Management system, control system, control method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a management system that can adapt to differences in the specifications of control systems that receive control commands for energy resources installed at consumer sites. [Solution] The management system 10 includes a control unit 45 that generates first command information and second command information, and a communication unit 41 that outputs at least one of the generated first command information and second command information. The first command information is information for instructing the control of a first energy resource 22a provided at a consumer 20a, which is the target of the first command information among a plurality of consumers 20, so that the power received from the grid 60 at that consumer 20a is below an upper limit, and the second command information is information including the control content of a second energy resource 22b provided at a consumer 20b, which is the target of the second command information among a plurality of consumers 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for predicting the power consumption of a plurality of consumers, etc.

Background Art

[0002] In order to balance power demand (consumption) and supply (generation) in the power system, a technology related to demand response that adjusts the power consumption of consumers in response to requests from electric power companies is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a demand response compatible power control system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a management system or the like that can adapt to differences in the specifications of a control system that receives commands for controlling energy resources provided to consumers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A management system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a control unit that generates first command information and second command information for controlling a plurality of energy resources provided at a plurality of consumers in order to bring the total power received from the grid of a plurality of consumers closer to a target value, and a communication unit that outputs at least one of the generated first command information and second command information, wherein the first command information is information for instructing the control of a first energy resource provided at the first consumer so that the power received from the grid at the first consumer, which is the target of the first command information, is below an upper limit or above a lower limit, and the second command information is information including the control content of a second energy resource provided at the second consumer, which is the target of the second command information.

[0006] A control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit that receives the first command information output by the management system, and a control unit that controls the first energy resources based on the received first command information so that the power received from the grid at the first consumer is below an upper limit or above a lower limit.

[0007] A control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit that receives the second command information output by the management system, and a control unit that controls the second energy resource according to the control content included in the received second command information.

[0008] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method performed by a computer system, comprising the steps of generating first command information and second command information for controlling a plurality of energy resources provided at a plurality of consumers in order to bring the total power received from the grid of a plurality of consumers closer to a target value, and outputting at least one of the generated first command information and second command information, wherein the first command information is information for instructing the control of a first energy resource provided at a first consumer so that the power received from the grid at the first consumer, which is the target of the first command information, is below an upper limit or above a lower limit, and the second command information is information including the control content of a second energy resource provided at a second consumer, which is the target of the second command information, among the plurality of consumers.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the computer system to execute the control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The management system of the present invention can adapt to differences in the specifications of control systems that receive control commands for energy resources installed at consumer sites. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of DR operation. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the method for calculating the total control power. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the method for generating the first command information. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the method for generating the second command information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0013] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0014] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of the management system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management system according to the embodiment.

[0015] The management system 10 is a system that can realize Demand Response (DR) services by controlling multiple energy resources (first energy resource 22a or second energy resource 22b) installed at multiple customers 20 that have contracts with a retail electricity provider, for example, at the request of the retail electricity provider. The retail electricity provider is, for example, a so-called deemed retail electricity provider or a new power company. Each of the multiple customers 20 may be a customer 20 corresponding to a residential building, or a customer 20 corresponding to a non-residential building such as a factory. The total number of multiple customers 20 is, for example, several hundred to several hundred thousand.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 10 includes a first EMS (Energy Management System) controller 21a, a plurality of first energy resources 22a, a first power measurement device 23a, and a first EMS server 30a installed in each of a plurality of customers 20a. The first EMS controller 21a, the plurality of first energy resources 22a, the first power measurement device 23a, and the first EMS server 30a constitute a first EMS 40a.

[0017] In addition, the management system 10 includes a second EMS controller 21b, a plurality of second energy resources 22b, a second power measurement device 23b, and a second EMS server 30b installed in each of a plurality of customers 20b. The second EMS controller 21b, the plurality of second energy resources 22b, the second power measurement device 23b, and the second EMS server 30b constitute a second EMS 40b. Further, the management system 10 includes a management server 40 and a power management server 50.

[0018] The first EMS controller 21a is a device that manages the power consumption amount in the customer 20a measured by the first power measurement device 23a communicatively connected to the first EMS controller 21a. In addition, the first EMS controller 21a controls at least a part of the plurality of first energy resources 22a. The first EMS controller 21a can communicate with the plurality of first energy resources 22a and the first power measurement device 23a through a local communication network and communicate with the first EMS server 30a through a wide area communication network.

