Control device and control method

Abstract

The invention relates to a control apparatus and a control method. A control device is provided with a control unit that compares the total amount of power supplied from a system in a first region to the first region with a total estimated amount of power consumption including an estimated amount of power supplied to a power storage body calculated on the basis of a charging plan for the power storage body, and that controls the total amount of power supplied to the power storage body from the system in the first region to the total estimated amount of power consumption. The total power consumption pre-amount is the power consumption pre-amount of the whole first region; a first adjustment amount is calculated, and the first adjustment amount is the difference when the total power supply amount exceeds the total power consumption pre-amount; determining a second region, which is a transmission destination of electric energy corresponding to all or part of the calculated first adjustment amount; and causing the system of the first region to preferentially supply electric energy corresponding to all or part of the first adjustment amount from a power generation facility that generates power using natural energy, and causing the system of the first region to transfer the supplied electric energy to the system of the second region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to control devices and control methods. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, technologies for adjusting the supply and demand balance of electricity across multiple regions were known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that adjusts the supply and demand balance of electricity across multiple regions by causing an EV (Electric Vehicle) (energy storage unit) to move to a region with sufficient power generation.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-175405

[0006] However, simply moving the energy storage devices is problematic because some people find it cumbersome, making it difficult to effectively supply electricity from areas with surplus power to the devices. Therefore, there is room for improvement in technologies that balance power supply and demand across multiple regions. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure, made in view of the above, is to improve the technology for adjusting the balance of electricity supply and demand across multiple regions.

[0008] One embodiment of the control device of this disclosure includes a control unit configured to: acquire a total power supply from a system in a first region to the first region, as measured by a power sensor; compare the total power supply with a total power consumption estimate, wherein the total power consumption estimate includes a power supply estimate to a battery storage device calculated based on a charging plan for the battery storage device present in the first region, the total power consumption estimate being the power consumption estimate for the entire first region; calculate a first adjustment amount, wherein the first adjustment amount is the difference when the total power supply exceeds the total power consumption estimate; determine a second region, wherein the second region is a destination for the transmission of electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the calculated first adjustment amount; cause the system in the first region to preferentially supply electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the first adjustment amount from a power generation device that generates electricity using natural energy; and cause the system in the first region to transmit the supplied electrical energy to the system in the second region.

[0009] One embodiment of the control device of this disclosure includes a control unit configured to: compare a total power supply from a system in a first region to the first region with a total estimated power consumption, wherein the total estimated power consumption includes an estimated power supply to a battery based on a charging plan for a battery existing in the first region, the total estimated power consumption being the estimated power consumption for the entire first region; calculate a first adjustment amount, wherein the first adjustment amount is the difference when the total power supply exceeds the total estimated power consumption; determine a second region, wherein the second region is a destination for the transmission of electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the calculated first adjustment amount; and cause the system in the first region to preferentially supply electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the first adjustment amount from a power generation device that generates electricity using natural energy, and cause the system in the first region to transmit the supplied electrical energy to the system in the second region.

[0010] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a control method that performs the following actions via a control device: comparing the total power supply from a system in a first region to the first region with a total estimated power consumption, wherein the total estimated power consumption includes an estimated power supply to the energy storage devices based on a charging schedule for the energy storage devices present in the first region, the total estimated power consumption being the estimated power consumption for the entire first region; calculating a first adjustment amount, wherein the first adjustment amount is the difference when the total power supply exceeds the total estimated power consumption; determining a second region, wherein the second region is the destination for the electrical energy delivery corresponding to all or part of the calculated first adjustment amount; causing the system in the first region to preferentially supply electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the first adjustment amount from power generation equipment utilizing natural energy sources; and causing the system in the first region to deliver the supplied electrical energy to the system in the second region.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the technology for adjusting the balance of power supply and demand among multiple regions is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the general structure of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance in multiple regions.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a control device.

