Battery control system, HEMS management device, and battery control method

Abstract

In a VPP (Virtual Power Plant), the part of the communication that handles battery charge / discharge control and battery status acquisition with external parties such as resource aggregators is consolidated, providing a method that simplifies communication at the higher layers. [Solution] A battery control system comprising a battery system that performs charge and discharge control related to the charging and discharging of a battery, and a HEMS management unit that includes a VPP communication unit and receives VPP control instructions, wherein the HEMS management unit communicates with the battery system regarding charge and discharge control based on requests related to charge and discharge, including VPP control instructions, manages state transitions using state properties that take different values ​​corresponding to states related to charge and discharge control that the battery system can take, obtains the charge and discharge state taken by the battery system through the charge and discharge control from the battery system, and transitions the state properties according to the obtained state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery control system, a HEMS management device, and a method for controlling a battery, which are installed in facilities of electricity consumers such as houses in ordinary households.

Background Art

[0002] As a system for controlling energy such as electricity used by consumers in houses in ordinary households, a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) is known. In recent years, there are many HEMS equipped with at least one of small-scale self-power generation equipment such as solar power generation devices and small-scale energy storage equipment such as batteries. As a standard specification for a protocol for communication between devices of HEMS, ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) is known, and there are many HEMS that perform communication between devices compliant with ECHONET Lite. ECHONET is derived from Energy Conservation and Home care Network.

[0003] In addition, a technology of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP, hereinafter referred to as VPP) that connects and manages small-scale power generation equipment and energy storage equipment installed in houses, buildings, etc. with a network system is known. VPP is a system that virtually functions as a single power plant by integrally controlling the energy resources of consumers contracted by an operator called a resource aggregator.

[0004] Some HEMS (Home Energy Management Systems) have a function that, for example, when weather warnings such as storm surges, high waves, heavy snow, strong winds, floods, heavy rain, and blizzards are issued, controls the battery to be fully charged with electricity generated on-site or purchased from the power grid in preparation for a potential power outage. On the other hand, resource aggregators attempt to control the charging and discharging of batteries of contracted customers from the perspective of demand response (DR), which balances power generation and power consumption in the power grid. Battery control by HEMS and battery control by VPP (Virtual Power Plant) are not always compatible. Therefore, power control devices and power control methods have been proposed that set priorities for battery control by HEMS and battery control by VPP, and allow the control of both to be carried out exclusively (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] Furthermore, the following technology is known. In a VPP, the power management server sends a first message to the local control unit according to a first protocol, which is either a protocol compliant with Open ADR (Automated Demand Response) or a proprietary dedicated protocol. For example, it sends a DR-related message, such as a power flow control message requesting control of power flow, or a reverse power flow control message requesting control of reverse power flow. This is an instruction requesting the setting of the operating state of the equipment. On the other hand, the local control unit sends a second message to the equipment according to a second protocol different from the first protocol, such as a protocol compliant with ECHONET Lite, SEP (Smart Energy Profile) 2.0, or KNX. In such a configuration, it is conceivable that there may be cases where the information elements compliant with the first protocol do not correspond one-to-one with the information elements included in the second message response. For example, the unit of the information elements compliant with the first protocol may differ from the unit of the information elements included in the second message response. Alternatively, the information elements compliant with the first protocol may only be represented by two or more information elements included in the second message response. In such cases, the control unit 112 calculates information elements that conform to the first protocol based on the information elements included in the second message response. For example, it calculates information elements represented by AC power based on information elements represented by DC power. It calculates information elements represented by energy per unit time based on information elements represented by instantaneous power. It calculates one information element based on two or more information elements (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-023083 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2018 / 079813 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In Patent Document 1, when a resource aggregator controls the charging and discharging of batteries in a VPP, it communicates with the contracted customer's HEMS controller via a VPP gateway and adjusts the priority of battery control with the HEMS controller. When the resource aggregator is in a position to prioritize battery control over the HEMS controller, it communicates with the battery system via the VPP gateway and performs charging and discharging control. When sending requests to start and end VPP control to the HEMS controller, it checks whether the instruction has been received, and when performing charging and discharging control of batteries, it checks the status of the battery to which the instruction was sent one by one. As a result, the procedures related to communication concerning VPP control from the perspective of the resource aggregator (hereinafter also referred to as upper-layer communication in this specification) tend to be numerous and complicated. It is desirable to simplify the processing related to charging and discharging control of batteries and acquisition of the battery status from the perspective of the resource aggregator, in other words, the upper-layer communication.

[0008] Patent Document 2 describes a VPP in which the power management server is configured to send and receive messages related to DR control with the local control device. This is not the configuration in Patent Document 1 where the power management server controls the battery (distributed power source) via the VPP gateway. Specifically, the local control device selects information elements contained in a message received from the power management server and sends them to the distributed power source or load equipment (selection process). Then, it converts the information elements contained in the response from the destination equipment into information elements that conform to the first protocol (conversion process). Furthermore, as part of power management, the local control device manages information elements received from the distributed power source or load equipment (management process) and determines whether or not to query the target equipment for information about the target equipment regarding the message received from the power management server (determination process). Patent Document 2 is an invention that focuses on the conversion of communication protocols rather than simplifying higher-layer communication, in other words, the processing related to battery charge / discharge control and battery state acquisition from the perspective of the resource aggregator. The embodiment describes a case where the first protocol is the known Open ADR and the second protocol is the known ECHONET Lite. This proposal does not aim to simplify the communication procedures (higher-layer communication) related to VPP control between the resource aggregator and the battery control system. This invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides a method in which the part of the VPP that is responsible for communication with external parties such as resource aggregators regarding battery charging and discharging control and acquisition of battery status is consolidated, thereby simplifying communication at the higher layer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This invention provides a battery control system comprising a battery storage system including a battery and performing charge and discharge control related to the charging and discharging of the battery, and a HEMS management unit including a VPP communication unit that receives VPP control instructions, wherein the HEMS management unit communicates with the battery storage system regarding the charge and discharge control based on requests related to the charge and discharge, including the VPP control instructions, manages the transition of the state using a state property that takes different values ​​corresponding to the state related to the charge and discharge control, obtains the state related to the charge and discharge taken by the battery storage system by the charge and discharge control from the battery storage system, and transitions the state property according to the obtained state.

[0010] Furthermore, from a different perspective, this invention provides a HEMS management device comprising: a communication unit that communicates with external equipment regarding VPP control; an acquisition unit that acquires VPP control instructions included in those communications; an equipment control unit that controls the charging and discharging of a battery by communicating with the battery system, including the battery, regarding charge and discharge control based on requests related to the charging and discharging of the battery, including the acquired instructions; and a state setting unit that manages the transition of the state using state properties that represent states that the battery system can take and that take different values ​​corresponding to the states related to the charge and discharge control. The acquisition unit acquires the charge and discharge states that the battery system takes as a result of the charge and discharge control from the battery system, and the state setting unit transitions the state properties according to the acquired state.

[0011] Furthermore, from a different perspective, this invention provides a battery control method comprising the steps of: communicating with an external device regarding VPP control; acquiring VPP control instructions included in those communications; communicating with a battery system including the battery regarding charge and discharge control based on requests related to the charging and discharging of the battery, including the acquired VPP control instructions; and managing the state transitions using state properties that represent states the battery system can take and which take different values ​​corresponding to the states related to charge and discharge control, wherein the step of communicating regarding charge and discharge control includes a process of acquiring the charge and discharge states taken by the battery system as a result of the charge and discharge control from the battery system, and the step of managing the state transitions includes a process of changing the state properties according to the acquired states. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] In the battery control system according to this invention, the HEMS management unit communicates with the battery system regarding charge and discharge control based on requests related to charge and discharge, including instructions for VPP control. It manages state transitions using state properties that represent states the battery system can take and which take different values ​​depending on the state related to charge and discharge control. The HEMS management unit obtains the charge and discharge state taken by the battery system through the charge and discharge control and transitions the state properties according to the obtained state. In the VPP, the part that handles communication with external parties such as resource aggregators regarding battery charge and discharge control and acquisition of battery state is consolidated in the HEMS management unit, making higher-level communication simpler. The HEMS management device and battery control method according to this invention also produce similar effects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a battery control system including a HEMS controller according to the first embodiment of this invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a battery control system (second embodiment) with a different connection configuration to the resource aggregator compared to Figure 1. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an example of the main configuration of the HEMS controller shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the battery classes of the battery system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 5] It is a first diagram showing the controller class of the HEMS controller shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] It is a second diagram showing the controller class of the HEMS controller shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] It is a state transition diagram of the HEMS controller in the first or second embodiment. [Figure 8] In the first or second embodiment, it is a sequence diagram showing an example of transition from the VPP controllable state (initial state) to the VPP control in progress state and the maximum charging power charging state. [Figure 9] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of a case where, as in FIG. 8, an attempt to transition from the VPP controllable state (initial state) to the VPP control in progress state and the maximum charging power charging state fails. [Figure 10] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of transition in the reverse direction of FIG. 8, from the VPP control in progress state and the maximum charging power charging state to the VPP controllable state (initial state). [Figure 11] In the first or second embodiment, it is a sequence diagram showing an example of transition from the VPP control in progress state and the clean mode operation state to the VPP controllable state. [Figure 12] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of a case where, as in FIG. 10, an attempt to transition from the VPP control in progress state and the maximum charging power charging state to the VPP controllable state fails. [Figure 13] In the first or second embodiment, it is a sequence diagram showing an example where a write request to transition to the VPP controllable state succeeds when the VPP control in progress state continues for a predetermined period. [Figure 14] It is a sequence diagram showing an example where, as in FIG. 13, a write request to transition to the VPP controllable state fails when the VPP control in progress state continues for a predetermined period. [Figure 15] In the first or second embodiment, it is a sequence diagram showing an example in which a weather warning is issued in a VPP controllable state and transitions to a VPP uncontrollable state (during weather warning issuance). [Figure 16] In the first or second embodiment, it is a sequence diagram showing an example in which the weather warning is canceled and transitions to a VPP controllable state (initial state). [Figure 17] In the first or second embodiment, it is a sequence diagram showing an example when a write request in the same state is received in a state where VPP control is in progress and charging is in progress with the maximum charging power. [Figure 18] In the first or second embodiment, it is a sequence diagram showing an example when a write request in the same VPP control in progress state but with different detailed states is received in a state where VPP control is in progress and charging is in progress with the maximum charging power. [Figure 19] In the first or second embodiment, it is a sequence diagram showing an example when the battery system becomes uncontrollable in a state where VPP control is in progress and charging is in progress with the maximum charging power. [Figure 20] In the first or second embodiment, it is a sequence diagram showing an example when the HEMS controller restarts itself in a state where VPP control is in progress and charging is in progress with the maximum charging power. [Figure 21] In the first or second embodiment, it is a sequence diagram showing an example when a write request in the same state is received in a VPP controllable state (initial state). [Figure 22] In the first or second embodiment, it is a sequence diagram showing an example of transitioning from a VPP controllable state (initial state) to a state where VPP control is in progress and excess power is being charged.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, this invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting this invention. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a battery control system 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a battery control system with a different connection configuration to the resource aggregator than that shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the main components of the HEMS controller 110 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0015] <Battery control system 100> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the battery control system 100 includes a HEMS controller 110 (control device), a battery system 130 (battery), and a router 140. In the example shown in Figure 1, it also includes a VPP gateway 120.

[0016] The HEMS controller 110 is a control device equipped with ECHONET Lite communication functionality that controls and acquires the status of devices. In the example configuration shown in Figure 1 (referred to as the first embodiment), the VPP gateway 120 is a device that allows a resource aggregator to install VPP-dedicated communication equipment in the customer's battery control system 100 and control the battery system 130 (VPP control). The VPP gateway 120 communicates with the resource aggregator 170 via the router 140 and the internet 150. Alternatively, the VPP gateway 120 may communicate directly with the resource aggregator 170 without going through the router 140 using its built-in mobile communication module. Upon receiving a VPP control instruction from the resource aggregator 170, the VPP gateway 120, being equipped with ECHONET Lite communication functionality, can directly control the battery system 130; however, in this embodiment, direct control is not performed. Instead, it uses the ECHONET Lite communication function to send instructions to the HEMS controller 110, thereby indirectly controlling the battery storage system 130. The VPP gateway 120 corresponds to the first device that constitutes the VPP communication unit.

[0017] The HEMS controller 110 communicates with the HEMS server 160 periodically or at predetermined times via the Internet 150 and router 140. Upon receiving control-related information from the HEMS server 160, it controls the battery system 130 (HEMS control) using the ECHONET Lite communication function. Control-related information includes, for example, information on weather warnings and weather forecasts. This information relates to the charge and discharge control of the battery system 130. The HEMS server 160 obtains this information from an external server (not shown). Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, upon receiving instructions from the VPP gateway 120, the HEMS controller 110 controls the battery system 130 (VPP control) using the ECHONET Lite communication function. However, this is performed exclusively with HEMS control. The HEMS controller 110 corresponds to the second device that constitutes the HEMS communication unit and the HEMS management unit. From the perspective of the HEMS controller 110, the party with which it communicates at a higher layer is the VPP gateway 120. In the first embodiment, upper-layer communication refers to communication between the HEMS controller 110 and the VPP gateway 120.

