Power control system and power control method

Abstract

To provide a power control system and a power control method that can suppress the generation of surplus power by using a power storage device without adjusting the output of a load.SOLUTION: A power control system 100 includes: a prediction unit 20 that predicts an amount of power generated by a solar module 60 using natural energy in a day and an amount of power consumed by a load 70 used in a facility; and a control unit 10 that controls charging and discharging of a power storage device 32 to adjust an available capacity of the power storage device 32 so as to suppress generation of surplus power that cannot be charged into the power storage device 32 or cannot be consumed by the load 70, out of an amount of power obtained by subtracting the amount of power consumed from the amount of power generated, on the basis of the prediction result of the prediction unit 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power control system and a power control method, and more particularly to a power control system and a power control method using a power storage device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a power control system and a power control method using a power storage device have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The power control system described in Patent Document 1 predicts the power generated by a solar panel for each time zone and the power consumption in a facility that uses power. Further, when the generated power becomes excessive, the power control system described in Patent Document 1 prevents the occurrence of reverse power flow, which is a phenomenon in which the generated power flows backward into the power distribution line for receiving power from the power grid. When the SOC (remaining charge amount) of the power storage device acquired by the control microcomputer (control unit) is less than a predetermined charging threshold value, control is performed to charge the generated power into the battery. Further, when the SOC of the battery acquired by the control microcomputer is equal to or greater than a predetermined charging threshold value, within the allowable range of the output of a preset load, a command to increase the power consumption is given to the load, and the output of the load is increased.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The power control system described in Patent Document 1 above is configured to increase the output of a load within a preset allowable range of the output of the load or to charge a storage battery according to whether the state of charge (SOC) of the storage battery acquired by a control microcomputer is equal to or greater than a predetermined charging threshold value, or less than the threshold value. However, in the power control system described in Patent Document 1 above, the increase or decrease of the output of the load can only be increased or decreased within a preset allowable range of the output of the load, so the range that can be dealt with is very limited. For example, when the generated power is excessive and the SOC of the storage battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined charging threshold value and the generated power is not used for charging the storage battery, the output of the load can only be changed within a preset allowable range of the output of the load, so all of the generated power cannot be consumed and surplus power may be generated. Therefore, a power control system and a power control method capable of suppressing the generation of surplus power using a power storage device without adjusting the output of the load are desired.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a power control system and a power control method capable of suppressing the generation of surplus power using a power storage device without adjusting the output of the load.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a power control system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a prediction unit that predicts the amount of power generated by a power generation system using natural energy in a day and the amount of power consumed by a load used in a facility, and based on the prediction result of the prediction unit, among the amount of power obtained by subtracting the amount of power consumed from the amount of power generated, the surplus power that cannot be charged to the power storage device and cannot be consumed by the load is suppressed. And a control unit that controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device to adjust the free capacity of the power storage device.

[0008] As described above, the power control system according to the first aspect of the present invention controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device based on the prediction result of the prediction unit so as to suppress the generation of surplus power that cannot be charged into the power storage device and cannot be consumed by the load among the power amount obtained by subtracting the power consumption amount from the power generation amount. Thereby, a control unit is provided to adjust the available capacity of the power storage device. As a result, even when the generated power becomes excessive, the available capacity of the power storage device is adjusted so as to suppress the generation of surplus power, so that an available capacity for charging the generated power into the power storage device can be secured. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of surplus power using the power storage device without adjusting the output of the load.

[0009] In the power control system according to the first aspect, preferably, a daily operation plan regarding the charge and discharge timing of the power storage device is generated to adjust the available capacity of the power storage device so as to suppress the generation of surplus power based on the prediction result of the prediction unit, and based on the daily operation plan, the charge and discharge of the power storage device is controlled. With this configuration, based on the daily operation plan generated based on the prediction result, the charge and discharge of the power storage device are performed in each time zone to adjust the available capacity of the power storage device. Therefore, in each time zone, compared with the case where the prediction result is acquired each time and the charge and discharge of the power storage device are performed based on the acquired prediction result, the available capacity of the power storage device can be adjusted while suppressing the processing load of the control unit.

[0010] In the power control system according to the first aspect, preferably, the control unit controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device based on a surplus power operation pattern corresponding to the information that there is a time zone in a day when surplus power is generated, or a surplus power non-operation pattern corresponding to the information that there is no time zone in a day when surplus power is generated, which is obtained based on the prediction result of the prediction unit. When controlling the charge and discharge of the power storage device based on the surplus power operation pattern, it is configured to perform charge and discharge control to adjust the available capacity of the power storage device. With this configuration, based on any of the selected operation patterns based on a simple prediction result of whether there is surplus power or not, the charge and discharge of the power storage device can be easily controlled.

[0011] In this case, preferably, when the control unit controls the charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the surplus power operation pattern, the control unit generates a daily operation plan regarding the charging and discharging timing of the power storage device such that, before the predicted generation time of the acquired surplus power, the control unit performs control to discharge the power storage device, and controls the charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the daily operation plan. With this configuration, a free capacity for charging the power storage device is secured before the generation of surplus power. As a result, when surplus power is generated, the generated power amount can be charged to the power storage device, so that power control for suppressing the generation of surplus power can be more reliably performed using the power storage device.

[0012] In the power control system that controls the charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the above-described daily operation plan, preferably, when the control unit controls the charging and discharging of the power storage device according to the surplus power operation pattern based on the daily operation plan, the control unit is configured to perform control to pre-discharge the power storage device before the predicted generation time of the surplus power such that the power storage device is fully charged at the end of the predicted generation time of the surplus power. With this configuration, since the power storage device is fully charged in the time period when the generation of surplus power ends, appropriate power control can be performed to utilize the charged power amount of the power storage device in the time period when the power consumption amount increases.

[0013] In the power control system that controls the charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the above-described surplus power operation pattern or surplus power-free operation pattern, preferably, when the control unit controls the charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the surplus power-free operation pattern, the control unit generates a daily operation plan regarding the charging and discharging timing of the power storage device such that the power storage device is fully charged by the power received from the power grid in at least the time period other than the time period when the power generation system generates power, and controls the charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the daily operation plan. With this configuration, the power storage device is fully charged in the time period other than the time period when the power generation system generates power. As a result, even on a day when no surplus power is generated, appropriate power control can be performed to utilize the charged power amount of the power storage device in the time period when the power consumption amount increases.

[0014] In this case, preferably, the surplus power non-operation pattern includes a first surplus non-operation pattern corresponding to the case where there is no time zone in a day when surplus power is generated and the generated power amount is equal to or greater than the set value, or a second surplus non-operation pattern corresponding to the case where there is no time zone in a day when surplus power is generated and the generated power amount is less than the set value. The control unit is configured to generate a daily operation plan based on the first surplus non-operation pattern or the second surplus non-operation pattern, and perform charge and discharge control of the power storage device based on the generated daily operation plan. With this configuration, it is possible to easily perform charge and discharge control of the power storage device based on any one of the operation patterns selected based on a simple prediction result of whether the generated power is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value or less than the threshold value.

[0015] In the power control system that performs charge and discharge control of the power storage device based on the first surplus non-operation pattern or the second surplus non-operation pattern, preferably, the control unit generates a daily operation plan in which, based on the first surplus non-operation pattern, during at least the time zone when the power generation system generates power, the generated power is consumed by the load without performing charge and discharge control of the power storage device, and performs charge and discharge control of the power storage device based on the daily operation plan. With this configuration, since charge and discharge control is not performed during a certain time zone when the generated power amount is present, the charge amount of the power storage device can be maintained at an amount equal to or greater than the desired amount, and appropriate power control can be performed to utilize the charged power amount of the power storage device during the time zone when the power consumption amount increases.

[0016] In a power control system that controls charging and discharging of a power storage device based on the above-described first surplus no-operation pattern or second surplus no-operation pattern, preferably, the control unit generates a daily operation plan for performing control to charge the power storage device using the power received from the power grid during a time period when the amount of power consumed at the facility is small, based on the second surplus no-operation pattern, and is configured to control charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the daily operation plan. With this configuration, even when the amount of generated power is insufficient, the charge amount of the power storage device can be maintained at a desired amount or more, and appropriate power control can be performed to utilize the charging power amount of the power storage device during a time period when the amount of power consumed increases.

[0017] In the power control system according to the above-described first aspect, preferably, the power generation system includes a solar power generation system using solar energy, and the prediction unit performs a prediction regarding the amount of power generated by the solar power generation system and the amount of power consumed at the facility in a day once a day based on weather information. With this configuration, since the prediction unit can predict the amount of power generated by the solar power generation system that varies depending on the weather based on the weather information, it is particularly effective in predicting the amount of generated power. Also, based on the prediction once a day, control of charging and discharging of the power storage device can be performed, so that power control can be performed while reducing the processing load on the control unit.

