Power management system, power management method, and program

Abstract

Respond appropriately to control signals related to power control. [Solution] A power management system (1000) that manages the power consumption of one or more devices (50) installed in an area receives a control signal indicating a command value for the power demand of the area, calculates a first compensation that occurs when the command value is achieved and a second compensation that occurs when the command value is not achieved, and transmits a response signal to the control signal based on the comparison result of the first compensation and the second compensation.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0005] , , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power management system, a power management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a system that performs control to adjust the power consumption of equipment installed in a property or an area including a plurality of properties such as a building so that the power demand of the property or area does not exceed the power supply of the power supplier. This type of control is also called demand response or the like.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an operation control system that determines the timing for performing special operation of a refrigerant cycle device installed in a property or an area based on an external power supply and demand adjustment request to one or more properties or one or more areas, or power information including a power market price.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] It is possible to respond to a control signal regarding external power control whether to accept (opt-in) or not accept (opt-out) the power control. However, in the prior art, it is difficult to appropriately respond to a control signal regarding power control. If the power demand indicated by the control signal cannot be achieved after transmitting an opt-in response to the control signal, a penalty may occur.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a technique for appropriately responding to a control signal regarding power control.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A power management system (1000) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a power management system (1000) that manages the power consumption of one or more devices (50) installed in an area, wherein a control unit (101) of the power management system (1000) receives a control signal indicating a command value for the power demand of the area, calculates a first consideration that will be incurred if the command value is achieved and a second consideration that will be incurred if the command value is not achieved, and transmits a response signal to the control signal based on the comparison result of the first consideration and the second consideration.

[0008] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to respond appropriately to control signals related to power control. In one aspect, it is possible to maximize the revenue obtained by participating in demand response.

[0009] A second aspect of this disclosure is a power management system (1000) according to the first aspect, wherein the consideration includes a first item that increases the amount of the consideration as the amount of the reduction in power demand increases, and a second item that decreases the amount of the consideration as the amount of the reduction in power demand increases.

[0010] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, even when the consideration includes multiple items that increase or decrease in amount according to the amount of reduction in electricity demand, it is possible to respond appropriately to control signals related to power control.

[0011] A third aspect of this disclosure is a power management system (1000) relating to the second aspect, wherein the first item includes transaction amounts in the power market or imbalance charges.

[0012] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to respond appropriately to power control signals while taking into account the transaction amount or imbalance charges.

[0013] A fourth aspect of this disclosure is a power management system (1000) relating to the second or third aspect, wherein the second aspect includes a negawatt adjustment fee.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to respond appropriately to control signals related to power control while taking into account negawatt adjustment charges.

[0015] A fifth aspect of this disclosure is a power management system (1000) according to any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit (101) corrects the first consideration and the second consideration based on a control error with respect to the command value.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to respond appropriately to power control commands while taking into account that errors may occur in power control.

[0017] A sixth aspect of this disclosure is a power management system (1000) according to the fifth aspect, wherein the control unit (101) corrects the consideration by averaging the consideration before correction, the maximum consideration based on the control error, and the minimum consideration based on the control error.

[0018] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to respond appropriately to power control commands while taking into account the range of costs that may arise due to control errors.

[0019] A power management method according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure includes a power management system (1000) that manages the power consumption of one or more devices (50) installed in an area. The control unit (101) of the power management system receives a control signal indicating a command value for the power demand of the area, calculates a first consideration that will be incurred if the command value is achieved and a second consideration that will be incurred if the command value is not achieved, and transmits a response signal to the control signal based on the comparison result of the first consideration and the second consideration.

[0020] The program according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure causes a control unit (101) included in a power management system (1000) that manages the power consumption of one or more devices (50) installed in an area to receive a control signal indicating a command value for the power demand of the area, calculate a first consideration that occurs when the command value is achieved and a second consideration that occurs when the command value is not achieved, and transmit a response signal to the control signal based on the comparison result between the first consideration and the second consideration, and execute the process.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of an incentive-based demand response. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the achievement rate and the incentive. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the power management system. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing an example of a computer. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing an example of the power management method. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of a correction method based on the control error.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0023] [Embodiment] One embodiment of this disclosure is an example of a power management system that implements demand response. In this embodiment, the power management system implements incentive-based demand response. Incentive-based demand response is a type of demand response in which a reward is obtained by adjusting electricity demand in response to electricity supply and demand requests from the power company. In other words, incentive-based demand response is a demand response in which compensation (incentive) is paid for cooperating with electricity supply and demand requests.

