Power management system, server, and power supply and demand adjustment method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a power management system, a server, and a power supply and demand adjustment method. The power management system has a plurality of power adjustment resources electrically connected to a microgrid MG and a CEMS server that manages the plurality of power adjustment resources. The CEMS server outputs a power adjustment request to the plurality of power adjustment resources and gives a reward to a power adjustment resource, i.e., a "responsive resource," among the plurality of power adjustment resources that responds to the power adjustment request to perform power adjustment, when suppression of consumed power or consumption of surplus power in the microgrid MG is required. The more the period in which power adjustment is performed by the responsive resource deviates from the period determined in the power adjustment request, the more the CEMS server increases the reward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to power management systems, servers, and methods for regulating power supply and demand. Background Technology

[0002] International Publication No. 2013 / 115318 discloses a power supply and demand regulation system that can provide users with effective incentive information for regulating power supply and demand. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In microgrids and other power grids, multiple power regulation resources (generators, natural fluctuations, energy storage systems, charging equipment, vehicles, etc.) are connected. When a server sends a request to each power regulation resource to perform power regulation, typically only some of these resources respond and perform the regulation. Even if power regulation resources exist capable of responding to such requests, proper power regulation may fail if the response does not fully comply with the request.

[0004] This disclosure enables more reliable power regulation of the power grid.

[0005] The first aspect of this disclosure discloses a power management system comprising multiple power regulation resources electrically connected to a power grid, and a server configured to manage the multiple power regulation resources. When required to suppress power consumption or consume surplus power in the power grid, the server outputs a power regulation request to the multiple power regulation resources, and assigns a reward to the power regulation resource that responds to the power regulation request and performs power regulation, i.e., the responding resource. The server is configured to increase the reward as the deviation between the time period during which power regulation is performed by the responding resource and the time period specified in the power regulation request is smaller.

[0006] In the first aspect above, the server may also be configured such that the higher the ratio of the time period determined in the power adjustment request to the time period in which power adjustment was performed through the response resource, the greater the reward.

[0007] In the first aspect above, the server can also be configured such that the shorter the response latency of the resource to the power regulation request, the greater the reward.

[0008] In the aforementioned aspects, when a request is made to suppress power consumption or consume surplus power in the power grid, a power regulation request is sent from the server to a response resource. The user (owner, manager, etc.) of the response resource determines whether to agree to the power regulation request. At this point, the smaller the deviation (the more consistent) between the period during which power regulation was implemented through the response resource and the period specified in the power regulation request, the greater the reward (e.g., a fee discount) is given to the user. Therefore, users who want the greatest possible reward will fully consider the period specified in the power regulation request and agree to (e.g., agree quickly) the power regulation. This allows for more reliable power regulation of the power grid.

[0009] In aspect 1 above, the response resource may also include a vehicle configured to be charged using electricity supplied from the power grid. The reward may also include the charging fee from the power grid to the vehicle. Alternatively, the shorter the response latency, the lower the charging fee the server reduces.

[0010] In aspect 1 above, the response resources may also include vehicles capable of supplying power to the power grid. The reward may also include the cost of supplying power from the vehicle to the power grid. Alternatively, the shorter the response latency, the higher the power supply cost for the server.

[0011] In aspect 1 above, the response resource may also include a vehicle configured to transmit and receive electricity between itself and the power grid. The reward may also include a parking fee for parking spaces used by the vehicle to transmit and receive electricity between itself and the power grid. Alternatively, the shorter the response latency, the lower the parking fee the server reduces.

[0012] Based on the above aspects, it is possible to provide rewards to vehicle users for increasing their willingness to respond to power adjustment requests.

[0013] The server of the second aspect of this disclosure is configured to manage multiple power regulation resources that can be used in regulating the supply of electricity from a power system to a power grid. The server has a processor and a memory storing programs executable by the processor. When required to suppress power consumption or consume surplus power in the power grid, the processor outputs a power regulation request to the multiple power regulation resources, and assigns a reward to the power regulation resource that performs power regulation in response to the power regulation request, i.e., the responding resource. The processor is configured to increase the reward as the deviation between the time period during which power regulation is performed by the responding resource and the time period specified in the power regulation request is smaller.

