Energy storage information processing device, energy storage information processing method, and computer program

Abstract

This technology provides the ability to generate electricity trading plans that take into account both securing revenue from electricity trading and suppressing the degradation of energy storage elements. [Solution] The energy storage information processing device includes a processing unit that obtains a predicted value of the electricity price for a target period in an energy trading transaction using an energy storage element, predicts the state of the energy storage element, including at least one of the charge state, temperature, and voltage of the energy storage element when used with the required power pattern for the energy storage element during the target period, determines whether or not an energy transaction is possible during the target period based on the predicted energy storage element state and the predicted value of the electricity price, and the range of energy storage element states and electricity prices for which an energy transaction is possible, and executes a process to generate an energy transaction plan according to the determination result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power storage information processing device, a power storage information processing method, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to secure adjustment power for suppressing fluctuations in the power generation amount of renewable energy such as solar power generation and wind power generation, the introduction of a power trading market has been promoted. The use of power storage elements for power trading in the power trading market has been studied.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for comprehensively maximizing the profit of power trading including the power supply and demand and self-consumption of a user power generation system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technique described in Patent Document 1 does not generate a power trading plan considering securing profit from power trading and suppressing deterioration of power storage elements.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique capable of generating a power trading plan considering securing profit from power trading and suppressing deterioration of power storage elements.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A power storage information processing device relating to one aspect of this disclosure includes a processing unit that obtains a predicted value of the electricity price for a target period in power trading using a power storage element, predicts the state of the power storage element, including at least one of the charge state, temperature, and voltage of the power storage element when used in the required power pattern for the power storage element during the target period, determines whether power trading is possible during the target period based on the predicted power storage element state and the predicted value of the electricity price, and the range of power storage element states and electricity prices for which power trading is possible, and executes a process to generate a power trading plan according to the determination result.

[0008] A method for processing energy storage information relating to one aspect of this disclosure involves a computer that obtains a predicted value of the electricity price for a target period in an energy trading transaction using an energy storage element, predicts the state of the energy storage element, including at least one of the charge state, temperature, and voltage of the energy storage element when used with the required power pattern for the energy storage element during the target period, determines whether or not an energy transaction is possible during the target period based on the predicted energy storage element state and the predicted value of the electricity price, and the range of energy storage element states and electricity prices for which an energy transaction is possible, and generates an energy transaction plan according to the determination result.

[0009] A computer program relating to one aspect of this disclosure obtains a predicted value of the electricity price for a target period in electricity trading using an energy storage element, predicts the state of the energy storage element, including at least one of the charge state, temperature, and voltage of the energy storage element when used with the required power pattern for the energy storage element during the target period, determines whether electricity trading is possible during the target period based on the predicted energy storage element state and the predicted value of the electricity price, and the range of energy storage element states and electricity prices for which electricity trading is possible, and causes the computer to execute a process to generate an electricity trading plan according to the determination result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to generate a power trading plan that takes into account both securing revenue from power trading and suppressing the degradation of energy storage elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This graph shows the time-dependent change in the capacity retention rate of the energy storage element for each charge state range. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the energy storage information processing system. [Figure 3] An example of the electrical connection configuration for an energy storage system is shown. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of an EMS configuration. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information terminal device. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates an example of a method for determining whether or not electricity trading is permitted. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the processing flow performed by the EMS (Energy Management System). [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the processing steps performed by EMS. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the processing steps performed by EMS. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a display screen that shows transaction-related information. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a detailed view screen that displays detailed information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] (1) A device for processing information about energy storage according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a processing unit that obtains a predicted value of the electricity price for a target period in an energy trading transaction using an energy storage element, predicts the state of the energy storage element, including at least one of the charge state, temperature, and voltage of the energy storage element when used in the required power pattern for the energy storage element during the target period, determines whether or not an energy transaction is possible during the target period based on the predicted state of the energy storage element and the predicted value of the electricity price, and the range of energy storage element states and electricity prices for which an energy transaction is possible, and performs a process to generate an energy transaction plan according to the determination result.

[0013] It is expected to use the power of the power storage facility equipped with the power storage element for power trading. When a power trade is concluded, selling the power discharged from the power storage facility, charging the power storage facility with the power purchased from the commercial power system, etc. are carried out. By actively implementing power sales and purchases, the profit of the power trade can be increased. On the other hand, the power storage facility is often installed mainly for the purpose of absorbing fluctuations in the generated power by the power generation facility installed in parallel with the power storage facility, self-consumption of the stored power, etc., and it is required to continuously operate stably for a long period of time for this purpose. If unrestricted power trading using the power storage facility is allowed, the deterioration of the power storage element will be accelerated, and the life of the power storage facility may be shortened. It is important to achieve both ensuring the profit from the power trade and suppressing the deterioration of the power storage element.

[0014] The inventor has studied the relationship between the amount of power trading, the deterioration of the power storage element, and the profit. As a result of intensive studies, the inventor has found that by appropriately setting the conditions of the state of the power storage element and the power price in the implementation of the power trade, it is possible to realize a power trade that achieves both ensuring the profit and suppressing the deterioration.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a graph showing the time-dependent change in the capacity retention rate of the power storage element for each charge state range. In Fig. 1, the simulation results for the case where no power trading is performed and the case where power trading is performed under three different conditions for the same power storage element are shown. In Fig. 1, the horizontal axis is the operation period (elapsed time from the start of operation), and the vertical axis is the capacity retention rate of the power storage element (the ratio of the current full charge capacity to the full charge capacity at the time of new product. The unit is %). The operation period becomes longer in the right direction in the figure.

[0016] The conditions for the power trade were set as the following Conditions 1 to 3. Condition 1: When the SOC (State Of Charge) is 60% or more and the power price is 20 yen / kWh or more, power is sold, and when the SOC is less than 60% and the power price is less than 20 yen / kWh, power is purchased. Condition 2: When the SOC is 60% or more and the power price is 20 yen / kWh or more, power is sold, and when the SOC is less than 40% and the power price is less than 20 yen / kWh, power is purchased. Condition 3: Power selling is performed when the SOC is 80% or more and the electricity price is 20 yen / kWh or more. The SOC is an example of the state of the energy storage element.

[0017] From FIG. 1, it can be seen that in the operation period at the right end, the capacity retention rate is small in the order of Condition 1, Condition 3, Condition 2, and no power trading, that is, the degree of deterioration of the energy storage element is large in this order (Condition 1 > Condition 3 > Condition 2 > no power trading). Compared with the degree of deterioration, the calculation results of the profit from power trading up to the operation period at the right end decreased in the order of Condition 1, Condition 2, Condition 3, and no power trading (Condition 1 > Condition 2 > Condition 3 > no power trading). The order of Condition 2 and Condition 3 is reversed in terms of profit and the traded power quantity.

[0018] Normally, it is expected that the energy storage element deteriorates with use. However, in Condition 2, the traded power quantity is larger than that in Condition 3, the frequency of charge and discharge increases, and the amount of deterioration is small. Although this mechanism is not clear, it is presumed that by discharging or charging the energy storage element within a certain range where the SOC is relatively high or low due to the implementation of power trading, the average value of the SOC at which the energy storage element stays can be adjusted within the SOC range where deterioration is less likely to occur. By performing power trading under the conditions of an appropriate energy storage element state and electricity price range, it is possible to achieve both ensuring the profit from power trading and suppressing the deterioration of the energy storage element.

