Load control system, load control method, and program

Abstract

To achieve more stable and continuous operation control of a specific load.SOLUTION: The plan information acquisition unit 10 acquires plan information regarding a usage plan of a specific load during a certain period. The auxiliary information acquisition unit 13 acquires auxiliary power source information related to the amount of power that can be supplied by the auxiliary power source and the arrival time until the auxiliary power source arrives at the facility. The first time prediction unit 21 predicts a first time in which the power consumption of the specific load can be covered by the power of the power storage device and the solar power generation system, based on the power generation amount, the remaining capacity information, and the power consumption amount. The second time prediction unit 22 predicts a second time in which the power consumption of the specific load can be covered by the power of the auxiliary power supply, based on the auxiliary power supply information, the power generation amount, and the power consumption amount. The excess / deficiency prediction section 23 predicts excess or deficiency of power based on the first time period and the second time period. The plan update unit 24 updates the usage plan based on the prediction result of the excess / deficiency prediction unit 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a load control system, a load control method, and a program, and more particularly to a load control system, a load control method, and a program for controlling the operation of a specific load. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power supply system that can maintain the supply of power to power loads and improve convenience during a power outage. This power supply system predicts the remaining amount of electricity stored in a storage battery during a power outage, and if it predicts that the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery will fall below a threshold, it suppresses the power consumption of the most important loads or suppresses the most important loads individually. Furthermore, if it predicts that the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery will fall below a threshold, this power supply system stops only the important loads connected to important circuits. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-164178 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, for a facility's specific load (critical load), operation control of the specific load can be maintained using power from distributed power sources for a certain period of time (for example, 72 hours) after the occurrence of a power outage. However, because the power supply situation from distributed power sources can change from moment to moment, it is desirable to achieve more stable and continuous operation control of the specific load.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned reasons, and aims to provide a load control system, a load control method, and a program that can achieve more stable and continuous operation control of a specific load. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A load control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure controls specific loads installed in a facility using distributed power sources during a power outage in the grid. The specific loads are important loads that may require a power supply for at least a certain period of time after a power outage in the grid. The distributed power sources include a solar power generation system, a power storage device, and a portable auxiliary power source. The load control system includes a plan information acquisition unit, a remaining capacity acquisition unit, a weather information acquisition unit, an auxiliary information acquisition unit, a power consumption prediction unit, a first-hour prediction unit, a second-hour prediction unit, an excess / shortage prediction unit, a plan update unit, and a control unit. The plan information acquisition unit acquires plan information regarding a usage plan for the specific loads during the certain period. The remaining capacity acquisition unit acquires remaining capacity information regarding the remaining capacity of the power storage device. The weather information acquisition unit acquires weather information regarding a weather forecast for the certain period. The auxiliary information acquisition unit acquires auxiliary power source information regarding the amount of power that can be supplied by the auxiliary power source and the arrival time of the auxiliary power source at the facility. The power consumption prediction unit predicts the power consumption amount of the specific load during the certain period based on the plan information. The first-hour prediction unit predicts the power generation amount of the solar power generation system during the certain period based on the weather information. The first-hour prediction unit predicts a first time period during which the power consumption of the specific load can be covered by the power of the power storage device and the solar power generation system based on the power generation amount, the remaining capacity information, and the power consumption amount. The second-hour prediction unit predicts a second time period during which the power consumption of the specific load can be covered by the power of the auxiliary power source based on the auxiliary power source information, the power generation amount, and the power consumption amount. The surplus / deficiency prediction unit predicts a power surplus or shortage that may occur in the facility during the certain period based on the first time period and the second time period. The plan update unit updates the usage plan based on the prediction result of the surplus / deficiency prediction unit. The control unit controls the operation of the specific load based on the updated usage plan.

[0007] A load control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure controls specific loads installed in a facility using distributed power sources during a power outage in a grid power system. The specific loads are important loads that may require a power supply for at least a certain period of time after a power outage in the grid power system occurs. The distributed power sources include a solar power generation system, a power storage device, and a portable auxiliary power source. The load control method includes a plan information acquisition step, a remaining capacity acquisition step, a weather information acquisition step, an auxiliary information acquisition step, a power consumption prediction step, a first-hour prediction step, a second-hour prediction step, a surplus / shortage prediction step, a plan update step, and a control step. The plan information acquisition step acquires plan information regarding a usage plan for the specific load during the certain period. The remaining capacity acquisition step acquires remaining capacity information regarding the remaining capacity of the power storage device. The weather information acquisition step acquires weather information regarding a weather forecast for the certain period. The auxiliary information acquisition step acquires auxiliary power source information regarding the amount of power that can be supplied by the auxiliary power source and the arrival time of the auxiliary power source at the facility. In the power consumption prediction step, the amount of power consumption of the specific load during the certain period is predicted based on the plan information. In the first hour prediction step, the amount of power generated by the solar power generation system during the certain period is predicted based on the weather information. In the first hour prediction step, a first hour when the power consumption of the specific load can be covered by the power of the storage device and the solar power generation system is predicted based on the amount of power generated, the remaining capacity information, and the amount of power consumed. In the second hour prediction step, a second hour when the power consumption of the specific load can be covered by the power of the auxiliary power source is predicted based on the auxiliary power source information, the amount of power generated, and the amount of power consumed. In the surplus / shortage prediction step, a prediction is made regarding the surplus or shortfall of power that may occur in the facility during the certain period based on the first hour and the second hour. In the plan update step, the usage plan is updated based on the prediction result of the surplus / shortage prediction step. In the control step, the operation of the specific load is controlled based on the updated usage plan.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the load control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present disclosure has the advantage of enabling more stable and continuous operation control of a specific load to be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an entire power management system including a load control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the load control system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an (original) usage plan of a specific load acquired by the load control system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a power supply plan in the load control system, particularly for explaining a case where a time when power supply is unavailable occurs. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the impact information of load control acquired by the load control system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the influence information in which the result of the optimization calculation in the load control system is reflected. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a usage plan corrected in the load control system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a power supply plan in the load control system of the above embodiment, particularly for explaining a case where no supply unavailable time occurs. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the load control system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the execution timing of processing in the load control system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (overview) Below, a load control system, a load control method, and a program according to embodiments and modifications will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments and modifications are merely examples of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the following embodiments and modifications can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, the configurations of the modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1 , a load control system A1 according to one embodiment controls a specific load B1 installed in a facility 100 using a distributed power source D1 (distributed power source) during a power outage of a grid power source C1. In the following description, the facility 100 is assumed to be a facility such as a local government town hall or government building, but is not particularly limited to such a facility as long as the specific load B1, to which power is distributed separately from general loads B2, is installed. The facility 100 may be a non-residential facility, such as an office building, theater, movie theater, public hall, amusement park, complex, restaurant, department store, school, hotel, inn, hospital, nursing home, kindergarten, library, museum, art gallery, underground shopping mall, station, or airport. Alternatively, the facility 100 may be a residence, etc.

[0013] The specific load B1 is an important load that may require power supply for at least a certain period T0 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) from the time of a power outage of the power grid C1 (e.g., a commercial AC power supply). In the present disclosure, the certain period T0 is assumed to be 72 hours (i.e., 3 days), for example. The certain period T0 is not limited to 72 hours, and may be, for example, 24 hours or 48 hours, or may be a period longer than 72 hours.

[0014] The specific load B1 (critical load) includes, for example, one or more lighting devices B11 (only one is shown in FIG. 1 ) and one or more air conditioners B12 (only one is shown in FIG. 1 ). The specific load B1 is not limited to the lighting device B11 and the air conditioner B12, but may include, for example, a water supply device (water supply pump). The specific load B1 is connected to the secondary side of a distribution board E2 for critical loads (see FIG. 1 ). A switching device 7 (referred to as "ATS" (Automatic Transfer Switch) in FIG. 1 ) is connected to the primary side of the distribution board E2 for critical loads. A power conditioner P1 (referred to as "PCS" in FIG. 1 ) and a common distribution board E1 (see FIG. 1 ) are connected to the switching device 7. A system power source C1 is connected to the primary side of the common distribution board E1.

[0015] When the system power source C1 is not experiencing a power outage (normal operation), grid-connected operation can be performed, for example, by a power conditioner P1. During grid-connected operation, the switching device 7 automatically switches the circuit so that the system power source C1 and the distributed power source D1 are connected to each other. As a result, during grid-connected operation, power from the system power source C1 or the distributed power source D1 can be supplied to the general load B2 and the specific load B1. The general load B2 is connected to a common distribution board E1. The general load B2 can include one or more lighting devices, one or more air conditioning devices, and other load devices.

[0016] When the grid power supply C1 experiences a power outage, the power conditioner P1 performs stand-alone operation. During stand-alone operation, the switching device 7 automatically switches the circuit so that power from the distributed power supply D1 is supplied to the specific load B1. During stand-alone operation, the power supply to the general load B2 is stopped.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the distributed power source D1 includes a photovoltaic power generation system 3 (denoted as "PV" in FIG. 1), a power storage device 4, and a portable auxiliary power source 5. The distributed power source D1 may be electrically connected to a power conditioner P1. Under the control of the power conditioner P1, the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system 3 may be supplied to a general load B2 or a specific load B1, stored in the power storage device 4 or the auxiliary power source 5, and then flowed back to the grid power source C1. The power stored in the power storage device 4 or the auxiliary power source 5 may be supplied to the general load B2 or the specific load B1 under the control of the power conditioner P1.

[0018] The auxiliary power source 5 is assumed to be, for example, (the battery of) an electric vehicle such as an electric car. However, the auxiliary power source 5 is not particularly limited as long as it is a portable power source. In the example of FIG. 1, multiple (e.g., three) auxiliary power sources 5 are provided. In other words, the distributed power source D1 includes three auxiliary power sources 5. Hereinafter, when the three auxiliary power sources 5 need to be distinguished from one another, they may be referred to as a first auxiliary power source 51, a second auxiliary power source 52, and a third auxiliary power source 53. In FIG. 1, the first auxiliary power source 51, the second auxiliary power source 52, and the third auxiliary power source 53 are referred to as "EV1," "EV2," and "EV3," respectively.

[0019] The distributed power source D1 further includes a V2X stand 6 (see FIG. 1). The auxiliary power sources 5 and the V2X stand 6 constitute an auxiliary power source system H1 (see FIG. 1). When each auxiliary power source 5 is connected to the V2X stand 6, it is electrically connected to the power conditioner P1, enabling it to supply power to specific loads B1 and the like within the facility 100 or store power in the auxiliary power source 5. In FIG. 1, a first auxiliary power source 51 labeled "EV1" is connected to the V2X stand 6. In FIG. 1, a second auxiliary power source 52 and a third auxiliary power source 53 labeled "EV2" and "EV3" are not connected to the V2X stand 6 and are located away from the facility 100.

[0020] 2, the load control system A1 includes a plan information acquisition unit 10, a remaining capacity acquisition unit 11, a weather information acquisition unit 12, and an auxiliary information acquisition unit 13. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the load control system A1 includes a power consumption prediction unit 20, a first time prediction unit 21, a second time prediction unit 22, an excess / deficiency prediction unit 23, a plan update unit 24, and a control unit 25.

[0021] The plan information acquisition unit 10 acquires plan information X0 (see FIG. 3) related to a usage plan X1 of a specific load B1 during a certain period T0. The remaining capacity acquisition unit 11 acquires remaining capacity information related to the remaining capacity of the power storage device 4. The weather information acquisition unit 12 acquires weather information related to a weather forecast during the certain period T0. The auxiliary information acquisition unit 13 acquires auxiliary power source information related to the amount of power that can be supplied by the auxiliary power source 5 and the arrival time of the auxiliary power source 5 at the facility 100.

