Energy management system

Abstract

To provide an energy management system for easily performing introduction and operation.SOLUTION: An energy management system 100 includes: a detection slave unit 2 provided relative to a detection unit 1; a control slave unit 4 provided relative to control target facilities 3; a master unit 6 for receiving detection information from the detection slave unit to transmit control information to the control slave unit based on the detection information; a manager management unit 7 for performing various settings and monitoring by a manager relative to a facilities system 101 including the detection slave unit, the control slave unit, and the master unit; and a user interface unit 8 for a user who operates and monitors the facilities system. Power line communication is performed between the detection slave unit and the control slave unit, and the master unit, and remote communication is performed between the management unit and the user interface unit, and the master unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy management system.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an energy management system for managing the energy of an area provided with predetermined controlled equipment. This energy management system includes a control device capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving control signals to and from controlled equipment such as lighting and electrical equipment provided in a building (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, when introducing an energy management system for a target area, it is required to be easily introduced from the viewpoints of cost reduction and construction period shortening. Further, when the work of setting up the energy management system is performed only at the site, there is a problem that it is time-consuming. From the above, there has been a demand for an energy management system that is easy to introduce and operate.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an energy management system that can be easily introduced and operated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The energy management system according to the present invention comprises a detection slave unit provided on a detector, a control slave unit provided on a controlled equipment, a master unit that receives detection information from the detection slave unit and transmits control information to the control slave unit based on the detection information, a management unit for administrators that allows administrators to perform various settings and monitoring on the equipment system including the detection slave unit, the control slave unit, and the master unit, and a user interface unit for users that allows users to operate and monitor the equipment system. Power line communication is performed between the detection slave unit and the control slave unit and the master unit, and remote communication is performed between the management unit and the user interface unit and the master unit.

[0007] In the energy management system according to the present invention, a detection slave unit is provided on the detector, and a control slave unit is provided on the controlled equipment. Power line communication is performed between the detection slave unit and the control slave unit and the master unit. With this configuration, the energy management system can be easily introduced to the existing power line system in the managed area simply by installing the master unit and slave units (or controlled equipment with slave units, detectors). Remote communication is also performed between the management unit and the user interface unit and the master unit. Therefore, administrators can perform various settings and monitoring of the equipment system from a remote location. Users can also operate and monitor from a remote location. In this way, administrators and users can easily operate the system from a remote location without having to go to the site. As a result, the introduction and operation of the energy management system can be easily performed.

[0008] The control slave unit may adjust the strength of the output of the controlled equipment based on the control information from the master unit. In this case, the control slave unit can not only control the ON / OFF switching of the controlled equipment, but also, for example, adjust the brightness of lighting, adjust the intensity of air conditioning, or adjust the discharge and charging of a storage battery.

[0009] The management unit may associate and recognize the addresses of the detection slave unit, control slave unit, and master unit. In this case, the administrator can remotely monitor the master unit and slave units being managed together.

[0010] The control unit may set up groupings based on the control-related unity of multiple controlled equipment. In this case, the control unit can freely set the groupings and control multiple controlled equipment together according to the conditions of the managed area.

[0011] The management unit may set up a signal hopping path between at least one of the multiple detection and control units. Here, hopping is a function in which, when the strength of the power line communication signal is insufficient, the control unit or detection unit that receives the signal repeats the communication with sufficient strength. Therefore, by setting up a hopping path, the management unit can suppress signal interference and attenuation on the power line.

[0012] The master unit is equipped with an external information receiving unit and may control the controlled equipment based on the received external information. In this case, the master unit can appropriately control the controlled equipment according to the external conditions. The master unit can also configure the hopping control slave and detection slave using power line communication. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an energy management system that can be easily introduced and operated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an energy management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an equipment system. [Figure 3]Figure 3(a) is a block diagram of the detection slave unit, Figure 3(b) is a block diagram of the control slave unit, and Figure 3(c) is a block diagram of the master unit. [Figure 4] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are conceptual diagrams illustrating the grouping of lighting. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the hopping path. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an energy management system according to a modified example. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an energy management system according to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0016] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an energy management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the energy management system 100 is a system for managing energy within a managed area that includes predetermined controlled equipment 3. The energy management system 100 comprises a detector 1, a detection slave unit 2, controlled equipment 3, a control slave unit 4, a master unit 6, a management unit 7, and a user interface unit 8. The energy management system 100 is also composed of an equipment system 101 and a network system 102.

