Power management server, power management system, and power management method

Abstract

A power management server controls a fuel cell system including a generator. The power management server has at least one processor. The processor performs reception processing and control processing. The receiving process includes receiving a message including an information element indicating an operating state of the fuel cell system. The control process includes a control process of controlling a fuel cell system whose operating state is a power generation state over a fuel cell system whose operating state is a start state, a stop state, or a stopped operating state during a control target period for controlling the fuel cell system.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application "Power management server, power management system and power management method" with an application date of June 24, 2019 and application number 201980042827.X. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a power management server, a power management system and a power management method. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, technologies for maintaining the balance of power supply and demand in a power grid using storage battery devices as distributed power sources (e.g., VPP (virtual power plant)) are known (e.g., see Patent Documents 1 and 2). In addition, it is conceivable to use a fuel cell system as a distributed power source used in a VPP or the like.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-182399 Summary of the invention

[0007] According to the first disclosed power management server, a fuel cell system including a generator is controlled. The power management server includes at least one processor. The processor is configured to perform a receiving process and a control process. The receiving process includes the following receiving process: receiving a message including an information element indicating an operating state of the fuel cell system. The control process includes the following control process: within a control object period for controlling the fuel cell system, controlling a fuel cell system whose operating state is a power generation state in priority to a fuel cell system whose operating state is a start state, a stop state, and a stop operation state.

[0008] A power management system according to a second disclosure includes: a fuel cell system including a generator; and a power management server configured to control the fuel cell system. The power management server includes a receiver and a controller. The receiver is configured to receive a message including an information element indicating an operating state of the fuel cell system. The controller is configured to: during a control object period for controlling the fuel cell system, control a fuel cell system whose operating state is a power generation state in priority to a fuel cell system whose operating state is a start state, a stop state, and a stop operation state.

[0009] According to the third disclosed power management method, a fuel cell system including a generator is controlled by a power management server. The control of the fuel cell system includes: receiving, by the power management server, a message including an information element indicating an operating state of the fuel cell system; and controlling, by the power management server, a fuel cell system in a power generation state in priority to a fuel cell system in a start state, a stop state, and a stop operation state in a control object period for controlling the fuel cell system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a power management system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a fuel cell system 310 according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a hot water storage tank 160 according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a power management server 200 according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating information elements according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a power management method according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] As the fuel cell system described in the background art, a fuel cell system in which the startup state from the stop state to the power generation state is long is also considered. In such a background, as a result of extensive research, the inventors found that when a fuel cell system is used as a distributed power source of a VPP, a control different from that of a battery device is required.

[0017] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a power management server, a power management system, and a power management method that enable appropriate control of a fuel cell system.

[0018] A power management server according to an embodiment controls a fuel cell system including a generator. The power management server includes at least one processor. The processor is configured to perform: a receiving process of receiving a message including an information element indicating an operating state of the fuel cell system; and a control process of controlling a fuel cell system in a power generation state in priority to a fuel cell system in a start state, a stop state, and a stop operation state in a control object period for controlling the fuel cell system.

[0019] Thus, a power management server, a power management system, and a power management method capable of appropriately controlling a fuel cell system can be provided.

[0020] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the following description of the accompanying drawings, the same or similar parts are marked with the same or similar symbols.

[0021] However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratios of the various dimensions may differ from the actual dimensions. Therefore, the specific dimensions should be determined in consideration of the following description. In addition, it goes without saying that the drawings may include parts with different dimensional relationships or ratios.

[0022] [Example]

[0023] (Power Management System)

[0024] Hereinafter, a power management system according to an embodiment will be described. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the power management system 100 includes a power management server 200 and a facility 300. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , as the facility 300 , facilities 300A to 300C are exemplified.

[0025] Each of the facilities 300 is connected to the grid 110. Hereinafter, the flow of power from the grid 110 to the facilities 300 is referred to as a power flow, and the flow of power from the facilities 300 to the grid 110 is referred to as a reverse power flow.