[0018] In a power control system that generates a daily operation plan regarding the charging and discharging timing of the above-described power storage device, preferably, the control unit generates a corrected operation plan obtained by correcting the daily operation plan based on a comparison result between the prediction result of the prediction unit and the measured value of the amount of power generated by the power generation system, and is configured to control charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the corrected operation plan. With this configuration, charging and discharging control of the power storage device can be performed based on the corrected operation plan generated based on the comparison result between the prediction result and the measured value of the amount of generated power. Therefore, even when the weather forecast is off or when the solar panels are dirty and the amount of generated power as predicted cannot be obtained, the operation plan can be corrected in consideration of the measured value, so that charging and discharging of the power storage device can be appropriately performed.

[0019] In this case, preferably, the control unit is configured to generate a corrected prediction result by correcting the prediction result of the prediction unit based on the comparison result, and generate a corrected operation plan based on the corrected prediction result. With this configuration, since the prediction result of the generated power amount can be corrected based on the comparison result between the predicted power generation amount and the measured value, the charge and discharge of the energy storage device can be performed more appropriately.

[0020] In the power control system that generates the above-mentioned corrected prediction result, preferably, the control unit is configured to generate a corrected prediction result at predetermined time intervals and generate a corrected operation plan at predetermined time intervals based on the corrected prediction result. With this configuration, since the corrected prediction result can be obtained at predetermined time intervals, an appropriate corrected operation plan can be sequentially generated according to the weather conditions that vary with time. As a result, the charge and discharge of the energy storage device can be performed more appropriately.

[0021] In the power control system that generates the above-mentioned corrected prediction result, preferably, the control unit is configured to generate a corrected prediction result when the comparison result, which is the ratio between the prediction result of the prediction unit and the measured value of the power generation amount by the power generation system, is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. With this configuration, since it is not necessary to generate a corrected operation plan every time when the deviation between the prediction result and the measured value is too small, the control load on the control unit can be reduced.

[0022] In the power control system that generates the above-mentioned corrected prediction result, preferably, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit, the control unit obtains an excess power operation pattern corresponding to the information that there is a time period during a day when excess power is generated, or an excess power non-operation pattern corresponding to the information that there is no time period during a day when excess power is generated, and generates a daily operation plan based on the pattern. When the corrected prediction result is obtained, based on the corrected prediction result, the control unit is configured to switch between the excess power operation pattern and the excess power non-operation pattern to generate a corrected operation plan. With this configuration, based on the corrected prediction result, the original operation pattern can be changed, so that unnecessary charging and discharging of the energy storage device are not performed. As a result, the power consumption during charging and discharging of the energy storage device can be suppressed.

[0023] In this case, preferably, when the control unit obtains information in the prediction result that there is a time period during a day when excess power is generated, and obtains information in the corrected prediction result that there is no time period during a day when excess power is generated, the control unit switches the excess power operation pattern to the excess power non-operation pattern to generate a corrected operation plan. When the control unit obtains information in the prediction result that there is no time period during a day when excess power is generated, and obtains information in the corrected prediction result that there is a time period during a day when excess power is generated, the control unit switches the excess power non-operation pattern to the excess power operation pattern to generate a corrected operation plan. With this configuration, an appropriate operation pattern can be easily selected based on the corrected prediction result.

[0024] The power control method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a prediction step of predicting the amount of power generated by a power generation system in a day and the amount of power consumed by a load used in a facility, and a charge / discharge control step of controlling the charge and discharge of an energy storage device to adjust the available capacity of the energy storage device so as to suppress the generation of excess power, which is the power that cannot be charged into the energy storage device and cannot be consumed by the load, among the power obtained by subtracting the amount of power consumed from the amount of power generated based on the prediction result predicted in the prediction step.

[0025] According to the second aspect of the present invention, as described above, based on the prediction result predicted in the prediction step, among the electric power obtained by subtracting the power consumption amount from the power generation amount, the surplus power that cannot be charged to the power storage device and cannot be consumed by the load is generated. The charge and discharge control step is provided to perform control to adjust the free capacity of the power storage device by causing the power storage device to perform charge and discharge so as to suppress the generation of the surplus power. As a result, even when the generated power becomes excessive, the free capacity of the power storage device is adjusted so as to suppress the generation of the surplus power, so that the free capacity for charging the generated power to the power storage device can be secured. As a result, the generation of surplus power can be suppressed using the power storage device without adjusting the output of the load.

[0026] In the power control method according to the second aspect, preferably, based on the prediction result predicted in the prediction step, a daily operation plan regarding the charge and discharge timing of the power storage device is generated so as to perform control to discharge the power storage device in advance before the predicted generation time of the obtained surplus power. The charge and discharge control step performs control to adjust the free capacity of the power storage device based on the daily operation plan. With this configuration, a free capacity for charging the power storage device is secured before the surplus power is generated. As a result, when the surplus power is generated, the generated power amount can be charged to the power storage device, so that the power control for suppressing the generation of the surplus power can be more reliably performed using the power storage device.

[0027] In this case, preferably, a corrected operation plan generation step is further provided to generate a corrected operation plan in which the daily operation plan is corrected based on the comparison result between the prediction result predicted in the prediction step and the measured value of the generated power amount by the power generation system. The charge and discharge control step performs control to adjust the free capacity of the power storage device based on the corrected operation plan. With this configuration, the charge and discharge control of the power storage device can be performed based on the corrected operation plan generated based on the comparison result between the prediction result and the measured value of the generated power amount. Therefore, even when the weather forecast is off or the solar panel is dirty and the generated power amount as predicted cannot be obtained, the operation plan can be corrected in consideration of the measured value, so that the charge and discharge of the power storage device can be appropriately performed.

Effect of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a power control system and a power control method capable of suppressing the generation of surplus power using a power storage device without adjusting the output of the load. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] [First Embodiment] Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the power control system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. The power control system 100 is used, for example, in a store such as a convenience store. The power control system 100 is used to avoid the power demand of the store exceeding the contract power that the store has contracted with the power company. Here, the contract power is the peak value among the maximum power demands (demand values) of each month in the past year. Therefore, the power control system 100 is used to perform "smoothing of purchased power" to reduce the peak value of power by discharging the energy storage device 32 described later. Note that the store is an example of the "facility" in the claims.

[0032] (Configuration of Power Control System) As shown in FIG. 1, the power control system 100 includes a control unit 10, a prediction unit 20, and an energy storage unit 30. The power control system 100 is configured to control the amount of power supplied to a plurality of loads 70 provided in the store.

[0033] The control unit 10 includes an arithmetic device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a processor, and controls the entire power control system 100. Specifically, the control unit 10 performs operation control of the energy storage unit 30 based on the prediction result of the prediction unit 20. The detailed operation of the control unit 10 will be described later.

[0034] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 11 includes a non-volatile memory, a hard disk, etc., and stores various information such as a program for controlling the entire power control system 100. The storage unit 11 stores information on the leveling target power amount that is equal to or less than the maximum demand power amount and does not exceed the contract power value, which is set and stored by being input in advance by the user or acquired from an external source (for example, an external network not shown). In addition, three types of operation patterns P are stored in the storage unit 11 in advance. Note that this operation pattern P includes the surplus power operation pattern P1, the first surplus-free operation pattern P2, and the second surplus-free operation pattern P3, which will be described later.

[0035] The display unit 12 includes a display or the like. The display unit 12 is controlled by the control unit 10 to display an image including character information or the like. The display unit 12 displays the selected operation pattern P and information indicating the daily driving plan and the like.

[0036] The prediction unit 20 acquires the daily weather forecast information from an external organization such as a weather operation support center (not shown) once at 0:00 am every day. Further, the prediction unit 20 is a cloud computing that predicts the predicted power consumption including the power consumption used in the store in each time zone of the day and the power generation power of the solar module 60 in each time zone of the day in units of 30 minutes based on the acquired weather forecast information. Further, the prediction unit 20 is configured to be communicable with the control unit 10, and exchanges information such as various predicted power consumption and actual data of power consumption. Further, the prediction unit 20 is configured to be communicable with the measurement unit 50, and acquires the measured data of the weather information of the past day. Further, the prediction unit 20 is configured to associate the data of the weather information of the past day acquired from the measurement unit 50 with the actual data of the power consumption of the store in one day acquired from the control unit 10 and store it on the cloud.

