Correlation analysis device, user terminal, correlation analysis system, correlation analysis method, and program

Abstract

To obtain a correlation analysis device that allows users to understand the correlation of solar radiation intensity between different locations without requiring an increase in the number of measurement points. [Solution] The correlation analysis device 1 according to this disclosure includes a data acquisition unit 11 that acquires estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information, which is information regarding solar radiation intensity, for each of a plurality of locations at different geographical locations; a correlation analysis unit 12 that uses the estimated values ​​acquired by the data acquisition unit 11 to calculate correlation information showing the correlation of solar radiation intensity between two of the plurality of locations for at least some combinations of two of the plurality of locations; and an output unit 13 that outputs correlation information and combination information showing two locations corresponding to the correlation information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a correlation analysis apparatus, a user terminal, a correlation analysis system, a correlation analysis method, and a program for analyzing the correlation between information related to solar radiation intensity at two points.

Background Art

[0002] Photovoltaic (PV) power generation has a large variation in its power generation output due to changes in weather. Therefore, in an area where a plurality of PV power generation facilities are installed (connected), from the perspective of power demand and supply control, the total value of the PV output (the power generation output of the PV power generation facilities) of the entire area and its variation range, and from the perspective of power grid control, the power flow value flowing through the transmission and distribution lines and its variation range need to be accurately estimated, and then the operation of the power grid needs to be carried out. In addition, according to the result of the estimation, if necessary, countermeasures need to be taken.

[0003] For example, for the evaluation of the balance between demand and supply in power demand and supply control, the total value of the PV output of all PV power generation facilities connected to a certain area is required. On the other hand, generally, it is known that there is a smoothing effect on the total value of the PV output. This smoothing effect becomes larger as the variation between PV outputs is more independent (that is, the smaller the correlation), so it becomes more smoothed (the variation of the total value of the PV output becomes smaller). When the measured values of the PV output exist, the total value of the PV output considering the smoothing effect can be obtained by adding up the measured values, but there may be cases where there is no actual performance value of the PV output. For example, when it is desired to evaluate the total value of the PV output in the future (for example, in the far future such as more than one year), the actual performance value of the future PV output cannot be obtained. When there is no actual performance value of the PV output, for example, it is necessary to generate sample values (pseudo data) of the PV output by using the Monte Carlo method or the like. At that time, in order to accurately evaluate the total value of the PV output considering the smoothing effect, it is necessary to generate sample values assuming the correlation between the sample values, and it is necessary to grasp the correlation of the PV output between the PV power generation facilities (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the correlation of the PV output).

[0004] Furthermore, in power system control, it is necessary to focus on how PV output affects the power flow and voltage distribution in the power system (transmission lines and distribution lines). When transmission lines and distribution lines become overloaded (when power flow exceeds the rated capacity of the transmission lines and distribution lines), some form of control (for example, suppression of PV output) is necessary. Also, when the voltage deviates from the appropriate range, it is necessary to adjust the PV output or control it using voltage regulators. The power flow in the power system and the resulting voltage changes vary greatly depending on the correlation of PV output. In power system control, when performing future evaluations, since actual measured values ​​of PV output cannot be obtained, it is necessary to generate sample values ​​of PV output using methods such as Monte Carlo, similar to power supply and demand control. To do this, it is necessary to understand the correlation of PV output.

[0005] Beyond the examples mentioned above, understanding the correlation of PV output is necessary in systems that generate sample values ​​of PV output using methods such as the Monte Carlo method (for example, long-term forecasting (assumation) systems, asset management systems, equipment replacement priority calculation systems, equipment formation planning systems, power supply operation planning systems, etc.).

[0006] Furthermore, even when it is necessary to understand the PV output of a solar power generation facility, not only in the future but also in the future, it may not be possible to directly determine the PV output of a solar power generation facility. In such cases, the PV output of other solar power generation facilities may be estimated using the PV output of a solar power generation facility whose PV output can be determined. In this case, the accuracy of the estimation of the PV output of the target solar power generation facility largely depends on the magnitude of the correlation between the PV output of the target solar power generation facility and the solar power generation facility whose PV output can be determined.

[0007] Furthermore, PV output depends on solar radiation intensity. Therefore, instead of using PV output correlations, solar radiation intensity correlations are sometimes used. PV output and solar radiation intensity are examples of solar radiation intensity-related information. To ensure stable operation of the power grid, it is necessary to accurately understand the correlation of solar radiation intensity between photovoltaic power generation facilities, i.e., between different locations.

[0008] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for analyzing the correlation between observation data using observation data from multiple locations (data that correlates with power output). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-54048 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The technology described in Patent Document 1 analyzes the correlation between observed data (between different locations) using actually observed observation data. However, there are very few locations where PV output or solar radiation intensity is actually measured, and for locations where measurements are not taken, correlation analysis cannot be performed and the data remains unknown. To include locations where measurements are not taken in the correlation analysis, it would be necessary to increase the number of measurement points, which is expected to increase costs.

[0011] This disclosure is made in view of the above, and aims to provide a correlation analysis device that allows users to understand the correlation of solar radiation intensity between different locations without requiring an increase in the number of measurement points. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the correlation analysis device according to this disclosure comprises: a data acquisition unit that acquires estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information, which is information regarding solar radiation intensity, for each of a plurality of geographically different locations; a correlation analysis unit that uses the estimated values ​​acquired by the data acquisition unit to calculate correlation information showing the correlation of solar radiation intensity between two of the plurality of locations for at least some combinations of two of the plurality of locations; and an output unit that outputs correlation information and combination information showing two locations corresponding to the correlation information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The correlation analysis device described herein has the effect of allowing users to understand the correlation of solar radiation intensity between different locations without requiring an increase in the number of measurement points. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example configuration of the correlation analysis system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] A flowchart showing an example of the correlation analysis processing procedure in the correlation analysis device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example configuration of a computer system that implements the correlation analysis device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating the correlation analysis method of Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a display screen for showing the analysis results of Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a display screen for correlation information based on a defined period in Embodiment 3. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a display screen for correlation information based on a defined period in Embodiment 3. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the differences in the analysis results of Embodiment 3 depending on the time period. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating the differences in the analysis results of Embodiment 3 depending on the time period. [Figure 10]Figure showing an example of the display screen of the analysis results of Embodiment 3 [Figure 11] Figure showing an example of the display screen of the analysis results of Embodiment 3 [Figure 12] Figure showing the time-dependence of the correlation information of Embodiment 3 [Figure 13] Figure showing a configuration example of the correlation analysis system according to Embodiment 5 [Figure 14] Figure showing a configuration example of the correlation analysis system according to Embodiment 6 [Figure 15] Figure showing a configuration example of the correlation analysis system according to Embodiment 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, a correlation analysis apparatus, a user terminal, a correlation analysis system, a correlation analysis method, and a program according to an embodiment will be described in detail based on the drawings.[[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​User terminal 2 is a terminal that can be operated by a user who utilizes the analysis results of correlation analysis device 1, and is, for example, a personal computer, server, tablet, or smartphone, but is not limited to these. The analysis results of correlation analysis device 1 can be used, for example, for estimating PV output (power generation output of solar power generation equipment), power grid control systems, power supply and demand control systems, long-term forecasting (assuming) systems, asset management systems, equipment replacement priority calculation systems, equipment formation plan formulation systems, and power supply operation plan formulation systems. For example, in power supply and demand control, when it is desired to evaluate the total value of PV output in the future (for example, in the distant future, such as more than one year), it is necessary to generate sample values ​​(pseudodata) of PV output using the Monte Carlo method or the like. In that case, it is necessary to consider how much correlation to assume between the sample values ​​when generating the sample values, but pseudodata can be generated by understanding and setting the correlation of PV output using the analysis results of correlation analysis device 1 of this embodiment. For example, when using the Monte Carlo method, it is necessary to generate sample values ​​that follow a certain population (such as the probability density function of the population), and in that case, random numbers are generated and used. By creating a correlation between the multiple random numbers generated, the magnitude of the correlation between multiple locations where solar power generation facilities are located can be taken into consideration. In other words, if you want to reflect a certain correlation value between multiple locations, you generate and use multiple correlated random numbers. To give an extreme example, if the correlation coefficient between two locations is zero, you can generate and use independent random numbers randomly for each location, and conversely, if the correlation coefficient is 1, you can generate sample values ​​by using the same random number for all locations.

[0019] In power grid control, the power flow in the power grid, and the resulting voltage changes, vary greatly depending on the magnitude of the correlation of PV output. Therefore, when a power grid control system needs to understand future power flow and voltage in the power grid, for example, it can use the Monte Carlo method to obtain sample values ​​of PV output by utilizing the correlation of PV output that reflects the analysis results of the correlation analysis device 1 of this embodiment. Using these sample values, it can then perform power flow calculations or optimal power flow calculations to understand the power flow and voltage in the power grid. Similarly, in long-term forecasting (assuming) systems, asset management systems, equipment replacement priority calculation systems, equipment formation planning systems, and power supply operation planning systems, the state of the power grid and the impact of solar power generation equipment can be understood by obtaining sample values ​​using the Monte Carlo method that reflects the analysis results of the correlation analysis device 1 of this embodiment. The applications of the analysis results of the correlation analysis device 1 are not limited to these.

[0020] The correlation analysis device 1 uses solar radiation intensity estimates, described later, obtained from the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 via the communication network 4, to analyze the correlation of solar radiation intensity for at least some of all combinations of two points selected from multiple geographically different locations included in the analysis range. The analysis range may be an entire country, the entire globe, or a specific area within a specific country; there are no particular restrictions.

[0021] The solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 is connected to the communication network 4. The solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 estimates solar radiation intensity and can provide the estimated solar radiation intensity to other devices by transmitting the estimated solar radiation intensity to them. The solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 estimates solar radiation intensity with a spatial resolution of, for example, 0.5 km mesh (0.5 km × 0.5 km), but the spatial resolution of the solar radiation intensity estimation in the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 is not limited to this. The solar radiation intensity estimate provided by the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 is not limited to the example of being provided with equally spaced meshes (for example, it may be provided in areas divided by a Voronoi tessellation), but the example of being provided with equally spaced meshes will be described below. Furthermore, the geographical range to be estimated by the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 only needs to include the analysis range of the correlation analysis device 1, and the geographical range to be estimated by the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 may be an entire country, the entire globe, or a specific area within a specific country. The solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 may also be included in the correlation analysis system 100.

