Power management device, power management system, and power management method

Abstract

The present invention provides a power management device, a power management system, and a power management method that enable appropriate stabilization of the power grid in a predetermined area. [Solution] The power management device comprises a management unit for managing one or more target facilities, an acquisition unit for acquiring predicted power demand for a predetermined area where the target facilities and other facilities exist for an observation period including two or more unit times, an identification unit for identifying a specific unit time from among the two or more unit times in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized, and a control unit for executing specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facilities during the specific unit time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power management device, a power management system, and a power management method.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a power retailer that purchases power from a power generation company and sells the purchased power to facilities. The power retailer manages the power threshold value of each facility managed by the power retailer, and calculates an excess charge for the demanded power exceeding the power threshold value for each of the facilities managed by the power retailer (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, from the viewpoint of stabilizing the power grid of a predetermined area, it is preferable to suppress the maximum demanded power of the entire predetermined area.

[0005] However, in the above-described technology, although it may be possible to suppress the maximum demanded power as a facility managed by the power retailer, it is not possible to suppress the maximum demanded power of the entire predetermined area, and there is a possibility that the stabilization of the power grid of the predetermined area cannot be appropriately achieved.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power management device, a power management system, and a power management method that enable appropriate stabilization of the power grid of a predetermined area.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The power management device disclosed comprises: a management unit for managing one or more target facilities; an acquisition unit for acquiring predicted power demand for a predetermined area where the target facilities and other facilities exist, for an observation period including two or more unit times; an identification unit for identifying a specific unit time from among the two or more unit times in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized; and a control unit for executing specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facilities during the specific unit time.

[0008] The power management system disclosed comprises: a management unit for managing one or more target facilities; an acquisition unit for acquiring predicted power demand for a predetermined area where the target facilities and other facilities exist, for an observation period including two or more unit times; an identification unit for identifying a specific unit time from among the two or more unit times in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized; and a control unit for executing specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facilities during the specific unit time.

[0009] The power management method disclosed comprises the steps of: managing one or more target facilities; acquiring predicted power demand for a predetermined area where the target facilities and other facilities exist for an observation period including two or more unit times; identifying a specific unit time from among the two or more unit times in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized; and executing specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facilities during the specific unit time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power management device, a power management system, and a power management method that enable appropriate stabilization of the power grid in a predetermined area. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a power management system 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows a facility 300 according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a power management device 200 according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an application scenario according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an application scenario according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an application scenario according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a power management method according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, the drawings are schematic.

[0013] [Embodiment] (Power management system) The following describes a power management system according to an embodiment of this system.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the power management system 100 includes a power management device 200, facilities 300, and a third-party server 400. In Figure 1, facilities 300A to 300F are shown as examples of facilities 300.

[0015] The power management device 200, the facility 300, and the third-party server 400 are connected to the network 120. The network 120 only needs to provide the lines between the power management device 200 and the facility 300, and between the power management device 200 and the third-party server 400. For example, the network 120 may include the internet. The network 120 may also include a dedicated line such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

[0016] Each facility 300 is connected to the power grid 110. In the following, the flow of power from the power grid 110 to the facility 300 is referred to as the power flow, and the flow of power from the facility 300 to the power grid 110 is referred to as the reverse power flow. The power flow from the power grid 110 to the facility 300 may also be referred to as the demand power. The demand power may be a concept that includes the reverse power flow from the facility 300 to the power grid 110. In such a case, the power flow may be represented by a positive value, and the reverse power flow may be represented by a negative value. The power flow may be reinterpreted as the purchased power that the facility 300 purchases, and the reverse power flow may be reinterpreted as the sold power that the facility 300 sells.

[0017] In the embodiment, the facilities 300A to 300F are an example of facilities connected to the power grid 110 installed in a predetermined area. The predetermined area may be considered to be an area under the jurisdiction of an entity (e.g., a power generation company or a power transmission and distribution company) that provides infrastructure such as the power grid 110. The predetermined area may be an area divided according to other criteria. Under such a premise, the facilities 300A to 300C may be an example of the target facilities managed by the power management device 200. The facilities 300D to 300F may be an example of facilities other than the target facilities managed by the power management device 200.

