JP7584911B2 - POWER MANAGEMENT DEVICE AND POWER MANAGEMENT METHOD - Google Patents

Description

Patent Law Article 30, Paragraph 2 Applicable Patent Law Article 30, Paragraph 2 Applicable, published on the company's website on May 31, 2019 and August 9, 2019

The present invention relates to a power management method and a power management device. In particular, the present invention relates to a power management method and a power management device (energy saving system) that conserves power consumption by controlling the air conditioning in stores (pachinko parlors, home improvement stores, car dealerships, convenience stores, etc.).

In modern society, many air conditioners are used in a variety of places for both cooling and heating purposes. These air conditioners are installed in a variety of places, including not only ordinary homes but also offices, factories, stores, and public facilities. Air conditioners with various capabilities and features are manufactured and sold according to the characteristics of the place where they are installed and the size of the space. Such air conditioners consume a very large amount of electricity. For example, there is data that suggests that in ordinary homes and stores, air conditioners consume 20 to 30 percent of the electricity consumed by all electrical equipment (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Today, the power generation industry and the power generation situation are facing difficulties due to the depletion of fossil fuels and increasing regulations and opposition to nuclear power generation. In addition, there is a tendency for regulations and stricter scrutiny of power generation using fossil fuels to increase in order to prevent global warming. In contrast, technological advances and widespread use of power generation using renewable energies such as wind and solar power are still a long way off. For this reason, there is a global call for energy conservation to reduce power consumption. In this situation, there is a demand in various countries and fields around the world to reduce the power consumption of air conditioners.

Air conditioners currently on the market are equipped with an inverter function to deal with temperatures that drop below a specified temperature during cooling, or rise above a specified temperature during heating. For example, while cooling, the inverter function is blowing out cool air at a temperature set by the user, and if the temperature drops below the specified set temperature, it reduces or stops the blowing of cool air. The opposite is true when the air conditioner is used for heating. This inverter function makes it possible to suppress the blowing of cool or warm air that deviates from the set temperature, and it is believed that this can result in reduced power consumption.

However, in order to reduce power consumption and electricity bills, attention must be paid not only to the operation of the inverter function of the air conditioner, but also to the contracted power with the power company. Here, the contracted power refers to the contracted value of the power supply concluded between the power company (e.g., Tokyo Electric Power Company, Kansai Electric Power Company, etc.) and the power consumer (e.g., the operator of a store) (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The maximum demand wattmeter is used as a meter to monitor this contracted power. Note that since the measurement time is stipulated in the electricity supply contract as 30 minutes, this is called a 30-minute maximum demand wattmeter. Also, demand power refers to the average power for 30 minutes stipulated in the electricity supply contract, and the maximum value for one month is called maximum demand power (maximum demand).

Electricity consumers with a contracted power of less than 500 kW are subject to a so-called actual value contract, and the contracted power for that month is automatically determined as the maximum demand power (maximum demand) for the past year, including that month, as measured by a maximum demand wattmeter. Therefore, electricity consumers with a contracted power of less than 500 kW must ensure that their demand does not exceed the contract, and can lower their contracted power by controlling their monthly maximum demand. If the contracted power is reduced, it becomes possible to save on electricity bills accordingly.

On the other hand, if the maximum demand wattmeter reading exceeds 500kW, the contracted power will be decided through negotiations between the power consumer and the power company based on criteria such as the load equipment and power receiving equipment used, the load factor of the same industry, and the operating rate. Currently, the contracted power of large stores such as supermarkets, specialty stores, and department stores is often 500kW or more. Such power consumers are required to implement demand control in order to reduce their electricity bills.

JP 2015-4444 A JP 2001-197661 A Patent No. 6205475 specification Patent No. 6300391 specification

Current technology is attempting to reduce power consumption or electricity bills in air conditioners by using inverter functions and demand control. However, according to the inventor's research, no matter how well inverter functions and demand control are used, there is a wall beyond which electricity bills cannot be reduced. Of course, this wall is something that is technically expected and common sense for power companies and power consumers, so they never imagined that electricity bills could be reduced any further.

The inventors of the present application have worked to further reduce electricity costs for air conditioning equipment in pachinko parlors, and have completed a device and method (power management device and power management method) that can reduce electricity costs without compromising comfort, commercializing the idea and obtaining a patent (Patent Document 3, Patent Document 4). The power management device and power management method completed by the inventors of the present application are so excellent that they have become widely used, and have succeeded in reducing annual electricity costs across Japan by approximately 1.3 billion yen (calculated based on the unit electricity rate for fiscal year 2019).

On the other hand, the inventor of the present application encountered customers who were undecided about the introduction of the device and method, which are excellent in that they can reduce electricity bills without compromising comfort, during sales and explanations. One of the main reasons for undecidedness was the cost of the device, and although they understood the effect of saving electricity, they did not have enough funds to introduce it. The inventor of the present application decided that it would be better to proceed with the discussion only with customers who understood the effect of saving electricity and reducing the environmental load, and proceeded with activities (sales and explanations) in this way. However, from around February 2020, the spread of the new coronavirus infection in Japan led to the self-restraint of economic activity and the issuance of a state of emergency declaration, and he realized that this was not just a matter of reducing electricity, but a problem related to economic activity throughout Japan. In other words, the self-restraint of economic activity has made it extremely difficult to achieve sales increases in all industries, and the importance of cost reduction has increased to a level that cannot be compared to before. And when making management decisions that take into account not only the past one or two months but also the future, it is not easy to make easy personnel cuts, nor is it easy to downsize or close stores.

In this situation, the inventor of the present application reaffirmed that an excellent device and method that can reduce electricity bills without compromising comfort would be useful in the current COVID-19 situation, and developed a new power management device and method that would allow even customers who had been hesitant to introduce such devices and methods to do so with confidence, resulting in the present invention.

The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and its main objective is to provide a power management method and a power management device that conserves power consumption in stores (especially small stores).

The power management method according to the present invention is a power management method for reducing the electricity bill of air conditioning equipment, and includes the steps of displaying a new power company Internet site for requesting a power estimate from a new power company that is a retail electricity supplier, transmitting power estimate data by operating a send button on the new power company Internet site to request a power estimate, transmitting request data for changing the power contract to the new power company selected based on the power estimate, and, after the power contract change, attaching a power management device to an air conditioning outdoor unit equipped with an inverter motor. The power management device includes a control frequency adapter that transmits a control frequency signal to the inverter motor, and in the step of attaching the power management device, the control frequency adapter is connected to a circuit board that controls the inverter motor.

In a preferred embodiment, the power management device includes a dial unit that switches the control frequency signal, and a wiring unit that transmits a signal based on the switching of the dial unit. A connection terminal is provided at one end of the wiring unit. In the step of installing the power management device, the connection terminal is connected to the control frequency adapter.

In a preferred embodiment, the dial portion is manually operable and has a structure that allows switching between at least three stages.

In a preferred embodiment, the dial portion has a structure that allows switching by remote control.

