Power system

Abstract

The CEMS server acquires weather information and hydrogen station information (S1). The CEMS server predicts the power demand of the microgrid after a specified period of time (S3). When the power demand of the microgrid after the specified period of time exceeds the contract power (YES at S5) and when the amount of power to be reduced exceeds a prescribed value (YES at S7), the CEMS server generates a hydrogen replenishment notification (S9) and transmits the generated hydrogen replenishment notification to the FCEV and / or the communication terminal (S11). The amount of power to be reduced is the difference between the contract power and the power demand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the power system. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-135901 discloses a demand response system that controls devices included on the demand side to perform demand response (hereinafter also referred to as "DR") in order to reduce the amount of electricity supplied from the power grid to the demand side. Upon receiving a request to perform demand response from a power company or the like, the demand response system creates a demand response plan and executes the demand response. Summary of the Invention

[0003] As fuel cell electric vehicles have become more popular, it is conceivable that they will be used as power regulation resources in DR (Regenerative Thermal Vehicles). For example, fuel cell electric vehicles with relatively high power generation capacity are expected to be used as power regulation resources in negative watt DR (negawatt DR) in response to requests to reduce electricity demand.

[0004] This paper requires that fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) contain sufficient hydrogen to begin responding to a negative wattage recharge (DR) in order to supply electricity to the power grid (e.g., a microgrid). However, compared to gasoline stations, hydrogen stations for refueling FCEVs may be fewer in number and have limited operating hours. Therefore, hydrogen refueling may not be as readily available as gasoline supply. Consequently, for example, if a FCEV user forgets to refuel, the negative wattage DR may not respond adequately. Therefore, there is a desire for a system to suppress the possibility of forgetting to refuel FCEVs with hydrogen.

[0005] This disclosure is made to address the aforementioned problems. The purpose of this disclosure is to prevent forgetting to refill hydrogen into fuel cell electric vehicles.

[0006] (1) A power system according to one aspect of this disclosure includes a plurality of power regulation resources electrically connectable to a microgrid, and a power management device for performing demand response on the plurality of power regulation resources, the demand response requesting adjustment of the power supply and demand of the microgrid. The plurality of power regulation resources include at least one fuel cell electric vehicle configured to supply power to the microgrid. The fuel cell electric vehicle includes a hydrogen tank for storing hydrogen. When performing a negative watt demand response, the power management device sends a notification facilitating the replenishment of hydrogen to the hydrogen tank a predetermined time earlier than the response start time, the negative watt demand response being a demand response requesting a reduction in power demand, the response start time being the time when the response to the negative watt demand response begins.

[0007] (2) In one embodiment, the power management device sends a notification to the fuel cell electric vehicle.

[0008] Using the configuration described in (1) or (2) above, when a demand response (negative wattage DR) is executed, a notification to replenish hydrogen from the hydrogen tank (hereinafter also referred to as a "hydrogen replenishment notification") is sent to, for example, the fuel cell electric vehicle, before the start of the negative wattage DR response, by a predetermined time. Due to this hydrogen replenishment notification, the user of the fuel cell electric vehicle is aware of the need to replenish hydrogen from the fuel cell electric vehicle (hydrogen tank) in preparation for responding to the negative wattage DR. This helps prevent the user of the fuel cell electric vehicle from forgetting to replenish hydrogen.

[0009] (3) In one embodiment, the power management device sends a notification when it performs a negative watt demand response and when the amount of power to be reduced by the execution of the negative watt demand response exceeds a predetermined value.

[0010] Using the above configuration, when negative wattage DR is executed and the amount of power reduced by negative wattage DR exceeds a predetermined value, for example, a hydrogen replenishment notification is sent to the fuel cell electric vehicle. When the amount of power to be reduced by executing negative wattage DR exceeds the predetermined value, it is assumed that the amount of power requested from the fuel cell electric vehicle to be supplied to the microgrid will increase. Therefore, the hydrogen in the fuel cell electric vehicle is more likely to be depleted than when the amount of power to be reduced by executing negative wattage DR is no greater than the predetermined value. In other words, using the above configuration, a hydrogen replenishment notification is sent when hydrogen is more likely to be depleted, and no hydrogen replenishment notification is sent when hydrogen is unlikely to be depleted. Because a hydrogen replenishment notification is sent when hydrogen is more likely to be depleted, the user of the fuel cell electric vehicle is aware of the need to replenish hydrogen. When hydrogen is unlikely to be depleted, no hydrogen replenishment notification can be sent, thus limiting the inconvenience to the user caused by issuing hydrogen replenishment notifications even when the need for replenishment is low.

[0011] (4) In one embodiment, the power system further includes a communication terminal owned by a user of the fuel cell electric vehicle. The power management device sends notifications to the communication terminal.

[0012] Using the above configuration, hydrogen refill notifications are sent to the communication terminals held by users of fuel cell electric vehicles. Therefore, users can easily recognize the receipt of hydrogen refill notifications and are aware of the need to refill their fuel cell electric vehicles. This helps prevent users from forgetting to refill their fuel cell electric vehicles with hydrogen.

[0013] (5) In one embodiment, the notification includes information about designated hydrogen stations. Designated hydrogen stations include (i) hydrogen stations located within a microgrid, and (ii) hydrogen stations located outside the microgrid and within a designated distance from the microgrid.

