Supply planning management system

Abstract

By supplying hydrogen gas in conjunction with other hydrogen gas supply systems besides hydrogen production equipment, we can meet a certain volume of hydrogen demand and supply hydrogen gas under better supply conditions. [Solution] The supply plan management device 10 manages the gas supply plan when supplying hydrogen gas by a hydrogen gas supply device that includes a water electrolysis hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen gas using electricity from renewable energy, commercial power, or storage batteries, and a gas supply source configured to obtain hydrogen gas by a method other than water electrolysis. The management device 10 includes a selection unit 10b that receives information on which of a plurality of operating modes, including a CO2 reduction mode and a cost reduction mode, to execute, and a planning unit 10d that creates a supply plan according to the hydrogen gas demand according to the operating mode received by the selection unit 10b.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a supply plan management device for managing a gas supply plan when supplying hydrogen gas. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with environmental considerations in mind, hydrogen is being considered for use in power generation and as fuel for automobiles, leading to increased demand for hydrogen. Furthermore, with growing awareness of carbon neutrality, efforts are underway to use hydrogen itself as fuel instead of fossil fuels. In hydrogen production, methods using water electrolysis equipment, which do not produce carbon dioxide, are attracting attention, and hydrogen production systems that use electricity derived from renewable energy sources for water electrolysis equipment are also being proposed.

[0003] When electricity is supplied from renewable energy sources, the amount of electricity supplied tends to fluctuate. For this reason, for example, in the water electrolysis system disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, multiple water electrolysis devices are installed, and the water electrolysis device to be operated is selected according to the hydrogen demand. On the other hand, Patent Document 2 below proposes a method of operating the system in a way that reduces the cost of hydrogen production, taking into consideration electricity costs such as electricity rates. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-157427 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-170097 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a method for generating hydrogen by increasing the number of water electrolyzers selected, even when the power supply exceeds the power required to operate one water electrolyzer at its rated load. However, Patent Document 1 does not consider the cost of hydrogen production. On the other hand, Patent Document 2 considers the cost of hydrogen production, while assuming that electricity from renewable energy sources fluctuates. However, simply producing hydrogen using a water electrolysis hydrogen production system has limitations in meeting a stable volume of hydrogen demand. For this reason, it may be possible to meet a certain volume of hydrogen demand by combining the hydrogen production system with other hydrogen gas supply systems. However, simply combining other hydrogen gas supply systems does not meet the demands of hydrogen gas suppliers who want to supply hydrogen gas under better supply conditions.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the prior art, and its purpose is to enable the formulation of a hydrogen gas supply plan that can meet a certain volume of hydrogen demand by supplying hydrogen gas in conjunction with other hydrogen gas supply systems other than hydrogen production equipment, and that can meet the demands of hydrogen gas suppliers who want to supply hydrogen gas under better supply conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the supply plan management device according to the present invention manages a gas supply plan when supplying hydrogen gas by a hydrogen gas supply device which includes a water electrolysis type hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen gas using electricity obtained from renewable energy, commercial power, and electricity stored in a battery, and a gas supply source configured to obtain hydrogen gas by a method other than water electrolysis, and comprises a selection unit that receives information on which of a plurality of operating modes to execute, including a CO2 suppression mode which is an operating mode in which CO2 emissions are reduced and a cost suppression mode which is an operating mode in which the cost of obtaining hydrogen gas is reduced, and a planning unit that creates a supply plan according to the hydrogen gas demand amount according to the operating mode received by the selection unit.

[0008] The supply planning management device according to the present invention allows selection between a CO2 reduction mode and a cost reduction mode. The supply plan created by the planning unit, based on the hydrogen gas demand, will change depending on which operating mode is selected. Therefore, it is possible to obtain not only a hydrogen gas supply plan that takes electricity costs into consideration, but also a hydrogen gas supply plan that takes CO2 emissions into consideration. Consequently, it becomes possible to formulate a hydrogen gas supply plan that can meet the requirements of hydrogen gas suppliers.

[0009] The supply planning management device may further include a receiving unit that receives data indicating hydrogen gas demand, data indicating CO2 emissions per unit volume of hydrogen gas, and data indicating the manufacturing price of hydrogen gas per unit volume. In this case, if the information received by the selection unit indicates the CO2 reduction mode, the planning unit may create a supply plan for each predetermined time period according to the hydrogen gas demand so that the CO2 emissions obtained from the data received by the receiving unit are reduced, and if the information received by the selection unit indicates the cost reduction mode, the planning unit may create a supply plan for each predetermined time period according to the hydrogen gas demand so that the manufacturing price of hydrogen gas obtained from the data received by the receiving unit is reduced.

[0010] In this embodiment, when the CO2 reduction mode is selected, a hydrogen gas supply plan is created for each predetermined time period so that the CO2 emissions obtained from data showing the CO2 emissions of hydrogen gas per unit volume are reduced. Also, when the cost reduction mode is selected, a hydrogen gas supply plan is created for each predetermined time period so that the production price of hydrogen gas obtained from data showing the production price of hydrogen gas per unit volume is reduced.

[0011] The hydrogen gas supply device further includes a hydrogen gas storage unit for storing hydrogen gas, and the receiving unit may be configured to further receive data indicating the predicted amount of power generation from renewable energy. In this case, when the planning unit has created a supply plan for producing hydrogen gas using the hydrogen production device with electricity obtained from renewable energy, the supply plan may be created such that, during the time period in which the amount of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device based on the predicted amount of power generation exceeds the hydrogen gas demand, the surplus hydrogen gas is stored in the hydrogen gas storage unit or the surplus electricity is stored in the battery, and during the time period when the amount of hydrogen gas produced falls below the hydrogen gas demand, the supply plan may be created such that the shortage of hydrogen gas is replenished by at least one of the gas stored in the hydrogen gas storage unit and the electricity stored in the battery.

[0012] In this embodiment, the surplus of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device based on power generation forecasts, obtained during periods when the amount of hydrogen gas produced exceeds the amount of hydrogen gas demand, can be used to supplement the shortage during periods when the amount produced falls below the amount of demand. Therefore, it contributes to the efficient supply of hydrogen gas and facilitates the effective use of hydrogen gas produced using electricity obtained from renewable energy sources.

