JP6225419B2 - Air conditioner control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner control device that receives an adjustment request for power consumption and performs operation control of the air conditioner based on the request.

  There is a demand for the power supplier to balance the power supply amount and the power demand amount in order to realize a stable power supply.

  In order to satisfy this requirement, a power supplier may request a power consumer who uses various equipment to suppress the use of power. For example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-107901), when the amount of power supply is insufficient with respect to the amount of power demand, the power supplier can economically suppress the use of power with respect to the power consumer. An example of requesting to reduce power usage by showing profits is disclosed.

  When a power consumer responds to such a request by suppressing the amount of power used by the air conditioner being used, the set temperature of the air conditioner is changed (in the case of cooling, the set temperature is increased). It is conceivable to reduce the set temperature during heating. Another possible countermeasure is to forcibly reduce the power used by the air conditioner.

  However, when the set temperature of the air conditioner is changed, it is uncertain how much power consumption can actually be suppressed, and it may not be possible to respond to a request for suppression of power usage. In addition, when changing the set temperature of the air conditioner, a certain amount of response time is required from the change of the set temperature to the actual decrease in power usage, so it was requested to immediately reduce the power usage. In some cases, it may not be possible to respond to this.

  On the other hand, when the power used by the air conditioner is forcibly reduced, comfort may be significantly impaired against the intention of the user of the air conditioner.

  An object of the present invention is an air conditioner control apparatus that receives an adjustment request for power consumption and performs operation control of the air conditioner based on the request, and is responsive to the adjustment request and comfort of the user of the air conditioner. It is providing the control apparatus which can carry out operation control of an air conditioning machine based on a user's intention.

  The control device according to the first aspect of the present invention controls the operation of the air conditioner. The control device includes a request receiving unit, a control unit, and a selection receiving unit. The request receiving unit receives a power adjustment request including the air conditioner power target amount from the outside. The controller adjusts the current for driving the compressor by adjusting the operating frequency of the compressor, which is the main equipment of the air conditioner, so that the power consumption of the air conditioner becomes the target air conditioner power amount. A response priority control mode and a non-response priority control mode for forcibly changing the target temperature of the air conditioner are provided as control modes, and operation control of the air conditioner is performed in response to a power adjustment request. The selection receiving unit receives a control mode selection from the user of the air conditioner.

  Here, the control unit of the control device has a response priority control mode and a non-response priority control mode as control modes for controlling the operation of the air conditioner in response to the power adjustment request. The control mode can be selected by the user of the air conditioner. Therefore, the control device can control the operation of the air conditioner by reflecting the user's intention (whether priority is given to responsiveness or whether priority is given to responsiveness and not to comfort).

Further, in the control apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention, request receiving unit, as a power adjustment request, receiving emergency power adjustment request. The selection receiving unit receives a selection when receiving an emergency power adjustment request. The control unit performs operation control of the air conditioner according to the emergency power adjustment request based on the selection received when the emergency power adjustment request is received.

  Here, when the emergency power adjustment request is received, selection of the control mode by the user is accepted, and operation control of the air conditioner according to the emergency power adjustment request is performed according to the accepted control mode. Therefore, the control device can execute the operation control of the air conditioner according to the emergency power adjustment request based on the intention of the user.

Further, in the control apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention, request receiving unit, as a power adjustment request further receives a normal power adjustment request. The selection receiving unit receives the selection in advance before receiving the normal power adjustment request. The control unit performs operation control of the air conditioner according to the normal power adjustment request based on a selection received in advance before receiving the normal power adjustment request.

  Here, the operation control of the air conditioner according to the normal power adjustment request is executed based on the control mode selected in advance by the user. Therefore, the control device can execute the operation control of the air conditioner according to the normal power adjustment request based on the intention of the user.

In the control device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the non-response priority control mode is a control mode in which the target temperature of the air conditioner is forcibly changed so that the power consumption of the air conditioner becomes the target amount of power of the air conditioner. It is.

Control apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is a control apparatus according to the first view point, further comprising a prediction unit, and an output unit. The prediction unit includes a temperature change in the space where the air conditioner adjusts the temperature when the control unit performs operation control of the air conditioner according to the power adjustment request in the response priority control mode, and the control unit is in the non-response priority control mode. Then, at least one of the temperature change of the space when the operation control of the air conditioner is performed according to the power adjustment request is predicted. The output unit outputs a prediction result by the prediction unit. The prediction result is output to the output unit when selection is received by the selection receiving unit.

  Here, in response to the power adjustment request, a temperature change prediction when the control unit performs operation control of the air conditioner in the response priority control mode and / or the non-response priority control mode is displayed on the output unit. . The user of the air conditioner can determine which control mode to select while referring to the prediction result. Therefore, the user of the air conditioner can appropriately select the control mode, and the control device can execute the operation control of the air conditioner according to the power adjustment request by the selected control mode.

A control device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the control device according to the second aspect , wherein the prediction unit performs operation control of the air conditioner according to the power adjustment request in the response priority control mode. And at least one of the power charge when the control unit performs the operation control of the air conditioner in response to the power adjustment request in the non-response priority control mode.

  Here, according to the power adjustment request, the power rate prediction when the control unit performs the operation control of the air conditioner in the response priority control mode and / or the non-response priority control mode is displayed on the output unit. The user of the air conditioner can determine which control mode to select while referring to the prediction result. Therefore, the user of the air conditioner can appropriately select the control mode, and the control device can execute the operation control of the air conditioner according to the power adjustment request by the selected control mode.

The control device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the control device according to the third aspect , wherein the prediction unit performs operation control of the air conditioner in response to the power adjustment request in the response priority control mode. At least one of the economic profit and loss and the economic profit and loss when the control unit controls the operation of the air conditioner in response to the power adjustment request in the non-response priority control mode.

Here, in accordance with the power adjustment request, the control unit predicts economic profit / loss (reward or fine) when the operation control of the air conditioner is performed in the response priority control mode and / or the non-response priority control mode. Is displayed on the output section. The user of the air conditioner can determine which control mode to select while referring to the prediction result. Therefore, the user of the air conditioner can appropriately select the control mode, and the control device can execute the operation control of the air conditioner according to the power adjustment request by the selected control mode .

  In the control device according to the first aspect, the control unit of the control device has a response priority control mode and a non-response priority control mode as control modes for controlling the operation of the air conditioner in response to a power adjustment request. The control mode can be selected by the user of the air conditioner. Therefore, operation control of the air conditioner reflecting the user's intention (whether priority is given to responsiveness or priority is given to comfort without giving priority to responsiveness) is realized.

Moreover, the control apparatus which concerns on a 1st viewpoint can perform operation control of the air conditioner according to the emergency power adjustment request | requirement based on a user's intention.

Moreover, the control apparatus which concerns on a 1st viewpoint can perform operation control of the air conditioner according to a normal electric power adjustment request | requirement based on a user's intention.

In the control device according to the second to fourth aspects, the user of the air conditioner can appropriately select the control mode, and the control device can control the operation of the air conditioner according to the power adjustment request according to the selected control mode. Can be executed.

It is a schematic whole figure for demonstrating the electric power network containing the control apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the control apparatus of FIG. It is an example of the prediction result of a prediction part output to the input-output part of the control apparatus of FIG. The prediction results include changes in the temperature of the air-conditioning target space when the adjustment operation control unit controls the operation of the air conditioner in the current control mode and the set temperature control mode in response to a power adjustment request, and the power charge of the air conditioner. And forecast results of economic gains and losses. 2 is a flowchart for mainly explaining operation control of an air conditioner in response to a power adjustment request of the control device of FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart for mainly explaining operation control of an air conditioner according to a power adjustment request of the control device of FIG. 1. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the prediction process by the prediction part of the control apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram of a control device for adjustment control according to Modification A. The control device for adjustment control according to Modification A performs only the adjustment control of the power consumption of the air conditioner.

  The control apparatus 50 as an example of the control apparatus of an air conditioner concerning one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to drawings. The following embodiments can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(1) Overall Configuration FIG. 1 shows an electric power network 100 including a control device 50 of the air conditioner 10. The power network 100 includes a plurality of houses 2 (house A, house B,...) As power consumers and a power company 1 as a power supplier that supplies power to the plurality of houses 2. In the house 2, an air conditioner 10 and a control device 50 for the air conditioner 10 are installed. In the power network 100, the house 2 that is a power consumer accepts an adjustment request for power usage from the power company 1. In the house 2, the power usage is adjusted in response to the power usage adjustment request from the power company 1.

