JP2012170229A - Connection management system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a power switching management technique suitable for the operating status of a device. A sensor for detecting current or power supplied to a connected device and a detection value detected by the sensor are output. A plurality of power connection devices having a data output unit; a communication unit that obtains detection values in time series in association with the power connection devices; and determines operation statuses of devices connected to the power connection devices from the detection values And an information processing apparatus comprising: a switching control unit that switches a power supply source to the power connection device between a first power supply having a voltage drop compensation function and a second power supply not having a voltage drop compensation function. A connection management system comprising: an information processing apparatus;
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a power management technique.

  The use of office automation (hereinafter referred to as OA) equipment in the office has increased the amount of power used in the office. Thus, for example, efforts have been made to measure the power per outlet and manage and reduce the power consumption at the individual level in the office. A smart power strip can be exemplified as an example of a technology that supports such power consumption management. As for the smart power strip, Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. announced a press release on March 31, 2010 (see Non-Patent Document 1 below).

Japanese Patent No. 3621853 JP 2010-88170 A JP 2010-259201 A JP 2009-247045 A

"Developed the industry's smallest smart power strip with built-in power sensor", [online], March 31, 2010, Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., [searched on January 15, 2011], Internet <http: // pr .fujitsu.com / jp / news / 2010/03 / 31-3.html>

  The smart power strip incorporates a sensor that detects a current flowing through a plug connection portion exemplified by an outlet. Therefore, for example, it is possible to detect the power used for each plug connection portion.

  For example, as power supply facilities for offices, so-called uninterruptible power supplies that compensate for instantaneous power outages or instantaneous voltage drops and reduce the occurrence of malfunctions and failures of devices are also used. However, uninterruptible power supplies are generally expensive and limited in capacity. Therefore, there is a demand to connect to an uninterruptible power supply only for devices sensitive to instantaneous power failure or instantaneous voltage drop.

  However, a single power strip that detects power consumption is not sufficient to provide and manage an appropriate power environment for a device connected to an outlet. For example, even if the use of an expensive uninterruptible power supply that stabilizes power fluctuations is assigned to a continuously operating OA device, use of a commercial power supply may be sufficient in actual operation. Accordingly, there may be a case where an inappropriate OA device is connected to an outlet to which an expensive uninterruptible power supply is assigned.

  An object of the disclosed technique is to provide a power switching management technique suitable for the operation status of a device.

One aspect of the disclosed technology is exemplified by the following configuration of the information processing apparatus. That is, the information processing apparatus includes a plurality of power connection devices having a sensor that detects current or power supplied to a connected device, and a data output unit that outputs a detection value detected by the sensor, and a power connection A communication unit that obtains detected values in time series in association with devices, determines the operating status of devices connected to power-connected devices from the detected values, and has a voltage drop compensation function for a power supply source to the power-connected devices. A switching control unit that switches between one power source and a second power source that does not have a voltage drop compensation function.

  According to the information processing apparatus, it is possible to provide a power switching management technique suitable for the operation status of the device.

It is a figure which shows an example of the layout of OA apparatus. It is an example of the external view of a power supply connection apparatus. It is an example of the connection diagram in a power supply connection apparatus. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of the hardware relevant to the signal processing of a power supply connection apparatus, a relay apparatus, and an energy management server. It is a figure which illustrates the block diagram of the network in the office containing a router and a switch. It is a figure which illustrates the functional block diagram of an energy management server. It is a structural example of the sensor ID table which a power supply device database has. It is an example of a structure of the installation area ID table which a power supply device database has. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of an electric power value database. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of a connection apparatus database. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of the power consumption accumulation | storage information of a power consumption database. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of the setting information of a system setting table. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of the correspondence information of an outlet-switching device correspondence table. It is a figure which illustrates the correspondence of a switch and a power supply connection apparatus. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of a switch status information table. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of an uninterruptible power supply device allowable power information table. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of a power consumption information table. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of an outlet information table. It is a figure which illustrates the composition of a connection place table, an uninterruptible power supply accommodation table, a commercial power supply accommodation table, and a threshold table. It is a figure which illustrates the example of operation by this connection management system. It is a figure which illustrates the flowchart of the connection management process by an energy management server. It is a figure which illustrates the detail of a power consumption determination process and a power supply switching control process. It is a figure which illustrates the detail of power consumption investigation mode. It is a figure which illustrates the detail of real-time processing. It is a figure which illustrates the detail of a power consumption collection / accumulation | storage process. It is a figure which illustrates the detail of a power supply switching (uninterruptible power supply ← → commercial power supply switching) process. It is a figure which illustrates the detail of batch processing. It is a figure which illustrates the detail of a power supply switching (uninterruptible power supply <-> commercial power supply) determination process.

  Hereinafter, a connection management system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the following embodiment is an exemplification, and the connection management system is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment.

  The connection management system according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings in FIGS.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 shows an example of the layout of OA equipment. FIG. 1 illustrates, for example, the layout of one floor of an office. Here, in the office, for example, in addition to departments that handle various information in companies, government offices, schools, shops, restaurants, various service providing facilities, etc., various office processing is performed in the factory or at the work site, etc. Includes departments. Here, the power supplied to each power connection device 1 is roughly divided into two systems. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a system to which commercial power is directly supplied and a system to be supplied via an uninterruptible power supply P <b> 1 that stabilizes power fluctuation. The uninterruptible power supply device corresponds to a first power supply having a voltage drop compensation function. The commercial power supply corresponds to a second power supply that does not have a voltage drop compensation function. The voltage drop compensation function refers to a function that maintains the voltage supplied to the device and does not reduce the voltage even when the voltage of the commercial power supply drops for a short time, and includes an instantaneous power failure compensation function.

  The two types of power supply power are input to a switch S including a plurality of changeover switches, power output is distributed according to the type of the OA device, and is supplied to the power supply connection device 1. In addition, the commercial power source wired indoors from the outside of the office is distributed via a distribution board (distribution panel) (not shown). Therefore, the switch S may be included in the switchboard.

  1 includes a plurality of power connection devices 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, OA devices connected to the respective power connection devices 1-1, and the like. It includes a repeater 2 that collects power values detected at −1 etc. and relays them to a relay destination. Here, the power connection device 1-1 or the like is a device in which an outlet for supplying power to the OA device is arranged. Hereinafter, the power connection device 1-1 and the like are collectively referred to as the power connection device 1. An outlet is an example of a plug connection unit.

  The repeater 2 may collect current values. This is because the current value can be converted into a power value when the voltage of the power supplied to the device can be specified through the power supply connected device 1. As will be described later, in the office of the following embodiment, the power connection device 1 has a built-in current sensor and detects a current value supplied from each outlet. This current value is converted into a power value by the energy management server 3 and stored in the database. However, the power connection device 1 may detect the power value. For example, the power connection device 1 may be configured to incorporate a voltage sensor together with a current sensor. Further, the power connection device 1 may be provided with a function capable of setting a voltage parameter, and a processing unit that converts a current value into a power value according to the set voltage parameter may be provided. Further, the power connection device 1 may detect the current value, and after the repeater 2 converts the current value into the power value, the power value may be relayed to the energy management server 3. In this case, the repeater 2 may be provided with a function capable of setting a voltage parameter. As described above, when the voltage supplied to the device can be specified, the current value can be regarded in the same manner as the power value. Therefore, in the following embodiments, the current and power are handled in the same manner.

  Further, in the office shown in FIG. 1, the detected value of the power detected by each power connection device 1 is received via the repeater 2 and processed based on the energy management server 3 to be processed and the processing result in the energy management server 3. In addition, a monitoring terminal 5 for monitoring the power consumption of the office is included. The energy management server 3 is an example of an information processing device. The energy management server 3 performs switching control of the selector switch S and distributes the power supplied to each power connection device.

In FIG. 1, a layout for one floor is illustrated, but one energy management server 3 and one monitoring terminal 5 may manage a plurality of floors. In FIG. 1, one floor of the office includes three areas A1, A2, and A3. One repeater 2 is arranged in one area. In the first embodiment, the area is a range that can be covered by one repeater 2. However, one floor is not limited to three areas, and an appropriate area may be set according to office conditions and needs.

  Further, in FIG. 1, one relay is connected to four power connection devices 1, but the number of power connection devices 1 connected to one relay 2 is limited to four. is not. The power connection device 1 may be connected to an information processing device such as a personal computer and OA devices such as a desk lamp, for example, a fan, a heating device, and the like.

  Furthermore, in FIG. 1, the energy management server 3 is connected to a network in the office, but the energy management server 3 may be a part of the cloud, which is a group of computers on the Internet, for example.

  Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which incorporates the switch S and the energy management server 3 in the uninterruptible power supply P1.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 2 is an example of an external view of the power connection device 1. An example of the power connection device 1 is a smart power tap. However, in this connection management system, the power connection device 1 is not limited to the smart power strip, and any device can be used as long as the current supplied to each outlet or the power can be detected. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the power connection device 1 has an appearance, a plurality of outlets C1 arranged on one surface of the case, and a commercial power supply or an uninterruptible power supply outside the case. The power supply cable AC1 connected to the outlet C1 and the adapter UA1 for connecting the current value detected in the casing to the signal cable UB1 outside the casing.

  The outlet C1 has, for example, a pair of plug insertion openings into which plugs of power cables connected to the OA equipment are attached, and a ground terminal opening that receives a ground terminal of the plug. In the housing, there are conductive paths branched from the power cable AC1 and supplied to each outlet C1, and electrodes connected to the branched conductive paths. The electrode is embedded in each plug insertion port, and when the plug of the power cable is inserted into the outlet C1, it contacts the contact of the plug and can be energized.

  The signal cable UB1 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, and the adapter UA1 is an adapter to which a USB connector is attached. However, the types of the signal cable UB1 and the adapter UA1 are not particularly limited.

  FIG. 3 illustrates a connection diagram in the power supply connection device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply connecting device 1 is connected to the conductive path AC2 connected to the power cable AC1 of FIG. 2, the branch path AC3 branched from the conductive path AC2, and the tip of the branch path AC3. A plurality of contacts CT1.

  The contact CT1 comes into contact with the contact of the plug attached to the outlet shown in FIG. 2, and can be energized. Furthermore, the power supply connection apparatus 1 has a plurality of current sensors CS1 that detect currents flowing through the respective branch paths AC3. In FIG. 3, four sets of the branch path AC3, the contact CT1, and the current sensor CS1 are shown.

  The current sensor CS1 includes, for example, a magnetic sensor that detects a magnetic field generated around the branch path AC3, for example, a Hall element. For example, a closed magnetic path may be formed with a magnetic material around the branch path AC3, and a Hall element may be fitted into a part of the magnetic path.

