Power control device, power control method, and power control program

Abstract

To effectively reduce purchased electricity volume during tight power supply and demand conditions.SOLUTION: When a reduction in purchased power is requested, a substitute supply amount derivation unit 103 extracts, from among one or more power consumers, a substitute supply consumer that responds to the request by supplying power from a consumer-side power source, which is under management, to a consumer-side device, which is a power-consuming device under management, in place of supplying power through purchased electricity. The substitute supply amount derivation unit 103 derives, as a substitute supply amount, the amount of power that can be supplied from the consumer-side power source to the consumer-side device in place of purchased power in the substitute supply consumer. A control unit 1101 controls power supply from the consumer-side power source to the consumer-side device of the substitute supply consumer on the basis of the substitute supply amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to control for reducing the amount of electricity purchased by an electricity consumer (hereinafter also simply referred to as a consumer) from an electric power company. [Background technology]

[0002] Demand response (DR) is being implemented using power sources under the control of consumers (hereinafter referred to as consumer power sources). Consumer power sources include, for example, storage battery systems and solar power generation systems. In DR using consumer power sources, when the power supply and demand is tight, instead of supplying power through purchased power, power is supplied from the consumer power source to power consumption devices (hereinafter referred to as consumer devices) under the control of the consumer. For example, when the power supply and demand is tight, surplus power stored in the storage batteries in the storage battery system is supplied to the consumer devices. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of power purchased from the power company.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for supporting DR using a consumer power source. The technology in Patent Document 1 supports DR using a storage battery system as a consumer power source. The technology in Patent Document 1 predicts the amount of power required during a power outage. The technology discloses a technology for securing the amount of power required during the power outage in a storage battery and then allocating surplus stored power to DR. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a discharge control technique that takes into consideration deterioration of the charge capacity and failure of a lead storage battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-229137 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-96322 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] DR support reduces the amount of purchased electricity for many consumers by supplying electricity from their own power sources to their own devices instead of purchasing electricity. However, the amount of electricity that can be supplied from their own power sources to their own devices instead of purchasing electricity varies from consumer to consumer. The technology in Patent Document 1 cannot accurately grasp the amount of power that can be supplied from the consumer's power source to the consumer's device in place of the power supply through purchased power, which differs for each consumer. Therefore, Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it cannot effectively reduce the amount of purchased power when the power supply and demand is tight.

[0006] One of the main objectives of the present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems. More specifically, the main objective of the present disclosure is to effectively reduce the amount of electricity purchased when the electricity supply and demand is tight. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The power control device according to the present disclosure includes: an alternative supply amount derivation unit that, when a reduction in the amount of purchased power is requested, extracts from one or more power consumers an alternative supply consumer that is an electric power consumer that complies with the request to reduce the amount of purchased power by supplying power from a consumer power source that is an electric power source under management to a consumer device that is an electric power consumption device under management instead of power supply by power purchase, and derives, as an alternative supply amount, an amount of power that can be supplied from the consumer power source to the consumer device in place of power supply by power purchase in the alternative supply consumer; The power supply system further includes a control unit that controls power supply from the consumer power source of the alternative supply consumer to the consumer equipment based on the alternative supply amount. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present disclosure allows accurate understanding of the amount of power that can be supplied from a consumer power source to consumer devices instead of power supply through power purchases, which differs for each consumer. Therefore, the present disclosure allows for effective reduction in the amount of purchased power when the power supply and demand are tight. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an equipment configuration at a customer facility according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the power control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of customer information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of photovoltaic power generation system information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of power storage system information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a power consumption plan according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the power control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a power control device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the power control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the power control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the power control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the power control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a power control device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the power control device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiments and the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts.

[0011] Embodiment 1 ***Configuration Description*** FIG. 1 shows a system configuration according to this embodiment. In Fig. 1, an aggregator 1 aggregates the energy resources of consumers 3 and controls the balance of power supply and demand between the consumers 3 and the power company 2. When a DR request is received from the power company 2, the aggregator 1 requests the consumers 3 to respond to the DR. The aggregator 1 is provided with a power control device 100 . The power control device 100 is a computer. The power control device 100 is connected to a network 4 and can communicate with a power company terminal 200 and a power management device 301, which will be described later. The power control device 100 will be described in detail later.

[0012] The power company 2 is an electric power business operator. The power company 2 supplies electric power to a consumer 3. Furthermore, if permitted by law, the power company 2 may also purchase the electric power generated by the consumer 3. Furthermore, when it becomes clear that the power supply and demand will be tight, the power company 2 makes a DR request to the aggregator 1. The power company 2 makes a DR request to the aggregator 1 by transmitting the DR request from the power company terminal 200 to the power control device 100 via the network 4. A DR request is a message requesting a reduction in the amount of purchased electricity. The DR request indicates at least a DR target time period and a requested reduction in power purchases. The DR target time period is a time period during which DR is required, that is, a time period during which the consumer 3 needs to reduce the amount of power purchases. The requested reduction in power purchases is a requested reduction in the amount of power purchases during the DR target time period.

[0013] The consumer 3 is a consumer of electricity. The consumer 3 is, for example, an ordinary household. The consumer 3 has a contractual relationship with the aggregator 1 and the electric power company 2. The consumer 3 receives a supply of electric power from the electric power company 2. Furthermore, if permitted by laws and regulations, the consumer 3 can also sell the electric power generated by the consumer 3 to the electric power company 2. The consumer 3 may sell the electric power generated by the consumer 3 to the electric power company 2 via the aggregator 1. Furthermore, when a DR request is made by the power company 2, the consumer 3 may be requested by the aggregator 1 to reduce the amount of power purchased during the DR target time period.

[0014] At the customer 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a power management device 301, a solar power generation system 302, a storage battery system 303, and a power consumption device 304 are arranged. The power management apparatus 301 is connected to a network 4. The power management apparatus 301 can communicate with the power control apparatus 100 via the network 4. In Fig. 1, a power management device 301 is shown only at consumer A, but it is assumed that a power management device 301 is also installed at another consumer 3. When a DR request is made by electric power company 2, a request to reduce the amount of power purchased is sent from the power control device 100 to the power management device 301. The request to reduce the amount of power purchased is a message requesting a reduction in the amount of power purchased. The power management device 301, the solar power generation system 302, the battery system 303, and the power consumption devices 304 shown in FIG. 2 will be described in detail later.

[0015] The network 4 is, for example, the Internet. The power control device 100 and the power company terminal 200 can communicate with each other via the network 4. Furthermore, the power control device 100 and the power management device 301 can communicate with each other via the network 4.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows an example of the devices managed by the customer 3. In the consumer 3, for example, a power management device 301, a solar power generation system 302, a storage battery system 303, and a power consumption device 304 are managed. It is sufficient that the power management device 301, the solar power generation system 302, the storage battery system 303, and the power consumption equipment 304 are under the management of the consumer 3. It is not necessary for the consumer 3 to own the power management device 301, the solar power generation system 302, the storage battery system 303, and the power consumption equipment 304. Furthermore, the consumer 3 may not have either or both of the solar power generation system 302 and the storage battery system 303.

[0017] The solar power generation system 302 is, for example, a solar power generation system that is installed in a typical private home and includes a solar panel, a power conditioner, and the like. If permitted by law, the power generated by the solar power generation system 302 can also be sold to the power company 2. The aggregator 1 may sell the power to the power company 2 on behalf of the solar power generation system 302. Furthermore, the power generated by the solar power generation system 302 can also be charged into the storage battery system 303. The solar power generation system 302 corresponds to a consumer power source.

[0018] The storage battery system 303 is a storage battery system installed in a typical private home and includes a storage battery, a charge / discharge control device, etc. The charge / discharge control device controls the charging and discharging of the storage battery. In this embodiment, for ease of understanding, the storage battery system 303 is a storage battery system installed in a private home. However, the storage battery system 303 does not have to be a home storage battery system. The battery system 303 corresponds to a consumer power source.

[0019] The customer 3 can operate the power consumption device 304 using the power purchased from the power company 2, the power generated by the solar power generation system 302, and the power stored in the storage battery system 303. The power consumption device 304 consumes at least one of the power from the power company 2, the power from the solar power generation system 302, and the power from the storage battery system 303. 2, a television, a lighting device, and an air conditioner are illustrated as examples of the power consuming devices 304. Any of these devices may not be present in the consumer 3. Furthermore, devices other than these devices may be present as the power consuming devices 304 in the consumer 3. The power consuming devices 304 correspond to consumer devices.

[0020] The power management device 301 monitors and controls, via communication, the operation and settings of the solar power generation system 302, the storage battery system 303, and the power consumption devices 304. The power management device 301 may monitor and control the operation and settings of the solar power generation system 302, the storage battery system 303, and the power consumption devices 304 via either wired communication or wireless communication. The power management device 301 is provided with a display. The customer 3 can check the settings and control instructions for the photovoltaic power generation system 302, the storage battery system 303, and the power consuming device 304 on the display. The power management device 301 can also communicate with the power control device 100 via the network 4.

[0021] As described above, when a DR request is received from the power company 2, the power control device 100 transmits a request to the power management device 301 to reduce the amount of purchased power. When the power management apparatus 301 receives the request to reduce the amount of power purchased, it performs processing to reduce the amount of power purchased in accordance with the request. In this embodiment, when the power management apparatus 301 receives the request to reduce the amount of power purchased, it reduces the amount of power purchased by supplying power discharged from the storage battery system 303 to the power consuming devices 304 instead of supplying power by purchasing power. Furthermore, the power management apparatus 301 may also reduce the amount of power purchased by supplying power generated by the solar power generation system 302 to the power consuming devices 304 instead of supplying power by purchasing power.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the power control device 100. FIG. 15 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the power control device 100. As shown in FIG. First, an example of the hardware configuration of the power control device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0023] The power control device 100 according to this embodiment is a computer. The operation procedure of the power control device 100 corresponds to a power control method. Furthermore, a program that realizes the operation of the power control device 100 corresponds to a power control program. The power control device 100 includes, as hardware, a processor 901, a main memory device 902, an auxiliary memory device 903, and a communication device 904. 3, the power control device 100 includes, as functional components, a control unit 101, a communication unit 102, an alternative supply amount derivation unit 103, a comparison unit 104, a plan generation unit 105, and a database 106. The functions of the functional components other than the database 106 are realized, for example, by a program. The auxiliary storage device 903 stores programs that realize the functions of the functional components other than the database 106 . These programs are loaded from the auxiliary storage device 903 to the main storage device 902. Then, the processor 901 executes these programs to perform the operations of the control unit 101, the communication unit 102, the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103, the comparison unit 104, and the plan generation unit 105. FIG. 3 schematically shows a state in which the processor 901 is executing a program that realizes the functions of the control unit 101, the communication unit 102, the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103, the comparison unit 104, and the plan generation unit 105. The database 106 is realized by the auxiliary storage device 903, for example.

