Measuring device, program, measuring system, and measuring method

Abstract

To provide a measuring device, program, measuring system, and measuring method that can more easily measure the total amount of self-consumption by multiple users than before. [Solution] The measuring device of the embodiment comprises a determination unit, an acquisition unit, and a calculation unit. The determination unit determines a period. The acquisition unit acquires the amount of self-consumption, which represents the amount of electricity consumed by the user themselves out of the total amount of electricity generated, for multiple users who have installed a power generation device during the period. The calculation unit calculates the total of the self-consumption amounts for the multiple users during the period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measurement device, a program, a measurement system, and a measurement method.

Background Art

[0002] In a project to credit the self-consumption portion of a photovoltaic power generation system, it is necessary to measure the total self-consumption of a plurality of users. To measure the self-consumption, data on the generated power and the sold power for each user with a photovoltaic power generation system installed is required. This is because the self-consumption is calculated by the formula (self-consumption) = (generated power) - (sold power). On the other hand, this data is in the monitor for the photovoltaic power generation system at the user's home, and it is difficult for the operator to extract the data itself. Therefore, it is necessary to ask the user to send a photo of the generated power and the sold power displayed on the monitor screen. Also, it is necessary for the operator in charge to read the numerical values from the sent photo. Therefore, a huge amount of man-hours is required for requesting cooperation from the users participating in the project to send the photos and for data processing of the sent photos, which is an issue for many operators.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a measurement device, a program, a measurement system, and a measurement method that can more easily measure the total self-consumption of a plurality of users than in the past.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The measuring device of the embodiment comprises a determination unit, an acquisition unit, and a calculation unit. The determination unit determines a period. The acquisition unit acquires the amount of self-consumption, which represents the amount of electricity consumed by the user themselves out of the total amount of electricity generated, for multiple users who have installed power generation equipment during the period. The calculation unit calculates the total amount of self-consumption for the multiple users during the period. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing an example of the main components of a measurement system according to an embodiment and the components included in the measurement system. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of a table. [Figure 3] A flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the processor of the server device in Figure 1. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the gateway device's processor in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The measurement system according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in the drawings used in the description of the embodiment below may be changed as appropriate. Also, for illustrative purposes, some components may be omitted in the drawings used in the description of the embodiment below. Furthermore, in the drawings and this specification, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements.

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the main components of the measurement system 1 and its constituent elements according to this embodiment. Note that each component of the device may be built-in or external. The measurement system 1 measures the amount of electricity generated, electricity sold, and electricity consumed by each user registered in the measurement system 1. Hereinafter, users registered in the measurement system 1 will simply be referred to as "users." The measurement system 1 also aggregates the electricity consumed by multiple users. Here, electricity consumed refers to the amount of electricity consumed by the user themselves from the generated electricity. The measurement system 1, as an example, includes a server device 100, a gateway device 200, a power generation device 300, a distribution board 400, and various other devices 500. Note that the measurement system 1 may include only a portion of these components. Although Figure 1 shows one of each device, the number of each device is not limited. The gateway device 200, power generation device 300, distribution board 400, and various other devices 500 are installed, for example, in each user's home. Note that instead of homes, these may be shops, factories, buildings, or various other facilities. However, in the following explanation, we will assume that all users have installed a gateway device 200, a power generator 300, a distribution board 400, and various other devices 500 in their homes.

[0009] The server device 100 and the gateway device 200 are connected to a network NW. The network NW is typically a communication network including the Internet. The network NW may also be a communication network including a private network such as an intranet. The network NW may also be a communication network including a LAN (local area network).

[0010] The server device 100 is a server device that provides the measurement system 1. The server device 100 includes, as an example, a processor 110, ROM (read-only memory) 120, RAM (random-access memory) 130, auxiliary storage device 140, and a communication interface 150. A bus 160 and the like connect these components. Note that the server device 100 is an example of a measurement device.

[0011] The processor 110 is the central part of the computer that performs calculations and control necessary for the operation of the server device 100, and performs various calculations and processes. The processor 110 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), MPU (micro processing unit), SoC (system on a chip), DSP (digital signal processor), GPU (graphics processing unit), ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), PLD (programmable logic device), or FPGA (field-programmable gate array). Alternatively, the processor 110 is a combination of several of these. Furthermore, the processor 110 may also be a combination of these with hardware accelerators. Based on programs such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 120 or auxiliary storage device 140, the processor 110 controls each part to realize various functions of the server device 100. The processor 110 also executes the processes described later based on the said program. Note that some or all of the said program may be incorporated into the circuit of the processor 110.

