Notification system, notification method, and program

Abstract

To provide an energy-saving control system capable of efficiently achieving energy conservation in a facility.SOLUTION: The energy-saving control system includes: a first acquisition unit 32a that acquires the electricity usage amount in each of multiple areas 2 in a facility 1; a second acquisition unit 32b that acquires the number of users in each area 2; and a notification unit 32f that notifies notification information to the users in the facility 1 based on the power usage efficiency in each area 2, which is calculated based on the acquired electricity usage amount and the number of users for each area 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification system, a notification method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in response to the need for measures against global warming, energy conservation of facilities has been promoted. For example, in Patent Document 1, when it is predicted that the predicted demand value of the entire facility exceeds the target value, the priority of power cut is set higher for areas where the number of people present in the area where the power demand target equipment is arranged is small and the equipment is not operating.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, in order to make the demand actual value lower than the demand target value, it is necessary to cut off the power supply in a relatively large number of areas, so it is difficult to say that energy conservation of the facility can be efficiently achieved. <~

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a notification system, a notification method, and a program capable of performing notification regarding the energy efficiency of a facility.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A notification system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first acquisition unit that acquires the amount of electricity used in each of several areas within a facility; a second acquisition unit that acquires the number of users in each of the several areas; and a notification unit that notifies users of the facility of notification information based on the power usage efficiency calculated based on the amount of electricity used and the number of users acquired for each of the several areas.

[0007] A notification method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition step of acquiring the amount of electricity used in each of several areas within a facility; a second acquisition step of acquiring the number of users in each of the several areas; and a notification step of notifying the users of the facility of notification information based on the power usage efficiency calculated based on the amount of electricity used and the number of users acquired for each of the several areas.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute the notification method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] A notification system, notification method, and program according to one aspect of the present invention can provide notifications regarding the energy efficiency of a facility. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an energy-saving control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows multiple areas within a facility to which the energy-saving control system according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram of a first example of the operation of the energy-saving control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a more detailed flowchart of step S11 in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram of a second example of the operation of the energy-saving control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of how notification information is presented. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0012] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for substantially identical components in each figure, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) [composition] The energy-saving control system according to the embodiment will be described below. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the energy-saving control system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing multiple areas within a facility to which the energy-saving control system according to the embodiment is applied.

[0014] First, let's explain the energy-saving control system 10. If the energy-saving control system 10 determines that the energy-saving target value will be exceeded after a predetermined time (for example, one hour after the time the power consumption is acquired) based on the predicted total power consumption of facility 1, it selects an area 2a from among multiple areas 2 whose power consumption efficiency is below a standard value, and controls the power to turn off the equipment 3 in the selected area 2a. The power consumption efficiency of each of the multiple areas 2 is calculated based on the power consumption of each area 2 and the number of users in each area 2. For example, the power consumption efficiency of each area 2 is calculated by dividing the power consumption for the previous X minutes (for example, X=30) by the number of users in that area 2. In this way, the energy-saving control system 10 selects an area 2a from among the areas 2 whose power consumption efficiency is below a standard value, and by turning off the power to equipment 3 in fewer areas 2a, it can efficiently achieve energy savings in facility 1.

[0015] Facility 1 is, for example, an office, rental space, library, or cram school. Area 2 is, for example, a space partitioned off by a partition or wall within Facility 1. Equipment 3 is, for example, at least one of the following: air conditioning equipment, ventilation equipment, lighting equipment, and hot water supply equipment.

[0016] The power consumption of each area 2 is obtained, for example, by measuring the power consumption (in other words, power usage) of each of the multiple branch circuits installed in facility 1. One or more pieces of equipment 3 are connected to each of the multiple branch circuits via outlets. Although Figure 1 shows one piece of equipment 3 in each area 2 for ease of viewing, one or more pieces of equipment 3 are installed in each area 2.

[0017] The energy-saving target value is the energy reduction target value for any unit period of the entire Facility 1, for example, a period such as half a day (12 hours), one day (24 hours), one week, one month, half a year, or one year. The energy-saving target value may be, for example, the target value of the total power consumption of the entire Facility 1, or may be the target value converted into any one of the generated heat quantity, carbon dioxide (CO2) emission amount, and crude oil usage amount. Further, the energy-saving target value may be the demand target value within a 30-minute time limit set by power demand control. The energy-saving target value may be set by the administrator of Facility 1, or may be automatically set by the energy-saving control system 10.

[0018] The number of users in each area 2 may be calculated at a predetermined cycle (for example, a 1-minute cycle) based on, for example, at least one of the location information of the users of Facility 1 and the access information of the information terminal (for example, the second information terminal 20) held by the user to the network access point within Facility 1. For example, the location information of the user may be obtained by receiving a beacon signal transmitted from a terminal (not shown) such as a smartphone held by the user or a dedicated beacon transmitter (not shown) with a beacon receiver (not shown) installed in each area 2 (for example, on the ceiling of each area 2). Further, for example, the location information of the user may be obtained based on sensor data such as a camera, an infrared sensor, or a seating sensor installed in each area 2. Although one information terminal (second information terminal 20) is shown in each area 2 from the perspective of readability in FIG. 1, the number of information terminals (second information terminals 20) corresponding to the number of users in each area exists in each area 2.