[0017] Equipment system 101 is a system that constitutes the managed area of ​​energy management system 100. Equipment system 101 is a system that includes a detector 1, a detection slave 2, a controlled equipment 3, a control slave 4, and a master unit 6. In equipment system 101, detector 1 and detection slave 2 are connected by wiring W1. Detection slave 2 and master unit 6 are connected by power line W2. A controlled equipment 3 and control slave 4 are connected by wiring W3. Control slave 4 and master unit 6 are connected by power line W4. Within equipment system 101, information is transmitted between devices by power line communication (PLC communication). Power line communication is a communication method that transmits and receives communication signals using power lines by, for example, superimposing a communication signal of a different frequency from the commercial frequency onto a power waveform of the commercial frequency and transmitting it, and then separating and receiving the communication signal of a different frequency from this power waveform. Note that power line communication may be subject to the Radio Law depending on its frequency band. However, in the energy management system 100 according to this embodiment, power line communication in a frequency band of, for example, 100 kHz to 450 kHz may be used in order to enable use both indoors and outdoors and to achieve a certain amount of data transfer. However, power line communication in higher or lower frequency bands may also be used. For example, the frequency band may be 10 kHz or less, or 2 MHz or more. Furthermore, when using power line communication in a frequency band of 100 kHz to 450 kHz, the modulation method is not particularly limited, and either the OFDM method or the DCSK method may be adopted. Power lines are primarily wiring for supplying AC power at commercial frequencies, and they serve as the transmission path when performing power line communication. Specifically, power line communication is performed between the detection slave unit 2 and the control slave unit 4 and the master unit 6. In power line communication, communication signals can be superimposed not only on AC power distribution such as AC100V and AC200V, but also on DC power distribution in the same way as AC. When detector 1 is, for example, a motion sensor or an illuminometer, the signal from these detectors 1 may first pass through the master unit 6, and then, depending on the master unit 6's judgment, power line communication may be performed to the control slave unit 4.However, depending on the program of the master unit 6, it is also possible for the detector unit 2 to communicate commands with the control unit 4 using power line communication without going through the master unit 6.

[0018] Fig. 2 shows an example of the facility system 101. Fig. 2 shows an example of the case where the energy management system 100 is adopted for a building BD having a plurality of floors F1 to FN. Although only the state where each device is provided only on the floor FN is shown, the devices are similarly provided on other floors. In the facility system 101 shown in Fig. 2, the master unit 6 is connected to the distribution board 10 for the entire building BD via the power line W5A. Further, the distribution board 10 is connected to the power line W5B that supplies power to each of the floors F1 to FN. From the power line W5B, the power line W2 for each detector unit 2 provided on each of the floors F1 to FN and the power line W4 for each control unit 4 branch off. Note that since the power lines W5A and W5B are power lines that connect the master unit 6, the detector unit 2, and the control unit 4, they function as part of the "power line W2" and "power line W4" shown in Fig. 1. Although distribution boards for distributing power within each floor are provided on each of the floors F1 to FN, they are omitted here.

[0019] Returning to Fig. 1, the network system 102 is a system for remotely managing, monitoring, and operating the facility system 101. The network system 102 is a system including the master unit 6, the management unit 7, and the user interface unit 8. In the network system 102, each device communicates via a network such as the Internet. For example, the network system 102 may be constructed using cloud computing. Thereby, remote communication is performed between the management unit 7 and the user interface unit 8 and the master unit 6.

[0020] Detector 1 is a device that detects various types of information and is composed of measuring instruments, sensors, etc. As the detector 1, for example, a human presence sensor that detects the presence of a person, an illuminance meter that detects the indoor brightness, and an ammeter that detects the current value are adopted (see Fig. 2). Detector 1 outputs the detection information to the detection sub-device 2 via the wiring W1. Note that the detector 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned devices, and other measuring instruments and sensors may be adopted. For example, a measuring instrument that monitors the power generation amount related to renewable energy such as a solar cell may be adopted as the detector 1. Also, a battery remaining amount data output unit installed in a power controller such as a fixed battery or a vehicle-mounted battery may be used as the detector 1. Further, a carbon dioxide detector, a carbon monoxide detector, a dust detector, etc. may be used as the detector 1.

