Power exchange system

Abstract

The objective is to provide a power exchange system that expands the range of uses for electricity generated by renewable energy power generation systems, such as solar power generation systems, installed at demand locations such as residences. [Solution] A power exchange system for an exchange area (domain / spatial range) that includes multiple power demand locations, wherein each demand location is equipped with a battery as power equipment, at least one of the multiple demand locations is equipped with a power generation facility that generates electricity using renewable energy, and the power exchange system is equipped with power cables that enable power exchange between the battery locations of each demand location.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power sharing system in an area including a plurality of demand locations, and particularly to a power sharing system in an area including demand locations equipped with power generation facilities using renewable energy such as solar power generation.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the installation of solar power generation systems has become widespread in ordinary houses. Some solar power generation systems include a solar power generation device and a storage battery (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, it can be said that the options for using the power generated by a solar power generation system installed in a house are limited. That is, the residents (or owners, etc.) of demand locations such as houses where the above-mentioned solar power generation systems are installed are in a state of choosing whether to reverse the generated power into the distribution line and sell the power to the power transmission and distribution company (or the purchaser) or to self-consume it at the demand location. For example, even when the power supply from the power grid is interrupted due to large-scale disasters that have occurred frequently in recent years, it is difficult to supply power from a solar power generation system installed in one demand location to other demand locations. The present invention has been made in view of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a power sharing system that can further expand the range of utilization of the power generated by a renewable energy utilization power generation system such as a solar power generation system installed in a demand location such as a house. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The invention described in this application is a power exchange system for an exchange area that includes multiple power demand locations, wherein each demand location is equipped with a battery as power equipment, at least one of the multiple demand locations is equipped with a power generation facility that generates electricity using renewable energy, and the system is equipped with power cables installed to enable power exchange between the batteries of each demand location. If it becomes possible to exchange electricity between different demand locations, the range of renewable energy-derived electricity that can be used to meet electricity demand will expand.

[0006] Each demand location is equipped with a changeover switch that allows the battery of that demand location to be switched on and off to connect to the power cable. With the battery of a source demand location selected from among the plurality of demand locations and the battery of a destination demand location selected from among the other demand locations connected via the power cable by switching the changeover switches of the source and destination demand locations, a power exchange step can be performed in which power discharged from the source battery is used to charge the destination battery.

[0007] Each demand location is equipped with a service entrance switch to separate its power equipment from the distribution line, and each demand location is equipped with, as a changeover switch, at least a transfer changeover switch used to switchably connect the power cable to the primary or secondary side of the battery, and a power supply changeover switch used to switch whether or not to supply power from the battery to the power cable connected to the secondary side of the battery, and when the power transfer step is performed, all demand locations within the transfer area, including the source and destination, are in an independent state separated from the distribution line by the open service entrance switch, and the transfer changeover switches of non-transferable demand locations within the transfer area, excluding the source and destination demand locations, are in a non-power receiving state, and the power supply switches of those non-transferable demand locations are in an open state that prevents power transmission, and the power equipment of those non-transferable demand locations is in an unconnected state separated from the power cable.

[0008] Furthermore, it includes a control unit that receives data on the amount of charge stored in the batteries at each demand location, switching data relating to the switching position state of the changeover switch at each demand location, and incoming switch data relating to the open / closed state of the incoming switch at each demand location. The control unit is capable of performing a selection step based on input data to identify the source demand location and the destination demand location, and an opening / closing step to open and close the changeover switch and the service entrance switch to bring the power equipment of all demand locations within the exchange area, including the source and destination, into the independent state, and the power equipment of the non-exchangeable demand locations into the disconnected state, and the power exchange step is performed after the selection step and the opening / closing step have been performed.

[0009] Furthermore, the control unit comprises a controller for each demand location that controls the power equipment at each demand location, and a server that can send and receive data between the controllers via a communication line and controls each controller based on the data from each controller. Each controller receives input such as the amount of charge stored in the battery at the demand location where the controller is installed, the switching data relating to the position state of the changeover switch, and the opening and closing data relating to the opening and closing state of the service entrance switch, as well as power amount data of the service entrance line supplying power from the distribution line to the demand location, power amount data of the on-site self-generation at the demand location, the amount of charge stored in the battery, and the power amount data of the power cable.

[0010] Furthermore, each controller is capable of opening and closing the incoming switch at each demand location based on the data input to the controller and the data input from the server via the communication line, and is also capable of switching the transfer switch and the power supply transfer switch, which are the changeover switches at the source demand location and the destination demand location.

[0011] Furthermore, the power cable is an AC outdoor circuit, and in the power exchange step, The discharged power from the battery at the source demand location is converted to alternating current power and then transmitted to the destination via the power cable. The alternating current power transmitted to the destination is then converted to direct current power and used to charge the battery at the destination demand location.

[0012] Furthermore, the power supply for operating the service entrance switch and the interchangeable changeover switch at each of the aforementioned demand locations is a portion of the electricity transmitted via the power cable.

