Management device

Abstract

To improve energy efficiency. [Solution] The management device manages multiple energy supply units and multiple energy consumption units. The management device determines the amount of energy supplied to the multiple energy supply units for the most recent period, based on at least one of the predicted energy consumption amount and the current energy remaining amount of the multiple energy consumption units for the most recent period, from the current time until a predetermined time has elapsed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a control device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, hydrogen has attracted attention as a clean energy source, and fuel cell vehicles that use hydrogen as fuel are becoming more widespread. For the further proliferation of fuel cell vehicles, it is necessary to develop hydrogen stations as a fuel supply infrastructure. At hydrogen stations, hydrogen is compressed and stored in accumulators, and the high-pressure hydrogen is then used to fill fuel cell vehicles via dispensers. Hydrogen, which is used as fuel, is produced by methods such as steam reforming of city gas or liquefied petroleum gas, or dehydrogenation of organic hydrides such as methylcyclohexane.

[0003] Generally, there are two types of hydrogen refueling stations: on-site and off-site. On-site hydrogen stations produce hydrogen using their own hydrogen production equipment and supply it to fuel cell vehicles. Off-site hydrogen stations, on the other hand, procure hydrogen produced at other locations and supply it to fuel cell vehicles. Hydrogen trailers and hydrogen carriers are used to transport the hydrogen.

[0004] In recent years, the amount of electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power has been expanding. Because the amount of electricity generated from renewable energy sources fluctuates greatly over time, adjustment capabilities are needed to balance the supply and demand of electricity. For example, a supply and demand adjustment system has been proposed that uses surplus electricity from renewable energy sources to produce and store hydrogen, and then transport the stored hydrogen to hydrogen stations for use or for power generation. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-111984 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-144897 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Transporting hydrogen efficiently requires compressing it to high pressure or cooling it to extremely low temperatures, making the storage and transport of large quantities of hydrogen costly. Furthermore, using hydrogen produced by water electrolysis for power generation is undesirable from an energy efficiency standpoint.

[0007] This invention was made in view of these circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide a technology that improves energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A control device in one embodiment of the present invention manages a plurality of energy supply units and a plurality of energy consumption units. This control device determines the amount of energy supplied to the plurality of energy supply units for the most recent period, based on at least one of the predicted energy consumption amount and the current energy remaining amount of the plurality of energy consumption units for the most recent period, from the current time until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a management device that manages a first site and a second site from which energy is supplied by the first site. Based on commands for adjusting power supply and demand and information about the second site, the management device determines the amount of energy supplied from the first site to the second site for the immediate period from the present time until a predetermined time has elapsed, and the information about the second site includes at least one of a predicted value of energy demand and a current value of energy remaining.

[0010] Any combination of the above components, as well as any conversion of the expressions of this disclosure between methods, apparatus, systems, etc., are also valid forms of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the energy efficiency can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a hydrogen station according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figs. 2(a) to (c) are graphs showing an example of a hydrogen supply and demand plan. [Figure 3] Figs. 3(a) and (b) are graphs showing an updated example of a hydrogen production plan. [Figure 4] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the flow of a hydrogen supply and demand management method according to an embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Before explaining the invention in detail, first, an overview will be explained. This embodiment relates to a hydrogen station for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell vehicle using hydrogen as fuel, and particularly relates to a hydrogen station equipped with a water electrolysis device for producing hydrogen. The water electrolysis device can produce hydrogen on-site by consuming the power supplied from the commercial power grid and electrolyzing water.

[0014] In the commercial power grid, in order to supply power stably, it is necessary to balance the power supply and demand. The power company operating the commercial power grid responds to fluctuations in power demand by combining various power generation methods. In recent years, the power generation amount by renewable energy such as wind power generation and solar power generation has been increasing, but since the power generation amount is affected by the weather such as wind and sunshine amount, it is difficult to artificially control the power generation amount. Therefore, instead of only adjusting the power supply amount, a demand response mechanism for adjusting the power demand amount to balance the power supply and demand is being used.

[0015] In demand response, consumers adjust their electricity consumption to address the gap between electricity supply and demand. Consumers who adjust their consumption are paid a reward commensurate with the amount they adjust. For example, if electricity supply from solar power increases during good weather and electricity demand is insufficient, consumers adjust their electricity consumption to compensate for the adjustment. Conversely, if electricity supply from solar power decreases during bad weather and electricity demand exceeds supply, consumers adjust their electricity consumption to compensate for the adjustment. Electricity supply and demand adjustments are sometimes managed through intermediaries called aggregators. Aggregators divide the adjustment target amount requested by the electricity supplier into smaller amounts and distribute them to many consumers, enabling many consumers to coordinate their electricity consumption adjustments. There is also a demand response bidding system, where consumers can acquire the right to adjust their electricity consumption by bidding for the adjustment amount instructed by the electricity supplier or aggregator, and receive a reward based on their adjustment performance.

[0016] Real-time adjustment is required for supply and demand adjustment in the commercial power grid, and it is necessary to provide the ordered adjustment capacity within a short time, such as within 5 minutes or 30 minutes. Furthermore, when providing power supply and demand adjustment capacity, it is necessary to continuously adjust the amount of power consumed over a specified period of time, such as 30 minutes or 1 hour. In this embodiment, adjustment capacity to alleviate the power supply and demand gap in the commercial power grid is provided by adjusting the amount of power consumed by water electrolyzers installed at hydrogen stations. At this time, by calculating the adjustment capacity of the power consumed by water electrolyzers based on the hydrogen supply and demand plan at the hydrogen station, adjustment capacity can be provided quickly within a range that does not affect the hydrogen supply. In addition, by controlling the amount of power consumed by multiple water electrolyzers installed at multiple hydrogen stations in a coordinated manner, it is possible to secure the minimum adjustment capacity required for bidding.

[0017] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, based on preferred embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative and not limiting, and not all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the scale and shape of each part shown in each drawing are set for convenience to facilitate explanation and are not to be interpreted restrictively unless otherwise specified. In addition, when terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used in this specification or claims, these terms do not indicate any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one configuration from another. Furthermore, some components that are not important for explaining the embodiments are omitted in each drawing.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the functional configuration of a hydrogen station 10 according to an embodiment. The hydrogen station 10 comprises a water electrolyzer 12, a compressor 14, an accumulator 16, a precooler 17, a dispenser 18, and a control device 20. The hydrogen station 10 is an on-site type hydrogen station equipped with its own hydrogen production function, and produces hydrogen by operating the water electrolyzer 12.