[0012] ROM120 and RAM130 are the main memory of the computer, with the processor 110 at its core. ROM120 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. ROM120 stores programs such as firmware. It also stores data used by the processor 110 in performing various processes.

[0013] RAM130 is memory used for reading and writing data. RAM130 is used as a work area to store data that the processor 110 temporarily uses when performing various processes. RAM130 is typically volatile memory.

[0014] The auxiliary storage device 140 is an auxiliary storage device of a computer centered on the processor 110. The auxiliary storage device 140 is, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), or flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 140 stores, for example, system software and application software from the above-mentioned programs. The auxiliary storage device 140 also stores data used by the processor 110 in performing various processes, data generated by processing by the processor 110, and various setting values. The data stored in the auxiliary storage device 140 includes, as an example, a database 141, aggregated information, and outputted information.

[0015] Database 141 is a database that stores and manages information about each user. For each user, Database 141 stores user ID (identifier) ​​associated with type information, user power information, and user information. Type information is information that indicates the type of user identified by the associated user ID. As an example, there are two types of user types: active users and inactive users. Active users are users who are subject to the aggregation of power consumption. Inactive users are users who are not subject to the aggregation of power consumption. The type of user is predetermined, for example, by the contract between the operator of measurement system 1 and the user. User power information includes the amount of power generated, the amount of power sold, and the amount of power consumed by the user identified by the associated user ID. User information includes information that identifies the gateway device 200 used by the user on the network NW (hereinafter referred to as "identification information"), and other information about the user. Identification information is, for example, a MAC (media access control) address, an IP (Internet Protocol) address, or a hostname. Note that the user ID and identification information may be the same. Also, the user ID is an example of information that identifies a user. Identifiable information is an example of information that identifies a user.

[0016] Note that an active user is an example of a first type of user included in the calculation of total self-consumption. An inactive user is an example of a second type of user not included in the calculation of total self-consumption.

[0017] Database 141 includes, as an example, table T1 as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of table T1. Table T1 stores, for each user, the user ID associated with type information and self-consumption amount. In table T1, a user with a value of 1 in the type field is an active user. In table T1, a user with a value of 0 in the type field is an inactive user.

[0018] The aggregated information is information that stores the periods for which aggregation has already been performed and the periods for which aggregation has not yet been performed as described later. The aggregated information includes, for example, a flag indicating whether aggregation has been performed for each period.

[0019] The output information is information that stores the periods for which the output of the results of aggregation has already been performed and the periods for which the output has not yet been performed as described later. The output information includes, for example, a flag indicating whether output has been performed for each period.

[0020] Table T1 stores the self-consumption amounts of each user for each predetermined period P1. In Table T1 shown in FIG. 2, the period P1 is one month. The period P1 may be other periods such as one year.

[0021] The communication interface 150 is an interface for the server device 100 to communicate via a network NW or the like.

[0022] The bus 160 includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, etc., and transmits signals exchanged between each part of the server device 100.

[0023] The gateway device 200 acquires various information from a power generation device 300, a distribution board 400, and various devices 500 installed in the same house. The information that the gateway device 200 acquires from the power generation device 300 includes at least either the generated power or the amount of generated power of the power generation device 300. When the gateway device 200 does not acquire the amount of generated power from the power generation device 300, it obtains the amount of generated power by integrating the generated power. Note that the gateway device 200 is an example of a transmission device.

[0024] The information that the gateway device 200 acquires from the distribution board 400 includes at least either the sold power or the amount of sold power. When the gateway device 200 does not acquire the amount of sold power from the distribution board 400, it obtains the amount of sold power by integrating the sold power.

[0025] The gateway device 200 includes, for example, a processor 210, ROM 220, RAM 230, auxiliary storage device 240, and communication interface 250. A bus 260 and the like connects these components.

[0026] The processor 210 is the central part of the computer that performs calculations and control necessary for the operation of the gateway device 200, and performs various calculations and processes. The processor 210 is, for example, a CPU, MPU, SoC, DSP, GPU, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. Alternatively, the processor 210 is a combination of several of these. Furthermore, the processor 210 may be a combination of these with hardware accelerators. The processor 210 controls each part to realize various functions of the gateway device 200 based on programs such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 220 or auxiliary storage device 240. The processor 210 also executes the processes described later based on the said program. Note that some or all of the said program may be incorporated into the circuit of the processor 210.

[0027] ROM220 and RAM230 are the main memory of the computer, which is centered around the processor 210. ROM220 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. ROM220 stores programs such as firmware. It also stores data used by the processor 210 in performing various processes.