[0013] Furthermore, the incoming switch is equipped with an interlock function to prevent malfunctions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the power exchange system of the present invention, the range of uses for renewable energy-derived electricity generated by solar power generation systems installed at demand locations such as homes is broadened. Furthermore, the utilization rate of storage batteries dependent on solar power generation systems will improve, making it easier to achieve economic rationality. This makes it easier to achieve economic rationality, thus reducing electricity usage costs at each point of demand. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual plan view illustrating an example of a power exchange area (block area) including multiple demand locations in which the power exchange system according to the present invention is operated. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual plan view showing the configuration of power equipment and power wiring in one demand location (detached house) included in a power exchange area (block area) where the power exchange system according to the present invention is operated. [Figure 3] This is a conceptual plan view showing the configuration of power equipment and power wiring for each demand location (detached house) included in the power exchange area (block area) where the power exchange system according to the present invention is operated. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram used to explain the operation of the power exchange system according to the present invention, and is an explanatory diagram in which multiple demand locations within the power exchange area (block area) shown in Figure 1 are conveniently arranged side by side. In Figure 4, (A) is a diagram showing the default state of the power equipment at the demand location within the power exchange area, and (B) is a diagram showing the state in which power is being exchanged by disconnecting the connection with the distribution line through the operation of the power exchange system according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the power exchange system according to the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating another operation of the power exchange system according to the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a front conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a power exchange area (apartment complex) including multiple demand locations, in which the power exchange system according to the present invention is operated.

Explanation of Symbols

[0016] 1…Power sharing system, 2…Simple private line (power cable, general-purpose power cable, private line, power sharing line), 3…Server (cloud server, Internet server), 4…Control system (control unit), 11a~11d…Batteries, 12a~12d…Distribution boards, 13a~13d…First power meters (parent meters), 14a~14d…Incoming switches, 14on…Closed state (connected position), 14off…Open state (disconnected position), 140a~140d…Interlock function, 15a~15d…Bypass switches, 15ba…Battery utilization position, 15gr…Connected position, 16a~16d…Controllers (EMS, Energy Management System), 18a~18b…Photovoltaic power generation device (power generation equipment), 19a, 19c…Self-generated power sources, 20a~20d…Loads, 21a~21d…Sharing switching switches (switching switches), 21in…Charging position (power receiving state), 21out…Power supply position (power supply state, non-power receiving state), 22a~22d…Power supply switching switches (switching switches), 22off…Open state (OFF position), 22on…Closed state (ON position), 23a~23d…Second power meters (child meters), 24a, 24c…Third power meters (self-generated power meters), 25a~25d…Branch points, A~D…Demand locations (detached houses, rooms), G…Distribution lines (systems), PA…Supply source (sharing source) demand location, QC…Supply destination (sharing destination) demand location, Pa…Supply source (sharing source) battery, Qc…Supply destination (sharing destination) battery, UB,UD…Non-sharing demand locations, R1...Service drop line, R2...Solar charging line, R3...Grid charging line, R4...Self-generation charging line R5...self-consumption power line, R6...flexibility discharge line, R7...flexibility charging line, R8...connection power transmission line, S...Road, W...Communication line, X... Power exchange area (exchange area, block area, area, domain / spatial range), Y... Power exchange area (exchange area, apartment buildings), S1...Specific step, S1-1...Monitoring step, S1-1a...First monitoring step, S1-1b...Second monitoring step, S1-2... Battery identification step, S2...Pre-step, S2-1...Opening / closing step, S2-1a...Opening / closing step for the incoming switch, S2-1b...Opening / closing step for the power supply switch, S2-1c... Switching step of the interchangeable changeover switch, S2-2…Start notification step, S3...Power exchange step, S3-1…Power exchange commencement step, S3-2…Power exchange management step, S3-3...Power exchange termination step, S3-4...Power exchange termination notification step, S4... Power distribution line power charging step. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Next, the power exchange system according to the present invention will be explained with reference to a diagram.

[0018] [Example 1] The power exchange system 1 of the present invention (see Figure 4) can be used in a power exchange area X (see Figure 1) which includes multiple power demand locations A to D, and enables power exchange between storage batteries 11a to 11d installed at each demand location A to D using a simple private line (general-purpose power cable) 3. First, we will describe the power exchange area X in which the power exchange system 1 of the present invention is used.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the power exchange area (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the exchange area or simply the area) X is an area (block area) X surrounded by roads S. Within this area X, there are multiple demand locations (detached houses) A ​​to D, and their residents live in their respective houses A to D while consuming electricity.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, for example, demand location A is equipped with power facilities (electrical equipment) including a service drop R1 that supplies power from the distribution line (system) G to the distribution board 12a, a first power meter (master meter) 13a installed in the middle of the service drop R1 to measure the amount of power from the distribution line G, a service drop switch 14a, a bypass switch 15a, and a controller 16a. The service entrance switch 14a is located downstream of the first power meter 13a (on the distribution board 12a side), and the bypass switch 15a is located downstream of the service entrance switch 14a (on the distribution board 12a side). Unless otherwise specified, the various power equipment installed at demand location A operates using power supplied from the distribution line G and the battery 11a.

[0021] Demand location A is also equipped with a solar power generation system (power generation equipment) 18a, a storage battery 11a, and a private power generation power source 19a as power facilities. The power generation equipment is not limited to the photovoltaic power generation device 18a, but may also be other power generation equipment that generates electricity using renewable energy. Private power sources 19a include not only generators that use fuel such as diesel (private generators), but also, for example, battery power sources installed in electric vehicles and alternator power sources in regular cars.

[0022] The 11a battery has a primary port used during charging and a secondary port used during discharging. The primary port is connected to a solar charging line R2, which is supplied with power generated by a solar power generation device 18a; a grid charging line R3, which is branched from the distribution line G at the branching point 25a between the service entrance switch 14a and the bypass switch 15a and is supplied with power from the distribution line G; a self-generation charging line R4, which is supplied with power generated by the self-generation system; and a shared charging line R7, which will be described later. The secondary port is connected to the self-consumption line R5, which supplies power to the distribution board 12a, and the exchange / discharge line R6, which will be described later. The power input to the primary port is converted from AC to DC by the conversion circuit of the battery 11a and charged, while the power output from the secondary port is converted from DC to AC by the conversion circuit of the battery 11a and discharged.