  Furthermore, the power connection device 1 has a signal control unit 10 that reads and processes the detection signal of the current sensor CS1. The detection signals of the four current sensors CS1 are input to the signal control unit 10, respectively. The signal control unit 10 associates each detection value of the current sensor CS1 with the identification information of the outlet to which the current detected by the current sensor CS1 is supplied, and outputs the information to the adapter UA1. Therefore, the device connected to the adapter UA1 can acquire the power value used in the outlet in association with the identification information of the outlet.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration related to signal processing of the power connection device 1, the relay device 2, and the energy management server 3. That is, FIG. 4 illustrates a hardware configuration of a system that excludes a conductive path that supplies power to the OA device and processes a detection value detected by the current sensor CS1 of the power supply connection device 1.

  The signal control unit 10 in the power connection device 1 includes a CPU 11, a memory 12, a communication control unit 13, a power measurement program 19, and an AD (Analog / Digital) conversion unit 14. Among these, the AD conversion unit 14 converts the detection value of the current sensor CS1 from an analog signal to a digital signal, and delivers it to the CPU 11.

  The CPU 11 executes the power measurement program 19 and provides the function of the signal control unit 10. That is, the CPU 11 reads the detection value of each current sensor CS1. Then, the CPU 11 outputs the detected value to the adapter UA1 via the communication control unit 13. The detection value output from the CPU 11 may be vector data in which four detection values are arranged in a predetermined order, for example. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may output the four detection values by adding identification information for identifying the outlet. Therefore, the detected value of each outlet of the current sensor CS1 is specified by the order of arrangement or the identification information provided. However, the CPU 11 may convert the value detected by the current sensor CS1 into a power value and output it to the adapter UA1.

  The memory 12 is also called a main storage device and holds data processed by the CPU 11. The communication control unit 13 is, for example, a USB driver circuit. The communication control part 13 delivers the signal delivered from CPU11 to the repeater 2 via adapter UA1, for example. The communication control unit 13 is not limited to a USB driver circuit, and may be another communication interface. The power measurement program 19 is, for example, a binary program that can be executed by the CPU 11 and is held in a ROM (Read Only Memory).

  The repeater 2 includes a CPU 21, a memory 22, communication control units 23A and 23B, a drive device 24, and the like. The CPU 21 executes a relay program that is stored in the drive device 24 and expanded in the memory 22 so as to be executable, and provides the function of the repeater 2. That is, the CPU 21 acquires detection values from the signal control units 10 of the plurality of power connection devices 1 via the communication control unit 23B. Then, the CPU 21 arranges the detection values acquired from the plurality of power connection devices 1 and delivers them from the communication control unit 23A to the energy management server 3 as vectors in a predetermined order. However, the repeater 2 may add the identification information of each power connection device 1 to the detection value acquired from the plurality of power connection devices 1 and deliver it to the energy management server 3. In any case, the energy management server 3 can acquire the detection value by distinguishing the power connection device 1 and the outlet in the power connection device 1 based on the arrangement order of the detection values or the identification information given to the detection values. .

  The memory 22 can also be called a main storage device. The memory 22 stores, for example, a relay program executed by the CPU 21 or a detection value acquired from the signal control unit 10 of the power connection device 1. The communication control unit 23 </ b> A is an interface that communicates with the energy management server 3. The communication control unit 23A is called, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) substrate or a NIC (Network Interface Card). However, the communication control unit 23A may be a wireless LAN interface, a Bluetooth interface, or the like.

  The communication control unit 23B is an interface for connecting to the communication control unit 13 of the power connection device 1, and is, for example, a USB driver circuit. The drive device 24 is a removable storage medium input / output device, such as a flash memory card input / output device, a USB adapter for connecting a USB memory, or the like. The drive device 24 reads the relay program from the removable storage medium and stores it in the memory 22.

  The energy management server 3 includes a CPU 31, a memory 32, communication control units 33 </ b> A, 33 </ b> B, and 33 </ b> C, a drive device 34, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive Device) 35, and a display control unit 36. Furthermore, a display device 37, an input device 38, and the like can be connected to the energy management server 3.

  The CPU 31 executes a management program that is executed in the memory 32 and provides the function of the energy management server 3. The memory 32 can also be called a main storage device. The memory 32 is, for example, a management program executed by the CPU 31, or a power value calculated from each detection value such as a detection value of each current sensor CS 1 of each power connection device 1 acquired via the relay 2. Stores management data and the like.

  The communication control unit 33A is an interface capable of communicating with the communication control unit 23A of the repeater 2. The communication control unit 33B is an interface that can communicate with the uninterruptible power supply P1. The communication control unit 33C is an interface that can communicate with the changeover switch S. The communication control units 33A, 33B, and 33C are examples of communication units. The drive device 34 is an input / output device for a removable storage medium, such as a flash memory card input / output device, a USB adapter for connecting a USB memory, or the like. However, the drive device 34 may be a disk medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a Blu-ray Disc. The drive device 34 reads the management program from the removable storage medium and stores it in the HDD 35.

The HDD 35 can also be called an external storage device. The external storage device may be an SSD (Solid State Drive) or the like. The HDD 35 exchanges data with the drive device 34. For example, the HDD 35 stores a management program installed from the drive device 34. Further, the HDD 35 reads the management program and delivers it to the memory 32. Further, the HDD 35 receives the detection value detected by each power connection device 1 acquired via the communication control unit 33 and the repeater 2 and other management data from the memory 32 and holds them as nonvolatile data. The display control unit 36 includes a control circuit for the display device 37, and displays data and the like as a result of processing by the CPU 31 on the display device 37.

  The display device 37 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescence panel, or the like. The input device 38 includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like. Examples of pointing devices include a mouse and a touch panel. Instead of connecting the display device 37 and the input device 38 to the energy management server 3, the display function and the input function of the energy management server 3 can be provided using the display device and the input device of the monitoring terminal 5 shown in FIG. May be provided.

  The monitoring terminal 5 is a computer including, for example, a CPU, a main storage device, an external storage device, a communication device, and a removable storage medium drive device. Further, the monitoring terminal 5 includes an input device such as a keyboard and a pointing device, a display device, and the like. The monitoring terminal 5 is, for example, a personal computer. However, the monitoring terminal 5 may be a portable information terminal, a mobile phone, a smartphone, an electronic book, or the like.

The uninterruptible power supply P1 is a power source that can stably supply AC power, such as CVCF (Constant Voltage Constant Frequency). The uninterruptible power supply P1 is, for example,
A communication interface such as RS-232C is provided, and data communication with the energy management server 3 is possible. The data communication includes, for example, margin (allowable power consumption) information for the rated output power of the uninterruptible power supply P. The switch S is a switch including a plurality of switches of two inputs and one output such as SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw). The switch S includes a communication interface such as a USB, and can perform data communication including a switching signal and a readback signal with the energy management server 3.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration diagram of a network in an office including routers and switches. That is, FIG. 5 is a connection example of communication devices in the office illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, a network N1 is formed under the management of the router R0. The router R0 may have a function of a proxy server that connects to the external Internet, for example. That is, the router R0 may connect an external network (not shown) and the network N1 in the office.

  The network N1 includes routers R1, R4, R5, and the like. The routers R1, R4, R5, etc. divide the network N1 into a plurality of lower networks. The lower network can also be called a subnet. Further, in FIG. 2, the lower network of the router R1 is connected to the lower network by routers R2, R3 and the like. The network below the router R2 includes layer 2 switches (L2SW) LS1, LS2, and the like. For example, repeaters 2-1, 2-2, or an information processing device or the like is connected to the lower LAN segment of the layer 2 switch L 1.

  Note that the repeaters 2-1 and 2-2 are collectively referred to as the repeater 2. Also, the number of routers R2, R3, etc. under the router R1, the number of layer 2 switches LS1, LS2, etc. under the router R2, the number of repeaters 2-1, 2-2, etc. under the layer switch LS1, The number is not limited to the example of FIG.

  The configuration of the lower LAN segment of the layer 2 switch LS2 is the same as that of the layer 2 switch LS1. The network below router R3 is the same as the network below router R2. Further, another router may be connected to the lower level of the router R2 or the like. Conversely, the routers R2, R3, etc. may be eliminated, and the layer 2 switches LS1, LS2, etc. may be connected below the router R1. The network below router R4 is the same as the network below router R1.

  Further, the network below the router R5 includes a layer 2 switch LS3. The energy management server 3 and the monitoring terminal 5 are connected to the lower LAN segment of the layer 2 switch LS3.

By the way, the network N1 of FIG. 5 can take various layouts in office houses, buildings, and buildings. For example, the router R1, the router R4, the router R5, etc. may be installed on different floors, and different lower networks may be configured for each floor. Further, offices on the same floor may be further divided, and routers R2, R3, etc. may be installed in the divided offices.

  FIG. 6 illustrates a functional block diagram of the energy management server 3. The energy management server 3 includes functional units such as a power connection device setting unit 301, a power measurement unit 302, a connected device determination unit 303, a power consumption determination unit 304, and a power supply switching control unit 305, and the management function of this connection management system I will provide a. Each of the functional units described above is provided by executing a computer program in which the energy management server 3 is executable on the main memory.

  In addition, the energy management server 3 stores, as storage destinations of data to be referred to or managed by the above functional units, a power connection device database 311, a power value database 312, a connection device database 313, a power consumption database 314, and a power switching database. 315 and a switching information database 316. Each of the above databases is constructed in, for example, an external storage device of the energy management server 3 or an external storage device of another server that provides a database function on the network N1.

4 and 5 exemplifies a system in which the power connection device 1 is connected to the energy management server 3 via the relay 2. However, the connection management system is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the repeater 2 may be built in any one of the power connection devices 1. A power connection device (for example, power connection device 1 </ b> A) that incorporates the repeater 2 may acquire a detection value from the power connection device 1 that does not incorporate the repeater 2 and relay it to the energy management server 3. Further, the repeater 2 may be omitted, and the power connection device 1 and the energy management server 3 may be connected via a network. When the repeater 2 is omitted, the communication control unit 13 of the power connection device 1 may be, for example, a USB driver circuit, a LAN board, a NIC, a wireless LAN interface, Bluetooth, as in FIG. Or the like.

  Hereinafter, functions of the respective functional units illustrated in FIG. 6 will be described. The power connection device setting unit 301 executes ID assignment of the area included in the connection management system, the power connection device 1 in the area, the current sensor in the power connection device 1, and the like. Manage.

  As already described in FIG. 1, the office managed by this connection management system is divided into a plurality of areas, and a repeater 2 is installed in each area. The area is also called an installation area in the sense that the repeater 2 is installed. The area ID can also be referred to as the ID of the repeater 2. Therefore, the IP address, MAC address, etc. of the repeater 2 may be used as the area ID. Moreover, you may give ID which this connection management system manages uniquely as area ID. When the ID managed uniquely by the connection management system is used as the area ID, an address association table for associating the area ID with the IP address or the MAC address of the repeater 2 may be provided.