[0014] According to the second aspect above, similarly to the first aspect above, power regulation of the power grid can be carried out more reliably.

[0015] The third aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for regulating power supply and demand, which manages multiple power regulation resources that can be used in regulating the supply of power from the power system to the power grid. The method includes: outputting a power regulation request to multiple power regulation resources when required to suppress power consumption or consume surplus power in the power grid; assigning a reward to a power regulation resource (i.e., a response resource) that performs power regulation in response to the power regulation request; and increasing the reward as the deviation of the period during which power regulation is performed by the response resource from the period specified in the power regulation request becomes smaller.

[0016] According to the third aspect above, similarly to the first aspect above, power regulation of the power grid can be carried out more reliably.

[0017] According to this disclosure, power regulation of the power grid can be carried out more reliably. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals show the same elements, and wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the power management system of this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a timing diagram used to illustrate an example of inconsistency in the timing of power regulation.

[0021] Figure 3 This is the first example of a method for setting rewards corresponding to consistency rate.

[0022] Figure 4 This is the second example of a diagram illustrating how rewards are set in relation to consistency rates.

[0023] Figure 5 This is the third example of a diagram illustrating how rewards are set in relation to consistency rates.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how rewards are set in relation to response delay time.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes associated with the setting of rewards in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same or equivalent parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0027] Implementation

[0028] Overall structure of power management system

[0029] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a schematic structure of the power management system according to this embodiment of the present disclosure. The power management system 100 includes a CEMS 1, a CEMS server 2, power transmission and transformation equipment 3, a power system 4, and a power transmission and distribution operator server 5. CEMS refers to a Community Energy Management System or a City Energy Management System.

[0030] CEMS1 includes a Factory Energy Management System (FEMS) 11, a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) 12, a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) 13, a generator 14, a natural variable power source 15, an Energy Storage System (ESS) 16, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) 17, and a vehicle 18. Within CEMS1, these components constitute a microgrid MG. It should be noted that the microgrid MG can be considered an example of the "power grid" disclosed herein.

[0031] FEMS11 is a system for managing the supply and demand of electricity used in a factory. FEMS11 includes factory buildings (including lighting fixtures, air conditioning equipment, etc.) and industrial equipment (production lines, etc.) that operate using electricity supplied from the microgrid MG. Although not shown, FEMS11 may include power generation equipment (generators, solar panels, etc.) located in the factory. Sometimes, the electricity generated by these power generation devices is supplied to the microgrid MG. FEMS11 also includes a FEMS server 110 capable of bidirectional communication with the CEMS server 2.

[0032] BEMS12 is a system for managing the supply and demand of electricity used in buildings such as offices or commercial facilities. BEMS12 includes lighting fixtures and air conditioning equipment installed in the building. BEMS12 can include power generation equipment (solar panels, etc.) or heat and cold source systems (waste heat recovery systems, thermal storage systems, etc.). BEMS12 also includes a BEMS server 120 capable of bidirectional communication with CEMS server 2.

[0033] HEMS13 is a system for managing the supply and demand of electricity used in a home. HEMS13 includes household appliances (lighting equipment, air conditioning units, other electrical products, etc.) that operate using electricity supplied from the microgrid MG. Additionally, HEMS13 may also include solar panels, household heat pump systems, household combined heat and power systems, household batteries, etc. HEMS13 also includes a HEMS server 130 capable of bidirectional communication with CEMS server 2.

[0034] Generator 14 is a power generation device independent of weather conditions, which outputs the generated electricity to the microgrid MG. Generator 14 can include steam turbine generators, gas turbine generators, diesel engine generators, gas engine generators, biomass generators, stationary fuel cells, etc. Generator 14 can also include a combined heat and power system that effectively utilizes the heat generated during power generation.