The power management device according to the present invention is a power management device that saves electricity costs for air conditioning equipment, and includes a control frequency adapter that transmits a control frequency signal to an inverter motor in an air conditioning outdoor unit, and a power adjustment unit that is connected to the control frequency adapter and transmits the control frequency signal to the control frequency adapter. The power adjustment unit includes a dial unit that switches the control frequency signal, and a wiring unit that transmits a signal based on the switching of the dial unit. The wiring unit is connected to the control frequency adapter.

In a preferred embodiment, the dial portion is manually operable and has a structure that allows switching between at least three stages.

In a preferred embodiment, the dial portion has a structure that allows switching by remote control.

In the present invention, after requesting a power estimate on a new power company's Internet site, the power estimate data is transmitted, and then data requesting a change in power contract is transmitted to the new power company selected based on the power estimate. Next, after the power contract is changed, a power management device is attached to an air conditioner outdoor unit equipped with an inverter motor. The power management device is equipped with a control frequency adapter that transmits a control frequency signal to the inverter motor, and in the process of attaching the power management device, the control frequency adapter is connected to a circuit board that controls the inverter motor. According to the present invention, first, after switching to a power contract with a new power company that is more advantageous than the current power contract, the power bill for air conditioners (air conditioners), which accounts for the largest portion of the power bill, is saved by attaching an external power management device and controlling the number of revolutions of the inverter motor with the power management device, thereby significantly reducing the store's electricity bill. Once the power contract has been reviewed by the new power company, it is possible to significantly save on electricity bills even if a relatively expensive power management device (technically advanced control device) is not used, and an inexpensive power management device with a relatively simple structure is used. As a result, it can now be adopted by stores that have been hesitant to install power management devices that can save energy on air conditioners due to the cost, resulting in significant cost savings and reducing the burden on the global environment. It can also provide something useful at a reduced cost even under requests to refrain from economic activity (especially in situations where people are being asked to refrain from infection with COVID-19 or new strains of influenza).

1 is a block diagram illustrating a power management device 100 and an air conditioning device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a power management device 100 (main body 10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a power management device 100 (main body 10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a power management device 100 (main body 10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a dial unit 15 of a power management device 100 (main body unit 10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the switching operation of the dial unit 15. 1 is a graph comparing power consumption rates before and after installation. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the inside of an outdoor unit 29 when a power management device 100 is attached. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a power management device 100 is arranged on the outer surface of an outdoor unit 29. FIG. 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams for explaining an energy saving method using a power management device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a graph for explaining a contracted power in relation to a maximum demand value. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method for calculating electricity charges. 1 is a flowchart for explaining a power management method (energy saving method) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a new power company Internet site 200 where power quotes can be made to new power companies. 3A and 3B are graphs showing electricity charges 301 before the introduction of the power management apparatus 100 and electricity charges 302 after the introduction of the power management apparatus 100, respectively. 13A and 13B respectively show the equipment configuration of a store 50 when the electricity contract is a load equipment contract and a main switch contract. 2 shows a circuit diagram of a switching unit 16 of a power management device 100 (main body unit 10). 1 shows a circuit diagram illustrating switching units 16 and 16B of a power management device 100 (main body unit 10). FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the contents (load shedding/reduction) of incentive-based demand response 300. FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the contents of incentive-based demand response 300 (demand adjustment market). 11A to 11D are graphs for explaining the content of demand response based on electricity charges, respectively.

Before describing the details of the embodiment of the present invention, we will explain existing air conditioning control devices (power saving devices for air conditioners and energy saving devices). The inventor of the present application has developed and sold a power management device (trade name "Ecomira" (registered trademark)) that can save on air conditioner electricity costs while operating the air conditioner (without stopping the operation of the air conditioner), that is, can significantly reduce air conditioner electricity costs without compromising comfort, and has obtained a patent for it (see, for example, Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4). Due to the excellent effects of this device, it has become widespread throughout Japan. On the other hand, when the inventor of the present application spoke with the owner/operator of a store (president, manager, department head, etc.), there were cases where the store already had an air conditioner electricity cost saving device installed. Most of these air conditioner electricity cost saving devices are called demand controllers (so-called "demakons"), which forcibly stop the air conditioner when the air conditioner's electricity cost is about to increase, thereby suppressing the increase in the air conditioner's electricity cost. Using such a demand controller to reduce air conditioning electricity costs can make the store hotter or colder, reducing comfort, and there have been many cases where store managers have turned off the demand controller to avoid such discomfort.

In addition, store owners and managers were sometimes unaware that a demand controller had been installed on the air conditioner. And in many cases, they had simply installed the demand controller because they were recommended to do so, and were unaware of the power saving effects that the demand controller could bring. Furthermore, there were also cases where demand controllers were confused with demand monitoring systems that only monitor air conditioner demand, and there were also cases where only a demand monitoring system was installed and no power savings were made from the air conditioner.

The installation of existing demand controllers is often done at the same time as new energy-saving air conditioners. This is because subsidies to promote energy-saving investments are available when the replacement of the new air conditioner with the installation of a demand controller are combined. The use of these subsidies is not a bad thing, but it tends to lead to lax awareness and confirmation of the power-saving effect and reduction in the burden on the global environment. If you are considering reducing the burden on the global environment, it is much more effective to use the existing air conditioner and install an external (retrofit) air conditioning control device on the existing air conditioner to achieve power saving on the air conditioner than to switch to a new air conditioner. And because the demand controller forcibly turns off the air conditioner, it reduces comfort, and because of this reduced comfort, it is often seen that even if a demand controller is installed, the operation of the demand controller is turned off, and the power saving effect is not achieved, and therefore it does not contribute to reducing the burden on the global environment.

The power management device (trade name "Ecomira" (registered trademark)) developed and sold by the inventor of the present application allows users to save on electricity costs while the air conditioner is running (without stopping the air conditioner), without compromising comfort, and has been well-received. However, the high purchase cost of the power management device (Ecomira) has led to some cases of hesitation in its introduction. Considering the cost of saving electricity from air conditioners, the purchase and introduction cost of the power management device (Ecomira) is, of course, quite low, but store owners and operators still judge it only by the initial investment amount, and as a result, the store owners are sometimes unable to achieve the effects of saving electricity and reducing the burden on the global environment. In addition, the larger the store, the greater the power saving effect of installing the power management device (Ecomira) (because it uses more electricity), but for this reason, it has been difficult for the power management device (Ecomira) to spread to small and medium-sized stores.

In this situation, the inventor of the present application developed a power management method and device that can achieve power savings by retrofitting existing air conditioners without having to replace them with new air conditioners and install a demand controller at the same time, and that can also achieve power savings in small and medium-sized stores, resulting in the present invention.

The following describes preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, for the sake of simplicity, the same reference numerals are used for components and parts that perform the same function, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional relationships (length, width, thickness, etc.) in each drawing may not necessarily accurately reflect the actual dimensional relationships. Furthermore, matters other than those specifically mentioned in this specification that are necessary for implementing the present invention may be understood as design matters of a person skilled in the art based on the prior art in the field. The present invention can be implemented based on the contents disclosed in this specification and the drawings and the technical common sense in the field. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a power management method and a power management device 100 (energy saving system 100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The power management device 100 of this embodiment is attached to an air conditioning outdoor unit 29 equipped with an inverter motor 24. The power management device 100 is equipped with a control frequency adapter 22 that transmits a control frequency signal to the inverter motor 24. The main body (power adjustment unit) 10 of the power management device 100 is connected to the control frequency adapter 22 through a wiring unit 19. Furthermore, the control frequency adapter 22 is connected to a circuit board 23 that controls the inverter motor 24.