  When the repeater 2 is newly installed, the energy management server 3 receives an operation on the input unit 38, starts a computer program, and functions as the power connection device setting unit 301. However, the energy management server 3 may start a computer program in accordance with an operation from the monitoring terminal 5 and function as the power connection device setting unit 301, for example.

The power connection device setting unit 301 displays a power connection device setting screen on the screen of the display device 37 or the like by a user operation, and is connected to the ID of the area corresponding to the installed relay device 2 and the relay 2. The setting of the ID of the power connection device 1 and the ID of the current sensor included in the power connection device 1 is supported. For example, the power supply device setting unit 301 searches for a free ID, displays it to the user, and prompts the user to set it as an ID of a newly installed area or the like, an ID of the repeater 2, and an ID of a current sensor. The power supply device setting unit 301 stores the ID of the area set by the user, the ID of the repeater 2, and the ID of the current sensor in the power supply device database 311. The power connection device database 311 includes a sensor ID table and an installation area ID table. The sensor ID table defines IDs of individual current sensors in the power connection device 1. Further, the installation area ID table defines the relationship between each area of the office and the power supply connection device 1 in the area.

  For example, the power supply apparatus setting unit 301 may acquire the IP address, MAC address, and the like of the newly installed repeater 2 from the newly installed repeater 2 through communication on the network N1. Then, the power supply apparatus setting unit 301 may store the association between the acquired IP address, MAC address, etc. of the repeater 2 and the area ID set by the user in a database (not shown). Further, for example, the power connection device setting unit 301 may set the IP address, MAC address, etc. of the newly installed repeater 2 in the power connection device database 311 as an area ID.

  The power measurement unit 302 communicates with the repeater 2, acquires a current value for each current sensor in the power supply connection device 1, converts it to a power value, and stores it in the power value database 312. The current value for each current sensor corresponds to the current value for each outlet of the power connection device 1. In addition, the power measuring unit 302 calculates the total power value consumed by the entire power connection device 1 by adding the acquired power values for each outlet. The power measuring unit 302 stores the calculated total power value in the power value database 312. When calculating the total power value, it is desirable to obtain the power value at each outlet as much as possible. However, there may be an allowable range error at the time of detection among a plurality of outlets.

  The connected device determination unit 303 reads the connection relationship of the devices connected to the respective outlets of the respective power supply connected devices 1 from the connected device database 313. Furthermore, the connected device determination unit 303 detects an outlet connected to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC), based on the power value supplied from the outlet to the PC. A PC is an example of an information device. For example, the connected device determination unit 303 reads the power value (energization power Pin) supplied to the PC from an outlet connected to the PC when each PC is in a power-off state. Then, when power exceeding the energization power Pin is detected at the outlet, the connected device determination unit 303 determines that the power of the PC connected to the outlet is turned on.

  Further, the connected device determination unit 303 acquires a power waveform instead of the power value supplied to the PC from the outlet connected to the PC, for example, when the power value exceeds a certain reference value. It may be. Then, the power waveform when the PC power is turned on is stored in advance, and when the acquired power waveform and the stored power waveform are associated with each other within a predetermined tolerance range, the PC power is turned on. It may be determined that it has been done. The stored power waveform is an example of power usage determination information. The connected device determination unit 303 detects that the PC is turned off based on power supplied to the PC from an outlet connected to the PC. Further, for example, the connected device determination unit 303 may inquire of the PC through the network N1 whether or not the user has logged in to the PC. Alternatively, when the user logs in to the PC, the energy management server 3 may be notified from the PC. Further, for example, the connected device determination unit 303 may inquire of the PC through the network N1 whether or not the user has logged out of the PC. Alternatively, when the user logs out from the PC, the PC may notify the energy management server 3.

The power consumption determination unit 304 determines whether the operation state of the device is operating or stopped based on the power consumption information of the outlet to which the device is connected. The power consumption determination unit 304 stores the operation state determined together with the power consumption associated with each outlet ID and the collected time information in the power consumption database 314 as power consumption accumulation information. In the first embodiment, the power consumption determination unit 304 acquires time series data of power consumption supplied to a device connected to the outlet of the power connection device 1. Then, according to the set period, the energized power Pin, the operating power consumption Pstr, and the maximum power consumption Pmax are detected from the acquired time-series data. Note that the period during which the power consumption determination unit 304 collects and accumulates the power consumption information can be set by an input operation from the monitoring terminal 5, for example.

  The power supply switching control unit 305 calculates the operation rate, continuous operation time, average operation rate, average continuous operation time, and the like of the device connected to the outlet from the collected and accumulated power consumption information, and saves it in the power supply switching database 315. To do. Then, the power supply switching control unit 305 determines the operating status of the device connected to the outlet by comparing the calculation result with a predetermined threshold value. Then, the power supply switching control unit 305 determines whether the device connected to the outlet is connected to the uninterruptible power supply side or the commercial power supply side from the determination result of the operation status. Then, the power supply switching control unit 305 performs switching control of the switch S and supplies a predetermined type power supply to the power supply connection device 1. The functions provided by the power consumption determination unit 304 and the power supply switching control unit 305 will be described later based on the operation example shown in FIG.

<Database configuration>
Hereinafter, the configuration of a database in which the energy management server 3 inputs and outputs data will be exemplified. FIG. 7 is a configuration example of a sensor ID table included in the power connection device database 311, and FIG. 8 is a configuration example of an installation area ID table. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the power connection device database 311 includes a sensor ID table and an installation area ID table.

  Among these, the sensor ID table associates the power connection device ID and the sensor ID. The power connection device ID is identification information that uniquely identifies the power connection device 1. The sensor ID is identification information of a current sensor included in the power connection device 1.

  The installation area ID table associates an area ID, an area name, and a power supply device ID. The area ID is identification information of an area where the repeater 2 is installed. As already described, one repeater 2 is installed in the area. Therefore, the area ID can be said to be identification information for uniquely identifying the repeater 2. The area ID may be an IP address of the repeater 2 or a MAC address.

  The area name is the name of the area. The area name indicates to the user or the administrator of the connection management system which area the area identified by the area ID is actually recognized by the person. In the example of FIG. 8, the names of floors such as 1F and 2F are illustrated as area names. However, the area is not always defined corresponding to the floor. For example, a plurality of areas may exist on one floor. A plurality of floors may be combined into one area.

  The power connection device ID is identification information of the power connection device 1 installed in each area. In the example of FIG. 8, for example, the power connection device ID is set to “01 to 03” in the area “1F”. However, in the installation area ID table, for example, individual area IDs may be listed as area IDs. In addition, a field for individually storing each area ID may be provided in the installation area ID table in the form of an array.

In this embodiment, as one of the area IDs, the ID of the monitoring terminal 5 (for example, “Z”), the installation area of the monitoring terminal 5 (for example, “B1F”), and the ID of the monitoring terminal 5 (for example, , 00) is defined. The area of the monitoring terminal 5 is defined so that the manager of the connection management system or the manager of the office using the connection management system can recognize the position of the monitoring terminal 5. is there. This is because if the position of the monitoring terminal 5 can be recognized, it is convenient for the management of the relay 2, the power connection device 1, the device to which power is supplied from the power connection device 1, and the like.

  FIG. 9 illustrates the configuration of the power value database 312. The power value database 312 includes fields of power connection device IDs, sensor IDs, and power values for each sensor time zone. The power connection device ID and the sensor ID have already been described in the power connection device database 311. In FIG. 9, the power value is stored in a time zone, for example, at a time interval of 10 minutes. In the case of 10 minute intervals, the average power value for 10 minutes may be stored. However, in addition to the average value, the maximum value, the minimum value, and the like may be stored. Further, for example, the power value at each start point of the time zone, the power value at the time in the middle of the time zone, the power value at the end point of the time zone, and the like may be stored. For example, detection by the current sensor is performed at intervals of 1 second, and any one of an average value, a maximum value, a minimum value, a detection value at the time zone start point, a detection value at the center time, a detection value at the time zone end point, etc. One or more may be stored.

  However, an appropriate time interval for storing the power value may be selected according to the management accuracy required for the connection management system, the scale of the system, the capacity of the external storage device in which the database is constructed, and the like. For example, the power value may be stored at intervals of 5 minutes. Further, for example, the power value may be stored at intervals of 1 second.

  As a method of storing the power value, in FIG. 9, a time zone is specified in the table column. Therefore, after storing the power value detection start time, the detection end time, and the time width (time interval for saving) as management information, the power value column may be saved in the database. Or you may preserve | save the row | line | column which combined (time of detection of a power value, power value), for example.

FIG. 10 illustrates the configuration of the connected device database 313. The connected device database 313 associates a power supply connected device ID, a sensor ID, a connected device, and a user. In FIG. 10, the connected device being “PC” indicates that the PC is connected to the outlet specified by the power connection device ID and the sensor ID defined in the row.
On the other hand, the connection device being “arbitrary” indicates that there is no restriction on the device connected to the outlet specified by the connection device ID and the sensor ID defined in the row. The connected device database 313 is an example of a unit that stores identification information for identifying a user in association with a power supply connected device. The connected device database 313 is also an example of a unit that stores a relationship between an information device used by each user and a first plug connection unit that supplies power to the information device.

  FIG. 11 illustrates the configuration of the power consumption accumulation information of the power consumption database 314. The power consumption accumulation information includes fields for collection time, power consumption, and status. The power consumption accumulation information is history information for each outlet ID, and the power consumption database 314 can be said to be a history table uniquely associated with the outlet ID. Of the power consumption accumulation information, time data at which power consumption is detected is stored in the collection time field. In the power consumption field, the power value detected by the power sensor associated with the outlet ID is stored. In the status field, the result determined by the power consumption determination unit 304 based on the detected power consumption is stored. The power consumption determination unit 304 determines the operating state of the connected device based on the power consumption detected by the outlet ID. In FIG. 11, “stopped” in the status field is an operation state that is determined as a determination result in an energized state (the device is connected to an outlet but the device is turned off). Further, “in operation” is an operation state that is determined as an operation state (the device is connected to an outlet but the device is turned off) as a determination result. However, the determined operation state is not limited to two stages.

  FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate the configuration of the setting information of the system setting table 316a stored in the switching information database 316. FIG. The setting information of the system setting table 316a includes automatic control of the switch, connection destination of the switch, switching schedule of the switch, maximum time, power consumption collection interval, switching confirmation waiting time, power consumption maximum value, power consumption investigation mode, Power consumption investigation mode It has each field of investigation time. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, the setting information in the system setting table 316a is setting information associated with each outlet ID. The system setting table illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B can be set by, for example, a connection switching administrator via an administrator terminal. Information set by the administrator is stored in a predetermined field of the system setting table 316a via the energy management server 3. FIG. 12A shows an example of initial setting of the system setting value associated with the outlet ID 001. Hereinafter, each field of the system setting information will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the automatic control field of the switch, a value indicating whether or not the switching control of the switch S by the connection management system is automatically performed is stored. In the first embodiment, when the switching control of the switch S is automatically performed, “Yes” is set in the automatic control field, and when it is not performed automatically (for example, manual switching by an administrator, etc.), automatic control is performed. "No" is set in the field. In the initial setting illustrated in FIG. 12A, “Yes” is set. In the connection destination field of the switch, power source type information of the connection destination is stored. In the first embodiment, the connection destination power type information includes “uninterruptible power supply” and “commercial power”. For example, “uninterruptible power supply” is set when an uninterruptible power supply is connected as power supply power supplied to the device, and “commercial power supply” is set when a commercial power supply is connected. In the initial setting illustrated in FIG. 12A, “commercial power” is set. The switching schedule field of the switch stores power source type information scheduled to be switched by the connection management system. In the first embodiment, the power source type information scheduled for switching the connection destination includes “uninterruptible power supply”, “unknown”, and “commercial power”. For example, “uninterruptible power supply” is set when the uninterruptible power supply is scheduled as the power supply to be supplied to the device, and “commercial power supply” is set when the commercial power supply is scheduled. On the other hand, “unknown” is set when the connection destination is undetermined. In the initial setting illustrated in FIG. 12A, “unknown” is set.

  In the maximum time field, power consumption collection period information collected and accumulated by the power consumption determination unit 304 is stored. In the first embodiment, a period of up to 24 hours can be set as the collection period information. However, the maximum time of the collection period is not limited to 24 hours. In the initial setting illustrated in FIG. 12A, “24 hours” is set. In the power consumption collection interval field, power consumption sampling period information collected and accumulated by the power consumption determination unit 304 is stored. In the first embodiment, it is possible to set a sampling period in a range not exceeding the period set in the maximum time field. The unit of the sampling period can be set, for example, as “second”, “minute”, or “time”. In the initial setting illustrated in FIG. 12A, “10 minutes” is set. The switching confirmation waiting time field stores waiting time information when the connection switching to the uninterruptible power supply or the commercial power supply is performed. In the first embodiment, the switching confirmation waiting time can be set in a range not exceeding the period set in the maximum time field. The unit of the switching confirmation waiting time can be set by, for example, “second”, “minute”, or “time”. In the initial setting illustrated in FIG. 12A, “30 minutes” is set.

In the power consumption maximum value field, the maximum value of power consumption collected and accumulated by the power consumption determination unit 304 is stored. In the initial setting illustrated in FIG. 12A, “1W” is set. The power consumption investigation mode field stores power consumption investigation mode execution information. In the first embodiment, as the power consumption investigation mode execution information, “Yes” is set when executing, and “No” is set when not executing. In the initial setting illustrated in FIG. 12A, “Yes” is set. Power consumption investigation mode The investigation time field stores power consumption collection period information collected and accumulated in the power consumption investigation mode. In the first embodiment, the period can be set in a range not exceeding the period set in the maximum time field as the collection period information. In the initial setting illustrated in FIG. 12A, “24 hours” is set.

  FIG. 13A illustrates the configuration of correspondence information in the outlet-switch correspondence table 316b stored in the switching information database 316. The correspondence information includes fields of outlet ID and changeover switch number. The outlet-switcher correspondence table 316b can be said to be an identification information table of the selector switch uniquely associated with the outlet ID. The changeover switch is a plurality of two-input one-output switches constituting the switch S, and an uninterruptible power supply is input to one and a commercial power supply is input to the other. A power connection device 1 having an outlet is connected to the changeover switch output. Accordingly, a switch number uniquely associated with the outlet ID to which the output of the changeover switch is connected is stored in the changeover switch number field. In the correspondence table illustrated in FIG. 13, the outlet ID 001 corresponds to the change-over switch assigned the number “001”, and the change-over switch numbers correspond to the outlet ID in order.

  FIG. 13B illustrates the correspondence relationship between the switch S and the power supply connection device 1. The switch S has a plurality of changeover switches. The power connection device 1 is connected to each changeover switch and is uniquely associated. In FIG. 13B, the changeover switch number “001” is connected to the power connection device 1 with ID001, and the changeover switch number “002” is connected to the power supply connection device 1 with ID002.

  FIG. 14 illustrates the configuration of the switch state information table 316c stored in the switch information database 316. The switch status information includes fields for a switch number and a connection destination. In the changeover switch number field, a number uniquely associated with the outlet ID is stored. The connection destination field stores power supply type information that is the output of the changeover switch. In the first embodiment, “uninterruptible power supply” and “commercial power” are stored as power supply type information.

  FIG. 15 illustrates a configuration of the uninterruptible power supply allowable power information table 316d stored in the switching information database 316. The uninterruptible power supply allowable power information includes fields for collection time and allowable power consumption. The collection time field stores time information when the allowable power consumption information is acquired from the uninterruptible power supply. The allowable power consumption field stores the allowable power consumption acquired from the uninterruptible power supply. In the first embodiment, the collection time field stores time information of “hh (hour): mm (minute): ss (second)”.

  FIG. 16 illustrates the configuration of the power consumption information table 316e stored in the switching information database 316. The power consumption information includes fields for collection time, outlet ID, and power consumption. In the collection time field, time information when the power consumption information is acquired is stored. In the outlet ID field, the outlet identification number from which the power consumption information is acquired is stored. The acquired power consumption is stored in the power consumption field.

FIG. 17 illustrates the configuration of the outlet information table 315a stored in the power supply switching database 315. The outlet information table 315a associates switching control information for each outlet ID. The outlet information includes fields of outlet ID, consumption connection comparison value, and connection state. The power consumption field further includes sub-fields of energization (Pin), operation, and maximum (Pmax). The switching comparison value field also has subfields for operation rate and continuous operation time. The connection status field also has fields for connection destination and switching schedule. The outlet ID field in which the power consumption is acquired is stored in the outlet ID field. In the energization (Pin) field, power consumption acquired in an energized state (a state where an outlet is connected and a device is turned off) is stored. The operating field stores the power consumption acquired in the operating state. The maximum (Pmax) field stores the maximum value of power consumption acquired in the operating state. The operation rate calculated by the power consumption determination unit 304 is stored in the operation rate field. In the continuous operation time field, the continuous operation time calculated by the power consumption determination unit 304 is stored. In the connection destination field, connection destination information of the changeover switch associated with the outlet ID is stored. In the first embodiment, “uninterruptible power supply” and “commercial power” are stored as connection destination information. The switching information of the power supply switching control unit 305 is stored in the switching schedule field. In the first embodiment, “uninterruptible power supply” and “commercial power” are stored as connection destination information.

  FIG. 18 illustrates the configuration of the connection destination table 315b, the uninterruptible power supply accommodation table 315c, and the commercial power supply accommodation table 315d included in the power supply switching database 315. The connection destination table 315b, the uninterruptible power supply accommodation table 315c, and the commercial power supply accommodation table 315d are switching information.

  The connection destination table 315b has fields for switching time, changeover switch number, and connection destination. The switching time field stores time information when the connection destination is switched. A changeover switch number is stored in the changeover switch number field. In the connection destination field, connection destination information of the changeover switch associated with the changeover switch number is stored. In the first embodiment, “uninterruptible power supply” and “commercial power” are stored as connection destination information. The uninterruptible power supply accommodation table 315c has fields of a changeover switch number, maximum power consumption, an operation rate, and a continuous operation time. A changeover switch number is stored in the changeover switch number field. The maximum power consumption field stores the maximum power consumption detected at the outlet associated with the changeover switch number. In the operation rate field, the operation rate calculated at the outlet associated with the changeover switch number is stored. The continuous operation time field stores the continuous operation time calculated at the outlet associated with the changeover switch number. The commercial power supply accommodation table 315d has fields for a changeover switch number, maximum power consumption, operating rate, and continuous operating time. A changeover switch number is stored in the changeover switch number field. The maximum power consumption field stores the maximum power consumption detected at the outlet associated with the changeover switch number. In the operation rate field, the operation rate calculated at the outlet associated with the changeover switch number is stored. The continuous operation time field stores the continuous operation time calculated at the outlet associated with the changeover switch number.

  FIG. 18 illustrates the configuration of the threshold table 315e stored in the power supply switching database 315. The threshold table 315e is switching threshold information. The threshold value table 315e has fields of accommodation group, average operation rate, and average continuous time. In the accommodation group field, group identification information assigned for each power source type to be used is stored. In the first embodiment, “uninterruptible power supply accommodation (A group)” associated with a device group using an uninterruptible power supply and “commercial power supply accommodation (B group)” associated with a device group using a commercial power supply are stored. The The average operating rate field stores the average operating rate of the device group that uses each power supply type. In the first embodiment, “RA” that is the average operating rate of the device group that uses the uninterruptible power supply and “RB” that is the average operating rate of the device group that uses the commercial power source are stored. The average continuous operation time field stores the average continuous operation time of the device group that uses each power supply type. In the first embodiment, “RA” that is the average continuous operation time of the device group that uses the uninterruptible power supply and “RB” that is the average continuous operation time of the device group that uses the commercial power supply are stored.

<Examples of functions provided by the system>
FIG. 19 illustrates an operation example using the connection management system. The graph in FIG. 19 illustrates the time change of the power (power consumption) supplied to the device connected to the outlet. In each graph, the range indicated by “t” or the like exemplifies the continuation time during which the device is in an operating state.

  The following are examples of functions provided by the power consumption determination unit 304 and the power supply switching control unit 305 of the energy management server 3. Use of the power connection device 1 makes it possible to visualize the power consumption at the outlet level. For example, the use of the outlet in the power connection device 1 is permitted for each office staff member, and the relationship between the individual user and the outlet is assigned. Then, the power usage at the outlet assigned to each individual is measured, and the energy management server 3 manages the power.

  The OA device connected to the power supply connection device 1 includes a device that hinders function execution unless it is a stabilized power source in terms of power management. For example, various network devices installed in the office (for example, relays such as routers and hubs, information management devices such as data management servers and mail servers) must always be operated. Variation is undesirable. Therefore, the various network devices described above are secured with safety during operation by supplying stabilized power from the uninterruptible power supply P.

  However, there is a possibility that an information processing apparatus (for example, a personal use PC) having a low operating time may be mistakenly connected to the power connection device 1 that supplies the uninterruptible power supply. There is a possibility of being connected to the power connection device 1 to which commercial power is supplied, regardless of the information processing apparatus that receives the information processing apparatus. In the present embodiment, a technique for detecting the use of a device that does not match the purpose of use of the type of power supplied for power management will be described. More specifically, the type of power supplied to the device is automatically switched according to the operation mode and appropriately managed by the following functions. In the following example, an explanation will be given assuming that the outlet to which the device is connected has a one-to-one relationship with the power supply connecting device 1.

