Power management device, power management method, and program

Abstract

In a distributed energy system, this makes it easier to understand the amount of electricity consumed according to the source of power supply. [Problem-solving solution] The power management device manages a distributed energy system comprising a power generation facility, an energy storage facility that stores at least the electricity generated by the power generation facility, and multiple power demand facilities that receive power from the power generation facility and an external power grid. The power management device includes a control unit. The control unit allocates the amount of discharge from the energy storage facility due to charging from the power generation facility to each power demand facility and outputs data indicating the allocated discharge amount.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power management apparatus, a power management method, and a program. [[Background Art]]

[0002] In recent years, from the viewpoints of stable power supply and environmental load, the introduction of distributed energy systems such as microgrids has been promoted. A distributed energy system enables a region to independently procure power by installing distributed small-scale power generation systems in the region instead of conventionally relying on power from large-scale, centralized external power grids.

[0003] While being connected to a conventional external power grid, a distributed energy system is equipped with power generation facilities that generate renewable energy such as solar power. Such a distributed energy system manages the supply of power procured from an external power grid and the supply of power procured from its own power generation facilities (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0004] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Patent No. 6766209 Specification [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0005] In a distributed energy system where power procurement sources include an external power grid and power generation facilities owned by the distributed energy system itself, it may be necessary to grasp the amount of power according to the power procurement source.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a power management apparatus, a power management method, and a program that facilitate grasping power consumption according to power procurement sources in a distributed energy system.

[0007] The power management device according to the first embodiment manages a distributed energy system comprising a power generation facility, a power storage facility that stores at least the electricity generated by the power generation facility, and a plurality of power demand facilities that receive power from the power generation facility and an external power grid. The power management device includes a control unit that allocates the amount of discharge from the power storage facility due to charging from the power generation facility to each power demand facility and outputs data indicating the allocated discharge amount.

[0008] The power management method according to the second embodiment manages a distributed energy system comprising a power generation facility, a power storage facility that stores at least the electricity generated by the power generation facility, and a plurality of power demand facilities that receive power from the power generation facility and an external power grid. The power management method comprises the steps of allocating the amount of discharge from the power storage facility due to charging from the power generation facility to each power demand facility, and outputting data indicating the allocated discharge amount.

[0009] The computer program according to the third embodiment is a computer program for managing a distributed energy system comprising a power generation facility, an energy storage facility that stores at least the electricity generated by the power generation facility, and a plurality of power demand facilities that receive power from the power generation facility and an external power grid. The computer program causes the computer to perform the steps of allocating the amount of discharge from the energy storage facility that is due to charging from the power generation facility to each power demand facility, and outputting data indicating the allocated discharge amounts. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, a power management device, a power management method, and a program can be provided that facilitate the understanding of power consumption according to the power source in a distributed energy system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of the power management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example configuration of an energy storage system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]This figure shows an example configuration of a power management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the functions of a power management device. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram of the patterns of procured power managed by the power management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of operation 1 of the power management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of data output or stored by the power management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows a part of the processing in Example 1 of the operation of the power management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows a part of the processing in Example 1 of the operation of the power management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows a part of the processing in Example 1 of the operation of the power management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of operation 2 of the power management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of operation 3 of the power management device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0013] Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of power management system 1.

[0014] The power management system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a microgrid 100 and a power management apparatus 300. The microgrid 100 is connected to an external power grid 10. Although one microgrid 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the number of microgrids 100 may be plural. The microgrid 100 and the power management apparatus 300 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 20. The communication network 20 includes at least one of a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet.

[0015] (1) Configuration of Microgrid The microgrid 100 is a distributed energy system provided with a facility that independently generates power for each region or facility. The microgrid 100 is owned by an enterprise, a local government, a complex facility, a housing complex, or the like.

[0016] The microgrid 100 is connected to the external power grid 10. The external power grid 10 is owned and managed by an enterprise different from the enterprise that owns the microgrid 100. The enterprise that owns and manages the external power grid 10 may be an electric power company, a power generation enterprise, a power transmission and distribution enterprise, or a power retail enterprise.

[0017] The microgrid 100 includes a power generation facility 110, a power storage facility 120, and a power demand facility 130. The power generation facility 110, the power storage facility 120, and the power demand facility 130 are connected to a power line 101a. The power line 101a is connected to the external power grid 10 at a power receiving point 102b. A power meter (not shown) that measures the amount of power from the external power grid 10 is connected to the power receiving point 102b. The microgrid 100 includes a communication device 200 and measurement instruments 103 (103a to 103e). The communication device 200 is communicably connected to a power management apparatus 300 described later. The measurement instruments 103 (103a to 103e) are communicably connected to the communication device 200 via a communication line 201a. The communication line 201a may be configured by wire or may be configured by wireless.

[0018] (1.1) Power generation equipment The power generation equipment 110 includes power generation equipment such as solar power generation equipment and / or fuel cell equipment. The power generation equipment 110 may also include wind power generation equipment, geothermal power generation equipment and / or biomass power generation equipment. The power generation equipment 110 may also include diesel generators.

[0019] (1.2) Energy storage equipment The energy storage facility 120 is a facility that stores electricity procured from the power generation facility 110 and / or electricity procured from the external power grid 10. The energy storage facility 120 charges electricity input via the power line 101a and supplies electricity by discharging it.

[0020] Figure 2 shows an example configuration of the energy storage system 120. The energy storage system 120 may consist of a single battery, or it may include multiple batteries 120a to 120c as shown in Figure 2. The number of batteries is not limited to the example shown in Figure 2, and may be more or less than the example shown in Figure 2.