[0023] The self-consumption line R5 is connected to a bypass switch 15a installed in the middle of the service drop line R1, and power from the battery 11a can be supplied to the distribution board 12a via the bypass switch 15a. The load 20a, such as household appliances used at demand location A, is supplied with power from the distribution line G and from the storage battery 11a via the distribution board 12a.

[0024] The bypass switch 15a can be switched between a grid connection position 15gr (see Figure 4(A)) which supplies power from the distribution line G to the distribution board 12a, and a battery utilization position 15ba (see Figures 2 and 4(A)) which supplies power from the battery 11a to the distribution board 12a.

[0025] Thus, the on-site wiring configuration of demand location A in power exchange area X is such that the lines used when discharging (selling electricity) power from battery 11a to distribution line G by reverse power flow (such as branch lines branched off from service drops) are not connected to the secondary port of battery 11a. The configuration in which no wiring is installed for selling the power from the battery 11a is a configuration that reliably prevents reverse power flow from the battery 11a to the distribution line G, and can be said to be a configuration that contributes to the stable operation of the power grid network and the power exchange system 1 of this embodiment.

[0026] The service entrance switch 14a is located upstream of the branching point 25a with the grid charging line R3 used to charge the battery 11a (towards the distribution line G), that is, at the uppermost upstream side of the service entrance line R1, and can be switched between a closed state (connection position) 14on, in which the power equipment at demand location A is connected to the distribution line G, and an open state (non-connection position) 14off, in which the power equipment at demand location A is separated from the distribution line G (see Figures 2 and 3). When the service entrance switch 14a is in the open state 14off, the power equipment at demand location A, separated from the distribution line G, is in an independent state relative to the distribution line G (independent state).

[0027] Furthermore, the incoming switch 14a has a built-in interlock function 140a. The interlock function 140a is a function to more reliably prevent malfunction of the service entrance switch 14a. Specifically, when transmitting power using the simplified private line 2 (power exchange step S3), it reliably sets the service entrance switch 14a to the open state 14off, and functions to forcibly operate the service entrance switch 14a to the open state 14off at the same time as detecting the voltage of the connected transmission line R8. The power supply for operating the service entrance switch (including interlock 140a) 14a is supplied via the connecting transmission line R8, which will be described later. In other words, the service entrance switch 14a utilizes a portion of the power transmitted via the simple private line 2 as its operating power supply. Therefore, when power transmission is being carried out using the simplified private line 2, the service entrance switch 14a is always activated, and the interlock function 140a is also activated, allowing the service entrance switch 14a to be opened 14off in conjunction with the power transmission operation (power exchange) using the simplified private line 2.

[0028] Note that the interlock 140a is not limited to being built into the incoming switch 14a, but may also be installed separately. The electrical circuit and control that realize the interlock function 140a can be realized with well-known technology, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0029] Furthermore, demand location A is equipped with the following power facilities: a power exchange discharge line R6, a power exchange charge line R7, a power exchange changeover switch 21a, a connecting power transmission line R8, and a power supply changeover switch (changeover switch) 22a.

[0030] The bridging discharge line R6 is connected to the secondary port of the battery 11a and is used to transmit the power discharged from the secondary port to the simple private power line 2. The shared charging line R7 is used to charge the battery 11a with electricity transmitted to demand location A via the simple private line 2, and is connected to the primary port of the battery 11a. The interchangeable changeover switch 21a is a changeover switch to which the downstream end of the interchangeable discharge line R6 and the upstream end of the interchangeable charge line R7 are connected. The connecting transmission line R8 has one end connected to the interchangeable changeover switch 21a and the other end connected to the simple private line 2, and is used to connect the interchangeable changeover switch 21a and the simple private line 2. The power supply changeover switch 22a is a switch installed in the middle of the circulating discharge wire R6.

[0031] Furthermore, the power transfer switch 21a can be switched between positions, as shown in Figure 4(A). Specifically, the power transfer switch 21a can be switched between a power supply position 21out (power supply state, non-power receiving state), which allows power transmitted from the secondary port of the battery 11a to the power transfer switch 21a to be supplied to the simple private line 2 via the connecting power transmission line R8, and a charging position 21in (power receiving state), which allows power transmitted from the simple private line 2 to the power transfer switch 21a via the connecting power transmission line R8 to be supplied to the primary port of the battery 11a. The position of the interchangeable switch 21c at demand location C, as shown in Figure 4(B), is the charging position 21in.

[0032] The power supply for the operation of the interchangeable changeover switch 21a is supplied via the connecting power transmission line R8. In other words, the power supply for operating the power exchange switch 21a is a portion of the power transmitted via the simple private line 2. Therefore, the power exchange switch 21a can be operated in conjunction with the power transmission operation (power exchange) using the simple private line 2.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the power supply changeover switch 22a can be switched between a closed state (ON position) 21on (see Figure 4(B) demand location A), which energizes the secondary port of the storage battery 11a and the transfer changeover switch 21a, and an open state (OFF position) 21off (see Figure 4(A) demand location A), which separates the two.

[0034] Furthermore, demand location A is equipped with a second power meter (sub-meter) 23a installed in the middle of the connecting transmission line R8, and a third power meter (private power generation meter) 24a installed in the middle of the private power generation charging line. The second power meter (sub-meter) 23a measures the amount of electricity transmitted using the simplified private line 2, and the third power meter (private power generation meter) 24a measures the amount of electricity generated by the on-site private power generation and transmitted to the storage battery 11a.