[0035] The naturally variable power source 15 is a power generation device whose output varies according to weather conditions, and it outputs the generated electricity to the microgrid MG. Figure 1 The illustration shows a solar power generation device (solar panel), but the natural variable power source 15 can also replace the solar power generation device or, on this basis, include a wind power generation device.

[0036] The energy storage system 16 is a stationary power source that stores electricity generated by the natural variable power source 15, etc. The energy storage system 16 is a secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery, which is a battery pack (recycled product) used in vehicles. However, the energy storage system 16 is not limited to secondary batteries, and may also be a power-to-gas device that uses surplus electricity to produce gaseous fuels (hydrogen, methane, etc.).

[0037] The charging device 17 is electrically connected to the microgrid MG, and is configured to be able to charge and discharge (power supply) between itself and the microgrid MG.

[0038] Specifically, vehicle 18 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), etc. Vehicle 18 is configured to be capable of either external charging or external power supply. That is, when a charging cable is connected to an inlet (not shown) of vehicle 18, vehicle 18 can supply power from the microgrid MG (external charging). Alternatively, vehicle 18 can also be configured to supply power from vehicle 18 to the microgrid MG when a charging cable is connected to an outlet (not shown).

[0039] It should be noted that, in Figure 1In the example shown, CEMS1 includes one FEMS11, one BEMS12, one HEMS13, one generator 14, one natural variable power source 15, and one energy storage system 16, but the number of these systems or devices is arbitrary. CEMS1 may also include multiple of these systems or devices, or it may include systems or devices not included in CEMS1. The FEMS11 (factory buildings, industrial equipment, etc.), BEMS12 (lighting fixtures, air conditioning equipment, etc.), HEMS13 (household appliances, etc.), generator 14, natural variable power source 15, energy storage system 16, charging equipment 17, and various vehicles 18 included in CEMS1 can be regarded as "electricity regulation resources" of this disclosure, and therefore, without special distinction of these systems or devices, they are also referred to as "electricity regulation resources" below.

[0040] CEMS server 2 is a computer that manages the power regulation resources in CEMS1. CEMS server 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The control unit 21 includes a processor configured to perform predetermined computational processing. The storage unit 22 includes a memory storing the program executed by the control unit 21, and storing various information used in the program (mappings, formulas, parameters, etc.). The communication unit 23 includes a communication interface configured to communicate with external devices (other servers, etc.).

[0041] CEMS server 2 can also be an aggregator server. An aggregator is an electrical operator that aggregates multiple power regulation resources to provide energy management services. CEMS server 2 can be regarded as a "server" in this disclosure. In addition, servers 110, 120, and 130 included in each system of FEMS11, BEMS12, and HEMS13 can also be regarded as "servers" in this disclosure.

[0042] The power transmission and transformation equipment 3 is located at the connection point (power receiving point) of the microgrid MG, configured to switch the parallel (connection) / disconnection (shutdown) of the microgrid MG and the power system 4. The power transmission and transformation equipment 3 is not shown in the figures, but includes a high-voltage side (primary side) switching device, a transformer, a protective relay, measuring equipment, and a control device. When the microgrid MG is connected to the power system 4, the power transmission and transformation equipment 3 receives AC power from the power system 4, for example, ultra-high voltage (voltage exceeding 7000V), steps down the received power, and supplies it to the microgrid MG.

[0043] Power system 4 is a power grid constructed from power plants and transmission and distribution equipment. In this embodiment, the power company acts as both a power generation operator and a transmission and distribution operator. The power company is equivalent to a general transmission and distribution operator and also to the manager of power system 4, maintaining and managing power system 4.

[0044] The power transmission and distribution operator server 5 is a computer belonging to the power company that manages the power supply and demand of the power system 4. The power transmission and distribution operator server 5 is also configured to communicate bidirectionally with the CEMS server 2.

