Power control device and power control method

Abstract

To provide a power control device capable of distributing an adjustment amount corresponding to output control to a photovoltaic power generation facility that is a management target of power supply and demand to each consumer having a small-scale photovoltaic power generation device, and allowing each consumer to substitute for the output control while utilizing energy that can be generated.SOLUTION: A power control device is connected to a power system and configured to cause a plurality of consumers having at least one of a photovoltaic power generation device, a power storage device, or a hot water storage type hot water supply device to perform power adjustment, and includes: an adjustment command acquisition unit configured to acquire an adjustment command to suppress an output on behalf of a photovoltaic power generation facility linked to a power system; an adjustment amount distribution unit configured to determine distribution of an adjustment amount of the photovoltaic power generation device of each consumer so as to match the adjustment command; and a power adjustment unit configured to cause each consumer to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type hot water supply device according to the determined adjustment amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power control device and a power control method for performing power adjustment on a plurality of consumers connected to a power system and having at least one of a solar power generation device and a power storage device or a hot water supply device with a hot water storage tank.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, power generation using renewable energy such as solar power generation and wind power generation has become widespread. Electric power demand varies depending on the time of day. Furthermore, renewable energy such as sunlight and wind has the characteristic that the power generation amount fluctuates depending on the weather and the time of day. Solar power generation can be said to be a typical power generation device using renewable energy, but as its popularity progresses, the influence of the fluctuation of its power generation amount on the power system is becoming a problem. In the power system, if the power supply-demand balance collapses, the frequency becomes disturbed, and in the worst case, a large-scale power outage occurs. Therefore, it is important to maintain the power supply-demand balance.

[0003] Therefore, when the power generation amount exceeds the demand amount in the region, measures are taken to maintain the power supply-demand balance, such as output control to suppress the output of the power generation facility, creation of power demand by pumping operation of pumped-storage power generation, and power transmission to other areas. There are legal priorities for these measures. Output control gives priority to thermal power generation, which can easily adjust the output in small increments in a short time. However, if the power supply-demand balance still cannot be maintained, output control of biomass power generation, solar power generation, and wind power generation is also carried out. Thermal power generation and biomass power generation can control the output by suppressing or stopping combustion, but suppressing the output of solar power generation results in wasting the power that can be generated. The same applies to wind power generation. If the power supply-demand balance of the power system can be maintained without wasting the available energy, it will also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

[0004] As a mechanism to prevent the waste of electricity generated from renewable energy, a power trading matching system has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The system of Patent Document 1 is a system that takes into account the mutual lending of surplus power among consumers when the power generated by a consumer cannot be sold to an electric power company, that is, when the amount of power that the electric power company can purchase is exceeded. The matching system according to Patent Document 1 includes a required power amount information acquisition unit, a consumer information acquisition unit, a surplus power estimation unit, and a matching unit.

[0005] The required power amount information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the amount of power required by a first consumer during a predetermined time period. The consumer information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the power generation device and storage battery owned by a second consumer, and the power consumption amount of the second consumer. The surplus power estimation unit estimates the amount of surplus power that can be supplied by the second consumer based on information regarding the power generation amount of the power generation device and the stored power amount of the storage battery, and the power consumption amount of the second consumer during the predetermined time period acquired by the consumer information acquisition unit. The matching unit collates the amount of surplus power that can be supplied from the second consumer estimated by the surplus power estimation unit with the information regarding the required power amount of the first consumer acquired by the required power amount information acquisition unit, and detects a combination of the first consumer and the second consumer for which a transaction is established.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Power generation facilities with a power generation capacity equal to or greater than a specified value are subject to output control by law. Regarding output control, the ability and accuracy to respond immediately to output control differ between power generation operators (online control operators) who have facilities enabling remote output control and those (offline control operators) who do not. Therefore, an online control operator conducts output control instead of an offline control operator with low response ability to output control, and a mechanism (online proxy control) has been introduced where the online control operator that actually conducts output control receives compensation for output control as if the offline control operator had conducted the output control. For example, when the power generation amount from solar power generation increases and the power supply of the power grid exceeds the power demand, it is regarded that the power generation amount of the offline control operator has been suppressed by online proxy control. The mechanism of online proxy control is such that, instead of an offline control operator who cannot respond flexibly to adjustment commands related to output control, the service provider for proxy control suppresses the generated power. The service provider that conducts proxy control monetarily obtains the revenue from the suppressed power (the power that could originally have been generated and sold). Thus, it is a mechanism for coordinating between the offline control operator and the service provider for proxy control.

[0008] However, even if power generation operators with a power generation capacity equal to or greater than a specified value can respond to output control as a whole through online proxy control, there is still power that is subject to output control (output suppression) in order to maintain the supply-demand balance of the power grid. For the entire power grid, it means that the power that could have been generated is wasted due to the output suppression. If that amount of power could be effectively utilized, it would contribute to reducing the environmental load. It is desirable to induce a system that can utilize the power that is currently being wasted and should be subject to output control. For such a system, a matching system such as that in Patent Document 1 is conceived with the idea that consumers equipped with small-scale power generation devices that are not subject to output control mutually lend their surplus power from self-generation. However, it does not provide a mechanism conceived to absorb the output control of power generation operators with a power generation capacity equal to or greater than a specified value.

[0009] According to certain statistics, the cumulative number of household solar power generation devices reached approximately 2.8 million in 2020 (see 1-1. Introduction status of residential (less than 10KW) solar power generation at URL: https: / / www.jpea.gr.jp / wp-content / uploads / session2_03_jpea_takahashi.pdf). Assuming an average power generation capacity of 4kW, it amounts to 11.2 million kW. If such small-scale solar power generation devices can be applied to output control, it has the potential to greatly contribute to maintaining the power supply-demand balance and effectively utilizing power in the power grid.

[0010] This invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and distributes an adjustment amount commensurate with the output control to each consumer having a small-scale solar power generation device, for the solar power generation facility subject to power supply-demand management, and provides a power control device capable of proxying output control while each utilizes the available energy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] This invention is a power control device that causes a plurality of consumers, each having a solar power generation device connected to the power grid and at least one of a power storage device or a storage water heating device, to perform power adjustment. The power control device includes an adjustment command acquisition unit that acquires an adjustment command to suppress output in place of a solar power generation facility linked to the power grid, an adjustment amount distribution unit that determines the distribution of the adjustment amount for each consumer so as to match the adjustment command, and a power adjustment unit that controls at least one of the power storage device and the storage water heating device for each consumer according to the determined adjustment amount.

[0012] Further, from a different perspective, the present invention provides a power control method for causing a plurality of consumers each having a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device or a hot water storage type water heater connected to a power grid to perform power adjustment. The method includes steps of: obtaining an adjustment command to suppress output instead of a solar power generation facility associated with the power grid; determining an allocation of adjustment amounts related to the power adjustment for each consumer according to the adjustment command; and controlling at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type water heater for each consumer according to the determined adjustment amounts.