[0035] The controller 16a controls the operation of the power equipment at demand location A based on various data input to the controller 16a from each power equipment installed at demand location A. In this embodiment, an EMS (Energy Management System) is used as the controller 16a.

[0036] The data input to the controller 16a includes the amount of charge stored in the battery 11a, the switching status of the switching position of the switching switch 21a, the switching status of the service entrance switch 14a, the amount of power supplied by the service entrance line R1 from the distribution line G to the demand location A, the amount of power supplied by the on-site private power generation 19a at the demand location A, and the amount of power supplied by the simple private line 2. Since data transmission to controller 16a can be performed using well-known methods, diagrams of transmission lines, etc., and detailed explanations may be omitted here.

[0037] Examples of the control performed by the controller 16a include the control of the opening and closing operation of the incoming switch 14a, the control of the switching operation of the bypass switch 15a, the control of the switching operation of the interchangeable changeover switch 21a, and the control of the opening and closing operation (switching operation) of the power supply changeover switch 22a.

[0038] Furthermore, the controller 16a is connected to the cloud server (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the server) 3 via a communication line W such as an internet connection, enabling the transmission and reception of data between the controller 16a and the server 3. Server 3 receives various data input from each controller 16a to 16d, and can control the operation of controller 16a at each demand location A to D based on the input data. In other words, Server 3 can use each controller 16a to 16d to control the operation of the power equipment at each demand location A to D. Since the transmitting and receiving equipment used for communication between the controller 16a and the server 3 is well-known, its illustration and detailed explanation have been omitted.

[0039] The power exchange system 1 of this embodiment can be said to include a control system (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a control unit) 4, which consists of controllers 16a to 16d for each demand location A to D, and a server 3 to which each controller 16a to 16d is connected via a communication line W. In other words, this control unit 4 controls the operation of the power equipment at each demand location A to D.

[0040] Regarding the equipment installed at demand location A, detailed explanations of well-known equipment have been omitted here. Furthermore, in the drawings used to describe the embodiment, only the power-related equipment for each demand location A to D is shown, and other residential-related equipment is omitted from the drawings.

[0041] Furthermore, since the power-related equipment at demand locations B to D is the same as that at demand location A, it will be described using the same symbols (however, it will be distinguished using sub-numbers b to d), and the description of the equipment at each demand location B to D has been omitted (see the brief explanation in the diagram).

[0042] Furthermore, as described above, the power exchange system 1 is equipped with a simple private line 2 used for power exchange between batteries installed at each demand location A to D within the power exchange area X (see Figure 1).

[0043] As shown in Figure 1, the simplified private power line 2 is installed within the power exchange area X. One end of the connecting transmission line R8 installed at all demand locations A to D within Area X is connected to the simplified private line 2 (see Figure 3). Therefore, once any two demand locations are identified in the identification step (S1) described later, power transmission (power exchange) can be realized between the batteries at the identified demand locations. The simplified private line 2 is an AC outdoor circuit and can directly transmit AC power to the connecting transmission line R8, which is an AC indoor circuit. In this embodiment, the simplified private line 2 is installed outdoors (in the ground space) within the power exchange area X. However, the installation location can be selected as appropriate and is not necessarily limited to outdoor ground space.

[0044] Next, we will explain the operation of the power exchange system 1.

[0045] The power exchange system 1 has a default setting where all power facilities (on-site facilities) at demand locations A to D are separated from distribution line G and simplified private line 2 (see Figure 4(A)). For example, the incoming switch 14a and the power supply changeover switch 22a are set to be open (OFF position) by default when no power is supplied from the power source, and the flexible changeover switch 21a is set to the power supply position 21out. The incoming switch 14a also operates to be open when the interlock is activated. While it is not always necessary to use such default settings, it is preferable to ensure that the system is separated from distribution line G and simplified private line 2 by default, as this can more reliably ensure the stable operation of the power grid network and the power exchange system according to the present invention.

[0046] The operation of the power exchange system 1 can be broadly described as including a specific step (S1), a preliminary step (S2), and a power exchange step (S3) (see flowchart in Figure 5).

[0047] The identification step (S1) specifically includes a monitoring step (S1-1) and a battery identification step (S1-2).

[0048] Based on the input data, the control unit 4 continuously manages and monitors the power supply and demand status within Area X, including the status of the power equipment at each demand location A to D within Area X.

[0049] Regarding power exchange, the control unit 4 monitors whether the conditions for initiating power exchange (hereinafter referred to as the exchange start criteria) are met (monitoring step S1-1).

[0050] As a criterion for initiating the transfer of power, for example, the state of the stored energy in batteries 11a to 11d within area X can be used. To explain in more detail, for example, one possible criterion for initiating battery transfers could be that, among the batteries 11a to 11d in area X, there is at least one battery with a remaining charge of 20% or less (low remaining capacity battery), and at the same time, there is at least one battery with a remaining capacity of 80% or more (high remaining capacity battery).

[0051] Furthermore, it is preferable to set appropriate criteria for initiating power exchange in accordance with the conditions of power exchange area X, such as the number of demand locations included within power exchange area X and the power usage status of each demand location. The control unit 4 of the power exchange system 1 according to the present invention includes not only the controllers 16a to 16d of each demand location A to D but also the cloud server 3, enabling advanced control, and allowing the setting of advanced criteria for the start criteria of power exchange and the end criteria of power exchange described later. However, in the description of the operation of the power exchange system 1 described later, in order to briefly explain the operation of the power exchange system 1, a simple exchange start criterion and exchange termination criterion was used for convenience.

