Dispersed power supply group management method, dispersed power supply group management system, and program

Abstract

To provide a dispersed power supply group management method and so on which can contribute to prevalence of a dispersed power supply.SOLUTION: A dispersed power supply group management method has a step (S10) of acquiring a generated power amount of each of a plurality of dispersed power supplies installed in different facilities, a step (S30) of, based on a generated power amount prediction value at a predetermined period obtained on the assumption that each of the plurality of dispersed power supplies is installed in a facility and a generated power amount of the dispersed power supply installed in the facility, calculating at least one of an excess amount which exceeds an amount based on the generated power prediction amount and a shortage which is shorter than the amount, and steps (S40-S80, and S100) of carrying out processing for providing monetary compensation according to the shortage of one or more second dispersed power supplies causing the shortage among the plurality of dispersed power supplies by using the excess amount of each of one or more first dispersed power supplies which caused the excess amounts among the plurality of dispersed power supplies.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a distributed power source group management method, a distributed power source group management system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, from the viewpoint of global environmental measures such as reducing CO2 emissions, the spread of power generation using so-called renewable energy has been promoted. One example of such power generation is photovoltaic power generation. For example, installing a photovoltaic power generation system including solar cells in a house can also reduce electricity bills. Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 1, various methods for predicting the cost-effectiveness of installing solar cells (solar cell arrays) have been considered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-124605 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, although the method of Patent Document 1 can accurately predict cost-effectiveness, it is difficult to include factors that reduce power generation, such as failure or dirt on the solar cell, in the cost-effectiveness prediction. Since solar cells require a long-term investment recovery, it is thought that some users are reluctant to make capital investment due to concerns about the factors that reduce power generation. On the other hand, as described in the background art, from the perspective of global environmental measures, it is desirable for distributed power sources such as solar cells to become more widespread.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a distributed power source group management method, a distributed power source group management system, and a program that can contribute to the widespread use of distributed power sources. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A distributed power source group management method according to one embodiment of the present invention obtains the amount of power generated by each of a plurality of distributed power sources installed in different facilities, and for each of the plurality of distributed power sources, calculates one of an excess amount that exceeds a first amount based on the predicted power generation value and an amount of shortfall against the first amount based on a predicted power generation value for a specified period assuming that the distributed power source is installed at the facility and the amount of power generated by the distributed power source installed at the facility, and executes a process of using the excess amount for each of one or more first distributed power sources among the plurality of distributed power sources for which the excess amount has occurred to financially compensate each of one or more second distributed power sources among the plurality of distributed power sources for which the shortfall has occurred in accordance with the shortfall amount.

[0007] A distributed power source group management system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires the amount of power generated by each of a plurality of distributed power sources installed in different facilities; a calculation unit that calculates, for each of the plurality of distributed power sources, one of an excess amount that exceeds an amount based on the predicted power generation value and a shortfall amount that is a shortfall against the amount based on the predicted power generation value for a specified period if the distributed power source were installed at the facility and the amount of power generated by the distributed power source installed at the facility; and a control unit that executes a process of using the excess amount for each of one or more first distributed power sources among the plurality of distributed power sources for which the excess amount has occurred to financially compensate each of one or more second distributed power sources among the plurality of distributed power sources for which the shortfall has occurred, in accordance with the shortfall amount.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described distributed power source group management method. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a distributed power source group management method and the like that can contribute to the widespread use of distributed power sources. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a distributed power source group management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the server according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the distributed power source group management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method for compensating for a downside risk of a power generation forecast value in a server according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a simulation result of the amount of power generation before the installation of the photovoltaic power generation system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the ratio of the actual power generation amount to the predicted power generation amount. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (How the present invention was arrived at) Prior to describing the present invention, the background to the invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a diagram showing a simulation result of the amount of power generation before the installation of a photovoltaic power generation system.

[0012] The amount of power generated by a photovoltaic power generation system including a solar cell can be roughly estimated mainly based on the solar radiation characteristics (e.g., solar radiation amount) of the residential area, power generation efficiency value, etc., so when a photovoltaic power generation system is installed in a house or the like, a simulation of the amount of power generated when the photovoltaic power generation system is installed in the house is performed for each user before the installation. The simulation result is important data for the user to consider whether or not to install a photovoltaic power generation system. FIG. 5 is an example of such a simulation result, showing a predicted value (simulation value) of the amount of power generated in a predetermined period (e.g., one month, one year, etc.) when the photovoltaic power generation system is installed in the user's house (an example of a facility). The predicted value of the amount of power generated is calculated (predicted) before the photovoltaic power generation system is installed in the facility.

[0013] A solar power generation system is a system that receives solar energy and uses solar cells (solar panels) to generate direct current electricity, which is then converted into alternating current electricity by a power conditioner, and used to supply electricity to home appliances (electricity demand) within the home.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 5, the power generation amount is simulated using conditions such as the capacity of the photovoltaic power generation system, the point where the solar radiation characteristics are observed, and the installation conditions of the solar cells (e.g., orientation, gradient). The power generation amount is predicted, for example, for each month, and a predicted annual power generation amount (annual power generation amount shown in Fig. 5) and a predicted annual power generation amount (annual power generation amount shown in Fig. 5) are calculated. The power generation amount is calculated as the total amount of the amount of self-consumption power and the amount of power to be sold. The amount of self-consumption power corresponds to, for example, the amount of power that would be purchased (purchased) from a retail electricity supplier for the amount of self-consumption power.

