Energy management systems, energy management methods, energy management programs

Abstract

In addition to meeting electricity demand and keeping electricity rates low, the system also aims to minimize the rate of degradation of the battery storage system. [Solution] The power consumption forecasting unit 1200 generates power consumption forecasting information 500 based on operational performance information 400 and weather forecast information 700. The charging plan creation unit 111 creates charging plan information 300 based on power consumption forecasting information 500, battery degradation characteristics information 600 and electricity rate plan information 900. The operational performance information 400 and power consumption forecasting information 500 relate to the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generation system 211 and the power demand of the power load system 213. The battery degradation characteristics information 600 relates the degree of charging and degradation of the battery in the battery system 212. The charging plan information 300 relates the charging time period 398, which is a time period set in the charging plan, to the amount of power supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to charge the battery in the battery system 212 during the said charging time period 398.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for managing energy in a facility that can receive power supply from a power transmission and distribution system and has a renewable energy power generation system, a battery system, and a power load system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a power supply for supplying power to a power load system, not only a power transmission and distribution system but also a renewable energy power generation system such as a solar power generation system installed by a consumer at its own site has been considered for combined use. And the power demand of the power load system and the power generation amount of the renewable energy power generation system often do not necessarily match. Therefore, further combined use of a battery system that temporarily holds the power generation amount of the renewable energy power generation system and the power amount supplied from the power transmission and distribution system has been considered.

[0003] As one of the prior art documents showing the above considerations, there is Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, the predicted power amount of an electric load (power load system) is calculated, the predicted power generation amount of solar power generation means (renewable energy power generation system) is calculated, the shortage amount, which is the difference between the predicted power amount and the predicted power generation amount, is set as the predicted stored power amount, and at a specific time zone where the power cost (electricity charge) is low, the battery storage means (battery system) is charged with the power amount supplied from the power system (power transmission and distribution system) until the stored power amount of the battery storage means (battery system) reaches the predicted stored power amount. A technique is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 attempts to charge a battery storage system by supplying electricity from the power transmission and distribution system to the battery storage system during off-peak hours when electricity rates are low, in order to compensate for the shortfall when the electricity demand of a power load system is met by the amount generated by a renewable energy power generation system. In other words, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be said to meet the electricity demand of a power load system while keeping the electricity rates for the electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system low.

[0006] Incidentally, it is generally known that rechargeable batteries degrade as they are used through charging and discharging. Battery degradation manifests itself, for example, as a decrease in the maximum amount of charge that can be charged. And when the degradation of a battery progresses to a certain extent (for example, when the maximum amount of charge that can be charged into the battery falls to a predetermined value), the battery is replaced.

[0007] Here, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 satisfies the power demand of the power load system while keeping the electricity charges for the power supplied from the power transmission and distribution system low, but it does not give sufficient consideration to the progression of degradation of the battery in the battery storage system. In other words, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 charges the battery in the battery storage system with the deficit, which is the difference between the predicted power amount of the power load system and the predicted power amount of the renewable energy power generation system, if it is possible to charge the battery in the battery storage system with that deficit. However, if this deficit is close to the maximum amount of charge that can be charged into the battery in the battery storage system, there is a risk that the degree of degradation of the battery in the battery storage system will increase.

[0008] Based on the above, when a power load system can be supplied with electricity from a power transmission and distribution system, a renewable energy generation system, and a battery storage system, one of the objectives of this disclosure may be to meet the power load system's electricity demand, keep electricity charges low for the electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system, and also to keep the rate of degradation of the battery in the battery storage system low.

[0009] Once the objectives of this disclosure are achieved, the degradation of the batteries in the battery storage system will be slowed down, extending the lifespan of the system. In addition, the replacement cost of the battery storage system will be lower, so the total cost, including electricity charges and replacement costs, will also be kept low. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve at least one of the above objectives, the features that this disclosure may have include, for example, the following: One of the disclosures is an energy management system. The energy management system includes an energy quantity forecasting unit and a charging plan creation unit. The power consumption forecasting unit generates power consumption forecast information based on operational performance information and weather forecast information. Operational performance information includes information showing actual power generation amounts of renewable energy power generation systems capable of supplying power to power load systems, and power consumption demand of power load systems. Weather forecast information includes information showing weather forecasts for locations where one or more of the renewable energy power generation systems, power load systems, and battery storage systems capable of supplying power to power load systems exist. Power consumption forecast information includes information showing forecasts regarding power generation amounts of renewable energy power generation systems and power consumption demand of power load systems. The charging plan creation unit creates charging plan information based on power consumption forecast information, battery degradation characteristics information, and electricity rate plan information. Battery degradation characteristics information is information that correlates the degree of charging in a battery storage system with the degree of degradation of the battery in that system. Electricity rate plan information is information that correlates the plan time period, which is the time period set in the electricity rate plan, with the electricity rate settings for the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system to the power load system or battery storage system during that plan time period. Charging plan information is information that correlates the charging time period, which is the time period set in the charging plan, with the degree of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system to charge the battery in the battery storage system during that charging time period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] As described above, this disclosure uses battery degradation characteristic information when creating charging plan information, which is information that associates the charging time period, which is a time period set in the charging plan, with the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system to charge the battery in the battery storage system during that charging time period. Since battery degradation characteristic information is information that associates the degree of charge in the battery in the battery storage system with the degree of degradation of the battery in the battery storage system, the charging plan information reflects the perspective of keeping the progression of degradation of the battery in the battery storage system to a minimum.

[0012] Based on the above, this disclosure can meet the electricity demand of a power load system when it can be supplied with electricity from a power transmission and distribution system, a renewable energy generation system, and a battery storage system, and can keep electricity charges low for the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system, as well as keep the rate of degradation of the battery in the battery storage system low.

[0013] Energy management methods and programs that achieve the same results as the energy management system described above can also achieve the same effects and benefits. In the case of programs, costs are often reduced. Furthermore, design changes related to processing are more easily implemented in programs. Any other features that this disclosure may possess, and the effects corresponding to such features, are disclosed in this specification, claims, or drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] The basic functional configuration of the embodiments disclosed herein is shown. [Figure 2] The overall configuration, including embodiments of this disclosure, is shown. [Figure 3] This displays charging plan information. [Figure 4] This shows operational performance information. [Figure 5] Indicates power prediction information. [Figure 6] Indicates battery degradation characteristic information. [Figure 7] Indicates weather forecast information. [Figure 8] Indicates temperature prediction information. [Figure 9] Indicates electricity tariff plan information. [Figure 10] Indicates battery cost information. [Figure 11] Indicates the functional configuration of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Indicates the processing of the power prediction unit. [Figure 13] Indicates the processing of the first charging plan creation unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] Indicates the explanation of battery degradation characteristic information. [Figure 15] Indicates the explanation of the passage of time series. [Figure 16] Indicates the explanation of the charging time zone. [Figure 17] Indicates the explanation of an example of creating a charging plan for multiple days. [Figure 18] Indicates the explanation of the effect of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] Indicates the functional configuration of the second embodiment. [Figure 20] Indicates the processing of the second charging plan creation unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 21] Indicates the explanation for calculating the total score. [Figure 22] Indicates the functional configuration of the third embodiment. [Figure 23] Indicates the processing of the third charging plan creation unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 24] Indicates the explanation of the effect of the third embodiment (behavior of battery degradation). [Figure 25] Indicates the explanation of the effect of the third embodiment (variation of cost during equipment operation period). [Figure 26] Indicates the effect of the third embodiment (accumulation of cost during equipment operation period). [Figure 27] Indicates the explanation of the effect of total cost reduction. [Figure 28] This shows the computer architecture. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are not intended to limit the disclosures in the claims, and not all elements and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of this disclosure. The following descriptions and drawings are illustrative for illustrating this disclosure and have been omitted and simplified as appropriate for clarity. This disclosure can be implemented in various other forms. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural. The positions, sizes, shapes, and ranges of the components shown in the drawings may not represent the actual positions, sizes, shapes, and ranges in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Therefore, this disclosure is not necessarily limited to the positions, sizes, shapes, and ranges disclosed in the drawings. Each of the systems (e.g., energy management systems), devices, or functional units of this disclosure may be a single hardware unit, or it may be divided into multiple parts that work together to perform their respective functions. Several systems, devices, or functional units may be integrated in hardware. Each system, device, or functional unit may be implemented by having a computer execute software (a program, e.g., an energy management program) (as shown in Figure 28). Some of the functions of the system, device, or functional unit may be implemented in hardware (e.g., hardwired logic or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)), and the remaining functions may be implemented by executing software (a program). All of the functions of each system, device, or functional unit may be implemented in hardware. Some or all of the steps shown in the flowcharts, etc., described in this disclosure may be implemented in hardware. One or more systems, devices, or functional units of the Disclosure may be implemented from one or more hardware resources. For this purpose, each of the systems, devices, or functional units of the Disclosure may be implemented virtually. For example, virtual computer or virtual container techniques may be used. A program is a general concept encompassing software in which software and hardware resources work together to construct a specific system or method of operation suited to its intended purpose. In other words, a program is not limited to a specific type or form of program. Furthermore, a program may initially be recorded in a compressed format. Reference numbers used in multiple drawings indicate that they are equivalent. In flowcharts, rectangular boxes represent processing steps, and hexagonal boxes represent conditional branching steps. In flowcharts, "step" is abbreviated as "S".

[0016] 1. Basic Functional Configuration (Figure 1) Figure 1 shows the basic functional configuration 100 (and the information handled) of the energy management system 101 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Not all functional configurations shown in Figure 1 are mandatory. Furthermore, it is not prohibited for functional configurations other than those shown in Figure 1 to exist. In Figure 1 (and Figures 11, 19, and 22), solid rectangles with "part" in their name indicate functional parts, and dotted rectangles indicate the information (data) handled.

[0017] The energy management system 101 may manage equipment 201 as shown at the top of Figure 1. Equipment 201 may include a renewable energy generation system 211, a battery storage system 212, and a power load system 213. One or both of the renewable energy generation system 211 and the battery storage system 212 may supply electricity to the power load system 213 via the internal power lines 214 to meet the power demand of the power load system 213. The renewable energy generation system 211 may supply electricity to the battery storage system 212 via the internal power lines 214 to charge the battery in the battery storage system 212. A power transmission and distribution system 204 may exist to supply power to equipment 201. The amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to equipment 201 may be supplied to a power load system 213 via internal power lines 214 to meet the power demand of the power load system 213. The amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to equipment 201 may also be supplied to a battery storage system 212 via internal power lines 214 to charge the batteries in the battery storage system 212. It is also possible that electricity may be supplied from the renewable energy generation system 211 or the battery storage system 212 to the power transmission and distribution system 204, in other words, reverse power flow may occur. As shown in Figure 2 below, the energy management system 101 creates a plan for energy (electricity), while a separate system may exist to directly control the equipment 201. Alternatively, the energy management system 101 itself may directly control the equipment 201.

[0018] As shown in the lower part of Figure 1, the energy management system 101 may include an energy quantity prediction unit 1200 and a charging plan creation unit 111 (a first charging plan creation unit 1300 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 11, a second charging plan creation unit 2000 in the second embodiment shown in Figure 19, and a third charging plan creation unit 2300 in the third embodiment shown in Figure 22).

[0019] The power consumption forecasting unit 1200 may generate power consumption forecasting information 500 based on operational performance information 400 and weather forecast information 700. The operational performance information 400, which is one of the information sources for the power quantity forecasting unit 1200, may include information showing actual data regarding the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generation system 211 and the power demand of the power load system 213. An example of the operational performance information 400 is shown in Figure 4 and will be explained later. The weather forecast information 700, which is one of the information sources for the power consumption forecasting unit 1200, may include information indicating the weather forecast at a location where one or more of the renewable energy generation system 211, the battery storage system 212, and the power load system 213 are present. In Figures 1 and 2, the weather forecast information 700 may include information indicating the weather forecast at equipment 201. An example of the weather forecast information 700 is shown in Figure 7 and will be explained later. The power consumption forecast information 500 generated by the power consumption forecasting unit 1200 may include information indicating forecasts regarding the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation system 211 and the power consumption demand of the power load system 213. An example of the power consumption forecast information 500 is shown in Figure 5 and will be explained later. In other words, the power generation forecasting unit 1200 uses operational performance information 400, which shows past or present performance (history) of the renewable energy generation system 211 and the power load system 213, and weather forecast information 700, which shows present or future weather forecasts (including temperature (air temperature)) that are the subject of the creation of the charging plan information 300, to forecast the amount of power generated by renewable energy and the power load for the renewable energy generation system 211 and the power load system 213 in the present or future.

[0020] The charging plan creation unit 111 (first charging plan creation unit 1300, second charging plan creation unit 2000, third charging plan creation unit 2300) may create charging plan information 300 based on the power consumption forecast information 500, the battery degradation characteristic information 600, and the electricity rate plan information 900. As previously noted, the energy consumption forecast information 500 is one of the information sources for the charging plan creation unit 111 (first charging plan creation unit 1300, second charging plan creation unit 2000, third charging plan creation unit 2300). An example of the energy consumption forecast information 500 is shown in Figure 5. The battery degradation characteristic information 600, which is one of the information sources for the charging plan creation unit 111 (first charging plan creation unit 1300, second charging plan creation unit 2000, third charging plan creation unit 2300), may be information that associates the degree of charging 122 (for example, charge rate 622 in Figure 6) in the battery system 212 with the degree of degradation of the battery in the battery system 212. An example of the battery degradation characteristic information 600 is shown in Figure 6 and will be explained later. The electricity rate plan information 900, which is one of the information sources for the charging plan creation unit 111 (first charging plan creation unit 1300, second charging plan creation unit 2000, third charging plan creation unit 2300), may indicate a plan relating to electricity rates for the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the power load system 213 or the battery storage system 212. The electricity rate plan information 900 may, for example, be information relating a plan time zone 998, which is a time period set in the electricity rate plan, to a setting 130 relating to electricity rates for the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the power load system 213 or the battery storage system 212 during that plan time zone 998 (in Figure 9, for example, a setting for the electricity rate unit price 931 or the minimum rate time zone 999). An example of the electricity rate plan information 900 is shown in Figure 9 and will be explained later. The charging plan information 300, created by the charging plan creation unit 111 (first charging plan creation unit 1300, second charging plan creation unit 2000, third charging plan creation unit 2300), may indicate a plan to supply power from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the battery storage system 212 to charge the battery in the battery storage system 212. The charging plan information 300 may, for example, be information that associates a charging time period 398, which is a time period set in the charging plan, with the degree 161 (in Figures 3 and 11, for example, a target charging power amount 361 or a target maximum charging rate 1361) of the amount of power supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to charge the battery in the battery storage system 212 during the charging time period 398. An example of the charging plan information 300 is shown in Figure 3 and will be explained later. In other words, the charging plan creation unit 111 (first charging plan creation unit 1300, second charging plan creation unit 2000, third charging plan creation unit 2300) creates a charging plan for charging the batteries of the battery storage system 212 from the power transmission and distribution system 204, taking into account the current or future forecast of the amount of electricity that is the subject of the creation of the charging plan information 300 for the renewable energy power generation system 211 and the power load system 213, and considering not only the perspective of keeping electricity charges low, but also the perspective of keeping the progression of deterioration of the batteries of the battery storage system 212 low.

[0021] Since the energy management system 101 in the embodiment of this disclosure has the functional configuration described above, it can provide the effects shown in the [Effects of the Invention] section above (the effects shown in paragraphs

[0012] to

[0014] ).

[0022] 2. Overall configuration including the energy management system 101 (Figures 2-10) Figure 2 shows the overall configuration 200 including the energy management system 101 of the embodiment of this disclosure. Note that not all of the functional configurations shown in Figure 2 are mandatory. Furthermore, the existence of functional configurations other than those shown in Figure 2 is not prohibited.

[0023] In the example shown in Figure 2, in addition to the energy management system 101 which is an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is an equipment control system 202 that directly controls the equipment 201 which has a renewable energy generation system 211, a battery storage system 212, and a power load system 213. The equipment control system 202 controls each system belonging to the equipment 201 and the power lines 214 within the equipment (for example, by transmitting control signals). The equipment control system 202 also collects information on the operational performance of the equipment 201 from each system belonging to the equipment 201, the power lines 214 within the equipment, or various measuring instruments.

[0024] As explained with reference to Figure 1, the energy management system 101 may create charging plan information 300. The charging plan information 300 may indicate a plan to supply electricity from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the battery storage system 212 to charge the battery in the battery storage system 212. The energy management system 101 may transmit the created charging plan information 300 to the equipment control system 202. The equipment control system 202 may control the equipment 201 so that it performs operations in accordance with the transmitted charging plan information 300.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example of charging plan information 300. In Figure 3, the charging plan information 300 is shown in a table format, but it may be in other formats as well (this also applies to Figures 4 to 10 described later). In Figure 3, each record (row) of the charging plan information 300 may contain information for the charging time period 398 and the target maximum charge rate 1361 (or target charging energy 361). Each record (row) may further contain information for either or both of the following items: power transmission and distribution system power at charging 301 and degradation-neglected maximum charge rate 1311. The charging time period 398 indicates a time period set to supply power from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the battery storage system 212 in order to charge the batteries in the battery storage system 212. The target maximum charge rate 1361 indicates the target value of the charge rate of the battery in the battery system 212 at the time the corresponding charging time period 398 ends. The target charge amount 361 indicates the target value of the charge amount of the battery in the battery system 212 at the time the corresponding charging time period 398 ends. The power of the power transmission and distribution system 301 during charging indicates the power value when supplying energy from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the battery storage system 212 during the charging period 398. The degradation-ignored maximum charge rate 1311 represents the target charge level of the battery in the battery system 212 at the end of the corresponding charging time period 398, assuming that the power demand of the power load system 213 is met even if no power is supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the battery system 212 and the power load system 213 from the end of the corresponding charging time period 398 until the start of the next charging time period 398 (or the minimum charge time period 999 described later). As shown in Figure 3, the target maximum charge rate 1361 and the degradation-ignored maximum charge rate 1311 do not necessarily coincide. If the charging plan period 1521 (see Figure 15), which is the period covered by a single charging plan, includes multiple charging time zones 398, then there may be a separate record for each charging time zone 398, as shown in Figure 3.

[0026] The equipment control system 202 may transmit information collected from each system belonging to the equipment 201, the power lines 214 within the equipment, or various measuring instruments to the energy management system 101 as operational performance information 400. As explained with reference to Figure 1, the operational performance information 400 may be one of the sources of information for generating power consumption forecast information 500.