[0013] The planning department may, for periods when the amount of hydrogen gas produced falls below the amount of hydrogen gas demand, specify a backup amount for the amount of hydrogen gas demand if the amount of hydrogen gas demand cannot be met even after supplementing the shortfall.

[0014] In this embodiment, if there are periods when the hydrogen gas demand cannot be met even after supplementing the shortfall, a backup supply can be prepared to cover the unmet demand.

[0015] The gas supply source may include a liquid hydrogen storage unit and a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that vaporizes the liquid hydrogen stored in the liquid hydrogen storage unit to obtain hydrogen gas. In this case, the planning unit may specify as the backup amount the amount of hydrogen gas prepared by: 1) production of hydrogen gas by the hydrogen production device using commercial power during the period of unmet demand; 2) production of hydrogen gas by the hydrogen production device using electricity stored during the period prior to the period of unmet demand; 3) release of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device using nighttime electricity during the period prior to the period of unmet demand, which is stored in the hydrogen gas storage unit; or 4) vaporization of liquid hydrogen by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer during the period of unmet demand.

[0016] The data indicating the CO2 emissions per unit volume of hydrogen gas may include data relating to the CO2 emissions equivalent to the amount of commercial power required to produce a unit volume of hydrogen gas, the CO2 emissions when producing a unit volume of liquid hydrogen, and the CO2 emissions equivalent to the amount of commercial power required to drive the auxiliary equipment of the renewable energy generator when producing a unit volume of hydrogen gas. In this case, if the information received by the selection unit indicates the CO2 suppression mode, the planning unit may determine the priority order of 1) to 4) above so as to reduce the CO2 emissions obtained from the data received by the reception unit.

[0017] In this embodiment, when preparing a backup for unmet demand, the priorities of 1) to 4) above are determined in such a way that CO2 emissions are reduced. Therefore, the hydrogen gas supply plan becomes more effective in taking CO2 emissions into consideration.

[0018] The data indicating the production price of hydrogen gas per unit volume may include the electricity price required to produce unit volume of hydrogen gas using commercial power sources to which night-time rates are applied, the electricity price required to produce unit volume of hydrogen gas using commercial power sources to which daytime rates are applied, the purchase price of unit volume of liquid hydrogen, and data regarding the electricity price of the amount of electricity required to drive auxiliary equipment of a renewable energy generator when producing unit volume of hydrogen gas using commercial power sources. In this case, when the information received by the selection unit indicates the cost reduction mode, the planning unit may determine the priority order of 1) to 4) above so that the production price of hydrogen gas obtained from the data received by the reception unit becomes lower.

[0019] In this aspect, when preparing a backup for the unmet demand, the priority order of 1) to 4) above is determined so that the production price of hydrogen gas becomes lower. Therefore, it becomes effective for the supply plan of hydrogen gas considering the power cost.

[0020] The gas supply source may include a liquid hydrogen storage unit and a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that vaporizes the liquid hydrogen stored in the liquid hydrogen storage unit to obtain hydrogen gas. Further, the reception unit may be configured to further receive data indicating the predicted power generation amount by the renewable energy. In this case, when the information received by the selection unit indicates the cost reduction mode, the planning unit may determine the production amount of hydrogen gas by the hydrogen production device based on the predicted power generation amount, the vaporization amount of liquid hydrogen by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer, the amount of commercial power supplied to the hydrogen production device, and the charge / discharge power output amount of the storage battery so that the production price of hydrogen gas obtained from the data received by the reception unit becomes lower.

[0021] In this aspect, the priority order of hydrogen gas production based on the power obtained by renewable energy, liquid hydrogen vaporization, hydrogen gas production by commercial power, and charge / discharge of the storage battery is determined so that the production price of hydrogen gas becomes lower. Therefore, it becomes effective for the supply plan of hydrogen gas considering the power cost.

[0022] The gas supply source may include a liquid hydrogen storage unit and a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that vaporizes the liquid hydrogen stored in the liquid hydrogen storage unit to obtain hydrogen gas. The receiving unit may also be configured to receive data indicating the predicted amount of power generation from renewable energy. In this case, if the information received by the selection unit indicates the CO2 suppression mode, the planning unit may determine the amount of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device based on the predicted power generation amount, the amount of liquid hydrogen vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer, the amount of electricity supplied to the commercial power source to the hydrogen production device, and the charge / discharge output of the storage battery, so as to reduce the CO2 emissions obtained from the data received by the receiving unit.

[0023] In this embodiment, priorities are determined for hydrogen gas production using electricity obtained from renewable energy sources, vaporization of liquid hydrogen, hydrogen gas production using commercial power sources, and charging / discharging of storage batteries, in order to reduce CO2 emissions. Therefore, the hydrogen gas supply plan becomes more effective in taking CO2 emissions into consideration.

[0024] The receiving unit may receive data indicating fixed or variable electricity rate conditions included in the electricity rate system of the commercial power supply connected to the hydrogen production apparatus. In this case, the planning unit may refer to the electricity rate conditions indicated by the data received by the receiving unit when calculating the production price of the hydrogen gas.

[0025] In this embodiment, it is effective when the electricity rate system for commercial power sources includes variable electricity rate conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to meet a certain volume of hydrogen demand by supplying hydrogen gas in conjunction with other hydrogen gas supply systems other than hydrogen production equipment, and it is also possible to formulate a hydrogen gas supply plan that can meet the demands of hydrogen gas suppliers who want to supply hydrogen gas under better supply conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates the schematic configuration of a supply control system to which the supply planning management device according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the functions of the supply planning management device. [Figure 3] (a)(b) This diagram illustrates the time shift of the surplus and the shortfall in demand. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the time shift for surplus data and the backup for under-demand data. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the control operation by the supply planning management device. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the input screen of an input device where the user enters data. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the input screen of an input device where the user enters data. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the input screen of an input device where the user enters data. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the procedure for creating a supply plan under conditions 1, 4, 7, or electrolysis-only mode. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the procedure for creating a supply plan under conditions 2 or 5. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the procedure for creating a supply plan under conditions 3 or 6. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates the procedure for creating a supply plan in the case of vaporization-only mode. [Figure 13] This figure shows the input screen of the input device in the supply planning management device of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0029] (First Embodiment) The supply plan management device 10 according to this embodiment is a device that manages the gas supply plan when hydrogen gas is supplied by the hydrogen gas supply device 12. As shown in Figure 1, the supply plan management device 10, in cooperation with a supply amount management device 14 that outputs commands to the hydrogen gas supply device 12 and a power adjustment device 16 that adjusts the power output to the hydrogen gas supply device 12, constitutes a supply control system 20 that controls the hydrogen gas supply device 12.

