Management device, method, and power management system

Abstract

To provide a power transaction market while securing credibility of participants.SOLUTION: A market server 300 receives a second request signal for requesting reception-supply adjustment of a first amount of power from a CEMS server 2 and sends an invitation signal to a plurality of agent devices 100. The market server receives a bid signal showing bid conditions for a power buying or selling transaction of a second amount of power, smaller than the first amount of power, from at least one agent devices that have determined the bid conditions among the plurality of agent devices 100, and accepts the bid signal by the at least one agent devices when acceptance conditions are met.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] JP 2021-118618 A (Patent Document 1) discloses an energy management system that adopts the configuration of a so-called virtual power plant (Virtual Power Plant (VPP)). This energy management system includes an aggregation coordinator and N resource aggregators (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2). The resource aggregator is provided, for example, in each community. One or more power resources are allocated to the community. The power resources charge and discharge power. The resource aggregator then transmits and receives power to and from the power resources within the community. The aggregation coordinator aggregates the amount of power transmitted and received by the resource aggregator, and conducts power trading with a power company (for example, a power transmission and distribution business operator or a retail electricity business operator). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-118618 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, an electric power company may output a request (hereinafter also referred to as a "large request") for a large-capacity (for example, in MWh units) power transaction to an aggregation coordinator. Power transactions are sales and purchases of power. In this case, the aggregation coordinator generates requests (hereinafter also referred to as "small requests") that divide the large amount of power specified in the large request into N parts. The aggregation coordinator then transmits each of the N small requests to N resource aggregators. The resource aggregator executes power transactions in accordance with the small request with one or more power resources corresponding to the resource aggregator. The aggregation coordinator realizes power transactions in accordance with the large request by consolidating the power transactions in accordance with the N small requests.

[0005] However, for example, there may be a case where the number of power resources that can respond to an energy transaction that complies with a small request is small. In this case, a resource aggregator that corresponds to the small number of power resources may not be able to comply with the small request, and as a result, the aggregation coordinator may not be able to realize an energy transaction that complies with a large request. Thus, in these days when energy transactions are frequently conducted, there is a need for a technology that can realize more flexible energy transactions.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to enable more flexible energy trading. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The management device according to the present disclosure is a management device for an electricity trading market. The management device includes a processor and an interface capable of communicating with a plurality of agent devices and other management devices. Each of the plurality of agent devices determines bidding conditions for buying and selling electricity in the electricity trading market. The processor receives a request signal for requesting a supply and receipt adjustment of a first amount of electricity from the other management devices. The processor also transmits a solicitation signal for soliciting bids according to the request signal to the plurality of agent devices. The processor also receives a bid signal indicating the bidding conditions from at least one agent device that has determined bidding conditions for buying and selling electricity of a second amount of electricity smaller than the first amount of electricity, among the plurality of agent devices that have received the solicitation signal. Then, the processor causes the bid by the at least one agent device to be contracted when the contract condition is established.

[0008] According to this configuration, bidding in accordance with a request signal for requesting adjustment of the first amount of power can be realized by a plurality of agent devices, thereby making it possible to realize more flexible power trading.

[0009] In addition, the agreement conditions may include a condition that is met when the total value of the second amounts of energy included in the bidding conditions indicated by the bidding signal received from at least one agent device reaches the first amount of energy.

[0010] According to this configuration, when the total value of the second amount of electricity included in the bidding conditions from at least one agent device reaches the first amount of electricity requested from another management device, the bid is settled, thereby making it possible to realize electricity trading in accordance with the request.

[0011] In addition, the agreement conditions may include a condition that is met when the total value of the second amounts of power included in the bidding conditions indicated by the bidding signal received from at least one agent device reaches a third amount of power that is smaller than the first amount of power and when a time specified by the management device is reached.

[0012] According to this configuration, even if the total value of the second amount of power is smaller than the first amount of power requested by the other management devices, the bid is concluded when the time specified by the management device is reached. Therefore, the management device can prevent the loss of opportunities for power trading.

[0013] In addition, when the total value of the second amounts of power indicated in the bid signals received from at least one agent device reaches a fourth amount of power greater than the first amount of power, the management device may transmit an excess signal to other management devices indicating that the total value has reached the fourth amount of power.

[0014] According to this configuration, it is possible to cause the other management device to determine that the total value of the second amount of power has exceeded the first amount of power requested by the other management device, and therefore the other management device can execute control such as causing another resource to process the amount of power that is the difference between the total value and the first amount of power.

[0015] The management device may also be configured to contract a bid by at least one agent device based on a priority set for each of the at least one agent device.

[0016] According to this configuration, the bid by the agent device with the highest priority is concluded, thereby making it possible to realize smoother electricity trading.

[0017] Furthermore, each of the multiple agent devices may be associated with an electric vehicle that performs power processing, which is at least one of charging and discharging the traded power. The management device may set a priority such that an agent device associated with a specific vehicle, which is at least one of an electric vehicle with a defined driving plan and an electric vehicle that performs autonomous driving, is higher in priority than an agent device not associated with the specific vehicle.

[0018] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem in which the energy transaction is not carried out according to the bidding conditions.

[0019] Furthermore, each of the multiple agent devices may be associated with an electric power device that executes electric power processing, which is at least one of charging and discharging the traded electric power. Electricity traded in the electric power trading market may include first traded electric power and second traded electric power. The first traded electric power is electric power from which a first amount of carbon dioxide is emitted in order to generate a unit amount of electric power. The second traded electric power is electric power from which a second amount of carbon dioxide, less than the first amount, is emitted in order to generate a unit amount of electric power. The management device may set a priority such that an agent device corresponding to an electric power device that executes electric power processing for the second traded electric power has a higher priority than an agent device corresponding to an electric power device that executes electric power processing for the first traded electric power.

[0020] This configuration can promote the execution of electricity transactions that contribute to protecting the global environment.

[0021] Each of the multiple agent devices may be associated with an electric power device that executes electric power processing, which is at least one of charging and discharging the traded electric power. The electric power device may receive and transmit electric power via an electric power relay facility. The management device may set a priority such that an agent device corresponding to an electric power device that is a first distance away from the electric power relay facility is higher than an agent device corresponding to an electric power device that is a second distance away from the electric power relay facility that is longer than the first distance.

[0022] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the transmission loss in the power transmission line from the power device to the power relay facility.

[0023] The management device may further include a memory for storing the agent ID of the agent device and the evaluation point of the agent device in association with each other. The management device may update the evaluation point based on at least one of a past transaction history by the agent device and the contents of the bidding conditions indicated by a bidding signal received from the agent device. The management device may set a priority order such that an agent device having a first evaluation point is higher than an agent device having a second evaluation point lower than the first evaluation point.

[0024] With this configuration, it is possible to encourage the user of the agent device to make the power trading and bidding conditions more appropriate.

[0025] The method disclosed herein is a method using a plurality of agent devices and a management device for an electricity trading market. Each of the plurality of agent devices determines bidding conditions for buying and selling electricity in the electricity trading market. The method includes receiving a request signal for requesting a supply and receipt adjustment of a first amount of electricity from another management device. The method also includes transmitting a solicitation signal for soliciting bids according to the request signal to the plurality of agent devices. The method also includes receiving a bid signal indicating the bidding conditions from at least one agent device that has determined bidding conditions for buying and selling electricity of a second amount of electricity smaller than the first amount of electricity, among the plurality of agent devices that have received the solicitation signal. The method also includes contracting the bid by the at least one agent device when the contract condition is established.

[0026] According to this configuration, bidding in accordance with a request signal for requesting adjustment of the first amount of power can be realized by a plurality of agent devices, thereby making it possible to realize more flexible power trading.

[0027] The power management system of the present disclosure includes a first management device, a second management device, a power adjustment resource, a third management device, a fourth management device, and a plurality of agent devices. The first management device outputs a request signal requesting an adjustment of the amount of power. The second management device outputs a first request signal and a second request signal based on the request signal. The third management device adjusts the power of the power adjustment resource based on the first request signal output from the second management device. The second request signal is a signal for requesting the adjustment of the amount of power. Each of the plurality of agent devices determines bidding conditions for buying and selling power in the power trading market. The fourth management device transmits a solicitation signal for soliciting bids according to the second request signal to the plurality of agent devices. The fourth management device receives a bid signal indicating the bidding conditions from at least one agent device that has determined the bidding conditions for buying and selling power of a second amount of power smaller than the first amount of power among the plurality of agent devices that have received the solicitation signal. Then, the fourth management device contracts the bid by at least one agent device when the contract condition is established.