[0022] Specifically, for example, the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 estimates solar radiation intensity using meteorological satellite images (hereinafter also referred to as satellite images). More specifically, for example, the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 uses satellite images to determine the optical thickness, location, and type of clouds, and then uses the obtained information to estimate solar radiation intensity in a 0.5 km mesh, but the method of estimating solar radiation intensity using satellite images is not limited to this. In addition, the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 may estimate solar radiation intensity using observation data observed at meteorological observation stations, such as observation data acquired by a regional meteorological observation system (AMeDAS: Automated Meteorological Data Acquisition System). For example, the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 estimates solar radiation intensity using sunshine duration and solar altitude observed at an observation station. The method of estimating solar radiation intensity in the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 is not limited to the examples described above, but it is desirable that the method can provide a large number of solar radiation intensity estimates in a spatial, regular manner. Furthermore, the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 may also be capable of accumulating past solar radiation intensity estimates and providing past solar radiation intensity estimates.

[0023] Furthermore, the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 may transmit solar radiation intensity estimates to the correlation analysis device 1 upon request from the correlation analysis device 1, or it may transmit solar radiation intensity estimates to the correlation analysis device 1 periodically or whenever the solar radiation intensity estimates are updated. For example, the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 may update the solar radiation intensity estimates using satellite images at predetermined unit time intervals, such as every 2.5 minutes, store the updated solar radiation intensity estimates, and transmit the solar radiation intensity estimates for the specified period to the correlation analysis device 1 when the correlation analysis device 1 requests the acquisition of solar radiation intensity estimates for a specified period. The frequency of updating the solar radiation intensity estimates in the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3, and the timing of providing the solar radiation intensity estimates from the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 to the correlation analysis device 1, are not limited to these examples.

[0024] The correlation analysis device 1 comprises a data acquisition unit 11, a correlation analysis unit 12, an output unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a storage unit 15. The data acquisition unit 11 acquires estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information for each of several locations with different geographical locations. Specifically, the data acquisition unit 11 acquires solar radiation intensity estimates from the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 via the communication unit 14 and the communication network 4, and stores the acquired solar radiation intensity estimates in the storage unit 15 in association with location information.

[0025] The data acquisition unit 11 may acquire estimated solar radiation intensity values ​​by transmitting a data acquisition request to the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 via the communication unit 14 and the communication network 4. Alternatively, the data acquisition unit 11 may acquire estimated solar radiation intensity values ​​corresponding to a period for which data acquisition is requested by specifying a period (the period for which data acquisition is requested) in the data acquisition request. Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 11 may acquire estimated solar radiation intensity values ​​corresponding to a geographical range (the geographical range for which data acquisition is requested) in the data acquisition request. The geographical range for which data acquisition is requested includes the analysis target range. The period for which data acquisition is requested and the geographical range for which data acquisition is requested may be specified by an input received from an operator or the like by a reception unit (not shown) in the correlation analysis device 1, or by information pre-stored in the storage unit 15 of the correlation analysis device 1, or by information specifying these being transmitted from the user terminal 2. For example, the user terminal 2 may specify at least one of the analysis range for which correlation information should be obtained and the period for which correlation information should be obtained. In this case, the data acquisition unit 11 may determine at least one of the period for which data should be obtained and the geographical range for which data should be obtained based on the information specified by the user terminal 2.

[0026] The location information is location information indicating the positions of two points corresponding to the estimated solar radiation intensity values, for example, the latitude and longitude of the points, but the method of representing the positions is not limited to this. The location information may be provided by the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 by being added to the estimated solar radiation intensity values, or the data acquisition unit 11 may create the location information based on the data format and data definition of the estimated solar radiation intensity values ​​provided by the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3.

[0027] For example, if the latitude and longitude of each point (e.g., the latitude and longitude of the center of the mesh) are predetermined as data definitions, and the data format is defined such that the order of the data provided from the solar radiation intensity estimates indicates which point it corresponds to, then the data acquisition unit 11 may generate point information corresponding to the solar radiation intensity estimates for each point based on these definitions and save the point information to the storage unit 15. In Figure 1, the solar radiation intensity estimates and point information are shown separately, but the solar radiation intensity estimates and point information may be stored together as a set in the storage unit 15 for each combination of points. Alternatively, multiple solar radiation intensity estimates corresponding to multiple points may be stored in the storage unit 15 in a predetermined order as a series of information, and the point information corresponding to each solar radiation intensity estimate in the series of information may be stored as a series of information in the same order as the solar radiation intensity estimates, thereby associating the solar radiation intensity estimates with the point information. The format in which the solar radiation intensity estimates and point information are saved to the storage unit 15 is not limited to the above example, and any format that allows the correspondence between the solar radiation intensity estimates and point information for each point to be understood is acceptable.

[0028] As mentioned above, solar radiation intensity estimates may be transmitted from the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 to the correlation analysis device 1, for example, periodically. For example, solar radiation intensity estimates for the analysis range for one day may be transmitted daily from the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 to the correlation analysis device 1. In this case, if location information is transmitted along with the solar radiation intensity estimates, the communication unit 14 will have the function of the data acquisition unit 11, and it will not be necessary to provide a separate data acquisition unit 11. The communication unit 14 will store the solar radiation intensity estimates together with the location information in the storage unit 15.

[0029] The correlation analysis unit 12 uses the solar radiation intensity estimates acquired by the data acquisition unit 11 to calculate correlation information showing the correlation between the solar radiation intensity of two of the multiple locations for at least some of the combinations of two of the multiple locations. Specifically, the correlation analysis unit 12 uses the solar radiation intensity estimates and location information stored in the storage unit 15 to analyze the correlation of solar radiation intensity between two locations for at least some of the combinations of two of the multiple locations selected. The correlation information showing the value of the solar radiation intensity correlation is then stored in the storage unit 15 as calculated data, associated with combination information showing the combination of two locations corresponding to the relevant information.

[0030] Correlation information includes correlation coefficients and covariances, but is not limited to these; any value indicating the correlation between data is acceptable. The estimated solar radiation intensity is provided as time-series data for each location, at fixed time intervals. For example, the estimated solar radiation intensity is provided as time-series data for a day at 2.5-minute or 30-minute intervals, but the time resolution and duration of the time-series data are not limited to these. Furthermore, the time-series data for a day is not limited to 24 hours; it may also be data for a specific time period of the day, such as from 8:00 to 16:00 or from 7:00 to 17:00. The correlation analysis unit 12 may calculate the correlation coefficient Cor[x,y] as correlation information using, for example, the following equation (1), where x and y are the estimated solar radiation intensity values ​​for two locations. Here, n is the number of data points in the time-series data, and x i ,y i These represent the i-th (i=1,...,n)th value in the x and y time series data, i.e., the individual values ​​of the estimated solar radiation intensity. The x-bars (x with a bar above them) and y-bars (y with a bar above them) are the average values ​​of x and y, respectively.

[0031]

number

[0032] Alternatively, the correlation analysis unit 12 may calculate the covariance Cov[x,y] as correlation information using, for example, the following equation (2), where x and y are the estimated solar radiation intensity values ​​for the two locations.

[0033]

number

[0034] The combination information is information indicating the location information of two points corresponding to the correlation information. The location information of the two points may be the latitude and longitude of each point, or each point may be assigned a number and the combination may be indicated by the number. In the latter case, the latitude and longitude corresponding to the number are stored separately in the storage unit 15.

[0035] As described above, the correlation analysis unit 12 calculates correlation information for at least some of the combinations of all possible pairings of two points selected from a plurality of points. For example, the correlation analysis unit 12 may divide the analysis area into meshes such as 0.5 km meshes and calculate correlation information for all combinations of points corresponding to each mesh as a result of the division. This allows, for example, when the correlation information is used to estimate the PV output of a solar power generation facility, to estimate the PV output even if the solar power generation facility being estimated is located within the analysis area. Furthermore, when conducting an evaluation assuming that a solar power generation facility will be installed in the future, the installation location of the solar power generation facility can be assumed to be any location within the analysis area, enabling evaluations that take various situations into account. Moreover, the example is not limited to calculating correlation information for all combinations; for example, correlation information may be calculated only for combinations that include points corresponding to the location where the solar power generation facility is actually installed or where it is planned to be installed.

[0036] For example, when estimating PV output for power grid control, a reference point may be used where solar radiation intensity is measured within the analysis range, and correlation information may be calculated for combinations of the reference point and the location where the photovoltaic power generation equipment to be estimated is installed. This allows, for example, the user terminal 2 to estimate the solar radiation intensity at the location corresponding to the photovoltaic power generation equipment to be estimated using the solar radiation intensity at the reference point and the correlation information, and then estimate the PV output of the photovoltaic power generation equipment based on the estimated solar radiation intensity. Thus, correlation information may be calculated for only some of the combinations of two locations selected from multiple locations. Furthermore, for example, in a power supply and demand control system, when evaluating the total value of PV output in the future (for example, in the distant future, such as more than one year from now), if a sample value of PV output is calculated using the Monte Carlo method or the like with the analysis results from the correlation analysis device 1 of this embodiment, correlation information may be calculated only for the combinations necessary for calculating the sample value. Similarly, in power grid control systems, long-term forecasting (assuming) systems, asset management systems, equipment replacement priority calculation systems, equipment formation planning systems, power supply operation planning systems, etc., when calculating sample values ​​using the Monte Carlo method or the like with the analysis results from the correlation analysis device 1 of this embodiment, correlation information may be calculated only for the necessary combinations.

[0037] The output unit 13 outputs the calculated data stored in the storage unit 15. For example, the output unit 13 may output correlation information in association with combination information. The output unit 13 may output the calculated data by displaying it, or by transmitting it to another device such as the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 14 and the communication network 4. For example, the output unit 13 may generate display information for displaying a contour chart showing the correlation information, and display the correlation information based on this display information. Alternatively, the output unit 13 may generate display information for display on the user terminal 2, such as a contour chart showing the correlation information, based on the correlation information and combination information, and output the correlation information and combination information by transmitting the generated display information to the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 14 and the communication network 4. Alternatively, the output unit 13 may transmit the calculated data to the user terminal 2, and the user terminal 2 may perform display processing based on the received calculated data to display a contour chart or the like. Furthermore, the output unit 13 may output the correlation information and combination information by generating display information, such as a contour plot showing the correlation information, based on the correlation information and combination information, and having a display device (not shown) display the generated display information. Note that if the output of the calculated data is only to transmit the calculated data to the user terminal 2, the communication unit 14 can function as the output unit 13, and therefore the output unit 13 does not need to be provided separately from the communication unit 14.