[0015] In the example of Fig. 5, the calculation is based on the assumption that the self-consumption amount of the annual power generation is 1500 kWh / year, the unit price for self-consumption is 30.00 yen / kWh, and the unit price for selling the power is 16.00 yen / kWh. For example, the annual power generation amount and the annual power generation amount can be important figures when a user considers whether or not to install a solar power generation system. Therefore, more accurate simulation of the power generation amount is required, and various studies are being conducted to improve the accuracy of the power generation amount simulation.

[0016] On the other hand, the actual power generation amount, which is the actual amount of power generated after the installation of the photovoltaic power generation system, does not necessarily match the predicted power generation amount. If the amount of solar radiation is greater than the prediction, the actual power generation amount will be greater than the predicted power generation amount, and if the amount of solar radiation is less than the prediction, the actual power generation amount will be smaller than the predicted power generation amount. Other factors that can reduce the actual power generation amount include, for example, failure of the solar cell, dirt on the solar cell, shade caused by construction of a building on an adjacent site, snow accumulation on the solar cell, reduction in self-consumption, and increased output suppression of the power conditioner.

[0017] Thus, there are several factors that cause the actual power generation amount to be less than the predicted power generation amount, that is, the amount of power generation (user's income) to be less than the simulation value (annual power generation amount). Also, it is currently difficult to include these factors in the power generation amount simulation. Note that income here means the monetary profit (economic profit) generated by power generation in a solar power generation system.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the ratio of the actual power generation amount to the predicted power generation amount. FIG. 6 shows the ratio of the actual power generation amount for each month in a certain area when the predicted power generation amount for each month is set as the reference (100%). The vertical axis of FIG. 6 shows the ratio, and the horizontal axis shows the month. A ratio of 100% means that the predicted power generation amount and the actual power generation amount match. FIG. 6 also shows the average ratio of a large number of users in a certain area (dashed line) and the ratios of three users randomly selected from the large number of users (solid line). Note that the solar radiation characteristics observed at point B are used to predict the predicted power generation amount.

[0019] As shown in Figure 6, in a certain area, the actual power generation value of each house is significantly different from the predicted power generation value. Note that there are users whose actual power generation value is higher than the predicted power generation value, and there are users whose actual power generation value is lower than the predicted power generation value. When the actual power generation value is lower than the predicted power generation value, the user can only earn a power generation amount (actual income) that is lower than the power generation amount (predicted income) in the simulation.

[0020] In addition, since the investment in a solar power generation system is recovered over a long period of time, the cumulative difference between the actual power generation amount and the predicted power generation amount may become large. In addition, currently, manufacturers do not guarantee the power generation amount of a solar power generation system. As a result, there is a certain number of users who are hesitant to introduce a solar power generation system due to the lack of a guarantee of the power generation amount and the anxiety about the prediction of the economic efficiency of introducing a solar power generation system.

[0021] Therefore, the inventors of the present application conducted intensive research into a distributed power source group management method, a distributed power source group management system, and a program that can prevent users from hesitating to introduce solar power generation systems, in other words, that can promote the spread of solar power generation systems, and have devised the distributed power source group management method, distributed power source group management system, and program described below.

[0022] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0024] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated precisely. Therefore, for example, the scales in each figure do not necessarily match. In addition, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0025] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating relationships between elements, such as coincidence, as well as numerical values ​​and numerical ranges, are not expressions that only indicate a strict meaning, but are expressions that include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about a few percent (or about 10%).

[0026] In addition, the "connection" of each component means an electrical connection, and includes not only the case where two components are directly connected, but also the case where two components are indirectly connected with another component inserted between them.

[0027] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, a distributed power supply group management method and the like according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG.

[0028] [1. Configuration of the distributed power supply group management system] First, the configuration of a distributed power source group management system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the distributed power source group management system 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 1, the distributed power source group management system 1 is an information processing system including a server 10 communicatively connected to distributed power source systems (photovoltaic power generation systems in this embodiment) provided for each of users A to D (consumers). The distributed power source group management system 1 may further include a plurality of distributed power source systems. The number of distributed power source systems communicatively connected to the server 10 is not particularly limited, and may be two or more.

[0030] Each of the multiple distributed power supply systems has at least one distributed power supply, and in the example of Fig. 1, has at least one solar cell. The multiple distributed power supply systems are installed, for example, in facilities of different users. The facilities are, for example, residential buildings, but may also be non-residential facilities such as office buildings, hotels, hospitals, schools, and commercial facilities. An example in which the distributed power supply system is a solar power generation system will be described below.

[0031] Furthermore, the multiple users A to D are users who have made a contract to mutually compensate for shortfalls as described below.

[0032] The server 10 executes a process for financially compensating for a reduction in income among a plurality of users A to D based on the amount of power generated (actual power generation amount measured value) of each of a plurality of photovoltaic power generation systems (e.g., a plurality of solar cells) and a simulation value (predicted power generation amount value) of the amount of power generated by each of the plurality of solar cells. The server 10 executes a process for collecting money equivalent to the amount of power that exceeds the predicted power generation amount by a predetermined amount or more from a user among the plurality of users A to D, and for providing financial compensation equivalent to the amount of power that falls short of the predicted power generation amount by a predetermined amount or more from a user among the plurality of users A to D. This enables the users A to D to compensate for the risk of a fall in the predicted power generation amount. Details of the process executed by the server 10 will be described later.

[0033] The server 10 is realized by a computer including a communication interface for communicating with each photovoltaic power generation system, a non-volatile memory for storing the programs executed by each processing unit, a volatile memory which is a temporary storage area for executing the programs, an input / output port for transmitting and receiving signals, a processor for executing the programs, etc. The communication interface may be realized by a connector to which a communication line is connected for wired communication, or a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the server 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a calculation unit 12, a control unit 13, and an output unit .

