Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To preferentially perform demand response according to a situation in which a retail electric power supplier is placed.SOLUTION: In the control unit 11 of the aggregator server 10 constituting the information processing system, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the retail-side information including at least the first procurement information for the retail electric utility to procure electric power in the power wholesale market and the second procurement information for the retail electric utility to procure electric power in the capacity market, and the DR request information regarding the request for demand response, and the calculation unit 103 calculates the profit of the retail electric utility from the first procurement information, the second procurement information, and the DR request information. A generation unit 104 outputs information for determining whether or not to execute demand response on the basis of the calculated profit of the retail electric utility.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Demand response (DR) is being introduced from the perspective of reducing power generation costs, realizing a low-carbon society, avoiding power shortages due to demand concentration, etc. Demand response is a process in which electricity retailers and the like request electricity consumers to cooperate in adjusting electricity demand during a target period in accordance with the electricity supply and demand situation, and related technologies are also known (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-081074 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Electricity retailers procure electricity in the wholesale electricity market, where electricity volume (kWh) is traded, and sell it to electricity consumers according to the amount of demand. When an event occurs that increases procurement costs, which worsens their balance sheet, they request demand response from consumers to reduce the amount of electricity they procure. In this case, implementing demand response may result in economic losses for consumers, but depending on the situation of the electricity retailer, there are cases where implementing demand response should be prioritized over consumer losses. For this reason, there was a need for the development of technology that would enable electricity retailers to implement demand response on a priority basis according to the situation.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable electricity retailers to prioritize demand response in accordance with their circumstances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is an information processing system characterized by having: a retail side information acquisition means for acquiring retail side information including at least first procurement information for a retail electricity supplier that procures electricity at wholesale prices and sells it to electricity consumers, the retail side information including at least first procurement information for procuring electricity in a wholesale electricity market where electricity volume is traded, and second procurement information for procuring electricity in a capacity market where future electricity supply capacity is traded; a DR request information acquisition means for acquiring DR request information regarding a request for demand response that changes the electricity demand of the consumer; and an output means for outputting information for determining whether or not to implement the demand response based on the first procurement information, the second procurement information, and the profit of the retail electricity supplier calculated from the DR request information. The invention described in claim 2 is the information processing system described in claim 1, characterized in that, when the activation of the capacity market can be identified from the second procurement information, the output means outputs information indicating this as information for determining whether or not to implement the demand response. The invention described in claim 3 is an information processing system described in claim 1, further comprising a consumer information acquisition means for acquiring consumer information including at least information regarding the consumer's electricity demand and electricity rates, and wherein the output means, when the activation of the capacity market cannot be identified from the second procurement information, outputs information for determining whether or not to implement the demand response based on the profit of the retail electricity supplier and the consumer's loss calculated from the first procurement information, the second procurement information, the consumer information, and the DR request information. The invention described in claim 4 is an information processing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the retail side information acquisition means acquires, as the second procurement information, information regarding increases or decreases in capacity contributions to be borne by the retail electricity supplier to ensure future electricity supply in the capacity market. The invention described in claim 5 is an information processing method including the steps of: a retail electricity supplier that procures electricity at wholesale prices and sells it to electricity consumers acquiring retail side information including at least first procurement information for procuring electricity in a wholesale electricity market where electricity volume is traded, and second procurement information for procuring electricity in a capacity market where future electricity supply capacity is traded; acquiring DR request information regarding a request for demand response that changes the electricity demand of the consumer; and outputting information for determining whether or not to implement the demand response based on the profits of the retail electricity supplier calculated from the first procurement information, the second procurement information, and the DR request information. The invention described in claim 6 is a program for causing a computer to realize the following functions: a function of acquiring retail side information including at least first procurement information for a retail electricity supplier that procures electricity at wholesale prices and sells it to electricity consumers to procure electricity in a wholesale electricity market where electricity volume is traded, and second procurement information for procuring electricity in a capacity market where future electricity supply capacity is traded; a function of acquiring DR request information regarding a request for demand response that changes the electricity demand of the consumer; and a function of outputting information for determining whether or not to implement the demand response based on the profits of the retail electricity supplier calculated from the first procurement information, the second procurement information, and the DR request information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention of claim 1, when demand response is implemented, not only the profits of the electricity retailer but also information on the capacity market is taken into consideration, so that demand response can be implemented with priority over losses to electricity consumers, depending on the situation of the electricity retailer. According to the present invention of claim 2, when demand response is implemented, the activation of the capacity market is taken into consideration, so that demand response can be implemented with priority over losses to electricity consumers, depending on the situation of the retail electricity supplier. According to the present invention of claim 3, when the capacity market is not activated, demand response can be implemented taking into consideration losses of electricity consumers. According to the present invention of claim 4, information regarding increases or decreases in capacity contributions is acquired as information regarding the capacity market, so that when demand response is implemented, it becomes possible to implement demand response preferentially depending on the status of increases or decreases in capacity contributions. According to the present invention of claim 5, when demand response is implemented, not only the profits of the electricity retailer but also information on the capacity market is taken into consideration, so that demand response can be implemented in a manner that prioritizes the losses of electricity consumers, depending on the situation of the electricity retailer. According to the present invention of claim 6, when demand response is implemented, not only the profits of the electricity retailer but also information on the capacity market is taken into consideration, so that demand response can be implemented with priority over losses to electricity consumers, depending on the situation of the electricity retailer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system to which the present embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of demand response. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of an aggregator server. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the functional configuration of a control unit of the aggregator server. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a control unit of the electricity retailer server. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of an aggregator server. [Figure 7]2 is a diagram showing a specific example of a service provided by the information processing system of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of control of demand equipment by demand response. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Configuration of Information Processing System 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 to which the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of demand response. The information processing system 1 is configured by connecting an aggregator server 10, an electricity retailer server 30, manufacturer servers 50-1 to 50-n (n is an integer value of 1 or greater), edge controller servers 70-1 to 70-m (m is an integer value of 1 or greater), and consumer terminals 90-1 to 90-r (r is an integer value of 1 or greater) via a network 100. The network 100 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, etc.