[0019] The water electrolysis device 12 produces hydrogen gas through an electrolytic reaction that consumes electricity supplied from the commercial power grid 90. Examples of types of water electrolysis devices 12 include polymer electrolyte type, alkaline type, and solid oxide type. From the perspective of installation and operation at the hydrogen station 10, the polymer electrolyte type is preferable for the water electrolysis device 12. In the case of the polymer electrolyte type, space saving is possible compared to other types, and alkaline treatment is unnecessary. Another advantage of the polymer electrolyte type is that it is resistant to vibrations when the water electrolysis device 12 is transported and installed at the hydrogen station 10.

[0020] The water electrolysis unit 12 has a specified rated output, and it is recommended to operate it while maintaining this rated output. An example of the rated output of the water electrolysis unit 12 is 1,600 kW, and the hydrogen production capacity at this output is 320 Nm³. 3The output is / h. The water electrolysis unit 12 can operate even at an output different from the rated output, and the output can be adjusted within the range from the minimum to the maximum rating. When the output of the water electrolysis unit 12 is adjusted, the amount of power consumed changes according to the output, and the amount of hydrogen gas produced also changes according to the output. The minimum rating of the water electrolysis unit 12 is 10% to 50% of the rated output, for example, 20% of the rated output (e.g., 320kW). The maximum rating of the water electrolysis unit 12 is 120% to 200% of the rated output, for example, 150% of the rated output (e.g., 2,400kW).

[0021] The compressor 14 compresses the hydrogen gas produced by the water electrolysis device 12 to generate hydrogen gas at a higher pressure than the uncompressed hydrogen gas (also called boosted hydrogen gas). Examples of the compressor 14 include a reciprocating compressor using a general metal piston, an ionic compressor that replaces the piston with a non-volatile ionic liquid, and a diaphragm compressor that boosts pressure by pressing a stainless steel membrane against a metal head. The compressor 14 is preferably a reciprocating compressor, which has excellent responsiveness and durability to cope with load fluctuations that may occur frequently in conjunction with the adjustment of power supply and demand. The boosted hydrogen gas generated by the compressor 14 is stored in the accumulator 16. The compressor 14 may also accept hydrogen gas produced at other locations; for example, it may compress hydrogen gas transported to the hydrogen station 10 via a hydrogen trailer 94 to generate boosted hydrogen gas.

[0022] The accumulator 16 includes a high-pressure accumulator 22 and an intermediate accumulator 24. The high-pressure accumulator 22 stores high-pressure hydrogen for refueling the fuel cell vehicle 92 through the dispenser 18. The pressure of the hydrogen gas stored in the high-pressure accumulator 22 is, for example, 82 MPa. The intermediate accumulator 24 stores hydrogen gas that the hydrogen station 10 should keep as inventory. The pressure of the hydrogen gas stored in the intermediate accumulator 24 is, for example, 45 MPa. An example of the capacity of the intermediate accumulator 24 is 1,500 Nm³. 3 That is the case.

[0023] The hydrogen gas stored in the intermediate accumulator 24 can be compressed by the compressor 14 and stored in the high-pressure accumulator 22. Alternatively, the hydrogen gas stored in the intermediate accumulator 24 can be compressed by the compressor 14 and then used to fill the fuel cell vehicle 92 without passing through the high-pressure accumulator 22. For example, if hydrogen demand exceeds the production capacity of the water electrolysis device 12, the hydrogen gas stored in the intermediate accumulator 24 can be used to meet the hydrogen demand. The intermediate accumulator 24 can also store hydrogen gas for supply to other hydrogen stations. For example, the hydrogen gas stored in the intermediate accumulator 24 can be used to fill a hydrogen trailer 96, etc., to supply hydrogen gas to other hydrogen stations. Note that the intermediate accumulator 24 is not an essential component, and the hydrogen station 10 does not need to have an intermediate accumulator 24.

[0024] The precooler 17 cools the high-pressure hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 92 via the dispenser 18 to a predetermined temperature (e.g., -40°C). The precooler 17 includes, for example, a refrigerator (not shown) for cooling the high-pressure hydrogen. By filling the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle 92 with the cooled high-pressure hydrogen, the temperature rise of the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle 92 during high-pressure hydrogen refueling can be reduced.

[0025] The dispenser 18 supplies high-pressure hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 92 that has arrived at the hydrogen station 10. The pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 92 is determined by the regulations and laws of each country, and in Japan, for example, it is 70 MPa. The amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 92 in one refueling is, for example, 30 Nm³. 3 That is the case.

[0026] The control device 20 controls the operation of various devices installed at the hydrogen station 10. The control device 20 is implemented as a hardware system using components and circuits, including a computer's CPU and memory, and as a software system using computer programs. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the various functions of the control device 20 can be realized in various ways through combinations of hardware and software.

[0027] The control device 20 operates based on the hydrogen supply and demand plan at the hydrogen station 10. The hydrogen supply and demand plan includes hourly plans for the amount of hydrogen gas demanded, supplied, and stockpiled at the hydrogen station 10.

[0028] The hydrogen gas demand corresponds to the predicted amount of hydrogen gas to be filled into the fuel cell vehicle 92 from the dispenser 18. The hourly predicted amount of filling is, for example, the predicted number of fuel cell vehicles 92 that will come to the hydrogen station 10 per unit time multiplied by the amount of filling per time (e.g., 30 Nm³). 3 The amount of hydrogen gas demand can be calculated by accumulating the following. The amount of hydrogen gas demand may be predicted on a daily basis, and the amount of hydrogen gas demand per hour may be calculated from the amount of hydrogen gas demand per day. The amount of hydrogen gas demand may include the amount of hydrogen gas shipped to other locations via hydrogen trailers 96, etc.

