Gateway device, gateway program, and gateway system

Abstract

To allow an energy device to provide an output to a larger number of service business operators in any time slot.SOLUTION: A gateway device 10 includes a data communication unit 12A, a command synthesis unit 12B, and a command unit 12C. The data communication unit 12A receives, from service business operators, pieces of command information each including a desired output value. The command synthesis unit 12B synthesizes the pieces of command information and generates synthesis command information indicating instructed output values for each time slot. The command unit 12C transmits the synthesis command information to an energy device 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a gateway device, a gateway program, and a gateway system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in order to achieve carbon neutrality, energy management systems have been developed that use multiple distributed energy devices to adjust the supply and demand balance by bundling and controlling them in an integrated manner by service providers called aggregators. These integrated control systems are sometimes called virtual power plants (VPPs) or demand response (DRs). Specifically, the integrated control system is a system in which a service provider sends a command for the required output at a certain time to an energy device, and the energy device provides the output according to the command as a performance, thereby adjusting the overall supply and demand. However, when the resources of one energy device are shared among multiple service providers and can be controlled by multiple service providers, there is a possibility that the commands that the energy device receives from the service providers will conflict with each other.

[0003] Currently, a system has been disclosed that has a function for setting and managing access permission information that indicates which service provider can control which energy device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, a system has been disclosed that has a function for prioritizing multiple commands from a service provider and transmitting the commands to energy devices in descending order of priority (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-152895 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-192872 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the conventional technology, the commands that an energy device can receive are limited to one command per time period. Therefore, even if there is surplus power in the output that an energy device can provide in response to one command received from one service provider, the surplus power cannot be provided to other service providers. Therefore, in the conventional technology, it is not possible to make the most of the output that an energy device can provide. In other words, in the conventional technology, it is difficult for an energy device to provide output to more service providers in any time period.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a gateway device, a gateway program, and a gateway system that enable an energy device to provide output to as many service providers as possible at any time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A gateway device according to an embodiment includes a data exchange unit, a command synthesis unit, and a command unit. The data exchange unit receives command information including a desired output value from each of a plurality of service providers. The command synthesis unit synthesizes the plurality of pieces of command information to generate synthesized command information representing an output instruction value for each time period. The command unit transmits the synthesized command information to an energy device. The command synthesis unit generates the synthesized command information by synthesizing the plurality of pieces of command information in accordance with an allocation ratio based on priority information that is predetermined for each contract with the service provider. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of the gateway system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of command information. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the data structure of a contract information DB. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the data structure of a device information DB. [Figure 5A]FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of generation of synthesis command information. [Figure 5B] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of generation of synthesis command information. [Figure 5C] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of generation of synthesis command information. [Figure 6A] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of generation of synthesis command information. [Figure 6B] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of generation of synthesis command information. [Figure 6C] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of generation of synthesis command information. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram of the data structure of the allocation ratio DB. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of synthesis command information. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of output information to be provided. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of output result information. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of actual distribution information. [Figure 12A] An explanatory diagram of distribution according to the planned distribution ratio. [Figure 12B] An explanatory diagram of distribution according to the planned distribution ratio. [Figure 12C] A diagram of distribution according to priority information. [Figure 13] 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing executed by the gateway device. [Figure 14A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a data structure of command information before synthesis. [Figure 14B] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of synthesis command information. [Figure 15] 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing executed by the gateway device. [Figure 16] Schematic diagram of the gateway system. [Figure 17] Schematic diagram of the data structure of the allocation ratio DB. [Figure 18] 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing executed by the gateway device. [Figure 19] 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing executed by the gateway device. [Figure 20] Hardware configuration diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The gateway device, the gateway program, and the gateway system of the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] In the following description of each embodiment, parts denoted with the same reference numerals have substantially the same functions, and descriptions of overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a gateway system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0012] The gateway system 1 is a system that performs integrated control of a plurality of energy devices 20 as a balancing group.

[0013] The gateway system 1 includes a gateway device 10, one or more energy devices 20, and multiple service provider terminals 30. Each of the multiple service provider terminals 30 and the gateway device 10 are communicatively connected via a network or the like. Each of the one or more energy devices 20 and the gateway device 10 are communicatively connected via a network or the like. In addition, the energy devices 20 and the service provider terminal 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to provide output via a power grid. In this embodiment, the output provided from the energy devices 20 to the power grid may be referred to as provided power.

[0014] The gateway device 10 is an information processing device that mediates between a plurality of service provider terminals 30 and one or a plurality of energy devices 20. The gateway device 10 is managed by a gateway operator. The gateway operator is an operator that owns, maintains, operates, etc. the gateway device 10.

[0015] The energy device 20 is an energy resource. The energy device 20 is an energy resource that can change the output provided to the power grid by, for example, increasing or decreasing the amount of power consumption, charging and discharging, etc. The energy device 20 has a function of remotely setting the output of power, etc., provided to the power grid via a network, etc.

[0016] Examples of energy equipment 20 include a variety of equipment, from low-voltage equipment such as storage batteries, solar panels, fuel cells, electric vehicles (EVs), lighting, air conditioning, and water heaters, to high-voltage equipment such as thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, and renewable energy power plants.

[0017] The energy equipment 20 is managed by an equipment owner. The equipment owner is a person who owns the energy equipment 20 and has the right to freely use the energy equipment 20. The equipment owner is, for example, a consumer who owns the energy equipment 20 or the owner of a power plant.

[0018] In this embodiment, the gateway system 1 includes a plurality of energy devices 20. For example, the gateway system 1 includes an energy device 20A, an energy device 20B, and an energy device 20C. Note that the gateway system 1 may be configured to include one or a plurality of energy devices 20, and is not limited to a configuration including three energy devices 20. In addition, when the plurality of energy devices 20 are collectively described, they will be simply referred to as the energy devices 20.

[0019] The service provider terminal 30 is an information processing device that transmits command information as a command to each of the energy devices 20. The command information will be described in detail later. The service provider terminal 30 is managed by the service provider.

[0020] The service provider is a business entity that notifies command information to the energy devices 20 owned by device owners who have concluded a contract to use the resources of the energy devices 20, thereby controlling the amount of power generated by the energy devices 20 and centralizing the control of multiple distributed energy devices 20. Furthermore, the service provider provides services such as visualization of the control status of the energy devices 20, maintenance, and operation on behalf of the users through centralized control.

[0021] The service provider may be referred to as a specified wholesale supplier (aggregator). Aggregators include resource aggregators and aggregation coordinators.

[0022] The resource aggregator concludes a contract with the owner of the energy equipment 20, and aggregates and controls the power provided from the energy equipment 20 to the power grid. The aggregation coordinator concludes a contract with the resource aggregator, further aggregates and controls the power aggregated by the resource aggregator, and directly trades power with general electricity transmission and distribution companies and electricity retailers. Some aggregators serve both roles.

[0023] In this embodiment, the gateway system 1 includes a plurality of service provider terminals 30 managed by each of a plurality of different service providers. For example, the gateway system 1 includes a service provider terminal 30A managed by a service provider A, a service provider terminal 30B managed by a service provider B, a service provider terminal 30C managed by a service provider C, and a service provider terminal 30D managed by a service provider D. Note that the gateway system 1 may be configured to include a plurality of service provider terminals 30, and is not limited to a configuration including four service provider terminals 30 managed by four service providers. In addition, when these multiple service provider terminals 30 are collectively described, they are simply referred to as the service provider terminals 30.

[0024] Next, the gateway device 10 will be described in detail.

[0025] The gateway device 10 includes a control unit 12 and a storage unit 14. The control unit 12 and the storage unit 14 are communicatively connected. The storage unit 14 stores various information. The storage unit 14 may be configured to be mounted on an external information processing device, such as a server device, communicatively connected to the gateway device 10. In addition, at least one of the storage unit 14 and one or more functional units included in the control unit 12 may be configured to be mounted on an external information processing device communicatively connected to the gateway device 10 via a network or the like.

[0026] The control unit 12 executes information processing in the gateway device 10. The control unit 12 includes a data sending / receiving unit 12A, a command synthesizing unit 12B, a command unit 12C, a performance record collecting unit 12D, and a performance record apportioning unit 12E.

