Power supply control device and power supply control method

Abstract

To provide a power supply control device and a power supply control method capable of flexibly adjusting a profit of a facility and a profit of a specific business operator.SOLUTION: A power supply control device includes a control unit that controls a distributed power supply installed in a facility, and a reception unit that receives adjustment information for adjusting a profit of a specific business operator and a profit of the facility from a server of the specific business operator that sells power to the facility, in which the control unit formulates a control plan of the distributed power supply based on the adjustment information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, technologies that use power storage devices as distributed power sources (for example, VPPs (Virtual Power Plants)) have become known in order to maintain the balance between power supply and demand in a power grid. In a VPP, the power storage devices are controlled by a power management device that manages two or more facilities that have power storage devices.

[0003] Furthermore, a method has been proposed for formulating a charge / discharge plan for an electricity storage device based on the needs of a facility, such as the economic value of the facility, the environmental value of the facility, and the business continuity plan (BCP) value of the facility (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-17970 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, there may be cases where a specified business operator (for example, a retail electricity supplier) that sells electricity to a facility procures electricity from the electricity market or a power generation company, and then sells the electricity to the facility.

[0006] After careful consideration, the inventors discovered that in such a case, if a charging and discharging plan for the storage device is developed taking into account only the benefits of the facility, the retail electricity supplier may suffer a disadvantage.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a power supply control device and a power supply control method that can flexibly adjust the interests of the facility and the interests of a specific business operator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the disclosure is a power supply control device that includes a control unit that controls a distributed power source installed in a facility, and a receiving unit that receives adjustment information from a server of a specified business that sells electricity to the facility, adjusting the profits of the specified business and the profits of the facility, and the control unit formulates a control plan for the distributed power source based on the adjustment information.

[0009] One aspect of the disclosure is a power supply control method comprising: step A of controlling a distributed power supply installed in a facility; step B of receiving, from a server of a specified business that sells electricity to the facility, adjustment information that adjusts the profits of the specified business and the profits of the facility; and step C of formulating a control plan for the distributed power supply based on the adjustment information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power supply control device and a power supply control method that can flexibly adjust the benefits of a facility and the benefits of a specific business operator. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a power supply control system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a facility 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the VPP server 200 according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the retail server 300 according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a power supply control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a power supply control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a UI according to the first modification. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a procedure for formulating a charge and discharge plan according to the third modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a procedure for formulating a charge and discharge plan according to the third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, the drawings are schematic.

[0013] [Embodiment] (Power supply control system) A power supply control system according to an embodiment will be described below.

[0014] 1, the power supply control system 1 includes a facility 100. The power supply control system 1 includes a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) server 200 and a retail server 300.

[0015] Here, the facility 100, the VPP server 200, and the retail server 300 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network 11. The network 11 may include the Internet, a dedicated line such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or a mobile communication network.

[0016] The facility 100 is connected to the power grid 12 and may receive power from the power grid 12 or may supply power to the power grid 12. Power from the power grid 12 to the facility 100 may be referred to as forward flow power. Power from the facility 100 to the power grid 12 may be referred to as reverse flow power. In FIG. 1 , facilities 100A to 100C are illustrated as examples of the facility 100.

[0017] Although not particularly limited, facility 100 may be a facility such as a residence, a facility such as a store, or a facility such as an office. Facility 100 may also be an apartment building including two or more residences. Facility 100 may also be a complex including at least two or more of the following facilities: a residence, a store, and an office. Details of facility 100 will be described later (see FIG. 2).

[0018] The VPP server 200 is a server managed by a business operator (e.g., a VPP business operator) that controls the distributed power sources (e.g., the power storage devices 120 described later) installed in the facility 100. The VPP server 200 may be read as the VPP business operator. Details of the VPP server 200 will be described later (see FIG. 3).

[0019] In the embodiment, the VPP server 200 constitutes a power supply control device that controls the distributed power supplies installed in the facility 100.

[0020] The retail server 300 is a server managed by a business that sells electricity to the facility 100 (for example, a retail electricity business). The retail electricity business may procure electricity from the electricity market or a power generation business and sell the procured electricity to the facility 100. The retail server 300 may be read as a retail electricity business. The retail server 300 is an example of a server of a specific business. Details of the retail server 300 will be described later (see FIG. 4).

[0021] In the embodiment, the retail electricity supplier may be an example of a specified supplier that sells electricity to the facility 100.

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

[0023] Although not particularly limited, power generation companies may include companies that trade electricity in the electricity market, and may also include companies that trade electricity directly with retail electricity companies.