[0021] Some or all of the energy storage equipment 120 may be controlled to store only the electricity procured from the power generation equipment 110. For example, some or all of the energy storage equipment 120 may be connected to the power line 101a to store only the electricity from the power generation equipment 110. Also, if the energy storage equipment 120 includes multiple batteries 120a to 120c, some of the batteries 120a to 120c may store only the electricity procured from the power generation equipment 110, while the other batteries may store only the electricity procured from the external power grid 10.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the energy storage equipment 120 includes battery PCS (Power Conditioning Systems) 121a to 121c and a battery control device 123.

[0023] During discharge, the battery units PCS121a to 121c convert the DC power input from each battery unit 120a to 120c into AC power and output the AC power to the external power system 10. During charging, the battery units PCS121a to 121c also convert the AC power supplied from the external power system 10 into DC power and output the DC power to each battery unit 120a to 120c. Measuring instruments 103ba, 103bb, and 103bc are attached to the battery units PCS121a to 121c, respectively, to measure the discharge rate of the batteries 120a to 120c.

[0024] The battery control device 123 is a computer device that controls the battery PCS 121a to 121c. The battery control device 123 is connected to the battery PCS 121a to 121c via the communication line 201a. The battery control device 123 acquires discharge amount data of the batteries 120a to 120c from the battery PCS 121a to 121c. The battery control device 123 periodically (for example, every 30 minutes) transmits the discharge amount data of the batteries 120a to 120c to the power management device 300 via the communication device 200.

[0025] (1.3) Electricity Demand Facilities The power demand facility 130 is a facility that receives power from the power generation facility 110, the energy storage facility 120, and the external power grid 10. While Figure 1 shows three power demand facilities 130 as examples, the number of power demand facilities 130 is not limited to those shown in Figure 1 and may be three or more. In the following explanation, power demand facilities may be referred to as "customers."

[0026] The power demand facilities 130 of the microgrid 100 may be customers managed by the power management device 300 described later (for example, customers who receive services provided by the power management device 300 under contract). In this case, the number of power demand facilities 130 in the microgrid 100 is managed by the power management device 300, for example, based on a contract. Alternatively, the number of power demand facilities 130 in the microgrid 100 may be determined from the number of meters installed and managed for each power demand facility 130 by the business operator managing the microgrid 100 (for example, a power retail business operator).

[0027] Each power demand facility 130 has load equipment (not shown). Load equipment is an appliance that consumes electricity supplied via the power line 101a. Load equipment is electrical machinery and appliance used in power demand facility 130, such as refrigerators, lighting, air conditioners, televisions, communication equipment, etc.

[0028] (1.4) Measuring equipment Measuring instrument 103 measures at least one of current, voltage, and power. Measuring instrument 103 includes a power meter and / or various sensors. In Figure 1, measuring instrument 103a is a power meter that measures the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 110. In Figure 1, measuring instrument 103b is a power meter that measures the amount of discharged by the energy storage equipment 120 as described above. In Figure 1, measuring instruments 103c, 103d, and 103e are power meters that measure the amount of power consumed by each power demand facility 130.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, when the energy storage system 120 includes multiple batteries 120a to 120c, the measuring device 103b consists of measuring devices 103ba, 103bb, and 103bc. Measuring devices 103ba, 103bb, and 103bc are connected to measure the discharge rate of each of the batteries 120a to 120c.

[0030] (1.5) Communication equipment The communication device 200 is a device for communicating with the power management device 300 via the communication network 20. The communication device 200 is, for example, a router. The communication device 200 constitutes a local area network and is connected to each device (for example, each measuring instrument 103 and battery control device 123, etc.). The power management device 300 communicates with each device of the microgrid 100 via the communication network 20 and the communication device 200, acquiring data and sending commands. Such communication of the power management device 300 includes wireless and / or wired communication.

[0031] (2) Configuration of the power management device Figure 3 shows an example configuration of the power management device 300. The power management device 300 acquires, for example, energy data from the microgrid 100 and manages the acquired energy data. The energy data includes data such as the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 110, the amount of discharged by the energy storage equipment 120, and the amount of power consumed by each power demand facility 130. The power management device 300 has a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a control unit 330. The communication unit 310, the storage unit 320, and the control unit 330 are connected by a bus 301.

[0032] The communication unit 310 includes a transceiver and is connected to the communication network 20. The communication unit 310 communicates with the communication device 200 of the microgrid 100 via the communication network 20. The communication unit 310 periodically (for example, every 30 minutes) receives power consumption data measured by each measuring instrument 103. The communication unit 310 outputs the received power consumption data to the control unit 330.

[0033] The storage unit 320 stores and accumulates power consumption data received by the communication unit 310. The storage unit 320 may be composed of various types of memory, such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and auxiliary storage devices. The storage unit 320 may be a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid-State Drive), or it may be implemented by cloud storage. The storage unit 320 may have a database for managing various types of data. The storage unit 320 may store programs executed by the control unit 330.

[0034] The control unit 330 performs the functions described later by executing a predetermined program. The control unit 330 includes at least one processor and controls the communication unit 310 and the storage unit 320 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 320. The at least one processor may consist of a single integrated circuit (IC) or a plurality of communicatively connected circuits (integrated circuits and / or discrete circuits, etc.).

[0035] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the functions of the power management device 300. The power management device 300 may have all or part of the functions of an AEMS (Area Energy Management system) 3, for example, as shown in Figure 4. The AEMS 3 is used, for example, by a business operator that owns and manages a microgrid 100. The AEMS 3 includes a power supply and demand management function unit 330a that manages the supply and demand of electricity for the microgrid 100, and a customer management function unit 330b that manages information on electricity demand facilities (customers) 130 of the microgrid 100.

[0036] The power supply and demand management function unit 330a has functions such as a power consumption data collection unit 331, a power forecasting unit 332, a power procurement unit 333, a plan submission unit 334, and a power supply and demand monitoring and adjustment unit 335.

