Patent Description:
With respect to control for deciding a set temperature for a refrigeration device that cools inside of a warehouse so that the temperature inside of the warehouse is the set temperature, PTL <NUM> describes deciding the set temperature such that the set temperature is lower than a requested temperature inside the warehouse, and also daily electricity expenses of the refrigeration device are lower than daily electricity expenses when the refrigeration device is operated with the set temperature fixed, for each part of day in which electricity charges per amount of power consumed differ.

<CIT> discloses features falling under the preamble of claim <NUM>. <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> are further prior art.

In a case in which power amount charge unit prices fluctuate, control is preferably performed to reduce amount of power usage during parts of the day when the unit prices are high, from the perspective of lowering power amount charges regarding to control of facilities and equipment that use power. Also, electricity charges include base fees that are based on contract demand, and the base fees are decided in accordance with a greatest value of average power usage (demand value) for each demand interval (hereinafter referred to simply as "interval") within a certain period. Accordingly, making sure that the demand value does not exceed the greatest value within the above certain period (hereinafter referred to as "relevant period") is required in control of facilities and equipment that use power.

Now, performing control to suppress power usage in a certain interval can in some cases result in an increase (rebound) in power usage in the interval next after, in reaction to the suppressing control in the preceding interval. When the demand value exceeds the greatest value within the relevant period, due to this temporary increase in power usage, the base fees increase.

It is an object of the present disclosure to realize control that reduces electricity charges in controlling facility equipment, taking into consideration fluctuation in power amount charge unit prices, and also a relation between a predicted value of power usage and the greatest value in the relevant period.

A generating device according to the present disclosure generates control information for controlling facility equipment of a consumer. The generating device includes a power amount charge information acquisition unit that acquires information of a power amount charge unit price that fluctuates, a power usage information acquisition unit that acquires information of power usage of the consumer, and a control information generating unit that, on the basis of the power amount charge unit price in an object interval that is an interval in which control of the facility equipment is performed and information of power usage of the consumer in an interval after the object interval, generates control information for the facility equipment of the consumer in the object interval.

Thus, the facility equipment can be controlled so as to reduce electricity charges on the basis of fluctuation in the power amount charge unit price, and also a relation between a prediction value of power usage and a greatest value in a relevant period.

Now, the control information generating unit generates the control information to control the facility equipment so as to suppress power usage in the object interval in a case in which the power amount charge unit price in the object interval satisfies a predetermined condition.

Thus, control can be performed to reduce electricity charges by suppressing power usage of the consumer, on the basis of fluctuation in the power amount charge unit price, and also a relation between the prediction value of power usage and a greatest value in a relevant period.

Also, the control information generating unit does not generate the control information to control the facility equipment so as to suppress power usage in the object interval in a case in which the power usage of the consumer in an interval after the object interval is expected to exceed a reference power, even in a case in which the power amount charge unit price in the object interval satisfies the predetermined condition.

Thus, a situation can be avoided in which the power usage of the consumer exceeds the reference power in an interval after the object interval due to controlling the facility equipment so as to suppress power usage in the object interval.

Also, in a case in which the power usage of the consumer in an interval after the object interval is expected to exceed a reference power and in which the power amount charge unit price in an interval immediately prior to the object interval is no greater than a reference unit price, the control information generating unit may generate control information to implement preliminary operation of the facility equipment in the interval immediately prior to the object interval.

Thus, the power usage of the facility equipment in the object interval can be reduced, even in a case in which controlling the facility equipment so as to suppress power usage in the object interval will cause the power usage of the consumer to exceed the reference power in an interval after the object interval.

Also, with regard to air conditioning equipment included in the facility equipment, the control information generating unit may generate control information to implement preliminary cooling operation or preliminary heating operation in an interval immediately prior to the object interval, in accordance with operation to be implemented in an interval next after the object interval.

Thus, in an air conditioner, power usage of the air conditioner in the object interval can be reduced, even in a case in which performing control so as to suppress power usage in the object interval will cause the power usage of the consumer to exceed the reference power in an interval after the object interval.

Also, a contract charge information acquisition unit that acquires information of a contract charge unit price, which is used in conjunction with information of greatest demand power of the consumer to set a base fee may be further included. The control information generating unit may generate the control information on the basis of an electricity charge of the consumer over a certain period, which is determined from the power amount charge unit price, information of power usage of the consumer, and the contract charge unit price.

Thus, the facility equipment can be controlled to reduce the electricity charge of the consumer over the certain period.

Also, a system according to the present disclosure includes a generating device that generates control information for controlling facility equipment of a consumer, and facility equipment that accepts the control information generated by the generating device and performs action. The generating device includes a power amount charge information acquisition unit that acquires information of a power amount charge unit price that fluctuates, a power usage information acquisition unit that acquires information of power usage of the consumer, and a control information generating unit that, on the basis of the power amount charge unit price in an object interval that is an interval in which control of the facility equipment is performed and information of power usage of the consumer in an interval after the object interval, generates control information for the facility equipment of the consumer in the object interval.

Also, a program according to the present disclosure causes a computer to function as power amount charge information acquisition section that acquires information of a power amount charge unit price that fluctuates, power usage information acquisition section that acquires information of power usage of a consumer, and control information generating section that, on the basis of the power amount charge unit price in an object interval that is an interval in which control of the facility equipment of the consumer is performed and information of power usage of the consumer in an interval after the object interval, generates control information for the facility equipment of the consumer in the object interval.

According to the computer in which this program is installed, the facility equipment can be controlled so as to reduce electricity charges on the basis of fluctuation in the power amount charge unit price, and also a relation between a prediction value of power usage and a greatest value in a relevant period.

An embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a control system for facility equipment, to which the present embodiment is applied. The control system according to the present embodiment includes a control device <NUM> and facility equipment <NUM> that are controlled devices. The control device <NUM> and the facility equipment <NUM> are connected via a network. This network may be a LAN (Local Area Network) made up of a dedicated line, or alternatively, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) set up on a WAN (Wide Area Network) or the Internet, or the like, may be used. The facility equipment <NUM> are facilities and equipment that perform actions using power. The control device <NUM> controls actions of one or a plurality of sets of facility equipment <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a configuration example of the control device <NUM> controlling the plurality of sets of facility equipment <NUM>. The facility equipment <NUM> performs actions using power, and the type thereof is irrelevant, as long as it is a facility or equipment of which actions are controlled by the control device <NUM>. In the following description, description may be made in some cases regarding an example of applying the control system according to the present embodiment to control of air conditioning equipment, as a specific example of the facility equipment <NUM>.