[0028] RAM230 is memory used for reading and writing data. RAM230 is used as a work area to temporarily store data used by the processor 210 during various processes. RAM230 is typically volatile memory.

[0029] The auxiliary storage device 240 is an auxiliary storage device of a computer centered on the processor 210. The auxiliary storage device 240 is, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, or flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 240 stores, for example, system software and application software from the above-mentioned programs. The auxiliary storage device 240 also stores data used by the processor 210 in performing various processes, data generated by processing by the processor 210, and various setting values.

[0030] The data stored in the auxiliary storage device 240 may include the user ID of the user using the gateway device 200.

[0031] The gateway device 200 stores information acquired from the power generator 300, the distribution board 400, and various devices 500 in the auxiliary storage device 240, etc.

[0032] The communication interface 250 is an interface for the gateway device 200 to communicate via a network NW or the like. The communication interface 250 is also an interface for the gateway device 200 to communicate with the power generator 300, the distribution board 400, and various other devices 500.

[0033] Bus 260 includes a control bus, an address bus, and a data bus, and transmits signals exchanged between various parts of the gateway device 200.

[0034] The power generation device 300 is a device or equipment that has a power generation function. The power generation device 300 is, for example, a device or equipment that generates electricity using solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. Alternatively, the power generation device 300 is, for example, a fuel cell. The power generation device 300 is, for example, an electric vehicle that has a power-generating device such as a generator or a fuel cell. Note that the power generation device 300 may include multiple types of power generation devices.

[0035] The distribution board 400 supplies power from the power grid to various devices 500, etc. The distribution board 400 also supplies power from the power generator 300 to the power grid. Furthermore, the distribution board 400 supplies power from the power generator 300 to various devices 500, etc.

[0036] The various devices 500 are powered by electricity supplied from the distribution board 400. Furthermore, the various devices 500 are capable of communicating with the gateway device 200.

[0037] The operation of the measurement system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Note that the processing described below is just an example, and various processes that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the processor 110 of the server device 100. The processor 110 executes the processing shown in Figure 3 based on a program stored in, for example, the ROM 120 or auxiliary storage device 140. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the processor 210 of the gateway device 200. The processor 210 executes the processing shown in Figure 4 based on a program stored in, for example, the ROM 220 or auxiliary storage device 240.

[0038] The processor 210 of the gateway device 200 starts the process shown in Figure 4, for example, when the gateway device 200 is started up.

[0039] In step ST31 of Figure 4, the processor 210 of the gateway device 200 determines whether or not to transmit power consumption information. The power consumption information includes, for example, the amount of power generated and the amount of power sold during the most recent predetermined period P2. The processor 210 determines, for example, to transmit power consumption information after the predetermined period P2 has elapsed. The predetermined period P2 is, for example, one day, one month, or one year. It is preferable that period P2 is less than or equal to period P1. It is more preferable that period P2 is equal to period P1. If the processor 210 does not determine to transmit power consumption information, it determines No in step ST31 and repeats the process of step ST31. On the other hand, if the processor 210 determines to transmit power consumption information, it determines Yes in step ST31 and proceeds to step ST32.

[0040] In step ST32, the processor 210 generates power consumption information. This power consumption information includes, in addition to the generated power consumption and sold power consumption mentioned above, at least one of its own identification information and the user ID stored in the auxiliary storage device 240. The power consumption information also includes period information. The period information indicates the period P2 for which the power consumption information includes generated power consumption and sold power consumption. After generating the power consumption information, the processor 210 instructs the communication interface 250 to transmit the power consumption information to the server device 100. Upon receiving this transmission instruction, the communication interface 250 transmits the power consumption information to the server device 100. The transmitted power consumption information is received by the communication interface 150 of the server device 100. After processing in step ST32, the processor 210 returns to step ST31.

[0041] The amount of electricity generated and the amount of electricity sold are examples of data that can identify the amount of electricity consumed by the user. Therefore, the processor 210, in cooperation with the communication interface 250, performs the processing in step ST32 and functions as an example of a transmitting unit that transmits data that can identify the amount of electricity consumed by the user, out of the amount of electricity generated by the user who has installed the power generation equipment, to the measuring device.

[0042] On the other hand, in step ST11 of Figure 3, the processor 110 of the server device 100 determines whether or not power consumption information has been received via the communication interface 150. If power consumption information has not been received, the processor 110 determines "No" in step ST11 and proceeds to step ST12.

