Power management apparatus and power management method

Abstract

The action of the user is efficiently performed in response to the demand response request.SOLUTION: The processing device 21 includes an acquisition unit 211, a determination unit 212, and a notification unit 213. The acquirer 211 acquires user information for each of the plurality of users U [1] to U [n]. The user information is information on the position of the user U [k] and the attribute of the user U [k]. The determiner 212 determines one or more target users who are targets of the request for the action according to the notification of the demand response among the plurality of users U [1] to U [n] on the basis of the user information acquired by the acquirer 211. The notification unit 213 notifies one or more target users of the demand response request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power management apparatus and a power management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, because it is difficult to store electricity, electric power companies adjust the balance between demand and supply by requesting a demand response, but more efficient user actions in response to demand response requests are desired. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electric power transfer system that selects at least one vehicle that requests a demand response from among multiple registered vehicles in order to fulfill the power adjustment amount for power transfer in accordance with a request from the electric power company. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-30942 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the power transfer system of Patent Document 1, when a user who has received a demand response request accepts the request, power transfer is scheduled using at least one selected vehicle during the time reserved for executing the power transfer. However, the power transfer system of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that, depending on the user, the user may not take sufficient action in response to a demand response request from the power company.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to enable a user to take an action efficiently in response to a demand response request. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A preferred embodiment of the power management device of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires user information regarding the user's location and user attributes for each of a plurality of users, a determination unit that determines, based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit, one or more target users from among the plurality of users who will be subject to a request for action in response to a demand-response notification, and a notification unit that notifies the determined one or more target users of the request.

[0007] A preferred aspect of the present invention provides a power management method for acquiring user information regarding the user's location and user attributes for each of a plurality of users, determining one or more target users among the plurality of users based on the acquired user information for each user to be requested to take action in response to a demand response notification, and notifying the determined one or more target users of the request. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the power management apparatus and power management method of the present invention, user actions are efficiently performed in response to a demand response request. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a power management system including a DR management server according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a demand response. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power management server of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a DR management server of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a behavioral tendency database according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of user location information input to a behavioral tendency database. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user attribute database according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a priority order database according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of management of a demand response notification by the DR management server of FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a sequence chart showing an example of an operation of the DR management server of FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 1. First embodiment The configuration of a power management device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0011] 1.1. Configuration of the First Embodiment 1.1.1. Overall structure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a power management system 1 including a DR management server 20 according to the first embodiment. The power management system 1 includes a terminal device 10, a DR (Demand Response) management server 20, a power management server 30, and a communication network NET.

[0012] The terminal devices 10 include n terminal devices 10[1], 10[2], ..., 10[k], ..., 10[n]. Here, n is any natural number, and k is any natural number smaller than n. In this embodiment, the configurations of the terminal devices 10[1] to 10[n] are identical to each other. Note that the terminal devices 10 may include terminal devices that do not have the same configuration.

[0013] A user who uses the terminal device 10[1] is user U[1], a user who uses the terminal device 10[2] is user U[2], a user who uses the terminal device 10[k] is user U[k], and a user who uses the terminal device 10[n] is user U[n]. When referring to an unspecified number of users or all users, the user is also written as user U.

[0014] The terminal device 10 includes a portable device such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a smart watch.

[0015] The DR management server 20 is a server managed by a service provider. Examples of service providers include a specified wholesale supplier and a retail electricity supplier. A service provider may serve as both a specified wholesale supplier and a retail electricity supplier. A specified wholesale supplier is also called an aggregator. The DR management server 20 notifies the user U[k] of a demand response request. In other words, in this embodiment, the DR management server 20 provides a DR management service.

[0016] The power management server 30 is a server managed by an electric power company, i.e., a general electric utility. The power management server 30 manages the balance between supply and demand of power. The power management server 30 notifies the DR management server 20 of a demand response request as necessary.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating demand response. In FIG. 2, the normal-time power demand ND is shown by a solid line. The increased DR is shown by a dashed line DRU. The increased DR is a measure to increase the power demand by issuing a demand response request. The increased DR is performed to effectively utilize surplus power when, for example, the amount of solar power generation increases but the power demand is not high, such as during the daytime in spring or autumn.

[0018] Downward DR is indicated by the dashed line DRD. Downward DR is a measure to reduce the amount of electricity demand by requesting a demand response. Downward DR is used to suppress demand, for example, during hot hours such as during the day in summer and in the evening when solar power is low.

[0019] The communication network NET is a telecommunications line such as a mobile communication network managed by a telecommunications carrier that provides communication services. The communication network NET includes one or both of a wired communication network and a wireless communication network. For example, the communication network NET may be connected via the Internet to another network (not shown) managed by another telecommunications carrier. Note that the management of the communication network NET may include, for example, the operation of the communication network NET.

[0020] In the power management system 1, the terminal devices 10[1] to 10[n], the DR management server 20, and the power management server 30 are connected to each other via a communication network NET so that they can communicate with each other.

[0021] 1.1.2. Power Management Server Configuration Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the power management server 30 of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the power management server 30 includes a processing device 31, a storage device 32, and a communication device 33. The elements included in the power management server 30 are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0022] The processing device 31 is a processor that controls the entire power management server 30, and is configured using, for example, one or more chips. The processing device 31 is configured using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) that includes an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. Note that some or all of the functions of the processing device 31 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The processing device 31 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0023] The storage device 32 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 31. The storage device 32 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The volatile memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM).

[0024] The storage device 32 stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR3 to be executed by the processing device 31. The storage device 32 also functions as a work area for the processing device 31.

[0025] The communication device 33 is hardware serving as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 33 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 33 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 33 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0026] The processing device 31 functions as a receiving unit 311, a power management unit 312, and a transmitting unit 313, for example, by reading and executing a control program PR3 from the storage device 32.

[0027] The receiving unit 311 receives information on the status of the amount of power generated by a power generation device (not shown) and the amount of power demanded by consumers, information on meteorological conditions including the weather, and the like.

[0028] The power management unit 312 manages the balance between supply and demand of power based on received information on power generation and demand, information on weather conditions including weather forecasts, and the like. More specifically, the power management unit 312 predicts the time trends of future power generation and future demand based on the current power generation, past power generation results, future weather forecasts, and the like. The power management unit 312 determines whether to request a demand response based on the predicted time trends of future power generation and future demand. In other words, the power management unit 312 manages a DR invocation schedule for issuing a demand response request.