[0014] (6) In one embodiment, the information includes location information of the hydrogen station.

[0015] (7) In one embodiment, the information includes information indicating the operating hours of the hydrogen station.

[0016] (8) In one embodiment, the information includes information indicating the level of congestion at a specified hydrogen station.

[0017] Based on the configurations described in (5) to (8) above, the information regarding designated hydrogen stations included in the hydrogen replenishment notification includes the location information of the designated hydrogen stations, information indicating the operating hours of the designated hydrogen stations, and / or information indicating the congestion level of the designated hydrogen stations. Users of fuel cell electric vehicles can thus know the location of the designated hydrogen stations, their operating hours, or the congestion level of the designated hydrogen stations. Therefore, user convenience is increased, thereby encouraging users to refuel their fuel cell electric vehicles with hydrogen.

[0018] (9) In one embodiment, the power management device is configured to provide rewards to users of fuel cell electric vehicles who have responded to demand responses. The power management device provides greater rewards to users as the amount of electricity supplied in response to negative watt demand responses increases.

[0019] By utilizing the above configuration, the greater the amount of electricity supplied in response to negative wattage DR, the greater the incentive to users of fuel cell electric vehicles, thereby encouraging participation in negative wattage DR. Therefore, the supply and demand of the microgrid can be stabilized.

[0020] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of this disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic configuration of a power system according to an embodiment is shown.

[0022] Figure 2 This illustration shows an example of the overall configuration of an FCEV.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of hydrogen replenishment notification via the CEMS server.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of handling hydrogen replenishment notifications performed by the CEMS server. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, identical or equivalent parts in the drawings are labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0026] [Example]

[0027] <Overall Configuration of Power System>

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic configuration of a power system 1 according to an embodiment is shown. The power system 1 includes a power grid PG, a microgrid MG, a Community Energy Management System (CEMS) server 100, a power transmission and distribution operator server 200, a weather information server 300, a station management server 400, a power adjustment resource group 500, and a power receiving and conversion facility 501.

[0029] A microgrid (MG) is a power network that supplies electricity to a city as a whole (e.g., a smart city). Power supply and demand in the microgrid (MG) are managed by the CEMS server 100. The power lines used to network multiple power regulation resources within the microgrid (MG) can be independent power lines. The microgrid (MG) is configured to connect to and disconnect from the power grid (PG).

[0030] The power transmission and distribution operator server 200 is a computer that manages the supply and demand of the power grid PG. The power grid PG is a power network consisting of power plants (not shown) and power transmission and distribution facilities. In this embodiment, the power company acts as both the power generation operator and the power transmission and distribution operator. The power company corresponds to a general power transmission and distribution operator and maintains and manages the power grid PG (commercial power grid). The power transmission and distribution operator server 200 belongs to the power company.

[0031] The power receiving and conversion facility 501 is located at the interconnection point (power receiving point) of the microgrid MG and is configured to switch between connection (parallel connection) and disconnection (parallel disconnection) between the power grid PG and the microgrid MG. The power receiving and conversion facility 501 is located at the connection point between the microgrid MG and the power grid PG.

[0032] When the microgrid MG operates in interconnection mode while connected to the power grid PG, the power receiving and conversion facility 501 receives alternating current (AC) power from the power grid PG, steps down the received power, and supplies the stepped-down power to the microgrid MG. When the microgrid MG operates independently while disconnected from the power grid PG, power is not supplied from the power grid PG to the microgrid MG. The power receiving and conversion facility 501 includes high-voltage side (primary side) switches (e.g., sectionalizing switches, isolators, circuit breakers, and load switches), transformers, protective relays, measuring instruments, and controllers. The CEMS server 100 is configured to receive information (e.g., power waveforms) from the power receiving and conversion facility 501 and to indicate the connection and disconnection of the power receiving and conversion facility 501.

[0033] CEMS server 100 is configured to communicate with each of the following: power transmission and distribution operator server 200, meteorological information server 300, station management server 400, and power adjustment resource group 500. The communication protocol may be OpenADR. Power adjustment resource group 500 includes multiple power adjustment resources that can be electrically connected to the microgrid MG. CEMS server 100 is configured to manage the multiple power adjustment resources included in power adjustment resource group 500. CEMS server 100 performs demand response (DR) on power adjustment resource group 500 to adjust the supply and demand of the microgrid MG. CEMS server 100 also performs DR on power adjustment resource group 500 when requesting adjustment of the supply and demand of the power grid PG from power transmission and distribution operator server 200. CEMS server 100 may perform DR on power adjustment resource group 500 in response to requests from the supply and demand adjustment market.

[0034] The meteorological information server 300 is a computer that manages meteorological information. The meteorological information server 300 obtains meteorological information from a meteorological information database (DB) 310. The meteorological information DB 310 stores information about various meteorological conditions obtained from, for example, government organizations, local administrative organizations, and non-governmental organizations. The meteorological information includes, for example, information about weather, atmospheric temperature, wind speed, sunshine, precipitation, snowfall, atmospheric pressure, and clouds. In addition to current information, the meteorological information also includes forecast information (predicted values).

[0035] The station management server 400 is a computer that manages multiple hydrogen stations 410. The hydrogen stations 410 include, for example, hydrogen stations located within a microgrid MG and hydrogen stations located outside the microgrid MG. The station management server 400 will be described in detail below.

