JP2003023730A - Energy use support device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide an energy utilization support device for assisting a power user to suppress peak power while avoiding service degradation. SOLUTION: In operation of energy utilization equipment, request data input means 1 for inputting data relating to a user's request, situation data input means 2 for inputting data relating to an external situation, and past equipment similar to the input data Similar search means 3 for searching and outputting operation schedule candidates
And an optimal combination means 5 for generating an optimal equipment operation schedule by combining the equipment operation schedule candidates based on a predetermined evaluation criterion, and management data measurement for measuring data relating to the energy utilization equipment in operation and external situation data. And a management data storage means for storing the measured actual measurement data in a database together with the input data and the optimum device operation schedule.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an energy use support device, and more particularly to an energy use support device for suppressing peak power consumption while avoiding deterioration of service at various stores such as convenience stores (hereinafter referred to as convenience stores). .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, at various stores such as convenience stores and restaurants near business districts, visitors are concentrated during lunch breaks. During that time, microwave ovens and air conditioners are often used, and the peak of power consumption is formed.

The electric power charge is calculated from the basic charge based on the contracted electric power (kilowatt) and the pay-per-use charge based on the electric power consumption (kilowatt / hour), so that the cost can be saved if the contracted electric power can be reduced. However, in order to suppress the peak power, not using the microwave oven or shutting down the operation of the air conditioner during a time when there are many visitors should lead to a drop in service and should be avoided.

On the other hand, in the electric power company, if the electric power peak during the summer daytime can be suppressed, the effect of improving the operating efficiency of the electric power equipment and restraining new equipment investment can be expected.

[0005]

Conventionally, as described above, in order to suppress the peak power, the only method is to prevent the use of the microwave oven or the operation of the air conditioner, which causes a decrease in service. It was not possible to suppress the peak power while avoiding it.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to obtain an energy utilization support device that assists a power user to suppress peak power while avoiding deterioration of service.

[0007]

The present invention provides a request data input means for inputting data related to a user's request in the operation of energy utilization equipment, a situation data input means for inputting data concerning an external situation, and the above request data input. Means and a similar retrieval means for retrieving and outputting past equipment operation schedule candidates similar to the input data inputted by the situation data input means, and the equipment operation schedule candidates based on a predetermined evaluation standard. An optimum combination means for generating an optimum equipment operation schedule, a management data measurement means for measuring data on the energy utilizing equipment in operation and external condition data, and the measured actual measurement data as the input data and the optimum data. Management data accumulated in the database along with the equipment operation schedule And product means, including, for the request and the criterion of the user, the energy utilization support device to optimize by combining case data equipment operation schedule stored in the said database.

Further, there is further provided an automatic operation means for automatically operating the energy utilizing equipment to be operated based on the optimum equipment operating schedule.

Further, an information display means for displaying the optimum equipment operation schedule is further provided.

Further, input setting management means for setting and managing the input data, and retrieval condition generation for extracting necessary data from the input setting management means and generating retrieval conditions for retrieval by the similar retrieval means. And means.

Further, the input setting management means for setting and managing the input data, and the evaluation standard for the combination optimization processing by the optimum combination means are selected from the data managed by the input setting management means. It further comprises an evaluation criterion generating means for generating.

Further, in the combination optimization processing by the optimum combination means, when it becomes necessary to perform the search processing by the similarity search means again, the search processing is performed again for the similarity search means, It further comprises case correction means for instructing the optimum combination means to output the search result.

Further, the actual measurement data measured by the management data measuring means is compared with the prediction data by the operation based on the optimum equipment operation schedule, and when the comparison result exceeds a predetermined range, It further comprises situation data comparison means for instructing the similarity search means to perform the search processing again.

Further, it is connected to a predetermined communication network to which another device is connected, the case data of the equipment operation schedule held in the database of the other device is used via the communication network, and / or ,
It further comprises a data sharing means for providing case data held in the database of the own device to the other device.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an energy use support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a request data input means for inputting data relating to a user's request in the operation of energy utilization equipment, 2 is situation data input means for inputting data relating to the external situation of the energy utilization equipment, and 3 is the above Similarity search means 5 for searching a past equipment operation schedule similar to the input data input to the input means 1 or 2 optimizes the equipment operation schedule (hereinafter simply referred to as schedule) 6 with respect to a certain evaluation standard. The optimum combination means to perform, 7 is a management data measuring means for measuring the data of the energy utilization equipment in operation and external condition data, 8 is a management data accumulating means for accumulating the measured data in the database together with the input data and the schedule, Reference numeral 4 is a database of case data that records and holds the above data.

The above is the basic configuration in the present embodiment, and the support apparatus in the present embodiment combines the schedules of the examples recorded in the database with respect to a plurality of constraint conditions and evaluation criteria requested by the user. By doing so, optimization is performed to create an equipment operation schedule 6 for controlling the operation of the energy utilization equipment.

However, as shown in FIG. 1, the automatic operation means 9 for automatically operating the energy utilization equipment based on the equipment operation schedule 6 generated by the optimum combination means 5 is further provided to reduce the operational burden on the user. You may make it reduce.

Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of air conditioners and refrigerators (showcases) are taken as examples of energy utilization equipment. Here, the reason why air conditioners and refrigerators are selected as control targets is the microwave oven. This is because the electrical equipment that must be operated in real time in response to the needs of customers is a device that has a relatively large degree of freedom of operation, such as advanced peak shift that utilizes the heat storage capacity of buildings and products.