[0027] The data transfer unit 12A, the command synthesis unit 12B, the command unit 12C, the performance collection unit 12D, and the performance allocation unit 12E are realized, for example, by one or more processors. For example, each of the above units may be realized by having a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) execute a program, that is, by software. Each of the above units may be realized by a processor such as a dedicated IC, that is, by hardware. Each of the above units may be realized by using both software and hardware. When multiple processors are used, each processor may realize one of the units, or may realize two or more of the units.

[0028] The data sending / receiving unit 12A sends and receives data to and from each of the plurality of service provider terminals 30. In particular, the data sending / receiving unit 12A receives command information from each of the plurality of service provider terminals 30.

[0029] The command information is information that represents a command from the service provider terminal 30 to the energy device 20. The command information includes at least a desired output value. In detail, the command information includes a desired output value and a desired time period during which the desired output value is provided.

[0030] The desired output value is a power value of an output that the service provider of the service provider terminal 30 desires to provide to the energy device 20. The power value is, in other words, an output value. The desired service time period is a time period during which the service provider desires to provide the output of the desired output value.

[0031] The output represents the power discharged or reduced by the energy equipment 20 depending on the operating state of the energy equipment 20, such as discharging, charging, or stopping. Therefore, the value of the output can be zero, a positive value, or a negative value depending on how the positive direction in which the power flows in is perceived.

[0032] An example of an actual command given to the energy equipment 20 is a command for adjustment capacity to be bought and sold in the supply and demand adjustment market. For example, a command for tertiary adjustment capacity (2) specifies requirements such as a command interval of 30 minutes and a response time of within 45 minutes. The response time indicates the allowable time from when a command is received until the energy equipment 20 can provide the output specified in the command. Based on these specified requirements, first, the general electricity transmission and distribution utility submits the required amount of adjustment capacity to the market. Next, the owner of the energy equipment 20 bids the maximum output that the owned energy equipment 20 can provide in each time period as adjustment capacity. If the bid is agreed, the owner of the energy equipment 20 receives a command from the general electricity transmission and distribution utility during the agreed time period at the specified command interval, and provides output to the power grid within the specified response time based on the received command.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a data structure of command information.

[0034] The command information includes a service provider ID, a desired output value, and a desired time period for provision. The service provider ID is identification information of the service provider that manages the service provider terminal 30 that is the source of the command information. The service provider ID is assigned by, for example, the gateway device 10. The desired output value included in the command information is an output value that the service provider identified by the service provider ID included in the command information wishes to provide. The desired time period for provision included in the command information is information indicating a time period during which the service provider identified by the service provider ID included in the command information wishes to provide the output of the desired output value included in the command information.

[0035] Returning to FIG. 1, the explanation will be continued. The data transmitting / receiving unit 12A receives command information from each of the multiple service provider terminals 30. The data transmitting / receiving unit 12A receives command information as inter-system communication from the service provider terminal 30 connected via the Internet or the like, for example, in the form of a Web application. Also, for example, the service provider inputs a desired output value and a desired time period for provision by operating the service provider terminal 30. The service provider terminal 30 transmits the command information including the desired output value and the desired time period for provision input by the service provider's operation to the gateway device 10 via a network such as the Internet or a dedicated line. In this case, the data transmitting / receiving unit 12A receives the command information from the service provider terminal 30 via the network.

[0036] The data exchange unit 12A adds device information and priority information on the energy device 20 available to the service provider of the service provider terminal 30 to the command information received from the service provider terminal 30, and notifies the command synthesis unit 12B.

[0037] In detail, the data transmission / reception unit 12A refers to the contract information DB 14A and the device information DB 14B stored in the memory unit 14 to acquire device information and priority information regarding the energy device 20 that can be used by the service provider of the service provider terminal 30 that is the source of the command information.

[0038] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the contract information DB 14A. The contract information DB 14A is a database for managing contract information. The data format of the contract information DB 14A may be a table or the like, and is not limited to a database.

[0039] The contract information DB 14A stores contract information for each contract.

[0040] The contract information is information about a contract. In a contract, the device owner promises the service provider a relationship of providing energy output. The contract is concluded, for example, between the gateway provider and at least one of the service provider and the device owner. In addition, the contract may be concluded directly between the service provider and the device owner without going through the gateway provider. By concluding a contract, the gateway provider is given the authority to hold information about the contents of the contract concluded between the service provider and the device owner or between the service provider and the gateway provider, and device information about the energy device 20 owned by the device owner. For this reason, the storage unit 14 of the gateway device 10 has contract information for each contract registered in advance in the contract information DB 14A. In addition, the contract information DB 14A is updated as appropriate due to the conclusion of a new contract or partial change of a contract.

[0041] The contract information includes a service provider ID, a device owner ID, and priority information.

[0042] The device owner ID is identification information of the device owner. The device owner ID is assigned by the gateway device 10 in order to identify the device owner with whom each of the multiple service provider terminals 30 has a contract.

[0043] The priority information is information that indicates a priority that is determined in advance for each contract with a service provider. The priority indicates the priority of the contract.

[0044] The priority information includes, for example, a contract type, a command priority, and an allocation policy. The contract type is information that indicates the type of contract. FIG. 3 shows contract types such as bronze, gold, silver, and diamond as examples. The contract type may be any information that indicates the type of contract, and is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, the priority information may be information that includes at least the contract type, or the contract type and the command priority, and may be information that does not include the contract type.

[0045] The command priority is information that indicates the priority of command information. That is, the command priority is information that indicates the priority of a command notified from the service provider terminal 30 that is the transmission source of the command information. In other words, the command priority is information that indicates the priority of a contract concluded between the service provider of the service provider terminal 30 that is the transmission source of the command information and the service provider of the service provider terminal 30 that is the transmission source of the command information, or between the service provider of the service provider terminal 30 that is the transmission source of the command information and the device owner.

[0046] The command priority is assigned to each contract by the owner of the energy equipment 20 or the like depending on the output to be provided from the energy equipment 20, the frequency of provision, the fee to be paid, etc., when a contract is concluded between the gateway device 10 and the energy equipment 20 and each of the multiple service providers, or when a contract is concluded between each of the multiple service providers and the owner of the energy equipment 20.

[0047] Therefore, command information received from the service provider terminal 30 of a service provider that has concluded a contract with a higher priority will be processed so as to be fulfilled with higher priority than command information received from the service provider terminal 30 of a service provider that has concluded a contract with a lower priority.

[0048] 3 shows an example of a command priority expressed by a number. For example, the smaller the command priority number, the higher the priority. Note that the command priority may also be expressed by a larger number.

[0049] In addition, the command priority is not limited to being expressed by a number as long as it is information that can identify the priority. For example, the command priority may be information expressed by a name such as bronze, silver, gold, platinum, etc. As shown in FIG. 3, when the contract type is expressed by a name that indicates the priority, the contract type may be used as the command priority.

[0050] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the command priority is expressed by a number, and a smaller number indicates a higher priority.

[0051] An allocation policy is information that indicates the priority when commands are combined to a service provider. In detail, an allocation policy is information that indicates the items to be prioritized when commands of a service provider are combined. An allocation policy includes, for example, command priority priority, which prioritizes command priority, and first-commencement priority, which prioritizes command information received first. An allocation policy may be a universal policy for all time periods, or may be a policy limited to a specific time period that is determined in advance. In the case of a policy limited to a specific time period, it may be a policy limited to a specific time period, such as "first-commencement priority is given one hour or more before the command target time."

[0052] Like the command priority, the distribution policy and contract type are assigned for each contract by the owner of the energy equipment 20 at the time of concluding the contract, depending on the output, frequency of supply, fee to be paid, etc., planned to be provided by the energy equipment 20.

[0053] The priority information may be changeable as appropriate after the contract is concluded. Furthermore, the priority information may be deleted as appropriate from the contract information DB 14A when the contract period of the corresponding contract expires.

[0054] 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a data configuration of the device information DB 14B. The device information DB 14B is a database for managing device information of each of the energy devices 20. The data configuration of the device information DB 14B may be a table or the like, and is not limited to a database.

[0055] The device information DB 14B registers device information for each energy device 20. In detail, for example, the device information DB 14B is a database in which a device owner ID, a device ID, and device information are associated with each other.

[0056] The device ID is identification information of the energy device 20. The device ID is assigned by the gateway device 10 to identify the energy device 20.

[0057] The device information is information related to the energy device 20. The device information includes, for example, a device type, a minimum output, and a maximum output.