[0029] The hydrogen gas supply corresponds to the amount of hydrogen gas produced by the water electrolysis unit 12. The amount of hydrogen gas produced can be calculated based on the hourly operating output of the water electrolysis unit 12. The hydrogen gas supply may also include the amount of hydrogen gas received from other locations via hydrogen trailers 94, etc.

[0030] The hydrogen gas inventory is the remaining amount of hydrogen gas stored in the accumulator 16. The hydrogen gas inventory may include only the remaining amount of hydrogen gas stored in the high-pressure accumulator 22, or it may be the sum of the amounts of hydrogen gas stored in the high-pressure accumulator 22 and the intermediate accumulator 24. The hydrogen gas inventory may also include the amounts of hydrogen gas stored in hydrogen tanks other than the high-pressure accumulator 22 and the intermediate accumulator 24. For example, it may include the amount of hydrogen gas stored in a hydrogen tank permanently installed at the hydrogen station 10, separate from the high-pressure accumulator 22 and the intermediate accumulator 24, or it may include the amount of hydrogen gas stored in hydrogen cradles or hydrogen cylinders temporarily stored at the hydrogen station 10.

[0031] Figures 2(a) to 2(c) are graphs illustrating an example of a hydrogen supply and demand plan. Figure 2(a) shows hourly hydrogen demand and hourly hydrogen refueling from dispenser 18 to fuel cell vehicle 92. Hydrogen demand fluctuates significantly depending on the time of day. Hydrogen demand is low from midnight to 5 am, but increases from around 5 am to 6 am, with the first peak occurring around 10 am to 11 am. After that, demand decreases from around 12 pm to 3 pm, then increases again from around 3 pm, with the second peak occurring around 5 pm to 7 pm. After that, demand gradually decreases from 7 pm to midnight. Note that the hydrogen demand shown in Figure 2(a) is just one example and can vary considerably depending on factors such as the location of hydrogen station 10, weather, season, and day of the week.

[0032] Figure 2(b) shows the hourly hydrogen supply and the hourly hydrogen production by the water electrolyzer 12. In contrast to demand, the hydrogen supply remains almost constant regardless of the time of day. The water electrolyzer 12 has the advantage of faster load fluctuations and quicker start-up / shutdown compared to hydrogen production equipment using steam reforming. However, from the standpoint of durability, such as preventing electrode deterioration, it is preferable to operate the water electrolyzer 12 while maintaining a constant output as much as possible. In the graph of Figure 2(b), the hydrogen production amount is 320 Nm³ when the water electrolyzer 12 is operated at its rated output (e.g., 1,600 kW). 3 The / h value is indicated by a dashed line. In the illustrated example, the water electrolysis unit 12 is operating at 80% to 100% of its rated output, with the operating output being set in stages depending on the time of day. Specifically, the operating output is set to 80%, 90%, or 100% of the rated output. Note that the operating output of the water electrolysis unit 12 may be set in smaller increments, for example, in 1% increments or in 1kW units.

[0033] Fig. 2(c) shows the hydrogen inventory over time and indicates the remaining amount of hydrogen gas stored in accumulator 16. The remaining amount of hydrogen stored in accumulator 16 decreases according to the hydrogen demand shown in Fig. 2(a) and increases according to the hydrogen supply shown in Fig. 2(b). The change in the remaining amount of hydrogen stored in accumulator 16 corresponds to the difference between the hydrogen production amount by water electrolyzer 12 and the hydrogen demand amount by dispenser 18. Therefore, during a time period when the hydrogen production amount is greater than the hydrogen demand amount (for example, from 22:00 to 8:00), the remaining amount of hydrogen stored increases, and during a time period when the hydrogen production amount is less than the hydrogen demand amount (for example, from 8:00 to 21:00), the remaining amount of hydrogen stored decreases.

[0034] The operation plan of water electrolyzer 12 is determined based on the hydrogen demand and inventory. The operation plan of water electrolyzer 12 is such that under the situation where the hydrogen inventory varies with the passage of time according to the supply and demand of hydrogen, the hydrogen inventory is within a range from a predetermined lower limit value (for example, 100 Nm 3 ) to an upper limit value (for example, 1,500 Nm 3 ). For example, by determining the operation plan of water electrolyzer 12 so that the daily hydrogen demand and hydrogen supply correspond, the hydrogen inventory can be kept within a predetermined range. To give an example, by dividing the daily hydrogen demand (for example, 6,300 Nm 3 ) by 24 hours, the hydrogen production amount per hour (for example, 263 Nm 3 / h) can be determined, and the operation output corresponding to the hydrogen production amount (for example, 82% of the rated output) can be determined. At this time, the hydrogen production amount by time is adjusted so that the remaining amount of hydrogen stored in accumulator 16 does not fall below the lower limit value or exceed the upper limit value. In the example of Fig. 2(c), the operation plan of water electrolyzer 12 is created so that the inventory does not reach the upper limit value around 7:00 to 8:00 when the inventory is at its maximum, and the inventory does not reach the lower limit value around 21:00 to 22:00 when the inventory is at its minimum. The operation plan of water electrolyzer 12 may be adjusted based on the time-based electricity tariff in commercial power grid 90. For example, the operation output during a time period with a low electricity tariff (for example, late at night) may be relatively increased, and the operation output during a time period with a high electricity tariff (for example, during the day) may be relatively decreased.

[0035] The control device 20 calculates the adjustment capacity of the water electrolyzer 12's power consumption when it is necessary to provide power supply and demand adjustment capacity to the commercial power grid 90. Here, the adjustment capacity of the water electrolyzer 12 is the range by which the power consumption of the water electrolyzer 12 can be increased or decreased without disrupting the operation of the hydrogen station 10. The control device 20 calculates the adjustment capacity of the water electrolyzer 12 based on the hydrogen supply and demand plan, the current operating output of the water electrolyzer 12, the current remaining pressure of the accumulator 16, and the like.

[0036] First, let's explain the case where the power consumption of the water electrolysis device 12 is increased. The operating output of the water electrolysis device 12 can be increased up to its maximum rating. Therefore, the adjustment margin in the increasing direction of the water electrolysis device 12 is limited by the difference between the current operating output and the maximum rating. For example, if the water electrolysis device 12 is operating at its rated output and the maximum rating is 150% of the rated output, the adjustment margin in the increasing direction of the water electrolysis device 12 will be 50% of the rated output. The difference between the current operating output and the maximum rating of the water electrolysis device 12 is also called the "operating margin."

