Gateway device, control method, and control program

Abstract

To appropriately control energy resources.SOLUTION: A gateway device 1 that operates at a location where one or more energy resources are installed, comprises: a prediction unit 11 that predicts a demand for energy in the location; a scheduling unit 12 that schedules control of energy resources on the basis of the prediction made by the prediction unit 11; and a control unit 15 that performs control of the energy resources on the basis of the scheduling by the scheduling unit 12. The prediction unit 11 may further perform prediction of supply of energy in the location. The gateway device 1 may be installed outdoors. The control of energy resources may be control related to self-consumption of electric power in the location.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a gateway device, a control method, and a control program for controlling energy resources. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a control device and a control method for an energy system having an energy generating device, an energy storage device, and an energy load. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5215822 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, when controlling energy resources installed at each base, first, a gateway device at each base transmits information on the energy resources at that base to the cloud. Next, the cloud calculates a predicted value of power demand at each base, creates a control schedule for each energy resource installed at each base, and transmits the created control schedule to each gateway device. Next, the gateway device controls the energy resources at its own base according to the received control schedule.

[0005] However, for example, if a communication failure occurs between the cloud and the gateway device, the control schedule does not reach the gateway device from the cloud, and the energy resources cannot be controlled appropriately. Therefore, it is desirable to control the energy resources appropriately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A gateway device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a gateway device that operates at a base where one or more energy resources are installed, and includes a prediction unit that predicts energy demand within the base, a planning unit that schedules control of the energy resources based on the prediction, and a control unit that performs the control based on the scheduling. In this aspect, the gateway device schedules the control of the energy resources, and controls the energy resources based on the scheduling. This makes it possible to appropriately control the energy resources even if a communication failure occurs between a cloud and the gateway device, for example.

[0007] In the gateway device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the prediction unit may further predict the supply of energy within the base. In this aspect, more accurate scheduling of the control of energy resources can be performed based on the prediction of the supply of energy within the base. This makes it possible to more appropriately control the energy resources.

[0008] In addition, the gateway device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may further include a calculation unit that calculates a controllable amount, which is an amount of energy that can be controlled by the energy resource, and a communication unit that receives an adjustment amount, which is an amount of energy to be adjusted by the energy resource, from the cloud side in response to transmitting the controllable amount to the cloud side, the adjustment amount being calculated based on the controllable amount, and the control unit may perform the control further based on the adjustment amount. In such an aspect, for example, efficient adjustment power control is possible for each base in the grid.

[0009] The gateway device according to an aspect of the present disclosure may be installed outdoors. In this aspect, since there is no need to enter the house during maintenance, work can be done even when the resident is not present, the resident does not need to disconnect the Internet line or turn off the power, and communication is stabilized because the gateway device is installed outdoors in the same place as the controlled devices.

[0010] In the gateway device according to the aspect of the present disclosure, the control may be control regarding self-consumption of power within the base. In such an aspect, control regarding self-consumption of power within the base can be performed.

[0011] A control method according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a control method executed by a gateway device operating at a base where one or more energy resources are installed, and includes a prediction step of predicting energy demand in the base, a planning step of scheduling control of the energy resources based on the prediction, and a control step of performing the control based on the scheduling. In this aspect, the gateway device schedules the control of the energy resources, and controls the energy resources based on the scheduling. This makes it possible to appropriately control the energy resources even if a communication failure occurs between a cloud and the gateway device, for example.

