Energy utilization system and management device

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to enable electrical energy to be converted into other forms of energy and shared for use even in a society where a power transmission grid has not been constructed. [Solution] The energy utilization system includes a plurality of buildings and a management device. The buildings include a fuel cell power generation device, a first cartridge, and a first battery. The management device executes, for each building, a first acquisition process to acquire a value of the remaining amount of power in the first battery, a second acquisition process to acquire a value of the amount of power that the fuel cell power generation device can generate from the remaining amount of hydrogen in the first cartridge, a first prediction process to predict a value of the amount of power consumed in the building, and a determination process to determine whether or not to replace the first cartridge with a second cartridge and whether or not to replace the first battery with the second battery based on the value of the remaining amount of power acquired by the first acquisition process, the value of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value of the amount of power consumed predicted by the first prediction process.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy utilization system and a management device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an energy transportation system that includes multiple buildings, a delivery vehicle, and a data center. Each building has a solar power generation device and a storage battery. The delivery vehicle has a vehicle storage battery. The delivery vehicle travels around these buildings. When the delivery vehicle arrives at a building, surplus energy is stored from the building's storage battery in the delivery vehicle's vehicle storage battery, or deficit energy is stored from the delivery vehicle's vehicle storage battery in the building's storage battery.

[0003] However, since the construction of a power grid requires huge costs and time, it is desirable to realize an off-grid society in areas where a power grid has not been constructed, such as mountainous areas, remote islands, or forested areas. In other words, it is desirable to realize a society in which buildings are not connected to a power grid and each building can be self-sufficient in electricity without relying on a power company. In order to realize an off-grid society, each building needs a private power generation device. In order to reduce the burden on the environment, it is preferable to use a natural energy power generation device that generates electricity from natural energy such as solar energy, wind power, hydroelectric power, or geothermal power for the building's private power generation device. In addition, since no carbon dioxide is generated when electricity is generated by a fuel cell type power generation device, it is preferable to use a fuel cell type power generation device for the private power generation device in order to reduce the environmental burden. However, when a fuel cell type power generation device is used for a private power generation device, it is necessary to deliver hydrogen produced by a hydrogen production facility in a factory or the like to the house. Furthermore, in order to effectively utilize the surplus electricity generated by the private power generation equipment, it is preferable that a battery be installed in each building so that the surplus electricity can be stored in each building. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5565351 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, if a power transmission grid is not established, surplus power generated by the private power generation device and power that exceeds the capacity of the battery cannot be shared with other buildings. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to convert electrical energy into other forms of energy and utilize it even in a society where a power transmission grid has not been built. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The following reference numerals in parentheses refer to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0007] According to claim 1, A plurality of buildings (10) each having a fuel cell power generation system (23), at least one first cartridge (20) for storing hydrogen used in the fuel cell power generation system (23), and at least one first battery (30) that can be charged and discharged; a management device (40) for each of the buildings (10) that determines whether the first cartridge (20) and the first battery (30) have been replaced, The management device (40) for each of the buildings (10): a first acquisition process for acquiring a value (W1) of the residual energy of the first battery (30); a second acquisition process for acquiring a value (W2) of the amount of electric power that the fuel cell type power generation device (23) can generate from the remaining amount of hydrogen in the first cartridge (20); A first prediction process for predicting a value (W4) of the amount of power consumption in the building (10); a determination process for determining whether or not at least one of the first cartridges (20) has been replaced with a second cartridge (20) and whether or not at least one of the first batteries (30) has been replaced with a second battery (30), based on the value (W1) of the remaining energy acquired by the first acquisition process, the value (W2) of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value (W4) of the amount of power consumption predicted by the first prediction process; Run An energy utilization system is provided.

[0008] According to claim 1 as described above, for each building (10), it is determined whether or not the first cartridge (20) of the building (10) may be replaced with the second cartridge (20). If it is determined that the replacement is possible, the second cartridge (20) is carried into the building (10), and the first cartridge (20) is carried out of the building (10). Thus, the cartridge (20) is circulated, and electrical energy can be converted into chemical energy of hydrogen between the buildings (10) for mutual use. Also, for each building (10), it is determined whether or not the first battery (30) of the building (10) may be replaced with the second battery (30). If it is determined that the replacement is possible, the second battery (30) is carried into the building (10), and the first battery (30) is carried out of the building (10). Thus, the battery (30) is circulated, and electrical energy can be converted into chemical energy in the battery (30) between the buildings (10) for mutual use.