[0037] The power storage unit 30 includes a PCS 31 (Power Conditioning System) and a power storage device 32. The PCS 31 converts the DC power output from the power storage device 32 into AC power and outputs the converted AC power to the control unit 10 and the power distribution unit 40. The PCS 31 includes a power conversion circuit having a plurality of switching elements and performs conversion between AC power and DC power. Further, the power storage device 32 includes a secondary battery that charges DC power. For example, the power storage device 32 includes a lithium-ion secondary battery. The PCS 31 charges the power storage device 32 with the AC power from the power grid 101 or the power such as the DC power supplied from a power supply device such as the solar module 60. Further, the PCS 31 controls the discharge amount per unit time of the power output from the power storage device 32. Further, the PCS 31 is configured to be communicable with the control unit 10, and controls the charge and discharge operations of the power storage device 32 based on a signal from the control unit 10.

[0038] The power distribution unit 40 is configured to receive power from an external power grid 101 and a solar module 60. Further, the power distribution unit 40 is configured to receive power supplied from the power storage unit 30. The power supplied to the power distribution unit 40 is supplied from the power distribution unit 40 to each of the loads 70. Also, a power measurement unit 41 disposed inside the switchboard measures the power consumption of the power supplied from the power grid 101 and the power generation amount received from the solar module 60, and transmits a signal indicating the measured power consumption and power generation amount to the control unit 10. The power measurement unit 41 includes, for example, a current transformer (CT).

[0039] The measurement unit 50 includes a pyranometer, a temperature system, a panel thermometer, etc., and measures the measured values of the meteorological information for one day at the location where the store is provided. Further, the measurement unit 50 is configured to be communicable with the prediction unit 20 and transmits the measured meteorological information.

[0040] The solar module 60 includes, for example, a solar cell panel (not shown) and a power conversion unit. The solar cell panel includes cells composed of a plurality of solar cells, and generates electricity by converting sunlight into power by the photovoltaic effect. The power conversion unit converts the power generated by the solar cell panel into power that can be stored in the power distribution unit 40 and the power storage unit 30 in the store. Note that the solar module 60 is an example of the "power generation system" in the claims.

[0041] The load 70 is configured to use (consume) electric power, and includes, for example, showcases in a store, air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, cooking equipment such as fryers, etc. Each of the plurality of loads 70 is configured to be communicable with the control unit 10 by wire or wirelessly. And the load 70 is configured to be individually operationally controlled by the control unit 10. Note that in this specification, the operation control includes, for example, when operating and controlling air conditioning equipment, not only the control for switching between the operating state and the stopped state, but also the operation control such as the control for changing the set temperature.

[0042] (Operation of the Power Control System) Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8, the operation (power control method) of the power control system 100 will be described. The following description will be made according to the operation flow of the control unit 10 shown in FIG. 2, which is executed by the control unit 10.

[0043] First, as step S1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 10 performs a predicted power amount acquisition step of acquiring a predicted power amount from the prediction unit 20. Specifically, in step S1, communication is performed with the prediction unit 20, and a predicted power amount including the power generation amount generated by the solar module 60 every 30 minutes on that day (the day when power control of the store is performed) and the power consumption amount consumed in the store, which is predicted by the prediction unit 20, is acquired. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step S2.

[0044] (Power Control Method on a Day When Surplus Power is Generated) Next, as step S2, the control unit 10 performs a purchased power amount prediction process of predicting the amount of purchased power to be purchased from the power grid 101 on the current day based on the predicted power consumption amount. Specifically, in step S2, as shown in FIG. 3, since the control unit 10 acquires the generated power amount and the consumed power amount in each time zone divided every 30 minutes of a day, it predicts the value obtained by subtracting the generated power amount from the consumed power amount as the purchased power amount. In the table of FIG. 3, the "time" in the row column indicates, for example, the divided time zone for 30 minutes from 0:00 am (from 0:00 am to 0:29 am). Also, the "prediction" in the column indicates the predicted value of each power amount corresponding to the time of the row.

[0045] Here, for example, in the 30 - minute period from 0:00 am, it is predicted that the power consumption amount at the store is 12 (kW), and the generated power amount by the solar module 60 is predicted to be 0 (kW). Therefore, in this time zone, it is necessary to cover all of the power consumption amount with the purchased power amount. Thus, the predicted purchased power amount is power consumption amount - generated power amount = 12 (kW) - 0 (kW) = 12 (kW). Also, for example, in the 30 - minute period from 10:00 am, it is predicted that the power consumption at the store is 12.2 (kW) and the generated power amount by the solar module 60 is predicted to be 5.0 (kW), and it is possible to cover a part of the power consumption amount with the generated power amount. Therefore, the purchased power amount is predicted to be 12.2 (kW) - 5.0 (kW) = 7.2 (kW). In the first embodiment, for example, the target power amount for leveling to suppress the largest peak value among the maximum power demands (demand values) is 12 (kW). Therefore, the target is to make the purchased power amount 12 (kW) or less.

[0046] Here, for example, in the 30 minutes starting at 10:30 am, it is predicted that the power consumption in the store is 12.5 (kW), and the power generation amount by the solar module 60 is predicted to be 13.8 (kW). It is possible to cover all of the power consumption with the power generation amount. At this time, the purchased power amount acquired by the control unit 10 is predicted to be 12.5 (kW) - 13.8 (kW) = -1.3 (kW). Apparently, the purchased power amount becomes a negative value. This negative purchased power amount has no use unless it is charged in the power storage device 32, which means that surplus power is generated, and it is acquired as information indicating that "surplus power is generated". That is, when the control unit 10 acquires information indicating that "surplus power is generated" when a negative purchased power amount is obtained based on the prediction result (predicted power amount) of the prediction unit 20, the control unit 10 proceeds to the process of step S3 when predicting all the purchased power amounts in each time zone divided every 30 minutes of a day.

[0047] Next, as step S3, the control unit 10 performs an operation pattern selection step of selecting one operation pattern P from the operation patterns P stored in the storage unit 11 based on the predicted power generation amount and power consumption amount predicted by the prediction unit 20. Specifically, when the control unit 10 acquires information indicating that "surplus power is generated" obtained based on the predicted power generation amount and power consumption amount predicted by the prediction unit 20, the control unit 10 selects the operation pattern P1 with surplus power as the corresponding operation pattern P from the operation patterns P stored in the storage unit 11. This operation pattern P1 with surplus power is an operation pattern P that includes "control to discharge the power storage device 32 before the predicted time of surplus power generation". Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0048] Next, as step S4, the control unit 10 performs an operation plan generation process of generating a one-day operation plan for that day based on the obtained surplus power available operation pattern P1. Here, the details of the one-day operation plan generated by the control unit 10 based on the surplus power available operation pattern P1 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 4 indicates the time of one day, and the vertical axis indicates the transition of the remaining charge amount (capacity) of the power storage device 32 at that time. Also, the "maximum remaining amount" on the vertical axis indicates the set maximum remaining charge amount of the power storage device 32. From the perspective of suppressing the deterioration of the power storage device 32, for example, a capacity of 90% of the maximum remaining charge amount in terms of performance of the power storage device 32 is set. Note that "the power storage device 32 is fully charged" in the claims indicates a state where the remaining charge amount reaches the set maximum remaining amount of the power storage device 32. Also, the "remaining discharge depth amount" on the vertical axis indicates the ratio of the discharge amount to the charge capacity of the power storage device 32, and is set to about 20% of the maximum remaining charge amount in terms of performance, for example. Also, when the remaining charge amount of the power storage device 32 is discharged until it becomes less than this remaining discharge depth amount, the deterioration of the power storage device 32 becomes significant. Therefore, an "operation-time discharge remaining amount" is set, which takes a predetermined amount of margin from the remaining discharge depth amount. The control unit 10 controls the PCS 31 of the power storage unit 30 so that the remaining charge amount of the power storage device 32 does not fall below this operation-time discharge remaining amount.

[0049] Based on the predicted power amount of the prediction unit 20, the control unit 10 has acquired information that surplus power is generated, for example, in the time period from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. At this time, the control unit 10 generates an operation plan for controlling the power storage device 32 to discharge before the predicted generation time of the surplus power so that the power storage device 32 is fully charged at the end of the predicted generation time of the surplus power. Specifically, the control unit 10 generates an operation plan to control the power storage device 32 to discharge from around 8:00 am to 10:00 am, which is before the predicted generation time of the surplus power at 10:30 am, so that the power storage device 32 is fully charged at 3:00 pm when the predicted generation time of the surplus power ends.

[0050] Also, the control unit 10 generates an operation plan for each 30 - minute time period from 0:00 am to 8:00 am and from 15:00 pm to 23:59 pm, which is a time period when no surplus power is generated and is outside the time period when the power storage device 32 is discharged to charge the power storage device 32. Specifically, the control unit 10 generates an operation plan so as to discharge the power storage device 32 in a time period when it is predicted that the power consumption of the store exceeds the purchased power amount in order to level the purchased power amount from the power grid 101. For example, from 15:00 pm to 17:00 pm, since the power consumption of the store is equal to the purchased power amount, the control unit 10 generates an operation plan such that the power storage device 32 is not discharged. On the other hand, after 17:00 pm, since it is predicted that the power consumption of the store will exceed the purchased power amount, the control unit 10 generates an operation plan such that the power storage device 32 is discharged. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step S5.