Further, in the present embodiment, the information shown in Table 1 shown in FIG. 2 is used in order to realize the power peak cut of the convenience store. In Table 1, the external data is
This is information that the user cannot control, such as the weather and the number of visitors. The user request data in Table 1 is information that reflects the user's request. It is supposed to be predetermined by the user, but in some cases,
This is information that the user can control. For example, the product replenishment work time is the product delivery time and the visitor frequency (business).
The user wants to carry out according to. It is also possible to not use the microwave oven during peak hours in the daytime, but this will reduce the convenience of the customer and not the benefit of the user. Similarly, it is not necessary to keep the temperature of the store or the refrigerator for displaying products in a certain range, but this does not benefit the user because the comfort and the quality of service are impaired. In the present embodiment, the user is a business owner of a convenience store (a person who operates a device in a store and can enjoy a profit from it). Further, the device operation schedule in Table 1 is information that can be controlled by the user, and is an objective variable of the present embodiment. A detailed description of one example will be given below.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the equipment operation schedule data. The device data X _n, t in a unit time t of a certain device n has attributes such as “ON / OFF state”, “set temperature”, and “operation mode” (hereinafter, this unit data is referred to as a unit data block). In addition, in the unit data block recorded as the case data, actual measurement values such as “power consumption” and “temperature” are recorded in addition to the above operation information. Table 2 shown in FIG. 4 shows the data attributes recorded in the case data of the unit data block in the present embodiment. Table 3 shown in FIG. 5 shows the data attributes recorded in the case data of the device operation schedule in the present embodiment.

In this embodiment, the time unit of the unit data block is expressed as 30 minutes. Further, the target time range of the device operation schedule will be described as one day. That is, the device operation schedule of a certain device is data in which 48 unit data blocks are arranged, and the device operation schedule of the entire store is data in which the device operation schedule is arranged for the number of devices to be controlled.

The energy utilization support device according to the present embodiment is activated at a predetermined time (for example, midnight),
The above-described one-day schedule is created, and the created schedule is presented to the user, or the device is automatically controlled based on the created schedule. If the necessary information can be predicted, the target time range can be applied for one hour or one month.

The basic problem to be solved in this embodiment is
External data and user request data are input, and a device operation schedule is output in which the power peak is as low as possible while satisfying the user's request as much as possible.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a concrete device configuration of the energy use supporting device of the present invention shown in FIG. In the figure, 101 is a schedule creation computer (corresponding to the similarity search means 3 and the optimum combination means 5 in FIG. 1), 102 is a measurement data collection device (corresponding to the management data storage means 8 in FIG. 1), and 103 is a case database (FIG. 1
(Corresponding to case data 4 of FIG. 1), 104 is an input / output terminal (FIG.
Request data input means 1 and information display means 11 of FIG.
, 105 is a store sales processing device (corresponding to the status data input means 2 in FIG. 1), 106-1 and 106-2 are air conditioners and refrigerators (corresponding to the energy utilizing device 10 in FIG. 1), and 107 is electric power. A temperature measuring unit (corresponding to the management data measuring unit 7 in FIG. 1), 108 is a network (corresponding to the Internet and LAN), and 109 is a weather information database (corresponding to the situation data input unit 2 in FIG. 1).

Next, the operation of realizing the electric power peak cut of the convenience store by the present apparatus shown in FIG. 6 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation of the entire system by this device. First, when the apparatus is started, data required for schedule creation is read (steps S201 to S2).
04).

Step S201 is, for example, a process of acquiring a temperature range in which the inside of the store is kept comfortable, and in the present embodiment, the user inputs from the input / output terminal 104. This process does not necessarily have to be performed daily. Alternatively, the weather forecast data obtained in step S203 may be automatically obtained by a calculation method prepared in advance.

Step S202 is a process for acquiring the time zone in which a product such as juice is replenished in the refrigerator or the time zone in which the microwave oven is often used, and in this embodiment, the user inputs from the input / output terminal 104. This processing does not necessarily have to be performed every day (that is, if the working time and the visitor time are fixed to some extent every day, the recorded data may be used every day).

The step S203 is a weather information database (WWJ page of the Meteorological Agency) connected to the Internet.
It is acquired by browsing 09. When the user is not connected to the Internet, there is an alternative means such as the user looking at the weather forecast such as a newspaper and inputting from the input / output terminal 104.

In step S204, the store sales processing device 105 attached to the POS system (store sales management system).
Get the information predicted by.

There are two types of data acquired in steps S201 to S204: data for the entire day and data for every 30 minutes (48 data per day). It is not always necessary to prepare two types of data for all data. It is only necessary to previously specify the data required for the schedule creation process and acquire only the specified data. In this embodiment, for the forecast weather condition, the forecast data for one day is used as the data for every 30 minutes.

The order of steps S201 to S204 may be arbitrary as long as there is no subordination between the data acquired in each step S (for example, the microwave oven use time zone is calculated from the expected number of visitors).

When the external data and the user request data are input, a similar case retrieval process (step S205) is performed to retrieve and output a device operation schedule candidate having a similar input data portion.

FIG. 8 shows a flow of similar case retrieval processing in this embodiment. First, the case data stored in the case database 109 is read (step S301). The case data may be read for each device instead of first (after step S302). Further, it is not necessary to read all the accumulated case data, and only case data necessary for the subsequent processing may be selected and read. Next, with respect to the case data of each device to be controlled (step S303), the similarity to the input data is calculated (step S30).
4). The device to be controlled is recorded in advance in the file (312) as device data. This file is
For example, it is set and recorded when the system is installed. The degree of similarity used in the present embodiment is calculated by a weighted weighted sum of normalized distances between each attribute of input data and each attribute of case data. Information regarding attribute weights is recorded in the file (313) as a case search setting table. In this embodiment, weighting with attributes as shown in Table 4 of FIG. 9 is used. For example, in the calculation of the air conditioner similarity, the expected weather condition, the expected maximum temperature, and the expected number of visitors are used equally, but the number of sales and the compensation time are not used. Information that is not quantified, such as weather conditions, is quantized beforehand (fine = 10, cloudy = 20, rain = 3).
0, etc.).