[0022] The power consumption prediction unit 20 predicts the amount of power consumption of the specific load B1 during a certain period T0 based on the plan information X0. The first time prediction unit 21 predicts the amount of power generation of the solar power generation system 3 during the certain period T0 based on weather information. The first time prediction unit 21 predicts a first time T1 (see FIG. 4) at which the power consumption of the specific load B1 can be covered by the power of the power storage device 4 and the solar power generation system 3 based on the amount of power generation, remaining capacity information, and power consumption. The second time prediction unit 22 predicts a second time T2 (see FIG. 4) at which the power consumption of the specific load B1 can be covered by the power of the auxiliary power source 5 based on the auxiliary power source information, the amount of power generation, and the amount of power consumption. The surplus / deficiency prediction unit 23 predicts a power surplus or shortage that may occur in the facility 100 during the certain period T0 based on the first time T1 and the second time T2. The plan update unit 24 updates (modifies) the usage plan X1 based on the prediction result of the surplus / deficiency prediction unit 23. The control unit 25 performs operation control (load control) of the specific load B1 based on the updated usage plan X1.

[0023] According to the configuration of this load control system A1, a portable auxiliary power source 5 is included as the distributed power source D1. As a result, it becomes easier to ensure a power supply during a certain period T0. Taking into account auxiliary power source information regarding the amount of power that can be supplied by the auxiliary power source 5 and the arrival time of the auxiliary power source 5 at the facility 100, a prediction of a power surplus or shortage that may occur at the facility 100 during the certain period T0 is made, and the usage plan X1 is updated. As a result, in the event of a power outage, some power, such as the power from the power storage device 4, is immediately available, while other power, such as the power from the auxiliary power source 5, is not immediately available and may take some time to become available. The usage plan X1 can be updated in anticipation of these situations. As a result, the load control system A1 has the advantage of being able to achieve more stable and continuous operation control of the specific load B1.

[0024] In the following description, it is assumed that the above-described functions of the load control system A1 are implemented in a server SV1 that may be installed outside the facility 100. The server SV1 includes one or more server devices. If the server SV1 includes multiple server devices, a cloud (cloud computing) may be constructed by the multiple server devices. The server SV1 wirelessly communicates with a gateway G2 of the facility 100. The server SV1 (control unit 25) controls the operation of the specific load B1 via the gateway G2. However, it is not necessary for all of the above-described functions of the load control system A1 to be implemented in the server SV1. At least some of the functions may be implemented in a device other than the server SV1. For example, as part of the functions, the functions of the plan update unit 24 and the control unit 25 may be implemented in a device on the facility 100 side, such as the gateways G1 and G2 or the power conditioner P1. Furthermore, some of the functions may be implemented in an information terminal 8 (see FIG. 1) used by a person who manages and monitors the equipment of the facility 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as a "user").

[0025] A load control method according to one embodiment controls a specific load B1 installed in a facility 100 using a distributed power source D1 during a power outage of a grid power source C1. The load control method includes a plan information acquisition step, a remaining capacity acquisition step, a weather information acquisition step, an auxiliary information acquisition step, a power consumption prediction step, a first-time prediction step, a second-time prediction step, a surplus / shortage prediction step, a plan update step, and a control step. The plan information acquisition step acquires plan information X0 related to a usage plan X1 of the specific load B1 during a certain period T0. The remaining capacity acquisition step acquires remaining capacity information related to the remaining capacity of the power storage device 4. The weather information acquisition step acquires weather information related to a weather forecast for the certain period T0. The auxiliary information acquisition step acquires auxiliary power source information related to the amount of power that can be supplied by the auxiliary power source 5 and the arrival time of the auxiliary power source 5 at the facility 100. The power consumption prediction step predicts the amount of power consumed by the specific load B1 during the certain period T0 based on the plan information X0. In the first time prediction step, the amount of power generated by the solar power generation system 3 during a certain period T0 is predicted based on weather information. In the first time prediction step, the first time T1 at which the power consumption of the specific load B1 can be covered by the power of the storage device 4 and the solar power generation system 3 is predicted based on the power generation amount, remaining capacity information, and power consumption amount. In the second time prediction step, the second time T2 at which the power consumption of the specific load B1 can be covered by the power of the auxiliary power source 5 is predicted based on the auxiliary power source information, the power generation amount, and the power consumption amount. In the surplus / shortage prediction step, a prediction is made regarding the surplus or shortfall of power that may occur in the facility 100 during the certain period T0 based on the first time T1 and the second time T2. In the plan update step, the usage plan X1 is updated based on the prediction result of the surplus / shortage prediction step. In the control step, the operation of the specific load B1 is controlled based on the updated usage plan X1.

[0026] This configuration of the load control method also has the advantage of being able to achieve more stable and continuous operation control of the specific load B1.

[0027] This load control method is used on a computer system (load control system A1). That is, this load control method can also be embodied as a computer program. A program according to one aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the above-described load control method. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium. Furthermore, a computer program product according to one aspect includes a computer program that, when executed by one or more processors, implements the steps of the above-described load control method.

[0028] (Embodiment) (1) Overall structure The overall configuration of a power management system including a load control system A1 and its peripheral configuration according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The load control system A1 performs operation control (load control) of a specific load B1 installed in a facility 100 such as a government building, for example. In particular, the load control system A1 performs control of the specific load B1 installed in the facility 100 using a distributed power source D1 during a power outage of a grid power source C1.

[0029] The power management system manages one or more facilities 100 (power consumer facilities). For ease of explanation, the following description focuses on only one facility 100, as shown in FIG. 1. The power management system includes a power grid C1, equipment on the facility 100 side, a server SV1, and a weather server 9. As described above, multiple functions of the load control system A1 are implemented in the server SV1.

[0030] The equipment on the facility 100 side includes a distributed power source D1, a gateway G1, a gateway G2, a power conditioner P1, a switching device 7, a common distribution board E1, a distribution board E2 for important loads, a specific load B1, a general load B2, and an information terminal 8.

[0031] The power system C1 is, for example, a commercial AC power supply. The power system C1 is electrically connected to the primary side of a common distribution board E1 installed in the facility 100. The AC power of the power system C1 is transformed to 100V or 200V in the cubicle and supplied to the facility 100. A general load B2 installed in the facility 100 is electrically connected to the secondary side (plurality of branch circuits) of the common distribution board E1. A power conditioner P1 is also electrically connected to the secondary side of the common distribution board E1.

[0032] The specific load B1 is an important load that may require power supply for at least a certain period T0 (e.g., 72 hours) from the time a power outage occurs in the power grid C1. The specific load B1 includes, for example, one or more lighting devices B11 and one or more air conditioning devices B12. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the lighting device B11 will be abbreviated as "lighting" and the air conditioning device B12 will be abbreviated as "air conditioning." When the lighting device B11 and the air conditioning device B12 are not to be distinguished from each other, they may also be abbreviated as simply "load."

[0033] The specific load B1 may also include a water supply device (water supply pump) etc. The specific load B1 is electrically connected to the secondary side (multiple branch circuits) of the important load distribution board E2. A switching device 7 is connected to the primary side of the important load distribution board E2. The switching device 7 is connected to the power conditioner P1 and the common distribution board E1.

[0034] Furthermore, the specific load B1 is communicatively connected to the gateway G2 via a communication path L4 (see FIG. 1). The communication path L4 may be a wireless path or a wired path. The gateway G2 is communicatively connected to a server SV1 located outside the facility 100 via a communication path L3 (see FIG. 1). It is assumed that the communication path L3 includes a wireless path. In short, the server SV1 can communicate with the specific load B1 via the gateway G2. For example, the server SV1 can send a control signal to the specific load B1 via the gateway G2 and perform operation control on each load of the specific load B1 individually (or in groups). Furthermore, the server SV1 receives performance information regarding the operation performance of the specific load B1 from the specific load B1 via the gateway G2.

[0035] The general loads B2 may include one or more lighting devices, one or more air conditioning devices, and other load devices. The general loads B2 can operate by receiving power from the grid power source C1 via the common distribution board E1 when the grid power source C1 is not experiencing a power outage (normal operation). Furthermore, the general loads B2 can operate by receiving power from the distributed power source D1 via the power conditioner P1 and the common distribution board E1 during normal operation.

[0036] In other words, the loads connected to the secondary side of the important load distribution panel E2 are defined as specific loads B1 (important loads). Unlike the general loads B2 connected to the secondary side of the common distribution panel E1, the specific loads B1 are operated so that they can operate by receiving power from the distributed power source D1 even during a power outage of the grid power source C1. In this disclosure, the general loads B2 are not subject to power supply during a power outage of the grid power source C1, and therefore, in the following explanation, a description of the general loads B2 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0037] The distributed power source D1 includes a photovoltaic power generation system 3, a power storage device 4, and an auxiliary power supply system H1. The auxiliary power supply system H1 includes one or more (three in this case) portable auxiliary power sources 5, and a V2X stand 6. The distributed power source D1 is electrically connected to a power conditioner P1. Each auxiliary power source 5 is electrically connected to the power conditioner P1 via the V2X stand 6. Auxiliary power supply information regarding each auxiliary power source 5 is managed by a server SV1.

[0038] The power conditioner P1 is a power conversion device that converts the power of the distributed power source D1 so that it can be used in the facility 100. The power conditioner P1 includes, for example, a first DC / DC converter, a second DC / DC converter, and an inverter. The power conditioner P1 also includes a communication unit (communication interface) for communicating with the server SV1, a control circuit, and the like. The communication unit of the power conditioner P1 is communicatively connected to the gateway G1 via a communication path L12 (see FIG. 1). The communication path L12 may be a wireless path or a wired path. The gateway G1 is communicatively connected to the server SV1 via a communication path L11 (see FIG. 1). It is assumed that the communication path L11 includes a wireless path. In short, the power conditioner P1 can communicate with the server SV1 via the gateway G1. The power conditioner P1 transmits, for example, remaining capacity information relating to the remaining capacity of the power storage device 4, information on the amount of power generated (output performance) of the photovoltaic power generation system 3, and the like to the server SV1.

[0039] The power conditioner P1 has, as operation modes, a grid-connected operation mode that is executed when the system power supply C1 is not experiencing a power outage (normal operation), and an isolated operation mode that is executed when the system power supply C1 is experiencing a power outage.

[0040] The power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system 3 is input to a first DC / DC converter of the power conditioner P1. The power conditioner P1 converts the power output from the first DC / DC converter to AC using an inverter. When there is no power outage, the power conditioner P1 supplies the converted AC power to a general load B2 via a common distribution board E1, and can also supply the converted AC power to a specific load B1 via the common distribution board E1, a switching device 7, and an important load distribution board E2. When there is a power outage, the power conditioner P1 can supply the converted AC power to the specific load B1 via the switching device 7 and the important load distribution board E2. When there is no power outage, the power conditioner P1 can also supply the converted AC power to a grid power source C1 as power to sell via the common distribution board E1 (reverse power flow).

[0041] Furthermore, during a power outage and when there is no power outage, the power conditioner P1 can supply the power output from the first DC / DC converter to the power storage device 4 or the auxiliary power supply 5 via the second DC / DC converter to charge the power. Furthermore, during a power outage, the power conditioner P1 can AC / DC convert power supplied from the system power supply C1 via the common distribution board E1 using an inverter, and supply the power to the power storage device 4 or the auxiliary power supply 5 via the second DC / DC converter to charge the power. Furthermore, during a power outage, the power conditioner P1 can discharge the power charged in the power storage device 4 or the auxiliary power supply 5, convert it to DC / AC, and supply it to the specific load B1 and the general load B2. Furthermore, during a power outage, the power conditioner P1 can discharge the power charged in the power storage device 4 or the auxiliary power supply 5, convert it to DC / AC, and supply it to the specific load B1.

[0042] In countries such as Japan, the power stored in the power storage device 4 and the auxiliary power supply 5 is not allowed to flow back to the grid power supply C1. Therefore, the power management system monitors, for example, the main power and makes adjustments so that the discharge of the power storage device 4 and the auxiliary power supply 5 does not cause a back flow to the grid power supply C1.

