to avoid situations in which the constraints are not properly met. 【0119】 The functions of the command unit 320 may also be realized by the CPU of the user terminal 400 executing a program stored in ROM. In this case, the command signal INS is transmitted from the user terminal 400 to the air conditioning system 10 in response to the approval operation, rather than from the server 20. 【0120】 Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process performed in Embodiment 2. This flowchart begins before period TP. 【0121】 Referring to Figure 17, steps S105-S120 and S135 are the same as those shown in Figure 7. After the estimation of the second priority (after S120), the server 20 sends a notification signal NS to the user terminal 400 (S121). 【0122】 When user terminal 400 receives notification signal NS (S222), it displays a screen that notifies user U of the second priority and asks for its approval. Then, user terminal 400 determines whether or not the second priority has been approved by user U (S223). Specifically, user terminal 400 determines whether or not an approval operation has been performed. If the second priority has been approved, i.e., if an approval operation has been performed (YES in S223), user terminal 400 sends approval signal AS to server 20 (S226). If the second priority has not been approved, i.e., if an approval operation has been performed (NO in S223), user terminal 400 sends rejection signal DS to server 20 (S227). 【0123】 The server 20 determines whether it has received the approval signal AS within a predetermined time from the transmission of the notification signal NS (S121) (S130). If the server 20 has received the approval signal AS (YES in S130), it sends a command signal INS to the control device 140 of the air conditioning system 10 (S135). Subsequent processing is the same as S240 to S250 (Figure 7). If the server 20 has not received the approval signal AS, for example, if it has received a non-approval signal DS (NO in S130), it terminates processing. In this case, the command signal INS is not sent to the control device 140, and the startup priority remains, for example, the default priority. 【0124】 As described above, according to Embodiment 2, when the second priority is inappropriately estimated due to disturbances or the like, the control of the number of heat sources 110A to 110D is prevented from being performed according to that inappropriate second priority. As a result, it is possible to avoid situations in which the constraints are not met due to disturbances or the like. 【0125】 [Modification 1 of Embodiment 2] As mentioned above, user U can appropriately predict the trend of heat demand within facility F by considering various factors such as disturbances not indicated by the demand forecast DB222 and past experience with facility F. Therefore, after being notified of the second priority, user U can also determine whether or not to revise the second priority from the perspective of satisfying the constraints, based on the results of their own prediction of the trend of heat demand. In this case, it is preferable that user U can revise the second priority and that the number control of heat sources 110A to 110D is performed according to the revised second priority (third priority). 【0126】 Therefore, the thermal management system 1A according to this modified example 1 has a configuration that allows user U to modify the second priority. This point will be explained below. 【0127】 Figure 18 is a functional block diagram of the server 20 in this modified example 1. Referring to Figure 18, the server 20 in this modified example differs from the server 20 in Embodiment 2 in that it includes a command unit 320A instead of the command unit 320 (Figure 16). In other respects, the server 20 in this modified example is the same as the server 20 in Embodiment 2 unless otherwise specified. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated. The same applies to Modified Example 2, which will be described later. 【0128】 The user terminal 400 receives a notification signal NS from the server 20 via the communication device 405. As a result, the display device 410 displays a screen notifying the user U of the second priority and inquiring whether correction is necessary. As a result, the user U can determine whether correction of the second priority is necessary. 【0129】 The input device 415 of the user terminal 400 can receive input of a correction instruction operation from user U after notifying user U of the second priority. The correction instruction operation is a user operation that instructs the correction of the second priority and indicates the third priority as described above. The communication device 405 sends a correction instruction signal CIS to the server 20 indicating that the correction instruction operation has been performed. The input device 415 can also receive input of a user operation from user U indicating that no correction is needed for the second priority. This operation corresponds to the approval operation described above. If an approval operation is performed, the communication device 405 sends an approval signal AS to the server 20, as in Embodiment 2. 【0130】 When the input device 415 receives a correction instruction, that is, when the server 20 receives a correction instruction signal CIS, the command unit 320 sends a command signal INSa to the control unit 140. The command signal INSa is a signal that instructs the server to change the startup priority from the default priority to the third priority. When the input device 415 receives an approval operation, that is, when the server 20 receives an approval signal AS, the command unit 320 sends a command signal INS to the control unit 140. 【0131】 With this configuration, if user U determines that the second priority estimated by the estimation unit 315 is inappropriate, or that there is a more suitable startup priority than the second priority, they can determine that a modification of the second priority is necessary and perform a modification instruction operation. As a result, the command signal INSa is sent to the control device 140, and the control device 140 is instructed to change the startup priority from the first priority to the third priority, which reflects the various circumstances mentioned above. As a result, the number of heat source units 110A to 110D is controlled according to the third priority. Therefore, the constraints can be met more appropriately. 