[0013] Furthermore, from a different perspective, the present invention provides a power control system for a consumer having a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device or a hot water storage type water heater connected to a power grid. The power control system obtains an adjustment amount related to the power adjustment of the consumer determined based on an adjustment command to suppress output instead of a solar power generation facility associated with the power grid, and performs the power adjustment by controlling at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type water heater according to the adjustment amount. Also, the present invention provides a power control system including a power control device for causing a plurality of consumers each having a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device or a hot water storage type water heater connected to a power grid to perform power adjustment, and an adjustment command device for allocating adjustment amounts to the power control device. The adjustment command device sends an adjustment command including an adjustment amount to suppress output instead of a solar power generation facility associated with the power grid to the power control device. The power control device includes an adjustment command acquisition unit for acquiring the adjustment command, an adjustment amount allocation unit for determining an allocation of adjustment amounts for each consumer according to the adjustment command, and a power adjustment unit for controlling at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type water heater for each consumer according to the determined adjustment amounts.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] The power control device according to the present invention includes an adjustment command acquisition unit that acquires an adjustment command related to power adjustment, an adjustment amount distribution unit that determines the distribution of the adjustment amount of each consumer so as to match the adjustment command, and a power adjustment unit that controls at least one of the power storage device and the storage water heating device for each consumer according to the determined adjustment amount. Therefore, it is possible to distribute the adjustment amount corresponding to the request for output control to the solar power generation facility linked to the power system to each consumer having a small-scale solar power generation device, and to utilize the generable energy respectively while acting as an agent for output control as a whole. The power control method and the power control system according to the present invention also have the same operational effects.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a configuration in which output control required for a solar power generation facility is delegated by power adjustment of a plurality of small-scale consumers in one embodiment of the present invention. The solar power generation facility 17 shown in FIG. 1 has a power generation capacity equal to or greater than a predetermined value set by law and is a power generation facility that can be subject to output control in the power system. The aggregation coordinator 10 is a business operator that bundles the power generated by power generation facilities having a power generation capacity equal to or greater than a predetermined value, such as the solar power generation facility 17, and conducts power transactions with general power transmission and distribution business operators and retail electricity business operators. The power generation capacity of the solar power generation facility 17 is, for example, 50 kW or more. In FIG. 1, a server (hereinafter also referred to as an integrated server) operated by the aggregation coordinator is simply shown as the aggregation coordinator 10. The integrated server of the aggregation coordinator 10 sends adjustment commands related to the adjustment of the power supply-demand balance to trading partners such as general power transmission and distribution business operators, retail electricity business operators, and consumers. Output suppression is one of the methods for adjusting the power supply-demand balance.

[0017] The solar power generation facility 17 is a power generation facility having a power generation capacity equal to or greater than a predetermined value and is subject to output suppression. On the other hand, the consumers 13A, 13B, 13C... shown in FIG. 1 have small-scale solar power generation devices (hereinafter referred to as small-scale solar power generation devices) that are not subject to output suppression. The power generation capacity of the small-scale solar power generation device is, for example, 2 kW or more and less than 10 kW, and is, for example, 1 / 5 to 1 / several thousand of the power generation capacity of the solar power generation facility 17 or less. In addition, each consumer is provided with at least one of a power storage device and a storage water heating device, and a control device of a power control system (HEMS, that is, Home Energy Management System) that controls power. In FIG. 1, the power control systems provided by each consumer are simply shown as consumers 13A, 13B, 13C.... The HEMS server connected to the consumers 13A, 13B, 13C... is a server operated by a business operator that provides services to the power control systems of each consumer.

[0018] In this embodiment, instead of suppressing the output of the solar power generation facility 17, proxy control is performed by implementing power adjustment to suppress the reverse power flow of the power generated by the aggregation of small-scale solar power generation devices of consumers 13A, 13B, 13C, etc. to the power grid. Whether the solar power generation facility 17 is equipped with a power storage facility such as a storage battery is not a concern. In particular, when the solar power generation facility 17 is not equipped with a power storage facility, if the solar power generation facility 17 performs output control, the power that can be generated will be discarded. Also, even if the solar power generation facility 17 is equipped with a power storage facility, if the storage capacity is smaller than the suppression amount by output control, if the solar power generation facility 17 performs output control, the power that can be generated will be discarded. Instead of that solar power generation facility 17, if power adjustment is performed to charge the storage batteries of each consumer with the generated power of the small-scale solar power generation devices of each consumer to suppress reverse power flow, output control can be achieved and the power stored in the storage battery can be effectively utilized by using it after the implementation period (for example, after sunset). In this embodiment, the small-scale solar power generation devices of each consumer are not subject to output suppression because their individual power generation capabilities are less than a predetermined value. However, the case where the solar power generation devices of each consumer are subject to output control is not excluded from this invention. This is because even if the solar power generation devices of each consumer are subject to output control, power adjustment may be implemented to suppress power greater than the required output suppression. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a resource server 11B and a HEMS server 12B are interposed between the aggregation coordinator 10 and the consumers 13A, 13B, 13C, etc. The communication regarding power adjustment is performed hierarchically among the aggregation coordinator 10, the resource server, the HEMS server, and the consumers. The aggregation coordinator 10 communicates with a plurality of resource servers regarding power adjustment.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows one aggregation coordinator 10 and three resource servers 11A, 11B, and 11C, but the numbers are merely examples. The resource servers 11A, 11B, 11C,... are servers respectively operated by the resource aggregator. The resource aggregator is an operator that concludes a contract with a customer and manages the power demand of each customer. Since the resource aggregator directly communicates with the aggregation coordinator 10, it can also be called a higher-level aggregator. In the example shown in FIG. 1, an example is shown where each operator conducts the operation of the integrated server, the operation of the resource server, and the operation of the HEMS server. And it is assumed that the operator who operates the resource server or the HEMS server is a service provider who performs proxy control by adjusting the power of the customer. However, this is merely an example, and various modes can be considered for the scope of functions assumed by the operator. For example, there is also a mode in which the operator of the aggregation coordinator also serves as the resource aggregator. According to this mode, the HEMS server directly communicates with the aggregation coordinator 10 without going through the resource server. One resource server communicates with a plurality of lower-level HEMS servers regarding power adjustment. FIG. 1 shows three HEMS servers 12A, 12B, and 12C below the resource server 11B, but the numbers are merely examples. Also, in FIG. 1, only the resource server 11B shows the lower-level HEMS server, and the illustration of other resource servers 11A and resource server 11C,... is omitted, but the same applies to others.

[0020] The HEMS servers 12A, 12B, 12C, … are servers operated by a service provider that provides a power control system for consumers to offer services to its own customers. The service provider that operates the HEMS server can also be said to be a lower-level aggregator as it directly communicates with each consumer. There is also a mode in which the service provider of the resource aggregator that operates the resource server also undertakes the operation of the HEMS server. According to this mode, the hierarchy of the resource server and the HEMS server is integrated into one. That is, only the resource server (in other words, only the HEMS server) intervenes between the aggregation coordinator 10 and each consumer. One HEMS server conducts exchanges related to power control systems and power adjustment with multiple lower-level consumers. In FIG. 1, three consumers 13A, 13B, and 13C are shown below the HEMS server 12B, but the number is just an example. Also, in FIG. 1, only the consumers below the HEMS server 12B are shown, and the illustration of other HEMS servers 12A, HEMS server 12C, … is omitted, but the same applies to others. In addition to the above-described mode, various modes can be considered for the scope of functions undertaken by the service provider, and they are included in the scope of this invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 corresponds to FIG. 1 and is a block diagram showing an example of the relationship between an aggregation coordinator related to power adjustment, an aggregator, a power control device, and consumers. Elements corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted with corresponding reference numerals. Further, FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the power control systems of consumers 13A, 13B, and 13C. The consumer 13A shown in FIG. 2 includes a small-scale solar power generation device 21A, a power conditioning circuit (PCS), a power load, a power storage device 22A, and a control device 24A. The consumer 13B includes a small-scale solar power generation device 21B, a power conditioning circuit (PCS), a power load, a power storage device 22B, a storage water heater 23B, and a control device 24B. The consumer 13C includes a small-scale solar power generation device 21C, a power conditioning circuit (PCS), a power load, a storage water heater 23C, and a control device 24C, respectively. Note that in FIG. 2, the power conditioning circuit (PCS) is provided separately from the power storage device and the small-scale solar power generation device, but the power conditioning circuit (PCS) may be included in each of the power storage device and the small-scale solar power generation device, or the power storage device and the small-scale solar power generation device may share the power conditioning circuit (PCS).