[0043] The switching device 7 is electrically connected to the power conditioner P1, the common distribution board E1, and the critical load distribution board E2. When the power conditioner P1 is in grid-connected operation (non-power outage), the switching device 7 automatically switches the circuit so that the system power source C1 and the distributed power source D1 are connected to the grid. As a result, during grid-connected operation, power from the system power source C1 or the distributed power source D1 can be supplied to the general load B2 and the specific load B1 via the common distribution board E1 and the critical load distribution board E2. Furthermore, when the power conditioner P1 is in isolated operation (power outage), the switching device 7 automatically switches the circuit so that power from the distributed power source D1 is supplied to the specific load B1 via the critical load distribution board E2.

[0044] The weather server 9 manages weather data. The weather data includes weather information related to a weather forecast. The weather server 9 is installed outside the facility 100. The weather server 9 is installed in a different location from the server SV1. The weather server 9 is communicatively connected to the server SV1 via a communication path L1 (see FIG. 1). It is assumed that the communication path L1 includes a wireless path. In response to a request from the server SV1, the weather server 9 transmits weather information related to a weather forecast to the server SV1. The weather forecast is a forecast for at least a certain period T0 (e.g., 72 hours) from the time of a power outage of the grid power supply C1. The weather information is not particularly limited as long as it is information that can be used to predict the amount of power generated by the solar power generation system 3 of the facility 100 during the certain period T0. Here, as an example, the weather information includes forecast information on the amount of solar radiation during the certain period T0 in the area where the facility 100 is located.

[0045] The server SV1 is installed, for example, outside the facility 100. The server SV1 has multiple functions of the load control system A1. The server SV1 (load control system A1) is realized, for example, by a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. In other words, the multiple functions of the load control system A1 are realized by the one or more processors executing a program recorded in the memory. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0046] The load control system A1 includes a plan information acquisition unit 10, a remaining capacity acquisition unit 11, a weather information acquisition unit 12, an auxiliary information acquisition unit 13, a power consumption prediction unit 20, a first time prediction unit 21, a second time prediction unit 22, an excess / deficiency prediction unit 23, a plan update unit 24, and a control unit 25 (see FIG. 2). The load control system A1 also includes a performance information acquisition unit 14, a display processing unit 15, and a memory unit 16 (see FIG. 2). Details of each of these functions of the load control system A1 will be described later.

[0047] The server SV1 can communicate with the weather server 9 via a communication path L1. The server SV1 can also communicate with the gateway G1 via a communication path L11. The server SV1 can also communicate with the gateway G2 via a communication path L3.

[0048] The server SV1 also has the function of managing the identification information, power amount (remaining capacity), and location information of each auxiliary power source 5. The server SV1 is connected to each auxiliary power source 5 via a wireless communication path so that it can communicate with them. In the example of FIG. 1 , the server SV1 is able to communicate with the second auxiliary power source 52 (EV2) via communication path L21 and with the third auxiliary power source 53 (EV3) via communication path L22. By communicating with each auxiliary power source 5, the server SV1 can receive the identification information of the corresponding auxiliary power source 5, information on the power amount (remaining capacity) stored in the corresponding auxiliary power source 5, and information on the current location of the corresponding auxiliary power source 5. Each auxiliary power source 5 uses a global positioning system (GPS) to determine its current location and transmits that information to the server SV1. Based on the current location information received from each auxiliary power source 5, the server SV1 calculates (predicts) the arrival time of the corresponding auxiliary power source 5 at the facility 100. Furthermore, the server SV1 calculates (predicts) the amount of power that will be consumed when the auxiliary power source 5 moves from its current location to the facility 100, and calculates (predicts) the amount of power that can be supplied (remaining capacity) from the auxiliary power source 5 upon arrival at the facility 100.

[0049] The information terminal 8 includes a display unit. The display unit is a display (e.g., a liquid crystal display). The information terminal 8 is, for example, a tablet terminal used by a user. The information terminal 8 may be a smartphone, a notebook computer, a desktop personal computer, or the like. Dedicated application software (e.g., a cloud collaboration app) for communicating with the server SV1 is pre-installed on the information terminal 8. The information terminal 8 is communicably connected to the gateway G1 via a communication path L13 (see FIG. 1). The communication path L13 may be a wireless path or a wired path. The information terminal 8 can communicate with the server SV1 via the gateway G1. The information terminal 8 receives various pieces of information shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 from the server SV1 and displays the information on its own display unit.

[0050] Furthermore, the information terminal 8 accepts input of information relating to the usage plan X1 (see FIG. 3) from the user, and transmits the input information relating to the usage plan X1 to the server SV1 via the gateway G1.

[0051] If the power conditioner P1 is equipped with a monitor for power management that is used by the user, the power conditioner P1 may receive the various information shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 from the server SV1 and display it on the monitor.

[0052] (2) Load control system configuration The configuration of the load control system A1 implemented in the server SV1 will be described in detail below.

[0053] The plan information acquisition unit 10 acquires, from the storage unit 16, for example, plan information X0 (initial information) regarding the usage plan X1 (see FIG. 3) of the specific load B1 during a certain period T0.

[0054] Specifically, for example, the user determines in advance how a specific load B1 should be operated in the event of a power outage as a usage plan X1, and inputs information about the usage plan X1 using an information terminal 8 or the like. The server SV1 receives the information about the usage plan X1 determined by the user from the information terminal 8. The received information about the usage plan X1 is stored (memorized) in the memory unit 16. The memory unit 16 is a non-volatile memory. The memory unit 16 stores (memorizes) various types of information, which will be described later, in addition to the plan information X0.

[0055] For example, if the facility 100 is located in Japan, the usage status of the specific load B1 may change depending on the seasons in Japan. Therefore, multiple usage plans X1 corresponding to the four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) may be determined in advance and stored in the storage unit 16. When a power outage actually occurs, the plan information acquisition unit 10 selects (acquires) one usage plan X1 corresponding to the season of the power outage from the multiple usage plans X1 corresponding to the four seasons stored in the storage unit 16. Because this usage plan X1 is a plan with content determined in advance by the user, it may be referred to as the "original usage plan" below. The usage plan X1 is preferably managed on the cloud. The load control system A1 may modify the selected original usage plan X1 as described below.

[0056] [Usage Plan] FIG. 3 shows a conceptual diagram of plan information X0 relating to an original usage plan X1 in table format. Note that the plan information X0 is not limited to being data in table format. FIG. 3 illustrates an original usage plan X1 corresponding to "autumn" among the four seasons. In the plan information X0, "lighting" (lighting device B11) and "air conditioning" (air conditioning device B12) are shown as types of "load" which is the specific load B1. In the example of FIG. 3, for "lighting" and "air conditioning," information on the power consumption per unit and the number of units installed in the facility 100 is shown.

[0057] In short, the plan information X0 includes information on the power consumption consumed by each of "lighting" and "air conditioning" and the number of "lighting" and "air conditioning" units. The information on the power consumption and number of units in the plan information X0 is used by the power consumption prediction unit 20 when predicting the amount of power consumption of the specific load B1, etc.

[0058] In the example of FIG. 3, various items related to the operating status of "lighting" and "air conditioning" are shown. Next to each item, a certain period T0 equivalent to three days is divided into units of a predetermined time Δt1. In this embodiment, the certain period T0 is divided into units of a predetermined time Δt1. In the example of FIG. 3, the predetermined time Δt1 is one hour. In other words, a usage plan X1 for important loads is created in units of one hour. The predetermined time Δt1 is not limited to one hour, and may be, for example, 30 minutes or two hours.

[0059] For each of "lighting" and "air conditioning," the time periods with dotted hatching indicate usage plan X1, and operation is controlled according to the item to the left of it. In FIG. 3, usage plan X21, which is the original usage plan X1 for "lighting," is shown as a dotted hatched square. Also in FIG. 3, usage plan X22, which is the original usage plan X1 for "air conditioning," is shown as a dotted hatched square. Plan information X0 in a table format as shown in the example of FIG. 3 may be displayed on the display unit of information terminal 8, and the user may be able to specify the operation plans (usage plans X21, X22) for "lighting" and "air conditioning" in units of a predetermined time Δt1 (unit of square).

[0060] The time 0 of the first day of the planning information X0 (the start of the fixed period T0) is the time immediately after the occurrence of a power outage. In the example of FIG. 3, the "air conditioning" is controlled to be "air conditioning OFF" for five hours from the time the power outage occurred (the time 0 of the first day). In the example of FIG. 3, detailed illustrations of the second day and thereafter of the planning information X0 are omitted. Note that, for ease of understanding, the following explanation assumes that the power outage occurs just before "1:00" on the first day, that is, the start of the fixed period T0 is assumed to be "1:00" on the first day, and load control will be explained mainly focusing on the time period from 1:00 on the first day to 1:00 on the second day.

[0061] The following describes each item of the operating status of "lighting" and "air conditioning."

[0062] [Lighting operation status] "OFF (100% area OFF)" means that the operation of the lighting devices B11 (specific load) in all areas in which they are installed is controlled to be off during the corresponding time period. In the example of Fig. 3, the time period from 1:00 to 6:00 on the first day and the time period from midnight to 1:00 on the second day are specified to be controlled in this "100% area OFF" mode during the fixed period T0.

[0063] "Load control operation (50% area OFF)" means that operation is controlled so that lighting devices B11 in 50% of the area in which lighting devices B11 are installed are turned off during the relevant time period. In other words, 50% thinned-out operation is performed during the relevant time period. "Load control operation (25% area OFF)" means that operation is controlled so that lighting devices B11 in 25% of the area in which lighting devices B11 are installed are turned off during the relevant time period. In other words, 25% thinned-out operation is performed during the relevant time period.

[0064] "Load control operation (dimming rate cut by 50%)" means that the lighting devices B11 for all areas are controlled to be lit at a dimming rate of 50% during the relevant time period. "Load control operation (dimming rate cut by 25%)" means that the lighting devices B11 for all areas are controlled to be lit at a dimming rate of 75% during the relevant time period.

[0065] "Default operation (no reduction)" means that the lighting devices B11 in all areas are controlled to be lit at a dimming rate of 100% during the relevant time period. In the example of Fig. 3, the time period from 6:00 to 24:00 on the first day of the fixed period T0 is specified to be controlled to be operated in this "no reduction" mode.

[0066] [Air conditioning operation status] "OFF (air conditioning OFF)" means that the operation of air conditioners B12 in all areas in which air conditioners B12 (specific load) are installed is controlled to be off during the corresponding time period. In the example of Fig. 3, during the fixed period T0, the time period from 1:00 to 6:00 on the first day and the time period from 8:00 to 1:00 on the second day are specified to be controlled to this "air conditioning OFF" operation.

[0067] "Load control operation (set temperature -2°C)" means that the air conditioners B12 for all areas are controlled to operate at -2°C below the set temperature during the relevant time period. "Load control operation (set temperature -1°C)" means that the air conditioners B12 for all areas are controlled to operate at -1°C below the set temperature during the relevant time period. "Load control operation (set temperature +2°C)" means that the air conditioners B12 for all areas are controlled to operate at +2°C above the set temperature during the relevant time period. "Load control operation (set temperature +1°C)" means that the air conditioners B12 for all areas are controlled to operate at +1°C above the set temperature during the relevant time period. The set temperature is a default set temperature that may differ depending on the time of year when the power outage occurs (spring, summer, fall, winter), and "-2°C," "-1°C," "+2°C," or "+1°C" may be applied to the default set temperature. In other words, "-2°C" and "-1°C" are applied to the default set temperature for heating, and "+2°C" and "+1°C" are applied to the default set temperature for cooling. In the example of Figure 3, it is specified that the time period from 8:00 to 18:00 on the first day of the fixed period T0 is to be controlled to "set temperature +2°C."