[0051] Next, as step S5, the control unit 10 performs a charge - discharge control process of operating the power storage device 32 based on the generated one - day operation plan to control charge and discharge. The control unit 10 performs the process of this step S5 until the day changes. When the day changes (when it becomes the next day), the process from step S1 is repeated.

[0052] (Power control method for a day when no surplus power is generated and the generated power amount is equal to or greater than the set value) Here, in step S2 above, in the case where the control unit 10 acquires the information that "no surplus power is generated" and the generated power amount is equal to or greater than the set value, a power control method for a day will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 5, and 6. Note that the contents of steps S1 and S5 are the same as those described above, so the description is omitted.

[0053] As step S2, the control unit 10 performs a purchased power amount prediction process of predicting the amount of purchased power to be purchased from the power grid 101 on the current day based on the predicted power amount, in the same manner as described above. FIG. 5 shows, in the same manner as FIG. 3, the relationship between the generated power amount and the consumed power amount predicted by the prediction unit 20 and the purchased power amount predicted by the control unit 10. In this case, since there is no time period in which the generated power amount exceeds the consumed power amount and purchased power is required in any time period, the control unit 10 acquires information that "no surplus power is generated". However, there is no need for a purchased power amount exceeding 12 (kW), which is the leveling target power amount, in any time period. That is, in the time period when the solar module 60 is generating power, the generated power amount becomes a value equal to or greater than the set value of "consumed power amount - 12 (kW)". At this time, the control unit 10 acquires information that "the generated power amount is greater than a predetermined set value". Then, the process proceeds to step S3 in the flow of FIG. 2.

[0054] In step S3, when the control unit 10 acquires information that "no surplus power is generated. The generated power amount is greater than a predetermined set value" based on the predicted power amount acquired from the prediction unit 20, it acquires the corresponding first surplus-free operation pattern P2 from the operation patterns P (P1 to P3) stored in the storage unit 11. This first surplus-free operation pattern P2 is an operation pattern P including "control to fully charge the power storage device 32 with the power received from the power grid 101 in the time period other than the time period when the solar module 60 generates power" and "control not to charge and discharge the power storage device 32 in the time period when the solar module 60 generates power". Then, the process proceeds to step S4 in the flow of FIG. 2.

[0055] In step S4, the control unit 10 generates a daily operation plan for that day based on the acquired first surplus-free operation pattern P2. Here, the details of the daily operation plan generated by the control unit 10 based on the first surplus-free operation pattern P2 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Note that the meaning of the horizontal axis, vertical axis, and the words described in this graph of FIG. 6 is the same as the description of FIG. 4 described above.

[0056] Specifically, the control unit 10 generates an operation plan that includes control to charge the remaining power storage amount of the power storage device 32 using the purchased power amount purchased from the power grid 101 during the time period from 0:00 am to 7:00 am when the price of the purchased power charge is low. Note that the control unit 10 also generates an operation plan so that charging of the power storage device 32 is not performed during the time period (from 3:00 am to 4:00 am) when the power consumption amount of the store is equal to or greater than the purchased power amount even during this time period. Further, when the first surplus non-operation pattern P2 is selected, although no surplus power is generated, there is a time period during which the power consumption amount of the store can be covered by the generated power amount from the solar module 60. Therefore, the control unit 10 generates an operation plan that performs control not to charge or discharge the power storage device 32 from around 8:30 am to around 16:00 pm when the solar module 60 generates power. Also, when the control unit 10 selects the first surplus non-operation pattern P2, since it is predicted that no surplus power will be generated and there is no need to leave the capacity of the power storage device 32 for charging, the control unit 10 performs control to discharge the power storage device 32 only for the purpose of leveling the purchased power amount. Specifically, since it is predicted that the power consumption amount of the store will exceed the purchased power amount from 17:00 pm to around 22:00 pm, the control unit 10 generates an operation plan that includes control to discharge the power storage device 32. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S5 in the flow of FIG. 2.

[0057] (Power control method for a day when no surplus power is generated and the generated power amount is less than the set value) Next, in step S2 above, when the control unit 10 obtains information that "no surplus power is generated" based on the predicted purchased power amount, a power control method for a day when the generated power amount is less than the set value will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 7, and 8. Note that the contents of steps S1 and S5 are common, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] As step S2, the control unit 10 performs a purchased power amount prediction process of predicting the amount of purchased power to be purchased from the power grid 101 on the same day based on the predicted power amount, in the same manner as described above. FIG. 7 shows, in the same way as FIGS. 3 and 5, the relationship between the generated power amount and the consumed power amount predicted by the prediction unit 20 and the purchased power amount predicted by the control unit 10. In the case of FIG. 7, there is no time period in which the generated power amount exceeds the consumed power amount, and purchased power is required in any time period. The control unit 10 obtains information that "no surplus power is generated". Also, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, in the 30 minutes from 9:00 am, a purchased power amount exceeding the flat-rate target power amount of 12 (kW) is required. That is, even in the time period when the solar module 60 is generating power, the generated power amount may be less than the set value of "consumed power amount - 12 (kW)". At this time, the control unit 10 obtains information that "the generated power amount is less than a predetermined set value".

[0059] In step S3, when the control unit 10 obtains information that "no surplus power is generated. The generated power amount is less than a predetermined set value" based on the predicted power amount obtained from the prediction unit 20, the control unit 10 obtains the corresponding second no-surplus operation pattern P3 from the operation patterns P (P1 to P3) stored in the storage unit 11. This second no-surplus operation pattern P3 is an operation pattern P including "control to fully charge the power storage device 32 with the power received from the power grid 101 in the time period other than the time period when the solar module 60 generates power" and "control to charge the power storage device 32 with the power received from the power grid 101 in the time period when the consumed power amount in the store is small". Then, the process proceeds to step S4 in the flow of FIG. 2.

[0060] In step S4, the control unit 10 generates a daily operation plan for that day based on the obtained second no-surplus operation pattern P3. Here, the details of the daily operation plan generated by the control unit 10 based on the second no-surplus operation pattern P3 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. Note that the meaning of the horizontal axis, vertical axis, and the words described in the graph of FIG. 8 is the same as the description used in FIGS. 4 and 6 described above.

[0061] Specifically, the control unit 10 generates an operation plan that includes control to charge the capacity of the power storage device 32 using the purchased power amount purchased from the power grid 101 between 0:00 am and 7:00 am when the price of the purchased power charge is low. Note that even during this time period, for the time period (from 3:00 am to 4:00 am) when the power consumption of the store is equal to or greater than the purchased power amount, an operation plan is generated so as not to charge the power storage device 32. Also, when the second surplus non-operation pattern P3 is selected, since there is a time period when surplus power is not generated and the power consumption of the store cannot be covered by the power generation amount by the solar module 60, the control unit 10 performs control to discharge the power storage device 32 in the time period when the power generation amount is less than the power consumption amount - 12 (kW), and generates an operation plan. Further, when the control unit 10 selects the second surplus non-operation pattern P3, in order to prevent the storage capacity of the power storage device 32 from becoming less than or equal to the remaining discharge amount during operation due to an increase in the time period for leveling the purchased power amount by discharging the power storage device 32, in the time period when there is a margin in the power consumption of the store (the time period when the power consumption of the store is small), an operation plan is generated to perform control to charge the power storage device 32 using the power purchased from the power grid 101. Specifically, from 8:30 am to 9:00 am and from 16:00 pm to 17:00 pm, since it is predicted that the purchased power amount will exceed the power consumption of the store, an operation plan is generated to perform control to charge the power storage device 32 using the power amount obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the store from the purchased power amount.

[0062] (Effect of the First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0063] The power control system 100 of the first embodiment includes a prediction unit 20 that predicts the power generation amount by the solar module 60 using natural energy in each time zone of a day and the power consumption amount of the load 70 used in the store, and based on the prediction result of the prediction unit 20, among the power amount obtained by subtracting the power consumption amount from the power generation amount, the control unit 10 that performs control to adjust the free capacity of the power storage device 32 by causing the power storage device 32 to charge and discharge so as to suppress the generation of surplus power that cannot be charged into the power storage device 32 and cannot be consumed by the load 70. Further, the power control method of the first embodiment includes a prediction step of predicting the power generation amount by the solar module 60 in each time zone of a day and the power consumption amount of the load 70 used in the store, and based on the prediction result predicted in the prediction step, among the power amount obtained by subtracting the power consumption amount from the power generation amount, a charge and discharge control step of performing control to adjust the free capacity of the power storage device 32 by causing the power storage device 32 to charge and discharge so as to suppress the generation of surplus power that is power that cannot be charged into the power storage device 32 and cannot be consumed by the load 70. Thereby, even when the generated power becomes excessive, the free capacity of the power storage device 32 is adjusted so as to suppress the generation of surplus power, so that a free capacity for charging the generated power into the power storage device 32 can be secured. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of surplus power using the power storage device 32 without adjusting the output of the load 70.