Also, the facility equipment <NUM> includes control section for controlling the facility equipment <NUM> in accordance with settings. The control device <NUM> generates control information for the facility equipment <NUM> that is an objects of control, and transmits the generated control information to each set of the facility equipment <NUM>. The control device <NUM> is an example of a generating device. Each set of facility equipment <NUM> acquires the control information from the control device <NUM>, performs settings of the facility equipment <NUM> by the control section in the facility equipment <NUM>, following the control information that is acquired, and controls actions thereof.

Electricity charges will be described here. Electricity charges are made up primarily of base fees and power amount charges, and are determined each month. The base fees are calculated on the basis of base fee unit prices and contract demand. The contract demand is the greatest value of the greatest demand power within the past year from the current month. The greatest demand power is the greatest value of average power usage for each interval (demand interval: <NUM> minutes) in a month. The average power usage is an average value of demand power (power usage) in each interval. Also, power amount charges are calculated on the basis of power amount charge unit prices and amount of power usage per month.

As described above, the contract demand is the greatest value of the greatest demand power within the past year. Accordingly, once the greatest demand power for a certain month (in other words, the average power usage for a certain interval in that month) becomes the contract demand, base fees are charged for one year based on this contract demand, even if a greatest demand power lower than this contract demand continues to be maintained from that month forward. Also, once average power usage in a certain interval exceeds the value of the earlier contract demand, and becomes the greatest demand power for the month in which that interval is included, the average power usage (greatest demand power)of that interval is used for calculating base fees thereafter, as a new contract demand.

Also, there are various forms in settings for power amount charge unit prices, and settings can be made in which power amount charge unit prices fluctuate on the basis of predetermined conditions. For example, there are cases of settings being made in which power amount charge unit prices fluctuate, in accordance with, for example, the part of day within one day, whether a weekday or a holiday, the season, and so forth. Also, in a case in which power is traded on the market, and power amount charge unit prices are set that reflect the trading prices of power on the market, the power amount charge unit prices will also fluctuate by being affected by fluctuations in trading prices on the market.

There are cases regarding control of the facility equipment <NUM> in which control is performed directed at reducing electricity charges necessary for operation of the facility equipment <NUM>. In this case, controlling the facility equipment <NUM> so that the average power usage does not exceed the current contract demand is required. Also, in a case in which power amount charge unit prices fluctuate, reducing the amount of power that is used in a part of day when the unit price is high is more efficient than in a part of day when the unit price is low, from a perspective of reducing electricity charges. However, while the power amount charge unit prices only affect the power amount charges in each interval, the contract demand affects the electricity charges for one year following the current month. Accordingly, control taking the average power usage into consideration is given priority over control taking fluctuation in the power amount charge unit prices into consideration.

Consumers, who enter into contract for power supply, are charged for the electricity charges. Consumers have one or a plurality of sets of facility equipment <NUM>. The control device <NUM> controls the one or plurality of sets of facility equipment <NUM>. The control device <NUM> also controls the facility equipment <NUM> of each consumer, in accordance with electricity charges (base fees and power amount charges) set for each consumer, taking the average power usage per interval and power amount charge unit prices into consideration. Specific contents of control of the facility equipment <NUM> by the control device <NUM> will be described later.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the control device <NUM>. The control device <NUM> includes an information acquisition unit <NUM>, a storage unit <NUM>, a control information generating unit <NUM>, and an output unit <NUM>.

The information acquisition unit <NUM> acquires various types of information used for generating control information for the facility equipment <NUM>. Information that is acquired by the information acquisition unit <NUM> includes information of power amount charge unit prices, information relating to power usage of each consumer, and so forth. The information acquisition unit <NUM> is an example of a power amount charge information acquisition unit, and is an example of a power usage information acquisition unit. Contract demand, prediction information of power usage, and so forth, for example, are acquired as information relating to power usage. Prediction information of power usage is information of power usage in future intervals, predicted on the basis of history of past use of power by the consumer and so forth. Various types of existing prediction methods may be used for prediction of the power usage. For example, accumulating environment information and running information, and usage history of power, of the facility equipment <NUM>, and predicting power usage from an environment assumed for future intervals and the running state of the facility equipment <NUM>, is conceivable.

Examples of environment information include information of the environment where the facility equipment <NUM> is installed, such as temperature, humidity, and so forth. Examples of running information include information representing a state of action of the facility equipment <NUM>, such as running rate, continuous running time, and so forth. Additionally, various types of information that conceivably would affect running of the facility equipment <NUM>, such as the part of day of running, difference between running on weekdays and running on holidays, and so forth, can be used. The environment information and running information are acquired from sensors and so forth installed at the location where the facility equipment <NUM> is installed, or installed within the facility equipment <NUM>, depending on the information that is to be acquired. Also, part of the running information is acquired from the facility equipment <NUM> itself. Information of the part of day of the facility equipment <NUM> running, and days of running, may be input by the consumer or a manager of the facility equipment <NUM>, or may be acquired from an external server that provides date-and-time information. Different environment information and running information may be acquired as information to be used for prediction of power usage, in accordance with the type, scale, and so forth, of the facility equipment <NUM> that is the object of control. Various types of information are acquired via a network, using a network interface that is omitted from illustration, for example.

The storage unit <NUM> stores various types of information acquired by the information acquisition unit <NUM>. The stored information is used for the control information generating unit <NUM> to generate control information. The storage unit <NUM> also stores the control information generated by the control information generating unit <NUM>.

