Charging and discharging program, charging and discharging device, and charging and discharging method

Abstract

This invention provides a charge / discharge program, charge / discharge device, and charge / discharge method that automatically perform appropriate charging and discharging of solar power generation batteries without burdening the actions of electricity consumers. [Solution] A program to be executed by a charge / discharge device that controls the charging and discharging of a storage battery charged by solar power generation, the program to perform the steps of: acquiring information on the wholesale electricity market price and weather information in the area where the storage battery is installed; and controlling the charging and discharging of the storage battery according to the wholesale electricity market price and weather information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to charge / discharge control of a storage battery used in solar power generation.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, from the perspective of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), the use of clean energy such as solar power generation has been desired. On the other hand, since an output limit is provided for solar power generation, it is necessary to adjust the balance between the power generation supply amount provided by the supply side and the demand amount used by consumers.

[0003] For example, when the supply amount is large with respect to the demand amount, it is necessary to require consumers to change their behavior, such as promoting demand (raising DR (Demand Response)) or promoting power saving (lowering DR) when the supply amount is small. As an example, as a behavior change for consumers, for example, peak shifting of not using electricity when the unit price of electricity is at a peak has been proposed (Non-Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technology described in Non-Patent Document 1, the adjustment of electricity usage is entirely determined by the actions of the consumer, and the system cannot automatically adjust the usage. Therefore, the inventor conceived of controlling the charging and discharging of storage batteries used in solar power generation based on the wholesale electricity market price that indicates this peak shift in electricity and the weather information of the region, which is directly affected by the amount of electricity generated by solar power generation.

[0006] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a charging and discharging program, a charging and discharging device, and a charging and discharging method that automatically perform appropriate charging and discharging of a solar power generation battery without burdening the actions of electricity consumers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a program for a control unit that controls the charging and discharging of a storage battery charged by solar power generation, which includes the steps of: acquiring information on the wholesale electricity market price and weather information in the area where the storage battery is installed; and controlling the charging and discharging of the storage battery according to the wholesale electricity market price and weather information.

[0008] According to the present invention, information regarding the wholesale electricity market price and weather information in an area where a storage battery charged by solar power generation is installed is obtained, and charging and discharging of the storage battery are controlled according to the wholesale electricity market price and weather information.

[0009] Although this invention falls under the category of programs, devices and methods can also achieve similar functions and effects appropriate to their respective categories. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to automatically perform appropriate charging and discharging of storage batteries used in solar power generation without burdening the actions of electricity consumers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]This diagram illustrates the overview and system configuration of the charging and discharging system. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of the charging and discharging program. [Figure 3] This is a screenshot of the screen used by the user to configure the operating conditions and operation details of a charging and discharging device. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows an example of logic that defines the operating conditions and actions. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the various settings that users can configure for a charging and discharging device. [Figure 6] This is the screen operation flow for when a user sets the "charge / discharge time" using the remote control. [Figure 7] This is the screen operation flow for users setting "disaster prevention weather information" from the dedicated cloud of the charging / discharging system (SOLABOX). [Figure 8] This is the screen operation flow for users setting "electricity charges" from the dedicated cloud for the charging and discharging system (SOLABOX). [Figure 9] This is the screen operation flow for users setting "electricity charges" from the dedicated cloud for the charging and discharging system (SOLABOX). [Figure 10] This is an image of the screen used when a user sets the "Pricing Type" from the management screen of the charge / discharge device (DataHub). [Figure 11] This is an image of the screen used when a user changes the "Detailed Conditions" from the management screen of the charge / discharge device (DataHub). [Figure 12] This is an image of the screen used when a user changes the "nighttime charging conditions" from the management screen of the charging / discharging device (DataHub). [Figure 13] This is an image of the screen used when a user changes the "daytime charging conditions" from the management screen of the charge / discharge device (DataHub). [Figure 14] This is an image of the screen used when a user changes the "discharge conditions" from the management screen of the charge / discharge device (DataHub). [Figure 15] This is a diagram illustrating a weather information distribution service.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described in detail. In the following figures, the same elements are denoted by the same numbers or symbols throughout the description of the embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a charge / discharge system including a charge / discharge device that executes a charge / discharge program which is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The charge / discharge system (single-phase hybrid energy storage system “SOLABOX”) is composed of a solar power generation system, a battery system, and a charge / discharge device (DataHub) that controls the charge and discharge of the battery. The charge / discharge device is communicably connected to a computer that is connected to a public line such as the Internet and provides data on the wholesale electricity market price (in the case of Japan, a server that publicly discloses the website of the Japan Electric Power Exchange (JEPX), a general incorporated association, on the Internet, etc.) and a computer that provides weather information (a computer that provides a weather information distribution service, see FIG. 15). The weather information mainly provides solar irradiance data in a predetermined unit for each region and date and time.