[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration when the resource server shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device. The resource server 11 shown in FIG. 3 represents the resource servers 11A, 11B, 11C,... shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The resource server 11 according to this embodiment includes a server control unit 31, a data storage unit 32, and a communication circuit 33. Further, the consumer 13 shown in FIG. 3 represents the power control systems provided by the consumers 13A, 13B, 13C,... shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 3, the small-scale solar power generation device 21, the power storage device 22, the storage water heater 23, and the control device 24 of the consumer 13 represent the small-scale solar power generation device, the power storage device, the storage water heater, and the control device provided by the consumers 13A, 13B, 13C.

[0023] The server control unit 31 includes an adjustment command acquisition unit 35, an adjustment amount distribution unit 36, and a power adjustment unit 37. Further, it optionally includes a history acquisition unit 38. From the aspect of hardware resources, the server control unit 31 is composed of a circuit centered around a processor and a memory. By the processor executing the processing program stored in the memory, it functions as the adjustment command acquisition unit 35, the adjustment amount distribution unit 36, the power adjustment unit 37, and an optional history acquisition unit 38. That is, the hardware resources of the processor and the processing program which is software resources are organically combined to realize the function as the server control unit 31. The data storage unit 32 is composed of a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Disk). The data storage unit 32 optionally includes a history storage unit 39. The history storage unit 39 is a storage area for storing the history acquired by the history acquisition unit 38. The history acquisition unit 38 will be described later. The communication circuit 33 is a communication circuit for communicating with external devices such as the upper-level aggregation coordinator 10 and the lower-level HEMS server 12.

[0024] The adjustment command acquisition unit 35 acquires an adjustment command related to power adjustment, which acts on behalf of the output control of the solar power generation facility 17 that is the target of output control, from the aggregation coordinator 10. The adjustment amount distribution unit 36 determines the adjustment amount that each consumer should perform power adjustment according to the acquired adjustment command. Alternatively, the adjustment amount related to power adjustment may be determined in units of the lower-level HEMS server and assigned to the HEMS server. In that case, the lower-level HEMS server determines the adjustment amount that each lower-level consumer should perform power adjustment according to the assigned adjustment command. The power adjustment unit 37 communicates with one or more lower-level HEMS servers 12 so that at least one of the energy storage device 22 and the storage water heater 23 is controlled according to the adjustment amount assigned to each consumer. The HEMS server 12 conducts transactions related to power adjustment applying at least one of the control device 24 of the lower-level consumer 13, the energy storage device 22 of each consumer, and the storage water heater 23.

[0025] To describe an example of the communication in more detail, the resource server (power adjustment unit 37) sends an adjustment command including the adjustment amount assigned to each consumer to the HEMS server 12. When the HEMS server 12 receives the adjustment amount assigned to each consumer from the resource server 11, it notifies each consumer 13 (control device 24) of their respective adjustment amounts. When the control device 24 of each consumer 13 receives the assigned adjustment amount from the HEMS server 12, it performs power adjustment by applying at least one of the energy storage device 22 and the storage water heater 23 according to the adjustment amount. As another example, it is also conceivable that the HEMS server 12 determines the content of the power adjustment that each consumer 13 should perform according to the adjustment amount, and the control device 24 of each consumer 13 performs power adjustment by applying at least one of the energy storage device 22 and the storage water heater 23 according to the instruction of the HEMS server 12. Further, it is also conceivable that the HEMS server 12 determines the content of the power adjustment that each consumer 13 should perform according to the adjustment amount, and at least one of the energy storage device 22 and the storage water heater 23 performs power adjustment according to the instruction of the HEMS server 12. Alternatively, the resource server (power adjustment unit 37) sends an adjustment command including the adjustment amount assigned to each HEMS server 12 to the HEMS server 12. When the HEMS server 12 receives the assigned adjustment amount from the resource server 11, it determines and notifies each consumer 13 (control device 24) of their respective adjustment amounts. When the control device 24 of each consumer 13 receives the adjustment amount from the HEMS server 12, it performs power adjustment by applying at least one of the energy storage device 22 and the storage water heater 23 according to the adjustment amount. In this case as well, it is also conceivable that the HEMS server 12 determines the content of the power adjustment that each consumer 13 should perform according to the adjustment amount, and the control device 24 of each consumer 13 performs power adjustment by applying at least one of the energy storage device 22 and the storage water heater 23 according to the instruction of the HEMS server 12. Further, it is also conceivable that the HEMS server 12 determines the content of the power adjustment that each consumer 13 should perform according to the adjustment amount, and at least one of the energy storage device 22 and the storage water heater 23 performs power adjustment according to the instruction of the HEMS server 12.

[0026] Next, from the perspective of the power control system of the consumer 13, an example of the communication will be described. The power control system obtains the adjustment amount assigned to the consumer 13, and performs power adjustment by applying at least one of the power storage device 22 and the storage water heater 23 according to the adjustment amount. Note that the power control system may also obtain the content of the power adjustment that the consumer 13 should perform according to the adjustment amount, and perform power adjustment by applying at least one of the power storage device 22 and the storage water heater 23 according to the obtained content. Here, the power control system is a power control system of the consumer 13 that is connected to the power grid and includes a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device or a storage water heater.

[0027] Also, when the adjustment amount distribution unit 36 determines the adjustment amount that each consumer should perform for power adjustment so as to match the obtained adjustment command, or when the HEMS server 12 determines the adjustment amount that each lower-level consumer should perform for power adjustment so as to match the assigned adjustment command, the consumer 13 that performs power adjustment may be selected from among the plurality of consumers 13. At this time, if the consumer 13 that performs power adjustment is selected based on the postal code information of the consumer 13, the consumer 13 in the area where output control is required can be easily selected. The postal code information of the consumer 13 is effective for extracting the consumers in the corresponding area in the case of output control in a specific area such as a distribution substation unit.

[0028] (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1, the resource server 11 operated by the upper aggregator performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device, and the lower-level HEMS server 12 is interposed between the power control device and the consumer 13. In contrast, in this embodiment, the HEMS server 12 operated by the lower aggregator performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device. The resource server 11 operated by the upper aggregator is interposed between the HEMS server 12 as its control device and the aggregation coordinator 10.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration when the HEMS server shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device. The HEMS server 12 shown in FIG. 4 represents the HEMS servers 12A, 12B, 12C, ... shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the HEMS server 12 according to this embodiment includes a server control unit 41, a data storage unit 42, and a communication circuit 43. Regarding the consumer 13, it is the same as in FIG. 3, and the small-scale solar power generation device 21, the power storage device 22, the storage water heating device 23, and the control device 24 of the consumer 13 represent the small-scale solar power generation device, the power storage device, the storage water heating device, and the control device provided by the consumers 13A, 13B, 13C.