【0132】 The functions of the command unit 320A may be realized by the CPU of the user terminal 400 executing a program stored in ROM. In this case, the command signals INS and INSa are transmitted from the user terminal 400 to the air conditioning system 10, rather than from the server 20, in response to the approval operation and the modification instruction operation, respectively. 【0133】 Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process performed in this modified example 1. This flowchart begins before period TP. 【0134】 Referring to Figure 19, steps S105-S121, S135, S222, and S226 are the same as those shown in Figure 17. After receiving the notification signal NS (after S222), the user terminal 400 displays a screen notifying user U of the second priority and asking whether it needs to be corrected. The user terminal 400 then determines whether the second priority needs to be corrected according to the user's operation (S224). If the user terminal 400 receives a correction instruction operation from user U (YES in S224), it determines that the second priority needs to be corrected and sends a correction instruction signal CIS to the server 20 (S228). If the user terminal 400 receives an approval operation from user U (NO in S224), it determines that the second priority does not need to be corrected and sends an approval signal AS to the server 20 (S226). 【0135】 Server 20 switches processing depending on whether or not it has received a correction instruction signal CIS within a predetermined time from the transmission of the notification signal NS (S121) (S132). If Server 20 has received the correction instruction signal CIS (YES in S132), it sends a command signal INSa to the control device 140 of the air conditioning system 10 (S135a). If Server 20 has not received the correction instruction signal CIS, i.e., has received an approval signal AS (NO in S132), it sends a command signal INS to the control device 140 of the air conditioning system 10 (S135). 【0136】 As described above, according to this modified version 1, if user U determines that the second priority estimated by the estimation unit 315 is inappropriate, or that there is a more suitable startup priority, user U can determine that the second priority needs to be modified and perform a modification instruction operation. As a result, the number of heat source units 110A to 110D is controlled according to the third priority that reflects the various circumstances described above. Therefore, the number of units is controlled according to a more suitable third priority. Thus, situations in which the constraints are not properly met can be avoided, or the constraints can be met more appropriately. 【0137】 [Modification 2 of Embodiment 2] After receiving notification of the second priority, user U may also decide, considering various circumstances, whether it is necessary to start or stop a specific heat source 110 among the heat sources 110A to 110D during a specific period within period TP. In this case, while the number control of heat sources 110A to 110D is basically performed according to the second priority, if it is determined that it is necessary to start or stop a specific heat source 110 during a specific period, it is preferable to start or stop that heat source regardless of the second priority during that period. As a result, the heat source group 105 is controlled more appropriately during the specific period, and the constraints can be met more appropriately. 【0138】 Therefore, the thermal management system 1A according to this modified example 2 has a configuration that allows user U to instruct the start or stop of a specific heat source 110 during a specific period. This point will be explained below. 【0139】 Figure 20 is a functional block diagram of the server 20 in this modified example 2. Referring to Figure 20, the server 20 in this modified example differs from the server 20 in embodiment 2 in that it includes a command unit 320B instead of a command unit 320. 【0140】 The user terminal 400 receives a notification signal NS from the server 20 via the communication device 405. As a result, the display device 410 displays a screen informing user U of the second priority and inquiring whether it is necessary to start or stop a specific heat source 110 during a specific period. This allows user U to determine the appropriateness and necessity of the second priority. In this example, user U determines that the second priority is appropriate and does not require modification. 【0141】 The input device 415 of the user terminal 400 can receive input from user U for a start / stop instruction operation after notifying user U of the second priority. A start / stop instruction operation is a user operation that instructs the start or stop of a specific heat source 110 during a specific period within the period TP. When this operation is performed, the communication device 405 sends a start / stop instruction signal SIS to the server 20 indicating that a start / stop instruction operation has been performed. The input device 415 can also receive input from user U for an operation that does not require start / stop. An operation that does not require start / stop is a user operation that indicates that the start or stop of a specific heat source 110 during a specific period is not required. When this operation is performed, the communication device 405 sends a start / stop not required signal UIS to the server 20 indicating this. 【0142】 When the input device 415 receives an input for a start / stop instruction operation, that is, when the server 20 receives a start / stop instruction signal SIS, the command unit 320B sends a command signal INSb to the control unit 140. The command signal INSb is a signal that instructs the server to change the start priority from the default priority to the second priority, and also instructs the server to start or stop a specific heat source 110 regardless of the second priority during a specific period. When the input device 415 receives an input for an operation that does not require start / stop, that is, when the server 20 receives a signal that does not require start / stop UIS, the command unit 320B sends a command signal INS to the control unit 140. 