[0035] The acquisition unit 11 is a processing unit that acquires the amount of power generated by each of the multiple photovoltaic power generation systems from each of the multiple photovoltaic power generation systems. The acquisition unit 11 periodically acquires the amount of power generated by each of the multiple photovoltaic power generation systems. For example, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire the amount of power generated measured by a power meter 23A or the like ("M2" shown in FIG. 1), or, if the power conversion system 22A or the like ("PCS" shown in FIG. 1) is capable of measuring the amount of power generated, may acquire the amount of power generated measured by the power conversion system 22A or the like.

[0036] The calculation unit 12 is a processing unit that calculates, for each of a plurality of photovoltaic power generation systems, either an excess amount exceeding the power generation amount (predicted income) of the facility (user of the facility) based on the predicted power generation amount value or a shortage amount against the power generation amount, based on a predicted power generation amount value (e.g., a predicted power generation amount value of monthly integrated power generation amount) for a predetermined period when the photovoltaic power generation system is assumed to be installed in a house and an actual power generation amount value of the installed photovoltaic power generation system. Note that the predicted power generation amount value is the amount of power generation calculated in a simulation (see FIG. 5) performed before the user installs the photovoltaic power generation system. Also, the power generation amount (predicted income) is an amount based on the predicted power generation amount value and is an example of a predicted amount.

[0037] The calculation unit 12 calculates one of the excess amount and the shortage amount of the power generation amount in each of the multiple photovoltaic power generation systems, for example, by using an excess threshold and a shortage threshold of the power generation amount based on the power generation amount prediction value in a predetermined period of each of the multiple photovoltaic power generation systems. For each of the multiple photovoltaic power generation systems, the calculation unit 12 calculates an excess amount when the power generation amount in the photovoltaic power generation system exceeds the excess threshold, and calculates a shortage amount when the power generation amount in the photovoltaic power generation system is below the shortage threshold. The excess amount is calculated by subtracting the excess threshold from the power generation amount, and the shortage amount is calculated by subtracting the power generation amount from the shortage threshold. Furthermore, the calculation unit 12 further calculates an excess amount based on the excess amount for a photovoltaic power generation system (user) in which an excess amount occurs, and calculates a shortage amount based on the shortage amount for a photovoltaic power generation system (user) in which a shortage amount occurs.

[0038] The excess threshold and the shortage threshold are set in advance and stored in a storage unit (not shown) such as a semiconductor memory. The excess threshold is set to a value greater than the monthly power generation forecast value or the average value of the monthly power generation forecast value. The excess threshold may be calculated, for example, by multiplying the monthly power generation forecast value or the average value of the monthly power generation forecast value by a predetermined coefficient (a coefficient greater than 1). The shortage threshold may be calculated, for example, by multiplying the monthly power generation forecast value or the average value of the monthly power generation forecast value by a predetermined coefficient (a coefficient smaller than 1). The excess threshold and the shortage threshold may be the same value. The calculation method of the excess threshold and the shortage threshold is not particularly limited, and they may be calculated by any other method.

[0039] The control unit 13 is a processing unit that executes a process of financially compensating one or more photovoltaic power generation systems (an example of a second distributed power source) among the multiple photovoltaic power generation systems in which an amount in deficit has occurred, using the excess amount of each of the one or more photovoltaic power generation systems (an example of a first distributed power source) in which an amount in deficit has occurred. Also, the control unit 13 may be a processing unit that executes a process of compensating one or more second distributed power sources among the multiple photovoltaic power generation systems in which an amount in deficit has an amount in deficit, based on the excess amount of each of the one or more first distributed power sources in which an amount in deficit has occurred, for example.

[0040] The control unit 13 calculates money (excess amount) according to the excess amount for each of one or more first distributed power sources (each user who owns the first distributed power source), and calculates money (shortage amount) according to the shortage amount for each of one or more second distributed power sources (each user who owns the second distributed power source).The control unit 13 then executes a process of using the collected excess amount as a resource to compensate for the shortage amount for each of one or more users (or facilities) that have a second distributed power source.

[0041] The output unit 14 outputs information indicating each amount calculated by the control unit 13.

[0042] Each of the multiple distributed power sources (in FIG. 1, each of the photovoltaic power generation systems owned by users A to D) has the same configuration, and the following mainly describes the photovoltaic power generation system installed in the home of user A.

[0043] The solar cell 21A is an electric power device that converts light energy into electrical energy (power) by utilizing the photovoltaic effect. The solar cells 21B, 21C, and 21D have the same configuration as the solar cell 21A.

[0044] The power conversion system 22A is also called a power conditioner, and converts DC power generated by the solar cell 21A into AC power, transforms the power into a voltage suitable for use in the facility, and supplies it to a power demand 25A (load) in the facility. The power conversion system 22A may be configured to be capable of measuring the amount of power generated by the solar cell 21A. A sensor for measuring the amount of power generated is disposed inside the housing of the power conversion system 22A. It can also be said that the sensor is built into the power conversion system 22A. The power conversion systems 22B, 22C, and 22D have the same configuration as the power conversion system 22A.

[0045] The power meter 23A is a power sensor that measures the power generated by the solar cell 21A. The power meter 23A may be a so-called smart meter. The power meters 23B, 23C, and 23D have the same configuration as the power meter 23A.