[0030] The server control unit 41 includes an adjustment command acquisition unit 45, an adjustment amount distribution unit 46, and a power adjustment unit 47. Further, it optionally includes a history acquisition unit 48. From the aspect of hardware resources, the server control unit 41 is composed of a circuit centered on a processor and a memory. By the processor executing the processing program stored in the memory, it functions as the adjustment command acquisition unit 45, the adjustment amount distribution unit 46, the power adjustment unit 47, and an optional history acquisition unit 48. That is, the hardware resources of the processor and the processing program which is software resources are organically combined to realize the function as the server control unit 31. The data storage unit 42 is composed of a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Disk). The data storage unit 42 optionally includes a history storage unit 49. The history storage unit 49 is a storage area for storing the history acquired by the history acquisition unit 48. The history acquisition unit 48 will be described later. The communication circuit 43 is a communication circuit for communicating with external devices such as the upper aggregation coordinator 10 and the lower HEMS server 12.

[0031] The adjustment command acquisition unit 45 acquires an adjustment command related to the power adjustment of the solar power generation facility 17 that is the target of output control from the aggregation coordinator 10 via the resource server 11. The adjustment amount distribution unit 46 determines the adjustment amount for each small-scale solar power generation device of each consumer that should perform power adjustment so as to match the acquired adjustment command, and assigns the determined adjustment amount to each consumer. The power adjustment unit 47 communicates with the control device 24 of the lower-level consumer 13 regarding the power adjustment of each consumer. The power adjustment unit 47 communicates with the control device 24 so that the control device 24 controls at least one of the energy storage device 22 and the storage water heating device 23 according to the adjustment amount assigned to each consumer.

[0032] To describe an example of the communication in more detail, the HEMS server 12 (power adjustment unit 47) sends an adjustment command including the adjustment amount assigned to each consumer to each consumer 13 (control device 24). When each consumer 13 (control device 24) receives the assigned adjustment amount from the HEMS server 12, it performs power adjustment by applying at least one of the energy storage device 22 and the storage water heating device 23 according to the adjustment amount. As another example, it is also conceivable that the HEMS server 12 (power adjustment unit 47) determines the content of the power adjustment that each consumer 13 should perform according to the adjustment amount, and the control device 24 of each consumer 13 performs power adjustment by applying at least one of the energy storage device 22 and the storage water heating device 23 according to the instruction of the HEMS server 12 (power adjustment unit 47). Further, it is also conceivable that the HEMS server 12 (power adjustment unit 47) determines the content of the power adjustment that each consumer 13 should perform according to the adjustment amount, and at least one of the energy storage device 22 and the storage water heating device 23 performs power adjustment according to the instruction of the HEMS server 12.

[0033] Also, from the perspective of the power control system of the consumer 13, taking an example of the communication, the power control system acquires the adjustment amount assigned to the consumer 13, and performs power adjustment by applying at least one of the power storage device 22 and the storage water heating device 23 according to the adjustment amount. Note that the power control system may also acquire the content of the power adjustment that the consumer 13 should perform according to the adjustment amount, and perform power adjustment by applying at least one of the power storage device 22 and the storage water heating device 23 according to the acquired content. Here, the power control system is a power control system of the consumer 13 that is connected to the power grid and has at least one of a solar power generation device and a power storage device or a storage water heating device.

[0034] In addition, when the adjustment amount distribution unit 46 determines the adjustment amount that each small-scale solar power generation device of each consumer that performs power adjustment should perform so as to match the acquired adjustment command, and assigns the determined adjustment amount to each consumer, the consumer 13 that performs power adjustment may be selected from among the plurality of consumers 13. At this time, if the consumer 13 that performs power adjustment is selected based on the postal code information of the consumer 13, the consumer 13 in the area where output control is required can be easily selected. The postal code information of the consumer 13 is effective for extracting the consumers in the corresponding area in the case of output control in a specific area such as a distribution substation unit.

[0035] (Other Embodiments) In Embodiment 1, the mode in which the resource server 11 performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device was described. In Embodiment 2, the mode in which the HEMS server 12 performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device was described. As other modes, for example, a mode in which the resource server 11 and the HEMS server 12 cooperate to perform control related to power adjustment is also conceivable. A part of the functions of the server control unit 31 and the data storage unit 32 shown in FIG. 3 do not exist in the resource server 11 but exist in the HEMS server 12 as shown in FIG. 4, and they cooperate to perform control related to power adjustment. Furthermore, a mode in which at least some of the functions of the resource server 11 and the HEMS server 12 are distributed and processed by a plurality of servers is also conceivable. Also, for example, there may be a mode in which the aggregation coordinator 10 also serves as the resource server 11. In that case, the HEMS server 12 performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device and directly communicates with the upper-level aggregation coordinator 10. Also, there may be a mode in which the resource server 11 also serves as the HEMS server 12. In that case, the hierarchy of the resource server and the HEMS server is integrated into one, and only the resource server 11 (in other words, only the HEMS12 server) between the aggregation coordinator 10 and the consumer 13 performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device.

[0036] <<Basic Configuration and Procedure of Interaction Related to Power Adjustment>> FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a procedure of communication related to power adjustment in this embodiment. In FIG. 5, the resource server 11 represents the resource servers 11A, 11B, 11C, ... shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The HEMS server 12 represents the HEMS servers 12A, 12B, 12C, .... The consumer 13 represents the consumers 13A, 13B, 13C, .... The horizontal direction in FIG. 5 corresponds to the passage of time, and time elapses from the left side to the right side. The output control execution period shown in FIG. 5 is a period in which each consumer performs power adjustment instead of the output control of the solar power generation facility 17 and suppresses the reverse power flow from the small-scale solar power generation device 21 to the power grid. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the output control execution period may be performed during any period of the daytime (noon of the current day) when the solar power generation device generates power due to solar radiation. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, at a predetermined time point before the current day (the previous day), the control device 24 of the power control system of the consumer 13 calculates a predicted value of the adjustable power amount that can be adjusted at each time of the noon of the current day, and transmits the predicted value to the HEMS server 12 as the adjustable power amount.

[0037] The HEMS server 12 that has received the declaration of the adjustable power amount from each consumer 13 sends the adjustable power amounts declared from those consumers 13 to the resource server 11 together. The resource server 11 that has received the declaration from the HEMS server 12 sends the adjustable power amounts declared from each HEMS server to the aggregation coordinator 10 together. The aggregation coordinator 10 that has received the prior declaration of the adjustable power amount determines whether it is necessary to send an adjustment command related to output control and / or power adjustment based on the power supply and demand balance of the current day. When it is determined that an adjustment command related to output control and / or power adjustment needs to be sent, the target and the execution period of the output control and / or power adjustment are determined. The execution period is a future time point at the time of making the determination. At a time point retrogressed by a predetermined period (one hour in one example) from the start time point of the execution period related to output control and / or power adjustment, an adjustment command related to output control is sent to the target power generation facility, or an adjustment command related to power adjustment is sent to a service provider that performs proxy control by power adjustment of the consumer.

[0038] Since this embodiment particularly relates to proxy control by power adjustment of consumers, the communication with the power generation facility to be output-controlled is omitted, and the adjustment command for power adjustment sent to the service provider that performs proxy control by the power adjustment of consumers will be described. It is assumed that the service provider has previously concluded a contract related to proxy control with each consumer. The service provider is an operator who operates the resource server 11, and the resource server 11 may perform control related to power adjustment (see FIG. 3). Alternatively, the operator who operates the HEMS server 12 may be the service provider, and the HEMS server 12 may perform control related to power adjustment (see FIG. 4).