[0024] (facility) A facility according to an embodiment will be described below. As shown in Fig. 2, the facility 100 includes a solar cell device 110, a power storage device 120, a fuel cell device 130, a load device 140, and an EMS (Energy Management System) 160. The facility 100 may also include a measuring device 190.

[0025] The solar cell device 110 is a distributed power source that generates electricity in response to light such as sunlight. For example, the solar cell device 110 is configured by a PCS (Power Conditioning System) and a solar panel. Here, installation may mean connecting the solar cell device 110 to the power grid 12.

[0026] The power storage device 120 is a distributed power source that charges and discharges power. For example, the power storage device 120 is configured by a PCS and a power storage cell. Here, "installed" may mean that the power storage device 120 is connected to the power grid 12.

[0027] The fuel cell device 130 is a distributed power source that generates electricity using fuel. For example, the fuel cell device 130 is composed of a PCS and a fuel cell. Here, "installed" may mean that the fuel cell device 130 and the power grid 12 are connected.

[0028] For example, the fuel cell device 130 may be a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC; Solid Oxide Fuel Cell), a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC; Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC; Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell), or a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC; Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell).

[0029] The load devices 140 are devices that consume power. For example, the load devices 140 may include air conditioners, heat pump water heaters, lighting devices, and the like.

[0030] The EMS 160 manages the power related to the facility 100. The EMS 160 may control the solar cell device 110, the power storage device 120, the fuel cell device 130, and the load devices 140. In the embodiment, the EMS 160 is illustrated as an apparatus that receives control commands from the VPP server 200, but such an apparatus may also be referred to as a gateway or simply as a control unit. The control commands may be instructions or commands to control a distributed power source (e.g., the power storage device 120). To distinguish the EMS 160 from the VPP server 200, the EMS 160 may also be referred to as a local EMS (LES), a home EMS (HEMS), or a VPP controller.

[0031] The measuring device 190 measures forward flow power (hereinafter also referred to as demand power) from the power grid 12 to the facility 100. The measuring device 190 may measure reverse flow power from the facility 100 to the power grid 12. For example, the measuring device 190 may be a smart meter belonging to a power company. The measuring device 190 may transmit an information element indicating a measurement result (an integrated value of forward flow power or reverse flow power) at a first interval (e.g., 30 minutes) to the EMS 160 at the first interval. The measuring device 190 may transmit an information element indicating a measurement result at a second interval (e.g., 1 minute) shorter than the first interval to the EMS 160.

[0032] (VPP server) The VPP server according to the embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG.

[0033] The communication unit 210 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module conforming to standards such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, 5G, or 6G, or may be a wired communication module conforming to standards such as IEEE802.3.

[0034] The communication unit 210 may receive, from the retail server 300 (electricity retailer), adjustment information for adjusting the profit of the electricity retailer and the profit of the facility 100. The communication unit 210 may receive, from the retail server 300 (electricity retailer), a rate plan for electricity that the electricity retailer sells to the facility 100 (hereinafter, rate plan). The rate for electricity that the electricity retailer sells to the facility 100 may be interpreted as electricity that the facility 100 purchases from the electricity retailer. The communication unit 210 may receive, from the retail server 300 (electricity retailer), the cost of electricity that the electricity retailer procures from the electricity market or a power generation company (hereinafter, procurement cost). The communication unit 210 may transmit, to the facility 100, a control command for controlling a distributed power source (e.g., the power storage device 120) installed in the facility 100.

[0035] The communication unit 210 may receive facility information of the facility 100. The facility information may include information indicating the configuration of the distributed power sources owned by the facility 100, or may include information indicating the specifications of the distributed power sources owned by the facility 100. The communication unit 210 may receive a planned value of power consumption for the facility 100, or may receive an actual value of power consumption for the facility 100. The communication unit 210 may receive a planned value of power generation by the distributed power sources installed in the facility 100, or may receive an actual value of power generation by the distributed power sources installed in the facility 100. The communication unit 210 may receive a planned value of power demand for the facility 100, or may receive an actual value of power demand for the facility 100. Note that the power demand is a value obtained by subtracting power consumption from power generation. When the distributed power source is a power storage device 120, the communication unit 210 may receive information indicating the remaining amount of power stored in the power storage device 120 (e.g., SOC; State Of Charge) (hereinafter, referred to as remaining power storage information).

[0036] In the embodiment, the communication unit 210 constitutes a receiving unit that receives adjustment information for adjusting the profit of the specified business operator (electricity retailer) that sells electricity to the facility 100 and the profit of the facility 100 from the specified business operator (electricity retailer).

