Power supply control device, power supply control method and program

Abstract

To provide a power supply control device, a power supply control method, and a program that enable a user to ultimately increase the economic benefits they enjoy.SOLUTION: A power supply control device comprises a control unit that controls a distributed power source connected to an electric power system and a transmission unit that transmits a control command to control the distributed power sources. The control unit formulates an operation plan for the distributed power sources so as to optimize a specific purpose function, and the specific purpose function is represented by a first term concerning a first value that represents a value related to the power that fluctuates due to the control of the distributed power sources and a second term concerning a second value that represents the asset value of the distributed power sources.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply control device, a power supply control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a technology (e.g., VPP (Virtual Power Plant)) that uses a power storage device as a distributed power source to maintain the power supply and demand balance in a power grid has become known. In a VPP, the power storage device is controlled by a power management device that manages two or more facilities having the power storage device.

[0003] Furthermore, in formulating a charge / discharge plan for a power storage device, a technique has been proposed for suppressing deterioration of the power storage device while reducing costs (such as charges for purchased electricity) that are reduced by controlling the charge / discharge of the power storage device (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-247726 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Against the background described above, the inventors have found, through careful consideration, that in cases where the economic benefits associated with costs reduced by charge / discharge control of the energy storage device (such as charges for purchased electricity) outweigh the economic disadvantages associated with deterioration of the energy storage device, simply considering suppression of deterioration of the energy storage device is insufficient.

[0006] For example, there may be cases where reducing the price of purchased electricity even at the expense of deterioration of the power storage device will ultimately result in a greater economic benefit to the user.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a power supply control device, a power supply control method, and a program that ultimately enable an increase in the economic benefits enjoyed by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An aspect of the disclosure is a power supply control device comprising a control unit that controls a distributed power source installed in a facility connected to a power grid, and a transmission unit that transmits a control command to control the distributed power source, wherein the control unit formulates an operation plan for the distributed power source so as to optimize a specific objective function, the specific objective function being expressed by a first term related to a first value that represents a value related to power that fluctuates due to control of the distributed power source, and a second term related to a second value that represents the asset value of the distributed power source.

[0009] An aspect of the disclosure is a power source control method comprising step A of controlling a distributed power source installed in a facility connected to a power grid, and step B of transmitting a control command to control the distributed power source, wherein step A includes a step of formulating an operation plan for the distributed power source so as to optimize a specific objective function, the specific objective function being expressed by a first term relating to a first value representing a value related to power that fluctuates due to control of the distributed power source, and a second term relating to a second value representing the asset value of the distributed power source.

[0010] One aspect of the disclosure is a program that causes a computer to execute step A of controlling a distributed power source installed in a facility connected to a power grid and step B of transmitting a control command to control the distributed power source, wherein step A includes a step of formulating an operation plan for the distributed power source so as to optimize a specific objective function, the specific objective function being represented by a first term related to a first value that represents a value related to power that fluctuates due to control of the distributed power source and a second term related to a second value that represents the asset value of the distributed power source. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a power supply control device, a power supply control method, and a program that can ultimately increase the economic benefits enjoyed by the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a power supply control system 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a facility 100 according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a VPP server 200 according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a retail server 300 according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the formulation of a charge and discharge plan according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the formulation of a charge and discharge plan according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the formulation of a charge and discharge plan according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a power supply control method according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] 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.

[0014] [Embodiment] (Power supply control system) A power supply control system according to an embodiment will be described below.

[0015] 1, the power supply control system 1 includes a facility 100. The power supply control system 1 includes a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) server 200 and a retail server 300.

[0016] Here, the facility 100, the VPP server 200, and the retail server 300 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network 11. The network 11 may include the Internet, a dedicated line such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN), or a mobile communication network.

[0017] The facility 100 is connected to the power system 12, and may receive power from the power system 12 or may supply power to the power system 12. Power from the power system 12 to the facility 100 may be referred to as forward flow power, demanded power, purchased power, etc. Power from the facility 100 to the power system 12 may be referred to as reverse flow power, sold power, etc. In FIG. 1, facilities 100A to 100C are illustrated as examples of the facility 100.

[0018] Although not particularly limited, the facility 100 may be a facility such as a residence, a facility such as a store, or a facility such as an office. The facility 100 may be an apartment building including two or more residences. The facility 100 may be a complex including at least two or more of the following facilities: a residence, a store, and an office. Details of the facility 100 will be described later (see FIG. 2).

