Power system

Abstract

This system balances the output of numerous distributed power supply units while simultaneously enabling control in short timeframes. [Solution] The power system server derives a first target power amount, which is the target value of the amount of power that the distributed power supply unit will supply to the power grid during a predetermined first hour, creates a first operation plan, which is the operation plan of the distributed power supply unit including the first target power amount for the first hour, and transmits it to the edge terminal. Based on the received first operation plan, the edge terminal determines the control value of the distributed power supply unit every second hour within the first hour, so as to minimize the difference between the first predicted power amount, which is the amount of power that the distributed power supply unit is expected to actually supply to the power grid during the first hour when it reaches the end of the first hour, and the first target power amount, and executes control of the distributed power supply unit in real time every second hour based on the determined control value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power system. Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for controlling the output of a generator. In Patent Literature 1, the output of the generator at a predetermined time is calculated based on information in a database, and when a constraint violation occurs in the output of the generator, the output of the generator from the predetermined time back to a time that is a predetermined time earlier is corrected so as to resolve the constraint violation. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2021-83235 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As a first example of a control method for distributed power supply devices, there is distributed cooperative control in which each of a plurality of distributed power supply devices controls output while mutually exchanging operation information to adjust the output balance among the respective distributed power supply devices. However, in distributed cooperative control, the amount of communication and computation between distributed power supply devices tends to increase, making control in short time units difficult. Further, as a second example of a control method for distributed power supply devices, there is real-time control that controls distributed power supply devices in short time units. However, in real-time control, it is difficult to adjust the output balance of a large number of distributed power supply devices. With these exemplified control methods, it is difficult to achieve both adjustment of the output balance of a large number of distributed power supply devices and control in short time units.

[0005] In view of these challenges, the present invention aims to provide a power system that can simultaneously adjust the balance of outputs of a large number of distributed power supply devices and control them in short time units. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the power system of the present invention comprises a plurality of distributed power supply devices capable of supplying power to load equipment connected to the power grid through the power grid, a plurality of edge terminals associated with at least one of the one or more distributed power supply devices and controlling the associated distributed power supply devices, and a server capable of communicating with the edge terminals. The server derives a first target power amount, which is a target value for the amount of power that the distributed power supply devices will supply to the power grid during a predetermined first hour, creates a first operation plan, which is an operation plan for the distributed power supply devices including the first target power amount for the first hour, and transmits it to the edge terminals. Based on the received first operation plan, the edge terminals determine control values ​​for the distributed power supply devices every second hour within the first hour, such that the difference between a first predicted power amount, which is the amount of power that the distributed power supply devices are expected to actually supply to the power grid during the first hour when the end of the first hour is reached, and the first target power amount is minimized, and execute real-time control of the distributed power supply devices every second hour based on the determined control values.

[0007] Alternatively, when the edge terminal reaches the end of the first hour, it may acquire the first actual power amount, which is the actual amount of power that the distributed power supply unit actually supplied to the power grid during the first hour, and send it to the server. The server may then derive the first target power amount for the next first hour based on the received first actual power amount, create a first operation plan including the derived first target power amount, and send it to the edge terminal.

[0008] Furthermore, when the edge terminal reaches the end of the second time period, it may acquire a second actual power amount, which is the amount of power actually supplied to the power grid by the distributed power supply unit, accumulated from the start of the first time period. Based on the second actual power amount, it may derive a first predicted power amount, and determine the control value of the distributed power supply unit for the next second time period so as to minimize the difference between the derived first predicted power amount and the first target power amount.

[0009] Furthermore, the edge terminal may derive a second target energy amount, which is a target energy amount for each second hour following a progression of energy amount such that the energy amount increases proportionally from the start to the end of the first hour, and reaches the first target energy amount when the end of the first hour is reached. Based on the second actual energy amount, it may derive a second predicted energy amount, which is the amount of energy that the distributed power supply device is expected to actually supply to the power grid from the start to the end of the second hour when the end of the second hour is reached, for at least one of the second hours between the current second hour and the end of the first hour. The control value of the distributed power supply device for the next second hour may be determined such that the difference between the derived first predicted energy amount and the first target energy amount becomes small, and the difference between the second predicted energy amount and the second target energy amount in the second hour between the current second hour and the end of the first hour becomes small.

[0010] Furthermore, the edge terminal may determine the control value of the distributed power supply device for the next second hour such that the difference between the derived first predicted power amount and the first target power amount becomes small, the difference between the second predicted power amount and the second target power amount during the second hour from the current second hour to the end of the first hour becomes small, and the change in the second predicted power amount in the next second hour relative to the current second actual power amount becomes small.

[0011] Furthermore, the control value of the distributed power supply is determined using a function that includes a weight parameter to adjust the magnitude of the difference between the first predicted power and the first target power, and the weight parameter may be set so that the amount of adjustment to the magnitude of the difference between the first predicted power and the first target power increases as time progresses within the first time period.

[0012] Alternatively, the server may derive the relationship between the parameters of the amount of electricity supplied by the distributed power supply unit to the power grid, the parameters of the power demand generated by the load equipment, and the parameters of the operating costs of the distributed power supply unit, determine the combination of the amount of electricity supplied by the distributed power supply unit and the power demand of the load equipment that minimizes the operating costs, and determine the first target amount of electricity for the first operation plan based on the determined amount of electricity supplied by the distributed power supply unit.

