JP6626962B2 - Power management apparatus and power management method - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

  This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-085383 (filed on April 21, 2016), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

  The present disclosure relates to a power management device and a power management method.

  2. Description of the Related Art In a store such as a food supermarket, there is known a system that monitors room temperature and controls air conditioning so that the room temperature becomes appropriate.

  A customer facility such as a store may receive a demand response request (hereinafter, also referred to as a “DR request”) from a power company or the like for the purpose of, for example, peak shifting of power demand. When the customer facility receives the DR request, it is necessary to take measures such as turning off the power of the device being used or suppressing the operation in order to suppress the power consumption. As a system that suppresses power consumption in response to a DR request, a system that controls a device by calculating an operation schedule for suppressing power consumption when a DR request is received is known (Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-115878 A

  A power management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a power management device that controls air conditioning in a facility. The power management device includes a communication unit that receives a demand response request to the facility, and a control unit that controls the air conditioning in the facility. The control unit, upon receiving the demand response request, changes a control condition for determining whether or not to suppress the output of the air conditioning from a normal control condition.

  Further, a power management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a power management method in a power management device that controls air conditioning in a facility. The power management method includes the steps of: receiving a demand response request to the facility; and upon receiving the demand response request, a control condition for determining whether to suppress the output of the air conditioner. A step of changing the air conditioning in the facility based on the changed control condition.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a power management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. It is an example of the graph of room temperature when it becomes possible to suppress air conditioning by expanding the temperature range or changing the conditions. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the power management device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a power management system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a figure showing an example of control of a wind direction board. It is a figure showing an example of a top view in a facility. It is a figure showing an example of wind direction control at the time of usual. It is a figure showing an example of wind direction control at the time of air-conditioning control. It is a flow chart which shows an example of operation of wind direction control in the power management system concerning a 2nd embodiment of this indication.

  Various problems may occur if power consumption is suppressed by simply suppressing the output of the air conditioner in response to the DR request.

  For example, if cooling is suppressed in the summer, in a facility that handles a cold case such as a food supermarket, the load on the cold case may increase due to an increase in room temperature, and the power consumption of the cold case may increase. In this case, the power consumption of the entire facility may not be able to be reduced as a result of the increase in power consumption of the cold case.

  Further, when the output of the air conditioner is suppressed, the room temperature may be too high in summer and the room temperature may be too low in winter. Then, the comfort for the customers in the facility may be unnecessarily impaired.

  On the other hand, if priority is given to keeping the room temperature within a desired temperature range over suppressing power consumption in response to a DR request, the output of air conditioning cannot be suppressed when a DR request is received, and as a result, , May not be able to respond to the DR request.

  According to the power management device and the power management method of the present disclosure, when a DR request is received, the output of air conditioning can be suppressed while suppressing environmental degradation in the facility.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1, the power management system 1 includes a power management device 100, a store (facility) 200, an outdoor temperature sensor 220, and a power company 300. The power management apparatus 100, the store 200, and the power company 300 are interconnected via a network 400. Although only one store 200 is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of stores 200 may be connected to the network 400.

  The power management apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, and a storage unit 130. The power management apparatus 100 controls the air conditioner 210 in the store 200 via the network 400. Note that the power management apparatus 100 may be installed near or in the store 200 and directly control the air conditioning 210 in the store 200 without going through the network 400.

  The communication unit 110 communicates with the store 200 and the electric power company 300 via the network 400. The communication unit 110 receives various information from the store 200. In addition, communication unit 110 transmits a command for controlling air conditioner 210 in store 200 and the like. The communication unit 110 receives the DR request from the power company 300. The DR request includes, for example, information such as a power consumption reduction amount (reduced power amount) or a period.

  The control unit 120 controls and manages the entire power management apparatus 100, and can be configured by, for example, a processor.

  The control unit 120 acquires information on the temperature inside the store 200 from the temperature sensor 201 inside the store 200. The control unit 120 also acquires information on the temperature outside the store 200 (hereinafter, also referred to as “outside air temperature”) from the outdoor temperature sensor 220.

  The control unit 120 controls the air conditioner 210 in the store 200. The control unit 120 controls the air conditioner 210 in the store 200 so that the temperature in the store 200 is kept within the range of the target temperature in normal times. Further, upon receiving the DR request from the electric power company 300, the control unit 120 changes the control condition of the air conditioner 210 during a period (hereinafter, also referred to as a “DR period”) in which the DR request is made to suppress the power. By changing, the air conditioner 210 in the store 200 is controlled. Details of the function of the control unit 120 will be described later.