[0046] The power meter 24A ("M1" shown in FIG. 1) is a power sensor that measures the power supplied to the user A from a retail electricity supplier (not shown) (i.e., the power purchased by the user A from the retail electricity supplier). In addition, surplus power generated by the solar cell 21A (e.g., power not consumed by the power demand 25A) is sold to the retail electricity supplier or the like via the power meter 24A. In other words, the power meter 24A also measures the sold power. The power meter 24A may be a so-called smart meter. The power meters 24B, 24C, and 24D are also configured in the same manner as the power meter 24A.

[0047] The power demand 25A is generated by using power consuming devices such as home appliances installed in the house, a domestic hot water supply system that uses heat pump technology to heat hot water with air heat, etc. The power demands 25B, 25C, and 25D are generated in the same manner as the power demand 25A.

[0048] The gateway 26A has a function of communicating with the server 10 via a network. The gateway 26A can also communicate with the power meters 23A and 24A in the house. The gateway 26A transmits the amount of power acquired from the power meter 23A (or the power conversion system 22A) to the server 10 as the amount of power generated by the solar cell 21A (or a photovoltaic power generation system including the solar cell 21A) (actual measured value of the amount of power generated). The gateway 26A also transmits the amount of power sold acquired from the power meter 24A to the server 10 as the amount of power sold to a retail electricity supplier or the like. The amount of power obtained by subtracting the amount of power sold from the amount of power generated is the amount of power consumed by the power demand 25A (self-consumption). The gateway 26A also transmits the amount of power purchased acquired from the power meter 24A to the server 10 as the amount of power purchased from a retail electricity supplier. The gateways 26B, 26C, and 26D also have the same configuration as the gateway 26A.

[0049] The solar power generation system may further include a home storage battery capable of charging and discharging the power generated by the solar cell 21A, or a vehicle storage battery mounted on an EV (Electric Vehicle) or the like.

[0050] [2. Operation of the distributed power group management system] Next, the operation of the distributed power source group management system 1 configured as above will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation (distributed power source group management method) executed by the distributed power source group management system 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of compensating for a downside risk of a power generation forecast value in the server 10 according to this embodiment. The vertical axis of Fig. 4 is the monthly integrated power generation amount per 1 kW panel, and the horizontal axis shows the power generation forecast value (the "Sim value" shown in Fig. 4), an image of the power generation amount before and after compensation for each of users A to D, and the business operator's balance. In Fig. 4, the Sim value for each of users A to D is 100 kWh / month.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the acquisition unit 11 of the server 10 acquires the amount of generated power from each of the multiple photovoltaic power generation systems (S10).

[0052] Next, the calculation unit 12 of the server 10 calculates the excess amount and the shortage amount for each of the multiple photovoltaic power generation systems based on the power generation amount acquired by the acquisition unit 11 (S20). In the case of the power generation amount shown in Fig. 4 (power generation amount shown by dot hatching), the calculation unit 12 calculates the power generation amount exceeding the excess threshold shown by the dashed line as the excess amount (power generation amount shown by a thick frame) for each of users A, C, and D. In addition, in the case of the power generation amount shown in Fig. 4 (power generation amount shown by dot hatching), the calculation unit 12 calculates the power generation amount below the shortage threshold shown by the dashed double-dotted line as the shortage amount (power generation amount shown by a dashed frame) for user B.

[0053] In addition, in Fig. 4, an example is shown in which the excess threshold and the shortage threshold of each of the users A to D are the same value, but they may be different values. Also, in Fig. 4, an example is shown in which the Sim value of each of the users A to D is the same value, but they may be different values.

[0054] Referring again to FIG. 3, the calculation unit 12 next calculates the excess amount and the shortage amount based on the excess amount and the shortage amount calculated in step S20 (S30). The calculation unit 12 calculates the excess amount for a solar power generation system in which an excess amount has occurred. The calculation unit 12 may calculate the amount of money if all of the excess amount is sold as the excess amount. In this case, the calculation unit 12 calculates the excess amount by multiplying the excess amount by the electricity selling price. The calculation unit 12 may also calculate the amount of money if a part of the excess amount is self-consumed and the remaining excess amount is sold as the excess amount. In this case, the calculation unit 12 breaks down the excess amount into the amount of self-consumption that is self-consumed and the amount of electricity sold that is sold, multiplying the amount of self-consumption by the electricity purchasing price, multiplying the amount of electricity sold by the electricity selling price, and adding them together to calculate the excess amount. The ratio of the self-consumption amount to the power sales amount may be set to a certain ratio for each user, or may be set to an individual value for each user. For example, the ratio may be the ratio of the self-consumption amount to the power sales amount set when calculating the power generation amount in the power generation amount simulation, or may be calculated from the actual values ​​of the self-consumption amount and the power sales amount for the user. The ratio may be a self-consumption rate indicating the ratio of the self-consumption amount to the power generation amount.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 4 before compensation, users A, C, and D have an excess amount, so in step S30, the calculation unit 12 calculates the excess amount for each of users A, C, and D. The excess threshold is a power generation amount threshold based on the predicted power generation amount, and the power generation amount when the power generation amount is the excess threshold is an example of an amount based on the predicted power generation amount. The excess amount for each of users A, C, and D is an amount that exceeds the amount based on the predicted power generation amount, and is an example of an excess amount for a distributed power source.

[0056] Furthermore, since a shortage occurs for user B as shown before compensation in Fig. 4, the calculation unit 12 calculates the shortage amount for user B in step S30. The shortage threshold is a threshold for the amount of power generation based on the predicted power generation amount, and the power generation amount (predicted income) when the amount of power generation is the shortage threshold is an example of an amount based on the predicted power generation amount. The shortage amount for user B is the amount that is short of the amount based on the predicted power generation amount.

