Device and method

Abstract

To provide a power management device, a power management system, and a power management method that enable the appropriate stabilization of a power system in a predetermined area.SOLUTION: The power management device includes a management unit that manages one or more target facilities, an acquiring unit that acquires a predicted power demand for a predetermined area where the target facilities and facilities other than the target facilities exist for an observation period including two or more unit hours, an identification unit that identifies a specific unit hour in which the predicted power demand is assumed to be maximized from the two or more unit hours, and a control unit that executes a special control to prevent the power demand at the target facilities.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power management apparatus, a power management system, and a power management method. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known power retailers that purchase power from power generation companies and sell the purchased power to facilities. The power retailer manages the power thresholds of each of the facilities managed by the power retailer, and calculates an excess charge for the power demand that exceeds the power threshold for each of the facilities managed by the power retailer (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 126435 Brochure Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] From the viewpoint of stabilizing the power system in a specific area, it is preferable to suppress the maximum demand power for the entire specific area.

[0005] However, while the above-mentioned technology may be able to suppress the maximum demand power for a facility managed by an electricity retailer, it may not be possible to suppress the maximum demand power for the entire specified area, and therefore it may not be possible to properly stabilize the power system in the specified area.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a power management device, a power management system, and a power management method that enable appropriate stabilization of the power system in a specified area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The disclosed power management device includes a management unit that manages one or more target facilities, an acquisition unit that acquires predicted power demand for a specified area in which the target facilities and facilities other than the target facilities are located, for an observation period including two or more unit times, an identification unit that identifies a specific unit time from the two or more unit times in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized, and a control unit that executes specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facilities during the specific unit time.

[0008] The disclosed power management system includes a management unit that manages one or more target facilities, an acquisition unit that acquires predicted power demand for a specified area in which the target facilities and facilities other than the target facilities are located, for an observation period including two or more unit times, an identification unit that identifies a specific unit time from the two or more unit times in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized, and a control unit that executes specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facilities during the specific unit time.

[0009] The disclosed power management method includes the steps of managing one or more target facilities, obtaining predicted power demand for a specified area in which the target facilities and facilities other than the target facilities are located for an observation period including two or more unit times, identifying a specific unit time from the two or more unit times in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized, and executing specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facilities during the specific unit time. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power management device, a power management system, and a power management method that are capable of appropriately stabilizing a power grid in a specified area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a power management system 100 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a facility 300 according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a power management apparatus 200 according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an application scene according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an application scene according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an application scene according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a power management method according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, the drawings are schematic.

[0013] [Embodiment] (Power Management System) A power management system according to an embodiment will be described below.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the power management system 100 includes a power management apparatus 200, a facility 300, and a third-party server 400. In Fig. 1, the facility 300 is exemplified by facilities 300A to 300F.

[0015] The power management apparatus 200, the facility 300, and the third-party server 400 are connected to a network 120. The network 120 may provide a line between the power management apparatus 200 and the facility 300, and a line between the power management apparatus 200 and the third-party server 400. For example, the network 120 may include the Internet. The network 120 may also include a dedicated line such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

[0016] Each facility 300 is connected to the power system 110. Hereinafter, the flow of power from the power system 110 to the facility 300 is referred to as forward flow, and the flow of power from the facility 300 to the power system 110 is referred to as reverse flow. The forward flow power from the power system 110 to the facility 300 may be referred to as demand power. The demand power may be a concept that includes reverse flow power from the facility 300 to the power system 110. In such a case, the forward flow power may be represented by a positive value, and the reverse flow power may be represented by a negative value. The forward flow power may be interpreted as purchased power purchased by the facility 300, and the reverse flow power may be interpreted as sold power sold by the facility 300.

[0017] In the embodiment, the facilities 300A to 300F are examples of facilities connected to the power system 110 installed in a predetermined area. The predetermined area may be considered to be an area under the jurisdiction of an entity (e.g., a power generation company or a power transmission and distribution company) that provides infrastructure such as the power system 110. The predetermined area may also be an area divided by other criteria. Under such a premise, the facilities 300A to 300C may be examples of target facilities managed by the power management device 200. The facilities 300D to 300F may be examples of facilities other than the target facilities managed by the power management device 200.

