Energy utilization system and management device

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to convert electric energy into another form of energy and use the converted energy even in a society where a power transmission network has not been constructed.SOLUTION: The energy utilization system includes a plurality of buildings and a management device. The building has a fuel cell-based generator and a cartridge. A management device executes, for each building, acquisition processing for acquiring a value of a power amount that a fuel cell type power generation device can generate from a hydrogen residual amount of a cartridge, and prediction processing for predicting a value of a power consumption amount in the building. Further, the management device executes determination processing of determining whether the cartridge has been replaced based on the value of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the acquisition processing and the value of the amount of power consumption predicted by the prediction processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy utilization system and a management device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an energy transportation system that includes multiple buildings, delivery vehicles, and a data center. Each building has a solar power generation device and a storage battery. The delivery vehicles have a vehicle storage battery. The delivery vehicles make rounds between these buildings. When the delivery vehicles arrive at a building, surplus energy is stored from the building's storage battery in the delivery vehicle's vehicle storage battery, or deficit energy is stored from the delivery vehicle's vehicle storage battery in the building's storage battery.

[0003] However, because building a power grid requires enormous costs and time, the realization of an off-grid society is desirable in areas where a power grid has not yet been established, such as mountainous regions, remote islands, and forested areas. In other words, it is desirable to realize a society in which buildings are not connected to the power grid and each building can be self-sufficient in electricity without relying on a power company. To realize an off-grid society, each building needs a home power generation system. To reduce the burden on the environment, it is preferable to use a natural energy power generation system that generates electricity from natural energy sources such as solar energy, wind power, hydroelectric power, or geothermal power as a building's home power generation system. Furthermore, since no carbon dioxide is produced when a fuel cell power generation system generates electricity, it is preferable to use a fuel cell power generation system as a home power generation system to reduce the environmental burden. However, when a fuel cell power generation system is used as a home power generation system, hydrogen produced by a hydrogen production facility at a factory or the like must be delivered to the home. Furthermore, in order to effectively utilize the surplus power generated by the private power generation equipment, it is preferable that a battery be installed in each building so that the surplus power can be stored in each building. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5565351 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, if a power transmission grid is not established, surplus power generated by the private power generation device and power exceeding the capacity of the battery cannot be shared with other buildings. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to convert electrical energy into other forms of energy and use it even in a society where a power transmission grid has not been constructed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The reference numerals in parentheses below refer to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0007] According to claim 1, a plurality of buildings (10) each having a fuel cell power plant (23) and at least one cartridge (20) for storing hydrogen for use in the fuel cell power plant (23); a management device (40) for each of the buildings (10) that determines whether or not the cartridge (20) needs to be replaced, The management device (40) for each of the buildings (10): an acquisition process for acquiring a value (W2) of the amount of electric power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device (23) from the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge (20); A prediction process for predicting a value (W4) of the amount of power consumption in the building (10); a determination process for determining whether or not at least one of the cartridges (20) needs to be replaced based on the value (W2) of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the acquisition process and the value (W4) of the amount of power consumption predicted by the prediction process; Run An energy utilization system is provided.

[0008] According to claim 2, a plurality of buildings (10) each having a fuel cell power generation system (23), at least one cartridge (20) for storing hydrogen for use in the fuel cell power generation system (23), and a natural energy power generation system (27); a management device (40) for each of the buildings (10) that determines whether or not the cartridge (20) needs to be replaced, The management device (40) for each of the buildings (10): an acquisition process for acquiring a value (W2) of the amount of electric power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device (23) from the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge (20); a first prediction process for predicting a value (W4) of the amount of power consumption in the building (10); a second prediction process for predicting a value (W3) of the amount of power generated by a natural energy power generation device (27) that supplies power to the building (10); a determination process for determining whether or not at least one of the cartridges (20) needs to be replaced based on the value (W2) of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the acquisition process, the value (W4) of the amount of power consumption predicted by the first prediction process, and the value (W3) of the amount of power generation predicted by the second prediction process; Run An energy utilization system is provided.

[0009] According to claim 3, In the energy utilization system according to claim 2, In the second prediction process, the management device (40) predicts a value (W3) of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device (27) based on weather forecast data that indicates future changes in weather in the area where the building (10) is located. An energy utilization system is provided.

[0010] According to claim 4, In the energy utilization system according to claim 3, In the second prediction process, the management device (40) predicts a value (W3) of the amount of power generated by the solar power generation panel, which is the natural energy power generation device (27), by inputting the weather forecast data into a trained model that has been machine-learned using teacher data of the power generated by the solar power generation panel on past days, the amount of power generated, the calendar, the temperature, and the weather. An energy utilization system is provided.

[0011] According to claim 5, A management device (40) that stores hydrogen for use in a fuel cell power generation system (23) that supplies power to a building (10) and determines whether at least one cartridge (20) in the building (10) needs to be replaced, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring a value (W2) of the amount of electric power that can be generated by the fuel cell type power generation device (23) from the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge (20); A prediction means for predicting the value (W4) of the amount of power consumption in the building (10); a determination means for determining whether or not at least one of the cartridges (20) needs to be replaced based on the value (W2) of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the acquisition means and the value (W4) of the amount of power consumption predicted by the prediction means; A management device (40) is provided, comprising:

[0012] According to claim 6, A management device (40) that stores hydrogen for use in a fuel cell power generation system (23) that supplies power to a building (10) and determines whether at least one cartridge (20) in the building (10) needs to be replaced, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring a value (W2) of the amount of electric power that can be generated by the fuel cell type power generation device (23) from the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge (20); a first prediction means for predicting a value (W4) of the amount of power consumption in the building (10); a second prediction means for predicting a value (W3) of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device (27) that supplies power to the building (10); a determination means for determining whether or not at least one of the cartridges (20) needs to be replaced based on the value (W2) of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the acquisition means, the value (W4) of the amount of power consumption predicted by the first prediction means, and the value (W3) of the amount of power generation predicted by the second prediction means; A management device (40) is provided, comprising:

[0013] According to claim 7, The management device (40) according to claim 6, The second prediction means predicts the value (W3) of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device (27) based on weather forecast data that indicates future changes in the weather in the area where the building (10) is located. A management device (40) is provided.

[0014] According to claim 8, The management device (40) according to claim 7, The second prediction means predicts the value (W3) of the amount of power generated by the solar power generation panel, which is the natural energy power generation device (27), by inputting the weather forecast data into a trained model that has been machine-learned using the power generated by the solar power generation panel, the amount of power generated, the calendar, the temperature, and the weather from past days as training data. A management device (40) is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present invention contributes to the realization of a society in which an energy utilization system and a management device can convert electrical energy into other forms of energy and share the energy, even if a power transmission grid is not constructed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an energy utilization system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a house. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a management system for an energy utilization system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the process executed by the computer of the overall management device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Features and technical effects of the embodiments will be understood from the following detailed description and drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below. Because the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples in the drawings.

[0018] In the following description, when ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used in conjunction with common names, the ordinal numbers are used only to identify the objects to which they are attached. They do not limit the objects to which they are attached to any particular objects, and they do not specify the order, rank, order, hierarchy, priority, or subordination of the objects to which they are attached.

[0019] In the following description, the minimum unit of time and hour is not limited to, and may be, for example, one second, one minute, one hour, six hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, one week, two weeks, one month, three months, six months, or one year. Time and hour may be expressed using a calendar.

[0020] In the following description, the amount of hydrogen may be expressed in units of volume or pressure of hydrogen gas, or both, or may be expressed in weight of hydrogen.

[0021] <1. Overview of the energy utilization system> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an energy utilization system. The energy utilization system is an off-grid city located in a certain region of a certain country (hereinafter referred to as the specific region). The energy utilization system comprises a plant 1, a distribution center 9, a stock facility 8, a transport vehicle 70, and a number of buildings 10. The buildings 10 are distributed in the specific region. The plant 1 is established in a specific location in the specific region. The distribution center 9 is established adjacent to the plant 1. The stock facility 8 is established in an area of ​​the specific region where the buildings 10 are densely concentrated.

[0022] Plant 1 produces hydrogen through water electrolysis using surplus electricity or natural energy from each building 10, or both. Plant 1 may also receive hydrogen from an external source. Hydrogen produced in plant 1 is delivered to each building 10. Each building 10 generates electrical energy from natural energy sources such as solar energy and through electrochemical reactions of hydrogen. Buildings 10 are self-sufficient in electricity without relying on power companies. Surplus electricity from each building 10 is converted, for example, into chemical energy and then delivered to plant 1 without using a power grid. People living in a specific area can live a life that minimizes greenhouse gas emissions. This energy utilization system contributes to the promotion of carbon neutrality, the realization of a decarbonized society, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0023] This energy utilization system contributes to the realization of the distribution of portable cartridges 20 and batteries 30, which will be described later, between multiple buildings 10, plants 1, distribution centers 9, and stock facilities 8. Through the distribution of cartridges 20 and batteries 30, this energy utilization system contributes to the realization of a society in which electrical energy generated by the natural energy power generation devices 27 in each building 10 and the natural energy power generation facilities 2 in the plant 1 can be used as chemical energy in the cartridges 20 and batteries 30.

