Control system, management system, and hydrogen production system

Abstract

To effectively suppress characteristic deterioration of each water electrolysis device.SOLUTION: The control system 50 controls a water electrolysis system including a plurality of water electrolysis devices. The control system 50 includes the operation determination unit 61 that determines the operation or stop of each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices in accordance with the success or failure of at least one of the first condition including that the power command value indicating the power to be used by the water electrolysis system exceeds the power threshold value and the second condition including that the amount of change in the power command value exceeds the change threshold value, and the command value setting unit 62 that sets the individual command value for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices in accordance with the power command value and the determination result by the operation determination unit 61.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for controlling multiple water electrolysis devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques for producing hydrogen by controlling multiple water electrolysis devices have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which multiple water electrolysis stacks are assigned to operation-priority stacks that receive preferential power supply and shutdown-priority stacks that are shut down for long periods of time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-125850 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A water electrolysis device may deteriorate due to various factors. For example, deterioration of the water electrolysis device may be accelerated due to an increase in the number of times the water electrolysis device stops operating. Furthermore, deterioration of the water electrolysis device may also be accelerated due to an excessive increase in the power consumption of the water electrolysis device or a sudden change in the power consumption. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to effectively suppress deterioration of the characteristics of each water electrolysis device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control system for controlling a water electrolysis system including a plurality of water electrolysis devices, and includes: an operation determination unit that determines whether to operate or stop each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices depending on whether at least one of a first condition including a power command value indicating power to be used by the water electrolysis system exceeding a power threshold value and a second condition including a change in the power command value exceeding a change threshold value is satisfied; and a command value setting unit that sets an individual command value for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices depending on the power command value and a result of the determination by the operation determination unit.

[0006] A management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a planning system that generates an operation plan for power consumption in accordance with an operational status of a water electrolysis system including a plurality of water electrolysis devices, and a control system that controls the water electrolysis system. The control system includes an operation determination unit that determines whether to operate or stop each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices in accordance with whether at least one of a first condition, which includes a power command value corresponding to the operation plan exceeding a power threshold, and a second condition, which includes a change in the power command value exceeding a change threshold, is satisfied; and a command value setting unit that sets an individual command value for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices in accordance with the power command value and a result of the determination by the operation determination unit.

[0007] A hydrogen production system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a water electrolysis system including a plurality of water electrolysis devices, a planning system that generates an operation plan for power consumption according to the operational status of the water electrolysis system, and a control system that controls the water electrolysis system, wherein the control system includes an operation determination unit that determines whether to operate or stop each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices depending on whether at least one of a first condition, which includes a power command value according to the operation plan exceeding a power threshold, and a second condition, which includes a change in the power command value exceeding a change threshold, is satisfied, and a command value setting unit that sets an individual command value for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices depending on the power command value and the determination result by the operation determination unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a hydrogen production system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an operation plan. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of configuration information. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of operational information. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of priority information. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of activation conditions. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control system. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a first determination process. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a first determination process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second determination process. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second determination process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for an action determination process. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an operation performed by a command value setting unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an operation performed by a command value setting unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an operation performed by a command value setting unit. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for a command value setting process. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the number of times the water electrolysis device in the water electrolysis system is stopped. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the number of times the water electrolysis device in the water electrolysis system is stopped. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a first adjustment process. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second adjustment process. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart of a command value setting process in the second embodiment. [Figure 22]10 is a flowchart of a first adjustment process. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart of a second adjustment process when a power command value is increased. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart of a command value setting process in the second embodiment. [Figure 25] 10 is a flowchart of a second adjustment process when a power command value is decreased. [Figure 26] 10 is a specific example of an operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 27] 10 is a specific example of an operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 28] 10 is a specific example of an operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the effect of the second embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the effect of the second embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the effect of the second embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a hydrogen production system according to a modified example. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a hydrogen production system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The following description of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is an exemplary embodiment that may be envisioned when implementing the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment exemplified below.

[0010] A: First embodiment 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a hydrogen production system 100 according to the first embodiment. The hydrogen production system 100 is a facility that produces hydrogen by water electrolysis, and includes a water electrolysis system 10 and a management system 20.

[0011] The water electrolysis system 10 is a system that produces hydrogen using AC power supplied from a power grid 200. The power grid 200 is, for example, a distribution system or a transmission system that supplies electric power generated by a power generation facility (not shown) such as a thermal power plant or a nuclear power plant to consumers such as business facilities or ordinary homes.

[0012] 1, the water electrolysis system 10 includes a plurality of (N) operating units U_1 to U_N and a hydrogen tank 11. An AC current from a power system 200 is supplied in parallel to the N operating units U_1 to U_N. Each of the N operating units U_1 to U_N includes a power conversion device 12_n, a control device 13_n, and a water electrolysis device 14_n (n=1 to N). That is, the water electrolysis system 10 includes N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N.

[0013] The power conversion device 12_n converts AC current supplied from the power grid 200 into DC current. The water electrolysis device 14_n produces hydrogen by water electrolysis using the DC current generated by the power conversion device 12_n. Note that any water electrolysis method may be used by each water electrolysis device 14_n. Furthermore, the methods for water electrolysis used by each water electrolysis device 14_n may be the same or different. The control device 13_n is a controller that controls water electrolysis by the water electrolysis device 14_n. Specifically, the control device 13_n controls the amount of hydrogen produced by the water electrolysis device 14_n by controlling the amount of DC current generated by the power conversion device 12_n. The hydrogen tank 11 stores hydrogen produced by the N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N.

[0014] The management system 20 is a computer system for controlling hydrogen production by the water electrolysis system 10 (specifically, N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N). The management system 20 of the first embodiment includes a planning system 30, a plan adjustment unit 40, and a control system 50. The management system 20 may be configured as a single device, or may be configured by multiple devices installed in different locations. For example, the planning system 30, the plan adjustment unit 40, and the control system 50 may be realized by a single device.

[0015] The planning system 30 is a computer system (EMS: Energy Management System) for generating the operation plan P0. The operation plan P0 is a basic plan for the power to be used by the water electrolysis system 10. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the operation plan P0 is a time series of power values ​​set for each predetermined time period (e.g., 30 minutes). The operation plan P0 is generated for a relatively long time interval, such as 24 hours.

[0016] 1 sets a power command value P(t) by adjusting the operation plan P0. The power command value P(t) is a command value representing the amount of power (kW) to be used by the entire water electrolysis system 10 (i.e., the N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N). The plan adjustment unit 40 sets a power command value P(t) for each time t that arrives at a predetermined interval.

[0017] Specifically, the plan adjustment unit 40 sets a power command value P(t) based on the operation plan P0 and the sequential command value A. The sequential command value A is a command value that is generated sequentially during the operation of the operation plan P0. Specifically, a power value that needs to be used by the water electrolysis system 10 due to a situation not anticipated in the operation plan P0 is specified as the sequential command value A. For example, a power value for additional hydrogen production due to a storage shortage in the hydrogen tank 11, or a power value for use by the water electrolysis system 10 of surplus power in the power grid 200 is generated as the sequential command value A. The sequential command value A can also be expressed as a command value that is generated at intervals that are sufficiently shorter than the cycle at which the operation plan P0 is generated. The sequential command value A can also be expressed as a command value that is generated non-periodically in response to a sudden or accidental need for power use.

[0018] Specifically, the plan adjustment unit 40 generates the power command value P(t) by adding the operation plan P0 and the sequential command value A. In a state where the sequential command value A is not generated, the operation plan P0 is set as the power command value P(t).

[0019] The control system 50 controls the water electrolysis system 10 so that the power specified by the power command value P(t) is used. Specifically, the control system 50 generates an operation command X(t, n) and an individual command value Y(t, n) in response to the power command value P(t). The operation command X(t, n) and the individual command value Y(t, n) are generated for each of the N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N. The operation command X(t, n) and the individual command value Y(t, n) are generated for each time t.

[0020] The operation instruction X(t, n) is information instructing the operation or shutdown of the water electrolysis device 14_n. The operation of the water electrolysis device 14_n refers to a state in which the water electrolysis device 14_n actually produces hydrogen through water electrolysis. On the other hand, the shutdown of the water electrolysis device 14_n refers to a state in which the water electrolysis device 14_n has stopped producing hydrogen. For example, the operation instruction X(t, n) is a flag that is set to either the value 1, which indicates that the water electrolysis device 14_n is operating, or the value 0, which indicates that the water electrolysis device 14_n is shut down. On the other hand, the individual command value Y(t, n) is power that is individually commanded to each water electrolysis device 14_n. As a result of one or more water electrolysis devices 14_n instructed to operate by the operation instruction X(t, n) consuming power corresponding to the individual command value Y(t, n), the water electrolysis system 10 as a whole consumes power corresponding to the power command value P(t).

[0021] [Planning System 30] The planning system 30 includes a control device 31, a storage device 32, and an operation device 33. The planning system 30 may be realized by a single device, or may be realized by multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0022] The control device 31 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the planning system 30. Specifically, the control device 31 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The operation device 33 is an input device that accepts operations from users of the management system 20.

[0023] The storage device 32 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 31 and data used by the control device 31. The storage device 32 is configured with a known storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium or a semiconductor storage medium. The storage device 32 may also be configured with a combination of multiple types of storage medium. A portable storage medium that can be attached to and detached from the planning system 30 may also be used as the storage device 32.