[0024] Furthermore, the power management system may implement a demand response system that combines incentive-based demand response and electricity rate-based demand response. Electricity rate-based demand response is a type of demand response that adjusts electricity demand during periods when electricity market prices are high.

[0025] Incentive-based demand response involves collaboration between an Aggregation Coordinator and a Resource Aggregator. The Resource Aggregator controls the power consumption of an area with one or more consumers, aggregates the amount of electricity created through this control, and provides it to the Aggregation Coordinator. The Aggregation Coordinator aggregates the amount of electricity provided by one or more Resource Aggregators and sells it to a power company or the electricity market. The Aggregation Coordinator distributes incentives to each Resource Aggregator based on the profits earned from selling the electricity. The Resource Aggregator then returns the incentives received from the Aggregation Coordinator to each consumer.

[0026] The collaboration between the Aggregation Coordinator (AC) and the Resource Aggregator (RA) will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of incentive-based demand response.

[0027] Furthermore, the aggregation coordinator and resource aggregator may communicate according to a standardized protocol. One example of such a standardized protocol is Open ADR (Open Automated Demand Response).

[0028] In step S1, the resource aggregator submits the adjustable quantity to the aggregation coordinator. The adjustable quantity is the amount of energy (kWh) or power (kW) that can be adjusted in the area controlled by the resource aggregator. Adjusting the power consumption may involve either suppressing (reducing) power consumption or creating (increasing) power consumption.

[0029] Resource aggregators may submit the adjustable amount for specified days following the next day at specified time intervals. Resource aggregators may determine the adjustable amount to submit on the current day by predicting the adjustable amount for specified days. Resource aggregators may predict the adjustable amount for specified days based on the area's past power consumption.

[0030] Resource aggregators may submit the adjustable amount for a given day in predetermined time units. These predetermined time units may correspond to the time units used for power control in demand response. For example, a predetermined time unit may be 30 minutes. Hereafter, these predetermined time units will be referred to as "time units".

[0031] In step S2, the aggregation coordinator aggregates the adjustable quantities submitted by the resource aggregators in step S1 and bids on them in the electricity market. When a transaction is completed in the electricity market, the aggregation coordinator receives revenue from the transaction amount generated by the electricity transaction.

[0032] The electricity market can be any market where electricity is traded. The electricity market can also be a wholesale electricity market. A wholesale electricity market is a market where electricity is traded between retail electricity providers and power generators. An example of a wholesale electricity market is the Japan Electric Power Exchange (JEPX). In a wholesale electricity market, multiple electricity market prices may be formed, for example, by region or by generation method. The electricity market may also include, as an example, a spot market, a futures market, a capacity market, or a supply and demand adjustment market.

[0033] In step S3, the aggregation coordinator sends a power control command to the resource aggregator. A power control command is an example of a control signal related to power control. The aggregation coordinator may send the power control command before the time limit to be controlled. For example, the aggregation coordinator may send the power control command 45 minutes before the time limit to be controlled.

[0034] A power control command includes a command value for power demand. This command value indicates the amount of power demand that should be achieved through power control. A power control command may include a command value indicating a target power demand (kW) or a command value indicating an adjustment amount (ΔkW) relative to the standard power demand. In other words, the command value for power demand may be either an absolute value or a relative value.

[0035] Reference electricity demand is, for example, the electricity demand that serves as the basis for power control. Reference electricity demand is also called the baseline. The baseline may be an adjusted baseline, which is the provisional baseline, which is the average of electricity consumption up to the previous day, adjusted for the electricity consumption of the current day. The provisional baseline may be calculated using a method called High 4 of 5, as described in the guidelines issued by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy. High 4 of 5 is the average of the four days with the highest electricity consumption out of the last five days. The adjusted baseline is the electricity demand obtained by adding the average difference between the demand amount from five hours to two hours prior to the current day and the provisional baseline.

[0036] In step S4, the resource aggregator sends a response signal to the aggregation coordinator for the power control command received in step S3. If the resource aggregator accepts the power control command, it sends an opt-in response. On the other hand, if the resource aggregator does not accept the power control command, it sends an opt-out response.

[0037] The following explanation assumes that the resource aggregator has sent an opt-in response. Note that if the resource aggregator sends an opt-out response, it is not required to control the area's power consumption, but it may be penalized by the aggregation coordinator.