In the similarity calculation, the similarity can be calculated with the input data for one day, or with the input data for the unit of 30 minutes (unit time of the unit data block), or both can be used to calculate the similarity. You can also do it. Three
When performing a similar search of case data of one day from input data in units of 0 minutes, for example, it may be obtained from a weighted sum of similarity degrees for each 30 minutes.

When the degree of similarity has been calculated for all the case data read for a device (step S30)
3) Then, sorting is performed in the order of the calculated similarities (step S306). In this process, it is not necessary to sort all the case data, and only cases satisfying a certain threshold may be sorted.

When the above process is completed for all target devices (step S302), the upper candidates of each device are combined to create the whole device operation schedule candidate (step S307). For example, in the present embodiment, the device operation schedule candidates for the entire 10 stores (air conditioners and refrigerators) are created by leaving three similar case upper candidates for each device and randomly combining them. As a matter of course, the number left as a candidate is not limited to the above number.

When the device operation schedule candidate is output by the similar case retrieval process, the optimized device operation schedule is obtained by the combination optimization process (step S206 in FIG. 7). The combination optimization process is a process of combining a plurality of device operation schedule candidates to generate a device operation schedule that maximizes peak cut while satisfying the user's request. In the present embodiment, the above optimization is performed using a genetic algorithm. The genetic algorithm is a method that models the evolutionary process of organisms (selection selection, mutation, etc.), and is a method of stochastic search, learning, and optimization. Based on the fact that an algorithm that models the mechanism of the natural world in which good individuals are likely to be born from good individuals and bad individuals are naturally weeded out is effective as a solution to optimization problems and learning problems. There is.

In the present embodiment, the schedule candidates for the entire store obtained by the similar case search process correspond to individuals, and the schedule of a certain device (for example, one refrigerator) corresponds to a gene. A method of using genes as a set of unit data blocks of each device in a certain unit time zone is also possible. That is, the idea is based on the expectation that a better operation schedule may be generated by combining the operation of the air conditioner on one day and the operation of the refrigerator on another day.

FIG. 10 shows the flow of the combination optimization process in this embodiment. Step S401
The prescribed number of generations is the number specified in advance, and the optimization process ends when evolution of the number of generations is performed. Step S40
2 is a process of calculating the fitness of each schedule candidate (individual). The fitness of an individual is determined from the evaluation criteria of the problem. In the present embodiment, the maximum electric power (k
The lower W) is, the higher the fitness is. For the maximum daily power, the sum of the measured power values held in the unit data blocks in each time slot of the schedule candidate is calculated, and the value in the time slot in which it is maximum is calculated. It should be noted that the evaluation criteria may include the lowest electricity bill, the lowest number of operations, the lowest number of deviations from the allowable temperature range, and the normalized value of the combination thereof. Step S403 is a step S
This is a process of sorting the individuals according to the fitness calculated in 402. As a result, the individuals are rearranged in the order of high fitness (in the order of lowest daily maximum power). Step S404 is
This is a process of determining convergence. In this example, all remaining individuals converge when they are composed of the same gene. Step S405 is a selection process for leaving the genes of individuals with high fitness in the next generation. In the selection process, the lethal gene is first removed. That is, individuals that do not meet the constraint conditions are not left in the next generation. In this embodiment, schedule candidates that do not satisfy the allowable temperature range of the user request data are removed. Next, of the remaining individuals, those to be left for the next generation are selected. In the present embodiment, a mixed strategy of fitness proportionality in which as many individuals as the fitness according to the fitness of each individual is left in the next generation, and elite conservation that always leaves the individual with the maximum fitness is adopted.

Step S406 is a process for producing a next-generation individual by mating any two selected individuals. In the present embodiment, the device to be replaced and the device not to be replaced are selected by uniform crossover.

Step S407 is a process of mutating individuals to be left in the next generation with a certain probability. In the mutation in this embodiment, processing for changing the OFF time and the set temperature of the unit data block in the time zone having a certain probability is performed. The power and temperature information held in the unit data block is reset to an appropriate value according to the change. In addition, the peak time as a target time of mutation (around lunch break)
You can think of heuristic strategies such as putting weights on.

In the combination optimization process, when a predetermined number of generations is processed in step S401 or when the number of generations is converged in step S404, the individual having the best fitness is output as the optimum equipment operation schedule, and the process ends.

When the optimum equipment operation schedule is obtained, the equipment control processing (step S207 in FIG. 7) is executed to operate the equipment according to the schedule.

The device control process is a process of interpreting the contents of the input schedule and sending a control signal to the automatic operation means for each device for each time. In this embodiment, it is realized as software installed in the schedule creation device 101.

In the present embodiment, the automatic operation means 9 is a control device incorporated in an energy utilizing device (air conditioner, refrigerator) and is connected to the schedule creating device 101 via a network. The built-in control device includes
For example, there is an ECHONET adapter.

When the optimum device operation schedule 6 is created, the schedule creating apparatus 101 reads a unit data block of the corresponding time in the optimum device operation schedule 6 at regular time intervals by a timer.

For each device, the OFF time attribute t of the read unit data block is read, and if t is 0 or more, OF is sent to the control device of the corresponding device via the network.
Send an F signal. When the time t has passed, an ON signal is sent this time. If the equipment control device can perform automatic ON control by an OFF signal designating a time, it is not necessary to send the ON signal.