[0013] Furthermore, operating costs may include imbalance costs arising from the surplus or deficit between the planned and actual amounts of electricity supplied by distributed power sources to the power grid.

[0014] Alternatively, the server may derive a relationship between the parameter for the amount of electricity supplied by the distributed power supply unit to the power grid, the parameter for the power demand generated by the load equipment, and the parameter for the amount of deviation when the amount of electricity actually supplied by the distributed power supply unit to the power grid deviates from the set range of electricity that the distributed power supply unit is required to supply to the power grid. The server may then determine the combination of the amount of electricity supplied by the distributed power supply unit and the power demand of the load equipment that minimizes the deviation, and determine the first target amount of electricity for the first operation plan based on the determined amount of electricity supplied by the distributed power supply unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve both balancing the output of multiple distributed power supply devices and controlling them in short time units. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of a power system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation flow of a server control unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram explaining an overview of the operation of an edge control unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation flow of an edge control unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example relationship among an electric energy parameter, a power demand parameter, and an operation cost. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example relationship among an electric energy parameter, a power demand parameter, and a deviation amount parameter. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, other specific numerical values and the like shown in these embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specifically stated. In the present specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant description, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from illustration.

[0018] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of a power system 1 according to a first embodiment. The power system 1 includes a power grid 10, a plurality of load facilities 12, a plurality of distributed power supply devices 14, a plurality of edge terminals 16, a plurality of watt-hour meters 18, and a server 20.

[0019] Each of the plurality of load facilities 12 is electrically connected to an electric power system 10. The load facilities 12 include various devices that operate by consuming electric power supplied from the electric power system, such as home appliances and lighting devices, for example. In FIG. 1, three load facilities 12 are illustrated. The number of load facilities 12 is not limited to three, and may be two or four or more. Furthermore, one or a plurality of load facilities 12 may be provided for one consumer, or a load facility 12 may be provided for each consumer.

[0020] Each of the plurality of distributed power supply devices 14 is electrically connected to the electric power system 10. The distributed power supply devices 14 are energy resources capable of supplying electric power to the load facilities 12 through the electric power system 10. That is, the distributed power supply devices 14 can function as a so-called virtual power plant (VPP).

[0021] The distributed power supply device 14 may include at least any one of, for example, a solar power generation device, a gas turbine power generation device, and a storage battery. The distributed power supply device 14 is not limited to the exemplified devices, and may include various devices capable of supplying electric power to the electric power system 10. Furthermore, the type of the distributed power supply devices 14 may be substantially the same for the plurality of distributed power supply devices 14, or may be different in at least some of the plurality of distributed power supply devices 14.

[0022] In FIG. 1, three distributed power supply devices 14, namely distributed power supply device 14A, distributed power supply device 14B, and distributed power supply device 14C, are illustrated. The number of distributed power supply devices 14 is not limited to three, and may be two or four or more. The owners of the distributed power supply devices 14 may be different among the plurality of distributed power supply devices 14, or may be substantially the same for at least some of the distributed power supply devices 14.

[0023] Each of the plurality of edge terminals 16 is associated in one-to-one correspondence with the distributed power supply devices 14. For example, the edge terminal 16 is disposed near the associated distributed power supply device 14, and can control the associated distributed power supply device.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates three edge terminals 16: edge terminal 16A, edge terminal 16B, and edge terminal 16C. Edge terminal 16A is associated with distributed power supply unit 14A, edge terminal 16B is associated with distributed power supply unit 14B, and edge terminal 16C is associated with distributed power supply unit 14C. The number of edge terminals 16 is not limited to three; it may be two or four or more. The number of edge terminals 16 may be the same as the number of distributed power supply units 14.

[0025] Furthermore, the power system 1 is not limited to a configuration in which distributed power supply devices 14 and edge terminals 16 are associated on a one-to-one basis. For example, the power system 1 may be configured in which one edge terminal 16 is associated with multiple distributed power supply devices 14.

[0026] The edge terminal 16 includes an edge communication unit 30, one or more processors 32, and one or more memory 34. The edge communication unit 30 can communicate with the server 20 through various types of networks, such as the internet or a dedicated communication network.

[0027] Memory 34 includes ROM in which programs and other data are stored, and RAM as a work area. Memory 34 may also include storage in which programs and other data are stored.

[0028] The processor 32 functions as an edge control unit 40, executing programs contained in the memory 34 to perform various processes related to the edge terminal 16 and various processes related to the distributed power supply unit 14 corresponding to the edge terminal 16. The operation of the edge control unit 40 will be described in detail later.

[0029] The energy meter 18 is installed in the current path between the distributed power supply unit 14 and the power system 10, corresponding to the distributed power supply unit 14. Figure 3 shows three energy meters 18 as examples: energy meter 18A, energy meter 18B, and energy meter 18C.

[0030] The energy meter 18A can measure the amount of energy supplied to the power system 10 by the distributed power supply unit 14A. The edge terminal 16A can acquire the amount of energy measured by the energy meter 18A. The energy meter 18B can measure the amount of energy supplied to the power system 10 by the distributed power supply unit 14B. The edge terminal 16B can acquire the amount of energy measured by the energy meter 18B. The energy meter 18C can measure the amount of energy supplied to the power system 10 by the distributed power supply unit 14C. The edge terminal 16C can acquire the amount of energy measured by the energy meter 18C.