[0038] In step S5, the resource aggregator determines the target power consumption for each customer based on the power control command received in step S3. The target power consumption is the target value of the customer's power consumption. The resource aggregator may determine the target power consumption for each customer so as to satisfy the command value included in the power control command. In other words, the resource aggregator may determine the target power consumption for each customer so as to the sum of the target power consumption for each customer is less than the power demand indicated by the command value.

[0039] The resource aggregator sets a determined target power consumption for each consumer. Each consumer controls their power consumption so that their power consumption meets the target power consumption. For example, the resource aggregator may control the power consumption of consumers by setting the target power consumption as the demand value of the equipment that performs demand control.

[0040] In step S6, the resource aggregator obtains actual power consumption from each consumer. Actual power consumption is the actual power consumption of each consumer. The resource aggregator may also obtain actual power consumption for a controlled time period after that time period has elapsed.

[0041] In step S7, the resource aggregator aggregates the actual power consumption of consumers obtained in step S6. Based on the aggregated actual power consumption of consumers, the resource aggregator generates power control records for the area. The power control records for the area include the actual power consumption values ​​for each consumer within the area. The power control records for the area may also include the sum of the actual power consumption values ​​for each consumer. The resource aggregator transmits the power control records for the area to the aggregation coordinator.

[0042] In step S8, the aggregation coordinator generates area-wide power control data based on the power control data received from the resource aggregators in step S7. The area-wide power control data includes the sum of the actual power consumption values ​​for each consumer (i.e., the actual power demand reduced across the entire area). Based on the area-wide power control data, the aggregation coordinator calculates the source of incentives to be distributed to the resource aggregators. The aggregation coordinator may also calculate the source of incentives to be distributed based on bid fees, negawatt adjustment fees, and imbalance fees.

[0043] The bid fee is the transaction amount generated by the electricity transaction in step S2. The bid fee is the amount (in yen) obtained by multiplying the bid quantity (kWh) by the contract price (yen / kWh). The bid quantity is the sum of the adjustable quantities submitted by the resource aggregator. The aggregation coordinator may determine an arbitrary bid quantity based on the sum of the adjustable quantities. The contract price is the unit price at which the transaction was concluded in the electricity market. For example, if the electricity market is a spot market, the contract price is the spot market price at the time the transaction was concluded. The bid fee is paid to the aggregation coordinator by the trading partner via the electricity market.

[0044] The negawatt adjustment fee is calculated by multiplying the actual value (kWh) by the negawatt unit price (yen / kWh) to arrive at a sum of yen. The actual value is the difference between the standard power demand and the actual power demand. In other words, the actual value is the actual amount of electricity that was adjusted from the standard power demand. The negawatt unit price is determined by the retail power provider. The negawatt adjustment fee is paid by the aggregation coordinator to the retail power provider.

[0045] The imbalance charge is calculated by multiplying the difference (kWh) between the bid amount and the actual amount by the imbalance unit price (yen / kWh). The imbalance unit price is determined by the transmission and distribution company. If there is a surplus in the actual amount (i.e., the actual amount is greater than the bid amount), the imbalance charge is paid by the transmission and distribution company to the aggregation coordinator. On the other hand, if there is a deficit in the actual amount (i.e., the actual amount is less than the bid amount), the imbalance charge is paid by the aggregation coordinator to the transmission and distribution company.

[0046] In step S9, the aggregation coordinator distributes the incentive funds calculated in step S8 to each resource aggregator. The aggregation coordinator may also determine the amount of incentive to distribute to each resource aggregator based on the power control performance received from the resource aggregators in step S7.

[0047] In step S10, the resource aggregator distributes the incentives allocated in step S8 to each consumer. The resource aggregator may determine the amount of incentive to distribute to each consumer based on the actual power consumption obtained in step S6.

[0048] The incentives for participating in demand response are calculated based on several factors. These factors may include items that increase the incentive amount with increasing power demand reduction, and items that decrease the incentive amount with increasing power demand reduction. Therefore, resource aggregators may receive either increased or decreased incentives with increasing power demand reduction in response to power control commands from aggregation coordinators.

[0049] For example, incentives may be calculated using bid fees (i.e., transaction amounts in the electricity market), negawatt adjustments, and imbalance charges. Bid fees increase the amount of incentives as the amount of reduction increases, because the transaction volume increases as the amount of reduction increases. Negawatt adjustments are charges paid to retail electricity providers according to the amount of reduction, so the amount of incentives decreases as the amount of reduction increases. Imbalance charges are paid by transmission and distribution companies if the amount of reduction exceeds the bid amount, and paid to transmission and distribution companies if the amount of reduction falls below the bid amount, so the amount increases as the amount of reduction increases.