[0038] The communication unit 14 communicates with other devices via the communication network 4. The communication unit 14 receives solar radiation intensity estimates from the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 and outputs the received solar radiation intensity estimates to the data acquisition unit 11. The communication unit 14 also transmits the correlation information and combination information received from the output unit 13 to the user terminal 2 via the communication network 4.

[0039] The memory unit 15 stores data used in the correlation analysis device 1, data generated by the correlation analysis device 1, and so on. For example, the memory unit 15 stores solar radiation intensity estimates, location information, and calculated data calculated by the correlation analysis device 1. The calculated data includes, as described above, correlation information and combination information.

[0040] The user terminal 2 comprises a communication unit 21, a reception unit 22, a display unit 23, and a storage unit 24. The communication unit 21 communicates with other devices via the communication network 4. For example, the communication unit 21 receives correlation information (or display information) from the correlation analysis device 1 and stores the received correlation information (or display information) in the storage unit 24. Also, when the communication unit 21 receives display information from the correlation analysis device 1, it stores the received display information in the storage unit 24. Alternatively, the communication unit 21 may output the received display information to the display unit 23. Furthermore, if the communication unit 21 receives designation information from the reception unit 22 specifying at least one of the analysis range for which correlation information acquisition is requested and the period for which correlation information acquisition is requested, it transmits the designation information to the correlation analysis device 1.

[0041] The reception unit 22 receives input from the user. For example, the user terminal 2 may receive input of specification information that specifies at least one of the analysis range for which correlation information is to be obtained and the period for which correlation information is to be obtained. Upon receiving the input of specification information, the terminal outputs the received specification information to the communication unit 21.

[0042] The display unit 23 performs various displays. For example, the display unit 23 displays correlation information and combination information stored in the storage unit 24. The display unit 23 may display the correlation information and combination information as text, display the correlation information as a graph, or display the correlation information as a contour plot. The display format displayed by the display unit 23 may also be specified by the user via the reception unit 22. Furthermore, when display information is stored in the storage unit 24, or when display information is received from the communication unit 21, the display unit 23 performs a display based on the display information.

[0043] Next, the operation of the correlation analysis device 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the correlation analysis processing procedure in the correlation analysis device 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the correlation analysis device 1 acquires solar radiation intensity estimates from the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 and stores the acquired solar radiation intensity estimates in association with location information (step S1). In detail, for example, the data acquisition unit 11 sends a data acquisition request specifying the period for which data acquisition is requested and the geographical range for which data acquisition is requested to the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 via the communication unit 14 and the communication network 4, and acquires solar radiation intensity estimates from the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 via the communication network 4 and the communication unit 14. The data acquisition unit 11 then stores the acquired solar radiation intensity estimates in association with location information in the storage unit 15. Note that at least one of the period for which data acquisition is requested and the geographical range for which data acquisition is requested does not need to be specified in the data acquisition request, and solar radiation intensity estimates may be sent from the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 without the transmission of a data acquisition request (for example, at a predetermined timing).

[0044] Next, the correlation analysis device 1 uses the estimated solar radiation intensity and location information to calculate correlation information for at least some of all combinations of two locations selected from multiple locations, and stores the correlation information as calculated data in association with the combination information (step S2). Specifically, the correlation analysis unit 12 uses the estimated solar radiation intensity and location information stored in the storage unit 15 to calculate correlation information for at least some of all combinations of two locations selected from multiple locations. Then, the correlation analysis unit 12 stores the correlation information for each combination as calculated data in the storage unit 15 in association with the combination information corresponding to the correlation information. The correlation information and combination information may also be stored in the storage unit 15 in association with the corresponding date and time (the date and time corresponding to the estimated solar radiation intensity used in the calculation).

[0045] Next, the correlation analysis device 1 outputs correlation information and combination information (step S3). Specifically, the output unit 13 outputs the correlation information in association with the combination information. The output from the output unit 13 may be displayed as described above, or it may be transmitted to another device such as the user terminal 2.

[0046] The correlation analysis device 1 may, for example, perform the processing exemplified in Figure 2 and transmit correlation information and combination information to the user terminal 2 at regular intervals or at any arbitrary timing, without relying on instructions from the user terminal 2, or it may perform the processing exemplified in Figure 2 based on instructions from the user terminal 2.

[0047] For example, the reception unit 22 of the user terminal 2 may receive input from the user for a combination of two locations from which correlation information is to be obtained, or for a geographical area from which correlation information is to be obtained, and the communication unit 21 may transmit an instruction (an instruction to obtain correlation information) containing the information received by the reception unit 22 to the correlation analysis device 1. In this case, the data acquisition unit 11 of the correlation analysis device 1 performs the processing shown in Figure 2 with respect to the specified combination of two locations or geographical area based on the instruction received from the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 14. Alternatively, the correlation analysis device 1 may, without relying on instructions from the user terminal 2, for example, periodically or at arbitrary timings, perform the processing of steps S1 and S2 shown in Figure 2 for all combinations of two locations within the defined analysis range, store the correlation information and combination information, and transmit the correlation information and combination information to the user terminal 2 based on instructions from the user terminal 2. For example, if a user terminal 2 sends an instruction to acquire correlation information specifying a combination of two locations from which correlation information is to be acquired, or a geographical area from which correlation information is to be acquired, the output unit 13 may read the correlation information and combination information corresponding to the instruction from the storage unit 15 and transmit it to the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 14. Similarly, the date and time corresponding to the correlation information to be transmitted to the user terminal 2 may also be specified by the user terminal 2. In this case as well, the correlation analysis device 1 may acquire the estimated solar radiation intensity value for the date and time specified by the user terminal 2 in step S1 and then proceed with the processing from step S2 onward. Alternatively, the correlation analysis device 1 may store the correlation information and combination information by performing the processing in steps S1 and S2 as illustrated in Figure 2, without depending on the instruction from the user terminal 2, and then transmit the correlation information and combination information for the specified date and time to the user terminal 2 based on the instruction from the user terminal 2.

[0048] Next, the hardware configuration of the correlation analysis device 1 will be described. In this embodiment, the correlation analysis device 1 functions as a computer system when a program (computer program) describing the processing in the correlation analysis device 1 is executed on the computer system. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer system that realizes the correlation analysis device 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, this computer system comprises a control unit 101, an input unit 102, a storage unit 103, a display unit 104, a communication unit 105, and an output unit 106, which are connected via a system bus 107.

[0049] In Figure 3, the control unit 101 is a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which executes a program describing the processing in the correlation analysis device 1. The input unit 102 consists of, for example, a keyboard and mouse, and is used by the user of the computer system to input various information. The storage unit 103 includes various types of memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), as well as storage devices such as a hard disk, and stores the program to be executed by the control unit 101, necessary data obtained during the processing, etc. The storage unit 103 is also used as a temporary storage area for the program. The display unit 104 consists of a display, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), etc., and displays various screens to the user of the computer system. The communication unit 105 is a receiver and transmitter that perform communication processing. The output unit 106 is a printer, etc. Note that Figure 3 is just one example, and the configuration of the computer system is not limited to the example in Figure 3. For example, the computer system does not have to have a display unit 104 and an output unit 106.

[0050] Here, an example of the operation of the computer system until the program of this embodiment becomes executable will be described. In a computer system with the above configuration, for example, the program is installed from a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM set in a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM drive or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM drive (not shown) into an auxiliary storage device which is part of the storage unit 103. Then, when the program is executed, the program read from the auxiliary storage device of the storage unit 103 is stored in the main memory area of ​​the storage unit 103. In this state, the control unit 101 performs processing as the correlation analysis device 1 of this embodiment according to the program stored in the storage unit 103.

[0051] In the above description, a program describing the processing in each of the correlation analysis devices 1 is provided using a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM as the recording medium. However, the system is not limited to this, and depending on the configuration of the computer system, the capacity of the program to be provided, a program provided via a transmission medium such as the Internet via the communication unit 105 may also be used.

[0052] The data acquisition unit 11 and correlation analysis unit 12 shown in Figure 1 are realized by executing a program stored in the storage unit 103 shown in Figure 3 by the control unit 101 shown in Figure 3. The storage unit 103 is also used to realize the data acquisition unit 11 and correlation analysis unit 12. The storage unit 15 shown in Figure 1 is part of the storage unit 103 shown in Figure 3. The output unit 13 shown in Figure 1 is realized by at least one of the display unit 104 and the control unit 101 shown in Figure 3. The communication unit 14 shown in Figure 1 is realized by the communication unit 105 shown in Figure 3. The correlation analysis device 1 may be realized by multiple computer systems. The correlation analysis device 1 may be realized by, for example, a cloud system.

[0053] The program of this embodiment causes a computer system to perform, for example, a data acquisition step of acquiring estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information, which is information about solar radiation intensity at multiple locations with different geographical locations; a correlation analysis step of using the estimated values ​​acquired in the data acquisition step to calculate correlation information showing the correlation between the solar radiation intensity of two of the multiple locations for at least some combinations of two of the multiple locations; and an output step of outputting the correlation information and combination information showing the two locations corresponding to the correlation information.

[0054] The user terminal 2 in this embodiment is also realized by, for example, the computer system illustrated in Figure 3. The communication unit 21 shown in Figure 1 is realized by the communication unit 105 shown in Figure 3. The reception unit 22 shown in Figure 1 is realized by the input unit 102 shown in Figure 3. The display unit 23 shown in Figure 1 is realized by the display unit 104 shown in Figure 3. The storage unit 24 shown in Figure 1 is part of the storage unit 103 shown in Figure 3. If the user terminal 2 requires processing for display, such as creating and displaying a graph using correlation information and combination information, the control unit 101 and storage unit 103 shown in Figure 3 are also used to realize the display unit 23 shown in Figure 1.

[0055] As described above, the correlation analysis device 1 of this embodiment uses estimated solar radiation intensity values ​​from multiple locations to calculate correlation information for at least some of all combinations of two locations selected from the multiple locations, and outputs the calculated correlation information and combination information. This allows users to understand the correlation of solar radiation intensity between different locations without needing to increase the number of measurement points.