[0031] Server 20 belongs to, for example, a power supplier that manages the output of the distributed power supply unit 14, or in other words, a power supplier that plays the role of an aggregator in a VPP.

[0032] The server 20 includes a server communication unit 50, one or more processors 52, and one or more memories 54. The server communication unit 50 can communicate with each of the edge terminals 16 through various types of networks, such as the internet or a dedicated communication network. In other words, the server 20 can communicate with each edge terminal 16 individually.

[0033] Memory 54 includes ROM in which programs and other data are stored, and RAM as a work area. Memory 54 may also include storage in which programs and other data are stored.

[0034] The processor 52 functions as a server control unit 60 that executes various processes related to the management of the distributed power supply unit 14 by running a program contained in the memory 54. In other words, the server 20 can indirectly control the distributed power supply unit 14 through the edge terminal 16. The operation of the server control unit 60 will be described in detail later.

[0035] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation flow of the server control unit 60. When a predetermined start condition is met, the server control unit 60 executes the series of processes shown in Figure 2. The predetermined start condition may be, for example, reaching a predetermined time within a day. Note that the predetermined start condition is not limited to the example given, but may be a variety of other conditions.

[0036] First, the server control unit 60 derives a first target power amount, which is the target value of the amount of power that the distributed power supply units 14 will supply to the power system 10 during a predetermined first hour (S10). The first target power amount is derived for each distributed power supply unit 14.

[0037] This first period is, for example, 30 minutes. In other words, the first period is defined as 30 minutes as one unit (for example, one time slot). Note that the first period is not limited to this example and may be set to various periods, such as one hour. In the example where the first period is 30 minutes, the first target power amount means the target value of the amount of power to be supplied from the distributed power supply device 14 to the power system 10 during that 30-minute period.

[0038] More specifically, the server control unit 60 derives a first target power amount for each distributed power supply unit 14 in a predetermined first time period such that the entire power system 1 is as appropriate as possible from an economic or environmental standpoint.

[0039] For example, the first target power amount may be set so that the cost required for power generation for the entire power system 1 is kept to a minimum (so that the economic efficiency of power system 1 is optimized). For example, the server control unit 60 may derive the first target power amount for each distributed power supply unit 14 so as to maximize the power amount of the solar power generation unit, which has a low power generation cost, and supplement the deficit with the gas turbine power generation unit, which has a higher power generation cost than the solar power generation unit, and discharge the storage battery as a supplement.

[0040] The first target power quantity may be created using the output status of the distributed power supply unit 14 (i.e., the response speed and response delay of the distributed power supply unit 14). The first target power quantity may be created using the demand forecast for the entire load equipment 12. The first target power quantity may be corrected to account for the uncertainty of demand, which represents the uncertainty of whether the power demand at the load equipment 12 will occur as predicted. The first target power quantity may be corrected to account for the error in the demand forecast, which represents the difference between the demand forecast and the actual power demand. The first target power quantity may be created using the output distribution of the distributed power supply unit according to the number and type of distributed power supply unit. Furthermore, the first target power quantity may be created and corrected by combining two or more of the example pieces of information.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, the first target power amount may be set so as to minimize the total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of power system 1 (so that the environmental performance of power system 1 is optimized).

[0042] Next, the server control unit 60 creates a first operation plan, which is an operation plan for the distributed power supply unit 14 that includes a first target power amount for the first hour (S11). A first operation plan is created for each distributed power supply unit 14. The first operation plan may include, for example, a control value for the output of the distributed power supply unit 14, which is determined by reflecting the difference between the first target power and the actual power amount of the distributed power supply unit 14 up to that point.

[0043] The first operational plan is not limited to an example that includes the first target power amount for one first hour, but may also include the first target power amount for each of multiple first hours. For example, if 30 minutes is considered one unit, a day can be divided into 48 units. The server control unit 60 may derive the first target power amount for each 30-minute interval for 48 units (one day's worth) and create a first operational plan for one day that includes these 48 first target power amounts.

[0044] Next, the server control unit 60 transmits the created first operation plan to the edge terminal 16 corresponding to the distributed power supply unit 14 that will execute the first operation plan (S12), and terminates the series of processes.

[0045] Based on the first operational plan received from the server 20, the edge terminal 16 controls the amount of power supplied from the distributed power supply unit 14 to the power grid 10 for the distributed power supply unit 14 that is subject to operation according to the first operational plan.

[0046] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the operation of the edge control unit 40. Figure 3 shows an example of the amount of power supplied by the distributed power supply unit 14 to the power system 10 during the first hour. In Figure 3, the dashed line B10 shows an example of the first target amount of power.

[0047] The edge control unit 40 of the edge terminal 16 controls the control value of the distributed power supply unit 14 (i.e., the amount of power supplied from the distributed power supply unit 14 to the power grid 10) in real time at intervals of two hours, which are shorter than the first hour.

[0048] The second hour might be, for example, one minute, but this is not the only example; it could be set to any length of time shorter than the first hour. In other words, the first hour is divided into multiple periods of the second hour.