[0052] When the above criteria are used as the criteria for initiating the transfer, the monitoring step (S1-1) can be divided into a first monitoring step (S1-1a) and a second monitoring step (S1-1b). In the first monitoring step (S1-1a), it is determined whether or not there are any low-capacity batteries (11a to 11d) in area X with a remaining charge of 20% or less. If a low-capacity battery is present, the second monitoring step (S1-1b) is then performed. In the second monitoring step (S1-1b), it is determined whether there is one or more high-capacity batteries (80% or more remaining capacity) among the batteries 11a to 11d in area X. If both monitoring steps detect the presence of low-capacity and high-capacity batteries, the battery identification step (S1-2) is then performed.

[0053] In the battery identification step (S1-2), the source demand location and the battery at that demand location are identified based on specific conditions, and the recipient demand location and the battery at that demand location are identified. As a criterion for identifying the recipient battery, one can use the criterion of identifying the battery with the smallest remaining capacity among the low-capacity batteries found in the monitoring step (S1-1) described above as the recipient battery. As a criterion for identifying the source of the supply, one can use the criterion of identifying the battery with the largest remaining capacity among the high-capacity batteries found to exist in the monitoring step (S1-1) described above as the source battery. Once the source battery and the recipient battery are identified, the following preliminary steps are performed (preliminary step S2).

[0054] In the monitoring step (S1-1), if a low-capacity battery is detected in the first monitoring step (S1-1a), but a high-capacity battery is not detected in the second monitoring step (S1-1b), the battery identification step (S1-2) described above will not be executed, and the system will enter a continuous monitoring state where the monitoring steps are repeated (see Figure 5). Thus, if no high-capacity batteries are found in the second monitoring step (S1-1b) (i.e., the conditions for starting battery supply are not met in monitoring step S1-1), monitoring step (S1-1) may be repeated. Alternatively, charging of the low-capacity batteries found in the first monitoring step (S1-1) using power from the distribution line G (distribution line power charging step S4) may be performed (see Figure 6). In this case, the automatic shutdown function of each battery 11a to 11d is used to terminate charging using the power from the distribution line G. The monitoring step (S1-1) continues even while charging using the power from the distribution line G (S4) is being performed. However, during this time, the battery being charged using the power from the distribution line G is excluded from the monitoring in the monitoring step. When the control unit 4 detects the end of charging using the power from the distribution line G, the battery that has finished charging is separated from the distribution line G and is once again included as an object to be monitored in the monitoring step (S1-1). If the power distribution line charging step (S4) is not performed, the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 5 will be executed.

[0055] The preliminary step (S2) specifically includes an opening / closing step (S2-1) which includes opening / closing steps for the incoming switches 14a to 14d (S2-1a), opening / closing steps for the power supply changeover switches 22a to 22d (S2-1b), and changing steps for the interchangeable changeover switches 21a to 21d (S2-1c), and a start notification step (S2-2).

[0056] The opening / closing step (S2-1a) for the service entrance switches 14a to 14d is the step of switching all service entrance switches 14a to 14d at all demand locations A to D within area X to the open state 14off. Service entrance switches 14a to 14d that are already in the open state will remain open. When all service entrance switches 14a to 14d are in the open state 14off, it means that the power equipment at all demand locations A to D within area X is in an isolated state, separated from the distribution line G. In other words, the entire power exchange area X is in an independent state, separated from the distribution line G.

[0057] The opening and closing step (S2-1b) of the power supply selector switches 22a to 22d is the step of switching all power supply selector switches 22a to 22d at all demand locations A to D within area X to the open state (OFF position) 22off. Power supply selector switches 22a to 22d that are already in the open state will remain open. When all power supply selector switches 22a to 22d are opened, the secondary ports of the batteries 11a to 11d at all demand locations A to D within area X become isolated from the power supply selector switches 21a to 21d, preventing power transmission from the batteries 11a to 11d to the simple private power line 2.

[0058] The switching step (S2-1c) of the power transfer switches 21a to 21d is a step in which the power transfer switches at the supply destination demand location are switched to the charging position (receiving state) 21in, and the power transfer switches at the remaining demand locations other than the supply destination demand location are switched to the power supply position (power supply state) 21out. Furthermore, the interchangeable switch for the supply destination demand location that is already in the charging position 21in, and the interchangeable switch for the remaining demand locations other than the supply destination demand location that is already in the power supply position 21out, will remain in their current positions. If the power exchange switch at the receiving demand location is in the charging position 21in, and the power exchange switches at the remaining demand locations other than the receiving demand location are in the power supply position 21out, then in the subsequent power exchange step (S3), if the power supply switch at the source demand location is set to the closed state (ON position) 22on, power exchange will start immediately.

[0059] In other words, when the above-described switching steps S2-1 (S2-1a, S2-1b, S2-1c) are performed, the incoming switch at the supply destination demand location is in the open position 14off, and the power transfer switch is in the charging position 21in. At this time, the supply destination demand location is independent from the distribution line G, and the battery at the supply destination demand location is connected to the simple private line 2. On the other hand, at all remaining demand locations other than the supply destination demand locations, when the above-described switching step S2-1 (S2-1a, S2-1b, S2-1c) is performed, the incoming switch is in the open state 14off and the interchangeable switch is in the power supply position 21out. At this time, all remaining demand locations other than the supply destination demand locations are in an independent state from the distribution line G and are also disconnected from the simplified private line 2.

