Operation management device, operation management method, and program

Abstract

To provide an operation management device, an operation management method and a program capable of controlling an increase or decrease in the number of operating heat source machines in real time so as to operate the same with improved efficiency.SOLUTION: An operation management device which adjusts a temperature of an air-conditioning object space to a predetermined temperature with an air-conditioning facility made up of a plurality of heat source machines comprises: a meteorological information acquisition section which acquires meteorological information representing a predetermined event related to an external meteorological phenomenon; a heat source machine characteristic information acquisition section which acquires heat source machine characteristic information representing a relation among the meteorological information, capacity of the heat source machines and performance factors of the heat source machines; a load factor adjustment section which determines a target heat source machine for increasing or decreasing the number of operating heat source machines and partial load factors of respective heat source machines on the basis of the acquired meteorological information and the heat source machine characteristic information; and an operation control section which controls operation of respective heat source machines to achieve the determined partial load factors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation management device, an operation management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various techniques have been proposed for optimally operating heat source machines such as refrigerators in air conditioning equipment.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for creating an optimized operation plan for a plurality of heat source machines. In this technique, when controlling the operation of a heat source machine based on an operation plan generated by an optimization method, if there is an error between the predicted value of the amount of heat required for temperature adjustment to the set temperature and the measured value of the amount of heat, the heat source machine is automatically controlled to increase the stage (operation of a heat source in a stopped state) or decrease the stage (stopping of a heat source in an operating state).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the optimized operation plan, only information indicating the heat source machine to be operated and its partial load factor is given, and information indicating which heat source machine should be increased or decreased to achieve optimal operation is not given. As a result, the operation is not optimal. For example, there is a method of increasing or decreasing the heat source machine according to a predetermined priority order, but the combination of heat source machines that results in efficient operation changes each time according to the weather conditions. Also, there is a method of re-executing the optimization of the operation plan, but since it takes time for the calculation, it has been impossible to apply the optimization method to automatic control in real time.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an operation management device, an operation management method, and a program capable of controlling in real time the step-up or step-down of a heat source machine for more efficient operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, an operation management device according to an aspect of the present invention is an operation management device that adjusts the temperature of a space to be air-conditioned in air-conditioning equipment provided with a plurality of heat source machines to a preset temperature, and includes a weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information indicating a predetermined event related to the weather outside, and a heat source machine characteristic information acquisition unit that acquires heat source machine characteristic information indicating the relationship between the weather information, the capacity of the heat source machine, and the coefficient of performance of the heat source machine. A prediction unit that predicts the required amount of heat, which is the amount of heat required to adjust the temperature of the space to be air-conditioned to a preset temperature, and based on the error between the predicted value of the required amount of heat and the measured value of the amount of heat produced by each of the plurality of heat source machines, determines whether it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the plurality of heat source machines. When it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the plurality of heat source machines, Based on the acquired weather information and heat source machine characteristic information, a load factor adjustment unit that determines the heat source machines to be stepped up or down and the partial load factor of each heat source machine, and an operation control unit that controls the operation of each heat source machine so as to achieve the determined partial load factor are provided.

[0008] An operation management method according to an aspect of the present invention is an operation management method that adjusts the temperature of a space to be air-conditioned in air-conditioning equipment provided with a plurality of heat source machines to a preset temperature, and includes a weather information acquisition process of acquiring weather information indicating a predetermined event related to the weather outside, and a heat source machine characteristic information acquisition process of acquiring heat source machine characteristic information indicating the relationship between the weather information, the capacity of the heat source machine, and the coefficient of performance of the heat source machine. A prediction process that predicts the required amount of heat, which is the amount of heat required to adjust the temperature of the space to be air-conditioned to a preset temperature, and based on the error between the predicted value of the required amount of heat and the measured value of the amount of heat produced by each of the plurality of heat source machines, determines whether it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the plurality of heat source machines. When it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the plurality of heat source machines, Based on the acquired weather information and heat source machine characteristic information, a load factor adjustment process of determining the heat source machines to be stepped up or down and the partial load factor of each heat source machine, and an operation control process of controlling the operation of each heat source machine so as to achieve the determined partial load factor are included.