[0018] The power management device 200 is an example of a power management device that adjusts the power balance of the power grid 110. The power management device 200 is a server managed by an entity such as a power generation company, a power transmission and distribution company, a retail company, or a resource aggregator. The resource aggregator may be a power company that provides reverse power flow to power generation companies, power transmission and distribution companies, and retail companies, etc. in a VPP (Virtual Power Plant). The resource aggregator may be a power company that generates the reduced power of the power flow (power consumption) of the facility 300 managed by the resource aggregator.

[0019] The power management device 200 transmits a control message instructing control of distributed power sources (for example, a solar power generation device 310, a power storage device 320, or a fuel cell device 330) installed in the facility 300 to the local control device 360 installed in the facility 300. For example, the power management device 200 may transmit a power flow control message requesting control of the power flow, or may transmit a reverse power flow control message requesting control of the reverse power flow. Further, the power management device 200 may transmit a power source control message for controlling the operating state of the distributed power source. The degree of control of the power flow or the reverse power flow may be represented by an absolute value (for example, ○○ kW) or a relative value (for example, ○○%). Alternatively, the degree of control of the power flow or the reverse power flow may be represented by two or more levels. The degree of control of the power flow or the reverse power flow may be represented by a power tariff (RTP; Real Time Pricing) determined by the current power supply and demand balance, or may be represented by a power tariff (TOU; Time Of Use) determined by the past power supply and demand balance.

[0020] The third-party server 400 is a server managed by an entity different from the entity that manages the power management device 200. The third-party server 400 may be a server managed by an entity that provides infrastructure such as the power grid 110. The third-party server 400 may be a server managed by a wide-area organization that aims to stably supply power in a wide area including at least a predetermined area. In an embodiment, the third-party server 400 may manage information indicating the predicted demand power of at least a predetermined area (hereinafter, demand power prediction information). The third-party server 400 may manage information indicating the actual demand power of at least a predetermined area (hereinafter, demand power actual performance information).

[0021] While not particularly limited, the third-party server 400 may manage the power demand forecast information or actual power demand information for a predetermined area by acquiring power demand forecast information or actual power demand information for each facility 300 located in the predetermined area. The third-party server 400 may also manage the power demand forecast information or actual power demand information for a predetermined area by acquiring power demand forecast information or actual power demand information for each business operator from each business operator managing the facilities 300 located in the predetermined area.

[0022] The third-party server 400 may send an adjustment message to the power management device 200 requesting adjustment of the supply-demand balance of the power grid 110. The adjustment message may include a message requesting a reduction in the power demand of the power grid (a DR (Demand Response) message). The adjustment message may also include a message requesting a reduction in the power supply of the power grid (an output suppression message).

[0023] In this embodiment, communication between the power management device 200 and the local control device 360 ​​is performed according to a first protocol. On the other hand, communication between the local control device 360 ​​and the distributed power sources (solar cell device 310, energy storage device 320, or fuel cell device 330) is performed according to a second protocol. For example, the first protocol can be a protocol compliant with Open ADR (Automated Demand Response) or a proprietary dedicated protocol. For example, the second protocol can be a protocol compliant with ECHONET Lite®, SEP (Smart Energy Profile) 2.0, KNX, or a proprietary dedicated protocol. For example, both the first and second protocols may be proprietary dedicated protocols, and they may be protocols created with different rules. However, the first and second protocols may be protocols created with the same rules.

[0024] (facility) The facilities according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the facility 300 includes a solar cell device 310, an energy storage device 320, a fuel cell device 330, load equipment 340, a local control device 360, and a measuring device 390.

[0026] The solar cell system 310 is a distributed power source that generates electricity in response to light such as sunlight. The solar cell system 310 may be an example of a distributed power source used in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). For example, the solar cell system 310 consists of a Power Conditioning System (PCS) and solar panels.

[0027] The energy storage device 320 is a distributed power source that charges and discharges electricity. The energy storage device 320 may be an example of a distributed power source used in a VPP. For example, the energy storage device 320 is composed of a PCS and battery cells. The power charged by the energy storage device 320 may contribute to an increase in the power demand of the facility 300, similar to the power consumed by the load equipment 340. The power discharged by the energy storage device 320 may be consumed by the load equipment 340. If reverse power flow using the output power of the energy storage device 320 is permitted, the power discharged by the energy storage device 320 may contribute to an increase in the reverse power flow of the facility 300.

