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 includes: 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 when requested to suppress consumed power or consumed surplus power in the microgrid (MG), and gives a reward to a power adjustment resource that responds to the power adjustment request among the plurality of power adjustment resources. The CEMS server increases the reward as a deviation of a second power amount after adjustment by the responding resource from a first power amount requested to be adjusted by the power adjustment request becomes smaller.

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 for power grid regulation, typically some of these resources respond and perform regulation. Even if a power regulation resource exists capable of responding, proper regulation may not be possible if the response does not fully comply with the request.

[0004] This disclosure relates to techniques for appropriate power regulation of power grids.

[0005] The first aspect of this disclosure relates to a power management system comprising: multiple power regulation resources electrically connected to a power grid; and a server managing the multiple power regulation resources. The server is configured to, upon being requested to suppress power consumption or consume surplus power in the power grid, output a power regulation request to the multiple power regulation resources, and assign a reward to a responding resource, wherein the responding resource is one of the multiple power regulation resources that performs power regulation in response to the power regulation request. The server is configured to increase the reward as the deviation between the second power quantity regulated by the responding resource and the first power quantity requested to be regulated by the power regulation request is smaller.

[0006] In the first scheme mentioned above, the server can also be configured such that the smaller the difference between the first power and the second power, the greater the reward.

[0007] In the first scheme described above, when the power grid is required to suppress power consumption or consume surplus power, a power regulation request is output from the server to the power regulation resource. When the power regulation resource responds to the power regulation request, the smaller the deviation of the second power quantity relative to the first power quantity, the greater the reward (e.g., a discount) given to the power regulation resource. Therefore, users (owners, managers, etc.) of the power regulation resource who want to obtain the greatest possible reward can expect to allow the second power quantity to become sufficiently close to the first power quantity. Thus, appropriate power regulation of the power grid can be achieved.

[0008] In the first scenario described above, the response resources may also include vehicles configured to be able to charge using electricity supplied from the power grid. The incentive may also include a fee for charging the vehicle from the power grid.

[0009] In the first scenario described above, the response resources may also include vehicles configured to supply power to the power grid. The incentive may also include a fee for supplying power from the vehicle to the power grid.

[0010] In the first scheme described above, the response resources may also include vehicles configured to stop for transmitting and receiving electricity between the power grid and the grid. The incentive may also include parking fees for parking spaces used by vehicles to transmit and receive electricity between the power grid and the grid.

[0011] According to the first scheme mentioned above, it is possible to provide rewards to vehicle users for increasing their willingness to respond to power adjustment requests.

[0012] The second aspect of this disclosure relates to a server that manages multiple power regulation resources used in regulating the supply of electricity from a power system to a power grid. The server includes 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 awards a reward to a responding resource, which is one of the multiple power regulation resources that performs power regulation in response to the power regulation request. The processor is configured to increase the reward as the deviation between the second power quantity regulated by the responding resource and the first power quantity requested to be regulated by the power regulation request is smaller.

[0013] According to the second scheme described above, similar to the first scheme described above, appropriate power regulation of the power grid can be carried out.

[0014] The third aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for regulating electricity supply and demand, managing multiple power regulation resources that can be used in regulating the supply of electricity 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 response resource, which is one of the multiple power regulation resources that performs power regulation in response to the power regulation request; and increasing the reward as the deviation of the second power quantity regulated by the response resource relative to the first power quantity requested to be regulated by the power regulation request decreases.

[0015] According to the third scheme described above, similar to the first scheme described above, appropriate power regulation of the power grid can be carried out.

[0016] According to this disclosure, appropriate power regulation of the power grid can be carried out. Attached Figure Description

[0017] 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:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the power management system of this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a timing diagram used to illustrate an example of inconsistency with power regulation requests.

[0020] Figure 3 This is the first example of a method for setting rewards corresponding to deviations.

[0021] Figure 4 This is the second example of a diagram showing how to set rewards corresponding to deviations.

[0022] Figure 5 This is the third example of a diagram showing how to set rewards corresponding to deviations.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the process associated with the setting of rewards in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] 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.

[0025] Implementation

[0026] Overall structure of power management system

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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. Furthermore, the microgrid MG can be considered an example of the "power grid" disclosed herein.