[0019] According to the energy storage information processing device in (1) above, since it is possible to determine the feasibility of power trading based on the pre-determined charge state range and electricity price range in which power trading is possible, it is possible to suppress inappropriate power trading and generate a power trading plan that aims to achieve both ensuring profit and suppressing the deterioration of the energy storage element. Since the feasibility of power trading is determined based on the prediction of the state of the energy storage element and the electricity price, it is possible to suppress transactions in cases where the state of the energy storage element that may induce deterioration of the energy storage element or low profitability is predicted at the stage before power trading is performed.

[0020] (2) The energy storage information processing device described in (1) above may predict the balance of income and expenses according to the power trading plan and the deterioration of the energy storage element, and output the predicted value of the balance of income and expenses, the deterioration of the energy storage element, and the power trading plan.

[0021] The above configuration allows for the provision of prediction results regarding revenue and expenditure associated with electricity trading and the degradation of energy storage elements, thereby providing a more detailed presentation of the operational status of energy storage facilities when engaging in electricity trading. This ensures that the prediction results are reliably understood and the explanations are enhanced.

[0022] (3) If the energy storage information processing device described in (1) or (2) above determines that electricity trading is possible during the target period, it may predict the deterioration of the energy storage element during the target period based on the sum of the electricity corresponding to the requested electricity pattern and the traded electricity corresponding to the electricity trading plan during the target period.

[0023] According to the above configuration, the prediction of energy storage element degradation can be made by reflecting the power trading plan, and for periods when power trading is possible, the trading power in accordance with the power trading plan can be taken into account to predict the degradation of the energy storage element, thereby improving the accuracy of degradation prediction.

[0024] (4) In any one of the energy storage information processing devices described in (1) to (3) above, the requested power pattern may be the power pattern required for the energy storage element when no power trading is performed.

[0025] With the above configuration, if electricity trading does not take place during the target period, the state of the energy storage element can be accurately predicted based on the state of the energy storage element when it is used for its original purpose other than electricity trading, such as absorbing fluctuations in generated power or self-consumption. The feasibility of electricity trading can be suitably determined by considering the surplus capacity of the energy storage element when it is used for its original purpose.

[0026] (5) Any one of the energy storage information processing devices described in (1) to (4) above may update the energy storage element state range based on the operational history of the energy storage element.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the range of energy storage element states used to determine whether or not electricity trading is possible can be determined by taking into account the actual trend of changes in the state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage elements. This allows for the generation of trading plans that are more suitable for the state of each individual energy storage element. For example, if there is a tendency for a large amount of surplus power, the range of energy storage element states can be broadened to encourage more active electricity trading. If there is a tendency for the elements to remain in the high SOC region where degradation is likely to accelerate, the range in which electricity can be sold can be broadened.

[0028] (6) In any one of the energy storage information processing devices described in (1) to (5) above, the energy storage element state range includes a charge state range defined by a first threshold and a second threshold less than or equal to the first threshold, and if the predicted charge state is greater than or equal to the first threshold or less than or equal to the second threshold and the predicted value of the power price is within the power price range, it is determined that power trading is possible; if the predicted charge state is greater than or equal to the first threshold or less than or equal to the second threshold and the predicted value of the power price is outside the power price range, it is determined that power trading is not possible; and if the predicted charge state is less than the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, it is determined that power trading is not possible.

[0029] According to the above configuration, electricity trading can be implemented or restricted in accordance with the charge state of the energy storage element and the price of electricity, thereby achieving both suppression of energy storage element degradation and securing profits. By limiting the range of charge states in which electricity can be traded, the average SOC of the energy storage element can be adjusted to fall within the desired SOC range through the implementation of electricity trading, thereby suppressing the degradation of the energy storage element. By limiting the range of electricity prices in which electricity can be traded, profitability may be improved. By restricting electricity trading when the charge state is outside a predetermined range, the charging or discharging capacity required for the use of the energy storage element for its intended purpose can be secured.

[0030] (7) The energy storage information processing device described in (6) above may determine that electricity can be sold if the charge state is equal to or greater than the first threshold and the predicted value of the electricity price is equal to or greater than the electricity price threshold, and may determine that electricity can be purchased if the charge state is equal to or less than the second threshold and the predicted value of the electricity price is less than the electricity price threshold.

[0031] According to the above configuration, electricity is sold when there is surplus discharge capacity and electricity prices are high, and electricity is purchased when there is surplus charging capacity and electricity prices are low, thus allowing the energy storage element to be effectively utilized in electricity trading.

[0032] (8) Any one of the energy storage information processing devices described in (1) to (7) above may update the electricity price range at predetermined intervals.

[0033] According to the above configuration, the electricity price range can be updated to take into account fluctuations in electricity prices in the electricity trading market, thereby enabling the derivation of an electricity trading plan that is in line with the current state of the electricity trading market and potentially improving profitability.

[0034] (9) Any one of the energy storage information processing devices described in (1) to (8) above may divide the target period into a plurality of unit periods and perform processing including prediction of the state of the energy storage elements and determination of whether or not power trading is possible, in order from the first unit period to the last unit period in the target period.

[0035] According to the above configuration, by processing sequentially for each unit period, even when the target period has a relatively long duration, the accuracy of predicting the state of the energy storage element can be improved, and a more appropriate power trading plan can be determined.

[0036] (10) The energy storage information processing device described in (9) above may predict the state of the energy storage element according to the requested power pattern in the first unit period, determine whether or not power trading is possible in the first unit period using the predicted state of the energy storage element, and if it is determined that power trading is possible in the first unit period, it may re-predict the state of the energy storage element in the first unit period based on the power according to the requested power pattern in the first unit period and the trading power according to the power trading plan, and use the re-predicted state of the energy storage element as an initial value to predict the state of the energy storage element according to the requested power pattern for the second unit period following the first unit period.

[0037] With the above configuration, the accuracy of predicting the state of the energy storage elements can be improved by recursively performing the prediction process for the state of the energy storage elements. In a unit period in which it is determined that electricity trading is possible, the state of the energy storage elements can be re-predicted by taking into account the trading power in accordance with the electricity trading plan, thereby improving the accuracy of predicting the state of the energy storage elements.

[0038] (11) Any one of the energy storage information processing devices described in (1) to (10) above may acquire multiple combinations of the energy storage element state range and the power price range, derive multiple power trading plans and predicted balances corresponding to each power trading plan, output the derived multiple power trading plans and predicted balances, and acquire the power trading plan selected by the user from among the output multiple power trading plans.

[0039] According to the above configuration, the content and revenue / expense comparisons of each electricity trading plan are output in a manner that makes it easy to determine the desired electricity trading plan. Since users can arbitrarily select an electricity trading plan from among multiple plans, the degree of freedom in generating electricity trading plans is increased.

[0040] (12) A method for processing energy storage information according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a computer that obtains a predicted value of the electricity price for a target period in an energy trading transaction using an energy storage element, predicts the state of the energy storage element, including at least one of the charge state, temperature, and voltage of the energy storage element when used in the required power pattern for the energy storage element during the target period, determines whether or not an energy transaction is possible during the target period based on the predicted energy storage element state and the predicted value of the electricity price, and the range of energy storage element states and electricity prices for which an energy transaction is possible, and generates an energy transaction plan according to the determination result.