[0039] The aggregation coordinator 10 sends an adjustment command related to power adjustment to the service provider that performs proxy control by the power adjustment of consumers. For example, when the service provider is the operator of the resource server 11, an adjustment command related to power adjustment is sent to the resource server 11. The resource server 11 that has received the adjustment command related to power adjustment from the aggregation coordinator 10 determines the consumers 13 to participate in the power adjustment. Then, an output control amount is assigned to the consumers 13 to participate in the power adjustment. Then, communication is performed with the lower-level HEMS server 12 so that each consumer controls at least one of the power storage device and the storage water heater according to the assigned adjustment amount. The lower-level HEMS server 12 communicates with the control device 24 of the consumer 13 that participates in the power adjustment.

[0040] The consumer 13 that has received an adjustment command from the HEMS server 12 calculates a target value from the command value using the control device 24. When controlling the power storage device 22, the power storage schedule for the implementation period of the day is changed to a power storage schedule corresponding to the target value. Then, the charge and discharge of the power storage device 22 are controlled until the end of the implementation period of the day (including the night of the previous day is also considered) so as to achieve the power demand corresponding to the target value. When controlling the storage water heater 23, the boiling schedule during the implementation period of the day is changed to a boiling schedule corresponding to the target value. Then, the boiling of the storage water heater 23 is controlled until the end of the implementation period of the day (including the night of the previous day is also considered) so as to achieve the power demand corresponding to the target value. At a certain interval during the implementation period of the day or after the implementation period has ended, the consumer 13 reports the results related to the power adjustment of the day to the HEMS server 12 (performance response).

[0041] The HEMS server 12 that has received the performance responses related to the power adjustment from each power control system collates and sends them to the resource server 11. The resource server 11 that has received the declarations from each HEMS server 12 collates and sends them to the aggregation coordinator 10. The aggregation coordinator 10 that has received the reports from each resource server determines the incentives related to the power adjustment given to the consumer 13 according to the performance.

[0042] In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operator who operates the HEMS server 12 was described as a lower-level resource aggregator. However, a mode in which the HEMS server 12 that collectively manages a plurality of power consumers acts as an equivalent single consumer can also be considered. In that case, the resource server 11 as a power control system allocates an adjustment amount to one or more HEMS servers 12, and communicates with the HEMS server 12 so that the HEMS server 12 controls at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type water heater according to the allocated adjustment amount. The HEMS server to which the adjustment amount is allocated determines the consumer 13 that participates in power adjustment. Then, an output control amount is allocated to the consumer 13 that participates in power adjustment. Then, the HEMS server 12 communicates with the control device 24 of the consumer 13 that participates in power adjustment so that each consumer controls at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type water heater according to the allocated adjustment amount.

[0043] ≪Specific Example of Power Adjustment Using Power Storage Device≫ An example of power adjustment executed by the control device 24 of the consumer 13 will be described. Here, an example in which the power storage device 22 is applied to power adjustment will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, when the control device 24 of the consumer 13 receives an adjustment command the previous day for the next day, the control device 24 transmits a predicted value of the amount of power that can be adjusted for each time to the upper-level HEMS server 12 as the power adjustment available amount. The predicted value is derived based on information such as the actual power generation amount by the small-scale solar power generation device 21 in the consumer 13, the actual charge and discharge of the power storage device 22, the actual power consumption amount due to the power load, etc., and the weather forecast for the current day, which are collected by the control device 24. The power generation amount of the consumer 13, the charge and discharge of the power storage device 22, and the power consumption amount due to the power load, etc. may be stored in advance as a history in the non-volatile memory of the control device 24. When the HEMS server 12 located above the consumer 13 acts as a power control device, the history may be sent to the upper-level HEMS server 12, and the HEMS server 12 stores the history of each consumer 13. In that case, the data storage unit 32 of the HEMS server 12 includes a history storage unit 39 that stores the history of each consumer 13. The control device 24 refers to the history stored in the history storage unit 39 and derives the output adjustable amount.

[0044] Furthermore, when the upper-level resource server 11 of the HEMS server 12 acts as a power control device, the resource server 11 may store its history. In that case, the data storage unit 42 of the resource server 11 includes a history storage unit 49 that stores the history of each consumer. The control device 24 refers to the history stored in the history storage unit 49 of the resource server 11 via the HEMS server 12 and derives an adjustable output amount.

[0045] When performing power adjustment on the same day, the adjustment amount distribution unit 36 or 46 of the power control device determines the amount of power that the consumer 13 should suppress within the range of the power adjustment available amount transmitted the previous day, and transmits an adjustment command. The control device 24 of the consumer 13 receives the adjustment command from the upper-level HEMS server 12 before the start of the implementation period. The control device 24 that has received the adjustment command refers to the information on the implementation period and the amount of power to be suppressed during the implementation period included in the adjustment command. When receiving the adjustment command, the control device 24 changes the power storage schedule during the power adjustment implementation period to correspond to the target value according to the adjustment command. Then, based on the changed power storage schedule, the charge and discharge of the power storage device 22 are controlled so that the amount of power sold from the consumer 13 to the power grid during the implementation period, in other words, the reverse power flow, becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. The aforementioned predetermined value may be zero. Also, it may be set to purchase power. That is, during the implementation period, the charge and discharge of the power storage device 22 may be controlled so that no reverse power flow to the power grid occurs. However, since the amount of power that the power storage device 22 can charge is limited, it is not always possible to eliminate the occurrence of reverse power flow during the implementation period. During some periods of the implementation period, the charge and discharge of the power storage device 22 may be controlled so that no reverse power flow occurs from the consumer 13 to the power grid. The control device 24 changes the power storage schedule within the range where the power stored in the power storage device 22 during the power adjustment implementation period can cover the power used by the power load of the consumer 13 after the implementation period (for example, after sunset). The changed power storage schedule may be one that fully charges the power storage device 22. By controlling the charging of the power storage device 22 until it is fully charged, it is possible to cover the power used not only during the night of the same day after the implementation period but also during the period until the next morning when the sun rises and solar power generation starts. Therefore, the power stored in the power storage device 22 during the implementation period is utilized without waste.

[0046] ≪Specific Example of Power Adjustment Using a Storage-Type Water Heater≫ As a different example of power adjustment executed by the control device 24, an example of applying the storage water heater 23 to power adjustment will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, when the control device 24 of the consumer 13 receives an adjustment command the previous day for the next day, it transmits to the upper-level HEMS server 12 the predicted value of the amount of power that can be adjusted per unit time as the power-adjustable amount. The predicted value is derived based on information such as the actual power generation amount by the small-scale solar power generation device 21 in the consumer 13, the actual power consumption of the storage water heater 23 by boiling, the actual power consumption by other power loads, and the weather forecast for the current day, which are collected by the control device 24. The power generation amount of the consumer 13, the power consumption amount of the storage water heater 23, and the power consumption amount by other power loads may be stored in advance as a history in the non-volatile memory of the control device 24. When the upper-level HEMS server 12 or the resource server 11 higher than the HEMS server 12 acts as a power control device, the HEMS server 12 or the resource server 11 may store the history. The control device 24 refers to the history stored in the history storage unit 49 of the resource server 11 via the HEMS server 12 and derives the output-adjustable amount.