[0068] "Default operation (no change)" means that the air conditioners B12 for all areas will be controlled to operate at the default temperature setting according to the season in which the power outage occurred during the relevant time period. In the example of Figure 3, the time periods from 6:00 to 8:00 and from 18:00 to 20:00 on the first day of the fixed period T0 are specified to be controlled to operate at this "no change" setting.

[0069] The remaining capacity acquisition unit 11 acquires remaining capacity information related to the remaining capacity of the power storage device 4. Specifically, when a power outage occurs, the server SV1 receives the remaining capacity (kWh) of the power storage device 4 at the time of the power outage from the power conditioner P1 via the gateway G1. The server SV1 receives the latest remaining capacity from the power conditioner P1 not only at the time of the power outage but also every predetermined time Δt1 thereafter. The remaining capacity acquisition unit 11 acquires the received remaining capacity information related to the remaining capacity. The acquired remaining capacity information is stored (memorized) in the storage unit 16. It is preferable that the remaining capacity information be managed on the cloud. The remaining capacity information may be periodically acquired from the power conditioner P1 regardless of whether a power outage has occurred or not, even when there is no power outage.

[0070] The weather information acquisition unit 12 acquires weather information related to the weather forecast for a certain period T0. Specifically, the server SV1 receives weather information from the weather server 9, including forecast information on the amount of solar radiation from the time a power outage occurs until the end of the certain period T0. The server SV1 receives the latest weather information from the weather server 9 not only at the time a power outage occurs but also thereafter, for example, every predetermined time Δt1. The weather information acquisition unit 12 acquires the weather information related to the received weather forecast. The acquired weather information is stored (memorized) in the memory unit 16. It is preferable that the weather information be managed on the cloud. Weather information may be periodically acquired from the weather server 9 as forecast information on the amount of solar radiation for three days, regardless of whether a power outage occurs or not, even when there is no power outage.

[0071] The auxiliary information acquisition unit 13 acquires auxiliary power information regarding the amount of power that can be supplied by the auxiliary power source 5 and the arrival time until the auxiliary power source 5 arrives at the facility 100 (more specifically, for example, the time until it is connected to the connection connector of the V2X stand 6).

[0072] Specifically, the load control system A1 stores (memorizes) the identification information of the auxiliary power sources 5 in the memory unit 16, and registers and manages the auxiliary power sources 5 owned by the facility 100 or the auxiliary power sources 5 owned by people active within the facility 100. When a power outage occurs, the server SV1 communicates with all auxiliary power sources 5 registered at the time of the power outage and receives from each auxiliary power source 5 information on the amount of stored power (remaining capacity) at the time of communication and information on its current location. The server SV1 receives the latest information on the remaining capacity and current location from each auxiliary power source 5 not only at the time of the power outage but also thereafter, for example, every predetermined time Δt1. The auxiliary information acquisition unit 13 acquires the received information on the remaining capacity and current location. The information on the remaining capacity and current location of each auxiliary power source 5 may be received from the auxiliary power sources 5 periodically, regardless of whether a power outage has occurred or not, even when there is no power outage.

[0073] Based on the remaining capacity and current location information, the auxiliary information acquisition unit 13 predicts the amount of power (estimated amount) that can be supplied by the auxiliary power source 5 and the arrival time (estimated time) until the auxiliary power source 5 arrives at the facility 100 at the time of the power outage (first time) and for each predetermined time Δt1 thereafter. The auxiliary information acquisition unit 13 then acquires (generates) current auxiliary power information relating to the amount of power that can be supplied and the arrival time. The auxiliary power information is stored (memorized) in the memory unit 16. The auxiliary power information is preferably managed on the cloud.

[0074] The performance information acquisition unit 14 acquires performance information relating to the operation performance of the specific load B1 every time a predetermined time Δt1 elapses.

[0075] Specifically, when the first predetermined time Δt1 (e.g., one hour) has elapsed since the occurrence of the power outage, the server SV1 receives performance information regarding the operation performance of the specific load B1 during that one hour from the specific load B1 of the facility 100 via the gateway G2. Even after the first predetermined time Δt1 has elapsed, the server SV1 continues to receive performance information from the specific load B1 every time the predetermined time Δt1 elapses until a certain period T0 has elapsed. The performance information acquisition unit 14 acquires the received performance information.

[0076] The performance information includes information on the amount of power consumed by the specific load B1 during each predetermined time Δt1. The performance information also includes information such as ON / OFF status, the dimming rate for the lighting device B11, and the set temperature for the air conditioner B12. The performance information for one hour prior to the occurrence of a power outage may be received at the time of the power outage, or may be periodically received from the specific load B1 even when there is no power outage, regardless of whether a power outage has occurred. The performance information is stored (memorized) in the memory unit 16. The performance information is preferably managed on the cloud.

[0077] The display processing unit 15 executes a display process to display information such as planning information X0 (see Figures 3 and 7), supply planning information Y0 (see Figures 4 and 8), and impact information Z0 (see Figures 5 and 6) as images on a display unit of an information terminal 8 or the like.

[0078] The power consumption prediction unit 20 predicts the amount of power consumption of the specific load B1 during a certain period T0 based on the plan information X0. Specifically, the power consumption prediction unit 20 executes a power consumption prediction calculation process based on the plan information X0, for example, at the time when a power outage occurs (first time) and every predetermined time Δt1 thereafter, to predict (calculate) the amount of power consumption of the specific load B1.

[0079] In the consumption prediction calculation process at the time of the occurrence (first) of a power outage, the power consumption prediction unit 20 predicts the power consumption (kWh) of the specific load B1 during a certain period T0 based on the original usage plan X1 (plan information X0) acquired (selected) by the plan information acquisition unit 10. The power consumption is calculated, for example, as a prediction curve (kW-h) (time transition of power consumption). Information about the prediction curve is stored (memorized) in the storage unit 16. It is preferable that the information about the prediction curve be managed on the cloud.

[0080] In the second and subsequent consumption prediction calculation processes, the power consumption prediction unit 20 predicts the amount of power consumption of the specific load B1 from that point onward during a certain period T0 based on the latest updated usage plan X1 (plan information X0) and the latest actual information acquired by the actual information acquisition unit 14, and corrects, for example, the prediction curve stored in the memory unit 16.

[0081] The first time prediction unit 21 predicts the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system 3 during a certain period T0 based on weather information. Specifically, when a power outage occurs, the server SV1 receives information on the actual output (kW) of the photovoltaic power generation system 3 at the time of the power outage from the power conditioner P1 via the gateway G1. The server SV1 receives the latest information on the actual output of the photovoltaic power generation system 3 from the power conditioner P1 not only at the time of the power outage but also thereafter, for example, every predetermined time Δt1.

[0082] The first time prediction unit 21 executes a power generation prediction calculation process based on the solar radiation forecast information and the actual output information of the solar power generation system 3, for example, at the time of the occurrence of a power outage (first time) and at each predetermined time Δt1 thereafter, to predict (calculate) the amount of power generation of the solar power generation system 3.

[0083] In the power generation prediction calculation process at the time of the power outage (first time), the first-time prediction unit 21 predicts the power generation amount (kWh) of the photovoltaic power generation system 3 during a certain period T0 based on forecast information on the amount of solar radiation at the time of the power outage and information on the actual output of the photovoltaic power generation system 3. The power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation system 3 is calculated, for example, as an output curve (kW-h) (i.e., the time transition of the power generation amount). Information on the predicted output curve is stored (memorized) in the storage unit 16. It is preferable that the information on the predicted output curve be managed on the cloud. If there is a difference between the actual output of the photovoltaic power generation system 3 at the time of the power outage and the predicted output curve, the first-time prediction unit 21 corrects the output curve so that it approaches the actual output value of the photovoltaic power generation system 3 at the time of the power outage.

[0084] In the second and subsequent power generation prediction calculation processes, the first-time prediction unit 21 calculates (predicts) the output curve (power generation amount) of the photovoltaic power generation system 3 from that point in time during the fixed period T0 onward, based on the latest solar radiation forecast information at that time and information on the actual output of the photovoltaic power generation system 3. If there is a difference between the actual output of the photovoltaic power generation system 3 at that time and the predicted output curve, the first-time prediction unit 21 corrects the output curve so as to approach the actual output value of the photovoltaic power generation system 3 at that time.

[0085] Then, based on the predicted power generation amount, the remaining capacity of the power storage device 4, and the predicted power consumption amount, the first time prediction unit 21 predicts a first time T1 (see FIG. 4) at which the power consumption of the specific load B1 can be covered by the power of the power storage device 4 and the solar power generation system 3. The first time T1 can also be said to be the "remaining usable time of the power storage device 4."

[0086] The first time T1 (remaining usable time of the storage device 4) is the time until the remaining capacity of the storage device 4 is exhausted, calculated based on the predicted time progression of the amount of power generated by the solar power generation system 3 and the predicted time progression of the amount of power consumed by the specific load B1, etc.

[0087] For example, after the power generation prediction calculation process, the first time prediction unit 21 predicts (calculates) the first time T1, which is the time until the remaining capacity of the power storage device 4 runs out when the power storage device 4 is appropriately discharged, based on the difference between the predicted output curve (time transition during the fixed period T0) of the photovoltaic power generation system 3 and the predicted curve (time transition during the fixed period T0) of the amount of power consumed by the specific load B1. The prediction of the first time T1 can be performed, for example, at the time when a power outage occurs (first time) and at every predetermined time Δt1 thereafter.

[0088] The second time prediction unit 22 predicts a second time T2 (see FIG. 4) at which the power consumption of the specific load B1 can be covered by the power of the auxiliary power source 5, based on the auxiliary power source information of the auxiliary power source 5, the predicted power generation amount of the solar power generation system 3, and the predicted power consumption amount of the specific load B1. The prediction of the second time T2 can be performed, for example, at the time when a power outage occurs (first time), and at every predetermined time Δt1 thereafter.

[0089] The surplus / shortage prediction unit 23 predicts a surplus or shortage of power that may occur in the facility 100 during a certain period T0, based on the first time T1 and the second time T2. Specifically, for example, the surplus / shortage prediction unit 23 calculates a duration T3 (see FIG. 4) during which power can be continuously supplied to the specific load B1, based on the first time T1 and the second time T2. If the total duration T3 is shorter than the certain period T0, the surplus / shortage prediction unit 23 predicts that a power shortage will occur in the facility 100. Furthermore, if the total duration T3 is not shorter than the certain period T0, the surplus / shortage prediction unit 23 predicts that a power surplus will occur in the facility.

[0090] In other words, the surplus / shortage prediction unit 23 predicts (calculates) the amount of power that will be in surplus or shortfall over a certain period T0 based on the first time T1 and the second time T2. Furthermore, as will be described later, if a power shortage occurs, the surplus / shortage prediction unit 23 predicts (calculates) the time period in which the shortage will occur (see FIG. 4: supply unavailable time K1). The prediction of surplus or shortfall can be made, for example, at the time when a power outage occurs (first time) and every predetermined time Δt1 thereafter.

[0091] When predicting the first time T1, the second time T2, and the power surplus or shortage, the load control system A1 also obtains a predicted transition of the remaining capacity of the power storage device 4 during a certain period T0. The load control system A1 also obtains a negative predicted transition even when the predicted remaining capacity of the power storage device 4 is zero or less.

[0092] Information such as the first time T1, the second time T2, the duration T3, the amount of excess or shortage of power, the time period of power shortage (unsupplyable time K1), and the predicted transition of the remaining capacity of the power storage device 4 is stored (memorized) in the storage unit 16. This information is preferably managed on the cloud.

[0093] In this embodiment, each of the power consumption prediction unit 20, the first time prediction unit 21, the second time prediction unit 22, and the surplus / deficiency prediction unit 23 makes a prediction at the time a power outage occurs and at every predetermined time Δt1 thereafter.