[0060] The commencement notification step (S2-2) is a step in which all demand locations A to D within area X are notified in advance of the commencement of the power exchange step (S3). Examples of notification methods include display on the control panels (not shown) of controllers 16a to 16d, push notifications to smartphones, and voice guidance.

[0061] Once each step (S2-1a, S2-1b, S2-1c, S2-2) of the described pre-step (S2) is performed, the power exchange step (S3) is then executed.

[0062] The power exchange step (S3) specifically includes the power exchange start step (S3-1), the power exchange management step (S3-2), the power exchange termination step (S3-3), and the power exchange termination notification step (S3-4).

[0063] The power exchange commencement step (S3-1) is the step of switching the power supply changeover switch at the power source demand location from the open state (OFF position) 22off to the closed state (ON position) 22on. As a result, power transmission from the battery at the source demand location to the simplified private line 2 begins, power transmission from the battery at the source demand location to the battery at the destination demand location begins via the simplified private line 2, and charging of the battery at the destination demand location begins. Furthermore, demand locations other than the source demand location and the destination demand location are sometimes referred to as non-transferable demand locations. Similarly, demand locations other than the destination demand location are sometimes referred to as non-destination demand locations.

[0064] Once power exchange begins and a power exchange state is established, AC power discharged from the battery at the source demand location is transmitted to the destination demand location via the simplified private line 2. The AC power transmitted to the destination demand location is then converted to DC power and used to charge the battery at the destination demand location. The electricity transmitted by the simple private power line 2 located outdoors is alternating current, which is advantageous in terms of ease of transmission management and other factors.

[0065] When charging begins to the battery at the customer demand location, the power exchange management step (S3-2) is performed.

[0066] The power exchange management step (S3-2) is a step in which the charging status due to power exchange is managed, and whether or not the conditions for terminating power exchange (hereinafter referred to as the exchange termination criteria) are met.

[0067] As criteria for terminating the supply, for example, the remaining capacity of the battery at the supply source's demand location and the remaining capacity of the battery at the receiving demand location can be used. To explain in more detail, for example, one possible criterion would be when the remaining capacity of the battery at the supply source's demand location becomes the same as the remaining capacity of the battery at the supply destination's demand location. Furthermore, it is preferable to set appropriate criteria for terminating the power exchange in a power exchange area X, corresponding to the conditions of the power exchange area X, such as the number of demand locations within the power exchange area X and the power usage status of each demand location.

[0068] If it is determined in the power exchange management step (S3-2) that the conditions for terminating the power exchange have been met, the power exchange termination step (S3-3) is then executed.

[0069] The power exchange termination step (S3-3) is the step of ending the charging of the battery at the receiving demand location. Specifically, the power supply changeover switch at the source demand location is switched from the closed state 22on to the open state 22off. As a result, the power supply from the battery at the source of demand to the simplified private line 2 stops, and the charging of the battery at the destination of demand ends. Once the power exchange termination step (S3-3) is completed, the power exchange termination notification step (S3-4) is then executed.

[0070] The power exchange completion notification step (S3-4) is a step in which all demand locations within the area are notified that the power exchange step (S3) has been completed. For example, this can be done by displaying it on the control panel of controllers 16a-16d, by sending a push notification to a smartphone, or by providing voice guidance.

[0071] Once the power exchange termination notification step (S3-4) is completed, the system returns to the specific step (S1) and executes each step that constitutes the specific step (S1). The power exchange system 1 repeatedly performs these operations (steps) as needed. This stabilizes the charge state of all batteries within the power exchange area X. In other words, it optimizes the power supply and demand state within the power exchange area X.

[0072] Next, a specific example of the operation of the power exchange system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 5.

[0073] This explanation begins from the point when the control unit 4 of the power exchange system 1, when performing the first monitoring step (S1-1a), discovers that the battery 11c at demand location C has low remaining capacity (remaining capacity of 20% or less).

[0074] If the presence of a battery 11c with low remaining capacity is detected in the first monitoring step (S1-1a), the second monitoring step (S1-1b) is then executed.

[0075] If the presence of a battery with high remaining capacity is not detected at this point, the process returns to step (S1). If the flowchart to be executed is as shown in Figure 6, the power distribution line charging step (S4) is performed and the process returns to the specific step (S1). Furthermore, even if no high-capacity batteries exist, subsequent sunlight will charge the batteries 11a to 11d at each demand location A to D, and if any batteries exceed the high-capacity standard in terms of remaining capacity, the presence of such high-capacity batteries will be detected in the subsequent second monitoring step (S1-1b). In that case, the battery identification step (S1-2) will then be executed.

[0076] On the other hand, if the presence of a battery 11a with high remaining capacity is detected in the second monitoring step (S1-1b), the next step is to perform the battery identification step (S1-2). This section describes the case where it is discovered that battery 11a at demand location A has a high remaining capacity (80% or more remaining capacity).

[0077] The battery identification step (S1-2) identifies the demand location of the supplier and the battery at that demand location, and identifies the demand location of the recipient and the battery at that demand location, based on the specific conditions described below. Here, we use a criterion to identify the battery with the smallest remaining capacity among the low-capacity batteries detected in the first monitoring step (S1-1a) as the battery at the customer demand location. As a result, battery 11c at demand location C was identified as battery Qc at customer demand location QC (see Figure 4(B)). Furthermore, in the second monitoring step (S1-1b), a criterion was used to identify the battery with the largest remaining capacity among the high-capacity batteries detected as the battery at the customer demand location. In this case, battery 11a at demand location A was identified as battery Pa at customer demand location PA (see Figure 4(B)).

