Livestock power generation system and livestock power generation method

Abstract

The present invention provides a livestock power generation system and a livestock power generation method that can generate electricity at livestock farms. [Solution] A livestock power generation system 10 in which a biomass power generation device 1, a solar power generation device 2, a wind power generation device 3, a small hydroelectric power generation device 4, a power storage device 5, an electricity meter 6, a server device 7, and an administrator terminal 8 are interconnected via a communication network 9, and each of the power generation devices is installed at any location within the livestock farm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a livestock power generation system and a livestock power generation method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in livestock farms equipped with ranches, pigsties, cowsheds, chicken coops, etc., in order to improve work efficiency, automation of various tasks such as cleaning and feeding has been attempted. Accordingly, the power consumption in livestock farms tends to increase.

[0003] On the other hand, livestock farms often have a large area of land for raising livestock such as cows, pigs, and chickens.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a livestock power generation system capable of generating electricity in a livestock farm.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The problems of the present invention are [1] A livestock power generation system including a power generation device installed in a livestock farm; [2] The livestock power generation system according to [1], wherein the power generation device is a biomass power generation device, a solar power generation device, a wind power generation device, and / or a small hydropower generation device; [3] The livestock power generation system according to [2], further including a computer device for managing the power generated by the power generation device, wherein the power generation device is a biomass power generation device, and the computer device includes a specifying means for specifying biomass power generation information related to the power generation by the biomass power generation device; [4] The livestock power generation system according to [3], wherein the power generation device is a biomass power generation device, a solar power generation device, a wind power generation device, and / or a small hydropower generation device, and the specifying means specifies the biomass power generation information based on information related to the power generation by a power generation device other than the biomass power generation device. [5] The livestock power generation system according to [4], wherein a computer device is equipped with a prediction means for predicting the amount of power generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation devices, and a identification means identifies biomass power generation information based on the predicted amount of power generated; [6] The livestock power generation system according to [5], wherein the biomass power generation device is capable of generating electricity using the excrement of livestock animals raised on the premises of a livestock farm, the prediction means predicts the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than the biomass power generation device based on weather information, and the identification means identifies the amount of excrement of livestock animals to be fed into the biomass power generation device as biomass power generation information; [7] A livestock power generation system according to any one of [1] to [6] above, comprising a power storage device for storing electricity generated by a power generation device; [8] A method of generating electricity using a livestock power generation system described in any of [1] to [7] above; This can be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a livestock power generation system that can generate electricity at a livestock farm. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a livestock power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an administrator terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows a flowchart of the biomass power generation information identification process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments unless it contradicts the spirit of the invention. The order of each process constituting the flowchart described below is not limited to any order that does not cause contradictions or inconsistencies in the processing content, and it is also possible to omit some of the processes constituting the flowchart or to add new processes to each process constituting the flowchart, as long as it does not contradict the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the device that is the main entity that executes each process constituting the flowchart can be changed to another device, as long as it does not contradict the spirit of the invention. In this case, it is possible to change the processing content so as not to cause contradictions or inconsistencies in the processing content.

[0009] A livestock power generation system is equipped with a power generation device installed within a livestock farm. "Within a livestock farm" refers to the area belonging to the livestock farm. This area may include, for example, the land owned by the livestock farm. The power generation device may be a biomass power generation device, a solar power generation device, a wind power generation device, and / or a small hydropower generation device. The livestock power generation system may also be equipped with an energy storage device to store the electricity generated by the power generation device. The following explanation will use a livestock power generation system equipped with a biomass power generation device, a solar power generation device, a wind power generation device, a small hydropower generation device, and an energy storage device as an example.

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a livestock power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The livestock power generation system 10 shown in Figure 1 consists of a biomass power generation device 1, a solar power generation device 2, a wind power generation device 3, a small hydropower generation device 4, a power storage device 5, an energy meter 6, a server device 7, and an administrator terminal 8. The biomass power generation device 1, solar power generation device 2, wind power generation device 3, small hydropower generation device 4, power storage device 5, energy meter 6, server device 7, and administrator terminal 8 may be able to communicate with each other via a communication network 9. In addition, the biomass power generation device 1, solar power generation device 2, wind power generation device 3, small hydropower generation device 4, power storage device 5, and energy meter 6 may be electrically connected. The biomass power generation device 1, solar power generation device 2, wind power generation device 3, small hydropower generation device 4, power storage device 5, energy meter 6, server device 7, and administrator terminal 8 may be connected by wire or by wireless connection.