In the configuration of this embodiment, the air conditioning equipment 20 including the inverter motor 24 is installed in advance in the store 50, typically when the store 50 is newly constructed. The power management device 100 (or inverter frequency adjustment system) of this embodiment can be installed later on the air conditioning equipment 20 (here, the air conditioning outdoor unit 29) that has already been installed. Of course, it is also possible to install the power management device 100 together with the air conditioning equipment 20 when the store 50 is newly constructed.

The air conditioning device 20 of this embodiment is composed of an air conditioning indoor unit 60 arranged in the store 50, and an air conditioning outdoor unit 29 including an inverter motor 24. The air conditioning indoor unit 60 can send conditioned air (cooled or heated air at a predetermined temperature) into the store 50. The air conditioning indoor unit 60 and the air conditioning outdoor unit 29 are connected by a pipe 60a through which refrigerant gas passes. The inverter motor 24 can move the refrigerant gas in the pipe 60a. In addition, a fan 21 is attached to the air conditioning outdoor unit 29, and the fan 21 can release heated air from the air conditioning outdoor unit 29 to the outside when cooling.

The power management device 100 (inverter frequency adjustment system) of this embodiment can control the frequency of the inverter motor 24 of the air conditioning equipment device 20 that includes the inverter motor 24. Specifically, the power management device 100 issues a command to perform an operation that saves on electricity costs while providing substantially the same cooling (or heating) effect by controlling the frequency of the inverter motor 24. Note that the air conditioning equipment device 20 also includes a circuit for controlling the frequency of the inverter motor 24 on the circuit board (23) in the air conditioning outdoor unit 29, but the power management device 100 of this embodiment separately controls the frequency of the inverter motor 24 as an operation that saves on electricity costs.

The power management device 100 of this embodiment is connected to the inverter motor 24 via a control frequency adapter 22. The inverter motor 24 is electrically connected to a circuit board 23 that controls the inverter motor 24, and in the configuration of this embodiment, the control frequency adapter 22 is electrically connected to the circuit board 23. A control frequency signal from the power management device 100 can be transmitted to the inverter motor 24 via the control frequency adapter 22. The power management device 100 is connected to the control frequency adapter 22 via a wiring unit 19. In the configuration of this embodiment, the control frequency adapter 22 is attached inside the outdoor unit 29. The main body unit 10 of the power management device 100 is attached to the outside of the outdoor unit 29 (external wall, outer frame, etc.).

In this embodiment, the store 50 may be a pachinko parlor, a game center, a restaurant, a coffee shop, a drug store, a bookstore, a video rental store, a car dealership, a home improvement store, a convenience store, a sports gym, a nursing home, a hospital, a school, a movie theater, a theater, a bowling alley, a capsule hotel, a hotel, a supermarket, a home appliance retailer, a large or small to medium-sized factory, a food factory, a bakery, a confectionery factory/studio, a commercial facility, a nursery school, an esthetic salon, a beauty salon/hair salon, a golf course (clubhouse, golf driving range), a funeral home, etc. However, other types of stores may also be used.

Next, the power management device (energy saving system) 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 6.

Figures 2 and 3 show the configuration of the main end 10 (or inverter frequency regulator, air conditioner power adjustment unit) of the power management device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the main end 10 of the power management device 100 from the front, and Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the main end 10 from an oblique angle. Also, Figure 4 shows the state in which the cover 11 of the main end 10 (air conditioner power adjustment unit) is closed. Figure 5 shows the dial unit 15 of the main end 10 (air conditioner power adjustment unit). Also, Figures 6(a) to (c) show the state in which the dial unit 15 is switched to the "standard", "off", and "strong" positions, respectively.

The power management device 100 (main end 10) of this embodiment is composed of a housing unit 10a, a dial unit 15 arranged inside the housing unit 10a, and a control signal generating unit 16. The control signal generating unit 16 is a circuit unit that generates a signal of a control frequency to the inverter motor 24 based on the switching of the dial unit 15. In this embodiment, the control signal generating unit 16 is composed of a relay circuit, but other configuration examples may also be used.

In the configuration of this embodiment, the wiring section 19 extends from the control signal generating section 16. A connection terminal (connector section) 18 is provided at one end of the wiring section 19. The connection terminal (connector section) 18 is connected to the control frequency adapter 22 (see FIG. 1). In addition, in the configuration of this embodiment, a cover section 11 is formed to cover the upper part of the housing section 10a on which the dial section 15 is provided. One end 11a of the cover section 11 of this embodiment is connected to a part of the housing section 10a so as to be openable and closable (in the illustrated example, a hinge structure). The other end 11b of the cover section 11 is formed with an opening 13 through which the wiring section 19 passes. As shown in FIG. 4, when the cover section 11 is closed, the wiring section 19 can extend to the outside through the opening 13. The cover section 11 is made of, for example, resin (for example, engineering plastic), but may be made of other materials (metal (for example, stainless steel, aluminum), ceramic, wood, etc.). The material that constitutes the cover portion 11 is preferably one that is rust-resistant and strong (e.g., resin, stainless steel, etc.) because the power management device 100 (main end portion 10) is placed on the outer surface of the outdoor unit 29 and exposed to rain and wind. In addition, in the configuration of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the cover portion 11 is provided with ribs 11c (convex portions, or concave portions at other locations), which improves the strength compared to a flat structure without ribs.

In the configuration example of this embodiment (see FIG. 3 in particular), the dial unit 15 is placed on the base unit 12. The dial unit 15 of this embodiment has a structure that rotates (turns) manually. The dial unit 15 is not limited to a rotary type, but may be a switchable type. For example, it may be a button type, or may have a structure/mechanism that can switch in response to digital input (for example, input of "1", "2", "3" (or "A", "B", "C", etc.). In the illustrated example, a manual dial unit 15 is shown, but it may be an electric dial unit 15 or a dial unit 15 that can be switched by remote control. The illustrated manual dial unit 15 has the advantage of being simple in structure and low in cost.

In the configuration example of this embodiment, the base 12 has the dial unit 15 arranged on the upper part (upper surface 12a), and the control signal generating unit 16 (relay circuit structure) arranged in the space below (below) the base 12. In the illustrated example, the base 12 is composed of the upper surface 12a on which the dial unit 15 is arranged, and a wall portion 12b extending vertically (at right angles) from the upper surface 12a. The base 12 is connected to the substrate structure 10b arranged in the housing 10a at the lower part of the wall portion 12b. Since the base 12 is L-shaped (or a substantially L-shaped structure) in this way, there is an advantage that the dial unit 15 can be arranged with a simple structure and the control signal generating unit 16 can be stored spatially efficiently. The base 12 of this embodiment is composed of a metal material (e.g., brass, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), but may be made of other materials (other metals (e.g., iron, copper, etc.), resin, ceramic, wood, etc.).