[0024] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the power control device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0025] The control unit 101 controls the entire power control device 100 . In addition, when a DR request is sent from the power company terminal 200, the control unit 101 controls the power supply from the alternative supply consumer's consumer power source (photovoltaic power generation system 302, storage battery system 303) to the consumer's equipment (power consumption equipment 304) based on the alternative supply amount. The alternative supply consumer is an electric power consumer that responds to a request to reduce the amount of purchased electric power by supplying electric power from the consumer's electric power source to the consumer's equipment instead of supplying electric power by purchasing electric power. The alternative supply consumer is extracted by the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103. The alternative supply amount is the amount of power that can be supplied from the consumer power source to the consumer device in place of the power supply from the purchased power. The alternative supply amount is also derived by the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103. The control unit 101 generates a request to reduce the amount of purchased power. The request to reduce the amount of purchased power is a message requesting an alternative supply consumer to supply power from the consumer power source to consumer equipment instead of supplying power through purchased power during the DR target time period. For example, the control unit 101 generates a purchase amount reduction request to request that power discharged from the storage battery system 303 be supplied to the power consuming device 304 instead of power supply through power purchase. The control unit 101 may also generate a purchase amount reduction request to request that power generated by the solar power generation system 302 be supplied to the power consuming device 304 instead of power supply through power purchase. The control unit 101 transmits a request for reducing the amount of purchased power to the power management device 301 of the alternative supply consumer via the communication unit 102, and controls the power supply from the consumer power source of the alternative supply consumer to the consumer equipment. The processing performed by the control unit 101 corresponds to control processing.

[0026] The communication unit 102 communicates with the power company terminal 200 and the power management apparatus 301 using the communication device 904 . Specifically, the communication unit 102 receives a DR request from the power company terminal 200. In addition, the communication unit 102 transmits an alternative supply amount notification to the power company terminal 200, and receives an update request notification from the power company terminal 200. The alternative supply amount notification is a message notifying the total amount of alternative supply amounts for each alternative supply consumer derived by the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103. The update request notice is a message notifying the updated requested power purchase reduction amount, which is the requested power purchase reduction amount updated by the power company 2. Furthermore, the communication unit 102 transmits a request to the power management apparatus 301 to reduce the amount of purchased power. The communication unit 102 corresponds to a notification unit and an acquisition unit.

[0027] When a reduction in the amount of purchased power is requested by a DR request, the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103 extracts an alternative supply consumer from one or more consumers 3. As described above, an alternative supply consumer is a power consumer that complies with the request to reduce the amount of purchased power by supplying power from a consumer power source to consumer equipment instead of supplying power through purchased power. The alternative supply amount deriving unit 103 derives an alternative supply amount. As described above, the alternative supply amount is the amount of power that can be supplied from the consumer power source to the consumer device in place of the power supply by purchased power. The alternative supply amount derivation unit 103 derives, as the alternative supply amount, an amount of power that exceeds the amount of power that the alternative supply consumer is permitted to supply from the consumer power source to consumer equipment when a reduction in the amount of purchased power is not requested. The alternative supply amount deriving unit 103 derives an alternative supply amount for each alternative supply consumer. The processing performed by the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103 corresponds to an alternative supply amount derivation process.

[0028] The comparison unit 104 compares the total amount of alternative supply for each alternative supply consumer with the requested reduction amount of purchased electricity, which is the requested reduction amount of purchased electricity. The requested reduction in power purchases is indicated in the DR request. Furthermore, when the communication unit 102 receives an update request notification from the power company terminal 200, the comparison unit 104 compares the total amount of alternative supply with the update requested reduction amount of purchased electricity. As described above, the updated requested power purchase reduction amount is the requested power purchase reduction amount updated by the electric power company 2. The updated requested power purchase reduction amount is indicated in the update request notice.

[0029] The plan generating unit 105 generates a power consumption plan for each unit time (for example, one hour) for each consumer 3. The plan generating unit 105 predicts the total power consumption of the power consuming devices 304 for each unit time. The plan generating unit 105 also predicts the breakdown of the total power consumption for each unit time. That is, the plan generating unit 105 predicts the power consumption due to power purchased from the power company 2, the power consumption due to power generation by the solar power generation system 302, and the power consumption due to discharge by the storage battery system 303 for each unit time. The plan generating unit 105 then integrates these prediction results to generate a power consumption plan.

[0030] The plan generating unit 105 refers to consumer power consumption information and environmental information when generating the power consumption plan. The consumer power consumption information indicates, for example, the past power consumption results of each consumer 3. The consumer power consumption information will be described in detail later. The environmental information includes, for example, past weather, temperature, humidity, and sunshine hours, as well as future forecasts of these. Details of the environmental information will be described later. The plan generating unit 105 acquires consumer power consumption information from the environmental information source 5 via the communication unit 102, for example. Furthermore, the plan generating unit 105 acquires environmental information from the consumer power consumption information source 6 via the communication unit 102, for example.

[0031] The plan generation unit 105 refers to consumer power consumption information, environmental information, and also information from the database 106 described below, and generates a power consumption plan to optimize the electricity bill of each consumer 3, taking into consideration the impact on the lifespan of the equipment of each consumer 3 (for example, deterioration of the storage capacity of a storage battery). Furthermore, when a DR request is issued by the electric power company 2, the plan generating unit 105 corrects the power consumption plan of the alternative supply consumer. More specifically, the plan generating unit 105 generates a new power consumption plan in which the amount of power consumed by purchasing power from the electric power company 2 decreases by increasing the power supply from the consumer power source to the consumer device during the DR target time period.

[0032] The database 106 stores power consumption plan information, consumer information, and the like. The power consumption plan information is information indicating the power consumption plan generated by the plan generating unit 105. The customer information is detailed information about each customer 3 . The customer information indicates, for example, the contents of the contract between the aggregator 1 and the customer 3. The consumer information also indicates the degree of intention to reduce power purchases and the frequency of power purchase reduction. The degree of intention to reduce power purchases is the degree to which the consumer 3 intends to comply with a request to reduce the amount of power purchased. The frequency of power purchase reduction is the frequency at which the consumer 3 complies with a request to reduce the amount of power purchased. The consumer information also includes information on the devices (photovoltaic power generation system 302, battery system 303, and power consumption devices 304) managed by the consumer 3. For example, the consumer information indicates the types of systems / devices managed by the consumer 3, the specifications of each system / device, and the settings of the consumer 3 for each system / device.

[0033] In FIG. 3, the database 106 exists inside the power control device 100 , but the database 106 may also exist outside the power control device 100 . In this case, the power control device 100 can access the database 106 by communication via the network 4, for example.

[0034] The environmental information source 5 holds environmental information. The environmental information is information related to weather, and includes, for example, information about the weather for each unit time in the past, such as temperature, humidity, sunshine hours, precipitation, wind speed, sunrise time, and sunset time. When generating a power consumption plan for each consumer 3, the plan generation unit 105 can acquire, from the environmental information source 5, environmental information for a day with weather conditions similar to those of the target day for generating the power consumption plan. In addition, the plan generation unit 105 can acquire, from the environmental information source 5, environmental information for the same day of the week as the target day for generating the power consumption plan. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the environmental information source 5 is a database managed by a weather-related organization such as the Japan Meteorological Agency. It is also assumed that the plan generation unit 105 acquires environmental information by accessing the environmental information source 5 via the network 4 when generating a power consumption plan. However, the power control device 100 may also store the environmental information internally.

[0035] The consumer power consumption information source 6 holds consumer power consumption information. The customer power consumption information indicates the actual power consumption of each customer 3 . For example, the consumer power consumption information indicates the amount of power consumed per unit time collected by the power company 2 from smart meters installed in each consumer 3. When generating a power consumption plan for each consumer 3, the plan generating unit 105 can obtain, from the consumer power consumption information source 6, consumer power consumption information for the day on which the environmental information is obtained from the environmental information source 5. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the consumer power consumption information source 6 is a database managed by the electric power company 2. It is also assumed that the plan generation unit 105 accesses the consumer power consumption information source 6 via the network 4 to acquire consumer power consumption information when generating a power consumption plan. However, the communication unit 102 may acquire consumer power consumption information of consumers 3 with whom the aggregator 1 has a contract from the consumer power consumption information source 6 before generating the power consumption plan, and the acquired consumer power consumption information may be stored in, for example, the database 106.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows an example of customer information managed in the database 106. 4, the column "DR priority" indicates the degree of willingness of each consumer 3 to request DR. The "DR priority" corresponds to the degree of willingness of each consumer 3 to reduce power purchases. When a contract is concluded between the aggregator 1 and the consumers 3, the degree of willingness of each consumer 3 to request DR is confirmed, and the confirmation result is managed in the consumer information as "DR priority." "Response priority" is the intention of consumer 3 to actively cooperate with the DR request and hope to obtain an incentive. "Non-priority response" indicates the intention of consumer 3 that if the request to reduce the amount of purchased electricity can be met through the response of other consumers 3, the consumer will not respond to the DR request, and only if the request cannot be met, the consumer wishes to receive minimal response. "Optional" indicates the intention of consumer 3 that he / she does not have any particular preference and leaves it up to the aggregator 1's discretion. The types of "DR priority" are not limited to the three types shown in FIG.

[0037] The "Photovoltaic Power Generation System" column indicates whether or not each customer 3 manages a photovoltaic power generation system 302. "Yes" indicates that the customer 3 manages the photovoltaic power generation system 302. On the other hand, "No" indicates that the customer 3 does not manage the photovoltaic power generation system 302. For consumers 3 with "Yes" in the "Photovoltaic Power Generation System" column, the use of electricity generated by the photovoltaic power generation system is managed in the photovoltaic power generation system information in Fig. 5. On the other hand, for consumers 3 with "No" in the "Photovoltaic Power Generation System" column, management is not performed in the photovoltaic power generation system information in Fig. 5.

[0038] The "priority order" column in FIG. 5 indicates the use of the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system 302 that is given priority by the customer 3. “Self-consumption” means that the consumer 3 wishes to use the power generated by the solar power generation system 302 in the power consumption device 304 . “Storage of electricity” means that the consumer 3 wishes to charge the storage battery system 303 with electricity generated by the solar power generation system 302 . “Selling electricity” means that the consumer 3 wishes to sell the electricity generated by the solar power generation system 302 to the electric power company 2 .

[0039] The "Excess Power Processing" column in FIG. 5 indicates how to handle surplus power that cannot be consumed by the uses listed in the "Priority" column. If "self-consumption" is entered in the "priority" column, one of "sell power," "storage power," or "sell power or store power" is entered in the "surplus power processing" column. "Sell power" means that the consumer 3 wishes to sell the surplus power to the power company 2. "Store power" means that the consumer 3 wishes to store the surplus power in the battery storage system 303. "Sell power or store power" means that the consumer 3 does not care whether to "sell power" or "store power," and will leave the decision to the aggregator 1. If "storage" is entered in the "surplus power processing" column, and the battery system 303 is fully charged, the surplus power is sold. Furthermore, if "storage of electricity" is entered in the "priority" column, "sale of electricity," "self-consumption," or "sale of electricity or self-consumption" is entered in the "surplus electricity processing" column. "Self-consumption" means that the consumer 3 wishes to use the surplus power in the power consumption device 304. "Selling or self-consumption" means that the consumer 3 is willing to leave the decision to the aggregator 1, and either "selling" or "self-consumption" is acceptable. In addition, if "self-consumption" is listed in the "surplus electricity processing" column, any electricity that is surplus even after self-consumption will be sold. If "Selling electricity" is entered in the "Priority" column, surplus electricity will not be generated. Therefore, the "Handling of surplus electricity" column does not state how to handle surplus electricity.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 4, the "storage battery system" column indicates whether or not each consumer 3 manages a storage battery system 303. "Yes" indicates that the consumer 3 manages the storage battery system 303. On the other hand, "No" indicates that the consumer 3 does not manage the storage battery system 303. For consumers 3 with "Yes" in the "Storage Battery System" column, the charge capacity of the storage battery and the like are managed using the storage battery system information in Fig. 6. On the other hand, for consumers 3 with "No" in the "Storage Battery System" column, management using the storage battery system information in Fig. 6 is not performed.