[0028] According to this configuration, bidding in accordance with a request signal for requesting adjustment of the first amount of power can be realized by a plurality of agent devices, thereby making it possible to realize more flexible power trading. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the present disclosure, bidding in accordance with a request signal for requesting supply and demand adjustment of a first amount of power can be realized by a plurality of agent devices, thereby making it possible to realize more flexible power trading. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 11 is a diagram showing the transmission timing of a second request signal, etc. FIG. [Diagram 3]This is a diagram summarizing the contents specified in request signals, etc. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of main devices of a power management system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an agent device and a market server. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen displayed on an agent device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a participant database. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an agent device and a market server. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing bidding conditions temporarily stored in a temporary storage unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing priority conditions. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an increase and decrease in evaluation points. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing appropriate conditions. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing main processing of the market server. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a main process of a market server according to another embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference characters, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0032] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power management system 1000 according to the present embodiment. The power management system 1000 includes m (m is an integer equal to or greater than 1) CEMSs 1, a CEMS server 2, a power receiving and transforming facility 3, a power system 4, a power transmission and distribution company server (hereinafter also simply referred to as "business company server 5"), and an energy trading system 80. CEMS stands for Community Energy Management System or City Energy Management System. In the CEMS 1, a microgrid MG is constructed. The microgrid MG is typically a "power network".

[0033] The CEMS 1 in FIG. 1 is a system that manages the supply and demand of electricity used in a home. One or more home energy management systems belong to this CEMS 1. Hereinafter, the home energy management system is also referred to as a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) 13. The HEMS 13 includes home appliances (air conditioners, lighting fixtures, other electrical appliances, etc.) that operate with electricity supplied from the microgrid MG. The HEMS 13 may also include equipment such as solar panels, a home heat pump system, a home cogeneration system, a home storage battery, and a generator. The HEMS 11 corresponds to an example of a "power adjustment resource" according to the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the power adjustment resource is also referred to as a "power resource." The adjustment of power by a power resource typically indicates the transfer of power (input of power and output of power). For example, the holder of a power resource sells the power output from the power resource and also purchases the power input to the power resource.

[0034] An individual server 130 is installed in association with the HEMS 11. The individual server 130 is capable of bidirectional communication with the CEMS server 2.

[0035] The power management system 1000 may include other CEMSs. The other CEMSs include at least one of a factory energy management system (FEMS), a building energy management system (BEMS), a generator, a naturally variable power source, an energy storage system (ESS), an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), a vehicle, and a heat storage system.

[0036] The CEMS server 2 is a computer that manages the power resources in the CEMS 1. The CEMS server 2 may be an aggregator server. The aggregator server is a server of an electric power supplier that provides an energy management service by bundling multiple power resources.

[0037] The power receiving and transforming equipment 3 is provided at the power receiving point (interconnection point) of the microgrid MG, and is configured to be able to switch between parallel (connection) and parallel-off (disconnection) of the microgrid MG and the power system 4. Although not shown, the power receiving and transforming equipment 3 includes a high-voltage side (primary side) switchgear, a transformer, a protective relay, measuring instruments, and a control device. When the microgrid MG is interconnected with the power system 4, the power receiving and transforming equipment 3 receives, for example, extra-high voltage AC power (a voltage exceeding 7000 V) from the power system 4, and steps down the received power to supply it to the microgrid MG. The number of power receiving and transforming equipment 3 is at least one.

[0038] The power system 4 is a power network constructed by power plants and power transmission and distribution facilities. In this embodiment, an electric power company serves as both a power generation business operator and a power transmission and distribution business operator. The electric power company corresponds to a general power transmission and distribution business operator and also corresponds to a manager of the power system 4, and maintains and manages the power system 4. The power system 4 outputs (supplies) electric power to the outside (discharges) and receives electric power from the outside.

[0039] The business operator server 5 is a computer that belongs to an electric power company and manages the supply and demand of electric power in the electric power system 4. The business operator server 5 is also configured to be capable of bidirectional communication with the CEMS server 2.

[0040] Next, the energy trading system 80 will be described. In the energy trading system 80, an energy trading market that adopts so-called P2P (Peer to Peer) energy trading is realized. That is, from one point of view, the energy management system 1000 is a system that integrates the idea of ​​VPP and the idea of ​​P2P energy trading. Furthermore, "energy trading" includes both the purchase of electricity and the sale of electricity. In the example of FIG. 1, the energy trading system 80 mainly includes an agent device 100, a market server 300, and an energy device 451.

[0041] The power device 451 can generate and output (discharge) electric power. The power device 451 can also receive and input (charge) electric power from an external source. In the example of Fig. 1, the power device 451 is installed in a house 401, a factory 402, and a company 403.

[0042] The power device 451 can charge, for example, a device that operates with electricity (hereinafter, also referred to as "power-operated device 453"). The power-operated device 453 is, for example, a mobile object. The mobile object is typically an electric vehicle equipped with a battery for running, such as an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid vehicle (HEV), or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). In the example of FIG. 1, the power device 451 can transmit power to another power device 451 via the power transmission line PL.

[0043] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the agent device 100 may be included in an in-vehicle device of an electric power-operated device 453 (mobile body). Also, the agent device 100 may be included in an electric power device 451. The agent device 100 may be configured by a PC (personal computer), a tablet, a smartphone, or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the electric power-operated device 453 is a mobile body and the agent device 100 is mounted on an in-vehicle device of the mobile body. Also, in the example of FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the agent device 100 is a smartphone held by a person. Also, in the example of FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the agent device 100 is a PC arranged in a house 401, a factory 402, and a company 403.

[0044] Moreover, the business entity server 5 corresponds to an example of a "first management device" according to the present disclosure. The CEMS server 2 corresponds to an example of a "second management device" or "other management device" according to the present disclosure. The individual server 130 corresponds to an example of a "third management device" according to the present disclosure. The market server 300 corresponds to an example of a "fourth management device" or "management device" according to the present disclosure.

[0045] Next, a request from the business operator server 5 will be described. For example, the following first or second situation may occur regarding power. The first situation is, for example, a situation in which the power company to which the business operator server 5 belongs has generated excessive power or a situation in which the power company is expected to generate excessive power. The second situation is, for example, a situation in which there is an excessive shortage of power or a situation in which there is expected to be an excessive shortage of power.

[0046] In the first situation, it is preferable for the power company to sell the surplus power (discharge the power), whereas in the second situation, it is preferable for the power company to purchase the shortage of power (charge the power).

[0047] Therefore, when the first or second situation occurs, a manager of the business entity server 5 or the like operates the business entity server 5 to output a request signal to the business entity server 5. The request from the business entity server 5 corresponds to an up-DR (Demand Response) or a down-DR.

[0048] When the first situation occurs, the manager performs an operation corresponding to the first situation on the business entity server 5. This operation causes the business entity server 5 to output a request signal to the CEMS server 2 to sell the surplus power. On the other hand, when the second situation occurs, the manager performs an operation corresponding to the second situation on the business entity server 5. This operation causes the business entity server 5 to output a request signal to the CEMS server 2 to purchase the shortage of power. Thus, in step (A), the business entity server 5 outputs a request signal to the CEMS server 2. The request signal is a signal requesting adjustment of the amount of power received. That is, the request signal specifies the amount of surplus power or the amount of shortage of power. The specified amount of power is assumed to be A (MWh). Thus, the amount of power specified in the request signal is in MWh units, which is a large amount of power.

[0049] The request signal also specifies a request start time, a request end time, and a request price. The request signal does not have to include the request price. The request start time and the request end time are times for specifying a requested time period. If the request signal is a signal for selling surplus power, the request start time is the start time at which power can be output from the power grid 4, and the request end time is the end time at which power can be output from the power grid 4. If the request signal is a signal for purchasing a shortage of power, the request start time is the start time at which power can be input from the power grid 4, and the request end time is the end time at which power can be input from the power grid 4. The request price is the price of the amount of power A described below.

[0050] The CEMS server 2 divides, using a predetermined first algorithm, the amount of power A (MWh) specified in the request signal into power to be adjusted by each of the M CEMS 1 and power to be adjusted by the energy trading system 80. The CEMS server 2 also divides, using a predetermined first algorithm, the requested price B (yen) of power specified in the request signal into a price to be paid (or paid) by each of the m CEMS 1 and a price to be paid (or paid) by the energy trading system 80.