[0094] The plan update unit 24 updates (modifies) the usage plan X1 based on the prediction result of the surplus / shortage prediction unit 23. Specifically, when a power shortage is predicted, the plan update unit 24 modifies the usage plan X1 to impose restrictions on the use of the specific load B1. The surplus / shortage prediction unit 23 predicts a time period (unavailable supply time K1) when a power shortage will occur in the facility 100. The plan update unit 24 modifies the usage plan X1 according to the predicted time period. Furthermore, when a power surplus is predicted, the plan update unit 24 modifies the usage plan X1 to not impose restrictions on the use of the specific load B1. Particularly in this embodiment, the plan update unit 24 first performs a process of creating / modifying supply plan information Y0, which will be described later, and then performs a process of modifying the usage plan X1.

[0095] [Create / Modify Supply Plan] Specifically, the plan update unit 24 creates / modifies supply plan information Y0 (see FIG. 4) based on the prediction results of the surplus / shortage prediction unit 23. FIG. 4 shows a conceptual diagram of supply plan information Y0 including a supply plan Y1 in table format. Note that the supply plan information Y0 is not limited to being data in table format. The plan update unit 24 can create a supply plan Y1, for example, at the time a power outage occurs (first time), and modify the supply plan Y1 every predetermined time Δt1 thereafter.

[0096] The supply plan information Y0 includes the fields "supply plan" (corresponding to supply plan Y1) and "remaining usable time of the power storage device" (corresponding to the first time T1). The supply plan information Y0 includes the fields "EV1 arrival time" (i.e., the arrival time of the first auxiliary power source 51) and "restoration amount by EV1" (time T21 corresponding to "EV1" in the second time T2). The supply plan information Y0 includes the fields "EV2 arrival time" (i.e., the arrival time of the second auxiliary power source 52) and "restoration amount by EV2" (time T22 corresponding to "EV2" in the second time T2). The supply plan information Y0 includes the fields "EV3 arrival time" (i.e., the arrival time of the third auxiliary power source 53) and "restoration amount by EV3" (time T23 corresponding to "EV3" in the second time T2).

[0097] Similar to the table of plan information X0 in FIG. 3, next to each item, a grid is shown dividing a fixed period T0 equivalent to three days into units of a predetermined time Δt1 (for example, one hour). In other words, a supply plan Y1 is created in one-hour increments. FIG. 4 illustrates a supply plan Y1 indicating a duration T3 made up of grids indicated with various hatching. Note that, for ease of understanding, FIG. 4 shows the amount of power corresponding to one hour in one grid, but the amount of power may differ for each grid.

[0098] The information on the created supply plan Y1 is stored (memorized) in the storage unit 16. The information on the supply plan Y1 is preferably managed on the cloud. Furthermore, the supply plan information Y0 may be displayed in a table format on the display unit of the information terminal 8, as shown in the example of FIG. 4, so that the user can check the contents of the supply plan information Y0.

[0099] As with the planning information X0 in Fig. 3, the zeroth hour of the first day of the supply planning information Y0 (the start point of the fixed period T0) is the point immediately after the occurrence of a power outage. In the example of Fig. 4, as with the planning information X0 in Fig. 3, detailed illustration of the second and subsequent days of the supply planning information Y0 is omitted.

[0100] In the example of FIG. 4, the remaining usable time of the power storage device 4 (first time T1) is "12 hours" from the point immediately after the power outage occurs ("1:00" on the first day). These "12 hours" correspond to time T30 of the duration T3. In this example, if load control is performed according to the current usage plan X1, this means that the remaining capacity of the power storage device 4 will run out at "1:00" which is 12 hours after the point immediately after the power outage occurs.

[0101] 4, the arrival time of the first auxiliary power source 51 (EV1) is "9:00," eight hours after the power outage occurred, and the recovery amount by the first auxiliary power source 51 at the time of arrival at the facility 100 at "9:00" is "3 hours" (time T21). The recovery amount of this auxiliary power source 51 (each of times T21 to T23), like the remaining usable time of the power storage device 4, is obtained by converting it into time based on, for example, the predicted power consumption of the specific load B1 (information on a prediction curve, etc.).

[0102] Specifically, for example, if the auxiliary power source 5 arrives before the remaining usable time of the power storage device 4, the plan update unit 24 calculates a predicted curve of the net power consumption per hour using the difference between the output curve (time transition) of the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation system 3 predicted after the time when the remaining capacity of the power storage device 4 reaches zero and the predicted curve (time transition) of the power consumption amount of the specific load B1. Then, the plan update unit 24 calculates the recovery amount as the time from the time when the remaining capacity of the power storage device 4 reaches zero to the time when the remaining capacity of the auxiliary power source 5 reaches zero. In other words, the second time T2 (recovery amount) is calculated based on the auxiliary power source information of the auxiliary power source 5, the predicted power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation system 3, and the predicted power consumption amount of the specific load B1. Note that if there are multiple auxiliary power sources 5, the plan update unit 24 calculates the recovery amount in order of earliest arrival. In this case, for the recovery amount of each auxiliary power source 5 from the second unit onwards, the plan update unit 24 calculates the recovery amount from the time when the remaining capacity of the previous auxiliary power source 5 reaches zero.

[0103] On the other hand, if the auxiliary power source 5 does not arrive before the remaining usable time of the storage device 4, the plan update unit 24 calculates the recovery amount of the auxiliary power source 5 from the later of "the time when the auxiliary power source 5 arrives" or "the time when the remaining capacity of the auxiliary power source 5 that has already arrived before the remaining usable time of the storage device 4 becomes zero." The method of calculating the recovery amount itself is the same as "when the auxiliary power source 5 arrives before the remaining usable time of the storage device 4."

[0104] The "3 hours" of the recovery amount by the first auxiliary power supply 51 corresponds to time T31 of the duration T3. In this example, the power that can be supplied by the power storage device 4 will run out at "1 PM," 12 hours after the power outage occurs, but because the first auxiliary power supply 51 arrives at "9 AM," before "1 PM," the recovery amount for that time (3 hours) is added to the duration T3, meaning that the power supply to the important loads can be maintained from the time the power outage occurs until "4 PM."

[0105] In the example of FIG. 4 , the arrival time of the second auxiliary power source 52 (EV2) is 6:00 PM, 17 hours after the power outage. When the second auxiliary power source 52 arrives at the facility 100 at 6:00 PM, the recovery amount provided by the second auxiliary power source 52 is 5 hours (time T22). This 5-hour recovery amount corresponds to time T32 of the duration T3. In this example, the power that can be supplied by the power storage device 4 and the first auxiliary power source 51 runs out at 4:00 PM, 15 hours after the power outage. The earliest arrival of another auxiliary power source 5 is at 6:00 PM for the second auxiliary power source 52. Therefore, if load control is performed according to the current usage plan X1, the surplus / shortage prediction unit 23 predicts that a power shortage period (i.e., supply unavailable period K1) will occur during the two hours from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, which are indicated by the black dots in FIG. 4 , during which the power supply to the important loads cannot be maintained. Furthermore, since the second auxiliary power supply 52 arrives at "18:00", the recovery amount (5 hours) is added to the duration T3, meaning that power supply to important loads can be maintained from "18:00" to "23:00".

[0106] In the example of FIG. 4, the arrival time of the third auxiliary power supply 53 (EV3) is 21 hours after the power outage, at 10:00 PM, and the recovery amount provided by the third auxiliary power supply 53 when it arrives at the facility 100 at 10:00 PM is 8 hours (time T23). This recovery amount of 8 hours corresponds to time T33 of the duration T3. In this example, because the third auxiliary power supply 53 arrives at 10:00 PM, the recovery amount (8 hours) is added to the duration T3, meaning that power supply to the critical loads can be maintained from 11:00 PM until 7:00 AM on the second day (the second day is not shown in FIG. 4).

[0107] In other words, in the example of Fig. 4, the total time of duration T3 of supply plan Y1 includes times T30 to T33. Note that although the second day and thereafter are not shown in Fig. 4, the total time of duration T3 may include not only times T30 to T33 but also times from the second day onwards.

[0108] In this way, the plan update unit 24 creates supply plan information Y0 including an initial supply plan Y1 based on the amount of power from each auxiliary power source 5 that can be secured within a certain period T0, the arrival time (estimated time) of each auxiliary power source 5, and the remaining usable time (first time T1) of the storage device 4. In particular, the plan update unit 24 creates supply plan information Y0 such that the order of priority for power source use is power storage devices 4, then auxiliary power sources 5, and that priority is given to using the power of the auxiliary power source 5 with the earliest arrival time (estimated time) among the multiple auxiliary power sources 5. The created initial supply plan information Y0 is stored (memorized) in the memory unit 16.

[0109] After the first time, the plan update unit 24 can modify the contents of the supply plan Y1 (contents from that point onward) of the supply plan information Y0 stored in the memory unit 16 at every predetermined time Δt1 based on the latest power amount of the auxiliary power source 5, arrival time, and remaining usable time of the storage device 4 at that time.

[0110] [Times when supply is unavailable] As described above, when creating / modifying the supply plan information Y0, it may be predicted that a supply unavailable time K1 (a time period of power shortage) will occur due to the amount of power of each auxiliary power source 5, the arrival time, the remaining usable time of the power storage device 4, etc. In other words, if the total of the duration T3 calculated based on the first time T1 and the second time T2 is less than the certain period T0, it is predicted that a power shortage will occur in the facility 100 (i.e., the supply unavailable time K1 will occur). If the total of the duration T3 is not less than the certain period T0, it is predicted that a power surplus will occur in the facility 100 (i.e., the supply unavailable time K1 will not occur). Then, the plan update unit 24 next executes different processes depending on whether or not the supply unavailable time K1 will occur.

[0111] [There may be times when supply is unavailable] When a supply unavailable time K1 is predicted to occur, the plan update unit 24 calculates the amount of power reduction required through load control. Specifically, the plan update unit 24 calculates the amount of power required during the time period of the supply unavailable time K1 (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the example of FIG. 4) based on information such as the predicted transition (including a negative predicted transition) of the remaining capacity of the power storage device 4 during a certain period T0 and the amount of power of the auxiliary power source 5 based on the supply plan Y1. Next, the plan update unit 24 determines the control content and execution timing of the load control, and corrects (updates) the usage plan X1. Specifically, the plan update unit 24 determines the load control content and the execution timing (time period) for the load control content based on the impact information Z0 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The impact information Z0 will be described below.

[0112] 5 and 6 show conceptual diagrams of the impact information Z0 in table format. Note that the impact information Z0 is not limited to being data in table format. For example, if the facility 100 is located in Japan, the usage status of the specific load B1 may change depending on the seasons in Japan. Therefore, multiple pieces of impact information Z0 (multiple data tables) corresponding to the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter may be predetermined and stored in the memory unit 16. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the impact information Z0 corresponding to "autumn" is illustrated as an example. It is preferable that the multiple pieces of impact information Z0 be managed on the cloud. Then, when it is predicted that a power supply unavailable time K1 will occur, the plan update unit 24 selects (acquires) one piece of impact information Z0 corresponding to the season of the date and time of the power outage from the multiple pieces of impact information Z0 for each season stored in the memory unit 16.

[0113] For example, the user determines the impact (numerical value) of the impact information Z0 for each season in advance and inputs the impact information using the information terminal 8. The server SV1 receives the impact information determined by the user from the information terminal 8. The load control system 1 creates multiple pieces of impact information Z0 based on the received impact information and stores them in the memory unit 16. The impact information Z0 in a table format as shown in Figure 5 may be displayed on the display unit of the information terminal 8, and the user may register the impact by inputting the impact numerical value in each square.