[0009] According to claim 2, In the energy utilization system according to claim 1, a transporter (70) for transporting the second cartridge (20) to a building (10) among the plurality of buildings (10) for which it has been determined by the determination process that the first cartridge (20) needs to be replaced with the second cartridge (20), and for transporting the second battery to a building (10) among the plurality of buildings (10) for which it has been determined by the determination process that the first battery (30) needs to be replaced with the second battery (30); An energy utilization system is provided, comprising:

[0010] According to claim 2 as described above, the cartridges (20) and batteries (30) are circulated, and electrical energy can be converted into movable energy such as chemical energy in the cartridges (20) and batteries (30) between the buildings (10) and used.

[0011] According to claim 3, In the energy utilization system according to claim 1 or 2, A plant having a hydrogen production facility (3) for producing hydrogen to be filled into the second cartridge (20). An energy utilization system is provided, comprising:

[0012] According to claim 3 as described above, hydrogen to be supplied to the building (10) can be prepared.

[0013] According to claim 4, In the energy utilization system according to claim 1 or 2, The management device (40), A transmission process for transmitting the determination of the determination process to a terminal (35, 91, 92 or 93). Run the following again An energy utilization system is provided.

[0014] According to claim 4 as described above, the user of the terminal (35, 91, 92, or 93) can grasp the determination of the determination process executed by the management device (40).

[0015] According to claim 5, In the energy utilization system according to claim 1 or 2, The management device (40), a creation process of creating information representing a delivery route for the second cartridge (20) and the second battery (30) based on the determination of the determination process and location information of the building (10); a transmission process for transmitting the information created by the creation process to a terminal (35, 91, 92, or 93); Run the following again An energy utilization system is provided.

[0016] According to claim 5 as described above, the user of the terminal (35, 91, 92, or 93) can understand the delivery route created by the management device (40). The user of the terminal (35, 91, 92, or 93) can deliver the second cartridge (20) and the second battery (30) according to the delivery route.

[0017] According to claim 6, In the energy utilization system according to claim 1 or 2, The building (10) is configured to be able to select either the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device (23) or the power of the first battery (30) to be consumed preferentially. An energy utilization system is provided.

[0018] According to claim 6 as described above, it is possible to respond flexibly according to the remaining amount of hydrogen in the first cartridge and the remaining amount of power in the first battery.

[0019] According to claim 7, A management device (40) that stores hydrogen used in a fuel cell power generation device (23) that supplies power to a building (10) and determines whether at least one first cartridge (20) in the building (10) has been replaced and whether at least one first rechargeable battery (30) in the building (10) has been replaced, a first acquisition means for acquiring a value (W1) of the residual energy of the first battery (30); a second acquisition means for acquiring a value (W2) of the amount of electric power that can be generated by the fuel cell type power generation device (23) from the remaining amount of hydrogen in the first cartridge (20); A first prediction means for predicting a value (W4) of the amount of power consumption in the building (10); a determination means for determining whether or not at least one of the first cartridges (20) has been replaced with a second cartridge (20) and whether or not at least one of the first batteries (30) has been replaced with a second battery (30), based on the value (W1) of the residual energy amount acquired by the first acquisition means, the value (W2) of the generateable energy amount acquired by the second acquisition means, and the value (W4) of the power consumption amount predicted by the first prediction means; A management device (40) is provided, comprising:

[0020] According to claim 8, In the management device (40) according to claim 7, a second prediction means for predicting a value of a power generation amount of a natural energy power generation device (27) that supplies power to the building (10), The determination means determines whether or not at least one of the first cartridges (20) has been replaced with the second cartridge (20) and whether or not at least one of the first batteries (30) has been replaced with the second battery (30), based on the value (W1) of the residual energy acquired by the first acquisition means, the value (W2) of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition means, the value (W4) of the amount of power consumed predicted by the first prediction means, and the value of the amount of power generated predicted by the second prediction means. The present invention provides a management device (40).

[0021] According to claims 7 and 8 as described above, it is determined whether or not the first cartridge (20) in the building (10) may be replaced with the second cartridge (20). If it is determined that the replacement is possible, the second cartridge (20) is carried into the building (10), and the first cartridge (20) is carried out of the building (10). Thus, the cartridge (20) is circulated, and electrical energy can be converted into chemical energy of hydrogen between the buildings (10) for mutual use. Also, it is determined whether or not the first battery (30) in the building (10) may be replaced with the second battery (30). If it is determined that the replacement is possible, the second battery (30) is carried into the building (10), and the first battery (30) is carried out of the building (10). Thus, the battery (30) is circulated, and electrical energy can be converted into chemical energy in the battery (30) between the buildings (10) for mutual use.