[0037] The power consumption data collection unit 331 collects power consumption data from each measuring instrument 103, such as the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 110, the amount of discharged by the energy storage equipment 120, and the amount of power consumed by each power demand facility 130. The "power consumption" in the power consumption data refers to, for example, the measured value of the cumulative power consumption (kWh) over a predetermined period (for example, 30 minutes). The power consumption data collection unit 331 may also collect power consumption data from other power generation equipment.

[0038] The power consumption data collection unit 331 may also store and manage the collected power consumption data (such as the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 110, the amount of discharged by the energy storage equipment 120, and / or the amount of power consumed by each power demand facility 130) in the storage unit 320 at predetermined intervals, and perform data management by obtaining the sum of the data for each predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, one month.

[0039] The power consumption data collection unit 331 may also, as described later, allocate the amount of discharge from the power storage equipment 120 due to charging from the power generation equipment 110 to each power demand facility 130 and calculate the allocated amount of power. In this case, the power consumption data collection unit 331 may store and manage the allocated amount of power in the storage unit 320 at predetermined intervals, and acquire and manage the sum of the data for each predetermined interval for each power demand facility 130.

[0040] The power forecasting unit 332 analyzes past power consumption data, weather data, and event information to forecast future power demand or power generation from power generation facilities (such as solar power generation). The power procurement unit 333 generates a control plan for the energy storage facility 120, a power procurement plan via the external power grid 10, and / or a sales plan based on the power demand forecast and the power generation forecast from power generation facilities. The plan submission unit 334 creates a power generation and sales plan for power companies to use in power sales transactions based on the control plan and transmits the power generation and sales plan to the Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators (OCCTO). The plan submission unit 334 also creates a demand procurement plan for procuring (purchasing) power based on the power demand forecast and the power generation forecast from power generation facilities and transmits it to the Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators (OCCTO).

[0041] The power supply and demand monitoring and adjustment unit 335 monitors the power supply and demand situation in real time and adjusts the amount of electricity procured from the power generation equipment 110 and / or energy storage equipment 120 to maintain a balance between power supply and demand in accordance with the power supply and demand plan.

[0042] The customer management function unit 330b has functions such as a customer registration unit 336, a customer information management unit 337, a power consumption calculation unit 338, a usage fee calculation unit 339, a power billing unit 340, and a bill payment management unit 341. The customer registration unit 336 registers and manages information of power demand facilities (customers) 130. Customer information includes, for example, contract information (including basic charges which are part of the power bill and weighting coefficients described later), power usage history, and contact information. The customer information management unit 337 analyzes customer information and provides services tailored to customer needs. The power consumption calculation unit 338 calculates the power consumption for each customer, or the power consumption originating from the power generation equipment 110 (power consumption GPC) as described later. The usage fee calculation unit 339 calculates the power usage fee for each customer based on the power consumption or power consumption GPC calculated by the power consumption calculation unit 338. The power billing unit 340 issues invoices and provides payment instructions to bill customers for the calculated power charges. The Payment Management Department 341 manages the payment status from customers and takes action such as sending reminders for unpaid fees.

[0043] The control unit 330 of the power management device 300 according to this embodiment performs at least the functions of the power consumption data collection unit 331 and the power consumption calculation unit 338. In addition to the functions of the power consumption data collection unit 331 and the power consumption calculation unit 338, the control unit 330 may also perform the function of the usage charge calculation unit 339. The operation of the power management device 300 that performs these functions will be described below, taking into account its characteristics.

[0044] (3) Operation of the power management device When electricity is sourced from both the external power grid 10 and the power generation facilities 110 owned by the microgrid 100 itself, it may be necessary to understand the amount of electricity used according to the source of electricity. For example, fuel adjustment charges, which constitute part of the electricity bill, are determined according to the amount of electricity used by each electricity demand facility 130 that is procured from the external power grid 10. Fuel adjustment charges are costs that automatically reflect fluctuations in the price of thermal fuel in the external power grid 10 in the monthly electricity bill. Therefore, the amount of electricity procured from the power generation facilities 110 must be excluded from the calculation of fuel adjustment charges.

[0045] However, if multiple power-demanding facilities 130 within the microgrid 100 can procure electricity from the power generation facility 110 and the energy storage facility 120, it is difficult to distinguish the source of electricity. Therefore, it is not possible to calculate an accurate electricity charge for each power-demanding facility 130.

[0046] Furthermore, the electricity procured from the power generation facility 110 is not only supplied directly to each power demand facility 130, but is also used to charge the energy storage facility 120. Therefore, the amount of electricity generated by the power generation facility 110 is not necessarily equal to the amount of electricity used by the power demand facilities 130 from the power generation facility 110.

[0047] The patterns of electricity procurement (kWh) for the 130 power demand facilities include, for example, the patterns shown in Figures 5(a) to (g).

[0048] Figure 5(a) shows a pattern in which the power demand facility 130 procures only the amount of electricity CP1 from the external power grid 10. Figure 5(b) shows a pattern in which the power demand facility 130 procures only the amount of electricity CP2 from the power generation facility 110. Figure 5(c) shows a pattern in which the power demand facility 130 procures only the amount of electricity CPB1 from the external power grid 10 that is stored in the energy storage facility 120. Figure 5(d) shows a pattern in which the power demand facility 130 procures only the amount of electricity CPB2 from the power generation facility 110 that is stored in the energy storage facility 120.

[0049] Figure 5(e) shows a pattern in which the power demand facility 130 procures electricity CP1 from the external power grid 10, electricity CP2 from the power generation facility 110, and electricity CPB2 from the power generation facility 110 that has been charged into the energy storage facility 120.

[0050] Figure 5(f) shows a pattern in which the power demand facility 130 procures electricity CP2 from the power generation facility 110, electricity CP1 from the external power grid 10, and electricity CPB1 from the external power grid 10 that is charged in the energy storage facility 120.

[0051] Figure 5(g) shows a pattern in which the power demand facility 130 procures electricity CP1 from the external power grid 10, electricity CPB1 from the external power grid 10 charged in the energy storage facility 120, electricity CPB2 from the power generation facility 110 charged in the energy storage facility 120, and electricity CP2 from the power generation facility 110.