  In FIG. 1, only the house 2 in which the control device 50 is installed is shown as a power consumer who receives power supply from the power company 1, but the power network 100 includes power consumers other than the house 2. It is.

(1-1) Electric Power Company The electric power company 1 supplies electric power generated by itself and / or electric power generated by others to electric power consumers including the house 2. The electric power company 1 has the management apparatus 1a as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the management device 1a is connected to a smart meter 2a installed in a house 2 through a communication line 100a. The management device 1a is a power consumer via the smart meter 2a when it is determined whether the power supply amount of the power company 1 and the power demand by the power consumer are balanced, and when it is determined that they are not balanced. It requests the house 2 to adjust the power consumption.

  The management device 1a includes a power supply amount that can be supplied by the power company 1, and a power usage amount (including a history) sent from a smart meter (including a smart meter 2a installed in the house 2) installed in a power consumer. ) And the power supply amount and the power demand amount are analyzed (including a quantitative analysis of how much the power supply amount is insufficient or excessive). The analysis of whether or not the amount of power supply and the amount of power demand are balanced includes future expectations.

  Based on the analysis result, the management device 1a requests the smart meter 2a of each house 2 to adjust the power usage amount in order to balance the power supply amount and the power demand amount (request for adjusting the power usage amount). Send). The power usage adjustment request includes a power usage promotion request that requires the power usage promotion and a power usage suppression request that requires the power usage reduction. The request for suppressing the amount of use is called a request for adjusting the amount of power used.

  In addition, in the adjustment request | requirement of the electric power usage amount which the management apparatus 1a transmits with respect to the smart meter 2a, an adjustment request | requirement period (when power usage is suppressed), adjustment target amount (how much power usage is suppressed) ), Information on electricity rates (unit price of electricity during the adjustment request period), information on economic profit / loss (information on compensation when responding to adjustment requests for power consumption, and / or information on fines if not responding) included. The adjustment target amount is a total target value of the power consumption [kW] of the air conditioner 10 and the equipment 3, 3,.

  There are two types of power usage adjustment requests: normal power usage adjustment requests and urgent power usage adjustment requests. The normal power usage amount adjustment request is a power usage amount adjustment request that requires the power usage amount to be adjusted at a scheduled date, that is, a predetermined date and time. On the other hand, an urgent power usage adjustment request is an urgently transmitted power usage adjustment request without prior notice.

  A normal adjustment request for power consumption is, for example, a request for adjustment of power usage when it is predicted in advance that the power demand will be short of the power supply, such as during the daytime in summer. It is. In the case of a normal power consumption adjustment request, a power consumer is notified in advance of an adjustment request period, an adjustment target amount, information on a power rate, and information on economic profit / loss. Then, before the start of the adjustment request period (for example, on the morning of the day), a request for adjusting the power consumption is sent from the management device 1a with the notified content.

  An urgent request for adjustment of power consumption is, for example, when the power supply / demand forecast is out of order, or when it is necessary for the power company 1 to urgently adjust the power supply / demand due to problems with the power generation / transmission facilities, etc. This is an adjustment request for power consumption. Since an urgent power consumption adjustment request generally corresponds to a supply / demand tightness that could not be predicted, the power consumer can immediately respond to the start of the adjustment request period (for example, 30 minutes before the start of the adjustment request period). ) A request for adjusting the power consumption is transmitted. In the case of an urgent power consumption adjustment request, the power consumer is not informed in advance of the adjustment request period, the adjustment target amount, the information on the power rate, and the information on the economic profit / loss.

(1-2) Housing The housing 2 includes an air conditioner 10, a control device 50 for the air conditioner 10, a smart meter 2a, a HEMS (household energy management system) 30, and equipment 3, 3,. (See FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the smart meter 2a is connected to the management apparatus 1a of the electric power company 1 through a communication line 100a. Moreover, the smart meter 2a is connected to the HEMS 30 via the communication line 2c as shown in FIG. The smart meter 2a has a function as a power meter, measures the amount of power used in the house 2 (including the amount of power used by the air conditioner 10 and the equipment 3, 3,...) And sends it to the management device 1a. In addition, the smart meter 2a receives a power usage amount adjustment request (including an adjustment request period, an adjustment target amount, information on power charges, and information on economic profit / loss) from the management device 1a. The request for adjusting the power usage here means a request for suppressing the power usage as described above. The smart meter 2a sends to the HEMS 30 the adjustment request period, the adjustment target amount, the information related to the power charge, and the information related to the economic profit / loss received from the management device 1a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the HEMS 30 is connected to the smart meter 2a via a communication line 2c. As shown in FIG. 1, the HEMS 30 is connected to the air conditioner 10 and the equipment 3, 3,. The HEMS 30 receives information about the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 and the equipment 3, 3,... From the air conditioner 10 and the equipment 3, 3,. The HEMS 30 sends a normal power adjustment request to the control device 50 when it receives a normal power consumption adjustment request from the management device 1a via the smart meter 2a. The HEMS 30 sends an emergency power adjustment request to the control device 50 when an emergency power usage amount adjustment request is received from the management device 1a via the smart meter 2a. The HEMS 30 will be described in detail later.

  The air conditioner 10 is an electric device for air-conditioning (cooling / heating) an air-conditioning target space (such as a living room) in the house 2. The air conditioner 10 is mainly composed of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit (not shown). The outdoor unit and the indoor unit are connected by a refrigerant pipe, a power cable, a communication line, and the like. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit are connected by a refrigerant pipe, so that a heat pump including an inverter-controlled compressor 10a (see FIG. 2), an outdoor heat exchanger, and an indoor heat exchanger is provided. Form.

  The control device 50 is a control device that controls the operation of the air conditioner 10. The control device 50 is connected to the HEMS 30 via the communication line 2d. The control device 50 sends information related to the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 to the HEMS 30. Further, the control device 50 receives a power adjustment request (a normal power adjustment request and an emergency power adjustment request) from the HEMS 30.

  The control device 50 controls the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10. More specifically, the control device 50 controls the outdoor unit and the indoor unit so that the temperature of the air-conditioning target space of the air conditioner 10 approaches the set temperature. The control of the outdoor unit by the control device 50 includes operation / stop of the compressor 10a and control of the inverter frequency. Moreover, the control apparatus 50 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 so that the electric power consumption of the air conditioner 10 may be suppressed according to the electric power adjustment request | requirement from HEMS30. The control device 50 will be described in detail later.

  The facility devices 3, 3,... Are electrical devices such as lighting devices and various home appliances, for example. The equipment 3, 3,... Need not be the same type of electrical equipment, and may be a plurality of types of electrical equipment. The equipment 3, 3,... Is connected to the HEMS 30 via the communication line 2d, and exchanges various information with the HEMS 30. For example, the equipment 3, 3,... Sends information regarding the power consumption of the equipment 3, 3,.

(2) Detailed configuration (2-1) HEMS (household energy management system)
The HEMS 30 is a computer having a CPU, a memory, and the like. The HEMS 30 performs various processes when the CPU executes various programs stored in a memory or the like.

  Specifically, the HEMS 30 grasps the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 and the equipment 3, 3,. The HEMS 30 receives a normal power usage amount adjustment request and an urgent power usage amount adjustment request from the management device 1a of the power company 1 via the smart meter 2a. Then, the HEMS 30 sends a normal power adjustment request to the control device 50 when receiving a request for adjusting the normal power usage, and requests an emergency power adjustment request from the control device 50 when receiving an adjustment request for the emergency power usage. Send. This will be described in detail later.

  When the HEMS 30 receives the adjustment request for the power usage from the management device 1a, the HEMS 30 also supplies the power usage of the equipment 3, 3,. Sends operation instructions and information for adjustment. Here, the description about the driving | operation command and information which HEMS30 transmits with respect to the control apparatus of installation apparatus 3, 3, ... is abbreviate | omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the HEMS 30 includes a smart meter communication unit 31, a device communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a power usage amount determination unit 34 as functional units. Below, each function part is demonstrated.