[0012] A control program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a gateway device operating at a base where one or more energy resources are installed to function as a prediction unit that predicts energy demand within the base, a planning unit that schedules control of the energy resources based on the prediction, and a control unit that performs the control based on the scheduling. In this aspect, the gateway device schedules the control of the energy resources, and controls the energy resources based on the scheduling. This makes it possible to appropriately control the energy resources even if a communication failure occurs between a cloud and the gateway device, for example. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, energy resources can be appropriately controlled. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a control system including a gateway device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a gateway device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer used in the gateway device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process executed by the gateway device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a conventional system. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an example of a control system including a gateway device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating problem 1-1 of the conventional system. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating problem 1-2 of the conventional system. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an effect 1-1 of an example of a control system including a gateway device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an effect 1-2 of an example of a control system including a gateway device according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating problem 2 of the conventional system. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an effect 2 of the example of the control system including the gateway device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating problem 3-1 of the conventional system. [Figure 14] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating problem 3-2 of the conventional system. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an effect 3 of the example of the control system including the gateway device according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control program according to the embodiment together with a storage medium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure in the following description are specific examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified to limit the present invention.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a control system 3 including a gateway device (gateway device 1) according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the control system 3 includes a gateway device 1a, a gateway device 1b, a gateway device 1c, ... (collectively referred to as "gateway device 1" as appropriate), and a cloud 2. The gateway device 1 and the cloud 2 are communicatively connected to each other via a network such as the Internet, and can transmit and receive information to and from each other.

[0017] The gateway device 1 is a computer device that functions as a gateway and operates at a base where one or more energy resources are installed. The gateway device 1 and each energy resource installed at the base where the gateway device 1 operates are connected to each other via a network such as the Internet, and can transmit and receive information to and from each other.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the gateway device 1a operates at a base where energy resources such as PV (Photovoltaic, solar power generation), EV (Electric Vehicle, electric vehicle), and storage batteries are installed. Also, for example, the gateway device 1b operates at a base where energy resources such as PV and storage batteries are installed. Also, for example, the gateway device 1c operates at a base where multiple EVs, which are energy resources, are installed. Note that each gateway device 1 is connected to a meter for communication with each other via a network such as the Internet, and the gateway device 1 can acquire information from the meter as appropriate.

[0019] The gateway device 1 may be installed outdoors.

[0020] Conventional gateway devices available on the market cannot be equipped with power demand prediction and power generation prediction functions using AI (Artificial Intelligence) that processes large amounts of data due to insufficient hardware specifications. The gateway device 1 may be an outdoor installation type gateway device or an outdoor type IoT (Internet of Things) gateway device for outdoor installation, and may be equipped with a lightweight AI. The gateway device 1 may be compatible with the waterproof and dustproof protection class IP (Ingress Protection) 66. The gateway device 1 may be an IoT gateway device that has lightning protection measures implemented using a special power source.

[0021] Indoor installation poses the following challenges. For example, one challenge is that permission from the resident is required to enter the building during maintenance (work cannot be done when the resident is not there). In this case, schedule management is difficult, and rescheduling and other such actions increase the costs for the contractor. Another challenge is that the resident's internet line may suddenly become unusable. In this case, the number of support responses increases. Another challenge is that the power may be disconnected without the resident's knowledge. In this case, the number of support responses increases. Another challenge is that communication is unstable because the equipment to be controlled is outdoors. In this case, installation considerations become more complicated.

[0022] In order to solve the above problems, the gateway device 1 may be an IoT gateway device specialized for outdoor installation. By enabling outdoor installation, there is no need to enter the house for maintenance, so work can be done even when the person is not at home. This makes schedule management easier and reduces the cost of contractors. Also, residents will no longer have to disconnect the Internet line or turn off the power. This reduces support costs. Also, because it is installed outdoors like the devices to be controlled, communication is stabilized. This makes installation design easier.

[0023] The cloud 2 is a collection of shared, configurable computing resources (such as networks, servers, storage, applications, and services). The gateway device 1 can receive various services from the cloud 2 via a network.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the gateway device 1. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the gateway device 1 (gateway device) includes a storage unit 10, a prediction unit 11 (prediction unit), a schedule unit 12 (scheduling unit), a calculation unit 13 (calculation unit), a communication unit 14 (communication unit), and a control unit 15 (control unit).