[0114] The squares on the right side of the impact information Z0 correspond in position to the squares in the plan information X0. For example, the dot-hatched "lighting" plan Z11 (square) in the impact information Z0 corresponds to the current "lighting" usage plan X21 (operating state) shown in Figure 3. Also, the dot-hatched "air conditioning" plan Z12 (square) in the impact information Z0 corresponds to the current "air conditioning" usage plan X22 (operating state) shown in Figure 3.

[0115] The "load control items" in the impact information Z0 are the same as the "operating status" items in the plan information X0 in Fig. 3 and have already been explained, so explanations will be omitted here. Note that in Figs. 5 and 6, illustrations of the second day and thereafter in the impact information Z0 are omitted.

[0116] The impact information Z0 indicates a "standard power reduction" value corresponding to each "load control item." This value represents the amount of power that can be reduced per hour when load control for the corresponding item is implemented, compared to the power required for default operation. Specifically, for example, when load control such as "100% area OFF" is implemented for "lighting," this means that a power reduction of "270 W" can be expected per hour. Similarly, when load control such as "set temperature -2°C" (for heating) is implemented for "air conditioning," this means that a power reduction of "1125 W" can be expected per hour when the air conditioning is operating in heating mode. Note that the "standard power reduction" value may differ depending on the season. In other words, the "standard power reduction" values ​​for multiple pieces of impact information Z0 may differ from one another.

[0117] The impact (numerical value) written in each square on the right side of the impact information Z0 quantifies the possibility that people active in the facility 100 will suffer a disadvantage (have a negative impact) if load control for the corresponding item is implemented during that time period. This impact is determined in advance by the user. The higher the impact numerical value, the greater the degree to which people active in the facility 100 will suffer a disadvantage if load control for the corresponding item is implemented.

[0118] Specifically, in the example of Fig. 5, an impact level of "100" is set for the nighttime hours when the user determines that implementing load control such as "100% area OFF" for "lighting" would likely have a negative impact on people active within facility 100. Conversely, an impact level of "50" is set for the late-night to early-morning hours when "100% area OFF" is unlikely to have a negative impact, and an impact level of "80" is set for the daytime hours when natural light is more readily available. Note that when "default operation" load control is implemented for both "lighting" and "air conditioning," it is assumed that no negative impact will theoretically occur, and an impact level of "0" is set for all time periods.

[0119] Then, using the (selected) impact information Z0, the plan update unit 24 determines the control content and execution time (time period) that satisfy all of the following first to third conditions from the current time point onward (executing the load control optimization calculation process). The first condition is that the total value of the impacts within the squares selected using the impact information Z0 be a minimum value, and is defined as, for example, an objective function. In other words, a calculation is performed to solve the optimization problem that minimizes the value of this objective function. The second condition (constraint condition) is that the power reduction expected from the control content and execution time satisfy the calculated required power reduction amount (target power amount) × α (safety factor). The safety factor α is, for example, 1.2. The third condition (constraint condition) is that the combination of control content and execution time be determined within a range before the time when the power supply amount becomes 0 (zero) in the power supply plan Y1 (i.e., the start time of the power supply unavailable time K1, which is 4:00 p.m. in the example of FIG. 4).

[0120] Fig. 6 shows an example of the results of the control content and execution time (time period) determined by the plan update unit 24 to satisfy all of the first to third conditions described above. Specifically, the "lighting" plan Z21 in Fig. 6 shows the plan after the results have been reflected in the "lighting" plan Z11 in Fig. 5, and the "air conditioning" plan Z22 in Fig. 6 shows the plan after the results have been reflected in the "air conditioning" plan Z12 in Fig. 5.

[0121] In other words, in Figure 6, the load control optimization calculation process has resulted in some changes to the load control items for the period before 4:00 PM compared to the impact information Z0 shown in Figure 5. Specifically, for "lighting," "no reduction" was planned from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM as per plan Z11, but as a result of the optimization calculation process, this has been revised to "dimming rate cut by 25%" from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and to "dimming rate cut by 50%" from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM as per plan Z21. Also, for "air conditioning," "no change" was planned from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM as per plan Z12, but as a result of the optimization calculation process, this has been revised to "set temperature +1°C" as per plan Z22. In other words, the control content and execution time (time period) have been revised (amended) in a direction that imposes restrictions on the use of specific load B1 (to reduce power consumption).

[0122] The plan update unit 24 updates (modifies) the usage plan X1 so that the modified load control details and execution times are reflected. Then, by implementing load control according to the modified control details and execution times (time periods), the occurrence of the supply unavailable time K1 can be eliminated. In the example of Figure 4, it can be expected that the power supply will continue from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

[0123] In particular, the third condition described above is related to the time period of the supply unavailable time K1. Depending on the time period of the supply unavailable time K1, the usage plan X1 may be modified for the time period with low impact, or may be modified for the time period with high impact.

[0124] FIG. 7 shows plan information X0 related to the revised usage plan X1. Note that, in FIG. 7, both the pre-correction usage plan X1 (shown in FIG. 3) (X21, X22) and the revised usage plan X1 (X31, X32) are shown to make the revised parts easier to understand. That is, the "lighting" plan X31 in FIG. 7 is the revised "lighting" usage plan, and the "air conditioning" plan X32 is the revised "air conditioning" usage plan. In FIG. 7, for the "lighting" usage plan, both the "lighting" plan X21 and the plan X31 are shown in a single square for time periods (squares) where there is no change in control content between before and after the correction. Similarly, for the "air conditioning" usage plan, both the "air conditioning" plan X22 and the plan X32 are shown in a single square for time periods (squares) where there is no change in control content between before and after the correction. The revised plan information X0 as shown in FIG. 7 may be displayed on the display unit of the information terminal 8, allowing the user to confirm the revised load control content and execution timing.

[0125] The control unit 25 controls the operation of the specific load B1 based on the corrected (updated) usage plan X1. Specifically, the control unit 25 generates control signals for controlling the operation of each of the lighting device B11 and the air conditioner B12, which are the specific load B1. The server SV1 transmits the generated control signals to the lighting device B11 and the air conditioner B12 via the gateway G2. The control signals can be generated and transmitted every time the usage plan X1 is corrected.

[0126] If the operation states of "lighting" and / or "air conditioning" are restricted to OFF in the modified usage plan X1 after the time when the usage plan X1 is modified (e.g., the current time), the load control system A1 notifies the user of this via the information terminal 8. In short, the load control system A1 has a notification function that notifies the user in advance of information regarding a notice of load control that may be implemented in the future. Note that the load control system A1 also notifies the user of this if the operation states of "lighting" and / or "air conditioning" were already restricted to OFF in the usage plan X1 before modification (e.g., the original usage plan X1). As an example, the load control system A1 notifies the user by displaying a message on the display unit of the information terminal 8 (or by audio notification) such as "Lighting will be restricted to OFF from the next XX o'clock to YY o'clock. If it is already OFF, it will remain so."

[0127] Incidentally, a user may manually change the operation state of the lighting device B11 and / or the air conditioner B12 by operating the controllers of the lighting device B11 and / or the air conditioner B12 directly, depending on the activity status of people active in the facility 100 after a power outage occurs. That is, even though load control is being performed in accordance with the usage plan X1 that has been modified to predict and avoid the occurrence of the power supply unavailable time K1, the user may manually change the operation state of the specific load B1 in a direction that increases power consumption, contrary to this. Alternatively, the user may manually change the operation state of the specific load B1 in a direction that reduces power consumption (in the direction of energy saving).

[0128] Therefore, in this embodiment, when revising the usage plan X1, the load control system A1 sets an "upper limit constraint" on the operating state of the specific load B1 from the perspective of power consumption so as to allow for some degree of user-initiated operation changes, and then performs load control. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 , when revising the usage plan X1 to avoid the occurrence of a supply unavailable time K1, the plan update unit 24 sets an upper limit line M1 for "lighting" and an upper limit line M2 for "air conditioning." The upper limit line M1 is set in plan X31, which is the revised usage plan for "lighting." The upper limit line M2 is set in plan X32, which is the revised usage plan for "air conditioning." If the operating state consumes more power than these upper limit lines M1 and M2 (in FIG. 7 , the operating state is below the upper limit lines M1 and M2), the load control system A1 does not allow the operating state and changes the load control to return the operating state to the upper limit lines M1 and M2.

[0129] For example, when the performance information acquisition unit 14 acquires performance information relating to the current operating performance of the specific load B1, the plan update unit 24 compares the corrected usage plan X1 with the current performance information (operating state).

[0130] If the comparison reveals that any load has been changed to an operating state that consumes more power than the revised usage plan X1 (for example, an operating state below the upper limit lines M1 and M2), the load control system A1 transmits a control signal to the load via the gateway G2 to change the operating state to the revised usage plan X1. To give a specific example, assume that the current performance information acquired at 7:00 shows that the operating state of "lighting" has been changed (by the user) to "no reduction." During the time period from 7:00 to 8:00, "no reduction" is an operating state below the "dimming rate cut by 50%" for which the upper limit line M1 is set. Therefore, the load control system A1 transmits a control signal to the "lighting" via the gateway G2 to change the operating state back to "dimming rate cut by 50%."

[0131] Conversely, if there is a load that has been changed to an operating state that suppresses power consumption more than the revised usage plan X1 (for example, an operating state above the upper limit lines M1 and M2), the load control system A1 allows (maintains) that change. To give a specific example, assume that the current performance information acquired at 7:00 shows that the operating state of "lighting" has been changed (by the user) to "100% area OFF." During the time period from 7:00 to 8:00, "100% area OFF" is an operating state that is higher than the "dimming rate 50% cut" for which the upper limit line M1 is set. Therefore, the load control system A1 maintains the change to "100% area OFF."

[0132] In short, during the period when load control is performed with an "upper limit constraint" on the load operating state, the load control system A1 limits the user's changes to the operating state to changes above the upper limit lines M1 and M2.

[0133] As an example, the period for continuing load control with an "upper limit constraint" is set to the shorter of "until the usage plan X1 is revised again" or "until the occurrence time of the supply unavailable time K1 predicted when the usage plan X1 was revised (4:00 p.m. in Figure 7)."

[0134] There may be cases where the user is forced to exceed the "upper limit constraint" and change the operating state below the upper limit lines M1 and M2. Taking this case into consideration, the load control system A1 is configured to be able to accept a request for exceptional processing to remove the "upper limit constraint," for example, in response to a user operation on the information terminal 8. However, if a request for exceptional processing is accepted, the load control system A1 notifies the user through the information terminal 8 that it may not be possible to continue supplying power for a certain period of time T0 (72 hours). For example, the load control system A1 notifies the user by displaying a message on the display screen of the information terminal 8 (or by audio notification) such as, "If you change the operating state of the air conditioning beyond the upper limit constraint, it will no longer be possible to guarantee continuous supply for 72 hours. Is this OK?"

[0135] [No supply unavailable times] If it is predicted that the supply unavailable time K1 will not occur, the processing of the load control system A1 differs depending on whether or not the supply unavailable time K1 was predicted to occur in the supply plan Y1 prior to that point in time.

[0136] For example, if it is predicted that the supply unavailable time K1 will not occur at the time of the power outage (first time), the plan update unit 24 does not modify the original usage plan X1. Therefore, the control unit 25 controls the operation of the specific load B1 based on the original usage plan X1.

[0137] Furthermore, if it is predicted that the supply unavailable time K1 will not occur at a certain point after the time of the power outage (first occurrence) and if the supply unavailable time K1 has been predicted to not occur even before that point in time in the supply plan Y1, the plan update unit 24 does not modify the current usage plan X1. Therefore, the control unit 25 controls the operation of the specific load B1 based on the current usage plan X1.

[0138] On the other hand, if it is predicted that the supply unavailable time K1 will not occur at some point after the time of the power outage (first time), but the supply unavailable time K1 was predicted to occur in the supply plan Y1 before that time, the surplus / shortage prediction unit 23 predicts whether or not there will be surplus power. That is, the surplus / shortage prediction unit 23 determines (predicts) whether or not there will be surplus power (amount) equal to or greater than the amount of power corresponding to the (predicted) supply unavailable time K1. A power surplus can occur when the arrival time of the auxiliary power source 5 is earlier than the originally scheduled arrival time, or when the user changes the operating state to above the upper limit lines M1 and M2.