[0019] The first energy resource 22a is installed in a facility (such as a house) corresponding to the consumer 20a. The first energy resource 22a includes at least one of a solar power generation system, a battery system, lighting equipment, air conditioning equipment, ventilation equipment, a heat pump water heater, and a charging / discharging device for an electric vehicle. The first energy resource 22a includes equipment that consumes power supplied from the grid 60 and equipment that is allowed to output power to the grid 60, such as a solar power generation system. Although power is also required for the first EMS controller 21a and the first power measurement device 23a, in Fig. 1, solid arrows are not shown for simplicity.

[0020] Note that the first energy resource 22a is, for example, owned by the consumer 20a, but in the case of a battery system or the like, it may be owned by a retail electricity business operator or a service provider. That is, the form of TPO (Third-Party Ownership) may be adopted.

[0021] The first power measurement device 23a measures the power consumption (power received from the grid 60) at the consumer 20a and transmits power data indicating the measured power consumption to the first EMS controller 21a. The first power measurement device 23a is, for example, a specific measuring instrument (a measuring instrument that has passed the inspection defined by the Measurement Law) such as a smart meter, but it may also be a special case measuring instrument (a measuring instrument that has not passed the inspection defined by the Measurement Law), or another measuring instrument (a measuring instrument that has not passed the inspection defined by the Measurement Law) other than the specific measuring instrument and the special case measuring instrument.

[0022] The first EMS server 30a receives power data (information indicating the daily power consumption at the consumer 20) transmitted by a plurality of first EMS controllers 21a installed at the consumer 20a and stores (manages) it in association with the identification information of the consumer 20a (the first EMS controller 21a). The first EMS server 30a is managed and operated, for example, by the manufacturer and seller of the first EMS controller 21a. The first EMS server 30a includes a communication unit 31a, an information processing unit 32a, and a storage unit 33a.

[0023] The communication unit 31a is a communication circuit for the first EMS server 30a to communicate with the management server 40 and a plurality of first EMS controllers 21a via a wide-area communication network. The communication unit 31a may perform wired communication, for example, but it may also perform wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standards used by the communication unit 31a.

[0024] The information processing unit 32a performs information processing related to the management of power consumption, etc. The information processing unit 32a is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The information processing unit 32a includes an acquisition unit 34a and a control unit 35a as functional components. The functions of the acquisition unit 34a and the control unit 35a are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 32a executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 33a. Details of the functions of the acquisition unit 34a and the control unit 35a will be described later.

[0025] The storage unit 33a is a storage device that stores information necessary to realize the above-mentioned information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 32a. The storage unit 33a is implemented by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be implemented by semiconductor memory.

[0026] The second EMS controller 21b has the same configuration as the first EMS controller 21a, except that it is installed on the customer 20b and communicates with the second energy resource 22b, the second power measuring device 23b, and the second EMS server 30b, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In the description of the first EMS controller 21a, the customer 20a, the first EMS controller 21a, the first energy resource 22a, the first power measuring device 23a, and the first EMS server 30a can be read as customer 20b, the second EMS controller 21b, the second energy resource 22b, the second power measuring device 23b, and the second EMS server 30b.

[0027] To clarify the difference between the first EMS controller 21a and the second EMS controller 21b, the first EMS controller 21a and the second EMS controller 21b are, for example, EMS controllers manufactured by different companies. The first EMS controller 21a and the second EMS controller 21b may be manufactured by the same company, with one being a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller and the other a BEMS (Building Energy Management System) controller.

[0028] The second energy resource 22b has the same configuration as the first energy resource 22a, except that it is installed on the consumer 20b and communicates with the second EMS controller 21b, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In the description of the first energy resource 22a, the consumer 20a, the first energy resource 22a, and the first EMS controller 21a can be read as consumer 20b, the second energy resource 22b, and the second EMS controller 21b.

[0029] The second EMS server 30b has the same configuration as the first EMS server 30a, except that it communicates with multiple second EMS controllers 21b, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In the description of the first EMS server 30a, the customer 20a, first EMS server 30a, communication unit 31a, information processing unit 32a, storage unit 33a, acquisition unit 34a, control unit 35a, and first EMS controller 21a can be read as customer 20b, second EMS server 30b, communication unit 31b, information processing unit 32b, storage unit 33b, acquisition unit 34b, control unit 35b, and second EMS controller 21b. The difference between the first EMS server 30a and the second EMS server 30b is the difference in the EMS controllers under their control.

[0030] The management server 40 is a server device that performs information processing for controlling a plurality of first energy resources 22a and a plurality of second energy resources 22b. The management server 40 is managed and operated by a service provider, such as a specific wholesale supplier. The management server 40 comprises a communication unit 41, an information processing unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0031] The communication unit 41 is a communication circuit for the management server 40 to communicate with the first EMS server 30a, the second EMS server 30b, and the power management server 50 via a wide-area communication network. The communication unit 41 may, for example, perform wired communication, but it may also perform wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standards used by the communication unit 41.