[0037] If the power consumption of the water electrolysis device 12 is increased, the amount of hydrogen produced will increase compared to the initial supply and demand plan, which may cause the remaining pressure in the accumulator 16 to reach its upper limit. Since hydrogen cannot be stored beyond the maximum pressure capacity of the accumulator 16, the adjustment capacity of the water electrolysis device 12 is also limited by the remaining pressure capacity of the accumulator 16. The remaining pressure capacity of the accumulator 16 is the difference between the current remaining pressure and the maximum pressure capacity of the accumulator 16. For example, if the current remaining pressure is 1,300 Nm³ 3 The maximum pressure accumulation capacity is 1,500 Nm³. 3 In that case, the remaining pressure storage capacity is 200 Nm 3 That is the case.

[0038] Adjusting electricity supply and demand requires maintaining increased power consumption for a specified period (e.g., 30 minutes or 1 hour), and the amount of hydrogen produced during this period must meet the storage capacity (e.g., 200 Nm³). 3 ) must not be exceeded. Therefore, the accumulator capacity (for example, 200 Nm) must not be exceeded. 3) divided by the power supply and demand adjustment time (e.g., 0.5 hours) (e.g., 400 Nm 3 The upper limit of the production volume per hour is the upper limit of the production volume (e.g., 400 Nm³ / h). At this time, the upper limit of the output of the water electrolysis device 12 is the upper limit of the production volume (e.g., 400 Nm³ / h). 3 The operating output corresponds to the current output (e.g., 125% of the rated output). At this time, the adjustment margin in the increasing direction of the water electrolysis unit 12 is the difference between the current operating output and the output upper limit. For example, if the water electrolysis unit 12 is operating at the rated output and the output upper limit is 125% of the rated output, the adjustment margin in the increasing direction of the water electrolysis unit 12 will be 25% of the rated output.

[0039] Furthermore, the remaining storage capacity of the accumulator 16 may be calculated taking into account the hydrogen demand. For example, if hydrogen is refueled from the dispenser 18 to the fuel cell vehicle 92 during the power supply and demand adjustment period, the remaining storage capacity of the accumulator 16 will increase by that amount. Therefore, the hydrogen demand during the power supply and demand adjustment period may be added to the remaining storage capacity of the accumulator 16. For example, the current remaining storage capacity is 1,300 Nm³. 3 The maximum pressure accumulation capacity is 1,500 Nm³. 3 Therefore, the hydrogen demand during the power supply and demand adjustment period is 300 Nm³. 3 In that case, the remaining pressure capacity is 1,500 - 1,300 + 300 = 500 Nm 3 Alternatively, the amount of hydrogen demand during the power supply and demand adjustment period may be multiplied by a predetermined safety factor (e.g., 0.5) (e.g., 150 Nm³). 3 ) may be added to the storage capacity. Setting a safety factor can reduce the possibility of running out of storage capacity if actual hydrogen demand is less than predicted.

[0040] The control device 20 calculates the adjustment margin of the water electrolyzer 12 based on both the operating margin of the water electrolyzer 12 and the accumulating margin of the accumulating chamber 16. Specifically, the control device 20 uses the relatively smaller value between the adjustment margin based on the operating margin of the water electrolyzer 12 and the adjustment margin based on the accumulating margin of the accumulating chamber 16 as the adjustment margin of the water electrolyzer 12. For example, if the adjustment margin based on the operating margin of the water electrolyzer 12 is 50% of the rated output, and the adjustment margin based on the accumulating margin of the accumulating chamber 16 is 25% of the rated output, the control device 20 sets the adjustment margin of the water electrolyzer 12 to 25%. The control device 20 may also determine the adjustment margin of the water electrolyzer 12 based on either the operating margin of the water electrolyzer 12 or the accumulating margin of the accumulating chamber 16.

[0041] Next, we will explain how to reduce the power consumption of the water electrolysis device 12. The operating output of the water electrolysis device 12 can be reduced to its minimum rating. Therefore, the adjustment margin in the downward direction of the water electrolysis device 12 is limited by the difference between the current operating output and the minimum rating. For example, if the water electrolysis device 12 is operating at its rated output and the minimum rating is 20% of the rated output, the adjustment margin in the downward direction of the water electrolysis device 12 will be 80% of the rated output. The difference between the current operating output and the minimum rating of the water electrolysis device 12 is also called the "operating margin."

[0042] If the power consumption of the water electrolyzer 12 is reduced, the amount of hydrogen produced will decrease compared to the initial supply and demand plan, which may cause the remaining pressure in the accumulator 16 to reach its lower limit. For example, if the accumulator 16 becomes empty, it will be impossible to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 92 that has come to the hydrogen station 10, disrupting the operation of the hydrogen station 10. Therefore, the adjustment capacity of the water electrolyzer 12 is also constrained by the amount of hydrogen demand during the power supply and demand adjustment period. In order to meet the hydrogen demand, the amount of hydrogen needed to meet the hydrogen demand minus the current value of the remaining pressure must be produced during the power supply and demand adjustment period. For example, if the hydrogen demand during the power supply and demand adjustment period is 240 Nm³ 3 The current value of the remaining accumulator pressure is 144 Nm³. 3 In that case, the hydrogen deficit is 96 Nm³ 3 This is the case. At this time, the hydrogen deficiency (for example, 96 Nm) 3) divided by the power supply and demand adjustment time (for example, 1 hour) (for example, 96 Nm 3 The lower limit of the production volume per hour is the lower limit of the production volume (e.g., 96 Nm³ / h). 3 The operating output will be the corresponding value (e.g., 30% of the rated output) per hour. At this time, the adjustment margin in the decreasing direction of the water electrolysis unit 12 is the difference between the current value of the operating output and the lower limit of the output. For example, if the water electrolysis unit 12 is operating at the rated output and the lower limit of the output is 30% of the rated output, the adjustment margin in the decreasing direction of the water electrolysis unit 12 will be 70% of the rated output.