[0037] The management unit 220 is configured by a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a nonvolatile memory.

[0038] For example, the management unit 220 may manage information related to the facility 100 that has a distributed power source controlled by the VPP server 200. For example, the information related to the facility 100 may include the type of distributed power source (solar cell device 110, power storage device 120, or fuel cell device 130) provided in the facility 100, the specifications of the distributed power source (solar cell device 110, power storage device 120, or fuel cell device 130) provided in the facility 100, etc. The specifications may include the rated power generation power of the solar cell device 110, the rated charging power of the power storage device 120, the rated discharging power of the power storage device 120, and the rated output power of the fuel cell device 130. The specifications may include the rated capacity of the power storage device 120, the maximum charging and discharging power, etc.

[0039] The control unit 230 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured by multiple circuits (such as integrated circuits and / or discrete circuits) that are communicatively connected.

[0040] In the embodiment, the control unit 230 controls a distributed power source (for example, the power storage device 120) installed in the facility 100. In detail, the control unit 230 formulates a control plan for the distributed power source, and then instructs the communication unit 210 to transmit a control command in accordance with the formulated control plan.

[0041] In the following, a case where the distributed power source controlled by the VPP server 200 is the power storage device 120 will be described as an example.

[0042] The control unit 230 formulates a control plan (hereinafter referred to as a charge / discharge plan) for the power storage device 120 for each planning unit period (e.g., 30 minutes) that constitutes a planning period (e.g., one day). The charge / discharge plan includes an operation mode (e.g., a discharge mode, a charge mode, a standby mode) of the power storage device 120. The charge / discharge plan may include the discharge power and the charge power of the power storage device 120.

[0043] Specifically, the control unit 230 formulates a charge / discharge plan for each planning unit period constituting the planning period based on the predicted value of power consumption of the facility 100, the predicted value of power generation of the distributed power sources (e.g., the solar cell device 110 and / or the fuel cell device 130), the predicted value of power demand of the facility 100, the predicted value of the remaining amount of stored power in the power storage device 120, etc. The predicted value of power consumption of the facility 100 may be determined based on the planned value or actual value of power consumption. The predicted value of power demand of the facility 100 may be determined based on the planned value or actual value of power demand. The predicted value of power generation of the solar cell device 110 may be determined based on the planned value or actual value of power generation, or may be determined based on information affecting the power generation of the solar cell device 110 (e.g., weather information). The predicted value of power generation of the fuel cell device 130 may be determined based on the planned value or actual value of power generation, or may be determined assuming that the fuel cell device 130 outputs rated power. The predicted value of the remaining amount of stored power of the power storage device 120 may be determined based on the remaining amount of stored power information received from the facility 100.

[0044] According to existing technology, the charge and discharge plan is formulated to maximize the profit of the facility 100. However, in the embodiment, the charge and discharge plan is formulated based on adjustment information received from the retail server 300 (electricity retailer).

[0045] As described above, the adjustment information is information that adjusts the profits of the electricity retailer and the profits of the facility 100. The profits of the electricity retailer may include profits obtained by reducing the procurement costs of electricity that the electricity retailer procures from the electricity market or a power generation company. The profits of the electricity retailer may also include profits obtained by increasing the price of electricity that the electricity retailer sells to the facility 100. The profits of the electricity retailer may also be considered to be profits obtained by subtracting the procurement costs of electricity that the electricity retailer procures from the electricity market or a power generation company from the price of electricity that the electricity retailer sells to the facility 100. The profits of the facility 100 may also include profits obtained by reducing the price of electricity that the facility 100 purchases from the electricity retailer.

[0046] Therefore, maximizing the profits of the facility 100 does not necessarily maximize the profits of the electricity retailer; rather, it can be said that the profits of the electricity retailer and the profits of the facility 100 are in a trade-off relationship.

[0047] The profit may be considered to be a profit obtained by charging or discharging the power storage device 120. In other words, the profit of the electricity retailer may be a profit that the electricity retailer enjoys by charging or discharging the power storage device 120 compared to a case in which the power storage device 120 is not charged or discharged (for example, a profit obtained by reducing the amount of power procured from the power market or a power generation company, or a profit obtained by increasing the price of power sold to the facility 100). The profit of the facility 100 may be a profit that the facility 100 enjoys by charging or discharging the power storage device 120 compared to a case in which the power storage device 120 is not charged or discharged (for example, a profit obtained by reducing the price of power purchased from the electricity retailer).