[0041] The "Capacity" column in FIG. 6 shows the charge capacity of the rechargeable battery in the storage battery system 303 of the consumer 3. The "power outage mode" column indicates whether or not the storage battery system 303 is in power outage mode. "Yes" indicates that the storage battery system 303 has a power outage mode. "No" indicates that the storage battery system 303 does not have a power outage mode. The power outage mode is a function in which the storage battery system 303 automatically discharges the amount of power reserved for power outages when the storage battery system 303 detects a power outage. The "normal discharge rate" column shows the ratio of the amount of power that the consumer 3 allows to be discharged from the storage battery under normal circumstances to the fully charged amount. In other words, the "normal discharge rate" column shows the ratio of the amount of power that the consumer 3 allows to be supplied from the storage battery to the power consuming device 304 under normal circumstances. The normal circumstances are the time periods other than the DR target time period. Furthermore, the "normal discharge rate" of consumer 3, which has "Yes" written in the "Power Outage Mode" column, is the ratio obtained by subtracting the percentage of the amount of power reserved for power outages from 100%. For example, the "normal discharge rate" of "Consumer C" in Figure 6 is "60%." For "Consumer C," an amount of power equivalent to 40% of the fully charged amount is reserved for power outages. Therefore, the "normal discharge rate" of "Consumer C" is 100% - 40% = 60%. The "DR discharge rate" column indicates the discharge rate that exceeds the normal discharge rate and that the consumer 3 is allowed to discharge during the DR target time period. That is, the "DR discharge rate" indicates a discharge rate equivalent to the maximum discharge amount permitted by the consumer 3 in order to cooperate with DR. The "DR discharge rate" indicates a discharge rate that exceeds the normal discharge amount, taking into account the amount of power prepared for a power outage. The difference between the "DR discharge rate" and the "normal discharge rate" is the discharge rate that corresponds to the amount of additional power that can be discharged during the DR time period. Therefore, Consumer 3, for which there is no difference between the "DR discharge rate" and the "normal discharge rate," is not permitted to discharge at a rate higher than the "normal discharge rate" during the DR time period. For consumer 3 for which "Response priority" or "Optional" is entered in the "DR priority" column in FIG. 4, the value of the "DR discharge rate" in FIG. 6 is higher than the value of the "normal discharge rate." In this way, the consumer 3 who is not reluctant to cooperate with DR allows a larger amount of discharge than the normal amount of discharge in order to comply with DR.

[0042] The "DR compliance rate" indicates the frequency with which each consumer 3 applies the "DR discharge rate." In other words, the "DR compliance rate" indicates the frequency with which each consumer 3 allows a DR-compliant discharge amount that exceeds the normal discharge amount. The "DR compliance rate" corresponds to the frequency with which power purchases are reduced. A "DR response rate" of 100% means that consumer 3 responds to every DR request. A "DR response rate" of 50% means that consumer 3 responds to a DR request once every two times. A "DR response rate" of 25% means that consumer 3 responds to a DR request once in four times. Depending on the type of storage battery, there is a guideline that "if MM% of the total capacity of the storage battery is discharged NN times, the total capacity will deteriorate." Since storage batteries are the assets of each consumer 3, it is desirable for each consumer 3 to cooperate with DR at a frequency that meets their needs. For this reason, the specific values ​​of the "normal discharge rate," "DR discharge rate," and "DR compatibility rate" are set by each consumer 3 when the consumer 3 and the aggregator 1 enter into a contract. However, the consumer 3 can change these values ​​at any time even after the contract is concluded.

[0043] The "Next DR response" column indicates whether the customer 3 will respond to the next DR request. If the value of "next DR support" is "1", the consumer 3 will respond to the next DR request. On the other hand, if the value of "next DR support" is a value other than "1", the consumer 3 will not respond to the next DR request. The value of "next DR response" is determined based on the value of "DR response rate" of each consumer 3 and the DR response record of each consumer 3. The value of "next DR response" for consumer 3, whose "DR response rate" is "100%", is always "1". On the other hand, the value of "next DR response" of the consumer 3 whose "DR response rate" is a value other than "100%" is updated every time a DR request is issued. For consumer 3 whose "DR response rate" is "50%", the value of "next DR response" is updated from "0.5" → [1] → "0.5" → "1" every time a DR request occurs. As mentioned above, when the value of "next DR response" is "1", the consumer 3 responds to the DR request. For consumer 3 whose "DR response rate" is "25%", the value of "next DR response" is updated as follows every time a DR request occurs: "0.25" → "0.5" → [1] → "0.25" → "0.5" → "1". As mentioned above, when the value of "next DR response" is "1", the consumer 3 responds to the DR request. In this way, the value obtained by dividing 100% by the value of the "DR compatibility rate" is added every time a DR request occurs, and the value of "next DR compatibility" is updated.

[0044] The "next DR compatible capacity" column shows the dischargeable amount during the DR target time period of the storage battery of consumer 3, whose "next DR compatible" is "1." The value of "next DR compatible capacity" is calculated by ("normal discharge rate" - "DR discharge rate") x "capacity". If the dischargeable amount indicated in the "next DR compatible capacity" is equal to or less than the planned power purchase amount for the DR target time period, the "next DR compatible capacity" corresponds to the alternative supply amount. In other words, the battery storage system 303 can supply the dischargeable amount indicated in the "next DR compatible capacity" to the power consuming device 304 instead of supplying power through purchased power. In other words, the amount of purchased power can be reduced by the dischargeable amount indicated in the "next DR compatible capacity." On the other hand, if the dischargeable amount indicated in the "next DR compatible capacity" is greater than the planned power purchase amount for the DR target time slot, the planned power purchase amount for the DR target time slot corresponds to the alternative supply amount. In other words, the storage battery system 303 can supply the planned power purchase amount for the DR target time slot to the power consuming device 304 instead of supplying power through power purchase. In other words, the amount of power purchase can be reduced by the planned power purchase amount for the DR target time slot.

[0045] FIG. 7 shows an example of a daily power consumption plan for the customer 3 generated by the plan generating unit 105.

[0046] The top number in Figure 7 indicates the time period. The height of the shading in each time period indicates the predicted power consumption in that time period. The plan generating unit 105 uses the environmental information and the consumer power consumption information to predict the amount of power consumption for each time period. Shaded area 1 indicates power consumption purchased from power company 2. Shaded area 2 indicates power consumption due to discharge from the storage batteries of storage battery system 303. Shaded area 3 indicates the consumption of power generated by the solar power generation system 302.

[0047] Here, it is assumed that electricity rates are low from midnight to 5:00, which is the late-night power period. The plan generating unit 105 generates a power consumption plan in which all power consumption, including charging of the storage battery, is performed by purchasing power from the power company 2 between midnight and 5:00.

[0048] Electricity rates will be normal from 6am to midnight. The plan generating unit 105 calculates the amount of power generated by the solar power generation system 302 for each time period from 6:00 to midnight. The plan generating unit 105 refers to the environmental information and the specifications of the solar power generation system 302 of the consumer 3 to calculate the amount of power generated by the solar power generation system 302 for each time period. Then, the plan generating unit 105 allocates the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system 302 out of the predicted power consumption for each time period to the power consumption due to power generation by the photovoltaic power generation system 302. Here, for ease of understanding, it is assumed that if all the predicted power consumption can be covered by the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system 302, all the predicted power consumption is covered by the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system 302. In the example of Fig. 7, all the predicted power consumption at 9:00 and 10:00 is covered by the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system 302. Furthermore, if surplus power is generated by the power generation of the solar power generation system 302, the surplus power is sold to the power company 2.

[0049] Next, for time periods in which the amount of power generated by the solar power generation system 302 is not enough to cover the predicted power consumption, the plan generation unit 105 allocates a discharge amount corresponding to the normal discharge rate shown in Figure 5 to each time period so that the amount of power purchased from the power company 2 is uniform throughout all time periods. The plan generating unit 105 adjusts the amount of power purchased so that it is uniform for all customers 3 in all time periods, which leads to peak cuts in the amount of power generated by the power company 2.

[0050] 7 shows an example of a power consumption plan for a consumer 3 that has a solar power generation system 302 and a storage battery system 303. Even for a consumer 3 that does not have either or both of the solar power generation system 302 and the storage battery system 303, the plan generating unit 105 generates a power consumption plan according to the systems that exist in the consumer 3.

[0051] ***Explanation of Operation*** Next, an example of the operation of the power control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows an example of the operation performed after the control unit 101 receives a DR request from the power company terminal 200. The DR request indicates at least the DR target time period and the requested reduction amount X of purchased electricity. It is also assumed that the DR request is transmitted from the power company terminal 200 to the power control device 100 at least one hour before the DR target time period. In the power control device 100, the communication unit 102 receives the DR request and outputs the DR request to the control unit 101. The control unit 101 determines that the received message is a DR request and outputs the DR request to the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103.

[0052] In step S111, the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103 extracts alternative supply consumers. Here, an example will be described in which the storage battery of the storage battery system 303 is used as a consumer power source. Therefore, the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103 extracts the consumer 3 having the storage battery system 303 as the alternative supply consumer. More specifically, the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103 extracts the consumer 3 for which the "next DR compatible" column in FIG. 6 is set to "1" as the alternative supply consumer.

[0053] Next, in step S112, the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103 derives an alternative supply amount Yi for each alternative supply consumer, and derives the total amount of alternative supply amounts Y. In the following, the subscript i represents consumer i. Specifically, the alternative supply amount deriving unit 103 compares, for each alternative supply consumer, the dischargeable amount indicated in the "next DR compatible capacity" with the planned power purchase amount for the DR target time period. If the dischargeable amount indicated in the "next DR compatible capacity" is equal to or less than the planned power purchase amount for the DR target time period, the plan generating unit 105 treats the dischargeable amount indicated in the "next DR compatible capacity" as the alternative supply amount Yi. On the other hand, if the dischargeable amount indicated in the "next DR compatible capacity" is greater than the planned power purchase amount for the DR target time slot, the plan generating unit 105 treats the planned power purchase amount for the DR target time slot as the alternative supply amount Yi. Then, the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103 sums up the alternative supply amounts Yi for each alternative supply consumer to derive the total amount Y of the alternative supply amounts.