[0024] In particular, the energy utilization system contributes to optimizing the number of empty cartridges 20 collected from the building 10 and the timing of their collection. The energy utilization system contributes to optimizing the number of full cartridges 20 delivered to the building 10 and the timing of their delivery. The energy utilization system contributes to optimizing the number of fully charged batteries 30 collected from the building 10 and the timing of their collection. This energy utilization system contributes to optimizing the number of undercharged batteries 30 delivered to the building 10 and the timing of their delivery. Therefore, this energy utilization system contributes to reducing the occurrence of power shortages in each building 10 and contributes to the realization of an off-grid society in a specific area.

[0025] 2. Plant The plant 1 is equipped with a natural energy power generation facility 2, a hydrogen production facility 3, a hydrogen storage facility 4, a hydrogen filling facility 5, a charging / discharging facility 6, and a power transmission facility 7.

[0026] The renewable energy power generation facility 2 generates electricity from natural energy. The renewable energy power generation facility 2 includes, for example, a solar power generation facility, a hydroelectric power generation facility, a wind power generation facility, a geothermal power generation facility, or a combination of two or more of these. The solar power generation facility converts solar energy into electricity. The hydroelectric power generation facility converts the kinetic energy of water into electricity. The wind power generation facility converts the kinetic energy of wind into electricity. The geothermal power generation facility converts geothermal energy into electricity. The renewable energy power generation facility 2 outputs the generated electricity to the power transmission facility 7, and the electricity is sent via the power transmission facility 7 to the hydrogen production facility 3, the hydrogen storage facility 4, the hydrogen filling facility 5, and the charging / discharging facility 6. The renewable energy power generation facility 2 may be installed at a site separate from the sites of the hydrogen production facility 3, hydrogen storage facility 4, hydrogen filling facility 5, and charging / discharging facility 6, and the electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation facility 2 may be transmitted to the hydrogen production facility 3, hydrogen storage facility 4, hydrogen filling facility 5, and charging / discharging facility 6 by the power transmission facility 7.

[0027] The hydrogen production facility 3 produces hydrogen using electric power and sends the hydrogen to the hydrogen storage facility 4. For example, the hydrogen production facility 3 may include an electrolyzer. The electrolyzer generates hydrogen by electrolyzing water using electric power supplied from the natural energy power generation facility 2 or the charging / discharging facility 6.

[0028] The hydrogen storage facility 4 stores the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production facility 3 .

[0029] The hydrogen filling equipment 5 receives a supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage equipment 4 and fills the hydrogen into cartridges 20 small enough to be carried by a person in small portions.

[0030] The charging / discharging equipment 6 has a charging function and a discharging function. A plurality of batteries 30 can be connected to and disconnected from the charging / discharging equipment 6. The charging / discharging equipment 6 can switch between a charging function and a discharging function for each battery 30 attached to the charging / discharging equipment 6. When the charging function of the charging / discharging equipment 6 is functioning, the charging / discharging equipment 6 charges the battery 30 connected to it with power. The power supplied to the charging / discharging equipment 6 from the natural energy power generation equipment 2 is used to charge the battery 30. When the discharging function of the charging / discharging equipment 6 is functioning, the charging / discharging equipment 6 discharges power from the battery 30. The power discharged from the battery 30 is sent to the hydrogen production equipment 3, the hydrogen storage equipment 4, and the hydrogen filling equipment 5 via the power transmission equipment 7.

[0031] Plant 1 is assigned a unique identification number.

[0032] <3. Cartridges and batteries and their transportation> The cartridge 20 stores hydrogen in a low-pressure or high-pressure gaseous state, a liquid state, or an occluded state. The occluded state means that hydrogen is occluded in an alloy and can be reversibly released. The cartridge 20 includes a cylinder or a hydrogen storage alloy. The cartridge 20 is assigned a unique identification number. The identification number is coded, for example, as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, and attached to the cartridge 20. The identification number may be stored in a wirelessly communicable recording medium, such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, and the recording medium may be attached to the cartridge 20. Hereinafter, the identification number assigned to the cartridge 20 will be referred to as a cartridge ID.

[0033] The battery 30 includes a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, an all-solid-state battery, a lead-acid battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a sodium-sulfur battery. The battery 30 is assigned a unique identification number. The identification number is coded, for example, as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, and attached to the battery 30. The identification number may be stored in a wirelessly communicable recording medium, such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, and the recording medium may be attached to the battery 30. Hereinafter, the identification number assigned to the battery 30 will be referred to as a battery ID.

[0034] The cartridges 20 and batteries 30 are transported between the plant 1, the distribution center 9, the stock facility 8, and a number of buildings 10. For example, a cartridge 20 filled with hydrogen is transported from the plant 1, via the distribution center 9, and, if necessary, via the stock facility 8, to the building 10. For example, an empty cartridge 20 is transported from the building 10, via the stock facility 8, and, if necessary, via the distribution center 9, to the plant 1. For example, an empty battery 30 is transported from the plant 1, via the distribution center 9, and, if necessary, via the stock facility 8, to the building 10. The cartridge 20 and the battery 30 are transported to the building 10 via the stock facility 8 as required. For example, the battery 30 that has stored a saturated amount of power is transported from the building 10 to the plant 1 via the stock facility 8 and the distribution center 9 as required. The cartridge 20 and the battery 30 may be temporarily stored in the plant 1, the distribution center 9, the stock facility 8, or the building 10 during transportation. The period of temporary storage is not limited.

[0035] 1 , the distribution center 9 is a distribution base for the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30. That is, a transport aircraft 70 transports the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30 from the distribution center 9 to the building 10 and the stock facility 8, and transports the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30 from the building 10 and the stock facility 8 to the distribution center 9. The distribution center 9 is located next to the plant 1, within the plant 1, or on land away from the plant 1.

[0036] The stock facility 8 is a relay point between the distribution center 9 and the building 10, and is a temporary storage facility for the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30. Specifically, for example, a transporter 70 transports the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30 from the distribution center 9 to the stock facility 8, and a resident of the building 10 carries the cartridges 20 or the batteries 30 temporarily stored in the stock facility 8 from the stock facility 8 to the building 10. For example, a resident of the building 10 carries the cartridges 20 or the batteries 30 from the building 10 to the stock facility 8, and the transporter 70 transports the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30 from the stock facility 8 to the distribution center 9. When the transporter 70 transports the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30 directly from the building 10 to the distribution center 9, the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30 are not stored in the stock facility 8. The stock facility 8 may have lockers that can be locked and unlocked for temporarily storing the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30. The stock facility 8 may be installed in a commercial facility or the like.

[0037] When a cartridge 20 is carried into or out of the plant 1, the distribution center 9, the stock facility 8, the building 10, or the transport aircraft 70, the identification number of the cartridge 20 is read by a reader, and the identification number is transferred to the overall management device 40 together with the identification information of the destination or source of the cartridge 20. In this way, the cartridge 20 is tracked, and the location and movement of the cartridge 20 are managed by the overall management device 40. Similarly, the battery 30 is tracked, and the location and movement of the battery 30 are managed by the overall management device 40.

[0038] The transport vehicle 70 is, for example, a freight truck or a multicopter. The transport vehicle 70 may have a loading / unloading device for loading and unloading the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30. An operator may operate the transport vehicle 70 while on board the transport vehicle 70, or the transport vehicle 70 may be remotely operated. The transport vehicle 70 may be automatically operated. The transport vehicle 70 may have a storage battery and a motor, and may be an electric transport vehicle that moves by the power of the motor driven by energy discharged from the storage battery. If the transport vehicle 70 is an electric transport vehicle, the storage battery of the transport vehicle 70 may be charged by the charging / discharging equipment 6 of the plant 1. If the transport vehicle 70 is a freight truck, the road on which the transport vehicle 70 travels may be dedicated to the transport vehicle 70, or may be shared with general vehicles other than the transport vehicle 70.

[0039] In the following, the cartridge 20 in the building 10 will be referred to as the first cartridge 20, the cartridge 20 transported by the transport vehicle 70 will be referred to as the second cartridge 20, the battery 30 in the building 10 will be referred to as the first battery 30, and the battery 30 transported from the distribution center 9 by the transport vehicle 70 will be referred to as the second battery 30.

[0040] The transport 70 travels between the distribution center 9, the stock facility 8 and the building 10 on a regular basis, for example daily, weekly or monthly. When the transporter 70 arrives at the building 10, the first cartridge 20 in the building 10 is exchanged for the second cartridge 20 transported by the transporter 70 and then collected. The remaining amount of hydrogen in the first cartridge 20 collected from the building 10 by the transporter 70 is less than the remaining amount of hydrogen in the second cartridge 20 delivered from the transporter 70 to the building 10; for example, the first cartridge 20 collected from the building 10 by the transporter 70 is empty, and the second cartridge 20 delivered from the transporter 70 to the building 10 is filled with hydrogen. When the transport aircraft 70 arrives at the building 10, the first battery 30 in the building 10 is exchanged for and recovered with the second battery 30 transported by the transport aircraft 70. The residual power of the first battery 30 recovered from the building 10 to the transport aircraft 70 is greater than the residual power of the second battery 30 delivered from the transport aircraft 70 to the building 10; for example, the residual rate of the power of the first battery 30 recovered from the building 10 to the transport aircraft 70 is nearly 100%, and the residual rate of the power of the second battery 30 delivered from the transport aircraft 70 to the building 10 is 0%. It should be noted that when the transport 70 arrives at the building 10, either the cartridge 20 or the battery 30 may be replaced.