[0048] The procurement cost of electricity procured by the electricity retailer from the electricity market or the power generation company may be identified by the procurement cost received from the retail server 300. The price of electricity sold by the electricity retailer to the facility 100 (i.e., the price of electricity purchased by the facility 100 from the electricity retailer) may be identified by the rate plan received from the retail server 300.

[0049] In this context, the embodiment is useful in that it allows the electricity retailer to take the initiative in setting adjustment information that adjusts the profits of the electricity seller and the profits of the facility 100. The following options are possible as the adjustment information.

[0050] In option 1, the coordination information may include information indicating whether the interests of facility 100 or the interests of the retail electricity supplier are to be prioritized. Such information may be expressed in the form of a flag and may be referred to as a priority flag.

[0051] For example, when the priority flag is set to "0", the priority flag may mean that the profits of the facility 100 are prioritized over the profits of the electricity retailer. The ratio at which the profits of the facility 100 are prioritized over the profits of the electricity retailer may be determined in advance. A priority flag set to "0" may mean that the profits of the facility 100 are maximized. In such a case, the profits of the electricity retailer may be maximized under the constraint that the profits of the facility 100 are not reduced.

[0052] For example, when the priority flag is set to "1," the priority flag may mean that the profits of the electricity retailer are prioritized over the profits of the facility 100. The ratio at which the profits of the electricity retailer are prioritized over the profits of the facility 100 may be determined in advance. A priority flag set to "1" may mean that the profits of the electricity retailer are to be maximized. In such a case, the profits of the facility 100 may be maximized under the constraint that the profits of the electricity retailer are not reduced.

[0053] In the embodiment, a priority flag that can take two types of values ​​has been exemplified, but the priority flag may take three or more types of values. For example, a priority flag set to "00" may mean that the profits of the facility 100 are prioritized over the profits of the electricity retailer (facility priority type), a priority flag set to "01" may mean that the profits of the electricity retailer are prioritized over the profits of the facility 100 (retail priority type), and a priority flag set to "10" may mean that the profits of the electricity retailer and the profits of the facility 100 are treated equally (balanced type).

[0054] In option 2, the adjustment information may include information indicating the ratio between the profit of facility 100 and the profit of the retail electricity supplier. Such information may be referred to as a priority ratio.

[0055] For example, assuming a case where the profit obtained by charging or discharging the power storage device 120 is expressed as the sum of the profit of the facility 100×α and the profit of the electricity retailer×(1−α), the priority ratio may be expressed as α or 1−α. The value that α can take may be a value included in the range of 0≦α≦1. α may take a value smaller than 0 or a value larger than 1.

[0056] For example, when α is 1, α may mean maximizing the profit of the facility 100. In such a case, the profit of the electricity retailer may be maximized under the constraint that the profit of the facility 100 does not decrease.

[0057] For example, when α is 0, α may mean maximizing the profit of the electricity retailer. In such a case, the profit of facility 100 may be maximized under the constraint that the profit of the electricity retailer does not decrease.

[0058] For example, if α is 0.5, α may mean that the profits of the retail electricity supplier and the profits of the facility 100 are treated equally.

[0059] (Retail Server) The retail server according to the embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG.

[0060] The communication unit 310 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module conforming to standards such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, 5G, or 6G, or may be a wired communication module conforming to standards such as IEEE802.3.

[0061] For example, the communication unit 310 may transmit to the VPP server 200 adjustment information that adjusts the profits of the electricity retailer and the profits of the facility 100. The communication unit 310 may transmit to the VPP server 200 a rate plan (rate plan) for the electricity that the electricity retailer sells to the facility 100. The communication unit 310 may transmit to the VPP server 200 the cost (procurement cost) of electricity that the electricity retailer procures from the electricity market or a power generation company.

[0062] The management unit 320 is configured by a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a nonvolatile memory.

[0063] For example, the management unit 320 may manage information related to the facility 100 to which the electricity retailer sells electricity. For example, the information related to the facility 100 may include the type of distributed power source (solar cell device 110, power storage device 120, or fuel cell device 130) installed in the facility 100, the specifications of the distributed power source (solar cell device 110, power storage device 120, or fuel cell device 130) installed in the facility 100, etc. The specifications may include the rated power generation of the solar cell device 110, the rated charging power of the power storage device 120, the rated discharging power of the power storage device 120, and the rated output power of the fuel cell device 130. The specifications may include the rated capacity of the power storage device 120, the maximum charging and discharging power, etc.