[0054] Next, in step S113, the comparison unit 104 compares the requested reduction amount X of purchased electricity with the total amount Y of alternative supply amounts. If the total amount Y of the alternative supply amounts is equal to or greater than the requested amount X of reduction in purchased electricity, the process proceeds to step S114. If the total amount Y of the alternative supply amounts is less than the requested amount X of reduction in purchased electricity, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0055] In step S114, the communication unit 102 notifies the power company of the total amount Y of the alternative supply amounts. Specifically, the control unit 101 generates an alternative supply amount notice that notifies the total amount Y of the alternative supply amounts. Then, the communication unit 102 transmits the alternative supply amount notice to the power company terminal 200. Furthermore, the communication unit 102 receives an update request notification from the power company terminal 200 . The update request notice indicates an updated requested power purchase reduction amount Z, which is the requested power purchase reduction amount updated by the power company 2. The communication unit 102 outputs an update request notification to the control unit 101. The control unit 101 determines that the received message is an update request notification, and outputs the update request notification to the comparison unit 104.

[0056] On the other hand, in step S115, the control unit 101 notifies the electric power company 2 that DR is not possible. That is, since the total amount Y of the alternative supply amounts is less than the requested amount X of reduction in power purchases, the control unit 101 notifies the power company 2 via the communication unit 102 that the DR request cannot be met. In this case, the communication unit 102 later receives a DR request cancellation notification from the power company terminal 200, and the process ends.

[0057] In step S116, the comparison unit 104 compares the updated requested power purchase reduction amount Z with the total amount Y of the alternative supply amount. If the updated requested reduction amount Z of purchased electricity matches the total amount Y of the alternative supply amount, the process proceeds to step S117. If the updated requested reduction amount Z of purchased electricity is less than the total amount Y of the alternative supply amounts, the process proceeds to step S118. The renewal request for reduction in purchased electricity Z does not exceed the total amount Y of the alternative supply amount.

[0058] In step S117, the plan generating unit 105 corrects the current power consumption plan of each alternative supply consumer to reflect the alternative supply amount Yi. The current power consumption plan includes power consumption due to power purchases during the DR target time period. The plan generation unit 105 replaces the power consumption due to power purchases included in the current power consumption plan with power consumption due to discharge of the battery system 303 by the alternative supply amount Yi. The plan generation unit 105 then registers the replaced power consumption plan in the database 106 as a new power consumption plan.

[0059] On the other hand, in step S118, the plan generating unit 105 corrects the current power consumption plan of each alternative supply consumer to reflect (the alternative supply amount Yi×Z / Y). As described above, the current power consumption plan includes power consumption due to power purchases during the DR target time period. The plan generation unit 105 replaces the power consumption due to power purchases included in the current power consumption plan with power consumption due to discharge of the battery system 303 by (alternative supply amount Yi×Z / Y). The plan generation unit 105 then registers the replaced power consumption plan in the database 106 as a new power consumption plan.

[0060] In step S119, the control unit 101 generates a request to reduce the amount of power purchased, and the communication unit 102 transmits the request to reduce the amount of power purchased to the power management device 301 of the alternative supply consumer. The request to reduce the amount of purchased power is a message requesting the alternative supply consumer to reduce the amount of purchased power by discharging the storage battery of the storage battery system 303 instead of purchasing power during the DR target time period.

[0061] When step S117 is executed, the control unit 101 requests the power management device 301 of the alternative supply consumer to discharge the alternative supply amount Yi during the DR target time period in the power purchase reduction request. More specifically, the control unit 101 calculates a discharge rate equivalent to the alternative supply amount Yi during the DR target time period as an additional discharge rate. Then, the control unit 101 requests that the power management device 301 discharge the power at a discharge rate obtained by adding the additional discharge rate to the "normal discharge rate." On the other hand, when step S118 is executed, the control unit 101 requests the power management device 301 of the alternative supply consumer to discharge (alternative supply amount Yi×Z / Y) during the DR target time period in the power purchase reduction request. More specifically, the control unit 101 calculates a discharge rate equivalent to (alternative supply amount Yi×Z / Y) as the additional discharge rate. Then, the control unit 101 requests that the power management device 301 of the alternative supply consumer discharge at a discharge rate obtained by adding the additional discharge rate to the "normal discharge rate." As a result, in the alternative supply consumer, the power management device 301 controls the storage battery system 303 to discharge the alternative supply amount Yi or (alternative supply amount Yi×Z / Y) instead of purchasing power during the DR time period. In addition, in the request to reduce the amount of purchased electricity, the control unit 101 requests the power management device 301 of the alternative supply consumer to return the discharge rate of the storage battery system 303 to the "normal discharge rate" after the DR target time period has elapsed.

[0062] Next, in step S120, the control unit 101 updates the values ​​of "next DR compatible" and "next DR compatible capacity" in FIG. For the consumer 3 whose "DR compliance rate" is "100%," the value of "next DR compliance" is always "1", so the process of step S120 is not necessary for the consumer 3 whose "DR compliance rate" is "100%". For the consumer 3 whose "DR compliance rate" is a value other than "100%", the control unit 101 updates the values ​​of "next DR compliance" and "next DR compliance capacity" according to the "DR compliance rate". For a consumer 3 whose "DR compliance rate" is "50%" and whose current "next DR compliance" value is "0.5", the control unit 101 updates "next DR compliance" to "1". In addition, the control unit 101 updates the value of "next DR compliance capacity" to "("normal discharge rate" - "DR discharge rate") x "capacity". For a consumer 3 whose "DR support rate" is "50%" and whose current "next DR support" value is "1", the control unit 101 updates "next DR support" to "0.5". In addition, the control unit 101 updates the value of "next DR support capacity" to "0". For a consumer 3 whose "DR support rate" is "25%" and whose current "next DR support" value is "0.25", the control unit 101 updates "next DR support" to "0.5". In addition, the control unit 101 does not update the value of "next DR support capacity". For consumer 3 whose "DR compatibility rate" is "25%" and whose current "next DR compatibility" value is "0.5", the control unit 101 updates "next DR compatibility" to "0.75". In addition, the control unit 101 does not update the value of "next DR compatibility capacity". For consumer 3 whose "DR compliance rate" is "25%" and whose current "next DR compliance" value is "0.75", the control unit 101 updates "next DR compliance" to "1". In addition, the control unit 101 updates the value of "next DR compliance capacity" to "("normal discharge rate" - "DR discharge rate") x "capacity". For a consumer 3 whose "DR support rate" is "25%" and whose current "next DR support" value is "1", the control unit 101 updates "next DR support" to "0.25". In addition, the control unit 101 updates the value of "next DR support capacity" to "0".

[0063] Finally, in step S121, the control unit 101 calculates an incentive for the alternative supply consumer to respond to DR, and the communication unit 102 notifies the calculated incentive to the power management device 301 of the alternative supply consumer. The notification of the incentive may be included in the request to reduce the amount of purchased electricity in step S119.

[0064] As described above, the power management apparatus 301 is provided with a display. The power management apparatus 301 displays the content of the power purchase reduction request in step S119 and the incentive in step S121 on the display. The alternative supply consumer can check the details of the request to reduce the amount of electricity purchased and the incentive on the display. Furthermore, email addresses of alternative supply consumers may be registered in the consumer information of the database 106. In this case, the communication unit 102 may notify the alternative supply consumers of the content of the request to reduce the amount of electricity purchased and the incentive by email.

[0065] Here, the relationship between the requested power purchase reduction amount X and the updated requested power purchase reduction amount Z will be described.

[0066] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the electric power company 2 issues DR requests to a plurality of aggregators. Power company 2 is notified of the total amount Y of alternative supply from each aggregator. Then, power company 2 tally up the total amount Y of alternative supply from the multiple aggregators. Based on the tally up result, power company 2 calculates the updated amount of reduction in power purchases from each aggregator. If the total amount Y of alternative supply of any aggregator other than aggregator 1 shown in Figure 1 is less than the requested power purchase reduction amount X of the aggregator, the updated requested power purchase reduction amount Z notified to aggregator 1 shown in Figure 1 may be greater than the requested power purchase reduction amount X notified in the DR request. On the other hand, if the total amount Y of the alternative supply of all aggregators is greater than the requested reduction amount X of the power purchases, the power company 2 averages the reduction amount of the power purchases of each aggregator. Therefore, the updated requested reduction amount Z of the power purchases notified to the aggregator 1 shown in Fig. 1 may be less than the requested reduction amount X of the power purchases notified in the DR request. In addition, there is a case where the incentive paid to the aggregator 1 shown in Fig. 1 is less than the incentive paid to other aggregators. In this case, the electric power company 2 may prioritize the aggregator 1 shown in Fig. 1. In this case, the updated requested power purchase reduction amount Z notified to the aggregator 1 shown in Fig. 1 may be greater than the requested power purchase reduction amount X notified in the DR request. Conversely, there may be cases where the incentive paid to aggregator 1 shown in FIG. 1 is greater than the incentive paid to other aggregators. In this case, power company 2 may prioritize the other aggregators. In this case, the updated requested power purchase reduction amount Z notified to aggregator 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be less than the requested power purchase reduction amount X notified in the DR request. However, even if the renewal request for reduction in purchased electricity Z is greater than the requested reduction in purchased electricity X, the electric power company 2 keeps the renewal request for reduction in purchased electricity Z within the total amount Y of the alternative supply amount.

[0067] ***Explanation of the effect of the embodiment*** According to this embodiment, it is possible to accurately grasp the amount of power that can be supplied from the consumer power source to the consumer device instead of the power supply by purchasing power, which differs for each consumer. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to effectively reduce the amount of purchased power when the power supply and demand is tight. In particular, according to this embodiment, when responding to DR, it is possible to discharge electricity from the storage battery in excess of the normal discharge amount prepared for power outages.

[0068] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the aggregator can respond to a DR request by simply changing the power consumption plan for only the DR target time period. In other words, the aggregator can respond to a DR request without changing the power consumption plan entirely.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, DR can be implemented without changing the settings of power consumption devices of the consumers, such as air conditioners, televisions, and lighting equipment. This allows consumers to implement DR without reducing the comfort provided by the power consumption devices, and thus provides an incentive.

[0070] Furthermore, if the frequency of DR response is not high, even if discharge exceeds the normal discharge rate, the impact on deterioration of the storage battery's charge capacity is small. Furthermore, even if the frequency of DR response is high, the impact on deterioration of the storage battery's charge capacity can be reduced by consumers appropriately setting the DR response rate and DR discharge rate.

[0071] Embodiment 2 In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. The matters not explained below are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0072] ***Configuration Description*** FIG. 9 shows an example of a functional configuration of the power control device 100 according to this embodiment. 9, compared to FIG. 3, a suppression / reduction amount derivation unit 107 is added. The components other than the suppression / reduction amount derivation unit 107 are the same as those shown in FIG.

[0073] The function of the suppression / reduction amount deriving unit 107 is also realized by a program, similar to the control unit 101 etc. The program that realizes the function of the suppression / reduction amount deriving unit 107 is executed by the processor 901. When a reduction in the amount of power purchased is requested by a DR request, the reduction reduction amount derivation unit 107 extracts one or more consumption reduction consumers from one or more consumers 3. A consumption reduction consumer is an electricity consumer that complies with the request to reduce the amount of power purchased by reducing the power consumption of consumer devices. Furthermore, the suppression / reduction amount deriving unit 107 derives a suppression / reduction amount for the consumption suppression consumer. The suppression / reduction amount is the amount of power that can be reduced by suppressing the power consumption of the consumer device.