[0058] The device type is information representing a classification of the energy device 20 identified by the corresponding device ID. The minimum output is information representing the minimum output that the energy device 20 can output. The maximum output is information representing the maximum output that the energy device 20 can output. In FIG. 4, the minimum output and the maximum output are described as positive in the direction in which power flows from the energy device 20 to the power system and negative in the direction in which power flows from the power system to the energy device 20. Specifically, when the energy device 20 discharges or generates power to release power, power flows from the energy device 20 to the power system. In this case, the output is a positive value. Conversely, when power is consumed by charging the energy device 20 or using power, power flows from the power system to the energy device 20. In this case, the output is a negative value.

[0059] Returning to Fig. 1, the explanation will be continued. The data transmitting / receiving unit 12A identifies, from the contract information DB 14A, a device owner ID and priority information corresponding to the service provider ID included in the command information received from the service provider terminal 30. The data transmitting / receiving unit 12A also identifies, from the device information DB 14B, a device ID and device information corresponding to the identified device owner ID. The data transmitting / receiving unit 12A then assigns the identified device owner ID, device ID, and device information to the command information received from the service provider terminal 30, and notifies the command synthesis unit 12B.

[0060] The command synthesizer 12B synthesizes a plurality of pieces of command information to generate synthesized command information.

[0061] The composite command information is information obtained by combining a plurality of pieces of command information, and is information that indicates an output instruction value for each time period. The output instruction value is information that indicates the amount of output that is instructed to the energy device 20.

[0062] The command synthesis unit 12B synthesizes the command information received by the data transmission / reception unit 12A from each of the multiple service provider terminals 30 in accordance with an allocation ratio based on priority information predetermined for each contract with the service provider, and generates synthesized command information.

[0063] In detail, the command synthesis unit 12B generates synthesized command information by synthesizing output values ​​corresponding to desired output values ​​for each time period in accordance with an allocation ratio based on priority information for overlapping time periods of desired provision times included in each of the multiple command information. In other words, the command synthesis unit 12B generates synthesized command information by synthesizing command information in accordance with an allocation ratio based on priority information for overlapping time periods in which desired provision times overlap between multiple service providers, which are represented by the multiple command information.

[0064] Specifically, the command synthesis unit 12B generates synthesized command information that prioritizes command information with a high command priority included in the priority information for an overlapping time period of desired provision time periods included in a plurality of pieces of command information.

[0065] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of generation of synthesis command information.

[0066] For example, assume that the output that can be provided from the energy device 20A in each time period is the output provideable amount 40 shown in Fig. 5A. Also assume that command information including overlapping time periods in which desired supply times overlap is received from each of the service provider terminal 30A of the service provider A and the service provider terminal 30B of the service provider B. Also assume that the command priority of the contract with service provider A is higher than the command priority of the contract with service provider B.

[0067] In this case, the command synthesis unit 12B assigns each desired output value 42A of the desired service time slot included in the command information received from the service provider terminal 30A of the service provider A with high command priority to each corresponding time slot. For example, assume that the command information includes a desired output value 42A2 for the desired service time slot 13:30 and a desired output value 42A3 for the desired service time slot 14:00 as desired output values ​​42A. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5A, the command synthesis unit 12B assigns the desired output value 42A2 of the service provider A to the time slot 13:30 and the desired output value 42A3 of the service provider A to the time slot 14:00.

[0068] Next, the command synthesis unit 12B assigns each desired output value 42B of the desired service time slot contained in the command information received from the service provider terminal 30B of the service provider B with the low command priority to each unassigned output of the corresponding time slot.

[0069] For example, it is assumed that the command information of the service provider B includes a desired output value 42B1 for the desired service time slot 13:00 and a desired output value 42B2 for the desired service time slot 13:30 as desired output values ​​42B.

[0070] In this case, as shown in Fig. 5B, command synthesis unit 12B assigns desired output value 42B1 of service provider B to time slot 13:00. On the other hand, time slot 13:30 is an overlapping time slot between the desired time slots of service provider A and service provider B. For this reason, desired output value 42A2 of service provider A, which has a higher command priority, is assigned first to time slot 13:30.

[0071] Assume that the unallocated output obtained by subtracting desired output value 42A2 already allocated for service provider A from output provideable amount 40 of energy device 20A for time slot 13:30 is equal to or greater than desired output value 42B2 of service provider B for time slot 13:30. In this case, command synthesis unit 12B allocates desired output value 42B2 of service provider B for time slot 13:30 to time slot 13:30.

[0072] On the other hand, assume that the unallocated power is less than the desired output value 42B2 of service provider B for time slot 13:30. In this case, the command synthesis unit 12B allocates the desired output value 42B2a, which is the unallocated power, of the desired output value 42B2 of service provider B for time slot 13:30 to time slot 13:30. Then, allocation of the remaining desired output value 42B2b of service provider B for time slot 13:30 that was not allocated to time slot 13:30 is abandoned.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5C, if the unallocated output is less than the desired output value 42B2 of service provider B for time slot 13:30, the command synthesis unit 12B does not need to allocate the desired output value 42B2 of service provider B for time slot 13:30.

[0074] In this way, the command synthesis unit 12B allocates the desired output value included in the command information to each time slot according to the desired output value and desired time slot included in the multiple command information and the command priority included in the priority information. By the allocation process according to the command priority, the command synthesis unit 12B generates synthesized command information by synthesizing the multiple command information according to the allocation ratio based on the priority information.

[0075] In addition, the command synthesis unit 12B may generate synthesized command information that gives priority to command information with a higher priority, as represented by an item specified in the allocation policy included in the priority information, for overlapping time periods of desired provision time periods included in multiple command information.

[0076] For example, as described above, the command synthesis unit 12B generates synthesized command information by giving priority to command information with a higher command priority included in the priority information for a plurality of pieces of command information. Then, when the command synthesis unit 12B further receives command information including a desired provision time period that overlaps with the synthesized command information after generating the synthesized command information, the command synthesis unit 12B regenerates synthesized command information by giving priority to command information with a higher priority represented by an item specified by the distribution policy for this overlapping time period.

[0077] 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating an example of generation of synthesis command information.

[0078] For example, it is assumed that the output that can be provided from the energy device 20A in each time period is the available output amount 40 shown in Fig. 6A. It is also assumed that command information is received from the service provider terminal 30C of the service provider C.

[0079] In this case, the command synthesis unit 12B assigns each desired output value 42C of the desired provision time slot included in the command information received from the service provider terminal 30C of the service provider C to each corresponding time slot. For example, assume that the command information includes a desired output value 42C2 for the desired provision time slot 13:30 and a desired output value 42C3 for the desired provision time slot 14:00 as desired output values ​​42C. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6A, the command synthesis unit 12B assigns the desired output value 42C2 of the service provider C to the time slot 13:30, and assigns the desired output value 42C3 of the service provider C to the time slot 14:00. Through this assignment process, the command synthesis unit 12B generates synthesized command information.

[0080] Then, after the composite command information is generated, a scene is assumed in which command information including an overlapping time period is further received from a service provider terminal 30D of a service provider D having a higher command priority than the service provider C.

[0081] In this case, the command synthesis unit 12B regenerates synthesized command information by giving priority to command information with higher priority expressed by items stipulated by the distribution policy included in the priority information of the service provider D with the higher command priority.

[0082] For example, assume that the item stipulated by the allocation policy included in the priority information of service provider D is "first booked first." In this case, command synthesis unit 12B prioritizes the command information of service provider C, which is command information received first. Therefore, command synthesis unit 12B allocates each desired output value 42D of the desired provision time slot included in the command information of service provider D, which has a high command priority but received command information later, to each unallocated output of the corresponding time slot.

[0083] For example, it is assumed that the command information of service provider D includes desired output value 42D1 for desired service time slot 13:00 and desired output value 42D2 for desired service time slot 13:30 as desired output value 42D.

[0084] In this case, as shown in FIG. 6B, for example, the command synthesis unit 12B assigns the desired output value 42D1 of the service provider D as it is since the time slot 13:00 is unallocated. On the other hand, the time slot 13:30 is an overlapping time slot in which the time slot desired to be provided by the service provider C and the time slot desired to be provided by the service provider D overlap. For this reason, for the time slot 13:30, the desired output value 42C2 of the service provider C that was accepted first is prioritized according to the item "first-come-first-served priority" defined by the allocation policy. For this reason, the command synthesis unit 12B assigns the desired output value 42D2a, which is the unallocated output for the time slot 13:30, of the desired output value 42D2 of the service provider D for the time slot 13:30, to the time slot 13:30. Then, the allocation of the remaining desired output value 42D2b, which was not allocated to the time slot 13:30, of the desired output value 42D2 of the service provider D for the time slot 13:30, is abandoned.