[0056] Embodiment 2. Next, the operation of the correlation analysis device 1 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. The configuration of the correlation analysis system 100, the correlation analysis device 1, and the user terminal 2 in this embodiment is the same as in Embodiment 1. Below, we will mainly describe the differences from Embodiment 1, and omit explanations that overlap with Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the correlation analysis device 1 calculates correlation information of solar radiation intensity between the center point of the analysis target range and points other than the center point (hereinafter also referred to as surrounding points), thereby supporting the analysis of the relationship between the correlation information of solar radiation intensity and at least one of direction (orientation) and distance.

[0057] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the correlation analysis method of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the analysis area is divided into, for example, M meshes (M meshes) and N meshes (N meshes) vertically (north-south direction) and horizontally (east-west direction). In Figure 4, N=M, and the analysis area is an M×M square, but the analysis area is not limited to a square. In the example shown in Figure 4, each mesh is 0.5km×0.5km in size, but the size of the meshes is not limited to this example. Also, in Figure 4, all meshes are the same size, but the mesh sizes do not have to be uniform.

[0058] The central point 200 shown in Figure 4 is the central point (central mesh) of the analysis range. In this embodiment, the correlation analysis unit 12 calculates correlation information using the estimated solar radiation intensity of the central point 200 and the estimated solar radiation intensity of a surrounding point other than the central point 200. For example, for all points in the analysis range other than the central point 200, the correlation analysis unit 12 calculates correlation information between the estimated solar radiation intensity of the central point 200 and the estimated solar radiation intensity of the surrounding point, treating each point as a surrounding point. By using this information, it becomes possible to perform analyses that consider the direction (direction) from the central point 200 and analyses that consider the distance from the central point 200. The correlation analysis unit 12 calculates the direction (direction) and distance from the position information in the combination information. Correlation information showing the correlation between the central points 200 themselves may or may not be calculated. For example, if the correlation information is a correlation coefficient, the correlation information showing the correlation between two central points 200 will always be 1, so it may not be calculated and a value of 1 may be set as the analysis result, or the analysis result may not include correlation information showing the correlation between two central points 200. In this way, the correlation analysis unit 12 only needs to calculate the correlation information between central point 200 and surrounding points, and may further calculate the correlation information between two central points 200.

[0059] In the example shown in Figure 4, the upward direction is defined as north. Point 201 is located north of the center point 200, point 202 is located east of the center point 200, point 203 is located south of the center point 200, and point 204 is located west of the center point 200. As shown in Figure 4, if we define the angle (azimuth angle) θ indicating direction as a clockwise angle with north being 0°, then the direction of point 201 is 0° relative to the center point 200, the direction of point 202 is 90°, the direction of point 203 is 180°, and the direction of point 204 is 270°. Similarly, the direction of points other than points 201-204 relative to the center point 200 can also be expressed in terms of an angle. Thus, the direction may also be indicated by an angle from a reference direction. In the example shown in Figure 4, north is used as the reference direction, but the reference direction is not limited to this.

[0060] The correlation analysis unit 12 stores correlation information and combination information corresponding to the analysis target range, which includes multiple locations, as a set of information in the storage unit 15. In this way, by calculating the correlation information of solar radiation intensity between the center point 200 and surrounding locations, the correlation analysis device 1 or user terminal 2 can analyze the relationship between the correlation value of solar radiation intensity and direction. In this embodiment, similar to Embodiment 1, the correlation analysis unit 12 stores the correlation information and combination information in association with each other in the storage unit 15. The combination information includes location information indicating the positions of two locations corresponding to the correlation information, as described in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the correlation analysis unit 12 may calculate the direction of each location (the direction of each location relative to the center point 200) and include the calculated direction information in the combination information and store it in the storage unit 15. This eliminates the need to calculate the direction when analyzing the relationship between the correlation value of solar radiation intensity and direction, enabling efficient analysis. Furthermore, even if the center point is different, if the locations are similar, the stored calculation results can be used as a database to read and use the desired correlation information without having to change the center point and recalculate. The correlation between solar radiation intensity at the central point 200 and each point generally exhibits anisotropy, meaning that the characteristics differ depending on the direction, due to factors such as topography. However, by storing the correlation information in association with the direction, it becomes possible to perform analysis that takes anisotropy into account.

[0061] In this embodiment, since a center point 200 is defined, the position of one of the two points to be used for calculating correlation information is already determined. For this reason, the position information of the center point 200 may be stored separately in the storage unit 15, and the position information in the combination information may consist only of the position information of the surrounding points other than the center point 200. Alternatively, the correlation analysis unit 12 may store the correlation information, position information, and direction information in a tabular format in the storage unit 15 for each combination of two points (for each surrounding point).

[0062] Furthermore, the correlation analysis unit 12 may discretize the direction (angle indicating direction) into any predetermined minimum unit. For example, the correlation analysis unit 12 may represent angles in increments of 1°, 10°, etc. Specifically, for example, the correlation analysis unit 12 may represent the direction in increments of 1°, such as setting angles greater than 359.5° and less than or equal to 0.5° as 0° (representative angle), angles greater than 0.5° and less than or equal to 1.5° (representative angle) as 1°, and angles greater than 1.5° and less than or equal to 2.5° (representative angle) as 2°. In the above example, the representative angle is set to the angle at the center of the angle range, but it is not limited to this; for example, angles greater than 1° and less than or equal to 2° (representative angle) may be set to 1° or 2°. The correlation analysis unit 12, for example, uses the statistical value of the correlation information within the range corresponding to each discretized value as the correlation information corresponding to each discretized value. Statistical values ​​include, but are not limited to, the mean, median, minimum, maximum, percentile, and mode. The smallest unit of angle is not limited to 1° and 10°. Furthermore, the range of the original angle corresponding to each discretized value is not limited to the examples given above. The smallest unit may also be changed by the operator or by instructions from user terminal 2.

[0063] Furthermore, the correlation analysis unit 12 may calculate the distance from the center point 200 to each point and store the calculated distance information in the storage unit 15 along with the combination information. The correlation analysis unit 12 may, for example, store the correlation information, location information, direction information, and distance information in a tabular format in the storage unit 15 for each combination of two points. This eliminates the need to calculate direction and distance when analyzing the relationship between the correlation value of solar radiation intensity and direction and distance, enabling efficient analysis. Also, even if the center points are different, if the points are similar, the stored calculation results can be used as a database to read and utilize the desired correlation information without having to change the center point and recalculate. Alternatively, the correlation analysis unit 12 may, for example, store the correlation information, location information, and distance information in a tabular format in the storage unit 15 for each combination of two points. This eliminates the need to calculate distance when analyzing the relationship between the correlation value of solar radiation intensity and distance, enabling efficient analysis. Furthermore, even if the center points are different, if the locations are similar, the stored calculation results can be used as a database to read and utilize the desired correlation information without having to change the center points and recalculate. The correlation analysis unit 12 may also discretize distance in the same way as direction, using any predetermined minimum unit. The minimum unit may be, for example, 0.01 km, 0.1 km, etc., but is not limited to these. Specifically, for example, the correlation analysis unit 12 may represent distances in increments of 0.01 km, such as setting distances of 0 km or more and less than 0.01 km (representative distance) as 0 km, distances of 0.01 km or more and less than 0.02 km (representative distance) as 0.01 km, and distances of 0.02 km or more and less than 0.03 km (representative distance) as 0.02 km. In the example above, the representative distance is set to the minimum distance within the distance range, but it is not limited to this. For example, the distance between 0.01 km and less than 0.02 km (the representative distance) could be set to 0.015 km or 0.02 km. Furthermore, the minimum unit may be changed by the operator or by instructions from the user terminal 2. Similar to the direction, the correlation analysis unit 12 uses, for example, the statistical value of the correlation information within the range corresponding to each discretized value as the correlation information corresponding to each discretized value.

[0064] Generally, the correlation of solar radiation intensity between the central point 200 and each individual point depends on the distance between the central point 200 and each individual point. By storing the distance in association with the correlation information, it becomes possible to perform analysis that takes distance into account.

[0065] Furthermore, if it is sufficient to analyze the relationship between the correlation information of solar radiation intensity and direction, it is not necessary to include location information in the combined information. Similarly, if it is sufficient to analyze the relationship between the correlation information of solar radiation intensity and distance, it is not necessary to include location information in the combined information. In other words, the combined information only needs to include at least one of location information, direction information, and distance information.

[0066] Figure 5 shows an example of a display screen for showing the analysis results of this embodiment. The display screen shown in Figure 5 may be displayed by the user terminal 2 after it receives correlation information and combination information from the correlation analysis device 1, or it may be displayed by the output unit 13 of the correlation analysis device 1, or the correlation analysis device 1 may display it on an external display device as described in Embodiment 1. In the example shown in Figure 5, the analysis results by the correlation analysis device 1 are displayed in a graph. In Figure 5, the horizontal axis represents distance, the vertical axis represents correlation information, and the direction (azimuth) is indicated by the color of each plotted point. Note that Figure 5 shows an example in which the correlation coefficient is used as correlation information, but as described in Embodiment 1, the correlation information is not limited to the correlation coefficient. In the example shown in Figure 5, the combination information stored in the storage unit 15 along with the correlation information includes direction information and distance information, and the correlation analysis device 1 or the user terminal 2 can use this information to display correlation information according to direction and distance as a graph.

[0067] As illustrated in Figure 5, the display information shown by the output unit 13 includes information for displaying a graph plotting correlation information within the analysis range, with distance on the horizontal axis and correlation information on the vertical axis. In the graph, the correlation information may be color-coded according to the corresponding direction. However, the output unit 13 may also generate display information for displaying correlation information within the analysis range in such a way that the relationship between the distance indicated by the distance information and the correlation information can be grasped for each direction indicated by the direction information, and either display it itself or transmit it to the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 14. Alternatively, the user terminal 2 may use the correlation information and combination information received from the correlation analysis device 1 to generate display information for displaying correlation information within the analysis range in such a way that the relationship between the distance indicated by the distance information and the correlation information can be grasped for each direction indicated by the direction information, and display it itself.