[0024] The storage device 32 of the first embodiment stores configuration information Da, operational information Db, priority information Dc, and start-up conditions Dd.

[0025] 3 is a schematic diagram of configuration information Da. The configuration information Da is information related to the configuration of the water electrolysis system 10. Specifically, the configuration information Da includes the number N of water electrolysis devices 14_n included in the water electrolysis system 10 and information (Da1 to Da4) related to each water electrolysis device 14_n. For example, the configuration information Da includes an operation method Da1, a rated capacity Da2, a start-up time Da3, and a maximum response speed Da4 for each of the N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N.

[0026] The operating method Da1 is information about the method of water electrolysis by the water electrolysis device 14_n. For example, various types such as PEM (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) type are specified as the operating method Da1. The rated capacity Da2 is the maximum amount of power that can be used by the water electrolysis device 14_n. The startup time Da3 is the time required to start up the water electrolysis device 14_n. The maximum response speed Da4 is the range within which the amount of change in power consumption in the water electrolysis device 14_n can occur. For example, the maximum response speed Da4 is specified based on the rated capacity Da2.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the operation information Db. The operation information Db is information related to the past operation of the water electrolysis system 10. The operation information Db is stored in the storage device 32 for each unit period of a predetermined length on the time axis. The unit period is, for example, one day ("recording date" in Fig. 4). The operation information Db includes, for each of the N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N, the number of stoppages Db1, usage information Db2, change information Db3, measured values ​​Db4, and voltage increase amount Db5.

[0028] The number of stops Db1 is the number of times that the water electrolysis device 14_n stopped operating (i.e., water electrolysis) within a unit period. The usage information Db2 is information that represents the relationship between the power consumption of each water electrolysis device 14_n and time. Specifically, the usage information Db2 specifies, for each of a plurality of ranges of power consumption, the length of time during which the water electrolysis device 14_n consumed power within that range. Each range of power consumption is specified by a ratio based on the rated capacity Da2 of the water electrolysis device 14_n.

[0029] The change information Db3 represents the relationship between time and the amount of change in power consumption of each water electrolysis device 14_n. Specifically, the change information Db3 specifies, for each of a plurality of ranges of the amount of change in power consumption, the proportion of the length of time during which the power consumption has changed by the amount of change within that range. Each range of the amount of change in power consumption is specified by a proportion based on the rated capacity Da2 of the water electrolysis device 14_n.

[0030] The measured values ​​Db4 are measured values ​​related to the DC current and DC voltage of each water electrolysis device 14_n. The voltage increase amount Db5 is the amount of increase in the electrolysis voltage in the water electrolysis device 14_n. The electrolysis voltage increases as the deterioration of the water electrolysis device 14_n progresses. Therefore, the voltage increase amount Db5 is an index related to the degree of deterioration of the water electrolysis device 14_n. A deterioration model that models the deterioration trend of the water electrolysis device 14_n relative to the operating status is used to calculate the voltage increase amount Db5. For example, the deterioration model disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used to calculate the voltage increase amount Db5.

[0031] 5 is a schematic diagram of the priority information Dc. The priority information Dc defines the operation priority order for each of the N water electrolysis apparatuses 14_1 to 14_N in the water electrolysis system 10. Each water electrolysis apparatus 14_n operates with priority according to the priority order defined by the priority information Dc. The priority information Dc is set, for example, in response to a user's operation via the operation device 33. The user determines the priority order by, for example, referring to the operation information Db, and specifies the priority order of each water electrolysis apparatus 14_n using the operation device 33. For example, the user determines the priority order for each water electrolysis apparatus 14_n so that the water electrolysis apparatus 14_n with a lower number of past shutdowns Db1 is assigned a higher priority.

[0032] 6 is a schematic diagram of the activation condition Dd. The activation condition Dd is a condition for activating each water electrolysis apparatus 14_n in the water electrolysis system 10. The activation condition Dd specifies a condition for increasing the number M of the N water electrolysis apparatuses 14_1 to 14_N that are actually operated (hereinafter referred to as the "operating number") in accordance with the power command value P(t). Specifically, the activation condition Dd includes a power reference value Dd1 related to the power indicated by the power command value P(t) and a change reference value Dd2 related to the amount of change in the power command value P(t). The power reference value Dd1 and the change reference value Dd2 will be described in detail below.

[0033] 1, the control device 31 generates an operation plan P0 by executing a program stored in the storage device 32. For example, operation information Db and external information are used to generate the operation plan P0. The external information is various types of information that affect the power in the power system 200. For example, information such as the predicted results of the power market price, the predicted results of the amount of power generated by renewable energy, and the predicted results of the amount of hydrogen transported is provided to the planning system 30 from an external system (not shown) as external information.

[0034] As described above, the operation information Db is used to generate the operation plan P0. Therefore, the operation plan P0 is a plan for power consumption that is generated in advance in accordance with the operational status of the water electrolysis system 10. As described above, the operation plan P0 generated by the planning system 30 is sequentially adjusted in accordance with the command value A to generate a power command value P(t), which is then supplied to the control system 50.

[0035] [Control System 50] The control system 50 includes a control device 51 and a storage device 52. The control system 50 may be realized by a single device, or may be realized by a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0036] The control device 51 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the control system 50. Specifically, the control device 51 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, a GPU, a DSP, an FPGA, or an ASIC.

[0037] The storage device 52 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 51 and data used by the control device 51. The storage device 52 is configured with a known storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium or a semiconductor storage medium. The storage device 52 may be configured with a combination of multiple types of storage medium. A portable storage medium that can be attached to and detached from the control system 50 may be used as the storage device 52.

[0038] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control system 50. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the control device 51 executes a program stored in the storage device 52 to realize functions (an operation determination unit 61 and a command value setting unit 62) for generating an operation command X(t, n) and an individual command value Y(t, n) according to a power command value P(t).

[0039] [Operation determination unit 61] The operation determination unit 61 determines the operation (operation / stop) of each of the N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N in accordance with the power command value P(t). That is, the operation determination unit 61 generates an operation instruction X(t, n) for each water electrolysis device 14_n. Specifically, the operation determination unit 61 generates the operation instruction X(t, n) for each water electrolysis device 14_n in accordance with the operation information Db, priority information Dc, and start-up condition Dd.

[0040] The operation determination unit 61 of the first embodiment executes a first determination process that determines the operation (operation / stop) of the water electrolysis device 14_n in accordance with the power command value P(t), and a second determination process that determines the operation of each water electrolysis device 14_n in accordance with the amount of change in the power command value P(t).

[0041] 8 and 9 are explanatory diagrams of the first determination process. The first determination process is a process for determining the operation of each water electrolysis device 14_n depending on whether the power command value P(t) exceeds the power threshold Ha. The power threshold Ha includes multiple (K) different thresholds Ha_1 to Ha_K. The threshold Ha_k is a numerical value k times the power reference value Dd1 specified by the activation condition Dd (FIG. 6) (Ha_k=k×Dd1). Each threshold Ha_k is an example of a "first threshold."

[0042] As illustrated in Fig. 8, the operation determination unit 61 increases the number M of operating water electrolysis devices 14_n each time the power command value P(t) exceeds one of K thresholds Ha_1 to Ha_K. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 9, assuming that the water electrolysis device 14_n1 is in operation, at time t1 when the power command value P(t) exceeds the threshold Ha_1 (= 1 × Dd1), the water electrolysis device 14_n2 transitions from a stopped state to an operating state, and as a result, the number M of operating devices increases from 1 to 2. Furthermore, at time t2 when the power command value P(t) exceeds the threshold Ha_2 (= 2 × Dd1), the water electrolysis device 14_n3 transitions from a stopped state to an operating state, and as a result, the number M of operating devices increases from 2 to 3.

[0043] Furthermore, the operation determination unit 61 decreases the number M of operating water electrolysis devices 14_n each time the power command value P(t) falls below any of the K thresholds Ha_1 to Ha_K. That is, each time the power command value P(t) changes from a value greater than any threshold Ha_k to a value less than that threshold Ha_k, the number M of operating devices decreases by 1. Therefore, each time the power command value P(t) falls below any threshold Ha_k, the operating water electrolysis device 14_n is shut down.

[0044] As described above, the operation determination unit 61 determines the operation (operation / stop) of each water electrolysis device 14_n depending on whether the first condition, that is, whether the power command value P(t) exceeds the power threshold Ha, is met.

[0045] 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams of the second determination process. The second determination process determines the operation of each water electrolysis device 14_n depending on whether the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) exceeds the change threshold Hb. The change ΔP(t) is the difference between the power command value P(t) at the current time t and the power command value P(t-1) at the immediately preceding time (t-1) (ΔP(t)=P(t)-P(t-1)).

[0046] The change threshold Hb includes multiple (K) different thresholds Hb_1 to Hb_K. The threshold Hb_k is a value k times the change reference value Dd2 specified by the activation condition Dd (FIG. 6) (H_k=k×Dd2). Each threshold Hb_k is an example of a "second threshold."