[0018] In the example shown in Figure 2 (which will be referred to as the second embodiment), the VPP gateway 120 does not exist. Therefore, the aggregator server 170S sends VPP control information to the HEMS server 160 via the internet 150. The HEMS controller 110 communicates with the HEMS server 160 periodically or at predetermined times via the internet 150 and the router 140. Furthermore, if the HEMS controller 110 is constantly connected to a server (not shown), the HEMS server 160 can initiate communication with the HEMS controller 110 at any time. The following explanation also assumes that communication can be initiated from the server.

[0019] This communication includes not only control-related information but also VPP control instructions. When the HEMS controller 110 receives a VPP control instruction, it uses the ECHONET Lite communication function to control the battery storage system 130 (VPP control). However, this is performed exclusively with HEMS control. HEMS control is the same as in Figure 1. That is, when the HEMS controller 110 receives control-related information from the HEMS server 160, it uses the ECHONET Lite communication function to control the battery storage system 130.

[0020] The HEMS server 160 corresponds to a third device that constitutes the VPP communication unit and the HEMS communication unit. The HEMS controller 110 corresponds to a fourth device that constitutes the HEMS management unit. From the perspective of the HEMS controller 110, the party with which it communicates at a higher layer is the HEMS server 160. In the second embodiment, higher layer communication refers to communication between the HEMS controller 110 and the HEMS server 160. The choice between the configuration shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2 is left to the resource aggregator. Recently, the configuration shown in Figure 2, which does not require the installation of a VPP gateway, has been preferred.

[0021] In the second embodiment, the mutual exclusion control between VPP control from the aggregator server 170S and battery control (HEMS control) based on the issuance of weather warnings can be performed as follows. When the HEMS server 160 receives an instruction regarding VPP control from the aggregator server 170S, it sends an instruction for VPP control to the HEMS controller 110. When the HEMS server 160 receives notification from the HEMS controller 110 that the system has transitioned to the state instructed by the HEMS server 160, it recognizes that the instruction to the HEMS controller 110 was successful. That is, it recognizes that the VPP control of the battery system 130 was successful. On the other hand, if the HEMS server 160 receives no response to the VPP control instruction from the HEMS controller 110, or if it does not receive notification from the HEMS server 160 that the system has transitioned to the state instructed by the HEMS server 160 even after a predetermined period has elapsed, it recognizes that the VPP control of the battery system 130 was unsuccessful. In that case, the system may be configured to send an instruction to the HEMS controller 110 again after a certain period of time to perform a retry, or it may be configured not to perform a retry. If the system is configured to perform a retry, if the control of the battery storage system 130 is still unsuccessful even after performing the retry, the VPP control is abandoned.

[0022] Apart from VPP control, the HEMS controller 110 periodically or at predetermined times acquires information regarding weather warnings and forecasts (control-related information) via the HEMS server 160. When a weather warning is issued, it prioritizes the control to fully charge the battery 131 in preparation for a potential power outage (weather warning coordination). When the HEMS controller 110 prioritizes the control to fully charge the battery 131 due to the issuance of a weather warning, VPP control instructed by the resource aggregator 170 becomes unavailable. This is because the weather warning coordination control by HEMS is given a higher priority than VPP control. This is the battery exclusive control function of the HEMS controller 110. To realize the battery exclusive control function, the HEMS controller 110 has battery exclusive control properties. The battery exclusive control properties correspond to the state properties described above. The state properties (battery exclusive control properties) are not standard ECHONET Lite properties, but properties that the applicant has uniquely extended and defined.

[0023] In the second embodiment, with regard to the exclusive control of the battery 131, the HEMS server 160 may communicate with the aggregator server 170S regarding the exclusive control of the battery system as follows. When the HEMS controller 110 enters a state where it prioritizes control to fully charge the battery 131 due to, for example, the issuance of a weather warning, it transitions its state to a VPP control disabled state (weather warning issued) and notifies the HEMS server 160 of this state. That is, it sets the property value of battery exclusive control to a VPP control disabled state (weather warning issued) and sends that property value to the HEMS server 160. When the HEMS server 160 receives notification that the HEMS controller 110 has entered a VPP control disabled state (weather warning issued), it can notify the aggregator server 170S of this fact (inter-server cooperation). Alternatively, the aggregator server 170S can periodically query the HEMS server 160 for its state and become aware that it has entered a VPP control disabled state (weather warning issued). In a configuration where the resource aggregator 170 is aware of the operating status of the battery 131, the resource aggregator 170 suppresses VPP control instructions while the VPP control is unavailable (during a weather warning).

[0024] Subsequently, upon receiving confirmation that the weather warning has been lifted, the HEMS controller 110 stops the control to fully charge the battery 131 and transitions to the VPP controllable state (initial state). It then notifies the HEMS server 160 of this transition. Specifically, it sets the property value of the battery exclusive control to the VPP controllable state (initial state) and sends that property value to the HEMS server 160. Upon receiving this notification, the HEMS server 160 notifies the aggregator server 170S that the weather warning linkage has been released and VPP control is now possible. Alternatively, the aggregator server 170S can periodically query the HEMS server 160 for its status to determine that it has entered the VPP controllable state (initial state). Note that, as will be described later in the state transition diagram of Figure 7, it is not possible to directly transition from the VPP control unavailable state (weather warning issued) to any of the VPP controllable states. It is possible to transition to any of the VPP controllable states by issuing another instruction from the resource aggregator 170.

[0025] As described above, the resource aggregator 170 sends a VPP control instruction to the HEMS server 160. The HEMS server 160 interprets the VPP control instruction and sends it to the HEMS controller 110 as a property value for battery exclusive control. The HEMS controller 110 communicates with the power monitor 134 of the battery system 130 to perform battery charging and discharging control according to the requested property value. It then controls the operation of the battery 131 using various property values ​​managed as a battery class. The HEMS controller 110 also receives a response from the power monitor 134 regarding the control result. Furthermore, if the operating state of the battery 131 changes, it receives a notification from the power monitor 134 regarding various property values ​​managed as a battery class. By receiving these responses and notifications from the power monitor 134, the HEMS controller 110 determines whether the control to the battery system 130 was successful or not. If the control is successful, it changes the internal battery exclusive control property value and returns a normal response to the VPP control instruction to the HEMS server 160. It also notifies the user of any changed property values. If control fails, the internal battery exclusive control property value is not changed, and the HEMS server 160 receives a "no response" message in response to the VPP control instruction.

[0026] In the second embodiment, the aggregator server 170S first sends a VPP control instruction to the HEMS server 160. Alternatively, the HEMS manufacturer 160M receives the VPP control instruction from the resource aggregator 170 and registers it with the HEMS server 160. The HEMS server 160 interprets it and sends it to the HEMS controller 110. It does not send it directly to the battery system 130. The HEMS controller 110 handles communication with the battery system 130. The HEMS server 160 obtains information from the HEMS controller 110 regarding whether the VPP control instruction was successful or not. It does not obtain information directly from the battery system 130. This is the same as in the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, the resource aggregator 170 communicates with the HEMS server 160, whereas in the first embodiment, it communicates with the VPP gateway 120.

[0027] In the second embodiment, Figure 2 shows two types of methods for which the resource aggregator 170 communicates with the HEMS server 160 regarding VPP control: an inter-server cooperation method and a scheduling method.

[0028] 1. Server-to-server communication method The first embodiment is a server-to-server cooperation method in which the resource aggregator 170 server (aggregator server 170S shown in Figure 2) and the HEMS server 160 communicate via the Internet 150. The HEMS server 160 communicates with the HEMS controller 110 according to the content of the communication with the aggregator server 170S. In this embodiment, the HEMS server 160 interprets the instructions received from the aggregator server 170S, converts them into one of the property values ​​for battery exclusive control, and then sends them to the HEMS controller 110. Alternatively, the aggregator server 170S may send instructions as property values ​​for battery exclusive control. In that case, the HEMS server 160 can simply send the content of the instructions received from the aggregator server 170S to the HEMS controller 110 as is. The HEMS server 160 also sends responses and notifications received from the HEMS controller 110 to the aggregator server 170S as is, or converted if necessary. There are various possible communication methods between the HEMS server 160 and the aggregator server 170S, and therefore the examples described here are not the only ones that can be implemented.

[0029] In the first and second embodiments, the battery system 130 adopts ECHONET Lite as its communication standard (communication protocol). The HEMS controller 110 communicates with the battery system 130 using ECHONET Lite. In the first embodiment, the VPP gateway 120 communicates with the HEMS controller 110 using ECHONET Lite. In the second embodiment, the communication between the HEMS controller 110 and the HEMS server 160 can also adopt a communication protocol that follows ECHONET Lite. Although the communication between the aggregator server 170S and the HEMS controller 110 is not described in detail in this embodiment, a communication protocol that follows ECHONET Lite may also be adopted. In that case, the HEMS server 160 only needs to mechanically relay the communication between the two. Here, a communication protocol that follows ECHONET Lite refers to a communication protocol that, for example, uses a communication format that includes content in the communication data that is a mechanically converted part of the ECHONET Lite message. In the first embodiment, the aggregator server 170S can also acquire information on whether or not the VPP control instructions were successful.

[0030] 2. Schedule Method In the second embodiment, a notification (e.g., email) is sent from the communication terminal of the resource aggregator 170 to the communication terminal of the operator (HEMS manufacturer 160M shown in Figure 2) that operates the HEMS server 160, according to a predetermined schedule. The notification includes one or more DR schedule instructions, each of which includes a start time and end time, DR control instruction content, and the group to which the instruction is to be applied. The HEMS manufacturer 160M automatically or manually interprets the notification received from the resource aggregator 170 and registers it with the HEMS server 160. The HEMS server 160 communicates with the HEMS controller 110 at the specified start and end times according to the registered content. The communication format between the HEMS server 160 and the HEMS controller 110 may be the same as in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the resource aggregator 170 cannot obtain information on whether the VPP control instruction was successful or not on a case-by-case basis.

[0031] The battery storage system 130 includes a battery 131, a solar module 132, a power conditioner 133, and a power monitor 134. The battery 131 stores and discharges electricity under the control of various control devices. The solar module 132 is a device that generates solar power.

[0032] The power conditioner 133 is a control device that controls the battery 131 and the solar module 132. The power conditioner 133 converts the direct current electricity supplied from the battery 131 and the solar module 132 into alternating current electricity and supplies it to loads such as household appliances not shown in Figure 1. The power conditioner 133 also converts the alternating current electricity supplied from the power grid (not shown in Figure 1) into direct current electricity and supplies it to the battery 131. Furthermore, the power conditioner 133 controls the supply of power from the solar module 132 to the power grid (this is called reverse power flow and corresponds to the supply of power from the consumer to the contracted power company). The power conditioner 133 charges and discharges the battery 131 based on instructions from the user received via the power monitor 134. Note that supplying power to the power grid is called selling power, and receiving power from the power grid is called buying power.

[0033] The power monitor 134 has the function to communicate with ECHONET Lite devices. Therefore, it can communicate with the HEMS controller 110 via ECHONET Lite. It also displays various information such as power and operating mode related to the battery storage system 130. The power monitor 134 determines the primitive operation instructions for the battery storage system 131 and instructs the power conditioner 133 to operate the battery storage system 131 in the determined operation. The primitive operation instructions basically include charging, discharging, standby, and cleaning. Cleaning is the operation of discharging the battery storage system 131 when electricity is purchased and charging the battery storage system 131 with surplus power when electricity is sold. The primitive operation instructions determined by the power monitor 134 are broadly divided into automatic operation mode and HEMS control mode, and are determined as follows for each. In automatic driving mode, the system operates in one of the following modes: "Economy Mode (Automatic)", "Economy Mode (Time-Specified)", "Clean Mode (with Nighttime Charging)", and "Clean Mode (without Nighttime Charging)". At this time, the power monitor 134 determines primitive instructions based on the nighttime period and the current time. For example, when the automatic driving mode is "Clean Mode (with Nighttime Charging)", it instructs cleaning when the current time is not during the nighttime period, and charging when the current time is during the nighttime period. The automatic driving mode and nighttime period of the power monitor 134 can be specified by the user. In addition, in HEMS control mode, the system follows instructions from an external ECHONET Lite device, which means charging, discharging, or standby.

[0034] Figure 4 shows an example of properties related to the control of the battery 131 in the battery storage system 130. Since the battery control system 100 adopts ECHONET Lite as its communication standard (communication protocol), the battery storage system 130 has a battery class in ECHONET Lite. The battery storage system 130 operates according to the property values ​​of the battery class. When an external device instructs the operation of the battery, it sends a property value write request (Set) to the power monitor 134 which manages the battery class. Upon receiving the property value write request, the power monitor 134 returns a response to the property value write request. Also, when an external device obtains the status of the battery, it sends a property value read request (Get) to the power monitor 134. Upon receiving the property value read request, the power monitor 134 returns a response to the property value read request. Furthermore, when the status of the battery (some property values) changes, the battery storage system 130 notifies a status change announcement (INF).