[0026] The power management server 200 and the facility 300 are connected to a network 120. The network 120 should provide a channel between the power management server 200 and the facility 300. For example, the network 120 may be the Internet. The network 120 may be a leased channel such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

[0027] The power management server 200 is a server managed by a power company such as a power generation company, a power transmission and distribution company, a retailer, a resource aggregator, etc. The resource aggregator is a power company that manages the power of the power grid 110 for the power generation company, the power transmission and distribution company, the retailer, etc. in a VPP (virtual power plant). The power management of the power grid 110 includes the power management of the power grid, etc. The details of the power management server 200 will be described later (see Figure 4 ).

[0028] Here, the power management server 200 may send a control message to the EMS 320 provided in the facility 300, the control message indicating the control of the distributed power source provided in the facility 300. For example, the power management server 200 may send a power flow control message (e.g., DR; demand response) requesting control of the power flow. The power management server 200 may send a reverse power flow control message requesting control of the reverse power flow. The power management server 200 may send a power supply control message controlling the operating state of the distributed power source. The control level of the power flow or reverse power flow may be represented by an absolute value (e.g., ○○kw) or a relative value (e.g., ○○%). The control level of the power flow or reverse power flow may be represented by two or more levels. The control level of the power flow or reverse power flow may be represented by an electricity rate (RTP; real-time pricing) determined by the current power supply and demand balance. The control level of the power flow or reverse power flow may be represented by an electricity rate (TOU; time of use) determined by the past power supply and demand balance.

[0029] The facility 300 includes a fuel cell system 310 and an EMS 320. The fuel cell system 310 includes a device for generating electricity by using a fuel such as gas. The details of the fuel cell system 310 will be described later (see Figure 2 ). The EMS 320 is a device (emergency management system) that controls the devices installed in the facility 300.

[0030] The facility 300 may include load devices that consume electricity. The load devices are, for example, air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, AV (audio-visual) equipment, etc. The facility 300 may include a distributed power source other than the fuel cell system 310. The distributed power source may include a device that generates electricity by utilizing natural energy such as solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, etc. The distributed power source may include a battery device.

[0031] In an embodiment, the communication between the power management server 200 and the EMS 320 may be performed according to a first protocol. On the other hand, the communication between the EMS 320 and the fuel cell system 310 may be performed according to a second protocol different from the first protocol. For example, as a first protocol, a protocol compliant with open ADR (Automatic Demand Response) or an original dedicated protocol may be used. For example, as a second protocol, a protocol compliant with ECHONET Lite, SEP (Smart Energy Profile) 2.0, KNX, or an original dedicated protocol may be used. In addition, the first protocol may be different from the second protocol, for example, both may be original dedicated protocols or protocols formulated by different rules.

[0032] (Fuel Cell System)

[0033] Hereinafter, a fuel cell system according to an embodiment will be described. Figure 2is a diagram showing a fuel cell system 310 according to an embodiment. The fuel cell system 310 includes at least a fuel cell device 150. The fuel cell system 310 is installed together with a hot water storage tank 160. Here, the fuel cell system 310 is further described as a cogeneration system including the fuel cell device 150 and installed together with the hot water storage tank 160.

[0034] The fuel cell device 150 is a device that generates electricity by using a fuel such as gas. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the fuel cell device 150 includes a fuel cell 151 , a PCS 152 , a blower 153 , a desulfurizer 154 , an ignition heater 155 , a radiator 156 , a control board 157 , a heat exchange outlet 158A, and a heat exchange inlet 158B.

[0035] The fuel cell 151 is a device that generates electricity by using fuel. Specifically, the fuel cell 151 includes a reformer 151A and a cell stack 151B.

[0036] The reformer 151A generates reformed fuel gas from the fuel from which odor has been removed by the desulfurizer 154 described later. The reformed fuel gas is a fuel gas composed of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

[0037] The battery stack 151B generates electricity through a chemical reaction between air (oxygen) and reformed fuel gas supplied from a blower 153 described later. Specifically, the battery stack 151B has a structure in which a plurality of batteries are stacked. Each battery has a structure in which an electrolyte is sandwiched between a fuel electrode and an air electrode. The reformed fuel gas (hydrogen) is supplied to the fuel electrode, and air (oxygen) is supplied to the air electrode. In the electrolyte, a chemical reaction between the reformed fuel gas (hydrogen) and the air (oxygen) occurs, and electricity (DC power) and heat are generated.