[0041] Each of the transport aircraft 70, distribution center 9 and stock facility 8 is assigned a unique identification number.

[0042] 4. Buildings FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a building 10. The building 10 is a general building such as a detached house, an apartment building, or a store. The building 10 is assigned a unique identification number. Hereinafter, the identification number assigned to the building 10 will be referred to as a building ID.

[0043] Each building 10 includes an electrical wiring network 12, a distribution board 13, a power meter 14, a power meter 15, a power conditioner 16, a charging / discharging device 18, a cartridge holder 19, cartridges 20, a hydrogen supply 21, an air supply 22, a fuel cell power generation device 23, a water tank 24, a fuel gauge 25, a power meter 26, a natural energy power generation device 27, a battery holder 29, a battery 30, and an individual management device 35. The electrical wiring network 12, the distribution board 13, the natural energy power generation device 27, a power meter 15, a power conditioner 16, a charging / discharging device 18, a cartridge holder 19, a hydrogen supply 21, an air supply 22, a fuel cell power generation device 23, a water tank 24, a fuel gauge 25, a power meter 26, a natural energy power generation device 27, and a battery holder 29 are installed in the building 10. These may be installed either indoors or outdoors.

[0044] An electrical wiring network 12 is laid throughout the building 10. A large number of loads 11 installed or disposed in the building 10 are connected to the electrical wiring network 12. The electrical wiring network 12 is connected to a distribution board 13.

[0045] Distribution board 13 distributes AC power supplied to distribution board 13 from power conditioner 16 to loads 11. Loads 11 receive AC power from distribution board 13 through electrical wiring network 12 and consume the AC power. Loads 11 are electrical devices such as lighting fixtures, refrigerators, air conditioners, water heaters, communication network devices (routers, wireless base stations, wireless repeaters, telephones, etc.), televisions, audio equipment, video recorders, and cooking appliances.

[0046] The cartridge holder 19 holds a plurality of cartridges 20. The cartridges 20 are detachable from the cartridge holder 19. When the cartridge 20 is attached to the cartridge holder 19, the cartridge 20 is connected to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell power generation device 23 via the hydrogen supplier 21.

[0047] The cartridge holder 19 may also serve as a receiving box for home delivery. Specifically, the cartridge holder 19 can be locked using a tool such as a physical key, an electronic key, or a code. The cartridge holder 19 has a door that can be unlocked and opened to allow the cartridges 20 to be attached to or detached from the cartridge holder 19, and the door is closed and locked to prevent theft of the cartridges 20 in the cartridge holder 19. In this case, the cartridge holder 19 may have an area inside for storing deliveries other than the cartridges 20, in addition to an area for attaching multiple cartridges 20.

[0048] A fuel gauge 25 is provided in the cartridge holder 19 for each cartridge 20. The fuel gauge 25 measures the amount of hydrogen remaining in the cartridge 20 and outputs the measurement value to the individual management device 35. Any method may be used for measuring the amount of hydrogen remaining in the cartridge 20 by the fuel gauge 25. For example, the fuel gauge 25 may measure the pressure of hydrogen inside the cartridge 20 using a pressure gauge and convert the measured pressure into the amount of hydrogen remaining. The fuel gauge 25 may measure the total weight of the cartridge 20 using a weighing scale and convert the measured weight into the amount of hydrogen remaining by subtracting the weight of the cartridge 20 itself from the measured weight. The fuel gauge 25 may measure the flow rate of hydrogen sent from the cartridge 20 to the hydrogen supplier 21 using a flow meter and convert the measured flow rate into the amount of hydrogen remaining by subtracting the maximum hydrogen storage capacity of the cartridge 20 from the time integral of the measured flow rate.

[0049] The hydrogen supplier 21 has fluid devices such as valves. The hydrogen supplier 21 sequentially selects the cartridges 20 held in the cartridge holder 19 and supplies hydrogen from the selected cartridge 20 to the anode of the fuel cell power generator 23. When the remaining amount of hydrogen in the selected cartridge 20 becomes low, the hydrogen supplier 21 selects the next cartridge 20 and supplies hydrogen from the selected cartridges 20 to the fuel cell power generator 23. When a selected cartridge 20 becomes empty, the hydrogen supplier 21 deselects that cartridge 20 and stops the supply from that cartridge 20. The hydrogen supplier 21 adjusts the supply flow rate or supply pressure, or both, of hydrogen from the selected cartridge 20 to the fuel cell power generator 23. Of the cartridges 20 held in the cartridge holder 19, the selected cartridge 20 is consuming hydrogen. The unselected cartridges 20 are filled with hydrogen. The deselected cartridges 20 are empty.

[0050] The air supplier 22 is connected to the oxygen electrode of the fuel cell power generation device 23. The air supplier 22 has fluid devices such as a valve and a blower. The air supplier 22 supplies air to the oxygen electrode of the fuel cell power generation device 23. The air supplier 22 adjusts the supply flow rate or supply pressure of hydrogen to the fuel cell power generation device 23, or both.

[0051] The fuel electrode and oxygen electrode of the fuel cell power generator 23 are connected to the power conditioner 16 via a wattmeter 26. The fuel cell power generator 23 generates DC power and water by reacting hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen supplier 21 with oxygen in the air supplied by the air supplier 22 through an electrolyte membrane. The fuel cell power generator 23 outputs the generated DC power to the power conditioner 16 via the wattmeter 26. The fuel cell power generator 23 discharges the generated water into one or more water tanks 24. The wattmeter 26 may measure the output current or output voltage of the fuel cell power generator 23 and perform calculations from the output current or output voltage.

[0052] The power meter 26 measures the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 and outputs the measured value to the individual management device 35 .

[0053] The water tank 24 stores the water supplied from the fuel cell power generation system 23. The water tank 24 may be a cartridge type, and may be detachable from the installation location. Note that the water produced by the fuel cell power generation system 23 may be discharged into a sewer system.

[0054] The natural energy power generation device 27 is connected to the power conditioner 16 via the power meter 15. The natural energy power generation device 27 generates DC power from natural energy. The natural energy power generation device 27 supplies the generated DC power to the power conditioner 16. For example, the natural energy power generation device 27 has a solar power generation panel that generates DC power from solar energy. The solar power generation panel is installed, for example, on the roof of the building 10. Note that the natural energy power generation device 27 may also have a device other than a solar power generation panel, such as a hydroelectric power generation device, a wind power generation device, or a geothermal power generation device. The natural energy power generation device 27 may be a combination of two or more of the solar power generation panel, the hydroelectric power generation device, the wind power generation device, and the geothermal power generation device.

[0055] The wattmeter 15 measures the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 and outputs the measured values ​​to the individual management device 35. The wattmeter 15 may measure the output current or output voltage of the natural energy power generation device 27 and perform calculations from the output current or output voltage.

[0056] The battery holder 17 holds a plurality of batteries 30. The batteries 30 are detachable from the battery holder 17. When the battery 30 is attached to the battery holder 17, the battery 30 is connected to the charging / discharging device 18.

[0057] The charging / discharging device 18 has a charging function and a discharging function. The charging / discharging device 18 charges the battery 30 attached to the battery holder 17 with surplus power supplied to the charging / discharging device 18 from the power conditioner 16. The charging / discharging device 18 outputs DC power shortage from the battery 30 to the power conditioner 16.

[0058] The charging / discharging device 18 has a charge amount meter. The charging / discharging device 18 measures the residual energy of each battery 30 using the charge amount meter. The charging / discharging device 18 outputs the measured value of the residual energy of each battery 30 to the individual management device 35. As a result, the individual management device 35 acquires the measured value of the residual energy of each battery 30. Note that the individual management device 35 may periodically store the measured value of the residual energy of each battery 30 in association with the measurement time at very short intervals.

[0059] The power conditioner 16 includes a DC-AC converter, a relay, a control circuit, etc. The power conditioner 16 is connected to a distribution board 13. A power meter 14 can be provided between the distribution board 13 and the power conditioner 16.

[0060] Power conditioner 16 converts DC power supplied from natural energy power generation device 27 into AC power and supplies the AC power to distribution board 13. Power conditioner 16 converts DC power supplied from fuel cell power generation device 23 into AC power and supplies the AC power to distribution board 13. Power conditioner 16 converts DC power supplied from charge / discharge device 18 into AC power and supplies the AC power to distribution board 13. Distribution board 13 distributes the AC power supplied to distribution board 13 from power conditioner 16 to loads 11.

[0061] Of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27, the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23, and the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18, the power conditioner 16 supplies the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 to the distribution board 13 with the highest priority.

[0062] When the total power consumption of the load 11 is less than the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27, the power conditioner 16 supplies surplus power obtained by subtracting the total power consumption from the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 to the charging / discharging device 18. Therefore, the surplus power is supplied to the battery 30 by the charging / discharging device 18.