[0019] The VPP server 200 is a server managed by a business operator (e.g., a VPP business operator) that controls distributed power sources (e.g., a power storage device 120 described later) installed in the facility 100. The VPP server 200 may be read as the VPP business operator. Details of the VPP server 200 will be described later (see FIG. 3).

[0020] In the embodiment, the VPP server 200 constitutes a power supply control device that controls the distributed power supplies installed in the facility 100.

[0021] The retail server 300 is a server managed by a business entity (e.g., a retail electricity business entity) that sells electricity to the facility 100. The retail electricity business entity may procure electricity from an electricity market or a power generation entity and sell the procured electricity to the facility 100. The retail server 300 may be read as a retail electricity business entity. The retail server 300 may include an aggregator that adjusts the balance of electricity supply and demand in the power grid 12. Details of the retail server 300 will be described later (see FIG. 4).

[0022] Although not particularly limited, the electricity market may be a market in which electricity is traded for a target period (e.g., one day from 0:00 to 24:00). The electricity market may be a market in which electricity rates are determined for each unit period (e.g., 30 minutes) that constitutes the target period. The electricity market may include a spot market in which trading is closed the day before the target period (e.g., 12:00 the day before the target period). The electricity market may include an advance market in which trading is closed just before (e.g., one hour before) a unit period that constitutes the target period. The electricity market may include a forward market or a forward electricity market in which electricity is traded for a specific future period (e.g., one year, one month, one week).

[0023] In an embodiment, the retail server 300 develops a demand response (DR) plan for stabilizing the power grid 12, and transmits a DR command according to the DR plan to the VPP server 200. The DR command may include a downward DR command that commands a decrease in the power demand of the facility 100, or may include an upward DR command that commands an increase in the power demand of the facility 100.

[0024] The DR command may include information indicating an amount by which the power demand of the facility 100 is controlled (hereinafter, referred to as a DR control amount). The DR control amount may be expressed based on a baseline power. The baseline power may be referred to as a reference value. The baseline power may be an average value of the power demand for a certain period before the transmission of the DR command.

[0025] The DR command may include information indicating a time period for controlling the power demand of the facility 100 (hereinafter, DR control time period). The DR control time period may be set for each unit time period (for example, 30 minutes) included in the target period.

[0026] Here, an incentive may be given to the VPP operator in response to the DR command. The incentive may be a monetary value. The incentive given to the VPP operator may be returned to the facility 100 in response to the DR command. The incentive may be returned according to the amount of power in response to the DR command by the charge / discharge control of the power storage device 120 installed in the facility 100.

[0027] (facility) A facility according to an embodiment will be described below. As shown in Fig. 2, the facility 100 includes a solar cell device 110, a power storage device 120, a fuel cell device 130, a load device 140, and an EMS (Energy Management System) 160. The facility 100 may also include a measuring device 190.

[0028] The solar cell device 110 is a distributed power source that generates power in response to light such as sunlight. For example, the solar cell device 110 is configured with a PCS (Power Conditioning System) and a solar panel. Here, installation may mean that the solar cell device 110 and the power grid 12 are connected.

[0029] The power storage device 120 is a distributed power source that charges and discharges power. For example, the power storage device 120 is configured with a PCS and a power storage cell. Here, the term "installed" may mean that the power storage device 120 and the power grid 12 are connected to each other.

[0030] In the embodiment, the power storage device 120 is an example of a distributed power source controlled by the VPP server 200.

[0031] The fuel cell device 130 is a distributed power source that generates power using fuel. For example, the fuel cell device 130 is composed of a PCS and a fuel cell. Here, "installation" may mean that the fuel cell device 130 and the power system 12 are connected.

[0032] For example, the fuel cell device 130 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).

[0033] The load device 140 is a device that consumes electric power. For example, the load device 140 may include an air conditioner, a heat pump water heater, a lighting device, and the like.

[0034] The EMS 160 manages the power related to the facility 100. The EMS 160 may control the solar cell device 110, the power storage device 120, the fuel cell device 130, and the load devices 140. In the embodiment, the EMS 160 is illustrated as an example of a device that receives a control command from the VPP server 200, but such a device may be referred to as a gateway or simply as a control unit. The control command may be an instruction or command to control a distributed power source (e.g., the power storage device 120). To distinguish the EMS 160 from the VPP server 200, the EMS 160 may be referred to as a Local EMS (LEMS), a Home EMS (HEMS), or a VPP controller.