[0038] The PCS 152 is a device (power conditioning system) that converts the DC power output from the fuel cell 151 into AC power.

[0039] The blower 153 supplies air to the fuel cell 151 (cell stack 151B). The blower 153 is constituted by, for example, a fan. The blower 153 cools the cell stack 151B so that the temperature of the cell stack 151B does not exceed the upper limit of the allowable temperature.

[0040] The desulfurizer 154 removes odor included in the fuel supplied from the outside. The fuel may be city gas or propane gas.

[0041] The ignition heater 155 is a heater that ignites the fuel that has not chemically reacted with the cell stack 151B (hereinafter referred to as unreacted fuel) and maintains the temperature of the cell stack 151B at a high temperature. That is, the ignition heater 155 ignites the unreacted fuel leaking from the opening of each cell constituting the cell stack 151B. It should be noted that the ignition heater 155 only needs to ignite the unreacted fuel when the unreacted fuel has not yet been burned (for example, when the fuel cell device 150 is started). And, after the combustion of the unreacted gas begins, the temperature of the cell stack 151B is maintained at a high temperature by continuing to burn a small amount of unreacted fuel that overflows from the cell stack 151B.

[0042] The radiator 156 can cool the battery stack 151B so that the temperature of the battery stack 151B does not exceed the upper limit of the allowable temperature. The water (return path) flowing from the hot water storage tank 160 to the fuel cell device 150 can be cooled so that the temperature of the water (return path) does not exceed the upper limit of the allowable temperature.

[0043] The control board 157 is a board on which circuits for controlling the fuel cell 151 , the PCS 152 , the blower 153 , the desulfurizer 154 , the ignition heater 155 , and the control board 157 are mounted.

[0044] The heat exchange outlet 158A is a port that guides water (also referred to as water (going path)) to the hot water storage tank 160. The heat exchange outlet 158A is connected to a recirculation pipe 161 described later.

[0045] The heat exchange inlet 158B is a port that guides water (also referred to as water (return path)) from the hot water storage tank 160. The heat exchange inlet 158B is connected to a recirculation pipe 162 described later.

[0046] The reformer 151A, the blower 153, the desulfurizer 154, the ignition heater 155, and the control board 157 are examples of auxiliary parts that assist the operation of the battery stack 151B. Also, a part of the PCS 152 may be regarded as an auxiliary part.

[0047] The operating state of the fuel cell system 310 includes a power generation state, a stop state, a start state, a stop operation state, an idle state, etc. For example, in ECHONET Lite, the operating state may also be referred to as a power generation operation state.

[0048] The power generation state is a state in which power generation is being performed by the fuel cell 151. The startup state is a state from the stop state to the power generation state. The stop state is a state in which the operation of the fuel cell 151 has stopped. The stop operation state is a state from the power generation state to the stop state. The idle state is a state in which the temperature of the battery stack 151B is maintained at a predetermined temperature despite the fact that no power is output from the fuel cell system 310. The predetermined temperature may be approximately the same as the power generation temperature (e.g., 650°C-1000°C) of the battery stack 151B in the power generation state. The predetermined temperature may be a temperature lower than the power generation temperature (e.g., 450°C-600°C). In the idle state, the power of the auxiliary component may be supplied by the power output from the fuel cell 151. In the idle state, the power of the auxiliary component may be supplied by the power supplied from another distributed power source (e.g., a device or a battery device that generates power by utilizing natural energy). In the idle state, the power of the auxiliary component may be supplied by the power supplied from the power grid 110.