[0047] 10, the operation determination unit 61 increases the number M of operating water electrolysis devices 14_n each time the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) exceeds one of K thresholds Hb_1 to Hb_K. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, assuming that the water electrolysis device 14_n1 is in an operating state, at time t1 when the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) exceeds the threshold Hb_1 (=1×Dd2), the water electrolysis device 14_n2 transitions from a stopped state to an operating state, and as a result, the number M of operating devices increases from 1 to 2.

[0048] Furthermore, the operation determination unit 61 decreases the number M of operating water electrolysis devices 14_n each time the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) falls below one of the K thresholds Hb_1 to Hb_K. That is, each time the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) changes from a value exceeding one of the thresholds Hb_k to a value below that threshold Hb_k, the number M of operating devices decreases by 1. Therefore, each time the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) falls below one of the thresholds Hb_k, the operating water electrolysis device 14_n is shut down.

[0049] As described above, the operation determination unit 61 determines the operation (operation / stop) of each water electrolysis device 14_n depending on whether the second condition, that is, the amount of change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) exceeds the change threshold Hb, is met.

[0050] 12 is a flowchart of the process (hereinafter referred to as the "operation determination process") in which the control device 51 (operation determination unit 61) determines the operation of each water electrolysis device 14_n. The operation determination process is repeated for each time t on the time axis. For example, the operation determination process is executed each time a power command value P(t) is obtained.

[0051] When the operation determination process starts, the control device 51 acquires information necessary for generating the operation instruction X(t, n) (Sa11). Specifically, the configuration information Da, the operation information Db, the priority information Dc, and the activation condition Dd are read from the storage device 32 of the planning system 30. Note that the control device 51 may acquire the above-mentioned information from the storage device 32 only when the information is updated.

[0052] The control device 51 determines whether the power command value P(t) is 0 (Sa12). If the power command value P(t) is 0 (Sa12: YES), the control device 51 sets each of the N operation instructions X(t, 1) to X(t, N) to a numerical value 0, which means that the water electrolysis device 14_n is stopped (Sa13).

[0053] On the other hand, if the power command value P(t) is not 0 (Sa12: NO), the control device 51 determines the number of operating units Ma by the first determination process described above (Sa14). Specifically, the control device 51 determines the number of operating units Ma by calculating the following equation (1).

number

[0054] Furthermore, the control device 51 determines the number of operating units Mb by the second determination process described above (Sa15). Specifically, the control device 51 determines the number of operating units Mb by calculating the following formula (2). Note that the order of the first determination process and the second determination process may be reversed.

number

[0055] The control device 51 sets the number of operating machines M based on the number of operating machines Ma calculated by the first determination process, the number of operating machines Mb calculated by the second determination process, and the number of operating machines M(t-1) at the immediately preceding time (t-1) (Sa16). Specifically, the control device 51 determines the maximum value among the number of operating machines Ma, the number of operating machines Mb, and the number of operating machines M(t-1) as the number of operating machines M at time t.

[0056] The control device 51 sets each operation instruction X(t, n) according to the number M of operating devices and the priority information Dc (Sa17). Specifically, the control device 51 selects M water electrolysis devices 14_n that are ranked highest in the priority order indicated by the priority information Dc from among the N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N, and sets the operation instruction X(t, n) corresponding to each selected water electrolysis device 14_n to a value of 1, which indicates operation. The control device 51 also sets the operation instruction X(t, n) for the remaining (NM) water electrolysis devices 14_n from among the N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N to a value of 0, which indicates suspension.

[0057] The control device 51 transmits each operation instruction X(t, n) set in the above procedure to each operation unit U_n (control device 13_n) of the water electrolysis system 10 (Sa18). Accordingly, of the N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N in the water electrolysis system 10, the M water electrolysis devices 14_n with the highest priority are put into operation. The procedure of the operation determination process is as described above.

[0058] As described above, in the first embodiment, the number M of operating water electrolysis devices 14_n increases each time the power command value P(t) exceeds one of the K thresholds Ha_1 to Ha_K. Therefore, the command based on the power command value P(t) can be effectively fulfilled while preventing an excessive increase in the power consumption of each water electrolysis device 14_n.

[0059] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the number M of operating water electrolysis devices 14_n increases each time the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) exceeds one of the K thresholds Hb_1 to Hb_K. Therefore, the command based on the power command value P(t) can be effectively fulfilled while suppressing abrupt changes in the power consumption of each water electrolysis device 14_n.

[0060] [Command value setting unit 62] The command value setting unit 62 in FIG. 7 sets an individual command value Y(t,n) for each water electrolysis device 14_n according to the power command value P(t) and the decision result (operation / stop of each water electrolysis device 14_n) made by the operation decision unit 61.

[0061] 13 to 15 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the command value setting unit 62. In Fig. 13 to 15, it is assumed that the immediately preceding individual command value Y(t-1, n1) (= 1500 kW) for the water electrolysis device 14_n1 is greater than the immediately preceding individual command value Y(t-1, n2) (= 500 kW) for the water electrolysis device 14_n2. ​​The individual command value Y(t-1, n1) for the water electrolysis device 14_n1 is an example of a "first value," and the individual command value Y(t-1, n2) for the water electrolysis device 14_n2 is an example of a "second value."

[0062] 13, it is assumed that the current power command value P(t) has increased compared to the immediately preceding power command value P(t-1). The change (i.e., increase) ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) (ΔP(t)=P(t)-P(t-1)) is +100 kW. In this state, the command value setting unit 62 allocates the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) to each water electrolysis device 14_n in accordance with the reciprocal ratio of the individual command value Y(t-1,n) at the immediately preceding time (t-1).

[0063] Specifically, the command value setting unit 62 calculates an individual command value Y(t, n) for each water electrolysis device 14_n using the following equation (3).

number

[0064] The symbol Δp(t,n) in Equation (3) denotes the portion of the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) allocated to the water electrolysis device 14_n. As can be seen from Equation (3), the larger the previous individual command value Y(t-1,n) of the water electrolysis device 14_n, the smaller the allocation Δp(t,n) from the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t). That is, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 13 , the allocation Δp(t,n1) = +25 kW of the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) to the water electrolysis device 14_n1, whose previous individual command value Y(t-1,n1) is 1500 kW, is lower than the allocation Δp(t,n2) = +75 kW to the water electrolysis device 14_n2, whose previous individual command value Y(t-1,n2) is 500 kW. In other words, the command value setting unit 62 sets the individual command value Y(t, n) for each water electrolysis device 14_n so as to reduce the difference between the individual command values ​​Y(t, n).

[0065] As described above, in the first embodiment, the larger the immediately preceding individual command value Y(t-1,n) of a water electrolysis device 14_n, the smaller the allocation Δp(t,n) from the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t). This enables the power command values ​​P(t) to be distributed among the N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N. This reduces the uneven distribution of the individual command values ​​Y(t,n) allocated to the water electrolysis devices 14_n (i.e., the concentration of power usage at a particular water electrolysis device 14_n). This reduces the possibility of concentrated deterioration of a particular water electrolysis device 14_n in the water electrolysis system 10.

[0066] 14 assumes that the current power command value P(t) has decreased compared to the immediately preceding power command value P(t-1). The amount of change (i.e., amount of decrease) ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) (ΔP(t)=P(t)-P(t-1)) is -100 kW. In this state, the command value setting unit 62 allocates the amount of change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) to each water electrolysis device 14_n based on the ratio of the individual command values ​​Y(t-1,n) at the immediately preceding time (t-1).

[0067] Specifically, the command value setting unit 62 calculates an individual command value Y(t,n) for each water electrolysis device 14_n using the following equation (4).

number

[0068] The symbol Δp(t,n) in equation (4) denotes the portion of the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) allocated to the water electrolysis device 14_n. As can be seen from equation (4), the larger the previous individual command value Y(t-1,n) of the water electrolysis device 14_n, the larger the allocation Δp(t,n) from the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t). That is, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 14 , the allocation Δp(t,n1) = -75 kW of the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) to the water electrolysis device 14_n1, whose previous individual command value Y(t-1,n1) is 1500 kW, exceeds the allocation Δp(t,n2) = -25 kW to the water electrolysis device 14_n2, whose previous individual command value Y(t-1,n2) is 500 kW. In other words, the command value setting unit 62 sets the individual command value Y(t, n) for each water electrolysis device 14_n so as to reduce the difference between the individual command values ​​Y(t, n).

[0069] As described above, in the first embodiment, the larger the immediately preceding individual command value Y(t-1,n) of a water electrolysis device 14_n, the larger the allocation Δp(t,n) from the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t). This enables the power command values ​​P(t) to be distributed among the N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N. This reduces the uneven distribution of the individual command values ​​Y(t,n) allocated to the water electrolysis devices 14_n (i.e., the concentration of power usage at a particular water electrolysis device 14_n). This reduces the possibility of concentrated deterioration of a particular water electrolysis device 14_n in the water electrolysis system 10.

[0070] 15, it is assumed that the current power command value P(t) is equal to the immediately preceding power command value P(t-1). If the power command value P(t) does not change from the immediately preceding power command value P(t-1), the command value setting unit 62 adopts the immediately preceding individual command value Y(t-1,n) as the current individual command value Y(t,n). In other words, each individual command value Y(t,n) is carried over from the immediately preceding one.

[0071] 16 is a flowchart of the process (hereinafter referred to as the "command value setting process") in which the control device 51 (command value setting unit 62) sets the individual command value Y(t, n) for each water electrolysis device 14_n. The command value setting process is repeated for each time t on the time axis. For example, the command value setting process is executed each time a power command value P(t) is obtained.