(2-1-1) Smart Meter Communication Unit The smart meter communication unit 31 is connected to the smart meter 2a and the communication line 2c as shown in FIG. The smart meter communication unit 31 exchanges various information with the smart meter 2a.

  The smart meter communication unit 31 receives a power usage amount adjustment request (a normal power usage amount adjustment request and an urgent power usage amount adjustment request) from the management device 1a via the smart meter 2a. As described above, the adjustment request for the electric power consumption includes the adjustment request period, the adjustment target amount, the information on the power rate, and the information on the economic profit / loss. The adjustment request period, the adjustment target amount, the information related to the power charge, and the information related to the economic profit / loss received by the smart meter communication unit 31 are stored in the storage unit 33 described later.

(2-1-2) Device Communication Unit As shown in FIG. 2, the device communication unit 32 is connected to the control device 50 and the equipment 3, 3,. The device communication unit 32 exchanges various types of information with the control device 50 and the equipment devices 3, 3,.

  For example, the device communication unit 32 receives the power usage amount of the air conditioner 10 transmitted by the control device 50. Moreover, the equipment communication part 32 receives the electric power consumption of the equipment 3, 3,. In the device communication unit 32, the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 and the equipment 3, 3,... From the control device 50 and the equipment 3, 3,. Sent. The power consumption of the air conditioner 10 and the equipment 3, 3,... Received by the device communication unit 32 is stored in the storage unit 33 described later.

  When the smart meter communication unit 31 receives a normal power consumption adjustment request, the device communication unit 32 transmits a normal power adjustment request to the control device 50. The device communication unit 32 is stored in the storage unit 33 (the smart meter communication unit 31 has received as a normal power usage amount adjustment request) before the start of the adjustment request period (for example, 10 of the start time of the adjustment request period). Minutes ago), a normal power adjustment request is transmitted to the control device 50.

  In addition, when the smart meter communication unit 31 receives an urgent power usage adjustment request, the device communication unit 32 transmits an urgent power adjustment request to the control device 50. The device communication unit 32 transmits the emergency power adjustment request to the control device 50 immediately after the smart meter communication unit 31 receives the emergency power usage amount adjustment request.

  In addition, the timing which the apparatus communication part 32 transmits a normal power adjustment request | requirement and an emergency power adjustment request | requirement is an illustration, and is not limited to this.

  The power adjustment request (normal power adjustment request and emergency power adjustment request) is stored in the storage unit 33 (received by the smart meter communication unit 31 from the smart meter 2a), the adjustment request period, information on the power charge, And information on economic gains and losses. In addition, the normal power adjustment request includes a target amount (the air conditioner power target amount) of the power usage amount of the air conditioner 10 during the adjustment request period, which is determined by the power usage amount determination unit 34 described later.

(2-1-3) Storage Unit The storage unit 33 stores various types of information. The information stored in the storage unit 33 includes the information regarding the adjustment request period, the adjustment target amount, the power rate, and the information related to the economic profit / loss received by the smart meter communication unit 31. Moreover, the information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 33 contains the information regarding the electric power consumption of the air conditioner 10 and the installation apparatus 3,3, ... which the apparatus communication part 32 received.

(2-1-4) Power Usage Amount Determination Unit The power usage amount determination unit 34 is a target amount of power usage of the air conditioner 10 during the adjustment request period received by the smart meter communication unit 31 (air conditioner power target amount). To decide.

  When the smart meter communication unit 31 accepts a normal power consumption adjustment request, the power usage amount determination unit 34 immediately before the device communication unit 32 transmits a normal power adjustment request to the control device 50, the air conditioner power target. Determine the amount. Further, the power usage determining unit 34 immediately (before the device communication unit 32 transmits an emergency power adjustment request to the control device 50) when the smart meter communication unit 31 accepts an emergency power consumption adjustment request. Determine the target air conditioner power.

  Specifically, the power usage amount determination unit 34 is stored in the storage unit 33 so as to be proportional to the power usage amount of the latest air conditioner 10 and facility devices 3, 3,. The adjusted target amount is assigned to the air conditioner 10 and the equipment 3, 3,. Then, the adjustment target amount assigned to the air conditioner 10 is determined as the air conditioner power target amount.

  In addition, the method of determining the air-conditioner power target amount by the power consumption determining unit 34 is an example, and is not limited to this. For example, the power consumption determining unit 34 is not limited to the power consumption of the latest air conditioner 10 and equipment 3, 3,... Stored in the storage unit 33, but also the air conditioner 10 stored in the storage unit 33 and The adjustment target amount may be assigned to the air conditioner 10 and the facility devices 3, 3,..., And the air conditioner power target amount may be determined using the history of the power consumption of the facility devices 3, 3,. Further, the power consumption determining unit 34 is configured to provide information other than the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 and the equipment 3, 3,... (For example, specifications of the air conditioner 10 and the equipment 3, 3,. Or the like) may be used to determine the air conditioner power target amount.

(2-2) Control Device The control device 50 is a microcomputer having a CPU, a memory, and the like, and executes various processes when the CPU executes various programs stored in the memory and the like.

  In addition, the control apparatus 50 does not need to be comprised as one unit. For example, the control device 50 includes a sub-control device mainly responsible for the control of the outdoor unit, a sub-control device mainly responsible for the control of the indoor unit, and a remote controller, and each is connected via a communication line. Thus, it may function as the control device 50.

  The control device 50 is electrically connected to each component of the air conditioner 10. The configuration of the air conditioner 10 to which the control device 50 is electrically connected includes a compressor 10a. The control device 50 is connected to the HEMS 30 via the communication line 2d.

  The control device 50 (air conditioning operation control unit 55 described later) controls the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10. Moreover, the control apparatus 50 (adjustment operation control part 56 mentioned later) performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the electric power adjustment request | requirement from HEMS30. The control device 50 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in response to a power adjustment request from the HEMS 30, thereby adjusting the power usage amount of the air conditioner 10.

  Control device 50 (adjustment operation control part 56 mentioned below) performs operation control of air conditioner 10 according to the electric power adjustment demand from HEMS30 by either control mode of current control mode or preset temperature control mode.

  The current control mode is an example of a response priority control mode that prioritizes the responsiveness of the adjustment of the current usage amount with respect to the power adjustment request. The current control mode is a control mode in which the current for driving the compressor 10a, which is the main device of the air conditioner 10, is directly adjusted. In other words, the current control mode is a control mode in which the inverter frequency of the inverter-controlled compressor 10a is directly controlled and lowered. In the current control mode, the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 can be brought close to a desired value in a short period of time as compared to a set temperature control mode described later. However, in the current control mode, it is difficult to ensure the comfort of the user of the air conditioner 10 as compared to the set temperature control mode. For example, during the cooling operation, in the current control mode, the temperature of the air-conditioning target space is likely to rise compared to the set temperature control mode.

  The set temperature control mode is an example of a non-response priority control mode in which priority is not given to the responsiveness of the adjustment of the current usage with respect to the power adjustment request. The set temperature control mode is a control mode in which the set temperature (target temperature) of the air conditioner 10 is forcibly changed. In the operation control in the set temperature control mode, the set temperature of the air conditioner 10 during the cooling operation is forcibly increased from the set temperature input to the input / output unit 53 of the control device 50 described later. In the operation control in the set temperature control mode, the set temperature of the air conditioner 10 during the heating operation is forcibly lowered from the set temperature input to the input / output unit 53 of the control device 50 described later. By changing the set temperature, the degree of divergence between the temperature of the air-conditioning target space of the air conditioner 10 and the set temperature, which is a control parameter for the air conditioning operation, changes. Is changed). As a result, the power consumption of the compressor 10a is suppressed. In the set temperature control mode, the comfort of the user of the air conditioner 10 is easily ensured even when the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 is adjusted compared to the current control mode. However, in the set temperature control mode, unlike the current control mode, the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 may not be adjusted to a desired value. In the set temperature control mode, unlike the current control mode, it may take time until the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 is set to a desired value.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 50 functions as an information storage unit 51, a HEMS communication unit 52, an input / output unit 53, a power usage amount grasping unit 54, an air conditioning operation control unit 55, an adjustment operation control unit 56, and a prediction unit 57. Have as part.

(2-2-1) Information Storage Unit The information storage unit 51 stores various types of information.