[0009] A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program that adjusts the temperature of a space to be air-conditioned in air-conditioning equipment provided with a plurality of heat source machines to a preset temperature, and uses weather information indicating a predetermined event related to the weather outside to cause a computer to acquire heat source machine characteristic information indicating the relationship between the weather information, the capacity of the heat source machine, and the coefficient of performance of the heat source machine.A prediction means that predicts the required amount of heat, which is the amount of heat required to adjust the temperature of the space to be air-conditioned to a preset temperature, and based on the error between the predicted value of the required amount of heat and the measured value of the amount of heat produced by each of the plurality of heat source machines, determines whether it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the plurality of heat source machines. When it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the plurality of heat source machines, Based on the acquired weather information and heat source machine characteristic information, it functions as a load factor adjustment means for determining the heat source machine to be stepped up or down and the partial load factor of each heat source machine, and an operation control means for controlling the operation of each heat source machine so as to achieve the determined partial load factor.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to control in real time the step-up or step-down of the heat source machine for more efficient operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <1. Configuration of the Operation Management System> First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of the operation management system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the operation management system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation management system 1 includes an operation management device 10, a heat quantity sensor 20, a weather sensor 30, and a heat source machine 40. Note that the heat source machine 40 according to the present embodiment is composed of a plurality of heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n (n is a natural number).

[0014] (1) Operation Management Device 10 The operation management device 10 is a device that manages the operations of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n. The operation management device 10 is realized by, for example, a server device, a PC (personal computer), or the like. The operation management device 10 is communicably connected to the heat quantity sensor 20, the weather sensor 30, and the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n. The operation management device 10 receives the information acquired by each sensor device from each sensor device. Further, the operation management device 10 transmits a command value for controlling the operation of each heat source machine to each heat source machine.

[0015] The operation management device 10 is a device that adjusts the temperature of a space to be air-conditioned (hereinafter, also referred to as "space temperature") in air-conditioning equipment having a plurality of heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n to a preset temperature (hereinafter, also referred to as "set temperature"). When adjusting the set temperature, the operation management device 10 controls the operations of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n. Specifically, the operation management device 10 controls the partial load ratios of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n in order to cause the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n to produce the amount of heat required to make the space temperature the set temperature. The operation management device 10 controls the operations of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n according to an operation plan. The operation plan is a plan indicating the amount of heat produced by each of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n at each time in order to adjust the space temperature to the set temperature. The operation plan is created by an optimization method based on, for example, a predicted value of the amount of heat required (hereinafter, also referred to as "required heat amount") to adjust the space temperature to the set temperature, the performance of each heat source machine, weather conditions, and the like. Specifically, in the operation plan, based on the rated heat amount indicating the amount of heat that each heat source machine can produce at maximum load and the coefficient of performance (COP), the partial load ratio (ratio to the rated heat amount) of each heat source machine is determined so that the total amount of heat produced by each heat source machine becomes the predicted value of the required heat amount.

[0016] When the operation management device 10 controls the operation of each heat source machine according to the operation plan created by the optimization method, it is assumed that an error occurs between the predicted value of the required heat quantity and the measured value of the heat quantity produced by each heat source machine. At this time, if it is necessary to increase or decrease the stage of the heat source machine to eliminate the error, the operation management device 10 increases or decreases the appropriate heat source machine without re-executing the optimization of the operation plan by the optimization method. Details will be described later.

[0017] (2) Heat quantity sensor 20 The heat quantity sensor 20 is a device that measures the heat quantity actually produced by the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n. The heat quantity sensor 20 transmits information indicating the measured value of the heat quantity produced by each heat source machine (hereinafter, also referred to as "heat quantity information") to the operation management device 10.