[0078] After executing the battery identification step (S1-2), the next step (S2) is executed.

[0079] First, among the steps included in the opening / closing step (S2-1) of the preliminary step (S2), the opening / closing step (S2-1a) of the incoming switch is executed. As a result, the service entrance switches 14a to 14d at all demand locations A to D within Area X become open, and the entire Area X becomes isolated from the distribution line G.

[0080] Next, the power supply changeover switch opening / closing step (S2-1b) is performed. As a result, the power supply selector switches 22a to 22d for all demand locations A to D within Area X are opened (OFF position). The secondary ports of the batteries 11a to 11d for all demand locations A to D within Area X are isolated from the interchange selector switches 21a to 21d.

[0081] Next, the switching step (S2-1c) of the interchangeable changeover switch is executed. As a result, the switching switch 21c of the supply destination demand location C (QC) goes to the charging position (receiving power) 21in, and the switching switches 21a, 21b, and 21d of the batteries 11a, 11b, and 11d of the remaining demand locations other than the supply destination demand location go to the power supply position (power supply state) 21out.

[0082] Next, the start notification step (S2-2) is performed. This notifies all demand locations A through D within Area X that the power exchange step (S3) will begin.

[0083] After each of these steps included in the pre-step (S2) is performed, the power exchange step (S3) is then executed.

[0084] First, the power exchange start step (S3-1), which is included in the power exchange step (S3), is executed. As a result, the power supply switch 22a at the source demand location A (PA) is closed (ON position) 22on, and power from the battery 11a (Pa) at the source demand location A (PA) is transmitted via the simple private line 2 to the battery 11c (Qc) at the destination demand location C (QC), and charging of the battery 11c (Qc) at the destination demand location C (QC) begins. In the power exchange system 1 of this embodiment, the power transmitted through the simple private line 2 located outdoors is AC power, which is superior in terms of ease of power transmission management and other aspects.

[0085] During charging, once charging has started, the following power sharing management step (S3-2) is performed. In the power exchange management step (S3-2) of this embodiment, when it is detected that the remaining capacity of the battery 11a (Pa) at the source demand location A (PA) and the remaining capacity of the battery 11c (Qc) at the destination demand location C (QC) have become the same, it is determined that the conditions for ending the exchange have been met.

[0086] When the conditions for terminating the power exchange are met, the power exchange termination step (S3-3) is then executed. Specifically, the power supply changeover switch 22a at the power source demand location A (PA) is opened (22off). This completes the charging of battery 11c(Qc) at the supply destination demand location C(QC). After executing the power exchange termination step (S3-3), the power exchange termination notification step (S3-4) is executed. Specifically, all demand locations A to D within area X are notified that charging through power exchange has ended.

[0087] Once the power exchange termination notification step (S3-4) is completed, the series of steps ends and the process returns to the specific step (S1). In the power exchange system 1, by continuously executing these operations (steps), it is possible to optimize the power supply and demand state within the power exchange area X.

[0088] [Example 2] In this embodiment, with reference to Figure 7, we will explain the case where a multi-unit dwelling Y, such as an apartment building, having multiple demand locations (rooms) A to D, is located within the power exchange area.

[0089] Furthermore, comparing Example 1 and Example 2 described earlier, there are differences between a detached apartment in a multi-unit building and a detached house, but they are both residential locations, and the electrical equipment installed in these residential locations is basically the same. Therefore, here, the same symbols A to D used for detached houses are used for the individual rooms (demand locations) of apartment buildings, and the same symbols used for the power-related equipment installed in each demand location (room) A to D are also used for the equipment installed in demand locations A to D in Example 1, and explanations of these are omitted (see brief explanation of the drawing).

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment 2, as in embodiment 1, only the power-related equipment for each demand location (room) A to D is shown, and the illustration of other residential equipment is omitted (see Figure 7).

[0091] The simple private power lines 2 used in the power exchange system 1 also have a high degree of commonality, such as the ability to use common power lines, although there are differences in installation conditions and environments between the case where the power exchange area X is a multi-unit dwelling Y (case 2 of this embodiment) and the case where it is a block area X (case 1 of this embodiment). Therefore, the simplified private line 2 in this embodiment 2 is considered to be the same as the simplified private line 2 in embodiment 1, and will be described using the same reference numerals, with a detailed explanation omitted.

[0092] Furthermore, since the operation of the power exchange system 1 in Example 2 is the same as that of the power exchange system 1 in Example 1, the explanation of its operation and specific examples of its operation have been omitted here.

[0093] Thus, when comparing the case where apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings constitute the power exchange area Y (Embodiment 2) with the case where a block area consisting of multiple detached houses constitutes the power exchange area X, as described in Embodiment 1 above, the configuration of the power equipment installed at each demand location A to D is the same, and therefore the configuration of the power exchange system 1 in operation is also basically the same.

[0094] However, when we focus on the installation environment and operating conditions of the power exchange system 1, the installation environment and operating conditions differ significantly when comparing the case where the power exchange area Y is a multi-unit dwelling such as an apartment building (Example 2) with the case where the power exchange area X is a block area composed of multiple detached houses, as in Example 1 described above.