[0052] As described above, in the patterns shown in Figures 5(a) to (g), the amount of electricity CP1 from the external power grid 10 and the amount of electricity CPB1 from the external power grid 10 charged to the energy storage facility 120 are electricity procured from the external power grid 10. Therefore, the amounts of electricity CP1 and CPB2 are the amounts of electricity that are subject to the calculation of the fuel adjustment cost as described above. On the other hand, the amount of electricity CP2 from the power generation facility 110 and the amount of electricity CPB2 from the power generation facility 110 charged to the energy storage facility 120 are amounts of electricity that should be excluded from the calculation of the fuel adjustment cost.

[0053] Therefore, the power management device 300 according to the embodiment described below provides a means for determining the amount of electricity from the power generation equipment 110 among the amount of electricity consumed by each power demand facility 130 in the microgrid 100. In particular, the power management device 300 focuses on the discharge amount of the energy storage equipment 120 to realize the above means.

[0054] For example, if all or part of the batteries in the energy storage facility 120 are exclusively charged with power from the power generation facility 110, the power management device 300 estimates the amount of electricity procured from the power generation facility 110 by the discharge amount of the energy storage facility 120. "Exclusively charged with power from the power generation facility 110" means, for example, that all or part of the energy storage facility 120 is disconnected from the power line 101a connected to the external power system 10 and consists only of batteries for the power generation facility 110. Alternatively, the power management device 300 may measure how much power is charged in the energy storage facility 120 when the power generation facility 110 is generating power by tracking the power generation of the power generation facility 110 and the charging of the energy storage facility 120. In this case, the power management device 300 may estimate the amount of electricity procured from the power generation facility 110 based on the measured value.

[0055] The power management device 300 can estimate the amount of electricity procured from the power generation equipment 110 for each power demand facility 130 through the following operations.

[0056] (3.1) Example of operation 1 Figure 6 shows an example of operation 1 of the power management device 300 according to the embodiment. In operation example 1, the control unit 330 allocates the amount of discharge from the power storage equipment 120 due to charging from the power generation equipment 110 to each power demand facility 130, and outputs data showing the allocated discharge amount. For example, the control unit 330 executes a predetermined program to perform the following processing.

[0057] In step S11, when the control unit 330 receives power data from the microgrid 100 via the communication unit 310, it obtains the discharge amount A of the energy storage equipment 120 from the power data. The process in step S11 may be performed, for example, in response to the timing of transmission of power data from the microgrid 100 (for example, every 30 minutes). Alternatively, the process in step S11 may involve accumulating the discharge amount received from the microgrid 100 at predetermined transmission timings in the storage unit 320 at predetermined intervals, and obtaining the sum of the accumulated data as the discharge amount A. The predetermined period is, for example, one month.

[0058] In step S12, the control unit 330 obtains the discharge amount B from the discharge amount A of the energy storage equipment 120 due to charging of the power generation equipment 110. If the entire energy storage equipment 120 is a battery dedicated to the power generation equipment 110, the process proceeds to step S13 with discharge amount A set to discharge amount B. On the other hand, if only a portion of the energy storage equipment 120 is a battery dedicated to the power generation equipment 110, the process proceeds to step S13 after obtaining discharge amount B, which will be described later.

[0059] The control unit 330 may acquire the discharge amount B at each transmission timing of power data from the microgrid 100. Alternatively, the control unit 330 may store the discharge amount due to charging of the power generation equipment 110 acquired at each transmission timing in the storage unit 320 at predetermined intervals, and acquire the sum of the stored data as the discharge amount B.

[0060] In step S13, the control unit 330 calculates the amount of electricity consumed from the power generation equipment 110 (electricity GPC) by apportioning the acquired discharge amount B to each power demand facility 130. The acquired discharge amount B may be apportioned equally according to the number of power demand facilities 130, or it may be apportioned by the apportionment process described later. In step S14, the control unit 330 outputs the electricity GPC. Note that "outputting" by the control unit 330 includes, for example, storing the results of the calculation process in the storage unit 320, transmitting the calculated data or value to an external device, and / or displaying the calculated data or value on a display device.

[0061] The control unit 330 may calculate and output the power GPC for each transmission timing of power data from the microgrid 100. The control unit 330 may also store the power GPC calculated at each transmission timing of power data from the microgrid 100 in the storage unit 320 at predetermined intervals and output the sum of the data for each predetermined period.

[0062] The outputted power consumption GPC is stored in the storage unit 320 as data for each power demand facility (customer) 130. The power consumption GPC may also be output or managed in units of the predetermined period described above.

[0063] Figure 7(a) shows an example of data including the outputted power consumption GPC. This data includes business operator identification information (ID), customer identification information (ID), power consumption, and power consumption GPC. The business operator ID is information that identifies the retail business operator operating the microgrid 100. The customer ID is information that identifies the power demand facility 130. Power consumption shows the power consumption for each power demand facility 130 (including power consumption procured from the external power grid 10 and the power generation equipment 110). The power consumption GPC is the amount of power procured from the power generation equipment 110 and consumed by each power demand facility 130.

[0064] The outputted power consumption GPC may be used for calculating electricity charges as described later, or it may be used as a customer service such as notifying power demand facilities 130 of the status of power consumption from power generation equipment 110. Furthermore, the outputted power consumption GPC may be displayed on a designated terminal (not shown).

[0065] (3.1.1) Discharge amount B acquisition process Figure 8 shows an example of the discharge amount B acquisition process (step S12) shown in step S12 of Figure 6. Figure 8 shows an example of the process when at least a part of the energy storage equipment 120 shown in Figure 2 is a battery dedicated to the power generation equipment 110. A battery that is not dedicated to the power generation equipment 110 is a battery dedicated to the external power system 10, or a battery used for both the power generation equipment 110 and the external power system 10. In this example, the control unit 330 prorates the discharge amount of the battery that has been determined to be a battery that stores only power from the power generation equipment 110 among one or more batteries, for each power demand facility 130, and outputs data showing the prorated discharge amount. For example, the control unit 330 executes the following process by executing a predetermined program.