[0036] The power regulation resource group 500 includes houses 30, facilities 40, plants 50, energy storage systems (ESS) 60, fuel cell systems (FCS) 70, generators 80, and variable renewable energy sources 90. Each of these can be used as a power regulation resource. Multiple power regulation resources included in the power regulation resource group 500 are electrically interconnected via a microgrid MG. Although... Figure 1 The diagram shows a house 30, a facility 40, a plant 50, an ESS 60, an FCS 70, a generator 80, and a variable renewable energy source 90, but each of the house 30, facility 40, plant 50, ESS 60, FCS 70, generator 80, and variable renewable energy source 90 included in the power regulation resource group 500 can be any number.

[0037] House 30 includes various household electrical appliances (e.g., lighting fixtures, air conditioning facilities, kitchen appliances, information equipment, televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines). House 30 may also include at least one of a charger-discharger (e.g., a home EVSE), variable renewable energy (e.g., rooftop photovoltaic panels), ESS, FCS, and cogeneration system (e.g., a water heater or heat pump water heater that uses heat generated in self-generated electricity). For example, the supply and demand of energy in house 30 is managed by a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) 31 (not shown). A microgrid MG and house 30 are connected to each other to supply and receive electricity therebetween. In this embodiment, house 30 communicates with CEMS server 100 via HEMS 31.

[0038] Facility 40 includes, for example, office buildings, hospitals, and shops. Examples of shops include department stores, shopping malls, supermarkets, or convenience stores. Energy supply and demand in each facility are managed, for example, through a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) 41 (not shown). BEMS 41 can manage energy supply and demand individually for each facility, or it can manage energy supply and demand collectively across multiple facilities. Each facility included in facility 40 and the microgrid MG are interconnected to supply and receive power among themselves. In this embodiment, facility 40 communicates with CEMS server 100 via BEMS 41.

[0039] Factory 50 can be, for example, an automobile factory or any other factory. Factory 50 includes, for example, production lines and a centralized heat source for air conditioning. Factory 50 may also include at least one of variable renewable energy sources (e.g., photovoltaic or wind power systems), generators (e.g., gas turbine generators or diesel generators), and a combined heat and power (CHP) system. The supply and demand of energy in factory 50 is managed, for example, by a Factory Energy Management System (FEMS) 51 (not shown). Microgrid MG and factory 50 are interconnected to supply and receive electricity between them. In this embodiment, factory 50 communicates with CEMS server 100 via FEMS 51.

[0040] The ESS 60 includes stationary batteries configured to be rechargeable and dischargeable to the microgrid MG. For example, the batteries included in the ESS 60 can be lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, redox flow batteries, or sodium-sulfur (NAS) batteries. Surplus electricity generated by the variable renewable energy source 90 can be stored in the ESS 60.

[0041] FCS 70 includes a stationary fuel cell that generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. FCS 70 is connected to a hydrogen tank 71. Hydrogen tank 71 is connected to a hydrogen generator 72. FCS 70 is configured to generate electricity using hydrogen supplied from hydrogen tank 71 and to supply the generated electricity to the microgrid MG. Hydrogen generator 72 can employ any known method. For example, hydrogen generator 72 can employ methods such as byproduct hydrogen methods, water electrolysis, fossil fuel reforming, biomass reforming, or iodine-sulfur (IS) processes. Hydrogen generator 72 can generate hydrogen by using electricity supplied from the microgrid MG or by using surplus electricity generated by variable renewable energy source 90. CEMS server 100 can control hydrogen generator 72 to prevent the remaining hydrogen level in hydrogen tank 71 from dropping below a specified value.

[0042] Generator 80 is a stationary generator that produces electricity using fossil fuels. Generator 80 can be, for example, a gas turbine generator or a diesel generator. Generator 80 can be used as an emergency power source.

[0043] Variable renewable energy 90 is a power source whose generated electricity output varies according to weather conditions, and which supplies the generated electricity to a microgrid MG. Variable renewable energy 90 includes, for example, photovoltaic power generation systems and wind power generation systems. The electricity generated by variable renewable energy 90 corresponds to Variable Renewable Energy (VRE).

[0044] The power adjustment resource group 500 also includes Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) 20 and electric vehicles. In this embodiment, electric vehicles include Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) 11, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) 12, and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) 13. Any number of EVSEs 20 and electric vehicles can be included in the power adjustment resource group 500. The power adjustment resource group 500 can include privately owned electric vehicles (POVs) or Mobility as a Service (MaaS) vehicles. MaaS vehicles are vehicles managed by MaaS entities.

[0045] EVSE 20 is, for example, a charging facility installed in a city. EVSE 20 is a public EVSE that vehicle users can use after specified authentication. Authentication methods can be via charging card authentication or via communication authentication (e.g., plug and charge). In this embodiment, the power conditioning resource group 500 includes multiple EVSE 20s.

[0046] The EVSE 20 serves as a power conditioning resource for electrical connection to electric vehicles (e.g., BEV, FCEV, or PHEV). For example, when the charging connector of the EVSE 20 is inserted into the plug (or socket) of the electric vehicle, the EVSE 20 and the electric vehicle are electrically connected to each other.

[0047] BEV 11 includes an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 10a, a battery B1, and a communication device C1. ECU 10a is configured to control each device mounted on BEV 11. Communication device C1 is configured to communicate wirelessly with CEMS server 100. Battery B1 includes a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The electricity stored in battery B1 is used to power a motor (not shown) for the BEV 11's movement or to power each device mounted on BEV 11.