[0045] Inconsistency with power regulation requests

[0046] In CEMS1, the power supply from power system 4 to microgrid MG is planned for each predetermined period according to a pre-signed contract between the manager of CEMS1 and the power company. A typical period is 30 minutes. To stabilize the power supply in power system 4, it is required that the planned power supply approximately match the actual power supply every 30 minutes. This control is also referred to as "30-minute simultaneous equalization". The inventors of this invention focused on the fact that, for example, inconsistencies in the timing of power regulation (response delays, etc.) when achieving 30-minute simultaneous equalization can be a problem.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of inconsistency in the timing of power regulation. The horizontal axis represents elapsed time. The initial time t0 is the start time of a 30-minute time frame. Time t3 is the end time of a 30-minute time frame. The vertical axis represents power. Here, an example is illustrated where, in order to achieve simultaneous and uniform power consumption for 30 minutes, CEMS server 2 outputs a request (suppression request) to suppress power consumption within the microgrid MG.

[0048] At time t1, a power consumption suppression request is generated. In this example, it is assumed that a power consumption suppression condition is required within the microgrid MG during the period from time t1 to time t3. CEMS server 2 outputs suppression requests to multiple power regulation resources within CEMS1. One of the power regulation resources (the "response resource" of this disclosure) responds to the suppression request at time t2, suppressing power consumption compared to before responding to the suppression request.

[0049] Ideally, the power regulation resources should regulate power in accordance with the time period specified in the suppression request, such as a rapid response from the power regulation resources to the suppression request. However, the power regulation resources may not respond to the suppression request immediately; the response to the suppression request (in fact, the start of power consumption suppression) may be delayed. In the case of a delayed response to the suppression request, time passes while the power consumption of the power regulation resources remains unsuppressed. Therefore, the power consumption is the same as before (indicated by the diagonal lines in the diagram), and the amount used to achieve the same amount of power consumption for 30 minutes of simultaneous operation is reduced by the amount of time delay. As a result, it may be difficult to achieve the same amount of power consumption for 30 minutes within CEMS1. Thus, it is also assumed that the power stability of power system 4 cannot be maintained. Although not illustrated here, there are times when the power regulation resources continue to regulate power after the end time specified by the suppression request.

[0050] Therefore, in this embodiment, the following structure is adopted: the smaller the deviation between the time period during which power regulation was performed using power regulation resources and the time period determined in the suppression request, the greater the reward assigned to the power regulation resources from CEMS server 2. Figure 2 In the example, the faster the power regulation resource responds to the suppression request, the greater the reward it receives.

[0051] In this embodiment, a "consistency rate" is used as an indicator to quantify the divergence between the two time periods. The consistency rate refers to the percentage of deviations within the time period specified in the suppression request (in...). Figure 2 The ratio of the period from time t1 to t3 to the period during which power regulation was carried out through power regulation resources (the period from time t2 to t3) is consistent. Additionally, the response delay time Δt, which is the time delay in responding to suppression requests, can also be used as an indicator.

[0052] award

[0053] Figure 3 This is the first example of a method for setting rewards corresponding to consistency rate. Figure 4 This is the second example of a diagram illustrating how rewards are set in relation to consistency rates. Figure 5 This is the third example of a graph illustrating the method for setting rewards corresponding to the consistency rate. The horizontal axis represents the consistency rate. The vertical axis represents the rewards assigned to the power regulation resources from CEMS server 2.

[0054] In this implementation, the higher the consistency rate, the greater the reward. The relationship between consistency rate and reward is, for example, as follows: Figure 3 The linear relationship is shown. However, this relationship is not limited to this; it can also be a curvilinear relationship (see [reference]). Figure 4 It can also be a hierarchical relationship (see...). Figure 5 ).

[0055] Figure 6 This is a graph illustrating an example of how rewards are set in relation to response delay time Δt. The horizontal axis represents response delay time Δt, and the vertical axis represents the reward. When using a response delay time Δt, the shorter the response delay time Δt, the larger the reward is determined. Although not illustrated, the relationship between response delay time Δt and reward can be either a curve or a step.