[0018] (3) Weather sensor 30 The weather sensor 30 is a device that detects a predetermined event related to the weather outside the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n. The weather sensor 30 according to the present embodiment is a sensor capable of measuring the outside air temperature (temperature) and the outside air humidity (relative humidity). The weather sensor 30 may be composed of a plurality of sensor devices. For example, the weather sensor 30 includes a temperature sensor that detects the outside air temperature (temperature), a humidity sensor that detects the outside air humidity (relative humidity), and the like. The weather sensor 30 transmits information indicating the detected predetermined event related to the weather (hereinafter, also referred to as "weather information") to the operation management device 10.

[0019] (4) Heat source machines 40 (40-1 to 40-n) The heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n are devices provided as heat source facilities in the air conditioning facility. Heat source machines include those for cooling air and those for heating air. A heat source machine for cooling air is, for example, a refrigerator. On the other hand, a heat source machine for heating air is, for example, a boiler. There are types of heat source machines in which the coefficient of performance changes according to the dry-bulb temperature, and types in which the coefficient of performance changes according to the dry-bulb temperature and the wet-bulb temperature. The dry-bulb temperature is the air temperature (temperature) measured by the weather sensor 30. The wet-bulb temperature can be calculated based on the temperature (temperature) and humidity (relative humidity) measured by the weather sensor 30.

[0020] <2. Functional Configuration of the Operation Management Device> As described above, the configuration of the operation management system 1 according to the present embodiment has been explained. Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the functional configuration of the operation management device 10 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation management device 10 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0021] (1) Communication Unit 110 The communication unit 110 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. For example, it receives heat quantity information from the heat quantity sensor 20. Also, the communication unit 110 receives weather information from the weather sensor. Further, the communication unit 110 transmits command values to the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n. Note that the communication by the communication unit 110 may be wireless communication, may be wired communication, or may be a combination of wireless communication and wired communication.

[0022] (2) Storage Unit 120 The storage unit 120 has a function of storing various information. The storage unit 120 is composed of a storage medium, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access read / write Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or an arbitrary combination of these storage media. As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 120 includes a heat source machine characteristic information storage unit 121.

[0023] (2-1) Heat Source Machine Characteristic Information Storage Unit 121 The heat source machine characteristic information storage unit 121 has a function of storing heat source machine characteristic information. The heat source machine characteristic information is information indicating the relationship between weather information, the capacity of the heat source machine, and the coefficient of performance of the heat source machine. The capacity of the heat source machine is information indicating the amount of heat that the heat source machine can produce. The coefficient of performance of the heat source machine is a coefficient treated as an index indicating the energy consumption efficiency of the heat source machine, and is a value representing the capacity of the heat source machine per 1 kW of power consumption. The coefficient of performance is calculated by the following formula. Coefficient of performance = Capacity of heat source machine / Energy consumption

[0024] Here, referring to FIG. 2, the heat source machine characteristic information will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the heat source machine characteristic information according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the heat source machine characteristic information in the case where the coefficient of performance of the heat source machine changes according to the dry bulb temperature. In FIG. 2, a graph showing the relationship between the capacity (kW) of the heat source machine and the coefficient of performance is shown as the heat source machine characteristic. The horizontal axis of the graph is the capacity of the heat source machine, and the vertical axis is the coefficient of performance. The heat source machine characteristic changes each time according to the outside air conditions (for example, the outside air temperature). Therefore, in FIG. 2, graphs of the heat source machine characteristics for each outside air temperature are shown. As an example, when the outside air temperature is 20 °C, the capacity of the heat source machine is 70 kW and the coefficient of performance is 8.

[0025] (3) Control unit 130 The control unit 130 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the operation management device 10. The control unit 130 is realized, for example, by causing the CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided as hardware in the operation management device 10 to execute a program. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 130 includes a heat quantity information acquisition unit 131, a weather information acquisition unit 132, a heat source machine characteristic information acquisition unit 133, a prediction unit 134, an operation plan unit 135, a load factor adjustment unit 136, and an operation control unit 137.

[0026] (3-1) Heat quantity information acquisition unit 131 The heat quantity information acquisition unit 131 has a function of acquiring heat quantity information. For example, the heat quantity information acquisition unit 131 acquires the heat quantity information transmitted from the heat quantity sensor 20 and received by the communication unit 110.