  Various types of information stored in the information storage unit 51 include normal control mode settings input from the input / output unit 53 described later. Further, various information stored in the information storage unit 51 includes a default emergency control mode setting described later. The normal control mode setting and the emergency control mode setting will be described later.

  In addition, the various information stored in the information storage unit 51 includes device information of the air conditioner 10. The equipment information of the air conditioner 10 includes, for example, the specifications of the air conditioner 10. The device information of the air conditioner 10 includes information on various characteristics of the air conditioner 10, such as a relational expression between the inverter frequency of the compressor 10a of the air conditioner 10 and power consumption.

  The various information stored in the information storage unit 51 includes operation data of the air conditioner 10. The operation data of the air conditioner 10 includes time series data of the operation conditions of the air conditioner 10 and the operation state of the air conditioner 10. The operating conditions of the air conditioner 10 include the set temperature of the air conditioner 10, the outside air temperature measured by a temperature sensor (not shown), and the temperature of the air conditioning target space of the air conditioner 10 measured by a temperature sensor (not shown). The operating state of the air conditioner 10 includes the inverter frequency of the compressor 10a and the power consumption of the air conditioner 10.

(2-2-2) HEMS Communication Unit The HEMS communication unit 52 communicates with the external HEMS 30 and exchanges information with the HEMS 30.

  The HEMS communication unit 52 transmits the power usage amount of the air conditioner 10 grasped by the power usage amount grasping unit 54 described later to the HEMS 30. The HEMS communication unit 52 periodically transmits the power usage amount of the air conditioner 10 to the HEMS 30 (for example, every 10 minutes).

  Further, the HEMS communication unit 52 receives a power adjustment request (a normal power adjustment request and an emergency power adjustment request) transmitted by the device communication unit 32 of the HEMS 30. The power adjustment request includes an adjustment request period, information on power charges, information on economic profit and loss, and an air conditioner power target amount. The adjustment request period received by the HEMS communication unit 52, the information on the power rate, the information on the economic profit / loss, and the air conditioner power target amount are stored in the information storage unit 51.

(2-2-3) Input / Output Unit The input / output unit 53 is a remote control having a touch panel display. The input / output unit 53 is an input unit that receives various inputs from a user of the air conditioner 10 (such as a resident of the house 2). The input / output unit 53 is an output unit that outputs various types of information to the user of the air conditioner 10.

  Various information received by the input / output unit 53 from the user of the air conditioner 10 includes an air conditioner 10 operation / stop command, an operation mode of the air conditioner 10 (heating mode / cooling mode), a set temperature of the air conditioner 10, and the like. Information for controlling 10 air conditioning operations is included. Information such as the operation mode of the air conditioner 10 accepted by the input / output unit 53 and the set temperature of the air conditioner 10 is stored in the information storage unit 51.

  The information input to the input / output unit 53 includes the control mode setting (normal control mode setting) of the operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the normal power adjustment request and the air conditioner 10 according to the emergency power adjustment request. Control mode of operation control (emergency control mode setting). That is, the input / output unit 53 is an example of a selection receiving unit that receives a control mode selection from the user of the air conditioner 10.

  The normal control mode setting is information input in advance to the input / output unit 53 by the user of the air conditioner 10 before the HEMS communication unit 52 receives the normal power adjustment request. In other words, the input / output unit 53 selects a control mode (current control mode or set temperature control mode) for the operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the normal power adjustment request in advance before receiving the normal power adjustment request. Accept. For example, when the air conditioner 10 and the control device 50 are installed in the house 2, the normal control mode setting is input to the input / output unit 53 by the user of the air conditioner 10. However, the normal control mode setting can be changed at any time by an input from the input / output unit 53.

  On the other hand, the emergency control mode setting is information input to the input / output unit 53 by the user of the air conditioner 10 every time the HEMS communication unit 52 receives an emergency power adjustment request. In other words, the input / output unit 53 receives a control mode selection (current control mode or set temperature control mode) for operation control of the air conditioner 10 in response to the emergency power adjustment request when receiving the emergency power adjustment request.

  The information output to the input / output unit 53 includes a prediction result such as a temperature change of the air-conditioning target space of the air conditioner 10 by the prediction unit 57 described later. That is, the input / output unit 53 is an example of an output unit that outputs a prediction result by the prediction unit 57.

  FIG. 3 is an example of a prediction result output by the prediction unit 57 and output to the input / output unit 53. The prediction by the prediction unit 57 will be described later. In the input / output unit 53, as shown in FIG. 3, the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs air conditioning when the operation control of the air conditioner 10 is performed in the current control mode or the set temperature control mode in response to the emergency power adjustment request. The prediction of the temperature change of the air-conditioning target space of the machine 10 is displayed in a graph, and the prediction of the power charge of the air conditioner 10 and the prediction of economic profit / loss are respectively displayed as numbers. FIG. 3 is a display example of the prediction result, and the display method of the prediction result is not limited to this. For example, the prediction of the temperature change of the air-conditioning target space of the air conditioner 10 may be displayed as a number. Moreover, the prediction of the power charge of the air conditioner 10 and the prediction of economic profit / loss may be displayed as a graph such as a bar graph. Moreover, the prediction of the temperature change of the air-conditioning target space of the air conditioner 10 may be displayed in a single graph when the operation control of the air conditioner 10 is performed in the current control mode and the set temperature control mode. .

(2-2-4) Electricity Usage Amount Understanding Unit The electricity usage amount grasping unit 54 grasps the electricity usage amount of the air conditioner 10. For example, the power usage amount grasping unit 54 receives measurement values at regular intervals (for example, every minute) from a wattmeter for measuring the power of the air conditioner 10 provided on the distribution board of the house 2, and the like. The measured value is grasped as the power consumption of the air conditioner 10. The power usage amount of the air conditioner 10 ascertained by the power usage amount grasping unit 54 is stored in the information storage unit 51.

(2-2-5) Air-conditioning operation control unit The air-conditioning operation control unit 55 is a control unit for causing the air conditioner 10 to perform a normal air-conditioning operation. Specifically, the control device 50 controls the outdoor unit and the indoor unit so that the temperature of the air-conditioning target space acquired by a sensor (not shown) provided in the air-conditioning target space of the air-conditioning unit 10 approaches the set temperature of the air-conditioning unit 10. Control the movement of the machine. For example, the air conditioning operation control unit 55 operates / stops and compresses the compressor 10a according to the degree of deviation between the temperature of the air conditioning target space acquired by the sensor and the set temperature stored in the information storage unit 51. The inverter frequency of the machine 10a is controlled.

(2-2-6) Adjusted Operation Control Unit The adjusted operation control unit 56 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in accordance with the power adjustment request (normal power adjustment request or emergency power adjustment request) received from the HEMS 30, and performs air conditioning. The power consumption of the machine 10 is adjusted. The adjustment operation control unit 56 has the above-described current control mode and set temperature control mode as control modes. The adjustment operation control unit 56 is an example of a control unit that performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in response to a power adjustment request from the outside (HEMS 30).

  The adjustment operation control unit 56 includes a control content determination unit 56a as a sub function unit. The adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the control content determined by the control content determination unit 56a.

(2-2-6-1) Control Content Determination Unit The control content determination unit 56 a stores the power usage amount of the air conditioner 10 in the information storage unit 51 during the adjustment request period stored in the information storage unit 51. The control content of the air conditioner 10 is determined such that the air conditioner power target amount is reached.

  The control content determination unit 56a displays the control content of the air conditioner 10 when the operation control of the air conditioner 10 is performed according to the normal power adjustment request, and the control mode stored in the information storage unit 51 as the normal control mode setting. Use to determine. As a result, the adjustment operation control unit 56 selects the operation mode of the air conditioner 10 in response to the normal power adjustment request by selecting the control mode that the input / output unit 53 has received in advance before receiving the normal power adjustment request (normal control mode setting). ).

  Further, the control content determination unit 56a receives the control content of the air conditioner 10 when the operation control of the air conditioner 10 is performed in response to the emergency power adjustment request, and is input to the input / output unit 53 as the emergency control mode setting. Decide according to the mode. As a result, the adjusted operation control unit 56 performs the operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the emergency power adjustment request based on the control mode selection (emergency control mode setting) received by the input / output unit 53 when the emergency power adjustment request is received. Will be done.