[0041] (13) A computer program according to one aspect of the present disclosure obtains a predicted value of the electricity price for a target period in electricity trading using an energy storage element, predicts the state of the energy storage element, including at least one of the charge state, temperature, and voltage of the energy storage element when used in the required power pattern for the energy storage element during the target period, determines whether electricity trading is possible during the target period based on the predicted state of the energy storage element and the predicted value of the electricity price, and the range of energy storage element states and electricity prices for which electricity trading is possible, and causes the computer to execute a process to generate an electricity trading plan according to the determination result.

[0042] This disclosure will be described in detail with reference to drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.

[0043] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the energy storage information processing system 100. The energy storage information processing system 100 of this embodiment includes an energy storage facility 1 equipped with a plurality of energy storage elements 10, a first information processing device 3, a second information processing device 4, and an information terminal device 5. The energy storage facility 1, the first information processing device 3, the second information processing device 4, and the information terminal device 5 are each connected to a network N, and are capable of sending and receiving data with predetermined devices. An aggregator server 6 is connected to the network N.

[0044] Network N is, for example, the internet. Network N may also include carrier networks that implement wireless communication according to a predetermined mobile communication standard, general optical lines, etc.

[0045] The energy storage system 1 is composed of multiple containers 11, each containing an energy storage element 10, arranged in parallel. The energy storage system 1 is, for example, an ESS (Energy Storage System) and is used in power generation systems PG such as solar power generation systems, wind power generation systems, hydroelectric power generation systems, biomass power generation systems, geothermal power generation systems, and thermal power generation systems. The energy storage system 1 stores the electricity supplied from the power generation system PG and supplies the stored electricity to the load. The load includes power-consuming facilities such as factories, office buildings, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and airports.

[0046] The energy storage device 1 is connected to a power grid (not shown) and can supply stored electricity to the power grid or store electricity supplied from the power grid. The energy storage device 1 is used to absorb fluctuations in power generated by the power generation system PG and for self-consumption of stored electricity, as well as for electricity trading in the electricity trading market 7. The energy storage device 1 is not limited to industrial use and may also be for household use.

[0047] The energy storage system 1 includes a power conditioner 2 (PCS: Power Conditioning System). The power conditioner 2 converts the power (AC power or DC power) supplied from the power generation system PG into DC power of a predetermined magnitude and supplies the converted DC power to the energy storage system 1. The energy storage system 1 stores the power supplied from the power generation system PG via the power conditioner 2. The energy storage system 1 supplies the stored power to the load in response to external requests. The power supplied from the energy storage system 1 to the load is converted from DC power to AC power by the power conditioner 2.

[0048] The first information processing device 3 is a device capable of various information processing and information transmission and reception, such as a server computer, personal computer, or quantum computer. The first information processing device 3 is communicably connected to the energy storage equipment 1 via a wired or wireless network (not shown). The first information processing device 3 derives a power trading plan suitable for the energy storage elements 10 based on measurement data related to the energy storage equipment 1. The first information processing device 3 is an example of an energy storage information processing device. In this embodiment, the first information processing device 3 is assumed to be an Energy Management System (EMS), and will hereinafter also be referred to as EMS3. As shown in Figure 1, an EMS3 corresponding to each energy storage equipment 1 is provided in multiple energy storage equipment 1 having different configurations.

[0049] The second information processing device 4 is a device capable of various information processing and information transmission / reception, such as a server computer, personal computer, or quantum computer. The second information processing device 4 receives transaction-related information regarding the power trading plan from the EMS 3 and can present the received transaction-related information to the user through the information terminal device 5. The second information processing device 4 has a web server function. The second information processing device 4 may be installed within the energy storage facility 1. The second information processing device 4 may be integrated with the EMS 3.

[0050] The information terminal device 5 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet device. The information terminal device 5 is used by users such as system administrators and customers. The information terminal device 5 can display transaction-related information presented by the second information processing device 4.

[0051] The aggregator server 6 is a device capable of various information processing and information transmission / reception, such as a server computer, personal computer, or quantum computer. The aggregator server 6 is used by the aggregator. The aggregator is a specific business operator that, based on a prior contract with the user of the energy storage facility 1, purchases electricity from the user (buys electricity) or provides electricity to the user (sells electricity). The aggregator server 6 bids on the electricity stored in the energy storage facility 1 to the electricity trading market 7.

[0052] Electricity trading market 7 is, for example, the wholesale electricity trading market at the Japan Electric Power Exchange (JEPX). In electricity trading market 7, the electricity market price (yen / kWh), which indicates the price per unit of electricity, is traded.

[0053] Figure 3 shows an example of the electrical connection configuration of the energy storage system 1. The container 11 provided in the energy storage system 1 is equipped with multiple energy storage elements 10. The container 11 is equipped with, for example, multiple power storage panels 12, and the energy storage elements 10 are housed inside each power storage panel 12. The energy storage system 1 may also be configured by omitting the container 11 and installing multiple power storage panels 12 outdoors. The container 11 may also house ancillary equipment such as air conditioners and lighting devices. Figure 3 shows the electrical connection configuration in one power storage panel 12 included in the energy storage system 1.

[0054] Each power storage panel 12 has multiple banks 14. Each bank 14 is configured by electrically connecting multiple energy storage modules 15 in series. Each bank 14 is connected in parallel to one another. A configuration in which multiple banks 14 are connected in parallel is also called a domain. The number of banks 14 provided in the power storage panel 12, the number of energy storage modules 15 that make up each bank 14, and the number of domains can be arbitrarily selected.

[0055] The energy storage module 15 is configured by connecting multiple energy storage cells in series. In one example, the energy storage cells are battery cells made of lithium-ion secondary batteries. Alternatively, the energy storage cells may be battery cells made of all-solid-state batteries, lead-acid batteries, redox flow batteries, zinc-air batteries, alkaline manganese batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-sulfur batteries, silver-zinc oxide batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, molten salt thermal batteries, etc., or capacitors. The number of energy storage cells constituting the energy storage module 15 can be arbitrarily selected. The energy storage element 10 may be an energy storage cell, an energy storage module 15, a bank 14, a domain, or an energy storage unit containing multiple domains.

[0056] The battery storage panel 12 includes a plurality of bank BMUs 17 (Battery Management Units) corresponding to each bank 14, a domain BMU 18 corresponding to a domain, and communication equipment 19. The domain BMU 18 and communication equipment 19 are separate from the battery storage panel 12 and may be housed in a control panel built into the container 11.

[0057] Bank 14 is connected to the outside (e.g., power conditioner 2, load, etc.) via power line 41. Bank 14 stores (charges) the power supplied through power conditioner 2 and power line 41, and supplies (discharges) the stored power to the external power supply destination via power line 41 and power conditioner 2.

[0058] Bank BMU17 is a management device for monitoring the status of the corresponding bank 14. Bank BMU17 communicates with the control boards (CMU: Cell Monitoring Unit) with communication functions, which are built into each energy storage module 15, in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0059] The control board acquires measured values ​​for each energy storage cell through various sensors (not shown) provided on the energy storage module 15 and bank BMU 17. The measured values ​​include the current, voltage, and temperature of the energy storage elements. The measured values ​​can be repeatedly acquired at appropriate intervals, such as 0.1 seconds, 0.5 seconds, or 1 second.

[0060] Bank BMU17 monitors the status of Bank 14 at each time point by acquiring measurement data, including current, voltage, and temperature of the energy storage cells, as well as SOC calculated based on these measurements. Bank BMU17 notifies Domain BMU18, the higher-level management device, of the measurement data.