[0048] BEV 11 includes an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 10a, a battery B1, and a communication device C1. ECU 10a is configured to control each device mounted on BEV 11. Communication device C1 is configured to communicate wirelessly with CEMS server 100. Battery B1 includes a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The electricity stored in battery B1 is used to power a motor (not shown) for the BEV 11's movement or to power each device mounted on BEV 11.

[0049] BEV 11 serves as a power conditioning resource when electrically connected to EVSE 20. EVSE 20 and BEV 11 are electrically connected when the charging connector of EVSE 20 is inserted into the insertion port (not shown) of BEV 11. BEV 11 can receive power from the microgrid MG to charge battery B1 and supply power stored in battery B1 to the microgrid MG in response to a DR request from CEMS server 100.

[0050] PHEV 12 includes an ECU 10b, an engine ENG, a battery B2, and a communication device C2. The ECU 10b is configured to control each device mounted on the PHEV 12. The communication device C2 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the CEMS server 100. The engine ENG is a known internal combustion engine, such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine, that provides power through the combustion of fuel (gasoline or light oil). The power generated by the engine ENG is used as the driving force for the PHEV 12 or to drive a generator motor (not shown). The battery B2 includes a secondary battery, such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The electricity stored in the battery B2 is used to drive the motor (not shown) for the PHEV 12's propulsion or to drive each device mounted on the PHEV 12.

[0051] PHEV 12 acts as a power regulation resource when electrically connected to EVSE 20. EVSE 20 and PHEV 12 are electrically connected to each other when the charging connector of EVSE 20 is inserted into the insertion port (not shown) of PHEV 12. PHEV 12 can receive power supplied from the microgrid MG to charge battery B2, and in response to a DR request from CEMS server 100, supply power generated by the activation of engine ENG or power stored in battery B2 to the microgrid MG.

[0052] Although the configuration of the FCEV 13 will be described in detail below, the FCEV 13 includes an ECU 10c, a generator H, a battery B3, and a communication device C3. The generator H includes a hydrogen tank where hydrogen is stored and a fuel cell that generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The fuel cell generates electricity using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tank. The electricity generated by the generator H is used to power the motors that drive the FCEV 13, to power every device mounted on the FCEV 13, or stored in the battery B3. FCEV 13 users can refill hydrogen at hydrogen stations (not shown) located in cities.

[0053] FCEV 13 serves as a power conditioning resource when electrically connected to EVSE 20. EVSE 20 and FCEV 13 are electrically connected when the charging connector of EVSE 20 is inserted into the socket of FCEV 13. FCEV 13 can supply power generated by generator H to microgrid MG in response to a DR request from CEMS server 100.

[0054] The CEMS server 100 includes a processor 110, a storage device 120, and a communication device 130. The processor 110, storage device 120, and communication device 130 are interconnected via a bus 140. The processor 110 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU). The storage device 120 is configured to store various types of information. The storage device 120 stores programs executed by the processor 110, as well as information to be used by the programs (e.g., mappings, mathematical expressions, and various parameters). The communication device 130 includes various communication interfaces (I / F). The communication device 130 is configured to communicate with the power transmission and distribution operator server 200, the meteorological information server 300, the station management server 400, and the power adjustment resource group 500.

[0055] The CEMS server 100 controls the power conditioning resource group 500 connected to the microgrid MG to function as a virtual power plant (VPP). More specifically, the CEMS server 100 remotely controls the integrated power conditioning resource group 500 as if it were a single power plant, based on energy management technology utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT).

[0056] In this embodiment, the administrator of the microgrid MG has an electricity contract with the power company. The power company supplies electricity to the microgrid MG according to the electricity contract. Under this electricity contract, the electricity supplied from the power grid PG to the microgrid MG is determined. This electricity will be referred to as "contract electricity" below.

[0057] CEMS server 100 predicts the power supply and demand in the microgrid MG and performs demand response (DR) to power adjustment resource group 500. Specifically, for example, CEMS server 100 uses meteorological information, past power supply and demand history, etc., to predict the power supply and demand in the microgrid MG after a specified time period. When the predicted power demand in the microgrid MG will exceed the contracted power, CEMS server 100 performs a negative watt DR requesting a reduction in power demand to power adjustment resource group 500. CEMS server 100 compensates for the excess contracted power (the amount by which power demand exceeds the contracted power) by performing the negative watt DR. The specified time period can be appropriately set as, for example, several weeks, several days, or several hours. Past power supply and demand history includes, for example, information on daily power demand in the microgrid MG, information on power demand for each meteorological condition (e.g., weather or atmospheric temperature) in the microgrid MG, etc. Past power supply and demand history is stored, for example, in storage device 120. When information on new power demand is generated, this information is stored in storage device 120 by processor 110.

[0058] When performing a negative-wattage DR (Reduction Response), the CEMS server 100 assesses the capacity manageable within the power adjustment resource group 500. The CEMS server 100 then creates an implementation plan for each power adjustment resource indicated as participating in the DR based on this manageable capacity and sends a DR request to each power adjustment resource. For example, the CEMS server 100 obtains meteorological information from the meteorological information server 300 and uses this information to predict the electricity to be generated by variable renewable energy sources (variable renewable energy source 90 and variable renewable energy sources included in houses 30 and plants 50). The CEMS server 100 considers the predicted values ​​and assesses the manageable capacity within the power adjustment resource group 500. When the specified time period arrives (when the response start time arrives), the power adjustment resources that have received the DR request supply electricity to the microgrid MG or reduce electricity consumption.