[0025] Each functional block of the gateway device 1 is assumed to function within the gateway device 1, but is not limited to this. For example, some of the functional blocks of the gateway device 1 may function in a computer device different from the gateway device 1 and connected to the gateway device 1 through a network while appropriately transmitting and receiving information with the gateway device 1. Also, some of the functional blocks of the gateway device 1 may be omitted, multiple functional blocks may be integrated into one functional block, or one functional block may be divided into multiple functional blocks.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer used in the gateway device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the gateway device 1 is physically configured as a computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100, which is a central processing unit (processor), a RAM (Random access memory) 101 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, which are main storage devices, an input / output device 103 such as a keyboard, a microphone, and a display, a communication module 104, which is a data transmission / reception device, and an auxiliary storage device 105 such as a hard disk and an SSD (Solid State Drive). Each of the CPU 100, the RAM 101, the ROM 102, the input / output device 103, the communication module 104, and the auxiliary storage device 105 may be configured with a plurality of devices. The functions of each functional block shown in FIG. 2 are realized by reading predetermined computer software onto hardware such as the CPU 100 and the RAM 101 shown in FIG. 3, operating the input / output device 103 and the communication module 104 under the control of the CPU 100, and reading and writing data in the RAM 101 and the auxiliary storage device 105.

[0027] Hereinafter, each function of the gateway device 1 shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

[0028] The storage unit 10 stores any information used or output in the processing of the gateway device 1. The storage unit 10 may store information calculated by each function of the gateway device 1. The information stored by the storage unit 10 may be referred to by each function of the gateway device 1 as appropriate.

[0029] The prediction unit 11 predicts the demand for energy within the base. The prediction unit 11 may further predict the supply of energy within the base. The prediction of the demand or supply by the prediction unit 11 is a prediction based on existing technology.

[0030] The scheduling unit 12 schedules the control of energy resources (in the embodiment, the control of energy resources is simply referred to as "control") based on the prediction by the prediction unit 11. The scheduling by the scheduling unit 12 is scheduling based on existing technology. The control of energy resources may be control related to self-consumption of power within the base.

[0031] The calculation unit 13 calculates a controllable amount, which is an amount of energy that can be controlled by the energy resource. The calculation of the controllable amount by the calculation unit 13 is a calculation using existing technology.

[0032] In response to transmitting the controllable amount to the cloud 2 side, the communication unit 14 receives from the cloud 2 side an adjustment amount, which is an amount of energy to be adjusted by the energy resource, calculated (on the cloud 2 side) based on the controllable amount. The calculation of the adjustment amount on the cloud 2 side is a calculation by existing technology.

[0033] The control unit 15 performs control based on the scheduling by the scheduling unit 12. The control unit 15 may perform control further based on the adjustment amount received by the communication unit 14. The control based on the scheduling by the control unit 15 is control according to existing technology.

[0034] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process (control method) executed by the gateway device 1 (operating at a base where one or more energy resources are installed). First, the prediction unit 11 predicts the energy demand in the base (step S1, prediction step). Next, the planning unit 12 schedules the control of the energy resources based on the prediction in step S1 (step S2, planning step). Next, the control unit 15 controls the energy resources based on the scheduling in step S2 (step S3, control step).

[0035] Hereinafter, details of the operation of each function of the gateway device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0036] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of a conventional system. In the conventional configuration, the following operations are performed to control the self-consumption of electric power at each base. (1) The gateway device sends information about the energy resources installed at each site (measurement values, resource information, etc.) to the cloud. (2) The cloud calculates forecasts of each site's electricity demand, power generation, etc. (3) A control schedule (energy resource control schedule) for each energy resource installed at each site is created and transmitted to the gateway device.

[0037] The above conventional configuration has the following problems. (1) When a communication failure occurs, the control schedule and other information does not reach the gateway device from the cloud, causing the control to stop. (2) Control schedules for energy resources linked to gateway devices for the number of base stations are created based on past measurement data, power demand forecasts, solar power generation forecasts, weather forecast information, etc., which makes calculations in the cloud complex. (3) Coordination of power system stabilization cannot be implemented.