[0066] In step S1201, the control unit 330 acquires battery information. Figure 7(b) shows an example of battery information. The battery information includes the business identification information (ID) of the retail operator operating the microgrid 100, the battery identification information (ID), and the power procurement equipment information for the battery. The power procurement equipment information indicates whether the battery is dedicated to the power generation equipment 110, dedicated to the external power grid 10, or used for both the power generation equipment 110 and the external power grid 10.

[0067] A configuration in which the battery is dedicated to the power generation equipment 110 can be achieved, for example, by connecting the battery only to the power lines of the power generation equipment 110. Alternatively, a configuration in which the battery is dedicated to the power generation equipment 110 can be achieved by setting the battery's function so that it does not charge with power from the external power grid 10.

[0068] In step S1202, the control unit 330 determines whether the battery is exclusively for the power generation equipment 110. If the battery is exclusively for the power generation equipment 110, the process proceeds to step S1203. If the battery is not exclusively for the power generation equipment 110, i.e., if it is used for both the power generation equipment 110 and the external power system 10, or exclusively for the external power system 10, the process proceeds to step S1204.

[0069] In step S1203, the control unit 330 stores the discharge amount of the battery in memory. In step S1204, if there is another battery for which the discharge amount is to be acquired, the control unit 330 returns to step S1201 and repeats steps S1201 to S1204. If there is no battery for which the discharge amount is to be acquired, the unit proceeds to step S1205.

[0070] In step S1205, the control unit 330 calculates the discharge amount B by summing the discharge amounts stored in memory in step S1203, and proceeds to step S13 in Figure 6. The calculation process for discharge amount B in step S1205 above may be performed at the timing of the transmission of power data from the microgrid 100 (for example, every 30 minutes), or at predetermined intervals (for example, every month).

[0071] (3.1.2) Pro-rata calculation Figure 9 shows an example of the apportionment process in step S13 shown in Figure 6. In this example, the control unit 330 apportions the discharge amount B due to charging from the power generation equipment 110 according to the ratio of the power consumption of each power demand facility 130 to the total power consumption of the multiple power demand facilities 130. For example, the control unit 330 executes the following process by executing a predetermined program.

[0072] In step S1301, the control unit 330 acquires the power consumption of each power demand facility 130 measured by measuring instruments 103c, 103d, and 103e (Figure 1).

[0073] In step S1302, the control unit 330 calculates the ratio P, which is the amount of power consumed by each power-consuming facility 130, to the total power-consuming amount of all power-consuming facilities 130 in the microgrid 100.

[0074] In step S1303, the control unit 330 calculates the power quantity GPC by multiplying the discharge amount B obtained in step S12 in Figure 6 by the ratio P, and proceeds to step S14 in Figure 6. The calculation process of the power consumption GPC in step S1303 described above may be performed at the timing of the transmission of power consumption data from the microgrid 100 (for example, every 30 minutes), or at predetermined intervals (for example, every month).

[0075] According to the above process, the amount of electricity consumed from the power generation facility 110, known as GPC, is calculated according to the amount of electricity consumed by the power demand facility 130.

[0076] Figure 10 shows another example of the apportionment process in step S13 shown in Figure 6. In this example, the control unit 330 apportions the discharge amount B due to charging from the power generation equipment 110 according to the weighting coefficients assigned to each of the multiple power demand facilities 130. For example, the control unit 330 executes the following process by executing a predetermined program.

[0077] In step S1311, the control unit 330 obtains the apportioned value of the discharge amount B acquired in step S12 in Figure 6. The apportioned value of the discharge amount B may be a value obtained by equally apportioning the discharge amount B according to the number of power demand facilities 130, or it may be a value obtained by apportioning according to the proportion of power consumption of each power demand facility 130, as in the example shown in Figure 9.

[0078] In step S1312, the control unit 330 refers to the contract information of each power demand facility 130 and obtains the weighting coefficient WC for each power demand facility (customer) 130. The weighting coefficient WC is a weighting coefficient predetermined based on the contract information for each customer. The weighting coefficient WC is stored in the storage unit 320 as part of the customer's contract information.

[0079] Figure 7(c) shows an example of customer contract information. The weighting coefficient WC may be allocated to customers according to the customer's wishes or the contract provisions that reflect the customer's electricity consumption. For example, the weighting coefficient WC will be a larger coefficient for customers who actively use the electricity from power generation equipment 110.

[0080] In step S1313, the control unit 330 calculates the energy GPC by multiplying the proportional value of the discharge amount B by the weighting coefficient WC, and then proceeds to step S14 in Figure 6. The calculation process of the power consumption GPC in step S1313 described above may be performed at the timing of the transmission of power consumption data from the microgrid 100 (for example, every 30 minutes), or at predetermined intervals (for example, every month). According to the above process, the amount of electricity consumed from the power generation facility 110, known as GPC, is calculated according to the customer's contract details.

[0081] (3.2) Example of operation 2 Figure 11 shows an example of operation 2 of the power management device 300 according to the embodiment. In operation example 2, the control unit 330 acquires data indicating the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 110 and acquires the amount of discharge due to charging from the power generation equipment 110 based on the amount of power generated. Operation example 2 differs from operation example 1 in that the control unit 330 grasps the amount of discharge due to charging from the power generation equipment 110 based on the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 110. For example, the control unit 330 performs the following processing.