[0011] The livestock power generation system 10 may include multiple biomass power generation devices 1, solar power generation devices 2, wind power generation devices 3, small hydroelectric power generation devices 4, energy storage devices 5, electricity meters 6, server devices 7, and / or administrator terminals 8.

[0012] Preferably, each power generation device comprises a power generation unit, a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication interface. The power generation device may also include other optional components. The configuration of the power generation unit can be appropriately designed according to the type of power generation performed by the power generation device. The control unit may control the power generation performed by the power generation unit. The storage unit may store the amount of power generated by the power generation unit, associated with the time of generation. Each power generation device may be able to communicate with other devices via a communication interface. Each power generation device may transmit the amount of power generated and the time to the power meter 6, the server device 7, and / or the administrator terminal 8. The amount of power generated by the power generation device may be expressed in units such as Wh (watt-hour). Note that multiple different structures may function as a single power generation device.

[0013] The biomass power generation device 1 is capable of generating electricity using biomass, which is a biological resource derived from plants and animals, as raw material. The biomass power generation method may be a biochemical gasification method, a pyrolysis gasification method, or a direct combustion method. The biomass used for biomass power generation may be generated within a livestock farm. Furthermore, the biomass power generation device 1 may be capable of generating electricity using multiple types of biomass.

[0014] When biomass power generation is carried out by a biochemical gasification method, the biomass power generation device 1 may be capable of generating electricity using the excrement of livestock animals raised on the premises of a livestock farm as biomass. The biomass power generation device 1 may also be capable of generating electricity using biomass such as food waste, sewage sludge, food processing residues, and plant waste. The biomass power generation device 1 can generate electricity using biogas produced by methane fermentation of biomass by microorganisms as fuel. The biomass power generation device 1 may be equipped with a methane fermentation tank. Power generation may be carried out by a gas turbine or a gas engine.

[0015] When biomass power generation is performed by a pyrolysis gasification method, the biomass power generation device 1 may be capable of generating electricity using biomass such as woody materials and feed residues. The biomass power generation device 1 may heat-treat the biomass to gasify it and generate electricity using a gas turbine or gas engine.

[0016] When biomass power generation is performed by a direct combustion method, the biomass power generation device 1 may be capable of generating electricity using biomass such as woody materials, feed residues, combustible waste, and waste oil. The biomass power generation device 1 may generate steam using the thermal energy produced by burning biomass, and then generate electricity using the turbine described above.

[0017] The biomass power generation device 1 can be installed at any location within the livestock farm. When the biomass power generation device 1 generates electricity using the excrement of livestock animals, by installing the biomass power generation device 1 near the livestock shed where the livestock animals are raised, the load of transporting the excrement can be reduced.

[0018] The solar power generation device 2 may be any device capable of converting sunlight into electricity and performing solar power generation, and is not particularly limited. The solar power generation device 2 may be equipped with a solar panel, a power conditioner, etc.

[0019] The solar power generation device 2 can be installed at any location within the livestock farm. From the perspective that there is no need to separately secure a space for installing the solar panel and the rise in the temperature inside the livestock shed can be suppressed, it is preferable to install the solar panel of the solar power generation device 2 on the roof and / or wall surface of the livestock shed.

[0020] The wind power generation device 3 may be any device capable of converting wind power into electricity and performing wind power generation, and is not particularly limited. The wind power generation device 3 may be equipped with blades, a generator, a speed increaser, etc.

[0021] The wind power generation device 3 can be installed at any location within the livestock farm. The wind power generation device 3 is preferably installed at a location with good ventilation within the livestock farm.

[0022] The small hydropower generation device 4 may be any device capable of converting hydraulic power into electricity and performing small hydropower generation, and is not particularly limited. Here, "small hydropower generation" refers to generating electricity by utilizing the flow of water in rivers, water channels, sewage systems, etc. without storing water in a dam or the like. The small hydropower generation device 4 may be equipped with a waterwheel, a generator, etc.