[0043] In step ST12, the processor 110 determines whether or not to start aggregating the amount of self-consumption. For example, the processor 110 determines to start aggregating when it receives an input instructing it to start aggregating. Alternatively, the processor 110 determines to start aggregating every time a predetermined period P3 has elapsed. The predetermined period P3 is, for example, one year. If the processor 110 does not determine to start aggregating, it determines No in step ST12 and returns to step ST11. Thus, the processor 110 enters a waiting state and repeats steps ST11 and ST12 until power consumption information is received or it determines to start aggregating.

[0044] If power information is received while the processor 110 is in a waiting state repeating steps ST11 and ST12, it determines Yes in step ST11 and proceeds to step ST13.

[0045] Based on the above, the processor 110, in cooperation with the communication interface 150, performs the processing in step ST11 and functions as an example of a receiving unit that receives data from multiple transmitting devices.

[0046] In step ST13, the processor 110 calculates the amount of electricity consumed by the self using the amount of electricity generated and the amount of electricity sold, which are included in the electricity information received in step ST11. The processor 110 calculates the amount of electricity consumed by the self using, for example, the following formula. (Amount of electricity consumed by the user) = (Amount of electricity generated) - (Amount of electricity sold) (1)

[0047] In step ST14, the processor 110 stores the amount of generated electricity and the amount of electricity sold, as well as the amount of self-consumption calculated in step ST13, in the database 141, associating them with the user ID. In this case, the user ID is one that is included in the amount of electricity received in step ST11. Alternatively, the processor 110 refers to the user DB to identify the user ID associated with specific information included in the amount of electricity.

[0048] In step ST15, the processor 110 updates table T1 using the self-consumption amount calculated in step ST13. For this purpose, the processor 110 identifies the field to be updated. The processor 110 identifies the field using the user ID used in step ST14 and the period information contained in the power consumption information. The field is the same row as the user ID. The field is the same column as the period identified in the period information. The period is the period that includes the period indicated by the period information. For example, if period P1 is one month and the period information indicates January 1st to January 7th, 2024, then the period identified by the period information is January 2024.

[0049] Then, if the specified field does not have a value, the processor 110 inputs the self-consumption amount calculated in step ST13. Conversely, if the specified field already has a value, the processor 110 adds up the self-consumption amounts calculated in step ST13. Note that the initial value of each field for inputting the self-consumption amount in table T1 is, for example, empty. Here, "no value in a field" means that the value of that field is NULL, etc. Alternatively, the initial value of each field may be 0. After processing in step ST15, the processor 110 returns to step ST11.

[0050] Based on the above, the processor 110 functions as an example of a storage control unit that stores the user's self-consumption amount in a storage device in association with information that identifies the user, by performing at least one of steps ST14 and ST15.

[0051] If the processor 110 determines to start aggregation while in a waiting state repeating steps ST11 and ST12, it determines Yes in step ST12 and proceeds to step ST16.

[0052] In step ST16, the processor 110 determines the period for aggregation (hereinafter referred to as the "aggregation period"). To determine the aggregation period, the processor 110 obtains aggregated information. Then, the processor 110 uses the aggregated information to identify the unaggregated period. Furthermore, the processor 110 determines, for example, the fiscal year included in the identified unaggregated period as the aggregation period. A fiscal year is a one-year period with a predetermined month as the starting month. The starting month is, for example, January or April, but is not limited to these. The processor 110 may also use a period shorter or longer than one year instead of a fiscal year.

[0053] Alternatively, the processor 110 retrieves output information from the auxiliary storage device 140 to determine the aggregation period. Then, the processor 110 uses this output information to identify periods for which output has not yet been generated. Furthermore, the processor 110 determines, for example, the years included in the identified periods for which output has not yet been generated as the aggregation period.

[0054] Alternatively, the processor 110 obtains aggregated information and outputted information from the auxiliary storage device 140 to determine the aggregation period. The processor 110 then uses the aggregated information to identify the unaggregated period. The processor 110 also uses the outputted information to identify the unoutputted period. Furthermore, the processor 110 determines the aggregation period to be the fiscal year that is included in both the identified unaggregated period and the identified unoutputted period.

[0055] Furthermore, if the processor has an input specifying an aggregation period, it may determine the period indicated by that input as the aggregation period.

[0056] Based on the above, the processor 110 functions as an example of a decision unit that determines a period by performing the processing in step ST16. Furthermore, the processor 110 functions as an example of a decision unit that determines a period for which a total has not been calculated by performing the processing in step ST16 using the aggregated information. Furthermore, the processor 110 functions as an example of a decision unit that determines a period for which no output has been generated by performing the processing in step ST16 using the outputted information.