[0032] The information processing unit 42 performs information processing for controlling a plurality of first energy resources 22a and a plurality of second energy resources 22b. The information processing unit 42 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The information processing unit 42 includes an acquisition unit 44 and a control unit 45 as functional components. The functions of the acquisition unit 44 and the control unit 45 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 42 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 43.

[0033] The storage unit 43 is a storage device that stores information necessary to realize the above-mentioned information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 42. The storage unit 43 may be implemented by, for example, an HDD, but it may also be implemented by a semiconductor memory.

[0034] The power management server 50 is a server that manages power data (actual power consumption data) for multiple customers 20, for example, used by a retail electricity provider. When the DR start time arrives, the power management server 50 sends a DR request to the management server 40, requesting the management server 40 to control multiple energy resources. As an example of the power management server 50, a server managed by a retail electricity provider is used in this explanation, but it could also be a server managed by a general power transmission and distribution company, for example.

[0035] [DR operation] In the configuration shown in Figure 1, when the management server 40 receives a DR request from the power management server 50, it performs a DR operation. Specifically, the management server 40 controls multiple first energy resources 22a by transmitting control command information to the first EMS server 30a, and controls multiple second energy resources 22b by transmitting control command information to the second EMS server 30b.

[0036] Here, the first EMS server 30a does not accept individual control (specific control details) of the first energy resource 22a, but only accepts the specification of an upper limit or an equivalent value for the power consumption (power received from grid 60) at the consumer 20a. The first EMS server 30a (or the first EMS controller 21a) automatically decides how to specifically control the first energy resource 22a. In other words, the management server 40 cannot directly control the first energy resource 22a under the control of the first EMS server 30a.

[0037] On the other hand, the second EMS server 30b accepts individual control (specific control details) of the second energy resource 22b. In other words, the management server 40 and the second EMS server 30b can directly control the second energy resource 22b.

[0038] Thus, when the API (Application Programming Interface) specifications of the first EMS server 30a and the API specifications of the second EMS server 30b differ, there is room for consideration as to whether the power to be adjusted in order to realize the DR service (hereinafter also referred to as total control power) should be allocated (distributed) to multiple first energy resources 22a and multiple second energy resources 22b.

[0039] The following describes an example of DR operation when the API specifications of the first EMS server 30a and the API specifications of the second EMS server 30b differ as described above. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of DR operation. The following describes an example of operation when a so-called downgrade DR is requested by a DR request, using Figure 2.

[0040] Furthermore, the storage unit 43 of the management server 40 is pre-stored (registered) information for controlling the energy resources installed at each of the multiple consumers 20, including type information, specification information, and control address information for each of the multiple energy resources.

[0041] The acquisition unit 44 of the management server 40 uses the communication unit 41 to acquire (receive) DR requests from the power management server 50 (S11). The acquisition unit 44 also uses the communication unit 41 to acquire (receive) power data from the first EMS server 30a and the second EMS server 30b for multiple consumers 20 (S12). The power data includes power data measured by the first power measuring device 23a at each of the multiple consumers 20a and transmitted to the first EMS server 30a via the first EMS controller 21a, and power data measured by the second power measuring device 23b at each of the multiple consumers 20b and transmitted to the second EMS server 30b via the second EMS controller 21b. As described above, the power data is, for example, actual data on power consumption (power received from the grid 60).

[0042] The acquisition unit 44 uses the communication unit 41 to acquire (receive) equipment data for each of the multiple energy resources from the first EMS server 30a and the second EMS server 30b (S13). The equipment data is information indicating the most recent state of the energy resource, such as whether it is on or off, and its setting status. If the energy resource is an air conditioning system, the setting status includes the operating mode and the set temperature, and if the energy resource is a battery storage system, the setting status includes the charging power and the remaining battery charge.

[0043] The device data includes device data transmitted by the first energy resource 22a and sent to the management server 40 via the first EMS server 30a, and device data transmitted by the second energy resource 22b and sent to the management server 40 via the second EMS server 30b.

[0044] Next, the control unit 45 calculates the total control power (S14). The total control power represents the total power received by all consumers 20 to be reduced. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the method for calculating the total control power. Figure 3(a) shows the case where the predicted power received value > reference value, and Figure 3(b) shows the case where the predicted power received value < reference value. Although not shown in Figure 3, the predicted power received value = reference value is also possible.