[0029] The transmission unit 313 transmits a DR notification, which is a notification requesting a demand response, to the DR management server 20.

[0030] 1.1.3. Terminal Device Configuration Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10[k] in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the terminal device 10[1] includes a processing device 11, a storage device 12, a communication device 13, a display device 14, an input device 15, and a positioning device 16. The elements included in the terminal device 10[k] are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0031] The processing device 11 is a processor that controls the entire terminal device 10[k], and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 11 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) that includes an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. Note that some or all of the functions of the processing device 11 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The processing device 11 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0032] The storage device 12 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 11. The storage device 12 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM.

[0033] The storage device 12 stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR1 to be executed by the processing device 11. The storage device 12 also functions as a work area for the processing device 11. The control program PR1 is a program that controls the entire processing device 11.

[0034] The communication device 13 is hardware serving as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 13 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 13 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 13 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0035] The display device 14 is a device that displays images and text information. The display device 14 displays various images under the control of the processing device 11. For example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal panel and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel are suitably used as the display device 14.

[0036] The input device 15 receives an operation from the user U[k]. For example, the input device 15 includes a keyboard, a touchpad, a touch panel, and a pointing device such as a mouse. Here, if the input device 15 includes a touch panel, it may also serve as the display device 14.

[0037] The positioning device 16 acquires location information of the terminal device 10[k]. The positioning device 16 may be, for example, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver. The GNSS receiver receives radio signals transmitted from one or more GNSS satellites. GNSS is a positioning system that uses positioning satellites from countries around the world, including GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites. The radio signals include information such as the location information of the satellite that transmitted the radio signals and the transmission time of the radio signals. The GNSS receiver performs positioning based on the one or more received radio signals, and outputs the location information of the GNSS receiver to the processing device 11. The location information indicates, for example, the latitude and longitude of the terminal device 10[k].

[0038] The processing device 11 functions as an acquisition unit 111, an output unit 112, and a display control unit 113, for example, by reading out a control program PR1 from the storage device 12 and executing it.

[0039] The acquisition unit 111 acquires various information transmitted from the DR management server 20 and position information output from the positioning device 16.

[0040] The output unit 112 outputs the location information to the DR management server 20 via the communication device 13.

[0041] The display control unit 113 causes the display device 14 to display various pieces of information based on the various pieces of information acquired by the acquisition unit 111.

[0042] 1.1.4. DR Management Server Configuration Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the DR management server 20 of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the DR management server 20 includes a processing device 21, a storage device 22, and a communication device 23. The elements included in the DR management server 20 are connected to each other by a single bus or multiple buses for communicating information. The DR management server 20 is an example of a power management device.

[0043] The processing device 21 is a processor that controls the entire DR management server 20, and is configured using, for example, one or more chips. The processing device 21 is configured using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) that includes an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Note that some or all of the functions of the processing device 21 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The processing device 21 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0044] The storage device 22 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 21. The storage device 22 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM.

[0045] The storage device 22 stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR2 to be executed by the processing device 21, a behavioral tendency database DB1, a user attribute database DB2, and a priority database DB3. The storage device 22 also functions as a work area for the processing device 21. The behavioral tendency database DB1, the user attribute database DB2, and the priority database DB3 will be described below.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a behavioral tendency database DB1 according to the first embodiment. The behavioral tendency database DB1 stores behavioral tendency information. The behavioral tendency information is information indicating the behavioral tendency of user U[k] for each time period. The behavioral tendency information is determined based on the location information history of user U[k] and location information indicating the location of user U[k]. The location of user U[k] refers to a place where user U[k] is likely to stay. Typical examples of the location are home and workplace. However, the location information may only indicate the home location. Also, if user U[k] trains at a gym, the location may include the location of the gym. Also, if user U[k] is a student, the location may include the home location and the school location. The location information of user U[k] and the location information of user U[k] are input into the behavioral tendency database DB1.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of location information of user U[k] entered into behavioral tendency database DB1. As shown in FIG. 7, the location information of user U[k] includes a user ID, latitude, longitude, and a timestamp. The "user ID" indicates a unique number that identifies user U[k]. For example, "00001" is the user ID of user U[1], "00002" is the user ID of user U[2], and "00003" is the user ID of user U[3].

[0048] "Latitude" indicates the latitude of the terminal device 10 carried by the user U[k]. "Longitude" indicates the longitude of the terminal device 10[k] carried by the user U[k]. "Timestamp" indicates the time when the latitude and longitude of the terminal device 10[k] were acquired. In this way, the location information of the user U[k] is entered into the behavioral tendency database DB1 together with the timestamp, with the latitude and longitude of the location of the user U[k] linked to the user ID. The location information of the user U[k] is acquired by the positioning device 16 of the terminal device 10[k].

[0049] The location information may be the latitude and longitude of the location or the address of the location. If the location is a home address, the location information may be the address registered when signing a contract with a utility company. If the location is a power supply point, the location information may be a supply point identification number.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, the behavioral tendency database DB1 has items such as time periods and the user ID of each user U[k]. The "Time Period" column indicates time periods divided into one-hour intervals. The "00001" column indicates the behavioral tendency of user U[1] during each time period, which is inferred from the location information history of user U[1] and the location information of user U[1]. The "00002" column indicates the behavioral tendency of user U[2] during each time period, which is inferred from the location information history of user U[2] and the location information of user U[2]. The "00003" column indicates the behavioral tendency of user U[3] during each time period, which is inferred from the location information history of user U[3] and the location information of user U[3].

[0051] In this example, user U[1] is most likely to be at home at all times. User U[2] is most likely to be at work between 10:00 and 11:00 and out between 17:00 and 18:00. Furthermore, after 18:00, user U[2] is most likely to be at home. User U[3] is most likely to be at work between 10:00 and 11:00 and also at work between 17:00 and 18:00. User U[3] is most likely to be out between 18:00 and 19:00 and to be at home after 19:00.