[0028] The fuel cell system 330 is a distributed power source that generates electricity using fuel. The fuel cell system 330 may be an example of a distributed power source used in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). For example, the fuel cell system 330 is composed of a power conditioning system (PCS) and a fuel cell.

[0029] For example, the fuel cell device 330 may be a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), or a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC).

[0030] Load equipment 340 is equipment that consumes electricity. For example, load equipment 340 may include air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, AV (Audio Visual) equipment, etc.

[0031] The local control device 360 ​​is an Energy Management System (EMS) that manages the power of the facility 300. The local control device 360 ​​may control the operating state of the solar cell device 310, the energy storage device 320, or the fuel cell device 330. The local control device 360 ​​may also control the operating state of the load equipment 340.

[0032] The measuring device 390 measures the power related to facility 300. The measuring device 390 may measure the power flow from power grid 110 to facility 300 as the power related to facility 300. The measuring device 390 may also measure the power flow from facility 300 to power grid 110 as the power related to facility 300. The measuring device 390 may transmit a message containing information elements indicating the power related to facility 300 in the first cycle (e.g., 1 minute). The measuring device 390 may transmit the message to the local control device 360 ​​or to the power management device 200. The measuring device 390 may transmit the message autonomously or in response to a request from the recipient. For example, the measuring device 390 may be a Smart Meter belonging to an entity that provides power grid 110.

[0033] (power management device) The power management device according to an embodiment will be described below.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the power management device 200 includes a management unit 210, a communication unit 220, and a control unit 230. The power management device 200 may also be an example of a VTN (Virtual Top Node).

[0035] The management unit 210 is composed of non-volatile memory and / or storage media such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0036] For example, the management unit 210 manages data relating to facilities 300 managed by the power management device 200. Facilities 300 managed by the power management device 200 may also be facilities 300 that have a contract with the entity that manages the power management device 200. As described above, facilities 300A to 300C are examples of target facilities managed by the power management device 200. Facilities 300D to 300F are examples of facilities other than target facilities managed by the power management device 200.

[0037] For example, the data relating to facility 300 may be the demand power supplied to facility 300 from the power grid 110, or it may be the power reduced at each facility 300 in response to a demand response (DR) for the entire power grid 110. The data relating to facility 300 may also be the type of distributed power source (solar cell system 310, energy storage system 320, or fuel cell system 330) installed at facility 300, the specifications of the distributed power source (solar cell system 310, energy storage system 320, or fuel cell system 330) installed at facility 300, etc. The specifications may be the rated power generation power (W) of the solar cell system 310, the maximum output power (W) of the energy storage system 320, or the maximum output power (W) of the fuel cell system 330. Furthermore, the data relating to facility 300 may also be the output power instructed to the distributed power source in the past. For example, if the distributed power source is an energy storage system 320, the data relating to facility 300 may be the discharge power instructed to the energy storage system 320. The data relating to facility 300 may also be the degree of degradation of the distributed power source. For example, if the distributed power source is an energy storage device 320, the data relating to the facility 300 may be the State of Health (SOH) of the energy storage device 320.

[0038] The communication unit 220 is comprised of a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module compliant with standards such as IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, or 5G, or it may be a wired communication module compliant with standards such as IEEE 802.3.

[0039] The communication unit 220 communicates with the local control unit 360 via the network 120. The communication unit 220 communicates according to the first protocol, as described above. For example, the communication unit 220 sends a first message to the local control unit 360 according to the first protocol. The communication unit 220 receives a first message response from the local control unit 360 according to the first protocol.

[0040] For example, the communication unit 220 receives a message from facility 300 (e.g., local control device 360, measuring device 390) that includes an information element indicating the power demand supplied from the power system 110 to facility 300. The power demand may also be a value measured by the measuring device 390 described above. The power demand may also be the power consumption of the load equipment 340 minus the output power of the distributed power sources (solar cell device 310, energy storage device 320, fuel cell device 330). If the energy storage device 320 is performing a charging operation, the power demand may also be the sum of the charging power of the energy storage device 320 and the power consumption of the load equipment 340 minus the output power of the distributed power sources.