[0061] The Domain BMU18 is a management device for monitoring the status of the entire domain and bank 14. The Domain BMU18 is communicated with the bank BMU17 of each bank 14. The Domain BMU18 aggregates measurement data from the bank BMU17 of each bank 14 belonging to the domain. Existing communication standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network) are used for communication between the Domain BMU18 and each bank BMU17. Alternatively, communication standards such as LIN (Local Interconnect Network), ECHONET®, and ECHONETLight® may be used.

[0062] The communication device 19 includes a communication interface for communicating with the domain BMU 18 to which the communication device 19 is connected, and a communication interface for connecting to the network N. The communication device 19 securely sends and receives data to and from each device wirelessly or via wired connection. The communication device 19 may be, for example, a network interface card. Serial communication may be used for communication between the communication device 19 and the domain BMU 18, and the same communication standards as those used for communication between the domain BMU 18 and each bank BMU 17 may be used. The communication device 19 may be configured integrally with the domain BMU 18. The communication device 19 may be provided in or connected to a control unit such as a power conditioner 2 or a container 11.

[0063] Domain BMU18 transmits measurement data of the energy storage elements 10, acquired from each bank BMU17, to EMS3 via communication device 19. Domain BMU18 or communication device 19 may retain measurement data for a predetermined time and transmit the measurement data to EMS3 at predetermined intervals.

[0064] EMS3 collects and stores measurement data transmitted from the communication device 19. The measurement data transmitted to EMS3 includes the current, voltage, and temperature of the energy storage element 10. The measurement data may also be associated with energy storage element identification information to identify the energy storage element 10 to be measured, energy storage equipment identification information to identify the energy storage equipment 1 equipped with the energy storage element 10, and connection configuration such as the number of connected energy storage elements 10. The measurement data transmitted from each energy storage equipment 1 may be transmitted to EMS3 via a data server or the like that collects and manages the measurement data.

[0065] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of EMS3. EMS3 is a dedicated or general-purpose computer comprising a processing unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33. EMS3 may be a single computer or a computer system composed of multiple computers and peripheral devices. EMS3 may be a virtualized virtual machine or a cloud.

[0066] The processing unit 31 comprises one or more processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) or MPUs (Micro-Processing Units). The processing unit 31 includes memory, which is a temporary storage medium such as SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The processing unit 31 may also include functions such as a timer for measuring the elapsed time from the time a measurement start instruction is given to the time a measurement end instruction is given, a counter for counting numbers, and a clock for outputting date and time information. The CPU and other components of the processing unit 31 control each part of the hardware by reading and executing various computer programs stored in the storage unit 32, thereby enabling the entire device to function as an energy storage information processing device in this disclosure. The processing unit 31 may be implemented in software, or part or all of it may be implemented in hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0067] The storage unit 32 includes, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 32 may be separate from the EMS 3 and may be one or more externally connected external storage devices. The storage unit 32 stores various computer programs and data that the processing unit 31 refers to. In this embodiment, the storage unit 32 stores a program 321 that causes the computer to execute processing related to the derivation of the power trading plan, and a measurement DB (Data Base) 322.

[0068] The measurement DB322 is a database that stores measurement data for each energy storage element 10 in the energy storage equipment 1. For example, the measurement DB322 stores the identification information of the energy storage element 10, the measurement date and time of the measurement data, current, temperature, SOC, and voltage, etc., in an associated manner. Whenever new measurement data is acquired, the processing unit 31 stores the acquired measurement data in the measurement DB322 in chronological order.

[0069] A computer program (program product) including program 3P may be provided on a non-temporary recording medium 3A on which the computer program is recorded in a readable format. The recording medium 3A is a portable memory such as a CD-ROM, USB memory, or SD (Secure Digital) card. The processing unit 31 reads the desired computer program from the recording medium 3A using a reading device (not shown) and stores the read computer program in the storage unit 32. Alternatively, the computer program may be provided by communication. Program 3P may be a single computer program or may consist of multiple computer programs. Program 3P may also be executed on a single computer or executed collaboratively by multiple computers.

[0070] The communication unit 33 is equipped with a communication interface for communication via the network N. The processing unit 31 sends and receives data to and from the second information processing device 4 through the communication unit 33.

[0071] The configuration of EMS3 is not limited to the example described above; for example, it may include a display unit for displaying images, an operation unit for receiving user input, and so on.

[0072] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the information terminal device 5. The information terminal device 5 comprises a processing unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication unit 53, a display unit 54, and an operation unit 55.

[0073] The processing unit 51 comprises one or more processors such as CPUs and GPUs. The storage unit 52 comprises a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 52 stores various computer programs and data referenced by the processing unit 51. The computer programs stored in the storage unit 52 include program 521. Program 521 may include a web browser function. By executing program 521, the processing unit 51 accesses the second information processing device 4 via the web browser and executes processing related to the output of transaction-related information.

[0074] The communication unit 53 is equipped with a communication interface for communication via the network N. The processing unit 51 sends and receives data to and from the second information processing device 4 through the communication unit 53.

[0075] The display unit 54 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 54 displays transaction-related information concerning the energy storage element 10 in accordance with instructions from the processing unit 51.

[0076] The operation unit 55 is an interface that receives user input. The operation unit 55 includes, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch panel device with a built-in display, speaker, and microphone. The operation unit 55 receives user input and sends control signals to the processing unit 51 according to the content of the operation.

[0077] The following describes how EMS3 generates electricity trading plans. Below, we will explain an example of generating an electricity trading plan using the one-day-ahead market, which is a market in the wholesale electricity trading market where electricity to be delivered the following day is traded, as the bidding target. However, the bidding target may also be the same-day market, etc. The one-day-ahead market is a market where electricity to be delivered the following day is traded on the day before the delivery date. In the one-day-ahead market, the bidding period closes at a predetermined time on the previous day (for example, 10 a.m.), so when conducting electricity trading, it is necessary to finalize the details of the electricity trading and submit a bid by the deadline.

[0078] EMS3 starts processing related to the generation of a power transaction plan, starting at a specific point in time (for example, 8:00 AM the day before the delivery date) that is set before the deadline for the bidding period for the power transaction to be bid on. The period from the start of processing to a predetermined end time is defined as the target period for the series of processes. The length of the target period can be set as appropriate, but as the target period becomes longer, the uncertainties in the prediction of the energy storage element state and power price, which will be described later, increase and accuracy tends to decrease, so it is desirable to have a relatively short period. In this embodiment, the target period is the period from the start time to the end of the delivery of the power transaction to be bid on (for example, 24:00 on the delivery date).

[0079] EMS3 divides the target period into multiple unit periods by dividing it into pre-set equal time intervals, and performs processing related to the feasibility of electricity trading for each unit period, as described below. The length of the unit period is not particularly limited, but may be the same as the bidding unit of the electricity trading market, for example. In this embodiment, the length of the unit period is assumed to be 30 minutes, the same as one segment of the day-ahead market. In the following description, the unit period subject to processing will also be referred to as the target unit period.

[0080] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a method for determining whether electricity trading is permissible. In Figure 6, the horizontal axis represents the target period, the left vertical axis represents the State of Charge (SOC) (%), and the right vertical axis represents the electricity price (yen / kWh). In Figure 6, the solid line represents the predicted value of SOC, and the vertical bars represent the predicted value of electricity price.