[0019] Subsequently, the configuration of the energy-saving control system 10 will be described while referring to FIG. 1. The energy-saving control system 10 includes, for example, equipment 3 installed in each area 2, a power supply device 4, a first information terminal 5, a second information terminal 20 held by a user of Facility 1, and a server device 30. Hereinafter, the configurations other than Facility
, area 2, and equipment 3 will be described.

[0020] [Power Supply Device] The power supply device 4 is a stabilized power supply device that supplies power to the equipment 3. The power supply device 4 functions as a sensor that measures the voltage and current supplied to the equipment 3, and transmits at least one of the measured voltage value, measured current value, and measured power consumption value to the first information terminal 5 as the measured power consumption (in other words, power usage). Specifically, the power supply device 4 may transmit, for example, the power consumption measured at each measurement point provided in each of the plurality of equipment 3 to the first information terminal 5, linked to the point ID that identifies the measurement point, or may transmit the power consumption measured for each equipment 3 linked to the equipment name to the first information terminal 5.

[0021] In addition, when the equipment 3 operates using the power supplied from the power grid, the energy-saving control system 10 may not include the power supply device 4. In such a case, the energy-saving control system 10 includes a current sensor that measures the current supplied to the equipment 3 and a voltage sensor that measures the voltage supplied to the equipment 3. The current sensor and voltage sensor in this case are separate from the equipment 3, but may be built into the equipment 3. As the current sensor and voltage sensor, an electricity meter such as a smart meter may be used.

[0022] [First Information Terminal] The first information terminal 5 is a computer that receives the measured values output by the power supply device 4 through the local communication network and transmits the received measured values to the server device 30. Specifically, the first information terminal 5 is a general-purpose computer, but may be a dedicated computer of the energy-saving control system 10. Further, the first information terminal 5 may have a function as a controller that controls the equipment 3.

[0023] [Second Information Terminal] The second information terminal 20 is a portable information terminal such as a notebook computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal possessed by the user of the facility 1. The second information terminal 20 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, a reception unit 24, and a presentation unit 25. ​​The communication unit 21 is a communication circuit (communication module) for connecting the second information terminal 20 to the first information terminal 5 via a local communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 21 is wireless, but it may also be wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard for the communication performed by the communication unit 21. The second information terminal 20 may also be able to communicate with the server device 30 via the communication unit 21. In this case, the communication unit 21 may directly receive notification information from the server device 30.

[0025] The control unit 22 performs various information processing related to the second information terminal 20 based on the operation input received by the reception unit 24. The control unit 22 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor.

[0026] The memory unit 23 is a storage device that stores dedicated application programs and the like for execution by the control unit 22. The memory unit 23 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0027] The reception unit 24 is an input interface that receives operational input from a user possessing the second information terminal 20. For example, the reception unit 24 receives user input operations to transmit information such as the method of presenting notification information and the destination area to the server device 30. Specifically, the reception unit 24 is implemented by a touch panel display or the like. For example, if the reception unit 24 is equipped with a touch panel display, the touch panel display functions as both the presentation unit 25 and the reception unit 24. Note that the reception unit 24 is not limited to a touch panel display; it may also be a keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., a stylus or mouse), or hardware buttons. Furthermore, if the reception unit 24 accepts voice input, it may be a microphone. Furthermore, if the reception unit 24 accepts gesture input, it may be a camera.

[0028] The display unit 25 displays notification information notified by the server device 30. The display unit 25 is a display device that displays image information, such as characters. Furthermore, the display unit 25 may be equipped with an audio output device that outputs audio information. The display device is a display that includes, for example, a liquid crystal (LC) panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel as a display device. The audio output device is, for example, a speaker or earphone. For example, the display unit 25 may display image information on the display device, output audio information through the audio output device, or present both image information and audio information.

[0029] [Server equipment] The server device 30 predicts the total power consumption of facility 1 after a predetermined time (more specifically, after a predetermined time from the time the power consumption of each area 2 is acquired), and if it is determined that the total power consumption will exceed the energy saving target value of facility 1, it selects an area 2a from the area 2 with low power consumption efficiency to turn off the power to the equipment in order to keep the total power consumption below the energy saving target value, and controls the power to the equipment 3 in the selected area 2a to turn off. The server device 30 also notifies users of area 2a where the power to equipment 3 is to be turned off that the area 2 they are using is area 2a where the power to equipment 3 is to be turned off, and provides notification information including an instruction to move to area 2b where the power to equipment 3 is not turned off. The server device 30 is an edge computer installed in facility 1, but it may be a cloud computer installed outside of facility 1. The server device 30 comprises a communication unit 31, an information processing unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a setting unit 34.

[0030] The communication unit 31 is a communication circuit (in other words, a communication module) for the server device 30 to communicate with the first information terminal 5 via a local communication network. The communication conducted by the communication unit 31 may be wireless or wired. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for the communication conducted by the communication unit 31.

[0031] The communication unit 31 receives, for example, the amount of electricity used in each area within the facility 1 and the number of users transmitted by the first information terminal 5, and transmits a presentation command (not shown in Figure 3, which will be described later) to the second information terminal 20 via the first information terminal 5 to display the notification information to the presentation unit 25 of the second information terminal 20. The server device 30 may also communicate with the second information terminal 20 via the communication unit 31. In this case, the communication unit 31 may directly transmit the notification information to the second information terminal 20.

[0032] The information processing unit 32 performs tasks such as predicting the total power consumption of facility 1, determining whether or not the energy saving target value will be exceeded, calculating the power consumption efficiency of each area 2, selecting areas 2a to which the power to equipment 3 should be turned off, and notification processing. Specifically, the information processing unit 32 is implemented by a microcomputer or processor.