[0018] The power management device 200 is an example of a power management device that adjusts the supply and demand balance of the power system 110. The power management device 200 is a server managed by a business operator such as a power generation business operator, a power transmission and distribution business operator or a retail business operator, or a resource aggregator. The resource aggregator may be a power business operator that provides reverse flow power to the power generation business operator, the power transmission and distribution business operator, the retail business operator, or the like in a VPP (Virtual Power Plant). The resource aggregator may be a power business operator that generates reduced power of the forward flow power (power consumption) of the facility 300 managed by the resource aggregator.

[0019] The power management device 200 transmits a control message to the local control device 360 ​​installed in the facility 300 to instruct the control of the distributed power source (for example, the solar cell device 310, the power storage device 320, or the fuel cell device 330) installed in the facility 300. For example, the power management device 200 may transmit a power flow control message requesting control of a power flow, or may transmit a reverse flow control message requesting control of a reverse flow. Furthermore, the power management device 200 may transmit a power source control message to control the operation state of the distributed power source. The control degree of the power flow or reverse flow may be expressed by an absolute value (for example, XX kW) or a relative value (for example, XX%). Alternatively, the control degree of the power flow or reverse flow may be expressed by two or more levels. The control degree of the power flow or reverse flow may be expressed by an electricity price (RTP; Real Time Pricing) determined by the current power supply and demand balance, or by an electricity price (TOU; Time Of Use) determined by the past power supply and demand balance.

[0020] The third-party server 400 is a server managed by an entity different from the entity that manages the power management apparatus 200. The third-party server 400 may be a server managed by an entity that provides infrastructure such as the power system 110. The third-party server 400 may be a server managed by a wide-area organization that strives for a stable supply of power in a wide area including at least a specified area. In an embodiment, the third-party server 400 may manage information indicating at least the predicted power demand of the specified area (hereinafter, power demand prediction information). The third-party server 400 may manage information indicating at least the actual power demand of the specified area (hereinafter, power demand actual information).

[0021] Although not particularly limited, the third-party server 400 may manage the power demand prediction information or power demand record information of a predetermined area by acquiring the power demand prediction information or power demand record information of each facility 300 from the facilities 300 existing in the predetermined area. The third-party server 400 may manage the power demand prediction information or power demand record information of a predetermined area by acquiring the power demand prediction information or power demand record information of each business operator from each business operator that manages the facilities 300 existing in the predetermined area.

[0022] Third party server 400 may transmit an adjustment message to power management device 200 requesting adjustment of the supply and demand balance of power system 110. The adjustment message may include a message requesting a reduction in power demand in the power system (a DR (Demand Response) message). The adjustment message may include a message requesting a reduction in power supply in the power system (an output curtailment message).

[0023] In the embodiment, communication between the power management device 200 and the local control device 360 ​​is performed according to a first protocol. On the other hand, communication between the local control device 360 ​​and the distributed power source (the solar cell device 310, the power storage device 320, or the fuel cell device 330) is performed according to a second protocol. For example, the first protocol may be a protocol conforming to Open ADR (Automated Demand Response) or a unique dedicated protocol. For example, the second protocol may be a protocol conforming to ECHONET Lite (registered trademark), SEP (Smart Energy Profile) 2.0, KNX, or a unique dedicated protocol. For example, both the first protocol and the second protocol may be unique dedicated protocols, as long as they are protocols created according to different rules. However, the first protocol and the second protocol may be protocols created according to the same rules.

[0024] (facility) The facility according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the facility 300 includes a solar cell device 310 , a power storage device 320 , a fuel cell device 330 , a load device 340 , a local control device 360 ​​, and a measurement device 390 .

[0026] The solar cell device 310 is a distributed power source that generates power in response to light such as sunlight. The solar cell device 310 may be an example of a distributed power source used in a VPP. For example, the solar cell device 310 is configured with a PCS (Power Conditioning System) and a solar panel.

[0027] The power storage device 320 is a distributed power source that charges and discharges power. The power storage device 320 may be an example of a distributed power source used in a VPP. For example, the power storage device 320 is configured with a PCS and a storage battery cell. The charging power of the power storage device 320 may contribute to an increase in the power demand of the facility 300, similar to the power consumption of the load device 340. The discharging power of the power storage device 320 may be consumed by the load device 340. When reverse power flow using the output power of the power storage device 320 is permitted, the discharging power of the power storage device 320 may contribute to an increase in the reverse power flow power of the facility 300.