[0081] The determination of whether electricity trading is possible is made based on the predicted values ​​of the internal state of the energy storage element 10 and the electricity price during the target unit period for which the determination of whether electricity trading is possible is made. The EMS3 predicts the internal state of the energy storage element 10 and the electricity price during the target unit period, and determines whether electricity trading is possible during the target unit period by determining whether the predicted internal state and electricity price meet pre-set conditions. The determination conditions include conditions related to the internal state and conditions related to the electricity price. If both conditions are met, it is determined that electricity can be sold or bought.

[0082] The internal state used to determine whether or not electricity trading is permitted includes at least one of the State of Charge (SOC), temperature, and voltage of the energy storage element 10. The following explanation uses the case where the internal state is SOC as an example, but similar determinations can be made for temperature and voltage by setting appropriate conditions.

[0083] The condition regarding SOC is that the predicted SOC value (hereinafter also referred to as predicted SOC) is within the trading SOC range. The trading SOC range represents the SOC range for which electricity trading is permitted. The trading SOC range is defined, for example, by the selling SOC threshold, which is the lower limit of the SOC for which electricity sales are permitted, and the buying SOC threshold, which is the upper limit of the SOC for which electricity purchases are permitted. Both the selling SOC threshold and the buying SOC threshold are values ​​between 0 and 100%, and the buying SOC threshold is less than or equal to the selling SOC threshold. The trading SOC range may be set to be within the upper and lower control SOC limits that are set in advance to control the charging and discharging of the energy storage element 10, regardless of electricity trading. In the example in Figure 6, the area between the upper limit control SOC of 90% and the power sales SOC threshold of 70% is a region where only power sales are permitted, the area between the lower limit control SOC of 10% and the power purchase SOC threshold of 30% is a region where only power purchases are permitted, and the area between the power sales SOC threshold of 70% and the power purchase SOC threshold of 30% is a region where power trading is not permitted.

[0084] The transaction SOC range can be pre-set by the user, for example. Multiple types of transaction SOC ranges may be set, consisting of different combinations of power sales SOC thresholds and power purchase SOC thresholds. The transaction SOC range may also be automatically set by EMS3 according to predetermined rules. The transaction SOC range can be updated at any time.

[0085] The condition regarding electricity prices is that the predicted electricity price (hereinafter also referred to as the predicted electricity price) is within the electricity price range. The electricity price range represents the range of electricity prices for which electricity transactions are permitted. In this embodiment, the system determines whether electricity sales and purchases are permitted using an electricity price range defined by a single reference price, which is the lower limit of the electricity price for which electricity sales are permitted and the upper limit of the electricity price for which electricity purchases are permitted. In the example in Figure 6, 15 yen / kWh is set as the reference price common to both electricity sales and purchases. Alternatively, the reference price may include a threshold for the electricity price for which electricity sales are permitted and a threshold for the electricity price for which electricity purchases are permitted.

[0086] The benchmark price is set automatically by, for example, EMS3. EMS3 derives the benchmark price by calculating statistical values ​​of past contract prices over a predetermined period, based on past trading performance in the electricity trading market. These statistical values ​​include, for example, the mean, maximum, minimum, and median. The predetermined past period may be, for example, a fixed period immediately preceding the target period (e.g., the last week, the last month, etc.). The benchmark price may be generated using machine learning techniques. It is preferable that the benchmark price be updated periodically to take into account the moment-to-moment changes in electricity prices in the electricity trading market.

[0087] EMS3 determines whether electricity trading is possible according to the following example criteria. As shown by circle 1 in Figure 6, if the predicted SOC is above the selling SOC threshold and the predicted electricity price is above the standard price, it is determined that electricity sales are possible. As shown by circle 2, if the predicted SOC is above the selling SOC threshold and the predicted electricity price is below the standard price, it is determined that electricity trading is not possible. As shown by circle 3, if the predicted SOC is below the selling SOC threshold and above the buying SOC threshold, it is determined that electricity trading is not possible. As shown by circle 4, if the predicted SOC is below the buying SOC threshold and the predicted electricity price is above the standard price, it is determined that electricity trading is not possible. As shown by circle 5, if the predicted SOC is below the buying SOC threshold and the predicted electricity price is below the standard price, it is determined that electricity purchase is possible. In the explanation of the above example criteria, "electricity trading is not possible" means that both electricity sales and electricity purchases are not possible.

[0088] The sales SOC threshold, purchase SOC threshold, and trading SOC range used to determine whether or not electricity trading is permitted may be updated at appropriate or periodic intervals. The updates of the sales SOC threshold, purchase SOC threshold, and trading SOC range may be determined based on the operational performance of the energy storage element 10 subject to evaluation, such as changes in the SOC during operation of the energy storage element 10 subject to evaluation.

[0089] According to the above criteria, if the energy storage element 10 has sufficient surplus capacity and a certain level of profit is expected, the energy storage element 10 can be actively utilized in power trading while suppressing its degradation by engaging in power trading. Even if the energy storage element 10 has sufficient surplus capacity, if a certain level of profit is not expected, the use of the energy storage element 10 in power trading with low profit margins can be suppressed by not engaging in power trading. If the energy storage element 10 does not have sufficient surplus capacity, the occurrence of power supply shortages to the load can be suppressed by not engaging in power trading.

[0090] The internal state of the energy storage element 10 during the target period can be predicted using an appropriate method. The internal state may be predicted using techniques described in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 6428957 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 7173180. The techniques described in the above publications predict the current, voltage, and temperature of the energy storage element 10 when it is charged and discharged according to the required power pattern by simulating a power requirement pattern, which is the power pattern assumed to be required of the energy storage element 10 during the target unit period. Based on the obtained current, etc., the trend of the State of Charge (SOC) of the energy storage element 10 during the target unit period can be predicted. Furthermore, the above techniques can predict the trend of degradation of the energy storage element 10 during the target unit period based on the predicted SOC and temperature.

[0091] The requested power pattern may include information representing the trend of power or current. The requested power pattern used to determine whether or not electricity trading is permitted is the requested power pattern when no electricity trading takes place during the target unit period. "When no electricity trading takes place" means when the electricity is used for purposes other than trading.

[0092] EMS3 generates a power request pattern for when power trading is not performed by calculating statistical values ​​of power or current during charging or discharging based on measurement data of the voltage, current, and temperature of the energy storage element 10 for a predetermined past period stored in the measurement DB322. The predetermined past period may be a fixed period immediately preceding the target period (for example, the most recent year), or the same month in the previous year or earlier. The power request pattern may be generated using machine learning techniques.

[0093] EMS3 performs a simulation based on the generated power request pattern and calculates the predicted State of Charge (SOC) and predicted degradation of the energy storage element 10 over the target unit period, assuming that the energy storage element 10 is charged or discharged under the power request pattern without power trading. Below, we will explain the case where the energy storage capacity (battery capacity) of the energy storage element 10 is predicted as information representing the degradation state of the energy storage element 10. Alternatively, the degradation of the energy storage element 10 may be, for example, the State of Health (SOH), internal resistance, charge / discharge characteristics, or the amount of degradation of the energy storage capacity.

[0094] The prediction of electricity prices for a given period can be performed using appropriate methods. For example, EMS3 derives the predicted electricity price for a given period by calculating statistical values ​​of contract prices for a predetermined past period based on past trading performance in the electricity trading market. The electricity price may also be generated using machine learning methods. Alternatively, EMS3 may obtain the predicted electricity price by accepting a predicted electricity price predicted externally.

[0095] EMS3 predicts the state of the energy storage element 10, including its State of Charge (SOC) and storage capacity, and predicts the electricity price. Based on the predicted SOC and electricity price, it determines whether or not the energy storage element 10 can be traded for electricity during the target unit period.