[0059] When requested to reduce power demand from the power transmission and distribution operator server 200, the CEMS server 100 can perform a negative wattage DR. When requested to increase power demand from the power transmission and distribution operator server 200, the CEMS server 100 can perform a positive wattage DR (posiwatt DR) for the power adjustment resource group 500, requesting an increase in power demand.

[0060] With the increasing popularity of fuel cell electric vehicles in recent years, it is desirable for them to be used as power regulation resources. For example, fuel cell electric vehicles with relatively high power generation capacity are expected to be used as power regulation resources in response to negative wattage (DR). Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, the power regulation resource group 500 includes FCEV 13.

[0061] FCEV 13 requires sufficient hydrogen to begin responding to negative wattage recharge (DR). However, compared to gasoline stations, there are fewer hydrogen stations available for refilling FCEV 13 (its hydrogen tank) and they have limited operating hours. For this reason, refilling FCEV 13 with hydrogen may not be as readily available as with gasoline. Consequently, for example, even if FCEV 13 has indicated its participation in DR, if the FCEV 13 user forgets to refill with hydrogen, the negative wattage DR may not respond adequately.

[0062] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the CEMS server 100 sends a hydrogen replenishment notification to the FCEV 13 that has indicated participation in the DR, a predetermined time earlier than the response start time, which is the start time for responding to the negative wattage DR. The hydrogen replenishment notification includes, for example, the response start time to the negative wattage DR and a message urging hydrogen replenishment. The information included in the hydrogen replenishment notification is not limited to the information described above, and any information that makes the user of FCEV 13 aware of the need to replenish hydrogen for FCEV 13 will be sufficient. Since the hydrogen replenishment notification is sent to FCEV 13 a predetermined time earlier than the response start time to the negative wattage DR, the user of FCEV 13 can be made aware of the need to replenish hydrogen for FCEV 13. This can prevent the user of FCEV 13 from forgetting to replenish hydrogen for FCEV 13. For example, the predetermined time is set as the time for replenishing hydrogen for FCEV 13 at the hydrogen station, such as several weeks, several days, or several hours. The hydrogen replenishment notification may be sent to FCEV 13 together with the request for the negative wattage DR.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the CEMS server 100 performs a negative wattage reduction (DR) and when the amount of power to be reduced by the negative wattage DR exceeds a predetermined value, the CEMS server 100 sends a hydrogen replenishment notification to the FCEV 13. The amount of power to be reduced is the excess of contracted power (the amount of power demand exceeding the contracted power). The predetermined value is a threshold used to determine that the amount of power requested from the microgrid MG by the FCEV 13 is not less than a baseline value. When the amount of power reduced by the negative wattage DR exceeds the predetermined value, it is assumed that the amount of power requested from the FCEV 13 to be supplied to the microgrid MG will increase. Therefore, the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank of the FCEV 13 is more likely to become depleted than when the amount of power reduced by the negative wattage DR is not greater than the predetermined value. In other words, the CEMS server 100 sends a hydrogen replenishment notification to the FCEV 13 when it is assumed that the hydrogen in the FCEV 13 is more likely to become depleted. This makes the users of the FCEV 13 aware of the need to replenish the hydrogen in the FCEV 13. On the other hand, if a hydrogen replenishment notification is sent every time a negative wattage DR is performed, even when it is unlikely that the hydrogen in FCEV 13 will run out, users of FCEV 13 may experience discomfort. Therefore, CEMS server 100 will not send a hydrogen replenishment notification to FCEV 13 when it is assumed that the hydrogen in FCEV 13 is unlikely to run out. This can prevent user discomfort caused by issuing hydrogen replenishment notifications even when the need for replenishment is low.

[0064] In addition to or in place of FCEV 13, CEMS server 100 can also provide communication services to communication terminals owned by users of FCEV 13. Figure 3(15, described below) A hydrogen replenishment notification is sent. The communication terminal is, for example, a smartphone or tablet. The information of the communication terminal is stored in the storage device 120 of the CEMS server 100 in association with the FCEV 13. Because a hydrogen replenishment notification has been sent to the communication terminal, the user of the FCEV 13 can easily recognize the receipt of the hydrogen replenishment notification.

[0065] To improve convenience for users who have already received hydrogen replenishment notifications, the CEMS server 100 may include information about hydrogen stations located within the microgrid MG and hydrogen stations located outside the microgrid MG but within a specified distance from the microgrid MG (hereinafter collectively referred to as "hydrogen station information") in the hydrogen replenishment notification. Hydrogen stations located within the microgrid MG and hydrogen stations located outside the microgrid MG but within a specified distance from the microgrid MG are also collectively referred to as "designated hydrogen stations" below. Hydrogen station information includes, for example, location information of designated hydrogen stations, information indicating the operating hours of designated hydrogen stations, and information indicating congestion conditions at designated hydrogen stations.

[0066] Because the location information of designated hydrogen stations is included in the hydrogen replenishment notice, FCEV 13 users can thus know the location of each hydrogen station listed in the regulations. Therefore, FCEV 13 users can choose the hydrogen station that is most convenient for them.