[0027] (3-2) Weather information acquisition unit 132 The weather information acquisition unit 132 has a function of acquiring weather information. For example, the weather information acquisition unit 132 acquires the weather information transmitted from the weather sensor 30 and received by the communication unit 110.

[0028] (3-3) Heat source machine characteristic information acquisition unit 133 The heat source machine characteristic information acquisition unit 133 has a function of acquiring heat source machine characteristic information. For example, the heat source machine characteristic information acquisition unit 133 acquires the heat source machine characteristic information from the heat source machine characteristic information storage unit 121. Specifically, the heat source machine characteristic information acquisition unit 133 acquires the heat source machine characteristic information of the heat source machine in operation and the heat source machine characteristic information of the heat source machine as a step-up candidate from the heat source machine characteristic information storage unit 121.

[0029] (3-4) Prediction unit 134 The prediction unit 134 has a function of predicting the required heat quantity. The value indicating the required heat quantity predicted by the prediction unit 134 is the predicted value.

[0030] (3-5) Operation planning unit 135 The operation planning unit 135 has a function of creating an operation plan. The operation planning unit 135 creates an operation plan by an optimization method based on the required heat quantity predicted by the prediction unit 134, the performance of each heat source machine, the weather conditions, etc.

[0031] (3-6) Load factor adjustment unit 136 The load factor adjustment unit 136 has a function of adjusting the partial load factor of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n. The load factor adjustment unit 136 adjusts the partial load factor of each heat source machine when an increase or decrease in the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n is necessary.

[0032] The load factor adjustment unit 136 determines whether an increase or decrease in the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n is necessary based on the error between the predicted value of the required heat quantity indicated by the operation plan and the measured value (the total of the measured values of the heat quantities produced by each heat source machine) indicated by the heat quantity information acquired by the heat quantity information acquisition unit 131. First, when there is an error between the predicted value and the measured value, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines whether it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n. When the predicted value is greater than the total rated heat quantity of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n during operation, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines that it is necessary to increase the stages of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n. When the predicted value is less than the minimum manufacturing heat quantity of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n during operation, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines that it is necessary to decrease the stages of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n. In other cases, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines that it is not necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n. Also, when there is no error between the predicted value and the measured value, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines that it is not necessary to adjust the partial load factor of each heat source machine.

[0033] When it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n to be increased or decreased and the partial load factor of each heat source machine. For example, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines the heat source machines to be increased or decreased and the partial load factor of each heat source machine based on the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 132 and the heat source machine characteristic information acquired by the heat source machine characteristic information acquisition unit 133. At this time, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n to be increased or decreased and the partial load factor of each heat source machine so that the total energy consumption of each heat source machine after the increase or decrease is minimized. Specifically, the load factor adjustment unit 136 acquires from the heat source machine characteristic information the manufacturing heat quantity indicated by the capacity of each heat source machine when the performance coefficient is maximized at the outside air temperature indicated by the weather information, and calculates the partial load factor of each heat source machine when manufacturing the manufacturing heat quantity. The partial load factor can be calculated by the following formula. Partial load factor = manufacturing heat quantity / rated heat quantity

[0034] When it is necessary to increase the stages of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n, the load factor adjustment unit 136 calculates the partial load factor and the energy consumption of each heat source machine when the total manufacturing heat quantity of each heat source machine becomes the required heat quantity in each combination of the heat source machines in operation and the heat source machines as candidates for increasing the stages. The smaller the energy consumption, the more efficiently the heat source units 40-1 to 40-n can be operated. Therefore, the load factor adjustment unit 136 obtains the partial load factors of the respective heat source units in the combination with the minimum energy consumption. That is, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines the heat source unit of the step-up candidate included in the combination with the minimum energy consumption as the heat source unit to be stepped up. Thereby, the load factor adjustment unit 136 can determine the heat source unit of the step-up candidate so as to more efficiently operate the heat source units 40-1 to 40-n, and can adjust the partial load factor of each heat source unit.