  The storage unit 130 can be configured by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or the like. The storage unit 130 stores a program or the like used for the process executed by the control unit 120. Further, the storage unit 130 stores various information such as a threshold value for controlling the air conditioning 210 in the store 200.

  The store (facility) 200 is, for example, a food supermarket. The store 200 includes a temperature sensor 201, a cold case 202, a light 203, a power sensor 204, a power sensor 205, an output control device 206, a gateway 207, and an air conditioner 210. The food supermarket is described as an example of the description, and the store 200 may be another facility as long as the facility includes the temperature sensor 201 and the air conditioning 210. Note that the power sensor 204 and the power sensor 205 may use a current sensor or a voltage sensor.

  The temperature sensor 201 measures the room temperature in the store 200 and transmits the measured room temperature to the power management apparatus 100 via the gateway 207.

  The cold case 202 is a case for displaying products such as food. The cold case 202 is automatically controlled so as to be maintained at a predetermined temperature. The power consumption of the cold case 202 is detected by the power sensor 204, and the detected power consumption value is transmitted to the power management apparatus 100 via the gateway 207.

  The power consumption of the lighting 203 is detected by the power sensor 205, and the detected power consumption value is transmitted to the power management apparatus 100 via the gateway 207.

  The output control device 206 receives an air conditioning control command from the power management device 100 via the gateway 207. The output control device 206 controls the air conditioning 210 according to the received air conditioning control command. When suppressing the output of the air conditioner 210, the output control device 206 stops the outdoor unit 211.

  The gateway 207 communicates with the power management apparatus 100 via the network 400. The gateway 207 receives various commands from the power management device 100 and transmits various information of the store 200 to the power management device 100.

  The air conditioner 210 has a cooling function and a heating function. The air conditioner 210 blows cool air into the store 200 during a cooling operation, and blows warm air into the store 200 during a heating operation.

  The air conditioner 210 includes an outdoor unit 211 and an indoor unit 212. The outdoor unit 211 and the indoor unit 212 are connected by a refrigerant pipe. The outdoor unit 211 performs a heat exchange operation for releasing heat of the refrigerant to the outside air and an exhaust operation. Usually, about 95% of the power consumption of the air conditioner 210 is due to the operation of the outdoor unit 211. Therefore, by stopping the outdoor unit 211, most of the power consumption of the air conditioner 210 can be suppressed.

  The outdoor temperature sensor 220 is installed outside the store 200 near the store 200, and measures the outside temperature of the store 200. The outdoor temperature sensor 220 transmits the value of the measured outside air temperature to the power management apparatus 100 via the gateway 207.

  The electric power company 300 transmits a DR request when electric power demand becomes tight. The electric power company 300 is, specifically, a server of the electric power company 300 or the like.

<Normal air conditioning control>
Before describing the air conditioning control in the store 200 by the power management device 100 during the DR period, the air conditioning control in the store 200 by the power management device 100 in a normal state will be described.

  The control unit 120 of the power management apparatus 100 controls the air conditioner 210 so that the temperature inside the store 200 is maintained within the target temperature range in normal times.

  The storage unit 130 stores a first target value that is an upper limit value of the target temperature range and a second target value that is a lower limit value of the target temperature range.

The control unit 120 operates the air conditioner 210 in the cooling setting or the heating setting,
When the second target value <the temperature in the store 200 <the first target value, the output of the air conditioner 210 is suppressed, and the power consumption is reduced.

  When operating the air conditioner 210 in the cooling setting, the control unit 120 controls the air conditioner 210 to perform the cooling operation when the temperature in the store 200 exceeds the first target value.

  When operating the air conditioner 210 in the heating setting, the control unit 120 controls the air conditioner 210 to perform the heating operation when the temperature in the store 200 falls below the second target value.

<Air conditioning control during DR period>
Next, control of the air conditioner 210 in the store 200 by the power management apparatus 100 during the DR period will be described.

  The storage unit 130 stores an allowable upper limit value larger than the first target value and an allowable lower limit value smaller than the second target value, in addition to the above-described first target value and second target value. . Here, the “allowable upper limit value” is an upper limit value of an allowable temperature range (hereinafter, also referred to as “allowable temperature range”). The “allowable lower limit value” is the lower limit value of the allowable temperature range. Here, the allowable temperature range is a temperature range that is set in advance as a temperature range in which the environment inside the store 200 can be kept to the minimum environmental standard.