[0139] FIG. 8, like FIG. 4, shows a conceptual diagram of supply plan information Y0 including supply plan Y1 in table format. However, in the example of FIG. 8, it is predicted that the arrival time of "EV3," i.e., the third auxiliary power supply 53, will be significantly earlier than originally planned. As a result, during the time period from 4:00 PM to midnight, it will be possible to supply power from "EV3" for time T33, which corresponds to "8 hours" (time T23) of the recovery amount of "EV3." In other words, it is predicted that the initially predicted power unavailable time K1 will not occur. In the supply plan Y1 of FIG. 8, the surplus power corresponds to "4 hours" out of the "5 hours" of the recovery amount of "EV2." In other words, in the example of FIG. 8, it is predicted that there will be an excess of power greater than the amount of power corresponding to the initially predicted power unavailable time K1 (the amount of power corresponding to the time period from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the example of FIG. 4).

[0140] If it is determined that surplus power equal to or greater than the amount of power corresponding to the unavailable supply time K1 will occur, the plan update unit 24 executes a process of resetting (releasing the upper limit constraint) the (modified) current usage plan X1 and restoring it to the original usage plan X1. In other words, when it is predicted that surplus power will occur, the plan update unit 24 modifies the usage plan X1 so as not to impose restrictions on the use of the specific load B1. As a result, the control unit 25 controls the operation of the specific load B1 based on the original usage plan X1.

[0141] If it is determined that the surplus power generated will not be equal to or greater than the amount of power corresponding to the supply unavailable time K1, the plan update unit 24 does not reset the (modified) current usage plan X1 (maintaining the upper limit constraint). As a result, the control unit 25 controls the operation of the specific load B1 based on the current usage plan X1.

[0142] (3) Operation explanation The operation of the load control system A1 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 9. Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 9 is merely an example of the operation flow of the load control system A1, and the order of processing may be changed as appropriate, and processing may be added or omitted as appropriate.

[0143] First, assume that a power outage occurs in the power grid C1 (step ST0). The load control system A1 (server SV1) receives information indicating the occurrence of the power outage from the facility 100 side (for example, from the power conditioner P1 or a communication adapter of the common distribution board E1) via the gateway G1, thereby determining the occurrence of the power outage. In response to the occurrence of the power outage, the power conditioner P1 of the facility 100 switches its operation mode from the grid-connected operation mode to the isolated operation mode (for example, after a few seconds).

[0144] The load control system A1 acquires various information immediately after the occurrence of a power outage (step ST1: initial acquisition). This various information includes the original usage plan X1. The various information also includes remaining capacity information regarding the remaining capacity of the power storage device 4 at the current time (immediately after the occurrence of the power outage), weather information for a certain period of time T0, and auxiliary power source information regarding the amount of power that can be supplied by the auxiliary power source 5 and its arrival time.

[0145] The load control system A1 executes a prediction calculation process using the acquired various information (step ST2). In this prediction calculation process, the amount of power consumed by the specific load B1 during a fixed period T0 and the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system 3 during the fixed period T0 are predicted. In addition, in this prediction calculation process, a first time T1 (remaining usable time of the power storage device 4) that can be covered by the power of the power storage device 4 and the photovoltaic power generation system 3 and a second time T2 that can be covered by the power of the auxiliary power source 5 are predicted. In addition, in this prediction calculation process, predictions regarding a power surplus or shortage (the amount of power surplus or shortage and the time K1 during which power cannot be supplied) are made based on the first time T1 and the second time T2.

[0146] The load control system A1 creates / modifies the supply plan Y1 based on the results obtained in the prediction calculation process of step ST2 (step ST3). The load control system A1 creates the supply plan Y1 the first time after the occurrence of a power outage, but from the second time onwards, after going through step ST10 described below, the created supply plan Y1 may be modified.

[0147] If the load control system A1 predicts that the supply unavailable time K1 will occur (step ST4: Yes), it performs optimization calculation processing and the like to modify the current usage plan X1 (or the original usage plan X1 if this is the first time) (step ST5). Then, the load control system A1 executes load control in accordance with the modified, optimized usage plan X1 (with upper limit constraint) (step ST6).

[0148] On the other hand, if the load control system A1 predicts that the supply unavailable time K1 will not occur (step ST4: No), it determines whether or not surplus power will be generated that is greater than the power (amount) corresponding to the supply unavailable time K1 that was previously predicted to occur (step ST7). If it determines that surplus power will be generated that is greater than the power (amount) corresponding to the supply unavailable time K1 (step ST7: Yes), the load control system A1 resets the current usage plan X1 and returns it to the original usage plan X1 (step ST8), and the process proceeds to step ST9. On the other hand, if it determines that surplus power will not be generated that is greater than the power (amount) corresponding to the supply unavailable time K1 (step ST7: No), the process proceeds to step ST9. Note that step ST7 is based on the premise that "the supply unavailable time K1 was previously predicted to occur." Therefore, if "the supply unavailable time K1 was previously predicted to occur," such as for the first time, the process proceeds to "step ST7: No" and the next step ST9.

[0149] Then, in step ST9, the load control system A1 determines whether a certain period T0 (72 hours) has passed since the occurrence of the power outage at the current time. If the certain period T0 has passed (step ST9: Yes), the load control system A1 ends the series of processes.

[0150] If the certain period T0 has not elapsed (step ST9: No), the load control system A1 acquires and updates various information (step ST10), and the process returns to step ST2. The various information in step ST10 includes the latest remaining capacity information of the power storage device 4 at that time, weather information, and auxiliary power information of the auxiliary power supply 5, and these pieces of information are acquired and updated. The various information in step ST10 also includes the latest performance information of the specific load B1 at that time and information on the output performance (performance value of power generation amount) of the photovoltaic power generation system 3, and these pieces of information are acquired and updated.

[0151] (4) Explanation of the execution timing of the process The execution timing of processing in the load control system A1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the execution timing of processing in the load control system A1, with the horizontal axis representing time. The execution timing shown in Fig. 10 is merely an example, and is not limited to this execution timing.

[0152] (1) to (8) and (10) shown in Fig. 10 represent the main processes executed in the load control system A1, and correspond to the processes of steps ST1 to ST8 and ST10, respectively, in the flowchart shown in Fig. 9. In Fig. 10, the process corresponding to step ST9 is omitted from the illustration.

[0153] Time t0 is the time when process (1) is executed for the first time after the occurrence of a power outage. Time t0 may be the time when the power outage occurs, or may be several minutes to several tens of minutes after the time when the power outage occurs.

[0154] At time t0, processes (1) to (4) are executed, and process (5) or process (7) may be executed. If process (5) is executed at time t0, process (6) at time t1 is executed. In other words, time t1 is the timing when load control is executed according to the revised usage plan X1 after the power outage occurs, which corresponds to "1 o'clock" in terms of usage plan X1 in Figure 3. Time TA1 indicates the time required for the prediction calculation process and optimization calculation process between time t0 and time t1.

[0155] On the other hand, if the process proceeds to process (7) at time t0, the optimization calculation process is not performed and the process proceeds to time t1-1.

[0156] Thereafter, at time t1-1, processes (10), (2) to (4) are executed, and process (5) or process (7) may be executed. If process (5) is executed at time t1-1, process (6) is executed at time t2. Time t2 corresponds to "2 o'clock" in the usage plan X1 of FIG. 3. If process (7) is executed at time t1-1, process (8) will be executed, or process (8) will be skipped. Time TA2 indicates the time required for the prediction calculation process and optimization calculation process between time t1-1 and time t2.

[0157] After that, the process continues from time t2-1 onwards in the same manner as at time t1-1. Time t3 corresponds to "3 o'clock" in the usage plan X1 of FIG.

[0158] In short, the prediction calculation process and the optimization calculation process require a certain amount of time. Therefore, it is preferable to set the start times t0, t1-1, t12-1, ... of processes (1) and (10) so that the prediction calculation process and the optimization calculation process start at a time TA1, TA2 before the timing at which load control is executed (times t1, t2, t3, ...). Furthermore, shortening the times TA1 and TA2 as much as possible allows for longer acquisition of the performance information that forms the basis of the prediction calculation process and the optimization calculation process. This also reduces the waiting time from the prediction calculation process and the optimization calculation process to the execution of load control, thereby reducing the prediction error at the time of execution of load control. From this perspective, it is preferable to shorten the times TA1 and TA2.

[0159] (5) Advantages As described above, the load control system A1 according to the embodiment includes not only the photovoltaic power generation system 3 and the power storage device 4 but also the portable auxiliary power source 5 as the distributed power source D1. As a result, it becomes easier to ensure a power supply during the fixed period T0. Taking into account the amount of power that can be supplied by the auxiliary power source 5 and auxiliary power source information related to the arrival time of the auxiliary power source 5 at the facility 100, a prediction of a power surplus or shortage that may occur at the facility 100 during the fixed period T0 is made, and the usage plan X1 is updated (modified). As a result, in the event of a power outage, some power, such as the power from the power storage device 4, is immediately available, while other power, such as the power from the auxiliary power source 5, is not immediately available and may take some time to become available. The usage plan X1 can be updated (modified) taking these factors into account. As a result, the load control system A1 has the advantage of being able to achieve more stable and continuous operation control of the specific load B1.

[0160] Furthermore, according to the load control system A1 of the embodiment, if it is predicted that a power shortage will occur in the facility 100 when the operation of the specific load B1 is controlled according to the current usage plan X1, the usage plan X1 is modified to impose a limit on the use of the specific load B1 (setting of an upper limit constraint). This makes it easier to avoid a power shortage in the facility 100, and more stable and continuous operation control of the specific load B1 can be achieved.

[0161] Furthermore, according to the load control system A1 of the embodiment, if operation control of the specific load B1 is performed according to the current usage plan X1, and it is predicted that a power surplus will occur in the facility 100, the usage plan X1 is modified in a direction that does not impose restrictions on the use of the specific load B1 (removal of the upper limit constraint). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the convenience of people active in the facility 100 will be impaired despite the occurrence of a power surplus, and it is possible to achieve more stable and continuous operation control of the specific load B1.

[0162] (6) Variations The following are examples of modifications that can be applied in appropriate combination with the above-described embodiment.

[0163] The same functions as those of the load control system A1 according to the above embodiment may be realized as a load control method, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a computer program is recorded.

[0164] The load control system A1 of the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the load control system A1 of the present disclosure. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integrations (VLSIs), or ultra-large-scale integrations (ULSIs). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmable after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices capable of reconfiguring the connections within the LSI or the circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be used as processors. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or distributed across multiple chips. The chips may be integrated into one device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0165] Furthermore, it is not essential that the multiple functions of the load control system A1 be concentrated in one housing. For example, the components of the load control system A1 may be distributed across multiple housings.

[0166] Conversely, multiple functions of the load control system A1 may be integrated into one housing. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the load control system A1, for example, some of the functions of the load control system A1 may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0167] For example, if there is only one facility 100 that is the target of the load control system A1, all of the functions of the load control system A1 may be implemented in an in-facility device installed in the facility 100. The in-facility device may be, for example, a power conditioner P1 or a controller for a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) or a Building Energy Management System (BEMS).

[0168] The distributed power source D1 may include not only the photovoltaic power generation system 3, the power storage device 4 (storage battery), and the auxiliary power source 5, but also a fuel cell, a wind power generation system, a biomass power generation system, a geothermal power generation system, or the like.