[0047] When performing power adjustment on the same day, the adjustment amount distribution unit 36 or 46 of the power control device determines the amount of power that the consumer 13 should suppress within the range of the power adjustable amount transmitted the previous day, and transmits an adjustment command. The control device 24 receives an adjustment command from the upper-level HEMS server 12 before the start of the implementation period. The control device 24 that has received the adjustment command refers to the information on the implementation period included in the adjustment command and the amount of power to be suppressed during the implementation period. When receiving the adjustment command, the control device 24 changes the boiling schedule of the storage water heater 23 during the implementation period of power adjustment to correspond to the target value according to the adjustment command. Then, the boiling of the storage water heater 23 is controlled based on the changed boiling schedule. In this way, the amount of power sold from the consumer 13 to the power grid during the implementation period, in other words, the reverse power flow, is set to a predetermined value. The aforementioned predetermined value may be zero, that is, a boiling schedule that prevents reverse power flow to the power grid. However, since the amount of hot water that the storage water heater 23 can store is limited, it is not always possible to eliminate the occurrence of reverse power flow during the implementation period. The control device 24 changes the boiling schedule within the range where the amount of hot water used by the consumer 13 after the implementation period of power adjustment (for example, after sunset) is covered by the hot water boiled and stored by the storage water heater 23 during the implementation period. Therefore, the power used for boiling the storage water heater 23 during the implementation period is utilized without waste.

[0048] <<Example of Distribution of Adjustment Amount Related to Power Adjustment>> A specific example of the adjustment amount distribution unit 36 shown in FIG. 3 or the adjustment amount distribution unit 46 shown in FIG. 4 determining the adjustment amount related to power adjustment will be described. Several methods for the adjustment amount distribution unit 36 or 46 to determine the adjustment amount for each consumer are conceivable. As an example, when the implementation period is specified as several consecutive periods with 30 minutes as one unit, the adjustment command is updated as needed in 5-minute units according to the fluctuations in the supply-demand balance during the implementation period. In other words, the adjustment amount can be updated in 5-minute units.

[0049] As a first aspect, it is conceivable that the adjustment amount distribution unit 36 or 46 distributes the adjustment amount according to the power generation capacity of the small-scale solar power generation device 21 owned by each consumer. Since a small-scale solar power generation device 21 with a large power generation capacity is predicted to generate more power during the implementation period than a small-scale solar power generation device 21 with a small power generation capacity, a larger adjustment amount is distributed to the consumer having the small-scale solar power generation device 21 with a large power generation capacity accordingly.

[0050] As a second aspect, it is conceivable that the adjustment amount of each consumer is distributed according to the presence or absence of reverse power flow or the magnitude of the reverse power flow of each consumer expected or actually implemented during the implementation period. The reverse power flow from the consumer to the power grid is the power generated by the small-scale solar power generation device 21 of the consumer 13. If that power is suppressed, it can be said that the small-scale solar power generation device 21 of the consumer 13 has performed power adjustment in place of the solar power generation facility 17. That is, it can be said that the output control of the solar power generation facility 17 has been substituted.

[0051] Furthermore, as a third aspect, when the energy storage device 22 is applied to power adjustment, it is conceivable that the adjustment amount distribution unit 36 or 46 determines and distributes the adjustment amount according to the magnitude of the power consumption of each consumer after the implementation period. This is for using the power without waste on the premise that the consumer 13 consumes the power stored in the energy storage device 22 during power adjustment after the implementation period. A consumer with a large power consumption after the implementation period is likely to be able to use it without waste even if a large adjustment amount is allocated. Note that an example of after the implementation period is after sunset, but any time period after the implementation period is acceptable. The adjustment amount may be determined and distributed according to the magnitude of the power consumption exceeding the power generation amount after the implementation period.

[0052] Also, as a fourth aspect, when the power storage device 22 is applied to power adjustment, it is conceivable that the adjustment amount distribution unit 36 or 46 determines and distributes the adjustment amount according to the size of the available capacity of the power storage device 22 predicted during the period of power adjustment implementation. Since the predicted available capacity can be said to be the capacity with which the power storage device 22 can be applied to power adjustment, it is an idea to allocate a larger adjustment amount to the consumer 13 for whom a larger available capacity is predicted during the implementation period. In that case, the power storage schedule of the power that was originally planned to be charged before the power adjustment implementation time may be shifted during the power adjustment implementation period within the range where it can be determined to be possible by referring to the history, so as to increase the available capacity compared to the original power storage schedule.

[0053] Furthermore, as a fifth aspect, when the power storage device 22 is applied to power adjustment, it is conceivable that the control device 24 accepts the setting by the user of a dedicated capacity (available capacity) for the purpose of responding to power adjustment, and secures the available capacity corresponding to the setting in the power storage device 22. The adjustment amount distribution unit 36 or 46 determines and distributes the adjustment amount according to the size of the available capacity secured in this way. Since the secured available capacity can be said to be the capacity with which the power storage device 22 can be applied to power adjustment, it is an idea to allocate a larger adjustment amount to the consumer 13 who has secured a larger available capacity for power adjustment.

[0054] As a sixth aspect, when the hot water storage type water heater 23 is applied to power adjustment, the following method for the adjustment amount distribution unit 36 or 46 to determine and allocate the adjustment amount is conceivable. When the hot water storage type water heater 23 is applied to power adjustment, the boiling schedule of the amount of hot water that was originally planned to be boiled and stored before the power adjustment implementation time is shifted during the power adjustment implementation period within the range where it can be determined that the amount of hot water is sufficient by referring to the history. By doing so, at least a part of the power generated by the small-scale solar power generation device 21 during the power adjustment implementation period is used for boiling the hot water. Calculate the magnitude of the power consumption corresponding to the amount of the shift of the boiling to the implementation period, and determine and distribute the adjustment amount according to the magnitude of the power consumption of the shifted portion. The magnitude of the power consumption of the shifted portion can be said to be the capacity of the power adjustment that can be handled by applying the hot water storage type water heater 23.

[0055] <<Consideration for Power Regulation>> For the above-mentioned power regulation, it is more beneficial to provide incentives to promote the utilization of power. As the source of such incentives, by utilizing the power related to output control, the power generation amount of thermal power generation can be reduced for the entire power system. Therefore, it is conceivable to allocate the fuel cost and the cost of greenhouse gas reduction measures corresponding to the amount of power of the reduced thermal power generation as the source of incentives, measure these effects, and link them to the amount of power for which power regulation is performed, so that the value can be returned to the user. The amount of power for which power regulation is performed is, for example, the amount of power charged or consumed during the implementation period. When the energy storage device 22 is applied to power regulation, the amount of power charged during the implementation period corresponds to the amount of power with reverse power flow suppressed. Therefore, incentives may be given based on the amount of power charged during the implementation period. Also, when the storage water heating device 23 is applied to power regulation, during the implementation period, the power consumption may exceed the power generation, and power purchase may occur. If power purchase occurs, it will result in an economic loss for the user. Therefore, incentives for compensating for power purchase during the implementation period may be given. Alternatively, incentives may be given based on the power consumption of the storage water heating device 23 during the implementation period. In this case, since incentives are given, the risk of power purchase occurring can be ignored, and the storage water heating device 23 can be applied to power regulation.

[0056] As described above, (i) The power control device according to the present invention is a power control device that is connected to a power system and causes a plurality of consumers having at least one of a solar power generation device and an energy storage device or a storage water heating device to perform power regulation, and includes an adjustment command acquisition unit that acquires an adjustment command to suppress output in place of a solar power generation facility connected to the power system, an adjustment amount distribution unit that determines the distribution of the adjustment amount for each consumer according to the adjustment command, and a power adjustment unit that causes each consumer to control at least one of the energy storage device and the storage water heating device according to the determined adjustment amount.