[0049] exist Figure 2 In the example shown in , the control board 157 is installed in the fuel cell device 150. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The fuel cell system 310 may include a remote controller that accepts user operations, and the control board 157 is installed in the remote controller. Alternatively, the function of the control board 157 may be implemented by both the board installed in the fuel cell device 150 and the remote controller.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the hot water storage tank 160 is connected to the fuel cell device 150 through a recirculation pipe 161 and a recirculation pipe 162. The recirculation pipe 161 forms a flow path of water (outward path) heated by exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 150. The recirculation pipe 162 forms a flow path of water (return path) supplied from the hot water storage tank 160 to the fuel cell device 150. The hot water storage tank 160 includes a hot water supply port 163 and a water supply port 164. The hot water supply port 163 is a port for taking out hot water from the hot water storage tank 160. The water supply port 164 is a port for supplying water to the hot water storage tank 160. When hot water is taken out from the hot water supply port 163, water is supplied from the water supply port 164.

[0051] For example, Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , a recirculation pipe 161 and a hot water supply port 163 are provided at an upper portion of the hot water storage tank 160. Water of relatively high temperature is stored at the upper portion of the hot water storage tank 160. On the other hand, a recirculation pipe 162 and a water supply port 164 are provided at a lower portion of the hot water storage tank 160. Water of relatively low temperature is stored at the lower portion of the hot water storage tank 160.

[0052] In an embodiment, the control board 157 of the fuel cell device 150 includes a communication module. The control board 157 constitutes a communicator that sends a message to the power management server 200. The control board 157 may send a message to the power management server 200 through the EMS 320. The control board 157 sends a message including an information element indicating an operating state of the fuel cell system 310. The control board 157 may have a function of communicating with the hot water storage tank 160. The control board 157 may receive a message including an information element indicating the amount of hot water or the temperature of hot water in the hot water storage tank 160. The control board 157 may not have a function of communicating with the hot water storage tank 160.

[0053] (Power Management Server)

[0054] Hereinafter, a power management server according to an embodiment will be described. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 2 , the power management server 200 includes a manager 210, a communicator 220, and a controller 230. The power management server 200 is an example of a VTN (Virtual Top Node).

[0055] The manager 210 is composed of a storage medium such as a non-volatile memory and / or an HDD. The manager 210 stores data related to the facility 300 managed by the power management server 200. The facility 300 managed by the power management server 200 may be a facility that has a contract with a power company. For example, the data related to the facility 300 may be the demand power supplied from the power grid 110 to the facility 300. The data related to the facility 300 may be the type of the fuel cell system 310 set in the facility 300, the specifications of the fuel cell system 310 set in the facility 300, etc. The specifications may be the rated power generation (W) of the fuel cell system 310, etc. In addition, the data related to the facility 300 may include the capacity of the hot water storage tank 160.

[0056] The communicator 220 is composed of a communication module. The communicator 220 communicates with the EMS 320 through the network 120. As described above, the communicator 220 communicates according to the first protocol. For example, the communicator 220 sends a first message to the EMS 320 according to the first protocol. The communicator 220 receives a first message response from the EMS 320 according to the first protocol. Here, the communicator 220 receives power generation data from the EMS 320. The communicator 220 may periodically receive power generation data from the EMS 320.

[0057] In an embodiment, the communicator 220 receives a message including an information element indicating an operation status from the fuel cell system 310. The communicator 220 may receive a message including an information element indicating an operation status from the fuel cell system 310 through the EMS 320.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown in , the information element indicating the operation state is an information element indicating any one of the power generation state, the stop state, the start state, the stop operation state, and the idle state. The details of each operation state are as described above.

[0059] The controller 230 is composed of a memory, a CPU (central processing unit), etc. The controller 230 may be composed of at least one processor. The controller 230 controls each structure installed in the power management server 200. For example, the controller 230 instructs control of the fuel cell system 310 provided in the facility 300, the EMS 320 provided in the facility 300 by sending a control message. As described above, the control message may be a power flow control message, a reverse power flow control message, or a power supply control message.

[0060] In the embodiment, first, within the control target period for controlling the fuel cell system 310, the controller 230 controls the fuel cell system 310 in the power generation state over the fuel cell systems 310 in the start state, stop state and stop operation state.