[0052] The example shown in FIG. 6 shows the behavioral tendency of user U[k] on weekdays. The behavioral tendency database DB1 may have a database showing behavioral tendencies on holidays in addition to a database showing weekday behavioral tendencies. Furthermore, the behavioral tendency database DB1 may have a database prepared for each day of the week. Furthermore, in this example, time periods are set in one-hour increments, but the time periods are not limited to this and may be set to any time. For example, time periods may be set in 30-minute increments or 90-minute increments.

[0053] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user attribute database DB2 according to the first embodiment. Attribute information is stored in the user attribute database DB2. The attribute information is information indicating the attributes of a user U[k]. The attributes of the user U[k] include at least one of the user U[k]'s level of interest in electricity rates, the details of each contract between the user U[k] and the business operator, and the browsing status of the electricity rate page by the user U[k].

[0054] In this example, the attribute information is determined based on the questionnaire response results for user U[k], contract information relating to the contract concluded between user U[k] and the electricity retailer, and the electricity rate page view rate. The questionnaire response results, contract information, and electricity rate page view rate are input into user attribute database DB2. The electricity rate page view rate is an index that represents the viewing status of the electricity rate page.

[0055] As shown in Figure 8, the user attribute database DB2 has the following items: user ID, type of vehicle owned, degree of interest in electricity rates, electricity rate page view rate, whether or not the user has a green contract, previous DR result, upward DR response rate, and downward DR response rate. The type of vehicle owned, degree of interest in electricity rates, electricity rate page view rate, whether or not the user has a green contract, previous DR result, upward DR response rate, and downward DR response rate correspond to user attributes. "User ID" corresponds to "user ID" in Figure 6. The degree of interest in electricity rates corresponds, for example, to the degree of price consciousness of electricity rates, which indicates the degree to which the user is aware of the price of electricity rates.

[0056] "Owned vehicle type" indicates the type of vehicle owned by user U[k]. In this example, the owned vehicle type is classified as "electric vehicle," "gasoline vehicle," or "none." Note that motorcycles such as electric motorcycles and gasoline motorcycles are also included in the term "vehicle."

[0057] The "degree of interest in electricity charges" can be, for example, the degree to which a user wishes to manage power consumption in detail in response to price increases and decreases in electricity charges. The degree of interest in electricity charges is determined, for example, based on the results of responses to a questionnaire administered to user U[k] in advance. In this example, the degree of interest in electricity charges is ranked into five levels, from 1 to 5. Rank "5" represents the highest level of interest in electricity charges, and rank "1" represents the lowest level of interest in electricity charges.

[0058] "Electricity bill page viewing rate" indicates how often user U[k] views web pages related to electricity bills. In this case, it is considered that the higher the electricity bill page viewing rate of a user, the more interested they are in electricity bills and demand response. In this example, the electricity bill page viewing rate is ranked into three levels: A, B, and C. Rank "A" has the highest electricity bill page viewing rate, and rank "C" has the lowest electricity bill page viewing rate.

[0059] "Green contract existence" indicates whether a green contract has been concluded between the retail electricity supplier and user U[k]. A green contract is a contract to use electricity generated by renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. In this example, the green contract existence is classified as "existent" or "not existing."

[0060] The "previous DR result" indicates whether the user U[k] took action in response to the previous demand response notification. In this example, the "previous DR result" is classified as "response received" or "no response received."

[0061] The "upward DR response rate" is an index that expresses the "number of upward DR responses" as a percentage relative to the "number of upward DR notifications." The number of upward DR notifications is the number of times that an upward DR is notified to user U[k]. The number of upward DR responses is the number of times that user U[k] takes action to increase electricity demand in response to an upward DR notification. The number of upward DR responses is counted based on changes in electricity demand during a period that includes the time period when an upward DR is activated at the electricity supply point. For example, if electricity demand during the time period when an upward DR is activated increases by more than a predetermined percentage compared to electricity demand during a predetermined period before the start of the upward DR activation, one upward DR response is counted. Note that the user attribute database DB2 may store information indicating the "number of upward DR notifications" and the "number of upward DR responses" instead of or together with the "upward DR response rate."

[0062] The "downward DR response rate" is an index that expresses the "number of downward DR responses" as a percentage relative to the "number of downward DR notifications." The number of downward DR notifications is the number of times that a downward DR is notified to user U[k]. The number of downward DR responses is the number of times that user U[k] takes action to reduce power demand in response to a downward DR notification. The number of downward DR responses is counted based on changes in power demand during a period that includes the time period in which a downward DR is activated at the power supply point. For example, if the power demand during the time period in which a downward DR is activated decreases by more than a predetermined percentage compared to the power demand during a predetermined period before the start of the downward DR activation, one downward DR response is counted. Note that the user attribute database DB2 may store information indicating the "number of downward DR notifications" and the "number of downward DR responses" instead of or together with the "downward DR response rate."

[0063] In the example shown in FIG. 8, user U[1], who corresponds to user ID "00001," is a user who has been determined to have a high level of interest in electricity rates based on the results of his or her questionnaire responses. More specifically, user U[1] wishes to meticulously manage his or her power consumption in response to rising and falling electricity rates, and is a user who is willing to take proactive action if there is an action that can reduce his or her electricity rates even slightly. Therefore, user U[1] is expected to proactively take action to activate DR. Furthermore, since the number of upward DR responses is greater than the number of downward DR responses, user U[1] is expected to be proactive in upward DR. Furthermore, since user U[1] has signed a green contract, it is considered that he or she has a high interest in renewable energy.

[0064] User U[2], who corresponds to user ID "00002," is a user who was determined to have a normal level of interest in electricity bills based on the results of his survey responses. More specifically, user U[2] is assumed to be a user who frequently visits the electricity bill webpage but does not intend to lower his electricity bill by proactively taking action to activate DR. In other words, user U[2] is assumed to be proactive enough to take action to activate DR if the timing is right. Furthermore, since the number of downward DR responses was greater than the number of upward DR responses, user U[2] is assumed to be proactive in downward DR.

[0065] User U[3], who corresponds to user ID "00003," is a user who was determined to have a high level of interest in electricity rates based on the results of the questionnaire responses. User U[3] also frequently views the electricity rate webpage and responded to the previous DR notification. Therefore, user U[3] is considered to have a very high interest in electricity rates and DR. Furthermore, since the number of responses to an upward DR is the same as the number of responses to a downward DR, user U[3] is assumed to be proactive in both upward and downward DRs.