[0067] Because information regarding the operating hours of designated hydrogen stations is included in the hydrogen replenishment notification, FCEV 13 users can know the operating hours of each hydrogen station listed in the designated hydrogen station list. FCEV 13 users can therefore replenish their hydrogen at open stations and avoid situations where the station they have arrived at is closed.

[0068] Because information regarding congestion at designated hydrogen stations is included in the hydrogen supplement notice, FCEV 13 users can be aware of the congestion situation at each station listed in the designated hydrogen station list. This allows FCEV 13 users to avoid peak hours at hydrogen stations or travel to less congested stations.

[0069] As stated above, since at least one of the information specifying the location of the hydrogen station, the information indicating the operating hours of the hydrogen station, and the information indicating the congestion situation of the hydrogen station is included in the hydrogen replenishment notice, the convenience of FCEV 13 users can be increased, thereby encouraging users to replenish hydrogen at FCEV 13 (FCEV 13's hydrogen tank).

[0070] The CEMS server 100 obtains the location information of a specified hydrogen station, the information indicating the business hours of the specified hydrogen station, and the information indicating the congestion situation of the specified hydrogen station from the slave management server 400. The CEMS server 100 requests the information about the hydrogen stations located in the microgrid MG and the hydrogen stations located outside the microgrid MG and within a specified distance from the microgrid MG from the slave management server 400. The CEMS server 100 may request the information about the hydrogen stations located within a certain distance from the current position of the FCEV 13 from the slave management server 400. In this case, the hydrogen stations located within a certain distance from the current position of the FCEV 13 correspond to the specified hydrogen stations.

[0071] The slave management server 400 prestores the location information and the information about the business hours of the hydrogen stations managed by the slave management server 400 in a memory (not shown). The slave management server 400 also has a function of determining the congestion situation of the hydrogen stations. For example, the slave management server 400 can obtain the image information from the cameras placed in the site of the hydrogen station and perform image analysis on the image information to determine the congestion situation of the hydrogen station. Or, the slave management server 400 can monitor the entry and exit of the fuel cell electric vehicles at the entrance and exit of the hydrogen station and determine the congestion situation of the hydrogen station based on the monitoring results. In response to the request from the CEMS server 100, the slave management server 400 sends the requested location information, the information indicating the business hours, and the information indicating the congestion situation of the hydrogen station to the CEMS server 100.

[0072] In addition, the CEMS server 100 according to the present embodiment has a function of providing rewards to the users (or managers) of the power adjustment resources that have responded to the DR. The rewards can be, for example, general currency or virtual currency that can only be used in the city. The CEMS server 100 can set the rewards according to the degree of contribution to the DR. For example, when taking the FCEV 13 that has responded to the negative watt DR as an example, the CEMS server 100 provides a greater reward to the FCEV 13 as the amount of power supplied to the microgrid MG in response to the negative watt DR is greater. This can promote the participation in the DR, thereby stabilizing the supply and demand of the microgrid MG and / or the supply and demand of the power grid PG.

[0073] <Configuration of FCEV>

[0074] Figure 2The diagram schematically illustrates an example of the overall configuration of FCEV 13. FCEV 13 includes a generator H, power line 908, buck converter 910, auxiliary load 911, socket 912, inverter 913, motor generator 914, battery B3, ECU 100c, and communication device C3. Generator H includes a container 901, hydrogen tank 902, supply valve 903, air filter 904, compressor 905, FC stack 906, and boost converter 907.

[0075] Hydrogen fuel is supplied to container 901 from a hydrogen distributor (not shown) located in the hydrogen station. Hydrogen tank 902 stores the hydrogen fuel supplied through container 901. Supply valve 903 adjusts the amount of hydrogen supplied from hydrogen tank 902 to FC stack 906 according to control commands from ECU 10c.

[0076] Air filter 904 removes dust and other contaminants from the air drawn in from the atmosphere. Compressor 905 compresses the air drawn in through air filter 904 and supplies the compressed air to FC stack 906.

[0077] The FC stack 906 is, for example, a structure comprising multiple solid polymer fuel cell units stacked in series. Each unit is formed, for example, by bonding a catalyst electrode to both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane and sandwiching the catalyst electrode and the electrolyte membrane between conductive separators (not shown). The FC stack 906 generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen supplied to the anode and oxygen (air) supplied to the cathode.

[0078] The boost converter 907, according to control commands from the ECU 10c, boosts the power generated by the FC stack 906 to a high voltage (e.g., several hundred volts) and outputs the boosted power to the power line 908. The power line 908 electrically connects the boost converter 907 to the inverter 913.

[0079] Battery B3 is electrically connected to power line 908. Battery B3 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. Battery B3 stores power for driving the motor generator 914 and supplies that power to the inverter 913. Battery B3 is also charged during braking of the FCEV 13, etc., by receiving power generated by the motor generator 914. Battery B3 can act as an energy buffer to absorb fluctuations in the power supplied from the FCEV 13 to the outside.