[0056] The size of the reward can be determined, for example, based on the cost. Specifically, a larger reward means, for example, that the electricity cost paid by the user (owner) of the power regulation resource within CEMS1 is lower. As an example, if the power regulation resource is vehicle 18, as the reward increases, the cost of charging vehicle 18 from external charging becomes lower. Alternatively, a larger reward means that the cost of electricity sold to the user is higher. If the power regulation resource is vehicle 18, as the reward increases, the cost of electricity supplied from vehicle 18 from external power supply becomes higher. The reward could also be the parking fee for vehicle 18 during external charging or external power supply.

[0057] In this way, by introducing rewards corresponding to consistency rate and / or response delay time Δt, it is possible to shorten the response time to suppression requests for power regulation resources or ensure that the period of power consumption suppression is long enough. As a result, power regulation within the microgrid MG can be carried out more reliably, or the contract between CEMS1 and the power company can be complied with.

[0058] Processing flow

[0059] The following description also uses the vehicle 18 as an example of a power regulation resource. In this example, power regulation of the microgrid MG is performed by suppressing the charging power from the microgrid MG to the vehicle 18 via the charging device 17 (or, the power supply from the vehicle 18 to the microgrid MG via the charging device 17).

[0060] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes associated with setting the reward in this embodiment. This flowchart is invoked and executed from the main program (not shown) whenever a predetermined condition is met, or at predetermined intervals. Figure 7 The diagram shows a series of processes performed by the CEMS server 2 on the left and a series of processes performed by the vehicle 18 on the right. Each step is implemented through software processing in the CEMS server 2 or the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the vehicle 18, but can also be implemented through hardware (circuit) fabricated within the CEMS server 2 or the vehicle 18. Hereinafter, the steps will be abbreviated as S.

[0061] In S11, CEMS server 2 determines whether it predicts an excessive power demand situation for the microgrid MG. For example, if the ratio (or difference) between the actual power supply and the planned power supply for 30 minutes of simultaneous operation exceeds a predetermined value, CEMS server 2 can determine that an excessive power demand situation may occur. Additionally, CEMS server 2 can also determine that an excessive power demand situation may occur if, based on past actual power consumption results, the predicted ratio of the total power consumption of all power regulation resources within the microgrid MG to the power supplied from power system 4 to the microgrid MG is higher than a predetermined value.

[0062] If there is no excessive power demand (NO in S11), no further processing is performed, and the process returns to the main program. If there is a possibility of excessive power demand (YES in S11), CEMS server 2 suppresses power consumption from various power regulation resource requests, including those from vehicle 18 (S12).

[0063] Upon receiving the suppression request, vehicle 18 responds to whether it agrees to the suppression request (S21). For example, if the user indicates that they agree to the suppression request through the user terminal of vehicle 18, such as its HMI (Human Machine Interface) or smartphone (neither shown), vehicle 18 can respond that it agrees to the suppression request. If the user does not agree to the suppression request (NO in S21), vehicle 18 returns the process to the main program. If the user agrees to the suppression request (YES in S21), vehicle 18 outputs this meaning to CEMS server 2 (S22).

[0064] In S23, vehicle 18 responds to the suppression request. That is, compared to before agreeing to the suppression request, vehicle 18 suppresses the charging power from microgrid MG to vehicle 18. Specifically, the charging power to vehicle 18 can be set to a low predetermined amount or a predetermined ratio, or the charging to vehicle 18 can be delayed until a predetermined time has elapsed. Charging to vehicle 18 can also be stopped. Conversely, power can also be supplied from vehicle 18 to microgrid MG.

[0065] If the user of vehicle 18 agrees to the suppression request (YES in S13), CEMS server 2 awards vehicle 18 a reward corresponding to the degree of consistency between the time period specified in the suppression request and the actual time period during which power regulation was performed (S14). Figures 3 to 6 As explained, the higher the consistency rate and / or the shorter the response latency Δt, the larger the reward is set.