[0030] The supply plan management device 10 works in cooperation with the supply amount management device 14 to create a plan for managing the amount of hydrogen gas supplied by the hydrogen gas supply device 12 for each predetermined time period. The supply plan management device 10 is configured to create a hydrogen gas supply plan, and the created supply plan is provided to the supply amount management device 14. The supply amount management device 14 outputs commands to control the hydrogen gas supply device 12 and the power adjustment device 16 so that the amount of hydrogen gas supplied for each predetermined time period according to the received supply plan is obtained.

[0031] The hydrogen gas supply device 12 includes a gas supply source 21, a hydrogen production device 24, and a hydrogen gas storage unit 25. The gas supply source 21 is a gas source configured to obtain hydrogen gas by a method other than water electrolysis. The gas supply source 21 includes a liquid hydrogen storage unit 22 and a liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23.

[0032] The gas supply source 21 is not limited to a configuration including a liquid hydrogen storage unit 22 and a liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23. For example, the gas supply source 21 may be a gas source that obtains hydrogen gas by reforming natural gas. Alternatively, the gas supply source 21 may be a gas source that obtains hydrogen gas by reforming and purifying gas obtained from biomass. Furthermore, the gas supply source 21 may be a gas source that obtains hydrogen gas by decomposing ammonia. In this case, the gas supply source 21 may employ a method of extracting hydrogen by heating ammonia and bringing it into contact with a catalyst. The gas supply source 21 may also be a gas source that obtains hydrogen gas from MCH (methylcyclohexane). In this case, the gas supply source 21 may employ a method of extracting hydrogen by bringing MCH into contact with a catalyst, etc.

[0033] The liquid hydrogen storage unit 22 is configured to store liquid hydrogen and, for example, has a tank. The liquid hydrogen storage unit 22 receives and stores liquid hydrogen obtained from an external source.

[0034] The liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23 is connected to the liquid hydrogen storage unit 22 through a liquid hydrogen tube (not shown) equipped with a control valve. The control valve adjusts the flow rate of liquid hydrogen flowing through the liquid hydrogen tube. The liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23 is configured to vaporize the liquid hydrogen that flows in through the liquid hydrogen tube. Therefore, the amount of liquid hydrogen vaporized in the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23 is adjusted by controlling the control valve.

[0035] The liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23 may be composed of an intermediate-media type vaporizer that exchanges heat between the heat source fluid and liquid hydrogen via an intermediate medium. However, the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23 is not limited to an intermediate-media type vaporizer and may be composed of other types of vaporizers.

[0036] The hydrogen production device 24 generates hydrogen gas using electricity and consists of a water electrolysis type hydrogen production device. That is, it includes an electrolysis module (water electrolysis device) that generates hydrogen gas by electrolyzing water. The electricity supplied to the hydrogen production device 24 is regulated by the power adjustment device 16.

[0037] The power adjustment device 16 is electrically connected to the commercial power supply 27, the renewable energy generator 28, and the battery 29. The power adjustment device 16 selects which of the commercial power supply 27, the renewable energy generator 28, and the battery 29 to supply to the hydrogen production device 24, and adjusts the amount of power supplied.

[0038] While solar power generators can be cited as examples of renewable energy generators 28, they are not limited to solar power generators, and may also include wind power, hydropower, wave power, tidal power, geothermal energy, solar thermal energy, heat from the atmosphere or other heat present in nature, or biomass.

[0039] The hydrogen gas storage unit 25 is connected to the gas supply source 21 (liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23) and the hydrogen production device 24, and stores the hydrogen gas obtained from the gas supply source 21 and the hydrogen gas obtained from the hydrogen production device 24. The hydrogen gas stored in the hydrogen gas storage unit 25 is supplied to the hydrogen consumption equipment according to the supply plan created by the supply plan management device 10.

[0040] The supply planning management device 10 consists of a microcomputer equipped with a CPU for performing calculations, a ROM for storing processing programs and data, a RAM for temporarily storing data, and an input device for inputting data. By executing a processing program, the supply planning management device 10 can make the microcomputer function as a reception unit 10a, a selection unit 10b, a decision unit 10c, a planning unit 10d, and a command unit 10e, as shown in Figure 2.

[0041] The reception unit 10a is configured to receive data entered by the user through the input device of the supply plan management device 10 as input data. The reception unit 10a also receives data on the hydrogen gas demand and data indicating the predicted amount of power generated by the solar power generator 28 as input data. Furthermore, the reception unit 10a also receives data calculated using the input data as input data. The data received by the reception unit 10a is stored in the supply plan management device 10. The input data includes unit cost data and unit price data, as will be described later.

[0042] The selection unit 10b receives information on which of the following operating modes to execute: CO2 suppression mode, cost suppression mode, vaporization-only mode, or electrolysis-only mode. The CO2 suppression mode is an operating mode in which the hydrogen gas supply device 12 is operated in such a way that the CO2 emissions when obtaining a unit volume of hydrogen gas are reduced. The cost suppression mode is an operating mode in which the hydrogen gas supply device 12 is operated in such a way that the manufacturing cost when obtaining a unit volume of hydrogen gas is reduced. The vaporization-only mode is an operating mode in which the hydrogen gas supply device 12 is operated in such a way that hydrogen gas is obtained only by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23. The electrolysis-only mode is an operating mode in which the hydrogen gas supply device 12 is operated in such a way that hydrogen gas is obtained only by the hydrogen production device 24.

[0043] The determination unit 10c selects conditions indicating the relative magnitudes of liquid hydrogen unit consumption, commercial power consumption, and PV unit consumption, which are included in the stored unit consumption data, by comparing them as described later. The determination unit 10c also selects conditions indicating the relative magnitudes of commercial daytime prices, liquid hydrogen prices, commercial nighttime prices, and PV prices, which are included in the stored unit price data, by comparing them as well.