[0064] In the first embodiment, as described above, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit 20, a daily operation plan regarding the charge and discharge timing of the power storage device 32 for adjusting the free capacity of the power storage device 32 so as to suppress the generation of surplus power is generated, and based on the daily operation plan, the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 is controlled. With this configuration, based on the daily operation plan generated based on the prediction result, the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 is performed in each time zone to adjust the free capacity of the power storage device 32. Therefore, in each time zone, compared with the case where the prediction result is acquired each time and the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 is performed based on the acquired prediction result, the free capacity of the power storage device 32 can be adjusted while suppressing the processing load of the control unit 10.

[0065] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit 20, the control unit 10 obtains the surplus power operation pattern P1 corresponding to the information that there is a time period during a day when surplus power is generated, or the first surplus non-operation pattern P2 or the second surplus non-operation pattern P3 corresponding to the information that there is no time period during a day when surplus power is generated, and controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based thereon. When controlling the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based on the surplus power operation pattern P1, the control unit 10 is configured to perform charge and discharge control for adjusting the free capacity of the power storage device 32. With this configuration, based on any of the selected operation patterns P based on a simple prediction result of whether there is surplus power or not, the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 can be easily controlled.

[0066] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, when the control unit 10 controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based on the surplus power operation pattern P1, as a plan generation step, an operation plan for a day regarding the charge and discharge timing of the power storage device 32 is generated so as to perform control to discharge the power storage device 32 before the predicted generation time of the obtained surplus power. Based on the operation plan for a day, the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 are controlled. With this configuration, a free capacity for charging the power storage device 32 is secured before the generation of surplus power. As a result, when surplus power is generated, the generated power amount can be charged to the power storage device 32, so that power control for suppressing the generation of surplus power can be more reliably performed using the power storage device 32.

[0067] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, when the control unit 10 controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 according to the surplus power operation pattern P1 based on the operation plan for a day, at the end of the predicted generation time of the surplus power, the control unit 10 is configured to perform control to discharge the power storage device 32 before the predicted generation time of the surplus power so that the power storage device 32 is fully charged in advance. With this configuration, since the power storage device 32 is fully charged in the time period when the generation of surplus power ends, appropriate power control can be performed to utilize the charged power amount of the power storage device 32 in the time period when the power consumption amount increases.

[0068] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, when the control unit 10 controls the charging and discharging of the power storage device 32 based on the first surplus non-operation pattern P2 or the second surplus non-operation pattern P3, at least in a time zone other than the time zone when the solar module 60 generates power, a daily operation plan regarding the charging and discharging timing of the power storage device 32 is generated using the power received from the power grid 101 to fully charge the power storage device 32, and based on the daily operation plan, the control unit 10 is configured to control the charging and discharging of the power storage device 32. With this configuration, the power storage device 32 is fully charged in a time zone other than the time zone when the solar module 60 generates power. As a result, even on a day when no surplus power is generated, appropriate power control can be performed to utilize the charged power amount of the power storage device 32 in a time zone when the power consumption amount increases.

[0069] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, preferably, the first surplus non-operation pattern P2 or the second surplus non-operation pattern P3 includes the first surplus non-operation pattern P2 corresponding to a case where there is no time zone in a day when surplus power is generated and the generated power amount is equal to or greater than a set value, or the second surplus non-operation pattern P3 corresponding to a case where there is no time zone in a day when surplus power is generated and the generated power amount is less than the set value. The control unit 10 is configured to generate a daily operation plan based on the first surplus non-operation pattern P2 or the second surplus non-operation pattern P3, and based on the generated daily operation plan, control the charging and discharging of the power storage device 32. With this configuration, it is possible to easily control the charging and discharging of the power storage device 32 based on any one of the operation patterns P selected based on a simple prediction result of whether the generated power is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0070] In the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 10 generates a daily operation plan based on the first surplus non-operation pattern P2 such that the generated power is consumed by the load 70 without controlling the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 at least during the time period when the solar module 60 generates power, and controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based on the daily operation plan. With this configuration, since the control of charging and discharging is not performed during the time period when there is generated power, the charge amount of the power storage device 32 can be maintained at a desired amount or more, and appropriate power control can be performed to utilize the charged power amount of the power storage device 32 during the time period when the power consumption amount increases.

[0071] In the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 10 generates a daily operation plan based on the second surplus non-operation pattern P3 such that the power storage device 32 is charged using the power received from the power grid 101 during the time period when the power consumption amount consumed in the store is small, and controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based on the daily operation plan. With this configuration, even when the generated power amount is insufficient, the charge amount of the power storage device 32 can be maintained at a desired amount or more, and appropriate power control can be performed to utilize the charged power amount of the power storage device 32 during the time period when the power consumption amount increases.

[0072] In the first embodiment, as described above, the solar module 60 includes a solar power generation system using solar energy, and the prediction unit 20 predicts once a day the generated power amount by the solar power generation system and the power consumption amount consumed in the facility for each time period of a day based on the weather information. With this configuration, since the prediction unit 20 can predict the generated power amount of the solar power generation system that varies depending on the weather based on the weather information, it is particularly effective in predicting the generated power amount. Also, based on the prediction once a day, the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 can be controlled, so that the power control of the facility can be performed while reducing the processing load of the control unit 10.

[0073] [Second Embodiment] Next, the power control system 100a according to the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the device configuration of the power control system 100a according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the power control system 100 shown in FIG. 1 except for the control unit 10a. Here, due to the weather forecast obtained by the prediction unit 20 being off or the solar panel being dirty, the measured value of the generated power may be different from the prediction result. Therefore, in this second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the control unit 10a corrects the prediction result based on the actual generated power measured by the power measurement unit 41. Specifically, the control unit 10a acquires the ratio of the predicted generated power to the actual generated power every 30 minutes, and when the ratio is less than or equal to the first threshold value 0.95 or greater than or equal to the second threshold value 1.05 arbitrarily set by the operator, a replanning is performed. In the second embodiment, the description of the points common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0074] (When the generated power is less than the predicted result) As shown in FIG. 9, in the second embodiment, steps S6 to S10 are added to the operation flow of the control device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Also in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 10a acquires, for example, the power consumption, the generated power, and the purchased power as shown in FIG. 10, and generates a daily operation plan based on the surplus power operation pattern P1. Further, the control unit 10a generates an operation plan so as to control the power storage device 32 to discharge. When 30 minutes have elapsed after the start of step S5, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0075] Fig. 11 shows the measured power generation amount as the value in parentheses. As can be seen from the comparison with the prediction result in Fig. 10, the predicted power generation amount at 7 o'clock was 3.0 kW, but actually only 2.1 kW was generated. In step S6, the control unit 10a is configured to obtain the comparison result between the predicted result and the measured value of the power generation amount as a ratio of (2.1 kW / 3.0 kW) = 0.7. At this time, the control unit 10a obtains information that 0.7 is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold value of 0.95, and proceeds to step S7. When the ratio between the predicted result and the measured value of the power generation amount is greater than the first threshold value of 0.95 and less than the second threshold value of 1.05, the process proceeds to step S10, and when the operation is to be continued, the charge / discharge control in step S5 continues.

[0076] In the corrected prediction result acquisition step of step S7, the control unit 10a obtains a corrected predicted power generation amount (corrected prediction result) based on the comparison result between the predicted result and the measured value of the power generation amount. A value obtained by multiplying the predicted power generation amount after 7:30 shown in Fig. 10 by 0.7 is obtained as the corrected predicted power generation amount as shown in the power generation amount after 7:30 in Fig. 11. Specifically, for example, the predicted power generation amount at 7:30 was 4.0 kW as shown in Fig. 10, but the corrected predicted power generation amount is 4.0 × 0.7 = 2.8 kW as shown in Fig. 11. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step S8.