[0068] Figure 5 is an example, and the method of displaying the analysis results of the correlation analyzer 1 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 5. For example, correlation information and combination information may be displayed as text in a table format for each combination of two points. Correlation information may also be displayed as a graph with distance on the horizontal axis and correlation information on the vertical axis, without distinguishing direction, or with direction on the horizontal axis and correlation information on the vertical axis, without distinguishing distance. Alternatively, correlation information may be displayed as a graph with direction on the horizontal axis and correlation information on the vertical axis, and the distance may be represented by the color of each plotted point. Furthermore, a contour map may be displayed showing the positions of points other than the center point 200 (surrounding points) among the two points corresponding to the correlation information, in a color corresponding to the magnitude of the correlation information. The method of displaying the analysis results of the correlation analyzer 1 is not limited to these examples.

[0069] As described in Embodiment 1, display information for displaying the analysis results may be generated by the correlation analysis device 1 and transmitted to the user terminal 2, or the user terminal 2 may generate a graph using the correlation information and combination information and display the graph. Alternatively, correlation information in a specific direction may be displayed as text, and the display method is not limited to these examples.

[0070] For example, when the reception unit 22 receives an instruction from the user to display correlation information corresponding to a point in a specific direction, it may output the instruction to the communication unit 21, and the communication unit 21 may transmit the instruction to the correlation analysis device 1. In other words, the user terminal 2 may specify the direction corresponding to the correlation information to be displayed. As a result, the output unit 13 of the correlation analysis device 1 may extract correlation information corresponding to a point in a specific direction from the correlation information and combination information stored in the storage unit 15, based on the instruction received from the reception unit 22, and generate display information for displaying the extracted correlation information in a graph with distance on the horizontal axis and correlation information on the vertical axis. The display information is transmitted to the user terminal 2 by the communication unit 14.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, when the reception unit 22 receives an instruction from the user to display correlation information corresponding to a point in a specific direction, it may output the instruction to the display unit 23. The display unit 23 may then extract correlation information corresponding to a point in a specific direction from the correlation information and combination information stored in the storage unit 24 based on the instruction received from the reception unit 22, and display the extracted correlation information in a graph with distance on the horizontal axis and correlation information on the vertical axis.

[0072] Similarly, the user may specify the distance corresponding to the correlation information to be displayed, the date and time corresponding to the correlation information to be displayed, or a combination of two or more of the distance, direction, and date and time corresponding to the correlation information to be displayed. In these cases as well, the correlation analysis device 1 may perform display processing (generation of display information) in response to the user's instructions, or the user terminal 2 may perform display processing in response to the user's instructions.

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, the correlation analysis device 1 calculates correlation information of solar radiation intensity between the central point of the analysis range and surrounding points other than that point, and stores it in the storage unit 15 in association with combination information that includes at least one of direction and distance. Therefore, the relationship between the correlation information and direction and distance can be analyzed efficiently.

[0074] Embodiment 3. Next, the operation of the correlation analysis device 1 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. The configuration of the correlation analysis system 100, the correlation analysis device 1, and the user terminal 2 in this embodiment is the same as in Embodiment 1. Below, we will mainly describe the differences from Embodiment 1, and omit explanations that overlap with Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the correlation analysis device 1 calculates and manages correlation information in units of a predetermined period longer than the time length corresponding to the time series data of solar radiation intensity estimates stored in the memory unit 15. The predetermined period is, for example, a week (1 week), a month (1 month), a season, etc., but is not limited to these. The predetermined period may be specified from the user terminal 2, or it may be input to the correlation analysis device 1 by an operator or the like.

[0075] As described in Embodiment 1, the solar radiation intensity estimate is provided, for example, as time-series data for one day. As described in Embodiment 1, the time-series data for one day does not have to be data for all 24 hours of the day, but may be data for only a portion of the time, such as 8:00 to 16:00, which is the period when sunlight is present. The correlation analysis unit 12 of this embodiment, similar to Embodiment 1, uses the solar radiation intensity estimate (time-series data) for one day to calculate correlation information and stores it in the storage unit 15 together with the combination information. The correlation analysis unit 12 of this embodiment further uses the correlation information and combination information stored in the storage unit 15 to calculate statistical values ​​of the correlation information for a defined period for each combination of two locations. Then, for each defined period, the correlation analysis unit 12 stores the calculated statistical values ​​in the storage unit 15 as correlation information for that defined period, associating them with the combination information. The statistical values ​​are, but are not limited to, the mean, median, minimum, maximum, percentile, and mode.

[0076] Furthermore, the correlation analysis unit 12 of this embodiment may, instead of the above-described process, directly calculate correlation information for a defined period for each combination of two locations using the solar radiation intensity estimates and location information stored in the memory unit 15. That is, the correlation analysis unit 12 may treat the data obtained by connecting the solar radiation intensity estimates (time series data) within the defined period as a single time series data and calculate correlation information such as the correlation coefficient and covariance, similar to Embodiment 1. For example, if one time series data of the solar radiation intensity estimate is data for one day from 8:00 to 16:00, and the defined period is a month, when calculating correlation information for August, a one-month time series data is generated by connecting 31 time series data from August 1st to August 31st in chronological order, and the correlation information is calculated using the one-month time series data for the two locations. Note that the method for calculating correlation information based on a defined period is not limited to the example described above.

[0077] Furthermore, the correlation analysis unit 12 may calculate correlation information of solar radiation intensity between the center point 200 and surrounding points, as described in Embodiment 2. Also, the correlation analysis unit 12 may calculate at least one of distance and direction and include it in the combination information, similar to Embodiment 2. The combination information only needs to include at least one of location information, distance information, and direction information, as described in Embodiment 2. In this way, even when calculating at least one of distance and direction, the correlation analysis unit 12 may calculate the correlation information in the same way as in Embodiment 2 and then calculate statistical values ​​of the correlation information for a defined period, or it may treat the data obtained by connecting the estimated solar radiation values ​​within a defined period as a single time-series data and calculate the correlation information.

[0078] The output unit 13 outputs correlation information and combination information stored in the storage unit 15 in units of a predetermined period. The output method in the output unit 13 is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0079] Figures 6 and 7 show examples of display screens for correlation information based on a defined period in this embodiment. In the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7, the defined period is a month (1 month), with Figure 6 showing correlation information for August 2015 and Figure 7 showing correlation information for May 2016. In the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7, the monthly average of the daily correlation information is calculated as correlation information based on the defined period. In addition, in the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7, distance information is included in the combination information, and a graph is displayed with distance on the horizontal axis and correlation information on the vertical axis. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the relationship between correlation information and distance differs from month to month.

[0080] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the differences in the analysis results of this embodiment depending on the time period. The top of Figure 8 shows the analysis results for August 2015, and the bottom of Figure 8 shows the average value of the Clearness Index calculated for each day in August 2015. The top of Figure 9 shows the analysis results for May 2016, and the bottom of Figure 9 shows the average value of the Clearness Index calculated for each day in May 2016. The analysis results at the top of Figures 8 and 9 are shown as graphs with distance on the horizontal axis and correlation information on the vertical axis, and each plotted point is color-coded according to its direction. In addition, in the examples shown in Figures 8 and 9, similar to the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7, the monthly average of the daily correlation information is calculated as correlation information for a defined period.

[0081] As can be seen from the sunny day index shown at the bottom of Figures 8 and 9, August 2015 was mostly sunny, but there were many days with some cloud cover (fine clouds), while May 2016 had many days with clear skies or rain (or very cloudy days). For this reason, the decline in correlation information with distance is steeper in August 2015 than in May 2016. In other words, the slope indicating the change in correlation information with distance is larger in August 2015 than in May 2016. This is because, in August 2015, the abundance of fine clouds caused the changes in solar radiation intensity to appear differently at each location, resulting in a decrease in correlation. Also, in May 2016, there were many days with clear skies or rain (or very cloudy days), so the decline in correlation information with distance is gentler compared to August 2015. In other words, the slope indicating the change in correlation information with distance is smaller in May 2016 than in August 2015. This is because, in May 2016, the conditions were either completely cloudless or the entire area was covered in clouds, resulting in similar changes in solar radiation intensity across locations and thus a high correlation. In the examples shown in Figures 8 and 9, the direction is identified, while in the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7, the direction is not identified. However, the difference in the characteristics of the correlation information with respect to distance between August 2015 and May 2016 in the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7 is similar to that in the examples shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0082] Figures 10 and 11 show examples of the display screen for the analysis results of this embodiment. In the examples shown in Figures 10 and 11, the analysis results are shown as contour plots in the result display area 400 on the map. Specifically, in the examples shown in Figures 10 and 11, the horizontal axis is longitude, the vertical axis is latitude, and the correlation information values ​​corresponding to combinations of the center point 200 and surrounding points other than the center point 200 are shown by the mesh color corresponding to the surrounding points corresponding to the correlation information. Also, in the examples shown in Figures 10 and 11, the correlation information values ​​between two center points 200 are similarly shown by the mesh color corresponding to the center point 200. In this way, the analysis results by the correlation analysis device 1 may be displayed as contour plots on the map. This allows the user to understand the anisotropy of the correlation of solar radiation intensity, the relationship between the correlation of solar radiation intensity and distance (distance from the center point 200 of surrounding points), and so on.

[0083] In the examples shown in Figures 10 and 11, similar to the examples in Figures 6 and 7, the monthly average of the daily correlation information is calculated as correlation information for a defined period. Figure 10 shows the analysis results for August 2015, and Figure 11 shows the analysis results for May 2016. In Figures 10 and 11, region 301 is the ocean region, region 302 is the land region, and region 303 is the mountainous region. As shown in Figure 10, in August 2015, when there were many days with some cloud cover (fine clouds) despite being mostly sunny, the correlation near the mountains was low, indicating anisotropy in the correlation of solar radiation intensity. In contrast, as shown in Figure 11, in May 2016, when there were many days with clear skies or rain (or very cloudy days), the anisotropy was less than in August 2015, indicating less dependence on topography. Thus, the anisotropy of the correlation of solar radiation intensity also depends on the time of year. In this embodiment, the correlation analysis device 1 can also perform anisotropy analysis according to time by calculating correlation information in units of time, i.e., a defined period of time.