[0010] Hereinafter, when there is no need to explain each of the manufacturer servers 50-1 to 50-n individually, they will be collectively referred to as the manufacturer server 50, and when there is no need to explain each of the edge controller servers 70-1 to 70-m individually, they will be collectively referred to as the edge controller server 70. Furthermore, when there is no need to explain each of the customer terminals 90-1 to 90-r individually, they will be collectively referred to as the customer terminal 90.

[0011] (Aggregator Server 10) The aggregator server 10 constituting the information processing system 1 is an information processing device managed by a specified wholesale supplier (hereinafter referred to as "aggregator"). An aggregator is an entity that acts as an intermediary between electricity retailers and consumers and controls the balance between supply and demand of electricity. An electricity retailer is an entity that procures electricity and sells it to consumers at retail in accordance with their demand. For example, an electricity retailer procures electricity from both the wholesale electricity market, where the amount of electricity (kWh) is traded, and the capacity market, where the future supply capacity of electricity (kW) is traded. A consumer is an entity that requires a supply of electricity, or an entity that purchases and uses electricity retailed by an electricity retailer.

[0012] The aggregator server 10 provides a platform (hereinafter referred to as a "common platform") that can be commonly used by aggregators and electricity retailers. The aggregator server 10 enables transmission and reception of various types of information via the common platform. For example, the aggregator server 10 acquires various types of information transmitted from the electricity retailer server 30 via the common platform and performs various processes. The aggregator server 10 also transmits various types of information to the manufacturer server 50 and the edge controller server 70 via the common platform and causes them to perform various processes.

[0013] Specifically, the aggregator server 10 acquires information about electricity retailers (hereinafter referred to as "retailer-side information") via the common platform. The retailer-side information includes, for example, information for electricity retailers to procure electricity in the wholesale electricity market (hereinafter referred to as "first procurement information") and information for electricity retailers to procure electricity in the capacity market (hereinafter referred to as "second procurement information"). The retailer-side information is provided to the aggregator server 10 from the electricity retailer server 30 via the common platform.

[0014] The aggregator server 10 also acquires information about consumers (hereinafter referred to as "consumer information") via the common platform. The consumer information includes, for example, information about the amount of electricity demanded by the consumer, the fee that the consumer pays to the retail electricity supplier for using electricity (hereinafter referred to as "consumer electricity fee"), and information about the appliances and storage batteries owned by the consumer that operate using electricity (hereinafter referred to as "demand equipment").

[0015] The consumer information also includes information on the amount of power generated by the consumer (hereinafter referred to as "power generation information"). In other words, consumers not only receive and use power supply, but may also generate power using their own PV (photovoltaic power generation system), store the generated power in a storage battery, and use the power stored in the storage battery. The consumer information also includes the amount of power purchased and sold. The consumer information is provided to the aggregator server 10 from the electricity retailer server 30 via the common platform.

[0016] Electricity retailers issue demand responses that change the amount of electricity demanded by consumers. As shown in Figure 2, demand responses are classified into upward DR and downward DR depending on the pattern of control of the consumer's electricity demand. Upward DR is a demand response that aims to increase the amount of electricity demand. Consumers implement upward DR by controlling the amount of electricity consumption by demand equipment. For example, power consumption can be increased by controlling the charging of a storage battery, which is a demand equipment. In contrast, downward DR is a demand response that aims to reduce the amount of electricity demand. Consumers implement downward DR by controlling the amount of electricity consumption by demand equipment. For example, power consumption can be reduced by having other demand equipment use the power charged in a storage battery.