[0082] In step S21, the control unit 330 acquires the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 110. For example, the control unit 330 may consider the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 110 as the charge amount of the power generation equipment 120. Alternatively, the control unit 330 may track the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 110 and acquire the charge amount of the energy storage equipment 120 if the charge amount of the energy storage equipment increases in accordance with the increase in the amount of power generated. In step S22, the control unit 330 acquires the charge amount of the energy storage equipment corresponding to the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 110 acquired in step S21 and stores it in memory.

[0083] In step S23, if the control unit 330 detects that it is time to transmit power data from the microgrid 100 (for example, every 30 minutes), it proceeds to step S24 and repeats steps S21 to S23 until the transmission time arrives.

[0084] In step S24, the control unit 330 estimates the amount of charge of the energy storage equipment 120 acquired and stored in step S22 as the amount of discharge B due to the charging of the power generation equipment 110. In step S25, the control unit 330 apportions the acquired amount of discharge B to obtain the amount of electricity (electricity GPC) procured and consumed by each power demand facility 130 from the power generation equipment 110. The acquired amount of discharge B may be apportioned equally according to the number of power demand facilities 130, or it may be apportioned by the apportionment process shown in Figure 9 or Figure 10 described above.

[0085] In step S26, the control unit 330 outputs the outputted power amount GPC. The outputted power amount GPC is stored in the storage unit 320 as data for each power demand facility (customer) 130, as shown in Figure 7(a), similar to operation example 1.

[0086] In step S24, the control unit 330 may store the charge amount of the energy storage equipment 120 acquired in step S22 in the storage unit 320 at predetermined intervals (for example, one month), and estimate the sum of the stored data as the discharge amount B. Alternatively, in steps S25 and S26, the control unit 330 may acquire and output the power GPC at the predetermined intervals.

[0087] (3.3) Example of operation 3 Figure 12 shows an example of operation 3 of the power management device 300 according to the embodiment. In operation example 3, the control unit 330 calculates the electricity charge for each power demand facility (customer) 130 based on the power amount GPC (proportional value of discharge amount B) acquired in operation example 1 or operation example 2. The control unit 330 also calculates the electricity charge based on the amount of electricity from the external power system 10, which is the difference between the amount of electricity consumed at each power demand facility 130 and the power amount GPC (proportional value of discharge amount B). The control unit 330 executes operation example 3 at predetermined intervals (for example, every month).

[0088] Electricity charges include, for example, a basic charge, a usage charge, a renewable energy surcharge, and a fuel adjustment charge. The basic charge is a fixed charge determined according to the customer's contract. The usage charge is a charge added according to the amount of electricity consumed. The renewable energy surcharge is a charge imposed on electricity purchased from the power company according to the amount of electricity consumed, in order to promote the spread of renewable energy. The fuel adjustment charge is a charge imposed on electricity from the external power grid 10, that is, electricity purchased from the power company, according to fluctuations in the price of thermal power fuel.

[0089] Fuel adjustment charges are fees levied on electricity purchased from the power company, that is, on electricity procured from the external power grid 10. Therefore, fuel adjustment charges should not be levied on electricity procured from the power generation facility 110. In operation example 3, the control unit 330 calculates fuel adjustment charges based on the amount of electricity consumed by the power demand facility 130 excluding the amount of electricity procured and consumed by the power generation facility 110 (GPC). This allows the control unit 330 to calculate electricity charges more accurately. The control unit 330 performs the following processing, for example.

[0090] In step S31, the control unit 330 obtains fee information based on the customer ID. The fee information is included in the contract information, for example, as shown in Figure 7(c). The fee information includes, for example, basic fee information. In step S32, the control unit 330 obtains the basic fee information and stores it in memory.

[0091] In step S33, the control unit 330 obtains the customer's power consumption for each predetermined period from the power consumption data transmitted periodically. The control unit 330 also obtains the power consumption GPC for each predetermined period calculated in operation example 1 or operation example 2. The amount of power consumed and the power consumption GPC for each predetermined period may be calculated in advance and stored in the storage unit 320.

[0092] In step S34, the control unit 330 calculates the usage charge and renewable energy surcharge based on the amount of electricity consumed for each predetermined period. In step S35, the control unit 330 calculates the fuel adjustment cost based on the amount of electricity procured from the external power grid 10, which is the difference between the amount of electricity consumed for each predetermined period and the amount of electricity GPC for each predetermined period.

[0093] In step S36, the control unit 330 outputs the electricity charges, which include the basic charge, usage charge, renewable energy surcharge, and fuel adjustment charge. Furthermore, the electricity procured from the external power grid 10 may be renewable energy electricity purchased through self-transmission or a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). In this way, the amount of renewable energy electricity procured from the external power grid 10 may be added to the electricity GPC described above and not used in the calculation of the above-mentioned cost burden (for example, the calculation of fuel adjustment costs). Alternatively, the amount of renewable energy electricity procured from the external power grid 10 may not be added to the electricity GPC and may be used in the calculation of the above-mentioned cost burden.

[0094] (4) Summary of Embodiments The control unit 330 of the power management device 300 according to this disclosure allocates the discharge amount B from the power generation equipment 110 to each power demand facility 130, and outputs data showing the allocated discharge amount. As a result, the power management device 300 can easily grasp the amount of electricity consumed by each power demand facility 130 that has been procured from the power generation equipment. Consequently, power companies can improve customer service, such as by calculating electricity charges more accurately.

[0095] The control unit 330 of the power management device 300 according to this disclosure may allocate the discharge amount B due to charging from the power generation equipment 110 equally among the number of power demand facilities 130. Alternatively, the control unit 330 may allocate the discharge amount B due to charging from the power generation equipment 110 according to the ratio of the power consumption of each power demand facility 130 to the total power consumption of all power demand facilities 130. This allows the power management device 300 to fairly calculate the power consumption of each power demand facility 130.