[0027] Figure 4 shows an example of operational performance information 400. In Figure 4, each record (row) in the operational performance information 400 may contain information on the following items: time period 498, weather record 401, power generation record 402, electricity demand record 403, end-of-period charge rate record 405, degradation progress record 406, or battery ambient temperature record 407. Time zone 498 indicates the time period associated with the various records contained in the record (row). In the example in Figure 4 (and Figures 5, 7, and 8 described later), time zone 498 is assumed to have a predetermined fixed length (e.g., 1 hour). However, the length of time zone 498 may be variable. The weather record 401 may be a record of the weather observed in the renewable energy generation system 211, battery storage system 212, or power load system 213 (or equipment 201) during the corresponding time period 498. The weather record 401 may include information on the following items: sunshine conditions 471, temperature 472, humidity 473, atmospheric pressure 474, wind direction 475, or wind speed 476. Each of the sunshine conditions 471 (specifically, the intensity of solar radiation (illuminance)), temperature 472, humidity 473, atmospheric pressure 474, wind direction 475, or wind speed 476 may be a statistically representative value (e.g., mean, median, maximum, minimum) for the corresponding time period 498. The sunshine conditions 471 may indicate the length of time that there was solar radiation or the intensity of solar radiation (illuminance; in units of lux (lx)) during the corresponding time period 498. The power generation record 402 may be a record of the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generation system 211 during the corresponding time period 498. The combination of this power generation record 402 and the corresponding time period 498 may be used as the power generation performance information 420 shown in Figure 11. The electricity demand record 403 may be a record of the electricity demand of the power load system 213 during the corresponding time period 498. The combination of this electricity demand record 403 and the corresponding time period 498 may be the electricity demand performance information 430 shown in Figure 11. The end-of-period charge rate record 405 may be a record of the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 at the time the corresponding time period 498 ends. The combination of this end-of-period charge rate record 405 and the corresponding time period 498 may be used as the charge rate performance information 450 shown in Figures 11, 19, and 22. Although the charge rate is shown to be recorded here, the amount of charge of the battery in the battery storage system 212 (in units of, for example, kilowatt-hours (kWh)) may be recorded instead of, or together with, the charge rate. The degradation progress record 406 may be a record indicating the degree of degradation of the battery in the battery system 212 at the time the corresponding time period 498 ends. The degradation progress record 406 may be, for example, an index indicating the degree of decrease in the maximum charge amount when comparing the maximum charge amount that could be charged in the battery in the battery system 212 at the start of use of the battery system 212 with the maximum charge amount that can be charged in the battery in the battery system 212 at the time the time period 498 ends. The combination of this degradation progress record 406 and the corresponding time period 498 may be the degradation progress performance information 460 shown in Figure 22. Note that in the first and second embodiments described later, this degradation progress record 406 may not exist. The battery ambient temperature record 407 may be a record of the ambient temperature of the battery in the battery system 212 during the corresponding time period 498. The battery ambient temperature record 407 may be a statistically representative value (e.g., mean, median, maximum, minimum) during the corresponding time period 498.

[0028] The energy management system 101 (specifically, the power consumption forecasting unit 1200) may generate power consumption forecasting information 500 using operational performance information 400 as one of its information sources. (The weather forecasting information 700, which is another information source, will be described later.) The power consumption forecasting information 500 may be handled internally by the energy management system 101. (Alternatively, the power consumption forecasting information 500 may be displayed or output as needed.)

[0029] Figure 5 shows an example of electricity consumption forecast information 500. In Figure 5, each record (row) of the electricity consumption forecast information 500 may have the following items: time period 498, power generation forecast 502, electricity demand forecast 503, or electricity surplus / shortage forecast 504. Time zone 498, as in Figure 4, indicates the time zone associated with the various records contained in the record (row). The power generation forecast 502 may show a forecast of the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generation system 211 during the corresponding time period 498. The combination of this power generation forecast 502 and the corresponding time period 498 may be referred to as the power generation forecast information 520 shown in Figure 11. The electricity demand forecast 503 may show the predicted electricity demand of the power load system 213 during the corresponding time period 498. The combination of this electricity demand forecast 503 and the corresponding time period 498 may be referred to as the electricity demand forecast information 530 shown in Figure 11. The power supply surplus / shortage forecast 504 may indicate whether the power generation amount shown in the power generation forecast 502 is insufficient or in excess to meet the power supply demand shown in the power supply demand forecast 503 for the corresponding time period 498. In Figure 5, for convenience, a surplus is represented by a plus sign (+) and an excess by a minus sign (-), but other representations are also acceptable. The combination of this power supply surplus / shortage forecast 504 and the corresponding time period 498 may be used as the power supply surplus / shortage forecast information 540 shown in Figures 11, 19, and 22. Figure 5 illustrates how, in the first, second, and third embodiments described later, the power quantity forecasting unit 1200 generates power quantity surplus / deficit forecasting information 540, and then the charging plan creation unit 111 (first charging plan creation unit 1300, second charging plan creation unit 2000, third charging plan creation unit 2300) refers to the power quantity surplus / deficit forecasting information 540. Alternatively, the power quantity forecasting unit 1200 may not generate power quantity surplus / deficit forecasting information 540, and the charging plan creation unit 111 (first charging plan creation unit 1300, second charging plan creation unit 2000, third charging plan creation unit 2300) may refer to the power generation forecasting information 520 and the power quantity demand forecasting information 530. In this case, the power quantity surplus / deficit forecasting information 504 does not need to exist in each record of the power quantity forecasting information 500.

[0030] The energy management system 101 (specifically, the charging plan creation unit 111 (first charging plan creation unit 1300, second charging plan creation unit 2000, and third charging plan creation unit 2300)) may create charging plan information 300 using electricity consumption forecast information 500 as one of its information sources and battery degradation characteristic information 600 as another. (The remaining information source, electricity rate plan information 900, will be described later.) In the example shown in Figure 2, the battery degradation characteristics information 600 may be stored in the battery characteristics information database 203. The battery characteristics information database 203 may be in any form as long as it is accessible to the energy management system 101. For example, the energy management system 101 and the battery characteristics information database 203 may be connected to each other via a wired or wireless network. This network may be a network that constitutes the Internet, or it may be a network local to the energy management system 101. Alternatively, the battery characteristics information database 203 may be located within the energy management system 101. By creating a database of battery degradation characteristics information 600, the information becomes easier to use, and additions and updates to the battery degradation characteristics information 600 can be easily performed.

[0031] Figure 6 shows an example of battery degradation characteristics information 600. In Figure 6, each record (row) of the battery degradation characteristics information 600 may have an item for the ambient temperature of the battery 607, the charge level 622, or the degree of battery degradation 660 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "degree of degradation"). The battery ambient temperature 607 indicates the temperature of the battery in the battery system 212. The battery ambient temperature 607 may be, for example, the temperature of the air surrounding the battery, or the temperature of the battery itself. The charge rate 622 indicates the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212. The charge rate may be the ratio of the actual amount of charge in the battery to the maximum amount of charge that can be charged at the start of battery use. In addition, information on the amount of charge may be included in the record (row) of the battery degradation characteristic information 600, either in place of or together with the charge rate 622. The battery degradation level 660 may be an index indicating the degree of degradation of the battery in the battery system 212 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed under the conditions of a corresponding ambient battery temperature 607 and a corresponding charge rate 622 (or charge amount). In the example in Figure 6, the battery degradation degree of 660 was determined for a given combination of ambient temperature 607 and charge level 622 (charge amount). However, information other than the combination of ambient temperature 607 and charge level 622 (charge amount) may be used to predict the battery degradation degree of 660. For example, if the fluctuation range of the ambient temperature 607 around the battery is small at the location where the battery system 212 is used, and the influence of the ambient temperature 607 on the battery degradation level 660 can be considered small, then the battery degradation characteristic information 600 may only contain the charge level 622 and the battery degradation level 660. Alternatively, if not only the absolute value of the charge rate 622 but also the derivative of the charge rate 622 (amount of charge) (change per unit time) affects the battery degradation level 660, then the battery degradation characteristic information 600 record may include information on the derivative of the charge rate 622 (amount of charge) (change per unit time) in addition to the information on the items shown in Figure 6. Or, in the information on the items shown in Figure 6, information on the derivative of the charge rate 622 (amount of charge) (change per unit time) may be included instead of the information on the charge rate 622.

[0032] Figure 2 shows the weather forecast information 700. As mentioned above, the energy management system 101 (specifically the power consumption forecasting unit 1200) may use the weather forecast information 700 as one of its information sources when generating the power consumption forecast information 500. The weather forecast information 700 may be provided to the energy management system 101 via a wired or wireless network from a server operated by the provider of the weather forecast information 700. Alternatively, if the weather forecast information 700 can be obtained in the equipment 201 based on the measurement results from measuring instruments installed in the equipment 201, the weather forecast information 700 may be provided to the energy management system 101 from the equipment 201. Furthermore, the energy management system 101 may process the weather forecast information provided to it to obtain information about the weather forecast for a location where one or more of the renewable energy generation system 211, battery storage system 212, or power load system 213 exist, and then use this information as weather forecast information 700.

[0033] Figure 7 shows an example of weather forecast information 700. In Figure 7, each record (row) of the weather forecast information 700 may contain information for the following items: time zone 498, sunshine forecast 771, temperature forecast 772, humidity forecast 773, atmospheric pressure forecast 774, wind direction forecast 775, or wind speed forecast 776. Time zone 498, similar to Figure 4, indicates the time zone associated with the various forecasts contained in the record (row). The sunshine forecast 771, temperature forecast 772, humidity forecast 773, atmospheric pressure forecast 774, wind direction forecast 775, or wind speed forecast 776 may indicate the weather forecast observed in the renewable energy generation system 211, battery storage system 212, or power load system 213 (or equipment 201) during the corresponding time period 498. Each of the sunshine forecast 771 (specifically the intensity of solar radiation (illuminance)), temperature forecast 772, humidity forecast 773, atmospheric pressure forecast 774, wind direction forecast 775, or wind speed forecast 776 may be a statistically representative value (e.g., mean, median, maximum, minimum) for the corresponding time period 498. The sunshine forecast 771 may indicate the length of time during which solar radiation is predicted to be present during the corresponding time period 498, or the predicted intensity of solar radiation (illuminance; in units of lux (lx)).

[0034] Figure 2 shows the temperature prediction information 800. As in the example in Figure 6, when using the battery ambient temperature 607 to predict the battery degradation degree 660, the energy management system 101 (specifically the charge planning unit 111 (first charge planning unit 1300, second charge planning unit 2000, third charge planning unit 2300)) may use the predicted value of the battery ambient temperature 607 as one of the information sources when creating the charge planning information 300. The temperature prediction information 800 provides this predicted value of the battery ambient temperature 607.

[0035] Figure 8 shows an example of temperature forecast information 800. In Figure 8, each record (row) of the temperature forecast information 800 may have either a time period 498 or a battery ambient temperature forecast 807 item. Time zone 498, similar to Figure 4, indicates the time zone associated with the prediction contained in the record (row). The battery ambient temperature forecast 807 indicates the predicted temperature of the battery in the battery system 212 during the corresponding time period 498. The battery ambient temperature forecast 807 may be, for example, the temperature of the air surrounding the battery, or the temperature of the battery itself. The battery ambient temperature forecast 807 may be determined by the energy management system 101 based on either or both of the weather forecast information 700 or the operational performance information 400. In this case, the temperature forecast information 800 is not independently provided to the energy management system 101 from an external source, but rather becomes information handled internally by the energy management system 101. Alternatively, the battery ambient temperature forecast 807 may be determined using another type of information in place of, or together with, the weather forecast information 700 or operational performance information 400. In this case, the other type of information may be provided to the energy management system 101 from an external source via a wired or wireless network.

[0036] Figure 2 shows the electricity rate plan information 900. As mentioned above, the energy management system 101 (specifically the charging plan creation unit 111 (first charging plan creation unit 1300, second charging plan creation unit 2000, third charging plan creation unit 2300)) may use the electricity rate plan information 900 as one of its information sources when creating the charging plan information 300. The electricity rate plan information 900 may be provided to the energy management system 101 from a server operated by the party supplying electricity through the power transmission and distribution system 204. Alternatively, if the content of the electricity rate plan information 900 itself is not complex, the information of the electricity rate plan information 900 may be manually entered into the energy management system 101 (for example, via the input device 2806 shown in Figure 28).

[0037] Figure 9 shows an example of electricity rate plan information 900. In Figure 9, each record (row) in the electricity rate plan information 900 may contain information for the following items: plan time zone 998, electricity rate unit price 931, discount rate 934, or note 935. Plan time zone 998 indicates the time zone set in the electricity rate plan. As shown in the example in Figure 9, if the day is divided into four time zones, the electricity rate plan information 900 will contain four records (rows), and the plan time zone 998 for each record (row) will indicate the time zone corresponding to that record (row). The electricity rate 931 represents the unit price of electricity when electricity is supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the power load system 213 or the battery storage system 212 during the corresponding plan time zone 998. The electricity rate 931 may, for example, represent the electricity rate per kilowatt-hour (1 kWh). The discount rate of 934 represents the discount rate at the electricity rate of 931 during the corresponding plan time period 998, compared to the highest electricity rate (50 yen per kWh between 9:00 and 21:00 in the example in Figure 9). Note 935 may include information, for example, indicating which time period has the lowest electricity rate. In the example in Figure 9, it is shown that the time period from 0:00 to 6:00 has the lowest electricity rate (i.e., the lowest rate period 999).

[0038] It is not mandatory for the electricity rate plan information 900 to contain all the information shown in Figure 9. In the first embodiment described later, it is sufficient for the electricity rate plan information 900 to include information that identifies which time period is the lowest rate time period 999, and the other information shown in Figure 9 does not need to be present. In the second embodiment described later, the electricity rate plan information 900 may contain only one of either the electricity rate unit price 931 or the discount rate 934 shown in Figure 9. In the third embodiment described later, the information on the discount rate 934 may not be present in the electricity rate plan information 900. Furthermore, generally speaking, if at least one of the electricity rate unit price 931 or the discount rate 934 exists, the minimum charge period 999 is specified, and in that case, there is no need for a note 935 in the electricity rate plan information 900 to explicitly indicate the minimum charge period 999.

[0039] Figure 2 shows the battery cost information 1000. When the degree of deterioration of the battery in the battery system 212 is evaluated as an expense for battery replacement, etc., as in the third charging plan creation unit 2300 of the third embodiment described later, the energy management system 101 may use this battery cost information 1000. (In the first and second embodiments described later, the battery cost information 1000 does not have to exist.) The battery cost information 1000 may be provided to the energy management system 101 from a server operated by the battery manufacturer, etc. Alternatively, if the content of the battery cost information 1000 itself is not complex, the information of the battery cost information 1000 may be manually entered into the energy management system 101 (for example, via the input device 2806 shown in Figure 28).

[0040] Figure 10 shows an example of battery expense information 1000. In Figure 10, each record (row) in the battery expense information 1000 may contain information for the items of expense reason 1001 and expense unit price 1061. Expense reason 1001 indicates the reason for expenses incurred in the battery of the battery storage system 212 (other than electricity charges for charging the battery). In the example in Figure 10, new battery installation and battery replacement are shown. The expense unit price 1061 represents the expense incurred each time the corresponding expense reason 1001 occurs. Note that Figure 10 shows a somewhat simplified example. For example, if there is a possibility of replacing a part of the battery in the battery storage system 212, or if there is a possibility of replacing parts (other than the battery) of the battery storage system 212, then information on the cost unit price corresponding to those cases may be stored in the battery cost information 1000.

[0041] 3. Computer architecture for realizing embodiments of the present disclosure (Figure 28) Figure 28 shows a computer architecture 2800 for realizing the energy management system 101 of the embodiment of this disclosure. The computer architecture 2800 shown in Figure 28 may also be called an information processing device or information processing system. (Furthermore, the computer architecture 2800, which is an information processing device or information processing system, may be understood to perform an energy management method.) To implement the energy management system 101, some or all of the following components may be interconnected at the interconnection unit 2811: the arithmetic processing unit 2801, the storage device 2802, the non-volatile recording medium (recording device) 2803, the external recording medium drive 2804, the input device 2806, the display or output device 2807, the communication device 2808, the external input / output port 2809, and the reading device 2810. (Note that some or all of the interconnection unit 2811 may be a network. In that case, the energy management system 101 will be implemented by multiple devices connected via the network.) The arithmetic processing unit 2801 may be, for example, a processor. Examples of such processors include a CPU, MPU, or GPU. Alternatively, the processor referred to herein may be any other semiconductor device that performs a predetermined process. Furthermore, the arithmetic processing unit 2801 may be one or more (micro)processors. For example, the arithmetic processing unit 2801 may be a multicore processor having multiple arithmetic cores (CPU cores). The storage device 2802 may be, for example, memory. The non-volatile recording medium (recording device) 2803 may be, for example, non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory) or a non-volatile disk device. The external recording medium drive 2804 may be, for example, a disk drive. The input device 2806 may be, for example, a mouse, keyboard, imaging device, sensor, touch panel, or pointing device. The display or output device 2807 may be, for example, a display, printer, or speaker. The communication device 2808 may be, for example, a communication device for wired communication or a communication device for wireless communication. The communication device 2808 may be a network interface device (NIC) that controls communication with other systems, devices, terminals, or servers according to a predetermined protocol. The interconnection unit 2811 may be, for example, a bus or a crossbar switch. (As mentioned above, part or all of the interconnection unit 2811 may be a network.)

[0042] The non-volatile recording medium (recording device) 2803 may record various programs included in the program group 2831 (for example, programs for realizing the functional configuration related to this disclosure; for example, various programs for implementing each of the functional units realized in the energy management system 101; collectively, these may be called energy management programs), various data groups included in the data group 2832, or information included in the various information 2833. The program group 2831 may include various programs for realizing each of the functional units designated as "units" in the functional configuration diagrams of Figures 1, 11, 19, and 22. Some of the above programs may be integrated into a single program. Alternatively, any of the above programs may be split into multiple programs. The data group 2832 may include information (data, etc.) handled by the above-mentioned functional unit. For example, the data group 2832 may include information that constitutes each of the information groups or data groups indicated by dotted lines in the functional configuration diagrams of Figures 1, 11, 19, and 22. (Note that some or all of the information included in the information group or data group may be stored in the storage device 2802 (memory).) Alternatively, some or all of the various programs included in the program group 2831, the various information groups or data groups included in the data group 2832, or the information included in the various information 433 may be obtained from outside the configuration shown in Figure 28.