[0014] The charge / discharge device is realized by an ordinary communicable computer, and by loading a charge / discharge program, it controls the charge and discharge based on the wholesale electricity market price and weather information. Note that the charge / discharge program may operate on a cloud server instead of on the charge / discharge device, and the battery may be charged and discharged via the Internet.

[0015] In addition, the charge / discharge device can be accessed by a portable terminal such as a computer terminal or a smartphone, and the user can arbitrarily change settings such as values of illuminance for charge and discharge and time such as discharge time.

[0016] The charge / discharge program is a charge / discharge program executed by a charge / discharge device that controls the charge and discharge of a storage battery charged by solar power generation, and includes the steps of: acquiring the wholesale electricity market price and weather information in the area where the storage battery is installed; and controlling the charge and discharge of the storage battery according to the wholesale electricity market price and weather information.

[0017] In this process, the acquisition step involves acquiring the solar irradiance of the area as weather information, and the control step involves performing a discharge at night if the solar irradiance on that day is above a predetermined level.

[0018] Furthermore, in the acquisition process, the solar irradiance of the area is acquired as weather information, and in the control process, if the solar irradiance on that day is above a predetermined level and surplus power generation is being performed, surplus charging is performed.

[0019] Furthermore, in the acquisition process, the solar irradiance of the area is acquired as weather information, and in the control process, if the solar irradiance on that day is above a predetermined level, and no surplus power generation is being performed, and the wholesale electricity market price is high, then discharge is performed for a predetermined time.

[0020] In addition, in the control process, if the amount of charge stored in the battery is below a predetermined threshold (for example, less than 50%) and the wholesale electricity market price is lower than the highest price of the day by a predetermined threshold (for example, 10%), charging is performed.

[0021] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of the program executed by the charging and discharging device. Note that the values ​​and times listed in this flowchart (for example, 300W or more, 0-5 hours, 7-hour discharge, less than 50% stored energy, electricity selling price 10% lower than the highest value, etc.) can be arbitrarily set by the user on the screen shown in Figure 3, which will be explained later. When processing begins at midnight, the system checks weather information to see if the daytime illuminance was above a predetermined value (300W or more in this case), meaning whether the weather was sunny. If it is above the predetermined value, meaning the weather was sunny, the system controls the discharge to occur between midnight and 5 AM. If it is below the predetermined value, meaning it was cloudy or rainy, the system controls the charging to occur for a predetermined time (2 hours in this case) between midnight and 5 AM, during the period when wholesale electricity market prices are low.

[0022] Next, the system determines if there is a surplus of power generation, and if there is, it controls the system to perform surplus charging. If there is no surplus power generation and the wholesale electricity market price is high between 5:00 AM and 12:00 AM, the system discharges for a predetermined period (7 hours in this case) during the time when the wholesale electricity market price is high, between 5:00 AM and 12:00 AM.

[0023] Furthermore, if the weather forecast for the day is incorrect and the battery charge level is below 50% at noon, and the electricity selling price is lower than the highest value (for example, within 24 hours) by a predetermined percentage (in this case, about 10%), the system will be controlled to charge at maximum power.

[0024] In this manner, charging and discharging (green mode) is performed. However, if a disaster warning such as a special warning is issued, the system is controlled to enter full-charge standby mode (safety mode). Once the disaster warning is lifted, the system is controlled to resume charging and discharging (green mode).

[0025] Figure 3 shows a screenshot of the screen where a user configures the conditions and operation details for each setting example of the charge / discharge device. In Figure 3, the conditions and operation details for charging and discharging (green mode) are set in settings 1 to 10. For example, in setting 1, you configure the conditions and actions for activating Green Mode. Setting 2 allows you to configure the conditions and operation for nighttime charging. Setting 3 sets the conditions and operation for activating Green Mode when the wholesale electricity market price is low for nighttime charging. Setting 4 sets the conditions and operation for discharging when the wholesale electricity market price is low for nighttime charging. Setting 5 configures the conditions and actions to be taken when the wholesale electricity market price is high, excluding nighttime charging. Setting 6 allows you to configure the conditions and actions for resetting at 5:00. Setting 7 sets the conditions and actions for selling electricity when the wholesale electricity market price is low. Setting 8 sets the conditions and operation for discharging electricity when the wholesale electricity market price is low. Setting 9 sets the conditions and operation for activating Green Mode when selling electricity at high wholesale electricity market prices. Setting 10 sets the conditions and actions for charging when the battery level is low during the daytime. The types and number of settings are not limited to these, and users can increase or decrease them as they see fit.