[0029] 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.) installed 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 CEMS server 2.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Generator 14 is a power generation device independent of weather conditions, which outputs the generated electricity to the microgrid MG. Generator 14 may include steam turbine generators, gas turbine generators, diesel engine generators, gas engine generators, biomass generators, stationary fuel cells, etc. Generator 14 may also include a combined heat and power system that effectively utilizes the heat generated during power generation.

[0033] 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 example shown is a solar power generation device (solar panel), but the natural variable power source 15 can also replace the solar power generation device or, based on it, include a wind power generation device.

[0034] The energy storage system 16 is a stationary power source that stores electricity generated using natural variable power sources such as the power source 15. 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) used in vehicles. However, the energy storage system 16 is not limited to secondary batteries, and can also be a power-to-gas device that uses surplus electricity to produce gaseous fuels (hydrogen, methane, etc.).

[0035] 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.

[0036] Vehicle 18 is specifically a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), an electric vehicle (EV), etc. Vehicle 18 is configured to be capable of both external charging and external power supply. That is, vehicle 18 is configured to supply power from the microgrid MG to vehicle 18 (external charging) when a charging cable is connected to an inlet (not shown) of vehicle 18. Alternatively, vehicle 18 can also be configured to supply power from vehicle 18 to the microgrid MG (external power supply) when a charging cable is connected to an outlet (not shown) of vehicle 18.

[0037] In addition, 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 specifically distinguishing these systems or devices, they will also be referred to as "electricity regulation resources" below.

[0038] CEMS server 2 is a computer that manages the power regulation resources within 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.).

[0039] 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 considered as a "server" in this disclosure. In addition, the servers (110, 120, 130) contained in each system of FEMS11, BEMS12, and HEMS13 can also be designated as "servers" in this disclosure.

[0040] The power transmission and transformation equipment 3 is installed 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. Although not shown in the figures, the power transmission and transformation equipment 3 includes a high-voltage side (primary side) switching device, a transformer, a protective relay, measuring instruments, 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 at, for example, a very high voltage (voltage exceeding 7000V), and then steps down the received power to supply it to the microgrid MG.

[0041] 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 typical transmission and distribution operator and also acts as the manager of power system 4, maintaining and managing power system 4.

[0042] The power transmission and distribution operator server 5 belongs to the power company and is the computer that manages the power supply and demand of power system 4. The power transmission and distribution operator server 5 is also configured to communicate bidirectionally with CEMS server 2.

[0043] Inconsistency with power regulation requests

[0044] When a request for power regulation of a microgrid MG is output from CEMS server 2 to the power regulation resource, the power regulation resource responds to the power regulation request and performs power regulation. However, if the response from the power regulation resource does not fully comply with the power regulation request, CEMS server 2 may have difficulty properly managing the power supply and demand within the microgrid MG.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a timing diagram used to illustrate an example of inconsistency with a power regulation request. The horizontal axis represents elapsed time. In this example, consider the following situation: during period T, there is a requirement to suppress power consumption within the microgrid MG.

[0046] CEMS server 2 outputs a "suppression request" to the power regulation resource, requesting the suppression of power consumption within the microgrid MG. The power regulation resource (which can be considered a "response resource" of this disclosure) responds to the suppression request, suppressing power consumption compared to before responding to the suppression request. For simplicity, in this example, the power regulation resource responds quickly to the suppression request from CEMS server 2. That is, there is no time discrepancy between the timing of the suppression request being output from CEMS server 2 and the timing of the actual suppression of power consumption by the power regulation resource.

[0047] On the other hand, a certain degree of divergence occurs between the power consumption requested to be suppressed and the power consumption actually suppressed by power regulation resources. Figure 2 In the example shown, the actual power consumption suppressed by the power regulation resources remains at P2, relative to the requested power consumption suppression P1. The power consumption to be suppressed is P1×T, and the power consumption to be actually suppressed is P2×T, resulting in a divergence of (P1-P2)×T between these two power values. The larger this divergence, the more difficult it is to manage power supply and demand within the microgrid MG.