If the OFF time attribute t is 0, the set temperature attribute s and the operation mode attribute m that have been read are read and compared with the set temperature attribute and the operation mode attribute in the time zone immediately before the same device. If the comparison result s is different, a signal for setting the set temperature s is sent to the device control device. At the same time, if the operation mode m is different, a signal for changing the operation mode to m is sent to the equipment control device.

The above processing is repeated for the time designated by the optimum equipment operation schedule.

While the equipment is operating in accordance with the optimum equipment operation schedule 6, the power consumption of the equipment and the temperature information of the predetermined location are measured by the management data measuring means.

The management data measuring means 7 is the device 106-
In addition to the electric power / temperature measuring unit 107 incorporated in the units 1 and 106-2, the store sales processing apparatus 105 and the weather information database 109 are included. The temperature data may be measured not only by the power / temperature measuring unit 107 mounted on the device but also by a temperature sensor outside the device such as inside and outside the store. The power data can also be measured at any point in the power system to which the device is connected, such as a breaker on the distribution board. Further, it is not necessary to automatically measure all the data, and for example, the user can input / output the terminal 10
You can also enter from 4.

In the present embodiment, the power / temperature measuring unit 107 uses the power consumption (maximum kW) and power consumption (kWh) per unit time (30 minutes) of each device, and the maximum and minimum values within the unit time. The temperature at the start of the unit time is measured and the measured value is held. The store sales processing device 105 absorbs the number of visitors per unit time and the number of sales by product from the POS cash register. The weather information database 109 stores the weather condition, temperature, etc. of the day.

When the execution of the optimum equipment operation schedule 6 is completed, the management data accumulating means 8 reads the measured performance data and external performance data of the day (steps S208 and S209 in FIG. 7). Further, the management data accumulating means 8 accumulates the read actual data as case data in the case database (211) (step S2).
10).

The management data storage means 8 is a software function installed in the measurement data collection device 102. In the present embodiment, the schedule creation device 101, the measurement data collection device 102, and the case database 103 are realized by different personal computers, but these three functions may be incorporated in one piece of hardware.

The measurement data collecting device 102 has a function of collecting the actual data measured and held by the management data measuring means 7 via the network.

The measurement data collection device 102 creates unit data blocks from the collected data by using the data per unit time of each device as the attribute values shown in Table 2 of FIG.
It is stored in the case database 103. Also, Table 3 in FIG.
The data of the attribute values indicated by is collected and stored in the case database 103 as the case data of the device operation schedule 6. In the case database 103, the case data of the unit data block and the case data of the device operation schedule are separately stored.

The case data stored in the case database 103 can be used as data for generating a device operation schedule candidate from the next day.

In the energy utilization support device having the configuration and processing as described above, case data, which is a past example performed by the user, is used for the situation of the day (weather, visitor / sales forecast) and user's request (compensation work). Since the device operation schedule is determined by combining them according to the time and the operation of the priority device, the device operation with high user satisfaction can be performed.

Further, the learning effect is exhibited by accumulating the case data, and the more the device is used, the more highly satisfactory the device operation can be performed.

Furthermore, by performing similarity search for cases by calculating the degree of similarity, it is possible to obtain a reasonable solution even for irregular input data or extreme input data.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
Since the schedule is determined by combining past examples made by the user, it is possible to operate the device with high user satisfaction. Further, by accumulating the cases, the learning effect is exhibited, and the more the device is used, the more satisfactory the device operation can be performed. Furthermore, by performing a similarity search, it is possible to obtain a reasonable solution for irregular input data or extreme input data.

For example, when there is a contradictory user's request to turn off the air conditioner only for a certain period of time when it is desired to cut the electric power peak, a schedule is obtained in which the air conditioner is operated at the time specified by the user and energy is saved. be able to. Therefore, without impairing the convenience of the user,
It is possible to save energy with high user satisfaction. The present invention is not limited to the purpose of saving energy but can be applied to various purposes.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, if the automatic operation means 9 based on the equipment operation schedule 6 is provided, the energy utilization equipment can be operated and measured without human intervention on the optimized schedule. This has the effect of reducing the operational burden on the user.

Embodiment 2. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of the energy use support device of the invention according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, in the second embodiment, instead of the automatic driving means 9 of the first embodiment, an information display means 11 for presenting an optimum equipment operation schedule to the user 12 is provided. For other configurations, the first embodiment
Therefore, the description is omitted here.

The information display means 11 uses the screen output function of the input / output terminal (personal computer) 104 shown in FIG. Of course, another H / W may be prepared.

The information display means 11 is means for presenting the contents of the optimum equipment operation schedule 6 created by the optimum combination means 5 to the user. The user operates the devices 106-1 and 106-2 according to the presented information,
It is possible to use equipment that achieves power peak cut.

There are two types of information presented to the user by the information display means 11 in the present embodiment: a device operation schedule for one day and device operation settings for each unit time (30 minutes).

FIG. 12 is an example of a screen presenting the daily equipment operation schedule 6 of the air conditioner.

FIG. 13 is an example of a screen presenting the operation setting of the air conditioner at 11:30 based on the optimum equipment operation schedule. In addition, the operation setting of a certain device is presented only when there is a difference between the operation setting of the unit time and the operation setting of the immediately preceding unit time, thereby presenting information for each unit time. You can avoid the annoyance.

Further, in the present embodiment, by using the information display means 11, when the power / temperature data measured by the management data measuring means 7 or the temperature deviates from the allowable temperature range required by the user. Warnings can be displayed. FIG. 14 is an example of the screen. The bar graph in the figure shows the power value (kW), and the line graph shows the temperature (° C).
The red circles represent deviations from the allowable temperature range.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
In the energy use support device provided with the information display means 11 for displaying the optimized equipment operation schedule 6 to the user 12 instead of the automatic driving means 9, the user 12 refers to the equipment operation schedule 6 and the user 12 operates the equipment 106-1. 10
Since the operation of 6-2 is performed, the user 12 can control the operation according to the situation at the spot, and the operation case can be accumulated and reused to create a future schedule. This has the effect of improving satisfaction.