The control information generating unit <NUM> generates control information for controlling the facility equipment <NUM>, on the basis of the information acquired by the information acquisition unit <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the control information generating unit <NUM> generates control information for performing control directed at reducing electricity charges necessary to operate the facility equipment <NUM>, in increments of intervals, on the basis of information relating to power amount charge unit prices, information relating to power usage of each consumer, and so forth. Accordingly, the control information generating unit <NUM> generates control information for each interval. Also, the control information generating unit <NUM> may generate control information based on other directivities, in addition to control information directed at reducing electricity charges. For example, control information directed at comfort of the user of the facility equipment <NUM> may be generated. The control information generated by the control information generating unit <NUM> is saved in the storage unit <NUM>, and is sent to the facility equipment <NUM> that is the object of control at a predetermined timing before the interval in which the control based on the control information is to be performed (in other words, the interval that is the object of control by the control information) arrives.

The output unit <NUM> reads control information generated by the control information generating unit <NUM> out from the storage unit <NUM> at a predetermined timing. The control information that is read out is then output to the facility equipment <NUM> that is the object of control by each piece of control information via a network, using a network interface that is omitted from illustration.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the control device <NUM>. The control device <NUM> is realized by a computer, for example. The computer that realizes the control device <NUM> includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) <NUM> that is computing section, RAM (Random Access Memory) <NUM> and ROM (Read Only Memory) <NUM> that are storage section, and a storage device <NUM>. The RAM <NUM> is a main memory device (main memory), and is used as work memory for the CPU <NUM> to perform computation processing. The ROM <NUM> holds programs, and data of setting values and so forth prepared in advance. The CPU <NUM> can read programs and data directly in from the ROM <NUM> and execute processing thereof. The storage device <NUM> is saving section for programs and data. Programs are stored in the storage device <NUM>, and the CPU <NUM> reads the programs stored in the storage device <NUM> into the main storage device and executes the programs. The storage device <NUM> also stores and saves results of processing by the CPU <NUM>. Also, the storage device <NUM> stores a learning model from a reinforcement learning, which is used for selecting a warehouse environment. A magnetic disk device, SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like, for example, is used as the storage device <NUM>.

In a case in which the control device <NUM> is realized by the computer illustrated in <FIG>, the functions of the information acquisition unit <NUM>, the control information generating unit <NUM>, and the output unit <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> are realized by the CPU <NUM> executing programs, for example. The storage unit <NUM> is realized by the RAM <NUM> and the storage device <NUM>, for example. Note that the configuration example illustrated in <FIG> is only an example of a case of realizing the control device <NUM> by a computer.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the facility equipment <NUM>. The facility equipment <NUM> includes an accepting unit <NUM>, an action control unit <NUM>, and an output unit <NUM>. Note that the facility equipment <NUM> has mechanisms and devices for performing actions to realize the functions of the facility equipment <NUM>, in accordance with the type thereof. For example, in a case in which the facility equipment <NUM> is air conditioning equipment, the facility equipment <NUM> includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and so forth. Also, in a case in which the facility equipment <NUM> is lighting facilities, the facility equipment <NUM> includes lighting fixtures, control switches, and so forth. The types and forms of such mechanisms and so forth are varied in accordance with the type of the facility equipment <NUM>, and accordingly are not illustrated here.

The accepting unit <NUM> accepts control information output from the control device <NUM> via a network, using a network interface that is omitted from illustration.

The action control unit <NUM> controls actions of the mechanisms and devices included in the facility equipment <NUM>, on the basis of the control information accepted by the accepting unit <NUM>. Specifically, in a case in which the facility equipment <NUM> is air conditioning equipment, for example, the accepting unit <NUM> accepts information identifying the set temperature as the control information, and the action control unit <NUM> controls the actions of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, so as to achieve a set temperature that is accepted. Although an example of control relating to temperature settings is given here, control based on control information from the action control unit <NUM> can be applied to other various types of control relating to gas that is controllable by air conditioning equipment (e.g., control of humidity, gas components, and so forth). The action control unit <NUM> in various types of facility equipment <NUM> other than air conditioning equipment also executes control in accordance with the type of the facility equipment <NUM>, following control information accepted from the control device <NUM>.

The output unit <NUM> outputs information relating to the state of action of the facility equipment <NUM> to the control device <NUM> via a network, using a network interface that is omitted from illustration.

The accepting unit <NUM>, the action control unit <NUM>, and the output unit <NUM> are realized by a computer, for example. The computer that realizes the action control unit <NUM> may have the configuration described with reference to <FIG>. In this case, the functions of the accepting unit <NUM>, the action control unit <NUM>, and the output unit <NUM> are realized by the CPU <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> executing programs, for example. Also, the functions of the accepting unit <NUM>, the action control unit <NUM>, and the output unit <NUM> may be realized by dedicated hardware. For example, this is realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or some other circuit. Further, the accepting unit <NUM>, the action control unit <NUM>, and the output unit <NUM> may be implemented by a combination of functions realized by the CPU <NUM> executing programs (software) and function realized by dedicated hardware.

Next, a control method of the facility equipment <NUM> will be described. As described above, the control system according to the present embodiment performs control directed at reducing electricity charges necessary for operation of the facility equipment <NUM>. In the control directed at reducing electricity charges, control for reducing power usage by the facility equipment <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as "suppression control") is performed. The control contents of this suppression control normally is control that lowers the functions of the facility equipment <NUM>. Such control reduces the comfort or convenience of the user of the facility equipment <NUM>, depending on the type of the facility equipment <NUM>.

Accordingly, when suppression control is performed in a certain interval, there are cases in which adjustment control is performed in the interval next after, to recover the comfort or convenience of the user. An example of this is in a case in which the facility equipment <NUM> is air conditioning equipment, following control for weakening the strength of cooling or heating in a certain interval being performed as suppression control, control for strengthening the strength of cooling or heating being performed in the interval next after in order to recover the comfort lost by weakening the strength of cooling or heating. This adjustment control is control for recovering the comfort or convenience of the user that is reduced due to the suppression control for reducing the power usage of the facility equipment <NUM>, and accordingly is control that increases the power usage of the facility equipment <NUM>, in contrast to suppression control.