[0017] Specifically, downward DR is implemented by controlling demand equipment so that actual power usage is lower than the expected power usage if the consumer does not implement demand response (hereinafter referred to as the "baseline"). The baseline is calculated, for example, by adding a correction for the day on which demand response is implemented to the average value for four days out of the last five days when power demand is high. Note that there are no particular limitations on the method for calculating the baseline. In the graph of Figure 2, the solid curve indicates the baseline, and the dashed curve indicates the amount of adjustment of power demand, which is the difference between the baseline and actual power usage (actual load).

[0018] When an electricity retailer issues a demand response order, information regarding a demand response request (hereinafter referred to as "DR request information") is transmitted from the electricity retailer server 30 in Fig. 1 to the aggregator server 10 via the common platform. Upon receiving the DR request information, the aggregator server 10 outputs information for determining whether or not to have the consumer implement a demand response based on the received DR request information, retail side information, and consumer information.

[0019] Specifically, the aggregator server 10 outputs information about the situation of the electricity retailer as information for determining whether to implement a demand response. For example, the aggregator server 10 outputs information indicating whether it is possible to identify from the second procurement information that a capacity market has been initiated.

[0020] Here, "the capacity market is activated" refers to the situation where a sudden deterioration in the electricity supply and demand balance occurs, and the general electricity transmission and distribution utility, which is the winning bidder in the capacity market auction, issues an activation command based on a capacity reservation contract. "General electricity transmission and distribution utility" refers to the entity that manages the electricity transmission and distribution network, including transmission and distribution lines, and is responsible for delivering electricity to consumers. When the capacity market is activated, retail electricity suppliers issue demand response commands, which are designated as activation command sources. "Activation command sources" are power sources participating in the capacity market whose individual expected capacity does not meet the predetermined supply capacity (kW), or those that cannot provide stable supply capacity (kW), such as private power generation, storage batteries, and demand response, which are used alone or in combination to raise the expected capacity to above the predetermined supply capacity (kW). "Expected capacity" refers to the expected power capacity that can be expected to supply in a service area in the actual supply and demand fiscal year.

[0021] Furthermore, the aggregator server 10 outputs information regarding the impact of implementing a demand response on the economic viability of the consumer, as information for determining whether to implement a demand response. The impact of implementing a demand response on the economic viability of the consumer is calculated, for example, by comparing the profit and loss of the electricity retailer with the profit and loss of the consumer when a demand response is implemented and when it is not implemented.

[0022] The profit and loss of a retail electricity supplier includes the profit that the retail electricity supplier gains from a reduction in the cost required to procure electricity in the wholesale electricity market or capacity market (hereinafter referred to as "procurement cost") and the loss that the retail electricity supplier suffers from an increase in procurement cost. In addition, the profit and loss of a consumer includes the profit that the consumer gains from a decrease in the consumer's electricity bill and the loss that the consumer suffers from an increase in the consumer's electricity bill.

[0023] The aggregator server 10 calculates the impact of implementing a demand response on the economic viability of the consumer in specific amounts. Specifically, for example, the aggregator server 10 uses the procurement cost in the wholesale electricity market and the consumer's electricity bill as unit prices, and calculates the expected reduction in the procurement cost in the wholesale electricity market and the expected increase in the consumer's electricity bill for each of the cases where a demand response is implemented and where a demand response is not implemented.

[0024] If the aggregator server 10 can determine from the second procurement information that a capacity market has been activated, it outputs information indicating this as information for determining whether to implement a demand response. As a result, by referring to the output information, it becomes possible to determine that there is a high need for implementing a demand response and to decide to have consumers implement a demand response. On the other hand, if it cannot determine from the second procurement information that a capacity market has been activated, the aggregator server 10 outputs information indicating this as information for determining whether to implement a demand response. As a result, by referring to the output information, it becomes possible to determine whether to implement a demand response based on the impact that implementing a demand response will have on the economic viability of consumers.

[0025] That is, if it is not possible to identify from the second procurement information that a capacity market has been activated, the aggregator server 10 calculates the profit and loss of the electricity retailer and the consumer in each case where a demand response is implemented and where a demand response is not implemented, based on the retailer information, consumer information, and DR request information.The aggregator server 10 then outputs information for determining whether to implement a demand response based on the profit of the electricity retailer and the loss of the consumer.

[0026] Specifically, the aggregator server 10 outputs the expected value of the total amount of the reduction in procurement costs and the increase in the consumer's electricity bill as information for determining whether to implement a demand response. For example, if the expected reduction in procurement costs and the expected increase in the consumer's electricity bill are the same, the expected value is higher than when the expected increase in the consumer's electricity bill is greater than the expected reduction in procurement costs. Also, if the expected reduction in procurement costs is greater than the expected increase in the consumer's electricity bill, the expected value is higher than when the expected reduction in procurement costs and the expected increase in the consumer's electricity bill are the same. As a result, by referring to the output information, it becomes possible to decide to have the consumer implement a demand response if it is determined that there is an economic benefit.