[0045] The control unit 45 calculates a reference value (S14a) based on the power data acquired in step S12. The reference value is, for example, a value that represents the sum of the power received by multiple consumers 20 under normal conditions during the time slot targeted by DR. The baseline is, for example, a value that represents the sum of the power received by multiple consumers 20 under normal conditions during the time slot targeted by DR. The baseline can be calculated, for example, according to the method specified in the ERAB (Energy Resource Aggregation Business) guidelines. Here, the reference value and the baseline are not distinguished.

[0046] Next, the control unit 45 calculates a predicted power received value for the time slot targeted by DR based on the power data acquired in step S12 (especially the most recent power data) (S14b). The control unit 45 may calculate the predicted power received value using a time series forecasting method, or it may calculate the predicted power received value using a machine learning model or the like.

[0047] Next, the control unit 45 calculates the control target value (S14c) by subtracting the amount of power reduction instructed in the DR request obtained in step S11 from the reference value calculated in step S14a. In other words, control target value = reference value - reduction amount. Here, the reduction amount is the command value included in the DR request received from the power management server. If the reduction amount = 0, the control target value = reference value, and the system will be controlled to bring the power reception closer to the reference value.

[0048] The control unit 45 calculates the total control power (S14d) by subtracting the control target value calculated in step S14c from the predicted power received value calculated in step S14b. In other words, total control power = predicted power received value - control target value. Note that if the predicted power received value = reference value, then total control power = reduction amount. Furthermore, the following describes an example where total control power > 0 and a downward DR is performed, but if total control power < 0, an upward DR is performed.

[0049] As described above, in step S14, after the total control power is calculated, the control unit 45 generates first command information (S15) which includes first command values ​​for each of the multiple consumers 20a among the multiple consumers 20. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the method for generating the first command information.

[0050] The control unit 45 calculates a reference value for the target customer 20a based on the power data of the target customer 20a acquired in step S12 (S15a). The reference value is, for example, a value that represents the total power received by the target customer 20a during the time slot targeted by DR. The baseline is, for example, a value that represents the total amount of power received by multiple customers 20 under normal conditions during the time slot targeted by DR. The baseline can be calculated, for example, according to the method specified in the ERAB guidelines. Here, the reference value and the baseline are not distinguished.

[0051] Next, the control unit 45 obtains the contracted power and controllable power of the target customer 20a from the storage unit 43 (S15b). The contracted power is, for example, the upper limit of the power received set by the customer (regardless of whether there is a contract or not), and is stored (registered) in the storage unit 43 in advance.

[0052] Next, the control unit 45 calculates the predicted power received for the target customer 20a during the DR time slot from the power data acquired in step S12 (especially the most recent power data) (S15c). The control unit 45 may calculate the predicted power received using a time series forecasting method, or it may calculate the predicted power received using a machine learning model or the like.

[0053] Next, the control unit 45 generates first command information (S15d). The first command value included in the first command information may be the same value as the contracted power, or it may be a different value. For example, if maintaining the contracted power is a high priority, the control unit 45 generates the first command information such that the first command value ≤ contracted power. For example, the control unit 45 calculates the first command value by subtracting the controllable power obtained in step S15b from the reference value calculated in step S15a or the predicted received power value calculated in step S15c. In other words, the first command value = Min((reference value or predicted received power value) - controllable power, contracted power).

[0054] The first command information may include the upper limit of the received power (kW, kWh) or the control power (ΔkW). When the first command value is the control power (ΔkW), the control unit 45 calculates the first command value by subtracting the contract power obtained in step S15b from the reference value calculated in step S15a or the predicted received power value calculated in step S15c. In other words, the first command value = (reference value or predicted received power value) - contract power. The control unit 45 then generates first command information including the first command value for each of the multiple consumers 20a (multiple first EMS controllers 21a). The control unit 45 may also calculate the controllable power in step S15b from the state of the first energy resource (remaining capacity in the case of a battery), etc.

[0055] As described above, in step S15, after first command information including a first command value for each of the multiple consumers 20a is generated, the control unit 45 generates second command information for each of the multiple consumers 20b among the multiple consumers 20 (S16). In other words, the control unit 45 generates first command information and generates second command information based on the generated first command information. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the method for generating second command information. Note that the first command information is shown as control power (ΔkW).

[0056] The control unit 45 calculates the updated total control power by subtracting the sum of the first command values ​​calculated in step S16 from the total control power calculated in step S13 (S16a). In other words, the updated total control power = total control power - (sum of first command information).