[0035] Figure 4 shows the battery class. Note that Figure 4 shows the battery class that is closely related to the first and second embodiments, and those that are less related to the first and second embodiments are omitted. The "Property Name" column in Figure 4 shows the names of the properties of the battery 131 in the battery system 130 as defined by the ECHONET Lite standard. A property represents the function or specifications of the equipment (in the case of Figure 4, the battery). However, the automatic operation mode (EPC=0xF0) shown in Figure 4 is a property that the applicant has extended and defined independently. All other properties are defined by the ECHONET Lite standard.

[0036] Here, the operating mode setting is a property that sets the battery 131 to one of several operating modes. The multiple operating modes are "Charge," "Discharge," "Standby," and "Automatic." The automatic operating mode is a property that specifies which of the multiple automatic operating modes the battery 131 will operate in when its operating mode is set to "Automatic."

[0037] The "Access Rules" column shows information indicating the rules of the actions that can be performed for each property. In the example in Figure 4, the Access Rules column shows three options: "Set," "Get," and "Status Change Announcement." "Set" indicates that a value can be written to that property. "Get" indicates that a value can be read from that property. "Status Change Announcement" indicates that an INF notification will be sent when the value of the property is changed. This INF notification is sent via multicast. Therefore, any ECHONET Lite device connected to the same LAN may receive the notification. However, not all ECHONET Lite devices connected to the same LAN may receive the notification. This is because multicast is unreliable, especially in wireless LAN environments.

[0038] The "Description" column shows the name and value for each operating mode and each automatic operating mode. The operating modes include "Charge," "Discharge," "Standby," and "Automatic," as shown in Figure 4. The automatic operating modes include "Economy Mode (Automatic)," "Economy Mode (Scheduled)," "Clean Mode (with Nighttime Charging)," "Clean Mode (without Nighttime Charging)," and "ECHONET Lite Device Dedicated Mode," as shown in Figure 4.

[0039] The "Economy Mode" is a mode in which surplus electricity generated by solar power, after deducting the amount used for self-consumption, is sold, and during nighttime hours, cheaper nighttime electricity is purchased and stored. "Economy Mode (Automatic)" is a mode in this Economy Mode in which automatic discharge occurs when purchasing electricity outside of nighttime hours. "Economy Mode (Time-Specified)" is a mode in this Economy Mode in which the user can set the start time of discharge when purchasing electricity outside of nighttime hours.

[0040] Clean Mode is an automatic operation mode that charges the battery when the amount of electricity generated by solar power exceeds self-consumption, and discharges from the battery when the amount of electricity generated is low. This allows as much of the electricity generated by solar power as possible to be used for self-consumption. Clean Mode (with nighttime charging) is a mode in which electricity is purchased and charged during nighttime hours within Clean Mode. Clean Mode (without nighttime charging) is a mode in which charging does not occur even during nighttime hours.

[0041] The "ECHONET Lite device-only mode" differs from other modes in that it does not operate automatically, but rather indicates that it is controlled by an external ECHONET Lite device. When the operating mode setting of the battery 131 is set to "charge," "discharge," or "standby," the automatic operating mode of the battery 131 will be the "ECHONET Lite device-only mode." Also, when the operating mode setting of the battery 131 is set to "automatic," the automatic operating mode of the battery 131 will be one of the automatic operating modes other than the "ECHONET Lite device-only mode." The user can specify which automatic operating mode to use. However, the user cannot specify the "ECHONET Lite device-only mode."

[0042] Furthermore, the "charging method" and "discharging method" are battery class properties related to the charge and discharge control of the battery 131 in the battery storage system 130. The charging method includes "maximum charge power charging," "surplus power charging," and "specified power charging," as shown in Figure 4. "Maximum charge power charging" charges the battery 131 at the rated power. "Surplus power charging" charges the battery 131 within the range of surplus power, which is the amount of electricity generated by solar power generation minus the electricity used for self-consumption. "Specified power charging" charges the battery 131 within a separately set power range. The initial value of the charging method is "maximum charge power charging." The discharging method includes "maximum discharge power discharging," "load follow-up discharge," and "specified power discharge." "Maximum discharge power discharging" discharges from the battery 131 at the rated power. "Load follow-up discharge" discharges from the battery 131 according to the load consumed for self-consumption, thereby suppressing the amount of electricity purchased. "Specified power discharge" discharges from the battery 131 within a separately set power range. The default discharge method is "load-following discharge".

[0043] The property values ​​for the charging method and discharging method can be set depending on the battery system 130. If the property values ​​for the charging method and discharging method are set and have been overwritten with a different value, the battery 131 will not operate as intended. Therefore, it is necessary to set the property values ​​for the charging method and discharging method to appropriate values. If the property values ​​for the charging method and discharging method cannot be set, do not set them. In addition, other property values ​​that may affect charging and discharging include "charging power setting value", "discharging power setting value", "AC charging upper limit setting", "AC discharging lower limit setting", "AC charging amount setting value", and "AC discharging amount setting value". The "charging power setting value" specifies the power (W(AC)) used when charging when the charging method is "specified power charging". The "discharging power setting value" specifies the power (W(AC)) used when discharging when the discharge method is "specified power discharge". The initial values ​​for the "charging power setting value" and "discharging power setting value" are 9990(W(AC)), which represents the rated maximum. However, if the value is anything other than the initial value, and is an unintended value, it will impose restrictions during charging and discharging.

[0044] The "AC Charging Upper Limit Setting" specifies the upper limit in %(AC) when charging the battery 131. Charging will stop when the specified %(AC) is reached. The "AC Discharge Lower Limit Setting" specifies the lower limit in %(AC) when discharging the battery 131. Discharging will stop when the specified %(AC) is reached. If you set the "AC Charging Upper Limit Setting" to 100% and the "AC Discharge Lower Limit Setting" to the same value as the user-specified remaining charge (%), the charging and discharging restrictions imposed by these property values ​​will be eliminated. The "AC Charging Amount Setting Value" specifies the amount of electrical energy (Wh(AC)) to be charged when charging the battery 131. Charging will stop once the specified amount of electrical energy has been charged. The "AC Discharge Amount Setting Value" specifies the amount of electrical energy (Wh(AC)) to be discharged from the battery 131. Discharging will stop once the specified amount of electrical energy has been discharged. If both the "AC charge amount setting" and the "AC discharge amount setting" are 0, there will be no restrictions on charging and discharging based on these property values.

[0045] In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the HEMS controller 110 obtains control-related information regarding HEMS control of the battery storage system 130 from the HEMS server 160 via the router 140 and the internet 150. This control-related information includes, for example, weather warnings and weather forecasts. Based on the obtained control-related information, the HEMS controller 110 decides how to control the battery storage system 130 and outputs the control information to the battery storage system 130. As a result, the battery storage system 130 is placed under the control of the HEMS. The VPP gateway 120 obtains instructions regarding the control of the battery storage system 130 via VPP from the resource aggregator 170 via the router 140 and the internet 150. Upon obtaining these instructions, the VPP gateway 120 indirectly controls the battery storage system 130 by sending instructions to the HEMS controller 110. Based on these instructions, the HEMS controller 110 outputs the control information to the battery storage system 130. Upon receiving control information from the HEMS controller 110, the battery storage system 130 operates the battery 131 according to the control information. As a result, the battery storage system 130 is placed under the control of the VPP. However, the battery exclusive control function of the HEMS controller 110 is used to ensure that battery control by HEMS and battery control by the VPP are performed exclusively. As a variation of the configuration shown in Figure 1, the VPP gateway 120 may be connected to the internet 150 without going through the router 140, and the VPP gateway 120 may acquire information from the resource aggregator 170.

[0046] In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the HEMS controller 110 acquires control-related information regarding the HEMS control of the battery system 130 and instructions regarding the VPP control from the HEMS server 160 via the router 140 and the Internet 150. Based on the control-related information and the instructions regarding the VPP control acquired from the HEMS server 160, the HEMS controller 110 determines how to control the battery system 130 and outputs the control information to the battery system 130. The battery system 130 that has received the control information from the HEMS controller 110 operates the battery 131 according to the control information. As a result, the battery system 130 will be placed under the control of the VPP or the HEMS according to the situation.

[0047] <Main configuration of the HEMS controller 110> Referring to FIG. 3, the main configuration of the HEMS controller 110 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the HEMS controller 110 includes a communication unit 111, a control unit 112, and a storage unit 113. The communication unit 111 is hardware that transmits and receives information to and from devices external to the HEMS controller 110 by wired or wireless communication. External devices include, for example, the above-mentioned VPP gateway 120, the battery system 130 (specifically, the power monitor 134), the HEMS server 160, and the like.

[0048] The control unit 112 controls the HEMS controller 110 overall. The storage unit 113 is hardware that permanently stores programs and data used by the HEMS controller 110 and can also be expressed as storage. The storage unit 113 is realized, for example, as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk device, a flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the storage unit 113 stores at least the controller state 1131 and the equipment state backup 1132. The controller state 1131 is information indicating the current state of the HEMS controller 110. The equipment state backup 1132 is information indicating the operating mode of the battery system 130 immediately before the battery system 130 was placed under the control of the HEMS.

[0050] The HEMS controller 110 according to the configurations of the first and second embodiments includes a processor and memory as hardware configurations for realizing the control unit 112. The processor executes a series of instructions included in a program stored in the memory or storage unit 113 based on signals given to the HEMS controller 110, or based on predetermined conditions being met. The processor is implemented as, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other device. The memory temporarily stores programs and data. Programs are loaded, for example, from the storage unit 113. Data includes data input to the computer and data generated by the processor. The memory is implemented as, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory.

[0051] For example, the processor accesses the memory unit 113, loads the program stored in the memory unit 113 into memory, and executes a series of instructions contained in that program. This configures the various parts included in the control unit 112. The memory unit 113 may be implemented as a removable storage device, such as a memory card. Alternatively, a configuration may be used that uses programs and data stored in an external storage device instead of the storage built into the HEMS controller 110.

[0052] The control unit 112 includes an acquisition unit 1121, an equipment control unit 1122, a notification unit 1123, a status setting unit 1124, and a time measurement unit 1125.

[0053] The acquisition unit 1121 acquires (receives) information transmitted from external devices to the HEMS controller 110. For example, the acquisition unit 1121 acquires control-related information from the HEMS server 160. Also, for example, the acquisition unit 1121 acquires control information from the VPP gateway 120. The acquisition unit 1121 outputs the acquired information to at least one of the equipment control unit 1122 and the state setting unit 1124. Furthermore, it acquires information transmitted from the battery system 130.

[0054] The device control unit 1122 controls the battery system 130 based on the information acquired from the acquisition unit 1121. For example, the device control unit 1122 transmits control information to the battery system 130 for controlling the battery system 130. As control information, the device control unit 1122 transmits write requests and read requests compliant with ECHONET Lite to the battery system 130. Alternatively, the device control unit 1122 may acquire information from the battery system 130 via the acquisition unit 1121 and control the battery system 130 based on this information. In response to the control of the battery system 130, the device control unit 1122 may instruct the notification unit 1123 to perform at least one of property value notification and response.

[0055] The notification unit 1123, based on instructions from the device control unit 1122 or the status setting unit 1124, notifies the VPP gateway 120 (in the first embodiment) or the HEMS server 160 (in the second embodiment) of property values ​​and provides a response.

[0056] The state setting unit 1124 transitions the controller state 1131, that is, the current state of the HEMS controller 110, to another state based on the information acquired from the acquisition unit 1121, etc. Furthermore, when the state of the HEMS controller 110 is set to one of the VPP control states (a state in which the detailed state (value of the battery exclusive control property) shown in Figures 5 and 6 is one of the states from 0x82 to 0x8B), the state setting unit 1124 performs the following processing: It instructs the time measurement unit 1125 to start measuring the period during which one of the VPP control states continues. It also instructs the notification unit 1123 to notify the property value to the VPP gateway 120 (in the first embodiment) or the HEMS server 160 (in the second embodiment).

[0057] The time measurement unit 1125 measures the elapsed time from the state setting unit 1124 based on the instruction from the state setting unit 1124. Furthermore, when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined threshold (e.g., 24 hours), the time measurement unit 1125 notifies the state setting unit 1124 of this fact.

[0058] The controller state 1131 will be explained in more detail. Figures 5 and 6 show examples of controller class properties managed by the HEMS controller 110. The HEMS controller 110 has a controller class in ECHONET Lite and operates based on this controller class. Figures 5 and 6 show controller classes that are closely related to the first and second embodiments, and those that are less related to the first and second embodiments are omitted.

[0059] In Figures 5 and 6, the "Property Name" column stores the property name for battery exclusive control. Battery exclusive control indicates the state related to battery exclusive control in the configurations of the first and second embodiments, and is a property that the applicant has uniquely extended and defined for ECHONET Lite. Details of battery exclusive control will be described later. Also, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the property number indicating battery exclusive control is "EPC=0xF0".