[0061] Here, the control target period is a period in which the power demand of the facility 300 needs to be reduced due to factors such as urgent power supply and demand balance. The control target period may be a period controlled by the VPP. The control target period may be a period controlled by the DR.

[0062] Second, during the control object period, the controller 230 may control the fuel cell system 310 whose operating state is the start-up state in priority to the fuel cell system 310 whose operating state is the stop state and the stop operation state. In this case, during the control object period, among the fuel cell systems 310 whose operating state is the start-up state, the controller 230 may control the fuel cell system 310 whose generator temperature is equal to or greater than the threshold value in priority to the fuel cell system 310 whose generator (here, the battery stack 151B) temperature is lower than the threshold value. Thus, in the case of comparing with a plurality of fuel cell systems 310 in the same start-up state, the controller 230 may control with priority from the fuel cell system 310 that can reach the power generation state faster.

[0063] Third, during the control target period, the controller 230 may control the fuel cell system 310 whose operation state is the stopped state with priority over the fuel cell system 310 whose operation state is the stopped operation state.

[0064] As described above, the priority order of the fuel cell systems 310 to increase the output power is determined in the order of the power generation state, the start-up state, the stop state, and the stop operation state.

[0065] Here, as the operating state, four states of a power generation state, a stop state, a start state, and a stop operation state are illustrated, but are not limited thereto in the embodiment. As described above, in addition to the above four states, the operating state may also include an idle state. In this case, the priority of the fuel cell system 310 in the idle state may be regarded as the same as the priority of the fuel cell system 310 in the power generation state. The priority of the fuel cell system 310 in the idle state may be lower than the priority of the fuel cell system 310 in the power generation state. The priority of the fuel cell system 310 in the idle state may be higher than the priority of the fuel cell system 310 in the start state.

[0066] (Power Management Method)

[0067] Hereinafter, a power management method according to an embodiment will be described. Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , it is assumed that the power output of the fuel cell system 310 needs to be increased due to factors such as the tight power supply and demand balance of the power grid 110. Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , one of the fuel cell systems 310 is illustrated. However, as Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 4 , there are two or more fuel cell systems 310 .

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , in step S11, the fuel cell system 310 sends a message including an information element indicating an operation state to the power management server 200. The fuel cell system 310 may periodically send a message including an information element indicating an operation state to the power management server 200. The information element may be Figure 5 as shown in .

[0069] In step S12, the power management server 200 selects the fuel cell system 310 whose output power is to be increased based on the information element indicating the operation state. For example, the power management server 200 selects the fuel cell system 310 necessary to solve the urgent power supply and demand balance of the power grid 110 based on the priority order. The priority order of the fuel cell system 310 whose output power is to be increased is determined in the order of power generation state (idle state), start state, stop state, and stop operation state.

[0070] In step S13, the power management server 200 transmits a control message for controlling the fuel cell system 310 based on the selection result to the fuel cell system 310. For example, the power management server 200 transmits a control message instructing to increase the output power of the fuel cell system 310 with a high priority.

[0071] (Function and Effect)

[0072] In an embodiment, the power management server 200 selects the fuel cell system 310 whose output power is to be increased based on the information element indicating the operation state. The priority order of the fuel cell system 310 whose output power is to be increased is determined in the order of power generation state (idle state), startup state, stop state, and stop operation state. According to this configuration, the fuel cell system 310 that helps to quickly solve the urgent power supply and demand balance of the power grid 110 can be selected.

[0073] [First Modification]

[0074] Hereinafter, a first modification of the embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, points different from the embodiment will be described.

[0075] In the first modification, the fuel cell system 310 may send a message including an information element indicating the number of stops of the fuel cell system 310. The fuel cell system 310 may send a message including an information element indicating the stop type of the fuel cell system 310. In other words, the power management server 200 may receive a message including an information element indicating the number of stops of the fuel cell system 310 from the fuel cell system 310. The power management server 200 may receive a message including an information element indicating the stop type of the fuel cell system 310 from the fuel cell system 310.