[0027] When it is decided to have the consumer implement a demand response, the aggregator server 10 notifies the electricity retailer server 30 of the decision to have the consumer implement a demand response. Specifically, the aggregator server 10 transmits information indicating that it has been decided to have the consumer implement a demand response as decision result information to the electricity retailer server 30 via the common platform. In addition, the aggregator server 10 transmits information regarding instructions to implement a demand response (hereinafter referred to as "DR instruction information") to the manufacturer server 50 and the edge controller server 70 via the common platform.

[0028] Furthermore, when it is decided not to have the consumer implement a demand response, the aggregator server 10 notifies the electricity retailer server 30 of this fact. Specifically, the aggregator server 10 transmits information indicating that it has been decided not to have the consumer implement a demand response as decision result information to the electricity retailer server 30 via the common platform. Note that whether or not to have the consumer implement a demand response may be determined by a person who refers to the output information, or may be determined automatically by the aggregator server 10. The configuration of the aggregator server 10 will be described in detail later.

[0029] (Retail electricity supplier server 30) The electricity retailer server 30 constituting the information processing system 1 is an information processing device managed by the electricity retailer. The electricity retailer server 30 provides a website available to consumers (hereinafter referred to as a "consumer portal site"). The electricity retailer server 30 enables the transmission and reception of various information via the consumer portal site or without the consumer portal site. For example, the electricity retailer server 30 transmits decision result information to the consumer terminal 90 via the consumer portal site.

[0030] Furthermore, the electricity retailer server 30 is capable of transmitting and receiving various types of information via a common platform provided by the aggregator server 10. For example, the electricity retailer server 30 transmits retail side information and consumer information to the aggregator server 10 via the common platform. The electricity retailer server 30 is also capable of acquiring various types of information transmitted from outside and performing various processes.

[0031] For example, the electricity retailer server 30 acquires various types of information provided by the Japan Electric Power Exchange (hereinafter abbreviated as "JEPX") as first procurement information from various types of information transmitted from outside. JEPX is an organization that operates the wholesale electricity market, and electricity retailers are members of JEPX. Electricity retailers procure electricity (kWh) at the JEPX market price (hereinafter referred to as "JEPX price") identified from the first procurement information.

[0032] Furthermore, the electricity retailer server 30 acquires various types of information provided by the Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators (hereinafter referred to as "OCCTO") as second procurement information, which is one of various types of information transmitted from outside. The second procurement information includes, for example, the contract price determined in the capacity market auction.

[0033] OCCTO is the organization that operates the capacity market, and electricity retailers are members of OCCTO. Electricity retailers pay capacity contributions to OCCTO. Capacity contributions are statutory charges to ensure future power supply in the capacity market. Electricity retailers manage information on capacity contributions as secondary procurement information. Information on capacity contributions includes information on increases or decreases in capacity contributions decided by electricity retailers based on forecasts of retail electricity load. In addition, electricity retailers procure electricity at the contract price in the capacity market.

[0034] When an electricity retailer issues a demand response, the electricity retailer server 30 transmits DR request information, which includes at least the content of the demand response, to the aggregator server 10 via the common platform. The DR request information includes, for example, the time period for implementing upward DR or downward DR and the target value for the amount of adjustment of power demand. The detailed configuration of the electricity retailer server 30 will be described later.

[0035] (Manufacturer Server 50) The manufacturer server 50 constituting the information processing system 1 is an information processing device managed by a manufacturer of the demand equipment. The manufacturer server 50 is connected to the demand equipment (not shown) of the customer via the network 100, and is capable of remotely controlling the demand equipment. The manufacturer server 50 remotely controls the demand equipment based on DR instruction information transmitted from the common platform. The configuration of the manufacturer server 50 will be described in detail later.

[0036] (Edge controller server 70) The edge controller server 70 constituting the information processing system 1 is connected to the edge controller via the network 100, and the edge controller is connected to the demand equipment (not shown) of the customer. The edge controller server 70 remotely controls the demand equipment via the edge controller based on DR instruction information transmitted from the common platform. The configuration of the edge controller server 70 will be described in detail later.

[0037] (Customer terminal 90) The consumer terminal 90 constituting the information processing system 1 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, or smartphone operated by a consumer who will be the entity implementing a demand response. An application program that enables use of a consumer portal site provided by the electricity retailer server 30 is assumed to be pre-installed on the consumer terminal 90.

[0038] The customer terminal 90 is capable of performing various processes based on various information transmitted via the customer portal site and various information input by the customer's operation. The customer terminal 90 is also capable of transmitting various information via the customer portal site. The customer terminal 90 may or may not be connected to the customer's equipment via the network 100. The configuration of the customer terminal 90 will be described in detail later.