[0063] Building 10 is configured to be able to select which of the power generated by fuel cell power generation device 23 and the power of first battery 30 is to be consumed with priority. Specifically, when the total power consumption of load 11 exceeds the power generated by natural energy power generation device 27, power conditioner 16 can select which of the power discharged by charge / discharge device 18 and the power generated by fuel cell power generation device 23 is to be consumed with priority. Based on a command input from individual management device 35, power conditioner 16 selects which of the power discharged by charge / discharge device 18 and the power generated by fuel cell power generation device 23 is to be consumed with priority.

[0064] When priority is given to the consumption of the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18, the power conditioner 16 supplies the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 to the distribution board 13. However, if the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 are insufficient for the total power consumption of the load 11, the power conditioner 16 also supplies the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 to the distribution board 13. Note that when the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 are insufficient for the total power consumption of the load 11, the hydrogen supply device 21, the air supply device 22, and the fuel cell power generation device 23 operate, and when the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 meet the total power consumption of the load 11, the hydrogen supply device 21, the air supply device 22, and the fuel cell power generation device 23 stop.

[0065] When priority consumption of the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 is selected, the power conditioner 16 supplies the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 and the power generated by the natural energy power generator 27 to the distribution board 13. However, when the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 and the power generated by the natural energy power generator 27 is insufficient for the total power consumption of the load 11, the power conditioner 16 also supplies the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 to the distribution board 13. When priority consumption of the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 is selected, the hydrogen supply device 21, the air supply device 22, and the fuel cell power generator 23 may always operate, or the hydrogen supply device 21, the air supply device 22, and the fuel cell power generator 23 may operate when the power generated by the natural energy power generator 27 is insufficient for the total power consumption of the load 11. When the hydrogen supply device 21, the air supply device 22, and the fuel cell power generation device 23 are always operating, if the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 and the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 is in excess of the total power consumption of the load 11, the power conditioner 16 supplies the surplus power to the charge / discharge device 18. Therefore, the surplus power is supplied to the battery 30 by the charge / discharge device 18.

[0066] The power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27, the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23, and the power discharged by the charge / discharge device 18 may be consumed in accordance with various priorities.

[0067] The power meter 14 measures the total power consumption of the load 11 and outputs the measured values ​​to the individual management device 35 .

[0068] The individual management device 35 is a terminal used by a resident. The individual management device 35 is assigned an identification number that is the same as the building ID of the building 10 in which the resident who uses it resides.

[0069] The individual management device 35 is configured as a general-purpose computer system or a dedicated computer system. A general-purpose computer system refers to a computer system such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a desktop computer on which a general-purpose operating system (OS) is installed. Examples of general-purpose OS include Windows (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), or Unix (registered trademark). The dedicated computer system is a computer system that is installed on the interior wall of a building and has the function of monitoring or controlling the load 11 of the building 10. For example, a dedicated computer system is a HEMS (Home Energy Management System). Or a BEMS (Building Energy Management System) controller. The device 35 may be a combination of a general-purpose computer system and a dedicated computer system. A user's terminal device may be able to access the individual management device 35 through a home network and, if necessary, a communication network 90.

[0070] The individual management device 35 has a display device. The individual management device 35 displays various information on the display device. The individual management device 35 has input devices such as a touch panel, push buttons, keys, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, a star, and a pointing device. When a resident operates the input device, the individual management device 35 receives commands and information corresponding to the operation. For example, if a resident selects the first priority mode (battery priority mode) using the input device of the individual management device 35, the selection of the first priority mode is transmitted from the individual management device 35 to the power conditioner 16 and the overall management device 40, and the power conditioner 16 prioritizes supplying the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 out of the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23. For example, if a resident selects the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode) using the input device of the individual management device 35, the selection of the second priority mode is transferred from the individual management device 35 to the power conditioner 16 and the overall management device 40, and the power conditioner 16 preferentially consumes the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 out of the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23. Note that, while the resident selects either the first priority mode or the second priority mode, the individual management device 35 may automatically select either the first priority mode or the second priority mode through calculation processing, and the power conditioner 16 may operate as described above according to the selected mode. Alternatively, an administrator may select either the first priority mode or the second priority mode and input the selected mode to the overall management device 40 (described below), which then transfers the selected mode to the individual management device 35, and the power conditioner 16 may operate as described above according to the selected mode.

[0071] The individual management device 35 has a communication device such as a mobile phone line communication module, a network card, and a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) handset. The individual management device 35 is connected to a communication network 90 such as the Internet by the communication device. The individual management device 35 can access the overall management device 40 through the communication network 90. ​​For example, a secure communication protocol such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is used to communicate with the individual management device 35. It may be employed for communication between the device 35 and the overall management device 40.

[0072] The individual management device 35 has a storage medium storing a program 46. This program 46 causes the individual management device 35 to function as follows.

[0073] The individual management device 35 has a timekeeping function for measuring time and recognizing the current time. The individual management device 35 periodically stores the measured water volume of the water tank 24 measured by the water meter in association with the measurement time. As a result, the individual management device 35 accumulates time-series data of the measured water volume. Based on the time-series data of the measured water volume, the individual management device 35 displays a graph or the like on a display device showing the relationship between the measured water volume and the measurement time, and also displays the instantaneous (real-time) measured water volume and the measurement time together with the trend on the display device. The individual management device 35 instantly (in real time) associates the measured water volume of the water tank 24 measured by the water meter with the measurement time, and transmits the measured water volume and measurement time to the overall management device 40.

[0074] The individual management device 35 periodically measures the fuel consumption measured by the power meter 26 at very short intervals. The measured value of the power generated by the battery-powered power generator 23 is stored in association with the time of measurement. As a result, the individual management device 35 accumulates time-series data of the measured value of the power generated. Based on the time-series data of the measured value of the power generated, the individual management device 35 displays on a display device a graph or the like showing the relationship between the measured value of the power generated and the time of measurement, and also displays the real-time measured value and the time of measurement together with the time of measurement. The individual management device 35 real-timely associates the measured value of the power generated by the fuel cell-powered power generator 23 measured by the power meter 26 with the time of measurement, and transmits the measurement location and time to the overall management device 40.

[0075] The individual management device 35 calculates the value of the amount of power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 by integrating the time-series data of the measured values ​​of the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the individual management device 35 may calculate the value of the amount of power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0076] The individual management device 35 periodically stores the measured values ​​of the power generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27 measured by the power meter 15 in association with the measurement time. As a result, the individual management device 35 accumulates time-series data of the measured values ​​of the power generated. Based on the time-series data of the measured values ​​of the power generated, the individual management device 35 displays a graph or the like on a display device showing the relationship between the measured values ​​of the power generated and the measurement time, and also displays the real-time measured values ​​and the measurement times along with the change. The individual management device 35 immediately associates the measured values ​​of the power generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27 measured by the power meter 15 with the measurement time and transmits the measured values ​​and the measurement times to the overall management device 40.

[0077] The individual management device 35 calculates the value of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 by integrating the time-series data of the measured values ​​of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the individual management device 35 may calculate the value of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0078] The individual management device 35 periodically stores the measured values ​​of the total power consumption of the loads 11 measured by the power meter 14 in association with the measurement time at very short intervals. As a result, the individual management device 35 accumulates time-series data of the measured values ​​of the total power consumption. Based on the time-series data of the measured values ​​of the total power consumption, the individual management device 35 displays on a display device a graph or the like showing the relationship between the measured values ​​of the total power consumption and the measurement time, and also displays the real-time measured values ​​and the measurement times along with the trend. The individual management device 35 immediately associates the measured values ​​of the total power consumption of the loads 11 measured by the power meter 14 with the measurement time and transmits the measured values ​​and the measurement times to the overall management device 40.

[0079] The individual management device 35 calculates the value of the total power consumption of the load 11 by integrating the time-series data of the measured values ​​of the total power consumption of the load 11 over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the individual management device 35 may calculate the value of the total power consumption of the load 11 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0080] The individual management device 35 instantly acquires the measured value of the remaining amount of hydrogen for each cartridge 20. Specifically, the fuel gauge 25 measures the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20, and the measured value is output to the individual management device 35, thereby allowing the individual management device 35 to acquire the measured value of the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20. The individual management device 35 instantly calculates the total remaining amount by adding up the remaining amounts of hydrogen in these cartridges 20. The individual management device 35 instantly calculates the value of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 from the total remaining amount of hydrogen. The individual management device 35 instantly stores the values ​​of the total remaining amount of hydrogen and the amount of power that can be generated, in association with the time of calculation. As a result, the individual management device 35 accumulates time-series data on the total remaining amount of hydrogen and the amount of power that can be generated. Based on the time-series data on the total remaining amount of hydrogen and the amount of power that can be generated, the individual management device 35 displays on a display device a graph or the like showing the relationship between the total remaining amount of hydrogen and the amount of power that can be generated and the calculation time, and also displays on the display device the real-time total remaining amount of hydrogen, the amount of power that can be generated, and the calculation time together with the changes. The individual management device 35 immediately transmits the total remaining amount of hydrogen, the amount of power that can be generated, and the calculation time to the overall management device 40.