[0035] The measuring device 190 measures forward flow power (demand power) from the power system 12 to the facility 100. The measuring device 190 may measure reverse flow power from the facility 100 to the power system 12. For example, the measuring device 190 may be a smart meter belonging to a power company. The measuring device 190 may transmit an information element indicating a measurement result (an integrated value of forward flow power or reverse flow power) in a first interval (e.g., 30 minutes) to the EMS 160 at the first interval. The measuring device 190 may transmit an information element indicating a measurement result in a second interval (e.g., 1 minute) shorter than the first interval to the EMS 160.

[0036] (VPP server) The VPP server according to the embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG.

[0037] The communication unit 210 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module conforming to standards such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, 5G, and 6G, or may be a wired communication module conforming to standards such as IEEE802.3.

[0038] First, the communication unit 210 communicates with the retail server 300 (electricity retailer). The communication unit 210 receives a DR command from the retail server 300. The communication unit 210 may receive information (hereinafter, first information) used to formulate a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120. The first information may include an incentive granted according to the DR command, a power purchase price for power purchase for each time period, and the like. The power purchase price is a price per unit amount of power (flow power) supplied to the facility 100, and may include a daytime power purchase price and a late-night power purchase price. The power purchase price may include a power purchase price for each unit time included in the target period.

[0039] Secondly, the communication unit 210 executes communication with the facility 100 (for example, the EMS 160). The communication unit 210 transmits a control command for controlling the power storage device 120 to the facility 100 (for example, the EMS 160 or the power storage device 120). The communication unit 210 may receive information (hereinafter, second information) used to formulate a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120. The second information may include an actual value of the amount of charging power of the power storage device 120, an actual value of the amount of discharging power of the power storage device 120, a predicted value of the amount of charging power (amount of chargeable power) of the power storage device 120, a predicted value of the amount of discharging power of the power storage device 120 (amount of dischargeable power), and a remaining amount of storage (SOC; State of Charge) of the power storage device 120. The amount of charging power may include at least one of the amount of power charged to the power storage device 120, the amount of power being charged to the power storage device 120, and the amount of power to be charged to the power storage device 120. The second information may include a state of health (SOH) of the power storage device 120. The second information may include a retail price of the power storage device 120 and an expected number of days for which the power storage device 120 will be in operation. The second information may include an actual value of the amount of power demand (amount of purchased power) of the facility 100 and a predicted value of the amount of power demand (amount of purchased power) of the facility 100. The amount of power demand is the amount of power (amount of flow power) supplied to the facility 100, and is a value obtained by subtracting the amount of power output from the distributed power sources of the facility 100 from the amount of power consumed by the facility 100.

[0040] Here, the first information may include an incentive given in response to a DR command, a unit price of purchased power for each time period, and the like.

[0041] Although not particularly limited, the second information may include an actual value of the power generated by the solar cell device 110 and a predicted value of the power generated by the solar cell device 110. The second information may include an actual value of the output power of the fuel cell device 130 and a predicted value of the output power of the fuel cell device 130.

[0042] In the embodiment, the communication unit 210 constitutes a transmission unit that transmits a control command for controlling the power storage device 120 .

[0043] The management unit 220 is configured with a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a non-volatile memory.

[0044] For example, the management unit 220 stores information (for example, first information) received from the retail server 300. The management unit 220 stores information (for example, second information) received from the facility 100.

[0045] The control unit 230 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured by a plurality of circuits (such as integrated circuits and / or discrete circuits) communicatively connected to each other.

[0046] In the embodiment, the control unit 230 constitutes a control unit that controls the power storage device 120 installed in the facility 100 connected to the power grid 12 .

[0047] For example, the control unit 230 formulates an operation plan (hereinafter, a charge / discharge plan) for the power storage device 120 for each planning unit period (e.g., 30 minutes) constituting a planning target period (e.g., one day). The charge / discharge plan includes operation modes (e.g., a discharge mode, a charge mode, a standby mode) of the power storage device 120. The charge / discharge plan may include the discharge power and the charge power of the power storage device 120. The control unit 230 generates a control command for controlling the power storage device 120 based on the operation plan (hereinafter, a charge / discharge plan) for the power storage device 120.

[0048] Here, the control unit 230 formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 so as to optimize the specific objective function. The specific objective function is expressed by a first term related to a first value that represents a value related to power that varies due to control of the distributed power source, and a second term related to a second value that represents an asset value of the distributed power source. Details of formulating the charge / discharge plan will be described later (see FIG. 5).

[0049] (Retail Server) The retail server according to the embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG.

[0050] The communication unit 310 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module conforming to standards such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, 5G, and 6G, or may be a wired communication module conforming to standards such as IEEE802.3.

[0051] For example, the communication unit 310 transmits a DR command to the VPP server 200. The communication unit 310 may transmit the above-mentioned first information to the VPP server 200.