Also, in a case of attempting to reduce power usage by the facility equipment <NUM> in a certain interval, there are cases in which preliminary operation is performed in the interval immediately prior to that interval, to relax reduction in comfort or convenience of the user. For example, in a case in which the facility equipment <NUM> is air conditioning equipment, and in a case in which the strength of cooling or heating is to be weakened in a certain interval to reduce power usage, there are cases in which control is performed to strengthen the strength of cooling or heating in advance in the interval immediately prior to that interval to relax loss of comfort in that interval due to the cooling or heating being weakened, or the like. More specifically, in a case in which the air conditioning equipment that is the facility equipment <NUM> performs cooling operation in a certain interval, a preliminary cooling operation is performed as preliminary operation in the interval immediately prior to that interval. Alternatively, a case in which the air conditioning equipment performs heating operation in a certain interval, preliminary heating operation is performed as preliminary operation in the interval immediately prior to that interval. This preliminary operation is control for relaxing reduction in the comfort or convenience of the user due to reducing the power usage of the facility equipment <NUM> in the following interval, and accordingly is control that increases the power usage of the facility equipment <NUM>, in the same way as with the above adjustment control.

There can be various types of forms regarding how much to increase the power usage in the above adjustment control, depending on the specific control method and so forth corresponding to the facility equipment <NUM>, but assumption will be made here that this increases the power usage by the same amount as the power usage reduced by the suppression control. Also, there can be various types of forms regarding how much to increase the power usage in the preliminary operation, depending on the specific control method and so forth corresponding to the facility equipment <NUM>, but assumption will be made here that this increases the power usage by the same amount as the power usage to be reduced in the following interval.

Note that the above-described suppression control, adjustment control, preliminary operation, and load adjustment for reducing power usage following preliminary operation, each control a power load, and accordingly, in the following description, these will be collectively referred to as load control. Also, the consumer is charged for electricity charges, and accordingly in a case in which the consumer has a plurality of sets of facility equipment <NUM>, the control contents are distributed across the sets of facility equipment <NUM> in order to realize the above load control by the entirety of sets of facility equipment <NUM>. Thus, there can be cases in which one set of facility equipment <NUM> that the consumer has is subjected to control, for example, while another set of facility equipment <NUM> is not subjected to control. However, for the sake of simplicity, description will be made in the following examples that one consumer has only one set of facility equipment <NUM>, and that the above-described load control is performed with respect to each set of facility equipment <NUM>. Accordingly, in the following examples, the control for reducing power usage of the consumer, in order to reduce electricity charges that the consumer is charged, is load control regarding the one set of facility equipment <NUM> owned by that consumer.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a relation among suppression control, adjustment control, and preliminary operation. <FIG> is a table showing control information at certain intervals, and <FIG> is a graph showing transition of average power usage by the facility equipment <NUM> in correspondence to <FIG>. Exemplified in <FIG> are values of the items of power amount charge unit prices (written as "metered charge unit price" in the drawings), prediction values of average power usage (written as " power usage prediction" in the drawings), and average power usage as a result of performing load control (written as "power usage after load control" in the drawings), in intervals <NUM> to <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the power amount charge unit prices are separate values for each interval. As shown in <FIG>, the contract demand (written as "annual peak power" in the drawings) is <NUM> kW (kilowatts).

The control system according to the present embodiment performs load control under the following policies.

Firstly, power usage of the facility equipment <NUM> is reduced in intervals in which power amount charge unit prices that fluctuate are high.

Secondly, power usage of the facility equipment <NUM> is controlled so that the prediction values of average power usage do not exceed the contract demand.

In <FIG>, focusing on the power amount charge unit prices (metered charge unit prices) in each interval, the unit price in interval <NUM> is the highest at <NUM> Yen/kWh (Yen/kilowatt-hour). Accordingly, making running of the facility equipment <NUM> in interval <NUM> to be the object of suppression control is conceivable. Also, focusing on the prediction values of average power usage (power usage prediction), interval <NUM> is <NUM> kW, which predicts that the contract demand (annual peak power) will be exceeded. Accordingly, making running of the facility equipment <NUM> in interval <NUM> to be the object of suppression control is conceivable. Also, performing at least one of adjustment control and preliminary operation, in intervals before and after intervals in which suppression control is performed, is conceivable. In the example shown in <FIG>, preliminary operation is performed in interval <NUM> immediately prior to interval <NUM> in which suppression control is performed, and adjustment control is performed in interval <NUM> immediately following interval <NUM> in which suppression control is performed, in the same way. Load control based on the above control policies will be described below by way of specific examples.

<FIG>are diagrams showing an example of load control. <FIG> is a table showing an example of control information by interval, and <FIG> is a graph showing transition of average power usage by the facility equipment <NUM> in correspondence to <FIG>. Exemplified in <FIG> are values of the items of power amount charge unit prices (metered charge unit prices), prediction values of average power usage (power usage prediction), adjustment values in load control, and average power usage as a result of performing load control (power usage after load control), in intervals <NUM> to <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the power amount charge unit price fluctuates in increments of intervals, and is <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, and <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>. Also, the power usage predicted for each interval is <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, and <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>. Also, the contract demand (annual peak power) is <NUM> kW, as shown in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, focusing on the power amount charge unit prices, interval <NUM> is the highest at <NUM> Yen/kWh. Accordingly, the control system performs suppression control with respect to running of the facility equipment <NUM> in interval <NUM>. Also, in accordance with the suppression control, adjustment control is performed with respect to running of the facility equipment <NUM> in interval <NUM> immediately following interval <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the control system controls the facility equipment <NUM> so as to reduce the prediction value of average power usage from <NUM> kW by <NUM> kW to <NUM> kW in the suppression control in interval <NUM>. On the other hand, in the adjustment control in interval <NUM>, the facility equipment <NUM> is controlled so as to increase the prediction value of average power usage from <NUM> kW by <NUM> kW to <NUM> kW. Now, the predicted power usage does not exceed the contract demand <NUM> kW in interval <NUM> even when adjustment control is performed. Accordingly, suppression control may be performed in interval <NUM>, and adjustment control may be performed in interval <NUM>.

In the load control shown in <FIG>, the average power usage is increased for running of the facility equipment <NUM> in interval <NUM> by an amount equal to that of reducing the average power usage for running of the facility equipment <NUM> in interval <NUM>. Accordingly, the total of average power usage in interval <NUM> and interval <NUM> is the same as a case in which no load control is performed. However, the power amount charge unit price is <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, and the power amount charge unit price is <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, and accordingly, on the basis of this difference in power amount charge unit prices, the power amount charges charged for running the facility equipment <NUM> are lower due to performing the load control.