(1) Judgment of power consumption The energy management server 3 is connected to the outlet when the power supply device 1 is supplied with power in a steady state after the power supply in the steady state is increased. It is determined that the operating power is supplied to the device that has been connected. Here, the steady state is, for example, the first standby power supplied from the outlet to the information processing apparatus when the power is turned off in a device such as the information processing apparatus connected to the power connection device 1. Therefore, the steady state when the information processing apparatus is connected to the outlet can be said to be a state where the information processing apparatus is turned off. In addition, for personal use PCs, desk lamps, and the like, the steady state is a power-off state.

  In FIG. 19, for example, when the power consumption illustrated by “energization p <b> 1” in the graphs (a) to (f) is in a state where the information processing apparatus is turned off, the PC is turned off, and the desk lamp is turned off, The power connected to the outlet. The energy management server 3 determines that the device connected to the outlet is in a power-on state, for example, when there is a large increase in supply power beyond a predetermined limit at the outlet. In FIG. 19, for example, the power consumption exemplified by “operation” in the graphs (a) to (f) is “operation” in which the information processing apparatus is turned on, the PC is turned on, and the desk lamp is turned on. It is power of time. Based on this determination, the energy management server 3 detects the power consumption in the “operating” state of the device connected to the outlet.

(2) Determination of Operation Time, etc. The energy management server 3 collects and accumulates the power consumption of the outlet in which the “operation” state is detected within a predetermined period. Here, the period for collecting and accumulating power consumption can be exemplified by a collection period of 24 hours, for example. An appropriate period for collecting and accumulating power consumption can be selected according to the management accuracy required for the connection management system, the scale of the system, the capacity of the external storage device in which the database is constructed, and the like.

  The energy management server 3 calculates the operating rate, continuous operating time, average operating rate (RA), average of the equipment connected to the outlet from the power consumption collected and stored within a predetermined time (maximum time) using the following formula: The operating rate (RB) and average continuous operating time are calculated.

<Occupancy rate>
r (%) = (total operation time within maximum time / maximum time) × 100 (Equation 1)
r: Operation rate <Continuous operation time>
t (time) = maximum value of continuous operation within the maximum time (Equation 2)
t: Continuous operation time <Average operation rate>
RA (%) = (r1 +... RN) / number of outlets to which uninterruptible power supply is supplied (Formula 3)
RA: Average operating rate of equipment group (A group) using uninterruptible power supply
rN: operation rate for each device using an uninterruptible power supply RB (%) = (r1 +... rN) / number of outlets to which commercial power is supplied (Equation 4)
RA: Average operating rate of equipment group (B group) using commercial power
rN: Operation rate for each device using commercial power supply <Average continuous operation time>
TA (time) = (t1 +... TN) / number of outlets to which uninterruptible power is supplied (Formula 5)
TA: Average continuous operation time of equipment group (A group) using uninterruptible power supply
tN: Continuous operation time for each device using the uninterruptible power supply TB (time) = (t1 +... tN) / number of outlets to which the uninterruptible power supply is supplied (Formula 5)
TB: Average continuous operation time of equipment group (B group) using commercial power
tN: Continuous operation time for each device using commercial power

(3) Determination of power supply switching The energy management server 3 supplies the equipment from the equipment operation rate r, continuous operation time t, average operation rate RA, RB, and average continuous startup time TA, TB calculated in (2). The power source type is determined, and a power source type suitable for the operation state of the device is supplied. The power supply switching of the energy management server will be described according to an operation example illustrated in FIG. In the figure, as shown in the upper part of the graph, the maximum time for collecting and accumulating power consumption is set to 24 hours, and the A group using the uninterrupted power supply and the B group using the commercial power supply are set. The average occupancy rate was 83% for the former and 33% for the latter. The setting value of the average operating rate of the A group using the uninterruptible power supply corresponds to about 20 hours, and the setting value of the average operating rate of the B group using the commercial power source corresponds to about 8 hours.

First, cases (a) to (d) can be exemplified as conditions classified into the device group using the uninterruptible power supply. Case (a) is a case where the power supply is always kept ON after the operating state of the device is detected. In this case, since the continuous operation time t1, which is the continuous time of the operation state, exceeds the preset maximum time, it is classified into a device group that uses an uninterruptible power supply. In the case (b), the continuous operation time t is within the maximum time, but the operation time duration t exceeds the average operation rate RA of the group A. In this case as well, as in the case (a), the average operating rate RA is exceeded, so that it is classified into a device group that uses an uninterruptible power supply. Case (c) is a case having two continuous operation times t1 and t2 within the maximum time. In this case, if the total time of the continuous operation times t1 and t2 is equal to or greater than the average operation rate RA, the device group is classified into an uninterruptible power supply. Case (d) is a case where the average operation rate RA of the group A is not satisfied, but the continuous operation time t1 is equal to or greater than the average continuous operation time TA. In this case, since it can be determined that the operation state continues for the average continuous operation time TA of group A or more, it is classified into a device group that uses an uninterruptible power supply. This is because it can be determined that the device requires power fluctuation such as instantaneous power failure.

  Next, cases (e) to (f) can be exemplified as conditions classified into a device group using a commercial power source. Case (e) is a case where the operation rate r of the device is equal to or less than the average operation rate RB, and the continuous operation time t1 is less than the average continuous operation time TA of the group A. Case (f) is a case having a plurality of continuous operation times t1, ..., tN within the maximum time. Although the point which has a some continuous operation time is common in case (d), it is a case where the sum total of continuous operation time is below the average operation rate RB of the group B. In the examples of cases (e) to (f), the average operation rate RB of the group B is equal to or lower, and therefore, the devices are classified into device groups that use a commercial power source. This is because the operation rate r is low and the continuous operation time t is also lower than the operation time that can be calculated by the average operation rate RB of the group B, so that it cannot be determined that the device requires power fluctuation such as instantaneous power failure.

<Processing flow>
FIG. 20 illustrates a flowchart of connection management processing by the energy management server 3. The energy management server 3 executes connection management processing by a computer program that is executably deployed in the main storage device.

  As a premise for executing the connection management process, the energy management server 3 first sets the IDs of the power connection device 1 and the sensor (S1). For example, when a new power connection device 1 is installed in the office, the system administrator accesses the energy management server 3 to launch a predetermined definition screen, and uses the newly installed power connection device 1 as an energy source. Register in the management server 3. For example, for the power connection device 1 having a four-port outlet, the system administrator sets one power connection device ID and four sensor IDs. At the time of setting, the energy management server 3 may display an unused power connection device ID and an unused sensor ID on the screen to prompt the system administrator to select with a pointing device or the like. The energy management server 3 stores the power connection device ID and the sensor ID in association with each other in the sensor ID table of the power connection device database 311 according to the designation of the system administrator.

  Moreover, the energy management server 3 sets ID of an installation area (S2). As already described, in the first embodiment, the installation area is an area covered by the repeater 2. In the process of S2, for each installation area, the relationship between the area ID and one or more power connection devices 1 arranged in each area is defined. When a new repeater 2 is installed in the office, the system administrator accesses the energy management server 3 and launches a predetermined definition screen. Then, the system administrator registers, in the energy management server 3, the area ID of the area covered by the newly installed repeater 2, the area name, and the relationship between the power connection devices 1 arranged in the area.

At the time of setting, the energy management server 3 may display an unused area ID on the screen and prompt the system administrator to select with a pointing device or the like. In addition, the energy management server 3 displays a list of power connection devices that have been registered in the power connection device database 311 but are not arranged in the area, and prompts the system administrator to select by a pointing device or the like. May be. Further, the energy management server 3 may accept an input of an area name from the system administrator. The energy management server 3 associates the area ID, the area name, and the power connection device ID arranged in the area with the installation area ID table of the power connection device database 311 in accordance with the designation of the system administrator as described above. And save.

  In addition, what is necessary is just to perform the process of the above S1 and S2 separately from the connection management process of the energy management server 3, and is performed offline. Moreover, the process of S1 and the process of S2 do not need to be performed sequentially.

  The energy management server 3 collects current values from the current sensors of the respective power supply connection devices 1 via the repeaters 2 (S3). For example, the current value may be periodically acquired from each current sensor of the power supply connection device 1 in the area covered by the repeater 2 and reported to the energy management server 3. The report may include, for example, the current value detected by the current sensor at the time of the report, together with the power connection device ID and the sensor ID. However, the repeater 2 may arrange the current values acquired from the respective power connection devices 1 and the respective current sensors in a predetermined order, and report them to the energy management server 3 in the form of current value vector data. The energy management server 3 may read the current value of each current sensor according to the format of the current value vector data. The energy management server 3 may convert the collected current value into a power value and store it in the power value database 312 in the format shown in FIG.

  In this case, the energy management server 3 may store all the collected power values in the power value database 312. Further, the energy management server 3 may store a part of the collected power values as a sample in the power value database 312.

  More specifically, the repeater 2 acquires a current value at a relatively short period, for example, at an interval of 1 second, and transmits it to the energy management server 3. Then, the energy management server 3 may convert all the current values transmitted from the repeater 2 into power values and store them in the power value database 312. The energy management server 3 obtains sample values from the set of current values transmitted from the repeater 2 at predetermined intervals, for example, at intervals of 5 minutes, converts them into power values, and stores them in the power value database 312. Also good. The energy management server 3 obtains an average value, a maximum value, a minimum value, a value at the beginning of the period, a power value at the end of the period, and the like from the current value transmitted from the repeater 2, and a power value database 312 may be stored.

  Next, the energy management server 3 confirms the connected device connected to each power supply connected device 1 from the connected device database 313 (S4). Then, the energy management server 3 acquires the relationship between the power value collected in the process of S3 and the connected device connected to the power supply connected device 1 from which the power value is collected.

  Note that the power consumed is stored in a secondary battery or the like in the device in addition to power consumed for operation, operation, processing, exercise, etc. of the device connected to the device connected to the outlet. Including power. For this reason, “consumed power” is also referred to as “supplied power”.

  Next, the energy management server 3 executes a power consumption determination process (S5). The power consumption determination process is a process for determining whether the operation state of the device is operating or stopped based on the power consumed by the device connected to the outlet. In the power consumption determination process, the energy management server 3 stores the power consumption associated with each outlet ID, the time information when the power consumption is collected, and the determined operation state in the power consumption database 314 as the power consumption accumulation information. The stored power consumption accumulation information is time series data of power consumption corresponding to the outlet ID. Then, from the acquired time-series data, the energized power Pin of the power consumption, the operating power consumption Pstr, and the maximum power consumption Pmax are detected according to the set period.