[0051] In the following, the power regulated by the m CEMSs 1 is denoted as "A1, A2, ..., Am", respectively. Also, the power regulated by the energy trading system 80 is denoted as Ap. That is, the following formula (1) is established. A = A1 + A2 + · · · + Am + Ap (1) Moreover, the prices paid (or paid) at the m CEMS1 are denoted as "B1, B2, ..., Bm." Moreover, the price paid (or paid) at the energy trading system 80 is denoted as Bp. That is, the following formula (2) is established. B = B1 + B2 + · · · + Bm + Bp (2) Furthermore, the CEMS server 2 generates m first request signals and one second request signal based on the request signal from the business entity server 5. A1, A2, ... Am, and the above-mentioned request start time and request end time are specified in each of the m first request signals. The CEMS server 2 transmits the m first request signals to the m individual servers 130, respectively. The m individual servers 130 cause the power resources 13 in the CEMS 1 corresponding to the individual servers 130 to adjust the power of the amount of power indicated in the first request signal. In this way, the individual server 130 has a function of adjusting the power of the amount of power indicated in the first request signal.

[0052] Moreover, the CEMS server 2 transmits a second request signal to the market server 300. In this embodiment, the second request signal specifies the amount of power Ap, the power price Bp, the request start time, and the request end time. The amount of power Ap corresponds to an example of the "first amount of power" in the present disclosure. The second request signal is a signal for requesting adjustment of the first amount of power. The first amount of power is an amount of power equal to or greater than 1 MWh.

[0053] Thus, in step (B), the CEMS server 2 transmits m first request signals to the m individual servers 130 , respectively, and transmits one second request signal to the market server 300 .

[0054] For example, if the request signal from the business entity server 5 is a signal requesting the sale of surplus power, the second request signal is a signal requesting the sale of the amount of power Ap. Therefore, the agent device 100 is able to make a bid to purchase power.

[0055] Moreover, when the request signal from the business entity server 5 is a signal for requesting the purchase of the shortage of power, the second request signal becomes a signal for requesting the purchase of the amount of power Ap. Therefore, the agent device 100 becomes able to make a bid for purchasing the power.

[0056] Next, in step (C), the market server 300 transmits a solicitation signal to the multiple agent devices 100. Here, the solicitation signal is a signal for soliciting bids according to the second request signal. The agent devices 100 that receive this second request signal are able to make bids for the amount of power Ap specified in the second request signal. In other words, the agent devices 100 are able to make bids to sell power or to purchase power.

[0057] The agent device 100 that has received the solicitation signal determines the bidding conditions as described below. Then, the agent device 100 transmits the determined bidding signal to the market server 300. Then, in step (D), the market server 300 receives bidding signals from one or more agent devices 100.

[0058] Thereafter, each of the m individual servers 130 generates a first result signal (not shown) indicating the adjustment result, and transmits it to the CEMS server 2. In addition, the market server 300 integrates the results of the bidding signals from one or more agent devices 100 to generate a second result signal (not shown), and transmits it to the CEMS server 2.

[0059] The CEMS server 2 generates a result signal by integrating the m first result signals and one second result signal, and transmits the result signal to the business operator server 5.

[0060] The market server 300 manages energy trading in an area where multiple power devices 451 exist. In the example of Fig. 1, the energy management system 1000 has one energy trading system 80, but the energy management system 1000 may have multiple energy trading systems 80.

[0061] In addition, in a situation where the business entity server 5 does not output a request signal, normal P2P energy trading is realized in the energy trading system 80. Normal P2P energy trading is energy trading between individuals. For example, in the example of FIG. 2, the energy trading is realized between the agent device 100 owned by the manager (user) of the factory 402 and the agent device 100 owned by the manager of the power-operated device 453 (electric vehicle). The market server 300 manages the energy trading in the normal P2P energy trading.

[0062] 2 is a diagram showing the timing of the second request signal, the solicitation signal, the bidding start time, the bidding end time, the request start time, and the request end time, etc. The horizontal axis in FIG. 2 is the time axis.

[0063] 2, the timing when the market server 300 receives the second request signal from the CEMS server 2 (timing (A) in FIG. 1) is assumed to be timing T1. Next, the timing when the market server 300 transmits a recruitment signal to the agent device 100 (timing (B) in FIG. 1) is assumed to be timing T2.

[0064] Moreover, the solicitation signal transmitted at timing T2 includes a bidding start time and a bidding end time. The bidding start time is the start time at which bidding by the agent device 100 is permitted. The bidding start time is the end time at which bidding by the agent device 100 is permitted. The bidding start time is set to timing T3. The bidding end time is set to timing T4. Moreover, as described above, a request start time and a request end time are specified in the second request signal transmitted at timing T1. The request start time is set to timing T5. The request end time is set to timing T6.

[0065] Fig. 3 is a diagram summarizing the contents specified in the request signal, the second request signal, the solicitation signal, and the bid signal. As shown in Fig. 3, the request signal specifies the amount of power A (MWh), the requested time period, and the power price B (yen). The second request signal specifies the amount of power Ap (MWh), the requested time period, and the power price Bp (yen).

[0066] Furthermore, the solicitation signal specifies a bidding time period and a request time period, but does not specify an amount of energy and a price. The request time period specified in the second request signal and the solicitation signal is the same as the request time period specified in the request signal. The bidding time period is determined by the market server 300. The bidding signal specifies an amount of energy to be traded, a trading time period, and a trading energy price. The amount of energy to be traded, the trading time period, and the trading energy price will be described later.

[0067] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the main devices of the power management system 1000 from a different perspective than Fig. 1. The power management system 1000 mainly includes a market server 300, a plurality of agent devices 100, a CEMS server 2, a network 200, and a network 210. The agent devices 100 and the market server 300 are capable of communicating with each other via the network 200. Furthermore, the market server 300 and the CEMS server 2 are capable of communicating with each other via the network 210.

[0068] [Hardware configuration] 5 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the agent device 100 and the market server 300. The agent device 100 includes a control device 150, an input device 102, and a display device 104. The control device 150 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 60, a storage unit for storing programs and data, and a communication I / F (Interface) 68. The components are interconnected by a data bus. When the agent device 100 is mounted on an in-vehicle device, the CPU 60 is replaced with an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0069] The storage unit includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 62, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 63, and a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 66. The ROM 62 can store programs executed by the CPU 60. The RAM 63 can temporarily store data generated by the execution of the programs in the CPU 60 and data input via the communication I / F 68, and can function as a temporary data memory used as a working area. The HDD 66 is a non-volatile storage device and can store various information. Alternatively, a semiconductor storage device such as a flash memory may be adopted instead of the HDD 66.

[0070] The communication I / F 68 is an interface for communicating with the market server 300 via the network 200. The communication I / F 68 is also capable of communicating with the input device 102 and the display device 104.

[0071] The input device 102 is, for example, a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse, and accepts operations by a user. The display device 104 is, for example, configured with a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, and displays information to the user. When a touch panel is used as the user interface, the input device 102 and the display device 104 are integrally formed.

[0072] The market server 300 includes a CPU 72 , a storage unit (a ROM 76 , a RAM 74 , and a HDD 78 ), and a communication I / F 84 .

[0073] The ROM 76 can store programs executed by the CPU 72. The RAM 74 can function as a data memory that can temporarily store data generated by the execution of the programs in the CPU 72, data from the agent device 100, and the like. The HDD 78 is a non-volatile storage device that can store information generated by the market server 300. Alternatively, a semiconductor storage device such as a flash memory may be used instead of the HDD 78. The communication I / F 84 is an interface for communicating with the agent device 100 via the network 200. The communication I / F 84 is also an interface for communicating with the CEMS server 2 via the network 210.

[0074] Although the hardware configurations of the individual server 130, the CEMS server 2, and the business server 5 are not illustrated, typically, the individual server 130, the CEMS server 2, and the business server 5 have the same configuration as the market server 300.

[0075] [Bidding conditions] Each of the multiple agent devices 100 described in FIG. 1 and the like can determine bidding conditions for buying and selling electricity in the electricity trading market. For example, the agent device 100 that has received the above-mentioned solicitation signal can automatically determine the bidding conditions based on a predetermined bidding algorithm. In this embodiment, the bidding conditions include the amount of electricity to be traded, the trading time period, and the trading electricity price. The amount of electricity to be traded, the trading time period, and the trading electricity price are parameters shown in "bidding signal" in FIG. 3.

[0076] The transaction amount of energy indicates the amount of energy to be traded when bidding conditions including the transaction amount are agreed upon. The transaction time period indicates the time period during which the transaction will take place when bidding conditions including the transaction time period are agreed upon. The transaction price of energy indicates the price of energy to be traded when bidding conditions including the energy price are agreed upon.