Now, the strength of the load control described with reference to <FIG>will be described. In suppression control, control is performed that lowers the functions of the facility equipment <NUM>. In this case, if the strength of control (the degree of lowering the functions of the facility equipment <NUM>) is strong, the comfort and convenience of using the facility equipment <NUM> is markedly reduced. Accordingly, an arrangement is conceivable in which a threshold value is set in advance for the strength of control, on the basis of a range in which users can tolerate reduction in comfort and convenience, and suppression control is performed within a range that does not exceed this threshold value. For example, in a case in which the facility equipment <NUM> is air conditioning equipment, a threshold value of ±<NUM> may be set with respect to a temperature that is a comfortable temperature, and suppression control may be performed such that the facility equipment <NUM> is operated within this range. Also, an arrangement can be conceived in which instead of deciding a threshold value in advance, the strength of control is dynamically decided in accordance with a tradeoff between reduced comfort and convenience due to performing suppression control, and the amount of reduction in electricity charges. For example, execution conditions may be set such that suppression control is executed if monthly electricity charges can be reduced by a certain monetary amount or more.

Adjustment control is control for recovering from reduced comfort and convenience due to suppression control, and accordingly performing control within a range that does not exceed the width of adjustment in suppression control is conceivable. In the example shown in <FIG>, the average power usage is increased as to the prediction value in adjustment control by a value the same as the value of reducing the average power usage as to the prediction value in suppression control, as shown in the adjustment value item. Conversely, adjustment control may be performed such that the power increase is a smaller value than the adjustment value in suppression control.

<FIG> are diagrams showing another example of load control. <FIG> is a table showing control information by interval, and <FIG> is a graph showing transition of average power usage by the facility equipment <NUM> in correspondence to <FIG>. Exemplified in <FIG> are values of the items of power amount charge unit prices (metered charge unit prices), prediction values of average power usage (power usage prediction), adjustment values in load control, and average power usage as a result of performing load control (power usage after load control), in intervals <NUM> to <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the power amount charge unit price fluctuates in increments of intervals, and is <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, and <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>. Also, the power usage predicted for each interval is <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, and <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>. Also, the contract demand (annual peak power) is <NUM> kW, as shown in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, focusing on the power amount charge unit prices, interval <NUM> is the highest at <NUM> Yen/kWh, in the same way as in the example in <FIG>. Also, focusing on the predicted power usage, the prediction value is <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, which exceeds the <NUM> kW of the contract demand. Accordingly, performing suppression control in interval <NUM> and performing adjustment control in interval <NUM>, the power usage in interval <NUM> following the control will exceed the contract demand (annual peak power), and thus increase the base fees in the electricity charges. Accordingly, as shown in the example in <FIG>, in a case in which performing suppression control in a certain interval (interval <NUM> here) and performing adjustment control in an interval after that interval (interval <NUM> here) will cause the prediction value of average power usage to exceed the contract demand, the control system does not perform suppression control. In <FIG>, the adjustment value of the load in interval <NUM> is ±<NUM>, indicating that neither control to decrease the average power usage, nor control for increase thereof, is performed.

Note that in the example shown in <FIG>, the prediction value of the average power usage exceeds the value of the contract demand in interval <NUM>. Conversely, even in a case in which the prediction value of the average power usage itself in interval <NUM> is no greater than the contract demand, suppression control in container <NUM> is omitted in the same way as above, in a case in which performing adjustment control will cause the average power usage to exceed the value of the contract demand. In this case, a reference value (reference power) of a value smaller than the contract demand may be set, for example, and the suppression control in interval <NUM> may be omitted in a case in which the prediction value of average power usage in interval <NUM> is greater than the reference value.

Next, load control that includes preliminary operation will be described. In the example shown in <FIG>, in a case in which performing suppression control in a certain interval (hereinafter referred to as "interval of interest") and performing adjustment control in a later interval will cause the prediction value of power usage to exceed the contract demand in the later interval, suppression control is not performed in the interval of interest. Conversely, in a case of reducing power usage of the facility equipment <NUM> in the interval of interest even in such a situation, performing preliminary operation in an interval earlier than the interval of interest is conceivable.

<FIG> are diagrams showing an example of load control including preliminary operation. <FIG> is a table showing control information by interval, and <FIG> is a graph showing transition of average power usage by the facility equipment <NUM> in correspondence to <FIG>. Exemplified in <FIG> are values of the items of power amount charge unit prices (metered charge unit prices), prediction values of average power usage (power usage prediction), adjustment values in load control, and average power usage as a result of performing load control (power usage after load control), in intervals <NUM> to <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the power amount charge unit price fluctuates in increments of intervals, and is <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, and <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>. Also, the power usage predicted for each interval is <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, and <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>. Also, the contract demand (annual peak power) is <NUM> kW, as shown in <FIG>. Also in this example, the reference value for determining that there is a possibility of the average power usage exceeding the contract demand in a case of performing load control is <NUM> kW.

In <FIG>, focusing on the power amount charge unit prices, interval <NUM> is the highest at <NUM> Yen/kWh. Also, focusing on the predicted power usage, the prediction value is <NUM> kW in interval <NUM>, which matches the above-described reference value. Accordingly, determination is made that performing suppression control in interval <NUM> and performing adjustment control in interval <NUM> will cause the power usage of the facility equipment <NUM> to exceed the contract demand (annual peak power) in interval <NUM> following the control, which would increase the base fees in the electricity charges. Accordingly, the control system does not perform suppression control in interval <NUM>, in the same way as in the example described with reference to <FIG>.