[0085] Also, for example, assume that the item stipulated by the allocation policy included in the priority information of service provider D is "command priority priority." In this case, command synthesis unit 12B prioritizes command information of service provider D with high command priority. Therefore, command synthesis unit 12B allocates each desired output value 42D of the desired service time slot included in the command information of service provider D, which received command information later but has high command priority, by giving priority to the command information of service provider C, which received earlier.

[0086] For example, it is assumed that the command information of service provider D includes desired output value 42D1 for desired service time slot 13:00 and desired output value 42D2 for desired service time slot 13:30 as desired output value 42D.

[0087] In this case, as shown in FIG. 6C, for example, since time slot 13:00 is unallocated, command synthesis unit 12B assigns desired output value 42D1 of service provider D as is. Meanwhile, time slot 13:30 is an overlapping time slot in which the desired time slot of service provider C and the desired time slot of service provider D overlap, and desired output value 42C2 of service provider C is assigned first. However, since the item specified by the allocation policy is "command priority priority", command synthesis unit 12B cancels desired output value 42C2, which is the portion assigned to service provider C first, and assigns desired output value 42D2 of service provider D. Note that command synthesis unit 12B may assign desired output value 42D2 of service provider D to time slot 13:30, and assign the portion of desired output value 42C2 of service provider C that is unallocated to time slot 13:30 to time slot 13:30.

[0088] In this way, the command synthesis unit 12B may generate synthesized command information that gives priority to command information with higher priority, as represented by items specified in the allocation policy included in the priority information, for overlapping time periods of desired provision time periods included in multiple command information.

[0089] 1 to continue the explanation. Furthermore, the command synthesis unit 12B calculates a planned provision allocation ratio for each time period to the service provider terminal 30 from the output instruction value for each time period represented by the synthesis command information. Then, the calculated planned provision allocation ratio is registered in the allocation ratio DB 14C of the storage unit 14.

[0090] The planned provision allocation ratio indicates the ratio of the output that is planned to be provided to each of the multiple service providers to the total output that one energy device 20 can provide.

[0091] 7 is a schematic diagram of an example of the data configuration of the distribution ratio DB14C. The distribution ratio DB14C is a database that associates a service provider ID, a device ID, a desired output value included in the command information of the service provider identified by the corresponding service provider ID, a desired service time slot included in the command information, and a scheduled provision distribution ratio. The data format of the distribution ratio DB14C may be a table or the like, and is not limited to a database.

[0092] For example, assume that the desired time period for provision and the desired output value included in the command information received from service provider A with a high command priority are "60 kW between 10:00 and 12:00". Also assume that the desired time period for provision and the desired output value included in the command information received from service provider B with a low command priority are "50 kW between 11:00 and 13:00". Also assume that the device owners who are contracting parties of service provider A and service provider B own energy devices 20A, 20B, and 20C. Also assume that the output that can be provided by these energy devices 20 is 30 kW for energy device 20A, 40 kW for energy device 20B, and 20 kW for energy device 20C in any time period.

[0093] In this case, the period from 11:00 to 12:00 is an overlapping time period in which the desired service time periods overlap. In addition, the sum of the desired output values ​​of the service provider A and the service provider B exceeds the output provideable amounts of the energy devices 20A, 20B, and 20C.

[0094] Therefore, for example, during the overlapping time period from “11:00 to 12:00”, the command synthesis unit 12B requests the energy equipment 20A to have an output command value of 30 kW, the energy equipment 20B to have an output command value of 40 kW, and the energy equipment 20C to have an output command value of 20 kW.

[0095] Then, the command synthesis unit 12B determines that, for the energy device 20B, of the requested output command value of 40 kW, 30 kW is to be provided to the service provider A, and 10 kW is to be provided to the service provider B.

[0096] In this case, the new composite command information is composed of information including the time period requested of each service provider terminal 30, such as "11:00 to 12:00", and the output instruction values, such as "30kW", "40kW", and "20kW".

[0097] The planned provision allocation ratio is expressed as the ratio of the output to be provided to each service provider to the total output provided by each of the energy equipment 20A, the energy equipment 20B, and the energy equipment 20C. Therefore, "0.75", which is the ratio of 30 kW that the service provider A receives from the energy equipment 20B out of the 40 kW output provided by the energy equipment 20B during the time period "from 11:00 to 12:00", becomes the planned provision allocation ratio of the output that the service provider A receives from the energy equipment 20B. The planned provision allocation ratio can be set to an arbitrary ratio between the service provider and the equipment owner according to priority information, etc.

[0098] As described above, the command synthesis unit 12B calculates the allocation ratio to be provided to the service provider terminal 30 for each time period from the output instruction value for each time period represented by the synthesis command information. Then, the calculated allocation ratio to be provided is registered in the allocation ratio DB 14C of the storage unit 14.

[0099] Continuing the description by returning to Fig. 1, the command synthesis unit 12B notifies the command unit 12C of the synthesis command information generated for each of the energy devices 20 by the above-mentioned processing.

[0100] In detail, the command synthesis unit 12B generates provision plan information consisting of a group of synthesis command information representing output command values ​​for each of a plurality of time slots included in a future predetermined period for each of the plurality of energy devices 20, and notifies the command unit 12C. The future predetermined period is, for example, a period of one day.

[0101] 8 is a schematic diagram of an example of a data configuration of the synthesis command information, which includes a device ID, an output instruction value, and a time period.

[0102] Returning to Fig. 1, the description will continue. The command synthesis unit 12B transmits the output information to be provided to the service provider terminal 30 via the data transfer unit 12A.

[0103] 9 is a schematic diagram of an example of a data configuration of the output information to be provided. The output information to be provided includes a device ID, a device owner ID, an output value to be provided, and a time period to be provided. The time period to be provided is information that indicates a time period during which the output of the output value to be provided is to be provided.

[0104] Returning to Figure 1, we will continue with the explanation.

[0105] The command unit 12C transmits the synthesis command information to the energy device 20. In particular, the command unit 12C transmits the output instruction value and the time period included in the synthesis command information to the energy device 20 identified by the device ID included in the synthesis command information.

[0106] The timing at which the command unit 12C transmits the composite command information to the energy device 20 may be any timing before the time period included in the composite command information. For example, assume that the energy device 20 to which the command is to be sent is a device having a command schedule function. The command schedule function is a function that allows a time period for executing a command to be set in advance. In this case, when the command unit 12C receives the composite command information from the command synthesis unit 12B, the command unit 12C may immediately transmit the composite command information to the corresponding energy device 20. On the other hand, assume that the energy device 20 to which the command is to be sent is a device that does not have a command schedule function. In this case, the command unit 12C may transmit the composite command information received from the command synthesis unit 12B to the energy device 20 immediately before the time period included in the composite command information.

[0107] Next, the result collection unit 12D will be described.

[0108] The result collection unit 12D collects output result values ​​from the energy devices 20 via a network or the like. The output result values ​​are actual values ​​of the output provided from the energy devices 20 to the power grid. The result collection unit 12D collects output result information including the output result values ​​from each of the multiple energy devices 20, and notifies the result allocation unit 12E.

[0109] 10 is a schematic diagram of an example of a data configuration of output result information. The output result information includes a device ID, an output result value, and a result collection time. The result collection time is information indicating a time or a time period when an output result value provided to the power grid from an energy device 20 identified by a corresponding device ID was collected.

[0110] Returning to Figure 1, we will continue with the explanation.

[0111] The performance apportionment unit 12E determines allocation performance information that indicates the allocation of the output performance values ​​collected from the energy devices 20 to the service providers.

[0112] Each of the multiple energy devices 20 performs power control according to composite command information indicating an output command value for each time period, which is indicated in the provision plan information received from the command unit 12C. However, due to environmental fluctuations and energy consumption conditions on the day, the output command value included in the composite command information does not necessarily match the actual output performance value. For this reason, the gateway device 10 needs to constantly collect the output performance values ​​of the energy devices 20 for each hour and determine the output value that can actually be provided to the service provider.