[0064] The control unit 330 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC) or may be configured by multiple circuits (such as integrated circuits and / or discrete circuits) communicatively connected.

[0065] For example, the control unit 330 may generate the adjustment information. The control unit 330 may generate the adjustment information based on the procurement cost. For example, the control unit 330 may generate the adjustment information such that, when the procurement cost exceeds a threshold, the profit of the facility 100 is prioritized over the profit of the electricity retailer. The control unit 330 may generate the adjustment information such that, when the procurement cost does not exceed a threshold, the profit of the electricity retailer is prioritized over the profit of the facility 100. The control unit 330 may generate the adjustment information based on an input from an operator.

[0066] (Power supply control method) A power supply control method according to an embodiment will be described below.

[0067] First, a case where the adjustment information includes a priority flag will be described with reference to FIG.

[0068] In step S11, the retail server 300 transmits to the VPP server 200 a price plan (rate plan) for the electricity that the retail electricity supplier sells to the facility 100.

[0069] In step S12, the retail server 300 transmits to the VPP server 200 the cost (procurement cost) of the electricity that the retail electricity supplier procures from the electricity market or the power generation supplier.

[0070] In step S21, the retail server 300 transmits a priority flag to the VPP server 200 as adjustment information for adjusting the profit of the electricity retailer and the profit of the facility 100.

[0071] In step S22, the VPP server 200 sends a response indicating whether or not to accept the priority flag to the retail server 300. The response may include a positive response that accepts the priority flag, or a negative response that does not accept the priority flag.

[0072] For example, the VPP server 200 may send a positive response to the retail server 300 that accepts the priority flag, which means that the interests of the facility 100 are prioritized over the interests of the electricity retailer. The VPP server 200 may send a negative response to the retail server 300 that does not accept the priority flag, which means that the interests of the facility 100 are prioritized over the interests of the electricity retailer.

[0073] In the following, the case where the VPP server 200 accepts the priority flag will be explained.

[0074] In step S31, the VPP server 200 formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 for each planning unit period that constitutes the planning period, based on the predicted value of the power demand of the facility 100, the predicted value of the power generation of the distributed power source (for example, the solar cell device 110 or the fuel cell device 130), and the predicted value of the remaining amount of power stored in the power storage device 120. Furthermore, the VPP server 200 formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 based on a priority flag.

[0075] In step S32, the VPP server 200 transmits the charge / discharge plan formulated in step S31 to the retail server 300.

[0076] In step S33, the VPP server 200 transmits a control command to the facility 100 in accordance with the charge / discharge plan formulated in step S31.

[0077] Here, communication between the VPP server 200 and the retail server 300 may be performed in accordance with Open ADR (Automated Demand Response). For example, in steps S11 to S12, steps S21 to S22, and step S32, messages such as a registration request for various reports (oadrRegisterReport), a registration response corresponding to the registration request (oadrRegistered), various reports (oadrCreatedReport), and a response to the various reports (oadrResponse) may be used.

[0078] Secondly, a case where the adjustment information includes a priority ratio will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is the same as Fig. 5 except that steps S21A and S21B are executed instead of step S21. Therefore, a description of the same steps as Fig. 5 will be omitted.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 6, in step S21A, the retail server 300 transmits a priority flag to the VPP server 200 as adjustment information for adjusting the profit of the electricity retailer and the profit of the facility 100.

[0080] In step S21B, the retail server 300 transmits the priority ratio to the VPP server 200 as adjustment information for adjusting the profit of the electricity retailer and the profit of the facility 100.

[0081] Although FIG. 6 illustrates a case in which step S21A is executed, step S21A may be omitted or may be executed simultaneously with step S21B.

[0082] Note that steps S22 and S31 may be interpreted as follows.

[0083] In step S22, the VPP server 200 sends a response indicating whether or not to accept the priority ratio (and priority flag) to the retail server 300. The response may include an affirmative response that accepts the priority ratio (and priority flag), or a negative response that does not accept the priority ratio (and priority flag).

[0084] The following are possible cases where a negative response is sent that does not accept the priority ratio:

[0085] Case 1 may be the case where the VPP server 200 is not operating with an algorithm that can accommodate the adjustment information (e.g., priority ratio). In case 1, the negative response may include a code (e.g., "00") that indicates an invalid parameter.

[0086] Case 2 may be a case where a priority ratio outside the specification range of the VPP server 200 is requested. In case 2, a negative response may include a code (e.g., "01") that means that the service is not supported.

[0087] Case 3 may be a case where the profit of the electricity retailer decreases due to formulating a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 based on the priority ratio. In case 3, a negative response may include a code (e.g., "02") that means the priority ratio is less effective.