[0074] In this embodiment, the control unit 101 controls the power consumption of the consumer equipment of the consumption-reduced consumer based on the suppression reduction amount.

[0075] In this embodiment, it is assumed that measures for suppressing DR-compliant power consumption of the power consumption devices 304 (hereinafter referred to as DR power consumption suppression measures) are determined in advance between the aggregator 1 and the consumers 3. It is also assumed that the DR power consumption suppression measures of the power consumption devices 304 are described in the consumer information for each consumer 3. One possible DR power consumption reduction measure for air conditioners is to change the set temperature when DR is enabled. For example, a DR power consumption reduction measure could be to apply a higher set temperature (e.g., 28 degrees) during the DR target time period than the normal set temperature (e.g., 26 degrees). The control unit 101 controls the power consumption device 304 to implement the DR power consumption suppression measure based on the suppression reduction amount during the DR target time period.

[0076] ***Explanation of Operation*** Next, an example of the operation of the power control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the same processes as those in FIG. 7 are performed in the steps with the same reference numerals as those in FIG. Steps S111 to S118 are the same as those shown in FIG. 7, and therefore the explanation will be omitted.

[0077] In FIG. 10, if the comparison result in step S113 shows that the total amount Y of alternative supply amounts is less than the requested amount X of reduction in purchased electricity, the process proceeds to step S211 in FIG.

[0078] In step S211, the suppression / reduction amount deriving unit 107 extracts consumption-suppressing consumers. Specifically, the suppression reduction amount derivation unit 107 extracts a consumer 3 for which "Response priority" or "Optional" is written in the "DR priority" column of Figure 4 and a power consumption device 304 is written in the "Power consumption device" column as a consumption suppression consumer. The suppression / reduction amount deriving unit 107 may also extract the consumer 3 extracted as the alternative supply consumer in step S111 as a consumption suppression consumer.

[0079] Next, in step S212, the suppression / reduction amount deriving unit 107 derives a suppression / reduction amount Vi for each consumption suppression consumer, and derives a total amount V of the suppression / reduction amounts. The suppression reduction amount deriving unit 107 derives the suppression reduction amount Vi for each consumption-reducing consumer based on the DR power consumption suppression measures described in the consumer information, the use of the power consuming appliances 304, weather conditions, and the like. Then, the suppression / reduction amount deriving unit 107 adds up the suppression / reduction amounts Vi for each consumption-suppressed consumer, and derives the total amount V of the suppression / reduction amounts.

[0080] Next, in step S213, the comparison unit 104 compares the total amount W with the requested amount X of reduction in purchased electricity. The total amount W is the sum of the total amount Y of the alternative supply amounts derived in step S112 and the total amount V of the suppressed reduction amounts derived in step S212. If the total amount W is equal to or greater than the requested reduction amount of purchased electricity X, the process proceeds to step S214. If the total amount W is less than the requested power purchase reduction amount X, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0081] In step S214, the communication unit 102 notifies the power company 2 of the total amount W. Specifically, the control unit 101 generates a total amount notification that notifies the total amount W. Then, the communication unit 102 transmits the total amount notification to the power company terminal 200. Furthermore, the communication unit 102 receives an update request notification from the power company terminal 200 . As explained in the first embodiment, the update request notice indicates the updated requested power purchase reduction amount Z, which is the requested power purchase reduction amount updated by the power company 2.

[0082] In step S115, similarly to the first embodiment, the control unit 101 notifies the electric power company 2 that DR is not possible. That is, since the total amount W is less than the requested power purchase reduction amount X, the control unit 101 notifies the power company 2 via the communication unit 102 that the DR request cannot be met. In this case, the communication unit 102 later receives a DR request cancellation notification from the power company terminal 200, and the process ends.

[0083] In step S215, the comparison unit 104 compares the updated requested reduction amount of purchased electricity Z with the total amount W. If the updated requested reduction amount of purchased electricity Z matches the total amount W, the process proceeds to step S216. If the updated requested reduction amount Z of purchased electricity is less than the total amount W, the process proceeds to step S217. The renewal request reduction amount Z of purchased electricity does not exceed the total amount W.

[0084] In step S216, the plan generation unit 105 corrects the current power consumption plan of each alternative supply consumer to reflect the alternative supply amount Yi. Also, the plan generation unit 105 corrects the current power consumption plan of each consumption reduction consumer to reflect the reduction amount Vi. Regarding the correction for reflecting the alternative supply amount Yi in the current power consumption plan, the plan generating unit 105 performs the same processing as that described in step S117 of the first embodiment. For the correction that reflects the suppression / reduction amount Vi in the current power consumption plan, the plan generation unit 105 reduces the power consumption due to purchased power described in the current power consumption plan by the suppression / reduction amount Vi. Then, the plan generation unit 105 registers the reduced power consumption plan in the database 106 as a new power consumption plan.

[0085] Meanwhile, in step S217, the plan generating unit 105 corrects the current power consumption plan of each alternative supply consumer to reflect (alternative supply amount Yi×Z / W). Also, the plan generating unit 105 corrects the current power consumption plan of each consumption reduction consumer to reflect (reduction amount Vi×Z / W). For the correction to reflect (the alternative supply amount Yi×Z / W) in the current power consumption plan, the plan generating unit 105 performs the same process as that described in step S118 of the first embodiment. For the correction that reflects (suppression reduction amount Vi×Z / W) in the current power consumption plan, the plan generation unit 105 reduces the power consumption due to purchased power described in the current power consumption plan by (suppression reduction amount Vi×Z / W).The plan generation unit 105 then registers the reduced power consumption plan in the database 106 as a new power consumption plan.

[0086] Then, step S218 in FIG. 10 is performed. In step S218, the control unit 101 generates a power purchase amount reduction request, and the communication unit 102 transmits the power purchase amount reduction request to the power management apparatus 301.

[0087] The control unit 101 generates, for the alternative supply consumer, a purchase amount reduction request similar to the purchase amount reduction request generated in step S119 of the first embodiment.

[0088] When step S117 or step S216 is executed, the control unit 101 requests the power management device 301 of the alternative supply consumer to discharge the alternative supply amount Yi during the DR target time period in the power purchase reduction request. More specifically, the control unit 101 calculates a discharge rate equivalent to the alternative supply amount Yi during the DR target time period as an additional discharge rate. Then, the control unit 101 requests that the power management device 301 discharge the power at a discharge rate obtained by adding the additional discharge rate to the "normal discharge rate." When step S118 is executed, the control unit 101 requests the power management device 301 of the alternative supply consumer to discharge (alternative supply amount Yi×Z / Y) during the DR target time period in the power purchase reduction request. More specifically, the control unit 101 calculates a discharge rate equivalent to (alternative supply amount Yi×Z / Y) as the additional discharge rate. Then, the control unit 101 requests that the power management device 301 of the alternative supply consumer discharge at a discharge rate obtained by adding the additional discharge rate to the "normal discharge rate." When step S217 is executed, the control unit 101 requests the power management device 301 of the alternative supply consumer to discharge (alternative supply amount Yi×Z / W) during the DR target time period in the power purchase reduction request. More specifically, the control unit 101 calculates a discharge rate equivalent to (alternative supply amount Yi×Z / W) as the additional discharge rate. Then, the control unit 101 requests that the power management device 301 of the alternative supply consumer discharge at a discharge rate obtained by adding the additional discharge rate to the "normal discharge rate."

[0089] On the other hand, the control unit 101 generates a power purchase reduction request for the consumption-reducing consumer to reduce the amount of power purchased by taking a DR power consumption reduction measure based on the reduction reduction amount Vi during the DR target time period.

[0090] When step S216 is executed, it is possible to reduce the amount of purchased power by the suppression reduction amount Vi. Therefore, in the request for reducing the amount of purchased power, the control unit 101 requests the power consuming devices 304 of the consumption suppression consumer to take DR power consumption suppression measures during the DR target time period and reduce the amount of purchased power by the suppression reduction amount Vi. For example, the control unit 101 requests that the set temperature of the air conditioner be increased by 2 degrees as a DR power consumption reduction measure.

[0091] When step S217 is executed, it is possible to reduce the amount of purchased power only by (suppression reduction amount Vi × Z / W), not by the suppression reduction amount Vi. Therefore, the control unit 101 determines the DR power consumption suppression measure corresponding to the ratio (Z / W) as the modified DR power consumption suppression measure. For example, suppose the ratio (Z / W) is "0.5." Also, suppose the DR power consumption suppression measure is to raise the set temperature of the air conditioner by 2 degrees. In this case, the control unit 101 determines the modified DR power consumption suppression measure to raise the set temperature of the air conditioner by 1 degree, for example, using ((0.5 x 2 degrees) = 1 degree). Then, in the power purchase reduction request, the control unit 101 requests the power consuming appliances 304 of the consumption reduction consumer to take corrected DR power consumption reduction measures during the DR target time period and reduce the amount of power purchases by (reduced reduction amount Vi×Z / W). Furthermore, in the power purchase reduction request, the control unit 101 requests the power management device 301 of the consumption-reducing consumer to terminate the DR power consumption reduction measure or the modified DR power consumption reduction measure after the DR target time period has elapsed.

[0092] Then, steps S120 and S121 are performed. The details of steps S120 and S121 are as explained in the first embodiment.

[0093] ***Explanation of the effect of the embodiment*** In this embodiment, when the alternative supply amount alone cannot satisfy the requested reduction amount of purchased electricity, it is determined whether the total amount of the alternative supply amount and the suppression reduction amount can satisfy the requested reduction amount of purchased electricity. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the possibility of responding to DR increases.

[0094] In this embodiment, the aggregator can also respond to a DR request by simply changing the power consumption plan for the DR target time period. In other words, the aggregator can respond to a DR request without changing the power consumption plan entirely.

[0095] In the above description, the suppression / reduction amount deriving unit 107 does not apply a DR compliance rate to consumption-suppressing consumers. However, the suppression / reduction amount deriving unit 107 may apply a DR compliance rate to consumption-suppressing consumers. In this case, step S211 is changed as follows. The suppression reduction amount derivation unit 107 extracts, as a consumption suppression consumer, a consumer 3 for which "Response priority" or "Optional" is written in the "DR priority" column in Figure 4, a power consumption device 304 is written in the "Power consumption device" column, and further, "1" is written in the "Next DR response" column.

[0096] Embodiment 3 In this embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described. The matters not explained below are the same as those in the second embodiment.

[0097] ***Configuration Description*** The functional configuration of the power control device 100 according to this embodiment is as shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, when the requested reduction amount of power purchases cannot be met by the alternative supply amount alone, consumers who wish to reduce consumption are extracted, and the reduction amount is derived. In this embodiment, the alternative supply amount and the suppression reduction amount are derived for the consumer who has "Response priority" written in the "DR priority order" column in FIG. In this way, incentives are given preferentially to consumers who have "Response Priority" written in the "DR Priority" column in FIG.