[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0017] 1: System; 2: Communication network; 3: Transmission line; 10: Energy storage; 11: Communication unit; 12: Energy storage unit; 13: Control unit; 20: Control device; 21: Communication unit; 22: Storage unit; 23: Control unit; 30: System (power system); 31: Power generation equipment (power station); 32: Transmission and distribution equipment; 32A: Power sensor (electricity meter); 40: Server; 41: Communication unit; 42: Storage unit; 43: Control unit; 311: Power generation equipment using fossil fuels; 312: Power generation equipment using natural energy. Detailed Implementation

[0018] (Summary of the implementation method)

[0019] Reference Figure 1 The following is a summary description of system 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. System 1 includes an energy storage unit 10, a control device 20, and a system 30. System 30 includes a server 40. The energy storage unit 10, the control device 20, and the server 40 are communicatively connected via a communication network 2. The energy storage unit 10 and the power generation equipment 31 are interconnected via a power transmission and distribution equipment 32 and a power transmission line 3. In this disclosure, region A is also referred to as the first region A.

[0020] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance across multiple regions. (For example...) Figure 2 As shown, the battery storage unit 10, the control device 20, and the system 30 including the server 40 are configured in each of the first regions A, B, C, and D. Furthermore, the control device 20 in the first region A is communicatively connected to the control devices 20b in region B, 20c in region C, and 20d in region D via the communication network 2. Moreover, the system 30 in the first region A is interconnected with the systems 30b in region B, 30c in region C, and 30d in region D via the power transmission line 3 (inter-system interconnection line).

[0021] The energy storage device 10 may be, for example, a rechargeable vehicle such as a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) or a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a battery installed in a home, business, or public facility, but is not limited to these.

[0022] Control device 20 is a computer owned by the system-side aggregator that controls the balance of electricity supply and demand. The aggregator is an operator that adjusts the balance of electricity supply and demand between the system 30 operated by the power company (power generation operator / system operator) and the electricity demanders.

[0023] System 30 refers to the entire set of equipment operated by a power company (power generation operator, system operator) that performs operations from power generation to power supply. This entire set of equipment includes power generation equipment 31 and power transmission and distribution equipment 32 for supplying power to energy storage tanks 10 for demanders. Furthermore, system 30 has a server 40 for operating system 30.

[0024] Server 40 is a computer owned by the power company (power generation operator / system operator) and used to operate system 30.

[0025] First, an overview of this embodiment will be given, with details to follow. The control device 20 compares the total power supply from the system 30 in the first region to the first region with the total estimated power consumption, wherein the total estimated power consumption includes the estimated power supply to the energy storage 10 calculated based on the charging plan of the energy storage 10 present in the first region. This total estimated power consumption is the estimated power consumption for the entire first region. The control device 20 calculates a first adjustment amount, wherein the first adjustment amount is the difference when the total power supply exceeds the total estimated power consumption. The control device 20 determines a second region, wherein the second region is the destination for the electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the calculated first adjustment amount. The control device 20 causes the system in the first region to preferentially supply electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the first adjustment amount from the power generation equipment 312 that generates electricity using natural energy, and causes the system in the first region to transmit the supplied electrical energy to the system in the second region.

[0026] Thus, according to this embodiment, surplus power can be transferred between multiple regions based on the charging plan of the energy storage unit 10, thereby suppressing power loss. Therefore, the technology for adjusting the power supply and demand balance between multiple regions is improved in terms of optimally consuming the generated power without waste.

[0027] Next, refer to Figure 1 The components of System 1 will be described in detail.

[0028] (Composition of energy storage components)

[0029] The energy storage unit 10 includes a communication unit 11, an energy storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0030] The communication unit 11 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the communication network 2. These communication interfaces may correspond to, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) standard or a wireless LAN standard, but are not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the battery 10 communicates with the control device 20 via the communication unit 11 and the communication network 2.

[0031] The energy storage unit 12 may be, for example, a battery installed in a rechargeable vehicle such as a BEV (battery electric vehicle) or a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), or a battery installed in a home, business, or public facility, but is not limited to these.

[0032] The control unit 13 is configured to include at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The control unit 13 controls the overall operation of the battery storage unit 10.

[0033] (Composition of the control device)

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the control device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23.

[0035] The communication unit 21 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the communication network 2. This communication interface may correspond to, for example, a wired LAN standard or a wireless LAN standard, but is not limited to these; it may correspond to any communication standard. In this embodiment, the control device 20 communicates with the battery storage unit 10 and the server 40 configured in the system 30 via the communication unit 21 and the communication network 2. Figure 2 As shown, the control device 20 communicates with the control device 20b in region B, the control device 20c in region C, and the control device 20d in region D via the communication unit 21 and the communication network 2.