[0033] The information processing unit 32 has, as functional components, a first acquisition unit 32a, a second acquisition unit 32b, a calculation unit 32c, a selection unit 32d, and a notification unit 32f. The functions of the first acquisition unit 32a, the second acquisition unit 32b, the calculation unit 32c, the selection unit 32d, and the notification unit 32f are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 32 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 33. Details of the functions of the first acquisition unit 32a, the second acquisition unit 32b, the calculation unit 32c, the selection unit 32d, and the notification unit 32f will be described later in the [Operation] section.

[0034] The storage unit 33 is a storage device that stores the amount of power used and the number of users in each area 2, as well as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 32, which are received by the communication unit 31. The storage unit 33 is implemented by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be implemented by semiconductor memory.

[0035] The setting unit 34 sets the energy-saving target value for facility 1. The energy-saving target value is the energy reduction target value for the entire facility 1 over any unit period. The energy-saving target value may be, for example, the target value for the total electricity consumption of the entire facility 1, or it may be a target value converted into heat generation, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, or crude oil consumption. Alternatively, the energy-saving target value may be the demand target value within a 30-minute time limit set by the power demand control. The setting unit 34 may, for example, automatically set the energy-saving target value based on past data, or it may set the energy-saving target value by accepting input operations from the administrator of facility 1.

[0036] [Operation] Next, the operation of the energy-saving control system 10 will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0037] [Example 1] First, let's describe the first example of operation. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing the first example of operation of the energy-saving control system 10 according to the embodiment.

[0038] The setting unit 34 of the server device 30 sets the energy-saving target value for facility 1 (S01). The setting unit 34 may, for example, automatically set the energy-saving target value for facility 1 based on past data stored in the storage unit 33, or it may set the energy-saving target value by accepting input operations from the administrator of facility 1. The energy-saving target value has been described above, so its explanation is omitted here. The energy-saving target value may also be the demand target value within a 30-minute time limit set by power demand control. Although not shown in the figures, the setting unit 34 stores the set energy-saving target value in the storage unit 33.

[0039] Next, when the energy saving target value is set by the setting unit 34 in step S01, the information processing unit 32 of the server device 30 transmits a command to start energy saving control to the first information terminal 5 (S02). The equipment 3 is one or more pieces of equipment installed in each area 2, and is, for example, at least one of air conditioning equipment, ventilation equipment, lighting equipment, and hot water supply equipment.

[0040] Next, the first information terminal 5 sends a signal to the power supply unit 4 requesting the power consumption of each area 2 (not shown). The power supply unit 4 sends the power consumption of each area 2 to the first information terminal 5 (not shown). The first information terminal 5 sends the acquired power consumption of each area 2 to the server unit 30 (S03).

[0041] When the communication unit 31 of the server device 30 receives the power consumption amount for each area 2 transmitted by the first information terminal 5 in step S03 (not shown), the first acquisition unit 32a of the information processing unit 32 acquires the power consumption amount for each area 2 received by the communication unit 31 (S04). At this time, the information processing unit 32 may store the power consumption amount for each area 2 acquired by the first acquisition unit 32a in the storage unit 33, linked to the identification ID of each area 2.

[0042] Next, the second information terminal 20, which is held by a user of facility 1, transmits at least one of its location information and access information to a network access point within facility 1 to the first information terminal 5 (S05).

[0043] The first information terminal 5 calculates the number of users in each area 2 at a predetermined interval (for example, every minute) (not shown) based on at least one of the location information and access information to the network access point within the facility 1 transmitted from the second information terminal 20 in step S05, and transmits the calculated number to the server device 30 (S06). The method for acquiring location information may be as described above, but is not particularly limited.

[0044] Next, when the communication unit 31 of the server device 30 receives the number of users in each area 2 transmitted by the first information terminal 5 in step S06 (not shown), the second acquisition unit 32b of the information processing unit 32 acquires the number of users in each area 2 received by the communication unit 31 (S07). At this time, the information processing unit 32 may store the number of users in each area 2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 32b in the storage unit 33, linked to the identification ID of each area 2. Steps S03 to S04 and steps S05 to S06 may be performed in parallel, or the order of processing may be reversed.

[0045] Next, the selection unit 32d of the server device 30 predicts the total power consumption of facility 1 a predetermined time after the time the power consumption was acquired, based on the power consumption acquired by the first acquisition unit 32a in step S04 (S08). Then, based on the total power consumption predicted in step S08, the selection unit 32d determines whether or not the energy saving target value will be exceeded after the predetermined time (S09). If the selection unit 32d determines that the energy saving target value will not be exceeded (No in S09), the server device 30 returns to the process of step S04. Note that the power consumption and the number of users in each area 2 may be acquired by the first information terminal 5 at predetermined intervals (in other words, at predetermined time intervals) and transmitted to the server device 30.

[0046] On the other hand, if the selection unit 32d determines that the energy saving target value is exceeded (Yes in S09), the calculation unit 32c calculates the power usage efficiency of each area 2 (S10). As described above, the power usage efficiency of each area 2 is calculated based on the amount of electricity used in each area 2 and the number of users in each area 2. For example, the power usage efficiency of each area 2 is calculated by dividing the amount of electricity used in the previous X minutes (for example, X=30) by the number of users in that area 2. At this time, the information processing unit 32 may store the power usage efficiency of each area 2 calculated by the calculation unit 32c in the storage unit 33, linked to the identification ID of each area 2.