[0057] In the present invention, the power supply and demand of the power grid connected to the solar power generation facility are managed by a coordinator. The coordinator who manages the power supply and demand in the power grid is the one who manages the power supply and demand balance in the power grid and sends adjustment commands related to the adjustment. As a specific example, for instance, a power transmission and distribution company that operates the power transmission and distribution of the power grid can be mentioned. The aggregation coordinator in the above-described embodiment corresponds to the coordinator of the present invention.

[0058] Moreover, the solar power generation facility connected to the power grid is a solar power generation facility connected to the power grid whose power supply and demand are managed by a coordinator. The power generation capacity of the solar power generation facility is larger than the power generation capacity of the solar power generation devices of consumers, and has a power generation capacity corresponding to the power generation capacities of the solar power generation devices of a plurality of consumers. The solar power generation facility is a power generation facility having a power generation capacity of a predetermined value (for example, 10 kW) or more defined by laws and regulations that can be the target of output control. As a specific example, for instance, a solar power generation device having a power generation capacity of a predetermined value or more can be mentioned. The solar power generation facility 17 (not a small-scale solar power generation device 21) in the above-described embodiment corresponds to the solar power generation facility connected to the power grid in the present invention. Furthermore, the adjustment command is a command sent from the coordinator who manages the power supply and demand in the power grid to the service provider that performs proxy control by adjusting the power of consumers, so as to suppress the power corresponding to the output control of the solar power generation facility to be managed. Also, it is a command related to power adjustment sent from the service provider that has received the command to a plurality of consumers having small-scale solar power generation devices.

[0059] The power generation capacity of the solar power generation device of each consumer is smaller than the power generation capacity of the solar power generation facility. The solar power generation devices of each consumer are mainly assumed to be solar power generation devices having a power generation capacity of less than a predetermined value (for example, 10 kW) defined by laws and regulations that are not the target of output control. As a specific example, for instance, a household solar power generation device can be mentioned. The small-scale solar power generation device 21 in the above-described embodiment corresponds to the solar power generation device possessed by each consumer in the present invention. Also, the adjustment amount is the amount of electric power that each customer should adjust or the total thereof in relation to the above-described adjustment command.

[0060] Furthermore, the power storage device is a power storage device owned by each customer, and includes a storage battery and a control device that controls the charge and discharge of the storage battery. The power storage device stores electric power supplied from a small-scale solar power generation device or the power grid and outputs it to the power load of each customer or the power grid. Charging the storage battery can be regarded as a type of power load. It is possible to control the schedule (power storage schedule) of when and how much electric power to charge the storage battery and output the stored electric power. In power adjustment, the time zone for charging the storage battery can be shifted from the original schedule to the power adjustment implementation period, and the generated electric power of the small-scale solar power generation device can be used for charging the storage battery to serve for power adjustment. Since the electric power charged in the storage battery is supplied to the power load as needed, the electric power used for power adjustment is effectively utilized. Note that the power storage device is included in the power control system of customer 13 in the above-described embodiment.

[0061] The hot water storage type water heater is a device that boils and stores water by electricity using heat pump technology or the like, and supplies hot water as needed, and can be regarded as a type of power load. It is possible to control the schedule (boiling schedule) of when and how much to boil the water. In power adjustment, the time zone for boiling can be shifted from the original schedule to the power adjustment implementation period, and the generated electric power of the small-scale solar power generation device can be used for boiling to serve for power adjustment. Since the boiled water is used as needed, the electric power used for power adjustment is effectively utilized if there is no need to re-boil. Note that the hot water storage type water heater is included in the power control system of customer 13 in the above-described embodiment.

[0062] The power regulation according to the present invention is effective in maintaining the power supply-demand balance in the power system and in effectively utilizing electric power. As a method for maintaining the power supply-demand balance in addition to the proxy control by the power regulation, for example, it is also conceivable to change the electricity price according to the power supply-demand balance situation. For example, if the electricity price during the daytime is lowered, from an economic rationality perspective, each consumer can be induced to store the electricity generated by a small-scale solar power generation device in a storage battery during the daytime. However, even if one tries to maintain the power supply-demand balance only by the electricity price, it is difficult to accurately estimate and induce the total electricity consumption in the power system. In other words, it is hard to say that the risk of power outages due to the breakdown of the power supply-demand balance can be avoided only by the inducement by the electricity price.

[0063] Furthermore, as another method for maintaining the power supply-demand balance in the power system, a tertiary regulation power (wide-area power procurement market) is prepared. For example, it is a mechanism for adjusting the power supply-demand balance in each region by widely lending electric power from a region where the power supply exceeds the power demand to a region where the power demand exceeds the power supply. It is prepared as a method for coping with the prediction error of power generation by renewable energy. However, in a situation where a large amount of surplus power is generated, the market price of electricity is low. As a result, even for the surplus power, it costs to purchase it, and even if the surplus power can be sold at a low price to a region where there is a power shortage, there is a severe aspect from the perspective of profitability.

[0064] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. (ii) During the implementation period of the power regulation, the power regulation unit may cause the storage device to be charged with the power generated by the solar power generation device or cause the storage water heating device to perform boiling control. According to this aspect, even if the solar power generation devices owned by consumers are small-scale, the power generated by a plurality of solar power generation devices owned by those consumers during the power adjustment implementation period is used to charge-control the consumers' storage batteries or to perform boiling control of the storage water heating devices, and by controlling them collectively, an adjustment amount corresponding to the output control can be obtained. Since the consumers can use the power stored in the storage batteries during the power adjustment implementation period and the hot water boiled by the storage water heating devices after the implementation period (for example, after sunset), the power generated by the solar power generation devices during the power adjustment implementation period is utilized.

[0065] (iii) The adjustment amount distribution unit may distribute the adjustment amount so that the reverse power flow of the power generated by the solar power generation device during the power adjustment implementation period to the consumers where reverse power flow occurs in the power grid is suppressed to zero or a predetermined value or less. According to this aspect, the adjustment amount distribution unit can determine the distribution of the adjustment amount so that reverse power flow disappears or the reverse power flow becomes a predetermined value or less for each consumer where reverse power flow occurs during the power adjustment implementation period.

[0066] (iv) The adjustment amount distribution unit may distribute the adjustment amount according to the magnitude of the power generation capacity of the solar power generation device owned by each consumer. According to this aspect, the adjustment amount distribution unit can determine the distribution of the adjustment amount according to the magnitude of the power generation capacity of the solar power generation device of each consumer.

[0067] (v) The adjustment amount distribution unit may acquire in advance a predicted value of the capacity that can be stored in the power storage device of each consumer having the power storage device during the power adjustment implementation period, and determine the distribution of the adjustment amount for each consumer based on the acquired predicted value of the capacity. According to this aspect, the adjustment amount distribution unit can acquire a predicted value of the capacity that can be stored during the implementation period in the power storage device of each consumer before the power adjustment is implemented, and determine the distribution of the adjustment amount for each consumer according to the magnitude thereof.

[0068] (vi) It further includes a history acquisition unit that acquires the history related to at least one of the charge-discharge control of the energy storage device and the boiling control of the storage water heater for each time zone of the customer's home. The power adjustment unit refers to the history acquired by the history acquisition unit and controls at least one of the charge control of the energy storage device and the boiling control of the water in the storage water heater before the implementation period of the power adjustment to be shifted to the implementation period of the power adjustment. The adjustment amount distribution unit may determine the distribution of the adjustment amount for each customer based on the magnitude of the power demand that increases during the implementation period of the power adjustment due to the shift. According to this aspect, the adjustment amount distribution unit can determine the distribution of the adjustment amount for each customer based on the magnitude of the power demand that increases during the implementation period by shifting the power demand at night before the implementation of the output control to the implementation period.