[0060] In Figures 5 and 6, the "Access Rule" column contains three entries, "Set," "Get," and "Status Change Announcement," similar to Figure 4. In other words, in battery mutual exclusion control, "Set," "Get," and "Status Change Announcement" are possible operations.

[0061] The "Description" column stores the states that the HEMS controller 110 can take during battery mutual exclusion control. As shown in Figure 4, during battery mutual exclusion control, the HEMS controller 110 can take one of the following states: VPP control enabled (initial state), VPP control in progress, or VPP control disabled (weather warning issued).

[0062] The VPP controllable state (initial state) is a state in which the battery system 130 is not under VPP control, but is permitted to be placed under VPP control. The HEMS controller 110 is in the VPP controllable state (initial state) when it starts operating (for example, when the power is turned ON). The VPP controllable state (during weather warning) is a state in which the battery system 130 is not permitted to be placed under VPP control. The VPP controllable state is a state in which the battery system 130 is under VPP control. The VPP controllable state can also be described as a state in which the system is responsive to VPP control, the VPP controllable state as a state in which the system is responsive to VPP control, and the VPP controllable state as a state in which the system is responding to VPP control.

[0063] In the VPP control state, the values ​​0x82 to 0x8B correspond to more detailed states (values ​​of the battery mutual exclusion control property). The detailed states corresponding to the values ​​0x82 to 0x8B are shown in Figures 5 and 6, respectively. Figure 5 shows the states corresponding to the values ​​0x82 to 0x86, and Figure 6 shows the states corresponding to the values ​​0x87 to 0x8B. The value 0x82 shown in Figure 5 corresponds to the VPP control state and the state of charging at maximum charge power. The value 0x83 corresponds to the VPP control state and the state of load-following discharge. The value 0x84 corresponds to the VPP control state and the standby state. The value 0x85 corresponds to the VPP control state and the state of clean mode operation. The value 0x86 corresponds to the VPP control state and the state of charging at specified power (specified power 2kW). The value 0x87 shown in Figure 6 corresponds to the VPP control state and the state of discharging at specified power (specified power 2kW). The value 0x88 corresponds to the state where VPP control is active and charging is occurring at a specified power (specified power 1kW). The value 0x89 corresponds to the state where VPP control is active and discharging is occurring at a specified power (specified power 1kW). The value 0x8A corresponds to the state where VPP control is active and maximum discharge power is occurring. The value 0x8B corresponds to the state where VPP control is active and surplus power is being charged. In this way, the VPP control state is classified based on the charging and discharging of the battery 131 in the battery storage system 130 and the method of charging.

[0064] As noted in *1 in Figure 5, if a write request related to VPP control is received but there is no battery capable of VPP control, the HEMS controller 110 immediately returns a write failure response. If the write request related to VPP control is unsuccessful, a retry process is performed to repeatedly send the write request. If it is unsuccessful after a predetermined number of retries (e.g., once), it is determined that the request was unsuccessful. In that case, the current state is maintained without a state transition. The rightmost part of Figures 5 and 6 also shows whether two controls, weather warning coordination and weather forecast coordination, can be executed in each state. In each state, the HEMS controller can execute weather warning coordination when in the VPP control state. However, it does not execute weather forecast coordination. Also, if the VPP control state has elapsed for a predetermined period (e.g., 24 hours), it transitions to the VPP control-enabled state (initial state). However, if a write request with the same property value as the current state is received before that, the current state is extended.

[0065] Weather warning coordination involves the HEMS controller 110 acquiring weather warning information as control-related information and controlling the battery storage system 130 when weather warnings such as storm surge, high waves, heavy snow, strong winds, floods, heavy rain, and blizzards are issued. The HEMS controller 110 places the battery storage system 130 under HEMS control and charges the battery 131 to full charge. Specifically, the HEMS controller 110 continuously issues charging commands to the battery storage system 130 (power monitor 134) to charge the battery 131. Once fully charged, it maintains that state. This ensures that even in the event of a power outage, various devices such as home appliances can be used with the electricity pre-stored in the battery.

[0066] Weather forecast coordination is a control method in which the HEMS controller 110 acquires weather forecast information as control-related information, places the battery storage system 130 under the control of the HEMS, and operates the battery storage system 131 based on the acquired weather forecast information. Shortly before the start of the nighttime charging period, the HEMS controller 110 switches the automatic operation mode of the battery storage system 130 to either clean mode (no nighttime charging) or clean mode (with nighttime charging) depending on the weather forecast for the following day. However, since VPP control is given a higher priority than weather forecast coordination, VPP control is possible even when weather forecast coordination is in progress.

[0067] VPP control is a control method that places the battery storage system 130 under the control of a VPP, causing the battery storage system 131 to operate based on instructions from the resource aggregator 170. Instructions to the battery storage system 130 in VPP control can be broadly categorized into "charge," "discharge," "standby," and "clean." Some resource aggregators may require more detailed instructions to the battery storage system 130. For example, they may want to specify the charging power (W) and discharging power (W) during charging and discharging. Or, in the case of clean mode, they may want to charge only when there is surplus power, and not discharge. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, there are multiple properties that can affect charging and discharging, so these properties must be set appropriately in order to charge and discharge as intended. It is not impossible for the HEMS server 160 to directly set these multiple properties for the battery storage system 130, but this can be a complicated process. Also, reading multiple properties to understand the state of the battery storage system 131 is a complicated process. There are also issues such as increased communication volume between the HEMS controller 110 and the HEMS server 160 in order to write to or read multiple properties of the battery class.

[0068] Therefore, in the first and second embodiments, the HEMS controller 110 handles detailed communication with the battery system 130, and the resource aggregator 170 is configured to only issue basic VPP control instructions. Specifically, the HEMS controller 110 sets a value: 0x82 to 0x8B (state) for the battery exclusive control property (EPC=0xF0) of the controller class, and requests the battery system 130 when any of these values ​​are written. If the request to the battery system 130 is successful, the HEMS controller 110 transitions the state related to charge and discharge control. If the request to the battery 131 fails, it does not transition the state. When the state related to charge and discharge control is transitioned, the HEMS controller 110 notifies the HEMS server 160. From the perspective of the HEMS server 160, only one property needs to be written or read: the battery exclusive control property of the controller class, thereby reducing the amount of communication between the HEMS controller 110 and the HEMS server 160. The values ​​of the battery mutual exclusion property of the controller class, from 0x82 to 0x8B (state), represent an aggregated representation of the battery control desired by the resource aggregator. While fine-grained battery control may not be achievable, it should be able to implement most of the battery control desired by resource aggregators. Furthermore, based on instructions from the resource aggregator 170, the battery storage system 130 may be kept out of the control of the VPP. In that case, the operation of the battery storage system 131 is set to "automatic". The battery storage system 130 operates the battery storage system 131 automatically according to one of the automatic operation modes provided by the power monitor 134.

[0069] <Controller State Transitions> FIG. 7 is a state transition diagram of the controller state managed by the HEMS controller 110. The controller state 1131 is data stored in the storage unit 113 as information indicating the state of the HEMS controller 110. Also, it is a property value of the controller class. As shown in FIG. 7, the HEMS controller 110 can transition from one of the broadly classified VPP controllable state (initial state), VPP control in progress state, and VPP uncontrollable state (during weather warning issuance) to another state. However, it does not transition from the VPP uncontrollable state (during weather warning issuance) to the VPP control in progress state. The VPP control in progress state is not a single state but takes one of the above-mentioned states corresponding to the values of 0x82 to 0x8B classified mainly based on the charge / discharge of the battery 131 in the battery system 130 and its method. FIG. 7 shows each state that the battery exclusive control property (EPC = 0xF0) can take as an ellipse, and after / it shows the value taken by the battery exclusive control property. Also, the transition from one state to another state is indicated by an arrow. In addition to the transitions between the states shown by the arrows in FIG. 7, each state corresponding to the values of 0x82 to 0x8B in the VPP control in progress state can transition to each other. Since showing them in FIG. 7 would result in too many arrows, they are omitted. Also, when the VPP control in progress state continues for a predetermined period (for example, 24 hours), it transitions to the VPP controllable state which is the initial state, but when a write request with the same parameter value as the current controller state is received, the current state can be maintained beyond the aforementioned predetermined period (for example, 24 hours). That is, the current state can be extended.

[0070] Each arrow connecting the states in the state transition diagram shown in FIG. 7 is labeled with <T number> to identify each state transition. The description following the <T number> shown in FIG. 7 describes the trigger (event) for the state transition. Since the actions during the state transition are not shown in FIG. 7, they will be described in the text. The actions will also be described in FIGS. 8 and later.

[0071] T7 is a transition from the VPP controllable state to the VPP controllable state (weather warning issued) triggered by the issuance of weather information. During this state transition, the HEMS controller 110 stores the original automatic operation mode in the device state backup 1132. Then, it sends a series of write requests to the power monitor 134 to charge until full charge is reached (see D1504 in Figure 15). If the series of write requests is successful, the controller state 1131 is transitioned to the VPP controllable state (weather warning issued).

[0072] T8 is a transition from a VPP controllable state to a VPP controllable state, triggered by the cancellation of weather information. During this state transition, the HEMS controller 110 reads the original automatic operation mode from the equipment state backup 1132. It then sends a write request to the power monitor 134 to return to the original automatic operation mode. (Set EPC=0xDA / 0x46 or Set EPC=0xF0 / original automatic operation mode, see D1608 in Figure 16) Which method is used depends on the specifications of the power monitor 134. If the write request is successful, the controller state 1131 is transitioned to the VPP controllable state.

[0073] T13 is a transition from the VPP controllable state to the VPP controllable state and the state during maximum charge power charging. This transition is triggered by a DR control instruction (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x82) sent from the upper layer. During this state transition, the HEMS controller 110 saves the original automatic operation mode as a backup. Then, it sends a series of write requests to the power monitor 134 to initiate charging (maximum charging power). Specifically, it sends the following series of write requests. Set EPC=0xDA / 0x42 (set the operating mode to charging), Set EPC=0xA6 / 100 (Set AC charging upper limit to 100%) Set EPC=0xC1 / 0x01 (Set charging method to maximum power charging) Set EPC=0xEB / 9990 (Set the charging power setting to the rated maximum) Furthermore, if the AC charge level setting is not 0, the message Set EPC=0xAA / 0 (set the AC charge level setting to 0) is sent. (See D802 in Figure 8) If these write requests are successful, the time measurement unit 1125 is instructed to start measuring the duration of the VPP control state. Then, the controller state 1131 is transitioned to the VPP control state and the state of maximum charge power charging.

[0074] T14 is a transition from the VPP controllable state to the VPP controllable state and load-following discharge state. This transition is triggered by a DR control instruction (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x83) sent from a higher layer. During this state transition, the HEMS controller 110 saves the original automatic operation mode as a backup. Then, it sends a series of write requests to the power monitor 134 to initiate discharge (load-following discharge). Specifically, it sends the following series of write requests. Set EPC=0xDA / 0x43 (set operating mode to discharge), Set EPC = 0xA7 / remaining charge (set the lower limit of discharge to the remaining charge), Set EPC=0xC2 / 0x02 (Set discharge method to load-following discharge) Set EPC = 0xEC / 9990 (Request to set the discharge power setting to the rated maximum) Furthermore, if the AC discharge amount setting value is not 0, it sends Set EPC=0xAB / 0 (set the AC discharge amount setting value to 0) (the series of write requests is the same as D1802 in Figure 18). If these write requests are successful, the time measurement unit 1125 is instructed to start measuring the duration of the VPP control state. Then, the controller state 1131 is transitioned to the VPP control state and load-following discharge state.

[0075] T15 is a transition from the VPP controllable state to the VPP controllable and standby state. This transition is triggered by a DR control instruction (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x84) sent from the upper layer. During this state transition, the HEMS controller 110 saves the original automatic operation mode as a backup. Then, it sends a write request to the power monitor 134 to set the battery 131's operation mode to standby. Specifically, Set EPC=0xDA / 0x44 (Set operating mode to standby) Send. If the write request is successful, the time measurement unit 1125 is instructed to start measuring the duration of the VPP control state. Then, the controller state 1131 is transitioned to the VPP control state and standby state.

[0076] T16 is a transition from a VPP control in progress state (EPC=0xF0 / 0x82~0x8B, excluding 0x85) to a VPP controllable state. The transition is triggered when a VPP control (DR control) termination instruction is sent from the upper layer, i.e., an instruction to transition from the VPP control in progress state to the VPP controllable state (initial state) (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x80). Alternatively, the transition is triggered when the VPP control state continues for a predetermined period of time, or when the battery state becomes abnormal (Set unavailable state). During this state transition, the HEMS controller 110 sends a write request (Set EPC=0xDA / 0x46) to the power monitor 134 to return to the automatic operation mode before transitioning to the VPP control state (see, for example, D1002 in Figure 10). If the write request is successful, the time measurement unit 1125 is instructed to end the measurement of the duration of the VPP control state. Then, the controller state 1131 is transitioned to the VPP controllable state.