[0050] The bidding fee, negawatt adjustment fee, and imbalance fee each use different unit prices in their calculations. The contract price, which is the unit price for the bidding fee, is determined in the electricity market. The negawatt unit price is determined by the retail electricity provider. The imbalance unit price is determined by the transmission and distribution provider. The final incentive obtained depends on the balance of each unit price; it may increase or decrease as the amount of curtailment increases.

[0051] Figure 2 shows an example of the relationship between the achievement rate and the incentive. The achievement rate is the ratio of the actual value to the commanded value. Figure 2 shows examples of incentives for achievement rates of 0%, 50%, and 100%. An achievement rate of 0% means that no power control suppression has occurred, and corresponds to the incentive for sending an opt-out response to a power control command. An achievement rate of 100% means that the commanded value has been achieved through power control, and corresponds to the incentive for sending an opt-in response to a power control command.

[0052] The bid price is calculated by multiplying the contracted quantity agreed upon in the electricity market by the contracted price. Since the bid quantity submitted to the electricity market is determined based on the adjustable quantity, the bid price increases with the amount of adjustable quantity. The bid price is determined at the time the electricity transaction is completed, and therefore does not depend on the achievement rate.

[0053] The imbalance charge is calculated by multiplying the difference between the amount of electricity demand reduced and the commanded value by the imbalance unit price. No imbalance charge is incurred if the achievement rate is 100%. Furthermore, if the achievement rate is less than 100%, the smaller the amount of electricity demand reduced, the larger the negative amount of the imbalance charge. Conversely, if the achievement rate exceeds 100%, the larger the amount of electricity demand reduced, the larger the positive amount of the imbalance charge.

[0054] The negawatt adjustment fee is calculated by multiplying the amount of electricity demand reduction by the negawatt unit price. If the achievement rate is 0%, no negawatt adjustment fee is incurred. Furthermore, the greater the reduction in electricity demand, the larger the negative amount of the negawatt adjustment fee.

[0055] The source of the incentive is the sum of the bid fee, imbalance fee, and negawatt adjustment fee. The resource aggregator's incentive is the amount distributed from the incentive source. The return rate when the aggregation coordinator distributes to the resource aggregator may be predetermined by contract between the aggregation coordinator and the resource aggregator. Alternatively, the return rate to the resource aggregator may be determined for each item.

[0056] Figure 2 shows an example where the incentive increases as the achievement rate decreases (in other words, the amount of electricity demand reduced is less). In the example shown in Figure 2, the resource aggregator can earn more by sending an opt-out response to the power control command. Whether the incentive increases as the achievement rate increases or as the achievement rate decreases depends on the unit price of each item used in the incentive calculation.

[0057] A resource aggregator may send either an opt-in response or an opt-out response to a power control command from an aggregation coordinator. If the incentive increases with a larger amount of suppression, the resource aggregator is likely to earn more by sending an opt-in response and performing power control according to the power control command. On the other hand, if the incentive decreases with a larger amount of suppression, the resource aggregator is likely to earn more by sending an opt-out response and not performing power control.

[0058] The power management system according to this embodiment is an information processing system operated by a resource aggregator. The purpose of this embodiment is to respond appropriately to power control commands. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, it is possible to decide whether or not to accept a power control command while considering profitability, thereby maximizing the profits obtained by participating in demand response.

[0059] <Overall Structure> The overall configuration of the power management system in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the power management system.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3, the power management system 1000 includes a power management device 10, an equipment management device 20, one or more control devices 30 (30-1, 30-2), one or more power meters 40 (40-1, 40-2), and one or more pieces of equipment 50 (50-1 to 50-4).

[0061] Hereafter, when there are multiple control devices 30, they will be distinguished using sub-numbers such as "control device 30-1," "control device 30-2," etc. Similarly, when there are multiple power meters 40 or equipment 50, they will be distinguished using sub-numbers such as "power meter 40-1," "power meter 40-2," "equipment 50-1," "equipment 50-2," etc.

[0062] The power management device 10, the equipment management device 20, and the control device 30 are connected via a communication network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet, enabling data communication. The communication network N may include, for example, a wireless LAN, a mobile communication network, or a short-range wireless communication network.

[0063] The AC system 2000 is connected to the communication network N. The power management device 10 is connected to the AC system 2000 via the communication network N in a data communication manner.