[0028] The fuel cell device 330 is a distributed power source that generates power using fuel. The fuel cell device 330 may be an example of a distributed power source used in a VPP. For example, the fuel cell device 330 is composed of a PCS and a fuel cell.

[0029] For example, the fuel cell device 330 may be a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC: Solid Oxide Fuel Cell), a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC: Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC: Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell), or a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC: Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell).

[0030] The load device 340 is a device that consumes power, for example, an air conditioner, a lighting device, an AV (Audio Visual) device, etc.

[0031] The local control device 360 ​​is a device (EMS: Energy Management System) that manages the power of the facility 300. The local control device 360 ​​may control the operation state of the solar cell device 310, may control the operation state of the power storage device 320, or may control the operation state of the fuel cell device 330. The local control device 360 ​​may also control the operation state of the load device 340.

[0032] The metering device 390 measures the power related to the facility 300. The metering device 390 may measure the forward flow power from the power system 110 to the facility 300 as the power related to the facility 300. The metering device 390 may measure the reverse flow power from the facility 300 to the power system 110 as the power related to the facility 300. The metering device 390 may transmit a message including an information element indicating the power related to the facility 300 at a first period (e.g., one minute). The metering device 390 may transmit the message to the local control device 360 ​​or to the power management device 200. The metering device 390 may transmit the message autonomously or in response to a request from the transmission destination. For example, the metering device 390 may be a Smart Meter belonging to an entity that provides the power system 110.

[0033] (power management device) A power management device according to an embodiment will be described below.

[0034] 3, power management apparatus 200 includes a management unit 210, a communication unit 220, and a control unit 230. Power management apparatus 200 may be an example of a VTN (Virtual Top Node).

[0035] The management unit 210 is configured with a storage medium such as a non-volatile memory and / or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0036] For example, management unit 210 manages data related to facility 300 managed by power management apparatus 200. Facility 300 managed by power management apparatus 200 may be facility 300 that has a contract with the entity that manages power management apparatus 200. As described above, facilities 300A to 300C are examples of target facilities managed by power management apparatus 200. Facilities 300D to 300F are examples of facilities other than the target facilities managed by power management apparatus 200.

[0037] For example, the data on the facility 300 may be the demand power supplied to the facility 300 from the power system 110, or may be the power reduced at each facility 300 in response to a reduction request (DR) for the demand power of the entire power system 110. The data on the facility 300 may be the type of distributed power source (solar cell device 310, power storage device 320, or fuel cell device 330) installed in the facility 300, the specifications of the distributed power source (solar cell device 310, power storage device 320, or fuel cell device 330) installed in the facility 300, and the like. The specifications may be the rated power generation (W) of the solar cell device 310, the maximum output power (W) of the power storage device 320, and the maximum output power (W) of the fuel cell device 330. Furthermore, the data on the facility 300 may be the output power instructed to the distributed power source in the past. For example, when the distributed power source is the power storage device 320, the data on the facility 300 may be the discharge power instructed to the power storage device 320. The data on the facility 300 may be the degree of deterioration of the distributed power source. For example, in the case where the distributed power source is a power storage device 320, the data related to the facility 300 may be the SOH (State Of Health) of the power storage device 320.

[0038] The communication unit 220 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module conforming to a standard such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, or 5G, or may be a wired communication module conforming to a standard such as IEEE802.3.

[0039] The communication unit 220 communicates with the local control device 360 ​​via the network 120. The communication unit 220 communicates according to the first protocol, as described above. For example, the communication unit 220 transmits a first message to the local control device 360 ​​according to the first protocol. The communication unit 220 receives a first message response from the local control device 360 ​​according to the first protocol.

[0040] For example, the communication unit 220 receives a message including an information element indicating the demand power supplied from the power system 110 to the facility 300 from the facility 300 (e.g., the local control device 360, the measurement device 390). The demand power may be a value measured by the measurement device 390 described above. The demand power may be a value obtained by subtracting the output power of the distributed power sources (the solar cell device 310, the power storage device 320, and the fuel cell device 330) from the power consumption of the load device 340. When the power storage device 320 is performing a charging operation, the demand power may be a value obtained by subtracting the output power of the distributed power source from the sum of the charging power of the power storage device 320 and the power consumption of the load device 340.