[0113] Therefore, the performance apportionment unit 12E determines allocation performance information that indicates the allocation of the output performance values ​​collected from the energy devices 20 to the service providers.

[0114] For example, the result apportionment unit 12E determines the allocation result information indicating the allocation of energy to each of the multiple service provider terminals 30, based on the planned provision allocation ratio indicated in the allocation ratio DB 14C stored in the storage unit 14.

[0115] 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of the data configuration of the allocation result information. The result apportionment unit 12E determines the allocation result information for each service provider. Therefore, for example, the allocation result information is information associated with each service provider ID. The allocation result information includes a device ID, an actual allocation output value, and an actual collection time.

[0116] The device ID included in the allocation result information is identification information of the energy device 20 that provides output to the service provider identified by the corresponding service provider ID. The actual allocation output value is an output value allocated to the service provider among the output result values ​​collected from the energy device 20 at the corresponding result collection time.

[0117] For example, the performance allocation unit 12E determines a performance allocation output value obtained by allocating the output performance value of the energy device 20 at the planned provision allocation ratio indicated in the allocation ratio DB 14C. That is, the performance allocation unit 12E determines a performance allocation output value that allocates the output performance value to the service provider at the same ratio as the planned provision allocation ratio.

[0118] In detail, the result allocation unit 12E specifies, for each pair of the device ID of the energy device 20 and the service provider ID, a planned provision allocation ratio corresponding to the pair from the allocation ratio DB 14C (see FIG. 7). Then, for each pair, the result allocation unit 12E specifies, from the output result information (see FIG. 10), an output result value collected from the energy device 20 at the result collection time of the desired service time slot corresponding to the pair in the allocation ratio DB 14C. Furthermore, the result allocation unit 12E multiplies the specified output result value by the specified planned provision allocation ratio, and determines the multiplication result as the result allocation output value that is the allocation to the service provider identified by the service provider ID included in the pair. A specific description will be given using a figure.

[0119] 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of an example of distribution according to a planned provision distribution ratio.

[0120] For example, assume that the output instruction value for each time period included in the synthesis command information for the energy device 20A is the output instruction value 50 shown in Fig. 12A. Also assume that the output performance value for each time period by the energy device 20A is the output performance value 52 shown in Fig. 12A.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 12B, assume that the planned distribution ratio for service provider A to output instruction value 50 at time 13:30 is output value 42A of “0.6”, and the planned distribution ratio for service provider B is output value 42B of “0.4”.

[0122] 12B, a case is assumed in which the actual output performance value of the energy device 20A in the time slot 13:30 is an output performance value 52 that is less than the output instruction value 50. In FIG.

[0123] In this case, the actual result allocation unit 12E determines the output value of the energy device 20A at the planned provision allocation ratio of "0.6" for the output actual value 52 at time slot 13:30 as the actual result allocation output value 54A to the service provider A. In addition, the actual result allocation unit 12E determines the actual result allocation output value 54B, which is the output value of the energy device 20A at the planned provision allocation ratio of "0.4" for the output actual value 52 at time slot 13:30, as the actual result allocation output value to the service provider B.

[0124] In this manner, the result allocation unit 12E determines, for example, a result allocation output value for allocating the output result value of the energy device 20 to the service provider at the same ratio as the planned provision allocation ratio.

[0125] The actual result allocation unit 12E may determine an actual result allocation output value by allocating the output actual result value so that the allocation to the service provider that is the sender of the command information with a high priority represented by the priority information is preferentially satisfied. In other words, the actual result allocation unit 12E may determine an actual result allocation output value with an allocation ratio different from the planned provision allocation ratio indicated in the allocation ratio DB 14C so that the desired output value of the service provider with a high priority is preferentially satisfied in order.

[0126] FIG. 12C is a diagram illustrating an example of distribution according to priority information.

[0127] For example, assume that the output instruction value for each time period included in the synthesis command information for the energy device 20A is the output instruction value 50 shown in Fig. 12A. Also assume that the output performance value for each time period by the energy device 20A is the output performance value 52 shown in Fig. 12C.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 12C, assume that the planned distribution ratio for service provider A to output instruction value 50 at time slot 13:30 is output value 42A of “0.6”, and the planned distribution ratio for service provider B is output value 42B of “0.4”.

[0129] 12C, a case is assumed in which the actual output result value of the energy device 20A in the time slot 13:30 is an output result value 52 that is less than the output instruction value 50. In FIG.

[0130] Also, it is assumed that the command priority of the service provider A is higher than the command priority of the service provider B. In detail, it is assumed that the command priority included in the priority information corresponding to the service provider ID of the service provider A and the device owner ID of the energy device 20A in the contract information DB 14A is higher than the command priority included in the priority information corresponding to the service provider ID of the service provider B and the device owner ID of the energy device 20A (see also FIG. 3).

[0131] In this case, for the output actual value 52 of the energy device 20A at time slot 13:30, the performance allocation unit 12E determines the desired output value 54A of the service provider A with high command priority for that time slot as the performance allocation output value to the service provider A. Then, the performance allocation unit 12E determines the remaining output amount obtained by subtracting the desired output value 54A of the service provider A from the output actual value 52, among the desired output values ​​for that time slot of the service provider B with low command priority, as the performance allocation output value 54B to the service provider B.

[0132] In this way, the actual result apportionment unit 12E may determine actual result allocation output values ​​with allocation ratios different from the planned provision allocation ratios shown in the allocation ratio DB 14C so as to preferentially satisfy the desired output values ​​of service providers with higher priorities.

[0133] In addition, the actual performance allocation unit 12E may determine the allocation actual performance information including the above-mentioned allocation actual value by using a total output obtained by adding up the actual output values ​​of multiple energy devices 20 owned by one equipment owner for each time period, instead of the actual output value of one energy device 20 for each time period.

[0134] Continuing the explanation by returning to Fig. 1, the data sending / receiving unit 12A transmits the allocation result information determined for each of the plurality of service providers by the result apportionment unit 12E to the service provider terminal 30 of the service provider via a network or the like.

[0135] The data transfer unit 12A may transmit the allocation record information to the service provider terminal 30 connected via the Internet in a form such as a Web application. The data transfer unit 12A may transmit the allocation record information as inter-system communication to the service provider terminal 30, which is a system used by the service provider, in a form such as a Web service.

[0136] The service provider terminal 30, which has received the allocation actual information from the gateway device 10, displays the allocation actual information on the display screen of the service provider terminal 30. Therefore, the allocation actual information is displayed on the display screen of the service provider terminal 30. The service provider operating the service provider terminal 30 can check the actual allocation output value provided by the energy device 20 and the actual collection time, which is the time period during which the output is provided, included in the allocation actual information, by visually checking the display screen. In other words, the service provider can easily check the allocation actual information.

[0137] Next, an example of the flow of information processing executed by the gateway device 10 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0138] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the gateway device 10. In FIG.

[0139] The data transfer unit 12A transmits the service provider ID and the URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) ​​of the data transfer unit 12A to which the command information is to be sent to each of the multiple service provider terminals 30 (step S100). The gateway provider of the gateway device 10 may notify each service provider in advance of the service provider ID and the URI of the data transfer unit 12A to which the command information is to be sent via email, a Web system, or the like. The service providers may set in advance the notified URI of the data transfer unit 12A as the destination of the command information in the service provider terminals 30 that they each manage.

[0140] The data sending / receiving unit 12A receives command information from each of the plurality of service provider terminals 30 (step S102). The data sending / receiving unit 12A receives command information sent from each of the plurality of service provider terminals 30 at any timing.

[0141] The data exchange unit 12A acquires the priority information, the device ID, and the device information from the storage unit 14, and adds them to the command information received in step S102, and notifies the command synthesis unit 12B (step S104).

[0142] In step S104, the data transmitting / receiving unit 12A obtains, from the device information DB 14B, the device ID of the energy device 20 available to the service provider of the service provider terminal 30 that is the transmission source of the command information received in step S102 and device information corresponding to the device ID. The data transmitting / receiving unit 12A also obtains, from the contract information DB 14A, the service provider ID of the service provider of the service provider terminal 30 that is the transmission source of the command information received in step S102 and priority information corresponding to the device owner ID corresponding to the identified device ID. Then, the data transmitting / receiving unit 12A assigns the obtained device ID, device information, and priority information to the command information received in step S102 and notifies the command synthesis unit 12B.