[0044] The planning unit 10d creates a supply plan for each predetermined time period based on the hydrogen gas demand. If the information received by the selection unit 10b indicates a CO2 reduction mode, the planning unit 10d creates a supply plan for each predetermined time period so that the CO2 emissions when obtaining a unit volume of hydrogen gas are reduced. Also, if the information received by the selection unit 10b indicates a cost reduction mode, the planning unit 10d creates a supply plan for each predetermined time period so that the manufacturing cost of hydrogen gas when obtaining a unit volume of hydrogen gas is reduced. Furthermore, in the case of vaporization-only mode, the planning unit 10d creates a supply plan that represents the amount of liquid hydrogen vaporized for each predetermined time period according to the hydrogen gas demand. Furthermore, in the case of electrolysis-only mode, the planning unit 10d creates a supply plan so that the amount of hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 24 is obtained according to the hydrogen gas demand.

[0045] When the planning unit 10d creates a supply plan for each predetermined time period, it calculates the surplus and deficit power for each predetermined time period. For time periods when a power deficit occurs, it compensates for the deficit by shifting surplus power from renewable energy sources.

[0046] For example, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 4, if there is a period of time when the amount of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 24 (on-site PV) using electricity from the solar power generator 28 exceeds the amount of demand, a surplus will be generated during that period. This surplus will be used for a period of time when the amount of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 24 (on-site PV) falls below the amount of demand (time shift). Also, as shown in Figure 4, in case there are periods of time when demand is still not met even after time shifting, the planning unit 10d creates a supply plan to prepare a backup. The backup can be obtained by one of the following: production of hydrogen gas using commercial power supply 27, pre-storage of liquid hydrogen in the liquid hydrogen storage unit 22, pre-storage of hydrogen gas in the hydrogen gas storage unit 25, or pre-charging of the battery 29. Specifically, the backup for the amount of demand not met can be selected from the following four options.

[0047] 1) Production of hydrogen gas by hydrogen production equipment 24 using commercial power supply 27 during periods when demand is not met. 2) Production of hydrogen gas by hydrogen production equipment 24 using electricity stored during the period prior to the period of under-demand. 3) Release of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 24 using nighttime electricity during the period prior to the period of under-demand, and stored in the hydrogen gas storage unit 25. 4) Vaporization of liquid hydrogen by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23 during periods when demand is not met.

[0048] 1) to 4) are selected in order of lowest CO2 intensity if in CO2 reduction mode, and in order of lowest hydrogen gas production price if in cost reduction mode. The time period and amount of backup to be provided until the unmet demand is resolved are then specified. If the gas supply source 21 consists of a gas source that replaces the liquid hydrogen storage unit 22 and the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23, then in 4), hydrogen gas is provided from an alternative gas source other than the liquid hydrogen storage unit 22 and the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23.

[0049] When a supply plan is created by the planning unit 10d, the command unit 10e outputs information indicating the created supply plan to the supply amount management device 14. The supply amount management device 14 controls the hydrogen gas supply device 12 and the power adjustment device 16 so that the hydrogen gas supply amount for each predetermined time period is obtained in accordance with the received supply plan.

[0050] Here, the control operation by the supply planning management device 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 5.

[0051] First, the user inputs the necessary data into the input device of the supply plan management device 10. The reception unit 10a receives this input data as input data (step ST11). Figures 6 and 7 show an example of the input screen 31 of the input device where the user inputs the data.

[0052] Furthermore, the reception unit 10a also accepts data calculated using this input data as input data (step ST11). The data calculated using the data entered by the user includes, for example, data showing the CO2 emissions when hydrogen is produced in the hydrogen production unit 24 using electricity from the commercial power supply 27, calculated using the power consumption of the auxiliary equipment and electrolysis module of the hydrogen production unit 24 (Figure 6) and the CO2 emission intensity of the commercial power supply 27 (Figure 7).

[0053] The input data received by the reception unit 10a includes data related to the specifications of the hydrogen gas supply device 12 (specification data), data related to the CO2 emission factor (factor data), data related to the hydrogen gas production cost (unit price data), and the like.

[0054] The specification data includes, for example, data related to the maximum flow rate (Nm 3 / h) and the minimum flow rate (Nm 3 / h) of the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23. For the hydrogen production device 24, for example, data related to the maximum production capacity (Nm 3 / h), the minimum load (Nm 3 / h), the hydrogen production capacity (Nm 3 / h), and the power consumption of the water electrolysis device (kWh / Nm 3 ) are included. For the storage battery 29, for example, data related to the rated charge capacity (kWh), the upper charge percentage, the lower charge percentage, the upper charge capacity (kWh), the lower charge capacity (kWh), and the maximum charge / discharge rate (kW) are included. For the hydrogen gas storage unit 25, for example, data related to the tank capacity (m 3 ), the storage amount (Nm 3 ), the upper pressure (MPaG), and the lower pressure (MPaG) are included. For the solar power generator 28, for example, data related to the module size (m 2 / sheet) and the number of sheets (sheets) are included.

[0055] The factor data includes data related to the CO2 emission amount (commercial power factor) corresponding to the amount of power of the commercial power supply 27 required to produce 1 m 3 of hydrogen gas in the hydrogen production device 24 using the power from the commercial power supply 27, the CO2 emission amount (liquid hydrogen factor) when producing 1 m 3 of liquid hydrogen, and the CO2 emission amount (PV factor) corresponding to the amount of power of the commercial power supply 27 required to drive the auxiliary equipment and the electrolysis module of the hydrogen production device 24 when producing 1 m 3 of hydrogen gas using the power from the solar power generator 28.

[0056] The unit price data uses commercial power source 27 to which nighttime rates apply, and hydrogen gas 1 m³ 3 The electricity price required to manufacture it (commercial nighttime price), using commercial power source 27 to which daytime rates apply, is used to produce 1 m³ of hydrogen gas. 3 The electricity price required to manufacture (commercial daytime price), 1m 3 The purchase price of liquid hydrogen per unit (liquid hydrogen price), and the hydrogen production device 24 using electricity from the solar power generator 28 to produce 1 m³ of hydrogen gas. 3 This includes data on the price of electricity (PV price) from the commercial power supply 27 necessary to drive the auxiliary equipment and electrolysis module of the hydrogen production apparatus 24 when manufacturing the hydrogen. In this embodiment, since solar power is used as the renewable energy source, daytime rates are applied to power generation using renewable energy.