[0049] For the sake of explanation, in situations where the end of the first hour has not yet been reached, the amount of electricity that the distributed power supply device 14 is expected to actually supply to the power system 10 during the first hour when the end of the first hour is reached is sometimes referred to as the first predicted amount of electricity. The dashed line B12 in Figure 3 shows an example of the first predicted amount of electricity.

[0050] Furthermore, in the situation where the end of the first hour is reached, the actual amount of electricity that the distributed power supply device 14 actually supplied to the power system 10 from the start to the end of the first hour may be called the first actual electricity amount. The first actual electricity amount corresponds to the amount of electricity obtained by accumulating the electricity amount for each second hour over all second hours in the first hour. In Figure 3, the first actual electricity amount is omitted.

[0051] Furthermore, in situations where the end of the first hour has not yet been reached (i.e., during the first hour), when the end of the second hour is reached, the actual amount of electricity that the distributed power supply device 14 actually supplied to the power system 10 from the start of the first hour to the end of any second hour within that first hour (for example, the present time) may be called the second actual electricity amount. The second actual electricity amount corresponds to the amount of electricity obtained by accumulating the amount of electricity for each second hour from the start of the first hour to the end of any second hour within that first hour (for example, the present time). The dashed line B14 in Figure 3 shows an example of the second actual electricity amount at the end of any second hour within the first hour (for example, the present time). The solid line A12 in Figure 3 shows an example of the change in the second actual electricity amount from the end of the first second hour within the first hour to the end of any second hour within that first hour (for example, the present time).

[0052] In Figure 3, the dashed line A10 shows an example of the energy flow such that the energy increases proportionally from the start to the end of the first hour, and reaches the first target energy flow when it reaches the end of the first hour. In other words, the dashed line A10 is an example of the second target energy flow, which is the target value of the energy flow for each second hour, following the energy flow such that the energy increases proportionally from the start to the end of the first hour, and reaches the first target energy flow when it reaches the end of the first hour. The first target energy flow corresponds to the second target energy flow when it reaches the end of the first hour. Here, the amount of change in the second target energy flow per second hour is sometimes called the unit second target energy flow. In that case, the first target energy flow corresponds to the sum of the unit second target energy flow for each second hour in the first hour. Furthermore, if the current time is in the middle of the first hour, the current second target energy amount corresponds to the sum of the unit second target energy amounts from the start of the first hour to the second hour to which the current time belongs.

[0053] At the start of the first hour, the edge control unit 40 may determine the second target power amount for each second hour based on the first hour, the second hour, and the first target power amount, as shown by the dashed line A10 in Figure 3.

[0054] Furthermore, the amount of electricity that the distributed power supply unit 14 is expected to actually supply to the power system 10 from the start of the first hour to the end of the second hour when it reaches the end of the second hour in the future may be called the second predicted electricity amount. The edge control unit 40 may derive the second predicted electricity amount for at least one of the second hours between the current second hour and the end of the first hour, based on the current second actual electricity amount. For example, the edge control unit 40 may derive the second predicted electricity amount for the next second hour from the second predicted electricity amount, based on the current second actual electricity amount. The edge control unit 40 may also derive the second predicted electricity amount for all second hours between the current second hour and the end of the first hour.

[0055] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the edge control unit 40. The edge control unit 40 of the edge terminal 16 executes the series of processes shown in Figure 4 each time a predetermined interrupt timing occurs, which is repeated at predetermined time intervals.

[0056] When a predetermined interrupt timing arrives, the edge control unit 40 first determines whether the current time is the start of the first time period (S20).

[0057] If it is determined that the current time is the start of the first hour (YES in S20), the edge control unit 40 derives the second target energy amount every two hours based on the first hour, the second hour, and the first target energy amount (S21).

[0058] The edge control unit 40 derives a second predicted energy amount for at least one of the second hours between the first second hour of the current first hour and the end of the current first hour, based on the first actual energy amount at the end of the previous first hour (S22). For example, the edge control unit 40 may derive a second predicted energy amount for the first second hour of the current first hour, based on the first actual energy amount at the end of the previous first hour.

[0059] The edge control unit 40 derives the first predicted power amount for the current first hour based on the first actual power amount at the end of the previous first hour (S23).

[0060] The edge control unit 40 determines the control value of the distributed power supply unit 14 for the first second time (S24). More specifically, the edge control unit 40 determines the control value of the distributed power supply unit 14 for the first second time so that the difference between the first predicted power amount derived in step S21 and the first target power amount becomes small, and the difference between the second predicted power amount (the second predicted power amount derived in step S22) and the second target power amount (the second target power amount for the second time which is substantially the same as the second time corresponding to the second predicted power amount) for the second time between the first second time and the end of the current first time becomes small. For example, the edge control unit 40 may determine the control value of the distributed power supply unit 14 for the first second time so that the difference between the first predicted power amount derived in step S21 and the first target power amount becomes small, and the difference between the second predicted power amount for the first second time derived in step S22 and the second target power amount for the first second time becomes small.

[0061] The edge control unit 40 may omit the condition regarding the difference between the second predicted power amount and the second target power amount, and determine the control value of the distributed power supply unit 14 during the first second time period such that the difference between the first predicted power amount and the first target power amount is small.