[0077] For example, the agent device 100 is associated with at least one of the electric power device 451 and the electric power-operated device 453. The agent device 100 uses a predetermined parameter to determine bidding conditions based on the above-mentioned bidding algorithm. The predetermined parameter includes, for example, at least one of the remaining amount of power of the electric power-operated device 453, a future operation that consumes power by the electric power-operated device 453, and maximizing the profit of the user of the agent device 100 in the power transaction. For example, if the electric power-operated device 453 is the above-mentioned electric vehicle, the agent device 100 specifies the power required for the running of the electric vehicle by specifying the SOC (State Of Charge) of the electric vehicle and the route of the electric vehicle (for example, the commuting route of the driver of the electric vehicle). Then, the agent device 100 determines the bidding conditions so that the profit of the user is maximized (for example, so that the required power can be purchased at the lowest price).

[0078] Furthermore, the agent device 100 can determine bidding conditions manually by the user of the agent device 100. Specifically, the agent device 100 can accept input of bidding conditions from the user via an input screen. FIG. 6 is an example of an input screen 350 displayed in the display area 104A of the display device 104 of the agent device 100. The agent device 100 that has accepted the above-mentioned solicitation signal can display the input screen 350 on the display device 104 over the time period from the bidding start time to the bidding end time (i.e., the bidding time period) described in FIG. 2. A bidder (an owner of the agent device 100) inputs bidding conditions into this input screen 350 using the input device 102. A bidder is also referred to as a user. A bidder who is trying to purchase power is also referred to as a "power purchaser", and a bidder who is trying to sell power is also referred to as a "power seller".

[0079] A text image 351 saying "Trading screen" is displayed on the input screen 350. An input field 364 saying "Amount of energy traded" is also displayed on the input screen 350. An input area 366 for the amount of energy traded is also displayed in association with the input field 364. In the input area 366, a bidder can input a numerical value for the amount of energy traded. The bidder can participate in the energy trading market as a power buyer or power seller with the amount of energy traded inputted in the input area 366.

[0080] Furthermore, on the input screen 350, an input field 368 titled "trading time slot" is displayed. Furthermore, associated with the input field 368, an input area 370 for the start time of the trading time slot and an input area 372 for the end time of the trading time slot are displayed. A bidder can input the start time of the power trading in the input area 370 and the end time of the power trading in the input area 372. A bidder can participate in the power trading market as a power buyer or power seller in the trading time slot inputted in the input area 370 and the input area 372.

[0081] Furthermore, on the input screen 350, an input field 374 titled "traded power price" is displayed. Furthermore, an input area 376 for the traded power price is displayed in association with the input field 374. A bidder can input a value for the power price in the input area 376. The bidder can participate in the power trading market as a power buyer or power seller at the power price inputted in the input area 376.

[0082] Furthermore, a start bidding button 378 is displayed on the input screen 350. After the bidder inputs the amount of energy to be traded, the trading time zone, and the energy to be traded price, the bidder becomes able to operate the start bidding button 378. When the start bidding button 378 is operated by the bidder, the bidder can submit a bid for the solicitation indicated by the above-mentioned solicitation signal.

[0083] Typically, the unit of the amount of transacted electricity that is automatically determined by the agent device 100 is "kWh". On the other hand, the unit of the first amount of electricity described above is "MWh". Therefore, the amount of transacted electricity that is automatically determined by the agent device 100 is smaller than the first amount of electricity. Moreover, the unit of the amount of transacted electricity that is input into the input area 366 of the input screen 350 is also "kWh". Therefore, the amount of transacted electricity that is input into the input area 366 is also smaller than the first amount of electricity.

[0084] In this way, the amount of trading energy specified in the bidding conditions, which is determined automatically by the agent device 100 or manually by the bidder, is smaller than the first amount of energy. Hereinafter, the amount of trading energy specified in the bidding conditions is also referred to as the "second amount of energy."

[0085] [Database] Next, a database used in the energy trading system 80 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is an example of a participant database. The participant database is a database held by the market server 300. In the example of FIG. 7, an agent ID is associated with an evaluation point, a past trading record, and a compatible power device. The agent ID (identification) is information for identifying the agent device 100. An "evaluation point" is an example of a participant evaluation (index) used to evaluate a user of the agent device 100 (hereinafter also referred to as a "participant"). The evaluation point will be described later.

[0086] "Past trading record" indicates past trading records in the energy trading system 80 by the agent device 100 identified by the agent ID. Past trading records include past records of purchasing electricity and past records of selling electricity. Past trading records are a history of transactions based on agreed bids. Past trading records are stored in the agent database in both cases where the agent device 100 automatically traded and where the user manually traded.

[0087] Next, the compatible power device will be described. As described above, the agent device 100 is associated with at least one of the power device 451 and the power-operated device 453. The compatible power device is information indicating the device that is supported.

[0088] In the example of FIG. 7, the evaluation points associated with the agent ID A1 are 10 points. Furthermore, past transaction records associated with the agent ID A1 include records of purchasing X1 kWh of renewable energy power for Y1 yen between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on January 6, 2020. The compatible power device associated with the agent ID A1 is a storage battery E. The storage battery is an example of a power device 451, and is capable of discharging power and storing power.

[0089] The compatible electric power device associated with the agent ID A2 is an electric vehicle capable of performing automatic driving. The compatible electric power device associated with the agent ID A3 is an electric vehicle whose driving route has already been determined. Note that the three dots in the example of Figure 7 indicate that data is actually stored but is omitted.

[0090] Additionally, information other than the agent ID that is specified in the participant database corresponds to the "participant information" of the present disclosure.

[0091] [Function block diagram] Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram of the agent device 100 and the market server 300. In the example of Fig. 8, the agent device 100 has an input device 102 and a control device 150. The control device 150 has an input unit 106, a processing unit 108, and an output unit 110.

[0092] Moreover, the market server 300 has an input unit 302, a processing unit 304, a storage unit 306, and an output unit 308. The input unit 302 and the output unit 308 correspond to an example of an "interface" in the present disclosure. The interface is capable of communicating with a plurality of agent devices 100 and a CEMS server 2 (another management device). The processing unit 304 corresponds to an example of a "processor" in the present disclosure. The storage unit 306 corresponds to an example of a "memory" in the present disclosure. Furthermore, the storage unit 306 includes an agent database 3061 and a temporary storage unit 3062. The agent database 3061 is the database described in FIG. 7.

[0093] As described in step (B) of FIG. 1, the CEMS server 2 transmits a second request signal to the market server 300. The second request signal is input to the input unit 302. The processing unit 304 receives the input second request signal. The processing unit 304 determines a bidding time zone based on the request time zone of the second request signal. The processing unit 304 sets the bidding end time to a time before the request start time of the request time zone (see FIG. 2), for example. Furthermore, the processing unit 304 sets the bidding start time to a time before the bidding end time by a predetermined time (the time of the bidding time zone). The processing unit 304 generates a solicitation signal. The solicitation signal includes the bidding time zone determined by the processing unit 304 and the request time zone included in the second request signal (see FIG. 3). The processing unit 304 transmits the solicitation signal to the multiple agent devices 100 via the output unit 308 (see step (C) of FIG. 1).

[0094] The solicitation signal is input to the input unit 106 of the control device 150 of the agent device 100. The solicitation signal input to the input unit 106 is output to the processing unit 108. The processing unit 108 determines the bidding conditions based on the above-mentioned bidding algorithm or an input from a user. As described above, the bidding conditions include the amount of energy to be traded, the trading time period, and the trading energy price. The processing unit 108 generates a bidding signal. The bidding signal includes an agent ID and the bidding conditions. The processing unit 108 transmits the bidding signal to the market server 300 via the output unit 110. The processing unit 108 holds the agent ID of the agent device 100 including the processing unit 108.

[0095] Among the multiple agent devices 100, there are agent devices that do not determine the bidding conditions. Such agent devices are, for example, agent devices that cannot execute energy trading according to the requested time period specified in the solicitation signal. In this embodiment, among the multiple agent devices 100, an agent device that has determined the bidding conditions (transmitted a bidding signal to the market server 300) is also referred to as "at least one agent device."

[0096] A bid signal transmitted from at least one agent device 100 is input to the input unit 302 of the market server 300. The input at least one bid signal is output to the processing unit 304. The processing unit 304 stores the bidding conditions included in each of the at least one bid signal in the temporary storage unit 3062 in association with the agent ID included in the bid signal.

[0097] The processing unit 304 contracts a bid according to the bidding conditions included in at least one bidding signal. When the bidding conditions satisfy, for example, the following first condition, second condition, and third condition, the processing unit 304 treats the bidding conditions as targets for contract. The first condition is that the trading time zone of the bidding conditions is included in the request time zone included in the solicitation signal. The second condition is that the trading price of the bidding conditions is within a normal price range. The third condition is that the trading amount of power of the bidding conditions is within a normal power range. When at least one of the first to third conditions is not satisfied, the processing unit 304 does not treat the bidding conditions as targets for contract. The processing unit 304 sets the normal price range and the normal power range based on the second request signal.