[0041] In an embodiment, the communication unit 220 may communicate with the third-party server 400 via the network 120. The communication unit 220 may receive power demand prediction information indicating a predicted power demand in a predetermined area from the third-party server 400. The communication unit 220 may be an example of an acquisition unit that acquires a predicted power demand in a predetermined area in which a target facility and facilities other than the target facility exist for an observation period including two or more unit times. The communication unit 220 may receive power demand record information indicating a record power demand in the predetermined area from the third-party server 400.

[0042] The control unit 230 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit, or may be configured by a plurality of circuits (integrated circuits(s) and / or discrete circuits(s)) communicatively connected to each other.

[0043] For example, the control unit 230 controls each component of the power management apparatus 200. Specifically, the control unit 230 instructs a local control device 360 ​​installed in the facility 300 to control the distributed power sources (the solar cell device 310, the power storage device 320, or the fuel cell device 330) installed in the facility 300 by transmitting a control message. The control message may be a power flow control message, a reverse power flow control message, or a power source control message, as described above.

[0044] In the embodiment, the control unit 230 may be an example of a specifying unit that specifies a specific unit time in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized from two or more unit times. The control unit 230 may be an example of a control unit that executes specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facility in the specific unit time.

[0045] (Applicable scenes) Application scenes according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0046] First, the premise of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 illustrates the power demand in a predetermined area (for example, the power demand of facility 300 connected to the above-mentioned power system 110). The power demand in the predetermined area is the sum of the power demand of the target facilities (for example, facilities 300A to 300C) managed by power management device 200 and the power demand of facilities (for example, facilities 300D to 300F) other than the target facilities managed by power management device 200. Here, business operator A is an example of an entity that manages power management device 200. Business operators B and C are examples of entities other than the entity that manages power management device 200.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, in an observation period including two or more unit times, the power demand in a predetermined area is the sum of the power demands for operators A to C. For example, the unit time may be 30 minutes or 1 hour. The observation period may be one week or one month. The power demand of an operator in a unit time may be represented by an average value of the power demand (purchased power) of facilities 300 managed by the operator.

[0048] As the observation period, a period during which power demand in a predetermined area is expected to be high may be selected. As the observation period, two or more observation periods may be selected. In FIG. 4, observation period #1 to observation period #3 are shown as examples of the observation period. For example, when the observation period is one month, observation period #1 to observation period #3 may each be one month in summer (July, August, September) or one month in winter (December, January, February).

[0049] In such a case, it is preferable to suppress the peak of power demand in a predetermined area from the viewpoint of stabilizing the power system 110. A peak is the maximum value of power demand per unit time. For example, it is preferable to suppress peak #1 in observation period #1, peak #2 in observation period #2, and peak #3 in observation period #3.

[0050] However, the unit time when a peak in power demand in a specified area is predicted to occur is affected by the power demand of facilities other than the target facility managed by power management device 200, and therefore may not match the unit time when a peak in power demand in the target facility managed by power management device 200 is predicted to occur. Therefore, there is a possibility that the peak in power demand in the specified area cannot be suppressed by power management device 200 only suppressing the peak in power demand of the target facility.

[0051] Secondly, the operation of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 mainly describe unit times (peak #1 to peak #3) when a peak in power demand in a predetermined area is predicted to occur.

[0052] For example, as shown in Fig. 5, at peak #1, the predicted power demand in the specified area is 9 million kW, the predicted power demand of operator A is 3.6 million kW, the predicted power demand of operator B is 3 million kW, and the predicted power demand of operator C is 2.4 million kW. At peak #2, the predicted power demand in the specified area is 12.6 million kW, the predicted power demand of operator A is 6 million kW, the predicted power demand of operator B is 3 million kW, and the predicted power demand of operator C is 3.6 million kW. At peak #3, the predicted power demand in the specified area is 8.4 million kW, the predicted power demand of operator A is 3 million kW, the predicted power demand of operator B is 2.4 million kW, and the predicted power demand of operator C is 3 million kW.

[0053] For example, for the sake of simplicity, assuming that power demand changes as predicted, and considering the total of Peak #1 to Peak #3, the ratio of operator A's power demand to the power demand in the specified area is 42% (12.6 million kW / 30 million kW), the ratio of operator B's power demand to the power demand in the specified area is 28% (8.4 million kW / 30 million kW), and the ratio of operator A's power demand to the power demand in the specified area is 30% (9 million kW / 30 million kW).