[0062] Furthermore, the edge control unit 40 may determine the control value of the distributed power supply unit 14 during the first second hour such that the difference between the derived first predicted power amount and the first target power amount becomes small, the difference between the second predicted power amount and the second target power amount during the second hour from the first second hour to the end of the current first hour becomes small, and the amount of change in the second predicted power amount during the first second hour becomes small. For example, the edge control unit 40 may determine the control value of the distributed power supply unit 14 during the first second hour such that the difference between the derived first predicted power amount and the first target power amount becomes small, the difference between the second predicted power amount during the first second hour and the second target power amount during the first second hour becomes small, and the amount of change in the second predicted power amount during the first second hour becomes small.

[0063] The edge control unit 40 controls the output of the distributed power supply unit 14 during the first second period according to the determined control value (S25), and then terminates the series of processes.

[0064] If the edge control unit 40 determines that the current time is not the start of the first time period (NO in S20), it compares the current time with the time corresponding to the end of each second time period and determines whether the end of at least one of the second time periods (e.g., the most recent second time period) within the first time period has been reached (S30). If the edge control unit 40 determines that the end of at least one of the second time periods (e.g., the most recent second time period) within the first time period has not been reached (in S30), it terminates the series of processes.

[0065] If it is determined that the endpoint of at least one of the second time periods within the first time period has been reached (YES in S30), the edge control unit 40 determines whether the endpoint of the first time period has not been reached (S31). In other words, in steps S30 and S31, the edge control unit 40 determines whether the endpoint of the second time period has been reached while the first time period is still in progress. Note that the determination in step S31 may be performed before the determination in step S30.

[0066] If it is determined that the end of the first hour has not been reached (YES in S31), the edge control unit 40 obtains the second actual energy amount up to the end of the second hour (for example, the most recent second hour) that it determined to have been reached in step S30 (S32). For example, the edge control unit 40 may obtain the current measurement value of the energy meter 18 and use the difference between the current measurement value of the energy meter 18 and the measurement value of the energy meter 18 at the start of the first hour as the second actual energy amount.

[0067] Next, the edge control unit 40 derives a second predicted energy amount for at least one of the second hours between the current second hour and the end of the current first hour, based on the second actual energy amount (S33). The edge control unit 40 may also derive a second predicted energy amount for the next second hour, based on the second actual energy amount. For example, the edge control unit 40 may derive a second predicted energy amount for the next second hour by adding a unit second target energy amount to the second actual energy amount.

[0068] Next, the edge control unit 40 derives the first predicted power amount based on the second actual power amount (S34). For example, the edge control unit 40 may derive the first predicted power amount by accumulating the predicted power amount for each second hour from the next second hour to the end of the first hour, and adding the second actual power amount to the accumulated value.

[0069] Next, the edge control unit 40 determines the control value of the distributed power supply unit 14 for the next second time (i.e., the amount of power to be supplied during the next second time) (S35). More specifically, the edge control unit 40 determines the control value of the distributed power supply unit 14 for the next second time such that the difference between the first predicted power amount (see dashed line B12 in Figure 3) derived in step S34 and the first target power amount (see dashed line B10 in Figure 3) becomes small, and the difference between the second predicted power amount (the second predicted power amount derived in step S33) and the second target power amount (the second target power amount for the second time which is substantially the same as the second time corresponding to the second predicted power amount) for the second time between the current second time and the end of the current first time becomes small. For example, the edge control unit 40 may determine the control value of the distributed power supply unit 14 in the next second time period such that the difference between the first predicted power amount derived in step S34 and the first target power amount becomes small, and the difference between the second predicted power amount for the next second time period derived in step S33 and the second target power amount for the next second time period becomes small.

[0070] The edge control unit 40 may omit the condition regarding the difference between the second predicted power amount and the second target power amount, and instead determine the control value of the distributed power supply unit 14 in the next second time period such that the difference between the first predicted power amount and the first target power amount becomes small.

[0071] Furthermore, the edge control unit 40 may determine the control value of the distributed power supply unit 14 for the next second hour such that the difference between the derived first predicted power amount and the first target power amount becomes small, the difference between the second predicted power amount and the second target power amount during the second hour from the current second hour to the end of the current first hour becomes small, and the change in the second predicted power amount in the next second hour relative to the current second actual power amount becomes small. For example, the edge control unit 40 may determine the control value of the distributed power supply unit 14 for the next second hour such that the difference between the derived first predicted power amount and the first target power amount becomes small, the difference between the second predicted power amount in the next second hour and the second target power amount in the next second hour becomes small, and the change in the second predicted power amount in the next second hour relative to the current second actual power amount becomes small.

[0072] Next, the edge control unit 40 controls the output of the distributed power supply unit 14 in the next second time period according to the determined control value (S36), and terminates the series of processes. The edge control unit 40 repeatedly performs this series of processes throughout the first time period.

[0073] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S31 that the end of the first hour has been reached (NO in S31), the edge control unit 40 acquires the first actual energy consumption for this first hour (S40). For example, the edge control unit 40 may acquire the current measurement value of the energy meter 18 (i.e., the time when the end of the first hour has been reached), and use the difference between the current measurement value of the energy meter 18 and the measurement value of the energy meter 18 at the start of the first hour as the first actual energy consumption.