[0057] Next, the user selects an operating mode on the input screen 32 of the input device (step ST12 in Figure 5). Figure 8 shows an example of the input screen 32 of the input device, which is provided with a selection area 33 for selecting an operating mode. The operating mode selection area 33 displays a box 33a for selecting the CO2 suppression mode, a box 33b for selecting the cost suppression mode, a box 33c for selecting the vaporization-only mode, and a box 33d for selecting the electrolysis-only mode.

[0058] The user can select one of the following modes via the input device: CO2 suppression mode, cost reduction mode, vaporization-only mode, or electrolysis-only mode. This selection allows the selection unit 10b to receive information about which operating mode to execute. For example, if the user accesses box 33a labeled "CO2 suppression," the selection unit 10b receives information indicating the CO2 suppression mode.

[0059] Furthermore, the user performs an operation to import hydrogen gas demand data (step ST13 in Figure 5). As shown in Figure 8, the input screen 32 of the input device displays a box 34 for outputting a command to import hydrogen gas demand data. When the user accesses this box 34, a command to import the data is output. The demand data imported into the supply planning management device 10 is received by the reception unit 10a and stored in the supply planning management device 10. This stored hydrogen gas demand data is data showing the hydrogen gas demand for a predetermined time period (for example, every 30 minutes) for a predetermined period (for example, one day).

[0060] In addition, the reception unit 10a receives data indicating the predicted amount of power generated by the solar power generator 28, along with the hydrogen gas demand data. The data indicating the predicted amount of power generated is obtained from an external solar radiation forecasting system. This data is received by the reception unit 10a and stored in the supply plan management device 10.

[0061] If the operating mode accepted by the selection unit 10b is the CO2 suppression mode, the determination unit 10c compares the data stored as unit consumption data (step ST14 in Figure 5). That is, the determination unit 10c determines which of the following conditions 1 to 3 applies by comparing the commercial power consumption, liquid hydrogen consumption, and PV consumption. <Condition 1> Liquid hydrogen intensity > Commercial power intensity > PV intensity Liquid hydrogen intensity = Commercial power intensity > PV intensity Liquid hydrogen unit consumption > Commercial power unit consumption = PV unit consumption Liquid hydrogen intensity = Commercial power intensity = PV intensity <Condition 2> Commercial power consumption per unit > Liquid hydrogen consumption per unit > PV consumption per unit Commercial power consumption per unit > Liquid hydrogen consumption per unit = PV consumption per unit <Condition 3> Commercial power consumption per unit > PV consumption per unit > Liquid hydrogen consumption per unit Commercial power consumption per unit = PV consumption > Liquid hydrogen consumption per unit

[0062] Furthermore, if the operating mode accepted by the selection unit 10b is the cost reduction mode, the determination unit 10c compares the data stored as unit price data (step ST14 in Figure 5). That is, the determination unit 10c determines which of the following conditions 4 to 7 applies by comparing the commercial night price, commercial daytime price, liquid hydrogen price, and PV price indicated by the data included in the unit price data. <Condition 4> Liquid hydrogen price > Commercial daytime price > PV price Liquid hydrogen price = Commercial daytime price > PV price <Condition 5> Commercial nighttime prices > Liquid hydrogen prices > PV prices Commercial nighttime price > Liquid hydrogen price = PV price <Condition 6> Commercial nighttime price > PV price > Liquid hydrogen price <Condition 7> Commercial daytime price > Liquid hydrogen price > Commercial nighttime price > PV price Commercial daytime price > Liquid hydrogen price = Commercial nighttime price > PV price

[0063] Next, the user performs an operation to create a supply plan. As shown in Figure 8, the input screen 32 of the input device displays a box 35 for the command to create a supply plan. When the user accesses this box 35, the control for creating the supply plan is disclosed (step ST15 in Figure 5).

[0064] If the planning unit 10d determines that the decision unit 10c meets condition 1, condition 4, or condition 7, and if the operating mode accepted by the selection unit 10b is the electrolysis-only mode, the planning unit 10d creates a supply plan according to the procedure shown in Figure 9. Furthermore, if the planning unit 10d determines that the decision unit 10c meets condition 2 or condition 5, the planning unit 10d creates a supply plan according to the procedure shown in Figure 10. Furthermore, if the planning unit 10d determines that the decision unit 10c meets condition 3 or condition 6, the planning unit 10d creates a supply plan according to the procedure shown in Figure 11. Furthermore, if the operating mode accepted by the selection unit 10b is the vaporization-only mode, the planning unit 10d creates a supply plan according to the procedure shown in Figure 12.

[0065] If conditions 1, 4, or 7 are met, or if electrolysis is performed alone, a supply plan will be created according to the procedure shown in Figure 9. Since this falls under conditions 1, 4, or 7, hydrogen gas production using electricity from renewable energy sources is given top priority, and if a shortage occurs, backup using nighttime electricity from commercial power 27 will be considered. Furthermore, if a shortage still persists, backup using daytime electricity or liquid hydrogen will be considered.

[0066] In the creation procedure shown in Figure 9, first, the planning unit 10d calculates the amount of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 24 (water electrolysis device) using renewable energy-derived electricity for each predetermined time period, based on the hydrogen gas demand data and power generation forecast data stored in the memory unit (step ST21).

[0067] Next, the planning unit 10d calculates the surplus and deficit power for each predetermined time period (step ST22). In step ST22, the planning unit 10d first calculates the surplus and deficit power for each predetermined time period when hydrogen is produced by the hydrogen production device 24 using electricity obtained from renewable energy, based on the hydrogen gas demand and the predicted power generation amount. The planning unit 10d also calculates the amount of gas stored in the hydrogen gas storage unit 25 and the charge amount of the storage battery 29. Then, taking into account the calculated gas storage amount and charge amount, it recalculates the surplus and deficit power for each predetermined time period.