[0098] Then, the processing unit 304 integrates the results of the agreed bidding conditions from one or more agent devices 100 to generate a second result signal, and transmits the second result signal to the CEMS server 2 via the output unit 308 .

[0099] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing bidding conditions temporarily stored in temporary storage unit 3062. In the example of Fig. 9, bidding conditions and priority are stored in correspondence with each agent ID. Priority is an index used to determine whether or not a bid by an agent device can be contracted. A bid by an agent device with a higher priority is preferentially contracted. Priority will be described later.

[0100] In the example of FIG. 9, the bidding conditions of an agent device with an agent ID of A5 stipulate that the trading time period is 13:00-15:00 on January 6, 2020, the amount of electricity traded is X1 (kWh), the price of electricity traded is Y1 (yen), and the priority is "high." The priority of an agent device with an agent ID of A12 is stipulated to be "high." The priority of an agent device with an agent ID of A1 is stipulated to be "low." Note that the bidding conditions of an agent device such as an agent ID of A12 are written in ellipsis, but are not written even though they actually exist.

[0101] In addition, the differences between the functions of the individual server 130 and the market server 300 will be briefly described. As described above, the individual server 130 has a function of adjusting the amount of power indicated in the first request signal. On the other hand, the market server 300 does not have such a function, but has a function of inviting bid conditions from the agent device 100.

[0102] [Priority] Next, the priority conditions will be described. When the processing unit 304 receives the bidding conditions, it sets the priority of the agent device 100 that transmitted the bidding conditions. The agent device 100 is set so that its priority becomes high by satisfying the priority conditions shown below. The market server 300 selects the bidding conditions based on the priority. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 described later, bidding conditions with a "low" priority are excluded, and bids are only accepted for bidding conditions with a "high" priority. Therefore, the market server 300 accepts bids from agent devices with high priority, thereby realizing smoother energy trading.

[0103] Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the priority conditions. In the example of Fig. 10, the priority conditions include a first priority condition, a second priority condition, a third priority condition, and a fourth priority condition.

[0104] First, the first priority condition will be described. In the following, at least one of "electric vehicle with a set driving plan" and "electric vehicle performing automatic driving" is also referred to as "specific vehicle". The first priority condition is a condition that is satisfied by the agent device 100 associated with a specific vehicle, which is an example of the electric power device 453. In other words, when the corresponding electric power device (see FIG. 7) associated with the agent device 100 is at least one of the specific vehicles "electric vehicle with a set driving plan" and "electric vehicle performing automatic driving", the agent device 100 satisfies the first priority condition.

[0105] The reason is explained below. The agent device 100 corresponding to the specific vehicle, which is the "electric vehicle with a set driving plan" and the "electric vehicle performing automatic driving" that is the electric power operating device 453, can determine the trading power amount and trading time period of the specific vehicle as bidding conditions. Therefore, it is presumed that the electric power operating device 453 executes the power processing according to the trading power amount and trading time period determined by the agent device 100. The power processing is at least one of charging and discharging of the traded power. In this way, the power trading is executed according to the trading power amount and trading time period, thereby realizing smooth power trading in the power management system 1000. Therefore, it is preferable that the bid of the agent device 100 corresponding to the specific vehicle is prioritized. The electric power operating device 453 may be, for example, a storage battery.

[0106] On the other hand, for power devices other than the specific vehicle, there is a possibility that the power transaction will not be executed according to the transaction power amount and the transaction time period determined by the agent device 100 associated with the power device. Therefore, the processing unit 304 sets the priority of the agent device associated with the specific vehicle so that it is higher than the agent device not associated with the specific vehicle. This enables the market server 300 to prevent the occurrence of a problem in which the power transaction is not executed according to the bidding conditions from the agent device 100.

[0107] Next, the second priority condition will be described. In this embodiment, the power traded in the power management system 1000 includes first traded power and second traded power. The first traded power is power for which a first amount of carbon dioxide is emitted in order to generate a unit amount of power. The unit amount is a predetermined amount. The second traded power is power for which a second amount of carbon dioxide, less than the first amount, is emitted in order to generate the unit amount of power. In other words, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when the same unit amount of power is generated is less for the second traded power than for the first traded power.

[0108] The first trading electricity is, for example, electricity generated using non-renewable energy, such as petroleum, natural gas, oil sands, methane hydrate, and uranium.

[0109] The second traded power is, for example, power generated using renewable energy. Renewable energy includes, for example, energy such as wind power, solar power, hydroelectric power, and biomass power. In the present embodiment, the renewable energy power is an example of the second traded power, and the normal power is an example of the first traded power.

[0110] From the viewpoint of protecting the global environment, it is preferable to trade the second traded power rather than the first traded power. Therefore, the agent device 100 corresponding to the power device 451 that executes the power processing of the second traded power is set to have a higher priority than the agent device 100 corresponding to the power device 451 that executes the power processing of the first traded power. Thus, the market server 300 can promote power trading that contributes to protecting the global environment to the agent device 100 or the owner of the agent device 100.

[0111] Next, the third priority condition will be described. As described in FIG. 1, power from the power system 4 is output to a plurality of power devices 451 via a plurality of power receiving and transforming facilities 3. Among the plurality of power receiving and transforming facilities 3, a power receiving and transforming facility that is directly electrically connected to the plurality of power devices 451 is called a "specific power receiving and transforming facility". The specific power receiving and transforming facility corresponds to an example of the "power transit facility" according to the present disclosure. In addition, the specific power receiving and transforming facility and the power device 451 are connected by a power line. When the distance between the specific power receiving and transforming facility and the power device 451 is long, the power line connecting the specific power receiving and transforming facility and the power device 451 becomes long, and the electrical resistance of the power line becomes large. Therefore, the power loss in the power line becomes large.

[0112] Therefore, in order to reduce power loss, it is more preferable that the power system 4 and the power device 451, which is close to the specific power receiving and transforming equipment, exchange power than that the power system 4 and the power device 451, which is far from the specific power receiving and transforming equipment. For example, a distance threshold for the distance between the specific power receiving and transforming equipment and the power device 451 is specified. Then, the processing unit 304 sets a priority such that the agent device 100 corresponding to the power device 451, which is a first distance (shorter than the distance threshold) from the specific power receiving and transforming equipment, is higher than the agent device 100 corresponding to the power operating device 453, which is a second distance (longer than the distance threshold) from the specific power transforming equipment that is longer than the first distance. Therefore, the market server 300 can suppress power loss in the power line.

[0113] Next, the fourth priority condition will be described. The processing unit 304 acquires the evaluation points corresponding to the agent ID transmitted together with the bidding conditions by referring to the agent database. The fourth priority condition is established when the acquired evaluation points (see FIG. 7) are higher than a predetermined evaluation threshold. That is, the processing unit 304 sets the priority such that an agent device 100 having a first evaluation point (a point higher than the evaluation threshold) is higher than an agent device having a second evaluation point (a point lower than the evaluation threshold) that is lower than the first point. Therefore, the market server 300 can encourage the holder of the agent device 100 to make the power trading and bidding conditions more appropriate. The conditions for increasing or decreasing the evaluation points will be described later.

[0114] In this embodiment, the processing unit 304 assigns priority points P1 to the agent device 100 for which the first priority condition is met. The processing unit 304 assigns priority points P2 to the agent device 100 for which the second priority condition is met. The processing unit 304 assigns priority points P3 to the agent device 100 for which the third priority condition is met. The processing unit 304 assigns priority points P4 to the agent device 100 for which the fourth priority condition is met.

[0115] Then, the processing unit 304 calculates the total priority point P by the following formula (3).

[0116] Total priority point P = P1 × P2 × P3 × P4 (3) If the total priority point P is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the processing unit 304 sets the priority to "high," and if it is less than the threshold, sets the priority to "low."

[0117] [Evaluation points] Next, the evaluation points will be described. The evaluation points are set (updated) based on the trading history of the agent device 100. In this embodiment, the market server 300 updates the evaluation points when the first update condition or the second update condition is met. Furthermore, the market server 300 increases the evaluation points when a favorable transaction is executed in the energy trading system 80, and decreases the evaluation points when an unfavorable transaction is executed in the energy trading system 80.

[0118] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an increase or decrease in evaluation points when a first update condition is met. The processing unit 304 of the market server 300 increases or decreases the evaluation points based on the transaction history of the agent device 100. In this embodiment, the market server 300 increases or decreases the evaluation points based on the achievement level calculated from the transaction history of the agent device 100. The achievement level is an index indicating the degree of intervention in energy trading by the energy trading system 80. In the example of Fig. 11, the market server 300 calculates the achievement level by the following formula (4).