In the illustrated example (see FIG. 5 in particular), the switch 15a of the dial unit 15 is set to "standard" on the power saving intensity mark 14. The switch 15a is designed to be turned by pinching it, and the power saving intensity can be changed by switching the switch 15a. In FIG. 6(a), the switch 15a is set to "standard." In FIG. 6(b), the switch 15a is set to "off," and in FIG. 6(c), the switch 15a is set to "strong."

In one example of the configuration of this embodiment (see FIG. 6(a)), when the power saving intensity mark 14 is set to "standard", the operation of the air conditioner 20 (here, the rotation speed of the inverter motor 24) is uniformly reduced by 30% (or reduced by 25%). That is, when the dial 15 is set to "standard", the operation (the rotation speed of the inverter motor 24) is suppressed, thereby reducing electricity costs. To explain further, when the dial 15 is set to "standard", a control signal of a control frequency to the inverter motor 24 (here, as an example, a control signal that reduces the rotation (operation) of the inverter motor 24 by 30%) is sent from the control signal generating unit 16. The control signal (for example, a control frequency signal to the inverter motor 24 with a 30% reduction) passes through the wiring unit 19, and controls the rotation (operation) of the inverter motor 24 via the control frequency adapter 22 (see FIG. 1) and the control circuit board 23 for the inverter motor (here, it controls the operation to be reduced by 30%).

In one example of the configuration of this embodiment (see FIG. 6(b)), when the power saving intensity mark 14 is "off", the operation of the air conditioner 20 (here, the rotation speed of the inverter motor 24) is set to be reduced by 0%, i.e., the rotation speed reduction control is not performed. Therefore, when set to "off", no power saving effect is obtained. On the other hand, since there is no limit placed on the rotation speed of the inverter motor 24, the inverter motor 24 (and the air conditioner 20) can operate at its maximum value.

The necessity of setting the power saving intensity indicator 14 to "off" will be explained next. There are various reasons why the air conditioner (air conditioner) 20 is not working well. For example, the air conditioner (air conditioner) 20 has just been turned on, direct sunlight (e.g., the afternoon sun) is shining, something that generates heat is brought in, or a larger number of people than usual suddenly flock to the store. In this case, after a while, the air conditioner (air conditioner) 20 will start working and the temperature will reach the air conditioner setting in many cases, but since humans are impatient, the store operator (or store clerk, staff) may assume that the power management device 100 must be the cause of the air conditioner's poor performance and may remove the power management device 100 or disable it. If the store owner is not aware of the removal of the power management device 100, there is a risk that the store owner will mistakenly believe that no power saving effect is being obtained, even though the store is operating in a state where no power saving effect is being obtained. To prevent this from happening, the power saving intensity indicator 14 is set to "off" so that the air conditioner 20 can return to its original operating state.

In one example of the configuration of this embodiment (see FIG. 6(c)), when the power saving intensity mark 14 is set to "strong", the operation of the air conditioner 20 (here, the rotation speed of the inverter motor 24) is set to be reduced by 50% across the board. That is, when the dial 15 is set to "strong", the operation (the rotation speed of the inverter motor 24) is significantly suppressed (i.e., about half), so that electricity bills can be significantly reduced. To explain further, when the dial 15 is set to "strong", a control signal of a control frequency to the inverter motor 24 (here, as an example, a control signal that reduces the rotation (operation) of the inverter motor 24 by 50%) is sent from the control signal generating unit 16. The control signal (for example, a control frequency signal to the inverter motor 24 with a 50% reduction) passes through the wiring unit 19, and then via the control frequency adapter 22 (see FIG. 1) and the control circuit board 23 for the inverter motor, the rotation (operation) of the inverter motor 24 is controlled (here, the operation is controlled to be cut by 50%).

Here, the effect of power saving when the power saving intensity indicator 14 is set to "strong" will be explained. Figure 7 shows a comparison graph of the periodic power consumption charges when one power management device 100 of this embodiment as shown in Figure 2 is installed. A store 50 is assumed to have one store/office air conditioner (10 horsepower) installed as the outdoor unit 29. The conditions for the power charge trial calculation are as follows. The standard is JIS B8616:2015, the area is Tokyo, and the building use is a detached store. The usage period is cooling from May 7 to October 17, heating from November 17 to April 3, the number of days of use is 7, and the usage time is 8:00 to 20:00. The unit price of the power rate is 22 yen/kWh. Before the installation of the power management device 100, the periodic power consumption was 7,510 kWh, but after the installation of the power management device 100, the periodic power consumption can be reduced to 3,840 kWh. Expressed in terms of electricity charges, as shown in FIG. 7, the cost was 165,220 yen/month before the installation of the power management device 100, but dropped to 84,480 yen/month after the installation of the power management device 100, which translates into a reduction in electricity bills of approximately 80,000 yen/year. The cost-cutting benefits of being able to save approximately 80,000 yen/year on a single store/office air conditioner (10 horsepower) are enormous.

There is a concern that cutting the output (inverter motor rotation speed) of a store/office air conditioner (10 horsepower) by 50% (5 horsepower output) will make the air conditioning in the store 50 less effective, but this is often an illusion. The air conditioning equipment (air conditioner) 20 requires a lot of energy (electricity) to start up, but even with half the output of 10 horsepower (5 horsepower), if the time is slightly longer (for example, taking 2.5 hours instead of 2 hours to reach the set temperature), the set temperature can be reached properly even with the output reduced. If the store 50 is not effective when the setting is "strong," then changing the setting to "standard" will not cause any discomfort compared to when the setting is "off" (control is cut by 0%). On the other hand, suddenly turning off the air conditioner and switching it to fan mode, as with the use of a demand controller, will cause discomfort to the people (staff and customers) in the store 50.

FIG. 8 shows the state in which the control frequency adaptor 22 is attached inside the outdoor unit 29. Here, the lid (or door) of the outdoor unit 29 is opened, and the control frequency adaptor 22 is placed in a predetermined position. One end (terminal) of the wiring section 19 extending from the main body 10 of the power management device 100 is connected to the terminal 22a of the control frequency adaptor 22. Then, the connecting wire 26 is connected to the terminal 22b of the control frequency adaptor 22, and the connecting wire 26 is connected to the terminal 23a of the control circuit board 23 for the inverter motor (specifically, the external input terminal of the outdoor unit board). Finally, when the lid (or door) of the outdoor unit 29 is closed, it is restored to the original state. If the wiring section 19 can be passed through the gap of the lid of the outdoor unit 29, the installation of the power management device 100 (main body 10) can be completed without drilling a hole in the outdoor unit 29. In this way, the main body 10 of the power management device 100 can be electrically connected to the inverter motor 24 via the control frequency adaptor 22 and the control circuit board 23 for the inverter motor. In other words, a control frequency signal (as an example, a control signal (set to "strong") that reduces the rotation (operation) of the inverter motor 24 by 50%) is transmitted from the main body 10 (control signal generating unit 16) of the power management device 100 to the inverter motor 24, and the rotation of the inverter motor 24 can be controlled by the control signal (a signal with a control frequency reduced by 50%).