[0036] The storage unit 22 includes one or more memories. These memories may be, for example, semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, or optical memories, but are not limited to these. The storage unit 22 can store any information used to control the operation of the control device 20, such as system programs, application programs, embedded software, and the total power supply from the system 30 to the first region A.

[0037] The control unit 23 is configured to include at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The control unit 23 performs information processing related to the operation of the control device 20.

[0038] (System Structure)

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, system 30 includes power generation equipment 31 and power transmission and distribution equipment 32. System 30 also includes a server 40 for operating system 30 (power generation equipment 31 and power transmission and distribution equipment 32).

[0040] Power generation equipment 31 is classified into power generation equipment 311 that utilizes fossil fuels and power generation equipment 312 that utilizes natural energy. Power generation equipment 311 that utilizes fossil fuels is, for example, a power generation equipment (power plant) that uses fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas for thermal power generation (brown power generation). Power generation equipment 312 that utilizes natural energy is a power generation equipment that uses green power generation methods such as solar power, wind power, hydropower, geothermal power, biomass, wave power, or tidal power.

[0041] The power transmission and distribution equipment 32 includes power transmission lines 3, substations, distribution lines, and other electrical equipment. The power transmission and distribution equipment 32 supplies electricity generated by the power generation equipment 31 to the energy storage tank 10. The power transmission and distribution equipment 32 connects to power transmission and distribution equipment in other regions via power transmission lines to exchange power.

[0042] The power transmission and distribution equipment 32 includes a power sensor 32A, which is an energy meter that measures the total power supply from the system 30 in the first region A to the first region A. In cases where there are multiple power transmission and distribution equipment 32 (e.g., substations) supplying power from the system 30 in the first region A to the first region A, the power sensor 32A can also be installed for each substation. The server 40 obtains the total power supply measured by the power sensor 32A and sends this total power supply to the control device 20.

[0043] Server 40 includes a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a control unit 43.

[0044] The communication unit 41 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the communication network 2. This communication interface may correspond to, for example, a wired LAN standard or a wireless LAN standard, but is not limited to these; it may correspond to any communication standard. In this embodiment, the server 40 communicates with the control device 20 via the communication unit 41 and the communication network 2. Furthermore, the server 40 can also communicate with servers in regions B, C, and D (in...) via the communication unit 41 and the communication network 2. Figure 2 In the middle, they are denoted as 40b, 40c, and 40d) for communication.

[0045] The control unit 43 is configured to include at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof, and the control unit 43 performs information processing related to the operation of the server 40.

[0046] (Operational flow of the control device)

[0047] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control device 20. (See reference...) Figure 3 The operation of the control device 20 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0048] S101: The control unit 23 obtains from the server 40 the total power supply supplied from the system 30 in the first region A to the first region A as measured by the power sensor 32A.

[0049] Power sensor 32A is an energy meter installed in power transmission and distribution equipment 32 (e.g., a substation). Power sensor 32A measures the total power supply (kWh) per unit time by integrating the power supply supplied from system 30 to the first region A over time. Server 40 acquires the total power supply measured by power sensor 32A. If there are multiple substations in system 30, server 40 may also set the total power supply (kWh) as the sum of the power supply acquired per unit time from power sensors 32A at each substation. Server 40 sends the acquired total power supply to control device 20.

[0050] S102: The control unit 23 calculates the total power consumption estimate, wherein the total power consumption estimate includes the power supply estimate to the energy storage 10 calculated based on the charging plan of the energy storage 10 existing in the first region A, and the total power consumption estimate is the power consumption estimate of the entire first region A.

[0051] In other words, the total estimated power consumption is the sum of (i) the planned charging amount of the energy storage units 10 existing in the first region A and (ii) the estimated power consumption of the entire first region A excluding the planned charging amount of the energy storage units 10. The estimated power consumption in (ii) is calculated based on the average power consumption during normal times and the consumption trend for each season. The control unit 23 calculates the planned charging amount (kWh) of the energy storage units 10 in (i) based on the charging plans obtained from all energy storage units 10 via the communication unit 21 and the communication network 2.

[0052] S103: The control unit 23 compares the total power supply from the system 30 in the first region A to the first region A with the total power consumption forecast, which includes the forecast of power supply to the energy storage 10 calculated based on the charging plan of the energy storage 10 present in the first region A, and is the power consumption forecast for the entire first region A. If the total power supply exceeds the total power consumption forecast, proceed to S104. If the total power supply is lower than the total power consumption forecast, proceed to S109.