Now, focusing on interval <NUM> immediately prior to interval <NUM>, the power amount charge unit price in interval <NUM> is <NUM> Yen/kWh, which is lower than in interval <NUM>. Also, the predicted power usage is <NUM> kW, which is smaller than the above reference value, and accordingly determination is made that even if the power usage of the facility equipment <NUM> is increased by load control, the power usage of the facility equipment <NUM> in interval <NUM> will not exceed the contract demand. Thus, the control system performs preliminary operation in interval <NUM>. Also, control for reducing the power usage of the facility equipment <NUM> is performed in interval <NUM> immediately following interval <NUM>, as load adjustment in conjunction with the preliminary operation. As shown in <FIG>, the control system controls the facility equipment <NUM> in preliminary operation in interval <NUM> so that the average power usage is increased from the prediction value of <NUM> kW by <NUM> kW to <NUM> kW. On the other hand, the control system controls the facility equipment <NUM> in load adjustment in interval <NUM> so that the average power usage is reduced from the prediction value of <NUM> kW by <NUM> kW to <NUM> kW. Note that while the power amount charge unit price in interval <NUM> being lower than the power amount charge unit price in interval <NUM> is described as being one condition for performing preliminary operation here, determination may be made to perform preliminary operation in a case in which the unit price is lower than a unit price set in advance (reference unit price).

In the load control shown in <FIG>, the average power usage is increased for running of the facility equipment <NUM> in interval <NUM> by an amount equal to that of reducing the average power usage for running of the facility equipment <NUM> in interval <NUM>. Accordingly, the total of average power usage in interval <NUM> and interval <NUM> is the same as a case in which no load control is performed. However, the power amount charge unit price is <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, and the power amount charge unit price is <NUM> Yen/kWh in interval <NUM>, and on the basis of this difference in power amount charge unit prices, the power amount charges charged for running the facility equipment <NUM> are lower due to performing the load control.

Now, the strength of the load control described with reference to <FIG> and8B will be described. As described above, in intervals in which preliminary operation is performed, the control system controls actions of the facility equipment <NUM> so that the power usage is greater than the prediction value. Accordingly, there are cases in which comfort and convenience of using the facility equipment <NUM> are reduced. For example, in a case in which the facility equipment <NUM> is air conditioning equipment, the temperature planned for that interval and the temperature in a case of performing a preliminary cooling operation or a preliminary heating operation will diverge. Accordingly, an arrangement is conceivable in which a threshold value is set in advance for the strength of control, on the basis of a range in which users can tolerate reduction in comfort and convenience, and preliminary operation is performed within a range that does not exceed this threshold value. For example, in a case in which the facility equipment <NUM> is air conditioning equipment, a threshold value of ±<NUM> may be set with respect to a temperature that is a comfortable temperature, and preliminary operation may be performed such that the facility equipment <NUM> is operated within this range. Also, an arrangement can be conceived in which instead of deciding a threshold value in advance, the strength of control is dynamically decided in accordance with a tradeoff between reduced comfort and convenience due to performing preliminary operation, and the amount of reduction in electricity charges. For example, execution conditions may be set such that preliminary operation is performed if monthly electricity charges can be reduced by a certain monetary amount or more.

In a case of performing load adjustment in an interval following the interval in which preliminary operation is performed, the strength of control may be set in the same way as the example of suppression control described with reference to <FIG>. In this case, preliminary operation is performed in advance, and accordingly even if control of strength the same as the suppression control in <FIG> is performed, reduction in comfort and convenience of the user is reduced as compared to the case of performing suppression control in <FIG>.

Referencing <FIG> again, focusing on the prediction value for the average power usage in interval <NUM> in the example shown in <FIG>, the prediction value at the point prior to performing load control exceeds the contract demand. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the base fees in the electricity charges will increase if the facility equipment <NUM> continues to be operated in this state. Accordingly, the control system performs suppression control with respect to running of the facility equipment <NUM> in interval <NUM>. Adjustment control is also performed with respect to running of the facility equipment <NUM> in interval <NUM> immediately following interval <NUM>, in accordance with this suppression control. As shown in <FIG>, the control system controls the facility equipment <NUM> so that the average power usage is reduced from the prediction value of <NUM> kW by <NUM> kW to <NUM> kW in the suppression control in interval <NUM>. On the other hand, the facility equipment <NUM> is controlled so that the average power usage is increased from the prediction value of <NUM> kW by <NUM> kW to <NUM> kW in the adjustment control in interval <NUM>. Now, the predicted power usage in interval <NUM> is no greater than <NUM> kW, which is the contract demand, due to performing suppression control. Also, the predicted power usage in interval <NUM> does not exceed the contract demand <NUM> kW even if adjustment control is performed. Accordingly, the base fees in the electricity charges will not increase if the facility equipment <NUM> is operated in accordance with this control. Therefore, suppression control may be performed in interval <NUM>, and adjustment control may be performed in interval <NUM>.

Now, the strength of the load control described with reference to <FIG> will be described. The suppression control shown in the example in <FIG> aims to keep the average power usage from exceeding the contract demand. Accordingly, the control system performs suppression control at a strength such that the average power usage following control is no greater than the contract demand. The adjustment control is performed such that the range of control does not exceed the width of adjustment in suppression control, in the same way as with the example shown in <FIG>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the average power usage is increased as to the prediction value in adjustment control by a value the same as the value of reducing the average power usage as to the prediction value in suppression control, as shown in the adjustment value item. Conversely, load control may be performed such that the value in adjustment control is a smaller value than the adjustment value in suppression control.

In the present embodiment, a case in which electricity charge unit prices fluctuate in accordance with the part of day, suppression control is performed at the parts of day in which unit prices are high, such that the facility equipment <NUM> performs actions that reduce power usage, thereby efficiently reducing electricity charges charged with respect to the facility equipment <NUM> running. Also, adjustment control and preliminary operation that increase power usage are performed, to relax reduction in functions of the facility equipment <NUM> based on the suppression control.

Now, a case in which parts of day in which the power amount charge unit prices are high continue will be considered. In this case, when suppression control is performed partway through parts of day in which the unit prices are high, the power amount charge unit prices are also high at the timing of performing adjustment control following the suppression control, and accordingly the electricity charges cannot be reduced efficiently. Accordingly, in such a case it is conceivable to perform suppression control at the end of a period where parts of day in which the power amount charge unit prices are high continue (hereinafter referred to as "high-unit-price period"), and to perform adjustment control at the following part of day. Also, performing preliminary operation immediately prior to the high-unit-price-continuation period is conceivable.