[0076] For example, the stop type includes a normal stop and an abnormal stop. A normal stop is an operation that stops the operation of the fuel cell system 310 in the following state: although the power generation of the fuel cell 151 is stopped, the blower 153 or the radiator 156 is not stopped, and the temperature of the battery stack 151B is reduced by using the blower 153 or the radiator 156. On the other hand, an abnormal stop is an operation that not only stops the power generation of the fuel cell 151 but also stops the overall operation of the fuel cell system 310. A normal stop is, for example, an operation performed based on a relatively minor abnormality, or an operation performed during regular maintenance of the fuel cell system 310. On the other hand, an abnormal stop is, for example, an operation performed based on a relatively serious abnormality, or an operation performed in a state where a normal stop cannot be performed.

[0077] In addition, the stop of the fuel cell system 310 includes a manual stop and an automatic stop. The manual stop is a stop caused by a user operation. The automatic stop is a stop caused by a stop function included in the fuel cell system 310. The automatic stop is the automatic stop of the fuel cell system 310 without user operation. The manual stop includes the normal stop and the abnormal stop described above. Similarly, the automatic stop includes the normal stop and the abnormal stop described above. In addition, the stop of the fuel cell system 310 may include stopping the operation of the fuel cell system 310 by remote operation from the power management server 200 (i.e., the remote stop described above). Such an operation may be counted as a manual stop or an automatic stop.

[0078] For example, the abnormal stop may be a stop performed according to an event that the gas concentration in the fuel cell system 310 exceeds a predetermined range. The abnormal stop may be a stop performed according to an event that the concentration of CO in the fuel cell system 310 exceeds an upper threshold. The abnormal stop may be a stop performed according to an event that the temperature of a component (cell stack, fuel catalyst, etc.) installed in the fuel cell system 310 exceeds an upper threshold (high temperature abnormality). The concentration of the gas, the concentration of CO, and the temperature of the component may be detected by a sensor installed in the fuel cell system 310. The abnormal stop may be an automatic stop in which the fuel cell system 310 automatically stops by the detection result of the sensor. The abnormal stop may be a manual stop in which the fuel cell system 310 stops by a user operation by notifying the user of the detection result of the sensor. In addition, the abnormal stop may be, for example, a stop performed according to an abnormality of a component (e.g., a sensor, a blower 153, a radiator 156, etc.) installed in the fuel cell system 310. The abnormal stop may be an automatic stop in which the fuel cell system 310 automatically stops by the abnormal detection result of the component. The abnormal stop may be a manual stop in which the fuel cell system 310 is stopped by a user operation by notifying the user of the abnormality detection result of the component.

[0079] Normal stop is a stop other than abnormal stop. Normal stop may be, for example, a stop performed according to an event (low temperature abnormality) in which the temperature of a component (cell stack, etc.) installed in the fuel cell system 310 drops below a lower limit threshold. The temperature of the component may be detected by a sensor installed in the fuel cell system 310. Normal stop may be an automatic stop in which the fuel cell system 310 is automatically stopped by the detection result of the sensor. Normal stop may be a manual stop in which the fuel cell system 310 is stopped by a user operation by notifying the user of the detection result of the sensor. In addition, normal stop may be a stop performed according to a communication abnormality. Communication abnormality may be a communication abnormality between components (e.g., PCS152, control board 157, remote controller, etc.) installed in the fuel cell system 310. Communication abnormality may be a communication abnormality between the fuel cell system 310 and the EMS 320. Communication abnormality may be an abnormality in which a state in which communication is unavailable continues for more than a predetermined period of time. Normal stop may be an automatic stop in which the fuel cell system 310 is automatically stopped based on the detection result of the communication abnormality. Normal stop may be a manual stop in which the fuel cell system 310 is stopped by a user operation by notifying the user of the detection result of the communication abnormality. The normal stop may be a stop performed according to an abnormality of the grid 110. The abnormality of the grid 110 may be a power outage, or an abnormality of the grid voltage and the grid frequency. The normal stop may be an automatic stop in which the fuel cell system 310 is automatically stopped by the abnormality detection result of the grid 110. The normal stop may be a manual stop in which the fuel cell system 310 is stopped by a user operation by notifying the user of the abnormality detection result of the grid 110.