In the DR period, the control unit 120 extends the temperature range to be maintained. Specifically, in the DR period, the control unit 120 extends the temperature range to be maintained from the target temperature range to the allowable temperature range. Therefore, when the control unit 120 is operating the air conditioner 210 in the cooling setting or the heating setting,
If the allowable lower limit value <the temperature in the store 200 <the allowable upper limit value, the output of the air conditioner 210 is suppressed.

  That is, in a normal state, when the air conditioner 210 is operated in the cooling setting, if the temperature in the store 200 is within the range from the first target value to the allowable upper limit, the control unit 120 determines that the air conditioner 210 Control is performed so as to perform the cooling operation, but in the DR period, the control unit 120 suppresses the output of the air conditioner 210 in order to reduce power consumption.

  In the normal state, when the air conditioner 210 is operated in the heating setting, if the temperature in the store 200 is within the range from the allowable lower limit value to the second target value, the control unit 120 sets the air conditioner 210 Control is performed so as to perform the heating operation, but in the DR period, the control unit 120 suppresses the output of the air conditioner 210 in order to reduce power consumption.

  As described above, in the DR period, the control unit 120 extends the temperature range that is the target for maintaining the temperature in the store 200 from the target temperature range to the allowable temperature range, thereby maintaining the minimum environmental standard. The time during which the output of the air conditioner 210 can be suppressed can be increased. Note that the allowable temperature range may have a plurality of allowable temperature ranges, and the plurality of temperature ranges may be appropriately changed according to the content of DR. Further, the allowable temperature range may be changed according to the content of the DR (for example, the length of the period, the amount of power reduction, and the like).

  FIG. 2A shows a state in which the output of the air conditioner 210 can be suppressed in the DR period by expanding the temperature range to the allowable temperature range at the time of heating setting.

  In FIG. 2A, in the period from time t1 to time t2, the temperature in the store 200 is lower than the second target value, but is higher than the allowable lower limit. Therefore, during this period, the control unit 120 performs control to suppress the output of the air conditioner 210.

<Change of control conditions for air conditioning suppression>
For example, when the temperature in the store 200 is higher than the allowable upper limit in the cooling setting, or when the temperature in the store 200 is lower than the allowable lower limit in the heating setting, the store 200 In some cases, it is possible to suppress the output of the air conditioner 210 while satisfying the minimum environmental standards. In such a case, the control unit 120 may change the control condition for suppressing the output of the air conditioner 210 during the DR period so that the output of the air conditioner 210 can be suppressed. For example, even when the following conditions 1 to 5 are satisfied, the control unit 120 may change the control condition of the air conditioner 210 so as to determine that the output of the air conditioner 210 can be suppressed.

Condition 1: At the time of heating setting, the room temperature is rising.
Condition 2: At the time of cooling setting, the room temperature is falling.
Condition 3: At the time of heating or cooling setting, the room temperature is maintained.
Condition 4: At the time of heating setting, the difference between the allowable lower limit value and the outside temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined value.
Condition 5: At the time of cooling setting, the difference between the allowable upper limit value and the outside temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

  In the situation such as the condition 1, even if the output of the air conditioner 210 is suppressed, it is assumed that the room temperature does not drop for a while. In the situation such as the condition 2, even if the output of the air conditioner 210 is suppressed, it is assumed that the room temperature does not rise for a while. In the situation such as the condition 3, it is assumed that the room temperature can be maintained for a while even if the output of the air conditioning 210 is suppressed. In the situation such as the condition 4, even if the output of the air conditioner 210 is suppressed and the room temperature falls to the outside temperature, it is assumed that the environment is not significantly deteriorated. In the situation such as the condition 5, even if the output of the air conditioner 210 is suppressed and the room temperature rises to the outside temperature, it is assumed that the environment does not deteriorate significantly.

  FIG. 2B shows how the output of the air conditioner 210 can be suppressed by changing the control conditions in the DR period when heating is set.

  In FIG. 2B, in the period from time t3 to time t4, the temperature inside the store 200 is lower than the allowable lower limit. However, the temperature in the store 200 is rising or maintaining the value. Therefore, during this period, the control unit 120 performs control to suppress the output of the air conditioner 210.

<Return to normal control>
When the DR period ends, the control unit 120 returns the control conditions of the air conditioner 210 to the normal control conditions. That is, control unit 120 suppresses the output of air conditioner 210 when the temperature inside store 200 is within the target temperature range, and does not suppress the output of air conditioner 210 when the temperature inside store 200 is outside the target temperature range. .

  Subsequently, an operation of the power management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart illustrated in FIG.