[0043] Furthermore, the amount of hydrogen shortage during the power supply and demand adjustment period is the lower limit of the buffer-like remaining accumulating pressure (for example, 100 Nm³). 3 ) may be taken into consideration when calculating. The lower limit of the remaining stored pressure may be equal to the capacity of the high-pressure accumulator 22, or it may be the capacity of the high-pressure accumulator 22 plus a buffer. By setting the lower limit of the remaining stored pressure to a value greater than or equal to the capacity of the high-pressure accumulator 22, it is possible to maintain a state in which the high-pressure accumulator 22 is fully filled with high-pressure hydrogen, and hydrogen gas can be supplied immediately at all times to fuel cell vehicles 92 that come to the hydrogen station 10. In addition, a value obtained by multiplying the hydrogen demand amount during the power supply and demand adjustment period by a predetermined safety factor (for example, 2) (for example, 192 Nm 3 The amount of hydrogen shortage may be calculated using the following method. Setting a safety factor reduces the possibility of running out of hydrogen stocks if actual hydrogen demand exceeds forecasts.

[0044] The control device 20 calculates the adjustment capacity of the water electrolyzer 12 based on both the operating capacity of the water electrolyzer 12 and the amount of hydrogen shortage during the power supply and demand adjustment period. Specifically, the control device 20 uses the relatively smaller value between the adjustment capacity based on the operating capacity of the water electrolyzer 12 and the adjustment capacity based on the amount of hydrogen shortage during the power supply and demand adjustment period as the adjustment capacity of the water electrolyzer 12. For example, if the adjustment capacity based on the operating capacity of the water electrolyzer 12 is 80% of the rated output, and the adjustment capacity based on the accumulator capacity of the accumulator 16 is 70% of the rated output, the adjustment capacity of the water electrolyzer 12 is set to 70%. The control device 20 may also determine the adjustment capacity of the water electrolyzer 12 based on either the operating capacity of the water electrolyzer 12 or the amount of hydrogen shortage during the power supply and demand adjustment period.

[0045] When the control device 20 provides power supply and demand adjustment capacity to the commercial power grid 90, it adjusts the power consumption of the water electrolyzer 12 within the range of the calculated adjustment capacity. For example, the control device 20 adjusts the power consumption of the water electrolyzer 12 within the range of the adjustment capacity so as to approach the adjustment target amount commanded by the power supply side or aggregator. When the control device 20 adjusts the power consumption of the water electrolyzer 12, it may calculate the actual value of the adjusted power consumption. For example, the actual value of the adjusted amount may be obtained by measuring the power consumption of the water electrolyzer 12 during the power supply and demand adjustment period and calculating the difference between that and the power consumption based on the initial operation plan or the power consumption immediately before the adjustment.

[0046] When the control device 20 provides power supply and demand adjustment capabilities to the commercial power grid 90, it may update the operating plan of the water electrolyzer 12 so that any surplus or deficit in hydrogen production caused by the adjustment of power consumption is eliminated or mitigated. For example, if power consumption is increased during the power supply and demand adjustment period, the operating output during periods other than the power supply and demand adjustment period may be reduced compared to the original plan. Conversely, if power consumption is reduced during the power supply and demand adjustment period, the operating output during periods other than the power supply and demand adjustment period may be increased compared to the original plan. When updating the operating plan, it is determined, as with the creation of the operating plan described above, so that the hourly inventory levels fall within a predetermined range from a lower limit to an upper limit.

[0047] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are graphs showing examples of updated hydrogen production plans. Figure 3(a) shows the hourly production plan when power consumption is increased. In Figure 3(a), power consumption is increased for 30 minutes from 9:00 to 9:30, and the amount of hydrogen produced is increased by the portion indicated by symbol 81 compared to the original plan. To adjust for the increased amount of hydrogen produced, the amount of hydrogen produced is adjusted for 3 hours from 10:00 to 13:00, and the amount of hydrogen produced by the portion indicated by symbol 82 is subtracted compared to the original plan. Figure 3(b) shows the hourly production plan when power consumption is decreased. In Figure 3(b), power consumption is decreased for 1 hour from 9:00 to 10:00, and the amount of hydrogen produced by the portion indicated by symbol 83 is subtracted compared to the original plan. To adjust for the subtracted amount of hydrogen produced, the amount of hydrogen produced is adjusted for 5 hours from 12:00 to 17:00, and the amount of hydrogen produced by the portion indicated by symbol 84 is increased compared to the original plan.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 3, the production plan has been updated so that the adjustment time for hydrogen production (e.g., 3 hours or 5 hours) is longer than the adjustment time for electricity supply and demand (e.g., 30 minutes or 1 hour). By updating the production plan in this way, fluctuations in the operating output of the water electrolyzer 12 can be suppressed, and the output of the water electrolyzer 12 can be made more stable. The production plan may also be updated so that the adjustment time for electricity supply and demand and the adjustment time for hydrogen production are the same, or the production plan may be updated so that the adjustment time for hydrogen production is shorter than the adjustment time for electricity supply and demand. Furthermore, the time period for adjusting the amount of hydrogen production may be immediately after the electricity supply and demand adjustment period, or it may be set with a time gap after the electricity supply and demand adjustment period. The time period for adjusting the amount of hydrogen production may be on the same day that the electricity supply and demand is adjusted, or it may be on the following day or later. In addition, if there is a long time between the instruction to adjust the electricity supply and demand and the actual adjustment of the electricity supply and demand, the amount of hydrogen production may be adjusted before the electricity supply and demand adjustment period.

[0049] The examples shown in Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the case where the operation plan for the water electrolyzer 12 is created on a daily basis. In another embodiment, the operating output of the water electrolyzer 12 may be determined each time, for example, only the operation plan for the water electrolyzer 12 for the immediate period until a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes or 1 hour) has elapsed from the current time may be determined. For example, the amount of hydrogen produced for the immediate period may be determined based on the predicted value of the hydrogen demand for the immediate period and the current value of the hydrogen inventory. In this case, the adjustment margin of the water electrolyzer 12 may also be calculated each time, and the adjustment margin of the water electrolyzer 12 may be calculated based on the current value of the operating output of the water electrolyzer 12, the planned amount of hydrogen produced for the immediate period, the predicted value of the hydrogen demand for the immediate period, and the current value of the hydrogen inventory. Based on the adjustment margin calculated in this way, the power consumption of the water electrolyzer 12 for the immediate period may be adjusted. In addition, the operation plan of the water electrolyzer 12 and the adjustment margin may be determined and the adjustment margin calculated without using the predicted value of the hydrogen demand. For example, the operating plan for the water electrolysis unit 12 and the adjustment margin may be calculated based solely on the current hydrogen inventory level.