[0041] In this embodiment, the communication unit 220 may communicate with a third-party server 400 via the network 120. The communication unit 220 may receive power demand forecast information from the third-party server 400, which indicates the predicted power demand for a predetermined area. The communication unit 220 may be an example of an acquisition unit that acquires the predicted power demand for a predetermined area where the target facility and other facilities exist for an observation period including two or more unit times. The communication unit 220 may also receive actual power demand information from the third-party server 400, which indicates the actual power demand for a predetermined area.

[0042] The control unit 230 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may consist of a single integrated circuit, or it may consist of a plurality of communicatively connected circuits (integrated circuit(s) and / or discrete circuit(s), etc.).

[0043] For example, the control unit 230 controls each component of the power management device 200. Specifically, the control unit 230 instructs the local control device 360 ​​installed in the facility 300 to control the distributed power sources (solar cell device 310, energy storage device 320, or fuel cell device 330) installed in the facility 300 by sending a control message. As described above, the control message may be a power flow control message, a reverse power flow control message, or a power supply control message.

[0044] In this embodiment, the control unit 230 may be an example of a unit that identifies a specific unit time from among two or more unit time periods in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized. The control unit 230 may also be an example of a control unit that performs specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facility during the specific unit time period.

[0045] (Applicable scenarios) The following describes application scenarios according to the embodiment.

[0046] Firstly, the premises of the embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 illustrates the power demand of a predetermined area (for example, the power demand of facility 300 connected to the power system 110 described above). The power demand of the predetermined area is the sum of the power demand of the target facilities managed by the power management device 200 (for example, facilities 300A to 300C) and the power demand of facilities other than the target facilities managed by the power management device 200 (for example, facilities 300D to 300F). Here, business operator A is an example of an entity that manages the power management device 200. Business operators B and C are examples of entities other than the entity that manages the power management device 200.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, in an observation period containing two or more unit times, the power demand in a given area is the sum of the power demands of businesses A to C. For example, the unit time may be 30 minutes or 1 hour. The observation period may be 1 week or 1 month. Note that the power demand of a business in a unit time may be expressed as the average value of the power demand (purchased power) of the 300 facilities managed by the business.

[0048] The observation period may be selected from a period in which the power demand in a given area is expected to be high. Two or more observation periods may be selected. In Figure 4, observation period #1 to observation period #3 are shown as examples of observation periods. For example, if the observation period is one month, observation period #1 to observation period #3 may be one month in the summer (July, August, September) or one month in the winter (December, January, February), respectively.

[0049] In such cases, from the viewpoint of stabilizing the power grid 110, it is preferable to suppress the peak of power demand in a predetermined area. The peak is the maximum value of power demand per unit time. For example, it is preferable to suppress peak #1 in observation period #1, peak #2 in observation period #2, and peak #3 in observation period #3.

[0050] However, the unit time during which a peak in power demand is predicted to occur in a given area is affected by the power demand of facilities other than the target facilities managed by the power management device 200. Therefore, it may not coincide with the unit time during which a peak in power demand is predicted to occur at the target facilities managed by the power management device 200. Consequently, the power management device 200 may not be able to suppress the peak in power demand in the given area solely by suppressing the peak in power demand at the target facilities.

[0051] Secondly, the operation of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figures 5 and 6 mainly describe the unit time (peak #1 to peak #3) during which peaks in power demand in a predetermined area are predicted to occur.

[0052] For example, as shown in Figure 5, at peak #1, the predicted power demand for a given area is 9 million kW, the predicted power demand for company A is 3.6 million kW, the predicted power demand for company B is 3 million kW, and the predicted power demand for company C is 2.4 million kW. At peak #2, the predicted power demand for a given area is 12.6 million kW, the predicted power demand for company A is 6 million kW, the predicted power demand for company B is 3 million kW, and the predicted power demand for company C is 3.6 million kW. At peak #3, the predicted power demand for a given area is 8.4 million kW, the predicted power demand for company A is 3 million kW, the predicted power demand for company B is 2.4 million kW, and the predicted power demand for company C is 3 million kW.

[0053] For example, assuming that power demand progresses as predicted for the sake of simplicity, and considering the sum of Peak #1 to Peak #3, the ratio of power demand from business operator A to the total power demand in the designated area is 42% (12.6 million kW / 30 million kW), the ratio of power demand from business operator B to the total power demand in the designated area is 28% (8.4 million kW / 30 million kW), and the ratio of power demand from business operator A to the total power demand in the designated area is 30% (9 million kW / 30 million kW).