[0039] The above-described configuration of the information processing system 1 is one example, and it is sufficient if the information processing system 1 as a whole has the functions to realize the above-described processes. Therefore, some or all of the functions to realize the above-described processes may be shared or cooperated among the information processing devices in the information processing system 1. That is, some or all of the functions of the aggregator server 10 may be functions of the electricity retailer server 30, the manufacturer server 50, the edge controller server 70, or the consumer terminal 90, and some or all of the functions of the electricity retailer server 30 may be functions of the aggregator server 10, the manufacturer server 50, the edge controller server 70, or the consumer terminal 90.

[0040] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the manufacturer server 50 may be functions of the aggregator server 10, the electricity retailer server 30, the edge controller server 70, or the consumer terminal 90, and some or all of the functions of the edge controller server 70 may be functions of the aggregator server 10, the electricity retailer server 30, the manufacturer server 50, or the consumer terminal 90. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the consumer terminal 90 may be functions of the aggregator server 10, the electricity retailer server 30, the manufacturer server 50, or the edge controller server 70. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each information processing device constituting the information processing system 1 may be transferred to another server (not shown), etc. This promotes processing in the information processing system 1 as a whole and also allows the processes to complement each other.

[0041] <Hardware configuration> (Hardware configuration of aggregator server 10) FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the aggregator server 10. As shown in FIG. The aggregator server 10 has a control unit 11, a memory 12, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a display unit 16. These units are connected to each other via a data bus, an address bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, etc.

[0042] The control unit 11 is a processor that controls the functions of the aggregator server 10 through the execution of various software such as an OS (operating system) and application software. The control unit 11 is configured, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 12 is a storage area that stores various software and data used for executing the software, and is used as a working area for calculations. The memory 12 is configured, for example, by a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0043] The storage unit 13 is a storage area that stores input data for various software programs, output data from various software programs, etc. The storage unit 13 is configured with, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a semiconductor memory, etc. that are used to store programs, various setting data, etc. The storage unit 13 is provided with databases that store various information. Examples of the databases provided in the storage unit 13 include a database that stores retailer information, a database that stores consumer information, a database that stores DR request information, a database that stores decision result information, and a database that stores DR instruction information.

[0044] The communication unit 14 transmits and receives data to and from the electricity retailer server 30, the manufacturer server 50, the edge controller server 70, the customer terminal 90, and external parties via the network 100. The operation unit 15 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, mechanical buttons, and switches, and accepts input operations. The operation unit 15 also includes a touch sensor that forms a touch panel integrally with the display unit 16. The display unit 16 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display used to display information, and displays images, text data, and the like. The display unit 16 displays a user interface, etc.

[0045] (Hardware configuration of the electricity retailer server 30, the manufacturer server 50, the edge controller server 70, and the customer terminal 90) The hardware configurations of the electricity retailer server 30, the manufacturer server 50, the edge controller server 70, and the customer terminal 90 are similar to the hardware configuration of the aggregator server 10 shown in Fig. 3. That is, the electricity retailer server 30, the manufacturer server 50, the edge controller server 70, and the customer terminal 90 each include a control unit, a memory, a storage unit, a communication unit, an operation unit, and a display unit that have the same functions as the control unit 11, the memory 12, the storage unit 13, the communication unit 14, the operation unit 15, and the display unit 16 shown in Fig. 3. For this reason, illustrations and descriptions of the hardware configurations of the electricity retailer server 30, the manufacturer server 50, the edge controller server 70, and the customer terminal 90 will be omitted.

[0046] <Functional configuration> (Functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the aggregator server 10) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the aggregator server 10. As shown in FIG. In the control unit 11 of the aggregator server 10, an acquisition unit 101, a management unit 102, a calculation unit 103, a generation unit 104, and a transmission control unit 105 function.

[0047] The acquisition unit 101 acquires various types of information via the communication unit 14 (see FIG. 3). For example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires various types of information transmitted via a common platform via the communication unit 14. Examples of the information transmitted via the common platform include retailer information, consumer information, and DR request information.

[0048] The management unit 102 stores and manages the various types of information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 in a database of the storage unit 13 (see FIG. 3). For example, the management unit 102 stores and manages information such as retail side information, consumer information, DR request information, decision result information, and DR instruction information in the database.

[0049] When a demand response is issued and the acquisition unit 101 acquires DR request information, the calculation unit 103 calculates the profit and loss of the electricity retailer and the profit and loss of the consumer in each case where a demand response is implemented and in each case where a demand response is not implemented, based on the acquired DR request information, retail side information, and consumer information. Here, the profit and loss of the electricity retailer includes the profit that the electricity retailer gains from reducing procurement costs in the wholesale electricity market and the capacity market, and the loss that the electricity retailer suffers from increasing procurement costs in the wholesale electricity market and the capacity market. Procurement costs in the wholesale electricity market include, for example, the JEPX price and fees required for transactions on JEPX. Procurement costs in the capacity market include, for example, the contract price.