【0143】 With this configuration, if user U determines that a specific heat source needs to be started or stopped during a specific period, a command signal INSb is sent to the control device 140 via a start / stop instruction operation. This instructs the control device 140 to change the start priority from first priority to second priority and to start or stop the specific heat source during the specific period. As a result, during periods TP other than the specific period, the number of units is controlled according to the second priority, while during the specific period, the specific heat source is started or stopped regardless of the second priority. Therefore, the heat source group 105 is controlled taking into account the various circumstances mentioned above. Consequently, the constraints can be met more appropriately. 【0144】 The functions of the command unit 320B may be realized by the CPU of the user terminal 400 executing a program stored in ROM. In this case, the command signals INS and INSb are transmitted from the user terminal 400 to the air conditioning system 10, rather than from the server 20, in response to a start / stop operation and a start / stop instruction operation, respectively. 【0145】 Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process performed in this modified example 2. This flowchart begins before period TP. 【0146】 Referring to Figure 21, steps S105-S121, S135, S222, S223, and S227 are the same as those shown in Figure 17. After receiving the notification signal NS (after S222), the user terminal 400 notifies the user U of the second priority and displays a screen asking whether it is necessary to start or stop a specific heat source 110 during a specific period. The user U determines whether the second priority is appropriate and whether it is necessary to start or stop the above. The user terminal 400 determines whether the second priority has been approved based on whether or not an approval operation has been performed by the user U (S223). If an approval operation has been performed (YES in S223), the process proceeds to S225. 【0147】 The user terminal 400 determines whether a specific heat source 110 needs to be started or stopped during a specific period, depending on whether or not it has received a start / stop instruction from user U. If the user terminal 400 has received a start / stop instruction (YES in S225), it sends a start / stop instruction signal SIS to the server 20 (S229). If the user terminal 400 has not received a start / stop instruction, in this example, if it has received an instruction from user U that start / stop is not necessary (NO in S225), it sends a start / stop is not necessary signal UIS to the server 20 (S229a). 【0148】 Server 20 switches processing depending on whether or not it received the non-approval signal DS within a predetermined time after sending the notification signal NS (S121) (S133). If Server 20 receives the non-approval signal DS (YES in S133), processing ends. If Server 20 does not receive the non-approval signal DS (NO in S133), processing proceeds to S134. 【0149】 Server 20 switches processing depending on whether or not it has received a start / stop instruction signal SIS from S121 within a predetermined time (S134). If Server 20 has received a start / stop instruction signal SIS (YES in S134), it sends a command signal INSb to the control device 140 of the air conditioning system 10 (S135b). If Server 20 has not received a start / stop instruction signal SIS, in this example, if it has received a start / stop unnecessary signal UIS (NO in S134), it sends a command signal INS to the control device 140 of the air conditioning system 10 (S135). 【0150】 As described above, according to this modified version 2, if user U approves the second priority and determines that it is necessary to start or stop a specific heat source during a specific period, a command signal INSb is sent to the control device 140 by a start / stop instruction operation. As a result, the control device 140 is instructed to change the start priority from the first priority to the second priority and to start or stop the specific heat source during the specific period regardless of the second priority. Consequently, the constraints can be met more appropriately during the specific period. 【0151】 [Other variations] The control of the number of heat sources 110A to 110D may involve switching each heat source 110 between an operating state where its output is X% of its rated output and a stopped state. X is predetermined as a value greater than 0 and less than 100. 【0152】 The demand forecasting unit 305 predicts the trend in heat demand over a period of time (target period), which is defined as the period from 7:00 to 19:00 on a given day (period TP). However, the target period is not limited to period TP and may be freely determined. Similarly, the demand forecasting unit 305 predicts heat demand for each unit period TPi, but the length of the unit period is not limited to one hour and may be freely determined. 【0153】 The estimation unit 315 predicts the result of controlling the number of heat sources 110A to 110D for each startup priority pattern based on the specification information DB228, and estimates the second priority accordingly. Alternatively, the estimation unit 315 may estimate the second priority using a predetermined rule-based method, mathematical optimization, or machine learning method different from the above. 【0154】 In the above, the default priority is determined according to energy efficiency, but it may also be determined according to an indicator other than energy efficiency. Even in such a case, the condition prediction unit 310 predicts whether the constraint conditions will be met according to the default priority determined in this way, according to the heat demand forecast and specification information DB228, and if it is predicted that the constraint conditions will not be met, the estimation unit 315 estimates the second priority. 【0155】 The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0156】 1,1A Thermal management system, 10 Air conditioning system, 20 Server, 105 Heat source group, 110,110A,110B,110C,110D Heat source unit, 130,220 Storage device, 135 Priority information, 140 Control device, 305 Demand forecasting unit, 310 Condition forecasting unit, 315 Estimation unit, 320,320A,320B Command unit, 325 Notification unit, 400 User terminal, D7,D9,Di Heat demand amount, 222 Demand forecasting DB, 226 Constraint information DB, 228 Specification information DB.