[0052] The management unit 320 is configured with a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a non-volatile memory.

[0053] For example, the management unit 320 may manage information related to the facility 100 to which the electricity retailer sells electricity. The information related to the facility 100 may include the type of distributed power source (the solar cell device 110, the power storage device 120, or the fuel cell device 130) provided in the facility 100, the specifications of the distributed power source (the solar cell device 110, the power storage device 120, or the fuel cell device 130) provided in the facility 100, and the like. The specifications may include the rated power generation of the solar cell device 110, the rated charging power of the power storage device 120, the rated discharging power of the power storage device 120, and the rated output power of the fuel cell device 130. The specifications may include the rated capacity of the power storage device 120, the maximum charging and discharging power, and the like.

[0054] The control unit 330 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured by a plurality of circuits (such as integrated circuits and / or discrete circuits) communicatively connected to each other.

[0055] For example, the control unit 330 may generate a DR command. The control unit 330 may generate a downward DR command when the demand power of the power grid 12 is greater than the supply power of the power grid 12. The control unit 330 may generate an upward DR command when the demand power of the power grid 12 is less than the supply power of the power grid 12.

[0056] (Development of charging and discharging plans) The creation of a charge / discharge plan according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0057] As described above, the VPP server 200 formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 so as to optimize a specific objective function. The specific objective function is expressed by a first term related to a first value that represents a value related to power that varies due to control of the distributed power source, and a second term related to a second value that represents the asset value of the distributed power source.

[0058] For example, when the specific objective function is a function representing the benefit of the facility 100, the VPP server 200 formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 so as to maximize the specific objective function. On the other hand, when the specific objective function is a function representing the disadvantage of the facility 100, the VPP server 200 formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 so as to minimize the specific objective function. In other words, optimization may mean maximization or minimization.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the first value may include at least one of an incentive, a self-consumption power rate, and a purchased power rate.

[0060] The incentive may be a value represented by an incentive obtained by controlling the power storage device 120 for stabilizing the power grid 12. The incentive may be specified by a remuneration granted in response to a DR command and a DR control amount.

[0061] The reward may be expressed as a monetary value per unit of power (e.g., kWh). The reward may be included in the first information received from the retail server 300. The reward may be included in the second information received from the facility 100.

[0062] The DR control amount assumes the formulation of a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120, and therefore the DR control amount means the DR control amount allocated to each facility by the VPP server 200. Assuming a case in which DR control is performed by charging / discharging the power storage device 120, the DR control amount may be interpreted as the chargeable / dischargeable amount of the power storage device 120 according to the charge / discharge plan. The DR control amount may be specified by a DR command received from the retail server 300.

[0063] The reward and the DR control amount may be acquired during the DR control.

[0064] The self-consumption power fee may be a value represented by the power (self-consumption power) that is output (discharged) from the power storage device 120 and consumed in the facility 100. Since the self-consumption power is power supplied from the power grid 12 when the power storage device 120 is not discharged, the self-consumption power fee may be determined by the power purchase price and the amount of discharged power of the power storage device 120.

[0065] The electricity purchase price may be set in advance in the VPP server 200. The electricity purchase price may be included in the first information received from the retail server 300. The electricity purchase price may be included in the second information received from the facility 100. For example, in a case where self-consumption is performed during the daytime, the electricity purchase price may be the daytime electricity purchase price.

[0066] The amount of discharged power of the power storage device 120 assumes the formulation of a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120, and therefore the DR control amount is the amount of discharged power according to the charge / discharge plan. The amount of discharged power according to the charge / discharge plan may be restricted by a predicted value of the amount of discharged power (dischargeable amount) included in the second information received from the facility 100. The amount of discharged power according to the charge / discharge plan may be restricted by an actual value of the amount of discharged power included in the second information received from the facility 100.

[0067] The electricity purchase price may be acquired when the power storage device 120 is installed. The amount of discharged power (actual value or predicted value) of the power storage device 120 may be acquired periodically. The amount of discharged power may include at least one of the amount of power discharged from the power storage device 120, the amount of power being discharged from the power storage device 120, and the amount of power to be discharged from the power storage device 120.

[0068] The power purchase rate may be a value represented by the power (purchased power) supplied from the power grid 12 to the facility 100. The power purchase rate may be specified by the power purchase price and the amount of purchased power (amount of demanded power).