[0043] The external storage media drive 2804 can connect to an external storage media 2805. The external storage media 2805 may be, for example, a portable recording disc (DVD, etc.), an IC card, an SD card, non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), or a portable hard disk. Alternatively, information similar to the various programs included in the program group 2831, the various information groups or data groups included in the data group 2832, or the information included in the various information 2833 may be transferred and stored from the external storage media 2805 to the non-volatile storage media (recording device) 2803 or the storage device 2802. The external storage media 2805 may be used to record programs and data handled by the energy management system 101. The external storage media drive 2804 and the external storage media 2805 may be connected to the energy management system 101 shown in Figure 28 via a network. Various programs included in program group 2831, various information groups or data groups included in data group 2832, or information included in various information 433 may be provided via communication device 2808, external input / output port 2809, input device 2806, and reading device 2810, and recorded or stored in non-volatile recording medium (recording device) 2803 or storage device 2802.

[0044] In order for the architecture in Figure 28 to function as the energy management system 101, each functional unit within the energy management system 101, or a part of each functional unit (execute one or a series of processes (steps)), the various programs included in the program group 2831 may be loaded into the storage device 2802 (for example, from the non-volatile recording medium (recording device) 2803). The loaded program is shown as 2821 in Figure 28. The arithmetic processing unit 2801 may then execute program 2821 (using, if necessary, various information groups or data groups included in the data group 2832 present in the non-volatile recording medium (recording device) 2803, etc., or information included in various information 2833). The execution of program 2821 realizes the function of the energy management system 101, each functional unit within the energy management system 101, or a part of each functional unit (one or a series of processes (steps) are executed). Various buffers 2823 temporarily formed in the storage device 2802 may also be used as appropriate.

[0045] 4. Functional configuration and processing of each embodiment As shown in Figure 1, the energy management system 101 of the embodiment of this disclosure may have a power consumption prediction unit 1200 and a charging plan creation unit 111 as functional units. Below, three embodiments will be described in order, focusing on the differences in specific examples of the charging plan creation unit 111. Note that the power consumption prediction unit 1200 may be the same in all embodiments, so the power consumption prediction unit 1200 will be described together with the first embodiment.

[0046] 4-1. First Embodiment The first charging plan creation unit 1300, which is the charging plan creation unit 111 in the first embodiment, creates charging plan information 300 that can achieve both suppressing the power charge due to power supply from the power transmission and distribution system 204 while satisfying the power demand of the power load system 213 and suppressing the progress of deterioration of the storage battery in the storage battery system 212 by performing relatively simple processing compared to those in the second and third embodiments. Specifically, the first charging plan creation unit 1300 in the first embodiment intends to create charging plan information 300 such that the degree of deterioration 660 of the storage battery in the storage battery system 212 (the degree of progress of deterioration of the storage battery per a predetermined fixed time) does not always exceed a predetermined value within the range of a constraint to suppress the power charge due to power supply from the power transmission and distribution system 204.

[0047] 1. Functional Configuration of the First Embodiment (Fig. 11) Fig. 11 shows the functional configuration 1100 (and the information handled) of the energy management system 101 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that not all the functional configurations shown in Fig. 11 are essential. Also, it is not precluded that there are functional configurations other than those shown in Fig. 11. Note that in the representation of the information flow in Fig. 11, the parts with the symbol (*) are connected, and the parts with the symbol (#) are connected. The content of the processing performed by the energy management system 101 shown in Fig. 11 will be described in detail in the section of "2. Processing of the First Embodiment" below. In this section of "1. Functional Configuration of the First Embodiment", an overview of the functional parts of the energy management system 101 in the first embodiment will be described. Note that what has already been described together with Fig. 1 may be omitted below. In Fig. 11, those that are solid-line rectangles and have the name "unit" attached indicate functional units. Also, those shown by dotted frames indicate the information (data) to be handled.

[0048] As shown at the top of Figure 11, the power quantity forecasting unit 1200 may have internal functional units including a power generation forecasting unit 1220, a power quantity demand forecasting unit 1230, and a power quantity surplus / deficit forecasting unit 1240. The operational performance information 400 may include power generation performance information 420, power quantity demand performance information 430, and charge rate performance information 450. The power quantity forecasting information 500 may include power generation forecasting information 520, power quantity demand forecasting information 530, and power quantity surplus / deficit forecasting information 540. The power generation forecasting unit 1220 may generate power generation forecasting information 520 based on actual power generation information 420 and weather forecast information 700. The electricity demand forecasting unit 1230 may generate electricity demand forecasting information 530 based on actual electricity demand information 430 and weather forecast information 700. The electricity surplus / shortage forecasting unit 1240 may generate electricity surplus / shortage forecasting information 540 based on power generation forecasting information 520 and electricity demand forecasting information 530. Furthermore, the power consumption prediction unit 1200 may have the same configuration in the second and third embodiments described later. Although the power consumption prediction unit 1200 is abbreviated in Figure 19 showing the second embodiment and Figure 22 showing the third embodiment, it may be the same as that in the first embodiment in these embodiments as well. Similarly, although the operational performance information 400 and power consumption prediction information 500 are abbreviated in Figure 19 showing the second embodiment and Figure 22 showing the third embodiment, they may include the same operational performance information 400 and power consumption prediction information 500 as those in Figure 11 showing the first embodiment. (In the third embodiment, the operational performance information 400 may further include degradation progress performance information 460.)

[0049] As shown in the lower part of Figure 11, the first charge plan creation unit 1300, which is the charge plan creation unit 111 in the first embodiment, may have as internal functional units a degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate prediction unit 1310, an allowable maximum charge rate prediction unit 1320, a target maximum charge rate setting unit 1360, and a charge plan determination unit 1380. Furthermore, the information generated by the first charging plan creation unit 1300 may include a maximum charge rate 1311(group) ignoring degradation, a maximum charge rate 1321(group) ignoring allowance, and a maximum charge rate 1361(group) ignoring degradation. The charging plan target period 1521, which is the period for which the charging plan is to be created, may be divided into multiple sub-periods (for example, by season, month, week, or day), and the maximum charge rate 1311 ignoring degradation, the maximum charge rate 1321 ignoring allowance, and the maximum charge rate 1361 ignoring degradation may be generated for each sub-period. Therefore, the term "group" is used above.

[0050] The degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate prediction unit 1310 predicts the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311(group) based on the power quantity prediction information 500 (specifically, the power quantity surplus / deficit prediction information 540) and the information that identifies the minimum charge period 999 explicitly or implicitly indicated by the power rate plan information 900. Here, the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311 represents the set value of the battery charge rate of the battery storage system 212 at the time a certain minimum charge period 999 ends, so as to realize a situation where it is not necessary to supply power from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the power load system 213 between the time a certain minimum charge period 999 ends and the time the next minimum charge period 999 begins. When predicting the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311(group), no consideration is given to the progression of degradation of the battery storage system 212. The permissible maximum charge rate prediction unit 1320 predicts the permissible maximum charge rate 1321(group) based on the battery degradation characteristic information 600 and (if the battery degradation characteristic information 600 deals with the ambient temperature 607 of the battery) the temperature prediction information 800. Here, the permissible maximum charge rate 1321 represents the maximum permissible charge rate of the battery in the battery system 212 in order to realize a situation in which the degradation degree 660 (the degree of degradation progression over a predetermined period of time) of the battery in the battery system 212 does not exceed a predetermined value. The target maximum charge rate setting unit 1360 sets the target maximum charge rate 1361(group) to the lesser of the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311(group) and the allowable maximum charge rate 1321(group) (for each partial period if partial periods are handled). Here, the target maximum charge rate 1361(group) indicates the target value of the charge rate of the battery storage system 212 at the time when the minimum charge period 999 ends (for each partial period if partial periods are handled). The charging plan determination unit 1380 creates charging plan information 300 based on the target maximum charge rate 1361(group) and information identifying the minimum charge time period 999 explicitly or implicitly indicated by the electricity rate plan information 900 (and the actual charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 at the time the charging plan period 1521 begins, as indicated by the actual charge rate information 450, and the power quantity forecast information 500 (specifically, the power quantity surplus / deficit forecast information 540)). Here, the charging plan determination unit 1380 includes information on the charging plan from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the battery in the battery storage system 212 such that the target maximum charge rate 1361 is achieved at the time the minimum charge time period 999 ends. In the first embodiment, information on the "charge rate" is handled, but instead, information on the "charge amount" (amount of electricity being charged) may be handled. This also applies to the second and third embodiments described later.

[0051] 4-1-2. Processing of the first embodiment The following describes the processes performed by the energy management system 101 of the first embodiment of this disclosure, starting with the processes of the power quantity prediction unit 1200 and then the processes of the first charge plan creation unit 1300, which is the charge plan creation unit 111 in the first embodiment.

[0052] 4-1-2-1. Processing of the power consumption prediction unit (Figure 12) Figure 12 shows a flowchart of the processing of the power consumption prediction unit 1200. The power consumption prediction unit 1200 in the second and third embodiments described later may also perform the same processing as shown in Figure 12. The following explanation will follow the order of the processing shown in Figure 12. Note that each processing step in the flowchart of Figure 12 may be understood to form a "power consumption prediction step". The following functions will be realized, enabling highly accurate predictions regarding the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation system 211 and the electricity demand of the power load system 213 during the charging planning period 1521. With highly accurate predictions, it is expected that a reasonable charging plan can be created for the charging planning period 1521.

[0053] In step 1201 of Figure 12, the energy management system 101 determines whether it is time to create a new charging plan. The charging plan in this context is a plan for charging the batteries of the battery storage system 212 based on the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 during the charging planning period 1521. The timing for creating a new charging plan can be set arbitrarily. For example, in a relatively simplified case where the electricity demand of the power load system 213 is concentrated mainly during the daytime, the renewable energy generation system 211 is a solar power generation system (generation is limited to the daytime), and the minimum charge period 999 explicitly or implicitly indicated by the electricity rate plan information 900 is the late night period shown in Figure 9 (for example, 0:00 to 6:00 every day), the timing could be when the electricity demand of the power load system 213 and the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy generation system 211 (for example, a solar power generation system) have both converged and the nighttime period has started before the minimum charge period 999 begins (for example, around 18:00 every day). Figures 15, 16, 17, and 21 illustrate the relatively simplified case described above. If the length of the charging plan period 1521 is one day (24 hours), the timing for creating a new charging plan may be set daily. If the length of the charging plan period 1521 is longer (for example, one week, one month, one season, or one year), the timing for creating a new charging plan may be set to a day before the start date of the charging plan period 1521. Furthermore, even if the length of the charging plan period 1521 is long (for example, one week, one month, one season, or one year), if the charging plan is reviewed periodically, the timing for creating a new charging plan may be set at shorter intervals. If the result of step 1201 is positive, control proceeds to steps 1202 and 1203. If the result of step 1201 is negative, step 1201 is repeated. Note that the execution order of steps 1202 and 1203 in Figure 12 is arbitrary. Also, steps 1202 and 1203 may be executed concurrently.

[0054] In step 1202 of Figure 12, the power generation forecasting unit 1220 generates power generation forecasting information 520 that shows the predicted amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generation system 211 during the charging plan target period 1521, based on the weather forecasting information 700 and the actual power generation information 420. The power generation forecasting unit 1220 may extract information from weather forecast information 700, such as shown in Figure 7, for one or more records (rows) in which the time period 498 is included in the charging plan target period 1521. The power generation forecasting unit 1220 may extract information consisting of a combination of weather record 401 and power generation record 402 from each record (row) in the operational performance information 400, such as shown in Figure 4.

[0055] The method used by the power generation prediction unit 1220 to predict the amount of power generated may be arbitrary. For example, (A) the power generation forecasting unit 1220 may compare one or more of the sunshine forecast 771, temperature forecast 772, humidity forecast 773, atmospheric pressure forecast 774, wind direction forecast 775, and wind speed forecast 776 contained in each record (row) extracted from the weather forecast information 700 with one or more of the sunshine conditions 471, temperature 472, humidity 473, atmospheric pressure 474, wind direction 475, and wind speed 476 contained in each weather record 401 of the record (row) extracted from the operational performance information 400. As a result of the comparison, the power generation forecasting unit 1220 may identify a record (row) of the operational performance information 400 that has values ​​close to the values ​​of the various forecasts contained in each record (row) of the extracted weather forecast information 700. The power generation forecasting unit 1220 may use the values ​​of the power generation records 402 included in the identified operational performance information 400 records (rows) for the power generation forecasting information 520. Furthermore, for example, (B) the power generation forecasting unit 1220 may generate information relating one or more of the sunshine conditions 471, temperature 472, humidity 473, atmospheric pressure 474, wind direction 475, and wind speed 476 contained in each weather record 401 of each record (row) extracted from the operational performance information 400, and the power generation record 402 contained in each record (row), by performing a statistical analysis (e.g., regression analysis), thereby generating information relating one or more of the sunshine conditions 471, temperature 472, humidity 473, atmospheric pressure 474, wind direction 475, and wind speed 476 to the power generation record 402. The power generation forecasting unit 1220 may then generate power generation forecasting information 520 using the generated association information and one or more of the sunshine forecast 771, temperature forecast 772, humidity forecast 773, atmospheric pressure forecast 774, wind direction forecast 775, and wind speed forecast 776 contained in each of the records (rows) extracted from the weather forecasting information 700. Alternatively, for example, (C) the power generation forecasting unit 1220 may treat as training data a combination of one or more of the following items included in each weather record 401 of each record (row) extracted from the operational performance information 400: sunshine conditions 471, temperature 472, humidity 473, atmospheric pressure 474, wind direction 475, and wind speed 476, and the power generation record 402 included in each of those records (rows). The power generation forecasting unit 1220 may provide this training data to the power generation forecasting model and have the power generation forecasting model perform machine learning, thereby making the power generation forecasting model a trained model. The power generation prediction unit 1220 may take one or more of the sunshine forecast 771, temperature forecast 772, humidity forecast 773, atmospheric pressure forecast 774, wind direction forecast 775, and wind speed forecast 776 contained in each record (row) extracted from the weather forecast information 700 as input to the trained power generation prediction model, and obtain information to be used in the power generation prediction information 520 as output from the trained power generation prediction model. The comparative analysis method described in (A), the statistical method described in (B), and the machine learning method described in (C) are merely examples. Other methods besides (A), (B), and (C) may also be used in the power generation prediction unit 1220.

[0056] In step 1203 of Figure 12, the power demand forecasting unit 1230 generates power demand forecasting information 530 that shows the predicted power demand of the power load system 213 during the charging plan period 1521, based on the weather forecast information 700 and the actual power demand information 430. The electricity demand forecasting unit 1230 may extract information from weather forecast information 700, such as shown in Figure 7, for one or more records (rows) in which the time period 498 is included in the charging plan target period 1521. The electricity demand forecasting unit 1230 may extract information consisting of a combination of weather record 401 and electricity demand record 403 from each record (row) in the operational performance information 400, such as shown in Figure 4.

[0057] The method used by the electricity demand forecasting unit 1230 to forecast power generation can be any method. For example, in the methods (A), (B), and (C) exemplified for the power generation forecasting unit 1220, the power generation forecasting unit 1230 may use a method obtained by replacing "power generation forecasting unit 1220" with "electricity demand forecasting unit 1230", "power generation record 402" with "electricity demand record 403", "power generation forecasting information 520" with "electricity demand forecasting information 530", and "power generation forecasting model" with "electricity demand forecasting model".

[0058] After the processing in step 1202 and step 1203 is completed, control transitions to step 1204. In step 1204 of Figure 12, the power supply surplus / shortage prediction unit 1240 generates power supply surplus / shortage prediction information 540 based on the power generation prediction information 520 generated in step 1202 and the power supply demand prediction information 530 generated in step 1203. If the power generation forecast information 520 shows the predicted value of power generation and the power demand forecast information 530 shows the predicted value of power demand for each of the 498 time zones included in the charging plan period 1521, and this is a relatively easy-to-understand configuration, then the power surplus / deficit prediction unit 1240 may use the result of subtracting the predicted value of power generation from the predicted value of power demand for each of the 498 time zones included in the charging plan period 1521 as the predicted value of power surplus / deficit. In this case, the power surplus / deficit prediction unit 1240 may use the information showing the predicted value of power surplus / deficit for each of the 498 time zones included in the charging plan period 1521 as the power surplus / deficit prediction information 540. After the processing in step 1204 is completed, control transitions to the processing of the charge plan creation unit 111. In this first embodiment, control transitions to steps 1301 and 1302, which are at the beginning of the processing of the first charge plan creation unit 1300 shown in Figure 13. In the second embodiment described later, control transitions to step 2001, which is at the beginning of the processing of the second charge plan creation unit 2000 shown in Figure 20. In the third embodiment described later, control transitions to step 2001, which is at the beginning of the processing of the third charge plan creation unit 2300 shown in Figure 23.

[0059] 4-1-2-2. Processing of the first charging plan creation unit in the first embodiment (Figure 13) Figure 13 shows a flowchart of the processing of the first charge plan creation unit 1300 in the first embodiment. The following explanation will follow the order of processing shown in Figure 13. Note that each processing step in the flowchart of Figure 13 may be understood to form a "charge plan creation step". As the functions described below are realized, the first charging plan creation unit 1300 can create charging plan information 300 that keeps electricity charges from power supply from the power transmission and distribution system 204 low, within the constraint that the degradation level 660 of the battery in the battery storage system 212 (the degree of battery degradation per predetermined period of time) never exceeds a predetermined value, through relatively simple processing.

[0060] In the first embodiment, after step 1204 in Figure 12, the control transitions to steps 1301 and 1302 in Figure 13. The execution order of steps 1301 and 1302 may be arbitrary. Also, steps 1301 and 1302 may be executed concurrently.

[0061] 4-1-2-2-1. Processing of the degradation-neglected maximum charge rate prediction unit in the first embodiment In step 1301 of Figure 13, the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate prediction unit 1310 predicts the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311 based on the power consumption prediction information 500 (specifically, the power consumption surplus / deficit prediction information 540) and the information that identifies the minimum charge time period 999, which is explicitly or implicitly indicated by the power rate plan information 900.