[0064] The power management system 1000 is an information processing system operated by a resource aggregator (RA). The power management system 1000 is a power management system that manages the power consumption of one or more areas A. Area A includes one or more properties B (B-1, B-2). Property B is equipped with a control device 30, a power meter 40, and equipment 50. For example, property B-1 is equipped with a control device 30-1, a power meter 40-1, and equipment 50-1, 50-2. Property B-2 is equipped with a control device 30-2, a power meter 40-2, and equipment 50-3, 50-4. However, the number of areas A included in the power management system 1000, the number of properties B included in area A, and the number of equipment 50 installed in property B are examples, and these numbers can be configured arbitrarily.

[0065] Area A can be any area as long as one or more properties B are installed. For example, Area A may be a specific geographical area, a collection of locations of specific consumers, or an area where electricity is supplied by a specific power supplier. The area of ​​Area A, the number of properties B included in Area A, or the arrangement of properties B within Area A can be set arbitrarily.

[0066] Property B can be any property as long as it has one or more pieces of equipment 50 installed. Property B may be, for example, an office, factory, shop, or house. The structure of Property B, the size of Property B, the number of pieces of equipment 50 installed in Property B, or the arrangement of the pieces of equipment 50 within Property B can be set arbitrarily.

[0067] The power management device 10 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, workstation, or server that manages the power consumption of area A. The power management device 10 predicts the adjustable amount of area A and transmits a control signal indicating the adjustable amount to the AC system 2000. The power management device 10 receives a power control command from the AC system 2000 that indicates a command value for the power demand. The power management device 10 decides whether or not to accept the power control command. If the power control command is accepted, the power management device 10 transmits an opt-in response to the AC system 2000. On the other hand, if the power control command is not accepted, the power management device 10 transmits an opt-out response to the AC system 2000.

[0068] When an opt-in response is sent to the AC system 2000, the power management device 10 determines the target power consumption of property B based on the command value for power demand. The power management device 10 sends a demand control command indicating the target power consumption of property B to the equipment management device 20. The demand control command is a signal to the control device 30 installed in property B to set the target power consumption of property B.

[0069] The power management device 10 receives performance data related to property B from the equipment management device 20. The performance data may include, for example, operating data of equipment 50, power data showing the power consumption of equipment 50, and control history data showing the results of demand control by the control device 30. Based on the power data included in the performance data, the power management device 10 transmits a control signal indicating the power control performance to the AC system 2000.

[0070] The equipment management device 20 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, workstation, or server that manages the equipment 50 installed in property B. The equipment management device 20 receives performance data related to property B from the control device 30 installed in property B. The equipment management device 20 transmits the performance data received from the control device 30 to the power management device 10.

[0071] The equipment management device 20 receives a demand control command from the power management device 10 indicating the target power consumption of property B. The equipment management device 20 identifies property B, which has a target power consumption indicated in the demand control command, and forwards the demand control command to the control device 30 installed in property B.

[0072] The control device 30 is a device that controls the equipment 50 installed in property B. The control device 30 receives a demand control command from the equipment management device 20 indicating the target power consumption of property B. The control device 30 stores the target power consumption indicated in the demand control command in the auxiliary storage device 103. The control device 30 controls the operation of the equipment 50 so that the total power consumption of the equipment 50 installed in property B is less than or equal to the target power consumption stored in the auxiliary storage device 103. In other words, the control device 30 has a function of performing demand control.

[0073] The control device 30 collects actual data from the power meter 40 and equipment 50 installed at property B and transmits it to the equipment management device 20. The actual data may include power data generated by the power meter 40 and operating data generated by the equipment 50.

[0074] The power meter 40 is a measuring instrument that measures the power consumption of the equipment 50. The power meter 40 outputs power data indicating the power consumption of the equipment 50 to the control device 30. For example, the power meter 40 may output power data at predetermined time intervals, or it may output power data in response to a request from the control device 30.

[0075] Equipment 50 is a device or apparatus that consumes electricity. Equipment 50 may, for example, be an air conditioning system that provides air conditioning for a predetermined indoor space. Equipment 50 may also be other equipment besides an air conditioning system, or it may be a combination of an air conditioning system and other equipment. Other equipment may, for example, be a lighting device that provides dimming for a predetermined indoor space.

[0076] The equipment 50 stores operating data indicating the status of the equipment in a storage device during operation. The equipment 50 outputs the operating data stored in the storage device to the control device 30. For example, the equipment 50 may output the operating data at predetermined time intervals, or it may output the operating data in response to a request from the control device 30.