[0080] The step-down converter 910 is electrically connected between the power line 908 and the auxiliary load 911. The step-down converter 910 steps down the power transmitted on the power line 908 to a specified voltage and outputs the specified voltage to the auxiliary load 911. The auxiliary load 911 corresponds to various devices that are driven by consuming the power supplied from the step-down converter 910. The auxiliary load 911 may include lamps (such as headlamps, fog lamps, turn signal lamps, and corner lamps), audio devices, automotive navigation systems, antilock brake systems (ABS), fuel pumps, gauges, defrosters, windshield wipers, etc. Similar to the battery B3, the auxiliary load 911 can also be used as an energy buffer.

[0081] The socket 912 can be connected to the charging connector 22 provided at the front end of the charging cable 31 of the EVSE 20. The socket 912 receives the power transmitted on the power line 908 and outputs the power to the EVSE 20. Thereby, the power generated by the FCEV 13 can be supplied to the microgrid MG (external power source).

[0082] The inverter 913 is electrically connected between the power line 908 and the motor generator 914. The inverter 913 drives the motor generator 914 based on a drive signal from the ECU10c. The motor generator 914 is, for example, a three-phase AC synchronous motor including a rotor having embedded permanent magnets. The motor generator 914 is driven by the inverter 813 to generate rotational driving force. The driving force generated by the motor generator 914 is sent to the drive wheels (not shown).

[0083] The communication device C3 is configured to communicate with the EVSE 20 electrically connected to it through the socket 912. The communication device C3 is also configured to communicate with the CEMS server 100.

[0084] The ECU 10c includes a processor, a memory, and I / O ports not shown. The ECU 10c controls the devices constituting the FCEV 13 based on the programs stored in the memory and the signals from various sensors. The ECU 10c can also be divided into multiple ECUs according to functions.

[0085] In this embodiment, the ECU 10c cooperates with the CEMS server 100 and the EVSE 20 to control the external power supply of the FCEV 13. The ECU 10c performs the external power supply based on the negative watt DR from the CEMS server 100. Specifically, when receiving the negative watt DR, the ECU 10c controls the boost converter 907 based on the negative watt DR request signal so that the output power required by the FC stack 906 is calculated, and when reaching the response start time, the FC stack 906 outputs the calculated power.

[0086] <Functions of the CEMS Server>

[0087] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of the hydrogen replenishment notification from CEMS server 100. (Reference) Figure 3 The processor 110 of the CEMS server 100 includes an information acquisition unit 111, a calculation unit 113, a decision unit 115, a notification generation unit 117, and an output unit 119. For example, the processor 110 functions as the information acquisition unit 111, calculation unit 113, decision unit 115, notification generation unit 117, and output unit 119 by executing programs stored in the storage device 120. Each of the information acquisition unit 111, calculation unit 113, decision unit 115, notification generation unit 117, and output unit 119 can be implemented, for example, using dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry).

[0088] Information acquisition unit 111 obtains meteorological information from meteorological information server 300. Information acquisition unit 111 outputs the obtained meteorological information to calculation unit 113. Information acquisition unit 111 also obtains information about designated hydrogen stations (hydrogen station information) from station management server 400. Information acquisition unit 111 outputs the obtained hydrogen station information to notification generation unit 117.

[0089] The calculation unit 113 uses meteorological information, past power supply and demand history, etc., to predict (calculate) the power demand in the microgrid MG after a specified time period. Past power supply and demand history is stored, for example, in storage device 120. The calculation unit 113 reads the past power supply and demand history from storage device 120. The calculation unit 113 outputs the calculated (predicted) power demand to the decision unit 115 as the calculation result.

[0090] Based on the calculation results of the calculation unit 113, the determination unit 115 determines whether the power demand of the microgrid MG exceeds the contracted power after a specified time period. As described above, when the power demand is determined to exceed the contracted power, a negative wattage reduction (DR) is executed to compensate for the excess contracted power. When the power demand is determined to exceed the contracted power, the determination unit 115 determines whether the amount of power to be reduced by the executed negative wattage DR (i.e., the excess contracted power) exceeds a predetermined value. When the amount of power reduced by executing the negative wattage DR exceeds the predetermined value, the determination unit 115 outputs an instruction to the notification generation unit 117 to generate a hydrogen replenishment notification. When the amount of power to be reduced by executing the negative wattage DR does not exceed the predetermined value, the determination unit 115 outputs an instruction to the notification generation unit 117 not to generate a hydrogen replenishment notification.

[0091] When the determination unit 115 receives an instruction to generate a hydrogen replenishment notification, it notifies the generation unit 117 to generate a hydrogen replenishment notification including hydrogen station information. The generation unit 117 then outputs the generated hydrogen replenishment notification to the output unit 119. When the determination unit 115 receives an instruction not to generate a hydrogen replenishment notification, it notifies the generation unit 117 not to generate a hydrogen replenishment notification.

[0092] Upon receiving a hydrogen replenishment notification from the notification generation unit 117, the output unit 119 outputs a control signal to the communication device 130 for sending the hydrogen replenishment notification to the FCEV 13 and / or the communication terminal 15. The communication device 130, having received the control signal, then sends the hydrogen replenishment notification to the FCEV 13 and / or the communication terminal 15.

[0093] <Processing performed by the CEMS server>

[0094] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of handling hydrogen replenishment notifications performed by the CEMS server 100. The CEMS server 100 repeats this process for each defined period. Figure 4 The flowchart shown illustrates the processing. The specified period can be appropriately set to, for example, several hours, days, weeks, etc. Although it will be given... Figure 4 The flowchart shown describes the implementation of each step (hereinafter referred to as "S") by the software processing of the CEMS server 100, but some or all of the steps can be implemented by hardware (electronic circuitry) formed in the CEMS server 100.