[0057] Next, the control unit 45 calculates the amount of reduction in power received by the base resource from among the second energy resources 22b provided at multiple consumers 20b (S16b). The base resource is an energy resource that cannot be controlled frequently, such as a heat pump water heater. The power received by a heat pump water heater can be reduced, for example, by stopping the heating of water by the heat pump water heater.

[0058] The control unit 45 calculates the amount of reduction in received power by middle resources among the second energy resources 22b provided at multiple consumers 20b (S16c). Middle resources are energy resources that can reduce received power relatively significantly, but have control constraints, such as electric vehicle charging and discharging devices. The received power of an electric vehicle charging and discharging device can be reduced, for example, by stopping charging. Alternatively, the received power of consumers 20b can be reduced by discharging the battery installed in the electric vehicle to the electric vehicle charging and discharging device and consuming it at consumer 20b.

[0059] Next, the control unit 45 calculates the amount of reduction in received power by the adjustment resource among the second energy resources 22b provided at the multiple consumers 20b (S16d). The adjustment resource is an energy resource such as a battery storage system, which reduces the amount of received power by a small amount but has fewer constraints on control. The received power of a battery storage system can be reduced, for example, by stopping charging. The adjustment resource can fine-tune the received power in units of kW. In addition, the received power of consumers 20b can also be reduced by discharging the power stored in the battery storage system and consuming it at consumers 20b.

[0060] The control unit 45 generates second command information to command the second energy resource 22b to reduce the amount of the second energy resource 22b calculated in steps S16b to S16d. The second command information is calculated for each consumer 20b (second EMS controller 21b). The second command information includes specific control details for the second energy resource 22b. It can be said that the control unit 45 generates the second command information based on the priority order according to the type of second energy resource 22b (whether it is a base resource, a middle resource, or an adjustment resource).

[0061] As described above, in step S16, after the second command information for each of the multiple customers 20b is generated, the control unit 45 outputs (transmits) the first command information to the first EMS server 30a using the communication unit 41, and outputs (transmits) the second command information to the second EMS server 30b using the communication unit 41 (S17). In other words, the communication unit 41 outputs (transmits) the first command information to the first EMS server 30a and outputs (transmits) the second command information to the second EMS server 30b. Note that after generating the first command information in step S15, but before generating the second command information, the control unit 45 may output (transmit) the first command information to the first EMS server 30a using the communication unit 41. Also, the generation cycles of the first command information and the second command information may be different. Furthermore, although an example of generating the first command information followed by the second command information has been shown, the control unit 45 may generate the second command information followed by the first command information. Furthermore, the calculation order for resources in the calculation of the second command information is not limited to this.

[0062] As described above, the first EMS server 30a does not accept individual control of the first energy resource 22a, while the second EMS server 30b accepts individual control of the second energy resource 22b. Therefore, it can be said that the communication unit 41 outputs the first command information to the first EMS 40a (an example of the first control system), which does not accept individual control of the first energy resource 22a, and outputs the second command information to the second EMS 40b (an example of the second control system), which accepts individual control of the second energy resource 22b.

[0063] The acquisition unit 34a of the first EMS server 30a acquires (receives) first command information using the communication unit 41, and the control unit 35a generates control commands for each of the multiple consumers 20a, which are included in the acquired first command information, in order to realize the first command value (upper limit of received power) for the multiple consumers 20a, and transmits the generated control commands to the corresponding first EMS controller 21a. As a result, control of the first energy resource 22a based on the first command information in the target time slot, i.e., a power reduction DR is performed.

[0064] Note that while the first command information includes the first command value, it does not include the specific control details for the first energy resource 22a. In contrast, the control command includes the specific control details for the first energy resource 22a. The control command may be generated by the first EMS controller 21a instead of the first EMS server 30a.

[0065] Meanwhile, the acquisition unit 34b of the second EMS server 30b acquires (receives) second command information for each of the multiple consumers 20b using the communication unit 41, and the control unit 35b uses the communication unit 41 to transmit the acquired second command information to the corresponding second EMS controller 21b. The second command information includes the specific control details for the second energy resource 22b. As a result, control of the second energy resource 22b based on the second command information in the target time slot, i.e., a power reduction (DR), is performed.

[0066] After DR is performed in the target time slot, the control unit 45 transmits performance information to the power management server 50 using the communication unit 41 (S18).