[0084] Figure 12 shows the time dependence of the correlation information in this embodiment. Of the four graphs shown in Figure 12, the upper left graph is the same as the graph shown at the top of Figure 8, and the upper right graph is the same as the graph shown at the top of Figure 9. Of the four graphs shown in Figure 12, the lower left graph shows the analysis results for August 2016, and the lower right graph shows the analysis results for May 2017. As can be seen from the figure, even if the years are different, the difference in analysis results between the same months is small, but the difference in analysis results between different months is large. From this, it can be inferred that the difference due to the year is small. Therefore, the correlation analysis device 1 may calculate and manage correlation information in units of a defined period without distinguishing by year. For example, if 5 years' worth of correlation information is stored in the storage unit 15, statistical values ​​may be obtained on a monthly basis without distinguishing by year. As mentioned above, the defined unit is not limited to months.

[0085] Furthermore, the correlation analyzer 1 may acquire weather information, which is information related to the weather, and store the weather information in the memory unit 15 in association with the estimated solar radiation intensity. Methods for acquiring weather information include calculating it from the estimated solar radiation intensity, acquiring weather or cloud cover observed at representative points such as weather stations of the Japan Meteorological Agency corresponding to the analysis target area as weather information, and acquiring cloud cover for the entire analysis target area from satellite images, but the method of acquiring weather information is not limited to these. When using cloud cover as weather information, the correlation analyzer 1 may set some standard and discretize the cloud cover into an arbitrary minimum unit and store it in the memory unit 15. The correlation analyzer 1 may then calculate statistical values ​​of correlation information for each discretized value of weather information. Also, the weather information may be information that represents the entire analysis target area, or it may be acquired in units that subdivide the analysis target.

[0086] As described above, in this embodiment, the correlation analysis device 1 calculates and manages correlation information in units of a predetermined period longer than the time length corresponding to the time series data of solar radiation intensity estimates stored in the memory unit 15. This makes it easier for the user to understand the trends in correlation information over time by checking and analyzing the data managed by the correlation analysis device 1.

[0087] Embodiment 4. Next, the operation of the correlation analysis device 1 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. The configuration of the correlation analysis system 100, the correlation analysis device 1, and the user terminal 2 in this embodiment is the same as in Embodiment 1. Below, we will mainly describe the differences from Embodiment 1, and omit explanations that overlap with Embodiment 1.

[0088] In this embodiment, the correlation analyzer 1, similar to the second embodiment, calculates correlation information of solar radiation intensity between the central point of the analysis range and surrounding points other than that point, and stores it in the storage unit 15 in association with combination information including distance information. For example, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, correlation information generally depends on distance. In this embodiment, the correlation analyzer 1 uses the correlation information and combination information stored in the storage unit 15 to approximate the relationship between the correlation between distance and solar radiation intensity with an arbitrary function. That is, the correlation analyzer 1 determines a function that approximates the relationship between the correlation information between distance and solar radiation intensity. The function used for approximation may be an exponential function such as u = a·exp(b·v+c)+d (where u is the correlation information, v is the distance, and a, b, c, and d are constants), a polynomial function, or any other function. As for approximation methods, for example, a fitting method using the least squares method can be mentioned, but the approximation method is not limited to this and any method may be used.

[0089] Furthermore, the correlation analyzer 1 may perform approximations without considering orientation, or it may include direction in the correlation information and perform approximations of the relationship between distance and solar radiation intensity correlation information for each direction. Also, as described in Embodiment 3, the correlation analyzer 1 may calculate correlation information in units of a defined period, and use the correlation information in units of a defined period to perform approximations of the relationship between distance and solar radiation intensity correlation information for each defined period. In this case as well, the correlation analyzer 1 may perform approximations without considering direction (orientation), or it may include direction information in the combination information and perform approximations of the relationship between distance and solar radiation intensity correlation information for each direction. Furthermore, the correlation analyzer 1 may obtain functions for both distance and direction through approximation. The distance information and direction information may be discretized and stored as described in Embodiment 2.

[0090] In this embodiment, by utilizing correlation information corresponding to combinations of locations where solar radiation intensity estimates can be obtained, the relationship between distance and solar radiation intensity correlation information is approximated by a function. Therefore, correlation information corresponding to combinations of a central location and locations where solar radiation intensity estimates cannot be obtained can be estimated based on the distance from the central location to the locations where solar radiation intensity estimates cannot be obtained. Furthermore, even if the central point is different, if the locations are similar, the desired correlation information can be read and used from the stored calculation results as a database without having to change the central point and recalculate.

[0091] Embodiment 5. Figure 13 shows an example configuration of the correlation analysis system 100a according to Embodiment 5. The correlation analysis system 100a of this embodiment is the same as the correlation analysis system 100 of Embodiment 1, except that it includes a correlation analysis device 1a instead of a correlation analysis device 1. The correlation analysis device 1a of this embodiment obtains a PV output estimate, which is an estimate of PV output, from a PV output estimation device 5, instead of obtaining an estimated solar radiation intensity from a solar radiation intensity estimation device 3, and uses the obtained PV output estimate to analyze the correlation of solar radiation intensity between locations. In this embodiment, the solar radiation intensity-related information related to solar radiation intensity is the PV output. Components having the same function as in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1, and redundant explanations are omitted. The following mainly describes the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0092] The PV output estimation device 5 is connected to the communication network 4, estimates the PV output, and transmits the estimated PV output to the correlation analysis device 1a via the communication network 4. The PV output estimation device 5 may also estimate the PV output of other solar power generation facilities (solar power generation facilities whose PV output is not directly measured, such as solar power generation facilities subject to surplus power purchase agreements) using the measured PV output, solar radiation intensity measured values, and estimated solar radiation intensity values ​​of solar power generation facilities whose PV output is measured, such as solar power generation facilities subject to full purchase agreements. Specifically, for example, the PV output estimation device 5 may estimate the PV output of a target customer's solar power generation facility using the measured PV output, solar radiation intensity measured values, and estimated solar radiation intensity values ​​of solar power generation facilities whose PV output is measured, and the apparent power consumption of the customer having the target solar power generation facility, that is, residual demand (the sum of PV output and the actual power consumption of the customer; specifically, the value obtained by subtracting the PV output value from the actual (net) power consumption of the customer). Furthermore, for example, the PV output estimation device 5 may estimate the total PV output of solar power generation facilities in an area by using the total apparent power consumption of consumers in that area, the solar radiation intensity in that area, and a conversion coefficient for converting solar radiation intensity (which may be a measured or estimated value) into PV output. The method of estimating PV output in the PV output estimation device 5 is not limited to these examples. Note that the PV output estimation device 5 may be included in the correlation analysis system 100a.

[0093] Correlation analysis device 1a is the same as the correlation analysis device 1 of Embodiment 1, except that it is equipped with a storage unit 15a instead of a storage unit 15, and the estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information handled by the data acquisition unit 11 and the correlation analysis unit 12 are PV output estimates instead of solar radiation intensity estimates.

[0094] The data acquisition unit 11 acquires PV output estimates from the PV output estimation device 5 via the communication network 4 and the communication unit 14, similar to the acquisition of solar radiation intensity estimates in Embodiment 1, and stores the acquired PV output estimates in the storage unit 15a in association with location information.

[0095] The correlation analysis unit 12 uses the estimated PV output and location information stored in the storage unit 15a to calculate the correlation information of PV output, similar to the calculation of the correlation information of solar radiation intensity in Embodiment 1. The calculated correlation information is then associated with the combined information and stored as calculated data in the storage unit 15a. When a correlation coefficient is used as the correlation information, the same correlation coefficient as in Embodiment 1 can be calculated. However, when covariance is used as the correlation information, if the estimated PV output is used as is, the value of the covariance will depend on specific conditions of the photovoltaic power generation equipment, such as PV capacity. Therefore, when covariance is used as the correlation information, the correlation analysis unit 12 can also include information specific to the photovoltaic power generation equipment that affects PV output, such as a conversion coefficient for converting PV output calculated from PV capacity and power generation efficiency into solar radiation intensity, as PV information in the location information, and then normalize the estimated PV output using the PV information before calculating the covariance. The method for calculating covariance is not limited to this method.

[0096] The output unit 13 outputs the correlation information and combination information stored in the storage unit 15a. The output method in the output unit 13 is the same as in Embodiment 1. The correlation analysis device 1a of this embodiment, like the correlation analysis device 1 of Embodiment 1, is implemented by, for example, the computer system illustrated in Figure 3. The correlation analysis device 1a may be implemented by multiple computer systems. The correlation analysis device 1a may be implemented by, for example, a cloud system.

[0097] In the above description, an example was given in which the correlation analyzer 1a performs the same processing as in Embodiment 1 using the PV output estimate instead of the solar radiation intensity estimate. However, the correlation analyzer 1a may also perform any of the processing in Embodiments 2, 3, and 4 using the PV output estimate instead of the solar radiation intensity estimate.

[0098] Embodiment 6. Figure 14 shows an example configuration of the correlation analysis system 100b according to Embodiment 6. The correlation analysis system 100b of this embodiment is the same as the correlation analysis system 100 of Embodiment 1, except that it includes a correlation analysis device 1b instead of a correlation analysis device 1. In this embodiment, the solar radiation intensity-related information includes the PV output described in Embodiment 5 in addition to the solar radiation intensity. Components having the same functions as in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly described below.

[0099] Correlation analysis device 1b is the same as correlation analysis device 1 of Embodiment 1, except that it includes a storage unit 15b instead of a storage unit 15, and the estimated values ​​of the solar radiation intensity-related information handled by the data acquisition unit 11 and the correlation analysis unit 12 include an estimated PV output value in addition to the estimated solar radiation intensity value.

[0100] The data acquisition unit 11, similar to Embodiment 1, acquires estimated solar radiation intensity values ​​from the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 and stores the acquired estimated solar radiation intensity values ​​in the storage unit 15b in association with location information. Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 11, similar to Embodiment 5, acquires estimated PV output values ​​from the PV output estimation device 5 and stores the acquired estimated PV output values ​​in the storage unit 15b in association with location information. Both the estimated solar radiation intensity values ​​and the estimated PV output values ​​are estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information. Note that at least one of the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 and the PV output estimation device 5 may be included in the correlation analysis system 100b.