[0047] Next, the selection unit 32d selects at least one area 2a from among the multiple areas 2 in which the power usage efficiency is below the standard value, in order to keep the energy saving target value below the standard value, and turns off the power to the equipment 3 (S11). Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a more detailed flow of step S11.

[0048] For example, in step S11, the selection unit 32d selects at least one candidate area 6a (for example, n, where n is a natural number) from among the areas 2 whose power usage efficiency is below the standard value, starting with the area with the lowest power usage efficiency, to turn off the power to the equipment 3 (S21).

[0049] Next, the selection unit 32d determines whether the number n of area candidates 6a selected in step S21 is 1 (S22). If the selection unit 32d determines that the number n of selected area candidates 6a is 1 (Yes in S22), it predicts the total power consumption of facility 1 when the power supply of equipment 3 in one selected area candidate 6a is turned OFF (S23). Next, the selection unit 32d determines whether the energy saving target value is exceeded based on the total power consumption predicted in step S23 (S24). Next, if the selection unit 32d determines that the energy saving target value is not exceeded (No in S24), it selects at least one of the selected area candidates 6a (in this case, one area candidate 6a) as at least one area 2a where the power supply of equipment 3 is turned OFF (S27).

[0050] On the other hand, if the selection unit 32d determines that the energy saving target value is exceeded (Yes in S24), it adds 1 to the number n of area candidates 6a to be selected (S25) and returns to step S21. The selection unit 32d selects at least one area candidate 6a (here, n=n+1) from among the areas 2 whose power usage efficiency is below the standard value, starting with the area with the lowest power usage efficiency (S21).

[0051] Next, the selection unit 32d determines whether the number n of area candidates 6a selected in step S21 is 1 or not (S22). If the selection unit 32d determines that the number n of selected area candidates 6a is not 1 (No in S22), it predicts the total power consumption of facility 1 when the power to the equipment 3 of the selected 2 or more (here, n=2) area candidates 6a is turned OFF (S26). Next, the selection unit 32d determines whether the energy saving target value is exceeded or not (S24). Next, if the selection unit 32d determines that the energy saving target value is exceeded (Yes in S24), it adds 1 to the number n of area candidates 6a to be selected (here, n=2) (S25) and returns to step S21. On the other hand, if the selection unit 32d determines that the energy saving target value will not be exceeded (No in S24), it selects at least one of the selected area candidates 6a (in this case, two area candidates 6a) as at least one area 2a where the power to the equipment 3 will be turned OFF (S27).

[0052] Referring again to Figure 3, when at least one area 2a is selected in step S11 to turn off the power to the equipment 3, the notification unit 32f notifies the users of facility 1 of the notification information (S12). More specifically, the notification unit 32f notifies the users of facility 1 of the notification information before the first information terminal 5 controls the power to turn off the equipment 3. At this time, the notification unit 32f transmits the notification information to the first information terminal 5 via the communication unit 31 (S13), and the first information terminal 5 may transmit the notification information transmitted by the server device 30 to the second information terminal 20 held by the user of facility 1 (S14). The notification information includes, for example, information about the area 2a in which the power to the equipment 3 is turned off, and information about the area 2b in which the power to the equipment 3 is not turned off. Note that in Figure 3, the server device 30 transmits the notification information to the second information terminal 20 of the user of facility 1 via the first information terminal 5, but this is not limited to this. For example, the server device 30 may directly send notification information to the second information terminal 20 of the user of facility 1.

[0053] Next, the display unit 25 of the second information terminal 20 displays the notification information acquired via the communication unit 21 in step S14 (S15). For example, the notification information may be displayed on the display unit 25 of the second information terminal 20 held by a user in facility 1, or on the display unit 25 of the second information terminal 20 held by a user in at least one area 2 who is to turn off the power to the equipment 3. Also, when the second information terminal 20 acquires the notification information, it may send a response signal to the first information terminal 5 (not shown). For example, the server device 30 sends a control instruction to the first information terminal 5 to turn off the power to the equipment 3 in at least one area 2a after a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) following the receipt of the response signal from the second information terminal 20 (S16).

[0054] Next, when the first information terminal 5 receives a control instruction, it turns off the power to the equipment 3 in the corresponding area 2a in accordance with the control instruction (S17).

[0055] [Variation 1 of the first example] In step S16, the server device 30 may, for example, determine that predetermined conditions have been met, send a control instruction to the first information terminal 5 to turn off the power to the equipment 3 in area 2a. In the first example, the server device 30 determines whether a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since receiving a response signal from the second information terminal 20, and sends the control instruction to the first information terminal if it determines that the predetermined time has elapsed. However, the predetermined conditions are not limited to this example. For example, the server device 30 may send a control instruction to the first information terminal 5 to turn off the power to the equipment 3 in each of the at least one area 2a where the equipment 3 is to be turned off, when the number of users in that area 2a becomes 0. In this case, the first information terminal 5 controls the power to the equipment 3 in each of the at least one area 2a where the equipment 3 is to be turned off, when the number of users in that area 2a becomes 0.