[0072] When the command value setting process is started, the control device 51 acquires information necessary for generating the individual command value Y(t, n) (Sb11). Specifically, the configuration information Da, the operation information Db, the priority information Dc, and the activation condition Dd are read from the storage device 32 of the planning system 30. Note that the control device 51 may acquire the above-mentioned information from the storage device 32 only when the information is updated.

[0073] The control device 51 calculates the amount of change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) (Sb12). Specifically, the control device 51 calculates the amount of change ΔP(t) by subtracting the immediately preceding power command value P(t-1) from the current power command value P(t).

[0074] The control device 51 determines whether the amount of change ΔP(t) is 0 (Sb13). If the amount of change ΔP(t) is 0 (Sb13: YES), the control device 51 sets the immediately preceding individual command value Y(t-1, n) as the individual command value Y(t, n) (Sb14), as shown in the example of Fig. 15. On the other hand, if the amount of change ΔP(t) is not 0 (Sb13: NO), the control device 51 determines whether the amount of change ΔP(t) is a negative number (Sb15).

[0075] A negative change ΔP(t) means that the current power command value P(t) has decreased compared to the immediately preceding power command value P(t-1). If the change ΔP(t) is negative (Sb15: YES), the control device 51 allocates the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) to the individual command values ​​Y(t,n) of each water electrolysis device 14_n in proportion to the individual command values ​​Y(t-1,n) at the immediately preceding time (t-1) (Sb16), as illustrated in the example of Fig. 14 .

[0076] On the other hand, a positive change ΔP(t) means that the current power command value P(t) has increased compared to the immediately preceding power command value P(t-1). If the change ΔP(t) is a positive number (Sb15: NO), the control device 51 allocates the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) to the individual command values ​​Y(t,n) of each water electrolysis device 14_n in the reciprocal ratio of the individual command values ​​Y(t-1,n) at the immediately preceding time (t-1) (Sb17), as shown in the example of Fig. 13 .

[0077] The control device 51 transmits each individual command value Y(t, n) set by the above procedure to each operation unit U_n (control device 13_n) of the water electrolysis system 10 (Sb18). Accordingly, of the N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N in the water electrolysis system 10, the M water electrolysis devices 14_n instructed to operate by the operation command X(t, n) produce hydrogen using the electric power indicated by the individual command value Y(t, n). The procedure for setting command values ​​in the first embodiment is as described above.

[0078] As described above, in the first embodiment, the operation (operation / stop) and individual command value Y(t, n) of each water electrolysis device 14_n are set depending on whether a first condition related to the power command value P(t) for the water electrolysis system 10 and a second condition related to the amount of change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) are satisfied. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the power command values ​​P(t) are evenly distributed to all of the water electrolysis devices 14_n in the water electrolysis system 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "comparative example"), it is possible to reduce the number of times each water electrolysis device 14_n is stopped while suppressing excessive increases in the power consumption of each water electrolysis device 14_n and sudden changes in the power consumption of each water electrolysis device 14_n. This effectively suppresses deterioration of the characteristics of each water electrolysis device 14_n.

[0079] 17 and 18 are diagrams illustrating the number of times the water electrolysis device 14_n is stopped in the water electrolysis system 10. Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating the number of times the water electrolysis device 14_n is stopped in a comparative example, and Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating the number of times the water electrolysis device 14_n is stopped in the first embodiment. In the comparative example, the individual command values ​​Y(t, n) for all the water electrolysis devices 14_n are set to a numerical value obtained by dividing the power command value P(t) by the number N of the water electrolysis devices 14_n (Y(t, n) = P(t) / N).

[0080] In the comparative example, all of the water electrolysis devices 14_n must be stopped twice, resulting in a total number of shutdowns of the water electrolysis system 10 of six. In contrast to the comparative example, in the first embodiment, the operation (operation / shutdown) and individual command value Y(t,n) are set for each water electrolysis device 14_n according to the power command value P(t). Therefore, as can be seen from FIG. 18 , the total number of shutdowns of the water electrolysis system 10 is reduced to three. As described above, according to the first embodiment, the number of shutdowns of each water electrolysis device 14_n can be reduced compared to the comparative example.

[0081] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the power command value P(t) is set based on the power consumption operation plan P0 and the sequential command value A. Therefore, for the power consumption corresponding to the operation plan P0 as well as the power consumption corresponding to the sequential command value A, it is possible to reduce the number of times each water electrolysis device 14_n is stopped while suppressing excessive increases or sudden changes in the power consumption of each water electrolysis device 14_n.

[0082] B: Second embodiment A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that, for elements in the following exemplary aspects that have the same functions as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment will be used, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0083] In the second embodiment, the initial individual command value Y(t, n) set for each water electrolysis device 14_n is adjusted in accordance with the rated capacity Da2 and the maximum response speed Da4 using the same procedure as in the first embodiment. (1) Adjustment of each individual command value Y(t, n) according to the rated capacity Da2, and (2) Adjustment of each individual command value Y(t, n) according to the maximum response speed Da4 will be explained individually.

[0084] [Adjustment of each individual command value Y(t,n) according to the rated capacity Da2] When the power command value P(t) increases, the individual command value Y(t, n) calculated using the above-described formula (3) may exceed the rated capacity Da2 of each water electrolysis device 14_n. In consideration of the above circumstances, the command value setting unit 62 of the second embodiment executes a process (hereinafter referred to as a "first adjustment process") to adjust the individual command value Y(t, n) calculated for each water electrolysis device 14_n when the individual command value Y(t, n) exceeds the rated capacity Da2. The first adjustment process adjusts the individual command value Y(t, n) of each water electrolysis device 14_n to a value within the range of the rated capacity Da2 of the water electrolysis device 14_n.

[0085] Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the first adjustment process. Fig. 19 illustrates a case in which the power command value P(t) has increased compared to the immediately preceding power command value P(t-1) (from 4000 kW to 4300 kW). It is assumed that, through the calculation of equation (3), the individual command value Y(t, n1) for the water electrolysis device 14_n1 has been set to 2520 kW, and the individual command value Y(t, n2) for the water electrolysis device 14_n2 has been set to 1780 kW.

[0086] 19, the rated capacity Da2 is set to 2500 kW. The individual command value Y(t, n1) of the water electrolysis device 14_n1 exceeds the rated capacity Da2. Therefore, the command value setting unit 62 allocates to the water electrolysis device 14_n2 the excess amount Ea(t, n1) of the individual command value Y(t, n1) relative to the rated capacity Da2 (Ea(t, n1) = Y(t, n1) - Da2). Specifically, the individual command value Y(t, n2) of the water electrolysis device 14_n2 is set to a numerical value (1800 kW) obtained by adding the excess amount Ea (= 20 kW) to the initial numerical value (1780 kW) calculated using equation (3). On the other hand, the individual command value Y(t, n1) of the water electrolysis device 14_n1 is adjusted to a value (2500 kW) obtained by subtracting the excess amount Ea from the initial value (2520 kW) calculated using equation (3). That is, the individual command value Y(t, n) of each water electrolysis device 14_n is adjusted to a value within the range of the rated capacity Da2.

[0087] As described above, in the second embodiment, the individual command value Y(t, n) set for each water electrolysis device 14_n is adjusted to a value within the range of the rated capacity Da2 of the water electrolysis device 14_n. Therefore, while each water electrolysis device 14_n is appropriately operated within the range of the rated capacity Da2, the water electrolysis system 10 as a whole can effectively satisfy the command based on the power command value P(t). Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the excess amount Ea(t, n1) of the individual command value Y(t, n1) for the water electrolysis device 14_n1 is allocated to the individual command value Y(t, n2) for the water electrolysis device 14_n2. ​​Therefore, the water electrolysis system 10 as a whole can effectively satisfy the command based on the power command value P(t) compared to, for example, a configuration in which the excess amount Ea(t, n1) of the individual command value Y(t, n1) for the water electrolysis device 14_n1 is ignored.

[0088] [Adjustment of each individual command value Y(t,n) according to the maximum response speed Da4] For the individual command value Y(t,n) calculated by formula (3) or formula (4), the change ΔY(t,n) from the immediately preceding individual command value Y(t-1,n) may exceed the maximum response speed Da4. The change ΔY(t,n) is the absolute value of the difference between the individual command value Y(t,n) at the current time t and the individual command value Y(t-1,n) at the immediately preceding time (t-1), as shown in formula (5) below.

number

[0089] The maximum response speed Da4 includes a maximum increase speed +V when the power consumption of the water electrolysis device 14_n increases, and a maximum decrease speed −V when the power consumption decreases. The change amount ΔY(t, n) exceeds the maximum response speed Da4 when the change amount ΔY(t, n) (>0) when the individual command value Y(t, n) increases exceeds the maximum increase speed +V, or when the change amount ΔY(t, n) (<0) when the individual command value Y(t, n) decreases falls below the maximum decrease speed −V.

[0090] In the second embodiment, the command value setting unit 62 executes a process (hereinafter referred to as a "second adjustment process") to adjust the individual command value Y(t,n) calculated for each water electrolysis device 14_n when the change ΔY(t,n) in the individual command value Y(t,n) exceeds the maximum response speed Da4. The second adjustment process adjusts the individual command value Y(t,n) for each water electrolysis device 14_n so that the change ΔY(t,n) in the individual command value Y(t,n) is a numerical value within the range of the maximum response speed Da4.