Claims

[Claim 1] A server that communicates with a control device, The control device controls the number of operating heat sources among the multiple heat sources installed in the facility, in accordance with the startup priority of the multiple heat sources. The aforementioned server, A demand forecasting unit outputs a heat demand forecast showing the trend of heat demand during the target period within the aforementioned facility, A storage unit that stores information indicating predetermined constraints for the plurality of heat sources during the target period, and specification information indicating the specifications of each of the plurality of heat sources, A condition prediction unit predicts whether the constraint conditions will be met when the number of units control is performed according to the first priority predetermined as the startup priority, according to the heat demand forecast and the specification information, If it is predicted that the above constraints will not be met, an estimation unit estimates a second priority as the startup priority that satisfies the above constraints in the number of units control, according to the heat demand forecast and the specification information. A server comprising: a command unit that commands the control device to change the startup priority from the first priority to the second priority. [Claim 2] The specification information includes heat quantity information indicating the amount of heat generated per unit time by each of the plurality of heat sources, and operating time information indicating the minimum operating time for each of the plurality of heat sources. The control device performs the number control so that each of the plurality of heat sources continues to operate for a period of time equal to or greater than the minimum operating time of the heat source after it is started during the target period. The condition prediction unit predicts whether the constraint conditions will be met when the number of units control is performed according to the first priority, based on the heat demand forecast, the heat quantity information, and the operating time information. The server according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates the second priority according to the heat demand forecast, the heat quantity information, and the operating time information when it is predicted that the constraint conditions will not be met. [Claim 3] The specification information includes heat quantity information indicating the amount of heat generated per unit time by each of the plurality of heat sources, The aforementioned constraints include the fact that the total surplus heat from the multiple heat sources during the period in question is less than or equal to a standard amount. The total surplus heat is the difference between the total heat generated by the multiple heat sources over the target period and the total heat demand within the facility over the target period. The server according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates the second priority according to the heat demand forecast and the heat quantity information so that the total surplus heat amount is less than or equal to the reference amount. [Claim 4] The specification information includes operating cost information indicating the operating cost per unit time for each of the plurality of heat sources, The aforementioned constraints include the fact that the total operating cost of the multiple heat sources during the period in question is less than or equal to the standard cost. The server according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates the second priority according to the heat demand forecast and the operating cost information so that the total operating cost is less than or equal to the standard cost. [Claim 5] The specification information includes emission information indicating the amount of carbon dioxide emissions per unit time associated with the operation of each of the plurality of heat sources, The aforementioned constraints include the fact that the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted as a result of the operation of the multiple heat sources during the target period is less than or equal to the baseline emission amount. The server according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates the second priority according to the heat demand forecast and the emission information so that the total emissions are less than or equal to the standard emissions. [Claim 6] The specification information includes, for each of the at least one electric heat source included in the plurality of heat sources, power consumption information indicating the amount of power consumed per unit time by said electric heat source, The aforementioned constraints include the fact that the total power consumption of at least one electric heat source during the period in question is within the first reference range. The first standard range is determined based on a contract between the business operator using the facility and the electricity supplier that supplies electricity to the facility. The server according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates the second priority according to the heat demand forecast and the power consumption information so that the total power consumption falls within the first reference range. [Claim 7] The specification information includes, for each of the at least one gas-powered heat source included in the plurality of heat sources, gas consumption information indicating the amount of gas consumed per unit time by said gas-powered heat source. The aforementioned constraints include the fact that the total gas consumption by at least one gas-powered heat source during the period in question is within the second reference range. The second standard range is determined based on a contract between the business operator using the facility and the gas supplier that supplies gas to the facility. The server according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates the second priority according to the heat demand forecast and the gas consumption information so that the total gas