[0053] S104: The control unit 23 calculates a first adjustment amount W1 (kWh), wherein the first adjustment amount W1 is the difference when the total power supply exceeds the total power consumption forecast.

[0054] The first adjustment amount W1 is the surplus energy (kWh) obtained by subtracting the total estimated power consumption from the total power supply. The second adjustment amount W2, described later, is the insufficient energy (kWh) obtained by subtracting the total power supply from the total estimated power consumption.

[0055] S105: Control unit 23 determines a second region, wherein the second region is the destination for the transmission of electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the calculated first adjustment amount W1.

[0056] The second region is the region from which the second adjustment amount W2 has been calculated, which is either (i) the region with the shortest transmission line length connecting the system of that region to the system 30 of the first region A, or (ii) the region with the largest second adjustment amount W2, wherein the second adjustment amount W2 is the difference when the total power supply is lower than the total power consumption forecast. Figure 2 In the example, control unit 23 determines the second region as C. For example... Figure 2 As shown, system 30 in the first region A supplies electrical energy to the second region C that corresponds to all or part of the first adjustment amount W1 in the first region A.

[0057] By transmitting electricity to the region with the shortest transmission line length, power loss during transmission is reduced, thus enabling efficient power transmission. Furthermore, by transmitting electricity to the region with the largest second adjustment, i.e., the region most in need of power, the balance of power supply and demand among multiple regions is improved.

[0058] S106: Control unit 23 notifies the control devices of all regions B, C, and D of the identification information of the second region C and the electrical energy to be supplied to the system of the second region C.

[0059] Receiving this notification across all regions prevents duplicate power supply, thus improving the power supply and demand balance among multiple regions. It should be noted that the identification information is information used by the computer to determine the region, such as information formed by a combination of numbers and other symbols, but is not limited to this.

[0060] S107~S108: The control unit 23 causes the system 30 in the first region A to preferentially supply electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the first adjustment amount W1 from the power generation equipment 312 that generates electricity using natural energy, and causes the system 30 in the first region A to transmit the supplied electrical energy to the system 30c in the second region C.

[0061] The electricity supplied from system 30 includes electricity generated by power generation equipment 311 using fossil fuels and electricity generated by power generation equipment 312 using natural energy. Control unit 23 requests server 40, which operates system 30, to maximize the proportion of electricity generated by power generation equipment 312 using natural energy in the electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the first adjustment amount W1.

[0062] S109: The control unit 23 calculates a second adjustment amount W2, wherein the second adjustment amount W2 is the difference when the total power supply is lower than the total power consumption forecast.

[0063] S110~S111: Control unit 23 requests control devices in regions other than the first region A to transfer electrical energy from the system in that region to the system 30 in the first region A, corresponding to all or part of the calculated second adjustment amount W2.

[0064] The region that supplies all or part of the calculated second adjustment amount W2 to the system 30 in the first region A in response to the request of the control unit 23 is called the third region. The third region is the region where the first adjustment amount W1 has been calculated, i.e., the region where there is expected surplus when the total power supply exceeds the expected total power consumption. Figure 2 In the example, the third region is B. For example... Figure 2 As shown, system 30 in the first region A receives electrical energy from system 30b in the third region B, corresponding to a second adjustment amount W2 that is insufficient in the first region A.

[0065] S112: Control unit 23 confirms with server 40, which operates system 30, whether to continue adjusting the power supply and demand balance. If server 40 responds that the adjustment should continue, return to S101; if server 40 responds that the adjustment should not continue, end the information processing.

[0066] As described above, the control device 20 of this embodiment compares the total power supply supplied from the system 30 in the first region to the first region with the total estimated power consumption, wherein the total estimated power consumption includes the estimated power supply to the energy storage 10 calculated based on the charging plan of the energy storage 10 present in the first region, and the total estimated power consumption is the estimated power consumption of the entire first region. The control device 20 calculates a first adjustment amount, wherein the first adjustment amount is the difference when the total power supply exceeds the total estimated power consumption. The control device 20 determines a second region, wherein the second region is the destination for the transmission of electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the calculated first adjustment amount. The control device 20 causes the system in the first region to preferentially supply electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the first adjustment amount from the power generation equipment 312 that generates electricity using natural energy, and causes the system in the first region to transmit the supplied electrical energy to the system in the second region.