[0069] The electricity purchase price may be set in advance in the VPP server 200. The electricity purchase price may be included in the first information received from the retail server 300. The electricity purchase price may be included in the second information received from the facility 100. For example, assuming a case in which the charging of the power storage device 120 is performed late at night, the electricity purchase price may include the electricity purchase price for late at night. For example, assuming a case in which the power consumption of the facility 100 is performed during the day, the electricity purchase price may include the electricity purchase price for the day. The amount of purchased electricity may be included in the second information received from the facility 100.

[0070] The amount of purchased power is assumed to be a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120, and therefore may be specified by a predicted value of the amount of purchased power included in the second information received from the facility 100. The amount of purchased power may be predicted by an actual value of the amount of purchased power included in the second information received from the facility 100.

[0071] The power purchase price may be obtained when the power storage device 120 is installed. The purchased power amount (actual value or predicted value) may be obtained periodically.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 5, the second value may include at least one of a life consumption control amount, a power storage device value, and a degradation state.

[0073] The life consumption control amount may be a value consumed by the operation (charging and discharging) of the power storage device 120. The life consumption control amount may be specified by a DR control amount, a charging power amount, or a discharging power amount. The DR control amount may be included in a DR command received from the retail server 300.

[0074] The DR control amount assumes the formulation of a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120, and therefore the DR control amount means the DR control amount allocated to each facility by the VPP server 200. Assuming a case in which DR control is performed by charging / discharging the power storage device 120, the DR control amount may be interpreted as the chargeable / dischargeable amount of the power storage device 120 according to the charge / discharge plan. The DR control amount may be specified by a DR command received from the retail server 300.

[0075] The amount of discharged power of the power storage device 120 assumes the formulation of a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120, and therefore the DR control amount is the amount of discharged power according to the charge / discharge plan. The amount of discharged power according to the charge / discharge plan may be restricted by a predicted value of the amount of discharged power (dischargeable amount) included in the second information received from the facility 100. The amount of discharged power according to the charge / discharge plan may be restricted by an actual value of the amount of discharged power included in the second information received from the facility 100.

[0076] The amount of charging power of the power storage device 120 assumes the formulation of a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120, and therefore the DR control amount is the amount of charging power according to the charge / discharge plan. The amount of charging power according to the charge / discharge plan may be restricted by a predicted value of the amount of charging power (dischargeable amount) included in the second information received from the facility 100. The amount of charging power according to the charge / discharge plan may be restricted by an actual value of the amount of charging power included in the second information received from the facility 100.

[0077] The DR control amount may be acquired during DR control. The discharged power amount (actual value or predicted value) of the power storage device 120 may be acquired periodically. The charged power amount (actual value or predicted value) of the power storage device 120 may be acquired periodically.

[0078] Furthermore, the life consumption control amount may be specified by an upper limit control amount in addition to the DR control amount, the charge power amount, and the discharge power amount. The upper limit control amount is a control amount (charge / discharge power amount) corresponding to consumption allowed for the power storage device 120 in a planning period (for example, one day). That is, when the charge / discharge power amount (DR control amount, discharge power amount, and charge / discharge power amount) of the power storage device 120 exceeds the upper limit control amount, it may be assumed that the value of the power storage device 120 is significantly consumed. On the other hand, when the charge / discharge power amount (DR control amount, discharge power amount, and charge / discharge power amount) of the power storage device 120 does not exceed the upper limit control amount, it may be assumed that the value of the power storage device 120 is not consumed. Note that the consumption of the value of the power storage device 120 refers to the inability to increase the economic benefit that the user ultimately enjoys.

[0079] Under such a premise, the upper limit control amount may be specified by an average cycle and a storage capacity. The average cycle is the average value of the charge / discharge cycle per planning period (e.g., one day). The average cycle may be set in advance in the VPP server 200. The storage capacity is the storage capacity of the power storage device 120. The storage capacity may be treated as a constant. The storage capacity may be set in advance in the VPP server 200. Alternatively, the storage capacity may be included in the second information received from the facility 100, assuming a case where the storage capacity is updated by calibration of the power storage device 120, etc.

[0080] The average cycle may be obtained when the power storage device 120 is installed. The power storage capacity may be obtained when the power storage device 120 is installed, or may be obtained periodically.

[0081] The power storage device value may be the value of the power storage device 120 itself. The power storage device value may be a value represented by the retail price of the power storage device 120 and the expected number of days the power storage device 120 will be in operation.

[0082] The retail price of the power storage device 120 may be a suggested retail price of the power storage device 120, or may be a selling price at the time of purchase of the power storage device 120. The retail price of the power storage device 120 may be set in advance in the VPP server 200, or may be included in the second information received from the facility 100.