[0062] Here, as a relatively easy-to-understand case, as shown in Figure 5, the power surplus / deficit prediction information 540 is shown as a power surplus / deficit prediction 504 for each time period 498 having a predetermined length of time (one hour in the example of Figure 5), and as shown in Figure 9, the minimum charge time period 999 is defined as being from a predetermined start time each day (0:00 in the example of Figure 9) to a predetermined end time each day (6:00 in the example of Figure 9). The processing of the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate prediction unit 1310 will be explained in this case. In this case, the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate prediction unit 1310 first extracts power surplus / deficit predictions 504 for each of the 498 time zones (in the example in Figure 5, the length of one time zone 498 is one hour) between the time when the minimum charge time zone 999 ends (6:00 in the example in Figure 9) and the time when the next minimum charge time zone 999 starts (in the example in Figure 9, 24:00 on the same day (0:00 the next day)) corresponding to one or more minimum charge time zones 999 included in the charging plan target period 1521. Next, the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate prediction unit 1310, based on the extracted group of power surplus / deficit predictions 504, calculates the amount of power (charge amount) that should be charged in the battery of the battery system 212 at the time the minimum charge period 999 ends (6:00 in the example of Figure 9) for each of the one or more minimum charge period 999 included in the charging plan target period 1521. This calculation is based on the condition that no period 498 occurs where the power demand of the power load system 213 cannot be met even if power is not supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to either the power load system 213 or the battery of the battery storage system 212. For example, in a relatively simple case like those shown in Figures 15, 16, 17, and 21, where the electricity demand of the power load system 213 is never less than the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation system 211 at any given time, the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate prediction unit 1310 can calculate the total amount of electricity deficit (the difference between the electricity demand of the power load system 213 and the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation system 211) for each of the 498 time zones from the time when the minimum charge time zone 999 ends (6:00 in the example of Figure 9) to the time when the next minimum charge time zone 999 starts (24:00 on the same day (0:00 the next day) in the example of Figure 9), corresponding to one or more minimum charge time zones 999 included in the charging planning period 1521. This total value can then be used as the amount of electricity (charge amount) that is desired to be charged in the battery of the battery storage system 212 at the time when the minimum charge time zone 999 ends (6:00 in the example of Figure 9). The degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate prediction unit 1310 may calculate the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311 by dividing the amount of electricity (charge amount) that is desired to be charged to the battery of the battery storage system 212 calculated above by the maximum amount of electricity (maximum charge amount) that can be charged to the battery of the battery storage system 212 in a state with no degradation, for each of the one or more minimum charge time zones 999 included in the charging plan target period 1521.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above calculation method, the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311 is set for each of the one or more minimum charge time zones 999 included in the charging planning period 1521 (for each day included in the charging planning period 1521 in the example of Figure 9). Here, if it is desirable to set the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311 for each somewhat consolidated sub-period (for example, one week, one month, one season, one year, or the entire charging planning period 1521) in the charging planning period 1521 from the viewpoint of simplifying control, the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate prediction unit 1310 may set the maximum value of the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rates 1311 predicted for each minimum charge time zone 999 included in that sub-period as the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311 for that sub-period.

[0064] 4-1-2-2-2. Processing of the allowable maximum charge rate prediction unit in the first embodiment In step 1302 of Figure 13, the allowable maximum charge rate prediction unit 1320 predicts the allowable maximum charge rate 1321(group) based on the battery degradation characteristic information 600 and (if the battery degradation characteristic information 600 deals with the ambient temperature 607 of the battery) the temperature prediction information 800. In the first embodiment, the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 corresponding to each time or time zone 498 included in the charging planning period 1521 is determined so as to ensure that the degradation level 660 (the degree of degradation progression over a predetermined period of time) of the battery of the battery system 212 does not exceed a predetermined value.

[0065] In the case where, as shown in Figure 6, the battery of the battery storage system 212 can have its degradation degree 660 (the degree of degradation progression over a predetermined period of time) estimated in correspondence with the ambient temperature 607 and charge level 622 of the battery, and where, as shown in Figure 8, the ambient temperature 807 of the battery is shown for each time period 498 (in the example in Figure 8, the length of time period 498 is one hour) included in the charging planning period 1521, the processing of the allowable maximum charge level prediction unit 1320 will be explained below. In this case, the allowable maximum charge rate prediction unit 1320 first specifies the maximum value (allowable maximum degradation level) that is allowed as the degradation level of the storage battery, 660. Next, the maximum allowable charge rate prediction unit 1320 extracts information on the predicted ambient temperature 807 for the battery during each of the time periods 498 (in the example in Figure 8, the length of time period 498 is one hour) included in the charging planning period 1521 from the temperature prediction information 800. Furthermore, for each of the time periods 498 included in the charging planning period 1521, the allowable maximum charge rate prediction unit 1320 identifies the allowable maximum charge rate 1321, which corresponds to the battery degradation degree 660, based on the battery ambient temperature prediction 807 information and the battery degradation characteristic information 600 for that time period 498. More specifically, for each of the time periods 498 included in the charging planning period 1521, the allowable maximum charge rate prediction unit 1320 may identify information relating the charge rate 622 and the battery degradation degree 660, assuming the battery ambient temperature 607 indicated by the battery ambient temperature prediction 807 for that time period 498. Then, for each of the time periods 498 included in the charging planning period 1521, the allowable maximum charge rate prediction unit 1320 may identify the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 corresponding to the allowable maximum degradation, based on the information relating the charge rate 622 and the battery degradation degree 660 identified for that time period 498.

[0066] Figure 14 explains the battery degradation characteristics information 600 and also explains the relationship between the charge level 622 and the battery degradation level 660 when the ambient temperature 607 of the battery is specified. The upper part of Figure 14 qualitatively shows the degree of battery degradation (660) for a given combination of ambient temperature (607) and charge level (622). In the two-dimensional map at the top of Figure 14, the vertical axis represents ambient temperature (607) and the horizontal axis represents charge level (622). The two-dimensional map at the top of Figure 14 is divided into three regions: low degradation region 1411, medium degradation region 1412, and high degradation region 1413. The boundary between low degradation region 1411 and medium degradation region 1412 is represented by a dashed line. The boundary between medium degradation region 1412 and high degradation region 1413 is represented by a double dashed line. Low degradation region 1411 indicates that the battery degradation level 660 is below the first threshold. This first threshold may be considered the maximum allowable degradation level. Medium degradation region 1412 indicates that the battery degradation level 660 is greater than the first threshold but below the second threshold. High degradation region 1413 indicates that the battery degradation level 660 is greater than the second threshold. In the upper example of Figure 14, if the ambient temperature 607 of the battery is the same, the battery degradation level 660 tends to increase as the charge level 622 increases. In the upper example of Figure 14, if the value of the charge level 622 is the same, the battery degradation level 660 tends to increase as the ambient temperature 607 of the battery is the same. In the upper example of Figure 14, as the ambient temperature 607 of the battery increases, the value of the charge level 622 at the boundary between the low degradation region 1411 and the medium degradation region 1412, and the value of the charge level 622 at the boundary between the medium degradation region 1412 and the high degradation region 1413 tend to decrease. In the upper example of Figure 14, among each combination of ambient temperature 607 of the battery and charge level 622 that achieve the same value of battery degradation level 660, the charge level 622 tends to decrease as the ambient temperature 607 of the battery increases.

[0067] The lower part of Figure 14 shows the relationship between the charge level 622 and the battery degradation level 660 when a predetermined value ("x°C" and "y°C" in the upper part of Figure 14) is specified as the ambient temperature 607 of the battery. Specifically, the lower part of Figure 14 shows the relationship 1420 between the charge level 622 and the battery degradation level 660 when the ambient temperature 607 is "x°C", and the relationship 1430 between the charge level 622 and the battery degradation level 660 when the ambient temperature 607 is "y°C". Note that "x°C" is a higher temperature than "y°C". When the ambient temperature of the battery is "x°C", the relationship between the charge level 622 and the battery degradation level 660 (1420) includes a portion indicating low degradation (1421) (part of the low degradation region 1411), a portion indicating moderate degradation (1422) (part of the moderate degradation region 1412), and a portion indicating high degradation (1423) (part of the high degradation region 1413). When the ambient temperature of the battery is "y°C", the relationship between the charge level 622 and the battery degradation level 660 (1430) includes a portion indicating low degradation (1431) (part of the low degradation region 1411), and a portion indicating moderate degradation (1432) (part of the moderate degradation region 1412). Since "x°C" is a higher temperature than "y°C", if the charge level 622 is the same, the battery degradation level 660 indicated by the association 1420 corresponding to "x°C" tends to be higher than the battery degradation level 660 indicated by the association 1430 corresponding to "y°C". If we define the battery degradation level 660, which marks the boundary between the low degradation region 1411 and the medium degradation region 1412, as the maximum allowable degradation level, then the maximum allowable charge rate 1321-x when the battery ambient temperature 607 is "x°C" and the maximum allowable charge rate 1321-y when the battery ambient temperature 607 is "y°C" tend to be as shown in the lower part of Figure 14. In other words, the higher the battery ambient temperature 607, the lower the maximum allowable charge rate 1321 tends to be.

[0068] The embodiments of this disclosure use battery degradation characteristic information 600 in the manner shown in Figure 6, and perform processing that reflects the characteristics related to battery degradation as shown in Figure 14, thereby enabling the creation of charging plan information 300 that appropriately reflects the fluctuations in the relationship between the battery charge rate and the degree of battery degradation due to fluctuations in the ambient temperature around the battery. For example, an embodiment of the present disclosure can create charging plan information 300 that allows for a lower charge level of the battery when the ambient temperature around the battery is high in the summer, while allowing a higher charge level of the battery when the ambient temperature around the battery is low in the winter.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above method, an individual allowable maximum charge rate 1321 can be identified (predicted) for each of the time zones 498 included in the charging planning period 1521 (in the example in Figure 8, the length of time zone 498 is one hour). If it is desired to handle the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 more simply, the allowable maximum charge rate prediction unit 1320 may, for each partial period included in the charging planning period 1521 (for example, one day, one week, one month, one season, one year, or the entire period), take the minimum value of the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 identified (predicted) for each of the time zones 498 included in that partial period as the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 for that partial period. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6, the records (rows) of the battery degradation characteristic information 600 are in 1°C increments for the battery ambient temperature 607 and in 10% increments for the charge level 622. If the ambient temperature 607 of the battery being handled requires a precision finer than 1°C, or if the charge level 622 being handled requires a precision finer than 10%, the allowable maximum charge level prediction unit 1320 may use the information shown in the group of records (rows) of the battery degradation characteristic information 600 to calculate an approximate value, for example, by performing interpolation.

[0070] 4-1-2-2-3. Processing of the target maximum charge rate setting unit in the first embodiment Once steps 1301 and 1302 in Figure 13 are completed, control transitions to step 1303. In the series of processes shown in steps 1303, 1304, 1305, and 1306 of Figure 13, the target maximum charge rate setting unit 1360 sets the target maximum charge rate 1361, which is the target value of the charge rate of the battery storage system 212 at the time when the minimum charge period 999 ends. If the charging planning period 1521 is divided into one or more sub-periods (for example, one day, one week, one month, one season, one year), the series of loop processes shown in steps 1303, 1304, 1305, and 1306 may be used to set the target maximum charge rate 1361 for each sub-period.

[0071] In step 1303 of Figure 13, the target maximum charge rate setting unit 1360 selects one of the periods for which the target maximum charge rate 1361 is to be set within the charging planning period 1521 (for example, a partial period (for example, one day, one week, one month, one season, one year, the entire period)). In step 1304 of Figure 13, the target maximum charge rate setting unit 1360 compares the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311 predicted in step 1301 with the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 predicted in step 1302 for the period (partial period) selected in the most recent step 1303. The target maximum charge rate setting unit 1360 then determines whether the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311 is less than or equal to the allowable maximum charge rate 1321. If the determination result in step 1304 is positive, the control proceeds to step 1305. If the determination result in step 1304 is negative, the control proceeds to step 1306.

[0072] In step 1305 of Figure 13, the target maximum charge rate setting unit 1360 sets the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311 predicted in step 1301 as the target maximum charge rate 1361 for the period (partial period) selected in the most recent step 1303. When setting the target maximum charge rate 1361 for the period (partial period) selected in the most recent step 1303, there is no need to suppress the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311. Reaching step 1305 means that, for the period (partial period) selected in the most recent step 1303, even if the battery in the battery storage system 212 is charged to the maximum degradation-ignoring charge rate 1311, it will still be below the allowable maximum charge rate 1321. In other words, even if the battery in the battery storage system 212 is charged to the maximum degradation-ignoring charge rate 1311, the degradation level of the battery 660 will be below the allowable maximum degradation level, remaining in the low degradation region 1411 shown at the top of Figure 14, or in the low degradation 1421 / low degradation 1431 shown at the bottom of Figure 14.

[0073] At the top of Figure 15, as in step 1305, an explanation 1501 of the time series progression of power (energy) and charge rate (charge amount) is shown in the situation where the maximum charge rate 1311 ignoring degradation is not suppressed and the target maximum charge rate 1361 is set as is, with respect to the maximum charge rate 1311 ignoring degradation. In the explanation of the time series progression of power (energy) and charge rate (charge amount) in Figure 1501, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents power or charge rate. When the vertical axis represents power, energy is shown as an area. These points are also the same in the lower part of Figure 15, Figures 16, 17, and 21. For the sake of simplicity, the example at the top of Figure 15 (and similarly the example at the bottom of Figure 15, the example in Figure 16, the example in Figure 17, and the example in Figure 21) is based on the simplified assumptions shown in (1) to (6) below. (1) For each charging plan period 1521 (or one sub-period), the length is one day, and the start and end times are 18:00. (2) The minimum fare period of 999 is from 0:00 to 6:00. (3) The situation in which the power load system 213 has a non-zero power demand is limited to between 9:00 and 18:00. (4) Situations in which the amount of electricity generated by renewable energy power generation system 211 (solar power generation system) is not zero. This is limited to the hours between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. (5) The electricity demand of the power load system 213 will never fall below the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation system 211 (photovoltaic power generation system). Regarding electricity surplus or deficit, there will never be an excess of electricity generation at any time of day. (Note that this disclosure can also be used in cases where there are periods of excess electricity generation, but for the sake of simplicity, this assumption is made here.) (6) At 18:00, the time when the charging plan period 1521 (or one sub-period) begins, the charge rate (amount of charge) of the battery in the battery storage system 212 is zero.

[0074] In the upper part of Figure 15, which shows a situation where the maximum charge rate 1311 ignoring degradation is not suppressed as in step 1305, and the maximum charge rate 1311 ignoring degradation is used as the target maximum charge rate 1361, the following can be said. (A) During the daytime hours from 9:00 to 18:00 (in the example of Figure 9, the electricity rate per unit is relatively high at 931), the total amount of the electricity surplus or deficit (here, an electricity deficit; in the upper part of Figure 15, the area indicated by diagonal lines from the lower left to the upper right, "Electricity Surplus / Deficit Forecast 504"), which is the difference between the electricity demand of the power load system 213 (represented by a dotted line in the upper part of Figure 15, "Electricity Demand Forecast 503") and the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation system 211 (solar power generation system) (represented by a solid line in the upper part of Figure 15, "Electricity Generation Forecast 502"), is guaranteed by the amount of electricity supplied from the transmission and distribution system 204 to the battery storage system 212 during the preceding lowest rate period of 0:00 to 6:00 (represented by diagonal lines from the upper left to the lower right, "Electricity Surplus / Deficit Forecast 504"), which is the difference between the electricity demand of the power load system 213 (represented by a dotted line in the upper part of Figure 15, "Electricity Demand Forecast 503") and the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation system 211 (solar power generation system) (represented by a diagonal line from the upper left to the lower right, "Electricity Charging Amount 2132"). In other words, in the upper part of Figure 15, the area of ​​the region indicated by the diagonal line from the upper left to the lower right, "Charging from the power transmission and distribution system 2132" (area represents the amount of electrical energy), is equal to or greater than the area of ​​the region indicated by the diagonal line from the lower left to the upper right, "Predicted surplus or deficit of electrical energy 504" (area represents the amount of electrical energy). (B) Under simplified assumptions, the charge level of the battery in the battery storage system 212 (shown as "charge level forecast 2122" in bold at the top of Figure 15) will be equal to the target maximum charge level 1361 at 6:00, which is the time when the minimum charge period 999 ends. In the example at the top of Figure 15, the target maximum charge level 1361 is equal to the degradation-neglected maximum charge level 1311. Between 9:00 and 18:00, the amount of electricity stored in the battery of the battery storage system 212 is supplied to the power load system 213 to compensate for the electricity deficit indicated by the area of ​​the "Electricity Excess / Deficit Prediction 504," which is the region indicated by the diagonal line from the lower left to the upper right. Therefore, between 9:00 and 18:00, the "Charging Rate Prediction 2122," indicated by the thick line, gradually decreases. However, if there is still an electricity deficit before 18:00, the "Charging Rate Prediction 2122," indicated by the thick line, will not become zero.

[0075] In step 1306 of Figure 13, the target maximum charge rate setting unit 1360 sets the target maximum charge rate 1361 for the period (partial period) selected in the most recent step 1303, within a range less than or equal to the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 predicted in step 1302. When setting the target maximum charge rate 1361 for the period (partial period) selected in the most recent step 1303, the charge rate value is suppressed from the degradation-neglected maximum charge rate 1311. Reaching step 1306 means that, for the period (partial period) selected in the most recent step 1303, if the battery in the battery storage system 212 were charged to the maximum degradation-ignoring charge rate 1311, the charge rate would exceed the allowable maximum charge rate 1321. In other words, if the battery in the battery storage system 212 were charged to the maximum degradation-ignoring charge rate 1311, the degradation level of the battery 660 would exceed the allowable maximum degradation level, resulting in a situation corresponding to the moderate degradation region 1412 or the high degradation region 1413 shown in the upper part of Figure 14, or the moderate degradation 1422, moderate degradation 1432, or high degradation 1423 shown in the lower part of Figure 14. Therefore, in step 1306, the target maximum charge rate setting unit 1360 sets the target maximum charge rate 1361 within a range less than or equal to the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 predicted in step 1302, thereby keeping the charge rate below the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 and remaining in the low degradation region 1411 shown in the upper part of Figure 14, or in the low degradation regions 1421 and 1431 shown in the lower part of Figure 14.