[0098] ***Explanation of Operation*** Next, an example of the operation of the power control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0099] In step S311, the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103 extracts one or more consumers 3 for which "Response priority" is entered in the "DR priority" column and "1" is entered in the "Next DR response" column in FIG. 4 .

[0100] Next, in step S312, the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103 treats each consumer 3 extracted in step S311 as an alternative supply consumer, and derives an alternative supply amount Qi for each consumer 3. Then, the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103 adds up the alternative supply amounts Qi of each consumer 3 to derive a total amount Q of the alternative supply amounts. In parallel, the suppression / reduction amount derivation unit 107 treats each consumer 3 extracted in step S311 as a consumption suppression consumer, and derives the suppression / reduction amount Pi of each consumer 3. Then, the suppression / reduction amount derivation unit 107 adds up the suppression / reduction amount Pi of each consumer 3 to derive the total suppression / reduction amount P.

[0101] Next, in step S313, the comparison unit 104 compares the total amount R with the requested amount X of reduction in purchased electricity. The total amount R is the sum of the total amount Q of the alternative supply amounts and the total amount P of the suppression reduction amounts derived in step S312. If the total amount R is equal to or greater than the requested power purchase reduction amount X, the process proceeds to step S314. If the total amount R is less than the requested power purchase reduction amount X, the process proceeds to step S318.

[0102] In step S314, the communication unit 102 notifies the power company 2 of the total amount R. The control unit 101 generates a total amount notification that notifies the total amount R. Then, the communication unit 102 transmits the total amount notification to the power company terminal 200. Furthermore, the communication unit 102 receives an update request notification from the power company terminal 200 . As explained in the first embodiment, the update request notice indicates the updated requested power purchase reduction amount Z, which is the requested power purchase reduction amount updated by the power company 2.

[0103] In step S315, the comparison unit 104 compares the updated requested power purchase reduction amount Z with the total amount R. If the updated requested power purchase reduction amount Z matches the total amount R, the process proceeds to step S316. If the updated requested reduction amount Z of purchased electricity is less than the total amount R, the process proceeds to step S317. The renewal request for reduction in purchased electricity Z will not exceed the total amount R.

[0104] In step S316, the plan generating unit 105 corrects the current power consumption plan of each customer 3 extracted in step S311 to reflect the alternative supply amount Qi and the suppression reduction amount Pi. The plan generating unit 105 corrects the power consumption plan in step S316 using the method described in step S216 of the second embodiment.

[0105] Meanwhile, in step S317, the plan generation unit 105 corrects the current power consumption plan of each consumer 3 extracted in step S311 to reflect (alternative supply amount Qi×Z / R) and (suppression reduction amount Pi×Z / R). The plan generating unit 105 corrects the power consumption plan in step S317 using the method described in step S217 of the second embodiment.

[0106] Thereafter, the processes from step S218 onward in FIG. 10 are carried out. In step S218 of this embodiment, the same processing as that described in the second embodiment is performed. However, in the explanation of step S218 in the second embodiment, "alternative supply amount Yi" shall be read as "alternative supply amount Qi". Furthermore, "alternative supply amount Yi×Z / W" shall be read as "alternative supply amount Qi×Z / R". Furthermore, "suppression reduction amount Vi" shall be read as "suppression reduction amount Pi". Furthermore, "suppression reduction amount Vi×Z / W" shall be read as "suppression reduction amount Pi×Z / R".

[0107] If the total amount R is less than the requested power purchase reduction amount X in step S313, the process of step S318 in FIG. 13 is performed. In step S318, the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103 extracts one or more consumers 3 for which “Optional” and “Non-priority response” are entered in the “DR priority” column of Figure 4 and “1” is entered in the “Next DR response” column.

[0108] Next, in step S319, the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103 treats each consumer 3 extracted in step S318 as an alternative supply consumer, and derives an alternative supply amount Qi for each consumer 3. Then, the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103 adds up the alternative supply amounts Qi for each consumer 3 to derive a total amount Q of the alternative supply amounts. Furthermore, the alternative supply amount derivation unit 103 adds the derived total amount Q of the alternative supply amounts to the total amount R. In parallel, the suppression / reduction amount derivation unit 107 treats each consumer 3 extracted in step S318 as a consumption suppression consumer, and derives the suppression / reduction amount Pi of each consumer 3. Then, the suppression / reduction amount derivation unit 107 adds the suppression / reduction amount Pi of each consumer 3 to derive the total suppression / reduction amount P. Furthermore, the suppression / reduction amount derivation unit 107 adds the derived total suppression / reduction amount P to the total amount R.

[0109] Next, in step S320, the total amount R obtained in step S319 is compared with the requested power purchase reduction amount X. Note that in the following description, the total amount R is the total amount R obtained in step S319. If the total amount R is equal to or greater than the requested reduction amount of purchased electricity X, the process proceeds to step S321. If the total amount R is less than the requested reduction amount of purchased electricity X, the process proceeds to step S325.

[0110] In step S321, the communication unit 102 notifies the power company 2 of the total amount R. The control unit 101 generates a total amount notification that notifies the total amount R. Then, the communication unit 102 transmits the total amount notification to the power company terminal 200. Furthermore, the communication unit 102 receives an update request notification from the power company terminal 200 . As explained in the first embodiment, the update request notice indicates the updated requested power purchase reduction amount Z, which is the requested power purchase reduction amount updated by the power company 2.

[0111] In step S322, the comparison unit 104 compares the updated requested power purchase reduction amount Z with the total amount R. If the updated requested power purchase reduction amount Z matches the total amount R, the process proceeds to step S323. If the updated requested reduction amount of purchased electricity Z is less than the total amount R, the process proceeds to step S324. The renewal request for reduction in purchased electricity Z will not exceed the total amount R.

[0112] In step S323, the plan generating unit 105 corrects the current power consumption plan of each customer 3 extracted in steps S311 and S318 to reflect the alternative supply amount Qi and the suppression reduction amount Pi. The plan generating unit 105 corrects the power consumption plan in step S323 using the method described in step S216 of the second embodiment.

[0113] Meanwhile, in step S324, the plan generation unit 105 makes a correction to reflect (alternative supply amount Qi×Z / R) and (suppression reduction amount Pi×Z / R) in the current power consumption plan of each consumer 3 extracted in steps S311 and S318. The plan generating unit 105 corrects the power consumption plan in step S324 using the method described in step S217 of the second embodiment.

[0114] Thereafter, the processes from step S218 onward in FIG. 10 are carried out. In this case, the same processing as that described in the second embodiment is also performed in step S218. Here too, "alternative supply amount Yi" in the explanation of step S218 in the second embodiment shall be read as "alternative supply amount Qi". Furthermore, "alternative supply amount Yi×Z / W" shall be read as "alternative supply amount Qi×Z / R". Furthermore, "suppression reduction amount Vi" shall be read as "suppression reduction amount Pi". Furthermore, "suppression reduction amount Vi×Z / W" shall be read as "suppression reduction amount Pi×Z / R".

[0115] In step S325, similarly to step S115 in the first embodiment, the control unit 101 notifies the electric power company 2 that DR is not possible. That is, since the total amount R is less than the requested power purchase reduction amount X, the control unit 101 notifies the power company 2 via the communication unit 102 that the DR request cannot be met. In this case, the communication unit 102 later receives a DR request cancellation notification from the power company terminal 200, and the process ends.

[0116] In step S324 of FIG. 13, the plan generation unit 105 distributes (alternative supply amount Yi×Z / R) and (suppression reduction amount Pi×Z / R) in common to all consumers 3 with “response priority,” “optional,” and “non-response priority,” and reflects these amounts of power in the power consumption plan of each consumer 3. Alternatively, the process of step S324 may be changed as follows. 1) The plan generating unit 105 reflects the alternative supply amount Yi and the suppression reduction amount Pi directly in the power consumption plan for the "response priority" and "optional" consumers 3. 2) If there is still an amount of power that can be reduced after subtracting the alternative supply amount Yi and the suppression reduction amount Pi of the ``response priority'' and ``optional'' consumers 3 from the total amount R, the plan generation unit 105 distributes the remaining amount of power evenly among the ``response non-priority'' consumers 3. 3) The plan generating unit 105 reflects the amount of power evenly distributed to the consumers 3 with "non-priority response" in the power consumption plan.

[0117] Note that other distribution methods may be used as long as they are in line with the DR priority order and are desired by the consumer 3.

[0118] ***Explanation of the effect of the embodiment*** According to this embodiment, consumers who are cooperative in DR response can be made to actively participate in DR response. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the amount of purchased electricity can be reduced by reflecting the consumers' cooperative attitude toward DR response. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, incentives can be given preferentially to consumers who are cooperative in DR response.

[0119] Embodiment 4 In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. The matters not explained below are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0120] In the first to third embodiments, an incentive is given to a consumer 3 that reduces the amount of purchased power by supplying power from its power source instead of purchasing power during a DR time period. Also, an incentive is given to a consumer 3 that reduces the amount of purchased power by taking DR power consumption suppression measures on consumer equipment. However, as shown in FIG. 7, even in time periods other than the DR time period, the amount of purchased electricity is averaged and reduced for each time period by generating electricity from photovoltaic power generation and / or discharging the storage battery. For example, assume that DR is implemented from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in Figure 7. Consumer 3 in the power consumption plan of Figure 7 cannot comply with the DR request because there is no power purchased from power company 2 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. However, even before the DR request, the consumer cooperated in reducing the amount of power purchased by self-consumption of power through solar power generation. Therefore, it would be unfair if this consumer 3 were not given a DR incentive. If such a consumer 3 were not given an incentive, there would be little benefit for such consumer 3 to enter into a contract with aggregator 1. In this embodiment, a configuration for improving fairness in providing incentives will be described.

[0121] ***Configuration Description*** FIG. 14 shows an example of the functional configuration of the power control device 100 according to this embodiment. 14, compared to FIG. 3, a contribution calculation unit 108 is added. The components other than the contribution calculation unit 108 are the same as those shown in FIG.

[0122] The function of the contribution calculation unit 108 is also realized by a program, similar to the control unit 101 etc. The program that realizes the function of the contribution calculation unit 108 is also executed by the processor 901. The contribution calculation unit 108 calculates the contribution. The contribution calculation unit 108 calculates, using different calculation methods, the contribution to reduction of the amount of purchased electricity of a consumer 3 whose entire consumption of electricity during the DR target time period, which is the time period for which the amount of purchased electricity is reduced, is covered by purchased electricity, and the contribution to reduction of the amount of purchased electricity of a consumer 3 whose at least a portion of the consumption of electricity during the DR target time period is covered by the consumer power source.