[0068] In other words, if the amount of hydrogen gas produced by renewable energy exceeds the demand, the amount of gas to be stored in the hydrogen gas storage unit 25 and the amount of electricity to be charged to the battery 29 are calculated. If there are periods when the amount of hydrogen gas produced falls below the demand, at least one of the amount of gas stored in the hydrogen gas storage unit 25 and the amount of hydrogen gas produced by the electricity charged to the battery 29 is allocated to those periods to compensate for the shortfall in demand. That is, the surplus from gas storage and charging is shifted to periods when there is a supply shortage. After the time shift, the surplus and deficit power for each predetermined time period are calculated again.

[0069] If there are still periods where demand is not met even after time shifting, the planning unit 10d identifies a backup amount to compensate for the unmet demand during those periods (step ST23). In step ST23, the planning unit 10d calculates the amount of additional hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 24 using nighttime electricity (commercial electricity) during the nighttime period prior to the period of unmet demand. The planning unit 10d also calculates the amount of hydrogen gas produced using daytime electricity (commercial electricity) during the period of unmet demand. Furthermore, the planning unit 10d calculates the amount of vaporization by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23 during the period of unmet demand.

[0070] In other words, in the case of condition 1 or condition 4, the commercial power consumption per unit is less than or equal to the liquid hydrogen consumption per unit, or the commercial daytime price is less than or equal to the liquid hydrogen price. Therefore, the planning unit 10d first creates a supply plan that prioritizes hydrogen production using nighttime commercial electricity and determines whether the shortfall in demand can be resolved by hydrogen production using nighttime electricity. If the shortfall in demand cannot be covered by nighttime electricity alone, the planning unit 10d determines whether the shortfall can be resolved by adding daytime electricity. Furthermore, if the shortfall in demand still cannot be covered, the planning unit 10d determines whether the shortfall can be resolved by vaporization using the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23. In other words, the priority of backup quantities is determined based on consumption data or unit price data.

[0071] On the other hand, under condition 7 (when the price of liquid hydrogen is lower than the commercial daytime price), vaporization of liquid hydrogen by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23 takes precedence over the production of hydrogen gas using daytime electricity (commercial electricity). Note that vaporization by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23 is not considered in the electrolysis-only mode.

[0072] In this way, the planning unit 10d creates a supply plan. Once the supply plan is created, the command unit 10e of the supply plan management device 10 outputs information indicating the created supply plan to the supply amount management device 14 (step ST16 in Figure 5). The supply amount management device 14 controls the hydrogen gas supply device 12 and the power adjustment device 16 so that the amount of hydrogen gas supplied for each predetermined time period according to the received supply plan is obtained.

[0073] Figure 10 shows the control operation when the determination unit 10c determines that condition 2 or condition 5 is met. When conditions 2 and 5 are met, the use of liquid hydrogen stored in the liquid hydrogen storage unit 22 takes precedence over the use of commercial power when preparing for backup.

[0074] In the procedure for creating Figure 10, first, the planning unit 10d calculates the amount of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 24 (water electrolysis device) using renewable energy-derived electricity for each predetermined time period, based on the hydrogen gas demand data and power generation forecast data stored in the memory unit (step ST21).

[0075] Next, the planning unit 10d calculates the surplus and deficit power for each predetermined time period (step ST32). In step ST32, the planning unit 10d first calculates the surplus and deficit power for each predetermined time period when hydrogen is produced by the hydrogen production device 24 using electricity obtained from renewable energy, based on the hydrogen gas demand and the predicted power generation amount. The planning unit 10d also calculates the amount of gas stored in the hydrogen gas storage unit 25 and the amount of charge in the storage battery 29. Then, for time periods in which there is a surplus due to electricity from renewable energy, gas storage, and charge, this surplus is shifted to time periods in which there is a power deficit. After the time shift, the surplus and deficit power for each predetermined time period are calculated again.

[0076] Next, if there are still periods where demand is not met even after time shifting, the planning unit 10d identifies the backup amount to back up the unmet demand for those periods (step ST33). At this time, the planning unit 10d first calculates the amount of liquid hydrogen stored in the liquid hydrogen storage unit 22 that is vaporized. Furthermore, if vaporization of liquid hydrogen alone is insufficient to meet the demand, the planning unit 10d determines whether adding hydrogen production using nighttime electricity or daytime electricity will resolve the unmet demand. In other words, the planning unit 10d determines whether hydrogen gas production using commercial electricity will resolve the unmet demand. However, in the case of condition 5, if hydrogen gas production using nighttime electricity (commercial electricity) still does not meet the demand, the planning unit 10d determines whether gas production using daytime electricity (commercial electricity) will resolve the unmet demand. In other words, the priority of the backup amount is determined based on the unit cost data or unit price data.

[0077] In this way, the planning unit 10d creates a supply plan. Once the supply plan is created, the command unit 10e of the supply plan management device 10 outputs information indicating the created supply plan to the supply quantity management device 14 (step ST16 in Figure 5).

[0078] Figure 11 shows the control operation when the determination unit 10c determines that condition 3 or condition 6 is met. When conditions 3 and 6 are met, the use of liquid hydrogen stored in the liquid hydrogen storage unit 22 takes precedence over the use of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 24 using electricity obtained from renewable energy.

[0079] Specifically, first, the planning unit 10d calculates the amount of liquid hydrogen stored in the liquid hydrogen storage unit 22 to be vaporized for each predetermined time period based on the hydrogen gas demand data stored in the memory unit (step ST41).

[0080] Next, the planning unit 10d calculates the surplus and deficit power for each predetermined time period (step ST42). In step ST42, first, the planning unit 10d calculates the amount of electricity for each predetermined time period when hydrogen is produced by the hydrogen production device 24 using electricity obtained from renewable energy, based on the predicted amount of power generation. The planning unit 10d also calculates the charge amount of the storage battery 29. Then, taking into account the calculated amount of electricity and charge, it calculates the surplus and deficit power for each predetermined time period.

[0081] In other words, if there are periods when the supply falls below the demand, at least one of the following will be used to supplement the shortfall in demand: the amount of gas obtained from the liquid hydrogen stored in the liquid hydrogen storage unit 22, the amount of hydrogen produced using electricity derived from renewable energy, and the amount of hydrogen gas produced using electricity charged in the storage battery 29. That is, the surplus from liquid hydrogen storage, hydrogen production using electricity derived from renewable energy, and hydrogen production using charging electricity will be shifted to periods when there is a supply shortage. After the time shift, the surplus and deficit power for each predetermined time period will be calculated again.