[0119] Achievement level=A×B×C×D (4) In the example of formula (4), the market server 300 calculates the achievement degree by multiplying the real number A, the real number B, the real number C, and the real number D together.

[0120] The real number A on the right side of equation (4) is the total amount of electricity traded in the past by the agent device 100. The real number B on the right side of equation (4) is the total amount of electricity trading time traded in the past by the agent device 100. The real number C on the right side of equation (4) is the total amount of electricity prices traded in the past by the agent device 100. The real number D on the right side of equation (4) is the total amount of the proportion of renewable energy electricity traded in the past by the agent device 100. The proportion of renewable energy electricity is calculated, for example, by the following equation (5).

[0121] Renewable energy electricity ratio = total amount of renewable energy electricity traded in the past / Total amount of all electricity traded in the past (5) In the example of formula (5), the market server 300 calculates the ratio of renewable energy electricity (real number D) by dividing the "total amount of renewable energy electricity traded in the past" by the "total amount of all electricity traded in the past." The total amount of all electricity traded in the past is the total amount of normal electricity and renewable energy electricity.

[0122] The market server 300 can obtain the real numbers A to D, for example, from the past transaction history in the agent database (see FIG. 7).

[0123] As a modified example, the market server 300 may calculate the achievement level using one to three real numbers among the real numbers A, B, C, and D. The market server 300 may also calculate the achievement level by the sum of at least two of the real numbers A to D.

[0124] Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the market server 300 calculates the difference between the previous achievement level (i.e., the achievement level one month ago) and the current achievement level (i.e., the achievement level at the present time). Specifically, the market server 300 calculates the difference by subtracting the previous achievement level from the current achievement level. If the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the market server 300 increases the evaluation points by a predetermined amount (1 point in this embodiment). On the other hand, if the difference is less than the threshold, the market server 300 decreases the evaluation points by a specific amount (1 point in this embodiment). Here, the threshold is a predetermined value, and may be changeable, for example, by an administrator of the market server 300.

[0125] If the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold, it means that the agent device 100 has conducted a large amount of energy trading during the period from the previous achievement calculation to the current achievement calculation (i.e., one month). Therefore, the market server 300 increases the evaluation points of such an agent device 100. On the other hand, if the difference is less than the threshold, it means that the agent device 100 has conducted little or no energy trading during the period from the previous achievement calculation to the current achievement calculation. Therefore, the market server 300 decreases the evaluation points of such an agent device 100.

[0126] Next, the second update condition will be described. The second update condition includes a condition that the energy transaction has started or ended. Hereinafter, the data (bidding conditions) input by the bidder to the input screen 350 in FIG. 5 will be referred to as "input data". When the second update condition is established, if the contents of the input data satisfy the appropriateness condition, the market server 300 increases the evaluation points corresponding to the input data by a predetermined amount (for example, 1 point). On the other hand, when the second update condition is established, if the contents of the input data do not satisfy the appropriateness condition, the market server 300 decreases the evaluation points corresponding to the input data by a specific amount (for example, 1 point).

[0127] Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining the appropriateness conditions. In the example of Fig. 12, the appropriateness conditions include a first appropriateness condition, a second appropriateness condition, and a third appropriateness condition. The appropriateness conditions in Fig. 12 are mainly conditions adopted in normal P2P energy trading.

[0128] The first appropriate condition includes that the trading electricity price included in the input data is within a first normal range. The first normal range is a range that is determined in advance. The first normal range may be determined in the market server 300 by a predetermined algorithm. The first normal range may also be determined manually by an administrator of the market server 300, etc.

[0129] When a power purchaser inputs an abnormally high trading power price (i.e., when the trading power price exceeds the first normal range), for example, a harmful effect may occur in which the power purchaser buys up all the power in the power trading market. Therefore, it is preferable that the market server 300 reduces the evaluation points of such a power purchaser.

[0130] Furthermore, if a power purchaser inputs an abnormally low trading power price (i.e., if the trading power price is below the first normal range), for example, a negative effect may occur in that the power price in the power trading market becomes abnormally low. Therefore, it is preferable for the market server 300 to reduce the evaluation points of such a power purchaser.

[0131] Furthermore, if an electricity seller inputs an abnormally high trading electricity price (i.e., if the trading electricity price exceeds the first normal range), for example, a problem may occur in which the electricity price in the electricity trading market becomes abnormally high. Therefore, it is preferable that the market server 300 reduces the evaluation points of such an electricity seller.

[0132] Furthermore, if an electricity seller inputs an abnormally low trading electricity price (i.e., if the trading electricity price is below the first normal range), for example, a harmful effect may occur in which electricity buyers corner the electricity trading market. Therefore, it is preferable for the market server 300 to reduce the evaluation points of such an electricity seller.

[0133] On the other hand, if the trading electricity price entered by the electricity buyer or electricity seller is within the first normal range, the above-mentioned problems are unlikely to occur and electricity trading is carried out smoothly. Therefore, it is preferable for the market server 300 to increase the evaluation points of such an electricity buyer or electricity seller.

[0134] The second appropriate condition includes that the amount of traded energy included in the input data (the amount of traded energy input to the input screen 350 in FIG. 5) is within a second normal range. The second normal range is a range determined in advance. The second normal range may be determined in the market server 300 by a predetermined algorithm. The second normal range may also be determined manually by an administrator of the market server 300, for example.

[0135] When an electricity purchaser inputs an abnormally large amount of trading electricity (i.e., when the trading electricity amount exceeds the second normal range), for example, the electricity purchaser may buy up electricity in the electricity trading market. Therefore, it is preferable that the market server 300 reduces the evaluation points of such electricity purchasers.

[0136] Furthermore, if a power purchaser inputs an abnormally small amount of traded power (i.e., if the amount of traded power is below the second normal range), this may cause a problem such as disruption of power trading in the power trading market. Therefore, it is preferable for the market server 300 to reduce the evaluation points of such a power purchaser.

[0137] Furthermore, if an electricity seller inputs an abnormally large amount of trading electricity (i.e., if the trading electricity amount exceeds the second normal range), for example, a harmful effect may occur in which electricity buyers corner the electricity trading market. Therefore, it is preferable for the market server 300 to reduce the evaluation points of such an electricity seller.

[0138] Furthermore, if an electricity seller inputs an abnormally small amount of trading electricity (i.e., if the amount of trading electricity is below the second normal range), this may cause a problem such as confusion in electricity trading in the electricity trading market. Therefore, it is preferable that the market server 300 reduces the evaluation points of such an electricity seller.

[0139] On the other hand, if the amount of transacted energy entered by the power buyer or the power seller is within the second normal range, the above-mentioned problems are unlikely to occur and the energy transaction is carried out smoothly. Therefore, it is preferable that the market server 300 increases the evaluation points of such a power buyer or power seller.

[0140] Next, the third appropriate condition will be described. In normal P2P energy trading, the type of electricity to be traded is input in a type input area (not shown) of the input screen. In this embodiment, the types of electricity are renewable energy electricity and normal electricity.

[0141] For example, the electricity seller inputs whether the electricity to be sold is renewable energy electricity or not into the input screen 350. Here, the information input into the type input area is information indicating the electricity generation method, and therefore, the information corresponds to the "generation information" of the present disclosure. The third appropriateness condition is a condition that the market server 300 obtains information indicating that the generation information is accurate.

[0142] There are cases where malicious power sellers falsely sell power by inputting renewable energy power in the type input field when in fact the power is not renewable energy power. It is preferable for the market server 300 to reduce the evaluation points of power sellers who falsely sell such power. On the other hand, when a power seller inputs renewable energy power in the type input field and sells renewable energy power, it is preferable to increase the evaluation points of the power seller in consideration of the contribution to the protection of the global environment.

[0143] Methods for determining whether the traded electricity is renewable energy electricity include, for example, a method in which an administrator of the market server 300 or the like inspects the power device of the electricity seller who sold the electricity with a renewable label attached.

[0144] If the manager inspects the power device 451 and determines that the generation information is accurate, he or she inputs accuracy information indicating that the generation information is accurate to the market server 300 using an input device (not shown). In this case, the market server 300 acquires the accuracy information. When the accuracy information is acquired, it is deemed that the third appropriateness condition of the input data is satisfied, and the evaluation points of the power seller are increased.

[0145] On the other hand, if the administrator determines that the generated information is incorrect (i.e., the power seller has lied) as a result of inspecting the power device 451, the administrator uses an input device to input inaccurate information indicating that the generated information is inaccurate to the market server 300. In this case, the market server 300 acquires the inaccurate information. When the inaccurate information is acquired, it is determined that the input data does not satisfy the third appropriateness condition, and the evaluation points of the power seller are reduced.