Figure 9 shows the power management device 100 (main body 10) of this embodiment attached to the outdoor unit 29. In the configuration of this embodiment, the back surface of the housing 10a of the main body 10 is magnetic, so the main body 10 can be conveniently attached to the surface of the outdoor unit 29.

Next, the effect of saving (reducing) electricity costs for air conditioning by the power management device 100 (energy saving system) of this embodiment will be further explained with reference to Figures 10 (a) and (b).

Figure 10(a) shows the configuration of an air conditioning device 20 including an air conditioning indoor unit 60 and an air conditioning outdoor unit 29. Figure 10(b) shows the inverter motor 24 in a compressor 25 installed in the air conditioning outdoor unit 29.

Here, as an example of air conditioning in store 50, a case will be described in which the room temperature is set to the set temperature (cooling temperature) as quickly as possible in midsummer. The explanation will be based on the assumption that the temperature inside the store when the air conditioner is not running is 30°C, and the temperature when it is running is 26°C (air conditioner set temperature). Note that heating in midwinter can be understood as the opposite explanation.

First, as shown in FIG. 10(a), when cooling (air conditioning) the air in the store 50, the air conditioning indoor unit 60 sucks in the air in the store (room temperature) (arrow 91), and then discharges the cooled air, whose temperature is about 5°C lower than the room temperature, into the store (arrow 92). Then, the refrigerant in the pipe 60a extending from the air conditioning indoor unit 60 to the outside of the store 50 carries the heat it has taken away toward the compressor 25 (arrow 93). As shown in FIG. 10(b), the operation of the inverter motor (compressor inverter motor) 24 in the compressor 25 causes the refrigerant (94) to move (downstream), and then, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the heat it has taken away is released to the outside through the fan 21 (arrow 95). After that, the refrigerant (cold refrigerant) that has released the heat travels through the pipe 60a as shown by the arrow 96, and then enters the store 50 as shown by the arrow 97. It then passes through the air conditioning indoor unit 60 again to remove the heat, and then takes that heat outside the store 50, as shown by the arrow 93. By repeating this process, the inside of the store 50 is cooled.

The most important factor in saving electricity bills for air conditioners is the power (energy consumption) of the inverter motor 24, which accounts for 90% of the power consumed by the air conditioner. However, with a home air conditioner, you can endure not turning on the air conditioner (or lowering the air conditioner's temperature setting) even in the middle of summer, but in stores 50 (particularly pachinko parlors, convenience stores, etc.) visited by customers, not turning on the air conditioner's cooling function even in the middle of summer (or setting the temperature higher than the comfortable temperature) affects customer numbers, sales, and customer reputation, so in reality, you cannot change the air conditioner's temperature setting (i.e., set it to a higher temperature). Therefore, commercial air conditioners, which are highly energy-efficient, are introduced, but the reality is that while they can still save electricity to a certain extent, they do not achieve a significant effect.

On the other hand, when the power management device 100 (inverter frequency adjustment system) of this embodiment is connected to the inverter motor 24 and controlled, the following occurs. As shown in FIG. 10(a), the air conditioning indoor unit 60 draws in the air inside the store (room temperature) (arrow 91). At this time, when not controlled by the power management device 100 (when the air conditioner is at normal output), cooled air 92 with a temperature about 5°C lower than the outside air is discharged. However, when the power management device 100 of this embodiment is used, the operation (rotation) of the inverter motor 24 is suppressed, so that cooled air 92 with a temperature about 4.2°C lower is discharged. In other words, compared to when not controlled, cooled air 92 with a temperature about 0.8°C higher is discharged. This slight difference is the key to achieving a large power saving effect.

When the power management device 100 of this embodiment is used for control, the air conditioner discharges air 92 that is about 0.8°C higher, and the inverter motor 24 rotation speed (control frequency) is slightly lower. This allows the air conditioner to be operated for a little longer before opening time, so that the temperature inside the store 50 is set to the air conditioner setting temperature. When the air conditioner is turned on at 8:00 a.m., the inverter motor 24 reaches the setting temperature at 10:30 a.m., 2 hours and 30 minutes later, at a slightly reduced rotation speed (for example, controlled to reduce rotation by 30%) toward the air conditioner setting temperature. In other words, compared to operation when not controlled, the setting temperature is reached 30 minutes later. If the store opens at 10:30 a.m., the air inside the store 50 is conditioned at the setting temperature from that point on, so customers can spend their time comfortably. Also, if the store opens at 10:00 a.m., the switch can be turned on at 7:30 a.m. Here, the difference between the two can be compared to a car. When not controlled, the car is in normal mode, which emphasizes speed and reaches the destination quickly (in other words, like an air conditioner, it reaches the set temperature quickly). On the other hand, when controlled, the car operates in eco mode (energy saving mode), which emphasizes fuel efficiency even if it is slow, without changing the distance traveled (in other words, like an air conditioner, it reaches the set temperature, but it takes a little longer than in normal mode). When the car is operated under the control of the power management device 100 of this embodiment, the maximum demand value can be suppressed, which results in a significant reduction in electricity bills. Details of this point will be explained next.

Next, we will continue to explain the effect of saving on air conditioning electricity costs using the power management device 100 (energy saving system) of this embodiment, with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a graph with the month of the year on the horizontal axis and the maximum demand value (kW) on the vertical axis. And Figure 12 is a formula showing that the electricity fee is the sum of the basic fee and the energy fee.

The thing that has the greatest impact on the electricity bill in store 50 is the electricity bill for the air conditioning equipment (air conditioner), and 90% of the electricity bill for the air conditioning equipment (air conditioner) is related to the inverter motor 24. To reduce the electricity bill in store 50, the usual approach is to reduce the amount of air conditioning equipment (air conditioner) used, or to set the temperature higher for cooling (lower for heating). However, an important factor that affects the electricity bill is the maximum demand value. The high-voltage power meter calculates the average power value every 30 minutes, which is called the demand value, and the maximum demand value (maximum demand value) in one month becomes the contracted power for the next year.

Therefore, in the usage state of the graph shown in Figure 11, the maximum demand value for August on the left is 150kW (D1 point), so the contracted power is 150kW. However, the maximum demand value for August on the right is 160kW (D2 point), so the contracted power for the next year is 160kW. In other words, as shown in Figure 12, the basic charge is determined by multiplying the contracted power (maximum demand value for the past year) by the unit price, and the basic charge plus the energy charge (power used in one month) becomes the electricity charge for that month.

Therefore, in the usage state shown in FIG. 11, it is important that the basic charge (contracted power based on the maximum demand value) does not become 160 kW (it is important to keep it at 150 kW), and in comparison, placing emphasis on suppressing the power charge (power used in one month) may result in limited effect of reducing electricity charges. And if an operation is performed to forcibly suppress the maximum demand value when a power increase curve is detected in which the maximum demand value is about to exceed a set value (e.g., 150 kW), and the air conditioner (or other electrical equipment (refrigerator, etc.)) is forcibly turned off, the air conditioner (air conditioner) will stop even in the middle of summer, making the store 50 uncomfortable or causing malfunctions of other electrical equipment (e.g., the refrigerator will stop), which is not desirable.