[0080] The number of stops may be the number of normal stops, the number of abnormal stops or the total number of normal stops and abnormal stops. In addition, the number of stops may be the number of times that can distinguish automatic stops from manual stops.

[0081] In this case, in the control object period, among the fuel cell systems whose operating states are the stop state and the stop operation state, the power management server 200 can control the fuel cell system based on the number of stops. For example, the power management server 200 can control the fuel cell system whose number of stops is less than the predetermined threshold value in priority to the fuel cell system 310 whose number of stops is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0082] In addition, the power management server 200 can control the fuel cell system based on the number of stops and the type of stops. For example, the power management server 200 can control the fuel cell system whose number of abnormal stops is less than the predetermined threshold value over the fuel cell system 310 whose number of abnormal stops is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value. In addition, among the fuel cell systems 310 whose number of abnormal stops is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, the power management server 200 can control the fuel cell system whose number of normal stops is less than the predetermined threshold value over the fuel cell system 310 whose number of normal stops is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0083] (Function and Effect)

[0084] In the embodiment, the power management server 200 selects the fuel cell system 310 whose output power is to be increased based on the information element indicating the number of stops (and the type of stops). According to this configuration, assuming that an upper limit of the number of stops is determined in the fuel cell system 310, the fuel cell system 310 whose output power is to be increased can be appropriately selected while reducing the possibility that the number of stops reaches the upper limit.

[0085] [Other embodiments]

[0086] Although the present invention is described by the above embodiments, the description and drawings as part of the present disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. Through the present disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and application techniques will become clear to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0087] In an embodiment, in the case where the fuel cell system 310 is a type that generates electricity by increasing the temperature of the generator, the fuel cell system 310 whose temperature of the generator is equal to or greater than the predetermined value is controlled in priority to the fuel cell system 310 whose temperature of the generator is lower than the predetermined threshold. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. In the case where the fuel cell system 310 is a type that generates electricity by decreasing the temperature of the generator, the fuel cell system 310 whose temperature of the generator is lower than the threshold may be controlled in priority to the fuel cell system 310 whose temperature of the generator is higher than the threshold.

[0088] In the embodiment, although the manager 210 is installed in the power management server 200 , the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the manager 210 may be installed in a server connected to the power management server 200 through the network 120 .

[0089] The fuel cell device 150 is a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), but may be a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), or a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC).

[0090] In the embodiment, the first protocol is a protocol compliant with Open ADR 2.0 and the second protocol is a protocol compliant with ECHONET Lite. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The first protocol may be a protocol standardized as a protocol used in communication between the power management server 200 and the EMS 320. The second protocol may be a protocol standardized as a protocol used in the facility 300.

[0091] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-121627 (filed on June 27, 2018), which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A power management server for controlling a plurality of fuel cell systems including a generator, the power management server comprising: at least one processor, wherein The at least one processor is configured to perform: receiving a message including an information element indicating an operating state of each of a plurality of said fuel cell systems; and Control processing, during a control object period for controlling the fuel cell system to cope with an urgent power supply and demand balance for a virtual power plant VPP, controlling the fuel cell system in the power generation state as a distributed power source of the VPP with priority over the fuel cell systems in the start state, the stop state and the stop operation state, wherein, The control process includes the following processing: within the control object period, in the fuel cell system whose operating state is the startup state, the fuel cell system whose generator temperature is equal to or greater than the threshold is controlled as a distributed power source of the VPP in priority to the fuel cell system whose generator temperature is less than the threshold.