  As will be described later, when the emergency control mode setting is not input to the input / output unit 53 at the time of receiving the emergency power adjustment request, the control content determination unit 56a determines the air conditioner 10 according to the emergency power adjustment request. The control content of the air conditioner 10 when the operation control is performed is determined according to the emergency control mode setting default stored in the information storage unit 51. Here, the default of the emergency control mode setting is the current control mode, but is not limited to this.

  When the normal control mode setting or the emergency control mode setting is the current control mode, the control content determination unit 56a determines the inverter frequency (forced frequency) of the compressor 10a as the control content of the air conditioner 10. On the other hand, when the normal control mode setting or the emergency control mode setting is the set temperature control mode, the control content determination unit 56a sets the set temperature (forced set temperature) of the air conditioner 10 as the control content of the air conditioner 10. To decide. A process for determining the control content of the air conditioner 10 by the control content determination unit 56a will be described later.

(2-2-7) Prediction unit The prediction unit 57 performs air conditioning in the case where the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in the current control mode in response to the power adjustment request, and in the set temperature control mode. When the operation control of the air conditioner 10 is performed, the temperature change of the air-conditioning target space of the air conditioner 10, the power charge of the air conditioner 10, and the economic profit / loss are predicted. The prediction result of the prediction unit 57 is output to the input / output unit 53.

  When the HEMS communication unit 52 receives the emergency power adjustment request, the prediction unit 57 predicts the temperature change of the air-conditioning target space of the air conditioner 10, the power charge of the air conditioner 10, and the economic profit / loss. The prediction result of the prediction unit 57 is output to the input / output unit 53 as described above. The prediction result of the prediction unit 57 is used as an index when the user of the air conditioner 10 selects the emergency control mode.

  Specific contents of the processing by the prediction unit 57 will be described later.

(3) Adjustment Control of Power Usage Amount Executed by Control Device Hereinafter, adjustment control of the power usage amount executed by the control device 50 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5.

  In step S1, it is determined whether or not the HEMS communication unit 52 has received a power adjustment request. If it is determined that the HEMS communication unit 52 has received the power adjustment request, the process proceeds to step S2. Step S1 is repeated until it is determined that the HEMS communication unit 52 has received the power adjustment request.

  In step S2, it is determined whether or not the power adjustment request received by the HEMS communication unit 52 is a normal power adjustment request. The determination is performed using information for distinguishing a normal power adjustment request and an emergency power adjustment request included in the power adjustment request. However, the determination method is not limited to this. For example, the power adjustment period included in the power adjustment request may be determined as a normal power adjustment request if it matches the adjustment request period announced by the power company 1, and may be determined as an emergency power adjustment request if they do not match. . If it is determined in step S2 that the power adjustment request received by the HEMS communication unit 52 is a normal power adjustment request, the process proceeds to step S3. If it is determined that the power adjustment request is not a normal power adjustment request (determined as an emergency power adjustment request). Go to step S21).

  In step S <b> 3, the adjustment operation control unit 56 calls the normal control mode setting from the information storage unit 51. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the adjustment operation control unit 56 determines whether or not the called normal control mode setting is the current control mode. If the called normal control mode setting is determined to be the current control mode, the process proceeds to step S5. If it is determined that the called normal control mode setting is not the current control mode (the set temperature control mode), the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S5, the control content determination unit 56a determines the control content of the air conditioner 10 during the adjustment request period stored in the information storage unit 51. Specifically, since it is determined in step S4 that the normal control mode setting is the current control mode, the control content determination unit 56a determines the inverter frequency of the compressor 10a during the adjustment request period stored in the information storage unit 51. (Forced frequency) is determined.

  The control content determination unit 56 a uses various information stored in the information storage unit 51 to set a forced frequency such that the power usage amount of the air conditioner 10 becomes the air conditioner power target amount stored in the information storage unit 51. The control content of the air conditioner 10 is determined. For example, a relational expression between the inverter frequency of the compressor 10 a and the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 is stored in the information storage unit 51 as device information of the air conditioner 10. And the control content determination part 56a determines a forced frequency as control content of the air conditioner 10 using the relational expression and the air conditioner electric power target amount memorize | stored in the information storage part 51. FIG.

  In addition, the determination method (the determination method of a forced frequency) of the control content of the air conditioner 10 by the control content determination part 56a is not limited to this. For example, the forced frequency may be determined as a discrete value. Specifically, for example, the forced frequency is determined such that the inverter frequency A if the air conditioner power target amount is in the range of akW to bkW, and the inverter frequency B if the air conditioner power target amount is in the range of bkW to ckW. May be. Here, the inverter frequencies A and B are values such that even if the compressor 10a is driven at the inverter frequency, the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 does not exceed the air conditioner power target amount.

  When the forced frequency is determined in step S5, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, it is determined whether or not the adjustment request period stored in the information storage unit 51 has started. Step S6 is repeated until it is determined that the adjustment request period has started. If it is determined that the adjustment request period has started, the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, the adjustment operation control unit 56 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in the current control mode. Specifically, the adjustment operation control unit 56 changes the inverter frequency of the compressor 10a of the air conditioner 10 to the forced frequency determined by the control content determination unit 56a in step S5. While the adjustment operation control unit 56 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in the current control mode, the input / output unit 53 displays that the power consumption is being adjusted, and the set temperature of the input / output unit 53 is adjusted. Input is prohibited. When the inverter operation frequency of the compressor 10a is changed to the forced frequency by the adjustment operation control unit 56, the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S8, it is determined whether or not the adjustment request period stored in the information storage unit 51 has ended. Step S8 is repeated until it is determined that the adjustment request period has ended. If it is determined that the adjustment request period has ended, the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S9, the adjustment operation control unit 56 cancels the inverter frequency change executed in step S7. The air conditioner 10 is controlled by the air conditioning operation control unit 55 to perform a normal air conditioning operation.

  In step S15, the control content determination unit 56a determines the control content of the air conditioner 10 during the adjustment request period stored in the information storage unit 51. Specifically, since it is determined in step S4 that the normal control mode setting is the set temperature control mode, the control content determination unit 56a sets the air conditioner 10 during the adjustment request period stored in the information storage unit 51. Determine the temperature (forced set temperature).

  The control content determination unit 56 a uses the various types of information stored in the information storage unit 51 so that the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 becomes the air conditioner power target amount stored in the information storage unit 51. Is set as the control content of the air conditioner 10. For example, in the information storage unit 51, the power consumption reduction rate (the power consumption reduction rate for reducing the most recent power consumption of the air conditioner 10 to the air conditioner power target amount) and the forced air conditioner 10 Information on the relationship with the set temperature is stored. Specifically, for example, if the reduction rate of power consumption is 10% during cooling operation, the forced set temperature is set to a temperature that is 1 ° C. higher than the set temperature stored in the information storage unit 51. Information. The control content determination unit 56a determines the forced set temperature using this information and the air conditioner power target amount, the latest power usage amount, and the set temperature stored in the information storage unit 51.

  In addition, the determination method of the control content of the air conditioner 10 (determination method of forced setting temperature) is not limited to this. For example, the control content determination unit 56a uses the past operation data of the air conditioner 10 stored in the information storage unit 51 to change the set temperature, and how much the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 varies. And the forcible set temperature may be determined using the calculation result.

  After the forced set temperature is determined in step S15, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, it is determined whether or not the adjustment request period stored in the information storage unit 51 has started. Step S16 is repeated until it is determined that the adjustment request period has started. If it is determined that the adjustment request period has started, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, the adjustment operation control unit 56 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in the set temperature control mode. Specifically, the adjustment operation control unit 56 changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 10 to the forced set temperature determined by the control content determination unit 56a in step S15. Then, the air conditioning operation control unit 55 controls the air conditioning operation with the forced set temperature as a set temperature (target temperature). While the adjustment operation control unit 56 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in the set temperature control mode, the input / output unit 53 displays that the power consumption is being adjusted, and the set temperature for the input / output unit 53 is displayed. Input is prohibited. When the set temperature of the air conditioner 10 is changed to the forced set temperature by the adjustment operation control unit 56, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S18, it is determined whether or not the adjustment request period stored in the information storage unit 51 has ended. Step S18 is repeated until it is determined that the adjustment request period has ended. If it is determined that the adjustment request period has ended, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S19, the adjustment operation control unit 56 cancels the change in the set temperature executed in step S17. Then, the air conditioning operation control unit 55 performs the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 using the set temperature (input by the user of the air conditioner 10) stored in the information storage unit 51.