[0143] The command synthesis unit 12B synthesizes the multiple pieces of command information received in step S102 for each energy device 20, and generates synthesized command information (step S106).

[0144] In step S106, the command synthesis unit 12B uses the command information, to which the device ID, priority information, and device information have been assigned, received from the data transmission / reception unit 12A in step S104, to generate provision plan information consisting of a group of synthesized command information representing output instruction values ​​for each of a plurality of time periods included in a predetermined future period, such as one day.

[0145] Fig. 14A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data configuration of command information before synthesis by the processing of step S106 of the command synthesis unit 12B. Fig. 14B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data configuration of synthesized command information generated by the processing of step S106 of the command synthesis unit 12B.

[0146] As shown in Fig. 14A, the command information before combination includes, for example, a service provider ID, a desired output value, a command priority, and a desired time period for provision. Note that the command information before combination may be in a form that does not include a command priority, as described with reference to Fig. 2. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 14B, the combined combined command information is information that includes a device ID, an output instruction value, and a time period.

[0147] Returning to Fig. 13, the description will be continued. The command synthesis unit 12B calculates a planned provision allocation ratio for each time period to the service provider terminal 30 from the output instruction value for each time period represented by the synthesis command information generated in step S106 (step S108). Then, the command synthesis unit 12B registers the planned provision allocation ratio calculated in step S108 in the allocation ratio DB 14C of the storage unit 14 (step S110).

[0148] The command synthesis unit 12B transmits the to-be-provided output information including the to-be-provided output value according to the to-be-provided allocation ratio calculated in step S108 to the service provider terminal 30 via the data transfer unit 12A (step S112).

[0149] The command unit 12C transmits, to the corresponding energy device 20, provision plan information consisting of a group of composite command information representing output command values ​​for each of the multiple time periods generated for each energy device 20 in step S106 (step S114). Then, this routine ends.

[0150] Next, an example of the flow of information processing from collection to distribution of output result values ​​by the gateway device 10 will be described.

[0151] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the gateway device 10. Fig. 15 shows an example of the flow of information processing from collection to distribution of output result values.

[0152] The result collection unit 12D collects output result values ​​from the energy devices 20 via a network or the like (step S200).

[0153] The result allocation unit 12E determines, for each service provider, allocation result information indicating the allocation, to the service provider, of the output result values ​​collected from the energy devices 20 in step S200 (step S202).

[0154] The data exchange unit 12A transmits the allocation result information determined in step S202 to the service provider terminal 30 of the corresponding service provider via a network or the like (step S204), and then ends this routine.

[0155] As described above, the gateway device 10 of the present embodiment includes the data exchange unit 12A, the command synthesis unit 12B, and the command unit 12C. The data exchange unit 12A receives command information including a desired output value from each of a plurality of service providers. The command synthesis unit 12B synthesizes the plurality of command information to generate synthesized command information representing an output instruction value for each time period. The command unit 12C transmits the synthesized command information to the energy device 20.

[0156] In the conventional technology, the commands that can be received by the energy device 20 are limited to one command per time period. However, as data linkage on the cloud side becomes more widespread in the future, there is a possibility that commands may be issued from multiple service provider terminals 30 to one energy device 20 in the same time period, and conflicting commands will become an issue. Since the owner of the energy device 20 can obtain larger rewards the more aggregators he or she contracts with, it is desirable to receive as many commands as possible and process them without conflicting. The rewards are various types of preferential treatment, and are provided in the form of, for example, money, electronic points, discounts, preferential treatment, and the like.

[0157] However, in the conventional technology, from the viewpoint of ease of integrated control, the number of commands that one energy device 20 can receive is limited to one in any time period. Therefore, even if there is a surplus in the output that the energy device 20 can provide in response to one command received from one service provider, the surplus output cannot be provided to other service providers. Therefore, in the conventional technology, the output that the energy device 20 can provide cannot be fully utilized. In other words, in the conventional technology, it is difficult for the energy device 20 to provide output to more service providers in any time period.

[0158] On the other hand, in the gateway device 10 of the present embodiment, the command synthesis unit 12B synthesizes a plurality of pieces of command information to generate synthetic command information that indicates an output instruction value for each time period. Then, the command unit 12C transmits the synthetic command information to the energy device 20.

[0159] Therefore, composite command information obtained by combining a plurality of pieces of command information from a plurality of service provider terminals 30 for each time period is transmitted to the energy device 20. That is, in the gateway device 10 of the present embodiment, a plurality of pieces of command information are combined into one new piece of composite command information and transmitted to the energy device 20. Therefore, the energy device 20 can respond to commands from a plurality of service provider terminals 30 in the same time period. That is, in the gateway device 10 of the present embodiment, one energy device 20 can provide output to a plurality of service providers in one time period.

[0160] Therefore, the gateway device 10 of the present embodiment can enable the energy device 20 to provide output to more service providers at any time.

[0161] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, a form in which priority information is specified by dividing reception desks for receiving command information by priority will be described. Note that the same reference numerals will be given to configurations similar to those in the above embodiment, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0162] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an example of a gateway system 2 of the present embodiment.

[0163] The gateway system 2 includes a gateway device 11, an energy device 20, and a service provider terminal 30. The gateway system 2 is similar to the gateway system 1 of the above embodiment, except that the gateway system 2 includes the gateway device 11 instead of the gateway device 10.

[0164] The gateway device 11 includes a control unit 13 and a storage unit 15. The control unit 13 and the storage unit 15 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0165] The storage unit 15 is similar to the storage unit 14 of the above embodiment, except that the storage unit 15 stores an allocation ratio DB 15C instead of the allocation ratio DB 14C. Details of the allocation ratio DB 15C will be described later.

[0166] The control unit 13 executes information processing in the gateway device 11. The control unit 13 includes a data transfer unit 13A, a command synthesis unit 13B, a command unit 12C, a performance record collection unit 12D, and a performance record allocation unit 12E. The command unit 12C, the performance record collection unit 12D, and the performance record allocation unit 12E are the same as those in the above embodiment.

[0167] Like the data exchange unit 12A, the data exchange unit 13A exchanges data with each of the plurality of service provider terminals 30. In detail, the data exchange unit 13A receives command information from each of the plurality of energy devices 20.

[0168] In this embodiment, the data transfer unit 13A has a plurality of individual data transfer units 13F for each priority. That is, when one service provider of a priority is defined for one priority assigned to one individual data transfer unit 13F, one service provider terminal 30 transfers data to one individual data transfer unit 13F in a one-to-one relationship. When multiple service providers of the same priority are defined for one priority assigned to one individual data transfer unit 13F, multiple service provider terminals 30 transfer data to one individual data transfer unit 13F. In this embodiment, a case where one service provider of a priority is defined for one priority assigned to one individual data transfer unit 13F will be described as an example. In other words, in this embodiment, a form in which each of the multiple individual data transfer units 13F transfers data to the service provider terminal 30 in a one-to-one relationship will be described as an example.

[0169] 16 shows, as an example, an individual data transfer unit 13FA corresponding to the service provider terminal 30A, an individual data transfer unit 13FB corresponding to the service provider terminal 30B, a service provider terminal 30C, and an individual data transfer unit 13FD corresponding to the service provider terminal 30C. Note that the individual data transfer unit 13F only needs to be provided for each priority level, and can be freely adjusted according to the number of priority levels, and is not limited to a configuration in which four individual data transfer units 13F are provided.

[0170] Each of the multiple individual data transmitting / receiving units 13F is given in advance priority information according to a contract with the corresponding service provider terminal 30. For example, each of the multiple individual data transmitting / receiving units 13F is given in advance a command priority according to the contract.

[0171] Each of the multiple service provider terminals 30 may be notified in advance of destination information indicating the individual data transmitting / receiving unit 13F corresponding to the command priority of the contract with each of the service provider terminals 30. For example, the URI or the like of the individual data transmitting / receiving unit 13F may be used as the destination information.