[0077] T17 is a transition from a VPP controllable state (EPC = 0xF0 / 0x82~0x8B, excluding 0x85) to a VPP controllable state (weather warning issued). The system transitions to that state when a weather warning is issued. During this state transition, the HEMS controller 110 sends a write request to the power monitor 134 to charge the battery until it is fully charged. If the request is successful, the controller state 1131 transitions to the VPP control disabled state.

[0078] T18 is a transition from the VPP controllable state to the VPP controllable state and clean mode operation state. This transition is triggered by a DR control instruction (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x85) sent from the upper layer. During this state transition, the HEMS controller 110 stores the original automatic operation mode in the device state backup 1132. Then, it sends a write request to the power monitor 134 to change the automatic operation mode to clean mode (no nighttime charging) (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x85). If the write request is successful, the controller state 1131 is changed to the VPP control state and clean mode operation state.

[0079] T19 is a transition from a VPP control state and clean mode operation to a VPP controllable state. This transition is triggered when a DR control termination instruction (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x80) is sent from the upper layer, when the VPP control state continues for a predetermined period of time, or when the battery state becomes abnormal (Set unavailable state). During this state transition, the HEMS controller 110 reads the original automatic operation mode from the equipment state backup 1132. Then, it sends a write request (Set EPC=0xF0 / original automatic operation mode) to the power monitor 134 to return to the original automatic operation mode (see D1102 in Figure 11). If the write request is successful, it instructs the time measurement unit 1125 to end the measurement of the duration of the VPP control state. Then, it transitions the controller state 1131 to the VPP controllable state.

[0080] T20 represents a transition from a VPP control state and clean mode operation to a VPP control disabled state (weather warning issued). This transition is triggered by the issuance of a weather warning. During this state transition, the HEMS controller 110 sends a write request to the power monitor 134 to charge the battery to full capacity. If the write request is successful, the controller state 1131 transitions to the VPP control disabled state (weather warning issued).

[0081] T21 is a transition from a VPP controllable state to a VPP controllable state and a state where specified power charging is in progress (2kW specified). This transition is triggered by a DR control instruction (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x86) sent from a higher layer. During this state transition, the HEMS controller 110 saves the original automatic operation mode as a backup. Then, a series of write requests are sent to the power monitor 134 to initiate charging (charging at the specified power). Specifically, the following series of write requests are sent. Set EPC=0xDA / 0x42 (set the operating mode to charging), Set EPC=0xA6 / 100 (Set AC charging upper limit to 100%) Set EPC=0xC1 / 0x03 (Set charging method to specified power charging) Set EPC = 0xEB / 2000 (Set charging power setting value to 2kW) (However, If there are multiple batteries, a predetermined value is allocated proportionally to each battery and assigned accordingly. For example, if you specify 2kW for two battery storage systems, you would need to set 1kW to each battery storage system. (Specify) Furthermore, if the AC charge level setting is not 0, it sends Set EPC=0xAA / 0 (set the AC charge level setting to 0). If these write requests are successful, the time measurement unit 1125 is instructed to start measuring the duration of the VPP control state. Then, the controller state 1131 is transitioned to the VPP control state and specified power charging state (2kW specified).

[0082] T22 is a transition from a VPP controllable state to a VPP controllable state and a specified power discharge state (2kW specified). This transition is triggered by a DR control instruction (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x87) sent from a higher layer. During this state transition, the HEMS controller 110 saves the original automatic operation mode as a backup. Then, it sends a series of write requests to the power monitor 134 to discharge (discharge the specified power). Specifically, it sends the following series of write requests. Set EPC=0xDA / 0x43 (set operating mode to discharge), Set EPC = 0xA7 / remaining charge (set the lower limit of discharge to the remaining charge), Set EPC=0xC2 / 0x03 (Set the discharge method to specified power discharge) Set EPC = 0xEC / 2000 (set the discharge power setting to 2kW) (however, If there are multiple batteries, a predetermined value is allocated proportionally to each battery and assigned accordingly. For example, if you specify 2kW for two battery storage systems, you would need to set 1kW to each battery storage system. (Specify). Furthermore, if the AC discharge amount setting is not 0, the message Set EPC=0xAB / 0 (set the AC discharge amount setting to 0) is sent. If these series of write requests are successful, the time measurement unit 1125 is instructed to start measuring the duration of the VPP control state. Then, the controller state 1131 is transitioned to the VPP control state and specified power discharge state (specified at 2kW). Note that during specified power discharge, if the battery reverse power flow setting state is set to enable, reverse power flow discharge is possible, but if it is set to disable, discharge will occur within the range of self-consumption. In other words, discharge will occur within the range that does not result in electricity being sold back to the grid.

[0083] T23 is a transition from a VPP controllable state to a VPP controllable state and a state where specified power charging is in progress (1kW specified). This transition is triggered by a DR control instruction (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x88) sent from a higher layer. The only difference between this model and the T21 is that the charging power setting for specified power charging is set to 1kW; otherwise, they are the same.

[0084] T24 is a transition from a VPP controllable state to a VPP controllable state and a specified power discharge state (1kW specified). This transition is triggered by a DR control instruction (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x89) sent from a higher layer. The only difference between T22 and T22 is that the discharge power setting value for specified power discharge is set to 1kW; otherwise, they are the same.

[0085] T25 is a transition from the VPP controllable state to the VPP controllable state and the state during maximum discharge power discharge. This transition is triggered by a DR control instruction (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x8A) sent from the upper layer. During this state transition, the HEMS controller 110 saves the original automatic operation mode as a backup. Then, it sends a series of write requests to the power monitor 134 to discharge (discharge to maximum discharge power). Specifically, it sends the following series of write requests. Set EPC=0xDA / 0x43 (set operating mode to discharge), Set EPC = 0xA7 / remaining charge (set the lower limit of discharge to the remaining charge), Set EPC=0xC2 / 0x01 (Set discharge method to maximum discharge power discharge) Set EPC = 0xEC / 9990 (Set the discharge power setting to the rated maximum) Furthermore, if the AC discharge amount setting is not 0, the message Set EPC=0xAB / 0 (set the AC discharge amount setting to 0) is sent. If these series of write requests are successful, the time measurement unit 1125 is instructed to start measuring the duration of the VPP control state. Then, the controller state 1131 is transitioned to the VPP control state and maximum discharge power discharge state. Note that during maximum discharge power discharge, if the battery reverse power flow setting state is set to enable, reverse power flow discharge is possible, but if it is set to disable, discharge will be within the range of self-consumption. In other words, discharge will be within the range that does not result in electricity being sold back to the grid.

[0086] T26 is a transition from the VPP controllable state to the VPP controllable state and surplus power charging state. This transition is triggered by a DR control instruction (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x8B) sent from the upper layer. During this state transition, the HEMS controller 110 saves the original automatic operation mode as a backup. Then, it sends a series of write requests to the power monitor 134 to initiate charging (surplus power charging). Specifically, it sends the following series of write requests. Set EPC=0xDA / 0x42 (set the operating mode to charging), Set EPC=0xA6 / 100 (Set AC charging upper limit to 100%) Set EPC=0xC1 / 0x02 (set charging method to surplus power charging), Set EPC=0xEB / 9990 (Set charging power to rated maximum) Furthermore, if the AC charge level setting is not 0, it sends Set EPC=0xAA / 0 (set the AC charge level setting to 0). If these series of write requests are successful, the time measurement unit 1125 is instructed to start measuring the duration of the VPP control state. Then, the controller state 1131 is transitioned to the VPP control state and surplus power charging state. Note that surplus power charging is performed within the range of surplus power. In other words, it is charged within the range that does not require purchasing electricity. There may be other ways of instructing surplus power charging, but these will be described later.

[0087] <Communication and processing flow in the battery control system 100> Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the communication between the upper layer (the VPP gateway 120 shown in Figure 1 or the HEMS server 160 shown in Figure 2), the HEMS controller 110, and the power monitor 134 in the battery storage system 130, as well as the time series of these communications. In the first embodiment, the device with which the HEMS controller 110 communicates on the higher-level side is the VPP gateway 120. In the second embodiment, the HEMS controller 110 communicates with the HEMS server 160 on the higher-level side. In the following explanation of the sequence diagrams, the entity that communicates with the HEMS controller 110 on the higher layer (unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them) will simply be referred to as the "higher layer." Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the case when the upper layer requests one of the VPP control states (for example, maximum charging power) from the HEMS controller 110. When the HEMS controller 110 receives this request while in a VPP controllable state, it performs a process to transition to a state that is both VPP control in progress and maximum charging power in progress. Figure 8 shows an example of the processing flow during this state transition. In the first embodiment, the communication protocol between the VPP gateway 120 and the HEMS controller 110 is the ECHONET Lite standard. In the second embodiment, the communication protocol between the HEMS server 160 and the HEMS controller 110 follows the ECHONET Lite standard in part of its message content. Therefore, the communication between them (write requests, write responses, etc.) is described in the same way as the ECHONET Lite standard.

[0088] The upper layer sends a write request (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x82) to the HEMS controller 110 (D801). This is a request to write "VPP control in progress and charging at maximum power" to the battery exclusive control property value of the controller class managed by the HEMS controller 110, and is a request to control the battery system 130 in that manner.

[0089] When the acquisition unit 1121 of the HEMS controller 110 acquires a write request (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x82), it outputs the write request to the equipment control unit 1122. When the equipment control unit 1122 acquires the write request, it saves the original automatic operation mode to the equipment state backup 1132 (step S80, "step" is omitted hereafter). Note that the HEMS controller 110 acquires the automatic operation mode of the battery 131 sequentially, so it is not necessary to acquire the automatic operation mode again at this timing. The original automatic operation mode is needed when ending the VPP control state. In particular, it is needed when returning to the initial state from the VPP control state and clean mode operation. In the VPP control state, transitions can occur between one detailed state and another detailed state (the value of the battery exclusive control property is 0x82 to 0x8B), so it is necessary to save the original automatic operation mode here. The equipment control unit 1122 then performs the above processing for the state transition T13 in Figure 7. (D802) In response to the write request, the battery system 130 operates the battery 131 at maximum charging power (S81).

[0090] The power monitor 134 returns a write response (D803) for each of these write requests. In the example shown in Figure 8, it returns a response indicating that the write request was successful. When the acquisition unit 1121 acquires these write responses, it outputs the acquired write responses to the device control unit 1122. When the device control unit 1122 determines that the write requests were successful, it notifies the state setting unit 1124 that the write requests were successful. The state setting unit 1124 instructs the time measurement unit 1125 to start measuring the duration of the VPP control state (S82). Furthermore, it transitions the state of the HEMS controller 110, indicated by the controller state 1131, to the VPP control state and the state of charging at maximum charging power (S83). The state setting unit 1124 also instructs the notification unit 1123 to send a write response to the upper layer.

[0091] The notification unit 1123 sends a write response (D804) to the upper layer based on instructions from the state setting unit 1124. The notification unit 1123 also sends a state notification (D805) to the upper layer indicating that it has transitioned to the VPP control state and the state of charging at maximum charging power. This state notification is common to both the first and second embodiments and is sent via multicast. Therefore, any ECHONET Lite device connected to the same LAN (including the VPP gateway 120) can receive the notification. However, not all ECHONET Lite devices connected to the same LAN can receive the notification. In the second embodiment, in addition to multicast notification, a state notification (D805) is also sent to the HEMS server 160. Communication to the HEMS server 160 may follow the ECHONET Lite standard. The same applies to the state notification below.

[0092] If the battery storage system 130 includes multiple batteries, the HEMS controller 110 sends a write request to each battery. If the request to one or more batteries is successful, the system transitions to a state where VPP control is enabled and maximum power is being charged. The above is an example of the communication and processing flow in the transition from the VPP controllable state to the VPP controllable state and maximum power charging state. Figure 8 shows an example of the transition to the VPP controllable state and maximum power charging state (the detailed state value is 0x82), but the transitions to other states of the VPP controllable state (the detailed state values ​​are 0x83 to 0x8B) are similar.

[0093] Figure 9 shows an example of the communication and processing flow when, similar to Figure 8, the HEMS controller 110 receives a request for one of the VPP control states (for example, maximum charge power charging) but fails to succeed, while in a VPP controllable state. D901, S90, and D902 are the same as D801, S80, and D802 in Figure 8, respectively.

[0094] The HEMS controller 110 waits for a write response to each of the series of write requests (D902) to the property values ​​of the battery class related to maximum charge power charging. Unlike Figure 8, Figure 9 shows the case where a response (D903) indicating that the writing of the property value was unsuccessful is returned, or where a timeout (D903) occurs without a write response being returned. If the acquisition unit 1121 receives an unsuccessful write response or times out, it performs a retry process (D904) to repeatedly send the write request and waits for a write response (D905) to the resent write request. In this way, if a write failure response is received for any of the write requests or a timeout occurs, the HEMS controller 110 retries the unsuccessful write request until a predetermined number of times is reached. Figure 9 shows an example where the predetermined number of times is 1. However, the predetermined number of times the retry process is performed is not limited to this.