[0048] Therefore, in this embodiment, the following structure is adopted: the smaller the "deviation" between the power consumption requested to be suppressed by the suppression request and the power consumption actually suppressed by the power regulation resource (the higher the degree of consistency between the two), the greater the reward assigned to the power regulation resource from the CEMS server 2. Thus, the more strictly the suppression request is followed in terms of power consumption, the greater the reward assigned to the power regulation resource.

[0049] award

[0050] Figure 3 This is the first example of a method for setting rewards corresponding to deviations. Figure 4 This is the second example of a diagram showing how to set rewards corresponding to deviations. Figure 5 This is the third example of a diagram illustrating the method for setting rewards corresponding to deviations. The horizontal axis represents the deviation in power quantity. The deviation can be (P1 - P2) × T, or it can be a value converted to a relative value (e.g., (P1 - P2) / P1). The vertical axis represents the reward assigned to the power regulation resources from CEMS server 2.

[0051] In this implementation, the smaller the deviation, the larger the reward will be. The relationship between deviation and reward is 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 ).

[0052] The size of the reward can be determined, for example, based on the cost. Specifically, a larger reward means 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, a larger reward means a lower cost for charging vehicle 18 from external sources. Alternatively, a larger reward means a higher cost for electricity sold to the user. If the power regulation resource is vehicle 18, a larger reward means a higher cost for electricity supplied from vehicle 18 from external sources. The reward could also be the parking cost of vehicle 18 during external charging or external power supply.

[0053] By introducing rewards corresponding to deviations in electricity consumption, it is expected that power regulation resources will more strictly regulate electricity according to suppression requests. As a result, the power supply and demand within the microgrid MG can be properly managed, thereby ensuring compliance with the contract between CEMS1 and the power company.

[0054] In addition, Figure 2 In order to facilitate understanding, a simple example of two step changes in electricity is given, but it can also be three or more step changes in electricity, or continuous changes in electricity.

[0055] Processing flow

[0056] The following description uses a structure in which vehicle 18 is used as a power regulation resource as an example. 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).

[0057] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the process associated with the setting of rewards in this embodiment. The flowchart is executed by calling a main routine (not shown) whenever a predetermined condition is met, or every predetermined period. Figure 6 The diagram shows a series of processes executed by the CEMS server 2 on the left and a series of processes executed by the vehicle 18 on the right. Each step is implemented through software processing in the CEMS server 2 or the vehicle 18's ECU (Electronic Control Unit), 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] If there is no excessive power demand (no in S11), no further processing is performed, and the process returns to the main routine. If there is a possibility of excessive power demand (yes in S11), CEMS server 2 requests vehicle 18 to suppress charging power (S12).

[0060] Upon receiving the suppression request, the user of vehicle 18 responds by indicating whether they agree to the suppression request (S21). For example, if the user indicates their agreement to the suppression request through the vehicle 18's HMI (Human Machine Interface) or a user terminal such as a smartphone (not 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 processing to the main routine. If the user agrees to the suppression request (yes in S21), vehicle 18 outputs this message to CEMS server 2 (S22).

[0061] In S23, the user sets the permitted level and range of power suppression for charging the vehicle 18. For example, the user can set the power suppression to be as requested by the suppression request. Alternatively, when power suppression is performed as requested, the user can set the permitted range of power suppression in cases where the charging time is too long. For example, the user can set the charging power (maximum power that the charging device 17 can supply) to be 40kW, but allow the maximum charging power to be suppressed to 10kW for the vehicle 18. The user can also set the power suppression to be allowed as long as it is within 50% of the normal charging power (when no suppression request is generated). The user can also set the power suppression to be allowed within a range where charging can be completed in 3 hours. Furthermore, the user can pre-set the above ranges before a suppression request is generated. The set ranges are sent to the CEMS server 2.

[0062] In S24, vehicle 18 responds to the suppression request. That is, within the range set in S23, vehicle 18 suppresses the charging power from microgrid MG to vehicle 18 compared to before agreeing to the suppression request. Furthermore, while the suppression of charging power has been described as an example, power supply from vehicle 18 to microgrid MG can also be carried out.