2. A power management server that controls a plurality of fuel cell systems including a generator, the power management server comprising: at least one processor, wherein The at least one processor is configured to perform: receiving a message including an information element indicating an operating state of each of a plurality of said fuel cell systems; and Control processing, during a control object period for controlling the fuel cell system to cope with an urgent power supply and demand balance for a virtual power plant VPP, controlling the fuel cell system in the power generation state as a distributed power source of the VPP with priority over the fuel cell systems in the start state, the stop state and the stop operation state, wherein, The control process includes a process of controlling the fuel cell system in the stopped state as a distributed power source of the VPP in priority to the fuel cell system in the stopped operation state during the control target period.

3. The power management server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The receiving process includes the following process: receiving a message including an information element indicating the number of stops of the fuel cell system, and The control process includes a process of controlling the fuel cell system as a distributed power source of the VPP based on the number of stops in the fuel cell system whose operation state is the stop state and the stop operation state during the control target period.

4. The power management server according to claim 3, wherein: The receiving process includes the following process: receiving a message including an information element indicating a stop type of the fuel cell system, and The control process includes a process of controlling the fuel cell system as a distributed power source of the VPP based on the number of stoppages and the stoppage type.

5. A power management system, comprising: each fuel cell system of the plurality of fuel cell systems comprising a generator; as well as A power management server controlling a plurality of said fuel cell systems, wherein: The power management server comprises: at least one processor, The processor is configured to perform: receiving a message including an information element indicating an operating state of each of a plurality of said fuel cell systems; and Control processing, during a control object period for controlling the fuel cell system to cope with an urgent power supply and demand balance for a virtual power plant VPP, controlling the fuel cell system in the power generation state as a distributed power source of the VPP with priority over the fuel cell systems in the start state, the stop state and the stop operation state, wherein, The control process includes the following processes: within the control target period, In the fuel cell system whose operating state is the startup state, the fuel cell system whose generator temperature is equal to or greater than the threshold is controlled as a distributed power source of the VPP in priority to the fuel cell system whose generator temperature is less than the threshold.

6. A power management system, comprising: each fuel cell system of the plurality of fuel cell systems comprising a generator; as well as A power management server controlling a plurality of said fuel cell systems, wherein: The power management server comprises: at least one processor, The processor is configured to perform: receiving a message including an information element indicating an operating state of each of a plurality of said fuel cell systems; and Control processing, during a control object period for controlling the fuel cell system to cope with an urgent power supply and demand balance for a virtual power plant VPP, controlling the fuel cell system in the power generation state as a distributed power source of the VPP with priority over the fuel cell systems in the start state, the stop state and the stop operation state, wherein, The control process includes the following processes: within the control target period, The fuel cell system whose operating state is the stopped state is controlled as a distributed power source of the VPP with priority over the fuel cell system whose operating state is the stopped operating state.

7. A power management method, wherein a power management server controls a plurality of fuel cell systems including a generator, the power management method comprising the following steps: receiving, by the power management server, a message including an information element indicating an operating state of each of the plurality of fuel cell systems; and By means of the power management server, during a control object period for controlling the fuel cell system for a virtual power plant VPP to cope with an urgent power supply and demand balance, the fuel cell system in the power generation state is controlled as a distributed power source of the VPP in priority to the fuel cell systems in the start state, the stop state and the stop operation state, wherein: In the step of performing the control, through the power management server, during the control object period, among the fuel cell systems whose operating state is the startup state, the fuel cell system whose generator temperature is equal to or greater than the threshold is controlled as a distributed power source of the VPP in priority to the fuel cell system whose generator temperature is less than the threshold.

8. A power management method, wherein a power management server controls a plurality of fuel cell systems including a generator, the power management method comprising the following steps: receiving, by the power management server, a message including an information element indicating an operating state of each of the plurality of fuel cell systems; and By means of the power management server, during a control object period for controlling the fuel cell system for a virtual power plant VPP to cope with an urgent power supply and demand balance, the fuel cell system in the power generation state is controlled as a distributed power source of the VPP in priority to the fuel cell systems in the start state, the stop state and the stop operation state, wherein: In the step of performing the control, the power management server controls the fuel cell system in the stopped operation state as a distributed power source of the VPP in priority to the fuel cell system in the stopped operation state during the control target period.

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