[0081] The individual management device 35 instantly acquires the measured value of the residual energy for each battery 30 from the charging / discharging device 18. The individual management device 35 instantly calculates the value of the total residual energy by summing the measured values ​​of the residual energy of these batteries 30. The individual management device 35 instantly associates the value of the total residual energy with the calculation time and stores it. As a result, the individual management device 35 accumulates time-series data of the total remaining energy. Based on the time-series data of the total remaining energy, the individual management device 35 displays on the display device a graph or the like showing the relationship between the total remaining energy and the calculation time, and also displays the real-time total remaining energy and the calculation time together with the change. The individual management device 35 instantly associates the value of the total remaining energy with the calculation time and transmits the value of the total remaining energy and the calculation time to the overall management device 40.

[0082] It should be noted that a total management device 40, which will be described later, may have the same functions as the individual management devices 35 described above.

[0083] <5. Management System> The energy utilization system has a management system as shown in FIG. 3. This management system manages the energy utilization system as a whole. The management system includes an individual management device 35 used by residents of each building 10, an overall management device 40 used by the operator of the distribution center 9, a weather information storage device 80, a first terminal 91 used by the operator of the transport aircraft 70, a second terminal 92 used by the operator of the plant 1, and a third terminal 93 installed in the stock facility 8. The overall management device 40 is installed in a data center or the like. The individual management device 35 is installed in the building 10 or can be carried by the resident of the building 10. The first terminal 91 is installed in the transport aircraft 70 or can be carried by the operator of the transport aircraft 70. The second terminal 92 is installed in the plant 1 or can be carried by the operator of the plant 1.

[0084] The overall control device 40 comprises a computer 41 , a memory device 45 , an input device 43 , a display device 44 and a communication device 42 .

[0085] The computer 41 is responsible for the overall control of the overall management device 40. The computer 41 has a timekeeping function that measures time and recognizes the current time. The computer 41 has a main board, one or more hardware processors, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The main board has a bus, a bus controller, an interface circuit, and the like, and transmits information between the hardware processor, GPU, RAM, memory device 45, input device 43, display device 44, and communication device 42. The hardware processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The hardware processor performs various types of arithmetic processing. R The AM provides a storage area or a working area to the hardware processor when it performs calculations. The GPU performs processing that can be performed faster than the hardware processor (for example, image processing and matrix calculation processing) under the instruction of the hardware processor.

[0086] The input device 43 is an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a touch pad, a stylus, a pointing device, a key, and a push button. The input device 43 outputs a signal according to the content of the operation performed by the administrator on the input device 43 to the computer 41. The computer 41 recognizes the input and command by the administrator according to the signal transferred from the input device 43.

[0087] The display device 44 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device. The display device 44 displays an image according to a video signal input from the computer 41.

[0088] The communicator 42 may be, for example, a network card or a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) adapter. The communicator 42 is connected to a communication network 90 via a router or the like.

[0089] The memory device 45 may be, for example, a memory device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). An OS (Operating System) is stored in the memory device 45 and is installed in the overall management device 40 so that the OS is executed by the computer 41. The memory device 45 stores a program 46 that can be executed on the OS by the computer 41, particularly the hardware processor.

[0090] The overall management device 40 is connected to a storage device 50. The storage device 50 is a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a data server, a file server, or a cloud computing system. A computer 41 of the overall management device 40 records information in the storage device 50 and reads information recorded in the storage device 50. The storage device 50 may be connected to the computer 41 via an interface circuit, or may be accessed by the computer 41 via a communication network 90.

[0091] Next, the functions of the computer 41 realized by the program 46 will be described.

[0092] The computer 41 collects and stores information sent from the individual management device 35 for each building 10. Specifically, the process is as follows.

[0093] Every time the computer 41 receives the measurement value of the water storage volume of the water tank 24 and the measurement time from the individual management device 35, the computer 41 associates the measurement value of the water storage volume of the water tank 24 with the measurement time and records the data in the storage device 50. In this way, the computer 41 accumulates time-series data 51 of the measurement value of the water storage volume of the water tank 24 in the storage device 50.

[0094] Each time the computer 41 receives a measured value of the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 and the measurement time from the individual management device 35, the computer 41 associates the measured value of the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 with the measurement time and records it in the storage device 50. As a result, the computer 41 stores time-series data 52 of the measured value of the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 in the storage device 50. The computer 41 calculates the value of the amount of power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 by integrating the time-series data 52 of the measured value of the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the individual management device 35 may calculate the value of the amount of power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0095] Every time the computer 41 receives the measured value of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 and the measurement time from the individual management device 35, the computer 41 associates the measured value of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 with the measurement time and records it in the storage device 50. In this way, the computer 41 stores time-series data 53 of the measured value of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 in the storage device 50. The computer 41 calculates the value of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 by integrating the time series data 53 of the measured values ​​of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the individual management device 35 may calculate the value of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0096] Each time the computer 41 receives the measured value of the total power consumption of the load 11 and the measurement time from the individual management device 35, the computer 41 associates the measured value of the total power consumption of the load 11 with the measurement time and records it in the storage device 50. As a result, the computer 41 accumulates time-series data 54 of the measured value of the total power consumption of the load 11 in the storage device 50. The computer 41 calculates the value of the total power consumption of the load 11 by integrating the time-series data 54 of the measured value of the total power consumption of the load 11 over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the individual management device 35 may calculate the value of the total power consumption of the load 11 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0097] Each time the computer 41 receives the total remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20 and the calculation time from the individual management device 35, it records the total remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20 in association with the calculation time in the storage device 50. In this way, the computer 41 accumulates time-series data 55 of the total remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20 in the storage device 50. Each time the computer 41 receives from the individual management device 35 the value of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 based on the total amount of hydrogen remaining in the cartridge 20 and the calculation time, the computer 41 associates the value of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 with the calculation time and records it in the storage device 50. In this way, the computer 41 accumulates time-series data 56 of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 in the storage device 50.

[0098] Every time the computer 41 receives the value of the total remaining energy of the battery 30 and the calculation time from the individual management device 35, the computer 41 associates the value of the total remaining energy of the battery 30 with the calculation time and records it in the storage device 50. In this way, the computer 41 accumulates time-series data 57 of the total remaining energy of the battery 30 in the storage device 50.

[0099] The time series data 51 to 57 are data for each building 10, and a building ID is assigned to each of the time series data 51 to 57.

[0100] When a resident selects the first priority mode (battery priority mode) using the input device of the individual management device 35, a notification that the first priority mode has been selected is transferred from the individual management device 35 to the overall management device 40, and the overall management device 40 recognizes the selection of the first priority mode in association with the building ID. When a resident selects the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode) using the input device of the individual management device 35, a notification that the second priority mode has been selected is transferred from the individual management device 35 to the overall management device 40, and the overall management device 40 recognizes the selection of the second priority mode in association with the building ID.

[0101] When the administrator designates the building 10 using the input device 43 and selects the first priority mode (battery priority mode), the computer 41 transfers the selection of the first priority mode to the individual management device 35 of that building 10, and the individual management device 35 issues a command to select the first priority mode to the power conditioner 16, and the power conditioner 16 preferentially supplies the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 to the distribution board 13 out of the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the fuel cell power generator 23. When the administrator designates the building 10 using the input device 43 and selects the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode), the computer 41 transfers the selection of the second priority mode to the individual management device 35 of that building 10, and the individual management device 35 issues a command to select the second priority mode to the power conditioner 16, Of the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the fuel cell power generator 23, the power conditioner 16 supplies the generated power of the fuel cell power generator 23 to the distribution board 13 with priority.

[0102] The weather information storage device 80 is connected to the overall control device 40. The weather information storage device 80 is a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a data server, a file server, or a cloud computing system. The weather information storage device 80 may be connected to the computer 41 of the overall control device 40 via an interface circuit, or may be accessed by the computer 41 via a communication network 90.

[0103] The weather information storage device 80 stores weather forecasts for a specific region as data 81. In other words, the weather information storage device 80 stores data 81 of future trends in the weather for a specific region. Weather refers to atmospheric conditions (such as fine weather, cloudy weather, rainy weather, and snowfall), temperature, humidity, amount of solar radiation, and amount of precipitation.

[0104] <6. Program> Before the transport vehicle 70 departs from the delivery center 9, the program 46 causes the computer 41 of the overall management device 40 to execute the following process for each building 10. Note that the program 46 may also cause the computer 41 of the overall management device 40 to execute the following process for each building 10 for which the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode) has been selected.

[0105] As shown in Fig. 4, the computer 41 acquires the latest value of the total remaining energy from the time-series data 57 of the total remaining energy of the battery 30 (step S1). The latest value of the total remaining energy refers to the value of the total remaining energy that was last added to the time-series data 57 at the time of step S1. Hereinafter, the acquired value of the total remaining energy may be referred to as "W1".

[0106] Next, the computer 41 acquires the latest value of the amount of power that can be generated from the time-series data 56 of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 (step S2). The latest value of the amount of power that can be generated refers to the value of the amount of power that was last added to the time-series data 56 at the time of step S2. Hereinafter, the acquired value of the amount of power that can be generated may also be referred to as "W2".

[0107] Next, the computer 41 predicts the value of the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27 (step S3). The prediction of the amount of power generated may use and reference the time-series data 53 of the measured values ​​of the power generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27, the weather forecast data 81, or both. The time-series data 53, the weather forecast data 81, or both may be input into a trained model that has been machine-learned in advance to predict the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27. For example, the trained model may be trained using training data such as the power and amount of power generated by solar panels in various homes on past days, calendars, temperatures, weather, etc. Herein, the calculation period for the value of the predicted amount of power generated is equal to the periodic patrol cycle of the vehicle 70. For example, if the vehicle 70 patrols daily, weekly, or monthly, the predicted amount of power generated is the amount of power that will be generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27 of the building 10 over the next day, seven days, or one month. Hereinafter, the value of the predicted amount of power generated may also be referred to as "W3."