[0082] Next, if there are periods when demand is not met even considering the amount of liquid hydrogen vaporized, the amount of hydrogen produced using electricity derived from renewable energy, and the amount of hydrogen produced using charging electricity, the planning unit 10d identifies the amount of backup to back up the unmet demand during those periods (step ST43).

[0083] In step ST43, the planning unit 10d calculates the amount of additional hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 24 using nighttime electricity (commercial electricity) during the nighttime period prior to the period of unmet demand. The planning unit 10d also calculates the amount of additional hydrogen gas produced using daytime electricity (commercial electricity) during the period of unmet demand.

[0084] In this way, the planning unit 10d creates a supply plan. Once the supply plan is created, the command unit 10e of the supply plan management device 10 outputs information indicating the created supply plan to the supply quantity management device 14 (step ST16 in Figure 5).

[0085] Figure 12 shows the control operation when the operating mode is vaporization-only mode. In vaporization-only mode, the planning unit 10d calculates the amount of liquid hydrogen stored in the liquid hydrogen storage unit 22 to be vaporized based on the hydrogen gas demand data stored in the memory unit (step ST51). The planning unit 10d creates a supply plan based on this calculation result. Once the supply plan is created, the command unit 10e of the supply plan management device 10 outputs information indicating the created supply plan to the supply amount management device 14 (step ST16 in Figure 5).

[0086] As described above, in this embodiment, a CO2 reduction mode and a cost reduction mode are selectable. The supply plan corresponding to the hydrogen gas demand created by the planning unit 10d will change depending on which operating mode is selected. Therefore, it is possible to obtain not only a hydrogen gas supply plan that takes electricity costs into consideration, but also a hydrogen gas supply plan that takes CO2 emissions into consideration. Thus, it becomes possible to formulate a hydrogen gas supply plan that can meet the requirements of hydrogen gas suppliers.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the CO2 suppression mode is selected, a supply plan is created for each predetermined time period so that the CO2 emissions obtained from data showing the CO2 emissions of hydrogen gas per unit volume are reduced, and when the cost suppression mode is selected, a supply plan is created for each predetermined time period so that the production price of hydrogen gas obtained from data showing the production price of hydrogen gas per unit volume is reduced.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the surplus hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 24, based on the predicted power generation amount, during periods when the amount of hydrogen gas produced exceeds the hydrogen gas demand can be used to replenish the shortage during periods when the amount produced falls below the demand. Therefore, this contributes to the effective utilization of hydrogen gas produced using electricity obtained from renewable energy sources.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if there is a period of time when the hydrogen gas demand cannot be met even after supplementing the shortfall, a backup supply can be prepared to cover the shortfall.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the CO2 suppression mode is selected, the priority of backup methods for meeting unmet demand is determined so as to reduce CO2 emissions. Therefore, the hydrogen gas supply plan becomes more effective in taking CO2 emissions into consideration.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the cost reduction mode is selected, the priority of backup methods for meeting unmet demand is determined so that the production price of hydrogen gas becomes lower. Therefore, the hydrogen gas supply plan becomes more effective when considering electricity costs.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the CO2 suppression mode is selected, the priorities for hydrogen gas production based on electricity obtained from renewable energy, vaporization of liquid hydrogen, hydrogen gas production using commercial power 27, and charging / discharging of the storage battery 29 are determined in order to further reduce CO2 emissions. Therefore, the hydrogen gas supply plan becomes more effective in taking CO2 emissions into consideration.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the cost reduction mode is selected, the priorities for hydrogen gas production based on electricity obtained from renewable energy, vaporization of liquid hydrogen, hydrogen gas production using commercial power 27, and charging / discharging of the storage battery 29 are determined so as to lower the production cost of hydrogen gas. Therefore, the hydrogen gas supply plan becomes more effective in taking electricity costs into consideration.

[0094] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, a supply plan is created assuming that the commercial power supply 27 has a fixed electricity rate system. Under fixed electricity rate conditions, electricity rates differ between daytime and nighttime, but the rates for each are constant. In contrast, the supply plan management device 10 of the second embodiment allows for the selection of variable electricity rate conditions. Here, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the first embodiment, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0095] As shown in Figure 13, the input screen 32 of the input device is provided with a selection area for selecting electricity rates. This selection area displays a box 37 for selecting fixed electricity rate conditions and a box 38 for selecting variable electricity rate conditions.

[0096] The unit price data included in the input data includes data on commercial night prices, commercial daytime prices, and commercial electricity prices (time-of-day prices) for each predetermined time period in accordance with variable electricity rate conditions. The time-of-day price data may be imported from an external system, or time-of-day prices may be entered on the input screen 31.

[0097] When a user accesses box 37 and selects fixed electricity rate conditions, in cost reduction mode, the planning unit 10d creates a supply plan, and the decision unit 10c compares the commercial night price, commercial daytime price, liquid hydrogen price, and PV price indicated by the data included in the unit price data.

[0098] On the other hand, if the user accesses box 38 and selects variable electricity rate conditions, in cost reduction mode, when the planning unit 10d creates a supply plan, the decision unit 10c compares the time-of-day price, liquid hydrogen price, and PV price indicated by the data included in the unit price data. For this reason, in <Conditions 4> to <Conditions 6>, the commercial daytime price and commercial nighttime price are changed to the time-of-day price. Also, for <Condition 7>, the time-of-day price > liquid hydrogen price > PV price is changed. Even in this case, the same control operations as in Figures 9 to 11 are performed.

[0099] The other configurations, functions, and effects will not be described here, but the description of the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment.