  When receiving the DR request from the electric power company 300 and starting the DR period (step S101), the control unit 120 of the power management apparatus 100 allows a temperature range that is a target for maintaining the temperature in the store 200 from the target temperature range. The range is expanded to a temperature range (step S102).

  The control unit 120 determines whether the output of the air conditioner 210 can be suppressed under the current control conditions (step S103).

  When it is determined that the output of the air conditioner 210 cannot be suppressed under the current control condition (No in step S103), the control unit 120 changes the control condition of the air conditioner 210. For example, the control unit 120 changes the control condition so as to determine that the output of the air conditioner 210 can be suppressed if any one of the above conditions 1 to 5 is satisfied (step S104).

  When it is determined that the output of the air conditioner 210 can be suppressed under the current control conditions (Yes in step S103), the control unit 120 proceeds to step S105.

  The control unit 120 controls the air conditioning based on the control condition before the change when determining Yes in step S103, and based on the control condition after the change changed in step S104 when determining No in step S103. 210 is controlled (step S105). At this time, if the output of the air conditioner 210 cannot be suppressed even under the changed control condition, the control unit 120 does not suppress the output of the air conditioner 210.

  The control unit 120 determines whether or not the DR period has ended (Step S106).

  If the DR period has not ended (Step S106: No), the control unit 120 returns to Step S103.

  When the DR period has ended (Step S106: Yes), the control unit 120 returns to the normal control condition and controls the air conditioner 210 (Step S107).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when receiving the DR request, the control unit 120 changes the control condition for determining whether to suppress the output of the air conditioner 210 from the normal control condition. Thus, the output of the air conditioner 210 can be suppressed while maintaining the environment in the store 200.

[Second embodiment]
In the second embodiment, when the output of the air conditioner 210 is suppressed in the first embodiment, the direction of the wind blown from the air conditioner 210 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “wind direction of the air conditioner 210”) is controlled. The purpose is to reduce the effect of suppressing the output of the air conditioner 210.

  For example, when the outdoor unit 211 is stopped in order to suppress the output of the air conditioner 210, the warm air is blown out from the outlet of the indoor unit 212 because the surrounding temperature is high during the cooling setting. In addition, when the heating is set, since the surrounding temperature is low, cool air is blown from the outlet of the indoor unit 212. In this case, it is not preferable that a person near the indoor unit 212 is exposed to warm air at the time of cooling setting or is exposed to cold air at the time of heating setting, because the comfort is reduced. The present embodiment aims at preventing, for example, in such a case, the warm air or the cool air from directly hitting a person near the indoor unit 212.

  The power management system 2 includes a power management device 100, a store (facility) 250, an outdoor temperature sensor 220, and a power company 300, as shown in FIG. The power management apparatus 100, the store 250, and the power company 300 are interconnected via a network 400. Although only one store 250 is shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of stores 250 may be connected to the network 400.

  In the second embodiment, portions different from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of contents common or similar to the first embodiment will be appropriately omitted.

  The second embodiment is different from the store 200 according to the first embodiment in that the store 250 further includes a wind direction plate 208 and a wind direction control device 209.

  The wind direction plate 208 is a plate installed near the outlet of the indoor unit 212. The angle of the wind direction plate 208 can be changed by control from the wind direction control device 209, and the wind direction of the air conditioner 210 can be changed.

  The wind direction control device 209 controls the wind direction of the air conditioner 210 according to a command from the control unit 120 of the power management device 100. The wind direction control device 209 may control the wind direction of the air conditioner 210 by controlling the wind direction control mechanism provided in the indoor unit 212, or may control the angle of the wind direction plate 208 to control the wind direction of the air conditioner 210. You may. Hereinafter, a case where the wind direction control device 209 controls the angle of the wind direction plate 208 to control the wind direction of the air conditioner 210 will be described as an example.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the wind direction plate 208 is inclined at an angle that is relatively perpendicular to the ground, and the wind direction of the air conditioner 210 is directed downward. For example, when the control unit 120 is performing a normal operation in the cooling setting and wants to blow cool air to a person near the lower part of the indoor unit 212, the angle of the wind direction plate 208 is set so that the air direction of the air conditioner 210 is downward. Control.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the wind direction plate 208 is tilted at an angle that is relatively close to horizontal, and the wind direction of the air conditioner 210 is set to be horizontal. For example, when the outdoor unit 211 is stopped to suppress the output of the air conditioner 210 at the time of the cooling setting, for example, in order to prevent the warm air from hitting a person near the lower part of the indoor unit 212. Then, the angle of the wind direction plate 208 is controlled so that the wind direction of the air conditioner 210 becomes horizontal.