[0108] Next, the computer 41 predicts the value of the amount of power consumption in the building 10 (step S4). The prediction of the value of the amount of power consumption may be performed using and referencing the time series data 54 of the measured values ​​of the total power consumption of the loads 11, or the weather forecast data 81, or both. A trained model in which the time series data 54, the weather forecast data 81, or both are machine-learned in advance may be used. The power consumption may be predicted by inputting the data into the trained model, which is trained using training data such as past daily power consumption amounts in various households, calendars, temperatures, weather, etc. Here, the calculation period for the predicted power consumption is equal to the regular patrol cycle of the transporter 70, and if the transporter 70 patrols daily, weekly, or monthly, for example, the predicted power consumption is the amount of power that will be consumed in the building 10 over the next one day, seven days, or one month. Hereinafter, the value of the predicted total power consumption may be referred to as "W4."

[0109] Next, the computer 41 determines whether or not to replace the first cartridge 20 of the building 10 with the second cartridge 20 of the transport device 70 and whether or not to replace the first battery 30 of the building 10 with the second battery 30 of the transport device 70 based on the total remaining energy W1, the generateable energy W2, the generated energy W3, and the total consumed energy W4. Specifically, the determination is as follows.

[0110] The computer 41 calculates an evaluation value E1 from the total remaining energy W1, the generateable energy W2, the generated energy W3, and the total consumed energy W4 (step S5). The evaluation value E1 is the sum of the total remaining energy W1, the generateable energy W2, and the generated energy W3 minus the total consumed energy W4.

[0111] The computer 41 compares the evaluation value E1 with a predetermined threshold Th0 and a predetermined threshold Th1 (steps S6 and S7). The predetermined threshold Th0 is a value for determining whether a power shortage will occur in the building 10. The predetermined threshold Th0 is, for example, zero. However, the predetermined threshold Th0 may be a positive value greater than zero, taking into account a safety factor. The predetermined threshold Th1 is a value for determining whether the battery 30 and the fuel cell power generation device 23 can more than adequately compensate for the shortage even if the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 is insufficient compared to the amount of power consumed by the building 10. The predetermined threshold Th1 is a positive value greater than the predetermined threshold Th0. If the comparison results in the evaluation value E1 being less than the predetermined threshold Th0 (step S6: YES), the computer 41 determines that the first cartridge 20 of the building 10 should be replaced with the second cartridge 20 of the transport device 70, and determines that the first battery 30 of the building 10 should not be replaced with the second battery 30 of the transport device 70 (step S8). The evaluation value E1 being less than the predetermined threshold value Th0 means that the sum of the total remaining energy W1, the generateable energy W2, and the generated energy W3 is less than the total consumed energy W4. Here, the evaluation value E1 being less than the predetermined threshold value Th0 means that there is a risk of an energy shortage in the building 10 during the aforementioned calculation period. Therefore, by replacing the empty first cartridge 20 with the second cartridge 20 filled with hydrogen, an energy shortage in the building 10 will not occur. After step S8, the computer 41 may calculate the number of cartridges 20 to be replaced based on the time-series data 55 of the total remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridges 20 or the latest total remaining amount of hydrogen in that time-series data 55. Furthermore, the computer 41 may correct the number of cartridges 20 to be replaced. For example, the computer 41 may correct the number of cartridges 20 to be replaced based on the time-series data 57 of the total remaining amount of energy in the battery 30, the latest total remaining amount of energy in that time-series data 57, the time-series data 54 of the measured value of the total power consumption of the load 11, the latest measured value in that time-series data 54, the time-series data 53 of the measured value of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27, the latest measured value in that time-series data 53, the time-series data 52 of the measured value of the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23, or the latest measured value in that time-series data 52. The number of cartridges 20 after the correction may be zero.

[0112] If the comparison result shows that the evaluation value E1 exceeds the predetermined threshold value Th1 (step S6: NO, step S7: NO), the computer 41 determines that the first cartridge 20 of the building 10 will not be replaced with the second cartridge 20 of the transporter 70, and determines that the first battery 30 of the building 10 will be replaced with the second battery 30 of the transporter 70 (step S9). Here, the evaluation value E1 exceeding the predetermined threshold value Th1 means that the amount of natural energy consumed in the aforementioned calculation period has increased. This means that even if the amount of power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 27 is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the building 10, the battery 30 and the fuel cell power generation device 23 more than adequately make up for the shortfall. Therefore, even if the charged first battery 30 is replaced with an uncharged second battery 30, there will be no power shortage in the building 10. After step S9, the computer 41 may calculate the number of batteries 30 to be replaced based on the time-series data 57 of the total remaining amount of energy in the batteries 30 or the latest total remaining amount of energy in the time-series data 57. Furthermore, the computer 41 may correct the number of batteries 30 to be replaced. For example, the computer 41 may correct the number of batteries 30 to be replaced based on the time-series data 55 of the total remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20, the latest total remaining amount of hydrogen in the time-series data 55, the time-series data 56 of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23, the latest amount of power that can be generated in the time-series data 56, the time-series data 54 of the measured value of the total power consumption of the load 11, the latest measured value in the time-series data 54, the time-series data 53 of the measured value of the power generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27, the latest measured value in the time-series data 53, the time-series data 52 of the measured value of the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23, or the latest measured value in the time-series data 52. The number of batteries 30 after the correction may be zero.

[0113] If the comparison result shows that the evaluation value E1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value Th0 and equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value Th1 (step S6: NO, step S7: YES), the computer 41 determines that the first cartridge 20 in the building 10 will not be replaced with the second cartridge 20 in the transporter 70, and determines that the first battery 30 in the building 10 will not be replaced with the second battery 30 in the transporter 70 (step S10). Here, the evaluation value E1 being equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value Th1 means that even if the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 falls short of the amount of power consumed by the building 10 during the aforementioned calculation period, the battery 30 and the fuel cell power generation device 23 can fully compensate for the shortfall. Therefore, by leaving the charged first battery 30 in the building 10 without replacing it, the occurrence of a power shortage in the building 10 is reduced.

[0114] The computer 41 may transmit the determination result of step S8, S9, or S10, the number of cartridges 20 replaced, and the number of batteries 30 replaced to the individual management device 35, and the individual management device 35 may store and display the determination result and the number of replacements. The computer 41 may transmit the determination result of step S8, S9, or S10, the number of cartridges 20 replaced, the number of batteries 30 replaced, and the building ID to the first terminal 91, the second terminal 92, and the third terminal 93, and the first terminal 91, the second terminal 92, and the third terminal 93 may store and display the determination result, the number of replacements, and the building ID. The timing for displaying these is, for example, when the transport vehicle 70 delivers the second cartridges 20 filled with hydrogen and the second uncharged batteries 30 after the transport vehicle 70 departs from the distribution center 9.

[0115] <7. Delivery> After the above processing, the computer 41 of the overall management device 40 calculates the order in which to visit the buildings 10 and stock facilities 8 (hereinafter referred to as the delivery order) based on the location information of each building 10 and stock facility 8 and the judgment results for each building 10 in the above processing. In addition, the computer 41 of the overall management device 40 calculates the route in which to visit the buildings 10 and stock facilities 8 (hereinafter referred to as the delivery route) based on the location information of each building 10 and stock facility 8, the judgment results for each building 10 in the above processing, and map information.

[0116] The computer 41 of the overall management device 40 creates information representing the calculated delivery order and delivery route, and transmits the information to the first terminal 91. The first terminal 91 may display the delivery order and delivery route based on the information.

[0117] Thereafter, a second cartridge 20 filled with hydrogen and a second uncharged battery 30 is loaded onto the transporter 70 at the delivery center 9. When the second cartridge 20 is loaded onto the transporter 70, a reader of the first terminal 91 reads the cartridge ID of the second cartridge 20, and the first terminal 91 associates the cartridge ID with the identification number of the transporter 70 and transmits them to the overall management device 40, where they are received by the computer 41 of the overall management device 40. The computer 41 links the cartridge ID, the identification number of the transporter 70, and the time of receipt to one another and adds these to the traceability database 59 of the storage device 50, thereby managing the location of the second cartridge 20. Similarly, a reader of the first terminal 91 reads the battery ID of the second battery 30, and the first terminal 91 associates the battery ID with the identification number of the transporter 70 and transmits them to the overall management device 40, whereupon the battery ID, the identification number of the transporter 70, and the time of receipt are added to the traceability database 59 by the computer 41.

[0118] Thereafter, the transport vehicle 70 departs from the distribution center 9 and moves around the building 10 and the stock facility 8 according to the information on the delivery order and delivery route received by the first terminal 91. The transport vehicle 70 may be operated by an operator, or the transport vehicle 70 may be automatically driven. If the first terminal 91 has a function to control the transport vehicle 70, the first terminal 91 may control the transport vehicle 70 so that the transport vehicle 70 moves according to the delivery order and delivery route, thereby automatically driving the transport vehicle 70.