[0096] The control unit 330 of the power management device 300 according to this disclosure may allocate the discharge amount B due to charging from the power generation equipment 110 according to the weighting coefficient WC assigned to each of the multiple power demand facilities 130. The weighting coefficient can be set to be larger for customers who actively use the power from the power generation equipment 110. The larger the weighting coefficient for power demand facilities 130, the larger the calculated usage ratio of the power from the power generation equipment 110. The larger the usage ratio of the power from the power generation equipment 110, the lower the fuel adjustment cost described above can be kept. As a result, the power management device 300 can provide an incentive to customers to actively use the power from the power generation equipment 110.

[0097] The control unit 330 of the power management device 300 according to this disclosure includes one or more batteries 120a to 120c in the energy storage equipment 120. The control unit 330 determines that one or more batteries 120a to 120c is a battery that stores only electricity from the power generation equipment 110, and allocates the discharge amount of that battery to each power demand facility 130, and outputs data showing the allocated discharge amount. As a result, even though the electricity is discharged from the energy storage equipment 120, the power management device 300 can be guaranteed that only electricity procured from the power generation equipment 110 is being discharged, and can automatically grasp the amount of electricity procured from the power generation equipment 110, making it easy to grasp the amount of electricity consumed according to the power source.

[0098] The control unit 330 of the power management device 300 according to this disclosure acquires data indicating the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 110 and acquires the amount of discharge due to charging from the power generation equipment 110 based on the amount of power generated. As a result, the power management device 300 can automatically grasp the amount of electricity procured from the power generation equipment 110, making it easy to grasp the amount of electricity consumed according to the power source.

[0099] The control unit 330 of the power management device 300 according to this disclosure calculates electricity charges based on the allocated discharge amount. As a result, the power management device 300 calculates electricity charges based on the amount of electricity consumed according to the power source, enabling more accurate calculation of electricity charges. The control unit 330 may also calculate electricity charges based on the amount of electricity from the external power system 10, which is the difference between the amount of electricity consumed at each power demand facility 130 and the allocated discharge amount. As a result, the power management device 300 can more accurately calculate electricity charges that are calculated based only on the amount of electricity procured from the external power system 10.

[0100] The power management device 300 relating to this disclosure is intended for a microgrid 100 as a distributed energy system. The microgrid 100 has a power receiving point 102b from an external power system 10 and can measure the amount of electricity from the external power system 10. Therefore, it becomes easier to grasp to some extent the amount of charge in the energy storage facility 130 from the external power system 10, making it possible to distinguish between power sources. For example, it is possible to distinguish between the amount of charge in the energy storage facility 130 that originates from the external power system 10 and the amount of charge that originates from the power generation facility 110, based on the amount of electricity from the external power system 10, the amount of electricity generated by the power generation facility 110, and the amount of charge in the energy storage facility 120.

[0101] (5) Other embodiments Although this disclosure has been described by the embodiments described above, the descriptions and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0102] The power management device 300 utilizes, but is not limited to, the discharge amount B from the charging equipment 110 within the discharge amount A of the energy storage equipment 120. Instead of the discharge amount B of the energy storage equipment 120, the power management device 300 may acquire the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 110 obtained from the measuring instrument 103a (Figure 1), and use the apportioned value of this as the GPC (Global Power Contribution) amount of power originating from the power generation equipment 110 at each power demand facility 130. Furthermore, the data in Figure 7(a) may include the apportioned value of the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 110 calculated in this way.

[0103] The power supply and demand management function unit 330a and the customer management function unit 330b of the power management device 300 shown in Figure 4 are not limited to being operated by a single system. The power supply and demand management function unit 330a and the customer management function unit 330b may each be operated by two different systems. In this case, data may be coordinated between the two systems. The supply and demand management system having the power supply and demand management function unit 330a periodically (for example, every 30 minutes) transmits communication data to the customer management system having the customer management function unit 330b. The communication data is, for example, the data shown in Figure 7(a).

[0104] The above description of the embodiment uses "microgrids" as an example of a distributed energy system. However, the example of a distributed energy system is not limited to "microgrids," and may also be a large-scale or medium-scale distributed energy system, such as a "large-scale" grid or a "medium-scale" grid. Distributed energy systems are not limited to those targeting a region, but may also be systems targeting a complex facility or a residential complex.

[0105] A single power management device 300 may manage multiple microgrids 100. In this case, the power management device 300 obtains the discharge amount A from the power demand facilities 130 in the multiple microgrids 100 to the energy storage equipment 120 (step S11 in Figure 6), and obtains the discharge amount B from the power generation equipment 110 from the discharge amount A (step S12 in the same figure). The power management device 300 may apportion the discharge amount B to each power demand facility 130 in the multiple microgrids 100 (step S13 in the same figure). Alternatively, the power management device 300 may apportion the discharge amount B according to the number of microgrids 100, and then apportion the apportioned discharge amount B to each power demand facility 130 in each microgrid 100 (step S13 in the same figure). These apportionment processes may be performed equally, or by apportionment processes shown in Figure 9 or Figure 10.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the microgrid 100 is equipped with a power generation facility 110, but it may also be equipped only with a power storage facility 120 and not with a power generation facility 110. In this case, the power storage facility 120 charges renewable energy electricity purchased from a power generation facility outside the microgrid 100 through self-transmission or a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), and supplies the charged electricity to the power demand facility 130.

[0107] A program may be provided that causes a computer to perform the operations according to the above embodiment. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Using a computer-readable medium, it is possible to install the program on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient recording medium. The non-transient recording medium is not particularly limited, but may be a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. Furthermore, the circuits that perform the operations performed in the above embodiment may be integrated to form a semiconductor integrated circuit (chipset, SoC).

[0108] The terms “include,” “comprise,” and their variations as used in this disclosure do not mean that only the listed items are included, but that the listed items may be included, or that additional items may be included in addition to the listed items. Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is not intended to mean exclusive OR. The terms “based on” and “according to” as used in this disclosure do not mean “based only on” or “according only to” unless otherwise specified. “Based on” means both “based only on” and “based at least partially on.” Similarly, “according to” means both “based only on” and “according at least partially to.” Moreover, any reference to elements using designations such as “first,” “second,” etc., as used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used herein as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Therefore, references to first and second elements do not mean that only two elements may be employed therein, or that the first element must precede the second element in any way. In this disclosure, if articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, these articles shall be considered plural unless it is clearly indicated otherwise from the context.