[0054] In such cases, as described above, the embodiment focuses on the possibility that the unit time during which the peak power demand in a predetermined area is predicted to occur may not coincide with the unit time during which the peak power demand in the target facility is predicted to occur. Based on this new challenge, the power management device 200 performs the following operations.

[0055] Firstly, the power management device 200 may obtain predicted power demand for a predetermined area by receiving power demand forecast information from a third-party server 400 for the observation period. The power management device 200 may also obtain actual power demand for a predetermined area by receiving power demand actual information from a third-party server 400 for the observation period. The power management device 200 may manage the predicted and actual power demand for a predetermined area on a per-unit time basis.

[0056] Secondly, the power management device 200 identifies a specific unit time from among two or more unit time periods included in the observation period during which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized. For example, the power management device 200 identifies the unit time during which the predicted power demand is maximum as a specific unit time by comparing the predicted power demand for each unit time. The power management device 200 may also identify a unit time during which the predicted power demand is expected to be greater than the actual power demand as a specific unit time. The specific unit time is synonymous with the unit time during which the peak of power demand in a given area is expected to occur.

[0057] Thirdly, the power management device 200 executes specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facility in a specific unit of time. The specific control executed in a specific unit of time may be referred to as the first specific control. In the specific control, the power management device 200 may transmit a control command to the target facility instructing it to suppress the power consumption of the load equipment 340 of the target facility. In the specific control, the power management device 200 may transmit a control command to the target facility instructing it to increase the discharge power of the energy storage device 320 of the target facility.

[0058] Here, the specific control may include the discharge control of the target energy storage device (energy storage device 320) installed in the target facility, but may not include the discharge control of energy storage devices installed outside the target facility. Energy storage devices installed outside the target facility may include energy storage devices owned by the entity that manages the power management device 200 and capable of supplying power to the power grid 110. Energy storage devices installed outside the target facility may also include energy storage devices installed in the target facility but owned by a third party other than the owner of the target facility (hereinafter referred to as third-party energy storage devices). However, third-party energy storage devices may be considered as target energy storage devices installed in the target facility.

[0059] For example, assuming that power demand progresses as predicted for the sake of simplicity, as a result of such specific control, as shown in Figure 6, in a specific unit time when peak #1 is predicted to occur, the power demand of business operator A may be suppressed from 3.6 million kW to 2.6 million kW. In a specific unit time when peak #2 is predicted to occur, the power demand of business operator A may be suppressed from 6 million kW to 5.2 million kW. In a specific unit time when peak #3 is predicted to occur, the power demand of business operator A may be suppressed from 3 million kW to 2.8 million kW.

[0060] For example, considering the sum of peaks #1 to #3 after specific control, the ratio of power demand from operator A to the total power demand in the designated area is 38% (10.6 million kW / 28 million kW), the ratio of power demand from operator B to the total power demand in the designated area is 30% (8.4 million kW / 28 million kW), and the ratio of power demand from operator A to the total power demand in the designated area is 32% (9 million kW / 28 million kW).

[0061] (Power management method) The power management method according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0062] As shown in Figure 7, in step S10, the power management device 200 receives forecast power demand information for a predetermined area from a third-party server 400. The power management device 200 may also receive actual power demand information for a predetermined area from the third-party server 400.

[0063] In step S11, the power management device 200 may receive demand forecast information for each target facility. The power management device 200 may also receive actual demand information for each target facility. However, the processing in step S11 may be omitted.

[0064] In step S12, the power management device 200 identifies a specific unit time from among two or more unit time periods included in the observation period in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized. The power management device 200 may also identify a specific unit time in which the predicted power demand is expected to be greater than the actual power demand.

[0065] In step S13, the power management device 200 performs specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facility in a specific unit of time. In the specific control, the power management device 200 transmits various control commands to the target facility. The control commands may include a control command instructing the suppression of power consumption of the load equipment 340 of the target facility, and may also include a control command instructing an increase in the discharge power of the energy storage device 320 of the target facility.

[0066] In step S14, each target facility reduces its power demand for a specific unit of time.