[0023] The small hydropower generation device 4 can be installed at any location within the livestock farm. The small hydropower generation device 4 can be installed in rivers, water channels, sewage systems, etc. flowing through the livestock farm.

[0024] The energy storage device 5 is not particularly limited, as long as it is capable of storing the electricity generated by the power generation device. Preferably, the energy storage device 5 comprises an energy storage unit, a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication interface. The energy storage device 5 may also have any other configurations. The control unit may control charging and / or discharging in the energy storage unit. The storage unit may store the amount of energy stored in the energy storage unit (hereinafter also referred to as the stored amount). The energy storage device 5 may transmit the stored amount to the energy meter 6, the server device 7, and / or the administrator terminal 8. The energy storage device 5 may be able to communicate with other devices via the communication interface. The stored amount of the energy storage device 5 may be expressed in units such as Wh (watt-hour). Note that multiple different structures may function as a single energy storage device 5.

[0025] The energy storage device 5 may be, for example, a battery such as a lithium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, lead-acid battery, or all-solid-state battery, or a superconducting magnet energy storage device, flywheel energy storage device, thermal energy storage device, compressed air energy storage device, etc.

[0026] The energy storage device 5 can be installed in any location. The energy storage device 5 may be installed alongside each power generation device. The energy storage device 5 may be electrically connected to one or more power generation devices. At least a portion of the electricity generated by the biomass power generation device 1, the solar power generation device 2, the wind power generation device 3, and / or the small hydropower generation device 4 may be stored in the energy storage device 5.

[0027] The electricity generated by the biomass power generation device 1, the solar power generation device 2, the wind power generation device 3, and / or the small hydropower generation device 4, and / or the electricity stored in the energy storage device 5, may be used at the livestock farm or at a location other than the livestock farm. Alternatively, the electricity generated by the biomass power generation device 1, the solar power generation device 2, the wind power generation device 3, and / or the small hydropower generation device 4, and / or the electricity stored in the energy storage device 5, may be sold to power companies, aggregators, etc.

[0028] The power meter 6 is not particularly limited, as long as it is capable of accumulating and measuring power. Preferably, the power meter 6 comprises a power measurement unit, a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication interface. The power meter 6 may also have any other configurations. The control unit may control the measurement of power by the power measurement unit. The storage unit may store the amount of power measured by the power measurement unit, associated with the time of measurement. The power meter 6 may be able to communicate with other devices via the communication interface. The power meter 6 may transmit the measured amount of power and time to the server device 7 and / or the administrator terminal 8. The power meter 6 may be a smart meter.

[0029] The electricity meter 6 is capable of measuring the electricity transmitted through the power transmission lines owned by the power company. Therefore, the amount of electricity sold can be managed using the electricity meter 6.

[0030] Next, the server device 7 will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The server device 7 comprises at least a control unit 71, a RAM 72, a storage unit 73, and a communication interface 74, each connected by an internal bus.

[0031] The control unit 71 consists of a CPU and ROM, and executes programs stored in the storage unit 73 to control the server device 7. The control unit 71 also has an internal timer for timing. The RAM 72 is the work area of ​​the control unit 71. The storage unit 73 is a memory area for saving programs and data. The control unit 71 reads programs and data from the RAM 72 and performs program execution processing based on information received from the biomass power generation device 1, solar power generation device 2, wind power generation device 3, small hydroelectric power generation device 4, energy storage device 5, electricity meter 6, or administrator terminal 8.

[0032] The server device 7 may function in a distributed manner across multiple computer devices. For example, instead of the server device 7, a distributed ledger technology such as blockchain may be used. Alternatively, for example, a distributed ledger technology such as blockchain may be used in conjunction with the server device 7.

[0033] Next, we will explain the administrator terminal 8. The administrator terminal 8 is operated by the administrator who manages the livestock power generation system 10. The administrator of the livestock power generation system 10 may be, for example, the operator of a livestock farm.

[0034] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an administrator terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The administrator terminal 8 comprises a control unit 81, RAM 82, storage unit 83, input unit 84, display unit 85, and communication interface 86, each connected by an internal bus.