[0066] Note that the user attributes shown in Figure 8 are merely an example. For example, the user attributes do not need to include all of the attributes of owned vehicle type, interest level in electricity rates, electricity rate page view rate, green contract status, and previous DR results, and may include attributes other than the user attributes shown in Figure 8. For example, the user attributes may include whether the residence of user U[k] is a detached house or an apartment building, or whether the residence of user U[k] is an all-electric home. The user attributes may also include whether solar panels are installed in the residence of user U[k].

[0067] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a priority order database DB3 according to the first embodiment. The priority order database DB3 stores the priorities of users U[k] to whom demand response notifications are delivered. The priority order database DB3 is updated as needed for each time period. The priorities are determined based on behavioral tendency information and attribute information.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 9, the priority database DB3 has items such as user ID and priority. "User ID" corresponds to "User ID" in Figs. 5 and 7. "Priority" indicates whether or not a demand response notification will be delivered to each user U[k]. This example indicates that it has been decided to deliver a demand response notification to user U[1] and user U[3], but not to deliver a demand response notification to user U[2]. The priority database DB3 is updated every time period, i.e., every hour.

[0069] Referring again to FIG. 5, the communication device 23 is hardware serving as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 23 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 23 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 23 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE 1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0070] The processing device 21 functions as an acquisition unit 211, a determination unit 212, and a notification unit 213, for example, by reading and executing a control program PR2 from the storage device 22.

[0071] The acquisition unit 211 acquires user information for each of the multiple users U[1] to U[n]. The user information includes location information and user attribute information of the user U[k]. That is, the user information is information about the location of the user U[k] and the attributes of the user U[k].

[0072] More specifically, the acquisition unit 211 acquires the position information and location information of the user U[k] stored in the behavioral tendency database DB1. When the acquisition unit 211 acquires new user information, it updates the position history of the user U[k].

[0073] The determination unit 212 determines one or more target users who are to be requested to take an action in response to the demand-response notification, from among the multiple users U[1] to U[n], based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 211. The determination unit 212 includes an estimation unit 212a, an evaluation unit 212b, and an extraction unit 212c.

[0074] The estimation unit 212a estimates the behavioral tendency of each of the users U[1] to U[n] based on the location history of the user U[k] indicated by the user information. More specifically, the estimation unit 212a compares the location information history of the user U[k] with the location information of the user U[k].

[0075] If the matching result shows that the location of user U[k] obtained from the location information of user U[k] matches the home location obtained from the location information of user U[k], the estimation unit 212a estimates that user U[k] is at home.If the matching result shows that the location of user U[k] obtained from the location information of user U[k] matches the workplace location obtained from the location information of user U[k], the estimation unit 212a estimates that user U[k] is at work.If the matching result shows that the location of user U[k] obtained from the location information of user U[k] does not match the home location or the workplace location obtained from the location information of user U[k], the estimation unit 212a estimates that user U[k] is out.

[0076] The estimation unit 212a analyzes the behavioral tendency of the user U[k] for each time period by statistically processing the matching results for each time period. The estimation unit 212a reflects the results of the behavioral tendency analysis in the behavioral tendency database DB1.

[0077] The estimation unit 212a updates the estimation of the behavioral tendency of the user U[k] based on the updated location history of the user U[k].

[0078] The evaluation unit 212b evaluates the demand response requests for each of the multiple users U[1] to U[n] for each type of demand response notification based on the behavioral tendency estimated by the estimation unit 212a and the user attributes indicated by the user information. Here, evaluating the demand response requests specifically means determining the priority of the user U[k] to be notified of the demand response requests.

[0079] The evaluation unit 212b outputs an evaluation value for each type of demand response notification based on the behavioral tendency estimated by the estimation unit 212a and the user attributes indicated in the user information. The evaluation value is a value indicating the degree of likelihood that the user U[k] will accept the demand response request. The evaluation unit 212b determines the priority of the user U[k] to be notified of the demand response request based on the output evaluation value. In other words, the evaluation unit 212b determines, as the evaluation result, the priority of the user U[k] to be notified of the demand response request for each type of demand response notification.

[0080] The types of demand response notifications include two types: an "upward DR notification" and a "downward DR notification." An upward DR notification is a notification that prompts user U[k] to increase the amount of electricity demand. A downward DR notification is a notification that prompts user U[k] to decrease the amount of electricity demand. An upward DR notification is an example of a first notification, and a downward DR notification is an example of a second notification.

[0081] The evaluation unit 212b outputs a first evaluation value that is an evaluation value corresponding to the upward DR notification and a second evaluation value that is an evaluation value corresponding to the downward DR notification. More specifically, the evaluation unit 212b calculates the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value as follows.

[0082] When a higher DR is activated, the evaluation unit 212b calculates a first evaluation value based on the behavioral tendency database DB1 and the user attribute database DB2. The evaluation unit 212b assigns a score based on the behavioral tendency database DB1 according to the behavior of the user U[k] during the time period when the higher DR is activated.

[0083] When it is estimated that the user U[k] is at home during the time period when the up DR is activated, the evaluation unit 212b assigns a higher score than when it is estimated that the user U[k] is not at home during the same time period. When it is estimated that the user U[k] will return home during the time period when the up DR is activated, the evaluation unit 212b assigns a lower score than when it is estimated that the user U[k] is at home during the same time period, but a higher score than when it is estimated that the user U[k] is not at home during the same time period.

[0084] For example, the evaluation unit 212b assigns a score of 5 points when it is estimated that the user U[k] is at home during the time period when the up DR is activated, and assigns a score of 0 points when it is estimated that the user U[k] is not at home during the same time period. The evaluation unit 212b assigns a score of 3 points when it is estimated that the user U[k] will return home during the time period when the up DR is activated.

[0085] The evaluation unit 212b assigns a score to each item in the user attribute database DB2. The score when the "owned vehicle type" is an "electric vehicle" is set higher than the score when the "owned vehicle type" is a "gasoline vehicle" or "none." For example, the evaluation unit 212b assigns a score of 5 points when the "owned vehicle type" is an "electric vehicle." The evaluation unit 212b assigns a score of 0 points when the "owned vehicle type" is a "gasoline vehicle" or "none." The scores for the "electricity rate page view rate" are set in descending order of rank "A," rank "B," and rank "C." For example, the evaluation unit 212b assigns 5 points to rank "A," 3 points to rank "B," and 1 point to rank "C."