[0056] The information processing unit 32 of the server device 30 may, for example, determine whether the number of users in each area 2a to be turned off is 0, based on the number of users in each area 2 obtained by the second acquisition unit 32b, or the first information terminal 5 may determine whether the number of users in area 2a is 0. In the former case, the information processing unit 32 sends the above control signal to the first information terminal 5 when it determines that the number of users in at least one area 2a to be turned off is 0. In the latter case, the information processing unit 32 sends a control instruction to the first information terminal 5 to control the operation to turn off the power to the equipment 3 sequentially, starting with the area 2a where the number of users has become 0. The first information terminal 5 then controls the operation to turn off the power to the equipment 3 sequentially in the area 2a where it has been determined that the number of users has become 0, in accordance with the control instruction.

[0057] [Example 2] Next, a second example of operation will be described. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram of a second example of operation of the energy-saving control system 10 according to the embodiment. In Figure 5, steps common to Figure 3 are given the same step numbers.

[0058] In the first example of operation, when at least one area 2a in which the power to equipment 3 is turned OFF is selected, the notification unit 32f notifies the users of facility 1 of notification information. The second example differs from the first example in that it notifies the users of facility 1 who are in at least one area 2a in which the power to equipment 3 is turned OFF of notification information. Furthermore, in the second example, the notification information includes a notification that the area 2 used by the user is one of the at least one area 2a in which the power to equipment 3 is turned OFF, and an instruction to the user to move to at least one candidate destination area 6b. The following explanation will focus on the differences from the first example, and explanations of overlapping points will be omitted or simplified.

[0059] The first information terminal 5 transmits the identification information of the second information terminal 20, which is held by a user of facility 1, to the first information terminal 5 (S31). The identification information is, for example, MAC (Media Access). The address is either a Control address or an IP (Internet Protocol) address, but is not particularly limited as long as it can identify the second information terminal 20. The first information terminal 5 acquires the identification information transmitted by the second information terminal 20 and transmits the acquired identification information to the server device 30 (S32).

[0060] Next, the second acquisition unit 32b of the server device 30 acquires, via the communication unit 31, the number of users in each area 2 transmitted by the first information terminal 5 in step S06, and the identification information of the second information terminal 20 of the facility 1 users transmitted by the first information terminal 5 in step S32 (S33). At this time, the information processing unit 32 may store the number of users in each area 2 and the identification information of the second information terminal 20 of the users acquired by the second acquisition unit 32b in the storage unit 33, linked to the identification ID of each area 2.

[0061] Here, steps S08 to S11 are the same as in the first example shown in Figure 3, so their explanation is omitted here. In the second example, in addition to selecting at least one area 2a where the power to equipment 3 will be turned off (S11), at least one candidate destination area 6b is selected from among the multiple areas 2 whose power usage efficiency exceeds the standard value, in order from the area with the highest power usage efficiency (S34).

[0062] Next, the notification unit 32f notifies the users of at least one area 2a where the power to the equipment 3 will be turned OFF (S35). At this time, the notification unit 32f outputs the notification information along with the identification information of the second information terminal 20 held by the user of at least one area 2a where the power to the equipment 3 will be turned OFF to the first information terminal 5 via the communication unit 31 (S36). The first information terminal 5 transmits the identification information and notification information output by the notification unit 32f to the second information terminal 20 of the user of facility 1 (S37). As a result, the notification unit 32f notifies the user of at least one area 2a where the power to the equipment 3 will be turned OFF among the users of facility 1 of the notification information, which includes notification that the area 2 used by the user corresponds to at least one area 2a where the power to the equipment 3 will be turned OFF, and an instruction to move to at least one candidate destination area 6b. In this case, the notification unit 32f may notify the users of at least one area 2a who are turning off the power to the equipment 3 of at least one candidate destination area 6b, in order of proximity to the area 2 being used by the user, or in order of higher power efficiency.

[0063] The second information terminal 20, held by a user of facility 1, acquires notification information containing identification information that matches its own identification information (not shown). Next, the display unit 25 displays the notification information acquired via the communication unit 21 (S38). The second information terminal 20 may also send a response signal to the first information terminal 5 after acquiring the notification information (not shown). For example, the server device 30 may send a control instruction to the first information terminal 5 to turn off the power to the equipment 3 in at least one area 2a after a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed since receiving the response signal from the second information terminal 20 (S16). As described in Modification 1 of the First Example, the server device 30 may also send a control signal to the first information terminal 5 to turn off the power to the equipment 3 in each of at least one area 2a when the number of users in that area 2a becomes 0.

[0064] Next, when the first information terminal 5 receives a control instruction, it turns off the power to the equipment 3 in the corresponding area 2a in accordance with the control instruction (S17).

[0065] [Variation 1 of the second example] In the second example, the second information terminal 20 performed control to turn off the power to equipment 3 in at least one area 2a after a predetermined time had elapsed since the second information terminal 20 presented notification information to the users of that area 2a and then turned off the power to equipment 3 in that area 2a. In a modified example 1 of the second example, the reception unit 24 may accept an input operation to select one destination area candidate from at least one destination area candidate indicated in the movement instruction presented to the presentation unit 25. Figure 6 shows an example of the presentation of notification information.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, for example, the display unit 25 of a second information terminal 20 held by a user in at least one area 2a where the power to equipment 3 is turned off displays notification information including a notification that the area 2 the user is using corresponds to area 2a where the power to equipment 3 is turned off, and an instruction to move to at least one candidate destination area 6b.

[0067] When the user selects one destination area candidate 6b from at least one destination area candidate 6b, the reception unit 24 accepts the user's input operation to select one destination area candidate 6b.