  Next, a case where the power adjustment request received by the HEMS communication unit 52 is determined to be an emergency power adjustment request in step S2 will be described with reference to FIG. 4B.

  In step S21, the prediction unit 57 predicts the temperature change of the air-conditioning target space of the air conditioner 10, the power charge of the air conditioner 10, and the economic profit / loss. Details of step S21 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S211, the prediction unit 57 determines that the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in response to the emergency power adjustment request in the current control mode, and the adjustment operation control unit 56 sets the set temperature control mode. The control contents of the air conditioner 10 are respectively determined for the case where the operation control of the air conditioner 10 is performed in response to the emergency power adjustment request. In step S211, in order to execute the predictions after step S212, the control content of the air conditioner 10 is merely determined temporarily, and the actual control content of the air conditioner 10 is not determined. The actual control content of the air conditioner 10 is determined later by the control content determination unit 56a. However, in step S211, the prediction unit 57 determines the control content of the air conditioner 10 by the same method as the control content determination unit 56a. That is, the process for determining the control content of the air conditioner 10 is the same as the process performed by the control content determination unit 56a in step S5 and step S15 described above. Here, the description about the content of the process which the estimation part 57 implements is abbreviate | omitted. When the control content of the air conditioner 10 is determined in step S211, the process proceeds to step S212.

  In step S212, the air conditioning of the air conditioner 10 when the operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the emergency power adjustment request is performed using the control contents determined for the current control mode and the set temperature control mode in step S211. A temperature change in the target space is predicted. In other words, in step S212, the prediction unit 57 determines the temperature of the air-conditioning target space of the air conditioner 10 when the adjustment operation control unit 56 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in response to the emergency power adjustment request in the current control mode. Predict changes. The prediction unit 57 predicts a temperature change in the air-conditioning target space when the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in response to the emergency power adjustment request in the set temperature control mode.

  The prediction unit 57 uses the various information stored in the information storage unit 51 to predict a temperature change in the air-conditioning target space. The prediction unit 57 uses, for example, past operation data (time series data such as the inverter frequency of the compressor 10a, the set temperature, the temperature of the air-conditioning target space, and the outside air temperature) stored in the information storage unit 51. Predict space temperature changes. For example, the predicting unit 57 calculates the approximate operation data (for example, the inverter frequency, the temperature of the air-conditioning target space, and the outside air temperature that are closest to the conditions to be predicted from the past operation data stored in the information storage unit 51, respectively. , Forced frequency, temperature of the nearest air-conditioning target space, operation data close to the latest outside air temperature), and use the temperature change of the air-conditioning target space after the approximate operation data to generate a temperature change prediction of the air-conditioning target space .

  Note that the method for predicting the temperature change of the air-conditioning target space by the prediction unit 57 is not limited to this, and for example, using the forced frequency or the forced set temperature, the temperature of the air-conditioning target space, the outside air temperature, etc. The heat balance of the space may be calculated under a predetermined calculation condition, and the temperature change of the air-conditioning target space may be predicted based on the result. Further, for example, with respect to the temperature change of the air-conditioning target space, a mathematical expression using a forced frequency or a forced set temperature, an outside air temperature, or the like as a parameter, or a database is stored in the information storage unit 51 in advance, and the prediction unit 57 Alternatively, the temperature change of the air-conditioning target space may be predicted using a database.

  When step S212 ends, the process proceeds to step S213.

  In step S213, the air conditioning in the adjustment request period when the operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the emergency power adjustment request is performed using the control contents determined for the current control mode and the set temperature control mode in step S211. The power consumption [kWh] of the machine 10 is predicted.

  The predicting unit 57 predicts the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 using various information stored in the information storage unit 51.

  For example, the information storage unit 51 stores a relational expression between the inverter frequency and the power consumption [kW] of the air conditioner 10 as device information of the air conditioner 10. And the prediction part 57 estimates the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 using the information, the forced frequency determined in step S211 and the adjustment request time.

  Further, for example, information related to the relationship between the degree of deviation between the temperature of the air-conditioning target space and the set temperature and the power consumption is stored in the information storage unit 51 as device information of the air conditioner 10. And the prediction part 57 uses the temperature change of the air-conditioning target space at the time of the forced set temperature change predicted in step S212, and calculates the power of the air conditioner 10 from the degree of deviation between the predicted temperature of the air-conditioning target space and the forced set temperature. Predict consumption.

  However, the prediction method of the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 is not limited to such a method, and may be predicted based on past operation data of the air conditioner 10, for example.

  When step S213 ends, the process proceeds to step S214.

  In step S214, the predicting unit 57 adjusts the power charge of the air conditioner 10 when the adjusted operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in response to the emergency power adjustment request in the current control mode, and the adjusted operation control unit 56. Predicts the power charge of the air conditioner 10 when operation control of the air conditioner 10 is performed in response to the emergency power adjustment request in the set temperature control mode.

  Specifically, the prediction unit 57 uses, for example, the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 predicted in step S213 and the information related to the power rate (the power unit price during the adjustment request period) stored in the information storage unit 51. Thus, the power charge of the air conditioner 10 is predicted.

  When step S214 ends, the process proceeds to step S215.

  In step S215, the prediction unit 57 determines the economic profit and loss when the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in response to the emergency power adjustment request in the current control mode, and the adjustment operation control unit 56 sets the set temperature. The economic profit and loss when the operation control of the air conditioner 10 is performed in response to the emergency power adjustment request in the control mode is predicted.

  For example, it is assumed that information related to economic profit / loss (information related to economic profit / loss transmitted from the HEMS 30) stored in the information storage unit 51 is information related to a bounty. More specifically, in the reward, the total amount of power used by the air conditioner 10 and the equipment 3, 3,... During the adjustment request period is always less than the adjustment request amount transmitted by the management device 1a of the power company 1. If so, the content is that the unit price of electricity is discounted. For example, if the prediction unit 57 is in the current control mode (if the compressor 10a is operated at the forced frequency), the total power consumption of the air conditioner 10 and the equipment 3, 3,. It is always determined that the adjustment request amount is below. And the prediction part 57 estimates the electric power charge of the air conditioner 10 which becomes cheap because a power unit price is discounted, and produces | generates it as economical profit-and-loss prediction. On the other hand, for example, when the prediction unit 57 is in the set temperature control mode (when the air conditioner 10 is operated at the forced set temperature), the power of the air conditioner 10 and the equipment 3, 3,. It is determined that the total usage amount may exceed the adjustment request amount. Then, the prediction unit 57 predicts the power charge of the air conditioner 10 that is reduced by discounting the power unit price as 0 yen, and generates it as an economic profit / loss prediction. Here, the economic profit / loss forecast is the power charge of the air conditioner 10 that is reduced by discounting the unit price of power, but is not limited to this. For example, the HEMS communication unit 52 receives information on the power usage amount of the facility devices 3, 3,... From the HEMS 30, and the prediction unit 57 reduces the facility unit 3, 3,. May be included in economic profit and loss.

  When step S215 ends, the prediction of the temperature change of the air-conditioning target space, the power consumption of the air conditioner 10, the power charge of the air conditioner 10, and the economic profit / loss by the prediction unit 57 ends. And it progresses to step S22 (refer FIG. 4B).

  In step S <b> 22, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the prediction result by the prediction unit 57 is output to the touch panel display of the input / output unit 53. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S23. Here, the prediction result of the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 by the prediction unit 57 is not displayed on the input / output unit 53, but is not limited to this, and the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 by the prediction unit 57 is not limited to this. The prediction result may be displayed on the input / output unit 53.

  By referring to the prediction result, the user of the air conditioner 10 can determine whether the temperature change of the air-conditioning target space when the operation control of the air conditioner 10 is performed in the current control mode is acceptable, for example. In addition, the user of the air conditioner 10 refers to the prediction result so that the operation control of the air conditioner 10 is performed in the current control mode and the operation control of the air conditioner 10 is performed in the set temperature control mode. , You can see how much economic difference there is.