[0057] For example, different unit prices are used for the electricity selling price and the electricity purchasing price. The electricity selling price is the unit price when electricity is sold to a retail electricity supplier or the like. The electricity selling price is, for example, a unit price determined in a contract between a user and a retail electricity supplier, and may differ for each user. The unit price may also differ depending on whether the photovoltaic power generation system is within the application period of a feed-in tariff (FIT: Feed-in Tariff). If the photovoltaic power generation system is within the application period of the feed-in tariff, the unit price set in the feed-in tariff may be used as the electricity selling price, and if the photovoltaic power generation system is outside the application period of the feed-in tariff, the unit price at the time of selling electricity determined in a contract between the user and the retail electricity supplier may be used as the electricity selling price. The electricity purchasing price is, for example, the unit price when electricity is purchased from a retail electricity supplier. The electricity purchasing price is, for example, a unit price determined in a contract between a user and a retail electricity supplier, and may differ for each user.

[0058] The Feed-in Tariff scheme in Japan is a system in which the government guarantees that electric power companies will purchase electricity generated from renewable energy sources at a fixed price for a fixed period of time. Renewable energy sources covered by the FIT scheme include electric energy generated by solar power generation systems.

[0059] Furthermore, the calculation unit 12 calculates the shortfall amount for a photovoltaic power generation system (user) in which a shortfall has occurred. The calculation unit 12 may calculate the shortfall amount as the amount of money that would be spent if all of the shortfall amount were purchased. In this case, the calculation unit 12 calculates the shortfall amount by multiplying the shortfall amount by the unit price of purchasing electricity. The calculation unit 12 may also calculate the shortfall amount as the amount of money that would be spent if a part of the shortfall amount were consumed by the home and the rest were sold. In this case, the calculation unit 12 separates the shortfall amount into the amount of self-consumption that is consumed by the home and the amount of electricity sold that is sold, multiplies the amount of self-consumption by the unit price of purchasing electricity, multiplies the amount of electricity sold by the unit price of selling electricity, and adds them together to calculate the shortfall amount. The ratio used when separating the amount of self-consumption and the amount of electricity sold may be the same as that used when calculating the excess amount.

[0060] Referring again to Fig. 3, next, the control unit 13 determines whether or not there is an excess user (a user who owns a photovoltaic power generation system in which an excess amount is occurring) based on the excess amount calculated in step S20 (S40). If an excess amount is occurring in at least one user among the multiple users A to D, the control unit 13 determines Yes in step S40. If an excess amount is not occurring in any user among the multiple users A to D, the control unit 13 determines No in step S40 and proceeds to step S60. Note that the occurrence of an excess amount in a user is synonymous with the occurrence of an excess amount in a distributed power source.

[0061] Next, when the control unit 13 determines that there is a user who is in excess (Yes in S40), it executes a process for collecting the excess amount from the user who is in excess (S50). For example, the control unit 13 may bill the excess amount to each user who is in excess, or may execute a process for adding up the billed amount for the electricity fee for the amount of power received by the user from the power grid and the excess amount (billed amount + excess amount) and billing the user for the combined amount. For example, the control unit 13 may bill the user for the combined amount, or may notify a server that manages the billed amount (for example, a server managed by an electricity retailer) of the user's excess amount together with the user's identification information.

[0062] In the case of Fig. 4, an excess amount according to the excess amount is collected, so the monetary benefit that each of users A, C, and D can obtain after compensation is the monetary benefit that can be obtained when the amount of power generation after compensation (for example, the excess threshold) is reached. The economic benefit that each of users A, C, and D obtains is less than the monetary benefit obtained from the amount of power generation before compensation (actual measured value of power generation), but they can obtain an economic benefit equal to or greater than the economic benefit predicted during the simulation (power generation amount shown in Fig. 4).

[0063] 3 again, next, the control unit 13 determines whether or not there is a user with a shortage (a user who owns a solar power generation system with a shortage) based on the shortage calculated in step S20 (S60). If a shortage occurs in at least one user among the multiple users A to D, the control unit 13 determines Yes in step S60. If a shortage does not occur in any of the multiple users A to D, the control unit 13 determines No in step S60 and proceeds to step S90.

[0064] Next, if the control unit 13 determines that there is a user who is in deficit (Yes in S60), it determines whether the total value (first total value) obtained by adding up the excess amounts of each of the one or more excess users is greater than or equal to the total value (second total value) obtained by adding up the shortfall amounts of each of the one or more shortfall users (S70).

[0065] When the control unit 13 determines that the first total value is equal to or greater than the second total value (Yes in S70), it executes a process for compensating for the shortfall from the excess amount (S80). For example, the control unit 13 may pay the shortfall amount to each user who has a shortfall, or may execute a process for adding up the shortfall amount and the billed amount for the electricity fee for the amount of power received by the user from the power grid (billed amount - shortfall amount) and billing the user for the sum. For example, the control unit 13 may bill the user for the sum, or may notify a server that manages billed amounts (for example, a server managed by an electricity retailer) of the shortfall amount of the user together with the user's identification information.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows an example in which a deficit amount according to a deficit amount of user B is compensated for by an excess amount according to the excess amounts of users A and C. As shown in FIG. 4, an excess amount according to a deficit amount is paid, so the monetary benefit obtained by user B after compensation is the monetary benefit that can be obtained when the amount of power generation is after compensation (for example, the deficit threshold). The monetary benefit obtained by user B is greater than the monetary benefit obtained from the amount of power generation (actual measured value of power generation) before compensation, and for example, user B can obtain a monetary benefit equal to or close to the monetary benefit predicted during simulation (the amount of power generation shown in FIG. 4).