[0068] In this case, when the input operation is received by the reception unit 24, the selection unit 32d of the server device 30 may predict the increase in power consumption of the selected destination area candidate 6b if the user moves to that destination area candidate 6b. The selection unit 32d may then determine, based on the predicted increase in power consumption, whether the total power consumption of facility 1 exceeds the energy saving target value if the power to the equipment 3 in at least one area 2a is turned OFF. If the selection unit 32d determines that the energy saving target value is not exceeded, the notification unit 32f may send a notification to the second information terminal 20 held by the user permitting the user to move to the selected destination area candidate 6b.

[0069] On the other hand, if the selection unit 32d determines that the energy saving target value has been exceeded, the notification unit 32f may send a notification to the second information terminal 20 held by the user prompting the user to select a destination area candidate 6b other than the one selected from the at least one destination area candidate 6b presented by the presentation unit 25.

[0070] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the energy-saving control system 10 includes a setting unit 34 for setting energy-saving target values ​​for facility 1, a first acquisition unit 32a for acquiring the power consumption of each of the multiple areas 2 within facility 1, a second acquisition unit 32b for acquiring the number of users in each of the multiple areas 2, a calculation unit 32c for calculating the power efficiency of each of the multiple areas 2 based on the power consumption and number of users acquired for each of the multiple areas 2, a selection unit 32d for predicting the total power consumption of facility 1 a predetermined time after the time the power consumption was acquired based on the power consumption acquired by the first acquisition unit 32a, and if it is determined that the energy-saving target value will be exceeded after the predetermined time based on the predicted total power consumption, a selection unit 32d for selecting at least one area 2a from among the multiple areas 2 whose power efficiency is below a standard value for turning off the power to the equipment 3 so that it falls below the energy-saving target value, and a control unit (for example, a first information terminal 5) for performing control to turn off the power to the equipment 3 in at least one area 2a selected by the selection unit 32d.

[0071] Such an energy-saving control system 10 calculates the power usage efficiency of each area 2 by dividing the power consumption of that area 2 by the number of users in that area 2. Therefore, an area 2 with low user utilization efficiency can be selected as area 2a, where the power to equipment 3 is turned off. In other words, the power to equipment 3 can be turned off starting from area 2, where there is a lot of waste. Thus, the energy-saving control system 10 can efficiently achieve energy savings in facility 1.

[0072] Furthermore, in the energy-saving control system 10, for example, the selection unit 32d selects at least one candidate area 6a from among the areas 2 whose power usage efficiency is below a standard value, starting with the area with the lowest power usage efficiency, and predicts the total power consumption when the power of the equipment 3 in the selected at least one candidate area 6a is turned off. Based on the predicted total power consumption, if it is determined that the energy-saving target value will not be exceeded after a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour) from the time the power consumption data is acquired, the selection unit 32d selects at least one candidate area 6a as at least one area 2a to turn off the power of the equipment 3.

[0073] This energy-saving control system 10 selects areas 2a from which to turn off the power to equipment 3, starting with the area with the lowest power usage efficiency. By turning off the power to equipment 3 in a relatively small number of areas 2, the total power consumption of facility 1 can be controlled so as not to exceed the energy-saving target value. Therefore, the energy-saving control system 10 can efficiently achieve energy savings in facility 1.

[0074] Furthermore, in the energy-saving control system 10, for example, the second acquisition unit 32b acquires the number of users in each of the multiple areas 2, calculated at a predetermined interval (for example, every minute) based on at least one of the location information of users in facility 1 and the access information of the information terminal (for example, the second information terminal 20) held by the user to a network access point within facility 1.

[0075] Because this energy-saving control system 10 can accurately determine the number of users in each area 2, it can accurately calculate the power usage efficiency of each area 2. Therefore, the energy-saving control system 10 can efficiently achieve energy savings in facility 1.

[0076] Furthermore, for example, the energy-saving control system 10 also includes a notification unit 32f that notifies users of facility 1 of notification information including information about area 2a where the power to equipment 3 is turned OFF and information about area 2b where the power to equipment 3 is not turned OFF. The notification unit 32f notifies users of facility 1 of the notification information before the control unit (for example, the first information terminal 5) performs the control to turn off the power to equipment 3.

[0077] Such an energy-saving control system 10 can, for example, determine whether each area 2 of Facility 1 is an area 2a where the power to equipment 3 is turned off, or an area 2b where the power to equipment 3 is not turned off, before the control to turn off the power to equipment 3 is performed. Therefore, the energy-saving control system 10 can, for example, prompt users of Facility 1 to move before the control to turn off the power to equipment 3 is performed. In this way, by receiving notification before the control to turn off the power to equipment 3 is performed, it is possible to prevent users working in Facility 1 from experiencing the disadvantage of having their work interrupted.

[0078] Furthermore, in the energy-saving control system 10, for example, the selection unit 32d further selects at least one candidate destination area 6b from among the areas 2 whose power usage efficiency exceeds the standard value, starting with the area 2 with the highest power usage efficiency, and prompts users of at least one area 2a where the power to the equipment 3 will be turned off to move. The notification unit 32f then notifies the users of the facility 1 who are in at least one area 2a where the power to the equipment 3 will be turned off, of the information that includes a notification that the area 2 they are using is one of the at least one area 2a where the power to the equipment 3 will be turned off, and an instruction to move to at least one candidate destination area 6b.