[0109] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to those described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0110] (6) Addendum The features of the above-described embodiment are noted below. (Note 1) A power management device for managing a distributed energy system comprising a power generation facility, a power storage facility for storing at least the electricity generated by the power generation facility, and a plurality of power demand facilities supplied with power from the power generation facility and an external power grid, The control unit allocates the amount of discharge from the energy storage equipment due to charging from the power generation equipment to each of the power demand facilities and outputs data indicating the allocated discharge amount. A power management device equipped with the following features.

[0111] (Note 2) The control unit distributes the amount of discharge due to charging from the power generation equipment equally according to the number of the multiple power demand facilities. The power management device described in Appendix 1.

[0112] (Note 3) The control unit allocates the amount of discharge due to charging from the power generation equipment according to the ratio of the power consumption of each power demand facility to the total power consumption of the multiple power demand facilities. The power management device described in Appendix 1.

[0113] (Note 4) The control unit distributes the amount of discharge due to charging from the power generation equipment according to the weighting coefficient assigned to each of the plurality of power demand facilities. The power management device described in Appendix 1.

[0114] (Note 5) The aforementioned energy storage equipment includes one or more batteries, The control unit determines that one or more of the batteries are those that store only electricity from the power generation equipment, and allocates the discharge amount of each of the power demand facilities accordingly. The control unit then outputs data indicating the allocated discharge amount. A power management device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 4.

[0115] (Note 6) The control unit acquires data indicating the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment and acquires the amount of discharge due to charging from the power generation equipment based on the amount of power generated. A power management device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 4.

[0116] (Note 7) The control unit calculates the electricity charge based on the allocated discharge amount. A power management device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 4.

[0117] (Note 8) The control unit calculates the electricity charge based on the amount of electricity from the external power grid, which is the difference between the amount of electricity consumed at each power demand facility and the amount of discharged as apportioned. The power management device described in Appendix 7.

[0118] (Note 9) A power management method performed by a power management device that manages a distributed energy system comprising a power generation facility, a power storage facility that stores at least the electricity generated by the power generation facility, and a plurality of power demand facilities that receive power from the power generation facility and an external power grid, The steps include: apportioning the amount of discharge from the energy storage equipment, specifically the amount discharged due to charging from the power generation equipment, for each of the power demand facilities; The steps include outputting data indicating the proportionally allocated discharge amount and Power management methods including

[0119] (Note 10) A computer program for managing a distributed energy system comprising a power generation facility, a power storage facility for storing at least the electricity generated by the power generation facility, and a plurality of power demand facilities supplied with power from the power generation facility and an external power grid, The steps include: apportioning the amount of discharge from the energy storage equipment, specifically the amount discharged due to charging from the power generation equipment, for each of the power demand facilities; The steps include outputting data indicating the proportionally allocated discharge amount and A program that causes a computer to execute something. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1: Power Management System 10: External power system 100: Microgrids 110: Power generation equipment 120: Energy storage equipment 120A: Battery 120b:Storage battery 120c:Storage battery 130: Power Demand Facilities 300: Power management device 310: Communications Department 320: Storage section 330: Control Unit

Claims

1. A power management device for managing a distributed energy system comprising a power generation facility, a power storage facility for storing at least the electricity generated by the power generation facility, and a plurality of power demand facilities supplied with power from the power generation facility and an external power grid, The control unit allocates the amount of discharge from the energy storage equipment due to charging from the power generation equipment to each of the power demand facilities and outputs data indicating the allocated discharge amount. A power management device equipped with the following features.

2. The control unit distributes the amount of discharge due to charging from the power generation equipment equally according to the number of the multiple power demand facilities. The power management device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit allocates the amount of discharge due to charging from the power generation equipment according to the ratio of the power consumption of each power demand facility to the total power consumption of the multiple power demand facilities. The power management device according to claim 1.

4. The control unit distributes the amount of discharge due to charging from the power generation equipment according to the weighting coefficient assigned to each of the plurality of power demand facilities. The power management device according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned energy storage equipment includes one or more batteries, The control unit determines that one or more of the batteries are those that store only electricity from the power generation equipment, and allocates the discharge amount of each of the power demand facilities accordingly. The control unit then outputs data indicating the allocated discharge amount. A power management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit acquires data indicating the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment and acquires the amount of discharge due to charging from the power generation equipment based on the amount of power generated. A power management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The control unit calculates the electricity charge based on the allocated discharge amount. A power management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The control unit calculates the electricity charge based on the amount of electricity from the external power grid, which is the difference between the amount of electricity consumed at each power demand facility and the amount of discharged as apportioned. The power management device according to claim 7.

9. A power management method performed by a power management device that manages a distributed energy system comprising a power generation facility, a power storage facility that stores at least the electricity generated by the power generation facility, and a plurality of power demand facilities that receive power from the power generation facility and an external power grid, The steps include: apportioning the amount of discharge from the energy storage equipment, specifically the amount discharged due to charging from the power generation equipment, for each of the power demand facilities; The steps include outputting data indicating the proportionally allocated discharge amount and Power management methods including

10. A computer program for managing a distributed energy system comprising a power generation facility, a power storage facility for storing at least the electricity generated by the power generation facility, and a plurality of power demand facilities supplied with power from the power generation facility and an external power grid, The steps include: apportioning the amount of discharge from the energy storage equipment, specifically the amount discharged due to charging from the power generation equipment, for each of the power demand facilities; The steps include outputting data indicating the proportionally allocated discharge amount and A program that causes a computer to execute something.

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