[0086] The score when the "presence of green contract" is "yes" is set higher than the score when the "presence of green contract" is "no". For example, the evaluation unit 212b assigns a score of 5 points when the "presence of green contract" is "yes", and a score of 0 points when the "presence of green contract" is "no". The score when the "previous DR result" is "response made" is set higher than the score when the "previous DR result" is "no response". For example, the evaluation unit 212b assigns a score of 3 points when the "previous DR result" is "response made", and a score of 1 point when the "previous DR result" is "no response".

[0087] The scores for the "upward DR response rate" and the "downward DR response rate" are determined by comparing them with the average value of the respective response rates of all subscribers who have contracts with the business. For example, the evaluation unit 212b assigns a score of 3 points when the "upward DR response rate" is equal to or greater than the "upward DR response rate of all subscribers." The "upward DR response rate of all subscribers" is the average value of the respective upward DR response rates of all subscribers who have contracts with the business. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 212b assigns a score of 0 points when the "downward DR response rate" is less than the "downward DR response rate of all subscribers."

[0088] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 212b updates the priority of the user U[k] to whom the request is to be notified, based on the behavioral tendency updated by the estimation unit 212a and the attributes of the user U[k] indicated by the user information.

[0089] The extraction unit 212c extracts one or more target users from the multiple users U[1] to U[n] based on the evaluation result of the evaluation unit 212b. More specifically, the extraction unit 212c extracts a user U[k] whose evaluation value exceeds a first threshold as one or more target users. The extraction unit 212c extracts one or more target users based on the priority order updated by the evaluation unit 212b.

[0090] The notification unit 213 notifies one or more target users of a demand response request. More specifically, when the notification unit 213 receives a demand response request from the power management server 30, it queries the priority database DB3 to identify the target users at the current time. Based on the query result, the notification unit 213 delivers a demand response request notification to the terminal devices 10 corresponding to the one or more determined target users. For example, the notification unit 213 delivers the demand response notification by push delivery. As a result, the demand response notification is received by the communication device 13 of the terminal device 10 and then immediately displayed on the display device 14.

[0091] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of management of demand response notifications by the DR management server 20 of Fig. 1. Fig. 10 assumes a case in which the power management server 30 requests the DR management server 20 to perform an upward DR between 18:00 and 19:00 on a certain month and day.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 10, the behavioral tendency database DB1 receives input of location information from each of the terminal devices 10[1], 10[2], 10[3], and so on. Furthermore, the behavioral tendency database DB1 receives input of location information for each of the users U[1], U[2], U[3], and so on. As shown in FIG. 6, between 18:00 and 19:00, users U[1] and U[2] tend to be at home, while user U[3] is out but tends to return home by 19:00. By referring to the behavioral tendency database DB1, the processing device 21 estimates that between 18:00 and 19:00, users U[1] and U[2] are likely to be at home, and user U[3] is likely to return home by 19:00.

[0093] In this example, the score based on the behavioral tendency of user U[1] is 5 points. The score based on the behavioral tendency of user U[2] is 5 points. The score based on the behavioral tendency of user U[3] is 3 points.

[0094] As shown in Figure 10, the user attribute database DB2 inputs the survey response results, contract information, and the browsing status of the electricity rate page. As shown in Figure 8, user U[1] owns an electric vehicle, so it is estimated that he has the highest demand among users U[1] to U[3]. In addition, user U[1] has signed a green contract and is estimated to have a high level of interest in renewable energy. User U[3] has a high browsing rate of the electricity rate page and also took action in the previous DR.

[0095] The processing device 21 outputs an evaluation value for each user U[k] based on the estimation results based on the behavioral tendencies of user U[k] and the attributes of user U[k], and decides to deliver an increased DR notification to user U[k] whose evaluation value exceeds the first threshold.

[0096] In this example, user U[1] owns an electric vehicle, has a level of interest in electricity rates of "5", has a rank "B" for the electricity rate page view rate, has a green contract, has a previous DR result of "responded", and has a 60% response rate to the increased DR. If the response rate of all subscribers to the increased DR is 40%, the score based on the attributes of user U[1] is 5 points + 5 points + 3 points + 5 points + 3 points + 3 points = 24 points.

[0097] User U[2] owns a gasoline-powered vehicle, has a level of interest in electricity rates of "3," has a rank "A" for the electricity rate page view rate, has no green contract, the previous DR result was "no response," and the response rate for raising DR is 20%. Therefore, the score based on the attributes of user U[2] is 0 points + 3 points + 5 points + 0 points + 1 point + 0 points = 9 points.

[0098] User U[3] does not own a vehicle, has a level of interest in electricity rates of "5", an electricity rate page view rate of "A", a green contract of "no", a previous DR response result of "responded", and an increased DR response rate of 50%. Therefore, the score based on the attributes of user U[3] is 0 points + 5 points + 5 points + 0 points + 3 points + 3 points = 16 points.

[0099] The first evaluation value is the sum of the score based on the behavioral tendency and the score based on the user attribute. Therefore, the first evaluation value of user U[1] is 5 + 24 = 29. The first evaluation value of user U[2] is 5 + 9 = 14. The first evaluation value of user U[3] is 3 + 16 = 19. In this way, the evaluation unit 212b outputs the first evaluation value of user U[1], the first evaluation value of user U[2], and the first evaluation value of user U[3] as "29," "14," and "19," respectively.

[0100] If the first threshold for the first evaluation value is "16," the first evaluation values ​​of user U[1] and user U[3] are greater than the first threshold, and the first evaluation value of user U[2] is smaller than the first threshold. Therefore, the extraction unit 212c extracts user U[1] and user U[3] as target users. That is, the processing device 21 determines to deliver an up-DR notification to user U[1] and user U[3], and updates the priority database DB3 as shown in FIG. 9.

[0101] When the processing device 21 receives the up DR notification from the communication device 23, the processing device 21 refers to the priority database DB3 in FIG. 9 and pushes the up DR notification to the user U[1] and the user U[3].