[0067] For example, each of the multiple first EMS controllers 21a transmits power data measured by the first power measuring device 23a (hereinafter also referred to as the first actual data of DR) to the first EMS controller 21a after DR is performed. The control unit 45 can acquire (receive) the first actual data of DR for each of the multiple consumers 20a (multiple first EMS controllers 21a) by communicating with the first EMS server 30a using the communication unit 41. Similarly, each of the multiple second EMS controllers 21b transmits power data measured by the second power measuring device 23b (also referred to as the second actual data of DR) to the second EMS controller 21b after DR is performed. The control unit 45 can acquire (receive) the second actual data of DR for each of the multiple consumers 20b (multiple second EMS controllers 21b) by communicating with the second EMS server 30b using the communication unit 41.

[0068] The control unit 45 sums the performance data indicated by multiple first performance data and the performance data indicated by multiple second performance data, and transmits performance information showing the sum of the performance data to the power management server 50 using the communication unit 41.

[0069] As described above, the management system 10 includes a control unit 45 that generates first command information and second command information for controlling multiple energy resources provided in multiple consumers 20 in order to bring the total power received from the grid 60 by multiple consumers 20 closer to a target value, i.e., a control target value, and a communication unit 41 that outputs at least one of the generated first command information and second command information. The first command information is information for instructing the control of the first energy resource 22a provided in consumer 20a so that the power received from the grid 60 in consumer 20a, which is the target of the first command information, is below an upper limit value, and the second command information is information including the control content of the second energy resource 22b provided in consumer 20b, which is the target of the second command information.

[0070] Such a management system 10 can allocate the total control power to multiple first energy resources 22a and multiple second energy resources 22b even if the API specifications of the first EMS server 30a and the API specifications of the second EMS server 30b are different. Specifically, by prioritizing the determination of adjustment amounts for energy resources that are considered to have less flexibility in adjusting power, fine-tuning becomes possible when the sum of the adjustment amounts approaches the total control power. As a result, the management system 10 can easily adjust the sum of the adjustment amounts to match the total control power.

[0071] Furthermore, the first EMS server 30a (first EMS 40a) includes a communication unit 31a that receives first command information output by the management system 10, and a control unit 35a that controls the first energy resource 22a based on the received first command information so that the power received from the grid 60 at the customer 20a is below the upper limit.

[0072] Such a first EMS server 30a can perform control of the first energy resource 22a based on the first command information.

[0073] Furthermore, the second EMS server 30b (second EMS 40b) includes a communication unit 31b that receives second command information output by the management system 10, and a control unit 35b that controls the second energy resource 22b according to the control content included in the received second command information.

[0074] Such a second EMS server 30b can perform control of the second energy resource 22b based on the second command information.

[0075] [A variation of the method for calculating total control power] In the above embodiment, a reference value and a predicted received power value were calculated in the calculation of the total control power; however, the calculation of the predicted received power value may be omitted. In this case, the total control power is calculated assuming that the reference value is the same as the predicted received power value. Omitting the calculation of the predicted received power value reduces the amount of information processing required.

[0076] [Variations in the method for generating the second command information] In the above embodiment, the control unit 45 of the management server 40 generated second command information based on the priority order corresponding to the type of second energy resource 22b. However, the control unit 45 may also generate second command information based on the measurement granularity of the second power measuring device 23b installed at the consumer 20b.

[0077] For example, suppose there is a second power measuring device 23b with a small (fine) measurement granularity that measures power consumption with a minimum unit of 1 kW, and another second power measuring device 23b with a large (coarse) measurement granularity that measures power consumption with a minimum unit of 100 kW.

[0078] In this case, the second power measuring device 23b, which measures power consumption with a minimum unit of 1kW, can measure power consumption of several kW or tens of kW and output the measurement results. However, the second power measuring device 23b, which measures power consumption with a minimum unit of 100kW, does not change its measurement results until the measured power consumption reaches 100kW, and therefore cannot notify the second EMS server 30b of power consumption of several kW or tens of watts at an appropriate time. In other words, in customer 20b where the second power measuring device 23b with a large (coarse) measurement granularity is installed, the actual data may not be accurate.

[0079] Therefore, when the control unit 45 allocates the adjustment amount of the second energy resource 22b to the updated total control power, it may prioritize the second energy resource 22b owned by the customer 20b that has a second power measuring device 23b with a small (fine) measurement granularity installed. In other words, the control unit 45 may generate the second command information based on the measurement granularity of the second power measuring device 23b installed at the customer 20b.

[0080] As a result, the second energy resource 22b owned by the customer 20b, which is equipped with a second power measuring device 23b with a small (fine) measurement granularity, is controlled more frequently, thereby improving the accuracy of the actual data.

[0081] Furthermore, the measurement granularity of the second power measuring device 23b may vary depending on the type of power measuring device (whether it is a specified measuring instrument or an exceptional measuring instrument), and may also vary depending on the model even if the type of power measuring device is the same.