[0067] Referring again to Fig. 3, next, the control unit 13 calculates the surplus amount as the profit of the business operator (S90). The surplus amount is an amount obtained by subtracting the second total amount of the shortage from the first total amount of the excess. In other words, the surplus amount after the shortage amount of each of the one or more second distributed power sources is compensated for by the excess amount of each of the one or more first distributed power sources is saved as the profit of the business operator managing the distributed power source group management system 1. Fig. 4 shows an example in which an excess amount according to the excess amount of user D is calculated as the profit of the business operator. This saved surplus amount may be used, for example, as the amount to be taken out by the business operator when it is determined No in step S70.

[0068] Furthermore, if the first total of the excess amount is less than the second total of the shortfall amount (No in S70), the control unit 13 performs a process of paying the difference amount obtained by subtracting the shortfall amount from the excess amount from the business operator's balance. If the result in step S70 is No, the control unit 13 executes a process of making up for the shortfall amount from the excess amount (first total) and the business operator's balance (amount taken out by the business operator) (S100). The specific process may be the same as that in step S80. In this case, the control unit 13 may calculate the amount taken out by the business operator as the business operator's profit and loss.

[0069] By collecting the excess amount and compensating for the shortfall as described above, the shortfall can be compensated for as much as possible among the multiple users A to D. If the result of step S70 is No, the company's income and expenditure is also used for compensation, so that each of the multiple users A to D can obtain the economic benefit of generating the amount of power equivalent to the shortfall threshold.

[0070] Furthermore, a user who is considering whether or not to install a photovoltaic power generation system can determine whether or not to install the system based on the economic benefit (minimum guaranteed benefit) when the amount of power generation corresponding to the shortage threshold shown in Fig. 4 is generated. Since the minimum guaranteed benefit can be known in advance, it is considered that users will be prevented from hesitating to install a photovoltaic power generation system due to anxiety about the economic efficiency of installing the photovoltaic power generation system. Therefore, by executing the process shown in the distributed power source group management method, it is possible to contribute to the spread of photovoltaic power generation systems.

[0071] The order in which the steps in the flow chart shown in FIG. 4 are executed is merely an example, and orders other than those described above may be used. Some of the steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps, or some of the steps may not be executed. For example, the calculation of the excess amount in step S30 may be executed after the determination in step S40 is Yes and before step S50 is executed, or may be executed after the determination in step S40 is No and after the determination in step S60 is Yes and before step S70 is executed. For example, the calculation of the shortfall amount in step S30 may be executed after the determination in step S60 is Yes and before step S70 is executed.

[0072] In FIG. 4, an example is described in which the vertical axis represents the monthly accumulated power generation amount, but it may also represent an amount (for example, the monthly accumulated power generation amount). The amount is an amount indicating a monetary benefit for each user, calculated based on, for example, the monthly accumulated power generation amount, information indicating the ratio between the self-consumption amount and the power sale amount, and the power sale price and the power purchase price. The ratio between the self-consumption amount and the power sale amount may be a preset ratio, or may be a ratio set based on the actual values ​​of the self-consumption amount and the power sale amount for the user (the facility in which the photovoltaic power generation system is installed) for the month or the most recent month. When the ratio is set based on the actual values, if there is a difference between the ratio set at the time of simulation and the ratio based on the actual values, and if an economic disadvantage occurs due to the difference, it is possible to calculate and compensate for the shortfall amount taking into account the disadvantage. For example, an excess amount threshold and a shortfall amount threshold are set based on the amount of power generation calculated using the ratio at the time of simulation for the user, and the amount exceeding the excess amount threshold is calculated as the excess amount, and the amount below the shortfall amount threshold is calculated as the shortfall, making it possible to calculate and compensate for the shortfall amount taking into account the disadvantage. The excess amount threshold and shortfall amount threshold may be amounts based on a self-consumption rate preset in the facility, for example, and are an example of amounts based on a predicted power generation amount value.

[0073] [3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the distributed power source group management method of the first aspect acquires the amount of power generated by each of a plurality of distributed power sources installed in different facilities (S10), and calculates, for each of the plurality of distributed power sources, either an excess amount that exceeds a first amount based on the predicted power generation value or a shortfall amount against the first amount based on the predicted power generation value for a predetermined period if the distributed power source were installed at the facility and the amount of power generated by the distributed power source installed at the facility (S30), and executes a process of using the excess amount for each of one or more first distributed power sources among the plurality of distributed power sources for which an excess amount has occurred to financially compensate each of one or more second distributed power sources among the plurality of distributed power sources for which a shortfall has occurred in accordance with the shortfall amount (S40 to S80, S100).

[0074] As a result, if a user incurs a financial shortfall after installing a distributed power source, the surplus amount is used to make up the shortfall. By letting users considering introducing distributed power sources know that compensation will be provided by this distributed power source group management method, the anxiety the users may have about predicting economic efficiency can be reduced. Thus, the distributed power source group management method can contribute to the spread of distributed power sources.

[0075] Furthermore, a distributed power source group management method according to a second aspect is a distributed power source group management method according to the first aspect, which, for example, calculates either an excess amount or a shortage amount of power generation for each of a plurality of distributed power sources using an excess threshold and a shortage threshold for power generation based on a predicted power generation amount value of the distributed power source (S20), and if an excess amount occurs in the distributed power source, calculates an excess amount based on the excess amount, and if a shortage occurs, calculates an shortage amount based on the shortage.