[0035] The control unit 81 consists of a CPU and ROM. The control unit 81 executes programs stored in the storage unit 83 and controls the administrator terminal 8. The RAM 82 is the work area of ​​the control unit 81. The storage unit 83 is a storage area for saving programs and data. In other words, the storage unit 83 functions as a recording medium that stores programs. The control unit 81 performs calculations based on the programs and data read from the RAM 82, as well as the data input by the input unit 84.

[0036] The display unit 85 has a display screen. The control unit 81 outputs a video signal for displaying an image on the display screen according to the result of the calculation processing. Here, the display screen of the display unit 85 may be a touch panel equipped with a touch sensor. In this case, the touch panel functions as an input unit 84.

[0037] The communication interface 86 can be connected to the communication network 9 wirelessly or via a wired connection, and can send and receive data with other computer devices via the communication network 9. Data received via the communication interface 86 is loaded into the RAM 82, and calculation processing is performed by the control unit 81.

[0038] Furthermore, the program may be stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. In this case, the program stored on the recording medium may be installed on the biomass power generation device 1, the solar power generation device 2, the wind power generation device 3, the small hydroelectric power generation device 4, the energy storage device 5, the electricity meter 6, the server device 7, and / or the administrator terminal 8 to perform predetermined functions.

[0039] Alternatively, the program may be distributed from a computer device outside the livestock power generation system 10. In this case, the program distributed from the computer device outside the livestock power generation system 10 may be installed on the biomass power generation device 1, the solar power generation device 2, the wind power generation device 3, the small hydroelectric power generation device 4, the energy storage device 5, the electricity meter 6, the server device 7, and / or the administrator terminal 8 to perform predetermined functions.

[0040] In the livestock power generation system 10, the electricity meter 6, the server device 7, and / or the administrator terminal 8 may function as computer devices for managing the electricity generated by the power generation equipment.

[0041] The server device 7 and / or the administrator terminal 8 may store the amount of electricity generated by the biomass power generation device 1, the solar power generation device 2, the wind power generation device 3, and / or the small hydropower generation device 4 as a power generation record, associated with the time of generation. In this case, each power generation device may be assigned an identification ID, and the amount of electricity generated in chronological order, associated with the identification ID, may be stored as a power generation record. In addition, the server device 7 and / or the administrator terminal 8 may store the amount of electricity used within the livestock farm, the amount of electricity sold by the livestock farm, etc., as an electricity usage record, associated with the date and time of use or sale.

[0042] The solar power generation device 2, the wind power generation device 3, and / or the small hydropower generation device 4 are power generation devices whose amount of electricity generated fluctuates depending on external environmental factors. External environmental factors may include sunlight, wind speed, wind direction, water volume of rivers, flow velocity, etc. On the other hand, the biomass power generation device 1 is a power generation device that can adjust the amount of electricity generated by adjusting the biomass conditions, such as the amount and type (composition) of biomass input into the biomass power generation device 1. Furthermore, if the biomass power generation device 1 employs a biochemical gasification method, the amount of electricity generated can be adjusted by adjusting the methane fermentation conditions, such as temperature, pressure, moisture content, and oxygen content in the methane fermentation tank. It is preferable that the methane fermentation conditions can affect the amount of methane gas produced. The methane fermentation conditions may be adjustable by changing the settings in the biomass power generation device 1. Methane fermentation is thought to proceed efficiently under low pressure, waterproof conditions, and anaerobic conditions. Hereinafter, conditions that can affect the amount of electricity generated by the biomass power generation device 1, such as biomass conditions and methane fermentation conditions, are also referred to as biomass power generation conditions. When a livestock farm is equipped with biomass power generation device 1, solar power generation device 2, wind power generation device 3, and / or small hydropower generation device 4, it is possible to adjust the total amount of electricity generated at the livestock farm by adjusting the power generation by the biomass power generation device 1.

[0043] The following describes how to identify information related to biomass power generation (hereinafter also referred to as biomass power generation information) in the livestock power generation system 10. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the biomass power generation information identification process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] First, the server device 7 acquires weather information (hereinafter also referred to as weather information) (step S101). Based on the acquired weather information, the server device 7 predicts the amount of electricity to be generated by power generation devices other than the biomass power generation device 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the amount of electricity generated) (step S102). Based on the predicted amount of electricity generated, the server device 7 identifies information related to biomass power generation (step S103). The server device 7 transmits the identified biomass power generation information to the administrator terminal 8 (step S104). The administrator terminal 8 receives the transmitted biomass power generation information (step S105). The administrator terminal 8 outputs the received biomass power generation information (step S106), and the biomass power generation information identification process ends.