[0063] In S13, CEMS server 2 determines whether the termination condition related to power consumption suppression within the microgrid MG is met. For example, CEMS server 2 can determine that the termination condition is met if a predetermined time has elapsed since the output suppression request. If the termination condition is met (yes in S13), CEMS server 2 calculates the discrepancy between the power consumption requested to be suppressed and the power consumption actually suppressed by the power regulation resources (S14). As mentioned above, the discrepancy can be either the difference in power quantity (P1-P2)×T or the ratio of the difference in power quantity (P1-P2)×T to the power consumption requested to be suppressed, P1×T, which is (P1-P2) / P1.

[0064] In S15, CEMS server 2 will assign the reward corresponding to the deviation calculated in S14 to vehicle 18. (As in...) Figures 3-5 As explained in the document, the reward is set so that the smaller the deviation, the greater the reward.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, when an excessive power demand is predicted, a power suppression request is output from the CEMS server 2 to the vehicle 18. If the user of vehicle 18 agrees to suppress the power, the closer the power is to the power actually suppressed according to the suppression request, the greater the reward (discount on charging fees, parking fees, etc.) given to the user. Therefore, users who want the greatest possible reward can expect to allow a sufficiently large amount of power suppression within their acceptable range, thus reducing the discrepancy between the actual and requested power. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the CEMS server 2 can appropriately manage the power supply and demand of the microgrid MG.

[0066] Furthermore, this example illustrates how, when an excessive power demand is predicted to occur in the microgrid MG, a reward corresponding to the deviation from the predicted power quantity is given. However, the same reward can also be given when an excessive power demand has already occurred. Additionally, in... Figure 2 as well as Figure 6 The example illustrates how to suppress power consumption within the microgrid MG. Similarly, when the remaining power consumption of the power system 4 is increased within the microgrid MG, the CEMS server 2 can also variably set the reward.

[0067] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects, and not restrictive.

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 manages the multiple power regulation resources. The server is configured as follows: When required to suppress power consumption or consume surplus power within the power grid, a power regulation request is output to the plurality of power regulation resources. A reward is assigned to a response resource, which is one of the plurality of power regulation resources that performs power regulation in response to the power regulation request. The response resource has a permissible range regarding the extent of the power regulation allowed, and performs the power regulation within that permissible range. If there is no temporal discrepancy between the timing of the power adjustment request being output from the server and the timing of the actual power adjustment by the response resource, but a discrepancy exists between the second power within the allowable range set by the response resource after adjustment and the first power requested to be adjusted by the power adjustment request, the smaller the discrepancy between the second power and the first power, the greater the reward.

2. The power management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The server is configured such that the smaller the difference between the first electrical force and the second electrical force, the greater 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 charging fee for 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 for managing multiple power regulation resources that can be used in the regulation of power supply from a power system to a power grid, the server being characterized by comprising: processor; as well as 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 within the power grid, a power regulation request is output to the plurality of power regulation resources. A reward is assigned to a response resource, which is one of the plurality of power regulation resources that performs power regulation in response to the power regulation request. The response resource has a permissible range regarding the extent of the power regulation allowed, and performs the power regulation within that permissible range. If there is no temporal discrepancy between the timing of outputting the power adjustment request and the timing of the actual power adjustment by the response resource, but a discrepancy occurs between the second power within the allowable range set by the response resource after adjustment and the first power requested to be adjusted by the power adjustment request, the smaller the discrepancy between the second power and the first power, the greater the reward.

7. A method for regulating electricity supply and demand, managing multiple electricity regulation resources that can be used in regulating the supply of electricity from the power system to the power grid, the method being characterized by comprising: When required to suppress power consumption or consume surplus power in the power grid, a power regulation request is output to the plurality of power regulation resources; Rewards are given to response resources, which are power regulation resources among the plurality of power regulation resources that perform power regulation in response to the power regulation request. The response resources set an allowable range regarding the extent of the power regulation allowed, and perform the power regulation within the allowable range. as well as If there is no temporal discrepancy between the timing of outputting the power adjustment request and the timing of the actual power adjustment by the response resource, but a discrepancy occurs between the second power within the allowable range set by the response resource after adjustment and the first power requested to be adjusted by the power adjustment request, the smaller the discrepancy between the second power and the first power, the greater the reward.

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