[0050] In addition, a consumer's profit and loss includes the profit the consumer gains from a decrease in the consumer's electricity rate and the loss the consumer suffers from an increase in the consumer's electricity rate. A consumer's electricity rate is calculated, for example, by adding the fuel cost adjustment unit price and the renewable energy generation promotion surcharge to the unit price of electricity. The fuel cost adjustment unit price is a unit price that is automatically determined based on the fuel cost adjustment system, which adjusts electricity rates in accordance with price fluctuations of thermal fuels such as crude oil, LNG (liquefied natural gas), and coal. The renewable energy generation promotion surcharge is a cost borne by the consumer when electricity generated from renewable energy (solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, biomass, etc.) is purchased by retail electricity suppliers under the renewable energy feed-in tariff system.

[0051] The generation unit 104 generates information for determining whether or not to implement a demand response. Specifically, if the generation unit 104 can identify from the second procurement information that a capacity market has been activated, it outputs information indicating this as information for determining whether or not to implement a demand response. As a result, by referring to the output information, it becomes possible to determine that there is a high need for implementing a demand response and to decide to have consumers implement a demand response. On the other hand, if it cannot identify from the second procurement information that a capacity market has been activated, the generation unit 104 generates information for determining whether or not to implement a demand response based on the expected reduction in procurement costs in the wholesale electricity market and the expected increase in consumer electricity rates, both calculated by the calculation unit 103. For example, the generation unit 104 generates an expected value of the total amount of the reduction in procurement costs and the increase in consumer electricity rates as information for determining whether or not to implement a demand response.

[0052] The transmission control unit 105 performs control to transmit various types of information via the communication unit 14. For example, the transmission control unit 105, as an output means, performs control to transmit decision result information to the electricity retailer server 30 via the common platform. In addition, the transmission control unit 105 performs control to transmit DR instruction information to each of the manufacturer server 50 and the edge controller server 70 via the common platform.

[0053] (Functional configuration of the control unit of the electricity retailer server 30) FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control unit of the electricity retailer server 30. As shown in FIG. In the control unit of the electricity retailer server 30, an acquisition unit 301, a management unit 302, and a transmission control unit 303 function.

[0054] The acquiring unit 301 acquires various types of information via the communication unit. For example, the acquiring unit 301 acquires various types of information transmitted from the aggregator server 10, the consumer terminal 90, and an external device. Among the various types of information acquired by the acquiring unit 301, information transmitted from the aggregator server 10 includes, for example, decision result information transmitted via a common platform.

[0055] Among the various types of information acquired by the acquisition unit 301, information transmitted from the customer terminal 90 includes, for example, customer information transmitted via a customer portal site. Among the various types of information acquired by the acquisition unit 301, information transmitted from outside includes, for example, first procurement information and second procurement information.

[0056] The management unit 302 stores and manages various types of information in a database in the storage unit. For example, the management unit 302 stores and manages retail side information and DR request information in a database. The management unit 302 also stores and manages consumer information, decision result information, and the like acquired by the acquisition unit 301 in a database.

[0057] The transmission control unit 303 performs control for transmitting various types of information via the communication unit. For example, the transmission control unit 303 performs control for transmitting retail side information, consumer information, DR request information, etc. to the aggregator server 10. The transmission control unit 303 also performs control for transmitting decision result information, etc. to the consumer terminal 90.

[0058] <Processing flow of the aggregator server 10> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the aggregator server 10. When the aggregator server 10 receives retail information from the electricity retailer server 30 (YES in step 601), it acquires the received retail information and stores and manages it in a database (step 602). The retail information includes first procurement information, second procurement information, and other information. On the other hand, if the retail information has not been received (NO in step 601), the aggregator server 10 repeats the determination process in step 601 until the retail information is received.

[0059] When the aggregator server 10 receives the consumer information from the electricity retailer server 30 (YES in step 603), it acquires the received consumer information and stores and manages it in a database (step 604). The consumer information includes information on the consumer electricity charges, consumer equipment, etc. On the other hand, if the consumer information has not been received (NO in step 603), the aggregator server 10 repeats the determination process in step 603 until the consumer information is received.

[0060] When the aggregator server 10 receives DR request information from the electricity retailer server 30 (YES in step 605), it acquires the received DR request information and stores and manages it in a database (step 606). On the other hand, if the DR request information has not been received (NO in step 605), the aggregator server 10 repeats the determination process in step 605 until the DR request information is received.