[0021] The detection sub-device 2 is a sub-device provided for the detector 1. The detection sub-device 2 converts the detection information received from the detector 1 into a signal of power line communication and outputs it to the master device 6 via the power line W2. The detection sub-device 2 is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with one detector 1. For example, when there are a plurality of detectors 1 in the floor FN, one detection sub-device 2 is provided for each detector 1. In the example shown in Fig. 2, a dedicated detection sub-device 2 is provided for the ammeter, a dedicated detection sub-device 2 is provided for the human presence sensor, and a dedicated detection sub-device 2 is provided for the illuminance meter. When there are a plurality of human presence sensors, one dedicated detection sub-device 2 is provided for each human presence sensor. The detection sub-device 2 is provided at a position close to the target detector 1. The detection sub-device 2 is provided on the power line connected to the target detector 1, so that a physically one-to-one relationship is established with the target detector 1. Note that the detection sub-device 2 and the detector 1 may be constructed as one device. In this case, a unit that functions as the detection sub-device 2 and a unit that functions as the detector 1 are provided in one device. Also, both are connected by the wiring W1 within one device. The wiring W1 connecting the detector 1 and the detection sub-device 2 is composed of a signal line. Note that the detection sub-device 2 and the detector 1 do not necessarily have a one-to-one relationship, and for example, a configuration in which information is transmitted from a plurality of detectors 1 to one detection sub-device 2 may be adopted.

[0022] Referring to Figure 3(a), the detailed block configuration of the detection slave unit 2 will be described. The detection slave unit 2 comprises a communication unit 11, a processing unit 12, and a storage unit 13. The communication unit 11 is a unit that communicates with the master unit 6 and the detector 1. The communication unit 11 has a circuit for receiving detection information from the detector 1. The communication unit 11 also has a circuit for converting the detection information from the detector 1 into a signal for power line communication to the master unit 6. The processing unit 12 is a unit that controls the operation of the entire detection slave unit 2. The processing unit 12 is composed of a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits, etc.

[0023] The memory unit 13 is a unit that stores the program and information necessary for the operation of the detection slave unit 2. The memory unit 13 is composed of non-volatile memory elements such as ROM (Read Only Memory), rewritable non-volatile memory elements such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and volatile memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) that serve as working memory. For example, the memory unit 13 stores an address indicating the location of the detection slave unit 2 within the building BD.

[0024] The controlled equipment 3 is equipment that is controlled by the energy management system 100. Examples of controlled equipment 3 include lighting with adjustable illumination (such as LED lighting) and air conditioning that adjusts the indoor temperature (see Figure 2). The controlled equipment 3 receives control information from the control slave unit 4 via wiring W3. Note that the controlled equipment 3 is not limited to the equipment described above, and other equipment may be used.

[0025] The control slave unit 4 is a slave unit installed for the controlled equipment 3. The control slave unit 4 converts the control information received from the master unit 6 via power line communication signals into signals that can be processed by the controlled equipment 3, and outputs them to the controlled equipment 3 via wiring W3. The control slave unit 4 is installed in a one-to-one correspondence relationship with each controlled equipment 3. For example, if there are multiple controlled equipment 3 within hierarchical FN, one control slave unit 4 is installed for each controlled equipment 3. In the example shown in Figure 2, one dedicated control slave unit 4 is installed for each of the multiple lighting fixtures, and one dedicated control slave unit 4 is installed for each of the multiple air conditioners. The control slave unit 4 is installed in a location close to the controlled equipment 3. By installing the control slave unit 4 on the power line connected to the controlled equipment 3, a one-to-one physical relationship is established between the control slave unit 4 and the controlled equipment 3. Note that the control slave unit 4 and the controlled equipment 3 may be constructed as a single device. For example, LED lighting with a slave unit may be used. In this case, a single device contains a unit that functions as a control slave 4 and a unit that functions as a controlled equipment 3. Furthermore, the two are connected within the same device by wiring W3. The control slave 4 may be located on the same power line to which the controlled equipment is connected; in this case, wiring W3 consists of power lines. Alternatively, the control slave 4 may be connected to a different power line than the controlled equipment; in this case, wiring W3 consists of signal lines. Note that the relationship between the control slave 4 and the controlled equipment 3 is not necessarily one-to-one; for example, a configuration in which multiple controlled equipment 3 receive control information from a single control slave 4 may be adopted.