  And the energy management server 3 performs a power supply switching control process (S6). In the power switching control process, the energy management server 3 uses the power consumption collected and accumulated within a predetermined time (maximum time) to determine the operating rate, continuous operating time, average operating rate (RA), The average operating rate (RB) and average continuous operating time (TA) are calculated. The energy management server 3 stores the calculated operation rate, continuous operation time, average operation rate (RA), average operation rate (RB), average continuous operation time (TA), etc. in the power supply switching database 315 in association with the outlet ID. To do. Based on the threshold table information included in the power supply switching database 314, the energy management server 3 calculates the calculated operation rate r, continuous operation time t, average operation rate RA, RB, average continuous start time TA, TB. Determine the operating status of the equipment connected to the outlet. Then, the energy management server 3 determines the power source type suitable for the power source used by the device connected to the outlet from the determined operation status. Then, the energy management server 3 controls a changeover switch having a number associated with the outlet, and executes power supply switching to the determined power supply type.

  21 to 27 illustrate details of the power consumption determination process and the power supply switching control process. In the following description, the processing flow will be described assuming that a new device that does not belong to either the uninterruptible power supply or the commercial power supply is connected to an outlet. This is because the decision to use the uninterruptible power supply or the commercial power supply is made after the maximum time set by the system setting value stored in the switching information database 316 has elapsed.

  First, in the power consumption determination process, the energy management server 3 reads the initial value of the system setting table 316a stored in the switching information database 316 and sets it in the system setting table of the corresponding sensor ID (S51). The corresponding sensor ID indicates an outlet ID to which a new device is connected. As illustrated in FIG. 12A, the initial values of the system setting table 316a are “ON” for automatic control of the switch, “commercial power” for the connection destination of the switch, and “unknown” for the switch schedule of the switch. The maximum time is “24 hours”, the power consumption collection interval is “10 minutes”, the switching confirmation waiting time is “30 minutes”, the maximum power consumption is “1 W”, the power consumption investigation mode is “Yes”, the power consumption investigation Mode “24 hours” is set as the survey time.

  Next, the energy management server 3 determines whether the system setting value has been rewritten (S52). Since the system setting table value of the outlet ID to which the new device is connected is in a state where the initial value is newly set, it is determined that the system setting value has not been rewritten (S52, no), and the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if it is determined that the system setting value has been rewritten in response to the power switching determination executed after the maximum time has elapsed (S52, yes), the system setting value is updated and the process proceeds to step S53 (S5C). .

  In step S53, the energy management server 3 sets the switch according to the connection destination information of the switch set in the system setting table. Since the initial value of the connection destination of the switching device is “commercial power”, the energy management server 3 uses the correspondence information in the outlet-switching device correspondence table 316b stored in the switching information database 316 illustrated in FIG. The changeover switch number to which the device is connected is extracted, and the connection destination is switched to “commercial power”. The switched connection destination information is reflected in the switch state information table 316c stored in the switching information database 316. The energy management server 3 extracts the corresponding changeover switch number in the switch state information table 316c stored in the changeover information database 316, and updates the connection destination field.

Next, the energy management server 3 determines the automatic control information of the switch set in the system setting value (S54). Since the initial value of the automatic control of the switch is “Yes”, the energy management server 3 proceeds to S55 (S54, yes). If the system setting for automatic control of the switch is “NO”, the power consumption determination process and the power supply switching control process are terminated.

  In step S55, the energy management server 3 determines whether an outlet has been inserted. The energy management server 3 extracts the power value of the corresponding outlet ID from the power value information stored in the power value database 312, and determines that no outlet is inserted if the power value is “0” W value. If the outlet has not been inserted (S55, no), the energy management server 3 returns to step S52. On the other hand, when it can be determined that the outlet has been inserted (S55, yes), the process proceeds to step S56.

  In step S56, the energy management server 3 collects connection destination information associated with the corresponding outlet ID from the switch state information table 316c stored in the switching information database 316 illustrated in FIG. Next, in step S57, the energy management server 3 uses the uninterruptible power supply allowable power information table 316d stored in the switching information database 316 illustrated in FIG. 15 as an uninterruptible power supply associated with the corresponding outlet ID. Collect allowable power information. And it transfers to step S58 and the energy management server 3 judges whether it is a system setting value information power consumption investigation mode. Since “Yes” is set as the initial value of the power consumption investigation mode, the energy management server 3 proceeds to S5D (S58, yes). The processing in the power consumption investigation mode will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. When the setting of the power consumption investigation mode is “No” (S58, yes), the process proceeds to S59, and real-time processing is executed. Details of the real-time processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the energy management server 3 determines whether the maximum time has elapsed (S5A). As described above, the maximum time is a period for collecting and accumulating power consumption. After the maximum time has elapsed (S55A, yes), the process proceeds to step S5B, where the power supply switching control process by batch processing is performed and the outlet is connected. The power connection destination of the connected new device is determined. The batch process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. Note that the determination content in the batch process is reflected in the system setting value (S5C). The energy management server 3 updates the system setting value of the corresponding outlet ID in the system setting table 316a stored in the switching information database 316. If the maximum time has not elapsed in step S5A (S5A, no), the energy management server 3 returns to S52 and continues the process.

  As described above, by continuously executing the power consumption determination process and the power supply switching control process, an appropriate power supply to a device connected to the outlet can be realized without manual intervention. For example, even when a network device whose power supply destination is unknown is replaced, according to the power supply switching management system, it is possible to switch to a power supply destination suitable for the connected device simply by connecting a new device to the outlet. . In addition, even if an inappropriate device is connected to an empty outlet to which a network device was connected, after the maximum time set by the system setting value has elapsed, switching to the power supply destination by batch processing is automatically performed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid inappropriate power supply due to incorrect connection of the outlet. Therefore, it is possible to provide a power supply switching management technique suitable for the operation status of the device.

  FIG. 22 illustrates details of the power consumption investigation mode. In the power consumption investigation mode, for example, power consumption is collected and stored for a predetermined period for a newly connected network device, and the power consumption characteristics are investigated within a unit time (for example, 24 hours). It is.

First, the energy management server 3 reads the system setting table 316a stored in the switching information database 316, and sets the connection destination field of the switch of the corresponding sensor ID to “commercial power” (S5D1). The energy management server 3 then selects the corresponding outlet I until the investigation time set in the investigation time field of the power consumption investigation mode elapses.
The process of collecting and storing the power consumption of D is executed (S5D2 to S5D4). The power consumption collection / accumulation process will be described later with the details shown in FIG.

  The energy management server 3 detects the maximum power consumption (pmax) from the collected and accumulated power consumption time-series data after the investigation time set in the power consumption investigation mode investigation time field has elapsed (S5D4, yes). Then, it is determined whether the maximum power consumption is equal to or greater than the allowable amount of the uninterruptible power supply (S5D5). The maximum power consumption can be detected, for example, by comparing the power consumption data values before and after being sampled in time series with each other. Then, the energy management server 3 uses the allowable power value stored in the allowable power consumption field of the uninterruptible power supply allowable power information table 316d stored in the switching information database 316 illustrated in FIG. Compare with power consumption. As a result of the comparison, the energy management server 3 sets “commercial power” in the switching scheduled field of the switch of the system setting value when the maximum power consumption is equal to or larger than the allowable amount of the uninterruptible power supply (S5D5, no). (S5D7). When the maximum power consumption is less than the allowable amount of the uninterruptible power supply (S5D5, yes), “uninterruptible power supply” is set in the switching scheduled field of the system setting value switch (S5D6). Then, the energy management server 3 notifies the administrator terminal of the investigation result (S5D8).

  By performing such processing, it is possible to provide appropriate power supply switching management in consideration of the facility environment for supplying power.

  FIG. 23 illustrates details of real-time processing. The real-time processing is power management processing when the outlet is disconnected while collecting / accumulating the power consumption of the device connected to the outlet, for example. This is because when the outlet is removed, the power consumption becomes a “0” value, which affects the operating status, continuous operating time, and the like.

  First, the energy management server 3 determines whether it is the sampling time defined in the power consumption collection interval field set in the system setting table 316a stored in the switching information database 316 (S591). If it is not the sampling time (S591, no), the process is terminated and the process returns to the process flow illustrated in FIG. On the other hand, in the case of the sampling time (S591, yes), the energy management server 3 executes power consumption collection / storage processing (S5D3). Then, the energy management server 3 determines whether or not the outlet has been removed from the collected and accumulated power consumption (S592). If it is determined that the outlet has been removed (S592, yes), the power consumption history information accumulated so far is reset (S593). Then, the energy management server 3 returns the connection destination of the switch to the connection destination stored in the system setting value (S595), ends this processing, and returns to the processing flow illustrated in FIG. On the other hand, if the energy management server 3 determines that the outlet has not been removed (S592, no), the energy management server 3 proceeds to step S594 and performs power source switching (uninterruptible power source ← → commercial power source switching) processing.

  By performing such processing, for example, even when the outlet is disconnected while collecting and accumulating the power consumption of the device connected to the outlet, an appropriate power switching management process can be executed.

FIG. 24 illustrates details of power consumption collection / storage processing. In the power consumption collection / accumulation process, power consumption information is stored in each field of the outlet information table 315 a illustrated in FIG. 17 and stored in the power supply switching database 315. First, in the power consumption collection / storage process, the energy management server 3 collects power consumption from the power consumption information table 316e stored in the switching information database 316 (S5D31). Then, the energy management server 3 updates the power consumption field of the outlet information table 315a stored in the power supply switching database 315 (S5D32). Next, the energy management server 3 determines from the collected power consumption value that the power consumption (Pin) during energization is less than or equal to the maximum value stored in the system setting value (S5D33). When the power consumption (Pin) during energization exceeds the maximum value stored in the system setting value (S5D33, no), the energy management server 3 notifies the administrator terminal (S5D3D). For example, as the case where the power consumption (Pin) during energization exceeds the maximum value stored in the system setting value, it is possible to assume a leakage or a short circuit.