[0077] In the modified operation pattern selection step of step S8, the control unit 10a selects an operation pattern again. Here, as shown in FIG. 11, looking at the modified predicted power generation amount, it can be seen that surplus power no longer occurs even in the time period after 10:00, which was originally predicted to generate surplus power. In this case, the control unit 10a originally predicted that surplus power would be generated and generated a daily operation plan based on the surplus power available operation pattern P1, but generates a daily operation plan based on the first surplus power non-operation pattern P2. As a result, in the operation plan based on the case of the surplus power available operation pattern P1 generated by the control unit 10a, control was performed to discharge the power storage device 32 by 4 kW every 30 minutes before the time period when surplus power is generated, but in the operation plan generated based on the newly selected first surplus power non-operation pattern P2, the power storage device 32 is not discharged. Then, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0078] In the modified operation plan generation step of step S9, the control unit 10a generates a modified operation plan. In step S8, since the operation pattern P is modified from the surplus power available operation pattern P1 to the first surplus power non-operation pattern P2, the control unit 10a generates an operation plan based on the first surplus power non-operation pattern P2. The modified operation plan is generated in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Then, the process returns to the charge / discharge control step of step S5. In this way, the control unit 10a sequentially modifies the operation plan every 30 minutes, which is a predetermined time interval.

[0079] Note that at 7:30 when 30 minutes, which is a predetermined time interval, has elapsed from the above description, the control unit 10a obtains the ratio of the modified predicted power generation amount to the actual power generation amount, and when the ratio is 0.95 or less or 1.05 or more of the threshold value, a replanning is performed. Specifically, since the modified predicted power generation amount of the control unit 10a is 2.8 kW, when the actual power generation amount is 2.8 × 0.95 = 2.66 kW or less, or 2.94 kW or more, the modified predicted power generation amount is obtained again and the operation plan is modified. The same applies thereafter.

[0080] (When the operation pattern does not change) Next, the case where the operation pattern P does not change in step S8 will be described. FIG. 12 shows the measured value of the generated power amount as the numerical value in parentheses. As can be seen from the comparison with the prediction result in FIG. 10, the generated power amount at 7 o'clock was predicted to be 3.0 kW, but actually only 2.7 kW was generated. The control unit 10a is configured to obtain the comparison result between the predicted result and the measured value of the generated power amount as a ratio of (2.7 kW / 3.0 kW) = 0.9 in step S6. At this time, since the control unit 10a was able to obtain only 90% of the predicted generated power amount in step S7, the control unit 10a multiplies the predicted generated power amount after 7:30 shown in FIG. 10 by 0.9, and obtains it as the corrected predicted generated power amount as shown in FIG. 12. Specifically, for example, the predicted generated power amount at 7:30 was 4.0 kW as shown in FIG. 10, but the corrected generated power amount is 3.6 kW as shown in FIG. 12.

[0081] Here, as shown in FIG. 12, looking at the corrected predicted generated power amount, even in the time period after 10 o'clock when it was originally predicted that surplus power would be generated, the surplus power is smaller than the original prediction result, but information that surplus power is generated is obtained. Therefore, in step S8, the control unit 10a selects the surplus power available operation pattern P1 again, and generates an operation plan based on the surplus power available operation pattern P1. Note that in the original operation plan, the control unit 10a performed control to discharge the power storage device 32 by 4 kW every 30 minutes before the time period when surplus power is generated. However, when the surplus power is smaller than the original prediction result in this way, the control is adjusted so that the power storage device 32 is discharged by 1.5 kW every 30 minutes before the time period when surplus power is generated. Thereby, an operation plan is generated in which the discharge amount of the power storage device 32 is adjusted so that the power storage device 32 is fully charged at the end of the predicted generation time of surplus power, before the predicted generation time of surplus power.

[0082] (When the generated power amount is more than the predicted result) Also, there may be cases where the generated power amount becomes larger than the prediction, such as when the weather forecast obtained by the prediction unit 20 is off. Also in this case, the control unit 10a acquires the comparison result between the predicted generated power amount and the actual generated power amount every predetermined time and implements replanning.

[0083] Similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 10a acquires, for example, the power consumption amount, the generated power amount, and the purchased power amount as shown in FIG. 13 based on the predicted power amount of the prediction unit 20. Further, FIG. 14 shows the measured value of the generated power amount as the numerical value in parentheses. As can be seen by comparing with the prediction result in FIG. 13, the generated power amount at 7 o'clock was predicted to be 1.0 kW, but actually 1.3 kW was generated. At this time, the control unit 10a is configured to acquire the comparison result between the predicted result and the measured value of the generated power amount as a ratio of (1.3 kW / 1.0 kW) = 1.3 in step S6. At this time, the control unit 10a acquires information that the ratio 1.3 is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold value of 1.05 and proceeds to step S7. When the ratio between the predicted result and the measured value of the generated power amount is greater than the first threshold value of 0.95 and less than the second threshold value of 1.05, the process proceeds to step S10, and when the operation is continued, the charge / discharge control in step S5 continues.

[0084]

[0085] In step S7, since the control unit 10a obtains a generated power amount that is more than 30% higher than the prediction, the control unit 10a acquires, as the corrected predicted generated power amount as shown in FIG. 14, the value obtained by multiplying the predicted generated power amount after 7:30 shown in FIG. 13 by 1.3. Specifically, for example, although the predicted generated power amount at 7:30 was 1.4 kW as shown in FIG. 12, the corrected generated power amount is 1.8 kW as shown in FIG. 14. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the process of step S8.

[0085] Here, as shown in FIG. 14, looking at the corrected predicted power generation amount, it can be seen that surplus power is generated even in the time period after 10 o'clock when it was originally predicted that no surplus power would be generated. In this case, in step S8, the control unit 10a originally predicted that no surplus power would be generated and generated a daily operation plan based on the first surplus-free operation pattern P2, but selects the surplus-power operation pattern P1. Also, in subsequent step S9, the control unit 10a generates a daily operation plan based on the surplus-power operation pattern P1. That is, in the operation plan based on the case of the first surplus-free operation pattern P2 generated by the control unit 10a, control was performed so that the power storage device 32 was not discharged, but in the operation plan generated based on the first surplus-free operation pattern P2, control is performed to discharge the power storage device 32 by 4 kW every 30 minutes before the time period when surplus power is generated. Note that when the operation pattern P is not switched, the same control as described in the case where the generated power generation amount is less than the predicted result is performed.

[0086] (Effects of the Second Embodiment) Next, the effects of the second embodiment will be described.

[0087] In the power control system 100a of the second embodiment, the control unit 10a generates a corrected operation plan that corrects the daily operation plan based on the comparison result between the prediction result of the prediction unit 20 and the measured value of the power generation amount by the solar module 60, and based on the corrected operation plan, is configured to control the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32. Thereby, based on the corrected operation plan generated based on the comparison result between the predicted result and the measured value of the power generation amount, the charge and discharge control of the power storage device 32 can be performed. Therefore, even when the weather forecast is off or when the panel of the solar module 60 is dirty and the predicted power generation amount cannot be obtained, the operation plan can be corrected in consideration of the measured value, so that the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 can be appropriately performed.

[0088] Also, in the second embodiment, as described above, the control unit 10a is configured to generate a corrected prediction result obtained by correcting the prediction result of the prediction unit 20 based on the comparison result, and generate a corrected operation plan based on the corrected prediction result. Thereby, since the prediction result of the generated power amount can be corrected based on the comparison result between the predicted value and the measured value of the generated power amount, the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 can be more appropriately performed.

[0089] Also, in the second embodiment, as described above, the control unit 10a is configured to generate a corrected prediction result at each predetermined time interval and generate a corrected operation plan at each predetermined time interval based on the corrected prediction result. Thereby, since the corrected prediction result can be obtained at each predetermined time interval, an appropriate corrected operation plan can be generated according to the weather conditions that vary with time. As a result, the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 can be performed more appropriately.

[0090] Also, in the second embodiment, as described above, the control unit 10a is configured to generate a corrected prediction result when the comparison result, which is the ratio of the prediction result of the prediction unit 20 to the measured value of the generated power amount by the solar module 60, is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. Thereby, since it is not necessary to generate a corrected operation plan every time due to a small deviation between the prediction result and the measured value, the control load on the control unit 10a can be reduced.

[0091] Also, in the second embodiment, as described above, the control unit 10a generates a daily operation plan based on the surplus power operation pattern P1 corresponding to the information that there is a time period during a day when surplus power is generated, or the surplus power non-operation patterns P2 or P3 corresponding to the information that there is no time period during a day when surplus power is generated, which is obtained based on the prediction result of the prediction unit 20. When the corrected prediction result is obtained, the control unit 10a is configured to generate a corrected operation plan by switching between the surplus power operation pattern P1 and the surplus power non-operation patterns P2 or P3 based on the corrected prediction result. Thereby, since the original operation pattern P can be changed based on the corrected prediction result, unnecessary charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 are not performed. As a result, the power consumption when charging and discharging the power storage device 32 can be suppressed.