[0095] Upon receiving a write response, the acquisition unit 1121 outputs the acquired write response to the device control unit 1122. If the device control unit 1122 determines that the write was unsuccessful after a predetermined number of retries, it notifies the state setting unit 1124 that the write request was unsuccessful. If the write request is unsuccessful, the state setting unit 1124 maintains the current state of the HEMS controller 110 without changing the state from the current VPP controllable state. The state setting unit 1124 then instructs the notification unit 1123 to send a write response to the upper layer. This response indicates that the request was unsuccessful. Based on the instruction from the state setting unit 1124, the notification unit 1123 sends a write response (D906) indicating the request was unsuccessful to the upper layer.

[0096] The above is an example of the communication and processing flow when the transition from the VPP controllable state to the VPP control in progress state and maximum charge power charging fails. There are various possible situations in which a write request may fail. For example, this could be due to unstable communication, the inability to accept the write request due to autonomous operation or errors, or the battery recalculating its effective capacity.

[0097] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a state transition in the reverse direction of Figure 8. Specifically, the upper layer requests the HEMS controller 110 to transition to the VPP controllable state (initial state). The HEMS controller 110, which receives this request while in the VPP control state (for example, during maximum charge power charging), transitions to the VPP controllable state (initial state). Figure 10 shows an example of the communication and processing flow at that time. Similarly, if the VPP control state continues for a predetermined period, it will also transition to the VPP controllable state, but this will be described separately.

[0098] The upper layer sends a write request (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x80) to the HEMS controller 110 (D1001). When the acquisition unit 1121 of the HEMS controller 110 receives the write request, it outputs the write request to the equipment control unit 1122. When the equipment control unit 1122 receives the write request, it performs the processing related to the state transition T16 shown in Figure 7. That is, it sends a write request (D1002) to the battery class property value to the battery system 130, more specifically to the power monitor 134, to return the battery 131 to its original automatic operation mode. For example, Set EPC=0xDA / 0x46 (a request to set the operation mode to automatic). In response to the write request, the battery system 130 operates the battery 131 in automatic operation mode (S101).

[0099] The power monitor 134 returns a write response (D1003) for each write request. In the example shown in Figure 10, it returns a response indicating that the write request was successful. When the acquisition unit 1121 acquires the write response, it outputs the acquired write response to the device control unit 1122. When the device control unit 1122 determines that the write request was successful, it notifies the state setting unit 1124 that the write request was successful. The state setting unit 1124 instructs the time measurement unit 1125 to stop measuring the duration of the VPP control state (S102). Then, it transitions the state of the HEMS controller 110 to the VPP controllable state (S103). The state setting unit 1124 also instructs the notification unit 1123 to send a write response to the upper layer. Based on the instruction from the state setting unit 1124, the notification unit 1123 sends a write response (D1004) to the upper layer. Furthermore, the notification unit 1123 sends a status notification (D1005) to the upper layer indicating that it has transitioned to a VPP controllable state.

[0100] The above is an example of the communication and processing flow in the transition from the VPP control state (for example, charging at maximum power) to the VPP controllable state (initial state). Figure 10 shows an example of the transition from the VPP control state and charging at maximum power (the detailed state value is 0x82) to the VPP controllable state, but the same applies to the transition from other states of the VPP control state (the detailed state values ​​are 0x83~84, 0x86~0x8B) to the VPP controllable state. However, the transition from the VPP control state and clean mode operation state (the detailed state value is 0x85) to the VPP controllable state is slightly different.

[0101] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the transition from a state where VPP control is in progress and clean mode is operating to a state where VPP control is possible. Figure 11 is almost the same as Figure 10, but the difference lies in the write request to return the battery to automatic operation mode. That is, in Figure 10, a request to set the battery's operation mode to automatic is issued (Set EPC=0xDA / 0x46). The power monitor 134 is left to decide which automatic operation mode to return to. In contrast, in Figure 11, the HEMS controller 110 directly rewrites the automatic operation mode setting value of the power monitor 134. That is, the HEMS controller 110 reads the original automatic operation mode stored in the equipment state backup 1132 (S111). Then, it sends a write request (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x40,0x41,0x46 or 0x47) (a request to return the automatic operation mode setting value to the original mode) to the power monitor 134 according to the original automatic operation mode (S112).

[0102] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a case where an attempt to transition from the VPP control state (for example, charging with maximum charging power) to the VPP controllable state (initial state) fails, similar to Figure 10. Write requests D1201 and D1202 are the same as D1001 and D1002 in Figure 10, respectively.

[0103] The HEMS controller 110 waits for a write response to each write request, Set EPC=0xDA / 0x46 (a request to set the operation mode to automatic, D1202), which is used to return to the original automatic operation mode. Unlike Figure 10, Figure 12 shows the case where a response (D1203) indicating that the property value writing was unsuccessful is returned, or where a timeout occurs without a write response (D1203). If the acquisition unit 1121 receives an unsuccessful write response or times out, it performs a retry process (D1204) to repeatedly send the write request and waits for a write response (D1205) to the resent write request. In this way, if an unsuccessful write response is received or a timeout occurs for any write request, the HEMS controller 110 retries the unsuccessful write request until a predetermined number of times is reached. Figure 12 shows an example where the predetermined number of retries is 1. However, the predetermined number of times the retry process is performed is not limited to this.

[0104] Upon receiving a write response, the acquisition unit 1121 outputs the acquired write response to the device control unit 1122. If the device control unit 1122 determines that the write was unsuccessful after a predetermined number of retries, it notifies the state setting unit 1124 that the write request was unsuccessful. If the write request is unsuccessful, the state setting unit 1124 maintains the current state of the HEMS controller 110 without changing it from the current state of VPP control in progress and maximum charging power. The state setting unit 1124 then instructs the notification unit 1123 to send a write response to the higher layer. This response indicates that the request was unsuccessful.

[0105] The notification unit 1123 transmits a write response (D1206) indicating the request was unsuccessful to the upper layer based on instructions from the state setting unit 1124. The above is an example of the communication and processing flow when the transition from the VPP control state (for example, charging with maximum charging power) to the VPP controllable state (initial state) ends unsuccessfully. Various situations can occur in which a write request ends unsuccessfully. For example, communication may be unstable, the write request may not be accepted due to autonomous operation or errors, or the battery may be in the process of recalculating its effective capacity.

[0106] Figures 13 and 14 are sequence diagrams showing an example of transitioning to the VPP controllable state (initial state) when the VPP control state continues for a predetermined period of time. The time measurement unit 1125 of the HEMS controller 110 notifies the state setting unit 1124 when the VPP control state continues for a predetermined period (e.g., 24 hours). (S131) ​​Upon receiving this notification, the state setting unit 1124 sends a write request (D1302) to the power monitor 134 of the battery system 130 to return the battery 131 to its original automatic operation mode by writing to the property value of the battery class. For example, Set EPC=0xDA / 0x46 (a request to set the operation mode to automatic). In response to the write request, the battery system 130 operates the battery 131 in automatic operation mode (S132).

[0107] In the example shown in Figure 13, the power monitor 134 returns a successful write response (D1303) to the write request. Upon acquiring the write response, the acquisition unit 1121 outputs the acquired write response to the device control unit 1122. When the device control unit 1122 determines that the write request was successful, it notifies the status setting unit 1124 that the write request was successful. The status setting unit 1124 transitions the state of the HEMS controller 110 to the VPP controllable state (S133). Furthermore, the status setting unit 1124 instructs the notification unit 1123 to send a status notification indicating that the state has transitioned to the VPP controllable state. The notification unit 1123 sends a status notification (D1305) to the upper layer indicating that the state has transitioned to the VPP controllable state.

[0108] The above is an example of the communication and processing flow in the transition from the VPP control state and charging at maximum power to the VPP controllable state. Figure 13 is an example of the transition from the VPP control state and charging at maximum power (the value indicating the detailed state is 0x82) to the VPP controllable state, but the same applies to the transition from other states of the VPP control state (the values ​​indicating the detailed state are 0x83~84, 0x86~0x8B) to the VPP controllable state. In the transition from the VPP control state and clean mode operation state (the value indicating the detailed state is 0x85) to the VPP controllable state, the communication of D1302 to return the battery to the original automatic operation mode is different from the write request of D1002. That is, the write request from the HEMS controller 110 to return the battery to the original automatic operation mode is Set EPC=0xF0 / (original automatic operation mode).

[0109] The example shown in Figure 14 illustrates the case where a response (D1403) indicating that the property value writing was unsuccessful is returned, or where a timeout (D1403) occurs without a write response being returned. If the acquisition unit 1121 receives an unsuccessful write response or times out, it performs a retry process (D1404) by repeatedly sending the write request and waits for a write response (D1405) to the resent write request. In this way, if an unsuccessful write response is received or a timeout occurs for any write request, the HEMS controller 110 retries the unsuccessful write request until a predetermined number of times is reached. Figure 14 shows an example where the predetermined number of retries is 1. However, the predetermined number of times the retry process is performed is not limited to this.

[0110] When a write response is received, the acquisition unit 1121 outputs the received write response to the device control unit 1122. If the device control unit 1122 determines that the write was unsuccessful even after a predetermined number of retries, it notifies the state setting unit 1124 that the write request was unsuccessful. Even if the write request is unsuccessful, the state setting unit 1124 transitions the state of the HEMS controller 110 to the VPP controllable state (S142). This is because if the VPP control state continues for a predetermined period of time, there is a high possibility that the state corresponding to the VPP control instruction received from the upper layer cannot be maintained. The notification unit 1123 sends a state notification (D1406) to the upper layer indicating that the state has transitioned to the VPP controllable state (initial state).

[0111] The above is an example of the communication and processing flow in the example shown in Figure 14 for the transition from the VPP control state (for example, charging at maximum charge power) to the VPP controllable state. Figure 14 is an example of the transition from the VPP control state and charging at maximum charge power (the value indicating the detailed state is 0x82) to the VPP controllable state, but the same applies to the transition from other states of the VPP control state (the values ​​indicating the detailed state are 0x83~84, 0x86~0x8B) to the VPP controllable state. The transition from the VPP control state and clean mode operation state (the value indicating the detailed state is 0x85) to the VPP controllable state is the same except for the communication of D1402 which returns the battery to the original automatic operation mode.

[0112] Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a transition from a VPP controllable state (initial state) to a VPP controllable state (weather warning issued) when a weather warning is issued. As shown in Figure 15, the HEMS controller 110 periodically acquires information from the HEMS server 160 indicating the issuance of a weather warning as control-related information. When the HEMS controller 110 determines that the acquired control-related information indicates the issuance of a weather warning, it executes the state transition processing of T7 described above (S153, D1504, S154 shown in Figure 15).

[0113] The power monitor 134 returns a write response (D1505) to each of these write requests. When the HEMS controller 110 determines that these write requests have been successful, it transitions its state from the VPP controllable state (initial state) to the VPP controllable state (weather warning issued) (S155). The HEMS controller 110 also sends a state notification (D1506) to the upper layer indicating that it has transitioned to the VPP controllable state (weather warning issued). This notification allows the upper layer to know that VPP control is unavailable. The above is an example of the transition from the VPP controllable state to the VPP controllable state (weather warning issued).

[0114] The HEMS controller 110 notifies the upper layer of the transition to a VPP control disabled state (weather warning issued) via the status notification (D1506) described above. If the upper layer is aware of the state of the HEMS controller 110 through the status notification, it will not send write requests related to VPP control while the HEMS controller 110 is in a VPP control disabled state (weather warning issued). On the other hand, if the upper layer is not aware of the state of the HEMS controller 110, it may send write requests related to VPP control regardless of the state of the HEMS controller 110. However, if the HEMS controller 110 receives a write request related to VPP control from the upper layer (D1507) while in a VPP control disabled state (weather warning issued), it immediately returns a write-disable response (D1508). There is no state transition. The above is an example shown in Figure 15. Basically, if the upper layer is aware that the HEMS controller 110 is in a VPP control disabled state (weather warning issued), it will not send write requests related to VPP control. While the HEMS controller 110 is in a VPP control-disabled state (during a weather warning), it immediately returns a write-fail response even if a write request related to VPP control is received.

[0115] Figure 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the transition from a VPP controllable state (during a weather warning) to a VPP controllable state (initial state) when the weather warning is lifted. As shown in Figure 7, there is no direct transition from the VPP controllable state (during a weather warning) to the VPP controllable state. When the weather warning is lifted, the system transitions from the VPP controllable state (during a weather warning) to the VPP controllable state (initial state).

[0116] When the HEMS controller 110 determines that the control-related information (D1607) obtained from the HEMS server 160 indicates the cancellation of the weather warning (S166), it reads the original automatic operation mode from the backup (S167) and performs the following processing. After reading the original automatic operation mode from the backup (S167), it sends a write request to the power monitor 134 of the battery system 130 to return the battery 131 to the original automatic operation mode by writing to the property value of the battery class (Set EPC=0xDA / 0x46, or Set EPC=0xF0 / original automatic operation mode) (D1608). In response to the write request, the battery system 130 operates the battery 131 in the original automatic operation mode (S168).