Third Embodiment FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the energy use support device of the invention according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, in the third embodiment, the input setting management means 14 for setting and managing the external data and the user request data input by the request data input means 1 and the situation data input means 2 in the first embodiment. When,
Based on the input user request, necessary data is retrieved from the input setting management means 14 to generate and output a search condition for the similar search means 3, and the search condition generating means 13 is provided.
Is added.

In the present embodiment, the input setting management means 14
The search condition generating means 13 is realized as software and a recording file of the schedule creating device 101.

The input setting management means 14 is used for the input / output terminal 1
It has a function of recording the external data and user request data received from 04 as a file for each data item, and providing the data content in response to a request from other means.

The search condition generation means 13 retrieves necessary data from the input setting management means 14 based on the user's request for the case search operation and the situation at that time, and when the similar search means 3 performs similar case search processing. It has a function to set the search conditions.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a similar case retrieval processing portion in the present embodiment. Here, (condition 1) spring-autumn excludes air conditioners as targets for searching similar cases (condition 2) condition setting that seasonal attributes completely match the similarity search of air conditioners, (condition 3) summer In the similarity calculation of the air conditioner, a method of adding a condition that the weighting coefficient of the outside air temperature is double the normal one will be described.

In FIG. 16, step S501 is a process of recording the input data input in steps S201 to S204 of FIG. This process is executed after steps S201 to S204 in FIG. At the same time, the user inputs the conditions 1, 2, and 3 in the preceding stage as request data from the input / output terminal 104. The input request data is also input data management means (50
Retained by 1). Note that the season and time at that time need not be input by the user if the input / output terminal 104 or the schedule creation device 101 can be automatically determined by a calendar function or the like. The input data may be stored in any place as long as it can be accessed from the schedule creating device 101 when creating a schedule.

Target device selection processing (step S502)
Is a process of selecting a device for which a schedule is to be created according to a situation or a user request. This process is executed before performing the similar case search process. First, the input data management unit (501) is inquired about the presence / absence of a user request for selecting a target device. The input data management unit returns the condition 1.
The target device selection processing unit that has read it deletes and updates the air conditioner from the device data file (212).

In step S302 (FIG. 8) of the similar case search process, the search process for the device is performed according to the updated data, and therefore the search process for the air conditioner is not performed on this day.

Search condition generation processing (step S503)
Is a process for setting conditions for calculating the similarity.
In this embodiment, two processes, that is, designation of an attribute that must be completely matched and designation of weight change of the attribute, are performed.

The designation of an attribute that must completely match is such that similarity calculation is not performed unless the attribute value of the input data and the attribute value of the case data match for a certain attribute. Cases that violate this designation will not be candidates. For example, since it is unrealistic to use an operation example of an air conditioner in winter in summer, it is desirable that the attributes "season" match.

The attribute weight change designation is a process for changing the weight coefficient of the case search setting table (Table 4 in FIG. 9).
For example, since the operation of an air conditioner in the summer depends largely on the temperature and the humidity, it is possible to specify that the weight of the outside air temperature is set to be larger than other attributes during the summer.

In the search condition generation processing, first, the input data management unit (501) is queried for the presence / absence of a user request for search condition setting. The input data management unit returns condition 2 and condition 3. In the search condition generation processing that reads it, the information (here, “*”) designating perfect match is written in the air conditioner / season column of the case search setting table file (313), and the air conditioner / outside temperature column is further entered. The value is set to 2 and the file is updated.

In the similar case search process, since the device search process is performed in accordance with the updated case inspection setting table, the similarity calculation is not performed for the perfect match determination process (step S504) for the seasons other than summer. . Further, in the similarity calculation (step S304), the weight of the outside air temperature of the air conditioner is set to 2 and the similarity is calculated. It should be noted that the perfect match determination process is performed by reading the case data (step S30).
You may go in 1). That is, the case data of the air conditioners whose seasonal attributes do not match are not read.

According to the present embodiment, the user can instruct the device to be controlled according to the situation at that time and the direction of the operation content thereof, so that the device operation with higher user satisfaction can be performed.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
An input setting management unit 14 for selecting and setting input data to be used by the similar search unit 3 and a search condition generating unit 13 for generating a condition of the similar search according to the input setting are provided so that the user can meet his / her request at that time. Since it is possible to set the search condition by using the search condition, it is possible to search the schedule according to the user's request, and the user satisfaction is improved.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the energy utilization support device of the invention according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the fourth embodiment is obtained by adding an evaluation criterion generation means 15 for automatically generating an optimization evaluation criterion based on a user setting to the configuration of the third embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the evaluation standard generating means 15
Are realized as software and a recording file of the schedule creation device 101 of FIG.

The evaluation standard generating means 15 is based on the user request data relating to equipment operation which is input by the user through the request data input means 1 and is managed by the input setting management means 14.
Fitness calculation formula of the optimum combination means 5 (step S4 in FIG. 10)
02) is automatically generated.

The evaluation standard generation means 15 first inquires of the input setting management means 14 whether or not there is a user request regarding the evaluation standard of device operation. The input setting management means 14 returns the data when the data is held. The evaluation criterion generating means 15 that has read the information rewrites the fitness calculation formula in the fitness calculation process (step S402). In the fitness calculation process in the optimum combination process, the fitness of each candidate is calculated by the rewritten calculation formula.