[0083] The expected operation days of the power storage device 120 may be a guaranteed number of days guaranteed by the manufacturer of the power storage device 120. The expected operation days may be expressed in at least one of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, a specific oscillator, the number of oscillations of an oscillator, etc. The expected operation days of the power storage device 120 may be set in advance in the VPP server 200, or may be included in the second information received from the facility 100.

[0084] The retail price and the expected number of operation days may be obtained when the power storage device 120 is installed.

[0085] The degradation state may be a value represented by the degradation state of the power storage device 120. The degradation state may be represented by the SOH of the power storage device 120. The SOH may be included in the second information received from the facility 100.

[0086] The SOH of the power storage device 120 may be obtained periodically.

[0087] Under these assumptions, the specific objective function may be expressed as follows:

[0088] Specific objective function = 1st term - 2nd term Here, the specific objective function is an objective function for maximizing the profit of the facility 100. The second term is a term representing a decrease in the asset value of the power storage device 120, and therefore is marked with a "-" sign. In other words, the specific objective function may be expressed as a function obtained by subtracting the second term from the first term.

[0089] The first term may be expressed as: 1st term = (remuneration × DR control amount) + (power purchase price × discharged power amount) - (power purchase price × power purchase amount) Here, the discharged power amount may be interpreted as the amount of privately consumed power that is the discharged power of the power storage device 120 consumed in the facility 100. The purchased power amount may include the amount of power demand of the facility 100 that does not involve charging of the power storage device 120 (e.g., the amount of power demand in the daytime), and may also include the amount of power demand of the facility 100 that involves charging of the power storage device 120 (e.g., the amount of power demand in the middle of the night).

[0090] The second term may be expressed as: 2nd term = Deterioration state x (Retail price / Expected number of days of operation) x {Upper limit control amount - (DR control amount + Discharged power amount + Charging power amount)} x 1 / Upper limit power amount However, the upper limit power amount may be expressed as the upper limit power amount = average cycle x battery capacity x 2. The upper limit control amount is the upper limit of the charge / discharge control amount that does not consume the battery life per day.

[0091] Furthermore, a case will be described in which the VPP server 200 controls the power storage devices 120 installed in the facilities 1 to N.

[0092] In such a case, when the parameters (variables and constants) of facilities 1 to N are represented by the symbols shown in FIG. 6, the specific objective function may be expressed as shown in FIG.

[0093] 6 and 7, a case is illustrated in which the power storage device 120 is charged during the night hours and discharged during the daytime hours.

[0094] (Power supply control method) A power supply control method according to an embodiment will be described below.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 8, the VPP server 200 receives the first information from the retail server 300 in step S10.

[0096] In step S11, the VPP server 200 receives the second information from the facility 100. The VPP server 200 may receive at least a portion of the second information periodically.

[0097] In step S12, the VPP server 200 transmits whether or not it is possible to participate in the DR control (in FIG. 8, whether or not it is possible to participate in the DR) to the retail server 300. Here, the explanation will be continued assuming that the VPP server 200 participates in the DR control.

[0098] In step S21, the retail server 300 formulates a DR plan for stabilizing the power grid 12.

[0099] In step S22, the VPP server 200 receives a DR command according to the DR plan from the retail server 300.

[0100] In step S23, the VPP server 200 formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 based on the DR command. Specifically, the VPP server 200 formulates the charge / discharge plan so as to optimize a specific objective function. Details of the formulation of the charge / discharge plan are omitted since they are as described above.

[0101] In step S24, the VPP server 200 transmits a control command to the facility 100 in accordance with the charge and discharge plan.

[0102] In step S25, the power storage device 120 installed in the facility 100 operates in accordance with the control command. The power storage device 120 may be controlled by the EMS 160 in accordance with the control command.

[0103] In step S31, if the DR control amount included in the DR command cannot be covered by charging and discharging the power storage device 120, the VPP server 200 may transmit a report to the retail server 300 that control according to the DR command is not possible. If control according to the DR command is not possible, the VPP server 200 may not transmit a control command to the facility 100 that is determined to be unprofitable based on the specific objective function.

[0104] 8, the VPP server 200 may transmit a control command to a facility 100 determined to be profitable based on a specific objective function, without transmitting a control command to a facility 100 determined to be unprofitable based on a specific objective function. For example, if the specific objective function is a function representing the profit of the facility 100, the facility 100 determined to be unprofitable may be a facility 100 for which the specific objective function has a negative value.

[0105] 8, if the VPP server 200 cannot secure the DR control amount included in the DR command after transmitting the control command, the VPP server 200 may modify the charge / discharge plan of the power storage device 120. For example, the VPP server 200 may modify the charge / discharge power amount of the power storage device 120 included in the target of the DR control, or may select the power storage device 120 to be included in the target of the DR control from among the power storage devices 120 excluded from the target of the DR control.