[0026] The control slave unit 4 adjusts the output strength of the controlled equipment 3 based on control information from the master unit 6. For example, the control slave unit 4 can generate a command signal for lighting to adjust the intensity of the illumination. The control slave unit 4 can also generate a command signal for air conditioning to adjust the output strength of the air conditioning.

[0027] Referring to Figure 3(b), the detailed block configuration of the control slave unit 4 will be described. The control slave unit 4 comprises a communication unit 14, a processing unit 16, and a storage unit 17. The communication unit 14 is a unit that communicates with the master unit 6 and the controlled equipment 3. The communication unit 14 has a circuit to receive control information via power line communication signals from the master unit 6. The communication unit 14 also has a circuit to convert the power line communication signals from the master unit 6 into signals that can be processed by the controlled equipment 3. The processing unit 16 is a unit that controls the operation of the entire control slave unit 4. The processing unit 16 is composed of a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits, etc. The storage unit 17 is a unit that stores the program necessary for the operation of the control slave unit 4, information necessary for its operation, etc. The storage unit 17 may be equipped with storage elements similar to those exemplified in the storage unit 13. For example, the storage unit 17 stores an address indicating the location of the control slave unit 4 within the building BD.

[0028] The master unit 6 is a device that receives detection information from the detection slave unit 2 and transmits control information to the control slave unit 4 based on that detection information. The master unit 6 receives detection information via power line communication signals from the detection slave unit 2 via power line W2. The master unit 6 outputs control information via power line communication signals to the control slave unit 4 via power line W4. The master unit 6 calculates control information for each controlled equipment 3 based on at least one of the settings set by the management unit 7, the user operation received from the user interface unit 8, and the detection information detected by the detector 1.

[0029] Referring to Figure 3(c), the detailed block configuration of the master unit 6 will be described. The master unit 6 comprises a communication unit 21, a processing unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The communication unit 21 is a unit that communicates with the detection slave unit 2, the control slave unit 4, the management unit 7, and the user interface unit 8. The communication unit 21 has a circuit that performs power line communication with the detection slave unit 2 and the control slave unit 4. The communication unit 21 also has a circuit that performs remote communication using the cloud with the management unit 7 and the user interface unit 8. In other words, the communication unit 21 of the master unit 6 includes a PLC communication unit that is in charge of power line communication between the detection slave unit 2 and the control slave unit 4, and a wireless communication unit such as LTE that is in charge of network communication with the cloud side. The processing unit 22 is a unit that controls the operation of the entire master unit 6. The processing unit 22 is composed of a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits. The processing unit 22 calculates control information for controlling the ON / OFF switching of each light and air conditioner, and the adjustment of the output strength. Furthermore, the processing unit 22 calculates the information to be output to the management unit 7 and the user interface unit 8.

[0030] The memory unit 23 is a unit that stores the program and other information necessary for the operation of the master unit 6. The memory unit 23 may be equipped with memory elements similar to those exemplified in the memory unit 13. For example, the memory unit 23 stores the addresses indicating the locations of the master unit 6, each detection slave unit 2, and each control slave unit 4 within the building BD, linked together. The memory unit 23 also stores setting information for grouping the controlled equipment 3, which will be described later, and setting information for hopping routes.

[0031] The management unit 7 and the user interface unit 8 are composed of communication terminals such as PCs, smartphones, and tablet devices. The management unit 7 and the user interface unit 8 consist of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory elements similar in purpose to the memory unit 13, a communication interface, and an input / output interface. Various programs or data are stored in the memory elements. The management unit 7 can perform its functions as a management unit 7 by installing administrator software on the aforementioned communication terminal. The user interface unit 8 can perform its functions as a user interface unit 8 by installing user software on the aforementioned communication terminal. The user interface unit 8 can be used as a tool for customers to view. On the other hand, the management unit 7 can be used as a tool for contractors, installers, and sellers to view, and is a tool that enables detailed setting changes for all control slaves 4, detection slaves 2, and master units 6.