In the power management device (energy saving system) 100 of this embodiment, the control of the maximum demand value is performed by predicting or measuring the demand value of the store in advance (particularly the maximum demand value throughout the year and the monthly or seasonal trend), and setting the control frequency signal (i.e., the control frequency signal to the inverter motor 24, for example, the control signal that reduces the rotation (operation) of the inverter motor 24 by 30%) so that the maximum demand value does not exceed the contracted power to "standard". Small stores (e.g., convenience stores, etc.) do not experience a large increase or decrease in the number of customers and staff, making it easy to predict the air conditioning in the store 50, and by setting the "standard" setting so that the maximum demand value is not exceeded, it is possible to reduce the power consumption fee (e.g., a 30% reduction) and suppress the increase in the contracted power due to the increase in the maximum demand value without changing the switch from "standard". Of course, if the setting is set to "strong", the reduction in the power consumption fee can be more effective. On the other hand, when you turn the setting to "off," you need to be careful not to incur an increase in your power bill or an increase in your contracted power due to an increase in the maximum demand value.

Next, a power management method (energy saving method for an air conditioner) using the power management device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the power management device 100 of this embodiment.

The power management device 100 of this embodiment has a simple structure so that it can be easily introduced in small stores 50 rather than large stores 50, and has a dial-type switch 15 with three switch settings ("off", "standard", and "strong") for easy operation. The cost of the power management device 100 can be relatively low. On the other hand, since the annual electricity bill of a large store 50 is high, the effect of saving electricity can be several million yen to more than 10 million yen, but in the case of a small store 50, the annual electricity bill is not as high as that of a large store, so the effect of saving electricity often appears small (even if the percentage of savings is the same, the absolute amount appears small). Based on this, the following method is used to ensure that even small stores 50 can realize the effect of saving electricity bills and implement the power management method using the power management device 100 of this embodiment. That is, first, the current electricity contract with the store 50 is changed to a cheaper electricity contract, and then the power management device 100 is installed. By using this method (two-step electricity bill reduction method), it is possible in some cases to reduce electricity bills by 50% or more (up to 59.61%) due to the power-saving effect of switching to a cheaper power contract and the power-saving effect of the power management device 100. This reduction in electricity bills is attractive not only for large stores 50, but also for medium-sized and small stores 50.

In the power management method of this embodiment, a new power company Internet site is displayed to request a power estimate from a new power company that is a retail electricity supplier, and power estimate data is transmitted by operating a send button on the new power company Internet site to request a power estimate. Next, a request data for changing the power contract is transmitted to the new power company selected based on the power estimate, and the power contract is changed. After the power contract is changed, the power management device 100 is attached to the air conditioner outdoor unit 29 equipped with the inverter motor 24. Then, the installed power management device 100 controls the inverter motor 24 (suppresses the number of rotations) to save power while operating the air conditioner (air conditioner). The structure and installation of the power management device 100 are as described above. Specifically, the power management device 100 is equipped with a control frequency adapter 22 that transmits a control frequency signal to the inverter motor 24, and when the power management device 100 is installed, the control frequency adapter 22 is connected to a circuit board 23 (i.e., the circuit board 23 that controls the inverter motor 24) provided inside the outdoor unit 29.

Next, the power management method of this embodiment from the perspective of the owner/operator (so-called user) of the store 50 will be explained with reference to FIG. 13.

First, the user makes a change estimate to a new power company (step S100). The user may make such change estimates to a new power company by checking each one, but in the configuration of this embodiment, the user can access a new power company Internet site 200, as shown in FIG. 14, which requests a power estimate from a new power company, and make a power estimate there.

The new power company's internet site 200 shown in FIG. 14 includes condition items 210 for quotations from new power companies and a button 220 for sending a lump sum quote. The user selects (or writes in) the appropriate (required) items from the condition items 210, and then presses the button 220 for sending a lump sum quote based on the selected condition items 210, completing the request for quotes from new power companies. After that, the user waits for the quotes from the new power companies. Specifically, the quotes from the new power companies will be sent to the email address registered in the condition items 210. The new power company's internet site 200 also provides a phone inquiry button 230 and a button 240 for consultation via SNS (such as LINE). In addition, the new power company's internet site 200 also provides a product description section 250 and the like.

As shown in FIG. 13, after making a revised estimate (S100), the estimate after switching to a new electricity supplier is confirmed (S120). When there are multiple estimates, the most suitable one is selected. In addition, AI (artificial intelligence) may be introduced to perform a process of selecting the appropriate one from the multiple estimates. After that, an application to switch to a new electricity supplier is made (step S140). If the application to switch to a new electricity supplier is approved, an electricity contract will be made with the new electricity supplier, and initially, electricity bills will be reduced at this stage.

Next, based on the electricity contract with the new power supplier, the electricity bill expected after the power management device 100 is installed in this state is estimated (electricity bill is calculated) (step S150). After that, the power management device 100 is installed in the outdoor unit 29 (step S170). After installation, the air conditioner 20 is operated while the power management device 100 is in operation to save electricity (step S190).

Note that the above explanation is the process as seen by the user (e.g., the owner of the store 50), and that the expression can be changed to the process as seen by the provider of the power management device 100, the process as seen by the new power company, or the operator of the new power company's Internet site 200 (including the server administrator).

In addition, many users (e.g., the owner of store 50) are concerned about the initial costs when introducing the power management device 100. However, reducing electricity costs not only benefits users, but also reduces the burden on the global environment (including reducing CO2 emissions), so it is preferable to introduce the power management device 100 without worrying about the initial costs. Assuming such a case, it is possible to provide a plan such as that shown in FIG. 15.

15(a) shows the electricity charge 301 (monthly electricity bill standard) before the introduction (before installation) of the power management device 100, while FIG. 15(b) shows the change in the electricity charge 302 (monthly electricity bill) after the introduction (after installation) of the power management device 100. As can be seen from FIG. 15(b) compared to FIG. 15(b), the electricity charge 302 after the introduction is significantly reduced. If a part of the reduced electricity charge (310) is used as the introduction cost of the power management device 100 and the remaining electricity bill savings 320 is for the user (e.g., the owner of the store 50), there is no burden on the user (neither initial cost nor running cost). Therefore, such a plan can be introduced by users who are concerned about the initial cost (and running cost), and can contribute to reducing the burden on the global environment.

Next, the difference between when the store 50 has an electricity contract for a load equipment contract and when it has a main breaker contract will be explained. Figure 16 (a) shows the case where the store 50 has an electricity contract for a load equipment contract. In this case, the calculation object is the contract load equipment, so the contract power is determined by the total capacity of the equipment, and the contract power is higher because it is determined by the maximum power consumption of the equipment. On the other hand, Figure 16 (b) shows the case where the store 50 has an electricity contract for a main breaker contract. In this case, the calculation object is the main breaker (main breaker), that is, the electricity contract is determined by the setting of the main breaker. Here, if the main breaker is changed to an electronic breaker and the capacity of the electronic breaker is set so that the main breaker does not trip, that capacity becomes the contract power. The breaker will not trip unless all the equipment is used simultaneously for a long time, so this contract (main breaker contract) allows for a lower contract power.