[0100] (Other embodiments) It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from its spirit. For example, in the above embodiments, a vaporization-only mode is selectable, but the vaporization-only mode is optional. Also, in the above embodiments, an electrolysis-only mode is selectable, but the electrolysis-only mode is optional.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the gas supply source 21 includes a liquid hydrogen storage unit 22 and a liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23. However, if the gas supply source 21 is configured to include an alternative gas source other than the liquid hydrogen storage unit 22 and the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 23, hydrogen gas is supplied by this alternative gas source instead of vaporizing liquid hydrogen. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10: Supply planning management device 10a: Reception Department 10b: Selection section 10d: Planning Department 12: Hydrogen gas supply device 21: Gas supply source 22: Liquid hydrogen storage unit 23: Liquid hydrogen vaporizer 24: Hydrogen production equipment 25: Hydrogen gas storage unit 27:Commercial power supply 28: Generator 29: Storage battery

Claims

1. A supply plan management device for managing the gas supply plan when supplying hydrogen gas using a hydrogen gas supply device that includes a water electrolysis type hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen gas using electricity obtained from renewable energy, commercial power, or electricity stored in a battery, and a gas supply source configured to obtain hydrogen gas by a method other than water electrolysis, A selection unit that receives information on which of several operating modes to execute, including a CO2 reduction mode which is an operating mode that reduces CO2 emissions, and a cost reduction mode which is an operating mode that reduces the cost of obtaining hydrogen gas, A planning unit creates a supply plan corresponding to the hydrogen gas demand amount according to the operating mode received by the selection unit, A supply planning management device equipped with the following features.

2. The system further includes a reception unit that receives data indicating hydrogen gas demand, data indicating CO2 emissions per unit volume of hydrogen gas, and data indicating the manufacturing price per unit volume of hydrogen gas. The aforementioned planning department, If the information received by the selection unit indicates the CO2 suppression mode, the receiving unit creates a supply plan for each predetermined time period according to the hydrogen gas demand so that the CO2 emissions obtained from the received data are reduced. If the information received by the selection unit indicates the cost reduction mode, the receiving unit creates a supply plan for each predetermined time period according to the hydrogen gas demand so that the hydrogen gas production price obtained from the received data becomes lower. The supply planning management device according to claim 1.

3. The hydrogen gas supply device further includes a hydrogen gas storage unit for storing hydrogen gas. The receiving unit is configured to further receive data indicating the predicted amount of power generation from renewable energy sources. The aforementioned planning department, When a supply plan is created to produce hydrogen gas using the hydrogen production apparatus with electricity obtained from the renewable energy, the supply plan is created such that, during the predetermined time period, the amount of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production apparatus based on the predicted amount of power generation exceeds the amount of hydrogen gas demanded, the surplus hydrogen gas is stored in the hydrogen gas storage unit or the surplus electricity is stored in the battery. During periods when the amount of hydrogen gas produced falls below the amount of hydrogen gas demanded, the supply plan is created to supplement the shortfall in hydrogen gas demand using at least one of the gas stored in the hydrogen gas storage unit and the electricity stored in the battery. The supply plan management device according to claim 2.

4. The planning department shall, for periods when the amount of hydrogen gas produced falls below the amount of hydrogen gas demand, identify a backup amount of hydrogen gas demand for periods when the amount of hydrogen gas demand cannot be met even after supplementing the shortfall. The supply plan management device according to claim 3.

5. The gas supply source includes a liquid hydrogen storage unit and a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that vaporizes the liquid hydrogen stored in the liquid hydrogen storage unit to obtain hydrogen gas. The planning unit identifies the amount of hydrogen gas prepared by 1) production of hydrogen gas by the hydrogen production apparatus using commercial power during the period of unmet demand, 2) production of hydrogen gas by the hydrogen production apparatus using electricity stored during the period prior to the period of unmet demand, 3) release of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production apparatus using nighttime electricity during the period prior to the period of unmet demand and stored in the hydrogen gas storage unit, or 4) vaporization of liquid hydrogen by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer during the period of unmet demand as the backup amount. The supply plan management device according to claim 4.

6. The data showing the CO2 emissions per unit volume of hydrogen gas includes data on CO2 emissions equivalent to the amount of commercial power required to produce a unit volume of hydrogen gas, CO2 emissions when producing a unit volume of liquid hydrogen, and CO2 emissions equivalent to the amount of commercial power required to drive the auxiliary equipment of the renewable energy generator when producing a unit volume of hydrogen gas. If the information received by the selection unit indicates the CO2 suppression mode, the planning unit determines the priority order of 1) to 4) above so as to reduce the CO2 emissions obtained from the data received by the reception unit. The supply plan management device according to claim 5.

7. The data showing the production price of hydrogen gas per unit volume includes data on the electricity price required to produce one unit volume of hydrogen gas using commercial power sources to which nighttime rates apply, the electricity price required to produce one unit volume of hydrogen gas using commercial power sources to which daytime rates apply, the purchase price of one unit volume of liquid hydrogen, and the electricity price required to drive the auxiliary equipment of a renewable energy generator when producing one unit volume of hydrogen gas using commercial power sources. If the information received by the selection unit indicates the cost reduction mode, the planning unit determines the priority order of 1) to 4) above so that the hydrogen gas production price obtained from the data received by the reception unit becomes lower. The supply plan management device according to claim 5.

8. The gas supply source includes a liquid hydrogen storage unit and a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that vaporizes the liquid hydrogen stored in the liquid hydrogen storage unit to obtain hydrogen gas. The receiving unit is configured to further receive data indicating the predicted amount of power generation from renewable energy sources. If the information received by the selection unit indicates the cost reduction mode, the planning unit determines the amount of hydrogen gas to be produced by the hydrogen production apparatus based on the power generation forecast, the amount of liquid hydrogen vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer, the amount of commercial power supplied to the hydrogen production apparatus, and the charge / discharge output of the storage battery, so as to reduce the hydrogen gas production price obtained from the data received by the reception unit. The supply plan management device according to claim 2.

9. The gas supply source includes a liquid hydrogen storage unit and a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that vaporizes the liquid hydrogen stored in the liquid hydrogen storage unit to obtain hydrogen gas. The receiving unit is configured to further receive data indicating the predicted amount of power generation from renewable energy sources. If the information received by the selection unit indicates the CO2 suppression mode, the planning unit determines the amount of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device based on the power generation forecast, the amount of liquid hydrogen vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer, the amount of commercial power supplied to the hydrogen production device, and the charge / discharge output of the storage battery, so as to reduce the CO2 emissions obtained from the data received by the reception unit. The supply plan management device according to claim 2.

10. The reception unit receives data indicating fixed electricity rate conditions or variable electricity rate conditions included in the electricity rate system of the commercial power supply connected to the hydrogen production apparatus. When calculating the production price of the hydrogen gas, the planning unit refers to the electricity rate conditions indicated by the data received by the receiving unit. The supply planning management device according to claim 2.

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