[0101] The correlation analysis unit 12 calculates correlation information for each combination of two locations based on the estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information and location information stored in the memory unit 15b. At this time, the correlation analysis unit 12 may calculate correlation information between solar radiation intensity estimates, correlation information between PV output estimates, or correlation information between solar radiation intensity estimates and PV output estimates, depending on whether the estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information corresponding to each location are solar radiation intensity estimates or PV output estimates. When a correlation coefficient is used as correlation information, the correlation analysis unit 12 can calculate the same correlation coefficient as in Embodiment 1 using the estimated values ​​of each solar radiation intensity-related information. On the other hand, when covariance is used as correlation information, for example, information specific to the photovoltaic power generation equipment that affects PV output, such as a conversion coefficient for converting PV output calculated from PV capacity and power generation efficiency into solar radiation intensity, can be included in the location information as PV information, and the correlation analysis unit 12 can calculate the covariance after normalizing the PV output estimate using the PV information. Note that the method of calculating covariance is not limited to this method.

[0102] The output unit 13 outputs the correlation information and combination information stored in the storage unit 15b. The output method in the output unit 13 is the same as in Embodiment 1. The correlation analysis device 1b of this embodiment, like the correlation analysis device 1 of Embodiment 1, is implemented by, for example, the computer system illustrated in Figure 3. The correlation analysis device 1b may be implemented by multiple computer systems. The correlation analysis device 1b may be implemented by, for example, a cloud system.

[0103] In the above description, an example was given in which the correlation analyzer 1b performs the same processing as in Embodiment 1 using the estimated PV output value in addition to the estimated solar radiation intensity value. However, the correlation analyzer 1b may also perform any of the processing in Embodiments 2, 3, and 4 using the estimated PV output value in addition to the estimated solar radiation intensity value.

[0104] As described above, the correlation analysis device 1b of this embodiment analyzes the correlation of solar radiation intensity using PV output estimates in addition to solar radiation intensity estimates. This allows the correlation analysis device 1b to increase the amount of data available, thereby improving the accuracy of the analysis and increasing the number of locations to be analyzed.

[0105] Embodiment 7. Figure 15 shows an example configuration of the correlation analysis system 100c according to Embodiment 7. The correlation analysis system 100c of this embodiment is the same as the correlation analysis system 100b of Embodiment 6, except that it includes a correlation analysis device 1c instead of a correlation analysis device 1. In this embodiment, the solar radiation intensity-related information includes PV output in addition to solar radiation intensity, as in Embodiment 6. Components having the same functions as in Embodiments 1 and 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Embodiments 1 and 6, and redundant explanations are omitted. The differences from Embodiments 1 and 6 will be mainly described below.

[0106] Correlation analysis device 1c is the same as correlation analysis device 1b of Embodiment 6, except that it includes a storage unit 15c instead of a storage unit 15, and adds solar radiation intensity values ​​(measured values) and PV output values ​​(measured values) as input information handled by the data acquisition unit 11 and correlation analysis unit 12, in addition to solar radiation intensity estimates and PV output estimates.

[0107] The data acquisition unit 11, similar to Embodiment 6, acquires estimated solar radiation intensity values ​​from the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3 and stores the acquired estimated solar radiation intensity values ​​in the storage unit 15c in association with location information. The data acquisition unit 11 also, similar to Embodiment 6, acquires estimated PV output values ​​from the PV output estimation device 5 and stores the acquired estimated PV output values ​​in the storage unit 15c in association with location information. Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 11 acquires solar radiation intensity values ​​from the solar radiation intensity measuring device 6 and stores the solar radiation intensity values ​​in the storage unit 15c in association with location information. The data acquisition unit 11 also acquires PV output values ​​from the PV output measuring device 7 and stores the PV output values ​​in the storage unit 15c in association with location information. The PV output measuring device 7 may be a measuring device such as a smart meter of a customer with a solar power generation facility under a full purchase agreement, or a measuring device provided by a power conditioner in a solar power generation facility, or it may be something other than these. Both the solar radiation intensity value and the PV output value are measured values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information. Furthermore, at least one of the solar radiation intensity estimation device 3, PV output estimation device 5, solar radiation intensity measurement device 6, and PV output measurement device 7 may be included in the correlation analysis system 100c.

[0108] The correlation analysis unit 12 calculates correlation information for each combination of two locations based on the estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information and the measured values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information and location information stored in the memory unit 15c. At this time, the correlation analysis unit 12 may calculate correlation information between estimated solar radiation intensity values, correlation information between estimated PV output values, and correlation information between estimated solar radiation intensity values ​​and estimated PV output values, similar to Embodiment 6. Furthermore, the correlation analysis unit 12 may also calculate correlation information between solar radiation intensity values, correlation information between PV output values, correlation information between solar radiation intensity values ​​and PV output values, and correlation information between estimated values ​​and measured values, such as correlation information between solar radiation intensity values ​​and estimated solar radiation intensity values. In other words, the correlation analysis unit 12 only needs to calculate correlation information between one of the estimated solar radiation intensity, estimated PV output, solar radiation intensity value, and PV output value from one of the two locations and one of the estimated solar radiation intensity, estimated PV output, solar radiation intensity value, and PV output value from the other location. There are 4 x 4 possible combinations of data for which correlation information is to be calculated.

[0109] When a correlation coefficient is used as correlation information, the correlation analysis unit 12 can calculate the same correlation coefficient as in Embodiment 1 using the estimated or measured values ​​of each solar radiation intensity-related information. On the other hand, when covariance is used as correlation information, for example, information specific to the photovoltaic power generation facility that affects PV output, such as a conversion coefficient for converting PV output calculated from PV capacity and power generation efficiency into solar radiation intensity, can be included in the location information as PV information, and the correlation analysis unit 12 can calculate the covariance after normalizing the estimated PV output and PV output value using the PV information. Note that the method of calculating covariance is not limited to this method.

[0110] The output unit 13 outputs correlation information and combination information stored in the storage unit 15c. The output method in the output unit 13 is the same as in Embodiment 1. The correlation analysis device 1c of this embodiment, like the correlation analysis device 1 of Embodiment 1, is implemented by, for example, the computer system illustrated in Figure 3. The correlation analysis device 1c may be implemented by multiple computer systems. The correlation analysis device 1c may be implemented by, for example, a cloud system.

[0111] In the above description, an example was given in which the correlation analyzer 1c performs the same processing as in Embodiment 1 using the estimated solar radiation intensity, estimated PV output, solar radiation intensity value, and PV output value. However, the correlation analyzer 1c may also perform any of the processing in Embodiments 2, 3, and 4 using the estimated solar radiation intensity, estimated PV output, solar radiation intensity value, and PV output value.

[0112] As described above, the correlation analysis device 1c of this embodiment analyzes the correlation of solar radiation intensity using measured values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information in addition to estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information. This allows the correlation analysis device 1c to improve the accuracy of the analysis and increase the number of locations to be analyzed.

[0113] Furthermore, in the example described above, the correlation analyzer 1c used estimated solar radiation intensity, estimated PV output, solar radiation intensity value, and PV output value. However, it is not limited to this, and any two or more of the estimated solar radiation intensity, estimated PV output, solar radiation intensity value, and PV output value may be used to analyze the correlation of solar radiation intensity. For example, the correlation analyzer 1c may analyze the correlation of solar radiation intensity using estimated solar radiation intensity and solar radiation intensity value, or it may analyze the correlation of solar radiation intensity using estimated solar radiation intensity, estimated PV output, and solar radiation intensity value. Also, the correlation analyzer 1c may analyze the correlation of solar radiation intensity using only solar radiation intensity value, or using only PV output value, or it may analyze the correlation of solar radiation intensity using only measured values, such as using solar radiation intensity value and PV output value. In this case, although the number of points to be calculated may decrease compared to when estimated values ​​are used, the anisotropy of the correlation information can be evaluated by considering the direction during the analysis, as described in Embodiment 2. Furthermore, as described in Embodiment 3, by obtaining correlation information using a defined period as the unit, the characteristics of the correlation information of solar radiation intensity for each period can be evaluated. Also, as in Embodiment 4, by approximating the relationship between distance and correlation information, for locations where measurement values ​​cannot be obtained, the correlation information between the center point and locations where measurement values ​​cannot be obtained can be estimated based on the distance from the center point to the locations where measurement values ​​cannot be obtained.