In the power management method of this embodiment, in addition to changing the contract to a new power company, it is also possible to further reduce electricity bills by changing the main switch contract to a form that uses an electronic breaker.

The power management device 100 of this embodiment can be modified as follows. First, FIG. 17 is a circuit (switching circuit, relay circuit) showing the relay unit 16 of the power management device 100 (main body unit 10) shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, it is configured to be switched manually. Then, FIG. 18 shows the power management device 100 (main body unit 10) having a configuration that allows remote switching.

The power management device 100 (main body 10) shown in FIG. 18 is configured to have a second relay unit 16B (relay circuit) and operate (switch) the first relay unit 16 based on a signal from the second relay unit 16B. The signal to the second relay unit 16B can be operated by a signal (operation instruction) from an information terminal 91 (e.g., a server, a PC (personal computer), a smartphone, a mobile phone, etc.) via a communication network 90 (e.g., the Internet, a telephone line network, a LAN, etc.).

Furthermore, in the configuration shown in FIG. 18, a demand response instruction (an instruction from the power company's terminal 91) can be sent to the power management device 100 via the communication network 90, and the power management device 100 can be used as a demand response control device (demand response receiving device). The term "demand response" is explained below.

"Demand response" is "changing the electricity consumption pattern so that the consumer side suppresses the use of electricity according to the setting of electricity rate or the payment of incentives when the market price rises or the reliability of the grid declines." The background of demand response is the "principle of simultaneous equal quantity," which is one of the basic policies of electric power companies. This means that the demand and supply of electricity must be matched at every moment, and it is an obligation to match the demand and supply of electricity to ensure a stable supply of electricity. In order to maintain this supply and demand balance, there are two ideas: "matching the supply volume to the demand volume" and "matching the demand volume to the supply volume." The former, "matching the supply volume to the demand volume," has been done by electric power companies in the past, but each electric power company needs to prepare power generation facilities in excess of the supply volume. This excess power generation facility will result in high operating costs despite a low operating rate, and will ultimately lead to a rise in electricity prices. On the other hand, the latter, "matching the demand volume to the supply volume," is a new idea, and this is the idea of "demand response." This allows the supplier to ask for cooperation from the consumer side depending on the power situation, and by generating surplus electricity, it is possible to easily match demand with supply.

Demand response can be broadly categorized into two types depending on the method of demand control. The first is electricity rate-based demand response (electricity rate type). This is a mechanism that encourages households and businesses to reduce their electricity demand by raising electricity rates during periods of peak demand. The advantage of this is that it is relatively simple and can be applied to the majority of cases. The disadvantage is that it is uncertain how effective it will be, as surplus electricity depends on the response of consumers.

The other is incentive-based demand response. This is a system in which a contract is signed in advance with the power company to save electricity, and then compensation is received when electricity savings are made in response to a request from the power company. The advantage of this system is that, since the contract is signed in advance, a certain degree of energy savings can be expected. The disadvantage is that it is relatively time-consuming and difficult to apply to small-scale consumers.

Figures 19 and 20 are block diagrams explaining the mechanism of incentive-based demand response 300. Note that "demand response (300)" is used here to mean both the mechanism (method) of power suppression and the system that implements that mechanism.

The incentive-based demand response 300 in FIG. 19 is a framework in which an electric utility 99 (or a program installer (electric utility, grid operator)) enters into a contract with a consumer 95 to implement load reduction and shedding when wholesale electricity prices soar or electricity supply and demand becomes tight. The consumer 95 makes a request (contract) 301 for load reduction and load shedding to the electric utility 99, and the electric utility 99 gives the consumer 95 a benefit (monetary benefit) 302, such as a fixed amount or a discount during the load shedding period. This makes it possible to reduce the load during peak hours. In other words, it is possible to improve economic efficiency by load leveling (peak cutting).

The incentive-based demand response 300 in FIG. 20 utilizes a negawatt trading mechanism, in which the demand reduction amount by consumers 95 (95A to 95D) is treated as the supply amount and traded through a demand adjustment market 97. The aggregator 96 consolidates the adjustment amounts of multiple consumers 95 (95B to 95D). The consumers 95 trade negawatts (311, 312, 313). Here, the consumer 95A trades negawatts 311 with a power generation company (system operator) 98, or trades negawatts 312 with the demand adjustment market 97. The consumers 95B to 95D trade negawatts 313 with the aggregator 96. The aggregator 96 trades negawatts 314 with the demand adjustment market 97, or trades negawatts 316 with the power generation company 98. The demand adjustment market 97 then conducts negawatt trading 315 with power generation companies 98.

On the other hand, the power generation company 98 grants merit (monetary merit) 321 to the consumer 95A, grants merit 325 to the demand adjustment market 97, or grants merit 326 to the aggregator 96. The demand adjustment market 97 grants merit 322 to the consumer 95A, or grants merit 324 to the aggregator 96. The aggregator 96 then grants merit 323 to multiple consumers 95B to 95D.

This mechanism (demand response 300) balances the flow of services (negawatt trading) and the movement of money, in other words, through the supply and demand adjustment market (and/or aggregator), ensuring grid reliability and improving economic efficiency.

The following can be listed as incentive-based demand response methods (menus, programs):
(1) Direct Load Control
A method in which the program installer remotely shuts off or cycles the customer's electrical equipment, such as air conditioners, with advance notice (2) Interruptible Load
In the event of an unexpected system problem, electricity charges are reduced or cut off under a contract that provides discounts, etc. to consumers in exchange for agreeing to reduce the burden. (3) Load as Capacity Resource
(4) Spinning Reserves: A menu that allows customers to promise a predefined load reduction amount in the event of an unforeseen event in the system.
A program that can provide solutions to supply and demand imbalances at any time by synchronizing them with customers during the first few minutes of an emergency (5) Non-Spinning Reserves
A program that provides consumers with a solution to the imbalance between supply and demand, with a delay of about 10 minutes, but is not immediately available (6) Emergency Demand Response
A program that allows consumers to increase or decrease their load in response to real-time information from the system operator (7) Demand Bidding and Buyback
A program that allows customers to offer to reduce load in the retail and wholesale markets at a certain price or to specify how much load they are willing to reduce at a specific unit price.

Figures 21 (a) to (d) are graphs explaining the mechanism of electricity rate-based demand response. Electricity rate-based demand response is a framework in which an electric utility sets rates by time period (or hour), and encourages consumers to, at their own discretion, reduce demand during high load times when a higher rate is set, and shift demand during low load times when a lower rate is set. In this framework, price signals are notified the day before.

Figure 21(b) shows the Critical Peak Pricing (CPP) menu. This sets the unit price 332 that is applied only on critical or peak days.

21C shows a menu for Peak Day Pricing (PDP), which includes a unit price 333 for days other than the critical peak days, and a unit price 334 (334a, 334b) that is applied only to the critical peak days.