[0045] The weather information in step S101 may be any information relating to elements that represent atmospheric conditions or phenomena. Preferably, the weather information may be able to affect the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 2, the wind power generation device 3, and / or the small hydropower generation device 4. In other words, the weather information may be a sub-concept of the information relating to power generation by power generation devices other than the biomass power generation device 1. The weather information may include, for example, sunshine amount, wind speed, wind direction, and precipitation. Preferably, sunshine amount, wind speed, wind direction, and precipitation are associated with the date and time. The weather information may be future, present, or past. From the viewpoint of facilitating the prediction of the amount of power generated by power generation devices other than the biomass power generation device 1 in step S102, it is preferable that the weather information acquired in step S101 includes future weather information, i.e., weather forecasts.

[0046] In step S101, the method by which the server device 7 acquires weather information is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the server device 7 may acquire weather information by receiving it from a server device of a weather information provider.

[0047] In step S102, the method by which the server device 7 predicts the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than the biomass power generation device 1 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0048] For example, the server device 7 may use a machine learning-based prediction model (learned model) that takes weather information as input data and the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than the biomass power generation device 1 as output data to predict the amount of power generated. Here, past weather information and the amount of electricity generated at the livestock farm equipped with power generation devices may be used as training data for this prediction model. For example, past weather information at the location of the livestock farm may be used as input data, and the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than the biomass power generation device 1 at the time corresponding to that weather information may be used as output data. The amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than the biomass power generation device 1 at the time corresponding to the weather information may be stored as a power generation record. In this way, it becomes possible to predict the amount of power generated according to the location, size, performance, etc., of each power generation device installed at the livestock farm.

[0049] The weather information used as input data may consist of one or more of the following: sunshine amount, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation, etc. Furthermore, the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than Biomass Power Generation Device 1, used as output data, may be the total amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than Biomass Power Generation Device 1, or it may be the individual amount of electricity generated by each power generation device other than Biomass Power Generation Device 1.

[0050] Machine learning algorithms are not particularly limited and can be publicly known, such as linear regression, multiple regression analysis, support vector machines, decision trees, random forests, and deep learning using multilayer neural networks.

[0051] A multilayer neural network has an input layer, an output layer, and multiple hidden layers. Weights are assigned to the edges connecting the nodes in each layer. Each edge has a weight corresponding to each input to the node. The weights corresponding to each input are multiplied, and the resulting value is added to a bias. The resulting value is then subjected to a nonlinear transformation using an activation function to calculate the activation value. The calculated activation value becomes the input value passed to the node of the next layer. The number of hidden layers can be designed as appropriate. The weights are optimized using the above training data.

[0052] As described above, when weather forecasts (future weather information) are input into a machine learning-based prediction model, the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1 in the future is output as predicted data.

[0053] The biomass power generation information in step S103 can be any information relating to biomass power generation. For example, the biomass power generation information may be the amount of electricity generated by the biomass power generation device 1, or the biomass power generation conditions adopted by the biomass power generation device 1. The biomass power generation conditions include the biomass conditions, the methane fermentation conditions, etc.

[0054] If the biomass power generation device 1 performs biomass power generation using a biochemical gasification method, for example, based on the predicted amount of power generated, the conditions of the biomass, such as the amount and type (composition) of biomass to be input into the biomass power generation device 1, and the conditions of methane fermentation, such as the temperature, pressure, moisture content, and oxygen content in the methane fermentation tank, may be specified.

[0055] When biomass power generation is carried out by a biochemical gasification method, and the biomass power generation device 1 is capable of generating electricity using the excrement of livestock animals raised on the premises of a livestock farm, for example, the amount of livestock animal excrement to be fed into the biomass power generation device 1 may be determined based on the predicted amount of power generated.

[0056] When the biomass power generation device 1 generates biomass power using a pyrolysis gasification method or a direct combustion method, the biomass power generation information may be the amount of power generated by the biomass power generation device 1, or it may be the conditions of the biomass.