[0076] At the bottom of Figure 15, as in step 1306, an explanation 1502 of the time series progression of power (energy) and charge rate (charge amount) is shown in the situation where the target maximum charge rate 1361 is set within a range of the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 or less, while being kept under control from the degradation-negligible maximum charge rate 1311.

[0077] The following can be said about the lower part of Figure 15. (a) During the daytime hours from 9:00 to 18:00 (in the example of Figure 9, the electricity rate per unit is relatively high at 931), a portion of the electricity surplus or deficit (in this case, an electricity deficit; in the lower part of Figure 15, this is the area indicated by diagonal lines from the lower left to the upper right) between the electricity demand of the power load system 213 (represented by a dotted line at the bottom of Figure 15) and the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation system 211 (solar power generation system) (represented by a solid line at the bottom of Figure 15) is covered by the amount of electricity supplied from the transmission and distribution system 204 to the battery storage system 212 during the preceding minimum rate period of 999, from 0:00 to 6:00 (in the lower part of Figure 15, this is the area indicated by diagonal lines from the upper left to the lower right). In other words, in the lower part of Figure 15, the area of ​​the region indicated by the diagonal line from the upper left to the lower right (area represents electrical energy) is less than the area of ​​the region indicated by the diagonal line from the lower left to the upper right (area represents electrical energy). (b) Under simplified assumptions, the charge level of the battery in the battery system 212 (shown by a thick line at the bottom of Figure 15) is equal to the target maximum charge level 1361 at 6:00, which is the end of the minimum charge period 999. In the example at the bottom of Figure 15, the target maximum charge level 1361 is a value that is restrained from the degradation-negligible maximum charge level 1311 (in order to ensure that the degradation level of the battery in the battery system 212 does not exceed the maximum allowable degradation level). Between 9:00 and 18:00, the battery energy stored in the battery system 212 is supplied to the power load system 213 to compensate for the power deficit indicated by the area of ​​the region shown by the diagonal line from the lower left to the upper right. Therefore, between 9:00 and 18:00, the charge rate shown by the thick line gradually decreases. Then, before 18:00, the charge rate shown by the thick line becomes zero, while a power deficit still exists. The power deficit shown by the area of ​​the diagonal line from the bottom left to the top right after the time when the charge level reaches zero (the area of ​​the thick border at the bottom of Figure 15) is covered by the amount of power supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the power load system 213. In the example in Figure 9, supplying power from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the power load system 213 during the time period from 9:00 to 18:00 results in a higher electricity rate of 931 compared to supplying power during the minimum charge period of 999 from 0:00 to 6:00. The example shown at the bottom of Figure 15 can be seen as an attempt to suppress the progression of battery degradation in the battery storage system 212, in exchange for a higher electricity rate.

[0078] After processing in step 1305 or step 1306, control is transitioned to step 1307. In step 1307 of Figure 13, the target maximum charge rate setting unit 1360 determines whether all periods (e.g., partial periods (e.g., one day, one week, one month, one season, one year, the entire period)) for which the target maximum charge rate 1361 is to be set within the charging planning period 1521 have been selected in step 1303. If the determination result in step 1307 is positive, the control proceeds to step 1308. If the determination result in step 1307 is negative, the control returns to step 1303, and one of the periods (partial periods) that have not yet been selected is newly selected.

[0079] 4-1-2-2-4. Processing of the charging plan determination unit in the first embodiment In step 1308 of Figure 13, the charging plan determination unit 1380 creates and determines the charging plan information 300. The charging plan determination unit 1380 creates charging plan information 300 for each period (e.g., partial period (e.g., one day, one week, one month, one season, one year, the entire period)) within the charging plan target period 1521 for which a target maximum charge rate 1361 is set, so that at the time when each of the one or more minimum charge time zones 999 included in that period (partial period) ends, the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 will be the target maximum charge rate 1361 set in step 1305 or step 1306. For example, if, as in the simplified assumption shown in Figure 15, there is no electricity demand from the power load system 213 and no power generation from the renewable energy generation system 211 during the minimum charge period 999, the charging plan determination unit 1380 will determine a charging plan within the minimum charge period 999 that will ensure the battery charge rate of the battery storage system 212 is at the target maximum charge rate 1361 at the time the minimum charge period 999 ends. If, even during the minimum charge period 999, there is either an electricity demand from the power load system 213 or an amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy generation system 211, and a surplus or deficit of electricity may exist, the charging plan determination unit 1380 extracts information related to the minimum charge period 999 from the electricity forecast information 500 (specifically, the electricity surplus / deficit forecast information 540), and, taking into account the electricity surplus or deficit indicated by the extracted information, determines a charging plan within the minimum charge period 999 that ensures the battery charge rate of the battery storage system 212 is at the target maximum charge rate 1361 at the time the minimum charge period 999 ends. Furthermore, if the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 is not zero at the time the charging plan period 1521 begins, the charging plan determination unit 1380 may extract from the charging rate performance information 450 the actual value of the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 at the time the charging plan period 1521 begins, or information that can estimate the actual value of said charge rate, and then reflect the extracted information in the charging plan.

[0080] Here, in step 1308, the charging plan determination unit 1380 may create the charging plan information 300 so that, as a result of executing the charging plan indicated by the charging plan information 300, the time during which the battery of the battery storage system 212 has a high charge rate is minimized.

[0081] Figure 16 shows an explanation of the differences in charging times. Figure 16 shows the difference in timing of charging within the minimum charge time period 999, for a case similar to the upper part of Figure 15. In Figure 16, the same simplified assumptions as the upper part of Figure 15 are used, and the minimum charge time period 999 is from 0:00 to 6:00. In the example of Figure 16, it is assumed that it takes approximately 2 hours to supply the amount of electricity (in Figure 16, the amount of electricity is shown as an area) of the "charge amount from the power transmission and distribution system 2132," which is indicated by a diagonal line from the upper right to the lower left, from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the battery in the battery storage system 212. The upper part of Figure 16 shows Case 1601, in which the period of high charge is reduced by supplying power from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the battery storage system 212 from approximately 4:00 to 6:00 within the minimum charge period 999, which is from 0:00 to 6:00. On the other hand, the lower part of Figure 16 shows Case 1602, in which power is supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the battery storage system 212 from approximately 0:00 to 2:00 within the minimum charge period 999, resulting in a period of higher charge compared to the upper part of Figure 16. In both the upper and lower parts of Figure 16, the intention is to set part (or all) of the minimum charge period 999 as a charging period. By setting the charging period in this way, the effect of keeping electricity charges low can be obtained. In the upper and lower parts of Figure 16, the "charge rate prediction 2202" is shown by thick lines. As is clear from comparing the "charge rate prediction 2202" in the upper and lower parts of Figure 16, the period during which the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 is close to the target maximum charge rate 1361 is longer in the lower part of Figure 16 than in the upper part. As already explained with Figure 14, the higher the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212, the higher the battery degradation degree 660 tends to be. Therefore, from the perspective of keeping the progression of battery degradation in the battery storage system 212 low, when the charging plan determination unit 1380 creates the charging plan information 300, it is generally more appropriate (unless there are some other circumstances) to create the charging plan information 300 that shows a charging plan like the one in the upper part of Figure 16 rather than the charging plan information 300 that shows a charging plan like the one in the lower part of Figure 16.

[0082] In the explanation given in conjunction with Figure 13 above, it was mentioned that the charging planning period 1521 consists of multiple sub-periods (for example, one day, one week, one month, one season, one year), and for each sub-period, a degradation-neglected maximum charge rate 1311, an allowable maximum charge rate 1321, and a target maximum charge rate 1361 are defined, and based on the various information defined for each sub-period, charging plan information 300 showing the charging plan for the charging planning period 1521 can be determined.

[0083] Figure 17 shows an example explanation 1700 of a case where the charging plan period 1521 consists of multiple sub-periods. Figure 17 shows an example where the charging plan period 1521 is 3 days long, each sub-period is 1 day long, and in one sub-period, the minimum charge period 999 arrives first, followed by a period where a surplus or deficit of electricity occurs. Figure 17 is also based on the same simplified assumptions as Figures 15 and 16. However, for the sake of simplifying the illustration, in Figures 15 and 16, the predicted surplus or deficit of electricity 504 was shown as the difference between the predicted electricity demand 503 and the predicted power generation 502 (the area indicated by the diagonal lines from the bottom left to the top right). In Figure 17, however, the predicted electricity demand 503 and the predicted power generation 502 are not directly shown, and the predicted surplus or deficit of electricity 504 is shown (as an area without diagonal lines). As shown in Figure 17, for each partial period, the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 for that partial period is determined according to the predicted battery ambient temperature 807 for that partial period. In Figure 17, the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 for each partial period is shown by a dashed line. On the other hand, the situation of the energy surplus / deficit prediction 504 can differ for each sub-period. In the example shown in Figure 17, in the first sub-period, the energy surplus / deficit prediction 504 indicates a small energy deficit; in the second sub-period, the energy surplus / deficit prediction 504 indicates a large energy deficit; and in the third sub-period, the energy surplus / deficit prediction 504 indicates a moderate energy deficit. Consequently, in the first sub-period, the degradation-ignored maximum charge rate 1311 is lower than the allowable maximum charge rate 1321; in the second sub-period, the degradation-ignored maximum charge rate 1311 is higher than the allowable maximum charge rate 1321; and in the third sub-period, the degradation-ignored maximum charge rate 1311 is approximately equal to the allowable maximum charge rate 1321. For the reasons described above, in Figure 17, in the first partial period, the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311 is not suppressed, and the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311 becomes the target maximum charge rate 1361. In the second partial period, (as indicated by the white downward arrow) the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311 is suppressed, and the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 becomes the target maximum charge rate 1361. In the third partial period, the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311 is not suppressed (however, in reality, the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311 and the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 are almost equal), and the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate 1311 becomes the target maximum charge rate 1361. The fact that the target maximum charge rate 1361 for each partial period is determined as described above is reflected in the charge rate prediction shown by the thick line in Figure 17. In the example above, during the second partial period, the degradation-negligible maximum charge rate 1311 is suppressed (as indicated by the white downward-pointing arrow), and the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 is set as the target maximum charge rate 1361. Therefore, during the second partial period, similar to the case at the bottom of Figure 15, the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 becomes zero (or the set minimum charge rate) at some point during the 9:00 to 18:00 time period. After that point, the power shortage between the power demand of the power load system 213 and the power generation amount of the renewable energy generation system 211 is supplied to the power load system 213 from the transmission and distribution system 204. This supplied power is shown in Figure 17 by the area of ​​the region with grid lines.

[0084] The above is a description of the first charge plan creation unit 1300, which is the charge plan creation unit 111 in the first embodiment. After step 1308, control returns to step 1201 in Figure 12. Note that the circles with "1" inside in Figures 12 and 13 are connected in terms of the processing flow.

[0085] 4-1-3. Effect of the first embodiment on suppressing the progression of deterioration of the soundness index SOH Figure 18 illustrates the effects of the first embodiment. Figure 18 shows the degradation characteristics of the battery in the battery system 212. In Figure 18, the horizontal axis represents elapsed time (battery usage time), and the vertical axis represents the degradation behavior of the battery in the battery system 212. The vertical axis represents the State of Health (SOH) index, which is the ratio of the maximum charge amount (energy amount) that can be charged to the battery during operation to the maximum charge amount (energy amount) that could be charged at the beginning of battery use. As time passes and charging and discharging occur, the battery degrades, and the SOH decreases. In order to suppress the degradation of the battery in the battery system 212, the first embodiment determines the allowable maximum charge rate 1321 based on the temperature information contained in the temperature prediction information 800. As a result, as shown in Figure 18, the embodiment of this disclosure (first embodiment) can suppress the degradation of the battery in the battery system 212, compared to the conventional method of operating the battery without considering battery degradation. On the other hand, in the embodiment of this disclosure (first embodiment), the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 increases during high-rate hours, which may lead to an increase in electricity charges. Therefore, the following describes an embodiment in which electricity charges are estimated and a charging plan is formulated, as a second or third embodiment.

[0086] 4-2. Second Embodiment The second charging plan creation unit 2000, which is the charging plan creation unit 111 in the second embodiment, performs relatively detailed processing compared to that of the first embodiment, while performing relatively simple processing compared to that of the third embodiment. This creates charging plan information 300 that satisfies the power demand of the power load system 213, keeps electricity charges from power supply from the power transmission and distribution system 204 low, and minimizes the progression of battery degradation in the battery storage system 212. In short, the second charging plan creation unit 2000 in the second embodiment prepares multiple provisional charging plan information 2021, which are candidates for becoming charging plan information 300. It then calculates a degradation progression increment score 2041, which indicates the degree of degradation of the battery in the battery storage system 212, and a predicted value for the electricity charge from the power transmission and distribution system 204, for each provisional charging plan indicated by the provisional charging plan information 2021 that is executed. The second charging plan creation unit 2000 then calculates an overall score for each provisional charging plan information 2021 based on the degradation progression increment score 2041 and the predicted value for the electricity charge, and selects the provisional charging plan information 2021 with the best overall score or the closest to the best as the charging plan information 300. In the second embodiment, the second charging plan creation unit 2000 performs more detailed processing than the first charging plan creation unit 1300 in the first embodiment in terms of scoring the progression of battery degradation in the battery storage system 212. On the other hand, the second charging plan creation unit 2000 in the second embodiment does not necessarily have to predict the lifespan (replacement time) of the battery storage system 212, as is done by the third charging plan creation unit 2300 in the third embodiment described later, so it is possible to perform relatively simpler processing. Furthermore, the second charging plan creation unit 2000 in the second embodiment does not have to handle some or all of the degradation progress information 460, which indicates the degree to which the battery storage system 212 has already degraded, or the battery cost information 1000, as is done in the third embodiment.

[0087] 4-2-1. Functional configuration of the second embodiment (Figure 19) Figure 19 shows the functional configuration 1900 (and the information handled) of the energy management system 101 in the second embodiment of this disclosure. Not all of the functional configurations shown in Figure 19 are mandatory. Furthermore, it is not prohibited for functional configurations other than those shown in Figure 19 to exist. In the representation of the information flow in Figure 19, parts marked with (*) are connected, parts marked with (#) are connected, and parts marked with (!) are connected. The details of the processing performed by the energy management system 101 shown in FIG. 19 and the like will be described in detail in the section of "2. Processing of the Second Embodiment" in "4.2" described later. In this section of "1. Functional Configuration of the Second Embodiment", an overview of the functional units of the energy management system 101 in the second embodiment will be described. Note that what has already been described together with FIG. 1 and FIG. 11 may be omitted below. In FIG. 19, a solid-line rectangle with the name "section" attached indicates a functional unit. Also, what is shown by a dotted-line frame indicates information (data) to be handled.

[0088] In the upper part of FIG. 19, the power consumption prediction unit 1200 as a functional unit and the operation result information 400 and the power consumption prediction information 500 as information to be handled are simply shown. These may be the same as those shown in the upper part of FIG. 11.

[0089] As shown in the lower part of FIG. 19, the second charging plan creation unit 2000, which is the charging plan creation unit 111 in the second embodiment, may have, as internal functional units, a temporary charging plan creation unit 2020, a power charge prediction unit 2030, a deterioration progress increment score calculation unit 2040, a comprehensive score calculation unit 2050, and a second charging plan selection unit 2070. Also, as information generated by the second charging plan creation unit 2000, there may be temporary charging plan information 2021 (group), charging rate prediction information 2022 (group), comprehensive score information 2051 (group) (and, although not shown in FIG. 19, power charge prediction information (group) and deterioration progress increment score (group)). Note that when creating the temporary charging plan information 2021, for each possible setting condition as the charging plan information 300, the temporary charging plan information 2021, the charging rate prediction information 2022, and the comprehensive score information 2051 (and, although not shown in FIG. 19, the power charge prediction information and the deterioration progress increment score) may be generated (created). Therefore, the term "group" is used above.

[0090] The provisional charging plan creation unit 2020 creates provisional charging plan information 2021 for each of the possible setting conditions for charging plan information 300, based on the setting condition, the information that identifies the minimum charge time period 999 explicitly or implicitly indicated by the electricity rate plan information 900 (and the actual value of the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 at the time the charging plan target period 1521 begins, as indicated by the actual charge rate information 450, and the power quantity forecast information 500 (specifically, the power quantity surplus / deficit forecast information 540)). Here, provisional charging plan information 2021 may be provisional charging plan information that includes a plan for charging the battery in the battery storage system 212 from the power transmission and distribution system 204 during the minimum charge time period 999, such that the setting condition is realized. Furthermore, the setting conditions used in the temporary charging plan creation unit 2020 may be, for example, the value of the assumed maximum charge rate. Here, the assumed maximum charge rate may be set as the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 at the time when the minimum charge period 999 ends. In the case of such setting conditions, the temporary charging plan creation unit 2020 may create temporary charging plan information 2021 for each value of the assumed maximum charge rate, which is temporary charging plan information that includes a plan for charging the battery in the battery storage system 212 from the power transmission and distribution system 204 during the minimum charge period 999, such that the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 at the time when the minimum charge period 999 ends becomes the assumed maximum charge rate (i.e., the assumed maximum charge rate is realized). The temporary charging plan creation unit 2020 further creates charge rate prediction information 2022 for each of the set conditions, based on the power quantity prediction information 500 (specifically, the power quantity surplus / deficit prediction information 540) and the temporary charging plan information 2021 (and the actual value of the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 at the time the charging plan target period 1521 begins). Here, the charge rate prediction information 2022 shows the prediction of the time-series change in the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 when the charging plan indicated in the temporary charging plan information 2021 is realized.

[0091] The electricity rate forecasting unit 2030 predicts electricity rates for each of the setting conditions handled by the temporary charging plan creation unit 2020, based on the temporary charging plan information 2021, the electricity rate plan information 900, the electricity amount forecast information 500 (specifically the electricity amount surplus / deficit forecast information 540), and the charging rate forecast information 2022, and generates electricity rate forecast information. Here, the predicted electricity rate refers to the electricity rate for the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the power load system 213 or the battery storage system 212. The degradation progression increment score calculation unit 2040 calculates a degradation progression increment score for each of the setting conditions handled by the provisional charging plan creation unit 2020, based on the charge rate prediction information 2022, the battery degradation characteristics information 600, and (if the battery degradation characteristics information 600 deals with the ambient temperature 607 of the battery) the temperature prediction information 800. Here, the degradation progression increment score indicates the degree to which the battery of the battery system 212 is degrading, based on the change in the charge rate shown by the charge rate prediction information 2022. The overall score calculation unit 2050 calculates an overall score for each of the setting conditions handled by the provisional charging plan creation unit 2020, based on the electricity rate indicated by the electricity rate forecast information and the degradation progression increment score, and generates overall score information 2051.