[0079] This energy-saving control system 10 selects destination area candidates 6b in order from the area with the highest power usage efficiency, so it can select a relatively small number of areas 2 as destination area candidates 6b. Therefore, the energy-saving control system 10 can control the system so that the energy-saving target value of facility 1 is not exceeded by the movement of users between a relatively small number of areas 2. Thus, the energy-saving control system 10 can efficiently achieve energy savings at facility 1.

[0080] Furthermore, in the energy-saving control system 10, for example, the notification unit 32f notifies users of at least one area 2a where the power to the equipment 3 is to be turned off of at least one candidate destination area 6b, in order of proximity to the area 2 used by the user, or in order of higher power usage efficiency.

[0081] Such an energy-saving control system 10 can achieve energy savings in facility 1 in a way that does not burden users in at least one area 2a where the power to equipment 3 is turned off, or in a more energy-efficient way.

[0082] Furthermore, in the energy-saving control system 10, for example, the second acquisition unit 32b further acquires identification information (e.g., MAC address or IP address, etc.) of an information terminal (e.g., second information terminal 20) held by a user of facility 1, and the notification unit 32f outputs notification information along with the identification information (e.g., MAC address or IP address, etc.) of an information terminal (e.g., second information terminal 20) held by a user of facility 1 in at least one area 2a who turns off the power to equipment 3, thereby notifying the user in at least one area 2a who turns off the power to equipment 3 of the notification information.

[0083] Such an energy-saving control system 10 can notify only users in at least one area 2a where the power to the equipment 3 is turned off. Furthermore, since the energy-saving control system 10 can display the notification information on a second information terminal 20 held by the user in that area 2a, the likelihood of reliably conveying the notification information to the user in that area 2a is increased. Therefore, the energy-saving control system 10 is more likely to prevent the disadvantage of users in area 2a having their work interrupted due to the power to the equipment 3 being turned off.

[0084] Furthermore, in the energy-saving control system 10, for example, the control unit (for example, the first information terminal 5) performs control to turn off the power to the equipment 3 in each of at least one area 2a where the power to the equipment 3 is turned off, when the number of users in that area 2a becomes 0.

[0085] In this energy-saving control system 10, the power to the equipment 3 in area 2a is turned off after the users of area 2a have evacuated from area 2a. Therefore, the energy-saving control system 10 reliably prevents the inconvenience of interrupting the work of users in area 2a due to the power to equipment 3 being turned off.

[0086] Furthermore, for example, in the energy-saving control system 10, the energy-saving target value is the demand target value within a 30-minute time limit set by the power demand control.

[0087] Such an energy-saving control system 10 can suppress unusual energy consumption and also suppress increases in electricity bills.

[0088] Furthermore, the energy-saving control method includes a setting step (S01 in Figure 3) to set an energy-saving target value for facility 1, a first acquisition step (S04) to acquire the power consumption of each of the multiple areas 2 within facility 1, a second acquisition step (S07) to acquire the number of users of each of the multiple areas 2, a calculation step (S10) to calculate the power efficiency of each of the multiple areas 2 based on the power consumption and number of users acquired for each of the multiple areas 2, and from the point in time when the power consumption is acquired based on the power consumption acquired in the first acquisition step (S04) The system includes a selection step (S11) in which the total power consumption of facility 1 after a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour later) is predicted, and if it is determined that the energy-saving target value will be exceeded after the predetermined time (for example, 1 hour later) based on the predicted total power consumption, then at least one area 2a from among a plurality of areas 2 whose power usage efficiency is below a standard value is selected to turn off the power to equipment 3 so that the energy-saving target value is not exceeded, and a control step (S17) in which control is performed to turn off the power to equipment 3 in at least one area 2a selected in the selection step (S11).

[0089] This energy-saving control method calculates the power usage efficiency of each area 2 by dividing the power consumption of that area 2 by the number of users in that area 2. As a result, an area 2 with low user utilization efficiency can be selected as area 2a, where the power to equipment 3 is turned off. In other words, the power to equipment 3 can be turned off starting from area 2, where there is a lot of waste. Therefore, this energy-saving control method can efficiently achieve energy savings in facility 1.

[0090] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0091] For example, in the above embodiment, the energy-saving control system was implemented by multiple devices, but it may also be implemented as a single device. For example, the energy-saving control system may be implemented as a single device corresponding to a server device. When the energy-saving control system is implemented by multiple devices, the components of the energy-saving control system (in particular, functional components) may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way. For example, some or all of the functional components of the server device may be provided by the first information terminal.

[0092] Furthermore, the information transmission path in the above embodiment is merely an example and is not particularly limited. In the above embodiment, when two devices transmit and receive information by communication, a relay device (not shown) may be interposed between the two devices.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0095] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0096] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0097] For example, the present invention may be implemented as an energy-saving control method executed by a computer, such as an energy-saving control system, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such an energy-saving control method. The present invention may also be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0098] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1 facility Areas 2, 2a, and 2b 3 Equipment 5. First Information Terminal 6a Area Candidate 6b Candidate destination area 10 Energy-saving control system 24 Reception Department 32a First Acquisition Department 32b Second Acquisition Department 32c calculation part 32d selection department 32f Notification section 34. Settings section

Claims

1. The first acquisition unit acquires the electricity usage of each of the multiple areas within the facility, A second acquisition unit that acquires the number of users in each of the aforementioned multiple areas, A notification unit that notifies users of the facility of notification information based on the power usage efficiency calculated based on the amount of power used and the number of users acquired for each of the aforementioned multiple areas, The system includes a selection unit that, based on the amount of electricity used obtained by the first acquisition unit, predicts the total amount of electricity used by the facility after a predetermined time from the time the amount of electricity used was obtained, and, if it is determined that the predicted total amount of electricity used will exceed the energy-saving target value after the predetermined time, selects at least one area from among the multiple areas in which the power usage efficiency is below a standard value to turn off the power supply to the equipment so that the energy-saving target value is not exceeded. The notification unit notifies the user of the facility of the notification information which includes at least information regarding the area among the plurality of areas where the equipment power supply will be turned OFF. Notification system.