[0172] FIG. 16 shows an example in which a plurality of individual data transmission / reception units 13F are provided in the control unit 13. However, the plurality of individual data transmission / reception units 13F may be reception desks that individually receive command information for each priority of a contract with the service provider terminal 30, and are not limited to being provided in the control unit 13. For example, the plurality of individual data transmission / reception units 13F may be configured to be mounted on a plurality of gateway devices or server devices provided outside the gateway device 11. Also, the plurality of individual data transmission / reception units 13F may be configured on a server device provided outside the gateway device 11, and may be identified by assigning different URIs to separate end points. Also, the plurality of individual data transmission / reception units 13F may be mounted on each of the service provider terminals 30. In this case, for example, the plurality of individual data transmission / reception units 13F may be mounted on each of the service provider terminals 30 as an API (Application Programming Interface).

[0173] The individual data sending and receiving units 13F each receive command information from a corresponding one of the service provider terminals 30. The individual data sending and receiving units 13F notify the command synthesis unit 13B of the received command information.

[0174] The command synthesis unit 13B synthesizes a plurality of pieces of received command information to generate synthesized command information, similar to the command synthesis unit 12B. However, in this embodiment, the command synthesis unit 13B generates synthesized command information by synthesizing a plurality of pieces of command information according to an allocation ratio based on priority information assigned to the individual data transfer unit 13F that has received the command information.

[0175] That is, in the above embodiment, the data transmitting / receiving unit 12A identifies, from the contract information DB 14A, priority information corresponding to the service provider ID included in the command information received from the service provider terminal 30, and notifies the command synthesis unit 12B. Then, in the above embodiment, the command synthesis unit 12B generates the synthesized command information by using the priority information identified from the contract information DB 14A stored in the storage unit 14.

[0176] On the other hand, in this embodiment, priority information according to a contract with the corresponding service provider terminal 30 is given to each of the multiple individual data sending and receiving units 13F in advance.

[0177] Therefore, the command synthesis unit 13B identifies the priority information corresponding to the command information by determining from which individual data transmission / reception unit 13F the command information has been received. That is, in this embodiment, the command synthesis unit 13B can easily identify the priority information corresponding to the command information without searching the storage unit 15.

[0178] For example, assume that the command priority of the command information received by the individual data transfer unit 13FA is the highest, and the command priority of the individual data transfer unit 13FB, the individual data transfer unit 13FC, and the individual data transfer unit 13FD is the lowest in that order. Also assume that the individual data transfer unit 13FA and the individual data transfer unit 13FB receive command information from the service provider terminal 30A and the service provider terminal 30B, respectively. In this case, the command synthesis unit 13B can determine which individual data transfer unit 13F received the command information, and thereby determine that the command priority of the command information received by the individual data transfer unit 13FA is higher than the command priority of the command information received by the individual data transfer unit 13FB.

[0179] Then, the command synthesis unit 13B may use the identified command priority to synthesize a plurality of pieces of command information in the same manner as the command synthesis unit 12B in the above embodiment, to generate synthesized command information.

[0180] In this embodiment, the priority information may not be included in the contract information DB 14A stored in the storage unit 15. Similarly to the above embodiment, the priority information may be included in the contract information DB 14A stored in the storage unit 15 (see FIG. 3).

[0181] The command synthesis unit 13B, like the command synthesis unit 12B in the above embodiment, calculates the allocation ratio to be provided to the service provider terminal 30 for each time period from the output instruction value for each time period represented by the synthesis command information. Then, the calculated allocation ratio to be provided is registered in the allocation ratio DB 15C of the storage unit 14.

[0182] 17 is a schematic diagram of an example of the data configuration of the distribution ratio DB15C. The distribution ratio DB15C is a database that associates a service provider ID, an individual data transfer unit URI, a device ID, a desired output value included in the command information of a service provider identified by the corresponding service provider ID, a desired service time slot included in the command information, and a scheduled provision distribution ratio. The data format of the distribution ratio DB15C may be a table or the like, and is not limited to a database.

[0183] That is, the allocation ratio DB 15C has a data configuration in which an individual data transfer unit URI is further added to the allocation ratio DB 14C registered by the command synthesis unit 12B in the above embodiment. The individual data transfer unit URI is the URI of the individual data transfer unit 13F. That is, the individual data transfer unit URI is the URI of the individual data transfer unit 13F according to the priority that has received the command information from the service provider terminal 30.

[0184] In this manner, the gateway device 11 of the present embodiment is configured such that reception windows for receiving command information are divided according to priority, and therefore in addition to the effect of the above embodiment, priority information can be easily specified.

[0185] Next, an example of the flow of information processing executed by the gateway device 11 of this embodiment will be described.

[0186] 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the gateway device 11. In FIG.

[0187] The data transfer unit 13A transmits to each of the multiple service provider terminals 30 the URI of the individual data transfer unit 13F corresponding to the command priority of the contract with the service provider of the service provider terminal 30 and the service provider ID (step S300). The gateway provider of the gateway device 11 may notify each service provider in advance of the service provider ID and the URI of the individual data transfer unit 13F to which the command information is to be sent via email, a Web system, or the like. The service providers may set in advance the notified URI of the individual data transfer unit 13F as the destination of the command information in the service provider terminals 30 that they manage.

[0188] Each of the individual data transmission / reception units 13F receives command information from the corresponding service provider terminal 30 (step S302). Each of the individual data transmission / reception units 13F receives command information sent from the corresponding service provider terminal 30 at any timing.

[0189] The command synthesis unit 13B identifies the command priority level corresponding to the command information by determining from which individual data transmission / reception unit 13F the command information has been received. In addition, the command synthesis unit 13B acquires the device ID and device information for each command information from the storage unit 15 (step S304).

[0190] Then, the gateway device 11 executes the processes of steps S306 to S314 in the same manner as steps S106 to S114 (see FIG. 13) of the gateway device 10 in the above embodiment.

[0191] That is, the command synthesis unit 13B synthesizes the multiple pieces of command information received in step S302 for each energy device 20, and generates synthesized command information (step S306). Then, the command synthesis unit 13B calculates a planned provision allocation ratio for each time slot to the service provider terminal 30 from the output instruction value for each time slot represented by the synthesized command information generated in step S306 (step S308). Then, the command synthesis unit 13B registers the planned provision allocation ratio calculated in step S308 in the allocation ratio DB 15C of the storage unit 15 together with the individual data transfer unit URI (step S310).

[0192] The command synthesis unit 13B transmits the planned provision output information, including the planned provision output value according to the planned provision allocation ratio calculated in step S308, to the corresponding service provider terminal 30 via each of the multiple individual data transmission / reception units 13F (step S312).

[0193] The command unit 12C transmits, to the corresponding energy device 20, provision plan information consisting of a group of composite command information representing output command values ​​for each of the multiple time periods generated for each energy device 20 in step S306 (step S314). Then, this routine ends.

[0194] Next, an example of the flow of information processing from collection to distribution of output result values ​​by the gateway device 11 will be described.

[0195] Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the gateway device 11. Fig. 19 shows an example of the flow of information processing from collection to distribution of output result values.

[0196] The result collection unit 12D collects output result values ​​from the energy devices 20 via a network or the like (step S400).

[0197] The result allocation unit 12E determines, for each service provider, allocation result information that indicates the allocation to the service provider of the output result value collected from the energy device 20 in step S400 (step S402). The result allocation unit 12E may determine the allocation result information by using the allocation ratio DB 15C.

[0198] The individual data sending / receiving units 13F included in the data sending / receiving unit 13A transmit the allocation result information determined in step S402 to the service provider terminals 30 of the corresponding service providers via a network or the like (step S404). Then, this routine ends.

[0199] As described above, in the gateway device 11 of this embodiment, the data transfer unit 13A has a plurality of individual data transfer units 13F corresponding to a plurality of service providers and having the priority information of the service providers assigned in advance. The command synthesis unit 13B generates synthesized command information by synthesizing a plurality of pieces of command information according to an allocation ratio based on the priority information assigned to the individual data transfer unit 13F that received the command information.

[0200] In this way, the gateway device 11 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which reception windows for receiving command information are divided according to priority. Therefore, the gateway device 11 of the present embodiment can easily identify priority information in addition to the effects of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0201] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the gateway device 10 and the gateway device 11 of the above embodiment will be described.

[0202] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the gateway device 10 and the gateway device 11 of the above embodiment.

[0203] The gateway device 10 and the gateway device 11 of the above-mentioned embodiments are equipped with a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 90B, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 90C, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 90D, and a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 90E, an I / F unit 90A which interfaces with various devices, and a bus 90F which connects each unit, and have a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

[0204] In the gateway device 10 and the gateway device 11 of the above embodiment, the CPU 90B reads a program from the ROM 90C onto the RAM 90D and executes it, thereby realizing each of the above units on the computer.