[0096] EMS3 derives a power trading plan based on the determination of whether or not power trading is possible. The power trading plan includes the amount of electricity to be traded.

[0097] An example of a method for deriving the amount of electricity traded is explained below. The amount of electricity traded is obtained by multiplying the maximum trading power of the energy storage element 10 by the ratio of the total time available for electricity trading within the target unit period to the total time of the target unit period (total time available for electricity trading / total time of the target unit period) and the total time of the unit period. In calculating the amount of electricity traded, the power sold (discharged) is shown as a negative value, and the power purchased (charged) is shown as a positive value. The maximum trading power is the maximum amount of electricity traded (absolute value of electricity) corresponding to the equipment capacity of the energy storage element 10 or the energy storage equipment 1. The maximum trading power is set in advance by, for example, the system administrator. The minimum amount of electricity traded is predetermined by, for example, the trading conditions of the electricity trading market, and is the smallest trading unit.

[0098] For example, suppose the total duration of a unit period is 30 minutes, and the total duration of time during which electricity purchases are deemed possible within that unit period is 7 minutes. The amount of electricity purchased during the unit period is expressed by the following formula: Transaction amount [kWh] = + (Maximum transaction amount [kWh]) × (7 / 30) × 0.5 [h] The amount of electricity purchased is a positive value, and the amount of electricity purchased is greater than or equal to the minimum amount of electricity purchased.

[0099] If the total time during which electricity is deemed eligible for sale within the target unit period is 7 minutes, the amount of electricity traded for sale during the target unit period can be expressed by reversing the sign of the maximum traded power using the following formula. Transaction amount of electricity [kWh] = -(Maximum transaction amount [kWh]) + (7 / 30) × 0.5 [h] The amount of electricity traded for sale is a negative value, and the amount of electricity traded for sale is ≤ -minimum traded amount.

[0100] Normally, in electricity trading, it is not permitted to buy and sell electricity simultaneously within a single unit period. If it is determined that both buying and selling electricity are possible within the target unit period, one of them will be selected. EMS3 can, for example, prioritize the option with the longer total time period during which trading is possible.

[0101] Another example of a method for deriving the amount of electricity traded is to use the amount of electricity equivalent to the difference (absolute value of the difference) between the predicted SOC for the target unit period and the purchase SOC threshold or the sales SOC threshold as the amount of electricity traded. The above difference may be the difference between the minimum value of the predicted SOC for the target unit period and the purchase SOC threshold, or the difference between the maximum value of the predicted SOC for the target unit period and the sales SOC threshold.

[0102] If it is determined that power trading is possible during the unit period to be determined, the EMS3 generates a requested power pattern that is assumed to be required of the energy storage element 10 when power trading is performed during the unit period, based on the derived amount of power traded during the unit period. The requested power pattern when power trading is performed can be generated by adding the power or current in the requested power pattern when power trading is not performed and the power or current corresponding to the derived amount of power traded.

[0103] EMS3 performs a simulation using the generated power trading request pattern to predict the state of the energy storage element 10, including its SOC and storage capacity, for the target unit period. This second prediction process yields predicted values ​​for SOC and storage capacity that take power trading into account. If it is determined that power trading is not possible for the target unit period, the generation of the power trading request pattern and the re-prediction of the energy storage element state are unnecessary.

[0104] EMS3 derives predicted values ​​for the balance of electricity trading corresponding to the derived electricity trading plan. The predicted balance of electricity trading is expressed, for example, as electricity volume × predicted electricity price.

[0105] EMS3 repeatedly executes a series of processes, including the above-described process of predicting the state of the energy storage element, the process of determining whether or not electricity trading is possible, and the process of deriving the electricity trading plan, in order from the first unit period to the last unit period within the target period.

[0106] Figure 7 illustrates the flow of processing performed by EMS3. In Figure 7, time progresses from right to left. In Figure 7, the unit period from time t1 to t2 is defined as the first unit period, the unit period from time t2 to t3, i.e., the unit period following the first unit period, is defined as the second unit period, and the unit period following the second unit period is defined as the third unit period.

[0107] At time point A, EMS3 begins predicting the State of Charge (SOC) and storage capacity from the start to the end of the first unit period, assuming no electricity trading. At time point B, the prediction calculation up to the end of the first unit period is completed, and a result is obtained indicating that electricity trading is not possible for all time periods within the first unit period. At time point B, EMS3 temporarily stores the obtained first predicted values ​​of SOC and storage capacity under the assumption of no electricity trading.

[0108] At time point C, EMS3 starts predicting the SOC and storage capacity from the start to the end of the second unit period, assuming no power trading, using the stored first predicted value as the initial value. At time point D, the prediction calculation up to the end of the second unit period is completed, and a result is obtained indicating that power trading is possible for a portion of the time period within the second unit period. At time point E, EMS goes back in time by the length of the unit period and starts predicting the SOC and storage capacity from the start to the end of the second unit period, assuming power trading, using the stored first predicted value as the initial value. That is, if EMS3 determines that power trading is possible, it goes back to the start of the unit period and performs the prediction calculation again. At time point F, the prediction calculation up to the end of the second unit period is completed. EMS3 temporarily stores the obtained second predicted values ​​of SOC and storage capacity with power trading.

[0109] At time point G, the EMS starts calculating the SOC and storage capacity for the third unit period from start to finish, assuming no electricity trading, using the stored second prediction value as the initial value. Thereafter, the EMS repeats the same series of processes until the prediction calculation up to the end of the last unit period is completed. The EMS may also determine whether electricity trading is possible only for the unit periods within the target period that are subject to electricity trading.

[0110] Some of the processes included in each of the above steps do not necessarily have to be performed every unit period; for example, they may be performed all at once before a repetitive process. Examples of processes that do not necessarily have to be performed every unit period include generating power request patterns when no power trading is conducted, predicting power prices, and deriving benchmark prices.

[0111] The series of processes described above may also apply to an energy storage system 1 that includes multiple energy storage elements 10. The EMS 3, for example, uses a predetermined algorithm to predict the overall system state of charge (SOC) and energy storage capacity based on data for each energy storage element 10, to determine whether or not power trading is possible for the entire system, and to derive the amount of power to be traded.

[0112] Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the processing procedure performed by EMS3. The processing unit 31 of EMS3 performs the following processing according to the program 321 stored in the storage unit 32. The processing unit 31 starts processing at a predetermined start time, for example, corresponding to the bidding deadline time in the electricity trading market.

[0113] The EMS3's processing unit 31 acquires settings for multiple types of transaction SOC ranges, including different power sales SOC thresholds and power purchase SOC thresholds, for example, based on user operations (step S11). Alternatively, the processing unit 31 may acquire one type of transaction SOC range.

[0114] The processing unit 31 divides the target period from the start time (present time) to a predetermined predicted end time into multiple unit periods (step S12). The processing unit 31 assigns a number to each unit period for counting the unit periods, starting with the unit period including the present time as unit period 1, and continuing sequentially from the unit period including the present time to the unit period including the end time.

[0115] The processing unit 31 sets the target unit period to be processed by incrementing the number of the unit period to be used as the target unit period and selecting the unit period that corresponds to the number (step S13). The initial value of the unit period number is zero.

[0116] The processing unit 31 generates a requested power pattern for a target unit period in which no power trading is performed, based on measurement data including voltage, current, and temperature for a predetermined past period stored in the measurement DB 322 (step S14). The processing unit 31 then performs a simulation based on the generated requested power pattern in which no power trading is performed and predicts the changes in the state of charge (SOC) and storage capacity of the energy storage element 10 in the case of no power trading (step S15).