[0091] Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the second adjustment process. Fig. 20 illustrates a case in which the power command value P(t) has increased (from 1700 kW to 2000 kW) compared to the immediately preceding power command value P(t-1). It is assumed that the individual command value Y(t, n1) for the water electrolysis device 14_n1 has been set to 382 kW, and the individual command value Y(t, n2) for the water electrolysis device 14_n2 has been set to 1618 kW, based on the calculation of equation (3). The individual command value Y(t-1, n1) for the water electrolysis device 14_n1 at the immediately preceding time (t-1) was 100 kW, and the individual command value Y(t-1, n2) for the water electrolysis device 14_n2 at the current time (t-1) was 1600 kW. Therefore, the change amount ΔY(t, n1) in the water electrolysis device 14_n1 is +282 kW, and the change amount ΔY(t, n2) in the water electrolysis device 14_n2 is +18 kW.

[0092] In Fig. 20, the maximum response speed Da4 is set to 250 kW. The change ΔY(t, n1) in the individual command value Y(t, n1) for the water electrolysis device 14_n1 exceeds the maximum response speed Da4. Therefore, the command value setting unit 62 allocates to the water electrolysis device 14_n2 an excess amount Eb (Eb = ΔY(t, n1) - Da4) of the change ΔY(t, n1) relative to the maximum response speed Da4. Specifically, the individual command value Y(t, n2) for the water electrolysis device 14_n2 is adjusted to a value (1650 kW) obtained by adding the excess amount Eb (+32 kW) to the initial value (1618 kW) calculated using equation (3). On the other hand, the individual command value Y(t, n1) of the water electrolysis device 14_n1 is adjusted to a value (350 kW) obtained by subtracting the excess amount Eb from the initial value (382 kW) calculated using equation (3). In other words, the individual command value Y(t, n) of each water electrolysis device 14_n is adjusted to a value within the range of the maximum response speed Da4.

[0093] As described above, in the second embodiment, the individual command value Y(t, n) set for each water electrolysis device 14_n is adjusted so that the change ΔY(t, n) in the individual command value Y(t, n) is a numerical value within the range of the maximum response speed Da4 of the water electrolysis device 14_n. Therefore, while each water electrolysis device 14_n is appropriately operated within the range of the maximum response speed Da4, the water electrolysis system 10 as a whole can effectively satisfy the command based on the power command value P(t). Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the change ΔY(t, n1) in the individual command value Y(t, n1) set for the water electrolysis device 14_n1 exceeds the maximum response speed Da4, the amount Eb(t, n) by which the maximum response speed Da4 exceeds the maximum response speed Da4 is allocated to the individual command value Y(t, n2) of the water electrolysis device 14_n2. Therefore, compared to a configuration that ignores the excess amount Eb(t, n1) of the change amount ΔY(t, n1) of the individual command value Y(t, n1) in the water electrolysis device 14_n1, for example, the water electrolysis system 10 as a whole can more effectively satisfy the command based on the power command value P(t).

[0094] Fig. 21 is a flowchart of the command value setting process in the second embodiment. Fig. 21 illustrates a part of the command value setting process that is executed when the current power command value P(t) has increased compared to the immediately preceding power command value P(t-1) (Sb15: NO). When the power command value P(t) has increased, the control device 51 allocates the change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) to the individual command values ​​Y(t,n) of each water electrolysis device 14_n in the reciprocal ratio of the individual command values ​​Y(t-1,n) at the immediately preceding time (t-1), as in the first embodiment (Sb17).

[0095] The control device 51 of the second embodiment determines whether or not any of the N individual command values ​​Y(t,1) to Y(t,N) calculated by the above procedure exceeds the rated capacity Da2 (Sc11). That is, it is determined whether or not each individual command value Y(t,n) violates the rated capacity Da2 (Sc11: YES). If there is an individual command value Y(t,n) that exceeds the rated capacity Da2 (Sc11: YES), the control device 51 executes a first adjustment process to adjust each individual command value Y(t,n) in accordance with the rated capacity Da2 (Sc12).

[0096] 22 is a flowchart of the first adjustment process. When the first adjustment process is started, the control device 51 calculates an excess amount Ea(t,n) for one or more individual command values ​​Y(t,n) that exceed the rated capacity Da2, among the N individual command values ​​Y(t,1) to Y(t,N) calculated for the different water electrolysis devices 14_n (Sd11). The excess amount Ea(t,n) is the amount by which the individual command value Y(t,n) exceeds the rated capacity Da2. Specifically, as shown in the following equation (6A), the excess amount Ea(t,n) is expressed as the difference between the individual command value Y(t,n) and the rated capacity Da2.

number

[0097] The control device 51 calculates a sum Ea_sum (hereinafter referred to as the "total excess amount") of the excess amounts Ea(t,n) for one or more water electrolysis devices 14_n whose individual command value Y(t,n) exceeds the rated capacity Da2 (Sd12). The total excess amount Ea_sum is the sum of the excess amounts Ea in the water electrolysis system 10, as shown in the following formula (6B). The control device 51 also changes one or more individual command values ​​Y(t,n) that exceed the rated capacity Da2 to the rated capacity Da2 (Sd13).

number

[0098] The control device 51 adds the total excess amount Ea_sum to the smallest value Ymin of one or more individual command values ​​Y(t,n) that are below the rated capacity Da2, among the N individual command values ​​Y(t,1) to (t,N) that correspond to the different water electrolysis devices 14_n, as shown in the following formula (6C) (Sd14). That is, the total excess amount Ea_sum is allocated to the water electrolysis device 14_n that has the smallest individual command value Y(t,n) among the N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N.

number

[0099] The procedure of the first adjustment process is as described above. As illustrated in Fig. 21, if there is no individual command value Y(t, n) that exceeds the rated capacity Da2 (Sc11: NO), the first adjustment process is not executed.

[0100] The control device 51 determines whether or not there is any individual command value Y(t, n) whose change amount ΔY(t, n) exceeds the maximum increase speed +V among the N individual command values ​​Y(t, 1) to Y(t, N) (Sc13). That is, it is determined whether or not there is a violation of the maximum response speed Da4 for each individual command value Y(t, n). If there is any individual command value Y(t, n) whose change amount ΔY(t, n) exceeds the maximum increase speed +V (Sc13: YES), the control device 51 executes a second adjustment process to adjust each individual command value Y(t, n) in accordance with the maximum increase speed +V (Sc14).

[0101] 23 is a flowchart of the second adjustment process when the power command value P(t) has increased. When the second adjustment process is started, the control device 51 calculates an excess amount Eb(t,n) for one or more individual command values ​​Y(t,n) of the N individual command values ​​Y(t,1) to Y(t,N) whose change amount ΔY(t,n) exceeds the maximum increase speed +V (Se11). The excess amount Eb(t,n) is the amount by which the change amount ΔY(t,n) exceeds the maximum increase speed +V. Specifically, as shown in the following equation (7a), the excess amount Eb(t,n) is expressed as the difference between the change amount ΔY(t,n) and the maximum increase speed +V.

number

[0102] The control device 51 calculates a sum Eb_sum of excess amounts Eb(t,n) (hereinafter referred to as "total excess amount") for one or more water electrolysis devices 14_n whose change ΔY(t,n) exceeds the maximum rate of increase +V (Se12). The total excess amount Eb_sum is the sum of excess amounts Eb in the water electrolysis system 10, as shown in the following formula (7B). The control device 51 also changes the change ΔY(t,n) that exceeds the maximum rate of increase +V to the maximum rate of increase +V (Se13).

number

[0103] The control device 51 updates the change amount ΔY(t, n) which is equal to or greater than the maximum increase rate +V, according to the following formula (7C) (Se14).

number

[0104] The sum Σ in formula (7C) is the sum over the individual command values ​​Y(t, n) that are equal to or greater than one and for which the amount of change ΔY(t, n) is equal to or less than the maximum rate of increase +V. As can be seen from formula (7C), the total excess amount Eb_sum is allocated to each amount of change ΔY(t, n) that is equal to or less than the maximum rate of increase +V in accordance with the reciprocal ratio of the individual command values ​​Y(t, n). In other words, the smaller the individual command value Y(t, n) of the water electrolysis device 14_n, the smaller the portion of the total excess amount Eb_sum allocated to the amount of change ΔY(t, n).

[0105] The control device 51 calculates the individual command value Y(t, n) for each water electrolysis device 14_n by adding the amount of change ΔY(t, n) calculated for each water electrolysis device 14_n using the above procedure to the individual command value Y(t-1, n) at the immediately preceding time (t-1) according to the following formula (7D) (Se15).

number

[0106] The procedure of the second adjustment process is as described above. As illustrated in Fig. 21, when the second adjustment process is executed, the control device 51 determines whether or not any of the N individual command values ​​Y(t,1) to Y(t,N) after the second adjustment process is executed exceeds the rated capacity Da2 (Sc15).