[0077] The AC system 2000 is an information processing system operated by an aggregation coordinator (AC). The AC system 2000 receives a control signal from the power management device 10 indicating the adjustable amount. The AC system 2000 transmits a power control command to the power management device 10 indicating the command value for power demand. The AC system 2000 receives a response signal from the power management device 10 in response to the power control command. The response signal is either an opt-in response or an opt-out response. If an opt-in response is received from the power management device 10, the AC system 2000 receives a control signal from the power management device 10 indicating the power control performance after the controlled time period has elapsed.

[0078] The overall configuration of the power management system 1000 shown in Figure 3 is just one example, and various system configurations are possible depending on the application and purpose. For example, one or more of the power management device 10, equipment management device 20, control device 30, power meter 40, and equipment 50 may be included in the power management system 1000 in multiple units. For example, the power management device 10 or equipment management device 20 may be implemented by multiple computers, or as a cloud computing service. The classification of devices such as the power management device 10, equipment management device 20, control device 30, power meter 40, and equipment 50 shown in Figure 3 is just one example.

[0079] <Hardware Configuration> The power management device 10, equipment management device 20, and control device 30 included in the power management system 1000 can be implemented using a computer. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the computer's hardware configuration.

[0080] As shown in Figure 4, the computer 100 includes a processor 101, memory 102, auxiliary storage device 103, operating device 104, display device 105, communication device 106, and drive device 107. Each piece of hardware in the computer 100 is interconnected via a bus 108.

[0081] The processor 101 has various computing devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 101 reads various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 103 into the memory 102 and executes them.

[0082] Memory 102 has main memory devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor 101 and memory 102 form a so-called computer (hereinafter also referred to as the "control unit"), and the computer realizes various functions by the processor 101 executing various programs read into memory 102.

[0083] The auxiliary storage device 103 (hereinafter also referred to as the "storage unit") stores various programs and various data used when these programs are executed by the processor 101.

[0084] The operating device 104 is an operating device for the user of the computer 100 to perform various operations. The display device 105 is a display device that displays the processing results of various processes performed by the computer 100.

[0085] The communication device 106 is a communication device for communicating with external devices via a network (not shown).

[0086] The drive device 107 is a device for setting the storage medium 109. The storage medium 109 here includes media that store information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as CD-ROMs, flexible disks, and magneto-optical disks. The storage medium 109 may also include semiconductor memory that stores information electrically, such as ROMs and flash memory.

[0087] The various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 103 are installed, for example, when the distributed storage medium 109 is set in the drive device 107 and the various programs stored in the storage medium 109 are read by the drive device 107. Alternatively, the various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 103 may be installed by downloading them from the network via the communication device 106.

[0088] <Power management method> The power management method performed by the power management system 1000 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a power management method. The flowchart shown in Figure 5 corresponds to the processes shown in steps S3 to S5 in Figure 1.

[0089] In step S101, the processor 101 of the power management device 10 receives a power control command from the AC system 2000. The processor 101 obtains a command value from the power control command.

[0090] In step S102, the processor 101 of the power management device 10 obtains the unit price to be used in calculating the incentive. Specifically, the processor 101 obtains the contract price, the imbalance unit price, and the negawatt unit price. The processor 101 may obtain the contract price at which the power transaction was concluded in step S2 shown in Figure 1 from the power market system or the AC system 2000. The processor 101 may also obtain the negawatt unit price published on the website of a retail power company, etc. The processor 101 may predict the imbalance unit price to be controlled for a limited time based on past imbalance unit prices published on the website of a transmission and distribution company, etc.

[0091] In step S103, the processor 101 of the power management device 10 calculates incentives for each achievement rate. In this embodiment, the processor 101 calculates incentives for when the achievement rate is 100% and incentives for when the achievement rate is 0%. In other words, the processor 101 calculates incentives that are generated when the command value obtained in step S101 is achieved and incentives that are generated when the command value is not achieved.

[0092] Hereafter, the incentive for achieving 100% will be referred to as the "achievement incentive," and the incentive for achieving 0% will be referred to as the "non-achievement incentive." The achievement incentive is an example of the first type of compensation. The non-achievement incentive is an example of the second type of compensation.