[0054] In such a case, as described above, in the embodiment, attention is paid to the possibility that the unit time when the peak of the power demand in the specified area is predicted to occur does not match the unit time when the peak of the power demand in the target facility is predicted to occur. In consideration of such a new problem, the power management apparatus 200 executes the following operation.

[0055] First, the power management apparatus 200 may obtain a predicted power demand for a predetermined area by receiving power demand forecast information for an observation period from the third party server 400. The power management apparatus 200 may obtain an actual power demand for a predetermined area by receiving power demand actual information for an observation period from the third party server 400. The power management apparatus 200 may manage the predicted power demand and actual power demand for a predetermined area for each unit time.

[0056] Secondly, the power management apparatus 200 identifies a specific unit time in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized from two or more unit times included in the observation period. For example, the power management apparatus 200 compares the predicted power demand for each unit time to identify the unit time in which the predicted power demand is maximum as the specific unit time. The power management apparatus 200 may identify a unit time in which the predicted power demand is expected to be greater than the actual power demand as the specific unit time. The specific unit time is synonymous with a unit time in which a peak in power demand in a specified area is expected to occur.

[0057] Third, the power management apparatus 200 executes specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facility in a specific unit time. The specific control executed in a specific unit time may be referred to as a first specific control. In the specific control, the power management apparatus 200 may transmit to the target facility a control command to instruct the target facility to suppress the power consumption of the load devices 340 in the target facility. In the specific control, the power management apparatus 200 may transmit to the target facility a control command to instruct the target facility to increase the discharge power of the power storage device 320 in the target facility.

[0058] Here, the specific control may include discharge control of a target power storage device (power storage device 320) installed in the target facility without including discharge control of a power storage device installed outside the target facility. The power storage device installed outside the target facility may include a power storage device owned by an entity that manages the power management device 200 and capable of supplying power to the power grid 110. The power storage device installed outside the target facility may include a power storage device (hereinafter, a third-party power storage device) that is installed in the target facility but owned by a third party different from the owner of the target facility. However, the third-party power storage device may be considered to be a target power storage device installed in the target facility.

[0059] For example, assuming that the power demand changes as predicted for the sake of simplicity, as a result of such specific control, as shown in Fig. 6, in a specific unit time when peak #1 is predicted to occur, the power demand of business operator A may be suppressed from 3.6 million kW to 2.6 million kW. In a specific unit time when peak #2 is predicted to occur, the power demand of business operator A may be suppressed from 6.0 million kW to 5.2 million kW. In a specific unit time when peak #3 is predicted to occur, the power demand of business operator A may be suppressed from 3.0 million kW to 2.8 million kW.

[0060] For example, considering the total of Peak #1 to Peak #3 after specific control, the ratio of operator A's power demand to the power demand in the specified area is 38% (10.6 million kW / 28 million kW), the ratio of operator B's power demand to the power demand in the specified area is 30% (8.4 million kW / 28 million kW), and the ratio of operator A's power demand to the power demand in the specified area is 32% (9 million kW / 28 million kW).

[0061] (Power management method) A power management method according to an embodiment will be described below.

[0062] 7, in step S10, power management apparatus 200 receives power demand prediction information for a predetermined area from third-party server 400. Power management apparatus 200 may also receive power demand record information for the predetermined area from third-party server 400.

[0063] In step S11, the power management apparatus 200 may receive power demand forecast information of the target facility from each target facility. The power management apparatus 200 may receive power demand record information of the target facility from each target facility. However, the process of step S11 may be omitted.

[0064] In step S12, the power management apparatus 200 identifies a specific unit time in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized from two or more unit times included in the observation period. The power management apparatus 200 may identify a unit time in which the predicted power demand is expected to be greater than the actual power demand as the specific unit time.

[0065] In step S13, the power management device 200 executes specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facility in a specific unit time. In the specific control, the power management device 200 transmits various control commands to the target facility. The control commands may include a control command to suppress the power consumption of the load devices 340 in the target facility, and may include a control command to increase the discharge power of the power storage device 320 in the target facility.