[0035] When it is necessary to downstep the heat source units 40-1 to 40-n, the load factor adjustment unit 136 calculates the partial load factor and the energy consumption of each heat source unit when the total heat production of each heat source unit becomes the required heat amount in each combination obtained by excluding the heat source unit of the downstep candidate from the heat source units in operation. Similar to the case of stepping up, the smaller the energy consumption, the more efficiently the heat source units 40-1 to 40-n can be operated. Therefore, the load factor adjustment unit 136 obtains the partial load factors of the respective heat source units in the combination with the minimum energy consumption. That is, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines the heat source unit of the downstep candidate excluded in the combination with the minimum energy consumption as the heat source unit to be downstepped. Thereby, the load factor adjustment unit 136 can determine the heat source unit of the downstep candidate so as to more efficiently operate the heat source units 40-1 to 40-n, and can adjust the partial load factor of each heat source unit.

[0036] As described above, the load factor adjustment unit 136 calculates the partial load factor by simple arithmetic operations that are not complicated and time-consuming like the optimization calculation. Thereby, the operation management device 10 can control the operation of the heat source units 40-1 to 40-n in real time. Further, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines a heat source machine that increases or decreases stages in consideration of the energy consumption. Thereby, the operation management device 10 can operate the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n that are the most energy-saving, and can operate the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n at the most energy-saving partial load factor. Furthermore, energy-saving performance closer to that obtained when performing the optimization calculation can be achieved.

[0037] Here, an example of the processing by the load factor adjustment unit 136 will be specifically described. Hereinafter, it is assumed that n = 4, the heat source machines in operation are the heat source machines 40-1 and 40-2, and the heat source machines as the up-rating candidates are the heat source machines 40-3 and 40-4. When the outside air temperature is 25°C for a required heat quantity Q (predicted value) of 100 kW, in the heat source machine 40-1, the rated heat quantity = 150 kW, the minimum production heat quantity = 5 kW, and the partial load factor = 70 / 150 = 0.46, and in the heat source machine 40-2, the rated heat quantity = 85 kW, the minimum production heat quantity = 5 kW, and the partial load factor = 30 / 85 = 0.35.

[0038] (Specific example in the case of up-rating) Assume that the required heat quantity Q becomes 240 kW, exceeding the total rated heat quantity of 235 kW (150 kW + 85 kW) of the heat source machines 40-1 and 40-2. In this case, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines that up-rating of the heat source machine is necessary. After the determination, the load factor adjustment unit 136 executes processing for each combination of the heat source machines in operation and the heat source machines as the up-rating candidates. First, for the combination of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-3, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines the production heat quantity Q 1-0 、Q 2-0 、Q 3-0 of each heat source machine and the partial load factor X 1-0 、X 2-0 、X 3-0 at which the performance coefficient is maximized at the outside air temperature indicated by the weather information. Q 1-0 +Q 2-0 +Q 3-0 > 0, the load factor adjustment unit 136 decreases each value of X 1-0 、X 2-0 、X 3-0 at the same ratio, and Q 1-1 +Q2-1 +Q 3-1 The partial load factor X at which =Q 1-1 、X 2-1 、X 3-1 And calculate the total energy consumption at that time. Q 1-0 +Q 2-0 +Q 3-0 When <0, the load factor adjustment unit 136 is X 1-0 、X 2-0 、X 3-0 Each value of is increased at the same rate, and Q 1-1 +Q 2-1 +Q 3-1 The partial load factor X at which =Q 1-1 、X 2-1 、X 3-1 And calculate the total energy consumption at that time. The load factor adjustment unit 136 similarly calculates the total energy consumption for the combination of the heat source machines 40-1, 40-2, and 40-4. Then, the load factor adjustment unit 136 obtains the partial load factor of the combination with the minimum energy consumption.

[0039] (Specific example in the case of downshifting) Suppose the required heat quantity Q becomes 4 kW, which is lower than the minimum production heat quantity of 5 kW of the heat source machines 40-1 and 40-2. In this case, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines that downshifting of the heat source machine is necessary. After the determination, the load factor adjustment unit 136 excludes the heat source machines that are candidates for downshifting from the operating heat source machines, calculates the total energy consumption in the same way as in the case of upshifting, and obtains the partial load factor of the combination with the minimum energy consumption.