[0123] More specifically, for a consumer 3 whose entire power consumption during the DR target time period in the initial power consumption plan is covered by purchasing power from the power company 2, the contribution calculation unit 108 calculates the following ratio as the contribution: In the first to third embodiments, the ratio of the calculated reduction amount to the planned consumption amount For other consumers 3, that is, consumers 3 whose power consumption during the DR target time period is at least partially covered by the consumer power source in the initial power consumption plan, the contribution calculation unit 108 calculates the following ratio as the contribution: The ratio of the amount of consumption other than that purchased from the power company 2, such as solar power generation and discharge of storage batteries including the control of embodiments 1 to 3, to the total amount of power consumption during the DR target period in the initial power consumption plan

[0124] The control unit 101 divides the incentive by the total value of the contribution of each consumer 3. Then, the control unit 101 allocates an incentive to each consumer 3 according to the ratio of the contribution of each consumer 3. In other words, the control unit 101 calculates the incentive for each consumer 3 by multiplying the ratio of the contribution of each consumer 3 to the total value of the contribution by the divided value.

[0125] ***Explanation of the effect of the embodiment*** According to this embodiment, even if a consumer cooperates with peak shifting in the power consumption plan but is unable to comply with a DR request because he or she does not purchase electricity during the DR target time period, the consumer can still legitimately receive incentives. For the aggregator, by performing the operation according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to attract consumers who have photovoltaic power generation and / or storage batteries and have the adjustment capacity to respond to DR, but who purchase a small amount of electricity and therefore find it difficult to obtain incentives for DR response. This makes it easier to perform the control shown in the first to third embodiments, and is expected to have the effect of making it easier to receive DR requests from electric power companies.

[0126] Although the first to fourth embodiments have been described above, two or more of these embodiments may be combined and implemented. Alternatively, one of these embodiments may be partially implemented. Alternatively, two or more of these embodiments may be partially combined and implemented. Furthermore, the configurations and procedures described in these embodiments may be modified as necessary.

[0127] ***Additional hardware configuration information*** Here, a supplementary explanation of the hardware configuration of the power control device 100 will be provided. A processor 901 shown in FIG. 15 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) that performs processing. The processor 901 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like. The main storage device 902 shown in FIG. 15 is a RAM (Random Access Memory). The auxiliary storage device 903 shown in FIG. 15 is a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like. The communication device 904 shown in FIG. 15 is an electronic circuit that executes data communication processing. The communication device 904 is, for example, a communication chip or a NIC (Network Interface Card).

[0128] The auxiliary storage device 903 also stores an OS (Operating System). At least a part of the OS is executed by the processor 901 . The processor 901 executes at least a part of the OS and executes a program that realizes the functions of the functional components shown in Figures 3, 9, and 14 (control unit 101, communication unit 102, alternative supply amount derivation unit 103, comparison unit 104, plan generation unit 105, suppression reduction amount derivation unit 107, and contribution calculation unit 108). The processor 901 executes the OS, which performs task management, memory management, file management, communication control, and the like. In addition, at least one of information, data, signal values, and variable values ​​indicating the results of processing of the functional components shown in Figures 3, 9, and 14 is stored in at least one of the main memory device 902, the auxiliary memory device 903, the registers in the processor 901, and the cache memory. 3, 9, and 14 may be stored on a portable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk, a DVD, etc. The portable recording medium storing the program for realizing the functions of the functional components shown in FIG. 3, 9, and 14 may be distributed.

[0129] Furthermore, the "part" of at least one of the functional components shown in FIGS. 3, 9, and 14 may be read as a "circuit," a "step," a "procedure," a "process," or a "circuitry." The power control device 100 may also be realized by a processing circuit, such as a logic integrated circuit (IC), a gate array (GA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In this case, the functional components shown in Figures 3, 9 and 14 are each implemented as part of a processing circuit. In this specification, the term "processing circuitry" refers to a generic concept that encompasses a processor and a processing circuit. That is, a processor and a processing circuit are each specific examples of "processing circuitry."

[0130] Finally, various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized in the appendix. (Appendix 1) an alternative supply amount derivation unit that, when a reduction in the amount of purchased power is requested, extracts from one or more power consumers an alternative supply consumer that is an electric power consumer that complies with the request to reduce the amount of purchased power by supplying power from a consumer power source that is an electric power source under management to a consumer device that is an electric power consumption device under management instead of power supply by power purchase, and derives, as an alternative supply amount, an amount of power that can be supplied from the consumer power source to the consumer device in place of power supply by power purchase in the alternative supply consumer; a control unit that controls power supply from the customer power source of the alternative supply customer to the customer equipment based on the alternative supply amount. (Appendix 2) The alternative supply amount derivation unit A power control device as described in Appendix 1, which derives as the alternative supply amount an amount of power that exceeds the amount of power that the alternative supply consumer is allowed to supply from the consumer power source to the consumer equipment when no reduction in the amount of purchased power is requested. (Appendix 3) The alternative supply amount derivation unit extracting one or more alternative supply consumers, and deriving the alternative supply amount for each of the alternative supply consumers; The power control device further comprises: a comparison unit that compares the total amount of the alternative supply amounts for each of the alternative supply consumers with a requested reduction amount of purchased electricity, which is a requested reduction amount of the purchased electricity amount; and a notification unit that notifies a requester of a reduction in the amount of purchased electricity of the total amount when the comparison unit compares the total amount with the requested reduction in purchased electricity and the total amount is equal to or greater than the requested reduction in purchased electricity. (Appendix 4) The power control device further comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires, from the request source, an updated requested reduction amount of power purchases, which is a requested reduction amount of the updated power purchase amount, after the notification unit notifies the request source of the total amount, The comparison unit comparing the total amount with the renewal requested reduction in purchased electricity; The control unit A power control device as described in Appendix 3, which, when the comparison unit compares the total amount with the renewal request power purchase reduction amount and finds that the total amount matches the renewal request power purchase reduction amount, causes the consumer power source of each alternative supply consumer to supply power to the consumer equipment of each alternative supply consumer in an amount equal to the alternative supply amount of each alternative supply consumer. (Appendix 5) The control unit A power control device as described in Appendix 4, which, when the comparison unit compares the total amount with the renewal request power purchase reduction amount and finds that the total amount is greater than the renewal request power purchase reduction amount, causes the consumer power source of each alternative supply consumer to supply power to the consumer equipment of each alternative supply consumer in an amount of power obtained by dividing the renewal request power purchase reduction amount by the total amount and multiplying the alternative supply amount of each alternative supply consumer by the quotient obtained. (Appendix 6) A degree of intention to reduce power purchases is set for each power consumer, which indicates the degree of intention of each power consumer to comply with the request to reduce the amount of power purchased, The alternative supply amount derivation unit 2. The power control device according to claim 1, wherein the alternative supply consumers are extracted based on the degree of intention to reduce power purchases. (Appendix 7) A power purchase reduction frequency indicating a frequency with which each power consumer responds to a request to reduce the amount of power purchased is set for each power consumer, The alternative supply amount derivation unit 2. The power control device according to claim 1, wherein the alternative supply consumers are extracted based on the frequency of reduction in power purchases. (Appendix 8) The power control device further comprises: a reduction reduction amount deriving unit that extracts a consumption-reducing consumer that is an electric power consumer that complies with a request to reduce the amount of purchased electric power by reducing the electric power consumption of the consumer device from the one or more electric power consumers, and derives a reduction reduction amount that is an electric power amount that can be reduced by reducing the electric power consumption of the consumer device of the consumption-reducing consumer, The control unit 2. The power control device according to claim 1, which controls power consumption of the consumer device of the consumption-reducing consumer based on the suppression reduction amount. (Appendix 9) The alternative supply amount derivation unit extracting one or more alternative supply consumers, and deriving the alternative supply amount for each of the alternative supply consumers; The power control device further comprises: a comparison unit that compares the total amount of the alternative supply amounts for each of the alternative supply consumers with a requested reduction amount of purchased electricity, which is a requested reduction amount of the purchased electricity amount; The suppression reduction amount derivation unit extracting one or more consumers who are reducing their consumption, and deriving the reduction amount for each of the consumers who are reducing their consumption, when the comparison result of the comparison between the total amount of the alternative supply amounts and the requested reduction amount of power purchases by the comparison unit shows that the total amount is less than the requested reduction amount of power purchases; The comparison unit A power control device according to claim 8, which compares the total of the alternative supply amounts for each of the alternative supply consumers and the total of the suppression reduction amounts for each of the consumption suppression consumers with the requested power purchase reduction amount. (Appendix 10) The alternative supply amount derivation unit extracting one or more alternative supply consumers, and deriving the alternative supply amount for each of the alternative supply consumers; The suppression reduction amount derivation unit extracting one or more consumers who will reduce their consumption, and deriving the amount of reduction in consumption for each consumer who will reduce their consumption; The power control device further comprises: A power control device as described in Appendix 8, having a comparison unit that compares the total amount of the alternative supply amounts for each of the alternative supply consumers and the total amount of the suppression reduction amounts for each of the consumption suppression consumers with a requested power purchase reduction amount, which is the requested reduction amount of the power purchase amount. (Appendix 11) The power control device further comprises: a notification unit that notifies a source of a request for reduction in the amount of purchased electricity of the total amount when the comparison result of the comparison unit between the total amount and the requested amount of purchased electricity reduction is equal to or greater than the requested amount of purchased electricity; an acquisition unit that acquires, from the request source, an updated requested reduction amount of the power purchase amount, which is a requested reduction amount of the updated power purchase amount, after the notification unit notifies the request source of the total amount, The comparison unit comparing the total amount with the renewal requested reduction amount of purchased electricity; The control unit A power control device as described in Appendix 9 or 10, which, when the comparison unit compares the total amount with the updated requested power purchase reduction amount and finds that the total amount matches the updated requested power purchase reduction amount, causes the consumer power source of each alternative supply consumer to supply power to the consumer equipment of each alternative supply consumer by the amount of the alternative supply amount of each alternative supply consumer, and causes the consumer equipment of each consumption-reduced consumer to reduce power consumption by the amount of the reduction reduction amount of each consumption-reduced consumer. (Appendix 12) The control unit A power control device as described in Appendix 11, which, when the total amount is greater than the renewal request power purchase reduction amount, causes the consumer power source of each alternative supply consumer to supply power to the consumer equipment of each alternative supply consumer by an amount of power obtained by multiplying the alternative supply amount of each alternative supply consumer by the quotient obtained by dividing the renewal request power purchase reduction amount by the total amount, and causes the consumer equipment of each consumption-reducing consumer to reduce power consumption by an amount of power obtained by multiplying the reduction reduction amount of each consumption-reducing consumer by the quotient. (Appendix 13) A degree of intention to reduce power purchases is set for each power consumer, which indicates the degree of intention of each power consumer to comply with the request to reduce the amount of power purchased, The alternative supply amount derivation unit extracting one or more of the alternative supply consumers based on the degree of intention to reduce power purchases; The suppression reduction amount derivation unit 11. The power control device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein one or more consumers who wish to reduce consumption are extracted based on the degree of intention to reduce power purchases. (Appendix 14) A power purchase reduction frequency indicating a frequency with which each power consumer responds to a request to reduce the amount of power purchased is set for each power consumer, The alternative supply amount derivation unit extracting one or more of the alternative supply consumers based on the frequency of the reduction in power purchases; The suppression reduction amount derivation unit 11. The power control device according to claim 9, wherein one or more of the consumption-reducing consumers are extracted based on the frequency of the reduction in power purchases. (Appendix 15) The power control device further comprises: A power control device as described in Appendix 1, having a contribution calculation unit that calculates, using different calculation methods, the contribution to reduction of the amount of purchased power of a power consumer whose entire power consumption during a reduction target time period, which is a time period when the amount of purchased power should be reduced, is covered by purchased power, and the contribution to reduction of the amount of purchased power of a power consumer whose at least a portion of the power consumed during the reduction target time period is covered by the consumer power source. (Appendix 16) When a reduction in the amount of purchased power is requested, the computer extracts from one or more power consumers an alternative supply consumer that is an electric power consumer that complies with the request to reduce the amount of purchased power by supplying power from a consumer power source that is an electric power source under its control to a consumer device that is an electric power consumption device under its control instead of power supply by power purchase, and derives an alternative supply amount for the alternative supply consumer, an amount of power that can be supplied from the consumer power source to the consumer device instead of power supply by power purchase, The power control method includes controlling power supply from the consumer power source of the alternative supply consumer to the consumer device based on the alternative supply amount. (Appendix 17) an alternative supply amount derivation process for extracting, from one or more power consumers, an alternative supply consumer who, when a reduction in the amount of purchased power is requested, is a power consumer who complies with the request to reduce the amount of purchased power by supplying power from a consumer power source, which is a power source under management, to a consumer device, which is a power consumption device under management, instead of power supply by power purchase, and deriving, as an alternative supply amount, an amount of power that can be supplied from the consumer power source to the consumer device in place of power supply by power purchase in the alternative supply consumer; and a control process for controlling power supply from the consumer power source of the alternative supply consumer to the consumer device based on the alternative supply amount. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1 aggregator, 2 electric power company, 3 consumer, 4 network, 5 environmental information source, 6 consumer power consumption information source, 100 power control device, 101 control unit, 102 communication unit, 103 alternative supply amount derivation unit, 104 comparison unit, 105 plan generation unit, 106 database, 107 suppression reduction amount derivation unit, 108 contribution calculation unit, 200 electric power company terminal, 301 power management device, 302 solar power generation system, 303 battery system, 304 power consumption equipment, 901 processor, 902 main memory device, 903 auxiliary memory device, 904 communication device.