[0069] (vii) The adjustment amount distribution unit may acquire in advance a predicted value of the amount of electric power that the storage water heater of each customer having the storage water heater can use for boiling during the implementation period of the power adjustment, and determine the distribution of the adjustment amount for each customer based on the predicted value acquired from each customer. According to this aspect, the adjustment amount distribution unit can acquire a predicted value of the amount of electric power that the storage water heater of each customer can use for boiling during the implementation period before the power adjustment is implemented, and determine the distribution of the adjustment amount for each customer according to the magnitude thereof.

[0070] (viii) Each customer is provided with a control device that controls at least one of the energy storage device and the storage water heater. The power adjustment unit may cause the control device to control at least one of the energy storage device and the storage water heater. According to this aspect, the adjustment amount distribution unit can realize power adjustment that allows each customer to consume power at home according to the determined adjustment amount by communicating with the control device that controls at least one of the energy storage device and the storage water heater owned by each customer.

[0071] (ix) One aspect of the present invention is a power control system for a consumer having a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device or a hot water supply device connected to a power system, the system obtaining an adjustment amount related to the power adjustment of the consumer determined based on an adjustment command for suppressing output in place of a solar power generation facility connected to the power system, and performing the power adjustment by controlling at least one of the power storage device and the hot water supply device according to the adjustment amount.

[0072] (x) One aspect of the present invention is a power control method including steps in which a power control device that causes a plurality of consumers having a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device or a hot water supply device connected to a power system to perform power adjustment obtains an adjustment command for suppressing output in place of a solar power generation facility to be managed from a coordinator that manages power supply and demand in the power system, determines an allocation of adjustment amounts related to the power adjustment of the solar power generation device of each consumer so as to match the adjustment command, and causes each consumer to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water supply device according to the determined adjustment amount.

[0073] (xi) Further, one aspect of the present invention is a power control system including a power control device that causes a plurality of consumers having a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device or a hot water supply device connected to a power system to perform power adjustment, and an adjustment command device that assigns adjustment amounts to the power control device. The adjustment command device sends an adjustment command including an adjustment amount for suppressing output in place of a solar power generation facility connected to the power system to the power control device. The power control device includes an adjustment command acquisition unit that acquires the adjustment command, an adjustment amount allocation unit that determines an allocation of adjustment amounts for each consumer so as to match the adjustment command, and a power adjustment unit that causes each consumer to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water supply device according to the determined adjustment amount. The adjustment command device according to the present invention corresponds to, for example, the resource server in the above-described Embodiment 2.

[0074] Aspects of the present invention include combinations of any of the above-described aspects. In addition to the above-described embodiments, various modifications are possible for the present invention. Such modifications should not be construed as not belonging to the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include all meanings equivalent to the claims and all of the above modifications.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0075] 10: Aggregation Coordinator, 11, 11A, 11B, 11C: Resource Servers, 12, 12A, 12B, 12C: HEMS Servers, 13, 13A, 13B, 13C: Consumers, 17: Solar Power Generation Facility, 21, 21A, 21B, 21C: Small-Scale Solar Power Generation Devices, 22, 22A, 22B: Energy Storage Devices, 23, 23B, 23C: Storage-Type Water Heaters, 24, 24A, 24B, 24C: Control Devices, 31, 41: Server Control Units, 32, 42: Data Storage Units, 33, 43: Communication Circuits, 35, 45: Adjustment Command Acquisition Units, 36, 46: Adjustment Amount Distribution Units, 37, 47: Power Adjustment Units, 38, 48: History Acquisition Units, 39, 49: History Storage Units

Claims

1. A power control device that is connected to a power grid and adjusts power consumption of a plurality of consumers having a photovoltaic power generation device and at least one of a power storage device and a hot water supply device, an adjustment command acquisition unit that acquires an adjustment command to suppress output on behalf of a photovoltaic power generation facility connected to the power grid; an adjustment amount allocation unit that determines an allocation of an adjustment amount for each consumer in accordance with the adjustment command; and a power adjustment unit that causes each consumer to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type hot water supply device according to the determined adjustment amount.

2. The power control device according to claim 1 , wherein the power adjustment unit controls the power storage device to perform charging control or the hot water storage type hot water supply device to perform boiling control using the power generated by the solar power generation device during a period in which the power adjustment is being performed.

3. 2. The power control device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment amount allocation unit allocates an adjustment amount to a consumer to whom power generated by the solar power generation device flows back to the power grid during the period in which the power adjustment is implemented, so that the backflow power is suppressed to zero or a predetermined value or less.

4. The power control device according to claim 1 , wherein the adjustment amount allocating unit allocates the adjustment amount in accordance with the magnitude of power generation capacity of the photovoltaic power generation device of each consumer.

5. 2. The power control device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment amount allocation unit acquires in advance a predicted value of a capacity that can be stored in the power storage device of each consumer having the power storage device during a period during which the power adjustment is implemented, and determines an allocation of the adjustment amount to each consumer based on the acquired predicted value of the capacity.

6. A history acquisition unit that acquires history related to at least one of the charge / discharge control of the power storage device and the heating control of the hot water storage type hot water heater for each time period of each consumer, the power adjustment unit refers to the history acquired by the history acquisition unit and controls at least one of a charging control of the power storage device before the implementation period of the power adjustment and a heating control of the hot water storage type hot water heater to be shifted to the implementation period of the power adjustment; The power control device according to claim 1 , wherein the adjustment amount allocation unit determines an allocation of the adjustment amount to each consumer based on the magnitude of the power demand that increases during the implementation period of the power adjustment due to the shift.

7. The power control device described in claim 1, wherein the adjustment amount allocation unit obtains in advance a predicted value of the amount of electricity that the storage type hot water supply device of each consumer having the storage type hot water supply device can use for heating during the period during which the power adjustment is implemented, and determines the allocation of the adjustment amount to each consumer based on the predicted value obtained from each consumer.

8. Each consumer is provided with a control device that controls at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type hot water supply device, The power control device according to claim 1 , wherein the power adjustment unit causes the control device to control at least one of the power storage device and the storage type hot water supply device.

9. A power control system for a consumer connected to a power grid, the power control system including a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device and a hot water supply device, Acquire an adjustment amount related to power adjustment of the consumer determined based on an adjustment command to suppress output on behalf of a solar power generation facility connected to the power grid; A power control system that adjusts the power by controlling at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type hot water supply device in accordance with the adjustment amount.

10. A power control device is connected to a power grid and controls a plurality of consumers having a photovoltaic power generation device and at least one of a power storage device and a hot water supply device to adjust power, Obtaining an adjustment command to suppress output on behalf of a photovoltaic power generation facility connected to the power grid; determining an allocation of an adjustment amount related to the power adjustment of each consumer in accordance with the adjustment command; and causing each consumer to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type hot water supply device in accordance with the determined adjustment amount.

11. a power control device that is connected to a power grid and causes a plurality of consumers having a photovoltaic power generation device and at least one of a power storage device and a hot water supply device to adjust power; an adjustment command device for giving an adjustment command to the power control device; A power control system comprising: the adjustment command device sends an adjustment command including an adjustment amount to be suppressed on behalf of a photovoltaic power generation facility connected to the power grid to the power control device; The power control device includes: an adjustment command acquisition unit that acquires the adjustment command; an adjustment amount allocation unit that determines an allocation of an adjustment amount for each consumer in accordance with the adjustment command; a power adjustment unit that causes each consumer to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type hot water heater according to the determined adjustment amount.

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