[0117] The processing unit 31 obtains a predicted power price for the target unit period by, for example, calculating statistical values ​​of the contracted prices for a predetermined past period (step S16). The processing unit 31 determines a reference price for the target unit period by, for example, calculating statistical values ​​of the contracted prices for a predetermined past period (step S17).

[0118] The processing unit 31 determines whether electricity trading is possible for the target unit period based on the derived predicted SOC and predicted power price, and the set trading SOC range and reference price (step S18). In step S18, the processing unit 31 determines whether electricity can be sold by determining, for example, whether the predicted SOC is equal to or greater than the selling SOC threshold and the predicted power price is equal to or greater than the reference price. The processing unit 31 also determines whether electricity can be purchased by determining whether the predicted SOC is less than or equal to the buying SOC threshold and the predicted power price is less than the reference price.

[0119] If it is determined that electricity trading is not possible during the target unit period (S18: NO), the processing unit 31 proceeds to step S22.

[0120] If it is determined that electricity trading is possible for the target unit period (S18: YES), the processing unit 31 generates an electricity trading plan, including the calculation of the amount of electricity to be traded for the target unit period (step S19).

[0121] The processing unit 31 adds the calculated amount of traded power to the requested power pattern when no power trading is performed, thereby generating a requested power pattern when power trading is performed during the target unit period (step S20). The processing unit 31 then performs a simulation based on the generated requested power pattern when power trading is performed to predict the changes in the State of Charge (SOC) and storage capacity of the energy storage element 10 when power trading is performed (step S21).

[0122] The processing unit 31 determines whether or not the processing from step S13 onwards has been executed for all unit periods within the target period (step S22).

[0123] If it is determined that processing has not been performed for any unit period (S22: NO), the processing unit 31 returns to step S13 and performs processing for the next unit period.

[0124] If it is determined that processing has been performed for all unit periods (S22: YES), the processing unit 31 derives a predicted value for the balance of electricity trading for the target period based on the amount of electricity traded and the predicted electricity price for each unit period in the generated electricity trading plan (step S23).

[0125] The processing unit 31 executes the processes from step S13 to step S23 for each of the set transaction SOC ranges, and generates a power trading plan and forecasts revenue and expenses for each transaction SOC range.

[0126] The processing unit 31 stores the transaction SOC range used for the determination, the generated power trading plan, the predicted balance sheet and the trend of the energy storage capacity in the storage unit 32, associating them with each other (step S24).

[0127] The processing unit 31 creates transaction-related information, including power trading plans, forecast values ​​for revenue and expenditure, and trends in energy storage capacity (step S25). The transaction-related information includes multiple power trading plans corresponding to each transaction SOC range. The processing unit 31 outputs the created transaction-related information to the information terminal device 5 through the second information processing device 4 (step S26).

[0128] The processing unit 51 of the information terminal device 5 displays, for example, a web page based on transaction-related information on the display unit 54. Using the web page, the processing unit 51 accepts the user's selection of one of several power trading plans by operating the operation unit 55. The processing unit 51 transmits information indicating the power trading plan selected by the user to the EMS 3 through the second information processing device 4.

[0129] The processing unit 31 obtains the power trading plan selected by the user from among the multiple power trading plans (step S27). The processing unit 31 determines the selected power trading plan as the final power trading plan and stores it in the storage unit 22. Alternatively, the processing unit 31 may derive the final power trading plan. For example, the processing unit 31 comprehensively evaluates the predicted balance and storage capacity corresponding to each power trading plan according to a predetermined evaluation method and ultimately derives the power trading plan with the best evaluation. If there is only one preset trading SOC range, step S27 may be omitted.

[0130] The processing unit 31 outputs charge / discharge commands to the energy storage equipment 1 to control the charging or discharging of the energy storage element 10 according to the derived final power trading plan (step S28), and then terminates the process.

[0131] The processing entities in each of the flowcharts described above are not limited. Some or all of the processing performed by EMS3 may be performed by, for example, the second information processing device 4, the information terminal device 5, the domain BMU 18, the bank BMU 17, etc.

[0132] Figure 10 shows an example of a display screen 551 that displays transaction-related information. The display screen 551 includes a list display unit 552 that displays the forecast results for each of the generated electricity transaction plans in a table format, and a graph display unit 553 that displays them in a graph format.

[0133] The list displayed in the list display unit 552 includes, for example, a scenario number to identify the power trading plan, degradation points that score the state of degradation, a sales SOC threshold and a purchase SOC threshold related to the trading SOC range corresponding to the power trading plan, and expected balance representing the predicted balance. The degradation points are calculated so that they decrease as the predicted value of the storage capacity increases. Based on the information stored in the memory unit 32, the EMS 3 displays the degradation points, trading SOC range, and predicted balance corresponding to the predicted value of the storage capacity for each set power trading plan in the list display unit 552.

[0134] The graph display unit 553 displays a graph showing the deterioration of the energy storage equipment 1. In the example in Figure 10, the horizontal axis of the graph displayed in the graph display unit 553 represents the number of years of operation, and the vertical axis represents the capacity maintenance rate (%) of the energy storage equipment 1 being simulated. The number of years of operation is expressed in years, representing the time elapsed since the start of operation. The EMS 3 creates the graph by plotting the change in the capacity maintenance rate over time, which represents the ratio of the energy storage capacity to the known initial capacity, based on the energy storage capacity predicted in the prediction process. The graph includes multiple curves that clearly show the change in the capacity maintenance rate when electricity trading is performed, for each electricity trading plan, and a curve that shows the change in the capacity maintenance rate when electricity trading is not performed. The graph display unit 553 includes the prediction period related to the details of electricity trading, and the simulation period is longer than the prediction period, but the graph display unit 553 only needs to be able to grasp the deterioration state for at least the prediction period. The graph display unit 553 may also display a graph showing the change in energy storage capacity.

[0135] The display screen 551 is configured to allow the user to select one of several power trading plans, and also functions as a reception screen for accepting the final selection of a power trading plan. In the example shown in Figure 10, the display screen 551 includes a reception section 554 consisting of multiple checkboxes, each associated with a different power trading plan. The user can select their desired power trading plan by using the operation section 55 of the information terminal device 5 to select the checkbox corresponding to one of the power trading plans and then selecting the button labeled "Determine Operation Plan". The selected power trading plan is then notified to the EMS 3 via the second information processing device 4.

[0136] The display screen 551 may be configured to display detailed information of the simulation results for each electricity trading plan. For example, each electricity trading plan displayed in the list display unit 552 is provided with an input button 555 labeled "Detailed Display" for displaying detailed information of the simulation results for that electricity trading plan. When the input button 555 is pressed, a detailed display screen 556 is displayed, showing detailed information corresponding to the specified electricity trading plan.

[0137] Figure 11 shows an example of a detailed display screen 556 that displays detailed information. The detailed display screen 556 includes a plan table 557 showing a detailed power trading plan, a graph 558 showing the trend of the predicted SOC, and a graph 559 showing the trend of degradation.