[0102] When the power management server 30 requests a downward DR from the DR management server 20, the evaluation unit 212b outputs the sum of the score based on the behavioral tendency of the user U[k] and the score based on the user attributes as the second evaluation value, similar to when an upward DR is requested. However, in this case, the downward DR response rate is used to calculate the second evaluation value instead of the upward DR response rate.

[0103] 1.2. Operation of the DR Management Server According to the First Embodiment 1.2.1. Operation of the Processing Device 21 Fig. 11 is a sequence chart showing an example of the operation of the DR management server 20 of Fig. 1. Hereinafter, the operation of the DR management server 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. This operation is the operation of the DR management server 20 when a request for an upstream DR notification is made, similar to the situation assumed in the description of Fig. 10.

[0104] In step S11, location information INF1 is input from terminal device 10[k] to behavioral tendency database DB1.

[0105] In step S12, location information INF2 is input from terminal device 10[k] to behavioral tendency database DB1.

[0106] In step S13, the behavioral tendency database DB1 stores location information for each user U[k] based on the input location information INF1.

[0107] In step S14, the processing device 21 functions as the acquisition unit 211 to acquire the location information INF2 and the position information stored in the behavioral tendency database DB1.

[0108] In step S15, the processing device 21 functions as an estimation unit 212a, and compares the location information INF2 for each user U[k] with the accumulated position information INF1, and estimates whether the user U[k] is at home, at work, or out during each time period of each day.

[0109] In step S16, the processing device 21 functions as the estimation unit 212a to analyze the behavioral tendency of each user U[k] based on the result of the estimation in step S15.

[0110] In step S17, the processing device 21 functions as the estimation unit 212a to store information about the behavioral tendency of each user U[k] analyzed in step S16 in the behavioral tendency database DB1.

[0111] In step S18, information relating to the analyzed behavioral tendencies of each user U[k] is accumulated in the behavioral tendency database DB1, and the behavioral tendencies of each user U[k] are determined based on the accumulated information.

[0112] In step S19, the processing device 21 functions as the acquisition unit 211 to acquire the behavioral tendency of each user U[k] determined in the behavioral tendency database DB1.

[0113] In step S20, the questionnaire information INF3 for each user U[k] is input to the user attribute database DB2.

[0114] In step S21, the attribute information of each user U[k] is accumulated in the user attribute database DB2 based on the acquired questionnaire information of each user U[k].

[0115] In step S22, the processing device 21 functions as the acquisition unit 211 to acquire, from the user attribute database DB2, the attribute information of each user U[k] stored in the user attribute database DB2.

[0116] In step S23, the processing device 21 functions as the evaluation unit 212b to determine the priority of the user U[k] to whom a demand response request is to be notified based on the determined behavioral tendency and the accumulated attribute information. The priority is determined based on the evaluation value.

[0117] In step S24, the processing device 21 functions as the extraction unit 212c to extract users U[k] whose evaluation values ​​exceed the first threshold as target users.

[0118] In step S25, the processing device 21 functions as the extraction unit 212c to transmit information indicating the target users extracted in step S24 to the priority order database DB3.

[0119] In step S26, information indicating target users is stored in the priority database DB3.

[0120] In step S27, the power management server 30 activates an upward DR, and an upward DR notification N1 is transmitted from the power management server 30 to the DR management server 20.

[0121] In step S28, the communication device 23 receives the upward DR notification from the power management server 30.

[0122] In step S29, the processing device 21 functions as the acquisition unit 211 to acquire the upward DR notification.

[0123] In step S30, the processing device 21 functions as the notification unit 213 and queries the priority database DB3 for the destination of the increased DR notification.

[0124] In step S31, the priority database DB3 receives the query content from the processing device 21.

[0125] In step S32, the processing device 21 acquires the query result by functioning as the notification unit 213. That is, the processing device 21 determines target users to whom the increased DR notification is to be delivered.

[0126] In step S33, the processing device 21 functions as the notification unit 213 to push-distribute the increased DR notification to the terminal device 10[k] of the target user.

[0127] In step S34, the terminal device 10[k] of the target user receives the upward DR notification, and the contents of the upward DR notification are displayed on the display device 14 of the terminal device 10[k] of the target user.

[0128] 1.3. Advantages of the First Embodiment According to the above description, the processing device 21 of the DR management server 20 according to the first embodiment includes an acquisition unit 211, a determination unit 212, and a notification unit 213. The acquisition unit 211 acquires user information for each of a plurality of users U[1] to U[n]. The user information is information relating to the location of user U[k] and the attributes of user U[k]. The determination unit 212 determines one or more target users based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 211. The one or more target users are users among the plurality of users U[1] to U[n] who are to be requested to take an action in response to a demand response notification. The notification unit 213 notifies the determined one or more target users of the demand response request.

[0129] According to this aspect, by obtaining user information regarding the location of user U[k] and the attributes of user U[k], it is possible to predict the time that user U[k] will be at home and the behavior of user U[k] in response to a demand response, so that the target user can take action efficiently in response to a demand response request.

[0130] The determination unit 212 also includes an estimation unit 212a, an evaluation unit 212b, and an extraction unit 212c. The estimation unit 212a estimates the behavioral tendency of each of the multiple users U[1] to U[n] based on the location history of user U[k] indicated in the user information. The evaluation unit 212b evaluates the demand response request for each of the multiple users U[1] to U[n] for each type of demand response notification based on the behavioral tendency estimated by the estimation unit 212a and the attributes of user U[k] indicated in the user information. The extraction unit 212c extracts one or more target users from the multiple users U[1] to U[n] based on the evaluation result of the evaluation unit 212b.

[0131] According to this aspect, by evaluating a demand response request based on the estimated behavioral tendencies of user U[k] and the attributes of user U[k], it is possible to predict the time that user U[k] will be at home and the behavior of user U[k] in response to a demand response, so that the target user's action in response to a demand response request can be taken more efficiently.

[0132] The evaluation unit 212b outputs an evaluation value. The evaluation value indicates the degree of likelihood of accepting a demand response request. The extraction unit 212c extracts users U[k] whose evaluation value exceeds a first threshold as one or more target users.

[0133] According to this aspect, target users are extracted based on the degree of likelihood of accepting a request, so that target users can take action more efficiently in response to a demand response request.