For example, in the second embodiment, when the user requests the system to reduce the peak power and to reduce the number of device setting operations as much as possible, the evaluation reference generating means that receives the request data,
Write the following fitness calculation formula.

Individual fitness = normalized peak power fitness + normalized fitness of operation setting times

The term weight may be added to the fitness calculation formula including a plurality of terms as described above. With respect to the weight to be added, the request of the user can be reflected by the above-mentioned mechanism.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the optimum equipment operation schedule according to the user's request which changes depending on the situation and operate the equipment according to the optimum equipment operation schedule, so that the user satisfaction is improved.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
In addition to the input setting management means 14, since the evaluation standard generating means 15 for automatically generating the evaluation standard based on the set information is provided, the user sets the input / output data and the evaluation standard in accordance with his / her own request. Therefore, there is an effect that optimization can be performed according to a user's request, and user satisfaction is improved.

Embodiment 5. FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the energy use support device of the invention according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the fifth embodiment is similar when the similar case search process needs to be performed again in the combination optimization process by the optimum combination means 5 described in the first to fourth embodiments. Case correction means for instructing the search means 3 to perform the search processing again and output the search result to the optimum combination means 5 (not shown. ↑ from the optimum combination means 5 to the similar search means 3 in FIG. 18 and See ↓ for the opposite.)

In the present embodiment, the case correction means is shown in FIG.
It is realized as software installed in the schedule creation device 101. The case correction means has a function of replacing a unit data block of a part of the device schedule or a part of a time period of a certain schedule with a device operation schedule candidate with another schedule or case data of the unit data block.

FIG. 19 shows an example of the combination optimization process in which the case modification means is introduced.

In this embodiment, when there is a unit data block that does not satisfy the allowable temperature range in the individual (device operation schedule candidate) selected in each generation, the unit data block is replaced with other case data. Perform processing.

Judgment whether or not to correct the case (step S
601) checks whether or not the temperature attribute of each unit data block in the individual is within the allowable temperature range input as the user request data. If there is more than one unsatisfied unit data block, record the location of that unit data block.

The reading process of the unit data block case (step S301) is the same as the case data reading process of the similar case search process (FIG. 8) described in the first embodiment, but here, it is unsatisfied in step S601. It suffices to read the case data which is related to the device type of the data recorded as the unit data block and whose temperature attribute value is within the allowable temperature range.

The calculation of the degree of similarity (step S304) is also similar to the processing of the first embodiment, but here, another basic data unit block that is most similar to the unsatisfied unit data block is output. It should be noted that the time zone attribute is also taken into consideration in the similarity search regarding the unit data block.

In the unit data block replacement process (step S602), the sufficiency unit data block recorded in step S601 is replaced with the similar case data output from step S304.

The device operation schedule candidates thus modified in case satisfy the user's request.

In addition, it is necessary to partially combine the equipment operation cases of a certain day, and it is possible to flexibly deal with the case where the day is different from usual such as a bargain sale day.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the combination optimizing process by the optimum combining means 5, a new actual example is retrieved as necessary, and the retrieval result is used as the material for the combination optimization. In order to do so, case correction means for invoking similar case search processing is provided, so even if certain conditions are not satisfied, it is possible to combine with new materials, and it is possible to obtain solutions with variations. There is an effect that a schedule that can be adapted to various situations can be generated.

Sixth Embodiment FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the energy utilization support device of the invention according to the present embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the situation data comparison means 17 is added to any of the configurations of the embodiments so far, and the actual measurement data measured by the management data measurement means 7 and the optimum combination are added. When the comparison result exceeds the predetermined range, the similarity search means 3 is instructed to perform the search processing again by comparing the predicted data generated by the means 5 with the operation based on the optimum equipment operation schedule. , It was re-planned and the optimal equipment operation schedule was modified.

In general, the operation according to the optimum equipment operation schedule may not always be the expected situation. For example, in a situation where the weather forecast or the predicted maximum temperature is deviated, or the replenishment work time is longer than planned, the in-store temperature or the refrigerator temperature held in the optimum device operation schedule is not reached. Also, in such a situation, the power consumption may deviate from the planned value. In order to deal with such a situation, when it is determined that the gap between the plan and the actual (actual) has become large, the plan is revised according to the current situation and more ideal device operation is performed. Is the purpose of the form.

In this embodiment, the situation data comparing means is realized as software installed in the schedule creating device 101. The re-planning process is also software installed in the schedule creation device 101, and is a process that uses the similar case search process and the combination optimization process described in the first embodiment.

The status data comparing means 17 compares the plan data held in the optimum equipment operation schedule 6 with the actual data measured by the management data measuring means,
It has a function of outputting the degree of deviation.

The re-planning process has a function of creating an optimum equipment operation schedule after a certain time from situation data of a certain time.

FIG. 21 shows an example of the processing of the situation data comparing means.

The status data comparison process starts at a preset time and ends at the set time (step S701). For example, the situation comparison is performed every 60 minutes after the start of the device operation according to the schedule, and the setting is completed such that the operation according to the schedule ends at the same time. The activation timing may be set to a time such as 7 o'clock and 12 o'clock, instead of a fixed time interval such as every 60 minutes. In this embodiment, the start and end of the situation data comparison process is realized by using the timer function.

When the situation data comparison processing is started, the following processing is performed for each designated data attribute with respect to the equipment designated for comparison. In the present embodiment, the integrated power consumption of the air conditioner will be described as an example, but the devices to be compared do not necessarily have to be operated according to the schedule. Also, the attributes to be compared do not have to be the attributes of the device such as the store temperature, the outside temperature, and the number of visitors.

In the reading of the planned value (step S702), the planned value up to the current unit time (power consumption integrated value) held by the currently executed optimum equipment operation schedule is read.