[0119] When the transport 70 arrives at the building 10, the first cartridge 20 in the building 10 is replaced with the second cartridge 20 in the transport 70, or the first battery 30 in the building 10 is replaced with the second battery 30 in the transport 70. The replacement may be performed by either the operator or the resident, or may be performed automatically by the loading and unloading device of the transport 70. The first cartridge 20 may be removed from the cartridge holder 19 by either the operator or the resident, or may be performed automatically by the loading and unloading device of the transport 70. The second cartridge 20 may be attached to the cartridge holder 19 by either the operator or the resident, or may be performed automatically by the loading and unloading device of the transport 70. The first battery 30 may be removed from the battery holder 17 by either the operator or the resident, or may be performed automatically by the loading and unloading device of the transport 70. The second battery 30 may be attached to the battery holder 17 by either the operator or the resident, or may be performed automatically by the loading and unloading device of the transport 70. When the first cartridge 20 or the first battery 30 in the building 10 is loaded onto the transport device 70, the reader of the first terminal 91 reads the cartridge ID of the first cartridge 20 or the battery ID of the first battery 30, and the first terminal 91 associates the cartridge ID or battery ID with the identification number of the transport device 70 and transmits them to the overall management device 40, which then receives them. The computer 41 links the cartridge ID (or battery ID), the identification number of the transport device 70, and the time of reception together and adds these to the traceability database 59 of the storage device 50, whereby the location of the first cartridge 20 or the first battery 30 is managed by the overall management device 40.When the second cartridge 20 or the second battery 30 of the transport device 70 is carried into the building 10, the reader of the first terminal 91 reads the cartridge ID of the second cartridge 20 or the battery ID of the second battery 30, and the first terminal 91 associates the cartridge ID or battery ID with the building ID of the building 10 and transmits it to the overall management device 40, and the computer 41 links the cartridge ID (or battery ID), the building ID of the building 10, and the time of reception together and adds them to the traceability database 59 of the storage device 50. In this way, the location of the second cartridge 20 or the second battery 30 is managed by the overall management device 40.

[0120] When the transport 70 arrives at the stock facility 8, the first cartridge 20 of the stock facility 8 is replaced with the second cartridge 20 of the transport 70, and the first battery 30 of the stock facility 8 is replaced with the second battery 30 of the transport 70. The replacement may be performed by an operator or by a This may be done by a staff member at the stock facility 8, or may be done automatically by a loading and unloading device of the transporter 70. When the first cartridge 20 or the first battery 30 from the stock facility 8 is loaded onto the transporter 70, a reader at the first terminal 91 or the third terminal 93 reads the cartridge ID of the first cartridge 20 or the battery ID of the first battery 30, and the first terminal 91 or the third terminal 93 associates the cartridge ID or the battery ID with the identification number of the transporter 70 and transmits the result to the overall management device 40. When the second cartridge 20 or the second battery 30 from the transporter 70 is brought into the building 10, a reader at the first terminal 91 or the third terminal 93 reads the cartridge ID of the second cartridge 20 or the battery ID of the second battery 30, and the first terminal 91 or the third terminal 93 associates the cartridge ID or the battery ID with the identification number of the stock facility 8 and transmits the result to the overall management device 40. A resident of building 10 removes the first cartridge 20 or first battery 30 from the holder 17 or 19 at home, carries the first cartridge 20 or first battery 30 to the stock facility 8, exchanges the first cartridge 20 or first battery 30 for the second cartridge 20 or second battery 30 at the stock facility 8, takes the second cartridge 20 or second battery 30 back to his or her own building 10, and installs the second cartridge 20 or second battery 30 in the original holder 17 or 19. When the second cartridge 20 or second battery 30 from the stock facility 8 is brought back to the building 10, the reader of the third terminal 93 reads the cartridge ID of the second cartridge 20 or the battery ID of the second battery 30, and the third terminal 93 associates the cartridge ID or battery ID with the building ID of the building 10 and transmits it to the overall management device 40, and the computer 41 links the cartridge ID (or battery ID), building ID, and reception time to each other and adds them to the traceability database 59 of the storage device 50. In this way, the location of the second cartridge 20 or second battery 30 is managed by the overall management device 40.When the first cartridge 20 or the first battery 30 in the building 10 is brought into the stock facility 8, the reader of the third terminal 93 reads the cartridge ID of the first cartridge 20 or the battery ID of the first battery 30, and the third terminal 93 associates the cartridge ID or battery ID with the identification number of the stock facility 8 and transmits them to the overall management device 40, and the computer 41 links the cartridge ID (or battery ID), the identification number of the stock facility 8, and the time of reception together and adds them to the traceability database 59 of the storage device 50. In this way, the location of the first cartridge 20 or the first battery 30 is managed by the overall management device 40.

[0121] After touring the building 10 and the stock facility 8, the transport aircraft 70 returns to the distribution center 9.

[0122] 8. Flexibility When a certain building 10 (hereinafter referred to as the first building 10) has a surplus of electricity and another building 10 (hereinafter referred to as the second building 10) has a shortage of electricity, the cartridge 20 or the battery 30, or both, from the first building 10 may be delivered to the second building 10, and the cartridge 20 or the battery 30, or both, may be used in the second building 10. After the delivery of the cartridge 20 or the battery 30, or both, the individual management device 35 in the first building 10 calculates the value of the consideration and transmits the value of the consideration to the overall management device 40. The overall management device 40 transmits the value of the consideration to the individual management device 35 in the second building 10, and the individual management device 35 in the second building 10 displays the value of the consideration. The overall management device 40 manages the transfer of the consideration between multiple buildings 10 and calculates the consideration delivered and received for each building 10. The consideration may be currency or cryptocurrency (virtual currency), or may be points having economic value.

[0123] <9. Summary> The above description discloses the following energy utilization system and management device.

[0124] (1) A plurality of buildings (10) each having a fuel cell power generation system (23), at least one first cartridge (20) for storing hydrogen to be used in the fuel cell power generation system (23), and at least one first battery (30) that can be charged and discharged; a management device (40) for each of the buildings (10) that determines whether the first cartridge (20) and the first battery (30) have been replaced, The management device (40) for each of the buildings (10): a first acquisition process for acquiring a value (W1) of the remaining energy of the first battery (30); a second acquisition process for acquiring a value (W2) of the amount of electric power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device (23) from the remaining amount of hydrogen in the first cartridge (20); a first prediction process for predicting a value (W4) of the amount of power consumption in the building (10); a determination process for determining whether at least one of the first cartridges (20) has been replaced with a second cartridge (20) and whether at least one of the first batteries (30) has been replaced with a second battery (30), based on the value (W1) of the remaining energy acquired by the first acquisition process, the value (W2) of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value (W4) of the amount of power consumption predicted by the first prediction process; Run An energy utilization system characterized by:

[0125] According to the above (1), for each building (10), it is determined whether or not the first cartridge (20) in the building (10) may be replaced with the second cartridge (20). If it is determined that the replacement is possible, the second cartridge (20) is carried into the building (10), and the first cartridge (20) is carried out of the building (10). Therefore, the cartridges (20) are circulated, and electrical energy can be converted into chemical energy of hydrogen and used among the buildings (10). Also, for each building (10), it is determined whether or not the first battery (30) in the building (10) may be replaced with the second battery (30). If it is determined that the replacement is possible, the second battery (30) is carried into the building (10), and the first battery (30) is carried out of the building (10). Therefore, the batteries (30) are circulated, and electrical energy can be converted into chemical energy in the batteries (30) and used among the buildings (10).

[0126] (2) In the energy utilization system of (1), a transporter (70) that transports the second cartridge (20) to a building (10) among the plurality of buildings (10) for which it has been determined by the determination process that the first cartridge (20) needs to be replaced with the second cartridge (20), and that transports the second battery to a building (10) among the plurality of buildings (10) for which it has been determined by the determination process that the first battery (30) needs to be replaced with the second battery (30); An energy utilization system comprising:

[0127] According to (2) above, the cartridges (20) and batteries (30) are circulated, and electrical energy can be converted into movable energy such as chemical energy in the cartridges (20) and batteries (30) and used between the buildings (10).

[0128] (3) In the energy utilization system described in (1) or (2), A plant having a hydrogen production facility (3) for producing hydrogen to be filled into the second cartridge (20). An energy utilization system comprising:

[0129] According to the above (3), hydrogen can be prepared to be supplied to the building (10).

[0130] (4) In the energy utilization system described in (1) or (2), The management device (40) A transmission process for transmitting the determination of the determination process to a terminal (35, 91, 92 or 93). Run the following again: An energy utilization system characterized by:

[0131] According to the above (4), the user of the terminal (35, 91, 92, or 93) can understand the determination of the determination process executed by the management device (40).

[0132] (5) In the energy utilization system described in (1) or (2), The management device (40) a creation process for creating information representing a delivery route for the second cartridge (20) and the second battery (30) based on the determination of the determination process and location information of the building (10); a transmission process for transmitting the information created by the creation process to a terminal (35, 91, 92, or 93); Run the following again: An energy utilization system characterized by:

[0133] According to (5) as described above, the user of the terminal (35, 91, 92, or 93) can understand the delivery route created by the management device (40). The user of the terminal (35, 91, 92, or 93) can deliver the second cartridge (20) and the second battery (30) according to the delivery route.