[0032] The management unit 7 is an administrator unit that allows the administrator to perform various settings and monitoring on the equipment system 101, which includes the detection slave units 2, the control slave units 4, and the master unit 6. The management unit 7 is a unit that allows the administrator to monitor the energy management system 100 and perform various settings and changes. The management unit 7 receives detection information from each detector 1 within the equipment system 101 and control information performed on each controlled equipment 3 from the master unit 6 via the network using wireless technology such as LTE. The management unit 7 can set and change the control content for each controlled equipment 3 within the equipment system 101. Based on the administrator's input, the management unit 7 outputs information on the control content to be set or changed to the master unit 6 via the network.

[0033] The management unit 7 can associate and recognize the addresses of the detection slave unit 2, the control slave unit 4, and the master unit 6. The management unit 7 can display to the administrator how many of each type of detector 1 and controlled equipment 3 exist within the building BD. The management unit 7 can also display to the administrator how many of each type of detector 1 and controlled equipment 3 exist on each floor. Furthermore, the management unit 7 can display information to confirm whether the slave units 2 and 4, to which addresses have been assigned, are operating and communicating normally.

[0034] For example, the management unit 7 can display an administrator settings screen on its display. The management unit 7 displays a screen for initial setup, which allows for individual input of ON / OFF conditions and output strength adjustment conditions for each controlled piece of equipment. The management unit 7 also displays a screen where the control content and the status of each slave unit 2,4 can be checked, and changes to the control content can be input. For example, the administrator may change the control content of each controlled piece of equipment to understand the power usage and to save energy.

[0035] The control unit 7 can set up groupings based on control-related units of multiple controlled equipment 3. A control-related unit refers to controlling, for example, switching ON / OFF and adjusting the strength of the output together as a single unit. The control unit 7 can form groups of controlled equipment 3 that are subject to such collective control. Furthermore, the control unit 7 can easily change these groupings. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the control unit 7 can freely group the lighting 3A to 3H of multiple controlled equipment 3 according to the layout of the desk cluster in hierarchical FN.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4(a), desk group A is positioned to correspond to lights 3A and 3E, and desk group B is positioned opposite desk group A to correspond to lights 3B and 3F. Desk group C is positioned to correspond to lights 3C and 3G, and desk group D is positioned opposite desk group C to correspond to lights 3D and 3H. In this case, the control unit 7 sets lights 3A, 3B, 3E, and 3F as a controlled group G1. The control unit 7 sets lights 3C, 3D, 3G, and 3H as a controlled group G2. In this case, the control unit 7 can configure multiple lights 3A, 3B, 3E, and 3F within group G1 to be controlled collectively with the same control settings. Furthermore, the control unit 7 can configure multiple lights 3C, 3D, 3G, and 3H within group G2 to be controlled collectively with the same control settings, independently of group G1.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4(b), desk group A is positioned to correspond to lights 3A and 3B, desk group B is positioned to correspond to lights 3C and 3D, adjacent to desk group A in the longitudinal direction. Desk group C is positioned to correspond to lights 3E and 3F, and desk group D is positioned to correspond to lights 3G and 3H, adjacent to desk group C in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the control unit 7 sets lights 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D as a controlled group G1. The control unit 7 sets lights 3E and 3F as a controlled group G2. The control unit 7 also sets lights 3G and 3H, corresponding to desk group D, as controlled independent lights. In this case, the control unit 7 can set multiple lights 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D within group G1 to be controlled collectively with the same control settings. Furthermore, the control unit 7 can be configured to control multiple lights 3E and 3F within group G2 using the same control settings, and to control them collectively, independently of group G1. The control unit 7 can also be configured to control lights 3G and 3H using control settings independent of other lights.