[0093] Specifically, the processor 101 calculates the amount of power demand reduction based on the command value obtained in step S101. If the command value is the absolute value of power demand, the processor 101 may calculate the amount of power demand reduction by subtracting the absolute value of power demand from the reference power demand. If the command value is the relative value of power demand, the processor 101 may obtain the relative value of power demand as the amount of power demand reduction. Alternatively, the processor 101 may convert the relative value of power demand to the absolute value of power demand and calculate the amount of power demand reduction by subtracting the absolute value of power demand from the reference power demand.

[0094] The processor 101 may calculate the amount of reduction for each achievement rate by multiplying the amount of reduction in power demand by the achievement rate. The processor 101 may also calculate the imbalance charge for each achievement rate by multiplying the difference between the amount of reduction for that achievement rate and the command value by the imbalance unit price obtained in step S102. The processor 101 may also calculate the negawatt adjustment charge for each achievement rate by multiplying the amount of reduction for that achievement rate by the negawatt unit price obtained in step S102.

[0095] In step S104, the processor 101 of the power management device 10 corrects the under-target incentive and the achieved incentive, respectively, which were calculated in step S103. The processor 101 may also correct the under-target incentive and the achieved incentive, respectively, based on the control error with respect to the command value.

[0096] The control error is the difference between the target value and the actual value that may occur due to power control. The control error may be predetermined based on past control performance. The control error may be a fixed value. The control error may be determined for each time period to be controlled. The processor 101 may predict the control error for the time period to be controlled based on past control performance, etc.

[0097] The processor 101 may calculate the corrected incentive by averaging the uncorrected incentive, the maximum incentive based on the control error, and the minimum incentive based on the control error for both the uncorrected incentive and the achieved incentive. The maximum incentive based on the control error is the maximum incentive that can be realized due to the occurrence of the control error. The minimum incentive based on the control error is the minimum incentive that can be realized due to the occurrence of the control error.

[0098] Figure 6 shows an example of a correction method based on control error. Figure 6 shows an example of a correction method when the control error is ±10%.

[0099] As shown in Figure 6, the incentive for failing to meet the target is the average of the incentives for achieving -10%, achieving 0%, and achieving 10%. The incentive for achieving the target is the average of the incentives for achieving 90%, achieving 100%, and achieving 110%.

[0100] Let's return to Figure 5 for explanation. In step S105, the processor 101 of the power management device 10 determines whether or not to accept the power control command received in step S101. The processor 101 may also determine whether or not to accept the power control command based on the result of comparing the incentive for failure to meet the target with the incentive for achieving the target.

[0101] The processor 101 may determine whether to accept the power control command by comparing the corrected non-target incentive and the corrected target incentive calculated in step S104. The processor 101 may also determine whether to accept the power control command by comparing the uncorrected non-target incentive and the uncorrected target incentive calculated in step S103. When comparing the uncorrected non-target incentive and the uncorrected target incentive, the processor 101 does not need to execute step S104.

[0102] If the incentive for failure to meet the target is greater than the incentive for achieving the target, the processor 101 may decide not to accept the power control command. If the incentive for achieving the target is equal to or greater than the incentive for failure to meet the target, the processor 101 may decide to accept the power control command. If the incentive for achieving the target is greater than the incentive for failure to meet the target, and the incentive for achieving the target is less than a predetermined threshold, the processor 101 may decide not to accept the power control command. The predetermined threshold may be zero or a positive value. The predetermined threshold may be determined based on the minimum profit that should be secured in a single power control operation.

[0103] If the processor 101 determines that it will accept the power control command (YES), it proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if it determines that it will not accept the power control command (NO), the processor 101 proceeds to step S108.

[0104] In step S106, the processor 101 of the power management device 10 sends an opt-in response to the AC system 2000. Upon receiving the opt-in response from the power management device 10, the AC system 2000 waits for power control results from the power management device 10.

[0105] In step S107, the processor 101 of the power management device 10 determines the target power consumption of property B based on the absolute value of the power demand. The processor 101 transmits a demand control command indicating the target power consumption of property B to the equipment management device 20.

[0106] The equipment management device 20 receives a demand control command from the power management device 10 indicating the target power consumption of property B. The equipment management device 20 identifies property B, which has a target power consumption indicated in the demand control command, and forwards the demand control command to the control device 30 installed in property B.

[0107] The control device 30 receives a demand control command from the equipment management device 20 indicating the target power consumption of property B. The control device 30 stores the target power consumption indicated in the demand control command in the auxiliary storage device 103. The control device 30 controls the operation of the equipment 50 installed in property B so that the total power consumption of the equipment 50 is less than or equal to the target power consumption stored in the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0108] In step S108, the processor 101 of the power management device 10 sends an opt-out response to the AC system 2000. When the AC system 2000 receives the opt-out response from the power management device 10, it may determine a new command value and send a power control command indicating the new command value to the power management device 10. In this case, the power management device 10 returns to step S101 and, based on the power control command indicating the new command value, repeats the processes from steps S102 to S105.