[0092] Also, in the second embodiment, as described above, when the control unit 10a obtains information that there is a time period during a day when surplus power is generated in the prediction result and obtains information that there is no time period during a day when surplus power is generated in the corrected prediction result, the control unit 10a generates a corrected operation plan by switching the surplus power operation pattern P1 to the surplus power non-operation pattern P2 or P3. When the control unit 10a obtains information that there is no time period during a day when surplus power is generated in the prediction result and obtains information that there is a time period during a day when surplus power is generated in the corrected prediction result, the control unit 10a is configured to generate a corrected operation plan by switching the surplus power non-operation pattern P2 or P3 to the surplus power operation pattern P1. Thereby, an appropriate operation pattern P can be easily selected based on the corrected prediction result.

[0093] Note that other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0094] [Modification Example] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0095] For example, in the above first and second embodiments, an example where the control unit 10 and the prediction unit 20 have separate configurations is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit 10 and the prediction unit 20 may be configured to use one computer.

[0096] Also, in the above first and second embodiments, an example where the power generation system is the solar module 60 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the power generation system may use another power generation system that uses natural energy such as a wind power generation system or a geothermal power generation system.

[0097] Also, in the above first and second embodiments, an example where the power control system 100 performs power control in a store is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, power control may be performed in facilities other than stores, such as factories or ordinary households.

[0098] Also, in the above first and second embodiments, an example where the set maximum remaining charge amount (maximum remaining charge amount at full charge) of the power storage device 32 is 90% of the maximum remaining charge amount in terms of performance and the remaining discharge depth amount is 20% of the maximum remaining charge amount in terms of performance is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the power storage device 32 may be controlled within a range where the power storage device 32 is less likely to deteriorate based on the arbitrarily set maximum remaining charge amount and remaining discharge depth amount in advance.

[0099] In the first and second embodiments described above, an example is shown in which the prediction unit 20 predicts the power generation amount of the solar power module 60 and the power consumption amount in the store, and the control unit 10 predicts the purchased power amount based on the power generation amount and the power consumption amount. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the prediction unit 20 may predict the purchased power amount. In this case, the control unit 10 is configured to acquire information regarding the presence or absence of surplus power based on the prediction result of the prediction unit 20.

[0100] In the first and second embodiments described above, an example is shown in which the control unit 10 generates a one-day operation plan regarding the charge and discharge timing of the power storage device 32 that adjusts the free capacity of the power storage device 32 so as to suppress the generation of surplus power based on the prediction result of the prediction unit 20, and controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based on the one-day operation plan. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit 10 may be configured to control the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based on the prediction result acquired each time in each time zone without generating a one-day operation plan.

[0101] In the first and second embodiments described above, the control unit 10 operates the power storage device 32 based on the surplus power operation pattern P1 corresponding to the information that there is a time zone in which surplus power is generated during a day, or the first surplus-free operation pattern P2 or the second surplus-free operation pattern P3 corresponding to the information that there is no time zone in which surplus power is generated during a day, which is acquired based on the prediction result of the prediction unit 20. Also, an example is shown in which when controlling the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based on the surplus power operation pattern P1, charge and discharge control for adjusting the free capacity of the power storage device 32 is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a one-day operation plan may be generated without using the operation pattern P, and the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 may be controlled.

[0102] Also, in the above-described first and second embodiments, when the control unit 10 controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based on the surplus power operation pattern P1, before the predicted generation time of the acquired surplus power, a daily operation plan regarding the charge and discharge timing of the power storage device 32 is generated so as to control the power storage device 32 to discharge, and an example of controlling the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based on the daily operation plan is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, when the surplus power is not so much and it is sufficient to discharge the power storage device 32 for a short time, a daily operation plan may be generated such that the power storage device 32 discharges during the predicted generation time of the acquired surplus power.

[0103] Also, in the above-described first and second embodiments, when the control unit 10 controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 according to the surplus power operation pattern P1 based on the daily operation plan, an example is shown in which, before the predicted generation time of the surplus power, the power storage device 32 is pre-discharged so that the power storage device 32 is fully charged at the end of the predicted generation time of the surplus power. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, when it is predicted that the purchased power amount does not exceed the leveling target power amount even during a time period when no surplus power is generated, a daily operation plan for controlling the charge and discharge such that the power storage device 32 is not fully charged at the end of the predicted generation time of the surplus power may be generated.

[0104] Also, in the above-described first and second embodiments, when the control unit 10 controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based on the first no-surplus operation pattern P2 or the second no-surplus operation pattern P3, a daily operation plan regarding the charge and discharge timing of the power storage device 32 is generated so that the power storage device 32 is fully charged by the power received from the power grid 101 in a time period other than the time period when at least the solar module 60 generates power, and an example of controlling the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based on the daily operation plan is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 may be controlled so that the power storage device 32 is fully charged by the power received from the power grid 101 in the time period when the solar module 60 generates power.

[0105] In addition, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the surplus power non-operation pattern includes a first surplus non-operation pattern P2 corresponding to a case where there is no time zone in a day when surplus power is generated and the generated power amount is equal to or greater than a set value, or a second surplus non-operation pattern P3 corresponding to a case where there is no time zone in a day when surplus power is generated and the generated power amount is less than the set value. The control unit 10 generates a daily operation plan based on the first surplus non-operation pattern P2 or the second surplus non-operation pattern P3 based on the prediction result regarding the generated power amount, and controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based on the generated daily operation plan. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit 10 may generate a daily operation plan based on one type of surplus non-operation pattern.

[0106] In addition, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the control unit 10 generates a daily operation plan such that, based on the first surplus non-operation pattern P2, at least when the solar module 60 generates power, the generated power is consumed by the load 70 without controlling the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32, and controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based on the daily operation plan. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, depending on the relationship between the acquired generated power amount and the consumed power amount, the control unit 10 may control the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 even at the time when the solar module 60 generates power.

[0107] In addition, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the control unit 10 generates a daily operation plan such that, based on the second surplus non-operation pattern P3, the power storage device 32 is charged using the power received from the power grid 101 during a time zone when the consumed power amount consumed in the facility is small, and controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based on the daily operation plan. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, when it is predicted that the consumed power amount in the facility is small throughout the day and the power storage capacity of the power storage device 32 is not so necessary, the power storage device 32 may not be charged during a time zone when the consumed power amount consumed in the facility is small.

[0108] Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the power generation system includes the solar module 60 that uses solar energy, and the prediction unit 20 makes a prediction once a day regarding the power generation amount by the solar module 60 and the power consumption amount consumed in the facility in one day based on the weather information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the power generation amount and the power consumption amount may be predicted based on information other than the weather information (for example, neighboring event information). Further, the prediction unit 20 may predict the power generation amount and the power consumption amount a plurality of times a day. Further, the prediction unit 20 predicts the total power generation amount and the total power consumption amount in one day, and the control unit 10 may select the operation pattern P based on the fact that the power generation amount is greater than or less than a predetermined set value.

[0109] Further, in the above-described second embodiment, an example is shown in which the control unit 10a generates a corrected operation plan for correcting the operation plan for one day based on the comparison result between the prediction result of the prediction unit 20 and the measured value of the power generation amount by the solar module 60, and controls the charge and discharge of the power storage device 32 based on the corrected operation plan. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, when a deviation occurs in the comparison result between the prediction result of the prediction unit 20 and the measured value of the power generation amount by the solar module 60, the control unit 10a may notify the fact, and an operator or the like may manually correct the operation plan.

[0110] Further, in the above-described second embodiment, an example is shown in which the control unit 10a generates a corrected prediction result obtained by correcting the prediction result of the prediction unit 20 based on the comparison result, and generates a corrected operation plan based on the corrected prediction result. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit 10a may generate a corrected operation plan without generating a corrected prediction result.

[0111] In addition, in the above-described second embodiment, an example is shown in which the control unit 10a generates a corrected prediction result every 30 minutes, which is a predetermined time interval, and generates a corrected operation plan every 30 minutes, which is a predetermined time interval, based on the corrected prediction result. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the predetermined time interval is not limited to 30 minutes, and may be a time interval shorter than 30 minutes, such as once every 10 minutes, or a time interval longer than 30 minutes, such as once every hour. Further, instead of the predetermined time interval, a corrected operation plan may be generated at arbitrarily set timings.

[0112] In addition, in the above-described second embodiment, an example is shown in which the control unit 10a generates a corrected prediction result when the comparison result, which is the ratio between the prediction result of the prediction unit 20 and the measured value of the power generation amount by the solar module 60, becomes equal to or less than 0.95, which is a predetermined first threshold value, or when it becomes equal to or greater than 1.05, which is a second threshold value. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the predetermined first threshold value may be greater than 0.95, may be a value less than 0.95, the second threshold value may be greater than 1.05, or may be a value less than 1.05. Further, without providing the predetermined first threshold value and the second threshold value, a corrected predicted power generation amount may be generated even with a slight deviation. Further, instead of the ratio between the prediction result of the prediction unit 20 and the measured value of the power generation amount by the solar module 60, for example, a corrected prediction result may be generated based on the difference between each.