[0061] If the aggregator server 10 can determine from the second procurement information that a capacity market has been activated (YES in step 607), it outputs information indicating this as information for determining whether to have a demand response implemented (step 610). On the other hand, if the aggregator server 10 cannot determine from the second procurement information that a capacity market has been activated (NO in step 607), the aggregator server 10 calculates the expected reduction in the wholesale electricity market procurement cost and the expected increase in the consumer electricity rate for each of the cases where a demand response is implemented and where a demand response is not implemented, using the procurement cost in the wholesale electricity market and the consumer electricity rate as unit prices (step 608). The aggregator server 10 outputs the expected total of the reduction in the procurement cost and the increase in the consumer electricity rate as information for determining whether to have a demand response implemented (step 609). This makes it possible to determine whether to have a consumer implement a demand response by referring to the output information.

[0062] <Example> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of a service provided by the information processing system 1 of FIG. FIG. 7 shows an aggregator 21, an electricity retailer 31, and a consumer 91. The aggregator 21, the electricity retailer 31, and the consumer 91 each manage or operate the aggregator server 10, the electricity retailer server 30, and the consumer terminal 90 in the information processing system 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 also shows a JEPX 200 that provides first procurement information to the electricity retailer 31, and an OCCTO 400 that provides second procurement information to the electricity retailer 31. FIG. 7 also shows consumer equipment 51 remotely controlled by the manufacturer server 50 of FIG. 1, and an edge controller 71 and consumer equipment 72 remotely controlled by the edge controller server 70 of FIG. 1.

[0063] 7 also shows the common platform 22 and the consumer portal site 32. The common platform 22 and the consumer portal site 32 may or may not be linked. When the common platform 22 and the consumer portal site 32 are linked, the determined content (for example, whether or not to implement a demand response) may be automatically notified to the consumer 91 via the consumer portal site 32. Even when the common platform 22 and the consumer portal site 32 are not linked, the electricity retailer 31 may be able to notify the consumer 91 of the determined content via the consumer portal site 32.

[0064] Here, for example, suppose that the electricity retailer 31 learns from the first procurement information that the JEPX price has risen sharply, and learns from the second procurement information that the capacity market has been activated. Then, suppose that the electricity retailer 31 determines that it will not be able to obtain the intended profit even if it procures electricity at the JEPX price and retails it to the consumers 91 (i.e., even if it allows the consumers 91 to use the electricity). In this case, the electricity retailer 31 issues a downward DR. When the downward DR is issued, the electricity retailer server 30 transmits DR request information to the aggregator server 10 (see FIG. 1 ) via the common platform 22.

[0065] When a downward DR is issued by the electricity retailer 31, the aggregator server 10 (see FIG. 1 ), which provides the common platform 22, outputs information for determining whether to implement a demand response. Since the aggregator server 10 can identify that a capacity market has been activated from the second procurement information, it outputs information indicating this as information for determining whether to implement a demand response. By referencing the output information, it becomes possible to determine whether to implement a demand response. The aggregator server 10 then controls each of the demand equipment 51 and the demand equipment 72 via the common platform 22. Specifically, the aggregator server 10 transmits DR instruction information to each of the manufacturer server 50 (see FIG. 1 ) and the edge controller server 70 (see FIG. 1 ) via the common platform 22. The manufacturer server 50 then remotely controls the demand equipment 51 based on the DR instruction information, and the edge controller server 70 remotely controls the demand equipment 72 via the edge controller 71 based on the DR instruction information.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of control of demand equipment by demand response. Figure 8 shows a graph with time on the horizontal axis and JEPX price on the vertical axis. In the graph in Figure 8, the JEPX price at time T1 is P1, and the JEPX price at time T2 is P2. Furthermore, the JEPX price at time T3 is P3, and the JEPX price at time T4 is P4. Of these, timings T1 and T3 both indicate the peak timing when the JEPX price turns from an upward trend to a downward trend. Furthermore, T2 indicates the peak timing when the JEPX price turns from a downward trend to an upward trend. Furthermore, P4 indicates a timing at which the JEPX price is in the middle of a downward trend.

[0067] Electricity retailers issue demand responses with the aim of reducing procurement costs. When the JEPX price is high (i.e., when procurement costs are high), even if an electricity retailer procures electricity and retails it to consumers (i.e., by allowing them to use the electricity), it may not be able to make the profit it intended. On the other hand, when the JEPX price is low (i.e., when procurement costs are low), even if an electricity retailer procures electricity and retails it to consumers (i.e., by allowing them to use the electricity), it may be able to make the profit it intended.

[0068] In addition, consumers who own storage batteries as consumer equipment charge the storage batteries by using electricity (purchasing electricity) and sell the electricity by discharging it (selling electricity). Therefore, in order to reduce procurement costs, electricity retailers, who sell electricity to consumers and also purchase surplus electricity from consumers, procure electricity from JEPX when the JEPX price is low and sell it to consumers at retail, and purchase surplus electricity from consumers when the JEPX price is high. Specifically, when the JEPX price is low, electricity retailers issue an upward demand request to charge the storage batteries (to have consumers purchase electricity), and when the JEPX price is high, they issue a downward demand request to discharge the storage batteries (to have consumers sell electricity).