[0057] In step ST17, the processor 110 obtains the number of users to be aggregated (hereinafter referred to as "count"). To obtain the count, the processor 110 identifies active users by, for example, referring to table T1. Then, the processor 110 refers to, for example, table T1 and selects active users who have values ​​in all fields indicating self-consumption during the period included in the aggregation period as the aggregation target. Alternatively, the processor 110 may refer to, for example, table T1 and select active users who have values ​​in N or more of the fields in question as the aggregation target. Alternatively, the processor 110 may select active users whose values ​​in all of the fields in question are greater than 0 as the aggregation target. Alternatively, the processor 110 may select active users who have values ​​in N or more of the fields in question as the aggregation target. Here, N is an integer of 1 or greater and less than ((length of aggregation period) ÷ (period P1)). The processor 110 obtains the count by counting the number of users that it has determined to be aggregated. Furthermore, the processor 110 stores the number of acquired data in the auxiliary storage device 140, for example, in association with the aggregation period determined in step ST16.

[0058] Based on the above, the processor 110 functions as an example of a counting unit that determines the number of users from whom self-consumption amounts for at least a portion of the aggregation period can be obtained by performing the processing in step ST17.

[0059] Furthermore, the processor 110 functions as an example of an identification unit that identifies whether a user is a first user who is included in the aggregation of the total amount of self-consumption, or a second user who is not included in the aggregation, by identifying an active user.

[0060] In step ST18, the processor 110 calculates the difference between the number of items in the current aggregation period and the number of items in the previous aggregation period. For example, if the current aggregation period is year Y, the previous aggregation period is year (Y-1). Y is an integer. The processor 110 obtains the number of items for the previous aggregation period from, for example, the auxiliary storage device 140. The processor 110 calculates the difference in the number of items using, for example, the following formula. According to the following formula, the difference in the number of items can also be called the increase or decrease in the number of items. (Difference in the number of cases) = (Number of cases in the current aggregation period) - (Number of cases in the previous aggregation period) (2)

[0061] If the processor 110 is unable to obtain the number of records for the previous aggregation period, it may set the number of records for the previous aggregation period to 0. Alternatively, if the processor 110 is unable to obtain the number of records for the previous aggregation period, it may skip the processing in step ST18.

[0062] In step ST19, the processor 110 determines the users to be used in the aggregation calculation (hereinafter referred to as "calculation target users"). For example, the processor 110 may use all users subject to aggregation as calculation target users. Alternatively, the processor 110 may perform sampling to select some users from the users subject to aggregation as calculation target users. For example, the processor 110 may randomly select a predetermined number of users from the users subject to aggregation to be used as calculation target users.

[0063] In step ST20, processor 110 refers to table T1 and retrieves the self-consumption amount for each user included in the aggregation period for each user being calculated. For example, if the aggregation period is from January 2024 to December 2024, processor 110 retrieves the self-consumption amount for the 12 months included in January 2024 to December 2024. Note that if processor 110 retrieves a value from a field that does not have a value, it may consider that value to be 0.

[0064] Based on the above, the processor 110 functions as an example of an acquisition unit that, by performing the processing in step ST20, acquires the amount of self-consumption, which indicates the amount of electricity consumed by the user themselves out of the total amount of electricity generated during the aforementioned period, for each of the multiple users who have installed the power generation equipment.

[0065] In step ST21, the processor 110 calculates the total amount S1 of self-consumption for the users to be aggregated during the aggregation period. The processor 110 calculates this total, for example, using the following formula. S1 = (ΣS2) × (U2 ÷ U1) (3)

[0066] Here, the number of users U1 indicates the number of users to be calculated. The number of users U2 indicates the number of users to be aggregated. Also, S2 indicates the amount of self-consumption per user during the aggregation period for the users to be calculated. The processor 110 calculates the total S2 for each user to be calculated. For example, the processor 110 obtains the total S2 by adding up the amount of self-consumption per user obtained in step ST20.

[0067] Furthermore, ΣS2 represents the sum of the total S2 for all users included in the calculation. In other words, ΣS2 represents the total amount of self-consumption for all users included in the calculation during the aggregation period. Note that (ΣS2÷U1) represents the sample mean of the total S2. Here, the sample is the entire group of users included in the calculation. Therefore, (ΣS2)×(U2÷U1) is the mean multiplied by the number of users included in the aggregation. In this formula, the sample mean of the total S2 is treated as the population mean. Here, the population is the entire group of users included in the aggregation.