[0040] (3-7) Operation control unit 137 The operation control unit 137 has a function of controlling the operation of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n. For example, the operation control unit 137 controls the operation of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n so as to achieve the partial load factor shown in the operation plan. Specifically, the operation control unit 137 transmits a command value to each heat source machine to operate at the partial load factor shown in the operation plan. Further, the operation control unit 137 controls the operation of each heat source machine so as to achieve the partial load factor determined by the load factor adjustment unit 136. Specifically, the operation control unit 137 transmits a command value to each heat source machine to operate at the partial load factor determined by the load factor adjustment unit 136. If there is a heat source machine among the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n that requires an increase in stages, the operation control unit 137 starts the operation of the target heat source machine. On the other hand, if there is a heat source machine among the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n that requires a decrease in stages, the operation control unit 137 stops the operation of the target heat source machine.

[0041] <3. Operation> The functional configuration of the operation management device 10 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation of the operation management device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the operation management device 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the details of the up / down stage processing according to the present embodiment.

[0042] (1) Operation of the operation management device 10 As shown in FIG. 3, first, the prediction unit 134 of the operation management device 10 predicts the required heat quantity (step S101). Next, the operation planning unit 135 of the operation management device 10 creates an operation plan in response to the prediction result by the prediction unit 134 (step S102). Next, the operation control unit 137 of the operation management device 10 controls the operation of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n according to the operation plan created by the operation planning unit 135 (step S103).

[0043] While the operation of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n is being controlled by the operation control unit 137, the heat quantity information acquisition unit 131 of the operation management device 10 acquires heat quantity information from the heat quantity sensor 20 (step S104). The load factor adjustment unit 136 of the operation management device 10 determines whether there is an error between the predicted value of the required heat quantity and the measured value of the generated heat quantity (step S105). If there is an error (step S105 / YES), the load factor adjustment unit 136 proceeds with the process to step S106. On the other hand, if there is no error (step S105 / NO), the load factor adjustment unit 136 returns the process to step S103 and continues to cause the operation control unit 137 to perform control according to the operation plan.

[0044] When the process proceeds to step S106, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines whether it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n (step S106). If it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages (step S106 / YES), the load factor adjustment unit 136 proceeds with the process to step S107. On the other hand, if it is not necessary to increase or decrease the stages (step S106 / NO), the load factor adjustment unit 136 returns the process to step S103 and continues to cause the operation control unit 137 to perform control according to the operation plan.

[0045] When the process proceeds to step S107, the load factor adjustment unit 136 executes the stage increase / decrease process (step S107). Details of the stage increase / decrease process will be described later. After the completion of step S107, the load factor adjustment unit 136 returns the process to step S103 and continues to cause the operation control unit 137 to perform control according to the operation plan.

[0046] (2) Details of the stage increase / decrease process As shown in FIG. 4, first, the weather information acquisition unit 132 of the operation management device 10 acquires weather information from the weather sensor 30 (step S201). Next, the heat source machine characteristic information acquisition unit 133 of the operation management device 10 acquires the heat source machine characteristic information of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n from the heat source machine characteristic information storage unit 121 (step S202).

[0047] The load factor adjustment unit 136 acquires the rated heat output and partial load factor of each heat source machine when the performance coefficient is maximized at the outside air temperature indicated by the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 132 (step S203). Specifically, the load factor adjustment unit 136 acquires the rated heat output indicated by the capacity of each heat source machine from the heat source machine characteristic information acquired by the heat source machine characteristic information acquisition unit 133, and calculates the partial load factor of each heat source machine when producing the rated heat output.

[0048] Next, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines whether an increase or decrease in the stages of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n is necessary (step S204). If an increase in stages is necessary, the load factor adjustment unit 136 proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if a decrease in stages is necessary, the load factor adjustment unit 136 proceeds to step S208.