[0050] Next, we will explain the coordinated control of power consumption at multiple hydrogen stations. In order to promote the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, it is necessary to develop hydrogen stations in various locations to improve convenience. Similar to gasoline and diesel fuel stations, this could involve installing large hydrogen stations along main roads or small hydrogen stations in urban areas. In the case of gasoline and diesel fuel, fuel produced at large-scale oil refineries must be transported to each station using carriers, rail, or tank trucks. On the other hand, with hydrogen, hydrogen can be produced on-site using small water electrolysis equipment, thus reducing transportation costs. Furthermore, even in the case of small hydrogen stations where it is not possible to install water electrolysis equipment due to factors such as location, demand, and cost, transportation costs can be reduced by transporting hydrogen produced at nearby hydrogen stations or hydrogen production facilities. In addition, by coordinating and adjusting the power consumption of each water electrolysis equipment installed at multiple hydrogen stations, it is possible to provide significant adjustment capabilities to the power supply and demand of the commercial power grid. This allows for the efficient use of renewable energy, which has large output fluctuations, while also suppressing hydrogen transportation costs, thereby improving energy efficiency for society as a whole.

[0051] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a hydrogen supply system 50 according to an embodiment. The hydrogen supply system 50 comprises multiple hydrogen stations 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, and 10h, a hydrogen production base 30, and a management center 40. The hydrogen supply system 50 is a hydrogen supply network for supplying hydrogen to an entire specific region.

[0052] Multiple hydrogen stations 10a to 10h include multiple on-site hydrogen stations (also called on-site STs) 10a, 10b and multiple off-site hydrogen stations (also called off-site STs) 10c to 10h. In the example in Figure 4, there are two on-site STs and six off-site STs, but the number of on-site STs and off-site STs is not particularly limited, and there may be fewer or more hydrogen stations than shown in the example.

[0053] On-site ST10a and ST10b have equipment for producing hydrogen. For example, on-site ST10a has a water electrolyzer 12a, a compressor 14a, an accumulator 16a, a precooler 17a, a dispenser 18a, and a control device 20a, and is configured in the same way as the hydrogen station 10 according to the above embodiment. Similarly, on-site ST10b has a water electrolyzer 12b, a compressor 14b, an accumulator 16b, a precooler 17b, a dispenser 18b, and a control device 20b, and is configured in the same way as the hydrogen station 10 according to the above embodiment.

[0054] Off-site stations ST10c to ST10h do not have facilities for producing hydrogen. For example, off-site ST10c has a compressor 14c, an accumulator 16c, a precooler 17c, a dispenser 18c, and a control device 20c, but does not have a water electrolysis device. Therefore, off-site stations ST10c to ST10h are configured similarly to the hydrogen station 10 according to the above embodiment, but with the water electrolysis device 12 removed. Off-site stations ST10c to ST10h procure hydrogen produced at other locations and supply hydrogen. In the example in Figure 4, hydrogen gas produced at on-site ST10a or hydrogen production site 30 is transported to each off-site station ST10c to ST10h using hydrogen trailers 98a and 98b.

[0055] Hydrogen production site 30 has equipment for producing hydrogen, but does not have equipment for supplying hydrogen to fuel cell vehicles 92. Hydrogen production site 30 has a water electrolyzer 32, a compressor 34, an accumulator 36, and a control device 38, but does not have a precooler or dispenser. Hydrogen production site 30 may have a larger water electrolyzer 32 than the water electrolyzers 12a and 12b of on-site ST10a and 10b, and may have a higher hydrogen production capacity than on-site ST10a and 10b.

[0056] The control device 38 of the hydrogen production site 30 creates a production plan for the water electrolysis unit 32 based on the hydrogen supply and demand at the off-site ST10e~10h, which will be the hydrogen supply destination. When it is necessary to adjust the power supply and demand of the commercial power grid 90, the control device 38 of the hydrogen production site 30 calculates the adjustment capacity of the power consumption of the water electrolysis unit 32 based on the hydrogen supply and demand at the off-site ST10e~10h, the hydrogen inventory, the production plan for the water electrolysis unit 32, the remaining pressure in the accumulator 36, etc. The adjustment capacity of the water electrolysis unit 32 can be calculated in the same way as the adjustment capacity in the hydrogen station 10 according to the above embodiment.

[0057] The multiple on-site ST10a, 10b and hydrogen production sites 30 included in the hydrogen supply system 50 consume electricity supplied from a common commercial power grid 90 to produce hydrogen. Therefore, the multiple on-site ST10a, 10b and hydrogen production sites 30 included in the hydrogen supply system 50 have the capability to adjust the power supply and demand with respect to the common commercial power grid 90.

[0058] The control center 40 is equipped with a control device 42 for managing the overall hydrogen supply and demand of the hydrogen supply system 50. The control device 42 is implemented as a hardware configuration using components and circuits such as a computer CPU and memory, and as a software configuration using computer programs, etc. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the various functions of the control device 42 can be realized in various ways by combinations of hardware and software.

[0059] The control device 42 is connected to the control devices of multiple hydrogen stations 10a to 10h and the hydrogen production site 30, and assists in creating hydrogen supply and demand plans for each site. For example, on-site ST10a needs to supply a portion of the hydrogen gas produced by the water electrolyzer 12a to two off-site ST10c and 10d. The control device 42 notifies on-site ST10a of the hydrogen gas demand and inventory levels of the off-site ST10c and 10d, enabling on-site ST10a to create a supply and demand plan that takes into account the hydrogen demand of the recipients. Similarly, hydrogen production site 30 needs to supply hydrogen gas produced by the water electrolyzer 32 to four off-site ST10e to 10h. The control device 42 notifies hydrogen production site 30 of the hydrogen gas demand and inventory levels of the off-site ST10e to 10h, enabling hydrogen production site 30 to create a production plan that corresponds to the hydrogen demand of the recipients. The control unit 42 may create a hydrogen gas transport plan from on-site ST10a or hydrogen production site 30 to off-site ST10c~10h. The control unit 42 may also create a hydrogen supply and demand plan for each site collectively.