[0117] Furthermore, the power monitor 134 returns a successful write response (D1609) to the HEMS controller 110 in response to the write request. Upon receiving this write response, the HEMS controller 110 determines that the write request was successful and transitions its state to the VPP controllable state (S169). The HEMS controller 110 also sends a state notification (D1610) to the upper layer indicating that it has transitioned to the VPP controllable state (initial state). This notification allows the upper layer to know that VPP controllability is available again. The above is an example of the communication and processing flow when a weather warning is lifted and the system transitions from the VPP controllable state (weather warning in effect) to the VPP controllable state (initial state).

[0118] Figure 17 is a sequence diagram showing an example where a write request for the same controller state 1131 is received while the VPP control state is active (for example, charging at maximum power). The HEMS controller 110 receives a write request from the upper layer for a value that indicates the same VPP control state as the current state (for example, charging at maximum power) (D1701). Then, the HEMS controller 110 sends a series of write requests (D1702) to the property value, similar to D902 in Figure 9. In doing so, it informs the battery system 130 that HEMS control is continuing. In response to the write request, the battery system 130 continues charging the battery 131 at maximum power (S172).

[0119] The power monitor 134 returns a write response (D1703) for each of these write requests. Upon receiving these write responses and determining that the write request was successful, the HEMS controller 110 extends the measurement of the duration of the VPP control state (S173). At this time, the state does not change. It also returns a successful write response to the upper layer (D1704). The above is an example of the communication and processing flow for extending the state while in the VPP control state. Figure 17 illustrates, as an example, a write request from the VPP control state and during maximum charge power charging to the same state, but the same applies to other VPP control states.

[0120] Figure 18 is a sequence diagram showing an example where, while in a VPP control state (for example, charging at maximum charge power), a write request for controller state 1131 is received, but the value of the battery exclusive control property indicating the detailed state is different. The HEMS controller 110 receives a write request from the upper layer for a value indicating a VPP control state different from the current state (for example, load-following discharge) (D1801). As a result, it transitions from the VPP control state and charging at maximum charge power to the VPP control state and load-following discharge state. D1802, S181, and D1803 shown in Figure 18 are the same exchanges as D802, S81, and D803 shown in Figure 8, respectively, except that the detailed state of the transition destination is 0x83.

[0121] If the HEMS controller 110 determines that the write request has been successful, it instructs the time measurement unit 1125 to start measuring the duration of the VPP control state (S182). Then, it transitions to a state where the VPP control state is active and load-following discharge is in progress (S183). The subsequent D1804 and D1805 are the same as D804 and D805 shown in Figure 8. The above is an example of the communication and processing flow for extending the state where the VPP control state is active and maximum charge power is being charged. In Figure 18, as an example, the transition from the state where the VPP control state is active and maximum charge power is being charged to the state where the VPP control state is active and load-following discharge is in progress is explained, but the transition from one VPP control state to another is similar.

[0122] Figure 19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a case where the battery system 130 becomes uncontrollable while VPP control is in progress (for example, during maximum charging). The HEMS controller 110 normally acquires the status of the battery 131 of the battery system 130. The HEMS controller 110 sends a request to the power monitor 134 to read property values ​​that indicate various states of the battery 131 (D1901). For example, this could be whether an abnormality has occurred, the manufacturer's abnormality code indicating the type of abnormality, the grid connection status, the operating mode setting (indicating a state such as effective capacity recalculation in progress), the ECHONET Lite setting (whether Set is permitted), etc. (D1901). In response to these read requests, the battery system 130 sends a read response of the requested property values ​​to the HEMS controller 110 (D1902). In this way, the HEMS controller 110 recognizes various states of the battery system 130.

[0123] Furthermore, for properties that have status change announcements, an INF notification is sent from the power monitor 134 when the value changes. The HEMS controller 110 can also recognize various states of the battery storage system 130 by receiving INF notifications from the power monitor 134 (D1903).

[0124] If the HEMS controller 110 determines that the battery 131 is in an uncontrollable state (property value cannot be set), and the state of the HEMS controller 110 is not the VPP controllable state (initial state), it transitions to the VPP controllable state (initial state) (S191). Examples of states in which the battery 131 is uncontrollable include: for example, when the grid connection state becomes independent; when the abnormality state becomes abnormal (error that does not automatically recover); when the operating mode setting becomes effective capacity recalculation (mode not shown in Figure 4); when the ECHONET Lite setting (property not shown in Figure 4) becomes set to Set prohibited; and when the state in which communication with the battery system is not possible continues for 30 minutes or more. In these cases, the HEMS controller 110 transitions to the VPP controllable state (initial state) (S191). It also sends a status notification (D1904) to the upper layer indicating that it has transitioned to the VPP controllable state (initial state). This notification indicates to the higher layer that VPP control has been interrupted. The above is an example of what happens when the battery system 130 becomes uncontrollable while VPP control is in progress. In Figure 19, as an example, the situation is one where VPP control is in progress and maximum charging power is being applied, but other VPP control states are similar.

[0125] Figure 20 is a sequence diagram showing an example of when the HEMS controller 110 restarts while VPP control is in progress (for example, while charging at maximum power). The HEMS controller 110 does not restart autonomously, but it may restart, for example, during a firmware update or via remote control. Before restarting, the HEMS controller 110 stores the value of the battery exclusive control property (0x82 when VPP control is in progress and charging at maximum power) in the non-volatile memory of the memory unit 113 (S202). Then it restarts itself (S203).

[0126] After restarting, the HEMS controller 110 sets its state to VPP control enabled state (initial state) (S204). The HEMS controller 110 reads the battery exclusive control state stored in the non-volatile memory before the restart. The HEMS controller 110 also sends a read request to the power monitor 134 to obtain the current state of the battery 131 (D2003). In response to the read request, the power monitor 134 returns the state of the battery 131 (S205). Upon receiving the read response from the power monitor 134 (D2004), the HEMS controller 110 checks whether the read state of the battery 131 is consistent with the value of the battery exclusive control property stored in the non-volatile memory of the storage unit 113 before the restart. For example, if the value of the battery exclusive control property before the restart is 0x82, it checks that the operating mode setting of the battery 131 is charging and that the charging method is maximum charging power charging. If there is no inconsistency, it restores the state before the restart (S206). On the other hand, if there is an inconsistency, the initial state (VPP controllable state) is maintained without restoring the state before the restart. If the state is restored, the HEMS controller 110 sends a state notification (D2005) to the upper layer indicating that it has transitioned to the VPP control state (for example, charging at maximum charging power). Also, upon restoration, the HEMS controller 110 transitions to the state before the restart, "VPP control state and charging at maximum charging power". The above is an example of when the HEMS controller 110 restarts itself while in the VPP control state. In Figure 20, the state is shown as VPP control state and charging at maximum charging power as an example, but other VPP control states are similar.

[0127] Figure 21 is a sequence diagram showing an example where a write request for the same controller state 1131 is received while the VPP controllable state (initial state) is active. When the HEMS controller 110 receives a write request from the upper layer for a value indicating the VPP controllable state (initial state) to the property value of the battery exclusive control (D2101, Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x80 shown in Figure 21), it performs the following processing: Even if the received write request is the same as the current controller state 1131, it sends a write request (D2102) to the power monitor 134 for the property value of the battery class. This is Set EPC=0xDA / 0x46 (a request to set the operating mode to automatic). This is because, even if there is an inconsistency between the state of the HEMS controller 110 and the state of the battery 131, the battery 131 can be returned to automatic operation mode by sending another write request to the battery system 130. In response to the write request, the battery system 130 operates the battery 131 in automatic operation mode (S211). If the battery 131 was originally in automatic operation mode, it continues to operate in automatic operation mode.

[0128] The power monitor 134 returns a write response (D2103) for each of these write requests (D2102). However, since the current state is already the VPP controllable state (initial state), no state transition occurs. The HEMS controller 110 returns a write response (D2104) to the upper layer indicating that the write request was successful. The above is an example of what happens when a write request of the same state is received while the system is in the VPP controllable state (initial state).

[0129] In the first and second embodiments, the upper layer should instruct the HEMS controller 110 to transition to the initial state at the end of VPP control, regardless of whether the previous VPP control instructions were successful or unsuccessful. This is because there is a slight possibility that the state related to the battery mutual exclusion control managed by the HEMS controller 110 and the operation state related to charging and discharging of the battery 131 may be inconsistent. For example, the HEMS controller 110 may determine that it has failed to control the battery 131, but in reality, it may have succeeded in controlling the battery 131. Such inconsistencies can occur when the communication environment is unstable. Because such a situation is possible, the upper layer should instruct the HEMS controller 110 to transition to the initial state at the end of VPP control. The HEMS controller 110, in response to this instruction, will instruct the battery 131 to return to automatic operation mode regardless of the state of battery mutual exclusion control, thus increasing the likelihood that the aforementioned state inconsistencies will be resolved.

[0130] Figure 22 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a transition from the VPP controllable state (initial state) to the VPP controllable state and surplus power charging state, showing how the HEMS controller 110 communicates with the battery system 130 without using the charging method properties. Depending on the battery system 130, it may not support the battery class EPC=0xC1 (charging method). Also, even if it supports the charging method, it may not support surplus power charging. This example demonstrates that surplus power charging can be handled even in these cases. The HEMS controller 110 periodically calculates the surplus power in processes not shown in the diagram. The basic idea is to operate in clean mode (no charging at night) if there is a certain amount of surplus power, and to put the battery into standby mode to prevent discharge if there is no surplus power.

[0131] Surplus power can be calculated as follows: Total power generation = Solar power generation + External power generation Power consumption = Total generated power + (Power discharged from battery - Power charged to battery) +(Electricity purchased - Electricity sold) Surplus power = Total power generated - Power consumed The HEMS controller 110 periodically calculates this surplus power and stores the historical data for the past 20 to 30 minutes in its internal RAM.

[0132] The sequence diagrams in Figure 22 all show normal (successful) cases, but abnormal (unsuccessful) cases can be handled in the same way as explained in Figure 9, etc. When the HEMS controller 110 receives a write request from the upper layer for a value indicating that VPP control is in progress and surplus power is being charged (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x8B) (D2201), it sends a write request to the battery storage system 130 to set the operating mode of the battery storage 131 to "standby" (Set EPC=0xDA / 0x44) (D2202). Once the battery system 130 starts standby operation (S2201) and returns a write response (D2203), the HEMS controller 110 transitions the state property to the VPP control in progress state and surplus power charging state (property value: 0x8B) (S2202). Subsequently, it sends a successful write response (D2204) and a notification of the state transition (D2205) to the upper layer. From this point onward, it enters the standby operation processing stage.

[0133] If the battery storage system 130 is in standby mode and detects that the surplus power remains above a predetermined value (for example, 100[W]) for a predetermined period of time, and that there are no batteries currently discharging, the HEMS controller 110 performs the following process: It sends a write request (Set EPC=0xF0 / 0x47) to the battery storage system 130 to set the battery storage system 131 to clean mode, automatic operation mode with no nighttime charging (D2206). In other words, if it determines that there is surplus power, it requests that the surplus power be stored in the battery storage system 131. Once the battery storage system 130 starts operating in clean mode, automatic operation mode with no nighttime charging (S2203) and returns a write response (D2207), the process then proceeds to the clean mode operation stage. If the write request fails, the process returns to the standby operation stage after waiting for a certain period of time.

[0134] If the battery system 130 is operating in clean mode and detects that the surplus power remains below 0[W] for a predetermined period of time, or that there is a battery in the process of discharging, the HEMS controller 110 performs the following process: It sends a write request (Set EPC=0xDA / 0x44) to the battery system 130 instructing it to set the operating mode of battery 131 to "standby" (D2208). In other words, if it determines that there is no surplus power, it requests that battery 131 remain in standby mode without discharging. Once the battery system 130 starts standby operation (S2204) and returns a write response (D2209), it enters standby operation processing mode. If the write request fails, it waits for a certain period of time before returning to clean mode operation processing mode. These processes are repeated until a transition to another state occurs. This enables control equivalent to surplus power charging. Note that some processes are omitted in Figure 22.

[0135] As stated above, (i) The battery control system according to this invention comprises a battery system including a battery and performing charge and discharge control relating to the charging and discharging of the battery, and a HEMS management unit including a VPP communication unit and receiving instructions for VPP control, wherein the HEMS management unit communicates with the battery system regarding the charge and discharge control based on requests related to the charge and discharge, including the instructions for VPP control, manages the transition of the state using a state property that is a state that the battery system can take and takes a different value corresponding to the state relating to the charge and discharge control, acquires the state relating to the charge and discharge taken by the battery system by the charge and discharge control, and transitions the state property according to the acquired state.

[0136] In this invention, VPP control is a control technology used to integrate and control energy resources by bundling small-scale private power generation and energy storage facilities of contracted consumers, etc., with a business operator called a resource aggregator, and making them function as a virtual power plant. Demand response (DR), in which consumers adjust their electricity usage or supply electricity to the grid according to regional electricity demand patterns, is closely related to the concept of a virtual power plant. VPP control includes DR control.