[0074] Next, the edge control unit 40 transmits the acquired first actual power amount to the server 20 (S41), and the series of processes ends.

[0075] As described above, the server 20 of the power system 1 in the first embodiment derives a first target power amount, which is the target value of the amount of power that the distributed power supply unit 14 will supply to the power grid 10 during a predetermined first hour. The server 20 creates a first operation plan, which is the operation plan for the distributed power supply unit 14 including the first target power amount for the first hour, and transmits it to the edge terminal 16. Based on the received first operation plan, the edge terminal 16 determines the control value of the distributed power supply unit 14 every second hour within the first hour, such that the difference between the first predicted power amount, which is the amount of power that the distributed power supply unit 14 is expected to actually supply to the power grid 10 during the first hour when it reaches the end of the first hour, and the first target power amount is minimized. The edge terminal 16 controls the distributed power supply unit 14 in real time every second hour based on the determined control value.

[0076] As a result, in the power system 1 of the first embodiment, the first target power amount for the first hour is derived for each of the numerous distributed power supply devices, and the power amount of the distributed power supply devices 14 is controlled in real time every second hour within the first hour so that the difference between the first predicted power amount and the first target power amount becomes smaller.

[0077] Therefore, the power system 1 of the first embodiment makes it possible to adjust the balance of the outputs of a large number of distributed power supply devices and to control them in short time units. As a result, the power system 1 of the first embodiment can substantially simultaneously enjoy the advantage of being able to adjust the balance of the outputs of a large number of distributed power supply devices and the advantage of faster response performance due to control being performed in short time units.

[0078] (First variation) In real-time control of edge terminals (especially at the beginning of the first hour), the absolute value of the control value is limited to prevent excessive fluctuations. As a result, as shown in Figure 3, the difference between the first predicted power amount and the first target power amount may increase over time.

[0079] Therefore, in the process of step S34 in Figure 4, the edge control unit 40 may determine the control value of the distributed power supply unit 14 using a function that includes a weight parameter to adjust the magnitude of the difference between the first predicted power and the first target power. For example, the first predicted power may be corrected by multiplying the first predicted power by the weight parameter. By correcting the first predicted power with the weight parameter, the magnitude of the difference between the first predicted power (i.e., the corrected first predicted power) and the first target power can be adjusted.

[0080] The weight parameters may be set such that the adjustment amount for the magnitude of the difference between the first predicted energy and the first target energy increases as time progresses within the first time period. For example, the weight parameters may include an exponential function of time such that the weight parameters increase exponentially as time progresses. In this case, as time progresses, the correction amount for the first predicted energy by the weight parameters increases, so the adjustment amount for the magnitude of the difference between the first predicted energy (i.e., the corrected first predicted energy) and the first target energy can be increased.

[0081] As a result, in the first modified power system 1, it is possible to suppress the increase in the difference between the first predicted power and the first target power as the end of the first time approaches. Furthermore, in the first modified power system 1, even if the difference between the first predicted power and the first target power becomes large at the beginning of the first time, it is possible to reduce the difference between the first predicted power and the first target power near the end of the first time.

[0082] Therefore, in the first modified power system 1, the first actual power amount when the end of the first time is reached can be brought as close as possible to the first target power amount.

[0083] Furthermore, the weight parameter may be gradually set to a larger value after approximately half of the first time has elapsed. This will cause, for example, the trend of the actual power consumption value shown by the solid line A12 in Figure 3 to approach the dashed line A10 in Figure 3 after approximately half of the first time has elapsed.

[0084] After reaching the end of the first hour, the weight parameters are reset to predetermined initial values ​​when the next first hour begins. This allows the magnitude of the difference between the first predicted energy and the first target energy to be adjusted hour by hour. Note that the weight parameters are not limited to being reset; the weight parameters at the end of the first hour may be carried over to the next first hour.

[0085] (Second variation) The edge control unit 40 may acquire the first actual power consumption for the first hour when it reaches the end of the first hour. For example, when the edge control unit 40 reaches the end of the first hour, it may acquire the current measurement value of the energy meter 18 and use the difference between the current measurement value of the energy meter 18 and the measurement value of the energy meter 18 at the start of the first hour as the first actual power consumption. The edge control unit 40 may transmit the acquired first actual power consumption to the server 20.

[0086] The server control unit 60 may derive a first target power for the first hour following the first hour in which the endpoint was reached, based on the first actual power received from the edge terminal 16. The server control unit 60 may create a new first operation plan that includes the first target power derived for the next first hour. The server control unit 60 may transmit the newly created first operation plan to the edge terminal 16.

[0087] The edge control unit 40 may perform control of the distributed power supply unit 14 in the next first hour based on the latest received first operational plan, in other words, the latest received first target power amount.

[0088] As a result, in the second modified power system 1, the accuracy of the first target power quantity in the next first hour can be improved, and consequently, the accuracy of real-time control every second hour in the next first hour can be improved.

[0089] For example, suppose a first operational plan for 48 frames is sent to the edge terminal 16, the edge terminal 16 executes control for the first frame, and the server 20 receives the first actual power consumption for that first frame. In this situation, the server control unit 60 may create (update) a first operational plan for 47 frames, from the second frame to the 48th frame, and send it to the edge terminal 16.