[0076] This makes it possible to calculate either the excess amount or the shortage amount according to either the excess amount or the shortage amount. Therefore, when a power generation shortage or the like occurs, monetary compensation is provided, so that the anxiety of users who are worried about the occurrence of a power generation shortage or the like can be reduced.

[0077] In addition, a distributed power source group management method according to a third aspect is a distributed power source group management method according to the second aspect, and in calculating one of the excess amount and the shortfall amount, for example, for each of a plurality of distributed power sources, the amount of generated power obtained may be decomposed into an amount of self-consumption and an amount of power sold, and different unit prices may be calculated for the decomposed amount of self-consumption and the amount of power sold, thereby calculating one of the excess amount and the shortfall amount.

[0078] This takes into account the unit price at the time of self-consumption and the unit price at the time of selling the electricity, making it possible to calculate a more accurate amount of either the excess amount or the shortfall amount.

[0079] In addition, a distributed power source group management method according to a fourth aspect is the distributed power source group management method according to the first aspect, wherein the first amount includes an excess amount threshold and a shortfall amount threshold based on a self-consumption rate preset in the facility, and in calculating one of the excess amount and the shortfall amount, for each of the multiple distributed power sources, the acquired generated power amount is decomposed into self-consumption and power sale amount based on the actual value of self-consumption and the actual value of power sale in the facility in which the distributed power source is installed, and one of the excess amount and the shortfall amount is calculated based on a second amount obtained by calculating different unit prices for the decomposed self-consumption and power sale amount, and one of the excess amount and the shortfall amount threshold.

[0080] This makes it possible to reflect the difference in the self-consumption rate in the compensation if the self-consumption rate has changed since the first amount was calculated.

[0081] In addition, a distributed power source group management method according to a fifth aspect is a distributed power source group management method according to any of the second to fourth aspects, and varies the unit price calculated for the amount of electricity sold depending on whether or not the period in which a feed-in tariff system is applicable is in progress.

[0082] This makes it possible to calculate either the appropriate excess amount or the appropriate shortfall amount depending on whether or not the feed-in tariff system is applied.

[0083] In addition, a distributed power source group management method according to a sixth aspect is a distributed power source group management method according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, and in executing a process of making monetary compensation according to the shortfall, the electricity bill amount for the amount of power received from the power grid by the facility in which the distributed power source is installed and one of the excess amount and shortfall amount of the distributed power source are added together, and the combined amount is charged to the facility.

[0084] This allows the user to make a single payment, improving the convenience of the distributed power source group management method.

[0085] In addition, a distributed power source group management method according to a seventh aspect is a distributed power source group management method according to any of the first to sixth aspects, wherein each of the multiple distributed power sources is connected to a power conditioner configured to be able to measure the amount of power generated by the distributed power source, and the amount of power generated is obtained by obtaining the amount of power generated measured by the power conditioner.

[0086] With this, since the sensor for measurement is provided inside the power conditioner, tampering with the measurement values ​​can be suppressed.

[0087] In addition, a distributed power source group management method according to an eighth aspect is a distributed power source group management method according to any of the first to seventh aspects, in which the surplus amount remaining after compensating for the shortage amount of one or more second distributed power sources with the excess amount of each of one or more first distributed power sources is calculated as the revenue of the business operator managing the distributed power source group management system that executes the distributed power source group management method.

[0088] This will allow the operator to use the surplus amount as a source of funds for compensation, widening the range of compensation adjustments. It will also be possible to average out the operator's income and expenditure in years of good and bad sunshine.

[0089] A distributed power source group management method according to a ninth aspect is a distributed power source group management method according to any one of the second, third, fifth and sixth aspects, in which the excess threshold and the shortage threshold are the same value.

[0090] This makes it possible to reduce the number of parameters used when calculating either the excess amount or the shortfall amount.

[0091] In addition, the distributed power source group management system 1 of the tenth aspect includes an acquisition unit 11 that acquires the amount of power generated by each of multiple distributed power sources installed in different facilities, a calculation unit 12 that calculates, for each of the multiple distributed power sources, either an excess amount that exceeds an amount based on the predicted power generation value or a shortfall amount that is short of the amount based on the predicted power generation value for a specified period assuming that the distributed power source is installed at the facility and the amount of power generated by the distributed power source installed at the facility, and a control unit 13 that executes a process of financially compensating each of one or more second distributed power sources among the multiple distributed power sources for which a shortfall has occurred, according to the amount of shortfall, using the excess amount for each of one or more first distributed power sources among the multiple distributed power sources for which an excess amount has occurred.

[0092] A program according to an eleventh aspect is a program for causing a computer to execute the distributed power supply group management method according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0093] This provides the same effects as the above-mentioned distributed power source group management method.

[0094] (Other embodiments) Although the distributed power source group management method and the like according to one or more aspects have been described based on the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. As long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention, various modifications conceived by a person skilled in the art to this embodiment and forms constructed by combining components of different embodiments may also be included in the present invention.

[0095] For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the distributed power source group management system provides financial compensation for the entire shortfall when a shortfall occurs, but this is not limited to this, and financial compensation may be provided for only a portion of the shortfall.

[0096] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, a solar power generation system (or a solar cell) is given as an example of a distributed power source, but this is not limited to this, and the distributed power source may be, for example, any one of a wind power generation system, a hydroelectric power generation system, a geothermal power generation system, a biomass power generation system, or a combination of these.