[0146] The market server 300 may also analyze the electricity from the power device 451 of the power seller to determine whether the electricity is renewable energy electricity.

[0147] [Processing flow of the market server 300] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the market server 300. First, in step S2, the market server 300 receives a second request signal from the CEMS server 2 of the market server 300 (see step (B) in FIG. 1). Next, in step S4, the market server 300 determines the bidding start time and the bidding end time as shown in FIG. 2. Next, in step S5, the market server 300 generates a solicitation signal including the bidding start time and the bidding end time, and transmits it to the multiple agent devices 100 (see step (C) in FIG. 1).

[0148] Next, in step S6, the market server 300 determines whether the current time has reached the bidding start time determined in step S4. The market server 300 waits until it determines that the bidding start time determined in step S4 has arrived (NO in step S6).

[0149] If the determination in step S6 is YES, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the market server 300 acquires the bidding conditions stored in the temporary storage unit 3062. Next, in step S10, the market server 300 selects bidding conditions based on the priority defined in the acquired bidding conditions. In this embodiment, the market server 300 extracts bidding conditions with a "high" priority and discards bidding conditions with a "low" priority. In step S10, the market server 300 further selects bidding conditions that satisfy the above-mentioned first to third conditions from the extracted bidding conditions.

[0150] Next, the total amount of transaction energy (ie, the second amount of energy) included in the bidding conditions extracted in step S12 (ie, the bidding conditions with "high" priority) is calculated (updated).

[0151] Next, in step S14, the market server 300 determines whether the total amount of power updated in step S12 has reached the first amount of power (i.e., the amount of power Ap in the above formula (1)). If the total amount of power has reached the first amount of power (YES in step S14), that is, if the request by the second request signal from the CEMS server 2 has been responded to, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, all of the bidding conditions for the second amount of power used in calculating the total amount of power determined in step S14 to have reached the first amount of power (the bidding conditions selected in step S10) are agreed upon.

[0152] Next, in step S18 after step S16, the market server 300 transmits an agreement establishment signal to the agent device 100 that transmitted the bidding conditions for the second amount of energy used in calculating the total amount of energy determined to have reached the first amount of energy in step S14. The agreement establishment signal is a signal indicating that an agreement has been established. Upon receiving the agreement establishment signal, the agent device 100 recognizes that an agreement has been established. In addition, the market server 300 transmits the agreement establishment signal to the CEMS server 2 as the above-mentioned second result signal.

[0153] If the result of step S14 is NO, that is, if the request by the second request signal from the CEMS server 2 has not been responded to, the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the market server 300 determines whether the current time has reached the bidding end time determined in step S4.

[0154] If the current time has not yet reached the bidding end time (NO in step S20), the process returns to step S8, whereas if the current time has reached the bidding end time (YES in step S20), the process proceeds to step S22.

[0155] In step S22, the market server 300 determines whether the total amount of power has reached a third amount of power. Here, the third amount of power is an amount of power smaller than the first amount of power. The third amount of power is a value calculated by multiplying the first amount of power by a predetermined ratio (a real number less than 1). The third amount of power is a value determined in advance. In addition, the third amount of power is preferably, for example, 1 MWh or more.

[0156] In step S22, if the total amount of energy has reached the third amount of energy (YES in step S22), the process proceeds to step S16. In step S18 after step S16, the market server 300 transmits a contract establishment signal indicating that the total amount of energy is the third amount of energy (the total amount of energy has not reached the first amount of energy) to the CEMS server 2.

[0157] If the result of step S22 is NO, then in step S24, the market server 300 transmits an agreement failure signal as the above-mentioned second result signal to the CEMS server 2. Also, in step S24, the market server 300 transmits an agreement failure signal to all agent devices. Upon receiving the agreement failure signal, the agent device 100 recognizes that the agreement has not been established.

[0158] In a conventional VPP, a power company may output a large request for a large-capacity (e.g., MWh) power transaction to an aggregation coordinator. In this case, the aggregation coordinator generates small requests by dividing the large amount of power specified in the large request into N parts. The aggregation coordinator then transmits each of the N small requests to N resource aggregators. The resource aggregator executes power transactions according to the small request with one or more power resources corresponding to the resource aggregator. The aggregation coordinator realizes power transactions according to the large request by consolidating the power transactions according to the N small requests.

[0159] Here, for example, a case will be described in which the power specified in the small request is 9 MWh and the power resource is an electric vehicle. In this case, the amount of power exchanged by the electric vehicle is generally 3 to 6 kWh. Therefore, in order to satisfy this small request, approximately 1500 electric vehicles (approximately 1500 power resources) are required. However, if electric vehicles are not widely used, it is difficult to prepare a large number of electric vehicles such as 1500 vehicles. In addition, it is generally not possible to satisfy a small request for electric vehicles that are running. In addition, in order to satisfy this small request, it is possible to prepare other adjustment resources (for example, stationary storage batteries, etc.) in addition to electric vehicles. However, the cost of preparing other adjustment resources may be high.

[0160] In this way, in a conventional VPP, there are cases where the number of power resources that can respond to power transactions according to small requests is small. In such cases, the aggregation coordinator may not be able to realize power transactions according to large requests. In this way, with power transactions being conducted frequently these days, there is a need for technology that can realize more flexible power transactions.

[0161] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the CEMS server 2 can also output a small request (second request signal) to the market server 300 of the energy trading system 80 (P2P system). Therefore, even if the resource coordinator has a shortage of power resources, the CEMS server 2 can perform energy trading not only with the power resources of the resource coordinator, but also with the multiple agent devices 100 of the energy trading system 80. Therefore, the market server 300 can realize more flexible energy trading compared to the conventional method.

[0162] Moreover, the case where the request signal is output from the business entity server 5 is, for example, a case of relative urgency such as the above-mentioned first or second situation. When the business entity server 5 outputs such a request signal, for example, the business entity of the business entity server 5 may pay a reward to a bidder who cooperates with the request of the request signal. The reward may be, for example, cash. When such a reward is paid, a user who owns the agent device 100 can purchase electricity at a low price or sell electricity at a high price. In this way, the market server 300 can allow the user of the agent device 100 to trade electricity under favorable conditions.

[0163] Also, for example, the power system 4 is configured on the premise of input or output of an amount of power in MWh units, and is not configured on the premise of input or output of an amount of power in kWh units (i.e., the second amount of power). Therefore, it is difficult for the power system 4 to input or output an amount of power in kWh units.

[0164] Therefore, in this embodiment, the bidding agreement conditions stipulated in the second request signal include a condition that is met when the total value (total amount of power) of the second amounts of power (typically in kWh units) included in the bidding conditions indicated by the bidding signal received from at least one agent device reaches the first amount of power (typically in MWh units) as shown in steps S14 and S16 of Fig. 13. Therefore, it is possible to realize power trading in response to a request from the business operator server 5, that is, a request of the second request signal from the CEMS server 2 (that is, sale or purchase of power in MWh units).

[0165] 13, the contract condition includes a condition that is satisfied when the total power value reaches the third amount of power and the time (the bidding end time) specified by the market server 300 is reached. Therefore, even if the total power value is smaller than the first amount of power requested by the CEMS server 2, the bid is contracted when the bidding end time specified by the market server 300 is reached. Therefore, the market server 300 can prevent the loss of opportunities for power trading.

[0166] 10 and step S10, the market server 300 concludes a bid by at least one agent device based on a priority set for each of the at least one agent device. Therefore, the market server 300 concludes a bid by an agent device with a higher priority, thereby realizing smoother energy trading.

[0167] [Variations] (1) In FIG. 13, the market server 300 is configured to settle the bid when the total amount of electricity reaches the first amount of electricity during the bidding time period from the bidding start time to the bidding end time (see FIG. 2) (see steps S14 and S16).

[0168] However, the market server 300 may be configured to acquire bidding conditions transmitted from the agent device 100 for the entire period of the bidding time period and enter into a bid. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the market server 300 in which such a configuration is adopted. Comparing Fig. 14 with Fig. 13, the process of step S20 is executed when NO is determined in step S14 in Fig. 13, but the process of step S20 is executed after step S8 in Fig. 14. Furthermore, in the example of Fig. 14, the process of step S26 is executed after step S16.