[0092] The second charging plan selection unit 2070 selects the temporary charging plan information 2021 that corresponds to the best or near-best overall score, based on the temporary charging plan information 2021 and overall score information 2051 for each of the setting conditions handled by the temporary charging plan creation unit 2020. The second charging plan selection unit 2070 then determines the selected temporary charging plan information 2021 as the charging plan information 300.

[0093] 4-2-2. Processing of the second embodiment The following describes the processes performed by the energy management system 101 of the second embodiment of this disclosure, starting with the processes of the power quantity prediction unit 1200 and then the processes of the second charging plan creation unit 2000, which is the charging plan creation unit 111 in the second embodiment.

[0094] 4-2-2-1. Processing of the power consumption prediction unit The processing of the power consumption prediction unit 1200 in the second embodiment may be the same as the processing of the power consumption prediction unit 1200 in the first embodiment. Therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0095] 4-2-2-2. Processing of the second charging plan creation unit in the second embodiment (Figure 20) Figure 20 shows a flowchart of the processing of the second charge plan creation unit 2000 in the second embodiment. The following explanation will follow the order of processing shown in Figure 20. Note that each processing step in the flowchart of Figure 20 may be understood to form a "charge plan creation step". As the functions described below are realized, the second charging plan creation unit 2000 creates the charging plan information 300 with more detailed processing than the first embodiment in terms of scoring the progression of battery degradation of the battery storage system 212, but does not necessarily have to predict the lifespan (replacement time) of the battery storage system 212, so it can create the charging plan information 300 with simpler processing than the third embodiment. In other words, the second embodiment can achieve a balance between the degree of validity of the created charging plan information 300 and the degree of efficiency of the processing for creating the charging plan information 300.

[0096] In general terms, according to the flowchart in Figure 20, through the loop processing from step 2001 to step 2006, the second charging plan creation unit 2000 generates (creates, predicts, and calculates) provisional charging plan information 2021, charging rate prediction information 2022, (not shown in Figure 19) electricity charge prediction information, (not shown in Figure 19) degradation progression increment score, and overall score information 2051 for each of the possible setting conditions for the charging plan information 300. Then, in step 2007, the second charging plan creation unit 2000 selects the provisional charging plan information 2021 corresponding to the best or near-best overall score and sets it as the charging plan information 300.

[0097] 4-2-2-2-1. Processing of the temporary charging plan creation unit in the second embodiment In step 2001 of Figure 20, the provisional charging plan creation unit 2020 selects one of the possible setting conditions for the charging plan information 300. For example, the provisional charging plan creation unit 2020 may set a value for the assumed maximum charge rate for each of the sub-periods (the length of each sub-period may be, for example, one day, one week, one month, one season, one year, or the entire period) included in the charging plan target period 1521 as a setting condition. The assumed maximum charge rate for a sub-period is the target value of the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 at the time when the minimum charge period 999 included in that sub-period ends. Note that the possible setting conditions for the charging plan information 300 may be other than the assumed maximum charge rate for each sub-period.

[0098] In step 2002 of Figure 20, the temporary charging plan creation unit 2020 creates temporary charging plan information 2021 under the setting conditions selected in the most recent step 2001. If the setting conditions described above are assumed to be the assumed maximum charge rate for each of one or more sub-periods included in the charging plan target period 1521, the provisional charging plan creation unit 2020 may create provisional charging plan information 2021 based at least on the assumed maximum charge rate for each sub-period and information that identifies the minimum charge time period 999 explicitly or implicitly indicated by the electricity rate plan information 900. From the standpoint of keeping electricity charges as low as circumstances allow, in the provisional charging plan shown in provisional charging plan information 2021, the supply of electricity from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the battery of the battery storage system 212 is made to occur as much as possible during the minimum charge time period 999. Here, as explained with reference to the first embodiment along with Figure 16, the time period during which power is supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to charge the battery of the battery storage system 212 may be adjusted in the charging plan shown in the provisional charging plan information 2021 so that the time period during which the battery of the battery storage system 212 has a high charge rate is shortened. For example, the time period for charging may be adjusted as shown in the upper part of Figure 16, rather than the lower part of Figure 16. If, during the minimum charge period 999, neither the electricity demand of the power load system 213 nor the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy generation system 211 is zero, and there is no surplus or deficit of electricity, then the temporary charging plan creation unit 2020 may also use the information for the minimum charge period 999 from the electricity forecast information 500 (specifically, the electricity surplus / deficit forecast information 540) when creating the temporary charging plan information 2021. If the charge level of the battery in the battery storage system 212 is not zero at the start of the charging plan period 1521, the provisional charging plan creation unit 2020 may, in creating the provisional charging plan information 2021, further use either the actual charge level information 450 at the start of the charging plan period 1521 or information used to estimate that actual charge level.

[0099] In step 2002 of Figure 20, the provisional charging plan creation unit 2020 also creates charge rate prediction information 2022 under the setting conditions selected in the most recent step 2001. When creating the charge rate forecast information 2022, the temporary charging plan creation unit 2020 may calculate the increase or decrease in the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 for each of the time periods 498 (or time), based on the amount of energy surplus or deficit indicated by the energy amount forecast information 500 (specifically the energy surplus or deficit forecast information 540) for each of the time periods 498 (or time), and the amount of energy used to charge the battery in the battery storage system 212 as indicated by the temporary charging plan information 2021. If the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 is not zero at the start of the charging plan period 1521, the provisional charging plan creation unit 2020 may, when creating the charging rate prediction information 2022, use either the actual charge rate information itself at the start of the charging plan period 1521, or information used to estimate that actual charge rate, from the actual charge rate information 450, in order to determine the initial value of the charge rate.

[0100] 4-2-2-2-2. Processing of the electricity rate prediction unit in the second embodiment In step 2003 of Figure 20, the electricity rate forecasting unit 2030 forecasts electricity rates and creates electricity rate forecasting information under the setting conditions selected in the most recent step 2001. The electricity rate forecasting unit 2030 may determine that, for each of the time periods 498 (or hours) in which the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 is not zero (as indicated by the charge rate forecasting information 2022), the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the battery in the battery storage system 212, as indicated by the provisional charge plan information 2021, will be the basis for the electricity rate. On the other hand, the electricity rate forecasting unit 2030 may determine that, for each of the time periods 498 (or hours) in which the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212 is zero (as indicated by the charge rate forecasting information 2022), the amount of electricity shortage indicated by the electricity quantity forecasting information 500 (specifically, the electricity quantity surplus / deficit forecasting information 540) (and, if the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the battery in the battery storage system 212, as indicated by the provisional charging plan information 2021, is not zero, the sum of that amount and the amount of electricity supplied) will be the basis for the electricity rate. The electricity rate forecasting unit 2030 predicts the electricity rate (time-of-use electricity rate) for each of the time zones 498 based on the amount of electricity that forms the basis of the electricity rate (the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 to the power load system 213 or to the battery of the battery storage system 212) and the electricity rate unit price 931 in the plan time zone 998 that includes the time zone 498. The electricity rate forecasting unit 2030 generates electricity rate forecast information for the provisional charging plan information 2021 by summing up the electricity rates for all 498 time zones included in the charging plan target period 1521.

[0101] Figure 21 shows the explanation for calculating the overall score, with the upper part showing the explanation for calculating electricity charges. The example shown in Figure 21 is similar to the case shown at the bottom of Figure 15. In the upper part of Figure 21, the area shown in black indicates the amount of electricity that forms the basis of the electricity charges. In the upper part of Figure 21, the black rectangle in the lowest-charge time zone 999, "Charging amount from the power transmission and distribution system 2132," represents the amount of electricity that forms the basis of the electricity charge during the "time zone 498 when the charge rate of the battery storage system 212 is not zero." This amount of electricity, along with the electricity rate unit price 931 (for the lowest-charge time zone 999) shown in the electricity rate plan information 900, determines the "electricity charge during the lowest-charge time zone 2032." In the upper part of Figure 21, the black-shaded pentagon representing "Supplementary power from the transmission and distribution system 2133" during daytime hours (high-rate hours) is the amount of electricity that forms the basis for electricity charges during "times 498 when the charge rate of the battery storage system 212 is zero." This amount of electricity, along with the electricity rate unit price 931 (for daytime hours (high-rate hours)) shown in the electricity rate plan information 900, determines the "electricity charge during high-rate hours 2033." In the upper part of Figure 21, the predicted total electricity charge may be determined by the sum of "electricity charge during the lowest rate period 2032" and "electricity charge during the highest rate period 2033".

[0102] 4-2-2-2-3. Processing of the Degradation Progression Increment Score Calculation Unit in the Second Embodiment Step 2004 becomes executable after step 2002. In step 2004 of Figure 20, the degradation progression increment score calculation unit 2040 calculates the degradation progression increment score under the setting conditions selected in the most recent step 2001. The degradation progression increment score calculated by the degradation progression increment score calculation unit 2040 may reflect the value of the battery degradation degree 660 for each of the 498 time zones included in the charging plan target period 1521. For example, the degradation progression increment score calculated by the degradation progression increment score calculation unit 2040 may be the sum of the values ​​of the battery degradation degree 660 for each of the 498 time zones included in the charging plan target period 1521. Alternatively, the degradation progression increment score calculated by the degradation progression increment score calculation unit 2040 may be a function value in some function where the value of the battery degradation degree 660 for each of the 498 time zones included in the charging plan target period 1521 is a variable. When the degradation progression increment score calculation unit 2040 identifies the value of the battery degradation degree 660 for each of the time periods 498 included in the charging plan target period 1521, it may use the battery degradation characteristic information 600 to identify the battery degradation degree 660 corresponding to the combination of the charge rate forecast indicated by the charge rate forecast information 2022 for that time period 498 and the battery ambient temperature forecast 807 indicated by the temperature forecast information 800 for that time period 498 (or the partial period encompassing that time period 498).

[0103] Figure 21 shows the explanation 2100 for calculating the overall score, with the lower part showing the explanation for calculating the incremental score of deterioration progression. The example shown in Figure 21 is similar to the case shown at the bottom of Figure 15. At the bottom of Figure 21, the blacked-out area shows the "charge rate forecast 2122," which is a prediction of the time-series change in the charge rate of the battery in the battery storage system 212, and serves as the basis for the degradation progression incremental score. As shown at the bottom of Figure 21, the "incremental score of degradation progression by charge level 2041" may be determined based on the charge level prediction 2122, the temperature prediction information 800 (the battery ambient temperature prediction 807 shown therein), and the battery degradation characteristic information 600 (which is information that associates the battery ambient temperature 607 and the charge level 622 with the degradation level 660 of the battery). The degradation progression increment score calculation unit 2040 may, for example, determine a "degradation progression increment score 2041 based on charge rate" by converting into monetary value the amount by which the maximum charge amount (energy) that can be charged to the battery has decreased as a result of the degradation of the battery in the battery storage system 212 according to the charge rate (or charge amount) of the battery. In this conversion to monetary value, the degradation progression increment score calculation unit 2040 may use, for example, one of the following two methods. (1) A method in which the "incremental degradation score due to charge rate 2041" is calculated by multiplying the ratio (ΔCMAX / CMAX_INIT) of the decrease in the maximum charge amount (energy) that can be charged into the battery during the period in which the "incremental degradation score due to charge rate 2041" is calculated, relative to the maximum charge amount (energy) (CMAX_INIT) that could be charged into the battery at the start of use by the price of purchasing the battery new (PRICE) (PRICE*(ΔCMAX / CMAX_INIT)). (2) A method in which the "incremental score of degradation progression due to charge rate 2041" is calculated by multiplying the price of a new battery (PRICE) by the ratio (ΔCMAX / (CMAX_INIT-CMAX_EOL)) of the decrease in the maximum amount of charge (energy) that can be charged into the battery during the period in which the battery is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan (time to replace it), which is the replacement criterion SOH (SOH_EOL), from the maximum amount of charge (energy) (CMAX_INIT) that could be charged into the battery (CMAX_INIT-CMAX_EOL), which is the replacement criterion SOH (SOH_EOL), which is the value of the health index SOH at which the battery is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan (time to replace it), to the value (CMAX_INIT-CMAX_EOL) (ΔCMAX / (CMAX_INIT-CMAX_EOL)). In the following, the "incremental score of degradation progression based on charge level 2041" obtained using the above method may be referred to as the "value reduction due to battery capacity degradation."

[0104] 4-2-2-2-4. Processing of the overall score calculation unit in the second embodiment Step 2005 becomes executable after both Step 2003 and Step 2004 have been completed. In step 2005 of Figure 20, the overall score calculation unit 2050 calculates the overall score under the setting conditions selected in the most recent step 2001 and generates overall score information 2051. The overall score reflects, in some way, both the electricity rate forecast information generated in step 2003 and the degradation progression increment score calculated in step 2004. It may be calculated using any calculation method as long as the overall score allows for the determination of the superiority or inferiority of the provisional charging plan information 2021. The overall score calculation unit 2050 may, for example, calculate the overall score by first scoring the electricity rates indicated by the electricity rate forecast information to obtain an electricity rate score, and then multiplying the electricity rate score and the degradation progression increment score by their respective individual weights and adding them together. Alternatively, the overall score calculation unit 2050 may calculate the overall score as the value of some function whose variables are, for example, the electricity charge and the degradation progression increment score. The overall score calculation unit 2050 may calculate the overall score as an amount that is the sum of the above-mentioned "decreased value due to battery capacity degradation" obtained as the "incremental score of degradation progression due to charge rate 2041" and the predicted total amount of electricity charges.

[0105] After step 2005, control transitions to step 2006. In step 2006 of Figure 20, the second charging plan creation unit 2000 determines whether all of the setting conditions that are to be selected in step 2001 have been selected in step 2001. If the determination result in step 2006 is positive, the control proceeds to step 2007. If the determination result in step 2006 is negative, the control returns to step 2001, and one of the setting conditions that has not yet been selected in step 2001 is selected.

[0106] 4-2-2-2-5. Processing of the second charge plan selection unit in the second embodiment In step 2007 of Figure 20, the second charging plan selection unit 2070 selects a provisional charging plan information 2021 from among the provisional charging plan information 2021 created in step 2002 that is deemed to be a valid charging plan, and determines it as the charging plan information 300. As described above, in the process shown in Figure 20, each of the provisional charging plan information 2021 is associated with the overall score information 2051. Therefore, the second charging plan selection unit 2070 may select the provisional charging plan information 2021 that corresponds to the best or near-best overall score and set it as the charging plan information 300. For example, if the overall score is an amount calculated as the sum of the "value reduction due to battery capacity degradation" and the electricity charge, the second charging plan selection unit 2070 may select the provisional charging plan information 2021 that results in the lowest amount and set it as the charging plan information 300.

[0107] The above is a description of the second charge plan creation unit 2000, which is the charge plan creation unit 111 in the second embodiment. After step 2007, control returns to step 1201 in Figure 12. Note that the circles with "1" inside in Figures 12 and 20 are connected in terms of the processing flow.

[0108] 4-2-3. Effect of the second embodiment on suppressing increases in electricity charges According to the second embodiment described above, it becomes possible to formulate an appropriate charging plan (charge / discharge plan) for the battery storage system 212 that takes into account the increase in electricity charges due to the suppression of battery degradation in the battery storage system 212.

[0109] 4-3. Third Embodiment The third charging plan creation unit 2300, which is the charging plan creation unit 111 in the third embodiment, creates charging plan information 300 through relatively detailed processing compared to those of the first and second embodiments, which satisfies the power demand of the power load system 213 while keeping the electricity charges from the power transmission and distribution system 204 low and keeping the progression of battery degradation of the battery storage system 212 low. In the third embodiment, the third charging plan creation unit 2300 may be the same as the second charging plan creation unit 2000 in the second embodiment in that it prepares multiple provisional charging plan information 2021 which are candidates for becoming charging plan information 300, and then calculates an estimated value of the electricity charge for power supplied from the power transmission and distribution system 204 when each of the provisional charging plans indicated by each of the provisional charging plan information 2021 is executed. The third charging plan creation unit 2300 predicts the battery life (replacement time) or replacement cycle of the battery in the battery storage system 212 when each of the provisional charging plans indicated in each of the provisional charging plan information 2021 is executed, and then calculates a predicted value for the battery-related expenses (other than electricity charges) based on the predicted battery life (replacement time) or replacement cycle. Then, for each of the provisional charging plan information 2021, the third charging plan creation unit 2300 calculates a predicted total cost based on the predicted battery-related expenses and the predicted electricity charges, and then selects the provisional charging plan information 2021 with the best or closest predicted total cost as the charging plan information 300.

[0110] 4-3-1. Functional configuration of the third embodiment (Figure 22) Figure 22 shows the functional configuration 2200 (and the information handled) of the energy management system 101 in the third embodiment of this disclosure. Not all functional configurations shown in Figure 22 are mandatory. Furthermore, it is not prohibited for functional configurations other than those shown in Figure 22 to exist. In the representation of the information flow in Figure 22, parts marked with (*) are connected, parts marked with (#) are connected, parts marked with (!) are connected, and parts marked with (&) are connected. The details of the processes performed by the energy management system 101 shown in Figure 22 will be explained in detail in the section "4.3.2. Processes of the Third Embodiment" below. In the section "4.3.1. Functional Configuration of the Third Embodiment," an overview of the functional parts of the energy management system 101 in the third embodiment will be described. Note that some information that has already been explained in Figures 1, 11, and 19 may be omitted below. In FIG. 22, a solid-line rectangle with the name "section" attached indicates a functional section. Also, what is shown by a dotted-line frame indicates the information (data) to be processed.

[0111] In the upper part of FIG. 22, the power consumption prediction section 1200 as a functional section, and the operation result information 400 and the power consumption prediction information 500 as the information to be processed are briefly represented. These may be the same as those shown in the upper part of FIG. 11. However, in the third embodiment, the operation result information 400 may further include the deterioration progress degree result information 460.