<FIG> are diagrams showing an example of control in a case in which parts of day with high power amount charge unit prices continue. <FIG> is a diagram for describing an example of a high-unit-price period, <FIG> is a diagram showing a control example of a case of performing control partway through the high-unit-price period, and <FIG> is a diagram showing a control example of a case of performing control at the beginning and the end of the high-unit-price period. Shown in the drawings are the power amount charge unit prices (metered charges) and the amount of power usage, for continuous intervals <NUM> to <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the power amount charge unit prices (metered charges) are <NUM> Yen/kWh for intervals <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> out of the continuous intervals <NUM> to <NUM>, and <NUM> Yen/kWh for intervals <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Accordingly, the intervals <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are a high-unit-price period. Also, in the example shown in <FIG>, the amount of power usage is <NUM> kWh for all of the intervals <NUM> to <NUM>. Accordingly, in the example shown in <FIG>, the total of power amount charges for intervals <NUM> to <NUM> is as follows.

In <FIG>, suppression control is performed in interval <NUM> that is a timing partway through the high-unit-price period (see solid-line frame in the drawing). In this example that is shown in the drawing, the amount of power usage is <NUM> kWh in interval <NUM>, which is a reduction by <NUM> kWh in comparison with the amount of power usage in interval <NUM> in <FIG>. Also, in the example shown in <FIG>, adjustment control is performed in interval <NUM> immediately following interval <NUM> (see dashed-line frame in the drawing). In this example that is shown in the drawing, the power usage is <NUM> kWh in interval <NUM>, which is an increase by <NUM> kWh in comparison with the amount of power usage in interval <NUM> in <FIG>. Accordingly, the total of the amount of power usage in intervals <NUM> to <NUM> is the same as with the example in <FIG>. Also, the power amount charge unit price is <NUM> Yen/kWh for both interval <NUM> and interval <NUM>. Accordingly, in the example shown in <FIG>, the total of power amount charges for intervals <NUM> to <NUM> is <MAT> and is unchanged from the example in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, suppression control is performed in interval <NUM> that is the end of the high-unit-price period (see solid-line frame in the drawing), and adjustment control is performed in interval <NUM> immediately following interval <NUM> (see dashed-line frame in the drawing). Also, preliminary operation is performed in interval <NUM> that is immediately prior to the high-unit-price period beginning (see single-dot chain line frame in the drawing), and load adjustment based on the preliminary operation is performed in interval <NUM> that is the beginning of the high-unit-price period (see continuous line frame in the drawing). In this example that is shown in the drawing, the amount of power usage is <NUM> kWh in both interval <NUM> and interval <NUM>, which is a reduction by <NUM> kWh in comparison with the amount of power usage in intervals <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>. Also, in this example that is shown in the drawing, the power usage is <NUM> kWh in both interval <NUM> and interval <NUM>, which is an increase by <NUM> kWh in comparison with the amount of power usage in interval <NUM> and interval <NUM> in <FIG>. Accordingly, the total of the amount of power usage in intervals <NUM> to <NUM> is the same as with the example in <FIG>. However, while the power amount charge unit price is <NUM> Yen/kWh for interval <NUM> and interval <NUM>, the power amount charge unit price is <NUM> Yen/kWh for interval <NUM> and interval <NUM>. Accordingly, in the example shown in <FIG>, the total of power amount charges for intervals <NUM> to <NUM> is <MAT> and is less expensive than in the example in <FIG>. Note that in a case in which only one of the suppression control in interval <NUM> and the adjustment control in interval <NUM>, and the preliminary operation in interval <NUM> and the load adjustment in interval <NUM> is performed, the total of power amount charges for intervals <NUM> to <NUM> is <NUM> Yen, which is less expensive than in the example in <FIG>.

Out of the load controls above, the load adjustment following suppression control and preliminary operation are basically performed with respect to one interval. The reason is that performing these with respect to a plurality of continuous intervals excessively lowers the functions of the facility equipment <NUM>, causing marked reduction in the comfort and convenience of using the facility equipment <NUM>. Also, adjustment control and preliminary operation are basically performed with respect to one interval. The reason is that these controls are controls for recovering or relaxing reduced comfort and convenience of users due to suppression control and so forth, and there is no need to continuously execute these over a plurality of intervals.

Note however, that in the load control based on the second policy described with reference to <FIG>, in a case in which a plurality of intervals in which the prediction values of power usage exceeds the contract demand continue, suppression control is performed with respect to all such intervals. In other words, suppression control is executed consecutively over a plurality of intervals. This is because if there is even one interval in which the power usage exceeds the contract demand, the value of that power usage exceeding the contract demand becomes the new contract demand, and will be used for calculating the base fees.

Note that in the load controls above, determination is made for each interval with regard to whether or not the power amount charges are high compared to other intervals, whether or not there is a possibility of the power usage exceeding the contract demand (or reference value), and whether or not to execute load control is decided. Conversely, an arrangement may be made in which electricity charges are calculated regarding a case of performing load control and a case of not performing load control over a certain object period (e.g., one month) for each consumer, on the basis of power amount charge unit prices, information of power usage of the consumer, information of contract charge unit prices of the consumer, and so forth, and load control is performed in a case in which performing load control can reduce electricity charges.

In the present embodiment, the facility equipment <NUM> is controlled to reduce power usage at timings in which power amount charge unit prices are high, thereby reducing electricity charges charged regarding running of the facility equipment <NUM>, taking advantage of the fact that the power amount charge unit prices fluctuate. Such a control method is more effective with regard to power amount charge unit prices that fluctuate in short time spans, and an example of a case in which the electricity charge unit prices fluctuate in increments of demand intervals is described in the examples described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. An example of power amount charge unit prices fluctuating in short time spans like intervals is a case in which power amount charge unit prices are set to reflect trading prices on power markets. In this case, the timings of finalization of power amount charge unit prices are determined in accordance with the timings at which the power markets are open.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a relation between power markets and timing at which power amount charge unit prices are finalized. There are four types of markets in the power market in accordance with the trading timings, which are forward market, bulletin board market, day ahead market, (spot market), and hourly-ahead market (intraday market). Power that is used in a day in which an interval that is the object of load control according to the present embodiment (object interval) is included (current day) is traded on these markets. The forward market and the bulletin board market close several days before the current day, and the trading prices are finalized. The day ahead market closes at <NUM> o'clock AM on the previous day from the day that is the object of control, and the trading prices are finalized. On the hourly-ahead market, trading is conducted up to one hour before the object interval of the current day. This hourly-ahead market is a market that is primarily used for adjusting power generation and demand. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the power amount charge unit prices for each interval of the current day, and the contents of load control to be executed, are finalized prior to starting control of the facility equipment <NUM> on the current day, on the basis of trading results on the forward market, the bulletin board market, and the day ahead market, (spot market), as a basic rule.