consumption falls within the second reference range. [Claim 8] The specification information includes, for each of the plurality of heat sources that are included in the plurality of heat sources and operate using heat supplied from the heat transport pipes of the district heating system, heat consumption information indicating the amount of heat consumed per unit time by said heat source, The aforementioned constraints include the fact that the total heat consumption of at least one heat source during the period in question is within the third reference range. The aforementioned third standard range is determined based on a contract between the business operator using the facility and the operator of the district heating system. The server according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates the second priority according to the heat demand forecast and the heat usage information so that the total heat usage falls within the third reference range. [Claim 9] The specification information includes, for each of the plurality of heat sources that are included in the plurality of heat sources and operate using heat supplied from the heat transport pipes of the district heating system, heat consumption information indicating the amount of heat consumed per unit time by said heat source, The aforementioned constraints include the fact that the temperature of the water returned from at least one heat source to the district heating system is within the fourth reference range over the specified period. The aforementioned fourth standard range is determined based on a contract between the business operator using the facility and the operator of the district heating system. The server according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates the second priority according to the heat demand forecast and the heat usage information so that the temperature of the returned water is within the fourth reference range over the target period. [Claim 10] The aforementioned control of the number of units includes start / stop control for each of the plurality of heat sources, which switches the heat source between its rated operating state and its stopped state. The server according to claim 1, wherein the condition prediction unit predicts whether the constraint conditions will be met when the start / stop control is executed in accordance with the previous first priority. [Claim 11] A server according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A thermal management system comprising the aforementioned control device. [Claim 12] A control device that controls the number of operating heat sources among multiple heat sources installed in a facility, according to the startup priority of the multiple heat sources, A demand forecasting unit outputs a heat demand forecast showing the trend of heat demand during the target period within the aforementioned facility, A storage unit that stores information indicating predetermined constraints during the aforementioned target period and specification information indicating the specifications of each of the multiple heat sources, A condition prediction unit predicts whether the constraint conditions will be met when the number of units control is performed according to the first priority predetermined as the startup priority, according to the heat demand forecast and the specification information, If it is predicted that the above constraints will not be met, an estimation unit estimates a second priority as the startup priority that satisfies the above constraints in the number of units control, according to the heat demand forecast and the specification information. A thermal management system comprising: a command unit that commands the control device to change the startup priority from the first priority to the second priority. [Claim 13] Before the command unit commands the control device to change the startup priority, a notification unit notifies the user of the second priority, The system further comprises an input unit that receives input from the user after notification of the second priority, indicating a user operation to approve the second priority, The thermal management system according to claim 12, wherein the command unit commands the control device to change the startup priority from the first priority to the second priority only when the input unit receives the input of the user operation. [Claim 14] Before the command unit commands the control device to change the startup priority, a notification unit notifies the user of the second priority, The system further includes an input unit that instructs the user to modify the second priority and receives user input indicating the third priority as the modified second priority after notification of the second priority, If the input unit has not received any user input, the command unit commands the control device to change the startup priority from the first priority to the second priority. The thermal management system according to claim 12, wherein when the input unit receives the input of the user operation, the command unit commands the control device to change the startup priority from the first priority to the third priority. [Claim 15] Before the command unit commands the control device to change the startup priority, a notification unit notifies the user of the second priority, The system further includes an input unit that receives input from the user after notification of the second priority, instructing the user to start or stop a specific heat source among the multiple heat sources during a specific period within the aforementioned target period. If the input unit has not received any user input, the command unit commands the control device to change the startup priority from the first priority to the second priority. The thermal management system according to claim 12, wherein when the input unit receives the input of the user operation, the command unit changes the startup priority from the first priority to the second priority and commands the control device to start or stop the specific heat source during the specific period.

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