[0069] When the aggregator server 10 in FIG. 1 determines to have a consumer implement a demand response, it controls the demand equipment 51 and the demand equipment 72 in FIG. 7 to implement the demand response. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 8, for example, the electricity retailer issues a downward DR at timing T1 when the JEPX price becomes P1 and at timing T3 when the JEPX price becomes P3. In this case, when it is determined to implement a downward DR, the aggregator server 10 controls the storage battery to discharge (sell electricity). Furthermore, the electricity retailer issues an upward DR at timing T2 when the JEPX price becomes P2 and at timing T4 when the JEPX price becomes P4. In this case, when it is determined to implement an upward DR, the aggregator server 10 controls the storage battery to charge (purchase electricity).

[0070] <Other embodiments> Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the above-described embodiment. For example, the configuration of the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the hardware configuration of the aggregator server 10 shown in FIG. 3, the functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the aggregator server 10 shown in FIG. 4, and the functional configuration of the control unit of the electricity retailer server 30 shown in FIG. 5 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention and are not particularly limited. In other words, it is sufficient for the information processing system 1 of FIG. 1 to have the function of executing the above-described processing as a whole, and the hardware configuration and functional configuration used to realize this function are not limited to the above-described examples.

[0071] The order of the processing steps of the aggregator server 10 shown in Fig. 6 is also merely an example and is not particularly limited. The processing is not limited to the chronological order of the steps shown in the figure, and may be performed in parallel or individually, not necessarily in chronological order. The specific examples shown in Figs. 7 and 8 are also merely examples and are not particularly limited.

[0072] For example, in the above-described embodiment, it is described that a storage battery is controlled as a demand device when a consumer implements a demand response, but the demand device is not limited to a storage battery. Any device that operates using electric power can be subject to control. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1...information processing system, 10...aggregator server, 30...retail electricity supplier server, 50...manufacturer server, 70...edge controller server, 90...consumer terminal, 11...control unit, 12...memory, 13...storage unit, 14...communication unit, 15...operation unit, 16...display unit, 101...acquisition unit, 102...management unit, 103...calculation unit, 104...generation unit, 105...transmission control unit, 301...acquisition unit, 302...management unit, 303...transmission control unit, 100...network

Claims

1. a retail information acquisition means for acquiring retail information including at least first procurement information for a retail electricity supplier that procures electricity at wholesale prices and sells it to electricity consumers to procure electricity in a wholesale electricity market where electricity volume is traded, and second procurement information for procuring electricity in a capacity market where future electricity supply capacity is traded; DR request information acquisition means for acquiring DR request information regarding a request for a demand response that changes the amount of electricity demanded by the consumer; an output means for outputting information for determining whether or not to implement the demand response based on the profit of the electricity retailer calculated from the first procurement information, the second procurement information, and the DR request information; An information processing system comprising:

2. The output means is characterized in that, when the activation of the capacity market can be identified from the second procurement information, it outputs information indicating that fact as information for determining whether or not to implement the demand response. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The system further includes a consumer information acquisition means for acquiring consumer information including at least information regarding the amount of power demanded by the consumer and an electricity rate, When the activation of the capacity market cannot be identified from the second procurement information, the output means outputs information for determining whether or not to implement the demand response based on the profit of the retail electricity supplier and the loss of the consumer calculated from the first procurement information, the second procurement information, the consumer information, and the DR request information. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. The retail-side information acquisition means acquires, as the second procurement information, information regarding an increase or decrease in capacity contributions to be borne by the retail electricity supplier to ensure future power supply in the capacity market. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. A step in which a retail electricity supplier that procures electricity at wholesale prices and sells it to electricity consumers acquires retail side information including at least first procurement information for procuring electricity in an electricity wholesale market where electricity volume is traded, and second procurement information for procuring electricity in a capacity market where future electricity supply capacity is traded; acquiring DR request information regarding a request for a demand response to change the amount of electricity demanded by the consumer; outputting information for determining whether or not to implement the demand response based on the profit of the electricity retailer calculated from the first procurement information, the second procurement information, and the DR request information; An information processing method including:

6. On the computer, A function for a retail electricity supplier that procures electricity at wholesale prices and sells it to electricity consumers to acquire retail side information including at least first procurement information for procuring electricity in the electricity wholesale market where electricity volume is traded, and second procurement information for procuring electricity in the capacity market where future electricity supply capacity is traded; a function of acquiring DR request information regarding a request for a demand response that changes the amount of electricity demanded by the consumer; a function of outputting information for determining whether or not to implement the demand response based on the profit of the electricity retailer calculated from the first procurement information, the second procurement information, and the DR request information; A program to achieve this.

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