  The wind direction boards 208 can be installed along four sides of the indoor unit 212 up to four wind direction boards 208 per one indoor unit 212. However, the wind direction boards 208 do not necessarily need to be installed in all the indoor units 212, and less than four pieces may be installed in one indoor unit 212. Since the wind direction plate 208 reduces environmental degradation due to suppression of the output of the air conditioner 210, it is preferable to provide the wind direction plate 208 in the indoor unit 212 installed near an area where people are concentrated.

  FIG. 6 is a plan view of the store 250 as viewed from above when the store 250 is a food supermarket.

  In the store 250, the area where people are concentrated is around the special sale corner 510, around the cash register 520 and around the soccer stand 530, and the like. Here, the soccer table 530 is a table installed near the cash register 520 for packing the purchased commodities in the shopping bag.

  The wind direction plate 208 is installed at the outlet of the indoor unit 212 near the area where people are concentrated on the side where people are concentrated.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, in the indoor unit 212-1 installed near the special sale corner 510 where people are concentrated, the wind direction plate 208 is installed near the outlet on the special sale corner 510 side. In the indoor unit 212-2 installed near the cash register 520 and the soccer table 530 where people are concentrated, the wind direction plate 208 is installed near the outlet on the cash register 520 and soccer table 530 side. In addition, the wind direction board 208 is not installed in the indoor unit 212-3 installed near the center of the sales area 500 where people are not so concentrated.

  As shown in an example in FIG. 6, by selectively installing the wind direction plate 208 only in a place where the effect of the wind direction plate 208 is high, such as a blowout opening toward an area where people are concentrated, environmental degradation due to the wind direction plate 208 is reduced. The installation cost of the wind direction plate 208 can be reduced while obtaining the effect of reduction.

  FIG. 7A is an example of control of the wind direction plate 208 when the air conditioner 210 is performing a cooling operation. The control unit 120 controls the angle of the wind direction plate 208-1 so as to direct the cool air toward the area where the person 600 is present and to cool the area positively. In addition, the control unit 120 controls the wind direction plate 208-2 so as to direct the cool air toward the area where the cold case 202 is located and to actively cool the area.

  FIG. 7B is an example of control of the wind direction plate 208 when the air conditioner 210 is performing a heating operation. The control unit 120 controls the angle of the wind direction plate 208-1 so as to direct warm air toward an area where the person 600 is present and to actively warm the area. Further, the control unit 120 directs the warm air to the area where the cold case 202 is not provided, and controls the wind direction plate 208-2 so as not to heat the area where the cold case 202 is provided.

  FIG. 8A is an example of control of the wind direction plate 208 when the output of the air conditioner 210 is suppressed in the cooling setting, that is, when the indoor unit 212 blows out hot air. The control unit 120 directs the warm air to an area where no person 600 exists, and controls the angle of the wind direction plate 208-1 so that the warm air does not hit the person 600. Further, the control unit 120 directs the warm air to the area where the cold case 202 is not provided, and controls the wind direction plate 208-2 so as not to heat the area where the cold case 202 is provided.

  FIG. 8B is an example of control of the wind direction plate 208 when the output of the air conditioner 210 is suppressed in the heating setting, that is, when the indoor unit 212 is blowing cool air. The control unit 120 directs the cool air to an area where no person 600 exists, and controls the angle of the wind direction plate 208-1 so that the cool air does not hit the person 600. In addition, the control unit 120 controls the wind direction plate 208-2 so as to direct the cool air toward the area where the cold case 202 is located and to actively cool the area.

<Wind direction control timing>
When the control unit 120 suppresses the output of the air conditioner 210 in the DR period, for example, the warm air blows out from the indoor unit 212 in the cooling setting after the control unit 120 controls the outdoor unit 211 to stop. After some time. Also, for example, the cool air is blown out of the indoor unit 212 in the heating setting after the control unit 120 controls to stop the outdoor unit 211 after a certain time has passed.

  Therefore, the control unit 120 performs control to stop the outdoor unit 211 at the timing of shifting from the control of the angle of the wind direction plate 208 as illustrated in FIG. 7 to the control of the angle of the wind direction plate 208 as illustrated in FIG. It may be after a predetermined time has passed since the start of the process. Alternatively, a temperature sensor may be provided near the outlet of the indoor unit 212, and the control unit 120 may determine the transition timing of the angle of the wind direction plate 208 based on the temperature acquired from the temperature sensor. For example, at the time of cooling setting, the control unit 120 controls the angle of the wind direction plate 208 when the temperature acquired from the temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined temperature, and at the time of heating setting, the temperature acquired from the temperature sensor is When the temperature falls below a predetermined temperature, the angle of the wind direction plate 208 may be controlled.