[0082] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, an example of a DR request in which a reduction in received power is requested was described, but a DR request may also request an increase in received power.

[0083] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the management system 10 includes a server that accepts the specification of an upper limit of received power (first EMS server 30a) and a server that accepts the individual control of energy resources (second EMS server 30b) under the management server 40. However, the management system 10 only needs to include two or more of the following under the management server 40: a server that accepts the specification of an upper limit of received power, a server that accepts the specification of a lower limit of received power, a server that accepts the specification of both the upper and lower limits of received power, and a server that accepts the individual control of energy resources.

[0084] Furthermore, while examples of DR requests related to forward power flow have been described, DR requests related to reverse power flow may also be used. For example, if power from the first or second energy resource is flowing in the reverse direction to grid 60, a DR request may be made to increase or decrease the amount of power flowing in the reverse direction.

[0085] Furthermore, individual control of energy resources may be achieved through communication between the management server 40 and the controller (second EMS controller 21b), and it is not necessary for a server (second EMS server 30b) to be intervened between the management server 40 and the controller.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the management server 40 only needs to have the function to generate both the first command information and the second command information, and it is not essential that it outputs (transmits) both the first command information and the second command information. For example, the control command that the management server 40 actually outputs (transmits) may be either the first command information or the second command information. In other words, the communication unit 41 of the management server 40 only needs to output at least one of the first command information and the second command information.

[0087] For example, if the total control power is reached by summing the first command values, it is sufficient to output the first command information, and there is no need to output the second command information.

[0088] Furthermore, the above embodiment described an example in which the management server 40 generates command information in accordance with multiple types of APIs corresponding to multiple EMS servers. In contrast, the management server 40 may be provided with multiple types of APIs, and an EMS server may select an API suitable for its EMS server from among the multiple types of APIs provided on the management server 40 and obtain command information through the selected API. For example, the management server 40 may have a first command information API and a second command information API, the first EMS server 30a may periodically call the first command information API to check whether first command information exists, and the second EMS server 30b may periodically call the second command information API to check whether second command information exists. Also, the management server 40 may have as many APIs as there are EMS servers.

[0089] [Effects, etc.] The following describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from such inventions.

[0090] Invention 1 is a management system 10 comprising a control unit 45 that generates first command information and second command information for controlling multiple energy resources provided in multiple consumers 20 in order to bring the total power received from the grid 60 of multiple consumers 20 closer to a target value, and a communication unit 41 that outputs at least one of the generated first command information and second command information, wherein the first command information is information for instructing the control of a first energy resource 22a provided in consumer 20a so that the power received from the grid 60 in consumer 20a, which is the target of the first command information, is below an upper limit value, and the second command information is information including the control content of a second energy resource 22b provided in consumer 20b, which is the target of the second command information. Consumer 20a is an example of a first consumer, and consumer 20b is an example of a second consumer.

[0091] Such a management system 10 can adapt to differences in the specifications (differences in API specifications) of control systems that receive commands for controlling energy resources.

[0092] Invention 2 is a management system 10 of Invention 1, wherein the communication unit 41 outputs first command information to a first control system that does not accept individual control of the first energy resource 22a, and outputs second command information to a second control system that accepts individual control of the second energy resource 22b. The first EMS 40a is an example of the first control system, and the second EMS 40b is an example of the second control system.

[0093] Such a management system 10 can adapt to differences in specifications regarding whether or not the control system that receives commands for controlling energy resources accepts individual control.

[0094] Invention 3 is a management system 10 of Invention 1 or 2, wherein the control unit 45 generates second command information based on the generated first command information.

[0095] Such a management system 10 can adapt to differences in specifications regarding whether or not the control system that receives commands for controlling energy resources accepts individual control.

[0096] Invention 4 is a management system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the control unit 45 generates second command information based on priority according to the type of second energy resource 22b.

[0097] Such a management system 10 can generate second command information based on the priority order corresponding to the type of second energy resource 22b.

[0098] Invention 5 is a management system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the control unit 45 generates second command information based on the measurement granularity of the second power measuring device 23b installed at the customer 20b.

[0099] Such a management system 10 can generate second command information based on the measurement granularity of the second power measuring device 23b installed at the customer 20b.

[0100] Invention 6 is a control system comprising a communication unit 31a that receives first command information output by a management system 10 of any of Inventions 1 to 5, and a control unit 45 that controls a first energy resource 22a based on the received first command information so that the power received from the grid 60 at the consumer 20a is below an upper limit or above a lower limit. The first EMS 40a is an example of a control system.