[0205] The programs for executing the above-mentioned processes executed by the gateway device 10 and the gateway device 11 of the above-mentioned embodiment may be stored in the HDD 90E. Also, the programs for executing the above-mentioned processes executed by the gateway device 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in the ROM 90C.

[0206] The programs for executing the above processes executed by the gateway device 10 and the gateway device 11 of the above embodiment may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a memory card, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a flexible disk (FD) in an installable or executable format file and provided as a computer program product. The programs for executing the above processes executed by the gateway device 10 and the gateway device 11 of the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading the programs via the network. The programs for executing the above processes executed by the gateway device 10 and the gateway device 11 of the above embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0207] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This new embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0208] For example, in the above embodiment, a form has been described as an example in which the target of a command based on command information is the energy device 20. However, the gateway system 1 and the gateway system 2 of the present embodiment can be extended to other targets having similar properties.

[0209] For example, the gateway system 1 and the gateway system 2 in the above-described embodiment can be expanded to a system that targets a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) cloud or the like instead of the energy device 20 as a command target.

[0210] In the above embodiment, the service provider has been described as a resource aggregator that aggregates device owners. However, the service provider may be an aggregation coordinator that aggregates resource aggregators, and the device owners may be resource aggregators that aggregate device owners.

[0211] In addition, in the above embodiment, it is assumed that the operation of the energy device 20 is controlled based on a command from a resource aggregator such as VPP or DR. However, the gateway system 1 and the gateway system 2 in the above embodiment can be expanded to a remote energy operation service, etc., without being limited to VPP or DR.

[0212] For example, the gateway system 1 and the gateway system 2 of the above-described embodiments can be expanded to a service in which a command is sent from a mobile terminal carried by a user when going out to the energy device 20, and the operating state of the energy device 20, such as charging or discharging, can be remotely controlled, or a service in which a service provider operates the energy device 20 on behalf of the user so that the home energy device 20 can save power.

[0213] In addition, the above embodiment has been described assuming that power is controlled. However, the gateway system 1 and the gateway system 2 of the above embodiment can be expanded to command devices in other fields such as gas, water, transportation, and information and communications, not limited to the electric power field. For example, the gateway system 1 and the gateway system 2 of the above embodiment can be expanded to a gateway device or system for controlling the amount of gas or water used, the traffic volume of moving objects such as automobiles and drones, and the amount of data communication, depending on the contents of the customer's contract.

[0214] In addition, the gateway device 10 and the gateway device 11 of the above embodiment can be realized in an on-premise environment using, for example, a general-purpose computer device as basic hardware. For example, they can be realized by having a processor mounted on the above computer device execute a program that realizes each functional block. At this time, they may be realized by installing the above program in advance in the computer device, or by storing the program in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or distributing the program via a network and appropriately installing the program in the computer device. They can also be realized by appropriately using a memory, a hard disk, or a storage medium such as a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-RAM, or a DVD-R that is built into or external to the above computer device.

[0215] The gateway device 10 and the gateway device 11 of the above-described embodiment can also be realized in a cloud environment that uses cloud services. For example, the gateway device 10 and the gateway device 11 can be realized by constructing them on a cloud server and having a processor of the cloud server execute a program that realizes each functional block.

[0216] The gateway device 10 and the gateway device 11 of the above embodiment can also be realized in a hybrid cloud environment that combines the on-premise environment and the cloud environment described above. For example, the contract information DB 14A and the device information DB 14B that hold highly confidential information are constructed in an on-premise environment using databases in a server owned by a specific company, and other functions are constructed in a cloud environment. By using the on-premise environment and the cloud environment separately depending on the purpose in this way, it is possible to minimize the cost of preparing physical infrastructure such as servers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0217] 1, 2 Gateway System 10, 11 Gateway device 12A, 13A Data exchange section 12B, 13B Command synthesis section 12C Command Department 12D Performance Collection Department 12E Actual apportionment section 13F Individual Data Transfer Section 20 Energy Equipment 30 Service provider terminal

Claims

1. a data exchange unit that receives command information including a desired output value from each of a plurality of service providers; a command synthesis unit that synthesizes a plurality of pieces of command information and generates synthesized command information that represents an output instruction value for each time period; A command unit that transmits the synthesis command information to an energy device; Equipped with The command synthesis unit is generating the composite command information by combining the plurality of pieces of command information in accordance with an allocation ratio based on priority information that is predetermined for each contract with the service provider; Gateway device.

2. The command information is The desired output value and a desired time period for providing the desired output value are included, The command synthesis unit is generating the combined command information by combining, for each time period, the output value corresponding to the desired output value in accordance with an allocation ratio based on the priority information, for the overlapping time periods of the desired provision time periods included in each of the plurality of command information; The gateway device according to claim 1 .

3. The command synthesis unit is generating the composite command information by giving priority to command information having a high command priority level, which indicates a priority level of the command information included in the priority information, for the overlapping time period of the desired provision time periods included in the plurality of command information; The gateway device according to claim 2 .

4. The command synthesis unit generating the synthesized command information by giving priority to the command information having a higher priority, which is represented by an item defined in an allocation policy representing a priority when synthesizing commands to the service provider, included in the priority information, for the overlapping time periods of the desired provision time periods included in the plurality of command information; The gateway device according to claim 2 .

5. The allocation policy is: The items include a command priority priority that prioritizes a command priority indicating the priority of the command information, and a first-come-first-served priority that prioritizes the command information that is received first. The gateway device according to claim 4.

6. The command synthesis unit generating the composite command information by giving priority to command information having a high command priority level, which indicates a priority level of the command information included in the priority level information, for the plurality of command information; when the command information including the overlapping desired provision time period is further received after the generation of the composite command information, the composite command information is regenerated by giving priority to the command information having a higher priority represented by the item specified by the distribution policy for the overlapping time period. The gateway device according to claim 5.

7. The data exchange unit includes: a plurality of individual data exchange units corresponding to the plurality of service providers, each of which is assigned the priority information of the service provider in advance; The command synthesis unit is generating the combined command information by combining the plurality of pieces of command information in accordance with the distribution ratio based on the priority information assigned to the individual data transfer unit that has received the command information; The gateway device according to claim 1 .

8. The command synthesis unit is generating provision plan information including a group of the composite command information representing the output instruction value for each of a plurality of time periods included in a predetermined future period; The command unit includes: Transmitting the provision plan information to the energy device. The gateway device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The command synthesis unit is calculating a provision allocation ratio for each time period to be provided to the service provider from the output instruction value for each time period represented by the synthesis command information; The gateway device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A performance collection unit that collects output performance values ​​from the energy equipment; an actual performance allocation unit that determines allocation actual performance information that indicates an allocation of the output actual value to the service provider; Further comprising: The gateway device according to claim 9.

11. The performance allocation unit is determining the allocation record information based on the planned provision allocation ratio corresponding to the energy equipment; The gateway device according to claim 10.

12. The performance allocation unit is determining the allocation result information including an actual allocation output value obtained by allocating the output result value at the planned provision allocation ratio; The gateway device according to claim 11.

13. The performance allocation unit is determining the allocation result information including an actual allocation output value obtained by allocating the output result value so that the allocation to the service provider that is the source of the command information with a high priority is preferentially satisfied; The gateway device according to claim 10.

14. A gateway program for causing a computer to execute the program, a receiving step of receiving command information including a desired output value from each of a plurality of service providers; a command synthesis step of synthesizing a plurality of pieces of command information to generate synthetic command information representing an output instruction value for each time period; a transmitting step of transmitting the synthesis command information to an energy device; Including, The command synthesis step includes: generating the composite command information by combining the plurality of pieces of command information in accordance with an allocation ratio based on priority information that is predetermined for each contract with the service provider; Gateway program.

15. a data exchange unit that receives command information including a desired output value from each of a plurality of service providers; a command synthesis unit that synthesizes a plurality of pieces of command information and generates synthesized command information that represents an output instruction value for each time period; A command unit that transmits the synthesis command information to an energy device; Equipped with The command synthesis unit is generating the composite command information by combining the plurality of pieces of command information in accordance with an allocation ratio based on priority information that is predetermined for each contract with the service provider; Gateway system.

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