[0022] According to claim 9, In the management device (40) according to claim 8, When a first evaluation value (E1) obtained by adding up the value (W1) of the residual energy amount acquired by the first acquisition means, the value (W2) of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition means, and the value of the generated power predicted by the second prediction means and subtracting the value (W4) of the amount of consumed power predicted by the first prediction means from the sum is less than a predetermined value (Th0), the determination means determines that at least one of the first cartridges (20) should be replaced with the second cartridge (20) and determines that at least one of the first batteries (30) should not be replaced with the second battery (30). The present invention provides a management device (40).

[0023] According to claim 9 as described above, the first evaluation value (E1) being less than the predetermined value (Th0) means that there is a risk of an electric power shortage in the building (10). Therefore, by replacing the first cartridge (20) with the second cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen, it is possible to prevent an electric power shortage in the building (10).

[0024] According to claim 10, In the management device (40) according to claim 9, When the first evaluation value (E1) exceeds a second predetermined value (Th1) higher than the predetermined value (Th0), the determining means determines that at least one of the first cartridges (20) is not replaced with the second cartridge (20) and determines that at least one of the first batteries (30) is replaced with the second battery (30). The present invention provides a management device (40).

[0025] According to claim 10, the first evaluation exceeding the second predetermined value (Th1) means that even if the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device (27) is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the building (10), the battery (30) and the fuel cell power generation device (23) more than adequately make up for the shortage. Therefore, even if the first battery (30) of the building (10) is replaced with the second battery (30), no shortage of power will occur in the building (10).

[0026] According to claim 11, In the management device (40) according to claim 10, When the first evaluation value (E1) is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (Th0) and equal to or less than the second predetermined value (Th1), the determining means determines that at least one of the first cartridges (20) is not to be replaced with the second cartridge (20) and determines that at least one of the first batteries (30) is not to be replaced with the second battery (30). The present invention provides a management device (40).

[0027] According to claim 11 as described above, the first evaluation value (E1) being equal to or less than the second predetermined value (Th1) means that even if the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device (27) is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the building (10), the battery (30) and the fuel cell power generation device (23) can fully make up for the shortage. Therefore, even if the charged first battery (30) remains in the building (10) without being replaced, the occurrence of a power shortage in the building (10) is suppressed.

[0028] According to claim 12, The management device (40) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, The remaining amount of hydrogen in the second cartridge (20) is greater than the remaining amount of hydrogen in the first cartridge (20), and the remaining amount of electric power in the second battery (30) is less than the remaining amount of electric power in the first battery (30). The present invention provides a management device (40).

[0029] According to the twelfth aspect as described above, the occurrence of a power shortage in the building (10) is suppressed, surplus power in the building (10) is stored without waste, and the cartridges (20) and batteries (30) are circulated.

[0030] According to claim 13, The management device (40) according to claim 8 or 9, The second prediction means predicts a value of the amount of generated power of the natural energy power generation device (27) based on weather forecast data. The present invention provides a management device (40).

[0031] According to the thirteenth aspect as described above, the value of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device (27) can be predicted with high accuracy. Effect of the Invention

[0032] According to the present invention, even if a power transmission grid is not constructed, an energy utilization system and a management device contribute to the realization of a society in which electric energy can be converted into other forms of energy and shared. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an energy utilization system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a house. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a management system for an energy utilization system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the process executed by the computer of the total management device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The features and technical effects of the embodiments will be understood from the following detailed description and drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and therefore the scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrations in the drawings.

[0035] In the following description, when ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are attached to a common name, the ordinal numbers are used only to identify the object to which they are attached. They do not limit the object to which they are attached to a specific object, and they do not specify the order, rank, order, hierarchy, priority, or subordination of the object to which they are attached.

[0036] In the following description, the minimum unit of time and hour is not limited, and may be, for example, 1 second, 1 minute, 1 hour, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year. Time and hour may be expressed by a calendar.

[0037] In the following description, the amount of hydrogen may be expressed in units of hydrogen gas volume or pressure, or both, or may be expressed in terms of hydrogen weight.