[0106] (Action and Effects) In the embodiment, the VPP server 200 formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 so as to optimize a specific objective function. The specific objective function is expressed by a first term related to a first value that represents a value related to power that varies due to control of the distributed power source, and a second term related to a second value that represents the asset value of the distributed power source. With this configuration, since the second term related to the second value that represents the asset value of the distributed power source is incorporated into the specific objective function, it is possible to formulate a charge / discharge plan in which the economic benefit associated with the cost (such as the charge for purchased power) reduced by the charge / discharge control of the power storage device 120 exceeds the economic disadvantage associated with the deterioration of the power storage device 120. Therefore, it is possible to increase the economic benefit enjoyed by the user (facility 100) in the end.

[0107] In the embodiment, the second value may include the power storage device value expressed by the retail price of the power storage device 120 and the expected number of operation days of the power storage device 120. According to such a configuration, the second value (second term) can be expressed in a manner comparable to the first value (first term) expressed in monetary terms, so that the specific objective function can be appropriately set.

[0108] [Change Example 1] Modification 1 of the embodiment will be described below. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0109] In the first modification, the charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 may be formulated under the constraint conditions described below.

[0110] Constraint condition 1 may be a condition that, in a case where the power storage device 120 discharges, the discharged power used for self-consumption+purchased power+output power of other distributed power sources (the solar cell device 110)−power consumption of the facility 100=0.

[0111] Constraint condition 2 may be a condition that, in a case where the power storage device 120 performs charging, the total of purchased power and output power of other distributed power sources (the solar cell device 110) - charging power - power consumption of the facility 100 = 0.

[0112] Constraint condition 3 may be a condition that the DR control amount is 0 for the power storage device 120 whose SOH is 0.5 or less. In other words, constraint condition 3 may be a condition that the power storage device 120 whose SOH is 0.5 or less is excluded from the target of DR control. According to constraint condition 3, the power storage device 120 with advanced degradation is excluded from the target of DR control, so that it is possible to suppress a situation in which the degradation of the power storage device 120 advances further.

[0113] Constraint condition 4 may include a condition that the amount of discharged power, which is a variable constituting the charge / discharge plan of the power storage device 120, does not exceed the dischargeable amount of power included in the second information received from the facility 100. According to constraint condition 4, the amount of discharged power can be incorporated into the charge / discharge plan of the power storage device 120 within a range that the facility 100 can handle.

[0114] Constraint condition 5 may include a condition that the amount of charging energy, which is a variable constituting the charge / discharge plan of the power storage device 120, does not exceed the chargeable energy amount included in the second information received from the facility 100. According to constraint condition 5, the amount of charging energy can be incorporated into the charge / discharge plan of the power storage device 120 within a range that the facility 100 can handle.

[0115] [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.

[0116] In the above disclosure, the case where the DR control is executed has been mainly described. However, the above disclosure is not limited thereto. The above disclosure may be applied to a case where the DR control is not executed. In such a case, a value (e.g., an incentive) related to the DR control may not be taken into account in the specific objective function.

[0117] In the above disclosure, a case has been exemplified in which the distributed power source controlled by the VPP server 200 is the power storage device 120. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. The distributed power source controlled by the VPP server 200 may be a fuel cell device 130 or a diesel generator. In such a case, the charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 may be read as an operation plan for the distributed power source.

[0118] In the above disclosure, a case has been described in which the VPP server 200 and the retail server 300 are separate servers. However, the above disclosure is not limited thereto. The VPP server 200 and the retail server 300 may be a single server. In such a case, the function corresponding to the VPP server 200 may be referred to as a VPP function, and the function corresponding to the retail server 300 may be referred to as a retail function.

[0119] Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, a program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each process performed by the VPP server 200. The program may also be recorded in a computer-readable medium. Using the computer-readable medium, it is possible to install the program in the computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient recording medium. The non-transient recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

[0120] Alternatively, a chip may be provided that is configured with a memory that stores programs for executing each process performed by the VPP server 200 and a processor that executes the programs stored in the memory.

[0121] [Note] The above disclosure may be expressed as follows:

[0122] A first feature of the present invention is a power supply control device that includes a control unit that controls a distributed power source installed in a facility connected to a power grid, and a transmission unit that transmits a control command to control the distributed power source, wherein the control unit formulates an operation plan for the distributed power source so as to optimize a specific objective function, and the specific objective function is expressed by a first term related to a first value that represents a value related to power that fluctuates due to control of the distributed power source, and a second term related to a second value that represents the asset value of the distributed power source.