[0038] In order to solve the above problems, the gateway device 1 may be equipped with an AI-based power demand prediction (prediction unit 11), a power generation prediction function (prediction unit 11), and an automatic scheduling function (planning unit 12). In addition, by being equipped with a possible amount calculation function (calculation unit 13) and an adjustment amount instruction receiving function from the cloud 2 (communication unit 14), adjustment power control for stabilizing the power system may be made possible.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an overview of an example of a control system 3 including a gateway device 1. The gateway device 1 shown in FIG. 6 performs AI prediction (prediction unit 11) and automatic control (control unit 15). Specific examples of automatic control include power generation prediction and demand prediction for each consumer, automatic control scheduling, and calculation of controllable amounts. The gateway device 1 (communication unit 14) transmits demand forecast values, controllable amounts, and the like to the cloud 2, and receives weather data, adjustment amounts, and the like from the cloud 2 in response. In this way, communication is generalized or simplified compared to conventional configurations.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing problem 1-1 of the conventional system. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing control stop when communication is interrupted. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing problem 1-2 of the conventional system. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the load when communication is restored after interruption. In the conventional configuration, the following problems occurred when communication between the cloud and the gateway device was interrupted. (1) Measurement value information (weight values, resource information, etc.) acquired by the gateway device is not sent to the cloud, and demand forecast values, power generation forecast values, etc. are not calculated (computed) (computation is not possible). (2) A control schedule (energy resource control schedule) created in the cloud does not reach the gateway device, causing the control of energy resources to stop (control stop). (3) When communications are restored, retransmission of measurement value information, schedule control information, and other information that was transmitted during the period of communications outage (resending of measurement value information and control schedules) occurs. In the case of a large-scale communications failure, if there are many base stations, communications congestion occurs and the processing load increases rapidly (load increase).

[0041] In order to solve the above problems, by implementing a lightweight AI on the gateway device 1, a demand forecasting function (prediction unit 11) and an automatic scheduling function (planning unit 12) can be installed, and the following effects can be obtained even when a communication failure occurs. (1) The gateway device 1 alone can perform optimal control of self-consumption. (2) When communication is restored, there is no need to immediately resend measurement information, control schedules, etc., reducing the load on Cloud 2.

[0042] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing effect 1-1 of an example of a control system 3 including a gateway device 1. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing automatic control during communication interruption. The gateway device 1 shown in Fig. 9 performs demand prediction and self-consumption optimization control. As a result, even during communication failure between the cloud 2 and the gateway device 1, the gateway device 1 can perform self-consumption control by itself.

[0043] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing effect 1-2 of an example of a control system 3 including a gateway device 1. Fig. 10 shows the operation when communication is restored after a communication interruption. As shown in Fig. 10, when communication is restored, the gateway device 1 transmits a demand forecast, controllable amounts, and the like to the cloud 2, and receives weather data, adjustment amounts, and the like from the cloud 2 in response. In other words, this is the same communication as in normal times. Also, retransmission processing by the cloud 2 is not required.

[0044] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing problem 2 of the conventional system. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the complication of calculation processing. In the conventional configuration, the demand forecast, power generation forecast, and energy resource control schedule for all bases are calculated (calculated) in the cloud (or the control schedule is calculated based on weather information, demand forecast, power generation forecast, and resource information), which posed the following problems. (1) The number of required data points and output schedule points is large, which complicates calculations in the cloud and increases the amount of communication and processing (increased communication volume). (2) Cloud servers will need to be scaled up (server specifications improved) in accordance with the (increase in) number of bases and the (increase in) number of gateway devices.

[0045] In order to solve the above problems, a lightweight AI is implemented on the gateway device 1 to provide a demand forecasting function (prediction unit 11) and an automatic scheduling function (planning unit 12), which makes it possible to distribute the calculation processing in the cloud 2 to the gateway device 1, thereby obtaining the following effects. (1) Calculation processing on the cloud 2 side will be unnecessary, making it possible to simplify and generalize cloud functions. (2) There is no need to scale up Cloud 2 servers according to the number of locations. (3) The amount of communication traffic can be reduced.