[0057] The method for determining the amount of electricity generated by the biomass power generation device 1 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The amount of electricity generated by the biomass power generation device 1 may be determined, for example, by subtracting the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than the biomass power generation device 1, as predicted in step S102, from the total amount of electricity that the business operator wants to obtain from power generation devices installed on the business premises. Alternatively, the amount of electricity generated by the biomass power generation device 1 may be determined, for example, by subtracting the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than the biomass power generation device 1, as predicted in step S102, from the amount of electricity used on the livestock business premises during the same period in the past.

[0058] The method for determining the biomass power generation conditions to be adopted in the biomass power generation device 1 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0059] For example, the conditions for biomass power generation adopted by the biomass power generation device 1 may be determined based on the power generation record. Preferably, the power generation record stores the biomass power generation conditions at the time the amount of electricity generated by the biomass power generation device 1 was generated, in association with the amount of electricity generated by that device. For example, the server device 7 may determine the amount of electricity generated by the biomass power generation device 1 as described above, and in the power generation record, it may determine the biomass power generation conditions stored in association with the same or similar amount of electricity generated as the determined amount as biomass power generation information.

[0060] Alternatively, for example, the biomass power generation conditions to be adopted in the biomass power generation device 1 may be identified using a machine learning-based predictive model (learned model) that takes the amount of electricity generated by the biomass power generation device 1 as input data and the biomass power generation conditions as output data. Here, the amount of electricity generated and the biomass power generation conditions in the past by the biomass power generation device 1 installed at the livestock farm may be used as training data for this predictive model. For example, the amount of electricity generated by the biomass power generation device 1 in the past may be used as input data, and the biomass power generation conditions at the time that amount of electricity was generated may be used as output data. The amount of electricity generated by the biomass power generation device 1 in the past and the biomass power generation conditions at the time that amount of electricity was generated may be stored as power generation records. In this way, it becomes possible to predict the amount of electricity generated according to the size, performance, etc., of the biomass power generation device 1 installed at the livestock farm.

[0061] The biomass power generation conditions as output data may be one or more of the following: the amount and type (composition) of biomass input to the biomass power generation device 1, the temperature, pressure, moisture content, and oxygen content inside the methane fermentation tank.

[0062] Regarding machine learning algorithms, the above descriptions can be adopted to the extent necessary.

[0063] For example, if the amount of electricity generated by the biomass power generation device 1 is identified as described above, and this identified amount of electricity is input into the machine learning-based prediction model as described above, the biomass power generation conditions to be adopted in order to obtain the identified amount of electricity will be output as prediction data. The server device 7 may identify the output biomass power generation conditions as biomass power generation information.

[0064] In step S104, the biomass power generation information identified in step S103 is transmitted to the administrator terminal 8. At the same time, the amount of power generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1, which was predicted in step S102, may also be transmitted to the administrator terminal 8.

[0065] In step S106, the method by which the administrator terminal 8 outputs biomass power generation information is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The administrator terminal 8 may display the biomass power generation information on a display screen, or it may output the biomass power generation information as audio through a speaker. Furthermore, if the administrator terminal 8 has received the amount of power generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1, it may output the amount of power generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1 along with the biomass power generation information.

[0066] The administrator can review the outputted biomass power generation information and determine the biomass power generation conditions to be adopted in the biomass power generation device 1.

[0067] The timing of the biomass power generation information identification process is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The biomass power generation information identification process may be executed at predetermined time intervals or in response to operational input from the administrator. The predetermined time interval is not particularly limited. For example, the predetermined time interval may be once every three days, once a day, or once every 1 / 30th of a second.

[0068] Furthermore, the timeframe for which weather information is acquired in step S101, and the length of timeframe for which weather information is acquired, the timeframe for which power generation is predicted in step S102, and the length of timeframe for which power generation is predicted, as well as the timeframe for which biomass power generation information is identified in step S103, and the length of timeframe for which biomass power generation information is identified, are not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0069] Furthermore, the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1, as predicted in step S102, and / or the biomass power generation information identified in step S103, may be stored in the server device 7 and / or the administrator terminal 8.

[0070] In the above explanation, we have used as an example an example a scenario in which the server device 7 performs the acquisition of weather information, the prediction of power generation, and the identification of biomass power generation information. However, the acquisition of weather information, the prediction of power generation, and / or the identification of biomass power generation information may also be performed by the administrator terminal 8.