[0169] After completing the process of step S8, the market server 300 determines in step S20 whether the current time has reached the bidding end time. If the result of the determination in step S20 is NO, the process returns to step S8. If the result of the determination in step S20 is YES, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0170] That is, the market server 300 can acquire the bidding conditions transmitted from the agent device 100 for the entire period of the bidding time period through the processes of steps S8 and S20. Then, after the process of step S16, in step S26, the market server 300 determines whether the total amount of energy is equal to or greater than the fourth amount of energy.

[0171] Here, the fourth amount of power is, for example, an amount larger than the first amount of power. The total amount of power being equal to or larger than the fourth amount of power means that the total amount of power is an excessively large amount of power. For example, the fourth amount of power is, for example, 1 MWh or more larger than the first amount of power.

[0172] If the answer is YES in step S26, that is, if the total amount of power is excessively large, the market server 300 transmits an excess signal to the CEMS server 2 in step S28. This excess signal is a signal indicating that the total amount of power has reached the fourth amount of power. In this way, when the total amount of power has reached the fourth amount of power, the market server 300 transmits an excess signal indicating that the total amount of power has reached the fourth amount of power to the CEMS server 2. Therefore, the market server 300 can cause the CEMS server 2 to determine that the total amount of power has exceeded the first amount of power requested by the CEMS server 2. Therefore, the CEMS server 2 can execute control such as having another resource process the amount of power that is the difference between the total amount of power and the first amount of power. The processing is, for example, a processing in which the CEMS server 2 purchases the amount of power of the difference from the other resource, and a processing in which the CEMS server 2 sells the amount of power of the difference to the other resource.

[0173] (2) In the examples of Figs. 13 and 14, the market server 300 discards the bidding conditions with a "low" priority and uses the total amount of trading energy included in the bidding conditions with a "high" priority. However, the market server 300 may use the amount of trading energy included in the bidding conditions with a "low" priority. For example, if the answer is NO in step S14 shown in Figs. 13 and 14, that is, if the total amount of energy (i.e., the total amount of trading energy included in the bidding conditions with a "high" priority) does not reach the first amount of energy and the current time reaches the end time of the bidding, the market server 300 may add the total amount of trading energy included in the bidding conditions with a "low" priority to the total amount of energy. If the total amount of energy calculated by the addition reaches the first amount of energy, the process of step S16 is executed, and if the total amount of energy does not reach the first amount of energy, the process of step S22 is executed.

[0174] (3) In the present embodiment, the priority has two levels ("high" or "low"). However, the priority may have three or more levels. With such a configuration, the market server 300 can perform more detailed selection of the bidding conditions based on the priority.

[0175] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a bidding time period exists has been described (see FIG. 2). However, the bidding time period does not have to exist. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the agent device 100 included in the energy trading system 80 immediately determines bidding conditions upon receiving a solicitation signal, and transmits a bid signal including the determined bidding conditions to the market server 300. If the energy trading system 80 adopts this configuration, the bidding time period does not have to exist.

[0176] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 2 CEMS server, 3 substation equipment, 4 power grid, 5 business operator server, 13 power resource, 18 vehicle, 19 heat storage system, 62, 76 ROM, 63, 74 RAM, 80 power trading system, 100 agent device, 102 input device, 104 display device, 104A display area, 106, 302 input unit, 108, 304 processing unit, 110, 308 output unit, 130 individual server, 150 control device, 200, 210 network, 300 market server, 306 memory unit, 350 input screen, 351 character image, 364, 368, 374 input field, 366, 370, 372, 376 input area, 378 bidding start button, 401 house, 402 factory, 403 company, 451 power device, 453 Power operating device, 1000 power management system.

Claims

1. An energy trading market management device, comprising: A processor; an interface capable of communicating with a plurality of agent devices and other management devices; each of the plurality of agent devices determines bidding conditions for buying and selling electricity in the electricity trading market; The processor, receiving a request signal for requesting adjustment of a first amount of power from the other management device; transmitting a solicitation signal to the plurality of agent devices to solicit bids in accordance with the request signal; receiving a bidding signal indicating the bidding conditions from at least one agent device that has determined the bidding conditions for a purchase and sale transaction of electricity of a second amount of electricity smaller than the first amount of electricity, among the plurality of agent devices that have received the solicitation signal; When a contract condition is satisfied, a bid by the at least one agent device is contracted; When the total value of the second amounts of power indicated in the bid signals received from the at least one agent device reaches a fourth amount of power that is greater than the first amount of power, the management device transmits an excess signal to the other management device indicating that the total value has reached the fourth amount of power.

2. The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the agreement condition includes a condition that is met when a total value of second amounts of power included in the bidding conditions indicated by the bidding signal received from the at least one agent device reaches the first amount of power.

3. The management device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the agreement conditions include a condition that is met when a total value of second amounts of power included in the bidding conditions indicated by the bidding signal received from the at least one agent device reaches a third amount of power that is smaller than the first amount of power and a time specified by the management device is reached.

4. A management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the management device executes a bid by the at least one agent device based on a priority set for each of the at least one agent device.

5. each of the plurality of agent devices is associated with an electric vehicle that performs an electric power process, which is at least one of charging and discharging of the electric power to be traded; The management device according to claim 4, wherein the management device sets the priority such that an agent device associated with a specific vehicle, which is at least one of an electric vehicle for which a driving plan has been established and an electric vehicle that performs autonomous driving, is higher in priority than an agent device not associated with the specific vehicle.

6. each of the plurality of agent devices is associated with an electric power device that performs electric power processing, which is at least one of charging and discharging of the electric power to be traded; The electricity traded in the electricity trading market is A first amount of traded electricity is generated by emitting a first amount of carbon dioxide for generating a unit amount of electricity; and a second trading power in which a second amount of carbon dioxide less than the first amount is emitted in order to generate the unit amount of electricity, The management device is configured to detect whether an agent device corresponding to an electric power device that executes the electric power processing of the second traded electric power is an agent device corresponding to an electric power device that executes the electric power processing of the first traded electric power.

6. The management device according to claim 4, wherein the priority is set to be higher than that of an agent device.

7. each of the plurality of agent devices is associated with an electric power device that performs electric power processing, which is at least one of charging and discharging of the electric power to be traded; The power device receives and transmits power via the power transit facility, The management device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the management device sets the priority so that an agent device corresponding to an electric power device that is a first distance away from the electric power passing facility is higher than an agent device corresponding to an electric power device that is a second distance away from the electric power passing facility that is longer than the first distance.

8. the management device further comprises a memory for storing an agent ID of an agent device and an evaluation point of the agent device in association with each other; the management device updates the evaluation points based on at least one of a history of past transactions by the agent device and the contents of the bidding conditions indicated by the bidding signal received from the agent device; A management device as described in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the management device sets the priority so that an agent device whose evaluation point is a first point is higher than an agent device whose evaluation point is a second point lower than the first point.

9. 1. A method using a plurality of agent devices and a management device of an energy trading market, the method being executed by the management device, the method comprising: each of the plurality of agent devices determines bidding conditions for buying and selling electricity in the electricity trading market; The method comprises: receiving a request signal for requesting adjustment of a first amount of power from another management device; transmitting a solicitation signal to the plurality of agent devices for soliciting bids pursuant to the request signal; receiving a bidding signal indicating the bidding conditions from at least one agent device that has determined the bidding conditions for a purchase and sale transaction of electricity of a second amount of electricity smaller than the first amount of electricity, among the plurality of agent devices that have received the solicitation signal; contracting a bid by the at least one agent device when a contract condition is met; a second amount of power indicated in the bid signal received from the at least one agent device reaching a fourth amount of power greater than the first amount of power, and an excess signal indicating that the second amount of power indicated in the bid signal received from the at least one agent device reaching the fourth amount of power is transmitted to the other management device.

10. A first management device that outputs a request signal for requesting adjustment of an amount of electric power; a second management device that outputs a first request signal and a second request signal based on the request signal; A power regulation resource; a third management device that adjusts the power of a power adjustment resource based on the first request signal output from the second management device; a fourth management device for the energy trading market; A plurality of agent devices; The second request signal is a signal for requesting adjustment of a first amount of power, each of the plurality of agent devices determines bidding conditions for buying and selling electricity in the electricity trading market; The fourth management device is transmitting a solicitation signal to the plurality of agent devices to solicit bids in accordance with the second solicitation signal; receiving a bidding signal indicating the bidding conditions from at least one agent device that has determined the bidding conditions for a purchase and sale transaction of electricity of a second amount of electricity smaller than the first amount of electricity, among the plurality of agent devices that have received the solicitation signal; contracting the bid by the at least one agent device when a contract condition is met; a power management system that, when a total value of the second amounts of power indicated in the bid signals received from the at least one agent device reaches a fourth amount of power that is greater than the first amount of power, transmits an excess signal to the second management device indicating that the total value has reached the fourth amount of power.

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