[0112] As shown in the lower part of FIG. 22, the third charge plan creation section 2300, which is the charge plan creation section 111 in the third embodiment, may have, as internal functional sections, a temporary charge plan creation section 2020, a power fee prediction section 2030, a storage battery life prediction section 2350, a storage battery cost prediction section 2360, a total cost prediction section 2370, and a third charge plan selection section 2390. Also, as the information generated by the third charge plan creation section 2300, there may be temporary charge plan information 2021 (group), charge rate prediction information 2022 (group), total cost prediction information 2371 (group) (and, although not shown in FIG. 22, power fee prediction information (group) and storage battery cost prediction information (group)). Note that when creating the temporary charge plan information 2021, for each possible condition setting, the temporary charge plan information 2021, the charge rate prediction information 2022, and the total cost prediction information 2371 (and, although not shown in FIG. 22, power fee prediction information and storage battery cost prediction information) may be generated (created). Therefore, the term "group" is used above.

[0113] The outline of the functional configurations of the temporary charge plan creation section 2020 and the power fee prediction section 2030 in the third embodiment, and the outline of the temporary charge plan information 2021 (group), the charge rate prediction information 2022 (group), and the power fee prediction information (group) are the same as those in the second embodiment. Therefore, the description of the outline of the functional configurations of the temporary charge plan creation section 2020 and the power fee prediction section 2030, and the description of the outline of the temporary charge plan information 2021 (group), the charge rate prediction information 2022 (group), and the power fee prediction information (group) are omitted here.

[0114] The battery life prediction unit 2350 predicts the battery life (replacement time) or number of replacements for the battery in the battery system 212 based on the charge rate prediction information 2022, the battery degradation characteristics information 600, (if the battery degradation characteristics information 600 deals with the ambient temperature 607 of the battery) the temperature prediction information 800, and (from the degradation progress actual information 460, information indicating the degree to which the battery in the battery system 212 has already deteriorated at the time the charging plan target period 1521 starts). The battery cost forecasting unit 2360 predicts the cost of battery replacement, etc., for each of the setting conditions handled by the provisional charging plan creation unit 2020, based on the battery life prediction unit 2350's prediction of the battery replacement timing or number of replacements for the battery system 212 and the battery cost information 1000, and generates battery cost forecasting information. The total cost forecasting unit 2370 predicts the total cost for each of the setting conditions handled by the provisional charging plan creation unit 2020, based on the electricity charges indicated by the electricity charge forecasting information and the predicted values ​​of expenses such as battery replacement indicated by the battery expense forecasting information, and generates total cost forecasting information 2371.

[0115] The third charging plan selection unit 2390 selects the temporary charging plan information 2021 that corresponds to the best or near-best total cost, based on the temporary charging plan information 2021 and total cost forecast information 2371 for each of the setting conditions handled by the temporary charging plan creation unit 2020. The third charging plan selection unit 2390 then determines the selected temporary charging plan information 2021 as the charging plan information 300.

[0116] 4-3-2. Processing of the third embodiment The following describes the processes performed by the energy management system 101 of the third embodiment of this disclosure, starting with the processes of the power quantity prediction unit 1200 and then the processes of the third charging plan creation unit 2300, which is the charging plan creation unit 111 in the third embodiment.

[0117] 4-3-2-1. Processing of the power consumption prediction unit The processing of the power consumption prediction unit 1200 in the third embodiment may be the same as the processing of the power consumption prediction unit 1200 in the first embodiment. Therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0118] 4-3-2-2. Processing of the third charging plan creation unit in the third embodiment (Figure 23) Figure 23 shows a flowchart of the processing of the third charge plan creation unit 2300 in the third embodiment. The following explanation will follow the order of processing shown in Figure 23. Note that each processing step in the flowchart of Figure 23 may be understood to form a "charge plan creation step". As the functions described below are realized, the third charging plan creation unit 2300 predicts the lifespan (replacement time) or number of replacements of the batteries in the battery storage system 212, and predicts the expenses related to the batteries (other than electricity charges). Therefore, the degree of validity of the created charging plan information 300 can be further improved compared to those of the first and second embodiments.

[0119] In general terms, according to the flowchart in Figure 23, through the processing of loops consisting of steps 2001 to 2003 and steps 2304 to 2308, the third charging plan creation unit 2300 generates (creates, predicts, and calculates) provisional charging plan information 2021, charging rate prediction information 2022, (not shown in Figure 22) electricity charge prediction information, (not shown in Figure 22) battery storage expense prediction information, and total cost prediction information 2371 for each of the possible setting conditions for the charging plan information 300. Then, in step 2309, the third charging plan creation unit 2300 selects the provisional charging plan information 2021 that corresponds to the best or near-best total cost and sets it as the charging plan information 300.

[0120] 4-3-2-2-1. Processing of the temporary charging plan creation unit in the third embodiment The processing of the temporary charge plan creation unit 2020 in the third embodiment may be the same as the processing of the temporary charge plan creation unit 2020 in the second embodiment. The processing of the temporary charge plan creation unit 2020 in the second embodiment has already been explained in "4-2-2-2-1. Processing of the temporary charge plan creation unit in the second embodiment". Therefore, the explanation of the processing of the temporary charge plan creation unit 2020 in the third embodiment is omitted here.

[0121] 4-3-2-2-2. Processing of the electricity rate prediction unit in the third embodiment The processing of the electricity rate forecasting unit 2030 in the third embodiment may be the same as the processing of the electricity rate forecasting unit 2030 in the third embodiment. The processing of the electricity rate forecasting unit 2030 in the second embodiment has already been explained in "4-2-2-2-2. Processing of the electricity rate forecasting unit in the second embodiment". Therefore, the explanation of the processing of the electricity rate forecasting unit 2030 in the third embodiment is omitted here.

[0122] 4-3-2-2-3. Processing of the battery life prediction unit in the third embodiment In Figure 23, the process in step 2304 becomes executable after step 2002. In step 2304 of Figure 23, the battery life prediction unit 2350 predicts the time-series progression of the degree of battery degradation in the battery system 212 during the charging planning period 1521, under the setting conditions selected in the most recent step 2001 of Figure 23. The battery life prediction unit 2350 may, using the battery degradation characteristic information 600, identify the degree of battery degradation 660 for each of the time periods 498 (or partial periods) included in the charging planning period 1521, based on a combination of the predicted charge rate of the battery in the battery system 212 for that time period 498 (or partial period) (obtained from the charge rate prediction information 2022) and the predicted ambient temperature 807 of the battery for that time period 498 (or partial period) (obtained from the temperature prediction information 800). Then, for each of the time periods 498 (or partial periods) included in the charging planning period 1521, the battery life prediction unit 2350 may identify the degree of degradation progression (increment in degradation) of the battery in the battery system 212 for that time period 498 (or partial period), based on the degree of battery degradation 660 for that time period 498 (or partial period). If, at the time the charging plan period 1521 begins, the degree of degradation of the battery in the battery system 212 (degradation progress) is not zero (i.e., the battery has already deteriorated), the battery life prediction unit 2350 may obtain from the degradation progress performance information 460 the actual value of the degradation progress at the time the charging plan period 1521 begins, or information that can be used to estimate the actual value of the degradation progress. The battery life prediction unit 2350 predicts the time-series progression of the degradation of the battery in the battery system 212 during the charging planning period 1521 based on the actual value of the degree of degradation of the battery at the start of the charging planning period 1521, and the increment of the degradation rate for each of the time periods 498 (or partial periods) included in the charging planning period 1521.

[0123] In step 2305 of Figure 23, the battery life prediction unit 2350 predicts the battery life (replacement time) based on the time-series progression of the degree of degradation (degradation progression) of the battery in the battery system 212, which was predicted in step 2304, under the setting conditions selected in the most recent step 2001 of Figure 23. In other words, the battery life prediction unit 2350 predicts the replacement time and the number of replacements for the battery in the battery system 212 during the charging planning period 1521.

[0124] The battery life prediction unit 2350 may set a standard value (replacement standard degradation progression) for the degree of degradation at which it should be determined that the battery in the battery system 212 has reached the end of its lifespan (replacement time). Generally, as a battery is used, it gradually deteriorates, and the maximum amount of charge (energy) it can hold gradually decreases. In other words, the State of Health (SOH) index, which is the ratio of the maximum amount of charge (energy) that can be held by the battery during operation to the maximum amount of charge (energy) that could be held at the beginning of use, gradually decreases. When this SOH falls to a predetermined value (replacement criterion SOH), it can be considered that the battery has reached the end of its lifespan (time for replacement). The battery life prediction unit 2350 may define the degree of degradation associated with the battery replacement criterion SOH of the battery system 212 as the replacement criterion degradation degree.

[0125] The battery life prediction unit 2350 may estimate that the timing (time zone 498 or time) when the degradation progress value of the battery in the battery system 212, predicted in step 2304, reaches the value of the replacement criterion degradation progress, is the time when the battery has reached the end of its lifespan or the time when the battery needs to be replaced. If it is predicted that the battery will reach the end of its lifespan or require replacement before the end of the charging plan period 1521, the battery life prediction unit 2350 may assume that the battery in the battery system 212 will be replaced at that time and set the battery degradation progress value of the battery in the battery system 212 to be reset to zero at that time. In this case, the battery life prediction unit 2350 may, based on the degradation progress increment information identified in step 2304, re-identify the predicted value of the degradation progress progression of the battery system 212 after the predicted battery replacement time. The same applies if the battery reaches the end of its lifespan or requires replacement two or more times during the charging plan period 1521.

[0126] 4-3-2-2-4. Processing of the battery cost prediction unit in the third embodiment In step 2306 of Figure 23, the battery cost forecasting unit 2360 predicts the costs of replacing batteries in the battery system 212 under the setting conditions selected in the most recent step 2001 of Figure 23, and generates battery cost forecasting information.

[0127] The battery expense forecasting unit 2360 may, for example, forecast the battery-related expenses (other than electricity charges) during the charging plan period 1521 based on the battery replacement timing or number of replacements during the charging plan period 1521 predicted in step 2305 and the expense unit price 1061 shown in the battery expense information 1000. If, during the charging planning period 1521, there is a possibility of replacing batteries in the battery storage system 212, but no new batteries are installed, the battery cost forecasting unit 1061 related to battery replacement from the battery cost information 1000 shown in Figure 10 may be used. In this case, the battery cost forecasting unit 2360 may forecast the costs of battery replacement, etc., based on the number of battery replacements during the charging planning period 1521 and the cost unit 1061 related to battery replacement, and generate battery cost forecasting information.

[0128] For example, if the battery replacement period is due several times (e.g., three times), and the specifications require a complete replacement of the battery system 212, then if, once every three replacement periods, the battery cost forecasting unit 1061 for new battery installation, as shown in the battery cost information 1000, is required, the battery cost forecasting unit 2360 may determine the type of cost unit 1061 to be applied to each of the battery replacement periods in the charging plan target period 1521 predicted in step 2305.

[0129] 4-3-2-2-5. Processing of the total cost prediction unit in the third embodiment Once both the process in step 2003 and the process in step 2306 in Figure 23 are completed, the process in step 2307 becomes executable. In step 2307 of Figure 23, the total cost forecasting unit 2370 forecasts the total cost under the setting conditions selected in the most recent step 2001 of Figure 23, and generates total cost forecasting information 2371. For example, if the electricity rate forecast shown in the electricity rate forecast information generated in step 2003 and the battery cost forecast shown in the battery cost forecast information generated in step 2306 are numerical values ​​based on the same units (e.g., the same monetary units), the total cost forecasting unit 2370 may calculate the total cost forecast by simply adding the electricity rate forecast and the battery cost forecast together. Alternatively, if the units used between the electricity rate forecast and the battery cost forecast are different, the total cost forecasting unit 2370 may calculate the total cost forecast by adjusting the units and then adding the electricity rate forecast and the battery cost forecast together.

[0130] After step 2307, control transitions to step 2308. In step 2308 of Figure 23, the third charging plan creation unit 2300 determines whether all of the setting conditions that are possible to be used as charging plan information 300 and that are scheduled to be selected in step 2001 of Figure 23 have been selected in step 2001 of Figure 23. If the determination result in step 2308 is positive, the control proceeds to step 2309. If the determination result in step 2308 is negative, the control returns to step 2001 of Figure 23, and one setting condition that has not yet been selected among the setting conditions scheduled to be selected in step 2001 of Figure 23 is selected.

[0131] 4-3-2-2-6. Processing of the third charge plan selection unit in the third embodiment In step 2309 of Figure 23, the third charging plan selection unit 2390 selects a provisional charging plan information 2021 that is deemed to be a valid charging plan from among the provisional charging plan information 2021 created in step 2002 of Figure 23, and determines it as the charging plan information 300. As described above, in the process shown in Figure 23, each of the provisional charging plan information 2021 is associated with the total cost forecast information 2371. Therefore, the third charging plan selection unit 2390 may select the provisional charging plan information 2021 that corresponds to the best or near-best total cost and set it as the charging plan information 300.

[0132] The above is a description of the third charge plan creation unit 2300, which is the charge plan creation unit 111 in the third embodiment. After step 2309, control returns to step 1201 in Figure 12. Note that the circles with "1" inside in Figures 12 and 23 are connected in terms of the processing flow.

[0133] 4.3.3. Degradation behavior and cost effect of the third embodiment of the storage battery. Figures 24, 25, and 26 show examples of the effects of the third embodiment. Figures 24, 25, and 26 show the defined operating period of the equipment. The operating period is the operating period defined for the equipment including the battery system 212 (for example, equipment 201 shown in Figure 2, or a system consisting of the battery system 212 and the renewable energy power generation system 211). The operating period may be, for example, the number of operating days (months or years) of the equipment, or the warranty period of the equipment, as assumed when planning the introduction of the equipment. The operating period may be, for example, around 15 years. Figures 24, 25, and 26 show the effects of the third embodiment described above when a charging plan (charge / discharge plan) for the battery storage system 212 is formulated so that the total cost (sum of battery expenses and electricity charges; the total cost may also be interpreted as the sum of equipment costs and operating costs) is minimized or close to the minimum, in comparison with a conventional example in which such a plan is not formulated.

[0134] Figure 24 shows the degradation behavior of a storage battery as its usage time (operating time) elapses during the equipment's operating period. In Figure 24, the horizontal axis represents time (usage time, operating time, elapsed time), and the vertical axis represents the State of Health (SOH) index, which is the ratio of the maximum charge amount (energy) that can be charged to the storage battery during operation to the maximum charge amount (energy) that could be charged to the storage battery at the start of use. In Figure 24, the dotted curve shows a conventional example, and the solid curve shows what can be achieved by the charging plan (charge / discharge plan) according to the third embodiment described above. Figure 24 also shows the replacement criterion SOH, SOH_EOL. When the State of Health index (SOH) of a storage battery in operation falls to SOH_EOL, the storage battery is treated as having reached the end of its lifespan (replacement time). Figure 25 shows the cost (cost fluctuation) of 2500 at individual times (time zones) within the equipment operating period. In Figure 25, the horizontal axis represents time (usage time, operating time, elapsed time), and the vertical axis represents the cost incurred at individual times (time zones). In Figure 25, (a) shows a conventional example, and (b) shows what can be achieved by the charging plan (charge / discharge plan) according to the third embodiment described above. Figure 26 shows the cumulative cost (cumulative cost) of 2600 as the usage time (operating time) of the storage battery progresses during the equipment's operating period. In Figure 26, the horizontal axis represents time (usage time, operating time, elapsed time), and the vertical axis represents the cumulative cost from the start of operation of the equipment, etc., up to that time (time period). In Figure 26, (a) shows a conventional example, and (b) shows what can be achieved by the charging plan (charge / discharge plan) according to the third embodiment described above.

[0135] As the usage time (operating time) of the battery in the battery storage system 212 increases, the battery deteriorates, and the state of health index (SOH) gradually decreases. When the state of health index (SOH) falls to the replacement criterion SOH (SOH_EOL), the battery is replaced, and the cost of replacing the battery is incurred. Figures 24, 25, and 26 show a conventional example (an example in which the charging plan (charge / discharge plan) according to the third embodiment is not used) in which the state of health index (SOH) of the battery in the battery storage system 212 decreases to the replacement criterion SOH, SOH_EOL, at the timings of time (time zone) a1 and time (time zone) a2 in Figures 24, 25, and 26, and the battery is replaced. In this conventional example, the battery in the battery storage system 212 is replaced at the timings of time (time zone) a1 and time (time zone) a2. Therefore, in this conventional example, the state of health index (SOH) recovers to 100% at the timings of time (time zone) a1 and time (time zone) a2, and thereafter, as the battery usage time (operating time) elapses, the deterioration of the battery progresses again, and the state of health index (SOH) gradually decreases. According to Figures 25(a) and 26(a), which show costs in conventional examples, at the beginning of operation of the equipment, there are costs for the new installation of the battery, as well as electricity charges. From the time immediately following, except when the battery is replaced, only electricity charges are incurred. At the times (time zones) a1 and a2, when the battery is replaced, in addition to electricity charges, battery replacement costs are incurred. Therefore, in Figure 25(a), at times (time zones) a1 and a2, the sum of electricity charges and battery replacement costs is incurred. Similarly in Figure 26(a), at times (time zones) a1 and a2, battery replacement costs are added, and the cumulative cost increases.

[0136] On the other hand, when the charging plan (charge / discharge plan) according to the third embodiment described above is implemented, the charging plan (charge / discharge plan) is designed so that the total cost per day during the equipment operating period is minimized or close to the minimum. Therefore, in the examples of Figures 24, 25, and 26, the replacement of the batteries in the battery storage system 212 can be completed only once during the equipment operating period, at the timing of time (time zone) b1. As shown in Figures 25(b) and 26(b), the third embodiment described above operates in a way that suppresses the degree of battery charging in order to prevent degradation of the battery in the battery storage system 212. As a result, as shown at the bottom of Figure 15, there may be cases where power supply from the power transmission and distribution system 204 is required during high-rate periods, which is expected to result in higher electricity charges. However, if the charging plan (charge / discharge plan) according to the third embodiment described above is implemented, the replacement cost can be reduced by reducing the number of battery replacements, taking into account the lifespan of the battery, and as a result, the cumulative cost at the end of the equipment operating period (the timing at the end of Figure 26(b) (the timing of the end of equipment operation)) can be reduced overall.

[0137] 5. Reduced overall costs by keeping the rate of battery degradation low. The first, second, and third embodiments of the present disclosure described above all create a charging plan for the battery while keeping the progression of battery degradation of the battery storage system 212 to a minimum, and are more beneficial than creating a charging plan for the battery without considering battery degradation. Here, the effects of the embodiments of the present disclosure (the effects that the first, second, or third embodiment may have) are qualitatively shown from the perspective of total cost, which includes the cost of battery hardware in addition to electricity charges.