  Also, when the air conditioner 210 returns from the suppression, the air blown from the indoor unit 212 changes from warm air to cool air or from cold air to warm air after some time has passed since the outdoor unit 211 was operated. Because.

  Therefore, the control unit 120 controls the activation of the outdoor unit 211 at the timing when the control of the angle of the wind direction plate 208 as shown in FIG. 8 is shifted to the control of the angle of the wind direction plate 208 as shown in FIG. It may be after a predetermined time has passed since the start of the process. Alternatively, a temperature sensor may be provided near the outlet of the indoor unit 212, and the control unit 120 may determine the transition timing of the angle of the wind direction plate 208 based on the temperature acquired from the temperature sensor. For example, at the time of cooling setting, the control unit 120 controls the angle of the wind direction plate 208 when the temperature acquired from the temperature sensor falls below a predetermined temperature, and at the time of heating setting, the temperature acquired from the temperature sensor is When the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature, the angle of the wind direction plate 208 may be controlled.

  Further, in the cooling setting, when returning from the suppression of the output of the air conditioner 210, the control unit 120 sets the angle of the wind direction plate 208 for directing the wind direction to the area where the person is present so that the person does not suddenly hit the cool air. The angle may be gradually returned to the original angle.

  Next, an operation in which the power management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment controls the wind direction board 208 in the store 250 will be described with reference to a flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9. Note that, also in the present embodiment, the control condition change flow described in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment is executed, and the operation of controlling the wind direction plate 208 is executed in parallel with the control condition change flow. Shall be.

  The control unit 120 of the power management apparatus 100 receives the DR request from the power company 300 and starts the DR period (Step S201), and determines whether or not the output of the air conditioner 210 is being suppressed (Step S202).

  When it is determined that the output of the air conditioner 210 is being suppressed (Step S202: Yes), the control unit 120 sets the angle of the wind direction plate 208 to an appropriate angle while the output of the air conditioner 210 is suppressed (for example, as illustrated in FIG. 8). (Step S203).

  The control unit 120 determines whether or not the DR period has ended (step S204). If the DR period has ended (step S204: Yes), the control unit 120 sets the angle of the wind direction plate 208 to the normal time. (For example, the angle shown in FIG. 7) (step S205).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when suppressing the output of the air conditioner 210, the control unit 120 simultaneously controls the wind direction of the air conditioner 210. Thereby, environmental degradation due to suppression of the output of the air conditioner 210 can be reduced.

<Partial suppression of air conditioning output>
When suppressing the output of the air conditioner 210 in the DR period, instead of suppressing the output of all the air conditioners 210 in the store 250, an area where the output of the air conditioner 210 is suppressed and an area where the output of the air conditioner 210 is not suppressed are divided. You may. In this case, the control unit 120 may control the angle of the wind direction plate 208 such that the wind direction of the air conditioner 210 in an area where the output of the air conditioner 210 is not suppressed is horizontal.

  Thereby, at the time of the cooling setting, the cool air from the air conditioner 210 in the area in which the output of the air conditioner 210 is not suppressed is sent to the area in which the output of the air conditioner 210 is suppressed, and the temperature unevenness in the store 250 can be reduced. Further, at the time of heating setting, warm air generated by the air conditioner 210 in the area where the output of the air conditioner 210 is not suppressed is sent to the area where the output of the air conditioner 210 is suppressed, so that the temperature unevenness in the store 250 can be reduced.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various changes and modifications based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these variations and modifications are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, functions included in each component, each step, and the like can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and a plurality of components, steps, or the like can be combined into one or divided. It is. Although the present invention has been described mainly with respect to the apparatus, the present invention may be applied to a method including steps executed by each component of the apparatus, a method executed by a processor included in the apparatus, a program, or a storage medium storing the program. It should be understood that these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the embodiment in which the data from the sensor is transmitted to the power management apparatus 100 has been described, but the function of the power management apparatus 100 may be provided by the power company 300. For example, data from the outdoor temperature sensor 220, the temperature sensor 201, the power sensor 204, and the power sensor 205 are directly transmitted to the power company 300 (or a server managed by the power company 300) via the gateway 207 and the network 400. Is also good.