[0071] Furthermore, although the above description uses weather information to create a prediction model and explain how to predict the amount of electricity generated by power generation equipment other than biomass power generation equipment 1, the input data for the prediction model for predicting the amount of electricity generated by power generation equipment other than biomass power generation equipment 1 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0072] For example, as input data for the prediction model, information acquired by sensors installed in each power generation device (hereinafter also referred to as sensor information) may be used in conjunction with weather information. Sensor information may include the amount of sunlight near the solar panels installed in the photovoltaic power generation device 2, the wind direction and / or wind speed at the location where the wind power generation device 3 is installed, and the amount and / or flow velocity of water in rivers, etc., where the small hydroelectric power generation device 4 is installed. Sensor information may be transmitted from each power generation device to the server device 7 and / or the administrator terminal 8 and stored in association with the time the sensor information was acquired.

[0073] Furthermore, although the above explanation described an example in which a prediction model is created based on weather information to predict the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1, it is also possible to predict the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1 without using a prediction model.

[0074] For example, predictions may be made by calculating the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1 based on weather information and / or sensor information, using a calculation formula or the like. Specifically, the amount of electricity generated by solar power generation device 2 may be predicted from the amount of sunlight, the amount of electricity generated by wind power generation device 3 may be predicted from the wind direction and / or wind speed, and the amount of electricity generated by small hydropower generation device 4 may be predicted from the amount of water in rivers, etc. and / or the flow velocity.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, power generation records may be used to predict the amount of power generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1. For example, the average value of the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1 during a predetermined period in the past may be used to predict the amount of power generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1 during the same period in the future.

[0076] In the livestock power generation system of the present invention, biomass power generation information may be identified based on information regarding power generation by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1, which is predicted by any method. Information regarding power generation by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1 may include the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1, the amount of electricity to be generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1, weather information, etc.

[0077] Furthermore, although the above description uses as an example a method of predicting biomass power generation information by creating a prediction model based on the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1, the input data for the prediction model for predicting biomass power generation information is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0078] For example, as input data for the prediction model, the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1 may be used, along with the date and time when the electricity was generated, weather information, sensor information, etc. The weather information and sensor information described above can be used to the extent necessary. In addition, some of the items listed above as examples of output data, such as the type (composition) of biomass fed into biomass power generation device 1, may also be used as input data.

[0079] Furthermore, although the above description uses as an example an embodiment that identifies biomass power generation information based on the predicted amount of power generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation device 1, the method for identifying biomass power generation information is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0080] For example, biomass power generation information may be identified based on the amount of electricity generated by power generation equipment other than biomass power generation equipment 1, either currently or in the past. Specifically, for example, the amount of electricity generated by biomass power generation equipment 1 may be identified by subtracting the amount of electricity currently generated by power generation equipment other than biomass power generation equipment 1 from the total amount of electricity that the business operator wants to obtain from power generation equipment installed on the business premises.

[0081] Furthermore, biomass power generation information may be identified independently of other power generation devices, such as biomass power generation device 1. Specifically, for example, the average value of the amount of electricity generated by biomass power generation device 1 during a predetermined period in the past may be identified as the amount of electricity to be generated by biomass power generation device 1 during that future period. Also, specifically, for example, the average of the biomass power generation conditions adopted by biomass power generation device 1 during a predetermined period in the past may be identified as the biomass power generation conditions to be adopted by biomass power generation device 1 during that future period.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above description, we explained an example in which a predictive model is created to predict the amount of power generated by power generation equipment other than biomass power generation equipment 1 based on weather information, and biomass power generation information is identified based on the predicted amount of power generated by power generation equipment other than biomass power generation equipment 1. However, biomass power generation information may also be predicted based on weather information. In this case, for example, a predictive model may be created that uses weather information as input data and biomass power generation information as output data. Sensor information and other data may also be used as input data.

[0083] In the livestock power generation system of the present invention, biomass power generation information may be identified by any method.

[0084] Thus, a livestock power generation system, by equipping a livestock farm with a power generation device installed within the farm, makes it possible to generate electricity at the farm. A livestock farm capable of generating electricity can be said to function as a livestock power plant.