[0088] In step S31, the VPP server 200 formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 for each planning unit period that constitutes the planning period, based on the predicted value of the power demand of the facility 100, the predicted value of the power generation of the distributed power source (for example, the solar cell device 110 or the fuel cell device 130), and the predicted value of the remaining amount of power stored in the power storage device 120. Furthermore, the VPP server 200 formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 based on the priority ratio (and priority flag).

[0089] (Action and effect) In the embodiment, the VPP server 200 receives adjustment information from the retail server 300 (electricity retailer) that adjusts the profits of the electricity seller and the facility 100, and then formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 based on the adjustment information. This configuration makes it possible to flexibly adjust the profits of the facility 100 and the profits of the electricity retailer. In other words, a system is established that can take into consideration not only the profits of the facility 100 but also the profits of the electricity retailer, thereby reducing the possibility that the profits of the electricity retailer will be harmed.

[0090] [Change Example 1] Modification 1 of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0091] In the first modification, a UI (User Interface) for setting adjustment information by the retail server 300 will be described. The UI may be interpreted as a setting screen for a charge / discharge plan. Here, a case will be described in which the priority flag can specify three types of modes: balanced, retail-priority, and facility-priority.

[0092] For example, the retail server 300 may display the UI shown in Figure 7. The UI shown in Figure 7 may be generated by the VPP server 200 and then sent to the retail server 300.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 7, the UI includes check boxes for selecting each mode and expected values ​​corresponding to each mode. In Fig. 7, the profit of the retail electricity supplier is represented by "reduced procurement costs," and the profit of the facility 100 is represented by "reduced electricity bills."

[0094] Here, the expected value corresponding to each mode may be calculated by the VPP server 200 and then transmitted to the retail server 300. The expected value may be calculated based on the price plan and procurement cost. Since the price plan and procurement cost vary depending on seasonal factors such as the season, the expected value may be updated in accordance with the fluctuations in the price plan and procurement cost.

[0095] In the first modification, a case where the adjustment information is a priority flag has been exemplified. However, the first modification is not limited to this. The first modification may also be applied to a case where the adjustment information is a priority ratio.

[0096] In the first modification, a case where the expected value is calculated by the VPP server 200 has been exemplified. However, the first modification is not limited to this. The expected value may be calculated by the retail server 300. In such a case, the charge / discharge plan corresponding to each mode may be transmitted from the VPP server 200 to the retail server 300.

[0097] [Change Example 2] Modification 2 of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0098] In the second modification, a case will be described in which the profits of the electricity retailer are prioritized over the profits of the facility 100. For example, a case may be envisioned in which a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 is formulated so as to maximize the profits of the electricity retailer, without taking the profits of the facility 100 into consideration.

[0099] In such a case, the electricity retailer may return a part of the profits that the electricity retailer obtains from the charging and discharging of the power storage device 120 to the facility 100.

[0100] [Change Example 3] Modification 3 of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

[0101] In Modification 3, the procedure for formulating a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 will be described. In Modification 3, the VPP server 200 receives a rate plan and procurement costs from the retail server 300. In Modification 3, the VPP server 200 may receive adjustment information from the retail server 300, or may not receive adjustment information from the retail server 300. If the VPP server 200 does not receive adjustment information, the VPP server 200 may formulate a charge / discharge plan without using the adjustment information. The following options are possible for the formulating procedure.

[0102] In option 1, the VPP server 200 formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 in accordance with the procedure shown in FIG.

[0103] In the first step, the VPP server 200 formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 so as to minimize the price for the power that the facility 100 purchases from the electricity retailer (i.e., the fee for the power purchased from the electricity retailer). The price for the power that the facility 100 purchases from the electricity retailer is specified by the rate plan received from the retail server 300.

[0104] For example, the VPP server 200 may formulate a charging / discharging plan for the power storage device 120 so that the power storage device 120 is charged during a time period when the fee specified by the pricing plan is lower than a first threshold, and the power storage device 120 is discharged during a time period when the fee specified by the pricing plan is higher than a second threshold.

[0105] In the second step, the VPP server 200 formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 so as to minimize the price for the electricity procured by the electricity retailer from the electricity market (i.e., the cost (procurement cost) of the electricity procured from the electricity market) while satisfying the condition for maintaining the price minimized in the first step. The price for the electricity procured by the electricity retailer from the electricity market is specified by the procurement cost received from the retail server 300.