  Many aspects of the present disclosure are presented as a series of acts performed by a computer system or other hardware capable of executing program instructions. The computer system and other hardware include, for example, a general-purpose computer, a PC (Personal Computer), a dedicated computer, a workstation, a PCS (Personal Communications System, a personal mobile communication system), an electronic notepad, a laptop computer, or other programs. Possible data processing devices are included. In each embodiment, various operations are performed by dedicated circuitry (e.g., discrete logic gates interconnected to perform specific functions) implemented with program instructions (software) or by one or more processors. Note that the execution is performed by a logic block or a program module. For example, one or more microprocessors, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a PLD ( It includes a Programmable Logic Device (FPGA), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a controller, a microcontroller, an electronic device, other devices designed to perform the functions described herein, and / or any combination thereof. The embodiments described herein are implemented, for example, by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or any combination thereof.

  The machine-readable non-transitory storage medium used herein can be further configured as a tangible computer-readable carrier (medium) including a solid state memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Such a medium stores an appropriate set of computer instructions, such as program modules, for causing a processor to execute the techniques disclosed herein, and a data structure. Computer readable media includes electrical connections with one or more wires, magnetic disk storage media, and other magnetic and optical storage devices (e.g., CD (Compact Disk), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and Blu-ray Disc). Rewritable disk, portable computer disk, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or flash memory Includes a programmable ROM or other tangible storage medium capable of storing information, or any combination thereof, which may be internal and / or external to the processor / processing unit, as used herein. In addition, the term “memory” is used for all types of long-term, short-term, Sex, refers to nonvolatile other memory, type of media number or stored is stored in a particular type or memory is not limited.

1, 2 Power management system 100 Power management device 110 Communication unit 120 Control unit 130 Storage unit 200 Store (facility)
201 temperature sensor 202 cold case 203 lighting 204 power sensor 205 power sensor 206 output control device 207 gateway 208 wind direction plate 209 wind direction control device 210 air conditioning 211 outdoor unit 212 indoor unit 220 outdoor temperature sensor 250 store (facility)
300 power companies 400 networks

Claims (14)