[0095] At point S1, CEMS server 100 obtains meteorological information from meteorological information server 300. CEMS server 100 also obtains hydrogen station information from station management server 400.

[0096] At S3, CEMS server 100 uses meteorological information, past power supply and demand history, etc., to predict the power demand in microgrid MG after a specified time period.

[0097] At point S5, the CEMS server 100 determines whether the predicted power demand at point S3 exceeds the contracted power demand. If the power demand exceeds the contracted power demand (yes at point S5), the CEMS server 100 proceeds to point S7. Conversely, if the power demand does not exceed the contracted power demand (no at point S5), the CEMS server 100 proceeds back to the previous step. The difference between the contracted power demand and the power demand (i.e., the excess amount of the contracted power) is the amount of power to be reduced.

[0098] At step S7, the CEMS server 100 determines whether the amount of power to be reduced exceeds a specified value. If the amount of power to be reduced exceeds the specified value (yes at S7), the CEMS server 100 will proceed to step S9. Conversely, if the amount of power to be reduced does not exceed the specified value (no at S7), the CEMS server 100 will proceed to the return step.

[0099] At S9, CEMS server 100 generates a hydrogen replenishment notification that includes hydrogen station information.

[0100] At S11, CEMS server 100 sends a hydrogen replenishment notification to FCEV 13 and / or communication terminal 15.

[0101] The S7 process can be omitted. In this case, when the power demand exceeds the contracted power, the CEMS server 100 will advance the processing to S9.

[0102] As described above, when the power demand exceeds the contracted power after a specified period, i.e., when the CEMS server 100 performs a negative wattage DR and the amount of power reduced by the negative wattage DR exceeds a predetermined value, the CEMS server 100, according to this embodiment, sends a hydrogen replenishment notification to the FCEV 13 and / or the communication terminal 15. In other words, in response to the negative wattage DR, when it is assumed that the hydrogen in the FCEV 13 is likely to become depleted, the CEMS server 100 sends a hydrogen replenishment notification to the FCEV 13 and / or the communication terminal 15. This makes the user of the FCEV 13 aware of the need to replenish the FCEV 13 with hydrogen.

[0103] When the CEMS server 100 performs a negative wattage DR and the amount of power reduced by the negative wattage DR does not exceed a specified value, the CEMS server 100 does not send a hydrogen replenishment notification to the FCEV 13 and / or the communication terminal 15. In other words, in response to the negative wattage DR, the CEMS server 100 does not send a hydrogen replenishment notification to the FCEV 13 and / or the communication terminal 15 when it is assumed that the hydrogen in the FCEV 13 is unlikely to become depleted. This can prevent users from being bothered by issuing hydrogen replenishment notifications even when the need for replenishing hydrogen is low.

[0104] The CEMS server 100 also includes hydrogen station information in the hydrogen replenishment notification. This hydrogen station information includes at least one of the following: location information, information indicating operating hours, and information indicating congestion levels at designated hydrogen stations (those located within the microgrid MG, and those located outside the microgrid MG but within a specified distance from it). Because at least one of this information is included in the hydrogen replenishment notification, it increases the convenience for FCEV 13 users, thereby encouraging them to refill their FCEV 13 with hydrogen.

[0105] The CEMS server 100 provides greater rewards to FCEV 13 users as it supplies more power in response to negative wattage DR. This can encourage participation in DR, thereby stabilizing the supply and demand of the microgrid MG and / or the power grid PG.

[0106] Although this disclosure has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that this disclosure is by way of illustration and example only and should not be construed as limiting, and the scope of this disclosure is interpreted by the terms of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Power systems, including: Multiple power regulation resources can be electrically connected to the microgrid; as well as A power management device performs demand response to the plurality of power adjustment resources, wherein the demand response requests adjustments to the power supply and demand of the microgrid, wherein... The plurality of power regulation resources include at least one fuel cell electric vehicle configured to supply power to the microgrid. The fuel cell electric vehicle includes a hydrogen tank for storing hydrogen. When a negative watt demand response is executed, the power management device sends a notification to the fuel cell electric vehicle to encourage the replenishment of hydrogen from the hydrogen tank a predetermined time before the response start time. The negative watt demand response is a demand response requesting a reduction in power demand, and the response start time is the time at which the response to the negative watt demand response begins. The notification includes information regarding the regulations for hydrogen stations. The specified hydrogen stations include (i) hydrogen stations located within the microgrid, and (ii) hydrogen stations located outside the microgrid and within a specified distance from the microgrid. The information includes at least one of information indicating the operating hours of the designated hydrogen station and information indicating the congestion level of the designated hydrogen station.

2. The power system according to claim 1, wherein, The power management device sends the notification when it executes the negative watt demand response and when the amount of power to be reduced by executing the negative watt demand response exceeds a predetermined value.

3. The power system according to claim 1, further comprising a communication terminal owned by the user of the fuel cell electric vehicle. in, The power management device sends the notification to the communication terminal.

4. The power system according to claim 1, wherein, The information also includes the location information of the designated hydrogen stations.

5. The power system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The power management device is configured to provide rewards to users of the fuel cell electric vehicles who have responded to the demand response, and The power management device provides a greater reward to the user as it supplies more power in response to the negative wattage demand.

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