[0109] When the AC system 2000 receives an opt-out response from the power management device 10, it may send a power control command to another resource aggregator. In this case, the AC system 2000 may impose a penalty on the resource aggregator operating the power management device 10.

[0110] <Summary> A power management device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure receives a power control command indicating a command value for the power demand of an area, calculates an achievement incentive that occurs when the command value is achieved and a failure incentive that occurs when the command value is not achieved, and transmits a response signal to the power control command based on the comparison result of the achievement incentive and the failure incentive.

[0111] In one respect, this embodiment allows for an appropriate response to power control commands. In another respect, this embodiment allows for a decision on whether or not to accept power control commands while considering profitability, thereby maximizing the revenue obtained by participating in demand response.

[0112] The incentive may include a first item that increases the amount of the incentive as the amount of electricity demand is reduced, and a second item that decreases the amount of the incentive as the amount of electricity demand is reduced. In one respect, according to this embodiment, even if the incentive includes multiple items that increase or decrease in amount according to the amount of electricity demand reduced, it is possible to respond appropriately to power control commands.

[0113] The first item may include the transaction amount in the electricity market or imbalance charges. The second item may include negawatt adjustment charges. In one respect, according to this embodiment, it is possible to respond appropriately to power control commands while taking into account the transaction amount, imbalance charges, or negawatt adjustment charges.

[0114] The power management device 10 may adjust the achievement incentive and the failure incentive based on the control error with respect to the command value. In one respect, according to this embodiment, it is possible to respond appropriately to power control commands while taking into account that errors may occur in power control.

[0115] The power management device 10 may correct the incentive by averaging the incentive before correction, the maximum incentive based on the control error, and the minimum incentive based on the control error. In one respect, according to this embodiment, it is possible to respond appropriately to power control commands while taking into account the range of incentives that may arise due to the control error.

[0116] [supplement] Each of the embodiments described above can be implemented by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) or GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above.

[0117] Although embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 10:Power management device 20: Equipment management device 30: Control device 40: Power meter 50: Equipment 101: Processor (control unit) 102: Memory 103: Auxiliary storage device (storage unit) 104: Operating device 105:Display device 106: Communication equipment 107: Drive unit 1000: Power Management System 2000: AC System

Claims

1. A power management system (1000) that manages the power consumption of one or more devices (50) installed in an area, The control unit (101) of the power management system (1000) is, A control signal indicating a command value for the power demand in the aforementioned area is received. The first compensation incurred when the command value is achieved and the second compensation incurred when the command value is not achieved are calculated. Based on the comparison result between the first consideration and the second consideration, a response signal to the control signal is transmitted. Power management system (1000).

2. The aforementioned consideration includes a first item which increases the amount of the consideration as the amount of the reduction in electricity demand increases, and a second item which decreases the amount of the consideration as the amount of the reduction in electricity demand increases. The power management system (1000) according to claim 1.

3. The first item above includes the transaction amount in the electricity market, or imbalance charges, The power management system (1000) according to claim 2.

4. The second item mentioned above includes a negawatt adjustment fee, The power management system (1000) according to claim 2.

5. The control unit (101) is Based on the control error with respect to the command value, the first compensation and the second compensation are corrected. A power management system (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit (101) is The compensation is corrected by averaging the compensation before correction, the maximum compensation based on the control error, and the minimum compensation based on the control error. The power management system (1000) according to claim 5.

7. A control unit (101) of a power management system (1000) that manages the power consumption of one or more devices (50) installed in an area, A control signal indicating a command value for the power demand in the aforementioned area is received. The first compensation incurred when the command value is achieved and the second compensation incurred when the command value is not achieved are calculated. Based on the comparison result between the first consideration and the second consideration, a response signal to the control signal is transmitted. Power management methods.

8. A power management system (1000) that manages the power consumption of one or more devices (50) installed in an area has a control unit (101) that, A control signal indicating a command value for the power demand in the aforementioned area is received. The first compensation incurred when the command value is achieved and the second compensation incurred when the command value is not achieved are calculated. Based on the comparison result between the first consideration and the second consideration, a response signal to the control signal is transmitted. A program to execute a process.

Images