Figure 21 (d) shows the menu for real-time pricing (RTP: Real Time Pricing). The unit price fluctuates (335) from moment to moment depending on the supply and demand balance.

Demand response (or a demand response system) is an important and desirable system because it reduces the burden on electric power companies and power generation companies and optimizes electricity rates. However, the inventors of the present application have noticed the following problems in actual operation. First, if the output of air conditioning equipment is restricted due to a demand response command (activation), and the air conditioning (air conditioner) becomes less effective, comfort in the store will be compromised. In other words, if customer comfort or staff comfort is compromised, this will lead to reduced sales and a negative reputation. As a result, it is conceivable that some stores will not introduce demand response, even if it saves electricity bills, for fear of reduced sales or a negative reputation.

In the power management device 100 of this embodiment (especially the one with the remotely operable configuration as shown in FIG. 18), the operation does not stop even under such demand response usage conditions, so comfort is not lost, and electricity charges can be reduced while using demand response in combination. In addition, when there is no demand response command, it can play the role of a power saving device for an air conditioner, so in that respect, it is a device that can promote the spread of demand response. And the power management device 100 of this embodiment can perform control corresponding to the demand response program and command as described above. To explain further, in the power management device 100, if the select switch is changed to a relay (the second relay 16B is added) and it can be operated remotely (like the configuration shown in FIG. 18), it can be made into a power management device 100 compatible with demand response. Its power source (power source for electric operation to perform the switch) can be the power source of the air conditioner. In addition, in the configurations shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 17, a power source is not required because it is only switched manually. In the power management device 100 of this embodiment (configured to support demand response), when there is no demand response command, it is possible to perform control such as a 30% cut (standard), and when there is a demand response command, it is possible to perform control such as a 50% cut (during demand response operation).

In one method of this embodiment, after requesting a power estimate on the new power company's Internet site 200 (step S100), confirming the power estimate data of the new power company after the change (step S120), and then transmitting a request data for changing the power contract to the new power company selected based on the power estimate, and applying for a change to the power contract (step S140). Next, after the change in the power contract, the power management device 100 is attached to the air conditioning outdoor unit 29 equipped with the inverter motor 24. The power management device 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a control frequency adapter 22 that transmits a control frequency signal to the inverter motor 24, and in the process of attaching the power management device 100, the control frequency adapter 22 is connected to a circuit board 23 that controls the inverter motor 24. According to the method of this embodiment, first, the electricity contract with a new power company is switched to one that is more advantageous than the current electricity contract, and then the electricity bill for the air conditioner (air conditioner) 20, which accounts for the largest portion of the electricity bill, is saved by installing an external power management device 100 and controlling the rotation speed of the inverter motor 24 with the power management device 100, thereby significantly reducing the electricity bill for the store 50. Once the electricity contract with the new power company has been reviewed, it is possible to significantly reduce the electricity bill even by using a relatively simple and inexpensive power management device 100, rather than a relatively expensive power management device (technically advanced control device). As a result, it is possible to spread the use of power management devices that can save electricity on air conditioners due to the cost aspect, and therefore it is possible to significantly reduce costs, reduce the burden on the global environment, and provide something useful by suppressing large cost burdens even under requests for self-restraint on economic activity (especially under the situation of self-restraint on COVID-19 infection or new influenza infection).

Although the present invention has been described above using preferred embodiments, these descriptions are not limiting and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, the switch (dial) has three positions (off, standard, strong), but it may have four or more positions, and the control frequency for each setting (0% reduction, 30% reduction, 50% reduction in the above example) can be set appropriately. It is desirable to determine the setting (after experiments and measurements in some cases) according to the air conditioner (air conditioner) 20 of the store 50 in which the power management system 100 is actually installed. Even in the case of three switches (off, standard, strong), it is possible to set the settings to (i) 0% reduction, 40% reduction, 70% reduction, or (ii) 0% reduction, 50% reduction, 70% reduction, (iii) 0% reduction, 50% reduction, 75% reduction, (iv) 0% reduction, 60% reduction, 80% reduction. Alternatively, there can be two cases (2 select), such as (v) 0% reduction, 70%, (vi) 0% reduction, 50%, (vii) 10% reduction, 70% reduction, (viii) 0% reduction, 60% reduction, etc. Or, there can be four cases, such as (ix) 0% reduction, 40% reduction, 60% reduction, 80% reduction, and (x) 0% reduction, 30% reduction, 50% reduction, 70% reduction, etc. Typically, an appropriate switch (including multiple switches, 4 or 5 or more switches) can be set within the range of 0% reduction to 80% reduction (including upper and lower limits).

In addition, in the above embodiment, the store 50 is described as being particularly effective for small stores, but it can also be suitably applied to medium and large stores. The power management system 100 of this embodiment includes multiple effective features, each of which has a sufficient technical effect even when used alone, and the active use of such individual features also has high technical value. The above-mentioned features are mutually applicable to the extent that they do not contradict each other, and furthermore, features of a system or device can be combined with features of a process (or a program that describes that process in software), and conversely, features of a process (or program) can be combined with a system or device.

The present invention provides a power management method and a power management device that conserves power consumption in stores (especially small stores).

10 Main body (power adjustment section)
10a Housing 10b Base structure 11 Cover 12 Base 13 Opening 14 Power saving intensity mark 15 Dial 16 Control signal generating section (switching section)
16B Second relay 18 Connection terminal (connector part)
19 Wiring section 20 Air conditioning equipment (air conditioner)
21 Fan 22 Control frequency adapter 23 Control circuit board 24 Inverter motor (inverter motor for compressor)
25 Compressor 26 Connection wiring 29 Air conditioner outdoor unit 50 Store 60 Air conditioner indoor unit 60a Pipe 90 Communication network 91 Information terminal 100 Power management device

Claims (5)

A power management device that saves electricity costs for air conditioners,
a control frequency adapter that transmits a control frequency signal to an inverter motor in the air conditioning outdoor unit;
a power adjustment unit connected to the control frequency adapter and sending a signal of the control frequency to the control frequency adapter;
The power adjustment unit is
A dial unit for switching the control frequency signal;
A wiring section for transmitting a signal based on switching of the dial section,
The wiring unit is connected to the control frequency adapter,
Furthermore, the power management device
a housing portion in which the dial portion is disposed; and
a cover portion that covers an upper portion of the housing portion on which the dial portion is provided;
Equipped with
a control signal generating unit configured to generate a signal of a control frequency to the inverter motor based on switching of the dial unit,
A power management device, wherein the control signal generating unit is provided in a space below where the dial unit is located . One end of the cover is connected to a part of the housing so as to be openable and closable,
The power management device according to claim 1 , wherein the other end of the cover portion is formed with an opening through which the wiring portion passes. The power management device according to claim 1 , wherein the dial portion is manually operated and has a structure for switching between at least three stages. The power management device according to claim 1 , wherein the dial portion has a structure for switching by remote operation. The power management device according to claim 1 , wherein the power management device receives a demand response instruction and functions as a demand response control device.

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