[0134] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 212b determines, as the evaluation result, the priority of the user U[k] to be notified of a demand response request for each type of demand response notification. When the acquisition unit 211 acquires new user information, it updates the location history of the user U[k]. The estimation unit 212a updates the estimation of the behavioral tendency of the user U[k] based on the updated location history of the user U[k]. The evaluation unit 212b updates the priority of the user U[k] to be notified of a demand response request based on the behavioral tendency updated by the estimation unit 212a and the attributes of the user U[k] indicated in the user information. The extraction unit 212c extracts one or more target users based on the priority updated by the evaluation unit 212b.

[0135] According to this aspect, the results of determining the priority order of users to whom a demand response should be notified are updated as needed, so that the target users at the time when a demand response notification is issued can be easily determined.

[0136] In addition, the attributes of user U[k] include at least one of the user U[k]'s level of interest in electricity rates, the details of each contract between user U[k] and the utility company, and the browsing status of user U[k]'s electricity rate page.

[0137] According to this aspect, the behavior of the user U[k] is predicted based on the user U[k]'s level of interest in electricity bills, etc., so that the target user's action is more efficiently taken in response to a demand response request.

[0138] Furthermore, the attributes of the user U[k] are determined based on the answers of the user U[k] to a questionnaire given to the user U[k].

[0139] According to this embodiment, the degree of interest of the user U[k] can be grasped more accurately.

[0140] The types of demand response notifications include at least one of an upward DR notification and a downward DR notification. An upward DR notification is a notification that prompts one or more users U[k] to increase their power demand. A downward DR notification is a notification that prompts one or more users U[k] to decrease their power demand.

[0141] According to this aspect, it is possible to notify an upward DR notification to a user U[k] who is proactive in power consumption behavior, and to notify a downward DR notification to a user U[k] who is proactive in power-saving behavior.

[0142] Furthermore, the power management method according to the first embodiment acquires user information for each of a plurality of users U[1] to U[n], determines one or more target users based on the acquired user information, and notifies the determined one or more target users of a demand response request. The user information is information relating to the location of user U[k] and the attributes of user U[k]. The target users are users among the plurality of users U[1] to U[n] who are the targets of a request for an action in response to the demand response notification.

[0143] According to this aspect, by obtaining user information regarding the location of user U[k] and the attributes of user U[k], it is possible to predict the time that user U[k] will be at home and the behavior of user U[k] in response to a demand response, so that the target user can take action efficiently in response to a demand response request.

[0144] 2. Variations The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. Specific modified embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples may be combined. Furthermore, the above-described exemplary embodiments and the following modified embodiments may be combined in any combination as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0145] 2.1. Variation 1 Instead of an evaluation value, the evaluation unit 212b may output an expected value that takes into account the possibility that user U[k] will accept the demand response request and the effect of the demand response request. For example, if an upward DR notice is delivered to user U[1] who owns an electric vehicle, user U[1] may start charging the electric vehicle. Also, if a downward DR notice is delivered to user U[1], user U[1] may use the power stored in the electric vehicle. Therefore, the power related to charging the electric vehicle is effective in both increasing and decreasing the demand.

[0146] The expected value is obtained by weighting each item in the user attribute database DB2 according to the degree of effect on the request for a demand response. The extraction unit 212c extracts users U[k] whose expected value exceeds a second threshold as one or more target users.

[0147] For example, "Whether or Not a Green Contract Is Enforced" is an item that reflects the user U[k]'s level of interest in renewable energy and energy waste. A user U[k] who has signed a green contract is expected to actively cooperate with demand response. Therefore, it is conceivable to weight "Whether or Not a Green Contract Is Enforced" more heavily than the weights assigned to other items.

[0148] In addition, it is considered effective to notify an upward DR to a user U[k] whose upward DR response rate is equal to or greater than the upward DR all-contractor response rate. Similarly, it is considered effective to notify a downward DR to a user U[k] whose downward DR response rate is equal to or greater than the downward DR all-contractor response rate. Therefore, it is considered to weight the "upward DR response rate" and the "downward DR response rate" more heavily than the weights for other items.

[0149] According to this aspect, target users are extracted in consideration of the likelihood of accepting the request and the effect on the request, so that user actions are taken more efficiently in response to a demand response request.

[0150] 2.2. Variation 2 In the above embodiment, the evaluation unit 212b evaluates a demand response request for each type of demand response notification based on the behavioral tendency estimated by the estimation unit 212a and the attributes of user U[k] indicated in the user information. However, the evaluation unit 212b may evaluate a demand response request by taking into account not only the behavioral tendency and the attributes of user U[k] but also the current location of user U[k].

[0151] According to this aspect, even if the user U[k] is behaving in a manner that differs from their normal behavioral patterns, the user U[k] can be appropriately notified of a demand response request. Note that the current location of the user U[k] is acquired, for example, by the positioning device 16 of the terminal device 10[k] carried by the user U[k].

[0152] 2.3. Variation 3 In the above embodiment, when the power management server 30 requests a downward DR from the DR management server 20, the sum of the score based on the behavioral tendency of the user U[k] and the score based on the user attributes is output as the second evaluation value. Alternatively, the score based on the user attributes may be output as the second evaluation value, and a request for a downward DR with different content may be notified to a target user extracted based on the second evaluation value according to the behavioral tendency of the target user.

[0153] More specifically, in this modification, when the power management server 30 requests a downward DR from the DR management server 20, the evaluation unit 212b assigns a score to the user U[k] for each item in the user attribute database DB2. The evaluation unit 212b outputs the total value of the scores assigned to each item as a second evaluation value. The extraction unit 212c extracts the user U[k] whose second evaluation value exceeds a first threshold as a target user. Note that the first threshold in this modification may differ from the first threshold in the first embodiment.

[0154] The notification unit 213 notifies the target user of a demand response request. At this time, the notification unit 213 delivers a first notification message or a second notification message together with the demand response request. The first notification message is delivered to the target user who is presumed to be at home or near their home during the time period when the downward DR is activated based on the target user's behavioral tendency. The second notification message is delivered to the target user who is presumed to be not at home or near their home during the time period when the downward DR is activated based on the target user's behavioral tendency.