[0026] Figure 4 shows an example of logic defining the operating conditions and actions shown in Figure 3. In each example, the conditions are set under "IF" and the actions are described under "Then". The conditions and actions are not limited to these and can be arbitrarily set by the user.

[0027] Figure 5 shows the settings that users can configure for the charging and discharging device. Mandatory settings include "Charging and discharging time" set via the remote control, "Disaster prevention weather information" and "Electricity charges" set via the dedicated cloud for the charging and discharging system (SOLABOX), and "Charging type" set via the management screen of the charging and discharging device (DataHub). Optional settings include "Detailed conditions" which can be changed via the management screen of the charging and discharging device (DataHub), and these "Detailed conditions" include "Nighttime charging conditions," "Daytime charging conditions," and "Discharging conditions."

[0028] Figure 6 shows the screen operation flow when a user sets the "charge / discharge time" from the remote control. First, the user taps the top screen of the remote control, which moves to the next screen. The user selects the ">" at the top of the screen, which moves to the next screen. The user selects the "charge / discharge time period" on the screen, which moves to the next screen. The user cancels the charging time period by setting it to the same time, and sets the discharge time period to the longest possible setting, thereby setting the "charging time," which is a required setting item. Note that this setting may also be done from the dedicated cloud of the charge / discharge system (SOLABOX).

[0029] Figure 7 shows the screen operation flow when a user sets "Disaster Prevention Weather Information" from the dedicated cloud of the charging / discharging system (SOLABOX). First, the user selects "System / Power Plant" from the left menu, and the following screen is displayed. When the user clicks the edit icon at the top of the screen, the next screen pops up. When the user selects "Region Selection" on the screen, the "Disaster Prevention Weather Information" setting, which is a required condition, is set.

[0030] Figure 8 shows the screen operation flow when a user sets the "electricity rate" from the dedicated cloud of the charging / discharging system (SOLABOX). First, the user selects "System / Power Plant" from the left menu, and the following screen is displayed. When the user clicks the electricity rate icon at the top of the screen, the "Electricity Price Management" screen pops up. When the user left-clicks on this screen, the "Hint" screen pops up. When the user clicks the "Confirm" button, the "electricity rate," which is a required setting item, is set.

[0031] Figure 9 shows the screen operation flow when a user sets the "electricity rate" from the dedicated cloud of the charging / discharging system (SOLABOX). First, the user selects the "electricity rate" tab, then selects the mode as "automatic" and the region as the relevant power area jurisdiction, and then enters the shipping fee (an average of 20 yen / kWh or the price for each region) to set the "electricity rate," which is a required setting item.

[0032] Figure 10 shows a screenshot of the screen when a user sets the "Pricing Type" from the management screen of the charging / discharging device (DataHub). First, the user logs into the management screen of the charging / discharging device (DataHub), and when the user selects "Smart Scene" from the left menu, the judgment / action block shown in Figure 10 is displayed. When the user checks the "[Smart Time ONE]" checkbox, the "Pricing Type," which is a required setting item, is set. Note that the "[Common]" checkbox is in the ON state.

[0033] Figure 11 shows a screenshot of the screen when a user changes the "Detailed Conditions" from the management screen of the charge / discharge device (DataHub). First, the user logs into the management screen of the charge / discharge device (DataHub), and when the user selects "Smart Scene" from the left menu, the judgment / action block shown in Figure 10 is displayed. When the user hovers the cursor over the upper right corner of the "[Smart Time ONE]" judgment / action block, "Edit" is displayed, and when the user selects "Edit," the screen for changing the "Nighttime Charging Conditions," "Daytime Charging Conditions," and "Discharge Conditions," which will be explained below, is displayed.

[0034] Figure 12 shows an image of the screen when a user changes the "nighttime charging conditions" from the management screen of the charge / discharge device (DataHub). On this screen, the user can change the "solar radiation threshold," "charging time period," "charging duration," "charging power setting," and "storage amount setting."

[0035] Figure 13 shows an image of the screen when a user changes the "daytime charging conditions" from the management screen of the charge / discharge device (DataHub). On this screen, users can change the "remaining charge check time," "charging start time," "remaining charge threshold," "threshold for the ratio of the list price to the highest electricity selling price," "charging power setting," and "storage amount setting."

[0036] Figure 14 shows an image of the screen when a user changes the "discharge conditions" from the management screen of the charge / discharge device (DataHub). On this screen, the "dischargeable time period" and "dischargeable duration" can be changed. Note that "power sold" is a condition for discharge and therefore cannot be changed.