[0095] For example, in the case of a detached house, if the owner of that house wishes to install solar power generation equipment, they can generally install the equipment without worrying about the neighboring houses. On the other hand, in the case of apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings, even if you own a unit in the building, your exclusive use of space within the building is often limited to your unit. For example, the rooftop area is usually a shared space. Therefore, even if the owner of a condominium unit wishes to install solar power generation equipment, it is not easy to do so. Even if installation were possible, given the nature of apartment buildings, it would be difficult for all unit owners to install solar power generation equipment. Furthermore, it is easy to imagine that even more difficult constraints arise in properties like rental apartments, where residents change relatively frequently. Thus, in apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings, it is difficult to install solar power generation equipment according to the wishes of the unit owners. While it might be possible to install solar power generation equipment as a unanimous decision of the entire condominium complex, for example, if the installation proposal is approved at a general meeting of the management association, even if it is possible, the installed solar power generation equipment will be limited to conditions such as the size of the installation site and the installation cost.

[0096] Incidentally, the smallest unit of electricity demand is defined as a plot of land, a building, or a single unit in a multi-unit dwelling such as an apartment building. Therefore, for example, even if it is possible to install solar power generation equipment in an apartment building, the number of locations with demand (units) and the number of solar power generation equipment units rarely match. For example, if there are more units than solar power generation equipment, some units will not be able to use the solar power generation equipment, and conversely, if there are fewer units than solar power generation equipment, there will be a surplus of solar power generation equipment, which can easily lead to problems.

[0097] In this regard, the power exchange system according to the present invention has the characteristic of being operable regardless of whether the number of demand locations and the number of solar power generation facilities match or not. In other words, when installing solar power generation equipment in apartment buildings or other multi-unit dwellings, even if the number of demand locations does not match the number of solar power generation equipment units, all units in the apartment building can equally benefit from the installation and use of the solar power generation equipment. Furthermore, if an apartment unit owner in an apartment building or other multi-unit dwelling does not agree to receive the benefits of solar power generation equipment, the system can be made to ensure that the remaining unit owners equally benefit from the installation and use of the solar power generation equipment, allowing for flexible system operation in response to changing circumstances.

Claims

1. A power exchange system for an exchange area that includes multiple locations where electricity is in demand, Each demand location is equipped with battery storage as part of its power facilities. At least one of the aforementioned multiple demand locations is equipped with a power generation facility that generates electricity using renewable energy. A power exchange system characterized by having power cables installed to enable the exchange of power between storage batteries at each demand location.

2. Each demand location is equipped with a changeover switch that allows the storage battery of that demand location to be switched on and off to the power cable. The power exchange system according to claim 1, wherein a power exchange step can be performed in which power discharged from the power source battery is used to charge the power destination battery, with the battery of a source demand location selected from among the plurality of demand locations and a battery of a destination demand location selected from among the demand locations other than the source demand location connected via the power cable by switching the changeover switch of the source and destination demand locations.

3. Each demand location is equipped with a service entrance switch that separates the power equipment at that demand location from the distribution line. Each demand location is equipped with, as the changeover switch, at least a versatility changeover switch used to switch the power cable to either the primary or secondary side of the battery, and a power supply changeover switch used to switch whether or not to supply power from the battery to the power cable connected to the secondary side of the battery. When the power exchange step is performed, All demand locations within the aforementioned exchange area, including the supplier and the recipient, are in an isolated state, separated from the distribution line, with the service entrance switch open, and moreover, The power exchange system according to claim 2, wherein the power exchange switch at non-power exchange demand locations within the exchange area, excluding the source demand location and the destination demand location, is in a non-powered state, the power supply switch at the non-power exchange demand location is in an open state that prevents power transmission, and the power equipment at the non-power exchange demand location is in a disconnected state, separated from the power cable.

4. The system includes a control unit that receives data on the amount of charge stored in the batteries at each demand location, switching data relating to the switching position state of the changeover switch at each demand location, and incoming switch data relating to the open / closed state of the incoming switch at each demand location. The control unit is, A selection step to identify the source demand location and the destination demand location based on the input data, The following switching step can be performed: by operating the changeover switch and the incoming switch to open and close the power equipment at all demand locations within the exchange area, including the source and destination, to the self-sufficient state, and the power equipment at non-exchange demand locations to the disconnected state. The power exchange system according to claim 3, wherein the power exchange step is performed while the specified step and the opening / closing step are being performed.

5. The control unit comprises a controller for each demand location that controls the power equipment at each demand location, and a server that can send and receive data between each controller via a communication line and controls each controller based on the data from each controller. Each of the controllers receives the following inputs: the charge amount data of the battery at the demand location where the controller is installed, the switching data relating to the position state of the changeover switch, and the incoming switch data relating to the open / closed state of the incoming switch. The power exchange system according to claim 4, wherein power data of the service drop line supplying power from the distribution line to the demand location, power data of on-site self-generation at the demand location, battery storage amount data, and power data of the power cable are input.

6. The power exchange system according to claim 5, wherein each controller is capable of opening and closing the incoming switch at each demand location based on the data input to the controller and the data input from the server via the communication line, and is also capable of switching the power exchange switch and the power supply switch, which are the changeover switches at the source demand location and the destination demand location.

7. The aforementioned power cable is an AC outdoor circuit, In the aforementioned power exchange step, The discharge power from the battery at the supply source demand location is converted to AC power and then transmitted to the supply destination via the power cable. The power exchange system according to claim 6, wherein AC power transmitted to the recipient is converted to DC power and then charged in a storage battery at the recipient's demand location.

8. The power supply for operating the incoming switch and the power exchange switch at each of the aforementioned demand locations is a portion of the power transmitted via the power cable, as described in claim 7.

9. The power exchange system according to claim 8, wherein the incoming switch is equipped with an interlock function to prevent malfunction.

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