The reading of the measured value (step S703) receives the actual value up to the present held in the power / temperature measuring unit.

In the comparison process (step S704), the planned value of step S702 and the actual value of step S703 are compared.

Judgment of range over (step S705)
If the comparison result in step S704 exceeds the preset allowable value, the process proceeds to the re-planning process. If not exceeded, the next comparison attribute is processed. In this embodiment,
The allowable value of the integrated value of power consumption was set to 115%. That is, when the accumulated power consumption amount exceeds 115% of the planned value, it is determined that the range has been exceeded and re-planning processing is performed.

The re-planning process (step S706) is a process for creating an optimum equipment operation schedule (re-planning schedule) from the current situation data and the predicted value held by the input data managing means.

The device operation schedule rewriting (step S707) is a process of rewriting the contents of the currently executed optimum device operation schedule into the contents of the re-planning schedule. At this time, the portion after the current time of the optimum equipment operation schedule is rewritten with the relevant portion of the re-planning schedule. That is, the contents of the optimum operation schedule up to the present are left. This is to record the contents actually performed when the device operation schedule is accumulated as the case data after the execution. This allows
After this, the equipment will be operated according to the new schedule created by the re-planning process.

FIG. 22 shows an example of the re-planning process. In the present embodiment, processing using the similar case search processing described in the third embodiment and the combination optimization processing described in the fifth embodiment is performed.

The reading of the measured value (step S703) is a process of reading the current situation data from the management data measuring means. The current situation data includes the temperature inside the store, the temperature inside the refrigerator, the amount of power consumption, the number of visitors, and the amount of replenishment.

At the same time, the external data predicted value and the user request data are read from the input data management means. At this time, the external data and the user request data do not have to be those at the time of starting the system. For example, the latest external data predicted value may be acquired by the re-planning process, or the user may input the request data. Good.

Search condition setting process (step S503)
Is the processing described in the third embodiment, creates conditions for similar case search at the time of re-planning, and sets the case search setting table (31
Record in 3). In this embodiment, the current situation data of the temperature inside the store and the temperature inside the refrigerator, and the external data predicted value shown in Table 4 of FIG. 9 are adopted. In addition, weighting factors set by the user are set for these attribute values.

The similar case search process (step S205) and the combination optimization process (step S206) perform the processes described in the third and fifth embodiments. As a result, the optimum equipment operation schedule that takes into consideration both the current situation and the prediction is generated.

By thus performing the situation comparison and the re-planning processing, the equipment can be operated at any time based on the optimum schedule according to the situation, so that the energy saving effect can be enhanced in accordance with the actual situation. it can.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
While operating the energy-using equipment according to the schedule, the situation data comparison means for comparing the actual measurement data at that time and the data calculated (predicted) based on the schedule (by the system itself) is provided, so that there is a difference between the two. When is large, since the example similarity search and the combination optimization are automatically performed again, the optimization according to the situation is performed at any time, so that the energy saving effect can be enhanced according to the actual situation.

Seventh Embodiment FIG. 23 shows the configuration of the energy utilization support device of the present invention according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23, in the seventh embodiment, the device according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments operating in a plurality of places (stores) is connected via a communication network such as the Internet.

A data sharing means 1 for connecting a plurality of devices via a network and sharing the contents of the case database.
By providing 9, it is possible to use external case data or to provide it in reverse.

As a result, even if there is no good example in the own store,
It is possible to search and use case data that suits the situation from a vast amount of external data. In addition, it is possible to omit a wasteful period of time in which case data is accumulated in advance before the optimum operation is started at a new store or the like.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
Since a plurality of devices are connected by a network and a data sharing means for sharing the data of the case database is provided, it is possible to use external example data via the communication network such as the Internet, or to provide it in reverse. Is characterized by.

As a result, even if there is no good example for myself, it is possible to find an example suitable for the situation from a vast amount of external data. In addition, it is possible to omit a useless period of accumulating actual examples before starting optimum operation.

[0133]

As described above, the present invention provides a request data input means for inputting data relating to a user's request, a situation data input means for inputting data relating to an external situation, the request data input means and the situation described above in operation of an energy utilizing device. Optimal device operation by combining similar search means for searching and outputting past device operation schedule candidates that are similar to the input data input by the data input means, and the above device operation schedule candidates based on a predetermined evaluation criterion. An optimum combination means for generating a schedule, a management data measuring means for measuring data regarding an energy-using device in operation and external condition data, the measured actual measurement data together with the input data and the optimum device operation schedule. , Management data storage means for storing in the database, , The energy utilization support device that optimizes the user's request and the evaluation criteria by combining the case data of the equipment operation schedule recorded in the database, so the past examples performed by the user Since the device operation schedule can be determined by combining them, it is possible to operate the device with high user satisfaction. Further, by accumulating the cases, the learning effect is exhibited, and the more the device is used, the more satisfactory the device operation can be performed. Furthermore, by performing a similarity search, it is possible to obtain a reasonable solution for irregular input data or extreme input data.

Further, since the automatic operation means for automatically operating the above-mentioned energy utilization equipment to be operated based on the above-mentioned optimum equipment operation schedule is further provided, it is possible to perform human intervention based on the optimized equipment operation schedule. It is possible to operate and measure the energy utilization device without doing so, and there is an effect that the operation load on the user is reduced.

Further, since the information display means for displaying the optimum equipment operation schedule is further provided, the user can operate the equipment with reference to the displayed equipment operation schedule. Accordingly, the user can control the operation, and the operation cases can be accumulated and reused to create a future device operation schedule, which has the effect of further improving user satisfaction.