Claims

1. an alternative supply amount derivation unit that, when a reduction in the amount of purchased power is requested, extracts from one or more power consumers an alternative supply consumer that is an electric power consumer that complies with the request to reduce the amount of purchased power by supplying power from a consumer power source that is an electric power source under management to a consumer device that is an electric power consumption device under management instead of the power supply by purchased power, and derives, as an alternative supply amount, an amount of power that can be supplied from the consumer power source to the consumer device in place of the power supply by purchased power in the alternative supply consumer; a control unit that controls power supply from the customer power source of the alternative supply customer to the customer equipment based on the alternative supply amount.

2. The alternative supply amount derivation unit 2. The power control device according to claim 1, wherein the alternative supply amount is derived to be an amount of power that exceeds the amount of power that the alternative supply consumer is permitted to supply from the consumer power source to the consumer equipment when a reduction in the amount of purchased power is not requested.

3. The alternative supply amount derivation unit extracting one or more alternative supply consumers, and deriving the alternative supply amount for each of the alternative supply consumers; The power control device further comprises: a comparison unit that compares the total amount of the alternative supply amounts for each of the alternative supply consumers with a requested reduction amount of purchased electricity, which is a requested reduction amount of the purchased electricity amount; 2. The power control device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a requester of the reduction in the amount of purchased power of the total amount when the comparison unit compares the total amount with the requested reduction in the amount of purchased power and finds that the total amount is equal to or greater than the requested reduction in the amount of purchased power.

4. The power control device further comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires, from the request source, an updated requested reduction amount of power purchases, which is a requested reduction amount of the updated power purchase amount, after the notification unit notifies the request source of the total amount, The comparison unit comparing the total amount with the renewal requested reduction in purchased electricity; The control unit 4. The power control device according to claim 3, wherein, when the comparison unit compares the total amount with the renewal request power purchase reduction amount and the total amount matches the renewal request power purchase reduction amount, the power control device causes the consumer power source of each alternative supply consumer to supply power to the consumer equipment of each alternative supply consumer in an amount equal to the alternative supply amount of each alternative supply consumer.

5. The control unit 5. The power control device according to claim 4, wherein, when the comparison unit compares the total amount with the renewal request power purchase reduction amount and the total amount is greater than the renewal request power purchase reduction amount, the comparison unit divides the renewal request power purchase reduction amount by the total amount, obtains a quotient, and multiplies the alternative supply amount of each alternative supply consumer by the quotient, and causes the consumer power source of each alternative supply consumer to supply power to the consumer equipment of each alternative supply consumer in an amount of power obtained by multiplying the alternative supply amount of each alternative supply consumer by the quotient.

6. A degree of intention to reduce power purchases is set for each power consumer, which indicates the degree of intention of each power consumer to comply with the request to reduce the amount of power purchased, The alternative supply amount derivation unit The power control device according to claim 1 , wherein the alternative supply consumers are extracted based on the degree of intention to reduce power purchases.

7. A power purchase reduction frequency indicating a frequency with which each power consumer responds to a request to reduce the amount of power purchased is set for each power consumer, The alternative supply amount derivation unit The power control device according to claim 1 , wherein the alternative supply consumers are extracted based on the frequency of the reduction in power purchases.

8. The power control device further comprises: a reduction reduction amount deriving unit that extracts a consumption-reducing consumer that is an electric power consumer that complies with a request to reduce the amount of purchased electric power by reducing the electric power consumption of the consumer device from the one or more electric power consumers, and derives a reduction reduction amount that is an electric power amount that can be reduced by reducing the electric power consumption of the consumer device of the consumption-reducing consumer, The control unit The power control device according to claim 1 , wherein the power consumption of the consumer device of the consumption-reduced consumer is controlled based on the suppression / reduction amount.

9. The alternative supply amount derivation unit extracting one or more alternative supply consumers, and deriving the alternative supply amount for each of the alternative supply consumers; The power control device further comprises: a comparison unit that compares the total amount of the alternative supply amounts for each of the alternative supply consumers with a requested reduction amount of purchased electricity, which is a requested reduction amount of the purchased electricity amount; The suppression reduction amount derivation unit extracting one or more consumers who are to reduce their consumption, and deriving the reduction amount for each of the consumers who are to reduce their consumption; The comparison unit The power control device according to claim 8 , wherein the total of the alternative supply amounts for each of the alternative supply consumers and the total of the suppression reduction amounts for each of the consumption suppression consumers is compared with the requested power purchase reduction amount.

10. The alternative supply amount derivation unit extracting one or more alternative supply consumers, and deriving the alternative supply amount for each of the alternative supply consumers; The suppression reduction amount derivation unit extracting one or more consumers who are reducing their consumption, and deriving the reduction amount for each consumer who is reducing their consumption; The power control device further comprises: The power control device according to claim 8, further comprising a comparison unit that compares the total of the alternative supply amounts for each of the alternative supply consumers and the total of the suppression reduction amounts for each of the consumption suppression consumers with a requested power purchase reduction amount, which is a requested reduction amount of the power purchase amount.

11. The power control device further comprises: a notification unit that notifies a requester of a reduction in the amount of purchased electricity of the total amount when the comparison result of the comparison unit between the total amount and the requested amount of purchased electricity reduction indicates that the total amount is equal to or greater than the requested amount of purchased electricity; an acquisition unit that acquires, from the request source, an updated requested reduction amount of the power purchase amount, which is a requested reduction amount of the updated power purchase amount, after the notification unit notifies the request source of the total amount, The comparison unit comparing the total amount with the renewal requested reduction amount of purchased electricity; The control unit A power control device as described in claim 9 or 10, wherein, when the comparison unit compares the total amount with the updated requested power purchase reduction amount and finds that the total amount matches the updated requested power purchase reduction amount, the power control device causes the consumer power source of each alternative supply consumer to supply power to the consumer equipment of each alternative supply consumer by the amount of the alternative supply amount of each alternative supply consumer, and causes the consumer equipment of each consumption-reduced consumer to reduce power consumption by the amount of the reduction reduction amount of each consumption-reduced consumer.

12. The control unit 12. The power control device of claim 11, wherein, when the total amount is greater than the renewal request power purchase reduction amount, the power control device causes the consumer power source of each alternative supply consumer to supply power to the consumer equipment of each alternative supply consumer by an amount of power obtained by multiplying the alternative supply amount of each alternative supply consumer by the renewal request power purchase reduction amount by the total amount, and causes the consumer equipment of each consumption-reducing consumer to reduce power consumption by an amount of power obtained by multiplying the reduction reduction amount of each consumption-reducing consumer by the reduction value.

13. A degree of intention to reduce power purchases is set for each power consumer, which indicates the degree of intention of each power consumer to comply with the request to reduce the amount of power purchased, The alternative supply amount derivation unit extracting one or more of the alternative supply consumers based on the degree of intention to reduce power purchases; The suppression reduction amount derivation unit The power control device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein one or more consumers who wish to reduce consumption are extracted based on the degree of intention to reduce power purchases.

14. A power purchase reduction frequency indicating a frequency with which each power consumer responds to a request to reduce the amount of power purchased is set for each power consumer, The alternative supply amount derivation unit extracting one or more of the alternative supply consumers based on the frequency of the reduction in power purchases; The suppression reduction amount derivation unit The power control device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein one or more of the consumers who are to reduce their consumption are extracted based on the frequency of the reduction in power purchases.

15. The power control device further comprises:

2. The power control device according to claim 1, further comprising a contribution calculation unit that calculates, using different calculation methods, the contribution to the reduction of the amount of purchased power of a power consumer whose entire consumption during a target reduction time period, during which the amount of purchased power should be reduced, is covered by purchased power, and the contribution to the reduction of the amount of purchased power of a power consumer whose at least a portion of the power consumed during the target reduction time period is covered by the consumer's power source.

16. When a reduction in the amount of purchased power is requested, the computer extracts from one or more power consumers an alternative supply consumer that is an electric power consumer that complies with the request to reduce the amount of purchased power by supplying power from a consumer power source that is an electric power source under its control to a consumer device that is an electric power consumption device under its control instead of power supply by power purchase, and derives an alternative supply amount for the alternative supply consumer, an amount of power that can be supplied from the consumer power source to the consumer device instead of power supply by power purchase, The power control method includes controlling power supply from the consumer power source of the alternative supply consumer to the consumer device based on the alternative supply amount.

17. an alternative supply amount derivation process for extracting, from one or more power consumers, an alternative supply consumer who, when a reduction in the amount of purchased power is requested, is a power consumer who complies with the request for the reduction in the amount of purchased power by supplying power from a consumer power source, which is a power source under management, to a consumer device, which is a power consumption device under management, instead of the power supply by purchased power, and deriving, as an alternative supply amount, the amount of power that can be supplied from the consumer power source to the consumer device in place of the power supply by purchased power in the alternative supply consumer; and a control process for controlling power supply from the consumer power source of the alternative supply consumer to the consumer device based on the alternative supply amount.

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