[0107] If there is an individual command value Y(t, n) that exceeds the rated capacity Da2 (Sc15: YES), the control device 51 executes a first adjustment process to adjust each individual command value Y(t, n) in accordance with the rated capacity Da2 (Sc16). The specific steps of the first adjustment process are as described above with reference to FIG. 22. On the other hand, if there is no individual command value Y(t, n) that exceeds the rated capacity Da2 (Sc15: NO), the control device 51 does not execute the first adjustment process. After executing the above process, the control device 51 proceeds to step Sc13 and determines whether or not any of the N change amounts ΔY(t, n) exceeds the maximum increase speed +V.

[0108] As described above, by repeating the first adjustment process and the second adjustment process, all of the N individual command values ​​Y(t,1) to Y(tN) are adjusted to be equal to or less than the rated capacity Da2, and all of the N change amounts ΔY(t,1) to ΔY(t,N) are adjusted to be equal to or less than the maximum increase rate +V. If the above conditions are met, the result of the determination in step Sc13 becomes negative. That is, the control device 51 proceeds to step Sb18 and transmits each current individual command value Y(t,n) to each operating unit U_n (control device 13_n) of the water electrolysis system 10. The above is the processing performed in the command value setting process when the power command value P(t) has increased compared to the immediately preceding value (Sb15: NO).

[0109] Fig. 24 is a flowchart of the command value setting process in the second embodiment. Fig. 24 illustrates a part of the command value setting process that is executed when the current power command value P(t) has decreased compared to the immediately preceding power command value P(t-1) (Sb15: YES). When the power command value P(t) has decreased, the control device 51 allocates the amount of change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) to the individual command values ​​Y(t,n) of each water electrolysis device 14_n in accordance with the ratio of the individual command values ​​Y(t-1,n) at the immediately preceding time (t-1), as in the first embodiment (Sb16).

[0110] The control device 51 of the second embodiment determines whether or not there is any individual command value Y(t, n) whose change amount ΔY(t, n) is less than the maximum decrease speed −V among the N individual command values ​​Y(t, 1) to Y(t, N) calculated by the above procedure (Sf11). That is, it is determined whether or not there is a violation of the maximum response speed Da4 for each individual command value Y(t, n). If there is any individual command value Y(t, n) whose change amount ΔY(t, n) is less than the maximum decrease speed −V (Sf11: YES), the control device 51 executes a second adjustment process to adjust each individual command value Y(t, n) in accordance with the maximum decrease speed −V (Sf12).

[0111] 25 is a flowchart of the second adjustment process when the power command value P(t) has decreased. When the second adjustment process is started, the control device 51 calculates an excess amount Eb(t,n) for one or more individual command values ​​Y(t,n) of the N individual command values ​​Y(t,1) to Y(t,N) whose change amount ΔY(t,n) is less than the maximum decrease speed −V (Sg11). The excess amount Eb(t,n) is the amount by which the change amount ΔY(t,n) exceeds the maximum decrease speed −V. Specifically, as shown in the following equation (8A), the excess amount Eb(t,n) is expressed as the difference between the change amount ΔY(t,n) and the maximum decrease speed −V.

number

[0112] The control device 51 calculates the sum Eb_sum of the excess amounts Eb(t,n) (hereinafter referred to as the "total excess amount") for one or more water electrolysis devices 14_n for which the rate of change ΔY(t,n) is below the maximum rate of decrease -V (Sg12). The total excess amount Eb_sum is the sum of the excess amounts Eb in the water electrolysis system 10, as shown in the following formula (8B). The control device 51 also changes the rate of change ΔY(t,n) that is below the maximum rate of decrease -V to the maximum rate of decrease -V (Sg13).

number

[0113] The control device 51 updates the change amount ΔY(t, n) which is equal to or greater than 1 and is equal to or greater than the maximum decrease rate −V, according to the following formula (8C) (Sg14).

number

[0114] The sum Σ in formula (8C) is the sum over the individual command values ​​Y(t, n) that are equal to or greater than 1 and for which the amount of change ΔY(t, n) is equal to or greater than the maximum rate of decrease −V. As can be seen from formula (8C), the total excess amount Eb_sum is allocated to each amount of change ΔY(t, n) that is equal to or greater than the maximum rate of decrease −V in accordance with the ratio of the individual command values ​​Y(t, n). In other words, the smaller the individual command value Y(t, n) of the water electrolysis device 14_n, the greater the portion of the total excess amount Eb_sum allocated to the amount of change ΔY(t, n).

[0115] The control device 51 calculates the individual command value Y(t, n) for each water electrolysis device 14_n by adding the amount of change ΔY(t, n) calculated for each water electrolysis device 14_n using the above procedure to the individual command value Y(t-1, n) at the immediately preceding time (t-1) according to the following formula (8D) (Sg15).

number

[0116] The procedure of the second adjustment process is as described above. As illustrated in FIG. 24, after executing the second adjustment process, the control device 51 proceeds to step Sf11 and determines whether any of the N amounts of change ΔY(t,1) to ΔY(t,N) is below the maximum rate of decrease −V. That is, the second adjustment process is repeated until all of the N amounts of change ΔY(t,1) to ΔY(t,N) are adjusted to values ​​equal to or greater than the maximum rate of decrease −V. If all of the amounts of change ΔY(t,1) to ΔY(t,N) have been adjusted to values ​​equal to or greater than the maximum rate of decrease −V (Sf11: NO), the control device 51 proceeds to step Sb18 and transmits each current individual command value Y(t,n) to each operating unit U_n (control device 13_n) of the water electrolysis system 10. The process of the command value setting process performed when the power command value P(t) has decreased compared to the immediately preceding value (Sb15: YES) is as described above.

[0117] Figures 26 to 28 show specific examples of the operation of Embodiment 2. In Figures 26 to 28, it is assumed that the water electrolysis system 10 is made up of four water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_4.

[0118] Fig. 26 shows an example of operation when the individual command value Y(t,1) of the water electrolysis device 14_1 and the individual command value Y(t,2) of the water electrolysis device 14_2 exceed the rated capacity Da2 (=2500 kW). In the state of Fig. 26, the individual command values ​​Y(t,1) and Y(t,2) are reduced to the rated capacity Da2, and the total excess amount Ea_sum (=+40 kW), which is the sum of the excess amount Ea(t,1) of the individual command value Y(t,1) and the excess amount Ea(t,2) of the individual command value Y(t,2), is allocated to the individual command value Y(t,4) of the water electrolysis device 14_4, which corresponds to the minimum value Ymin.

[0119] Fig. 27 shows an example of operation when the amount of change ΔY(t,3) in the individual command value Y(t,3) of the water electrolysis device 14_3 and the amount of change ΔY(t,4) in the individual command value Y(t,4) of the water electrolysis device 14_4 exceed the maximum response speed Da4 (maximum increase speed + V). In the state of Fig. 27, a total excess amount Eb_sum (-58 kW), which is the sum of the excess amount Eb(t,3) of the amount of change ΔY(t,3) and the excess amount Eb(t,4) of the amount of change ΔY(t,4), is allocated to the individual command value Y(t,1) of the water electrolysis device 14_1 and the individual command value Y(t,2) of the water electrolysis device 14_2 based on the reciprocal ratio of the individual command value Y(t,1) of the water electrolysis device 14_1 and the individual command value Y(t,2).

[0120] Fig. 28 shows an example of operation when the individual command value Y(t,1) for the water electrolysis device 14_1 exceeds the rated capacity Da2 and the amount of change ΔY(t,4) in the individual command value Y(t,4) for the water electrolysis device 14_4 exceeds the maximum response speed Da4. In the state shown in Fig. 28, in the first stage, the individual command value Y(t,1) is reduced to the rated capacity Da2 and the total excess amount Ea_sum (=Ea(t,1)) is allocated to the individual command value Y(t,4) for the water electrolysis device 14_4, which corresponds to the minimum value Ymin. In the second stage, the total excess amount Eb_sum (=+35 kW) corresponding to the excess amount Eb(t,4) of the change amount ΔY(t,4) is allocated to the individual command value Y(t,2) of the water electrolysis device 14_2 and the individual command value Y(t,3) of the water electrolysis device 14_3 based on the reciprocal ratio of the individual command value Y(t,2) to the individual command value Y(t,3) of the water electrolysis device 14_3. Note that, because the individual command value Y(t,1) has already been adjusted in the first stage, the water electrolysis device 14_1 is excluded from the allocation of the total excess amount Eb_sum in the second stage.

[0121] Figures 29 to 31 are diagrams illustrating the effects of the second embodiment. Figures 30 and 31 show the number of times each water electrolysis device 14_n is stopped when the water electrolysis system 10 is operated using the power command value P(t) illustrated in Figure 29. Figure 30 shows observation results for a comparative example, and Figure 31 shows observation results for the second embodiment. For convenience, it is assumed that the water electrolysis system 10 is made up of four water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_4.

[0122] In the comparative example, as described above, the power command value P(t) is distributed evenly to all four water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_4. Therefore, as can be seen from Fig. 30, the time series of the individual command values ​​Y(t,n) is common to all four water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_4. Each water electrolysis device 14_n is stopped six times, so the total number of stops in the water electrolysis system 10 is 24.