[0068] Note that if all users being aggregated are the calculation target users, processor 110 may use the following formula instead of formula (3) to calculate the total S1, since U1 and U2 are equal. S1 = ΣS2 (4)

[0069] The processor 110 stores the calculated total S1 in the auxiliary storage device 140, associating it with, for example, the aggregation period determined in step ST16. The processor 110 also updates the aggregated information stored in the auxiliary storage device 140 to indicate that the aggregation period has been aggregated.

[0070] Based on the above, the processor 110 functions as an example of a calculation unit that calculates the total amount of self-consumption over the aggregation period for multiple users by performing the processing in step ST21.

[0071] In step ST22, the processor 110 calculates the total CO2 reduction amount S3 for all users subject to aggregation during the aggregation period. The processor 110 calculates the total S3 by, for example, the following formula. S3 = U2 × B1 - S1 × k1 (5)

[0072] Here, the coefficient k1 is a predetermined coefficient for converting self-consumption into CO2 emissions. Baseline B1 is the total CO2 emissions of the users included in the aggregation, assuming that all users included in the aggregation were not using power generation equipment 300.

[0073] The processor 110 stores the calculated total S3 in the auxiliary storage device 140, for example, in association with the aggregation period determined in step ST16.

[0074] In step ST23, the processor 110 outputs at least one of the following: the number of items obtained in step ST17, the difference calculated in step ST18, the total S1 calculated in step ST21, and the total S3 calculated in step ST22. The processor 110 outputs by, for example, displaying at least one of the number of items, the difference, the total S1, and the total S3 on a display device. The processor 110 also outputs by, for example, printing at least one of the number of items, the difference, the total S1, and the total S3 on a printer. The processor 110 generates and outputs a file containing at least one of the number of items, the difference, the total S1, and the total S3. This file is, for example, a file with predetermined specifications. The processor 110 also updates the output information stored in the auxiliary storage device 140 to store in the output information that the aggregation period has been output. After processing in step ST23, the processor 110 returns to step ST11.

[0075] The number obtained in step ST17 is an example of the number of users from whom self-consumption data can be obtained. Displaying on a display device, printing by a printer, and outputting to a file are each examples of predetermined methods. Therefore, the processor 110 functions as an example of an output unit that outputs at least one of the number of users from whom self-consumption data can be obtained and the difference calculated in step ST18 in step ST23. In addition, the processor 110 functions as an example of an output unit that outputs a total in a predetermined method by performing a process in step ST23 to output the total S1 calculated in step ST21.

[0076] According to the measurement system 1 of the embodiment, the server device 100 determines the aggregation period. The server device 100 of the embodiment then acquires the amount of self-consumption for each user during the aggregation period. Furthermore, the server device 100 of the embodiment calculates the total amount of self-consumption for multiple users. In this way, the server device 100 of the embodiment automatically calculates the total amount of self-consumption for multiple users, making it easier to measure the total than before. In addition, by using the server device 100 of the embodiment, it becomes unnecessary to request users to send photos.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the measurement system 1 of the embodiment, the server device 100 determines the number of users (counts) to be aggregated. Therefore, the server device 100 of the embodiment can automatically determine this count. Also, since this count is the number of users who contributed to CO2 reduction, it becomes easy to grasp the number of users who contributed to CO2 reduction.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the measurement system 1 of the embodiment, the server device 100 calculates the difference between the number of cases in the current aggregation period and the number of cases in past aggregation periods. Therefore, the server device 100 of the embodiment can automatically determine this difference. This difference makes it easy to grasp the change in the number of users who contributed to CO2 reduction.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the measurement system 1 of the embodiment, the server device 100 outputs at least one of the number of items and the difference. Since the server device 100 of the embodiment automatically outputs the number of items and the difference, the effort required to create documents can be reduced. In addition, by looking at the output, the CO2 reduction effect can be easily understood.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the measurement system 1 of the embodiment, the server device 100 identifies whether a user is an active user or an inactive user. The server device 100 of the embodiment then calculates the total amount of self-consumption by including only active users in the aggregation. As a result, even when active and inactive users are mixed, the server device 100 of the embodiment can calculate the total amount of self-consumption by including only active users in the aggregation.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the measurement system 1 of this embodiment, the server device 100 outputs the total amount of self-consumption. Since the server device 100 of this embodiment automatically outputs this total, the effort required to create documents can be reduced. In addition, by looking at the output, it is possible to easily grasp the CO2 reduction effect, etc.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the measurement system 1 of the embodiment, the server device 100 uses the unaggregated period as the aggregation period. This prevents the server device 100 of the embodiment from aggregating periods that have already been aggregated.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the measurement system 1 of the embodiment, the server device 100 considers the period for which aggregated results have not yet been output as the aggregation period. This prevents the server device 100 of the embodiment from re-aggregating for a period for which aggregated results have already been output.