  In step S <b> 23, it is determined whether or not the input / output unit 53 has received an emergency control mode setting input from the user of the air conditioner 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the emergency control mode setting is entered by the user of the air conditioner 10 pressing either the current control selection button 53a or the set temperature control selection button 53b displayed on the touch panel display. It is received by the output unit 53. If it is determined that the input / output unit 53 has received an input for setting the emergency control mode, the process proceeds to step S26.

  In step S24, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since the prediction result by the prediction unit 57 was output to the input / output unit 53 in step S22. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S23, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, it is determined that there is no input of the emergency control mode setting from the user of the air conditioner 10 to the input / output unit 53, and the emergency control mode setting is set to default (here, current control mode). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S26, it is determined whether or not the emergency control mode setting determined to have been accepted in step S23 is the current control mode. If it is determined that the current control mode is set, the process proceeds to step S31. If it is determined that the current control mode is not set (the set temperature control mode is set), the process proceeds to step S41.

  Since the processing from step S31 to step S35 is the same as the processing from step S5 to step S9 described above, description thereof is omitted here.

  Further, since the processing from step S41 to step S45 is the same as the processing from step S15 to step S19 described above, the description thereof is omitted here.

(4) Features The air conditioner 10 as the hot air heater of the present embodiment has the following features.

(4-1)
The control device 50 according to the present embodiment controls the operation of the air conditioner 10. Controller 50 includes HEMS communication unit 52 as the request receiving unit, and the adjustment operation control section 56 as a control section, an input-output unit 53 as a selection accepting unit. The HEMS communication unit 52 receives a power adjustment request from the outside. The adjustment operation control unit 56 adjusts the current for driving the compressor 10a as the main device of the air conditioner 10, a set temperature control mode for forcibly changing the target temperature of the air conditioner 10, and As a control mode, and controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in response to a power adjustment request. The input / output unit 53 receives selection of a control mode from the user of the air conditioner 10.

  Here, as the control mode in which the adjustment operation control unit 56 of the control device 50 performs the operation control of the air conditioner 10 in response to the power adjustment request, the current control mode as the response priority control mode and the non-response priority control mode as A set temperature control mode. The user of the air conditioner 10 can select the control mode. Therefore, the control device 50 can control the operation of the air conditioner 10 by reflecting the user's intention (whether priority is given to responsiveness or whether priority is given to responsiveness and comfort etc.).

(4-2)
In the control device 50 of the present embodiment, the HEMS communication unit 52 receives an emergency power adjustment request as a power adjustment request. The input / output unit 53 receives a selection when receiving an emergency power adjustment request. The adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the emergency power adjustment request based on the selection received when the emergency power adjustment request is received.

  Here, when an emergency power adjustment request is received (when an unadjusted power adjustment request is accepted), an input of emergency control mode setting by the user is accepted, and the accepted emergency control mode setting (current control mode or set temperature control mode) ), The operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the emergency power adjustment request is performed. Therefore, the control device 50 can perform operation control based on the user's intention at the time of an emergency power adjustment request (when receiving a power adjustment request that the user did not expect).

(4-3)
In the control device 50 of the present embodiment, the HEMS communication unit 52 further receives a normal power adjustment request as a power adjustment request. The input / output unit 53 receives the selection in advance before receiving the normal power adjustment request. The adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the normal power adjustment request based on the selection received in advance before receiving the normal power adjustment request.

  Here, the operation control of the air conditioner 10 in response to the normal power adjustment request (notified) is executed based on the normal control mode setting (current control mode or set temperature control mode) input in advance by the user. Therefore, the control apparatus 50 can perform the operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the normal power adjustment request based on the intention of the user.

(4-4)
The control device 50 of this embodiment includes a prediction unit 57 and an input / output unit 53 as an output unit. The prediction unit 57 indicates the temperature change of the space (the air conditioning target space) in which the air conditioner 10 adjusts the temperature when the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs the operation control of the air conditioner 10 in response to the power adjustment request in the current control mode. Predict. The prediction unit 57 predicts a temperature change in the air-conditioning target space when the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in response to the power adjustment request in the set temperature control mode. The input / output unit 53 outputs the prediction result by the prediction unit 57. When the input / output unit 53 accepts the selection, the prediction result is output to the input / output unit 53.

  Here, in response to the power adjustment request, a temperature change prediction when the adjustment operation control unit 56 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in the current control mode and the set temperature control mode is displayed on the input / output unit 53. The user of the air conditioner 10 can determine which control mode to select while referring to the prediction result. Therefore, the user of the air conditioner 10 can appropriately select the control mode, and the control device 50 can execute the operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the power adjustment request by the selected control mode.

  Note that the predicting unit 57 is configured such that the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in the current control mode and the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in the set temperature control mode. Although it is desirable to make both predictions for the comparison, it is not limited to this.

  For example, the prediction unit 57 may predict only when the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in the current control mode, and the result may be output to the input / output unit 53. The user of the air conditioner 10 selects the control mode after determining whether the temperature of the air-conditioning target space is an allowable temperature when the adjustment operation control unit 56 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in the current control mode. it can.

(4-5)
In the control device 50 of the present embodiment, the prediction unit 57 includes the power charge when the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs the operation control of the air conditioner 10 in response to the power adjustment request in the current control mode, and the adjustment operation control unit. 56 predicts a power charge when the operation control of the air conditioner 10 is performed in response to the power adjustment request in the set temperature control mode.

  Here, in accordance with the power adjustment request, the power charge prediction when the adjustment operation control unit 56 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in the current control mode and the set temperature control mode is displayed on the input / output unit 53. The user of the air conditioner 10 can determine which control mode to select while referring to the prediction result. Therefore, the user of the air conditioner 10 can appropriately select the control mode, and the control device 50 can execute the operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the power adjustment request by the selected control mode.

  Note that the predicting unit 57 is configured such that the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in the current control mode and the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in the set temperature control mode. Although it is desirable to make both predictions for the comparison, it is not limited to this.

  For example, the prediction unit 57 may predict only when the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in the set temperature control mode, and the result may be output to the input / output unit 53. The user of the air conditioner 10 can select the control mode after determining whether the power charge when the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs the operation control of the air conditioner 10 in the set temperature control mode is acceptable.

(4-6)
In the control device 50 of the present embodiment, the predicting unit 57 performs the economic profit / loss when the adjusted operation control unit 56 performs the operation control of the air conditioner 10 in response to the power adjustment request in the current control mode, and the adjusted operation control. The economic profit and loss when the unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in response to the power adjustment request in the set temperature control mode is predicted.

  Here, in accordance with the power adjustment request, the prediction of economic profit / loss (reward or fine) when the adjustment operation control unit 56 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in the current control mode and the set temperature control mode is input / output. Displayed on the section 53. The user of the air conditioner 10 can determine which control mode to select while referring to the prediction result. Therefore, the user of the air conditioner 10 can appropriately select the control mode, and the control device 50 can execute the operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the power adjustment request by the selected control mode.

  Note that the predicting unit 57 is configured such that the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in the current control mode and the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in the set temperature control mode. Although it is desirable to make both predictions for the comparison, it is not limited to this.

  For example, the prediction unit 57 may predict only when the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 in the current control mode, and the result may be output to the input / output unit 53. The user of the air conditioner 10 can select the control mode after judging whether the economic profit and loss when the adjustment operation control unit 56 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in the current control mode is sufficiently large. .

(5) Modifications Modifications of the present embodiment are shown below. A plurality of modified examples may be appropriately combined.

(5-1) Modification A
In the said embodiment, although the control apparatus 50 also performs control of the air-conditioning driving | operation (normal driving | operation) of the air conditioner 10, it is not limited to this. For example, as described below, the control device may be a control device only for performing adjustment control of the power consumption of the air conditioner.

  FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an adjustment control control device 250 according to Modification A. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiment mean that the configuration is the same as that in the above embodiment.

  In this modified example, as shown in FIG. 6, there is a control device 210 for mainly controlling the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10. The control device 210 includes an air conditioning operation control unit 55, an adjustment operation control unit 256, and an input unit 210a. The adjusted operation control unit 256 is obtained by removing the control content determining unit 56a from the adjusted operation control unit 56. That is, the adjustment operation control unit 256 does not determine the control content of the operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the power adjustment request. The input unit 210a is a remote controller that receives information for controlling the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 (operation / stop of the air conditioner 10, the air conditioning mode of the air conditioner, the set temperature of the air conditioner, etc.) from the user of the air conditioner 10. is there.