Note that here, power amount charge unit prices and the contents of load control are finalized on the basis of trading prices on markets other than the hourly-ahead market. Conversely, in a case in which it is certain that power can be procured at more advantageous unit price conditions on the hourly-ahead market following finalization of power amount charge unit prices and control contents, the power amount charge unit prices and the contents of load control with respect to the facility equipment <NUM> may be changed on the basis of trading prices on the hourly-ahead market.

While an embodiment is described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, although description is made in the above embodiment that the power amount charge unit prices fluctuate in increments of intervals, the length of time of the power amount charge unit prices fluctuating may be a length other than intervals. Also, although adjustment control is described as being performed in intervals immediately following intervals that are the object of suppression control in the above embodiment, this is not limited to immediately following, and a later interval after the interval that is the object of suppression control may be the object of adjustment control.

Now, the embodiment described above can be understood as follows. A generating device according to the present disclosure is a control device <NUM> serving as a generating device that generates control information for controlling facility equipment <NUM> of a consumer, and includes an information acquisition unit <NUM> that acquires information of a power amount charge unit price that fluctuates and information of power usage of the consumer, and a control information generating unit <NUM> that, on the basis of the power amount charge unit price in an object interval that is an interval in which control of the facility equipment <NUM> is performed and information of power usage of the consumer in an interval after the object interval, generates control information for the facility equipment <NUM> of the consumer in the object interval.

Thus, the facility equipment <NUM> can be controlled so as to reduce electricity charges on the basis of fluctuation in the power amount charge unit price, and also a relation between the prediction value of power usage and a greatest value in a relevant period.

Now, the control information generating unit <NUM> may generate the control information to control the facility equipment <NUM> so as to suppress power usage in the object interval in a case in which the power amount charge unit price in the object interval satisfies a predetermined condition.

Also, the control information generating unit <NUM> may not generate the control information to control the facility equipment <NUM> so as to suppress power usage in the object interval in a case in which the power usage of the consumer in an interval after the object interval is expected to exceed a reference power, even in a case in which the power amount charge unit price in the object interval satisfies the predetermined condition.

Thus, a situation can be avoided from in which the power usage of the consumer exceeds the reference power in an interval after the object interval due to controlling the facility equipment <NUM> so as to suppress power usage in the object interval.

Also, in a case in which the power usage of the consumer in an interval after the object interval is expected to exceed a reference power and in which the power amount charge unit price in an interval immediately prior to the object interval is no greater than a reference unit price, the control information generating unit <NUM> may generate control information to implement preliminary operation of the facility equipment <NUM> in the interval immediately prior to the object interval.

Thus, the power usage of the facility equipment <NUM> in the object interval can be reduced, even in a case in which controlling the facility equipment <NUM> so as to suppress power usage in the object interval will cause the power usage of the consumer to exceed the reference power in an interval after the object interval.

Also, with regard to air conditioning equipment included in the facility equipment <NUM>, the control information generating unit <NUM> may generate control information to implement preliminary cooling operation or preliminary heating operation in an interval immediately prior to the object interval, in accordance with operation to be implemented in an interval next after the object interval.

Also, the information acquisition unit <NUM> may acquire information of a contract charge unit price, which is used in conjunction with information of greatest demand power of the consumer to set a base fee, and the control information generating unit <NUM> may generate the control information on the basis of an electricity charge of the consumer over a certain period, which is determined from the power amount charge unit price, information of power usage of the consumer, and the contract charge unit price.

Thus, the facility equipment <NUM> can be controlled to reduce the electricity charge of the consumer over the certain period.

Also, a system according to the present disclosure includes a control device <NUM> serving as a generating device that generates control information for controlling facility equipment <NUM> of a consumer, and facility equipment <NUM> that accepts the control information generated by the control device <NUM> and performs action. The control device <NUM> includes an information acquisition unit <NUM> that acquires information of a power amount charge unit price that fluctuates and information of power usage of the consumer, and a control information generating unit that, on the basis of the power amount charge unit price in an object interval that is an interval in which control of the facility equipment <NUM> is performed and information of power usage of the consumer in an interval after the object interval, generates control information for the facility equipment <NUM> of the consumer in the object interval.

Also, a program according to the present disclosure causes a computer to function as power amount charge information acquisition section that acquires information of a power amount charge unit price that fluctuates, power usage information acquisition section that acquires information of power usage of a consumer, and control information generating section that, on the basis of the power amount charge unit price in an object interval that is an interval in which control of the facility equipment <NUM> of the consumer is performed and information of power usage of the consumer in an interval after the object interval, generates control information for the facility equipment <NUM> of the consumer in the object interval.

Claim 1:
A generating device that generates control information for controlling facility equipment (<NUM>) of a consumer, the generating device comprising:
a power amount charge information acquisition unit (<NUM>) that acquires information of a power amount charge unit price that fluctuates;
a power usage information acquisition unit that acquires information of power usage of the consumer; and
a control information generating unit (<NUM>) that, on a basis of the power amount charge unit price in an object interval that is an interval in which control of the facility equipment is performed and information of power usage of the consumer in an interval after the object interval, generates control information for the facility equipment of the consumer in the object interval, wherein the control information generating unit (<NUM>) generates the control information to control the facility equipment so as to suppress power usage in the object interval in a case in which the power amount charge unit price in the object interval satisfies a predetermined condition whilst increasing power usage of the facility equipment (<NUM>) in an interval after the object interval but does not generate the control information to control the facility equipment so as to suppress power usage in the object interval in a case in which the power usage of the consumer in the interval after the object interval is expected to exceed a reference power, even in a case in which the power amount charge unit price in the object interval satisfies the predetermined condition.