[0169] (summary) The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

[0170] A load control system (A1) according to a first aspect controls a specific load (B1) installed in a facility (100) using a distributed power source (D1) during a power outage of a grid power source (C1). The specific load (B1) is a critical load that may require power supply for at least a certain period (T0) from the time of the power outage of the grid power source (C1). The distributed power source (D1) includes a solar power generation system (3), a power storage device (4), and a portable auxiliary power source (5). The load control system (A1) includes a plan information acquisition unit (10), a remaining capacity acquisition unit (11), a weather information acquisition unit (12), an auxiliary information acquisition unit (13), a power consumption prediction unit (20), a first-hour prediction unit (21), a second-hour prediction unit (22), a surplus / deficiency prediction unit (23), a plan update unit (24), and a control unit (25). The plan information acquisition unit (10) acquires plan information (X0) related to a usage plan (X1) of the specific load (B1) during a certain period (T0). The remaining capacity acquisition unit (11) acquires remaining capacity information related to the remaining capacity of the power storage device (4). The weather information acquisition unit (12) acquires weather information related to a weather forecast during the certain period (T0). The auxiliary information acquisition unit (13) acquires auxiliary power information related to the amount of power that can be supplied by the auxiliary power source (5) and the arrival time of the auxiliary power source (5) at the facility (100). The power consumption prediction unit (20) predicts the amount of power consumption of the specific load (B1) during the certain period (T0) based on the plan information (X0). The first time prediction unit (21) predicts the amount of power generated by the solar power generation system (3) during the certain period (T0) based on the weather information. The first time prediction unit (21) predicts a first time (T1) when the power consumption of the specific load (B1) can be covered by the power of the power storage device (4) and the solar power generation system (3) based on the power generation amount, remaining capacity information, and power consumption amount. The second time prediction unit (22) predicts a second time (T2) when the power consumption of the specific load (B1) can be covered by the power of the auxiliary power source (5) based on the auxiliary power source information, the power generation amount, and the power consumption amount. The surplus / deficiency prediction unit (23) predicts a power surplus or shortage that may occur in the facility (100) over a certain period (T0) based on the first time (T1) and the second time (T2). The plan update unit (24) updates the usage plan (X1) based on the prediction result of the surplus / deficiency prediction unit (23).The control unit (25) controls the operation of the specific load (B1) based on the updated usage plan (X1).

[0171] According to the above aspect, the load control system (A1) can achieve more stable and continuous operation control of the specific load (B1).

[0172] In the load control system (A1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the fixed period (T0) is divided into units of predetermined time (Δt1). The power consumption prediction unit (20), the first time prediction unit (21), the second time prediction unit (22), and the surplus / deficiency prediction unit (23) each make a prediction at the time when a power outage occurs and at predetermined time intervals (Δt1) thereafter.

[0173] According to the above aspect, various predictions are made at the time when a power outage occurs and at predetermined intervals (Δt1) thereafter, so that more stable operation control of the specific load (B1) can be realized.

[0174] In the load control system (A1) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the surplus / shortage prediction unit (23) calculates a duration (T3) during which power can be continuously supplied to the specific load (B1) based on a first time (T1) and a second time (T2). If the total duration (T3) is less than a certain period (T0), the surplus / shortage prediction unit (23) predicts that a power shortage will occur in the facility (100). If a power shortage is predicted, the plan update unit (24) modifies the usage plan (X1) to impose a limit on the use of the specific load (B1).

[0175] According to the above aspect, the accuracy of prediction of the occurrence of power shortage is improved, and more stable and continuous operation control of the specific load (B1) can be realized.

[0176] In the load control system (A1) according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the surplus / shortage prediction unit (23) predicts a time period in which a power shortage will occur in the facility (100). The plan update unit (24) modifies the usage plan (X1) depending on the time period.

[0177] According to the above aspect, since the time period when a power shortage will occur is predicted, it is possible to realize more stable and continuous operation control of the specific load (B1).

[0178] With respect to the load control system (A1) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the surplus / deficiency prediction unit (23) calculates a duration (T3) during which power can be continuously supplied to the specific load (B1) based on a first time (T1) and a second time (T2). If the total duration (T3) is not less than a certain period (T0), the surplus / deficiency prediction unit (23) predicts that a power surplus will occur in the facility (100). If a power surplus is predicted to occur, the plan update unit (24) modifies the usage plan (X1) so as not to impose restrictions on the use of the specific load (B1).

[0179] According to the above aspect, for example, it is possible to suppress the possibility that the convenience of people who are active in the facility (100) is impaired, and it is possible to realize more stable and continuous operation control of the specific load (B1).

[0180] A load control method according to a sixth aspect controls a specific load (B1) installed in a facility (100) using a distributed power source (D1) during a power outage of a grid power source (C1). The specific load (B1) is a critical load that may require a power supply for at least a certain period (T0) from the time of a power outage of the grid power source (C1). The distributed power source (D1) includes a solar power generation system (3), a power storage device (4), and a portable auxiliary power source (5). The load control method includes a plan information acquisition step, a remaining capacity acquisition step, a weather information acquisition step, an auxiliary information acquisition step, a power consumption prediction step, a first-hour prediction step, a second-hour prediction step, a surplus / shortage prediction step, a plan update step, and a control step. The plan information acquisition step acquires plan information (X0) related to a usage plan (X1) of the specific load (B1) during the certain period (T0). The remaining capacity acquisition step acquires remaining capacity information related to the remaining capacity of the power storage device (4). In the weather information acquisition step, weather information relating to a weather forecast for a certain period (T0) is acquired. In the auxiliary information acquisition step, auxiliary power source information relating to the amount of power that can be supplied by the auxiliary power source (5) and the arrival time until the auxiliary power source (5) arrives at the facility (100) is acquired. In the power consumption prediction step, the amount of power consumption of the specific load (B1) during the certain period (T0) is predicted based on the plan information (X0). In the first time prediction step, the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system (3) during the certain period (T0) is predicted based on the amount of power generated, remaining capacity information, and amount of power consumption. In the first time prediction step, the first time (T1) when the power consumption of the specific load (B1) can be covered by the power of the storage device (4) and the photovoltaic power generation system (3) is predicted based on the amount of power generated, remaining capacity information, and amount of power consumption. In the second time prediction step, the second time (T2) when the power consumption of the specific load (B1) can be covered by the power of the auxiliary power source (5) is predicted based on the auxiliary power source information, the amount of power generated, and the amount of power consumption. In the surplus / shortage prediction step, a prediction is made regarding a surplus or shortage of power that may occur in the facility (100) over a certain period (T0) based on a first time (T1) and a second time (T2). In the plan update step, a usage plan (X1) is updated based on the prediction result of the surplus / shortage prediction step. In the control step, operation of a specific load (B1) is controlled based on the updated usage plan (X1).

[0181] According to the above aspect, it is possible to provide a load control method that can realize more stable and continuous operation control of the specific load (B1).

[0182] A program according to a seventh aspect is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the load control method according to the sixth aspect.

[0183] According to the above aspect, it is possible to provide a function that can realize more stable and continuous operation control of the specific load (B1).

[0184] The configurations according to the second to fifth aspects are not essential for the load control system (A1) and may be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0185] A1 Load Control System B1 Specific load C1 grid power supply D1 Distributed power supply 3. Solar power generation system 4. Energy storage device 5 Auxiliary power supply 10 Planning Information Acquisition Department 11 Remaining capacity acquisition section 12 Weather information acquisition section 13 Auxiliary information acquisition department 14. Performance Information Acquisition Department 20 Power Consumption Prediction Unit 21 First Time Prediction Section 22 Second Time Prediction Unit 23 Excess / Shortage Prediction Department 24 Planning Update Department 25 Control Unit 100 facilities T0 fixed period T1 1st Hour T2 2nd Hour T3 duration Δt1 specified time X0 Planning Information X1 Usage Plan

Claims

1. A load control system that controls specific loads installed in a facility using distributed power sources during a power outage of a grid power source, The specific load is an important load to which power supply may be required for at least a certain period of time from the time when a power outage occurs in the grid power supply, the distributed power source includes a solar power generation system, a power storage device, and a portable auxiliary power source; a plan information acquisition unit that acquires plan information regarding a usage plan of the specific load during the certain period; a remaining capacity acquisition unit that acquires remaining capacity information relating to the remaining capacity of the power storage device; a weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information related to a weather forecast for the certain period; an auxiliary information acquisition unit that acquires auxiliary power source information related to the amount of power that can be supplied by the auxiliary power source and the arrival time of the auxiliary power source at the facility; a power consumption prediction unit that predicts the amount of power consumption of the specific load during the certain period based on the plan information; a first time prediction unit that predicts an amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system during the certain period based on the weather information, and predicts a first time period during which the power consumption of the specific load can be covered by power from the power storage device and the photovoltaic power generation system based on the amount of power generated, the remaining capacity information, and the amount of power consumption; a second time prediction unit that predicts a second time period during which the power consumption of the specific load can be covered by power from the auxiliary power supply based on the auxiliary power supply information, the amount of power generated, and the amount of power consumed; an excess / shortage prediction unit that predicts an excess or shortage of power that may occur in the facility during the certain period based on the first time and the second time; a plan update unit that updates the usage plan based on a prediction result of the surplus / deficiency prediction unit; a control unit that controls the operation of the specific load based on the updated usage plan; Equipped with Load control system.

2. The certain period is divided into predetermined time units, each of the power consumption prediction unit, the first time prediction unit, the second time prediction unit, and the excess / shortage prediction unit makes a prediction at the time when the power outage occurs and at each of the predetermined time periods thereafter; The load control system of claim 1 .

3. the surplus / shortage prediction unit calculates a duration for which power can be continuously supplied to the specific load based on the first time period and the second time period, and predicts that a power shortage will occur in the facility if the total duration falls below the certain period; the plan update unit, when it is predicted that a power shortage will occur, modifies the usage plan in a direction to impose a restriction on the use of the specific load.

3. A load control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the surplus / shortage prediction unit predicts a time period in which a power shortage will occur in the facility, the plan update unit modifies the usage plan according to the time period. The load control system of claim 3 .

5. the surplus / deficiency prediction unit calculates a duration for which power can be continuously supplied to the specific load based on the first time period and the second time period, and predicts that a power surplus will occur in the facility if the total duration is not shorter than the certain period; the plan update unit, when it is predicted that a surplus of power will occur, modifies the usage plan in a direction that does not impose restrictions on the use of the specific load.

3. A load control system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A load control method for controlling a specific load installed in a facility using a distributed power source during a power outage of a grid power source, comprising: The specific load is an important load to which power supply may be required for at least a certain period of time from the time when a power outage occurs in the grid power supply, the distributed power source includes a solar power generation system, a power storage device, and a portable auxiliary power source; a plan information acquisition step of acquiring plan information regarding a usage plan of the specific load during the certain period; a remaining capacity acquisition step of acquiring remaining capacity information relating to a remaining capacity of the power storage device; a weather information acquisition step of acquiring weather information regarding a weather forecast for the certain period; an auxiliary information acquisition step of acquiring auxiliary power source information relating to the amount of power that can be supplied by the auxiliary power source and the arrival time of the auxiliary power source at the facility; a power consumption prediction step of predicting the amount of power consumption of the specific load during the certain period based on the plan information; a first time prediction step of predicting an amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system during the certain period based on the weather information, and predicting a first time when the power consumption of the specific load can be covered by the power of the power storage device and the photovoltaic power generation system based on the amount of power generated, the remaining capacity information, and the amount of power consumption; a second time prediction step of predicting a second time period during which the power consumption of the specific load can be covered by the power of the auxiliary power supply, based on the auxiliary power supply information, the amount of power generated, and the amount of power consumed; a surplus / shortage prediction step of predicting a surplus / shortage of power that may occur in the facility during the certain period based on the first time and the second time; a plan updating step of updating the usage plan based on the prediction result of the surplus / shortage prediction step; a control step of controlling the operation of the specific load based on the updated usage plan; Including, Load control methods.

7. A program that causes one or more processors to execute the load control method according to claim 6.

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