[0038] The management unit 7 sets up signal hopping paths between at least one of the multiple detection slave units 2 and control slave units 4. A hopping path is a path formed when other slave units 2 and 4 transmit signals to a specific slave unit 2 or 4 as a relay point. Hopping is a function provided in the slave units 2 and 4 and the master unit 6 that is used when data cannot reach the slave units 2 and 4 from the master unit 6, or when data cannot reach the master unit 6 from the slave units 2 and 4. When hopping is necessary, the administrator sets up hopping by remotely changing parameters in the master unit 6 or by setting a flag to enable data hopping within the range where data can be further reached from the master unit 6 via power line communication. For example, in the example shown in Figure 5, hopping path HP1 is formed between control slave units 4A and 4B, hopping path HP2 is formed between control slave units 4B and 4C, and hopping path HP3 is formed between control slave units 4C and 4D. Note that in Figure 5, for ease of understanding, the hopping paths HP1 to HP3 are shown with virtual arrows, but the signals flowing through the hopping paths HP1 to HP3 actually flow through the power line W4 between the control slave units 4.

[0039] For example, when the master unit 6 transmits a control information signal to the slave unit 4D, instead of directly transmitting the signal to the slave unit 4D via the power line W4, the master unit 6 transmits the control information signal for slave unit 4D to slave unit 4A. Then, slave unit 4A transmits the signal to slave unit 4B (hopping path HP1). Next, slave unit 4B transmits the signal to slave unit 4C (hopping path HP2). Next, slave unit 4C transmits the signal to slave unit 4D (hopping path HP3). In this way, slave unit 4D can receive the control information signal from the master unit 6 using the other slave units 4A, 4B, and 4C as relay points. The master unit 6 can also transmit control information signals to the other slave units 4B and 4C in the same manner.

[0040] A similar hopping path is also set up for the detection slave unit 2. In this case, when a specific detection slave unit 2 outputs a detection information signal, it is transmitted to the master unit 6 via the hopping path, with other detection slave units 2 acting as relay points. The management unit 7 may set up a hopping path between control slave units 4 and a hopping path between detection slave units 2, or it may omit one of the hopping paths. The management unit 7 may also set up a hopping path between any of the control slave units 4 and any of the detection slave units 2.

[0041] The user interface unit 8 is a unit that enables the user to operate and monitor the equipment system 101. The user interface unit 8 is a unit that allows the user to monitor and perform various operations on the energy management system 100. The user interface unit 8 receives user information regarding the equipment system 101 from the master unit 6 via the network. The user interface unit 8 outputs information about the operation content of the equipment system 101 to the master unit 6 via the network. The user interface unit 8 customizes the information regarding the equipment system 101 for the user and displays it on the display.

[0042] For example, the user interface unit 8 may display the trend of power consumption in the building's basement level (BD) (or each floor). In this case, the user interface unit 8 may display power consumption on a daily, monthly, or yearly basis. The user interface unit 8 may also display the start and end timings of control for a specific controlled equipment 3. The user interface unit 8 may also display the amount of power generated by the solar panels, the amount of power used in the building's basement level, the amount of charge, etc. If the user performs an operation to change a part of the control content that is permitted to be changed by the user, the user interface unit 8 transmits the changes to the master unit 6.

[0043] Next, the operation and effects of the energy management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0044] In the energy management system 100 according to this embodiment, a detection slave unit 2 is provided for the detector 1, and a control slave unit 4 is provided for the controlled equipment 3. Power line communication is also performed between the detection slave unit 2 and the control slave unit 4 and the master unit 6. With this configuration, the energy management system 100 can be easily introduced to the existing power line system in the managed area (building BD) simply by installing the master unit 6 and slave units 2 and 4 (or controlled equipment with slave units).

[0045] For example, consider an energy management system in which all lighting in the building's basement level (BD) is replaced with dedicated dimmable lighting, and a separate communication line is laid from the existing power lines to connect the lighting to the master unit. Such an energy management system would increase construction costs and prolong the construction period because it requires replacing all the lighting and laying communication lines for all of them. Another example is an energy management system in which all lighting in the building's BD is replaced with dedicated wireless lighting, and wireless transmitters are installed on each floor, and a separate communication line is laid from the existing power lines to connect the transmitters on each floor to the master unit. Such an energy management system would increase construction costs and prolong the construction period because it requires replacing all the lighting with expensive wireless lighting, installing transmitters on each floor, and laying communication lines. In contrast, the energy management system according to this embodiment can be introduced simply by installing the master unit 6 and slave units 2 and 4 on the existing power lines connecting the distribution board 10, the detector 1, and the controlled equipment 3. Therefore, construction costs and construction time can be reduced. This work is a simple task that can be completed by installing a sub-unit along with replacing the lighting.