If the energy management server 3 determines from the collected power consumption value that the power consumption (Pin) during energization is less than or equal to the maximum value stored in the system setting value (S5D33, yes), is the outlet inserted for the first time? It is determined whether or not (S5D34). For example, insertion of an outlet can be determined based on the presence or absence of a “0” value from the power consumption history. When the energy management server 3 determines that the outlet has been inserted for the first time (S5D34, yes), it records the power consumption when the outlet is inserted into the energized power consumption (pin) (S5D39), and proceeds to step S5D35. Recording the power consumption (pin) as the power consumption when the outlet is inserted is data storage in the outlet information table 315a. If it is not determined that an outlet has been inserted for the first time (S5D34, no), it is determined whether the collected power consumption is less than pin (S5D35). If the energy management server 3 determines that the collected power consumption is less than pin (S5D35, yes), it records and updates the energized power consumption (pin) (S5D3A), and proceeds to step S5D36. On the other hand, if the energy management server 3 determines that the collected power consumption is greater than or equal to pin (S5D35, no), it determines the maximum power consumption (S5D3A). When it is determined that the maximum power consumption has occurred (S5D36, yes), the energy management server 3 records and updates the maximum power consumption (pmax) (S5D3B), and proceeds to step S5D37. On the other hand, when the energy management server 3 does not determine that the maximum power consumption has occurred (S5D36, no), the energy management server 3 determines whether the power consumption exceeds the energization power consumption (pin) (S5D37). When the energy management server 3 determines that the power consumption does not exceed the energization power consumption (pin) (S5D37, no), the energy management server 3 determines that the device connected to the outlet is stopped, and is illustrated in FIG. The power consumption accumulation information in the power consumption database 314 is updated (S5D3C). The power consumption accumulation information is updated by updating the status field to “stopped” together with the collection time and power consumption information. On the other hand, when the energy management server 3 determines that the power consumption exceeds the energized power consumption (pin) (S5D37, yes), the energy management server 3 determines that the device connected to the outlet is in operation, and is illustrated in FIG. The power consumption accumulation information in the power consumption database 314 is updated (S5D38). The power consumption accumulation information is updated by updating the status field to “in operation” together with the collection time and power consumption information.

FIG. 25 exemplifies details of power supply switching (uninterruptible power supply ← → commercial power supply switching) processing. First, the energy management server 3 reads the latest power consumption information table 316e stored in the switching information database 316 (S5941). The power consumption information includes fields for collection time, outlet ID, and power consumption. Then, the energy management server 3 compares the value stored in the power consumption field with the value stored in the energization (pin) field of the outlet information table 315a stored in the power supply switching database 315 (S5942). When the latest power consumption exceeds the value stored in the energization (pin) field of the outlet information table 315a (S5942, no), the energy management server 3 ends the power supply switching process. On the other hand, when the latest power consumption is less than or equal to the value stored in the energization (pin) field of the outlet information table 315a (S5942, yes), the system setting table 316a stored in the switching information database 316 is awaiting switching confirmation. The passage of time defined in the time field is determined (S5943). When the time defined in the switching confirmation waiting time field has not elapsed (S5943, no), the energy management server 3 ends the power source switching process. On the other hand, when the time defined in the switching confirmation waiting time field has elapsed (S5943, yes), the connection destination information stored in the connection destination field of the connection destination table 315b included in the power supply switching database 315 is collected. (S594
4).

  Then, the energy management server 3 compares the power source type information stored in the scheduled switching field of the outlet information table 315a with the connection destination information stored in the connection destination field of the connection destination table 315b (S5945). If the current connection destination is an uninterruptible power supply and the switching schedule is a commercial power supply, the energy management server 3 proceeds to step S5948 and performs switching control to connect to the commercial power supply. Further, when the current connection destination and the power type to be switched are the same, the energy management server 3 ends the power switching process. Further, when the current connection destination is a commercial power source and the switching schedule is an uninterruptible power source, the energy management server 3 proceeds to step S5946 and enters the maximum power consumption (pmax) field of the outlet information table 315a. The stored power consumption is compared and determined. If the power consumption stored in the maximum power consumption (pmax) field is equal to or greater than the allowable power consumption of the uninterruptible power supply allowable power information table 316d stored in the switching information database 316 illustrated in FIG. 15, step S5949 is performed. To display to notify the administrator terminal. On the other hand, if the power consumption stored in the maximum power consumption (pmax) field is less than the allowable power consumption of the uninterruptible power supply allowable power information table 316d, the process proceeds to step S5947 to connect to the uninterruptible power supply. Perform switching control. If the connection destination is switched in steps S5948 and S5947, a notification to notify the administrator terminal is displayed in step S5949.

  FIG. 26 illustrates details of batch processing. This batch process is a process executed after the elapse of time stored in the maximum time field of the system setting table 316a. From the power consumption information collected and accumulated in the power consumption collection / accumulation process, the operation rate r, continuous operation time t, average operation RA, RB, and average continuous operation time TA for determining the operation status of the device are calculated. First, the energy management server 3 executes comparison data calculation processing (individual) in order to calculate the operation rate r and the continuous operation time t (S5B1). And the energy management server 3 performs the comparison data calculation process (A group) in order to calculate the average operation rate RA and the average continuous operation time TA in the group (A group) to which the uninterruptible power supply is supplied ( S5B2). Further, the energy management server 3 executes a comparison data calculation process (A group) in order to calculate the average operating rate RB in the group (B group) to which commercial power is supplied (S5B3). Then, a power supply switching (uninterruptible power supply →→ commercial power supply) determination process is executed in order to manage and supply appropriate power to the equipment connected to the outlet (S5B4).

  In the comparison data calculation processing (individual), the energy management server 3 calculates the operation rate r and the continuous operation time t from the power consumption information collected and accumulated within the maximum time stored in the maximum time field of the system setting table 316a. (S5B11). The energy management server 3 stores the calculation result in the operation rate r and continuous operation time t fields of the outlet information table 315a stored in the power supply switching database 315.

  In the comparison data calculation process (A group), the energy management server 3 has already used the uninterruptible power supply from the power consumption information collected and accumulated within the maximum time stored in the maximum time field of the system setting table 316a. The average operating rate RA and average continuous operating time TA of the group (A group) are calculated (S5B21). Then, the energy management server 3 saves the calculation result in the threshold value table 315e stored in the power supply switching database 315.

  In the comparison data calculation process (Group B), the energy management server 3 has already used a commercial power supply from the power consumption information collected and accumulated within the maximum time stored in the maximum time field of the system setting table 316a. The average operating rate RB of the group (B group) is calculated (S5B31). Then, the energy management server 3 saves the calculation result in the threshold value table 315e stored in the power supply switching database 315.

  FIG. 27 illustrates the details of the power supply switching (uninterruptible power supply ← → commercial power supply) determination process. The power supply switching determination process is executed as a batch process. From the operation rate r, continuous operation time t, average operation RA, RB, and average continuous operation time TA calculated in the comparison data calculation processing (individual), comparison data calculation processing (A group) comparison data calculation processing (B group), Determine the power supply type (uninterruptible power supply, commercial power supply) suitable for the use of the equipment connected to the outlet. First, the energy management server 3 reads the operation rate r, the continuous operation time t, the average operation rate RA, the average operation rate RB, and the average continuous operation time TA stored in the power supply switching database 315 (S5B41). . Then, the energy management server 3 compares the average operating rate RA of the A group using the uninterruptible power supply with the average operating rate RB of the B group using the commercial power supply (S5B42). When it is determined that the average operating rate RB is equal to or higher than the average operating rate RA (S5B42, no), the energy management server 3 performs display to notify the administrator terminal (S5B4B). On the other hand, when the average operating rate RB is determined to be less than the average operating rate RA (S5B42, yes), the average operating rate RA and the operating rate r are compared (S5B43). The energy management server 3 transfers to step S5B46, when it determines with the operation rate r being more than the average operation rate RA (S5B43, yes). On the other hand, when the operating rate r is determined to be less than the average operating rate RA (S5B43, no), the average operating rate RB is compared with the operating rate r (S5B44). If the energy management server 3 determines that the operation rate r is equal to or less than the average operation rate RB (S5B44, yes), the energy management server 3 proceeds to step S5B47. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operating rate r exceeds the average operating rate RB and is less than the average operating rate RA (S5B44, no), the average continuous operating time TA is compared with the continuous time t (S5B45). If the energy management server 3 determines that the continuous operation time t is equal to or greater than the average continuous operation time TA (S5B45, yes), the energy management server 3 proceeds to step S5B46. On the other hand, when it determines with the continuous operation time t being less than the average continuous operation time TA (S5B45, no), it transfers to step S5B47.

  Next, in step S5B46, the energy management server 3 attaches an uninterruptible power supply flag to the scheduled switching field of the outlet information table 315a stored in the power supply switching database 315. In step S5B47, the energy management server 3 attaches a commercial power flag to the scheduled switching field of the outlet information table 315a stored in the power switching database 315. Then, the energy management server 3 compares the power supply type information stored in the connection destination field of the outlet information table 315a with the power supply type flag attached to the switching scheduled field (S5B48). When the power type information stored in the connection destination field is “uninterruptible power source” and the power type flag attached to the scheduled switching field is “uninterruptible power source”, the energy management server 3 The process ends. On the other hand, if the power supply type information stored in the connection destination field is “commercial” and the power supply type flag attached to the scheduled switching field is “uninterruptible power supply”, the process proceeds to S5B4A.

  Further, the energy management server 3 compares the power supply type information stored in the connection destination field of the outlet information table 315a with the power supply type flag attached to the switching scheduled field (S5B49). If the power type information stored in the connection destination field is “commercial” and the power type flag added to the scheduled switching field is “commercial”, the energy management server 3 ends the power switch determination process. . On the other hand, if the power supply type information stored in the connection destination field is “uninterruptible power supply” and the power supply type flag attached to the scheduled switching field is “commercial”, the process proceeds to S5B4A. In step S5B4A, the energy management server 3 performs display to notify the administrator terminal (S5B4B).

In this way, for example, even when replacing a network device whose power supply destination is unknown, according to the power supply switching management system, a new device can be connected to an outlet, and a power supply destination suitable for the connected device can be obtained. Can be switched. In addition, even if an inappropriate device is connected to an empty outlet that has previously been connected to a network device, switching to the power supply destination by batch processing is automatically performed after the maximum time set by the system setting value has elapsed. As a result, inappropriate use of the power supply due to incorrect connection of the outlet can be avoided. Therefore, it is possible to provide a power supply switching management technique suitable for the operation status of the device.

<Others>
The above embodiment further includes an aspect called the following supplementary note. The components included in the following supplementary notes can be combined with the constituents included in the other supplementary notes.

(Appendix 1)
A sensor for detecting current or power supplied to the connected device, and
A plurality of power connection devices having a data output unit for outputting a detection value detected by the sensor;
A communication unit that acquires detection values in time series in association with the power supply device,
A first power supply having a voltage drop compensation function and a second power supply not having a voltage drop compensation function are determined based on the detected value from the detected value to determine the operating status of the equipment connected to the power supply connected equipment. A connection management system comprising: an information processing apparatus having a switching control unit that switches between the information processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus.