[0114] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are examples only, and it is possible to combine them with other known technologies, combine different embodiments, and omit or modify parts of the configuration without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0115] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0116] (Note 1) A data acquisition unit that acquires estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information, which is information about solar radiation intensity at multiple locations with different geographical positions, A correlation analysis unit calculates correlation information showing the correlation of solar radiation intensity at two of the multiple locations using the estimated values ​​obtained by the data acquisition unit, for at least some combinations of two of the multiple locations. An output unit that outputs the correlation information and combination information indicating two locations corresponding to the correlation information, A correlation analyzer characterized by being equipped with the following features. (Note 2) A storage unit that stores the correlation information and the combination information, The correlation analyzer according to Appendix 1, characterized by comprising the following features. (Note 3) The aforementioned estimates are time-series data, The correlation analysis apparatus according to Appendix 2, characterized in that it calculates the correlation information in units of a predetermined period longer than the time length of the estimated value, and stores the correlation information and the combination information in the storage unit for each predetermined period. (Note 4) The correlation analyzer according to Appendix 3, characterized in that the aforementioned specified period is one week, one month, or a season. (Note 5) The correlation analysis apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that the combination information includes location information indicating the locations of two points corresponding to the correlation information. (Note 6) The correlation analysis device according to Appendix 2, characterized in that the correlation analysis unit calculates the correlation information between the central point of the plurality of points and surrounding points which are points other than the central point among the plurality of points, and stores the correlation information and the combination information corresponding to the analysis target range including the plurality of points as a set of information in the storage unit. (Note 7) The correlation analysis device according to any one of appendices 3 to 5, characterized in that the correlation analysis unit calculates the correlation information between the central point of the plurality of points and surrounding points which are points other than the central point among the plurality of points, and stores the correlation information and the combination information corresponding to the analysis target range including the plurality of points as a set of information in the storage unit. (Note 8) The correlation analysis apparatus according to Appendix 6 or 7, characterized in that the combination information includes direction information indicating the direction of the surrounding points relative to the central point corresponding to the correlation information. (Note 9) The correlation analysis apparatus according to Appendix 8, characterized in that the directional information includes a value obtained by discretizing the angle from a reference direction to a specified minimum unit. (Note 10) The correlation analysis apparatus according to any one of appendices 6 to 9, characterized in that the combination information includes distance information indicating the distance from the central point corresponding to the correlation information to the surrounding points. (Note 11) The correlation analysis apparatus according to Appendix 10, characterized in that the distance information includes a value obtained by discretizing the distance from the central point corresponding to the correlation information to the surrounding point in a predetermined minimum unit. (Note 12) The correlation analysis apparatus according to Appendix 8 or 9, characterized in that the output unit generates display information for displaying the correlation information within the analysis target range in a manner that allows identification of the direction indicated by the direction information. (Note 13) The correlation analysis apparatus according to Appendix 10 or 11, characterized in that the output unit generates display information for displaying the correlation information within the analysis target range in a manner that allows for the identification of the distance indicated by the distance information. (Note 14) The aforementioned combination information includes direction information indicating the direction of the surrounding points relative to the central point corresponding to the correlation information, The correlation analysis apparatus according to Appendix 10 or 11, characterized in that the output unit generates display information for displaying the correlation information within the analysis range so that the relationship between the distance indicated by the distance information and the correlation information for each direction indicated by the direction information can be grasped. (Note 15) The correlation analysis apparatus according to Appendix 14, characterized in that the display information includes information for displaying a graph plotting the correlation information within the analysis target range, with the horizontal axis being the distance and the vertical axis being the correlation information, and in the graph the correlation information is shown in different colors according to the corresponding direction. (Note 16) The correlation analysis apparatus according to Appendix 10 or 11, characterized in that the correlation analysis unit determines a function that approximates the relationship between the distance and the correlation information using the correlation information and the combination information within the analysis target range. (Note 17) The correlation analysis apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 16, characterized in that the estimated value includes at least one of the estimated solar radiation intensity and the estimated power output of the photovoltaic power generation equipment. (Note 18) The data acquisition unit further acquires the measured values ​​of the solar radiation intensity-related information, The correlation analysis device according to any one of appendices 1 to 17, characterized in that the correlation analysis unit calculates correlation information showing the correlation of solar radiation intensity at two of the plurality of locations for at least some combinations of two of the plurality of locations, using the estimated value and the measured value obtained by the data acquisition unit. (Note 19) A communication unit receives correlation information and combination information indicating two locations corresponding to the correlation information from a correlation analysis device that calculates correlation information showing the correlation between the solar radiation intensity of two of the multiple locations, using estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information, which is information about the solar radiation intensity of each of the multiple locations located at different geographical locations, for at least some combinations of two of the multiple locations. A display unit that displays the correlation information received by the communication unit, A user terminal characterized by being equipped with the following features. (Note 20) A reception desk that receives input from users. Equipped with, The correlation analysis device calculates the correlation information between the central point of the plurality of points and surrounding points that are points other than the central point among the plurality of points. The aforementioned combination information includes direction information indicating the direction of the surrounding points relative to the central point corresponding to the correlation information, The reception unit receives input from the user for specifying the direction, The user terminal according to Appendix 19, characterized in that the display unit displays the correlation information corresponding to the direction specified by the user based on the specified information. (Note 21) Correlation analyzer and User terminal and Equipped with, The correlation analysis device is A data acquisition unit that acquires estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information, which is information about solar radiation intensity at multiple locations with different geographical positions, A correlation analysis unit calculates correlation information showing the correlation of solar radiation intensity at two of the multiple locations using the estimated values ​​obtained by the data acquisition unit, for at least some combinations of two of the multiple locations. An output unit that transmits the correlation information and combination information indicating two locations corresponding to the correlation information to the user terminal, A correlation analysis system characterized by comprising the following features. (Note 22) The correlation analysis device obtains estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information, which is information about solar radiation intensity at multiple locations with different geographical locations. The correlation analysis device uses the acquired estimated values ​​to calculate correlation information showing the correlation of solar radiation intensity at two of the multiple locations for at least some of the combinations of two of the multiple locations. A correlation analysis method characterized in that the correlation analysis device outputs correlation information and combination information indicating two locations corresponding to the correlation information. (Note 23) In the computer system, A data acquisition step to obtain estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information, which is information about solar radiation intensity at multiple locations with different geographical positions, A correlation analysis step in which, using the estimated values ​​obtained in the data acquisition step, correlation information showing the correlation of solar radiation intensity at two of the multiple locations is calculated for at least some combinations of two of the multiple locations, An output step that outputs the correlation information and combination information indicating two locations corresponding to the correlation information, A program characterized by causing the execution of a specific action. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 1,1a,1b,1c Correlation analysis device, 2 User terminal, 3 Solar radiation intensity estimation device, 4 Communication network, 5 PV output estimation device, 6 Solar radiation intensity measurement device, 7 PV output measurement device, 11 Data acquisition unit, 12 Correlation analysis unit, 13 Output unit, 14,21 Communication unit, 15,15a,15b,15c,24 Storage unit, 22 Reception unit, 23 Display unit, 100,100a,100b,100c Correlation analysis system.

Claims

1. A data acquisition unit that acquires estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information, which is information about solar radiation intensity at multiple locations with different geographical positions, A correlation analysis unit calculates correlation information showing the correlation of solar radiation intensity at two of the multiple locations using the estimated values ​​obtained by the data acquisition unit, for at least some combinations of two of the multiple locations. An output unit that outputs the correlation information and combination information indicating two locations corresponding to the correlation information, A correlation analyzer characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. A storage unit that stores the correlation information and the combination information, The correlation analyzer according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the following features.

3. The aforementioned estimates are time-series data, The correlation analysis apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that it calculates the correlation information in units of a predetermined period longer than the time length of the estimated value, and stores the correlation information and the combination information in the storage unit for each predetermined period.

4. The correlation analyzer according to claim 3, characterized in that the aforementioned specified period is one week, one month, or a season.

5. The correlation analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the combination information includes location information indicating the locations of two points corresponding to the correlation information.

6. The correlation analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that the correlation analysis unit calculates the correlation information between the central point of the plurality of points and surrounding points which are points other than the central point among the plurality of points, and stores the correlation information and the combination information corresponding to the analysis target range including the plurality of points as a set of information in the storage unit.

7. The correlation analysis device according to claim 3, characterized in that the correlation analysis unit calculates the correlation information between the central point of the plurality of points and surrounding points which are points other than the central point among the plurality of points, and stores the correlation information and the combination information corresponding to the analysis target range including the plurality of points as a set of information in the storage unit.

8. The correlation analysis apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the combination information includes direction information indicating the direction of the surrounding points relative to the central point corresponding to the correlation information.

9. The correlation analyzer according to claim 8, characterized in that the directional information includes a value obtained by discretizing the angle from a reference direction to a standard direction in a predetermined minimum unit.

10. The correlation analysis apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the combination information includes distance information indicating the distance from the central point corresponding to the correlation information to the surrounding points.

11. The correlation analysis apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the distance information includes a value obtained by discretizing the distance from the central point corresponding to the correlation information to the surrounding point in a predetermined minimum unit.

12. The correlation analysis apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the output unit generates display information for displaying the correlation information within the analysis target range in a manner that allows identification of the direction indicated by the direction information.

13. The correlation analysis apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the output unit generates display information for displaying the correlation information within the analysis target range in a manner that allows for the identification of the distance indicated by the distance information.

14. The correlation analysis apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the output unit generates display information for displaying the correlation information within the analysis target range so that the relationship between the distance indicated by the distance information and the correlation information for each direction indicated by the direction information can be grasped.

15. The correlation analysis apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the display information includes information for displaying a graph plotting the correlation information within the analysis target range, with the horizontal axis being the distance and the vertical axis being the correlation information, and the correlation information in the graph is shown in different colors according to the corresponding direction.

16. The correlation analysis apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the correlation analysis unit determines a function that approximates the relationship between the distance and the correlation information using the correlation information and combination information within the analysis target range.

17. The correlation analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the estimated value includes at least one of the estimated solar radiation intensity and the estimated power output of the photovoltaic power generation equipment.

18. The data acquisition unit further acquires the measured values ​​of the solar radiation intensity-related information, The correlation analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the correlation analysis unit calculates correlation information showing the correlation of solar radiation intensity at two of the plurality of locations for at least some combinations of two of the plurality of locations, using the estimated value and the measured value obtained by the data acquisition unit.

19. A communication unit receives correlation information and combination information indicating two locations corresponding to the correlation information from a correlation analysis device that calculates correlation information showing the correlation between the solar radiation intensity of two of the multiple locations, using estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information, which is information about the solar radiation intensity of each of the multiple locations located at different geographical locations, for at least some combinations of two of the multiple locations. A display unit that displays the correlation information received by the communication unit, A user terminal characterized by being equipped with the following features.

20. A reception desk that receives input from users. Equipped with, The correlation analysis device calculates the correlation information between the central point of the plurality of points and surrounding points that are points other than the central point among the plurality of points. The aforementioned combination information includes direction information indicating the direction of the surrounding points relative to the central point corresponding to the correlation information, The reception unit receives input from the user for specifying the direction, The user terminal according to claim 19, characterized in that the display unit displays the correlation information corresponding to the direction specified by the user based on the specified information.

21. Correlation analyzer and User terminal and Equipped with, The correlation analysis device is A data acquisition unit that acquires estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information, which is information about solar radiation intensity at multiple locations with different geographical positions, A correlation analysis unit calculates correlation information showing the correlation of solar radiation intensity at two of the multiple locations using the estimated values ​​obtained by the data acquisition unit, for at least some combinations of two of the multiple locations. An output unit that transmits the correlation information and combination information indicating two locations corresponding to the correlation information to the user terminal, A correlation analysis system characterized by comprising the following features.

22. The correlation analysis device obtains estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information, which is information about solar radiation intensity at multiple locations with different geographical locations. The correlation analysis device uses the acquired estimated values ​​to calculate correlation information showing the correlation of solar radiation intensity at two of the multiple locations for at least some of the combinations of two of the multiple locations. A correlation analysis method characterized in that the correlation analysis device outputs correlation information and combination information indicating two locations corresponding to the correlation information.

23. In the computer system, A data acquisition step to obtain estimated values ​​of solar radiation intensity-related information, which is information about solar radiation intensity at multiple locations with different geographical positions, A correlation analysis step in which, using the estimated values ​​obtained in the data acquisition step, correlation information showing the correlation of solar radiation intensity at two of the multiple locations is calculated for at least some combinations of two of the multiple locations, An output step which outputs the correlation information and combination information indicating two locations corresponding to the correlation information, A program characterized by causing the execution of a specific action.

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