[0137] Furthermore, the HEMS management unit may manage the entire home energy management system, but in this invention, it manages the charging and discharging control of the battery storage system. A home energy management system is a system that allows consumers to control the energy they use, such as electricity. Specific examples of HEMS include systems that control private power generation equipment such as solar power generation equipment and energy storage equipment such as batteries. The HEMS management unit receives requests related to the charging and discharging of the battery storage system, causes the battery storage system to perform charging and discharging, and manages the state of the battery storage system using state properties. VPP control instructions are one of the requests related to the charging and discharging of the battery storage system. Examples of other requests related to the charging and discharging of the battery storage system include the weather warning linkage and weather forecast linkage already mentioned. In the above embodiment, the HEMS controller corresponds to the HEMS management unit.

[0138] State properties may, for example, be extensions of properties in the ECHONET Lite standard. Since many battery control systems are compatible with the ECHONET Lite standard, they have good compatibility with the ECHONET Lite standard. The ECHONET Lite standard is a standard for communication protocols between devices that make up a HEMS (Home Energy Management System). According to the ECHONET Lite standard, devices that make up a HEMS have properties that indicate their respective attributes. Each device performs an action according to the value of the property (property value). When controlling the operation of a device from the outside, a property value write request (Set) is sent to the device to be controlled. The device to be controlled that receives the property value write request returns a response to the property value write request. Also, if an external device wants to obtain the status of the device to be controlled, it sends a property value read request (Get) to the device to be controlled. The device to be controlled that receives the property value read request returns a response to the property value read request.

[0139] Furthermore, preferred embodiments of this invention will be described. (ii) The state property may indicate whether the battery system is in a state where it can respond to the VPP control, cannot respond, or is responding, and which state it can be in as a result of the communication relating to the charge and discharge control. According to this embodiment, in a VPP, the resource aggregator can determine, simply by looking at the state properties, whether the battery control system is responsive to VPP control, unresponsive, or in the process of responding, and which state it can be in due to charge / discharge control.

[0140] (iii) The VPP communication unit receives an instruction for VPP control using the state property, the HEMS management unit transmits an instruction for charge / discharge control to the battery system based on the VPP control instruction, and the VPP communication unit may respond that the battery system has transitioned to the state of the state property. According to this embodiment, the resource aggregator providing VPP control instructions only needs to communicate with the HEMS management unit using state properties when issuing the VPP control instructions, and does not need to communicate with the battery system, thus simplifying the higher-layer communication procedures related to VPP control.

[0141] (iv) The HEMS further comprises a HEMS communication unit that receives control-related information related to the control of the home energy management system from an external source, wherein the state property includes a VPP control disabled state in which the battery is controlled based on the control-related information, as one of the states corresponding to the VPP control of the battery system, and the HEMS management unit prioritizes the control-related information received by the HEMS communication unit over the VPP control instructions received by the VPP communication unit, and based on the control-related information transmits instructions related to charge and discharge control to the battery system, obtains the state taken by the battery system in response to the instructions, transitions the state property according to the obtained state, obtains the state taken by the battery system, and transitions the state property to the VPP control disabled state according to the obtained state. In this embodiment, the state in which the battery is charged and discharged based on VPP control instructions and the state in which the battery is charged and discharged based on control-related information are distinguished as different states by state properties, so the HEMS management unit can exclusively execute battery control based on VPP control instructions and battery control based on control-related information.

[0142] (v) The state property may take on multiple values ​​corresponding to the charge / discharge control, with each value representing a different charging method and discharge method of the battery. According to this embodiment, the HEMS management unit can exclusively control the battery according to the battery's charging and discharging method based on the state properties. The resource aggregator does not need to manage various battery properties related to the battery's charging and discharging method one by one; it can communicate with the HEMS management unit using the state properties to issue instructions for VPP control, including the battery's charging and discharging method.

[0143] (vi) The VPP communication unit is comprised of a first device, and the main body of the HEMS management unit, which performs communication related to the charge and discharge control with the battery system and manages the state of the battery system related to the charge and discharge control, is comprised of a second device, and the second device communicates with the first device to obtain instructions for the VPP control, and the instructions may include the state properties. In this embodiment, the first device receives VPP control instructions, the second device receives control-related information, and the second device can manage the battery status using state properties.

[0144] (vii) The VPP communication unit may be comprised of a third device, and the main body of the HEMS management unit, which performs communication related to the charge and discharge control with the battery system and manages the state of the battery system related to the charge and discharge control, may be comprised of a fourth device, and the fourth device may communicate with the third device to obtain instructions for the VPP control and set the state properties based on the obtained instructions. In this embodiment, a third device receives VPP control instructions and control-related information, and a fourth device can manage the battery status using state properties.

[0145] (viii) One aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit that communicates with an external device regarding VPP control, an acquisition unit that acquires VPP control instructions included in such communications, a device control unit that controls the charging and discharging of a battery by communicating with the battery system, including the battery, regarding charge and discharge control based on requests related to the charging and discharging of the battery, including the acquired instructions, and a state setting unit that manages the transition of the state using state properties that represent states that the battery system can take and that take different values ​​in correspondence with the state related to the charge and discharge control, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the charge and discharge state taken by the battery system by the charge and discharge control from the battery system, and the state setting unit transitions the state properties according to the acquired state.

[0146] (ix) One aspect of the present invention includes a battery control method comprising the steps of: communicating with an external device relating to VPP control; acquiring instructions for VPP control included in such communication; communicating with a battery system including a battery based on requests related to charging and discharging of the battery, including the acquired instructions for VPP control; and managing state transitions using state properties that represent states the battery system can take and which take different values ​​corresponding to the states relating to the charge and discharge control, wherein the step of communicating with an external device includes a process of acquiring from the battery system the states relating to the charge and discharge that the battery system takes due to the charge and discharge control, and the step of managing state transitions includes a process of changing the state properties according to the acquired states. Embodiments of this invention also include combinations of any of the embodiments described above.

[0147] Further details regarding this disclosure include the following characteristics: 1. Regarding the charging and discharging of storage batteries, VPP control (demand response control) performed in response to requests from resource aggregators and HEMS control performed proactively by HEMS (for example, control of weather warning coordination in response to weather warnings, and control of weather forecast coordination during normal times) can be prioritized and controlled without conflict. 2. Regarding demand response control, the resource aggregator or the device that transmits VPP control instructions can perform battery charging and discharging control simply by sending instructions to the HEMS management device, and direct control of the battery (battery system) is not required. 3. When the state of the battery (battery system) changes, the state properties managed by the HEMS management unit change accordingly. Therefore, resource aggregators and external devices can obtain the state of the battery (battery system) simply by monitoring the state properties, and there is no need to perform any direct state acquisition processing on the battery (battery system).

[0148] The HEMS controller 110 described in the above embodiment generally controls not only the battery storage system 130 but also the power of electrical equipment in the house, and in some cases, the power of equipment such as hot water storage systems and EVs (Electric Vehicles). However, this specification focuses on the control of the battery storage system 130, and the power control of other equipment is omitted. Because it is specialized in the charge and discharge control of the battery storage system 130, the control unit 112 can also be called the battery storage system control unit, deriving its function from this. Furthermore, since VPP control is closely related to demand response (DR) control, the VPP communication unit can also be called the demand response communication unit. Similarly, VPP control instructions can also be called demand response instructions.

[0149] This disclosure further includes the following preferred embodiments: (x) A battery system control unit that controls the battery system, A demand response communication unit that receives demand response instructions, The system includes state properties corresponding to the state of the aforementioned battery system, The aforementioned battery system control unit is Controlling the aforementioned battery storage system, The state properties are transitioned in response to changes in the state of the battery system after control. Includes HEMS management device.

[0150] (xi) The battery system control unit is: Based on the control-related information received by the HEMS communication unit, the battery system may be controlled with priority over demand response instructions depending on its content, and the state properties may be transitioned in response to changes in the state of the battery system after control.

[0151] (xii) The battery system control unit may sequentially monitor the state of the battery system and transition the state properties in response to changes in the state of the battery system due to factors other than its own control.

[0152] (xiii) The demand response communication unit may have a function to notify the external party of the value of the state property after the transition when the state property has transitioned.

[0153] (xiv) The battery system control unit may start counting a timer immediately after the state property transitions based on the demand response instruction, and if a predetermined time has elapsed without any new demand response instruction, it may perform control to return the battery system to the automatic operation mode before the transition, thereby transitioning the state property to the initial state.

[0154] (xv) The state property may take different values ​​depending on the content of the demand response instructions.

[0155] (xvi) The demand response instruction includes at least a charge instruction, a discharge instruction, and a standby instruction for the battery system, In the case of a charging instruction, it also includes specifying the charging method, such as maximum power charging, specified power charging, or surplus power charging. In the case of discharge instructions, the discharge method may also be specified, such as load-charging discharge, specified power discharge, or maximum power discharge.

[0156] Embodiments of this invention also include combinations of any of the embodiments described above. In addition to the embodiments described above, various modifications of this invention are possible. These modifications should not be considered outside the scope of this invention. This invention should encompass the meaning of the claims and equivalents, as well as all of the aforementioned modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 100: Battery control system, 110: HEMS controller, 111: Communication unit, 112: Control unit, 113: Memory unit, 120: VPP gateway, 130: Battery system, 131: Battery, 132: Solar module, 133: Power conditioner, 134: Power monitor, 140: Router, 150: Internet, 160: HEMS server, 160M: HEMS manufacturer, 170: Resource aggregator, 170S: Aggregator server 1121: Acquisition unit, 1122: Device control unit, 1123: Notification unit, 1124: Status setting unit, 1125: Time measurement unit, 1131: Controller status, 1132: Device status backup

Claims

1. A battery system that includes a storage battery and performs charge and discharge control related to the charging and discharging of the storage battery, It includes a VPP communication unit and a HEMS management unit that receives VPP control instructions, The aforementioned HEMS management unit, Based on the requests related to charging and discharging, including the VPP control instructions, the battery system communicates with the charge / discharge control system. The state transitions of the battery system are managed using state properties that take different values ​​in correspondence with the charge / discharge control states, A battery control system that acquires the state related to charging and discharging taken by the battery system by the charge and discharge control, and transitions the state properties according to the acquired state.

2. The battery control system according to claim 1, wherein the state property indicates whether the battery system is in a state where it can respond to the VPP control, cannot respond, or is responding, and which state it can take as a result of the communication relating to the charge / discharge control.

3. The VPP communication unit receives an instruction for VPP control using the state property, The HEMS management unit transmits instructions related to charge and discharge control to the battery system based on the VPP control instructions. The battery control system according to claim 1, wherein the VPP communication unit responds that the battery system has transitioned to the state of the state property.

4. It further includes a HEMS communication unit that receives control-related information related to the control of the home energy management system from an external source. The aforementioned state property includes, as one of the states corresponding to the VPP control of the battery storage system, a VPP control disabled state in which the battery storage system is controlled based on the control-related information, The battery control system according to claim 1, wherein the HEMS management unit prioritizes the control-related information received by the HEMS communication unit over the VPP control instructions received by the VPP communication unit, transmits an instruction related to charge / discharge control to the battery system based on the control-related information, obtains the state taken by the battery system in response to the instruction, and transitions the state property to the VPP control disabled state according to the obtained state.

5. The battery control system according to claim 4, wherein the state property takes on a plurality of values ​​corresponding to the charge / discharge control, each having a different charging method and discharge method for the battery.

6. The VPP communication unit is composed of the first device, The main body of the HEMS management unit, which performs the aforementioned charge / discharge control communication with the battery system and manages the state of the battery system related to the charge / discharge control, is composed of a second device. The battery control system according to claim 1, wherein the second device communicates with the first device to obtain instructions for the VPP control, and the instructions include the state properties.

7. The aforementioned VPP communication unit is composed of a third device, The main body of the HEMS management unit, which performs the aforementioned charge / discharge control communication with the battery system and manages the state of the battery system related to the charge / discharge control, is composed of a fourth device. The battery control system according to claim 1, wherein the fourth device communicates with the third device to obtain instructions for VPP control and sets the state properties based on the obtained instructions.

8. A communication unit that handles VPP control-related communications with external equipment, An acquisition unit that acquires VPP control instructions included in those communications, A device control unit controls the charging and discharging of a battery by communicating with a battery system, including the battery, regarding charge and discharge control, based on requests related to the charging and discharging of the battery, including acquired instructions. The battery system comprises a state setting unit that manages the transitions between states using state properties that take different values ​​in correspondence with the charge / discharge control states, which represent states that the battery system can take. The acquisition unit acquires from the battery system the state related to charging and discharging that the battery system takes as a result of the charge and discharge control. The state setting unit is a HEMS management device that transitions the state properties according to the acquired state.

9. The processor, The steps include: communicating with external equipment regarding VPP control, The steps include obtaining VPP control instructions included in those communications, The steps include: communicating with a battery system, including the battery, regarding charge / discharge control based on requests related to the charging and discharging of the battery, including the VPP control instructions obtained; The battery system can take the steps of managing the transition of states using state properties that take different values ​​in correspondence with the charge / discharge control states, The step of performing the communication related to the charge and discharge control includes a process of obtaining from the battery system the state related to the charge and discharge that the battery system takes as a result of the charge and discharge control, The step of managing the state transitions includes a battery control method that involves a process to transition the state properties according to the acquired state.

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