[0138] The schedule 557 includes, for example, the bidding product, bidding area, buy / sell type, order price, and order quantity for electricity trading as display items. Based on the information stored in the memory unit 32, the EMS3 displays a list of the product, bidding area, and buy / sell or buy / sell type of electricity, indicated by the start and end times of each unit of time in the schedule 557, for each unit of time in which electricity trading is determined to be possible in the target electricity trading plan. The EMS3 also displays the predicted electricity price corresponding to the order price and the trading quantity corresponding to the order quantity in the schedule 557 for each unit of time.

[0139] In Graph 558, which shows the predicted SOC, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the predicted SOC (%) of the simulated energy storage facility 1. Graph 558 includes curves representing the trend of the predicted SOC when electricity trading is performed and curves representing the trend of the predicted SOC when electricity trading is not performed. In the example in Figure 11, the trend when electricity trading is performed is shown by a solid line, and the trend when electricity trading is not performed is shown by a dashed line. EMS3 creates Graph 558 by plotting the predicted SOC when electricity trading is performed and the predicted SOC when electricity trading is not performed, respectively, from the start to the end of the target period predicted in the forecasting process, in a way that allows them to be distinguished.

[0140] The horizontal axis of Graph 559, which shows the progression of degradation, represents the number of years of operation, and the vertical axis represents the capacity maintenance rate (%) of the energy storage facility 1 being simulated. Graph 559 includes a curve (solid line) showing the progression of the capacity maintenance rate when electricity trading is performed, and a curve (dashed line) showing the progression of the capacity maintenance rate when electricity trading is not performed. EMS3 creates Graph 559 by extracting only the prediction results for the electricity trading plan and the case without electricity trading, which are the subjects of detailed information display, from the graph displayed in the graph display unit 553 of Figure 10.

[0141] The user can accurately understand the details of the power trading plan for the energy storage facility 1 through the display screen 551 and the detailed display screen 556. The EMS 3 or the second information processing device 4 may transmit transaction-related information for a predetermined period to the information terminal device 5 in response to a display request transmitted from the information terminal device 5 at any time.

[0142] The energy storage information processing method, energy storage information processing device, and computer program of this embodiment may be applied to power trading for energy management such as peak shifting. The energy storage information processing method, energy storage information processing device, and computer program of this embodiment may be applied to support devices that estimate the total costs incurred for the introduction, maintenance, and power trading of energy storage systems, and that are beneficial to the user. They may also be applied to devices that estimate the state of energy storage equipment and power trading in real time, predict whether the state will be cost-effective for the user when the energy storage system reaches the end of its lifespan, and provide information on what will happen in the future (i.e., at the end of its lifespan) in relation to the direction of the action to be taken now.

[0143] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The technical features described in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and the scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the claims and equivalents thereof. The sequences shown in each embodiment are not limiting, and within the bounds of consistency, the order of each processing step may be changed, and multiple processes may be executed in parallel. The processing entity for each process is not limiting, and within the bounds of consistency, the processing of each device may be executed by other devices.

[0144] The matters described in each embodiment can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the independent and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the form of reference. In addition, the claims use a form in which claims referencing two or more other claims (multi-claim form), but are not limited to this. A form in which multi-claims referencing at least one multi-claim (multi-multi-claim) may also be used. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0145] 100 Energy Storage Information Processing System 1. Energy storage equipment 10 Energy storage elements 3. Information Processing Device (Energy Storage Information Processing Device) 31 Processing Unit 32 Storage section 33 Communications Department 3P Program 3A Recording media

Claims

1. Obtain predicted electricity prices for a target period in electricity trading using energy storage elements. The state of the energy storage element, including at least one of the charge state, temperature, and voltage of the energy storage element, when used with the required power pattern for the energy storage element during the aforementioned period, is predicted. Based on the predicted energy storage element state and predicted electricity price, and the range of energy storage element states and electricity prices for which electricity trading is possible, the feasibility of electricity trading during the target period is determined. Generate a power trading plan based on the judgment result. It includes a processing unit that performs processing. Energy storage information processing device.

2. The revenue and expenditure in accordance with the aforementioned power trading plan and the deterioration of the energy storage element are predicted, The predicted values ​​of the balance sheet, the degradation of the energy storage element, and the power trading plan are output. The energy storage information processing device according to claim 1.

3. If it is determined that electricity trading is possible during the aforementioned period, the degradation of the energy storage element during the aforementioned period is predicted based on the total power obtained by adding the power according to the requested power pattern and the traded power according to the electricity trading plan during the aforementioned period. The energy storage information processing device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned power request pattern is the power pattern required for the energy storage element when no power trading is performed. The energy storage information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The state range of the energy storage element is updated based on the operational performance of the energy storage element. The energy storage information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The energy storage element state range includes a charge state range defined by a first threshold and a second threshold less than or equal to the first threshold. If the predicted charging state is above the first threshold or below the second threshold, and the predicted value of the electricity price is within the electricity price range, it is determined that electricity trading is possible. If the predicted charging state is above the first threshold or below the second threshold, and the predicted value of the electricity price is outside the electricity price range, it is determined that electricity trading is not possible. If the predicted charging state is below the first threshold and above the second threshold, it is determined that power trading is not possible. The energy storage information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. If the charging state is equal to or greater than the first threshold, and the predicted value of the electricity price is equal to or greater than the electricity price threshold, it is determined that electricity can be sold. If the charging state is below the second threshold and the predicted value of the electricity price is below the electricity price threshold, it is determined that electricity can be purchased. The energy storage information processing device according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned electricity price range is updated at predetermined intervals. The energy storage information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. The aforementioned target period is divided into multiple unit periods, The process, including predicting the state of the energy storage element and determining whether or not electricity trading is possible, is executed sequentially from the first unit period to the last unit period within the aforementioned target period. The energy storage information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. Predict the state of the energy storage element according to the requested power pattern in the first unit period, Using the predicted state of the energy storage element, the feasibility of electricity trading in the first unit period is determined. If it is determined that power trading is possible in the first unit period, the state of the energy storage element in the first unit period is re-predicted based on the power corresponding to the requested power pattern and the trading power corresponding to the power trading plan in the first unit period. Using the re-predicted state of the energy storage element as an initial value, the state of the energy storage element is predicted according to the requested power pattern for the second unit period following the first unit period. The energy storage information processing device according to claim 9.

11. Multiple combinations of the energy storage element state range and the electricity price range are acquired, Multiple electricity trading plans corresponding to each acquired combination and predicted revenue and expenditure values ​​for each electricity trading plan are derived. Output the derived multiple electricity trading plans and the predicted values ​​of the revenue and expenditure. The user selects a power trading plan from among the multiple power trading plans that have been output. The energy storage information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

12. Obtain predicted electricity prices for a target period in electricity trading using energy storage elements. The state of the energy storage element, including at least one of the charge state, temperature, and voltage of the energy storage element, when used with the required power pattern for the energy storage element during the aforementioned period, is predicted. Based on the predicted energy storage element state and predicted electricity price, and the range of energy storage element states and electricity prices for which electricity trading is possible, the feasibility of electricity trading during the target period is determined. Generate a power trading plan based on the judgment result. A method for processing energy storage information, in which a computer performs the processing.

13. Obtain predicted electricity prices for a target period in electricity trading using energy storage elements. The state of the energy storage element, including at least one of the charge state, temperature, and voltage of the energy storage element, when used with the required power pattern for the energy storage element during the aforementioned period, is predicted. Based on the predicted energy storage element state and predicted electricity price, and the range of energy storage element states and electricity prices for which electricity trading is possible, the feasibility of electricity trading during the target period is determined. Generate a power trading plan based on the judgment result. A computer program that instructs a computer to perform a process.

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