[0106] For example, the VPP server 200 may formulate a charging / discharging plan for the power storage device 120 so that the power storage device 120 is discharged during a time period when the procurement cost is relatively high, in a time period when the fee specified by the rate plan is higher than a second threshold.

[0107] In option 2, the VPP server 200 formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 in accordance with the procedure shown in FIG.

[0108] The VPP server 200 formulates a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 in a manner that integrates the first and second procedures of Option 1. In such a case, the VPP server 200 may formulate a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 so as to minimize the price for the power that the facility 100 purchases from the electricity retailer, under the constraint of suppressing the price (procurement cost) for the power that the electricity retailer procures from the electricity market.

[0109] Option 2 is an option in which the first and second steps of Option 1 are integrated, and the charge / discharge plan formulated in Option 2 can be considered to be similar to the charge / discharge plan formulated in Option 1.

[0110] In Modification Example 3, the procurement cost is the cost of electricity procured from the electricity market. However, Modification Example 3 is not limited to this. The procurement cost may also include the cost of electricity procured from a power generation company that trades electricity directly with a retail electricity supplier.

[0111] In Modification Example 3, the above-described Option 1 may be modified as follows. Specifically, in Option 1, the first and second procedures may be performed in the reverse order. That is, the VPP server 200 may formulate a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 so as to minimize the price for the power procured by the electricity retailer from the electricity market (i.e., the cost (procurement cost) of the power procured from the electricity market), and then formulate a charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 so as to minimize the price for the power purchased by the facility 100 from the electricity retailer (i.e., the fee for the power purchased from the electricity retailer) while satisfying the condition for maintaining the minimized procurement cost.

[0112] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the above-mentioned embodiments, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0113] In the above disclosure, the profit of the electricity retailer includes the profit obtained by reducing the procurement cost of electricity that the electricity retailer procures from the electricity market or a power generation company, and the VPP server 200 identifies the procurement cost of electricity that the electricity retailer procures from the electricity market or a power generation company based on the procurement cost received from the retail server 300. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. The VPP server 200 may acquire the market price in the electricity market from the electricity market, and then identify or estimate the procurement cost of electricity that the electricity retailer procures from the electricity market or a power generation company based on the acquired market price. The VPP server 200 may predict the market price in the electricity market, and then identify or estimate the procurement cost of electricity that the electricity retailer procures from the electricity market or a power generation company based on the predicted market price.

[0114] In the above disclosure, the case where the distributed power source controlled by the VPP server 200 is the power storage device 120 has been exemplified. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. The distributed power source controlled by the VPP server 200 may be a fuel cell device 130 or a diesel generator.

[0115] In the above disclosure, the VPP server 200 and the retail server 300 are separate servers. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. The VPP server 200 and the retail server 300 may be a single server. In such a case, the function corresponding to the VPP server 200 may be referred to as a VPP function, and the function corresponding to the retail server 300 may be referred to as a retail function. It may be considered that the transmission and reception of information shown in Figures 5 and 6 is performed between the VPP function and the retail function.

[0116] Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, a program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each process performed by the VPP server 200. The program may also be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Using the computer-readable medium, the program can be installed on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

[0117] Alternatively, a chip may be provided that is configured by a memory that stores programs for executing the processes performed by the VPP server 200 and a processor that executes the programs stored in the memory.

[0118] [Note] The above disclosure may be expressed as follows:

[0119] The first feature is that the power supply control device comprises a control unit that controls a distributed power source installed in a facility, and a receiving unit that receives adjustment information from a server of a specified business that sells electricity to the facility, adjusting the profits of the specified business and the profits of the facility, and the control unit formulates a control plan for the distributed power source based on the adjustment information.

[0120] A second feature is the power supply control device according to the first feature, wherein the adjustment information includes information indicating whether to prioritize an interest of the facility or an interest of the specific business operator.

[0121] A third feature is the power supply control device according to the first or second feature, wherein the adjustment information includes information indicating a ratio between the profit of the facility and the profit of the specific business operator.

[0122] A fourth feature is a power supply control device in at least one of the first to third features, wherein the adjustment information includes information that maximizes the profits of the specific business operator without taking into account the profits of the facility.

[0123] A fifth feature is a power supply control device in which, in at least one of the first to fourth features, the benefits to the facility include benefits obtained by reducing the price of electricity that the facility purchases from the specified business operator.

[0124] A sixth feature is a power supply control device that, in at least one of the first to fifth features, the benefits of the specified business operator include benefits that the specified business operator can gain by reducing the procurement costs of electricity that the specified business operator procures from the electricity market or a power generation company.