[0085] Furthermore, by having power generation equipment such as biomass power generation equipment, solar power generation equipment, wind power generation equipment, and / or small-scale hydropower generation equipment, it becomes possible to conduct biomass power generation, solar power generation, wind power generation, and / or small-scale hydropower generation at livestock farms. Biomass power generation, solar power generation, wind power generation, and / or small-scale hydropower generation can be said to be power generation methods that can effectively utilize the resources owned by livestock farms, such as the vast grounds of the livestock farm and the waste generated at the farm.

[0086] Furthermore, by equipping the livestock power generation system with a computer device for managing the electricity generated by the power generation device, and by equipping the power generation device with a biomass power generation device, and by equipping the computer device with identification means for identifying biomass power generation information related to power generation by the biomass power generation device, it becomes possible to identify information for adjusting the amount of electricity generated by biomass power generation.

[0087] Furthermore, if the power generation equipment is a biomass power generation equipment, as well as a solar power generation equipment, a wind power generation equipment, and / or a small hydropower generation equipment, and the identification means identifies biomass power generation information based on information regarding power generation by power generation equipment other than biomass power generation equipment, then it becomes possible to identify information for adjusting the amount of power generated by biomass power generation based on information regarding power generation by power generation equipment other than biomass power generation equipment.

[0088] Furthermore, by having a computer device equipped with a prediction means for predicting the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation devices, and by having an identification means identify biomass power generation information based on the predicted amount of electricity generated, it becomes possible to identify information for adjusting the amount of electricity generated by biomass power generation based on the prediction of the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation devices.

[0089] Furthermore, in this way, the biomass power generation device can generate electricity using the excrement of livestock animals raised on the premises of the livestock farm. The prediction means predicts the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than the biomass power generation device based on weather information, and the identification means identifies the amount of livestock animal excrement to be fed into the biomass power generation device as biomass power generation information. This makes it possible to predict the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than the biomass power generation device based on weather information and to identify the amount of livestock animal excrement to adjust the amount of electricity generated by biomass power generation.

[0090] Furthermore, by equipping the livestock power generation system with a power storage device that stores the electricity generated by the power generation device, it becomes possible to store the electricity generated at the livestock farm. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1. Biomass power generation equipment 2. Solar power generation equipment 3. Wind power generation equipment 4. Hydroelectric power generation equipment 5. Energy storage device 6 Energy meter 7 Server equipment 8. Administrator terminal 9. Communication Network 10 Livestock Power Generation System 71 Control Unit 72 RAM 73 Storage Section 74 Communication Interfaces 81 Control Unit 82 RAM 83 Storage Section 84 Input section 85 Display section 86 Communication Interface

Claims

1. Equipped with a power generation device installed within the livestock farm, Livestock-based power generation system.

2. The power generation equipment is a biomass power generation equipment, a solar power generation equipment, a wind power generation equipment, and / or a small hydropower generation equipment. The livestock power generation system according to claim 1.

3. Computer device for managing the electricity generated by the power generation equipment. Equipped with, The power generation device is a biomass power generation device. Computer equipment, Identification method for identifying biomass power generation information related to power generation by biomass power generation equipment Equipped with, The livestock power generation system according to claim 2.

4. The power generation equipment includes biomass power generation equipment, as well as solar power generation equipment, wind power generation equipment, and / or small-scale hydropower generation equipment. The identification means identifies biomass power generation information based on information about power generation by power generation equipment other than biomass power generation equipment. The livestock power generation system according to claim 3.

5. Computer equipment, Prediction method for predicting the amount of electricity generated by power generation devices other than biomass power generation devices. Equipped with, The identification means identifies biomass power generation information based on the predicted amount of power generated. The livestock power generation system according to claim 4.

6. A biomass power generation system can generate electricity using the waste products of livestock animals raised on the premises of a livestock farm. The prediction means predicts the amount of electricity generated by power generation equipment other than biomass power generation equipment based on weather information. The identifying means identifies the amount of animal waste from livestock that is fed into the biomass power generation equipment as biomass power generation information. The livestock power generation system according to claim 5.

7. A power storage device that stores the electricity generated by a power generation device. Equipped with, A livestock power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The livestock power generation system described in any one of claims 1 to 6 generates electricity. A method of generating electricity using livestock.

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