[0067] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) In this embodiment, the power management device 200 identifies a specific unit time from among two or more unit time periods included in the observation period during which the predicted power demand of a predetermined area is expected to be maximized, and performs specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facility during that specific unit time. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the peak power demand of the predetermined area, rather than the peak power demand of the target facility managed by the power management device 200, thereby appropriately stabilizing the power grid 110 in the predetermined area.

[0068] [Example of change 1] The following describes Example 1 of the modified embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the embodiment.

[0069] Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiments described above, in Modification Example 1, the power management device 200 may perform specific control during the observation period instead of during periods other than the observation period.

[0070] As described above, the observation period may be a period in which the power demand in a given area is expected to be high. Therefore, even if specific control is not performed during periods other than the observation period, the likelihood of the stabilization of the power system 110 being hindered is low, and the operational policy of the power management device 200 or facility 300 may take precedence during periods other than the observation period.

[0071] [Example of change 2] The following describes a modified example of the embodiment 2. The following primarily describes the differences from the original embodiment.

[0072] Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiments described above, in Modification Example 2, the power management device 200 may perform specific control so that the power demand of the target facility does not fall below a first threshold during a specific unit time. The first threshold may be determined based on the maximum value of the predicted power demand for a unit time other than the specific unit time, or it may be determined based on the maximum value of the actual power demand for a unit time other than the specific unit time.

[0073] With this configuration, the power management device 200 can suppress the situation in which the unit time during which the peak of power demand in a predetermined area occurs shifts to a unit time other than the specified unit time as a result of specific control. [Example of change 3] The following describes a third modified embodiment. The differences from the original embodiment will be explained below.

[0074] Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiments described above, in Modification Example 3, the power management device 200 may perform specific control during the controlled time which includes a specific unit time. The controlled time is longer than the specific unit time and may include the time before the specific unit time, the time after the specific unit time, or the time before and after the specific unit time.

[0075] Under these conditions, the power management device 200 may perform specific control at times other than the specified unit time of the controlled time so as not to exceed the second threshold for the power demand of the target facility. The second threshold may be determined based on the power demand of a predetermined area at the specified unit time to which the specific control is applied. Specific control performed at times other than the specified unit time of the controlled time may be referred to as second specific control.

[0076] With this configuration, the power management device 200 can suppress the increase in power demand associated with the application of specific control before and after a specific unit time to which specific control is applied, thereby preventing the unit time in which the peak power demand in a given area occurs from shifting to a unit time before or after the specific unit time.

[0077] [Example of change 4] The following describes a modification example 4 of the embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the embodiment.

[0078] Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiments described above, the specific control may include control to ensure the discharge power of the target energy storage device during a specific unit time. That is, when a specific unit time is specified, the power management device 200 may assume discharge control of the target energy storage device during that specific unit time. The power management device 200 controls the charging or discharging of the target energy storage device before the start of the specific unit time so that the remaining energy storage capacity of the target energy storage device is a desired amount at the start of the specific unit time. For example, the power management device 200 may increase the charging power of the target energy storage device or suppress the discharge power of the target energy storage device before the start of the specific unit time.

[0079] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the embodiments described above, the descriptions and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0080] The above disclosure describes a case in which the specific control includes discharge control of a target energy storage device (energy storage device 320) installed at the target facility. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. The specific control may also include control to increase the output of a target distributed power source installed at the target facility. The target distributed power source may include a fuel cell device 330. The target distributed power source may include electric vehicles that may be installed (connected) to the target facility, or fuel cell vehicles that may be installed (connected) to the target facility. The target distributed power source may also include biomass power generation equipment, tidal power generation equipment, wind power generation equipment, and private generators installed at the target facility. In such cases, the specific control may include control to ensure room to increase the output power of the target distributed power source in a specific unit time. The room to increase the output power of the target distributed power source may be considered as the difference from the rated output power of the target distributed power source. For example, the power management device 200 may control the output power of the target distributed power source to be a first power that is smaller than the rated output power before the start of a specific unit time, and control the output power of the target distributed power source to be a second power that is larger than the first power in a specific unit time.

[0081] The disclosure described above explains a case in which specific control includes discharge control of the target energy storage device (energy storage device 320) installed in the target facility. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. Specific control may also include control to suppress the power consumption of load equipment 340 installed in the target facility.