[0123] A second feature is the power supply control device according to the first feature, wherein the second value includes a value represented by a retail price of the distributed power supply and an expected number of days of operation of the distributed power supply.

[0124] A third feature is the power supply control device according to the first or second feature, wherein the second value includes a value consumed by operation of the distributed power supply.

[0125] A fourth feature is the power supply control device according to at least one of the first to third features, wherein the second value includes a value represented by a degradation state of the distributed power supply.

[0126] A fifth feature is a power supply control device in at least one of the first feature to the fourth feature, wherein the first value includes a value represented by an incentive obtained by controlling the distributed power source for stabilizing the power system.

[0127] A sixth feature is a power supply control device in at least one of the first to fifth features, wherein the first value includes a value represented by the power output from the distributed power source and consumed in the facility.

[0128] A seventh feature is a power supply control device according to at least one of the first to sixth features, wherein the first value includes a value represented by power supplied from the power grid to the facility.

[0129] An eighth feature is a power supply control device, in which, in at least one of the first feature to the seventh feature, the specific objective function is an objective function for maximizing profits of the facility, and the specific objective function is a function obtained by subtracting the second term from the first term.

[0130] A ninth feature is a power source control method comprising: a step A of controlling a distributed power source installed in a facility connected to a power grid; and a step B of transmitting a control command to control the distributed power source, wherein the step A includes a step of formulating an operation plan for the distributed power source so as to optimize a specific objective function, the specific objective function being expressed by a first term related to a first value that represents a value related to power that varies due to control of the distributed power source, and a second term related to a second value that represents an asset value of the distributed power source.

[0131] A tenth feature is a program that causes a computer to execute step A of controlling a distributed power source installed in a facility connected to a power grid, and step B of transmitting a control command to control the distributed power source, wherein step A includes a step of formulating an operation plan for the distributed power source so as to optimize a specific objective function, the specific objective function being represented by a first term related to a first value that represents a value related to power that varies due to control of the distributed power source, and a second term related to a second value that represents an asset value of the distributed power source. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1...power supply control system, 11...network, 12...power system, 100...facility, 110...solar cell device, 120...energy storage device, 130...fuel cell device, 140...load equipment, 160...EMS, 190...measuring device, 200...VPP server, 210...communication unit, 220...management unit, 230...control unit, 300...retail server, 310...communication unit, 320...management unit, 330...control unit

Claims

1. A control unit that controls a distributed power source installed in a facility connected to the power grid; a transmitter that transmits a control command to control the distributed power source, The control unit formulates an operation plan for the distributed power source so as to optimize a specific objective function; A power supply control device, wherein the specific objective function is expressed by a first term relating to a first value that represents a value related to power that varies due to control of the distributed power supply, and a second term relating to a second value that represents an asset value of the distributed power supply.

2. The power supply control device according to claim 1 , wherein the second value includes a value represented by a retail price of the distributed power source and an expected number of days of operation of the distributed power source.

3. The power supply control device according to claim 1 , wherein the second value includes a value consumed by operation of the distributed power supply.

4. The power supply control device according to claim 1 , wherein the second value includes a value represented by a degradation state of the distributed power supply.

5. The power supply control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first value includes a value represented by an incentive obtained by controlling the distributed power supply for stabilizing the power system.

6. The power supply control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first value includes a value represented by power output from the distributed power supply and consumed in the facility.

7. The power supply control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first value includes a value represented by power supplied from the power grid to the facility.

8. The specific objective function is an objective function for maximizing the profit of the facility, The power supply control device according to claim 1 , wherein the specific objective function is a function obtained by subtracting the second term from the first term.

9. Step A of controlling a distributed power source installed in a facility connected to a power grid; and a step B of transmitting a control command to control the distributed power source, The step A includes a step of formulating an operation plan for the distributed power source so as to optimize a specific objective function; A power supply control method, wherein the specific objective function is expressed by a first term relating to a first value that represents a value related to power that varies due to control of the distributed power supply, and a second term relating to a second value that represents an asset value of the distributed power supply.

10. Step A of controlling a distributed power source installed in a facility connected to a power grid; and a step B of transmitting a control command to control the distributed power source. The step A includes a step of formulating an operation plan for the distributed power source so as to optimize a specific objective function; A program, wherein the specific objective function is expressed by a first term relating to a first value that represents a value related to power that varies due to control of the distributed power source, and a second term relating to a second value that represents an asset value of the distributed power source.

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