[0125] A seventh feature is a power supply control device that, in at least one of the first to sixth features, the profits of the specified business operator include profits obtained by an increase in the price of electricity that the specified business operator sells to the facility.

[0126] An eighth feature is a power supply control method including: a step A of controlling a distributed power supply installed in a facility; a step B of receiving, from a server of a specified business that sells electricity to the facility, adjustment information that adjusts the profits of the specified business and the profits of the facility; and a step C of formulating a control plan for the distributed power supply based on the adjustment information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1...power supply control system, 11...network, 12...power system, 100...facility, 110...solar cell device, 120...energy storage device, 130...fuel cell device, 140...load equipment, 160...EMS, 190...measuring device, 200...VPP server, 210...communication unit, 220...management unit, 230...control unit, 300...retail server, 310...communication unit, 320...management unit, 330...control unit

Claims

1. A power supply control device managed by a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) operator that is different from the retail electricity supplier that sells electricity to a facility, a control unit that controls the distributed power sources installed in the facility; a receiving unit that receives, from the server of the electricity retailer, adjustment information that adjusts the profit of the electricity retailer and the profit of the facility; the control unit formulates a control plan for the distributed power source based on the adjustment information; the adjustment information includes a priority flag; the priority flag may take a value that prioritizes the interests of the facility over the interests of the electricity retailer, or a value that prioritizes the interests of the electricity retailer over the interests of the facility; The benefit of the facility includes a benefit obtained by suppressing the price of electricity that the facility purchases from the retail electricity supplier, A power supply control device, wherein the profit of the retail electricity supplier includes profit obtained by reducing the electricity procurement costs when the retail electricity supplier procures electricity from the electricity market or a power generation supplier.

2. A power supply control device managed by a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) operator that is different from the retail electricity supplier that sells electricity to the facility, a control unit that controls the distributed power sources installed in the facility; a receiving unit that receives, from the server of the electricity retailer, adjustment information that adjusts the profit of the electricity retailer and the profit of the facility; the control unit formulates a control plan for the distributed power source based on the adjustment information; the adjustment information includes information indicating a ratio between the profit of the retail electricity supplier and the profit of the facility; The benefit of the facility includes a benefit obtained by suppressing the price of electricity that the facility purchases from the retail electricity supplier, A power supply control device, wherein the profit of the retail electricity supplier includes profit obtained by reducing the electricity procurement costs when the retail electricity supplier procures electricity from the electricity market or a power generation supplier.

3. A power supply control device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control plan for the distributed power source is a charging and discharging plan for a storage device installed in the facility.

4. The power supply control device according to claim 1 , wherein the adjustment information includes information for maximizing profits of the electricity retailer without taking into consideration profits of the facility.

5. The power supply control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the profit of the retail electricity supplier includes a profit obtained by an increase in a price for the electricity sold by the retail electricity supplier to the facility.

6. A power supply control method using a power supply control device managed by a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) operator different from a retail electricity supplier that sells electricity to a facility, comprising: Step A of controlling a distributed power source installed in the facility; Step B: receiving, from the server of the electricity retailer, adjustment information for adjusting the profit of the electricity retailer and the profit of the facility; and a step C in which the power supply control device formulates a control plan for the distributed power supply based on the adjustment information, the adjustment information includes a priority flag; the priority flag may take a value that prioritizes the interests of the facility over the interests of the electricity retailer, or a value that prioritizes the interests of the electricity retailer over the interests of the facility; The benefit of the facility includes a benefit obtained by suppressing the price of electricity that the facility purchases from the retail electricity supplier, A power supply control method, wherein the profit of the retail electricity supplier includes a profit obtained by reducing the electricity procurement cost when the retail electricity supplier procures electricity from an electricity market or a power generation supplier.

7. A power supply control method using a power supply control device managed by a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) operator different from a retail electricity supplier that sells electricity to a facility, comprising: Step A of controlling a distributed power source installed in the facility; Step B: receiving, from the server of the electricity retailer, adjustment information for adjusting the profit of the electricity retailer and the profit of the facility; and a step C of formulating a control plan for the distributed power source based on the adjustment information, the adjustment information includes information indicating a ratio between the profit of the retail electricity supplier and the profit of the facility; The benefit of the facility includes a benefit obtained by suppressing the price of electricity that the facility purchases from the retail electricity supplier, A power supply control method, wherein the profit of the retail electricity supplier includes a profit obtained by reducing the electricity procurement cost when the retail electricity supplier procures electricity from an electricity market or a power generation supplier.

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