[0084] The above embodiment can also be modified as follows:

[0085] The processor 110 of the server device 100 may be able to calculate the difference between the number of items in the current aggregation period and the number of items in the aggregation period M items prior. M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0086] Users may be grouped together. In this case, the processor 110 of the server device 100 calculates the sum S1 and sum S3 for each group.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the server device 100 obtains the amount of power generated by the power generator 300 from the gateway device. However, the server device 100 may obtain the power generated by the power generator 300 instead of the amount of power generated by the power generator 300. In this case, the processor 110 of the server device 100 calculates the amount of power generated by integrating the power generated.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the server device 100 obtains the amount of electricity sold from the gateway device. However, the server device 100 may obtain the amount of electricity sold instead of the amount of electricity sold. In this case, the processor 110 of the server device 100 calculates the amount of electricity sold by accumulating the amount of electricity sold.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the server device 100 obtains the amount of power generated by the power generator 300 from the gateway device 200. That is, the server device 100 obtains the amount of power generated from the power generator 300 via the gateway device 200. However, the server device 100 may also obtain the amount of power generated from the power generator 300 without going through the gateway device 200.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the server device 100 obtains the amount of electricity sold from the gateway device 200. That is, the server device 100 obtains the amount of electricity sold from the distribution board 400 via the gateway device 200. However, the server device 100 may also obtain the amount of electricity sold from the distribution board 400 without going through the gateway device 200.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the gateway device 200 transmits power consumption information at predetermined intervals P1. However, the gateway device 200 may also transmit power consumption information in real time.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the server device 100 stores each user's self-consumption amount in the database 141 in advance. Then, in step ST20, the server device 100 retrieves the self-consumption amount from the database 141. However, in step ST20, the server device 100 may retrieve the self-consumption amount from the gateway device 200 used by each user, instead of from the database 141.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the measurement system 1 determines the amount of self-consumption by subtracting the amount of electricity sold from the amount of electricity generated. However, the measurement system 1 may also directly measure the amount of self-consumption. In this case, the gateway device 200 obtains, for example, at least one of the power consumption and the amount of energy consumed from the distribution board 400 or various devices 500. If the amount of energy consumed is not obtained, the gateway device 200 determines the amount of energy consumed by integrating the power consumption. Directly measured self-consumption is an example of data that can identify the amount of self-consumption.

[0094] Each device in the embodiment may consist of multiple devices. Each device in the embodiment may be implemented using cloud computing.

[0095] Processors 110 and 210 may implement some or all of the processing implemented by the program in the above embodiment through the hardware configuration of the circuit.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the gateway device 200 may perform some of the processing that the server device 100 would normally perform. In the above embodiment, the server device 100 may perform some of the processing that the gateway device 200 would normally perform.

[0097] The program that implements the processing of the embodiment is transferred, for example, stored in a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium within the device. However, the device may be transferred without the program stored in it. The program may also be transferred separately and written to the device. This transfer of the program can be achieved, for example, by recording it on a removable, non-temporary computer-readable storage medium, or by downloading it via a network such as the Internet or a LAN.

[0098] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. Embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. Embodiments of the present invention include the generating apparatus described in the following embodiments.

[0099] [Aspect 1] A decision unit that determines the period, An acquisition unit that acquires the amount of self-consumption, which indicates the amount of electricity consumed by the user themselves out of the total amount of electricity generated, for multiple users who have installed power generation equipment during the aforementioned period. A measuring device comprising a calculation unit that calculates the total amount of self-consumption by the aforementioned multiple users during the aforementioned period.

[0100] [Aspect 2] The measuring device according to embodiment 1, further comprising a counting unit that determines the number of users who can obtain the amount of self-consumption for at least a portion of the period during the aforementioned period.

[0101] [Aspect 3] The measuring device according to embodiment 2, wherein the counting unit calculates the difference between the number of users who can obtain the self-consumption amount during the period and the number of users who can obtain the self-consumption amount during past periods.

[0102] [Aspect 4] The measuring device according to embodiment 3, further comprising an output unit that outputs, in a predetermined manner, at least one of the number of users from whom the self-consumption amount can be obtained and the difference.

[0103] [Aspect 5] The system further includes an identification unit that identifies whether the user is a first user who is included in the aggregation of the total amount of self-consumption, or a second user who is not included in the aggregation, The processing apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the calculation unit calculates the total amount of self-consumption by a plurality of first users during the period.

[0104] [Aspect 6] The measuring device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, further comprising an output unit that outputs the sum in a predetermined manner.