  In the present modification, as shown in FIG. 6, an adjustment control controller 250 is provided only for adjusting and controlling the power consumption of the air conditioner 10. Unlike the control device 50, the adjustment control control device 250 does not include the air conditioning operation control unit 55 and the adjustment operation control unit 56. Conversely, unlike the control device 50, the control device for adjustment control 250 includes an operation command generation unit 256 a and an air conditioner communication unit 258. Further, the input / output unit 253 of the control device for adjustment control 250 does not receive information for controlling the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 (information received by the input unit 210a) from the user of the air conditioner 10. This is different from the input / output unit 53. Similarly to the control content determination unit 56a, the operation command generation unit 256a determines the control content of the air conditioner 10 when the operation control of the air conditioner 10 is performed according to the power adjustment request. Furthermore, the driving command generation unit 256a generates a driving command based on the control content determined by itself. The operation command generated by the operation command generation unit 256 a is transmitted from the air conditioner communication unit 258 to the control device 210. The adjustment operation control unit 256 of the control device 210 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in accordance with the operation command generated by the operation command generation unit 256a. That is, the operation command generation unit 256a is an example of a control unit that performs operation control of the air conditioner 10.

(5-2) Modification B
In the said embodiment, although the control apparatus 50 performs the operation control of the one air conditioner 10, it is not limited to this. The control device 50 may perform operation control of the plurality of air conditioners 10.

(5-3) Modification C
In the above-described embodiment, when the emergency power adjustment request is received, the user of the air conditioner 10 is requested to input the emergency control mode setting. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the emergency control mode setting may be input to the input / output unit 53 in advance, similarly to the normal control mode setting. Then, when an emergency power adjustment request is received, the same processing as the normal power adjustment request (the processing from step S3 to step S19 in FIG. 4A) may be performed.

  However, since the emergency power adjustment request is a power adjustment request that is not anticipated by the user of the air conditioner 10, the input / output unit 53 is requested at the time of the emergency power adjustment request to grasp the user's intention to the emergency power adjustment request. It is desirable to request input of emergency control mode setting.

(5-4) Modification D
In the above embodiment, when the emergency power adjustment request is received, the prediction result by the prediction unit 57 is output to the input / output unit 53, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the prediction result by the prediction unit 57 may be output to the input / output unit 53 only when the emergency power adjustment request is received and the user requests the output.

  Further, for example, the control unit 50 may not include the prediction unit 57 itself. However, since the user can easily select an appropriate control mode by referring to the prediction result of the prediction unit 57, it is desirable that the prediction unit 57 exists.

(5-5) Modification E
In the above embodiment, at the time of receiving the normal power adjustment request, the adjustment operation control unit 56 performs the operation control of the air conditioner 10 based on the normal control mode setting input in advance by the user of the air conditioner 10, but is not limited thereto. It is not something. For example, the normal control mode setting may also be input to the input / output unit 53 when a normal power adjustment request is received, similarly to the emergency control mode setting. In addition, when the normal control mode setting is received by the input / output unit 53, the prediction result by the prediction unit 57 may be output to the input / output unit 53.

  However, since the normal power adjustment request is a power adjustment request for which the user of the air conditioner 10 has been notified, the operation control of the air conditioner 10 reflecting the user's intention even if the user has previously input the normal control mode setting. (Power consumption adjustment control) is easy to execute. Therefore, it is desirable that the normal control mode setting is input in advance in order to save the user from having to input the normal control mode setting to the input / output unit 53 for each normal power adjustment request.

(5-6) Modification F
In the above-described embodiment, the prediction unit 57 predicts the temperature change of the air-conditioning target space only when the emergency power adjustment request is received, but is not limited to this. For example, the prediction unit 57 may execute the prediction at any time according to the prediction execution request input to the input / output unit 53. For example, when the user of the air conditioner 10 inputs the normal control mode setting, a prediction result such as a temperature change in the air-conditioning target space may be output to the input / output unit 53.

  However, when the prediction unit 57 executes the prediction at any time, it is considered that the power adjustment request is often not transmitted to the HEMS communication unit 52. Therefore, when the input / output unit 53 receives a prediction execution request, the prediction unit 57 assumes, for example, that the normal power adjustment request is executed the next day with the content of the previous normal power adjustment request. Predict temperature changes in the air-conditioning space. In addition, when the prediction unit 57 makes a prediction, when the power usage amount of the air conditioner 10 immediately before the start time of the adjustment request period, the temperature of the air-conditioning target space, and the like are necessary, the information does not exist. For example, the prediction unit 57 predicts the operation data of the air conditioner 10 on the next day using the operation data of the air conditioner 10 for the past week, and further predicts a temperature change or the like of the air-conditioning target space using the prediction. . In addition, when the information necessary for the prediction unit 57 to make a prediction is the outside air temperature of the next day, the prediction unit 57 uses, for example, a weather forecast received via an Internet line or the like. In addition, the prediction methods, such as a temperature change of the air-conditioning object space, when the prediction unit 57 executes the prediction as needed are not limited to this.

  When the control device according to the present invention is used, when the adjustment request for the electric power consumption is received and the operation control of the air conditioner (the adjustment control of the electric power consumption) is performed based on this, the responsiveness to the adjustment request, Regarding the comfort of the user of the air conditioner, the operation of the air conditioner can be controlled based on the user's intention.

10 Air conditioner 10a Compressor (main equipment)
50,250 Control device 52 HEMS communication unit (request receiving unit)
53,253 Input / output unit (selection receiving unit, output unit)
56 Adjustment operation control unit (control unit)
57 Prediction unit 256a Operation command generation unit (control unit)

JP-A-2005-107901

Claims (4)

A control device (50, 250) for controlling the operation of the air conditioner (10),
A request receiving unit (52) for receiving a power adjustment request including an air conditioner power target amount from the outside;
The current for driving the compressor is adjusted by adjusting the operating frequency of the compressor (10a), which is the main device of the air conditioner, so that the amount of power used by the air conditioner becomes the target power amount of the air conditioner. And a non-response priority control mode for forcibly changing the target temperature of the air conditioner as control modes, and the operation control of the air conditioner is performed according to the power adjustment request. A control unit (56, 256a) to perform,
A selection receiving unit (53, 253) for receiving selection of the control mode from a user of the air conditioner;
Equipped with a,
The request receiving unit receives an emergency power adjustment request as the power adjustment request,
The selection receiving unit receives the selection at the time of receiving the emergency power adjustment request,
The control unit performs operation control of the air conditioner according to the emergency power adjustment request based on the selection received when the emergency power adjustment request is received,
The request receiving unit further receives a normal power adjustment request as the power adjustment request,
The selection receiving unit receives the selection in advance before receiving the normal power adjustment request,
The control unit performs operation control of the air conditioner according to the normal power adjustment request based on the selection received in advance before receiving the normal power adjustment request,
The non-response priority control mode is a control mode in which the target temperature of the air conditioner is forcibly changed so that the power usage amount of the air conditioner becomes the air conditioner power target amount.
Control device. When the control unit performs operation control of the air conditioner in response to the power adjustment request in the response priority control mode, the temperature change of the space in which the air conditioner adjusts temperature, and the control unit does not respond A prediction unit (57) for predicting at least one of the temperature change of the space when the operation control of the air conditioner is performed in response to the power adjustment request in the priority control mode;
An output unit (53, 253) for outputting a prediction result by the prediction unit;
Further comprising
When the selection is accepted by the selection accepting unit, the prediction result is output to the output unit.
The control device according to claim 1 . The prediction unit includes a power charge when the control unit performs operation control of the air conditioner according to the power adjustment request in the response priority control mode, and the control unit performs the non-response priority control mode. Further predicting at least one of the electricity charges when the operation control of the air conditioner is performed according to the power adjustment request,
The control device according to claim 2 . The prediction unit is an economic profit / loss when the control unit performs operation control of the air conditioner in response to the power adjustment request in the response priority control mode, and the control unit is in the non-response priority control mode. Further predicting at least one of economic profit and loss when performing operation control of the air conditioner according to the power adjustment request,
The control device according to claim 3 .

Images