Further, input setting management means for setting and managing the input data, and retrieval condition generation for extracting necessary data from the input setting management means and generating retrieval conditions for retrieval by the similar retrieval means. Since the means is further provided, the user can set the search condition according to his / her request at that time, the device operation schedule according to the user's request can be searched, and the effect of improving the user satisfaction can be obtained. is there.

The input setting management means for setting and managing the input data and the evaluation standard for the combination optimization processing by the optimum combination means are calculated from the data managed by the input setting management means. It further comprises an evaluation standard generating means for generating, and automatically generates the evaluation standard based on the information set in the input setting management means, so that the user can set the input / output data and the evaluation standard in accordance with his / her own request. In addition, there is an effect that optimization can be performed according to a user's request and user satisfaction is improved.

Further, in the combination optimizing process by the optimum combining means, when it is necessary to perform the search process by the similarity searching means again, the search process is performed again by the similar searching means, Since the case correction means for instructing to output the search result to the optimum combination means is further provided, when it becomes necessary to search again in the combination optimization process, the search is performed and the search result is displayed. Since it can be used as a material for combination optimization, it becomes possible to combine with new materials even if certain conditions are not satisfied, it is possible to find solutions with variations, and schedules that can be adapted to complex situations It has the effect that it can be generated.

Further, the actual measurement data measured by the management data measuring means is compared with the prediction data by the operation based on the optimum equipment operation schedule, and when the comparison result exceeds a predetermined range, Since the situation data comparison means for instructing the similarity search means to perform the search process again is further provided, when the difference between the two is large, the example similarity search and the combination optimization can be automatically performed again. There is an effect that the energy saving effect can be enhanced according to the actual situation by performing optimization according to the situation.

Further, it is connected to a predetermined communication network to which another device is connected, the case data of the equipment operation schedule held in the database of the other device is used via the communication network, and / or ,
Since it further comprises a data sharing means for providing case data held in the database of the own device to the other device, it is possible to use external example data via the communication network, and vice versa. Therefore, even if you do not have a good example, you can find an example that fits the situation from a vast amount of external data. In addition, it is possible to omit a useless period of accumulating actual examples before starting optimum operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an energy utilization support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing information used in a convenience store power peak cut in the energy use support apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a device operation schedule in the energy use support device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of attributes of a unit data block in the energy use supporting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of attributes of a device operation schedule in the energy use support apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a device configuration of an energy utilization support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the energy utilization support device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a similarity search process of the energy utilization support device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a case search setting table of the energy use supporting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a combination optimization process of the energy utilization support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an energy utilization support device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a device operation schedule screen of the energy use support apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a device setting screen of the energy use supporting apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a power / temperature display screen of the energy use support apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an energy utilization support device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an input data management / search condition generation process of the energy utilization support device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an energy utilization support device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an energy utilization support device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a combination optimization process (case modification) of the energy use support system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an energy utilization support device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a situation data comparison of the energy utilization support device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a re-planning process of the energy use support system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an energy utilization support device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 request data input means, 2 situation data input means, 3
Similarity search means, 4 case database, 5 optimal combination means, 6 equipment operation schedule, 7 management data measurement means, 8 management data storage means, 9 automatic operation means, 10
Energy utilization equipment, 11 information display means, 12 users (users), 13 search condition generation means, 14 input setting management means, 15 evaluation reference generation means, 17 situation data comparison means, 18 case database (other device), 1
9 Data sharing means.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Koichiro Hara             2-3 2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo             Inside Ryo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Katsuhiko Tsujino             2-3 2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo             Inside Ryo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasuyuki Sugii             4-1, Egasaki-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa             Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. F-term (reference) 5G066 AA02 KA01 KA04 KA11 KB01

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A request data input unit for inputting data relating to a user's request in the operation of an energy utilization device, a situation data input unit for inputting data relating to an external condition of the energy utilization device, the request data input unit and the above. An optimum device by combining a similar search means for searching and outputting past device operation schedule candidates similar to the input data input by the situation data input device and the above device operation schedule candidate based on a predetermined evaluation standard An optimum combination means for generating an operation schedule, a management data measuring means for measuring data on the energy-using equipment in operation and external condition data, and the measured actual measurement data as the input data and the optimum equipment operation schedule. Together with the management data stored in the database And product means, including, for the request and the criterion of the user, the energy utilization support apparatus characterized by performing optimization by combining case data equipment operation schedule stored in the said database. 2. The energy use support device according to claim 1, further comprising an automatic operation means for automatically operating the energy utilization equipment to be operated based on the optimum equipment operation schedule. 3. The energy use support apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising information display means for displaying the optimum equipment operation schedule. 4. An input setting management means for setting and managing the input data, and necessary data taken out from the input setting management means,
4. The energy use support device according to claim 1, further comprising a search condition generation unit that generates a search condition for the search by the similarity search unit. 5. The input setting management means for setting and managing the input data, and the evaluation criteria for the combination optimization processing by the optimum combination means, based on the data managed by the input setting management means. The energy use support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: an evaluation reference generation unit that generates the evaluation reference. 6. In the combination optimizing process by the optimum combining means, when it is necessary to perform the search process by the similar search means again, the similar search means performs the search process again, 6. The energy use support device according to claim 1, further comprising case correction means for instructing the optimum combination means to output the search result. 7. The actual measurement data measured by the management data measuring means is compared with the prediction data by the operation based on the optimum equipment operation schedule, and when the comparison result exceeds a predetermined range, 7. The energy use support device according to claim 1, further comprising a situation data comparison unit for instructing the similarity search unit to perform the search process again. 8. Connected to a predetermined communication network to which another device is connected, utilizing case data of a device operation schedule held in a database of the other device via the communication network, and / or The energy use support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising data sharing means for providing case data held in the database of the own device to the other device.