[0038] <1. Overview of the energy utilization system> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an energy utilization system. The energy utilization system is an off-grid city located in a certain region of a certain country (hereinafter referred to as the specific region). The energy utilization system includes a plant 1, a distribution center 9, a stock facility 8, a transport vehicle 70, and a number of buildings 10. The buildings 10 are distributed in the specific region. The plant 1 is established in a specific location in the specific region. The distribution center 9 is established adjacent to the plant 1. The stock facility 8 is established in an area of ​​the specific region where the buildings 10 are densely concentrated.

[0039] In the plant 1, hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water using surplus electricity or natural energy, or both, from each building 10. The plant 1 may receive hydrogen from the outside. The hydrogen produced in the plant 1 is delivered to each building 10. In each building 10, electric energy is generated from natural energy such as solar energy, and electric energy is generated by an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen. The building 10 is self-sufficient in electric power without relying on a power company. The surplus electricity from each building 10 is converted, for example, into chemical energy, and then delivered to the plant 1 without using a power grid. People living in a specific area can live a life that emits as little greenhouse gases as possible. This energy utilization system contributes to the promotion of carbon neutrality, the realization of a decarbonized society, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0040] This energy utilization system contributes to the realization of the distribution of portable cartridges 20 and batteries 30 described below between a plurality of buildings 10, plants 1, distribution centers 9, and stock facilities 8. Through the distribution of cartridges 20 and batteries 30, this energy utilization system contributes to the realization of a society in which electrical energy generated by the natural energy power generation devices 27 of each building 10 and the natural energy power generation facilities 2 of the plant 1 can be used as chemical energy for the cartridges 20 and batteries 30.

[0041] In particular, the energy utilization system contributes to optimizing the number of empty cartridges 20 collected from the building 10 and the timing of their collection. The energy utilization system contributes to optimizing the number of full cartridges 20 delivered to the building 10 and the timing of their delivery. The energy utilization system contributes to optimizing the number of fully charged batteries 30 collected from the building 10 and the timing of their collection. This energy utilization system contributes to optimizing the number of under-charged batteries 30 delivered to the building 10 and the timing of their delivery. Thus, this energy utilization system contributes to preventing the occurrence of power shortages in each building 10, and contributes to the realization of an off-grid society in specific areas.

[0042] <2. Plant> The plant 1 is equipped with a natural energy power generation facility 2, a hydrogen production facility 3, a hydrogen storage facility 4, a hydrogen filling facility 5, a charging / discharging facility 6, and a power transmission facility 7.

[0043] The renewable energy power generation facility 2 generates electric power from natural energy. The renewable energy power generation facility 2 includes, for example, a solar power generation facility, a hydroelectric power generation facility, a wind power generation facility, or a geothermal power generation facility, or a combination of two or more of these. The solar power generation facility converts solar energy into electric power. The hydroelectric power generation facility converts the kinetic energy of water into electric power. The wind power generation facility converts the kinetic energy of wind into electric power. The geothermal power generation facility converts geothermal energy into electric power. The renewable energy power generation facility 2 outputs the generated electric power to the power transmission facility 7, and the electric power is sent to the hydrogen production facility 3, the hydrogen storage facility 4, the hydrogen filling facility 5, and the charging / discharging facility 6 via the power transmission facility 7. The renewable energy power generation facility 2 may be installed at a site away from the sites of the hydrogen production facility 3, the hydrogen storage facility 4, the hydrogen filling facility 5, and the charging / discharging facility 6, and the electric power generated by the renewable energy power generation facility 2 may be sent to the hydrogen production facility 3, the hydrogen storage facility 4, the hydrogen filling facility 5, and the charging / discharging facility 6 via the power transmission facility 7.

[0044] The hydrogen production facility 3 produces hydrogen using electric power and sends the hydrogen to the hydrogen storage facility 4. For example, the hydrogen production facility 3 may include an electrolyzer. The electrolyzer generates hydrogen by electrolyzing water using electric power supplied from the natural energy power generation facility 2 or the charging / discharging facility 6.

[0045] The hydrogen storage facility 4 stores the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production facility 3 .

[0046] The hydrogen filling equipment 5 receives a supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage equipment 4, and fills the hydrogen in small portions into cartridges 20 that are small enough to be carried by a person.