2. A first acquisition unit that acquires the power consumption of each of the multiple areas within the facility, A second acquisition unit that acquires the number of users in each of the aforementioned multiple areas, A notification unit that notifies users of the facility of notification information based on the power usage efficiency calculated based on the amount of power used and the number of users acquired for each of the aforementioned multiple areas, A setting unit for setting energy-saving target values ​​for the aforementioned facility, The system includes a selection unit that, based on the amount of electricity used obtained by the first acquisition unit, predicts the total amount of electricity used by the facility after a predetermined time from the time the amount of electricity used was obtained, and, if it is determined that the predicted total amount of electricity used will exceed the energy-saving target value after the predetermined time, selects at least one area from among the multiple areas in which the power usage efficiency is below a standard value to turn off the power supply to the equipment so that the energy-saving target value is not exceeded. The notification unit notifies the user of the facility of the notification information, which includes information regarding the area in which the equipment power supply will be turned OFF and information regarding the area in which the equipment power supply will not be turned OFF. Notification system.

3. The aforementioned selection unit is From among the areas where the power usage efficiency falls below the standard value, at least one candidate area for turning off the equipment power is selected, starting with the area with the lowest power usage efficiency. The total power consumption is predicted when the power supply to the equipment in at least one selected area candidate is turned OFF. If it is determined that the energy-saving target value will not be exceeded after a predetermined time based on the predicted total power consumption, then the at least one candidate area is selected as the at least one area where the equipment power supply will be turned OFF. The notification system according to claim 2.

4. The notification unit notifies the user of the facility of the notification information before the control to turn off the equipment power is performed. The notification system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned selection unit further, From among the areas where the power usage efficiency exceeds the standard value, at least one candidate destination area is selected, in order from the area with the highest power usage efficiency, to encourage users of at least one area where the equipment power is turned OFF to move. The notification unit notifies users of the facility who are in at least one area where the equipment power is turned OFF of the notification information, which includes a notification that the area the user is using is one of the at least one area where the equipment power is turned OFF, and an instruction to move to the at least one candidate destination area. The notification system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The notification unit notifies users of at least one area where the equipment power is to be turned OFF of the at least one candidate destination area, in order of proximity to the area currently being used by the user, or in order of the highest power usage efficiency. The notification system according to claim 5.

7. The second acquisition unit further acquires identification information of an information terminal held by a user of the facility. The notification unit notifies the users of the facility who are turning off the equipment power by outputting the notification information along with the identification information of the information terminals held by the users of the facility who are turning off the equipment power. The notification system according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The aforementioned energy-saving target value is the demand target value within a 30-minute time limit set by power demand control. The notification system according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

9. The second acquisition unit acquires the number of users in each of the multiple areas, calculated at a predetermined interval based on at least one of the location information of the facility users and the access information of the information terminals held by the users to the network access points within the facility. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A notification method performed by a computer, The first acquisition step involves obtaining the electricity usage data for each of the multiple areas within the facility, A second acquisition step involves obtaining the number of users in each of the aforementioned multiple areas, A notification step in which notification information is notified to the users of the facility based on the power usage efficiency calculated based on the amount of power used and the number of users obtained for each of the aforementioned multiple areas, The selection step includes, based on the amount of electricity used obtained in the first acquisition step, predicting the total electricity used of the facility after a predetermined time from the time the amount of electricity used was obtained, and if it is determined that the energy-saving target value will be exceeded after the predetermined time based on the predicted total electricity used value, selecting at least one area from among the multiple areas in which the power usage efficiency is below a standard value to turn off the power supply to the equipment so that the energy-saving target value is not exceeded. In the notification step, the notification information, which includes at least information regarding the area among the plurality of areas where the equipment power will be turned OFF, is notified to the user of the facility. Notification method.

11. A notification method performed by a computer, The first acquisition step involves obtaining the electricity usage data for each of the multiple areas within the facility, A second acquisition step involves obtaining the number of users in each of the aforementioned multiple areas, A notification step in which notification information is notified to the users of the facility based on the power usage efficiency calculated based on the amount of power used and the number of users obtained for each of the aforementioned multiple areas, A setting step of setting energy-saving target values ​​for the aforementioned facility, The selection step includes predicting the total power consumption of the facility after a predetermined time from the time the power consumption was acquired, based on the power consumption acquired in the first acquisition step, and if it is determined that the energy-saving target value will be exceeded after the predetermined time based on the predicted total power consumption, selecting at least one area from among the multiple areas in which the power usage efficiency is below a standard value to turn off the equipment power supply so that the energy-saving target value is not exceeded. In the notification step, the notification information, which includes information about the areas among the plurality of areas where the equipment power will be turned OFF and information about the areas where the equipment power will not be turned OFF, is notified to the users of the facility. Notification method.

12. To cause a computer to execute the notification method described in claim 10 or 11. program.

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