[0049] When the process proceeds to step S205, the load factor adjustment unit 136 calculates the partial load factor and energy consumption of each heat source machine when the total rated heat output of each heat source machine becomes the required heat output in each combination of the operating heat source machine and the heat source machine with an increase in stages candidate (step S205). Next, the load factor adjustment unit 136 acquires the partial load factor of each heat source machine in the combination with the minimum energy consumption (step S206). That is, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines the heat source machine with an increase in stages candidate included in the combination with the minimum energy consumption as the heat source machine to be increased in stages. Next, the operation control unit 137 controls the operation of the operating heat source machine and the operation of the heat source machine to be increased in stages so as to achieve the partial load factor acquired by the load factor adjustment unit 136 (step S207). After the control, the increase / decrease in stages process ends.

[0050] When the process proceeds to step S208, the load factor adjustment unit 136 calculates the partial load factor and energy consumption of each heat source machine when the total rated heat output of each heat source machine becomes the required heat output in each combination obtained by excluding the heat source machine with a decrease in stages candidate (for example, one unit) from the operating heat source machines (step S208). Next, the load factor adjustment unit 136 obtains the partial load factors of the respective heat source machines in the combination that minimizes the energy consumption (step S209). That is, the load factor adjustment unit 136 determines, as the heat source machine to be downshifted, the heat source machine of the downshift candidate excluded in the combination that minimizes the energy consumption. Next, the operation control unit 137 controls the operation of the heat source machines in operation so as to achieve the partial load factors obtained by the load factor adjustment unit 136, and stops the operation of the heat source machine to be downshifted (step S210). After the control, the upshift / downshift process ends.

[0051] As described above, the operation management device 10 according to the present embodiment is a device that adjusts the temperature of a space to be air-conditioned to a preset temperature in an air-conditioning facility including a plurality of heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n. The operation management device 10 includes a weather information acquisition unit 132, a heat source machine characteristic information acquisition unit 133, a load factor adjustment unit 136, and an operation control unit 137. The weather information acquisition unit 132 acquires weather information indicating a predetermined event related to the weather outside. The heat source machine characteristic information acquisition unit 133 acquires heat source machine characteristic information indicating the relationship between the weather information, the capacities of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n, and the performance coefficients of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n. The load factor adjustment unit 136 determines the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n to be upshifted or downshifted and the partial load factors of the respective heat source machines based on the acquired weather information and heat source machine characteristic information. The operation control unit 137 controls the operation of each heat source machine so as to achieve the determined partial load factors.

[0052] With such a configuration, when it is necessary to upshift or downshift the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n, the operation management device 10 according to the present embodiment can determine a more efficient combination of the heat source machines 40-1 to 40-n in consideration of the weather information. Further, the operation management device 10 can calculate the partial load factor by simple arithmetic operations that do not require complex and time-consuming calculation methods such as optimization calculations.

[0053] Therefore, the operation management device 10 according to the present embodiment can control the step-up or step-down of the heat source machine in real time for more efficient operation.

[0054] The modification examples of the embodiment of the present invention have been described above. Note that part or all of the operation management device 10 in the above-described embodiment may be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed. Here, the "computer system" is assumed to include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a medium that dynamically holds a program for a short time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and a volatile memory inside a computer system serving as a server or a client in that case, which holds a program for a certain period of time. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-described functions, and may further be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system for realizing the above-described functions, or may be realized using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0055] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes and the like can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0056] 1... Operation management system, 10... Operation management device, 20... Heat quantity sensor, 30... Weather sensor, 40 (40-1 to 40-n)... Heat source machine, 110... Communication unit, 120... Memory unit, 121... Heat source machine characteristic information memory unit, 130... Control unit, 131... Heat quantity information acquisition unit, 132... Weather information acquisition unit, 133... Heat source machine characteristic information acquisition unit, 134... Prediction unit, 135... Operation plan unit, 136... Load factor adjustment unit, 137... Operation control unit