[0060] The control device 42 acquires commands for adjusting the power supply and demand of the commercial power grid 90. For example, the control device 42 receives adjustment commands issued by power companies or aggregators of the commercial power grid 90 via the internet. Alternatively, adjustment commands may be received by telephone, fax, or email, and the person who receives the command may input the contents of the adjustment command into the control device 42. The adjustment command includes the time period during which power supply and demand should be adjusted and the target amount of power supply and demand adjustment.

[0061] When the control device 42 receives a command to adjust the power supply and demand of the commercial power grid 90, it obtains the adjustment capacity of the power consumption of the water electrolyzers 12a, 12b, and 32 of the multiple on-site ST10a, 10b and hydrogen production site 30. The control device 42 requests the control devices 20a, 20b, and 38 of the multiple on-site ST10a, 10b and hydrogen production site 30 to calculate the adjustment capacity of the water electrolyzers 12a, 12b, and 32. When requesting the calculation of the adjustment capacity, the control device 42 may specify the time period during which power supply and demand should be adjusted. Based on the request from the control device 42, the control devices 20a, 20b, and 38 of each site calculate the adjustment capacity of the water electrolyzers 12a, 12b, and 32 and transmit the calculated adjustment capacity to the control device 42. The control devices 20a, 20b, and 38 of each site may also transmit the latest information on the hydrogen supply and demand plan for each site to the control device 42. For example, the current values ​​of hydrogen gas production and remaining storage pressure at each site may be transmitted to the management device 42. Furthermore, the management device 42 may calculate the adjustment capacity for the power consumption of the water electrolyzers 12a, 12b, and 32 at each site based on the hydrogen supply and demand plan for each site.

[0062] The control device 42 determines the amount of adjustment for the total power consumption of the hydrogen supply system 50, within the range of the adjustment capacity of each site, based on the adjustment capacity of the water electrolysis devices 12a, 12b, and 32 at each site. For example, the control device 42 may use the sum of the adjustment capacities of each site as the total adjustment amount for the entire system. The control device 42 may set the total adjustment amount for the entire system lower than the sum of the adjustment capacities of each site. For example, if the target amount of power supply and demand adjustment is set in stages, such as in units of 1,000 kW or 5,000 kW, the control device 42 may determine the total adjustment amount for the entire system to match the staged adjustment target amount. Within the range of the sum of the adjustment capacities of each site, the control device 42 may participate in a bid to acquire the right to adjust power supply and demand, and determine the total adjustment amount for the entire system based on the adjustment amount won in the bid.

[0063] The management device 42 distributes the total adjustment amount for the entire system to each site and determines the amount of power consumption adjustment for each site. The management device 42 may distribute the power consumption adjustment amount equally to each site, or it may multiply the adjustment capacity of each site by a common allocation rate to determine the adjustment amount for each site. The allocation rate corresponds to the ratio of the total system adjustment amount to the total power consumption adjustment capacity of each site. For example, if the total power consumption adjustment capacity of each site is 5,800 kW and the total system adjustment amount is 5,000 kW, the allocation rate is 86.2%.

[0064] The control device 42 may distribute the adjustment amount of power consumption to each site on a tiered basis. That is, the distribution rate of the power consumption adjustment amount may differ for each site. The control device 42 may determine the adjustment amount for each site according to the size of the adjustment capacity of each site. For example, the distribution rate may be made relatively small for sites with relatively small adjustment capacity, and relatively large for sites with relatively large adjustment capacity. The control device 42 may also distribute the adjustment amount of power consumption to each site on a tiered basis based on the current value of the hydrogen gas production amount and the remaining storage pressure of each site. Furthermore, if the production capacity of the water electrolysis equipment at each site differs from site to site (for example, 600 Nm³ 3 / h, 300Nm 3 / h and 100Nm 3 In the case of / h, the amount of power consumption adjustment may be weighted according to the production capacity of each site. Adjustments may also be made according to the current production capacity of the water electrolysis equipment at each site, for example, adjustments may be made to take into account the decrease in output of the water electrolysis equipment due to deterioration due to aging. In addition, power consumption may not be adjusted for some sites (for example, on-site ST10a), and power consumption may be adjusted only for the remaining sites (for example, on-site ST10b and hydrogen production site 30).

[0065] The control device 42 commands the stations that need to adjust their power consumption to adjust the time period and the amount of power consumption to be adjusted. Instead of commanding the amount of power consumption to be adjusted, the control device 42 may also command the operating output of the water electrolysis equipment at each station. The control devices at the commanded stations adjust the operating output of the water electrolysis equipment during the specified time period so that the commanded amount of power consumption adjustment is achieved. By each station coordinating to adjust power consumption, the target amount of power supply and demand adjustment commanded by the power company or aggregator can be achieved for the entire hydrogen supply system 50.

[0066] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the hydrogen supply and demand management method according to the embodiment. The management device 42 acquires a command to adjust the power supply and demand of the commercial power grid 90 (S10). The control devices 20a, 20b, and 38 at each site individually calculate the adjustment margin for the power consumption of the water electrolysis devices 12a, 12b, and 32 at each site based on the command from the management device 42 (S12). The management device 42 determines the amount of adjustment for the power consumption of the water electrolysis devices 12a, 12b, and 32 at each site within the range of the adjustment margin at each site (S14). The control devices 20a, 20b, and 38 at each site adjust the power consumption of the water electrolysis devices 12a, 12b, and 32 at each site based on the determined adjustment amount (S16).