[0067] Thus, according to this embodiment, surplus power can be transferred between multiple regions based on the charging plan of the energy storage unit 10, thereby suppressing power loss. Therefore, the technology for adjusting the power supply and demand balance between multiple regions is improved in terms of optimally consuming the generated power without waste.

[0068] This disclosure has been described based on the accompanying drawings and embodiments; however, it is important to note that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it is important to understand that such modifications and alterations are included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or step can be reconfigured in a logically consistent manner, multiple components or steps can be combined into one, or they can be divided.

[0069] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the configuration and operation of the control device 20 can also be distributed among multiple computers capable of communicating with each other. Among the aggregators are aggregators on the battery storage (demander) side and aggregators on the system side. The control device 20 in this disclosure is a computer owned by the system-side aggregator. Therefore, the function of obtaining a charging plan from the battery storage 10 can also be distributed among computers owned by the battery storage-side aggregator, which are communicatively connected to both the battery storage 10 and the control device 20.

[0070] Furthermore, an embodiment could also be implemented in which a general-purpose computer functions as the control device 20 of the above-described embodiments. Specifically, a program describing the processing contents for implementing the functions of the control device 20 of the above-described embodiments is stored in the memory of a general-purpose computer, and the program is read and executed by a processor. Therefore, this disclosure can also be implemented as a processor-executable program or a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the program.

Claims

1. A control device comprising a control unit, The control unit is configured to: Obtain the total power supply from the system in the first region to the first region, as measured by the power sensor; The obtained total power supply is compared with the estimated total power consumption, wherein, The total power consumption estimate includes the estimated power supply to the energy storage devices calculated based on the charging schedule of the energy storage devices existing in the first region, and the total power consumption estimate is the power consumption estimate for the entire first region; Calculate a first adjustment amount, wherein the first adjustment amount is the difference when the total power supply exceeds the total power consumption forecast; Determine a second region, wherein the second region is the destination for the transmission of electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the calculated first adjustment amount; The system in the first region shall preferentially supply all or part of the electrical energy corresponding to the first adjustment amount from power generation equipment that utilizes natural energy sources; and The system in the first region transmits the supplied electrical energy to the system in the second region.

2. A control device comprising a control unit, The control unit is configured to: The total power supply from the system in the first region to the first region is compared with the total estimated power consumption, where, The total power consumption estimate includes the estimated power supply to the energy storage devices calculated based on the charging schedule of the energy storage devices existing in the first region, and the total power consumption estimate is the power consumption estimate for the entire first region; Calculate a first adjustment amount, wherein the first adjustment amount is the difference when the total power supply exceeds the total power consumption forecast; Determine a second region, wherein the second region is the destination for the transmission of electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the calculated first adjustment amount; and The system in the first region is configured to preferentially supply electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the first adjustment amount from power generation equipment that utilizes natural energy sources, and the system in the first region is configured to transmit the supplied electrical energy to the system in the second region.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit is configured to: Calculate a second adjustment amount, wherein the second adjustment amount is the difference when the total power supply is lower than the estimated total power consumption; and The system requests a control device in a region outside the first region to transfer electrical energy, corresponding to all or part of the calculated second adjustment amount, from the system in that region to the system in the first region.

4. The control device according to claim 2, wherein, The second region is either the region with the shortest transmission line length connecting the system in the region to the system in the first region, or the region with the largest second adjustment, where the second adjustment is the difference when the total power supply is lower than the total power consumption forecast.

5. The control device according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit notifies the control devices of all regions of the identification information of the second region and the electrical energy to be supplied to the system in the second region.

6. A control method for performing the following actions via a control device: The total power supply from the system in the first region to the first region is compared with the total estimated power consumption, where, The total power consumption estimate includes the estimated power supply to the energy storage devices calculated based on the charging schedule of the energy storage devices existing in the first region, and the total power consumption estimate is the power consumption estimate for the entire first region; Calculate a first adjustment amount, wherein the first adjustment amount is the difference when the total power supply exceeds the total power consumption forecast; Determine a second region, wherein the second region is the destination for the transmission of electrical energy corresponding to all or part of the calculated first adjustment amount; The system in the first region shall preferentially supply all or part of the electrical energy corresponding to the first adjustment amount from power generation equipment that utilizes natural energy sources; and The system in the first region transmits the supplied electrical energy to the system in the second region.

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