[0046] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing effect 2 of an example of a control system 3 including a gateway device 1. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing distribution of calculation processing. As shown in Fig. 12, the gateway device 1 performs demand forecasting and self-consumption optimum control. The gateway device 1 transmits demand forecast values, controllable amounts, and the like to the cloud 2 (reducing communication volume), and receives weather data and adjustment amounts from the cloud 2 in response. This makes it possible to reduce the server load in the cloud 2 and distribute calculation processing for each base (gateway device 1).

[0047] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing problem 3-1 of the conventional system. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the calculation load due to possible amount calculation. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing problem 3-2 of the conventional system. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing control delay. In the conventional configuration, there is a problem that adjustment capability control for stabilizing the power system cannot be sufficiently performed for the following reasons. (1) It is necessary to calculate the controllable amount and adjustment amount for each energy resource at each location, which increases the calculation load on the server (increased load), requiring high specifications for the cloud server environment. (2) In adjusting capacity control, it is necessary to change the control instruction values ​​for each resource (PV capacity, EV capacity, battery capacity, etc.) in response to the constantly changing demand record (various resource information, etc.). However, if the control instruction values ​​are created on the cloud side, delays in control will occur and sufficient effect will not be obtained.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 14, the gateway device transmits results based on demand measurement by a meter to the cloud, receives the results of calculations performed by the cloud in response (feedback), and controls energy resources based on the received results.

[0049] In order to solve the above problem, an adjustment available amount notification function (communication unit 14) and an adjustment amount receiving function (communication unit 14) from the cloud 2 are implemented in the gateway device 1, thereby enabling efficient adjustment power control at each base in the system.

[0050] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing effect 3 of an example of a control system 3 including a gateway device 1. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing adjustment power control. As shown in FIG. 15, the gateway device 1 calculates a controllable amount and performs automatic control. The gateway device 1 transmits the controllable amount to the cloud 2, and receives an adjustment amount from the cloud 2 in response. The cloud 2 performs calculation based on the controllable amount received from the gateway device 1 and outputs the adjustment amount (reduced processing load). Control for each base is performed by the gateway device 1. The gateway device 1 performs adjustment power control on energy resources (within the base of the gateway device 1) while receiving feedback control from a meter meter.

[0051] Next, a description will be given of a control program 300 for causing a computer to execute a series of processes by the gateway device 1. As shown in Fig. 16, the control program 300 is inserted into a computer and accessed, or is stored in a program storage area 201 formed in a storage medium 200 included in the computer. More specifically, the control program 300 is stored in the program storage area 201 formed in the storage medium 200 included in the gateway device 1.

[0052] The control program 300 includes a prediction module 301, a schedule module 302, a calculation module 303, a communication module 304, and a control module 305. Functions realized by executing the prediction module 301, the schedule module 302, the calculation module 303, the communication module 304, and the control module 305 are similar to the functions of the prediction unit 11, the schedule unit 12, the calculation unit 13, the communication unit 14, and the control unit 15 of the gateway device 1 described above, respectively.

[0053] The control program 300 is a program for causing a gateway device 1 (one or more CPUs) operating at a base where one or more energy resources are installed to function as a prediction unit 11 that predicts energy demand within the base, a planning unit 12 that schedules the control of the energy resources based on the prediction by the prediction unit 11, and a control unit 15 that controls the energy resources based on the scheduling by the planning unit 12.

[0054] The control program 300 may be configured such that a part or the whole of it is transmitted via a transmission medium such as a communication line, and is received and stored (including installed) by another device. Also, each module of the control program 300 may be installed not in one computer, but in one of multiple computers. In that case, the series of processes of the control program 300 described above are performed by a computer system consisting of the multiple computers.

[0055] Next, the effects of the gateway device 1 will be described.

[0056] According to the gateway device 1, the gateway device 1 operates at a base where one or more energy resources are installed, and includes a prediction unit 11 that predicts energy demand within the base, a scheduler 12 that schedules the control of the energy resources based on the prediction by the prediction unit 11, and a control unit 15 that controls the energy resources based on the scheduling by the scheduler 12. In such a gateway device 1, the gateway device 1 schedules the control of the energy resources, and controls the energy resources based on the scheduling. As a result, even if a communication failure occurs between the cloud 2 and the gateway device 1, for example, the energy resources can be appropriately controlled.