[0155] The first notification message is displayed on the display device 14, for example, stating, "Please cooperate in saving electricity during the time period from 18:00 to 19:00." By receiving the first notification message, the target user can take action to reduce electricity demand. The second notification message is displayed on the display device 14, for example, stating, "You are requested to save electricity during the time period from 18:00 to 19:00. Please consider returning home after 19:00." The target user can cooperate in saving electricity by receiving the second notification message and delaying returning home until 19:00 or later. Note that for a target user who has received the second notification message, if, for example, the electricity demand during the time period in which a downward DR is activated has not increased compared to the electricity demand during a predetermined period before the start of the time period in which the downward DR is activated, one downward DR response is counted.

[0156] 2.4. Variation 4 When the power management server 30 requests a lowering DR from the DR management server 20, a score based on the user attributes is output as a second evaluation value, and a target user extracted based on the second evaluation value may be notified of a request for a lowering DR with different content depending on the current location of the target user. The current location of the target user is acquired, for example, by the positioning device 16 of the terminal device 10[k] owned by the target user. Note that if the current location of the target user cannot be identified because the terminal device 10[k] is not turned on or communication with the terminal device 10[k] is not possible, a request for a lowering DR with different content may be notified depending on the behavioral tendency of the target user.

[0157] 2.5. Variation 5 In the above embodiment, the location information of user U[k] is acquired by the positioning device 16 of terminal device 10[k]. However, the location information of user U[k] may be location information related to base stations or Wi-Fi location information. The location information related to base stations is location information of terminal device 10[k] located within a cell corresponding to each base station. The Wi-Fi location information is location information of terminal device 10[k] located within an accessible range of each Wi-Fi access point.

[0158] 3.Other (1) In the above-described embodiment, the storage devices 12, 22, and 32 are exemplified by ROM and RAM, but may be flexible disks, magneto-optical disks (e.g., compact disks, digital versatile disks, Blu-ray (registered trademark) disks), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-ROMs), registers, removable disks, hard disks, floppy (registered trademark) disks, magnetic strips, databases, servers, or other suitable storage media. The program may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line. The program may also be transmitted from a communications network NET via a telecommunications line.

[0159] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the described information, signals, etc. may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0160] (3) In the above-described embodiment, input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, a memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to another device.

[0161] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the determination may be made by a value (0 or 1) represented using one bit, by a Boolean value (true or false), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0162] (5) The order of the process procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. illustrated in the above-described embodiments may be rearranged unless inconsistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0163] (6) Each function illustrated in Figures 1 to 11 is realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized by using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized by using two or more devices that are physically or logically separated and connected directly or indirectly (for example, by wire, wirelessly, etc.). A functional block may also be realized by combining software with the one device or the multiple devices.

[0164] (7) The programs exemplified in the above-described embodiments should be broadly construed to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., regardless of whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or by other names.

[0165] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0166] (8) In each of the foregoing embodiments, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0167] (9) The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or corresponding other information.

[0168] (10) In the above-described embodiments, the terminal device 10 may be a mobile station (MS). A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other appropriate term. In this disclosure, terms such as "mobile station," "user terminal," "user equipment (UE)," and "terminal" may be used interchangeably.

[0169] (11) In the above-described embodiments, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variations thereof refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be a physical coupling or connection, a logical coupling or connection, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0170] (12) In the above embodiments, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0171] (13) As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0172] (14) In the above embodiments, when "include," "including," and variations thereof are used, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, the term "or" as used in this disclosure is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0173] (15) In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are plural.

[0174] (16) In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combined" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0175] (17) Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be implicit (e.g., not notifying the predetermined information).

[0176] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1...DR management system, 10, 10[1], 10[2], 10[3], 10[k], 10[n]...terminal device, 11, 21A...processing device, 20...DR management server, 30...power management server, 211...acquisition unit, 212...determination unit, 212a...estimation unit, 212b...evaluation unit, 212c...extraction unit, 213...notification unit, U, U[1], U[2], U[3], U[k], U[n]...user.

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires user information regarding a location and attributes of each of a plurality of users; a determination unit that determines, based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit, one or more target users from among the plurality of users as targets for a request for an action in response to a demand response notification; a notification unit that notifies the request to the determined one or more target users; A power management device comprising:

2. The determination unit an estimation unit that estimates a behavioral tendency of each of the plurality of users based on a location history of the user indicated by the user information; an evaluation unit that evaluates the request for each of the plurality of users for each type of notification of the demand response based on the behavioral tendency estimated by the estimation unit and the user attributes indicated by the user information; an extraction unit that extracts the one or more target users from the plurality of users based on the evaluation result of the evaluation unit; Equipped with The power management device of claim 1 .

3. the evaluation unit outputs an evaluation value indicating a degree of possibility of accepting the request; The extraction unit extracts users whose evaluation values ​​exceed a first threshold as the one or more target users. The power management device of claim 2 .

4. the evaluation unit outputs an expected value taking into consideration the possibility of accepting the request and an effect on the request; The extraction unit extracts users whose expectation values ​​exceed a second threshold as the one or more target users. The power management device of claim 2 .

5. the evaluation unit determines, as an evaluation result, a priority order of users to be notified of the request for each type of demand response notification; When the acquisition unit acquires new user information, the acquisition unit updates a history of the user's location; the estimation unit updates an estimation of the user's behavioral tendency based on the updated location history of the user; the evaluation unit updates a priority of the user to be notified of the request based on the behavioral tendency updated by the estimation unit and the user attributes indicated by the user information; The extraction unit extracts the one or more target users based on the priority order updated by the evaluation unit. The power management device of claim 2 .

6. The user attributes include at least one of the user's level of interest in electricity rates, the content of each contract between the user and a utility company, and the user's browsing status of an electricity rate page. The power management device of claim 1 .

7. The attributes of the user are determined based on a response of the user to a questionnaire given to the user. The power management device of claim 1 .

8. The type of the demand response notification includes at least one of a first notification that prompts the one or more users to increase the amount of demand for power and a second notification that prompts the one or more users to decrease the amount of demand for power. The power management device of claim 1 .

9. acquiring user information regarding a location of the user and an attribute of the user for each of the plurality of users; determining, from among the plurality of users, one or more target users to whom an action is requested in response to the demand response notification, based on the acquired user information; notifying the request to the determined one or more target users; Power management methods.

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