[0105] [Aspect 7] The determination unit determines the period for which the total calculation has not been performed, according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6 of the measuring device.

[0106] [Aspect 8] The measuring device according to embodiment 6, wherein the determination unit determines the period during which the output is not performed.

[0107] [Aspect 9] The measuring device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, further comprising a storage control unit that stores the user's self-consumption amount in a storage device in association with information identifying the user.

[0108] [Aspect 10] The processor in the measuring device A decision unit that determines the period, An acquisition unit that acquires the amount of self-consumption, which indicates the amount of electricity consumed by each user of the total amount of electricity generated during the aforementioned period, for each of the multiple users who have installed the power generation equipment. A program that functions as a calculation unit for calculating the total amount of self-consumption by the aforementioned multiple users during the aforementioned period.

[0109] [Aspect 11] Including a transmitting device and a measuring device, The transmitting device includes a transmitting unit that transmits data to the measuring device that can identify the amount of self-consumption, which indicates the amount of electricity consumed by the user themselves out of the total amount of electricity generated by the user who has installed the power generation device. The measuring device is, A receiving unit that receives the data from multiple transmitting devices, A decision unit that determines the period, An acquisition unit that acquires the amount of self-consumption based on the data for each of the multiple users during the period, A measurement system comprising a calculation unit that calculates the total amount of self-consumption by the aforementioned multiple users during the aforementioned period.

[0110] [Aspect 12] Determine the period, For each of the multiple users who have installed power generation equipment, the amount of self-consumption, which indicates the amount of electricity consumed by the user themselves out of the total amount of electricity generated during the aforementioned period, is obtained. A measurement method for calculating the total amount of self-consumption by the aforementioned multiple users during the aforementioned period. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 1. Measurement System 100 Server Devices 110,210 processors 120,220 ROM 130,230 RAM 140,240 Auxiliary storage 141 Database 150,250 communication interfaces 160,260 buses 200 Gateway devices 300 power generation equipment 400 distribution board 500 various equipment

Claims

1. A decision unit that determines the period, An acquisition unit that acquires the amount of self-consumption, which indicates the amount of electricity consumed by the user themselves out of the total amount of electricity generated, for multiple users who have installed power generation equipment during the aforementioned period. A measuring device comprising a calculation unit that calculates the total amount of self-consumption by the aforementioned multiple users during the aforementioned period.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a counting unit that determines the number of users who can obtain the amount of self-consumption for at least a portion of the period during the aforementioned period.

3. The measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the counting unit calculates the difference between the number of users who can obtain the amount of self-consumption during the period and the number of users who can obtain the amount of self-consumption during past periods.

4. The measuring device according to claim 3, further comprising an output unit that outputs, in a predetermined manner, at least one of the number of users from whom the self-consumption amount can be obtained and the difference.

5. The system further includes an identification unit that identifies whether the user is a first user who is included in the aggregation of the total amount of self-consumption, or a second user who is not included in the aggregation, The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the total amount of self-consumption by a plurality of first users during the period.

6. The measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs the sum in a predetermined manner.

7. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the period for which the total has not been calculated.

8. The measuring device according to claim 6, wherein the determination unit determines the period during which the output is not performed.

9. The measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage control unit that stores the user's self-consumption amount in a storage device in association with information identifying the user.

10. The processor in the measuring device A decision unit that determines the period, An acquisition unit that acquires the amount of self-consumption, which indicates the amount of electricity consumed by each user of the total amount of electricity generated during the aforementioned period, for each of the multiple users who have installed the power generation equipment. A program that functions as a calculation unit for calculating the total amount of self-consumption by the aforementioned multiple users during the aforementioned period.

11. Including a transmitting device and a measuring device, The transmitting device includes a transmitting unit that transmits data to the measuring device that can identify the amount of self-consumption, which indicates the amount of electricity consumed by the user themselves out of the total amount of electricity generated by the user who has installed the power generation device. The measuring device is, A receiving unit that receives the data from multiple transmitting devices, A decision unit that determines the period, An acquisition unit that acquires the amount of self-consumption based on the data for each of the multiple users during the period, A measurement system comprising a calculation unit that calculates the total amount of self-consumption by the aforementioned multiple users during the aforementioned period.

12. Determine the period, For each of the multiple users who have installed power generation equipment, the amount of self-consumption, which indicates the amount of electricity consumed by the user themselves out of the total amount of electricity generated during the aforementioned period, is obtained. A measurement method for calculating the total amount of self-consumption by the aforementioned multiple users during the aforementioned period.

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