[0113] In the second embodiment described above, the control unit 10a generates a daily operation plan based on the surplus power available operation pattern P1 corresponding to the information that there is a time period during a day when surplus power is generated, or the surplus power non-operation patterns P2 or P3 corresponding to the information that there is no time period during a day when surplus power is generated, which is obtained based on the prediction result of the prediction unit 20. Also, when the corrected prediction result is obtained, an example is shown in which the corrected operation plan is generated by switching between the surplus power available operation pattern P1 and the surplus power non-operation patterns P2 or P3 based on the corrected prediction result. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, control may be performed to switch between the first surplus non-operation pattern P2 and the second surplus non-operation pattern P3 based on the corrected prediction result, or the operation pattern P may not be switched.

[0114] In the second embodiment described above, an example is shown in which the corrected prediction result is generated each time based on the comparison result between the prediction result of the prediction unit 20 and the measured value of the power generation amount by the solar module 60 every 30 minutes, which is a predetermined time interval. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, when the ratio between the prediction result of the prediction unit 20 and the measured value of the power generation amount by the solar module 60 is equal to or less than a threshold value for three consecutive times, the corrected prediction result may be generated based on the average value of the three ratios. For example, in each of the time periods of 7:00, 7:30, and 8:00, the ratios of the prediction result of the prediction unit 20 (FIG. 10) to the measured value of the power generation amount by the solar module 60 (FIG. 15) are 0.7, 0.6, and 0.8, respectively, and all are equal to or less than the threshold value of 0.95. Therefore, the control unit 10a may perform correction such that the predicted power generation amount after 8:30 is a value obtained by multiplying the predicted power generation amount by 0.7, which is the average of the three ratios. Also, instead of the average value of the three times, correction may be performed to emphasize the immediately previous one of the three times. For example, in FIG. 16 where the measured value of the power generation amount until 8:00 is the same as in FIG. 15, the average value of the ratios is 0.7, but the ratio of the immediately previous one time is 0.8. Therefore, an average value of 0.75, which is the average of the average value and the value of the immediately previous one time, is further obtained, and correction may be performed such that the predicted power generation amount after 8:30 is a value obtained by multiplying the predicted power generation amount by 0.75.

Description of Symbols

[0115] 10, 10a Control Unit 20 Prediction Unit 30 Power Storage Unit 32 Power Storage Device 60 Solar Module (Power Generation System) 70 Load 100, 100a Power Control System 101 Power System

Claims

1. a prediction unit that predicts the amount of power generated by the power generation system using natural energy and the amount of power consumed by the load used in the facility in one day; and a control unit that performs control to adjust the available capacity of the power storage device by charging and discharging the power storage device so as to suppress the generation of surplus power, which is power that cannot be charged to the power storage device and cannot be consumed by the load, out of the amount of power obtained by subtracting the amount of power consumed from the amount of power generated based on the prediction result of the prediction unit.

2. 2. The power control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to generate a daily operation plan for timing of charging and discharging the power storage device, the daily operation plan adjusting available capacity of the power storage device so as to suppress generation of the surplus power, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit, and to control charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the daily operation plan.

3. 2. The power control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit operates the power storage device based on an operation pattern with surplus power corresponding to information that there is a time period during a day when surplus power is generated, or a non-operation pattern with surplus power corresponding to information that there is no time period during a day when surplus power is generated, obtained based on the prediction result of the prediction unit, and is configured to perform charge and discharge control to adjust available capacity of the power storage device when controlling charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the operation pattern with surplus power.

4. 4. The power control system of claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to generate a daily operation plan for timing of charging and discharging the power storage device so as to control discharging of the power storage device before a predicted time of generation of the acquired surplus power when controlling charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the surplus power operation pattern, and to control the charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the daily operation plan.

5. 5. The power control system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit is configured to, when controlling the charging and discharging of the power storage device using the surplus power operation pattern based on the daily operation plan, control the discharging of the power storage device before the predicted time of surplus power generation so that the power storage device is fully charged in advance at the end of the predicted time of surplus power generation.

6. 4. The power control system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured, when controlling the charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the surplus power non-operation pattern, to generate a daily operation plan for timing of charging and discharging the power storage device such that the power storage device is fully charged with power received from a power grid at least during time periods other than when the power generation system generates power, and to control the charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the daily operation plan.

7. the surplus power non-operating pattern includes a first surplus non-operating pattern corresponding to a case where there is no time period during a day when the surplus power is generated and the amount of generated power is equal to or greater than a set value, or a second surplus non-operating pattern corresponding to a case where there is no time period during a day when the surplus power is generated and the amount of generated power is less than the set value, 7. The power control system according to claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to generate the daily operation plan based on the first surplus non-operating pattern or the second surplus non-operating pattern based on the prediction result regarding the amount of power generated, and to control the charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the generated daily operation plan.

8. 8. The power control system according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is configured to generate the daily operation plan based on the first surplus non-operating pattern such that, at least at the time when the power generation system generates power, the generated power is consumed by the load without controlling the charging of the power storage device, and to control the charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the daily operation plan.

9. 8. The power control system according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is configured to generate the daily operation plan such that, based on the second surplus non-operating pattern, the control unit controls charging of the power storage device using power received from the power grid during a time period when the amount of power consumption in the facility is low, and to control charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the daily operation plan.

10. The power generation system includes a solar power generation system that uses solar energy, 2. The power control system according to claim 1, wherein the prediction unit is configured to make a prediction regarding the amount of power generated by the solar power generation system and the amount of power consumed by the facility in a day, based on meteorological information, once a day.

11. 3. The power control system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to generate a corrected operation plan by correcting the daily operation plan based on a comparison result between the prediction result of the prediction unit and an actual measured value of the amount of power generated by the power generation system, and to control charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the corrected operation plan.

12. The power control system according to claim 11, wherein the control unit is configured to generate a corrected prediction result by correcting the prediction result of the prediction unit based on the comparison result, and to generate the corrected operation plan based on the corrected prediction result.

13. The power control system according to claim 12 , wherein the control unit is configured to generate the corrected prediction result for each predetermined time interval, and to generate the corrected operation plan for each predetermined time interval based on the corrected prediction result.

14. The power control system according to claim 12, wherein the control unit is configured to generate the corrected prediction result when the comparison result, which is a ratio between the prediction result of the prediction unit and an actual measured value of the amount of power generated by the power generation system, becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value.

15. The control unit is configured to generate the daily operation plan based on an surplus power operation pattern corresponding to information that there is a time period during the day when the surplus power is generated, or a non-excess power operation pattern corresponding to information that there is no time period during the day when the surplus power is generated, obtained based on the prediction result of the prediction unit, and when the corrected prediction result is obtained, to switch between the surplus power operation pattern and the non-excess power operation pattern based on the corrected prediction result to generate the corrected operation plan.

16. The control unit is when obtaining information from the prediction result that there is a time period during a day when the surplus power will be generated and obtaining information from the corrected prediction result that there is no time period during a day when the surplus power will be generated, switching the operation pattern with surplus power to the operation pattern without surplus power to generate the corrected operation plan; The power control system of claim 15, configured to, when the prediction result indicates that there is no time period during a day when the surplus power will be generated, and the corrected prediction result indicates that there is a time period during a day when the surplus power will be generated, switch the non-excess power operation pattern to the surplus power operation pattern to generate the corrected operation plan.

17. a prediction step of predicting the amount of power generated by the power generation system and the amount of power consumed by the load used in the facility in one day; and a charge / discharge control process for controlling charging and discharging of the power storage device to adjust available capacity of the power storage device so as to suppress generation of surplus power, which is power that cannot be charged to the power storage device and cannot be consumed by the load, out of the amount of power obtained by subtracting the amount of power consumed from the amount of power generated based on the prediction result predicted in the prediction process.

18. a plan generating step of generating a daily operation plan related to the charging and discharging timing of the power storage device so as to perform control to discharge the power storage device in advance before the acquired predicted generation time of the surplus power based on the prediction result predicted in the prediction step, The power control method according to claim 17 , wherein the charge / discharge control step performs control to adjust an available capacity of the power storage device based on the daily operation plan.

19. a modified plan generating step of generating a modified operation plan by modifying the daily operation plan based on a comparison result between the prediction result predicted in the prediction step and an actual measurement value of the amount of power generated by the power generation system, The power control method according to claim 18 , wherein the charge / discharge control step performs control to adjust an available capacity of the power storage device based on the corrected operation plan.

Images