[0046] Furthermore, remote communication is established between the management unit 7 and the user interface unit 8 and the master unit 6. Therefore, administrators can perform various settings and monitoring of the equipment system 101 from a remote location. Users can also operate and monitor the system remotely. In this way, administrators and users can easily operate the system remotely without having to travel to the site. As a result, the introduction and operation of the energy management system 100 can be easily facilitated.

[0047] The control slave unit 4 may adjust the strength of the output of the controlled equipment 3 based on the control information from the master unit 6. In this case, the control slave unit 4 can not only control the ON / OFF switching of the controlled equipment 3, but also, for example, adjust the brightness of the lighting, adjust the intensity of the air conditioning, or adjust the discharge and charging of the storage battery.

[0048] The management unit 7 may associate and recognize the addresses of the detection slave unit 2, the control slave unit 4, and the master unit 6. In this case, the administrator can remotely monitor the master unit 6 and the slave units 2 and 4 together.

[0049] The control unit 7 may set up groupings based on the control-related unity of multiple controlled equipment 3. In this case, the control unit 7 can freely set the groupings and control multiple controlled equipment 3 together according to the conditions of the managed area (building BD).

[0050] The management unit 7 may set a signal hopping path between at least one of the multiple detection slave units 2 and control slave units 4. Here, hopping is a function in which, when the strength of the power line communication signal is insufficient, the control slave unit 4 or detection slave unit 2 that receives the signal will repeat the communication with sufficient strength. Therefore, by setting a hopping path, the management unit 7 can suppress signal interference and attenuation on the power line.

[0051] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0052] For example, the configuration of the energy management system 100 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 1. For instance, in Figure 1, the user interface unit 8 directly exchanges information with the master unit 6, but instead, it may exchange information with the master unit 6 via the management unit 7.

[0053] The master unit 6 is equipped with an external information receiving unit and may control the controlled equipment 3 based on the received external information. The external information receiving unit may be configured by the communication unit 21 shown in Figure 3(c). In this case, the master unit 6 can appropriately control the controlled equipment 3 according to the external conditions. The master unit 6 can also configure the hopping control slave unit 4 and detection slave unit 2 using power line communication.

[0054] For example, the energy management system 100 shown in Figure 6 may be adopted. In this energy management system 100, the power company 200 (or new power company) predicts the amount of electricity used and generated for the day and sends requests to each household to conserve electricity or store electricity. In each household, the master unit 6 controls the controlled equipment in response to the request from the power company.

[0055] Alternatively, the energy management system 100 shown in Figure 7 may be adopted. In this energy management system 100, multiple grids cooperate via a single cloud to share information on electricity usage and generation. The master unit 6 of grid GR1 controls the controlled equipment 3 according to the situation in the other grids GR2, GR3, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1...Detector, 2...Detection slave unit, 3...Controlled equipment, 4...Control slave unit, 6...Master unit, 7...Management unit, 8...User interface unit, 100...Energy management system, 101...Equipment system.

Claims

1. A detector sub-unit is provided for the detector, A control slave unit installed on an existing controlled equipment, A master unit that receives detection information from the aforementioned detection slave unit and transmits control information to the aforementioned control slave unit based on the said detection information, A management unit for administrators is provided for an equipment system including the detection slave unit, the control slave unit, and the master unit, which allows the administrator to set and monitor control content for controlled equipment within the equipment system, including at least one of the ON / OFF conditions for the controlled equipment, the conditions for adjusting the strength of the output, and the grouping of multiple controlled equipment into groups subject to collective control. The aforementioned equipment system includes a user interface unit for the user to operate and monitor, Power line communication is performed between the detection slave unit and the control slave unit and the master unit. An energy management system in which remote communication is performed between the management unit and the user interface unit and the master unit.

2. The energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the control slave unit adjusts the strength of the output of the controlled equipment based on control information from the master unit.

3. The energy management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the management unit associates and recognizes the addresses of the detection slave unit, the control slave unit, and the master unit.

4. The energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the management unit sets up groupings based on control units of a plurality of controlled equipment.

5. The energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the management unit sets a signal hopping path between at least one of the plurality of detection slaves and control slaves.

6. The energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the master unit includes an external information receiving unit and controls the controlled equipment based on the received external information.

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