[0097] In the above embodiment, each component may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0098] In addition, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as one functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be transferred to another functional block. Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in a time-sharing manner by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0099] Furthermore, the server according to the above embodiment may be realized as a single device, or may be realized by multiple devices. When the server is realized by multiple devices, the components of the server may be distributed in any manner among the multiple devices. When the server is realized by multiple devices, the communication method between the multiple devices is not particularly limited, and may be wireless communication or wired communication. Furthermore, wireless communication and wired communication may be combined between the devices.

[0100] Moreover, each of the components described in the above embodiments may be realized as software, or may be realized as an LSI, which is typically an integrated circuit. These may be individually integrated into one chip, or may be integrated into one chip to include some or all of them. Here, LSI is used, but it may be called IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration. Furthermore, the method of integration is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit (a general-purpose circuit that executes a dedicated program) or a general-purpose processor. After LSI manufacture, a programmable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection or setting of the circuit cells inside the LSI may be used. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI appears due to the progress of semiconductor technology or a different derived technology, it is natural that the components may be integrated using that technology.

[0101] A system LSI is an ultra-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple processing units on a single chip, and specifically, is a computer system that includes a microprocessor, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Computer programs are stored in the ROM. The system LSI achieves its functions by the microprocessor operating in accordance with the computer program.

[0102] Another aspect of the present invention may be a computer program that causes a computer to execute each of the characteristic steps included in the distributed power source group management method shown in FIG.

[0103] Furthermore, for example, the program may be a program to be executed by a computer. Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention may be a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded. For example, such a program may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed or circulated. For example, the distributed program may be installed in a device having another processor, and the program may be executed by the processor, thereby making it possible to cause the device to perform each of the above processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1. Distributed power source group management system 11 Acquisition Department 12 Calculation section 13 Control section 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D Solar cells (distributed power supply) A, B, C, D users

Claims

1. Obtain the amount of power generated by each of multiple distributed power sources installed in different facilities, calculating, for each of the plurality of distributed power sources, one of an excess amount that exceeds a first amount based on the predicted power generation amount value and a shortage amount that is short of the first amount, based on a predicted power generation amount value for a predetermined period when the distributed power source is assumed to be installed in the facility and the amount of power generated by the distributed power source installed in the facility; A process is executed to financially compensate one or more second distributed power sources among the plurality of distributed power sources in which the shortage amount has occurred, using the excess amount of each of the one or more first distributed power sources in which the excess amount has occurred, according to the shortage amount. Distributed power source group management method.

2. For each of the plurality of distributed power sources, calculating one of an excess amount and a shortage amount of the power generation amount using an excess threshold and a shortage threshold of the power generation amount based on the power generation amount prediction value of the distributed power source; When the excess amount occurs in the distributed power source, the excess amount is calculated based on the excess amount, and when the shortage amount occurs, the shortage amount is calculated based on the shortage amount. The distributed power source group management method according to claim 1 .

3. In calculating one of the excess amount and the shortfall amount, for each of the plurality of dispersed power sources, The acquired amount of generated power is decomposed into an amount of self-consumption that is self-consumed and an amount of power to be sold, One of the excess amount and the shortfall amount is calculated by calculating different unit prices for the decomposed self-consumption amount and the sold power amount. The distributed power source group management method according to claim 2 .

4. The first amount includes an excess amount threshold and a shortfall amount threshold based on a self-consumption rate preset in the facility, In calculating one of the excess amount and the shortfall amount, for each of the plurality of dispersed power sources, Based on an actual value of the amount of self-consumption and an actual value of the amount of electricity sold in the facility in which the distributed power source is installed, the acquired amount of generated electricity is decomposed into the amount of self-consumption and the amount of electricity sold; Calculating one of the excess amount and the shortfall amount based on a second amount obtained by calculating different unit prices for the decomposed self-consumption amount and the sold power amount and one of the excess amount threshold and the shortfall amount threshold. The distributed power source group management method according to claim 1 .

5. The unit price calculated for the amount of electricity sold is varied depending on whether or not the period is within the period of application of the feed-in tariff system.

5. The distributed power source group management method according to claim 3 or 4.

6. In executing the process, the amount of the electricity bill for the amount of electricity received from the power grid by the facility in which the distributed power source is installed is added to one of the excess amount and the shortfall amount of the distributed power source, The combined amount will be charged to the facility. The distributed power source group management method according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

7. Each of the plurality of distributed power sources is connected to a power conditioner configured to be able to measure the amount of power generated by the distributed power source; In the acquisition of the generated power amount, the generated power amount measured by the power conditioner is acquired. The method for managing a distributed power source group according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. A surplus amount remaining after compensating for the shortage amount of each of the one or more second distributed power sources with the excess amount of each of the one or more first distributed power sources is calculated as the revenue of a business operator managing a distributed power source group management system that executes the distributed power source group management method. The method for managing a distributed power source group according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The excess threshold and the shortage threshold are the same value. The distributed power source group management method according to claim 2 or 3.

10. An acquisition unit that acquires the amount of power generated by each of a plurality of distributed power sources installed in different facilities; a calculation unit that calculates, for each of the plurality of distributed power sources, one of an excess amount that exceeds an amount based on the predicted power generation amount value and a shortage amount that is short of the amount based on the predicted power generation amount value for a predetermined period when the distributed power source is assumed to be installed in the facility and the amount of power generated by the distributed power source installed in the facility; a control unit that executes a process of financially compensating one or more second distributed power sources among the plurality of distributed power sources for which the shortage has occurred, using the excess amount of each of the one or more first distributed power sources among the plurality of distributed power sources for which the shortage has occurred, in accordance with the shortage. Distributed power source group management system.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the distributed power source group management method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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