[0090] (Third variation) In step S10 of Figure 2, the server control unit 60 may determine the first target power amount while taking into consideration the operating costs of the distributed power supply unit 14.

[0091] Figure 5 shows an example of the relationship between the power consumption parameter "α", the power demand parameter "β", and the operating cost.

[0092] The power parameter "α" represents the amount of power supplied by the distributed power supply device 14 to the power grid 10. More specifically, the power parameter "α" in Figure 5 is expressed as a percentage of the value from the first reference value to the minimum power value, with the average value of the power output from multiple photovoltaic power generation devices among the multiple distributed power supply devices 14 being used as the first reference value.

[0093] The power demand parameter "β" represents the power demand generated by the load equipment 12. More specifically, the power demand parameter "β" in Figure 5 is expressed as a percentage of the value from the average power demand generated by multiple load equipment 12 to the maximum power demand, with the second reference value being used as the second reference value.

[0094] The operating cost represents the cost incurred when operating the distributed power supply unit 14. More specifically, the operating cost includes the cost incurred when operating the distributed power supply unit 14 corresponding to the energy parameter "α".

[0095] Operating costs may include imbalance costs arising from the surplus or deficit between the planned and actual amounts of electricity supplied by the distributed power supply unit 14 to the power grid 10. This allows operating costs to be set to a more realistic value.

[0096] Before determining the first target power output, the server control unit 60 derives the relationship between the power output parameter "α", the power demand parameter "β", and the operating cost, as shown in Figure 5. The server control unit 60 then determines the combination of the power output of the distributed power supply unit 14 (i.e., the value of the power output parameter "α") and the power demand of the load equipment 12 (i.e., the value of the power demand parameter "β") that minimizes the operating cost.

[0097] The server control unit 60 determines the first target power amount of the first operation plan based on the determined power amount of the distributed power supply unit 14 (i.e., the value of the power amount parameter "α").

[0098] Once the value of the energy parameter "α" is determined, the server control unit 60 may determine the first target energy amount for each of the multiple solar power generation devices in proportion to the value of the energy parameter "α". For example, if the system includes three solar power generation devices with rated powers of "100kW", "150kW", and "200kW", and the value of the energy parameter "α" is "0.5 (i.e., 50%)", the first target energy amounts may be determined as "50kWh", "75kWh", and "100kWh".

[0099] As a result, in the third modified power system 1, the first target power amount of each of the numerous distributed power supply devices can be set to a more optimal value, thereby improving the robustness of the power system 1.

[0100] (Fourth variation) The administrator of server 20 may determine the amount of electricity that the distributed power supply unit 14 will supply to the power grid 10 through bidding in the electricity market. Depending on the type of electricity market bidding, the range of electricity that must be supplied to the power grid 10 may be determined at the time of bidding. If the amount of electricity actually supplied to the power grid 10 after bidding exceeds the set range, a predetermined monetary penalty will be imposed.

[0101] Therefore, in the process of step S10 in Figure 2, the server control unit 60 may determine the first target power amount by considering a deviation amount that represents the amount of power that deviates from a predetermined set range.

[0102] Figure 6 shows an example of the relationship between the energy parameter "α", the power demand parameter "β", and the deviation parameter. The energy parameter "α" in Figure 6 is substantially the same as the energy parameter "α" in Figure 5 of the third modified example. The power demand parameter "β" in Figure 6 is substantially the same as the power demand parameter "β" in Figure 5 of the third modified example.

[0103] The deviation parameter represents the amount of deviation when the amount of electricity actually supplied by the distributed power supply unit 14 to the power grid 10 deviates from the set range of electricity that the distributed power supply unit 14 is required to supply to the power grid 10. More specifically, the deviation parameter represents the amount of deviation for the distributed power supply unit 14 (e.g., a solar power generation unit) corresponding to the electricity parameter "α".

[0104] Before determining the first target power quantity, the server control unit 60 derives the relationship between the power quantity parameter "α", the power demand parameter "β", and the deviation parameter, as shown in Figure 6. The server control unit 60 determines the combination of the power quantity of the distributed power supply unit 14 (i.e., the value of the power quantity parameter "α") and the power demand of the load equipment 12 (i.e., the value of the power demand parameter "β") that minimizes the deviation parameter.

[0105] The server control unit 60 determines the first target power amount of the first operation plan based on the determined power amount of the distributed power supply unit 14 (i.e., the value of the power amount parameter "α").

[0106] Once the value of the energy parameter "α" is determined, the server control unit 60 may determine the first target energy amount for each of the multiple solar power generation devices in proportion to the value of the energy parameter "α". For example, if the system includes three solar power generation devices with rated powers of "100kW", "150kW", and "200kW", and the value of the energy parameter "α" is "0.5 (i.e., 50%)", the first target energy amounts may be determined as "50kWh", "75kWh", and "100kWh".

[0107] As a result, in the fourth modified power system 1, even if the range of power that the distributed power supply device 14 is required to supply to the power grid 10 is determined, the first target power amount of each of the numerous distributed power supply devices can be set to a more optimal value, thereby improving the robustness of the power system 1.

[0108] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0109] For example, the features of the first embodiment and the first to fourth modified examples described above may be combined as appropriate.