[0057] Furthermore, in the gateway device 1, the prediction unit 11 may further predict the supply of energy within the base. In such a gateway device 1, more accurate scheduling of the control of energy resources can be performed based on the prediction of the supply of energy within the base. This makes it possible to control the energy resources more appropriately.

[0058] The gateway device 1 further includes a calculation unit 13 that calculates a controllable amount, which is an amount of energy that can be controlled by the energy resource, and a communication unit 14 that receives from the cloud 2 side an adjustment amount, which is an amount of energy to be adjusted by the energy resource and calculated based on the controllable amount, in response to transmitting the controllable amount calculated by the calculation unit 13 to the cloud 2 side, and the control unit 15 may control the energy resource further based on the adjustment amount received by the communication unit 14. In such a gateway device 1, for example, efficient adjustment power control is possible for each base in the grid.

[0059] The gateway device 1 may be installed outdoors. In such a gateway device 1, maintenance work can be performed even when no one is present because there is no need to enter the house, the resident does not have to disconnect the Internet line or turn off the power, and communication is stabilized because the gateway device 1 is installed outdoors like the controlled devices.

[0060] Furthermore, in the gateway device 1, the control of energy resources may be control related to the self-consumption of electric power within the base. In such a gateway device 1, control related to the self-consumption of electric power within the base can be performed.

[0061] The gateway device 1 is equipped with a demand forecasting function and an automatic scheduling function implemented by a lightweight AI that operates within the edge. The gateway device 1 is equipped with a power demand forecasting and automatic scheduling function. The gateway device 1 is applicable as an outdoor IoT gateway. The gateway device 1 can automatically update a forecasting model within the edge. The gateway device 1 is a gateway device for managing the self-consumption of power at each base and grasping the adjustment power (surplus power, shortage power, and controllable power amount) of a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) and the like.

[0062] The conventional problems are as follows: (1) In the event of a communication failure, instructions do not reach the GW (Gateway), and control is not possible. (2) Since instructions are created for the resources under the gateway device at each site based on past values ​​and each forecast value, calculations in the cloud become more complex. (3) Coordination of power system stabilization cannot be implemented.

[0063] According to the gateway device 1, the following becomes possible through demand forecasting and automatic control using lightweight AI at the GW. (1) The resources of each location can be controlled at each location. (2) Calculations in cloud 2 are distributed to gateway device 1. (3) It becomes possible to make adjustments at each base in the system.

[0064] The configuration of the conventional technology is as follows. (1) The gateway device sends information about the energy resources installed at each site to the cloud. (2) The cloud calculates the predicted electricity demand for each location. (3) A control schedule is created for each energy resource installed at each site, and instructions are sent to the gateway device.

[0065] The operation of the prior art is as follows. (1) Create a control schedule for the cloud to achieve optimal self-consumption. (2) The gateway device controls energy resources according to a control schedule instructed by the cloud.

[0066] The problems with the conventional technology are as follows. (1) When a communication failure occurs, the control schedule does not reach the gateway device from the cloud, and control is not possible. (2) Control schedules for energy resources linked to gateway devices for each base station were created based on past data, power demand forecasts, solar power generation forecasts, weather forecast information, etc., which made calculations in the cloud complex. (3) Coordination of power system stabilization cannot be implemented.

[0067] The gateway device 1 may have the following configuration. (1) The gateway device 1 is equipped with a demand forecasting function (prediction unit 11) and an automatic scheduling function (planning unit 12) implemented with lightweight AI based on the following references 1 and 2, making it possible to control the energy resources of each location at each location. [Reference 1] Error Propagation Method for Recurrent Neural Networks Using the Least Squares Method, Journal of the Institute of Systems, Control and Information Engineers, Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 225-233 (1999). [Reference 2] Identification of nonlinear systems using hierarchical neural networks and noise models, Kinki University Faculty of Science and Engineering Research Report, Vol. 34, pp. 45-51 (1998). (2) By equipping the gateway device 1 with a lightweight AI demand forecasting function (forecasting unit 11) and an automatic scheduling function (planning unit 12), calculations in the cloud 2 are distributed to the gateway device 1. (3) By implementing an adjustment possible amount notification function (communication unit 14) and an adjustment amount receiving function (communication unit 14) in the gateway device 1, adjustment for each point in the system from the cloud 2 becomes possible.