Claims

1. An operation management device that adjusts the temperature of a space to be air-conditioned to a preset temperature in air-conditioning equipment equipped with a plurality of heat source machines, comprising: a weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information indicating a predetermined event related to the weather outside; a heat source machine characteristic information acquisition unit that acquires heat source machine characteristic information indicating the relationship between the weather information, the capacity of the heat source machine, and the coefficient of performance of the heat source machine; a prediction unit that predicts the required heat quantity, which is the heat quantity required to adjust the temperature of the space to be air-conditioned to a preset temperature; a load factor adjustment unit that determines whether it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the plurality of heat source machines based on the error between the predicted value of the required heat quantity and the measured value of the heat quantity produced by each of the plurality of heat source machines, and when it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the plurality of heat source machines, determines the heat source machines to be increased or decreased and the partial load factor of each heat source machine based on the acquired weather information and heat source machine characteristic information; an operation control unit that controls the operation of each heat source machine so as to achieve the determined partial load factor; An operation management device comprising the above.

2. The load factor adjustment unit determines the heat source machines to be increased or decreased and the partial load factor of each heat source machine such that the total energy consumption of each heat source machine after the increase or decrease is minimized. The operation management device according to Claim 1.

3. The load factor adjustment unit acquires the heat production quantity indicated by the capacity of each heat source machine when the coefficient of performance is maximized at the outside air temperature indicated by the acquired weather information from the acquired heat source machine characteristic information, and calculates the partial load factor of each heat source machine when producing the acquired heat production quantity. The operation management device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. When it is necessary to increase the stages of the heat source machine, the load factor adjustment unit calculates the partial load factor and energy consumption of each heat source machine when the total heat production quantity of each heat source machine in each combination of the heat source machines in operation and the heat source machines as candidates for stage increase becomes the heat quantity required to adjust the temperature of the space to the set temperature. The operation management device according to Claim 3.

5. When it is necessary to decrease the stages of the heat source machine, the load factor adjustment unit calculates the partial load factor and energy consumption of each heat source machine when the total heat production quantity of each heat source machine in each combination excluding the heat source machines as candidates for stage decrease from the heat source machines in operation becomes the heat quantity required to adjust the temperature of the space to the set temperature. The operation management device according to Claim 3 or Claim 4.

6. An operation management method for adjusting the temperature of a space to be air-conditioned by an air-conditioning facility equipped with a plurality of heat source machines to a preset temperature, comprising: a weather information acquisition process for acquiring weather information indicating a predetermined event related to the weather outside; a heat source machine characteristic information acquisition process for acquiring heat source machine characteristic information indicating the relationship between the weather information, the capacity of the heat source machine, and the coefficient of performance of the heat source machine; a prediction process for predicting the required heat quantity, which is the heat quantity required to adjust the temperature of the space to be air-conditioned to the preset temperature; a load factor adjustment process for determining whether it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the plurality of heat source machines based on the error between the predicted value of the required heat quantity and the measured value of the heat quantity produced by each of the plurality of heat source machines, and when it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the plurality of heat source machines, determining the heat source machines to be increased or decreased and the partial load factor of each heat source machine based on the acquired weather information and heat source machine characteristic information; an operation control process for controlling the operation of each heat source machine so as to achieve the determined partial load factor; An operation management method including the above.

7. A program for adjusting the temperature of a space to be air-conditioned by an air-conditioning facility equipped with a plurality of heat source machines to a preset temperature, which causes a computer to use weather information indicating a predetermined event related to the weather outside, and perform the following functions: a heat source machine characteristic information acquisition means for acquiring heat source machine characteristic information indicating the relationship between the weather information, the capacity of the heat source machine, and the coefficient of performance of the heat source machine; a prediction means for predicting the required heat quantity, which is the heat quantity required to adjust the temperature of the space to be air-conditioned to the preset temperature; a load factor adjustment means for determining whether it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the plurality of heat source machines based on the error between the predicted value of the required heat quantity and the measured value of the heat quantity produced by each of the plurality of heat source machines, and when it is necessary to increase or decrease the stages of the plurality of heat source machines, determining the heat source machines to be increased or decreased and the partial load factor of each heat source machine based on the acquired weather information and heat source machine characteristic information; an operation control means for controlling the operation of each heat source machine so as to achieve the determined partial load factor; A program for causing the computer to function as described above.

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