[0067] According to this embodiment, a large adjustment force can be provided to the commercial power grid 90 that cannot be achieved by a single electrolytic device. For example, by increasing the operating output of each electrolytic device when the amount of electricity generated from renewable energy is large, the proportion of hydrogen produced using renewable energy can be increased. Also, by decreasing the operating output of each electrolytic device when electricity generation from renewable energy is not expected, the proportion of hydrogen produced using electricity not derived from renewable energy can be increased. This makes it possible to efficiently utilize renewable energy, which has large output fluctuations. Furthermore, since hydrogen can be produced and consumed locally using water electrolytic devices, the transportation costs of hydrogen can also be suppressed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to contribute to improving energy efficiency for society as a whole.

[0068] In the above-described embodiment, at least one of the multiple off-site ST10c to 10h may receive hydrogen gas from multiple locations. For example, off-site ST10c may receive hydrogen gas from multiple on-site ST10a and 10b, or it may receive hydrogen gas from both on-site ST10a and the hydrogen production site 30. Also, at least one of the multiple on-site ST10a and 10b may receive hydrogen gas from the hydrogen production site 30. In other words, the hydrogen production site 30 may supply hydrogen gas not only to the multiple off-site ST10e to 10h, but also to at least one of the multiple on-site ST10a and 10b. The hydrogen supply system 50 may include a hub-type hydrogen station. The hub-type hydrogen station is configured to receive hydrogen gas from other locations (hydrogen production sites or on-site hydrogen stations) and to supply hydrogen gas to other locations (off-site or on-site hydrogen stations). A hub-type hydrogen station may be an on-site type equipped with a water electrolysis device, or an off-site type without a water electrolysis device.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the hydrogen supply system 50 does not necessarily have to include a hydrogen production site 30. The hydrogen supply system 50 may include a site having an electrolytic device different from the water electrolytic device. For example, it may include an organic hydride production site having an electrolytic device that produces organic hydrides by an electrolytic reaction that consumes electricity supplied from the commercial power grid 90. Organic hydrides are liquids that readily generate hydrogen gas through a dehydrogenation reaction, and examples include methylcyclohexane, cyclohexane, decalin and its derivatives, 2-propanol, etc. For example, methylcyclohexane can be produced by an electrolytic reaction in which hydrogen derived from water is added to toluene, and hydrogen gas can be produced by the dehydrogenation reaction of methylcyclohexane. Since organic hydrides are liquids, their transportation costs are lower than those of hydrogen gas. Therefore, the hydrogen supply system 50 may produce organic hydrides, transport the produced organic hydrides to another site, and produce hydrogen gas from the organic hydrides at the other site.

[0070] The hydrogen supply system 50 may include an organic hydride production site and an on-site hydrogen station that produces hydrogen by the dehydrogenation reaction of organic hydride. The hydrogen supply system 50 may provide power supply and demand adjustment capabilities to the commercial power grid 90 by adjusting the power consumption of the electrolytic equipment at the organic hydride production site. The adjustment capacity for power consumption at the organic hydride production site may be determined based on the supply and demand plan for organic hydride at the organic hydride production site. The supply and demand plan for organic hydride may include hourly plans for the amount of organic hydride demanded, produced, and stockpiled. The amount of organic hydride demanded may be determined based on the hydrogen supply and demand plan of the on-site hydrogen station to which the supply is received.

[0071] The recipient of the organic hydride may not be an on-site hydrogen station, but rather a hydrogen production site that does not have refueling facilities for fuel cell vehicles. This hydrogen production site has a hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen by the dehydrogenation reaction of organic hydride. This hydrogen production site may supply hydrogen gas to an off-site hydrogen station. The supply and demand plan of this hydrogen production site is determined based on the hydrogen supply and demand plan of the off-site hydrogen station that receives the supply. In this way, a hydrogen supply network may be constructed by a combination of an organic hydride production site, a hydrogen production site, and an off-site hydrogen station. In this case, the adjustment capacity for power consumption at the organic hydride production site may be determined based on the hydrogen supply and demand plan of the off-site hydrogen station that is the final recipient of the hydrogen.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, the hydrogen supply system may not include an on-site hydrogen station. In this case, the hydrogen supply system may include a plurality of hydrogen production sites and a plurality of off-site hydrogen stations. Each hydrogen production site may have a water electrolyzer, a compressor, an accumulator, and a control device, similar to the hydrogen production site 30 described above. Each off-site hydrogen station may have a compressor, an accumulator, a precooler, a dispenser, and a control device, similar to the off-site stations ST10c to 10h described above. Each off-site hydrogen station may receive hydrogen gas from at least one of the plurality of hydrogen production sites. The supply and demand plan of each hydrogen production site may be determined based on the hydrogen supply and demand plan of the off-site hydrogen station to which it is supplied. At this time, power supply and demand adjustment capacity may be provided to the commercial power grid by adjusting the power consumption of the plurality of water electrolyzers installed at the plurality of hydrogen production sites.

[0073] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. The embodiments described above are merely examples of how to implement the present invention. The content of the embodiments does not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and many design changes, such as changes, additions, and deletions of components, are possible as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the invention as defined in the claims. The new embodiments to which design changes have been made combine the effects of the respective embodiments and modifications. In the embodiments described above, the content in which such design changes are possible is emphasized with notations such as "in this embodiment" or "in this embodiment," but design changes are also permitted even if there are no such notations. Any combination of the above components is also valid as an embodiment of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 10...Hydrogen station, 12...Water electrolysis unit, 14...Compressor, 16...Accumulator, 17...Precooler, 18...Dispenser, 20...Control device, 22...High-pressure accumulator, 24...Intermediate accumulator, 30...Hydrogen production site, 32...Water electrolysis unit, 34...Compressor, 36...Accumulator, 38...Control device, 42...Management device, 50...Hydrogen supply system, 90...Commercial power grid, 92...Fuel cell vehicle.

Claims

1. A management device that manages multiple energy supply units and multiple energy consumption units, The management device determines the amount of energy supplied by the multiple energy supply units during the most recent period, based on at least one of the predicted energy consumption of the multiple energy consumption units and the current energy level during the most recent period, from the current time until a predetermined time has elapsed. Management device.

2. A management device for managing a first base and a second base to which energy is supplied from the first base, The management device determines the amount of energy supplied from the first site to the second site during the immediate period from the current time until a predetermined time has elapsed, based on a command for adjusting the power supply and demand and information relating to the second site. The information relating to the second site includes at least one of the predicted energy demand and the current energy reserve. Management device.

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