[0123] On the other hand, in contrast to the comparative example, in the second embodiment, the operation (operation / stop) and the individual command value Y(t, n) are set for each water electrolysis device 14_n according to the power command value P(t). Therefore, the time series of the individual command value Y(t, n) differs for each water electrolysis device 14_n. As illustrated in FIG. 31 , the number of times the water electrolysis device 14_1 is stopped is six, the same as in the comparative example, but the number of times the water electrolysis device 14_2 is stopped is reduced to four, and the number of times the water electrolysis devices 14_3 and 14_4 are stopped is reduced to three. Therefore, the total number of times the water electrolysis system 10 is stopped is 16. As described above, according to the first embodiment, the number of times each water electrolysis device 14_n is stopped can be reduced compared to the comparative example.

[0124] C: Modified Example Specific modified embodiments that can be added to each of the embodiments exemplified above are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not being mutually contradictory.

[0125] (1) In the above-described embodiments, the priority order (priority information Dc) of each water electrolysis apparatus 14_n is determined in response to a user instruction via the operation device 33. However, the method for setting the priority order of each water electrolysis apparatus 14_n is not limited to the above examples. For example, the control device 31 of the planning system 30 may determine the priority order of each water electrolysis apparatus 14_n in response to the operation information Db stored in the storage device 32. For example, the control device 31 may generate the operation information Db such that the smaller the number of shutdowns Db1 indicated by the operation information Db, the higher the priority order.

[0126] (2) The overall configuration of the hydrogen production system 100 is not limited to the examples in the above-described embodiments. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 32, the hydrogen production system 100 may include a power generation system 71 and a power storage system 72.

[0127] The power generation system 71 is, for example, a distributed power source that generates power using renewable energy. For example, any type of power generation system that uses renewable energy can be used as the power generation system 71, such as a solar power generation system that converts solar energy into electricity, a wind power generation system that converts wind energy into electricity, a geothermal power generation system that converts geothermal energy into electricity, a hydroelectric power generation system that converts hydroelectric energy into electricity, or a biomass power generation system that converts biomass energy into electricity.

[0128] The power storage system 72 is a power facility capable of charging and discharging power. Specifically, the power storage system 72 is a system storage battery that can discharge power to the power system 200 and can be charged with power supplied from the power system 200.

[0129] The water electrolysis system 10 can produce hydrogen using power supplied from the power grid 200 as well as power supplied from the power generation system 71 or the power storage system 72. Specifically, the power command value P(t) is calculated by adding the power that can be supplied from the power generation system 71 or the power storage system 72 to the operation plan P0 and the sequential command value A.

[0130] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the water electrolysis system 10 can utilize power supplied from the power generation system 71 or the power storage system 72, the supply of power from the power grid 200 to the water electrolysis system 10 may be omitted, as illustrated in Fig. 33. The hydrogen production system 100 in Fig. 33 constitutes an independent system insulated from the power grid 200. The electrical connection / insulation between the hydrogen production system 100 and the power grid 200 may be switched by a switching device (not shown).

[0131] (3) In the above-described embodiments, the operation (operation / stop) of each water electrolysis device 14_n is determined depending on whether the first condition, that is, the power command value P(t) exceeds the power threshold Ha, and the second condition, that is, the amount of change ΔP(t) in the power command value P(t) exceeds the change threshold Hb, are satisfied. However, the operation determination unit 61 may also determine the operation of each water electrolysis device 14_n depending on whether either the first condition or the second condition is satisfied.

[0132] (4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the control device 51 (operation determination unit 61) may shut down all of the N water electrolysis devices 14_n in operation among the N water electrolysis devices 14_1 to 14_N when the power command value P(t) falls below a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as the "shutdown threshold"). That is, the number M of operating devices is initialized to 0. The shutdown threshold is, for example, a predetermined value that is lower than the smallest threshold Ha_1 among the power thresholds Ha.

[0133] As described above, the control device 51 does not shut down the water electrolysis devices 14_n simply because the power command value P(t) falls below the power threshold Ha, but shuts down all of the operating water electrolysis devices 14_n once the power command value P(t) falls below the shutdown threshold. This configuration reduces the frequency with which the water electrolysis devices 14_n are shut down, thereby suppressing performance degradation due to a drop in the performance of the water electrolysis devices 14_n.

[0134] (5) As described above, the functions of the control system 50 according to the above-described embodiment are realized through cooperation between one or more processors constituting the control device 51 and a program stored in the storage device 52. The programs exemplified above can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM, but also includes any known form of recording medium, such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium other than a transitory, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network, the recording medium storing the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0135] (6) The term "nth" (n is a natural number) in this application is used only as a formal and convenient label to distinguish each element in the description and does not have any substantive meaning. Therefore, there is no room for restrictive interpretation of the position or order of each element based on the term "nth."

[0136] C: Notes From the above-described exemplary embodiments, the following configurations can be understood, for example.

[0137] A control system according to one aspect (aspect 1) of the present disclosure controls a water electrolysis system including multiple water electrolysis devices, and includes: an operation determination unit that determines whether to operate or stop each of the multiple water electrolysis devices based on whether at least one of a first condition, which includes a power command value indicating the power to be used by the water electrolysis system, exceeds a power threshold, and a second condition, which includes a change in the power command value exceeding a change threshold, is satisfied; and a command value setting unit that sets an individual command value for each of the multiple water electrolysis devices based on the power command value and the determination result by the operation determination unit. In the above aspect, the operation (operation / stop) and the individual command value for each water electrolysis device are set based on whether at least one of a first condition related to the power command value for the water electrolysis system and a second condition related to the change in the power command value is satisfied. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the power command values ​​are evenly distributed to all the water electrolysis devices in a water electrolysis system, for example, the number of times each water electrolysis device is stopped can be reduced while preventing excessive increases in power consumption or sudden changes in power consumption. Therefore, deterioration of the characteristics of each water electrolysis device can be effectively suppressed.

[0138] In a specific example (Aspect 2) of Aspect 1, the water electrolysis system further includes a plan adjustment unit that sets the power command value based on an operation plan for power consumption that is generated in advance in accordance with the operational status of the water electrolysis system and sequential command values ​​that are generated sequentially during operation of the operation plan. In the above aspect, the power command value is set based on the operation plan for power consumption and the sequential command value. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of times each water electrolysis device is stopped while suppressing excessive increases or sudden changes in the power consumption of each water electrolysis device, not only for power consumption corresponding to the operation plan but also for power consumption corresponding to the sequential command values.

[0139] In a specific example (Aspect 3) of Aspect 1 or Aspect 2, the power thresholds include a plurality of different first thresholds, and the operation determination unit increases the number of operating water electrolysis devices in the water electrolysis system each time the power command value exceeds one of the plurality of first thresholds. In the above aspect, the number of operating water electrolysis devices increases each time the power command value exceeds one of the plurality of first thresholds. Therefore, commands based on the power command values ​​can be effectively fulfilled while preventing an excessive increase in the power consumption of each water electrolysis device.

[0140] In a specific example of Aspect 3 (Aspect 4), when the power command value falls below a predetermined threshold, the operation determination unit shuts down all of the operating water electrolysis devices among the plurality of water electrolysis devices. In the above aspect, when the power command value falls below the predetermined threshold, all of the operating water electrolysis devices are shut down. This reduces the frequency with which the water electrolysis devices are shut down, and effectively suppresses performance degradation due to shutting down the water electrolysis devices.

[0141] In a specific example (Aspect 5) of any of Aspects 1 to 4, the change threshold value includes a plurality of different second threshold values, and the operation determination unit increases the number of operating water electrolysis devices in the water electrolysis system each time the change amount in the power command value exceeds one of the plurality of second threshold values. In the above aspect, the number of operating water electrolysis devices increases each time the change amount in the power command value exceeds one of the plurality of threshold values. Therefore, commands based on the power command values ​​can be effectively fulfilled while suppressing abrupt changes in the power consumption of each water electrolysis device.

[0142] In a specific example (Aspect 6) of any of Aspects 1 to 5, the command value setting unit sets individual command values ​​for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices such that, when the power command value increases, the portion of the increase in the power command value allocated to the water electrolysis devices whose previous individual command value was a first value is less than the portion allocated to the water electrolysis devices whose previous individual command value was a second value smaller than the first value. In the above aspect, the water electrolysis device with a larger previous individual command value receives a smaller portion of the increase in the power command value, making it possible to distribute the power command values ​​among the plurality of water electrolysis devices. In other words, uneven distribution of power usage among the water electrolysis devices (concentration of power usage at a specific water electrolysis device) is suppressed. This reduces the possibility of concentrated deterioration of a specific water electrolysis device in the water electrolysis system.

[0143] In a specific example (Aspect 7) of any of Aspects 1 to 6, the command value setting unit sets individual command values ​​for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices such that, when the power command value decreases, the portion of the decrease in the power command value allocated to the water electrolysis devices whose previous individual command value was a first value exceeds the portion allocated to the water electrolysis devices whose previous individual command value was a second value smaller than the first value. In this aspect, the water electrolysis device with a larger previous individual command value receives a larger portion of the decrease in the power command value, making it possible to distribute the power command values ​​among the plurality of water electrolysis devices. In other words, uneven distribution of power usage among the water electrolysis devices (concentration of power usage at a specific water electrolysis device) is suppressed. This reduces the possibility of concentrated deterioration of a specific water electrolysis device among the plurality of water electrolysis devices.