(Appendix 2)
The information processing apparatus includes:
Means for obtaining an operation rate of a device connected to each of the power connection devices;
Means for obtaining a continuous operation time of a device connected to each of the power connection devices;
Means for obtaining a first average operating rate of a first group of devices connected to a power connection device that receives power supply from the first power source;
Means for obtaining an average continuous operation time of the devices of the first group;
Means for obtaining a second average operating rate of a second group of devices connected to a power supply connected device that receives power supply from the second power source;
The switching control unit controls a power supply source to a device having an operation rate equal to or higher than the first average operation rate to a first power source, and sets a power supply source to a device whose operation rate is less than the second average operation rate. For devices whose operation rate is between the first average operation rate and the second average operation rate, the power supply source of the device whose continuous operation time is equal to or greater than the average operation time is controlled to the first power source. The connection management system according to supplementary note 1, wherein the second power source controls a power supply source to a device whose continuous operation time is less than the average continuous operation time.

(Appendix 3)
The information processing apparatus further includes means for detecting the start of power supply to a device connected to the power connection device,
The connection management system according to supplementary note 2, wherein the switching control unit controls a power supply source to the device to a second power source until a predetermined time after the device is connected to the power connection device. .

(Appendix 4)
Means further comprising means for detecting an interruption of power supply to a device connected to the power connection device;
The switching control unit according to the supplementary note 2 or 3, wherein the operation rate and the continuous operation time are acquired for a period after the next start of power supply is detected for the device in which the interruption is detected. Connection management system.

(Appendix 5)
A communication unit that obtains detection values in time series in association with power supply devices;
A first power supply having a voltage drop compensation function and a second power supply not having a voltage drop compensation function are determined based on the detected value from the detected value to determine the operating status of the equipment connected to the power supply connected equipment. An information processing apparatus.

(Appendix 6)
Means for obtaining an operation rate of a device connected to each of the power connection devices;
Means for obtaining a continuous operation time of a device connected to each of the power connection devices;
Means for obtaining a first average operating rate of a first group of devices connected to a power connection device that receives power supply from the first power source;
Means for obtaining an average continuous operation time of the devices of the first group;
Means for obtaining a second average operating rate of a second group of devices connected to a power connection device that receives power supply from the second power source; and
The switching control unit controls a power supply source to a device having an operation rate equal to or higher than the first average operation rate to a first power source, and sets a power supply source to a device whose operation rate is less than the second average operation rate. For devices whose operation rate is between the first average operation rate and the second average operation rate, the power supply source of the device whose continuous operation time is equal to or greater than the average operation time is controlled to the first power source. The information processing apparatus according to appendix 5, wherein the second power source controls a power supply source to a device whose continuous operation time is less than the average continuous operation time.

(Appendix 7)
Further comprising means for detecting the start of power supply to a device connected to the power connection device;
The information processing apparatus according to appendix 6, wherein the switching control unit controls a power supply source to the device to a second power source until a predetermined time has elapsed after the device is connected to the power connection device. .

(Appendix 8)
Means further comprising means for detecting an interruption of power supply to a device connected to the power connection device;
The switch control unit according to appendix 6 or 7, wherein the operation rate and the continuous operation time are acquired for a period after the next start of power supply is detected for the device in which the interruption is detected. Information processing device.

(Appendix 9)
A step of acquiring a detection value in time series in association with a power connection device;
A first power supply having a voltage drop compensation function and a second power supply not having a voltage drop compensation function are determined based on the detected value from the detected value to determine the operating status of the equipment connected to the power supply connected equipment. And a switching control step for switching between the information processing method and the information processing method.

(Appendix 10)
Obtaining an operation rate of a device connected to each of the power connection devices;
Obtaining a continuous operation time of a device connected to each of the power connection devices;
Obtaining a first average operating rate of a first group of devices connected to a power supply connected device that receives power supply from the first power source;
Obtaining an average continuous operation time of the first group of devices;
Acquiring a second average operating rate of a second group of devices connected to a power supply connected device that receives power supply from the second power source, and further performing the switching control step, wherein the computer has an operating rate of The power supply source to the device having the first average operation rate or higher is controlled to the first power source, the power supply source to the device having the operation rate less than the second average operation rate is controlled to the second power source, and the operation rate is first. For devices between the 1 average operating rate and the second average operating rate, the power source of the device whose continuous operating time is equal to or longer than the average operating time is controlled by the first power source, and the continuous operating time is the average continuous operating time. The information processing method according to appendix 9, wherein the second power source controls a power supply source to less than the devices.

(Appendix 11)
Further detecting the start of power supply to the device connected to the power connection device,
In the switching control step, the computer controls the power supply source to the device to the second power source until a predetermined time has elapsed after the device is connected to the power connection device. Information processing method.

(Appendix 12)
Further detecting the interruption of power supply to the device connected to the power connection device,
In the switching control step, the computer acquires the operation rate and the continuous operation time for a period after the next start of power supply is detected for the device in which the interruption is detected. Or the information processing method of 11.

(Appendix 13)
Acquiring a detection value in time series in association with a power supply device on a computer;
A first power supply having a voltage drop compensation function and a second power supply not having a voltage drop compensation function are determined based on the detected value from the detected value to determine the operating status of the equipment connected to the power supply connected equipment. And a switching control step for switching between the program and the program.

(Appendix 14)
Obtaining an operation rate of a device connected to each of the power connection devices;
Obtaining a continuous operation time of a device connected to each of the power connection devices;
Obtaining a first average operating rate of a first group of devices connected to a power supply connected device that receives power supply from the first power source;
Obtaining an average continuous operation time of the first group of devices;
Acquiring a second average operating rate of a second group of devices connected to a power supply connected device that receives power supply from the second power source, and further executing the second controlling rate in the switching control step. The power supply source to the device having the first average operation rate or higher is controlled to the first power source, the power supply source to the device having the operation rate less than the second average operation rate is controlled to the second power source, and the operation rate is first. For devices between the 1 average operating rate and the second average operating rate, the power source of the device whose continuous operating time is equal to or longer than the average operating time is controlled by the first power source, and the continuous operating time is the average continuous operating time. 14. The program according to appendix 13 for causing the second power source to control a power supply source to less than the device.

(Appendix 15)
Further detecting the start of power supply to the device connected to the power connection device,
Supplementary Note 14 for causing the computer to control the power supply source to the device to the second power source until a predetermined time has elapsed after the device is connected to the power connection device in the switching control step. The program described in.

(Appendix 16)
Further detecting the interruption of power supply to the device connected to the power connection device,
In the switching control step, for the device in which the interruption is detected, the computer is configured to acquire the operation rate and the continuous operation time for a period after the next start of power supply is detected. The program according to appendix 14 or 15.

(Appendix 17)
Multiple plug connections,
A plurality of sensors for detecting current or power supplied to each of the plurality of plug connections; and
A power connection device having a data output unit that outputs a detection value detected by each of the plurality of sensors in association with the plurality of plug connection units;
A communication unit for acquiring detection values associated with the plurality of plug connection units in time series;
Compared to detection values acquired in chronological order in association with the first plug connection portion of the plurality of plug connection portions included in each of the power connection devices, the detected values are compared and connected to the plurality of power connection devices. Means for detecting the operating state of the device,
An information processing apparatus comprising: an information processing apparatus having a switching control unit that determines an operation status of a device connected to the power connection device and switches a type of power supplied to the power connection device according to the operation status.

<Computer-readable recording medium>
A program for causing a computer or other machine or device (hereinafter, a computer or the like) to realize any of the above functions can be recorded on a recording medium that can be read by the computer or the like. The function can be provided by causing a computer or the like to read and execute the program of the recording medium.

Here, a computer-readable recording medium is a recording medium that stores information such as data and programs by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical action and can be read from a computer or the like. Say. Examples of such a recording medium that can be removed from a computer or the like include a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R / W, a DVD, a Blu-ray disk, a DAT, an 8 mm tape, a flash memory, and the like. There are cards. In addition, as a recording medium fixed to a computer or the like, there are a hard disk, a ROM (read only memory), and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Power supply apparatus 2 Repeater 3 Energy management server 301 Power supply apparatus setting part 302 Power measurement part 303 Connection apparatus determination part 304 Power consumption determination part 305 Power supply switching control part 311 Power supply apparatus database 312 Power value database 313 Connection apparatus database 314 Power consumption database 315 Power supply switching database 316 Switching information database

Claims (7)

A sensor for detecting current or power supplied to the connected device, and
A plurality of power connection devices having a data output unit for outputting a detection value detected by the sensor;
A communication unit that acquires detection values in time series in association with the power supply device,
A first power supply having a voltage drop compensation function and a second power supply not having a voltage drop compensation function are determined based on the detected value from the detected value to determine the operating status of the equipment connected to the power supply connected equipment. A connection management system comprising: an information processing apparatus having a switching control unit that switches between the information processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes:
Means for obtaining an operation rate of a device connected to each of the power connection devices;
Means for obtaining a continuous operation time of a device connected to each of the power connection devices;
Means for obtaining a first average operating rate of a first group of devices connected to a power connection device that receives power supply from the first power source;
Means for obtaining an average continuous operation time of the devices of the first group;
Means for obtaining a second average operating rate of a second group of devices connected to a power supply connected device that receives power supply from the second power source;
The switching control unit controls a power supply source to a device having an operation rate equal to or higher than the first average operation rate to a first power source, and sets a power supply source to a device whose operation rate is less than the second average operation rate. For devices whose operation rate is between the first average operation rate and the second average operation rate, the power supply source of the device whose continuous operation time is equal to or greater than the average operation time is controlled to the first power source. The connection management system according to claim 1, wherein the second power source controls a power supply source to a device whose continuous operation time is less than the average continuous operation time. The information processing apparatus further includes means for detecting the start of power supply to a device connected to the power connection device,
The connection according to claim 2, wherein the switching control unit controls a power supply source to the device to a second power source until a predetermined time after the device is connected to the power connection device. Management system. Means further comprising means for detecting an interruption of power supply to a device connected to the power connection device;
The said switching control part acquires the said operation rate and the said continuous operation time with respect to the period after the start of the next electric power supply is detected about the apparatus by which the said interruption | blocking was detected. The connection management system described. A communication unit that obtains detection values in time series in association with power supply devices;
A first power supply having a voltage drop compensation function and a second power supply not having a voltage drop compensation function are determined based on the detected value from the detected value to determine the operating status of the equipment connected to the power supply connected equipment. An information processing apparatus. A step of acquiring a detection value in time series in association with a power connection device;
A first power supply having a voltage drop compensation function and a second power supply not having a voltage drop compensation function are determined based on the detected value from the detected value to determine the operating status of the equipment connected to the power supply connected equipment. And a switching control step for switching between the information processing method and the information processing method. Acquiring a detection value in time series in association with a power supply device on a computer;
A first power supply having a voltage drop compensation function and a second power supply not having a voltage drop compensation function are determined based on the detected value from the detected value to determine the operating status of the equipment connected to the power supply connected equipment. And a switching control step for switching between the program and the program.

Images