[0138] Figure 27 illustrates the potential benefits of the embodiments of this disclosure from the perspective of total cost. Note that Figure 27 also uses the simplified assumptions found in Figures 15, 16, 17, and 21. Figure 27 is a graph in which the horizontal axis represents the number of days between battery replacements for the battery storage system 212, and the vertical axis represents the daily cost. In Figure 27, the number of days between battery replacements when a charging plan for a battery is created and executed without considering battery degradation is labeled as "Number of replacement days when battery degradation is not considered." In Figure 27, the practical range for the number of days between battery replacements on the horizontal axis is from the minimum value shown by "Number of replacement days when battery degradation is not considered" to infinity (infinity corresponds to the case where no battery is used at all).

[0139] Figure 27 shows a curve representing the daily electricity cost of 2731(G), a curve representing the daily replacement cost of 2761(R), and a curve representing the total daily cost of 2771(T). Note that the total daily cost of 2771(T) is the sum of the daily electricity cost of 2731(G) and the daily replacement cost of 2761(R).

[0140] At the minimum value of the battery replacement interval on the horizontal axis, "replacement interval without considering battery degradation," the daily electricity charge of 2731(G) corresponds to the "electricity charge without considering battery degradation" shown in Figure 27. In this case, for example, the entire electricity deficit, which is the difference between the electricity demand of the power load system 213 and the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy generation system 211 during daytime hours, is always covered by the amount of electricity supplied from the transmission and distribution system 204 to the battery in the battery system 212 during the lowest charge period 999. In other words, the daily electricity charge of 2731(G) is expected to be the lowest value. However, because battery degradation is not taken into consideration, the battery replacement interval is shorter, and the daily replacement cost of 2761 is higher.

[0141] As the number of days between battery replacements on the horizontal axis approaches infinity, the system approaches a state where no batteries are used at all. Therefore, the daily electricity charge 2731(G) approaches the "electricity charge when no batteries are present" shown in Figure 27. This "electricity charge when no batteries are present" may be generated by, for example, always covering the entire electricity deficit—the difference between the electricity demand of the power load system 213 and the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation system 211—with the electricity supplied to the power load system 213 from the transmission and distribution system 204 during the daytime. The electricity charge for the amount of electricity supplied during the daytime will be higher, even if it is the same as the electricity charge for the amount of electricity supplied during the minimum charge period 999 mentioned above.

[0142] Under the simplest assumptions, the daily replacement cost 2761(R) is inversely proportional to the number of days between battery replacements on the horizontal axis. In other words, as the number of days between battery replacements on the horizontal axis increases, the aforementioned daily electricity cost 2731(G) tends to increase, while the daily replacement cost 2761(R) tends to decrease.

[0143] If we assume that the total daily cost of 2771(T) is the sum of the daily electricity charge of 2731(G) and the daily replacement cost of 2761(R), then, as shown in Figure 27, the total daily cost of 2771(T) with respect to the number of days between battery replacements on the horizontal axis is expected to take a minimum value at a certain point on the horizontal axis. In other words, the case of "number of replacement days without considering battery degradation" in Figure 27, which corresponds to creating a battery charging plan solely from the perspective of keeping electricity charges low without considering battery degradation, is not necessarily reasonable from the perspective of total cost. Each embodiment of this disclosure creates a battery charging plan with a view to minimizing battery degradation, and as shown in Figure 27, compared to the case of "number of replacement days without considering battery degradation," it is understood that the total cost per day of 2771(T) is lowered by shifting to the right on the horizontal axis and approaching the aforementioned minimum value. In short, the embodiments of this disclosure can be understood as performing overall optimization that takes into account both electricity charges and battery degradation, rather than partial optimization from the perspective of electricity charges.

[0144] 6. Other (Variations) This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and includes various modifications. Some of the configurations and processes of the embodiments may be replaced with configurations and processes of other conceivable embodiments. Configurations and processes of other conceivable embodiments may be added to the configurations and processes of the embodiments. For example, the following modifications of the embodiments may be made in this disclosure.

[0145] (Variation A) Renewable energy power generation systems other than solar power In the embodiment described above, a solar power generation system was given as an example of the renewable energy power generation system 211. Therefore, the periods when the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation system 211 was not zero were concentrated in the daytime.

[0146] In modified example A, other types of renewable energy generation systems may be used as the renewable energy generation system 211, either in place of the solar power generation system or in conjunction with the solar power generation system. For example, a wind power generation system may be used as the renewable energy generation system 211. Even during the aforementioned minimum charge period 999 and periods when there is no electricity demand from the power load system 213, the amount of electricity generated by the wind power generation system may be a non-zero value. Therefore, if the renewable energy generation system 211 includes a wind power generation system, adjustments may be necessary to the charging plan, which involves supplying electricity from the transmission and distribution system 204 to charge the batteries in the battery storage system 212, based on the electricity demand forecast information 500 (specifically, the electricity demand surplus / shortage forecast information 540).

[0147] According to Modification A, this disclosure is applicable even when a type of power generation system other than a photovoltaic power generation system is used as the renewable energy power generation system 211.

[0148] (Variation B) Battery replacement unit In the embodiments described above, for the sake of simplicity, the batteries in the battery storage system 212 are described as being managed as a single unit and replaced all at once.

[0149] In Modification B, the battery in the battery storage system 212 may be divided into several parts for management, and replacement may be carried out for each part. In Modification B, if the same processing as in the third embodiment is performed, the time-series progression of the degree of degradation will be predicted for each part of the battery, and the replacement timing and number of replacements will be predicted.

[0150] Modification B can flexibly accommodate various configuration examples of the battery in the battery storage system 212.

[0151] The technical matters shown in each of the embodiments and modifications of the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate, as long as no technical inconsistencies arise.

Claims

1. It is an energy management system, The aforementioned energy management system includes an energy quantity prediction unit and a charging plan creation unit. The aforementioned power consumption forecasting unit generates power consumption forecasting information based on operational performance information and weather forecast information. The aforementioned operational performance information includes information showing actual results regarding the amount of electricity generated by renewable energy power generation systems capable of supplying electricity to the power load system, and the electricity demand of the power load system. The weather forecast information includes information indicating the weather forecast at a location where one or more of the renewable energy generation system, the power load system, and the battery storage system capable of supplying power to the power load system exist. The aforementioned power quantity forecast information includes information showing forecasts regarding the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generation system and the power demand of the power load system. The aforementioned charging plan creation unit creates charging plan information based on the power consumption forecast information, battery degradation characteristic information, and electricity rate plan information. The aforementioned battery degradation characteristic information is information that correlates the degree of charge in the battery of the battery system with the degree of degradation of the battery of the battery system. The aforementioned electricity rate plan information is information that associates the plan time period, which is the time period set in the electricity rate plan, with the settings regarding the electricity rate for the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system to the power load system or the battery storage system during that plan time period. The charging plan information is an energy management system that associates a charging time period, which is a time period set in the charging plan, with the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system to charge the battery of the battery storage system during that charging time period.

2. An energy management system according to claim 1, The aforementioned electricity rate plan information explicitly or implicitly indicates the lowest rate period, in which the electricity rate is set lower than any other time period in the other plan periods. The charging plan creation unit creates the charging plan information after setting part or all of the minimum charge time period to the charging time period.

3. An energy management system according to claim 2, The charging plan creation unit includes a degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate prediction unit, an allowable maximum charge rate prediction unit, a target maximum charge rate setting unit, and a charging plan determination unit. The degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate prediction unit predicts the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate, which indicates the charge rate of the battery storage system at the end of a certain minimum charge period, based on the power quantity prediction information and the minimum charge period indicated by the power rate plan information, so as to realize a situation in which power does not need to be supplied from the power transmission and distribution system to the power load system between the end of a certain minimum charge period and the start of the next minimum charge period. The allowable maximum charge rate prediction unit predicts the allowable maximum charge rate, which is the maximum value that is permissible for the charge rate of the battery in the battery system, based on the battery degradation characteristic information, in order to realize a situation in which the degree of degradation of the battery in the battery system does not exceed a predetermined value. The target maximum charge rate setting unit sets the lesser of the degradation-ignoring maximum charge rate and the allowable maximum charge rate to the target maximum charge rate, which is the target value of the charge rate of the battery storage system at the end of a certain minimum charge period. Energy management system, wherein the charging plan determination unit creates charging plan information, including a plan for charging the battery of the battery storage system from the power transmission and distribution system during a certain minimum charge period, based on the target maximum charge rate and the minimum charge period indicated by the power rate plan information, so that the target maximum charge rate is achieved at the end of a certain minimum charge period.

4. An energy management system according to claim 3, An energy management system in which one or more of the degradation-negligible maximum charge rate, the allowable maximum charge rate, and the target maximum charge rate are predicted or set for each predetermined period including one or more of the minimum charge time periods.

5. An energy management system according to claim 2, The aforementioned charging plan creation unit includes a provisional charging plan creation unit, an electricity rate forecasting unit, a degradation progression increment score calculation unit, an overall score calculation unit, and a charging plan selection unit. The temporary charging plan creation unit creates temporary charging plan information, which includes a plan for charging the battery of the battery storage system from the power transmission and distribution system during the minimum charge period, based on the setting conditions and the minimum charge period indicated by the power rate plan information, for each of the possible setting conditions for the charging plan information, so that the setting conditions are realized. The temporary charging plan creation unit creates, for each of the setting conditions, charging rate prediction information that shows the time-series progression of the charging rate of the battery in the battery storage system when the charging plan indicated by the temporary charging plan information is realized, based on the power quantity prediction information and the temporary charging plan information. The electricity rate prediction unit predicts the electricity rate for the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system to the power load system or the battery storage system for each of the set conditions, based on the temporary charging plan information, the electricity rate plan information, the electricity amount prediction information, and the charging rate prediction information. The degradation progression increment score calculation unit calculates a degradation progression increment score for each of the set conditions, based on the charge rate prediction information and the battery degradation characteristic information, which indicates the degree to which the battery in the battery system is degrading according to the change in the charge rate indicated by the charge rate prediction information. The overall score calculation unit calculates an overall score for each of the set conditions based on the predicted electricity charges and the degradation progression increment score, and generates overall score information. The charging plan selection unit selects the temporary charging plan information corresponding to the best or near-best overall score for each of the setting conditions, based on the temporary charging plan information and the overall score information, and determines the selected temporary charging plan information as the charging plan information, in an energy management system.

6. An energy management system according to claim 5, The setting conditions are hypothetical maximum charge rate values ​​that represent the charge rate of the battery storage system at the end of the minimum charge period indicated by the electricity rate plan information, The provisional charging plan creation unit creates provisional charging plan information, which includes a plan for charging the battery of the battery storage system from the power transmission and distribution system during the minimum charge period, based on the assumed maximum charge rate, which is a provisionally set charge rate of the battery of the battery storage system at the end of the minimum charge period indicated by the power rate plan information, for each value of the assumed maximum charge rate, which is a provisionally set charge rate of the battery of the battery storage system at the end of the minimum charge period indicated by the power rate plan information, so that the assumed maximum charge rate is achieved at the end of the minimum charge period. Energy management system.

7. An energy management system according to claim 2, The charging plan creation unit includes a provisional charging plan creation unit, an electricity rate forecasting unit, a battery life forecasting unit, a battery expense forecasting unit, a total cost forecasting unit, and a charging plan selection unit. The temporary charging plan creation unit creates temporary charging plan information, which includes a plan for charging the battery of the battery storage system from the power transmission and distribution system during the minimum charge period, based on the setting conditions and the minimum charge period indicated by the power rate plan information, for each of the possible setting conditions for the charging plan information, so that the setting conditions are realized. The temporary charging plan creation unit creates, for each of the setting conditions, charging rate prediction information that shows the time-series progression of the charging rate of the battery in the battery storage system when the charging plan indicated by the temporary charging plan information is realized, based on the power quantity prediction information and the temporary charging plan information. The electricity rate prediction unit predicts the electricity rate for the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system to the power load system or the battery storage system for each of the set conditions, based on the temporary charging plan information, the electricity rate plan information, the electricity amount prediction information, and the charging rate prediction information. The battery life prediction unit predicts the timing or number of battery replacements in the battery system based on the charge rate prediction information and the battery degradation characteristic information for each of the set conditions. The battery cost prediction unit predicts the cost of replacing the battery for each of the set conditions, based on the predicted battery replacement timing or number of replacements and battery cost information including information regarding the cost of replacing the battery in the battery system. The total cost forecasting unit predicts the total cost for each of the set conditions based on the predicted electricity charges and the predicted cost of replacing the storage battery, and generates total cost forecasting information. The charging plan selection unit selects the temporary charging plan information corresponding to the best or near-best total cost based on the temporary charging plan information and the total cost forecast information for each of the setting conditions, and determines the selected temporary charging plan information as the charging plan information, in this energy management system.

8. An energy management system according to claim 7, The setting conditions are hypothetical maximum charge rate values ​​that represent the charge rate of the battery storage system at the end of the minimum charge period indicated by the electricity rate plan information, The provisional charging plan creation unit creates provisional charging plan information, which includes a plan for charging the battery of the battery storage system from the power transmission and distribution system during the minimum charge period, based on the assumed maximum charge rate, which is a provisionally set charge rate of the battery of the battery storage system at the end of the minimum charge period indicated by the power rate plan information, for each value of the assumed maximum charge rate, which is a provisionally set charge rate of the battery of the battery storage system at the end of the minimum charge period indicated by the power rate plan information, so that the assumed maximum charge rate is achieved at the end of the minimum charge period. Energy management system.

9. An energy management system according to claim 2, The charging plan creation unit sets the charging time within the range of the minimum charge time, and creates the charging plan information in such a way that the time during which the level of charge in the battery of the battery storage system is maintained at the end of the charging time is shortened.

10. An energy management system according to claim 1, The aforementioned battery degradation characteristic information is information that associates the degree of degradation of the battery in the battery system with a combination of the degree of charge in the battery and the ambient temperature around the battery. The charging plan creation unit creates the charging plan information based on the power consumption forecast information, battery degradation characteristic information, and electricity rate plan information, as well as temperature forecast information, which is information indicating a forecast regarding the temperature around the battery. This is an energy management system.

11. An energy management system according to claim 10, The aforementioned battery degradation characteristic information indicates that, while the degree of charge in the battery of the battery system remains the same, the degree of degradation of the battery in the battery system tends to increase as the ambient temperature around the battery increases. The aforementioned battery degradation characteristic information indicates that, while the ambient temperature around the battery remains the same, the degree of battery degradation in the battery system tends to increase as the degree of charge in the battery increases. An energy management system in which the battery degradation characteristic information relates to the same degree of degradation of batteries in the battery system, and among each combination of the degree of charge in the batteries of the battery system and the ambient temperature of the batteries, the degree of charge in the batteries of the battery system tends to decrease as the ambient temperature of the batteries increases.

12. An energy management system according to claim 1, The aforementioned battery degradation characteristics information is stored in the battery characteristics information database. The charging plan creation unit reads and uses the battery degradation characteristic information from the battery characteristic information database, in this energy management system.

13. An energy management system according to claim 1, The aforementioned operational performance information includes power generation performance information and electricity demand performance information. The aforementioned power generation performance information is information that shows the actual power generation amount of the renewable energy power generation system, The aforementioned power demand performance information is information that shows the actual power demand of the power load system, The aforementioned electricity quantity forecast information includes power generation quantity forecast information and electricity quantity demand forecast information. The aforementioned power generation forecast information is information that shows a forecast regarding the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generation system. The aforementioned electricity demand forecast information is information that shows a forecast regarding the electricity demand of the power load system, The aforementioned power generation forecasting unit includes a power generation forecasting unit and a power demand forecasting unit. The power generation forecasting unit generates the power generation forecasting information based on the actual power generation information and the weather forecast information. The energy management system comprises an electricity demand forecasting unit that generates electricity demand forecast information based on the actual electricity demand information and the weather forecast information.

14. An energy management method implemented by an information processing system, The energy management method includes a power consumption forecasting step and a charging plan creation step, The aforementioned power consumption forecasting step is a step of generating power consumption forecasting information based on operational performance information and weather forecast information. The aforementioned operational performance information includes information showing actual results regarding the amount of electricity generated by renewable energy power generation systems capable of supplying electricity to the power load system, and the electricity demand of the power load system. The weather forecast information includes information indicating the weather forecast at a location where one or more of the renewable energy generation system, the power load system, and the battery storage system capable of supplying power to the power load system exist. The aforementioned power quantity forecast information includes information showing forecasts regarding the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generation system and the power demand of the power load system. The charging plan creation step is a step of creating charging plan information based on the power consumption forecast information, battery degradation characteristic information, and electricity rate plan information. The aforementioned battery degradation characteristic information is information that correlates the degree of charge in the battery of the battery system with the degree of degradation of the battery of the battery system. The aforementioned electricity rate plan information is information that associates the plan time period, which is the time period set in the electricity rate plan, with the settings regarding the electricity rate for the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system to the power load system or the battery storage system during that plan time period. An energy management method wherein the charging plan information is information that associates a charging time period, which is a time period set in the charging plan, with the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system to charge the battery of the battery storage system during that charging time period.

15. It is an energy management program, The aforementioned energy management program causes the information processing system to perform a power consumption forecasting step and a charging plan creation step. The aforementioned power consumption forecasting step is a step of generating power consumption forecasting information based on operational performance information and weather forecast information. The aforementioned operational performance information includes information showing actual results regarding the amount of electricity generated by renewable energy power generation systems capable of supplying electricity to the power load system, and the electricity demand of the power load system. The weather forecast information includes information indicating the weather forecast at a location where one or more of the renewable energy generation system, the power load system, and the battery storage system capable of supplying power to the power load system exist. The aforementioned power quantity forecast information includes information showing forecasts regarding the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generation system and the power demand of the power load system. The charging plan creation step is a step of creating charging plan information based on the power consumption forecast information, battery degradation characteristic information, and electricity rate plan information. The aforementioned battery degradation characteristic information is information that correlates the degree of charge in the battery of the battery system with the degree of degradation of the battery of the battery system. The aforementioned electricity rate plan information is information that associates the plan time period, which is the time period set in the electricity rate plan, with the settings regarding the electricity rate for the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system to the power load system or the battery storage system during that plan time period. The charging plan information is an energy management program that associates a charging time period, which is a time period set in the charging plan, with the amount of electricity supplied from the power transmission and distribution system to charge the battery of the battery storage system during that charging time period.

Images