[0110] The edge control unit 40 of the edge terminal 16 may perform some or all of the processing performed by the server control unit 60. For example, the server control unit 60 may transmit information necessary for creating the first operation plan to the edge terminal 16, and the edge control unit 40 may create the first operation plan for the distributed power supply unit 14 corresponding to the edge terminal 16 based on the received information. The information necessary for creating the first operation plan may include various information such as the first target power amount, the first actual power amount, and weight parameters.

[0111] The system also provides a program that allows the computer to function as a server 20 or edge terminal 16, as well as a storage medium such as a flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, CD, DVD, or BD that can be read by the computer and on which the program is recorded. Here, "program" refers to a data processing means written in any language or writing method.

[0112] Furthermore, the processes described herein do not necessarily have to be performed chronologically in the order shown in the flowchart; they may include parallel processing or processing by subroutines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 1. Power Systems 10 Power system 12 Load equipment 14 Distributed power supply 16 Edge devices 20 servers

Claims

1. Multiple distributed power supply devices capable of supplying power to load equipment connected to the power grid through the power grid, A plurality of edge terminals, each associated with at least one of the distributed power supply units, which control the associated distributed power supply units, A server capable of communicating with the aforementioned edge terminal, Equipped with, The aforementioned server, A first target amount of power, which is the target value of the amount of power that the distributed power supply device will supply to the power system during a predetermined first hour, is derived. A first operation plan, which is an operation plan for the distributed power supply device including the first target power amount for the first hour, is created and transmitted to the edge terminal. The aforementioned edge terminal is Based on the received first operational plan, the control values ​​of the distributed power supply devices for each second hour within the first hour are determined so as to minimize the difference between the first predicted power amount, which is the amount of power that the distributed power supply devices are expected to actually supply to the power system during the first hour when the end of the first hour is reached, and the first target power amount. The control of the distributed power supply is performed in real time every two hours based on the determined control value. Power system.

2. The aforementioned edge terminal is Upon reaching the end of the first time period, the first actual power amount, which is the actual amount of power supplied by the distributed power supply device to the power system during the first time period, is acquired and transmitted to the server. The aforementioned server, Based on the received first actual power amount, the first target power amount for the next first hour is derived, a first operation plan including the derived first target power amount is created and transmitted to the edge terminal. The power system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned edge terminal is At the point when the end of the second time period is reached, the second actual amount of electricity is obtained, which is the actual amount of electricity that the distributed power supply device actually supplied to the power system, accumulated from the start of the first time period. Based on the second actual amount of electricity, the first predicted amount of electricity is derived. The control value of the distributed power supply in the next second time period is determined such that the difference between the derived first predicted power amount and the first target power amount becomes small. The power system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned edge terminal is A second target energy amount is derived, which is the target value of the energy amount for each second hour, following a progression of energy amount such that the energy amount increases proportionally from the start to the end of the first hour, and reaches the first target energy amount when the energy amount reaches the end of the first hour. Based on the second actual power amount, the second predicted power amount, which is the amount of power that the distributed power supply device is expected to actually supply to the power system from the start of the first time to the end of the second time when the end of the second time is reached, is derived for at least one of the second time periods between the current second time and the end of the first time. The control value of the distributed power supply in the next second hour is determined such that the difference between the derived first predicted power amount and the first target power amount becomes small, and the difference between the second predicted power amount and the second target power amount during the second hour from the current second hour to the end of the first hour becomes small. The power system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned edge terminal is The control value of the distributed power supply device in the next second hour is determined such that the difference between the derived first predicted power amount and the first target power amount becomes small, the difference between the second predicted power amount and the second target power amount during the second hour from the current second hour to the end of the first hour becomes small, and the change in the second predicted power amount in the next second hour relative to the current second actual power amount becomes small. The power system according to claim 4.

6. The control value of the distributed power supply is determined using a function that includes a weight parameter to adjust the magnitude of the difference between the first predicted power amount and the first target power amount. The weight parameters are set such that the amount of adjustment for the difference between the first predicted power amount and the first target power amount increases as time progresses within the first time period. The power system according to claim 3.

7. The aforementioned server, The relationship between the parameter of the amount of electricity supplied by the distributed power supply device to the power grid, the parameter of the power demand generated by the load equipment, and the parameter of the operating cost of the distributed power supply device is derived. Determine the combination of the amount of power from the distributed power supply and the power demand of the load equipment that minimizes the aforementioned operating costs. Based on the determined amount of power from the distributed power supply, the first target amount of power for the first operation plan is determined. The power system according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned operating costs include imbalance costs arising from the surplus or deficit between the planned and actual amounts of electricity supplied by the distributed power supply unit to the power grid. The power system according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned server, The relationship between the parameter for the amount of electricity supplied by the distributed power supply device to the power system, the parameter for the power demand generated by the load equipment, and the parameter for the amount of deviation when the amount of electricity actually supplied by the distributed power supply device to the power system deviates from the set range of electricity that the distributed power supply device is required to supply to the power system is derived. Determine the combination of the power output of the distributed power supply and the power demand of the load equipment that minimizes the deviation. Based on the determined amount of power from the distributed power supply, the first target amount of power for the first operation plan is determined. The power system according to claim 1.

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