[0082] In the disclosure described above, the power management device 200 receives power demand forecast information for a predetermined area from a third-party server 400. However, the disclosure described above is not limited to this. For example, if the power management device 200 is managed by business operator A, it may obtain power demand forecast information for facilities managed by business operators other than business operator A (e.g., business operators B and C) from business operators other than business operator A.

[0083] In the disclosure described above, the power management device 200 receives power demand performance information for a predetermined area from a third-party server 400. However, the disclosure described above is not limited to this. For example, if the power management device 200 is managed by business operator A, it may obtain power demand performance information for facilities managed by business operators other than business operator A (e.g., business operators B and C) from business operators other than business operator A.

[0084] Although not specifically mentioned in the disclosure above, if the power management device 200 is managed by business operator A, other business operators (for example, business operators B and C) may also perform the specific control described above. In such a case, the power management device 200 managed by business operator A may estimate the predicted power demand per unit time, assuming that other business operators will perform the specific control, and specify a specific unit time based on the estimated predicted power demand.

[0085] Although not specifically mentioned in the disclosure above, the power demand of each facility 300 may be individually controlled so that the power demand for a certain period of time (for example, 30 minutes) does not exceed the target power. Such control may be called individual peak cut control for each facility 300. In such a case, specific control for suppressing the peak power demand in a predetermined area may be considered a different control from the individual peak cut control for each facility 300. The power management device 200 may estimate the predicted power demand for each unit time, assuming that individual peak cut control for each facility 300 is performed, and specify a specific unit time based on the estimated predicted power demand.

[0086] Although not specifically mentioned in the disclosure above, the power management device 200 may receive demand power forecast information for a predetermined area, which is updated in a first cycle (e.g., half a day, one day, one week, one month, one year), from a third-party server 400. The power management device 200 may also receive actual demand power information for a predetermined area, which is updated in a second cycle (e.g., one minute, 30 minutes, one hour), from a third-party server 400. The second cycle may be shorter than the first cycle.

[0087] Although not specifically mentioned in the disclosure above, the disclosure above may contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 13 (Climate Action). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 100...Power management system, 110...Power grid, 120...Network, 200...Power management device, 210...Management unit, 220...Communication unit, 230...Control unit, 300...Facility, 310...Solar cell device, 320...Energy storage device, 330...Fuel cell device, 340...Load device, 360...Local control device, 390...Measurement device, 400...Third-party server

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires the predicted power demand for a predetermined area where the target facility and other facilities exist, A selection unit that identifies a specific unit time from among two or more unit time periods within a predetermined observation period in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized, A device comprising: a control unit that, during the specified unit time, executes a specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facility without instructing other facilities to suppress power demand.

2. An acquisition unit that acquires the predicted power demand for a predetermined area where the target facility and other facilities exist, A device comprising: a special unit that, in order to suppress the power demand of the target facility, without instructing facilities other than the target facility to suppress power demand, identifies a specific unit time from among two or more unit time periods within a predetermined observation period in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized.

3. A device comprising a control unit that, during a specific unit time selected from two or more unit time periods within a predetermined observation period, when the predicted power demand of the target facility and other facilities located in a predetermined area is expected to be at its maximum, executes a specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facility without instructing other facilities to suppress their power demand.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the control unit does not perform the specific control during periods other than the predetermined observation period, but performs the specific control during the predetermined observation period.

5. The steps include obtaining the predicted power demand for a predetermined area where the target facility and other facilities exist, The steps include: identifying a specific unit time from among two or more unit time periods within a predetermined observation period in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized; A method comprising the step of executing a specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facility during the specified unit time, without instructing facilities other than the target facility to suppress power demand.

6. The steps include obtaining the predicted power demand for a predetermined area where the target facility and other facilities exist, A method comprising the step of identifying a specific unit time from among two or more unit time periods within a predetermined observation period in which the predicted power demand is expected to be maximized, in order to suppress the power demand of the target facility without instructing facilities other than the target facility to suppress power demand.

7. A method comprising the steps of: executing a specific control to suppress the power demand of the target facility during a specific unit time, which is selected from two or more unit time periods within a predetermined observation period, during a time when the predicted power demand of the target facility and other facilities located in a predetermined area is expected to be at its maximum, without instructing other facilities to suppress their power demand.

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