[0101] Such a control system can control the first energy resource 22a based on the first command information.

[0102] Invention 7 is a second EMS 40b comprising a communication unit 31b that receives second command information output by a management system 10 of any of Inventions 1 to 5, and a control unit 35b that controls a second energy resource 22b according to the control content contained in the received second command information. The second EMS 40b is an example of a control system.

[0103] Such a control system can control the second energy resource 22b based on the second command information.

[0104] Invention 8 is a control method performed by a computer system, comprising the steps S15 and S16 of generating first command information and second command information for controlling a plurality of energy resources provided in a plurality of consumers 20 in order to bring the total power received from a grid 60 by a plurality of consumers 20 closer to a target value, and the step S17 of outputting at least one of the generated first command information and second command information, wherein the first command information is information for instructing the control of a first energy resource 22a provided in a consumer 20a so that the power received from the grid 60 in the consumer 20a that is the target of the first command information is below an upper limit or above a lower limit, and the second command information is information including the control content of a second energy resource 22b provided in a consumer 20b that is the target of the second command information.

[0105] This type of control method can adapt to differences in the specifications of control systems that receive commands for controlling energy resources (differences in API specifications).

[0106] Invention 9 is a program for causing a computer system to execute the control method of Invention 8.

[0107] Such a program allows the computer system to adapt to differences in the specifications of control systems that receive commands for controlling energy resources (differences in API specifications).

[0108] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0109] For example, in the above embodiment, the management system was implemented by multiple devices. In this case, the processing performed by the devices or systems included in the management system may be distributed to other devices or systems. Alternatively, the management system may be implemented by a single device. Similarly, the control system may be implemented by multiple devices or by a single device.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processing units may be changed, or multiple processing units may be executed in parallel.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0112] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0113] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0114] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a management system, management server, or EMS server according to the above embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a method executed by a computer system such as a management system, management server, or EMS server, or as a program for causing a computer system to execute such a method. The present invention may also be implemented as a computer-readable, non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0115] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 10 Management Systems 20, 20a, 20b Consumer 21a First EMS Controller 21b Second EMS Controller 22a First Energy Resource 22b Second Energy Resource 23a First power measuring device 23b Second Power Measuring Device 30a 1st EMS Server 30b Second EMS Server 31a, 31b, 41 Communication Department 32a, 32b, 42 Information Processing Unit 33a, 33b, 43 storage section 34a, 34b, 44 Acquisition section 35a, 35b, 45 Control Unit 40 Management Server 50 Power Management Servers 60 lines

Claims

1. A control unit that generates first command information and second command information for controlling multiple energy resources provided at multiple consumers in order to bring the total power received from the grids of multiple consumers closer to a target value, The system includes a communication unit that outputs at least one of the generated first command information and the second command information, The first command information is information for instructing the control of a first energy resource provided at the first consumer, which is the target of the first command information among the plurality of consumers, so that the power received from the grid at the first consumer is below an upper limit or above a lower limit. The second command information includes information that contains the control details of a second energy resource provided at the second consumer, which is the target of the second command information, among the plurality of consumers. Management system.

2. The aforementioned communications unit is The first command information is output to a first control system that does not accept individual control of the first energy resource. The second command information is output to a second control system that accepts individual control of the second energy resource. The management system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit generates the second command information based on the first command information that has been generated. The management system according to claim 1.

4. The control unit generates the second command information based on the priority order corresponding to the type of the second energy resource. The management system according to claim 1.

5. The control unit generates the second command information based on the measurement granularity of the power measuring device installed at the second customer. The management system according to claim 1.

6. A communication unit that receives the first command information output by the management system described in any one of claims 1 to 5, The system includes a control unit that controls the first energy resource based on the received first command information so that the power received from the grid at the first consumer is below an upper limit or above a lower limit. Control system.

7. A communication unit that receives the second command information output by the management system described in any one of claims 1 to 5, The system includes a control unit that controls the second energy resource according to the control content included in the received second command information. Control system.

8. A control method performed by a computer system, The process involves generating first command information and second command information for controlling multiple energy resources provided to multiple consumers in order to bring the total power received from the grids of multiple consumers closer to a target value. The process includes the step of outputting at least one of the generated first command information and the second command information, The first command information is information for instructing the control of a first energy resource provided at the first consumer, which is the target of the first command information among the plurality of consumers, so that the power received from the grid at the first consumer is below an upper limit or above a lower limit. The second command information includes information that contains the control details of a second energy resource provided at the second consumer, which is the target of the second command information, among the plurality of consumers. Control method.

9. A program for causing the computer system to execute the control method described in claim 8.

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