[0068] The gateway device 1 may perform the following operations. (1) Demand forecasting using lightweight AI in the gateway device 1 (prediction unit 11) and automatic scheduling (planning unit 12) to provide optimal self-consumption control instructions for energy resources. (2) Calculation (calculation unit 13) and notification (communication unit 14) of the adjustable amount based on the demand forecast (prediction unit 11) and power generation forecast (prediction unit 11) in the gateway device 1.

[0069] The gateway device 1 provides the following advantages, for example. (1) Even when a communications failure occurs, each location can independently control self-consumption in an optimal manner. (2) Reducing the load on the Cloud 2 system and reducing operating costs.

[0070] The gateway device 1 of the present disclosure may have the following configuration.

[0071] [1] A gateway device that operates at a site where one or more energy resources are installed, A prediction unit that predicts energy demand within the base; a scheduler for scheduling control of the energy resource based on the prediction; A control unit that performs the control based on the scheduling; A gateway device comprising:

[0072] [2] The prediction unit further predicts the supply of energy within the base. The gateway device according to [1].

[0073] [3] A calculation unit that calculates a controllable amount, which is an amount of energy that can be controlled by the energy resource; a communication unit that receives, in response to transmitting the controllable amount to a cloud side, an adjustment amount from the cloud side, the adjustment amount being an amount of energy to be adjusted by the energy resource, the adjustment amount being calculated based on the controllable amount; Further equipped with The control unit performs the control further based on the adjustment amount. A gateway device according to [1] or [2].

[0074] [4] The gateway device is installed outdoors. The gateway device according to any one of [1] to [3].

[0075] [5] The control is control regarding self-consumption of electric power within the base. The gateway device according to any one of [1] to [4]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c...gateway device, 2...cloud, 3...control system, 10...storage unit, 11...prediction unit, 12...scheduling unit, 13...calculation unit, 14...communication unit, 15...control unit, 100...CPU, 101...RAM, 102...ROM, 103...input / output device, 104...communication module, 105...auxiliary storage device, 200...storage medium, 201...program storage area, 300...control program, 301...prediction module, 302...scheduling module, 303...calculation module, 304...communication module, 305...control module.

Claims

1. A gateway device that operates at a site where one or more energy resources are installed, A prediction unit that predicts energy demand within the base; a scheduler for scheduling control of the energy resource based on the prediction; A control unit that performs the control based on the scheduling; A gateway device comprising:

2. The prediction unit further predicts the supply of energy within the base. The gateway device according to claim 1 .

3. A calculation unit that calculates a controllable amount, which is an amount of energy that can be controlled by the energy resource; a communication unit that receives, in response to transmitting the controllable amount to a cloud side, an adjustment amount from the cloud side, the adjustment amount being an amount of energy to be adjusted by the energy resource, the adjustment amount being calculated based on the controllable amount; Further equipped with The control unit performs the control further based on the adjustment amount. The gateway device according to claim 1 .

4. The gateway device is installed outdoors. The gateway device according to claim 1 .

5. The control is control regarding self-consumption of electric power within the base. The gateway device according to claim 1 .

6. A control method executed by a gateway device operating at a site where one or more energy resources are installed, comprising: A prediction step of predicting energy demand within the base; scheduling control of said energy resources based on said prediction; a control step of performing the control based on the scheduling; A control method comprising:

7. A gateway device that operates at a site where one or more energy resources are installed, A prediction unit that predicts energy demand within the base; a scheduler for scheduling control of the energy resources based on the prediction; a control unit that performs the control based on the scheduling; A control program that functions as a

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