[0037] Figure 15 illustrates the weather information distribution service. The charging and discharging system (SOLABOX) obtains weather forecasts, weather observation data, and various weather information such as earthquakes and tsunamis from a computer providing weather information distribution services via various information networks such as the Internet. The various weather information is provided in file formats such as XML format data, GPV (Grid Point Value) data, weather radar images, and weather satellite images.

[0038] The means and functions described above are realized by a computer (including the CPU, information processing unit, and various terminals) reading and executing a predetermined program. The program may be provided, for example, via a network from the computer (SaaS: Software as a Service) or as a cloud service. Alternatively, the program may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. In this case, the computer reads the program from the recording medium, transfers it to an internal or external recording device, records it, and executes it. Alternatively, the program may be pre-recorded on a recording device (recording medium) and provided to the computer from that recording device via a communication line.

[0039] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferred effects arising from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] (1) A program executed by a charge / discharge device that controls the charging and discharging of a storage battery that is charged by solar power generation, The process of obtaining information on wholesale electricity market prices and weather information in the area where the battery storage system is installed, A step of controlling the charging and discharging of the storage battery in accordance with the aforementioned wholesale electricity market price and weather information, A program for charging and discharging to perform this operation.

[0041] (2) In the process of obtaining the above information, the solar irradiance of the area is obtained as the weather information, The charging and discharging program described in (1) is used in the control process, in which, if the solar irradiance on that day is above a predetermined level, discharge is performed at night.

[0042] (3) In the process of obtaining the above information, the solar irradiance of the area is obtained as the weather information, The charging and discharging program described in (1) is used in the control process described above, in which case, if the solar irradiance for the day is above a predetermined level and surplus power generation is being performed, surplus charging is performed.

[0043] (4) In the process of obtaining the above information, the solar irradiance of the area is obtained as the weather information, The charging and discharging program described in (1) is used in the control process described above, in which case, if the solar irradiance on that day is above a predetermined level, and no surplus power generation is being performed, and the wholesale electricity market price is high, the program is used to discharge for a predetermined time.

[0044] (5) The charging and discharging program according to claim 1, wherein in the control step, charging is performed if the amount of charge stored in the storage battery is less than a predetermined threshold (for example, less than 50%) and the wholesale electricity market price is lower than the highest price of the day by a predetermined threshold (for example, 10%).

[0045] (6) A charge / discharge device for controlling the charging and discharging of a storage battery used in solar power generation, An acquisition unit that acquires electricity wholesale market prices and weather information in the area where the battery is installed, A charge / discharge device that controls the charging and discharging process according to the aforementioned wholesale electricity market price and weather information.

[0046] (7) A charging and discharging method for controlling the charging and discharging of a storage battery used for solar power generation, The process includes obtaining the wholesale electricity market price and weather information in the area where the battery storage system is installed, A charging and discharging method comprising the step of controlling the charging and discharging in accordance with the aforementioned wholesale electricity market price and weather information.

Claims

1. A program executed by a charge / discharge device that controls the charging and discharging of a storage battery charged by solar power generation, The process includes obtaining the wholesale electricity market price and weather information in the area where the battery storage system is installed, A step of controlling the charging and discharging of the storage battery in accordance with the information on the wholesale electricity market price and weather information, A program for charging and discharging to perform this operation.

2. In the process of acquiring the above information, the solar irradiance of the area is acquired as the weather information. The charge / discharge program according to claim 1, wherein in the control step, if the solar irradiance on that day is above a predetermined level, discharge is performed at night.

3. In the process of acquiring the above information, the solar irradiance of the area is acquired as the weather information. The charge / discharge program according to claim 1, wherein in the control step, if the solar irradiance on that day is above a predetermined level and surplus power generation is being performed, surplus charging is performed.

4. In the process of acquiring the above information, the solar irradiance of the area is acquired as the weather information. The charging and discharging program according to claim 1, wherein in the control step, if the solar irradiance on that day is above a predetermined level, and no surplus power generation is being performed, and the wholesale electricity market price is high, the program discharges for a predetermined time.

5. The charging and discharging program according to claim 1, wherein in the control step, charging is performed if the amount of charge stored in the battery is less than a predetermined threshold and the wholesale electricity market price is lower than the highest price of the day by a predetermined threshold.

6. A charge / discharge device that controls the charging and discharging of a storage battery used in solar power generation, An acquisition unit that acquires electricity wholesale market prices and weather information in the area where the battery is installed, A charge / discharge device that controls the charging and discharging process according to the aforementioned wholesale electricity market price and weather information.

7. A charging and discharging method for controlling the charging and discharging of a storage battery used in solar power generation, The process includes obtaining the wholesale electricity market price and weather information in the area where the battery storage system is installed, A charging and discharging method comprising the step of controlling the charging and discharging in accordance with the aforementioned wholesale electricity market price and weather information.

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