[0134] (6) In the energy utilization system described in (1) or (2), The building (10) is configured to be able to select which of the power generated by the fuel cell power generator (23) and the power of the first battery (30) is to be consumed with priority. An energy utilization system characterized by:

[0135] According to the above (6), it is possible to respond flexibly depending on the amount of hydrogen remaining in the first cartridge and the amount of remaining power in the first battery.

[0136] (7) A management device (40) that stores hydrogen used in a fuel cell power generation device (23) that supplies power to a building (10) and determines whether at least one first cartridge (20) in the building (10) needs to be replaced and whether at least one first rechargeable battery (30) in the building (10) needs to be replaced, a first acquisition means for acquiring a value (W1) of the remaining energy of the first battery (30); a second acquisition means for acquiring a value (W2) of the amount of electric power that can be generated by the fuel cell type power generation device (23) from the remaining amount of hydrogen in the first cartridge (20); a first prediction means for predicting a value (W4) of the amount of power consumption in the building (10); a determination means for determining whether at least one of the first cartridges (20) has been replaced with a second cartridge (20) and whether at least one of the first batteries (30) has been replaced with a second battery (30), based on the value (W1) of the remaining energy acquired by the first acquisition means, the value (W2) of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition means, and the value (W4) of the amount of power consumption predicted by the first prediction means; A management device (40) comprising:

[0137] (8) In the management device (40) of (7), The system further includes a second prediction means for predicting a value of the amount of power generated by a natural energy power generation device (27) that supplies power to the building (10), The determination means determines whether at least one of the first cartridges (20) has been replaced with a second cartridge (20) and whether at least one of the first batteries (30) has been replaced with a second battery (30) based on the value (W1) of the remaining energy acquired by the first acquisition means, the value (W2) of the amount of energy that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition means, the value (W4) of the amount of consumed energy predicted by the first prediction means, and the value of the amount of generated energy predicted by the second prediction means. A management device (40) characterized by:

[0138] According to the above (7) and (8), it is determined whether or not the first cartridge (20) in the building (10) may be replaced with the second cartridge (20). If it is determined that the replacement is possible, the second cartridge (20) is carried into the building (10), and the first cartridge (20) is carried out of the building (10). Therefore, the cartridge (20) is circulated, and electrical energy can be converted into chemical energy of hydrogen and used among the buildings (10). Also, it is determined whether or not the first battery (30) in the building (10) may be replaced with the second battery (30). If it is determined that the replacement is possible, the second battery (30) is carried into the building (10), and the first battery (30) is carried out of the building (10). Therefore, the battery (30) is circulated, and electrical energy can be converted into chemical energy in the battery (30) and used among the buildings (10).

[0139] (9) In the management device (40) of (8), When a first evaluation value (E1) obtained by adding together the value (W1) of the residual energy amount acquired by the first acquisition means, the value (W2) of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition means, and the value of the generated power predicted by the second prediction means, and subtracting the value (W4) of the amount of consumed power predicted by the first prediction means from the sum, is less than a predetermined value (Th0), the determination means determines that at least one of the first cartridges (20) should be replaced with the second cartridge (20) and that at least one of the first batteries (30) should not be replaced with the second battery (30). A management device (40) characterized by:

[0140] According to the above (9), the first evaluation value (E1) being less than the predetermined value (Th0) means that there is a risk of an electric power shortage in the building (10). Therefore, by replacing the first cartridge (20) with the second cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen, it is possible to prevent an electric power shortage in the building (10).

[0141] (10) In the management device (40) of (9), When the first evaluation value (E1) exceeds a second predetermined value (Th1) that is higher than the predetermined value (Th0), the determining means determines that at least one of the first cartridges (20) should not be replaced with the second cartridge (20), and determines that at least one of the first batteries (30) should be replaced with the second battery (30). A management device (40) characterized by:

[0142] According to the above (10), when the first evaluation exceeds the second predetermined value (Th1), it means that even if the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device (27) is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the building (10), the battery (30) and the fuel cell power generation device (23) more than adequately make up for the shortage. Therefore, even if the first battery (30) of the building (10) is replaced with the second battery (30), there will be no shortage of power in the building (10).

[0143] (11) In the management device (40) of (10), When the first evaluation value (E1) is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (Th0) and equal to or less than the second predetermined value (Th1), the determining means determines that at least one of the first cartridges (20) is It is determined that there is no replacement with the second cartridge (20), and it is determined that there is no replacement of at least one of the first batteries (30) with the second battery (30). A management device (40) characterized by:

[0144] According to the above (11), the first evaluation value (E1) being equal to or less than the second predetermined value (Th1) means that even if the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device (27) is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the building (10), the battery (30) and the fuel cell power generation device (23) can sufficiently make up for the shortage. Therefore, even if the charged first battery (30) remains in the building (10) without being replaced, the occurrence of a power shortage in the building (10) is suppressed.

[0145] (12) In the management device (40) of any one of (7) to (11), The remaining amount of hydrogen in the second cartridge (20) is greater than the remaining amount of hydrogen in the first cartridge (20), and the remaining amount of power in the second battery (30) is less than the remaining amount of power in the first battery (30). A management device (40) characterized by:

[0146] According to the above (12), the occurrence of a power shortage in the building (10) is suppressed, surplus power in the building (10) is stored without waste, and the cartridges (20) and batteries (30) are circulated.

[0147] (13) In the management device (40) of (8) or (9), The second prediction means predicts the value of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device (27) based on weather forecast data. A management device (40) characterized by:

[0148] According to the above (13), the value of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation system (27) can be predicted with high accuracy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 1. Plant 3 Hydrogen production facility 10 Building 20 cartridges 23 Fuel cell power generation equipment 27 Natural energy power generation equipment 30 Battery 35 Individual management device 40 Overall management device 41 Computer 70 Transport plane 91 Terminal 1 92 Terminal 2 93 Terminal 3

Claims

1. a plurality of buildings each having a fuel cell power plant and at least one cartridge for storing hydrogen for use in said fuel cell power plant; a management device that determines whether or not the cartridge needs to be replaced for each of the buildings, The management device, for each building, an acquisition process for acquiring a value of the amount of electric power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device from the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge; a prediction process for predicting a value of the amount of power consumption in the building; a determination process for determining whether or not at least one of the cartridges needs to be replaced based on the value of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the acquisition process and the value of the amount of power that is predicted by the prediction process; Run An energy utilization system characterized by:

2. a plurality of buildings each having a fuel cell power generation system, at least one cartridge for storing hydrogen for use in the fuel cell power generation system, and a renewable energy power generation system; a management device that determines whether or not the cartridge needs to be replaced for each of the buildings, The management device, for each building, an acquisition process for acquiring a value of the amount of electric power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device from the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge; a first prediction process for predicting a value of the amount of power consumption in the building; a second prediction process for predicting a value of the amount of power generated by a natural energy power generation device that supplies power to the building; a determination process for determining whether or not at least one of the cartridges needs to be replaced based on the value of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the acquisition process, the value of the amount of power consumption predicted by the first prediction process, and the value of the amount of power generation predicted by the second prediction process; Run An energy utilization system characterized by:

3. 3. The energy utilization system according to claim 2, In the second prediction process, the management device predicts the value of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device based on weather forecast data that indicates future changes in weather in the area where the building is located. An energy utilization system characterized by:

4. The energy utilization system according to claim 3, In the second prediction process, the management device predicts the value of the amount of power generated by the solar power generation panel, which is the natural energy power generation device, by inputting the weather forecast data into a trained model that has been machine-learned using the power generated by the solar power generation panel on past days, the amount of power generated, the calendar, the temperature, and the weather as training data. An energy utilization system characterized by:

5. 1. A management device for storing hydrogen used in a fuel cell power generation device that supplies power to a building and determining whether at least one cartridge in the building has been replaced, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring a value of the amount of electric power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device from the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge; a prediction means for predicting a value of the amount of power consumption in the building; a determining means for determining whether or not at least one of the cartridges needs to be replaced based on the value of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the acquiring means and the value of the amount of power that is predicted by the predicting means; A management device comprising:

6. 1. A management device for storing hydrogen used in a fuel cell power generation device that supplies power to a building and determining whether at least one cartridge in the building has been replaced, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring a value of the amount of electric power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device from the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge; a first prediction means for predicting a value of the amount of power consumption in the building; a second prediction means for predicting a value of the amount of power generated by a natural energy power generation device that supplies power to the building; a determining means for determining whether or not at least one of the cartridges needs to be replaced based on the value of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the acquiring means, the value of the amount of power consumed predicted by the first predicting means, and the value of the amount of power generated predicted by the second predicting means; A management device comprising:

7. 7. The management device according to claim 6, The second prediction means predicts the value of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device based on weather forecast data that indicates future changes in the weather in the area where the building is located. A management device characterized by:

8. 8. The management device according to claim 7, The second prediction means predicts the value of the amount of power generated by the solar power generation panel, which is the natural energy power generation device, by inputting the weather forecast data into a trained model that has been machine-learned using the power generated by the solar power generation panel on past days, the amount of power generated, the calendar, the temperature, and the weather as training data. A management device characterized by:

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