[0144] In a specific example (Aspect 8) of any of Aspects 1 to 7, when the power command value increases, the command value setting unit adjusts the individual command value set for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices in accordance with the power command value and the determination result by the operation determination unit to a numerical value within the rated capacity range of the water electrolysis device. In the above aspect, the individual command value set for each water electrolysis device is adjusted to a numerical value within the rated capacity range of the water electrolysis device. Therefore, while each water electrolysis device is appropriately operated within the rated capacity range, the water electrolysis system as a whole can effectively satisfy the commands set by the power command values.

[0145] In a specific example of Aspect 8 (Aspect 9), when the individual command value set for a first water electrolysis device among the plurality of water electrolysis devices exceeds the rated capacity, the command value setting unit allocates the excess amount of the individual command value to the individual command value of a second water electrolysis device, which is different from the first water electrolysis device. In the above aspect, the excess amount of the individual command value for the first water electrolysis device is allocated to the individual command value for the second water electrolysis device. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the excess amount of the individual command value for the first water electrolysis device is ignored, the water electrolysis system as a whole can more effectively fulfill the commands set by the power command values.

[0146] In a specific example (Aspect 10) of any of Aspects 1 to 9, the command value setting unit adjusts the individual command value set for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices in accordance with the power command value and the determination result by the operation determination unit so that the amount of change in the individual command value becomes a numerical value within the range of the maximum response speed of the water electrolysis device. In the above aspect, the individual command value set for each water electrolysis device is adjusted so that the amount of change in the individual command value becomes a numerical value within the range of the maximum response speed of the water electrolysis device. Therefore, while each water electrolysis device is operated appropriately within the range of the maximum response speed, the water electrolysis system as a whole can effectively fulfill the commands set by the power command value.

[0147] In a specific example (Aspect 11) of Aspect 10, when a change in the individual command value set for a first water electrolysis device among the plurality of water electrolysis devices exceeds the maximum response speed, the command value setting unit allocates the excess amount of the maximum response speed to the individual command value for a second water electrolysis device, different from the first water electrolysis device. In the above aspect, when a change in the individual command value set for the first water electrolysis device exceeds the maximum response speed, the excess amount of the maximum response speed is allocated to the individual command value for the second water electrolysis device. Therefore, commands based on power command values ​​can be more effectively fulfilled by the water electrolysis system as a whole, compared to a configuration in which, for example, the excess amount of change in the individual command value for the first water electrolysis device is ignored.

[0148] A management system according to one aspect (aspect 12) of the present disclosure includes a planning system that generates an operation plan for power consumption in accordance with the operational status of a water electrolysis system including a plurality of water electrolysis devices, and a control system that controls the water electrolysis system. The control system includes an operation determination unit that determines whether to operate or stop each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices in accordance with whether at least one of a first condition, which includes a power command value corresponding to the operation plan exceeding a power threshold, and a second condition, which includes a change in the power command value exceeding a change threshold, is satisfied, and a command value setting unit that sets an individual command value for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices in accordance with the power command value and the determination result by the operation determination unit.

[0149] In a specific example (aspect 13) of aspect 12, the power generation system further includes a plan control unit that sets the power command value based on the operation plan and sequential command values ​​that are generated sequentially in the course of implementing the operation plan.

[0150] A hydrogen production system according to one aspect (aspect 14) of the present disclosure comprises a water electrolysis system including a plurality of water electrolysis devices, a planning system that generates an operation plan for power consumption according to the operational status of the water electrolysis system, and a control system that controls the water electrolysis system, wherein the control system includes an operation determination unit that determines whether to operate or stop each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices depending on whether at least one of a first condition, which includes a power command value according to the operation plan exceeding a power threshold, and a second condition, which includes a change in the power command value exceeding a change threshold, is satisfied, and a command value setting unit that sets an individual command value for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices depending on the power command value and the determination result by the operation determination unit.

[0151] The amount of power available to each water electrolysis device may change from the pre-generated operation plan. For example, there may be a need to produce additional hydrogen due to a shortage of storage capacity in the hydrogen tank, or a need for the water electrolysis system to use surplus power from the power grid. Therefore, simply controlling each water electrolysis device according to a pre-generated operation plan may not be enough to achieve sufficiently efficient operation of hydrogen production. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to efficiently operate each water electrolysis device in response to events other than those specified in the operation plan.

[0152] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a management system including: a planning system that generates an operation plan for power consumption in accordance with an operational status of a water electrolysis system that includes a plurality of water electrolysis devices; a planning controller that sets a power command value based on the operation plan and sequential command values ​​that are generated sequentially during the operation of the operation plan; and a control system that controls the water electrolysis system, wherein the control system includes: an operation determination unit that determines whether to operate or stop each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices in accordance with the power command value; and a command value setting unit that sets an individual command value for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices in accordance with the power command value and a determination result by the operation determination unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 100...hydrogen production system, 200...power system, 10...water electrolysis system, 20...management system, U_n...operation unit, 11...hydrogen tank, 12_n...power conversion device, 13_n...control device, 14_n...water electrolysis device, 30...planning system, 31...control device, 32...storage device, 33...operation device, 40...planning adjustment unit, 50...control system, 51...control device, 52...storage device, 61...operation determination unit, 62...command value setting unit, 71...power generation system, 72...energy storage system

Claims

1. A control system for controlling a water electrolysis system including a plurality of water electrolysis devices, an operation determination unit that determines whether to operate or stop each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices depending on whether at least one of a first condition, which includes a power command value indicating power to be used by the water electrolysis system, exceeds a power threshold, and a second condition, which includes a change in the power command value exceeding a change threshold, is satisfied; a command value setting unit that sets an individual command value for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices in accordance with the power command value and the determination result by the operation determination unit; A control system comprising:

2. a plan adjustment unit that sets the power command value based on an operation plan for power consumption that is generated in advance in accordance with the operation status of the water electrolysis system and sequential command values ​​that are sequentially generated in the process of operating the operation plan. The control system of claim 1 further comprising:

3. the power thresholds include a plurality of different first thresholds; The operation determination unit increases the number of water electrolysis devices to be operated in the water electrolysis system every time the power command value exceeds any one of the plurality of first threshold values. The control system of claim 1.

4. The operation determination unit stops all of the water electrolysis devices that are in operation when the power command value falls below a predetermined threshold. The control system of claim 1.

5. the change threshold includes a plurality of different second thresholds; The operation determination unit increases the number of water electrolysis devices to be operated in the water electrolysis system every time an amount of change in the power command value exceeds any one of the plurality of second thresholds. The control system of claim 1.

6. When the power command value increases, the command value setting unit sets the individual command value for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices such that, of the increase in the power command value, a portion allocated to the water electrolysis devices whose immediately preceding individual command value is a first value is less than a portion allocated to the water electrolysis devices whose immediately preceding individual command value is a second value smaller than the first value. The control system of claim 1.

7. When the power command value decreases, the command value setting unit sets the individual command values ​​for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices such that, of the decrease in the power command value, a portion allocated to the water electrolysis devices whose immediately preceding individual command value is a first value exceeds a portion allocated to the water electrolysis devices whose immediately preceding individual command value is a second value smaller than the first value. The control system of claim 1.

8. When the power command value increases, the command value setting unit adjusts the individual command value set for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices in accordance with the power command value and the determination result by the operation determination unit to a numerical value within a range of the rated capacity of the water electrolysis device. The control system of claim 1.

9. When an individual command value set for a first water electrolysis device among the plurality of water electrolysis devices exceeds a rated capacity, the command value setting unit allocates an excess amount of the individual command value to an individual command value of a second water electrolysis device different from the first water electrolysis device. The control system of claim 8.

10. the command value setting unit adjusts the individual command value set for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices in accordance with the power command value and the determination result by the operation determination unit so that a change in the individual command value becomes a numerical value within a range of a maximum response speed of the water electrolysis device. The control system of claim 1.

11. When a change in the individual command value set for a first water electrolysis device among the plurality of water electrolysis devices exceeds the maximum response speed, the command value setting unit allocates the amount by which the maximum response speed exceeds the individual command value for a second water electrolysis device different from the first water electrolysis device. The control system of claim 10.

12. a planning system that generates an operation plan for power consumption according to an operation status of a water electrolysis system including a plurality of water electrolysis devices; a control system for controlling the water electrolysis system; A management system comprising: The control system includes: an operation determination unit that determines whether to operate or stop each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices depending on whether at least one of a first condition including a power command value according to the operation plan exceeding a power threshold and a second condition including a change in the power command value exceeding a change threshold is satisfied; a command value setting unit that sets an individual command value for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices in accordance with the power command value and a determination result by the operation determination unit. Management system.

13. a plan control unit that sets the power command value based on the operation plan and sequential command values ​​that are generated sequentially in the process of implementing the operation plan; The management system of claim 12, further comprising:

14. a water electrolysis system including a plurality of water electrolysis devices; a planning system that generates an operation plan for power consumption in accordance with an operation status of the water electrolysis system; a control system for controlling the water electrolysis system; A hydrogen production system comprising: The control system includes: an operation determination unit that determines whether to operate or stop each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices depending on whether at least one of a first condition including a power command value according to the operation plan exceeding a power threshold and a second condition including a change in the power command value exceeding a change threshold is satisfied; a command value setting unit that sets an individual command value for each of the plurality of water electrolysis devices in accordance with the power command value and a determination result by the operation determination unit. Hydrogen production system.

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