[0066] In step S14, each target facility suppresses the power demand during a specific unit time.

[0067] (Action and Effects) In the embodiment, the power management device 200 identifies a specific unit time in which the predicted power demand in a predetermined area is expected to be maximized from two or more unit times included in the observation period, and executes specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facility in the specific unit time. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the peak power demand in the predetermined area, rather than the peak power demand in the target facility managed by the power management device 200, and it is possible to appropriately stabilize the power system 110 in the predetermined area.

[0068] [Change Example 1] Modification 1 of the embodiment will be described below. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0069] Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, in modification 1, power management apparatus 200 may execute specific control during the observation period without executing specific control during periods other than the observation period.

[0070] As described above, a period during which the power demand in a predetermined area is expected to be large may be selected as the observation period. Therefore, even if specific control is not executed during periods other than the observation period, the stabilization of the power system 110 is unlikely to be hindered, and therefore the operation policy of the power management device 200 or the facility 300 may be prioritized during periods other than the observation period.

[0071] [Change Example 2] Modification 2 of the embodiment will be described below. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0072] Although not specifically mentioned in the above-described embodiment, in Modification Example 2, the power management device 200 may execute specific control so that the power demand of the target facility does not fall below a first threshold in a specific unit time. The first threshold may be determined based on the maximum value of the predicted power demand in a unit time other than the specific unit time, or may be determined based on the maximum value of the actual power demand in a unit time other than the specific unit time.

[0073] With this configuration, power management apparatus 200 can prevent a situation in which the unit time during which a peak in power demand in a predetermined area occurs shifts to a unit time other than the specific unit time as a result of specific control. [Change Example 3] The third modification of the embodiment will be described below. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0074] Although not specifically mentioned in the above-described embodiment, in Modification Example 3, power management apparatus 200 may execute specific control during a control target time that includes a specific unit time. The control target time is a time longer than the specific unit time, and may include a time before the specific unit time, may include a time after the specific unit time, or may include a time before and after the specific unit time.

[0075] Under such a premise, the power management apparatus 200 may execute specific control so that the power demand of the target facility does not exceed a second threshold during a time other than the specific unit time of the control target time. The second threshold may be determined based on the power demand of a predetermined area during the specific unit time to which the specific control is applied. The specific control executed during a time other than the specific unit time of the control target time may be referred to as a second specific control.

[0076] According to this configuration, the power management device 200 can suppress an increase in power demand associated with the application of specific control before and after the specific unit time when the specific control is applied, thereby suppressing a situation in which the unit time during which the peak of power demand in a specified area occurs shifts to a unit time before or after the specific unit time.

[0077] [Change Example 4] Modification 4 of the embodiment will be described below. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0078] Although not specifically mentioned in the above-described embodiment, the specific control may include control for ensuring the discharge power of the target power storage device in the specific unit time. That is, when the specific unit time is specified, the power management device 200 may assume the discharge control of the target power storage device in the specific unit time. The power management device 200 controls the charging or discharging of the target power storage device before the start of the specific unit time so that the remaining amount of stored power of the target power storage device becomes a desired amount at the start point of the specific unit time. For example, the power management device 200 may increase the charging power of the target power storage device or suppress the discharging power of the target power storage device before the start of the specific unit time.

[0079] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the above-mentioned embodiment, the description and drawings forming a part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0080] In the above disclosure, the specific control has been described as including discharge control of the target power storage device (power storage device 320) installed in the target facility. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. The specific control may include control to increase the output of the target distributed power source installed in the target facility. The target distributed power source may include the fuel cell device 330. The target distributed power source may include an electric vehicle that may be installed (connected) in the target facility, and a fuel cell vehicle that may be installed (connected) in the target facility. The target distributed power source may include a biomass power generation device, a tidal power generation device, a wind power generation device, and a private power generator installed in the target facility. In such a case, the specific control may include control to ensure a room for increasing the output power of the target distributed power source in a specific unit time. The room for increasing the output power of the target distributed power source may be considered to be a difference with respect to the rated output power of the target distributed power source. For example, the power management device 200 may control the output power of the target distributed power source to be a first power smaller than the rated output power before the start of the specific unit time, and control the output power of the target distributed power source to be a second power larger than the first power in the specific unit time.