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, when excessive power demand is predicted, the CEMS server 2 outputs a power consumption suppression request to vehicle 18. The user of vehicle 18 decides whether to agree to the suppression request. The more promptly the user agrees to the suppression request within the specified time, the greater the reward (discount on charging fees, increase in power supply fees, discount on parking fees, etc.). Therefore, users who want the greatest possible reward quickly agree to the suppression request, thus shortening the time until charging power to vehicle 18 is suppressed or power supply from vehicle 18 is increased (response delay time Δt). Furthermore, since the user suppresses power consumption according to the time period specified in the suppression request, charging power to vehicle 18 or power supply from vehicle 18 is suppressed for a sufficiently long period. Thus, according to this embodiment, the power balance of the microgrid MG can be maintained more reliably for 30 minutes of simultaneous, equal-volume operation.

[0067] It should be noted that this example illustrates the reward given for the response delay time Δt when a situation of excessive power demand is predicted to occur in the microgrid MG. However, even when an excessive power demand situation has already occurred, rewards can still be given for both consistency rate and / or response delay time Δt. Furthermore, in Figure 2 and Figure 7 The example of suppressing power consumption within the microgrid MG is explained, but the CEMS server 2 can also variably set rewards when the remaining power consumption of the power system 4 is increased within the microgrid MG.

[0068] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is not defined by the description of the above embodiments, but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A power management system, characterized in that, include: Multiple power regulation resources are connected to the power grid; as well as The server is configured to manage the multiple power regulation resources. The server is configured as follows: When required to suppress power consumption or consume surplus power in the power grid, a power regulation request containing a predetermined power regulation period is output to the plurality of power regulation resources. Rewards are assigned to the power regulation resources that respond to the power regulation request and perform power regulation, i.e., the response resources. The reward is determined based on the ratio on the time axis of the period during which the response resource actually performed power regulation and the predetermined power regulation period included in the power regulation request. The higher the ratio, the greater the reward.

2. The power management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The server is configured such that the shorter the response delay time of the response resource to the power adjustment request, the higher the consistency ratio, thereby increasing the reward.

3. The power management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The response resources include vehicles configured to be charged using power supplied from the power grid. The reward includes the cost of charging the vehicle from the power grid.

4. The power management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The response resources include vehicles configured to supply power to the power grid. The reward includes the cost of supplying electricity from the vehicle to the power grid.

5. The power management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The response resources include vehicles configured to transmit and receive electricity with the power grid. The incentive includes parking fees for parking spaces where the vehicle stops to transmit or receive electricity with the power grid.

6. A server configured to manage multiple power regulation resources usable in regulating the supply of power from a power system to a power grid, characterized in that, The server includes: Processor; and The memory stores programs that can be executed by the processor. The processor is configured as follows: When required to suppress power consumption or consume surplus power in the power grid, a power regulation request containing a predetermined power regulation period is output to the plurality of power regulation resources. Rewards are assigned to the power regulation resources that respond to the power regulation request and perform power regulation, i.e., the response resources. The reward is determined based on the ratio on the time axis of the period during which the response resource actually performed power regulation and the predetermined power regulation period included in the power regulation request. The higher the ratio, the greater the reward.

7. A method for regulating power supply and demand, comprising managing multiple power regulation resources that can be used in regulating the supply of power from the power system to the power grid, characterized in that, The methods for regulating power supply and demand include: When required to suppress power consumption or consume surplus power in the power grid, a power regulation request containing a predetermined power regulation period is output to the plurality of power regulation resources; A reward is assigned to the power regulation resource (i.e., the response resource) that performs power regulation in response to the power regulation request from among the plurality of power regulation resources; and The reward is determined based on the ratio on the time axis of the period during which the response resource actually performed power regulation and the predetermined power regulation period included in the power regulation request. The higher the ratio, the greater the reward.

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