A power management device for controlling air conditioning in the facility,
A communication unit that receives a demand response request to the facility;
A control unit for controlling the air conditioning in the facility,
The control unit, upon receiving the demand response request, changes a control condition for determining whether to suppress the output of the air conditioning from a control condition at a normal time,
The control unit, upon receiving the demand response request, controls the output of the air conditioner to be able to suppress the output of the air conditioning if the temperature in the facility is within the allowable temperature range even outside the target temperature range. Change the conditions,
The control unit changes a control condition for determining whether to suppress the output of the air conditioning based on a temperature in the facility obtained from a temperature sensor installed in the facility from a control condition at a normal time. And
The control unit may control the output of the air conditioning when the temperature in the facility is lower than the lower limit of the allowable temperature range during heating of the air conditioning but is increasing. A power management device, wherein the control condition is changed. A power management device for controlling air conditioning in the facility,
A communication unit that receives a demand response request to the facility;
A control unit for controlling the air conditioning in the facility,
The control unit, upon receiving the demand response request, changes a control condition for determining whether to suppress the output of the air conditioning from a control condition at a normal time,
The control unit, upon receiving the demand response request, controls the output of the air conditioner to be able to suppress the output of the air conditioning if the temperature in the facility is within the allowable temperature range even outside the target temperature range. Change the conditions,
The control unit changes a control condition for determining whether to suppress the output of the air conditioning based on a temperature in the facility obtained from a temperature sensor installed in the facility from a control condition at a normal time. And
The control unit is configured to suppress the output of the air conditioning when the temperature in the facility is lower than the upper limit value of the allowable temperature range during cooling of the air conditioning but is falling. A power management device, wherein the control condition is changed. A power management device for controlling air conditioning in the facility,
A communication unit that receives a demand response request to the facility;
A control unit for controlling the air conditioning in the facility,
The control unit, upon receiving the demand response request, changes a control condition for determining whether to suppress the output of the air conditioning from a control condition at a normal time,
The control unit, upon receiving the demand response request, controls the output of the air conditioner to be able to suppress the output of the air conditioning if the temperature in the facility is within the allowable temperature range even outside the target temperature range. Change the conditions,
The control unit acquires an outside air temperature of the facility, and when heating the air conditioning, when a difference between the outside air temperature and a lower limit value of the allowable temperature range is within a predetermined range, or cooling of the air conditioning. When the difference between the outside air temperature and the upper limit value of the allowable temperature range is within a predetermined range, the control condition is changed so that the output of the air conditioning can be suppressed. Management device. A power management device according to any one of claims 1 3, wherein, by stopping the outdoor units of the air conditioner, power management apparatus characterized by suppressing the output of the air-conditioning. 5. The power management device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit controls a wind direction of the air conditioning when suppressing the output of the air conditioning. 6. The power management device according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit controls a wind direction of the air conditioner by controlling a direction of a wind direction plate installed near the air conditioner. A power management device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the control unit is configured such that the air-conditioning may suppresses the cooling, is not exposed to the wind in the area area and cold case where the man is installed A power management device for controlling a wind direction of air conditioning. A power management device for controlling air conditioning in the facility,
A communication unit that receives a demand response request to the facility;
A control unit for controlling the air conditioning in the facility,
The control unit, upon receiving the demand response request, changes a control condition for determining whether to suppress the output of the air conditioning from a control condition at a normal time,
The control unit suppresses the output of the air conditioning by stopping the outdoor unit of the air conditioning,
The control unit, when suppressing the output of the air conditioning, controls the wind direction of the air conditioning,
The control unit, when the air conditioning is suppressing heating, so that the wind does not hit the area where people are, and so that the wind hits the area where the cold case is installed, the wind direction of the air conditioning, A power management device characterized by controlling. The power management device according to any one of claims 5 to 8 , wherein the control unit executes a change in a wind direction of the air conditioner after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the suppression of the output of the air conditioner. A power management device characterized in that: The power management device according to any one of claims 5 to 9 , wherein the control unit gradually returns the wind direction of the air conditioning to the original wind direction when the control of the output of the air conditioning ends. Power management device. A power management method in a power management device that controls air conditioning in a facility,
Receiving a demand response request to the facility;
Upon receiving the demand response request, changing a control condition for determining whether to suppress the output of the air conditioning from a control condition at a normal time,
Receiving the demand response request, changing the control condition so that the output of the air conditioning can be suppressed if the temperature in the facility is within the allowable temperature range even outside the target temperature range. When,
Based on the temperature in the facility acquired from the temperature sensor installed in the facility, a control condition for determining whether to suppress the output of the air conditioning, from the control condition of normal time,
If the temperature in the facility is lower than the lower limit of the allowable temperature range during heating of the air conditioner but is increasing, the control condition is changed so that the output of the air conditioner can be suppressed. Steps to
Controlling the air conditioning in the facility based on the changed control condition. A power management method in a power management device that controls air conditioning in a facility,
Receiving a demand response request to the facility;
Upon receiving the demand response request, changing a control condition for determining whether to suppress the output of the air conditioning from a control condition at a normal time,
Receiving the demand response request, changing the control condition so that the output of the air conditioning can be suppressed if the temperature in the facility is within the allowable temperature range even outside the target temperature range. When,
Based on the temperature in the facility acquired from the temperature sensor installed in the facility, a control condition for determining whether to suppress the output of the air conditioning, from the control condition of normal time,
When the temperature in the facility is lower than the upper limit of the allowable temperature range during cooling of the air conditioning, but is falling, the control condition is changed so that the output of the air conditioning can be suppressed. Steps to
Controlling the air conditioning in the facility based on the changed control condition. A power management method in a power management device that controls air conditioning in a facility,
Receiving a demand response request to the facility;
Upon receiving the demand response request, changing a control condition for determining whether to suppress the output of the air conditioning from a control condition at a normal time,
Receiving the demand response request, changing the control condition so that the output of the air conditioning can be suppressed if the temperature in the facility is within the allowable temperature range even outside the target temperature range. When,
Acquiring the outside air temperature of the facility, and when heating the air conditioning, when the difference between the outside air temperature and the lower limit of the allowable temperature range is within a predetermined range, or during the cooling of the air conditioning, When the difference between the air temperature and the upper limit of the allowable temperature range is within a predetermined range, changing the control condition so that the output of the air conditioning can be suppressed;
Controlling the air conditioning in the facility based on the changed control condition. A power management method in a power management device that controls air conditioning in a facility,
Receiving a demand response request to the facility;
Upon receiving the demand response request, changing a control condition for determining whether to suppress the output of the air conditioning from a control condition at a normal time,
Stopping the outdoor unit of the air conditioning to suppress the output of the air conditioning;
Controlling the wind direction of the air conditioning when suppressing the output of the air conditioning,
If the air conditioning is suppressing heating, so that the wind does not hit the area where people are, and so that the wind hits the area where the cold case is installed, controlling the wind direction of the air conditioning,
Controlling the air conditioning in the facility based on the changed control condition.

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