[0081] In the above disclosure, the specific control has been described as including discharge control of the target power storage device (power storage device 320) installed in the target facility. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. The specific control may include control to suppress power consumption of the load device 340 installed in the target facility.

[0082] In the above disclosure, the power management apparatus 200 receives power demand forecast information for a predetermined area from the third-party server 400. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. For example, when the power management apparatus 200 is managed by the business operator A, the power demand forecast information for facilities managed by business operators other than the business operator A (e.g., business operators B and C) may be obtained from the business operators other than the business operator A.

[0083] In the above disclosure, the power management device 200 receives power demand record information for a specific area from the third-party server 400. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. For example, when the power management device 200 is managed by the business operator A, power demand record information for facilities managed by businesses other than the business operator A (e.g., business operators B and C) may be obtained from the businesses other than the business operator A.

[0084] Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, when power management apparatus 200 is managed by business operator A, business operators other than business operator A (e.g., business operators B and C) may execute the above-mentioned specific control. In such a case, power management apparatus 200 managed by business operator A may estimate a predicted power demand for each unit time on the assumption that the other business operator will execute the specific control, and may specify a specific unit time based on the estimated predicted power demand.

[0085] Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, the power demand of each facility 300 may be individually controlled so that the power demand for a certain period of time (e.g., 30 minutes) does not exceed the target power. Such control may be referred to as individual peak cut control of each facility 300. In such a case, the specific control for suppressing the peak of power demand in a predetermined area may be considered to be a control different from the individual peak cut control of each facility 300. Assuming that individual peak cut control of each facility 300 is executed, the power management device 200 may estimate a predicted power demand for each unit time, and specify a specific unit time based on the estimated predicted power demand.

[0086] Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, power management apparatus 200 may receive power demand forecast information for a predetermined area that is updated in a first cycle (e.g., half a day, one day, one week, one month, one year) from third-party server 400. Power management apparatus 200 may receive power demand actual information for a predetermined area that is updated in a second cycle (e.g., one minute, 30 minutes, one hour) from third-party server 400. The second cycle may be shorter than the first cycle.

[0087] Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, the above disclosure may contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include Goal 7 (Affordable and clean energy), Goal 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), Goal 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), and Goal 13 (Climate action). [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 100...power management system, 110...power system, 120...network, 200...power management device, 210...management section, 220...communication section, 230...control section, 300...facility, 310...solar cell device, 320...power storage device, 330...fuel cell device, 340...load device, 360...local control device, 390...measuring device, 400...third-party server

Claims

1. A management department that manages one or more target facilities; an acquisition unit that acquires a predicted power demand for a predetermined area in which the target facility and facilities other than the target facility are present, for an observation period including two or more unit times; an identification unit that identifies a specific unit time in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized from the two or more unit times; a control unit that executes specific control to suppress power demand at the target facility during the specific unit time.

2. The management unit manages actual power demand in the specified area for each unit time during the observation period, The power management device according to claim 1 , wherein the specifying unit specifies, as the specific unit time, a unit time during which the predicted power demand is expected to be greater than the actual power demand.

3. The power management device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to execute the specific control during the observation period without executing the specific control during periods other than the observation period.

4. The power management device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit executes the specific control so that the power demand of the target facility does not fall below a first threshold during the specific unit time.

5. The control unit executes the specific control during a control target time that includes the specific unit time, 5. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the specific control so that the demand for power of the target facility does not exceed a second threshold during times other than the specific unit time of the control target time.

6. The power management device according to claim 1 , wherein the specific control includes control to increase the output power of a target distributed power source installed in the target facility, without including control of distributed power sources installed other than the target facility.

7. The power management apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the specific control includes control for ensuring a margin for increasing the output power of the target distributed power source in the specific unit time.

8. A management department that manages one or more target facilities; an acquisition unit that acquires a predicted power demand for a predetermined area in which the target facility and facilities other than the target facility are present, for an observation period including two or more unit times; an identification unit that identifies a specific unit time in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized from the two or more unit times; a control unit that executes specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facility during the specific unit time.

9. Managing one or more target facilities; acquiring a predicted power demand for a predetermined area in which the target facility and facilities other than the target facility are present for an observation period including two or more unit times; Identifying a specific unit time in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized from among the two or more unit times; and executing a specific control for suppressing the power demand of the target facility during the specific unit time.

Images