[0047] The charging / discharging equipment 6 has a charging function and a discharging function. A plurality of batteries 30 can be connected to and disconnected from the charging / discharging equipment 6. The charging / discharging equipment 6 can switch between a charging function and a discharging function for each battery 30 attached to the charging / discharging equipment 6. When the charging function of the charging / discharging equipment 6 is functioning, the charging / discharging equipment 6 charges the battery 30 connected thereto with power. Power supplied from the natural energy power generation equipment 2 to the charging / discharging equipment 6 is used to charge the battery 30. When the discharging function of the charging / discharging equipment 6 is functioning, the charging / discharging equipment 6 discharges power from the battery 30. The power discharged from the battery 30 is sent to the hydrogen production equipment 3, the hydrogen storage equipment 4, and the hydrogen filling equipment 5 via the power transmission equipment 7.

[0048] Plant 1 is assigned a unique identification number.

[0049] <3. Cartridges and batteries and their transportation> The cartridge 20 stores hydrogen in a low or high pressure gaseous state, liquid state, or occluded state. The occluded state means that hydrogen is occluded in an alloy and can be reversibly released. The cartridge 20 has a cylinder or a hydrogen storage alloy. The cartridge 20 is assigned a unique identification number. The identification number is coded, for example, as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, and attached to the cartridge 20. The identification number may be stored in a wirelessly communicable recording medium, such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, and the recording medium may be attached to the cartridge 20. Hereinafter, the identification number assigned to the cartridge 20 is referred to as a cartridge ID.

[0050] The battery 30 includes a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, an all-solid-state battery, a lead-acid battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a sodium-sulfur battery. The battery 30 is assigned a unique identification number. The identification number is coded, for example, as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, and attached to the battery 30. The identification number may be stored in a wireless communication-capable recording medium, such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, and the recording medium may be attached to the battery 30. Hereinafter, the identification number assigned to the battery 30 is referred to as a battery ID.

[0051] The cartridge 20 and the battery 30 are transported between the plant 1, the distribution center 9, the stock facility 8, and a number of buildings 10. For example, the cartridge 20 filled with hydrogen is transported from the plant 1, via the distribution center 9, and via the stock facility 8 as necessary, to the building 10. For example, the empty cartridge 20 is transported from the building 10, via the stock facility 8 as necessary, and via the distribution center 9 to the plant 1. For example, the empty battery 30 is transported from the plant 1, via the distribution center 9, and via the stock facility 8 as necessary, to the building 10. For example, the battery 30 that has stored electricity to a saturation level is transported from the building 10, via the stock facility 8 as necessary, and via the distribution center 9 to the plant 1. The cartridge 20 and the battery 30 may be temporarily stored in the plant 1, the distribution center 9, the stock facility 8, or the building 10 during transportation. The period of temporary storage is not limited.

[0052] 1, the distribution center 9 is a distribution base for the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30. That is, a transport aircraft 70 transports the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30 from the distribution center 9 to the building 10 and the stock facility 8, and transports the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30 from the distribution center 9 to the building 10 and the stock facility 8, and from the building 10 and the stock facility 8 to the distribution center 9. The location of the distribution center 9 is next to the plant 1, within the plant 1, or on land away from the plant 1.

[0053] The stock facility 8 is a relay point between the distribution center 9 and the building 10, and is a temporary storage facility for the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30. Specifically, for example, the transport machine 70 transports the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30 from the distribution center 9 to the stock facility 8, and a resident of the building 10 carries the cartridges 20 or the batteries 30 temporarily stored in the stock facility 8 from the stock facility 8 to the building 10. For example, the resident of the building 10 carries the cartridges 20 or the batteries 30 from the building 10 to the stock facility 8, and the transport machine 70 transports the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30 from the stock facility 8 to the distribution center 9. When the transport machine 70 transports the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30 directly from the building 10 to the distribution center 9, the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30 are not stored in the stock facility 8. The stock facility 8 may have lockers that can be locked and unlocked to temporarily store the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30. The stock facility 8 may be installed in a commercial facility or the like.

[0054] When the cartridge 20 is carried into or removed from the plant 1, the distribution center 9, the stock facility 8, the building 10, or the transport machine 70, the identification number of the cartridge 20 is read by a reader, and the identification number is transferred to the overall management device 40 together with the identification information of the destination or source of the cartridge 20. In this way, the cartridge 20 is tracked, and the position and movement of the cartridge 20 are managed by the overall management device 40. Similarly, the battery 30 is tracked, and the position and movement of the battery 30 are managed by the overall management device 40.

[0055] The transport 70 is, for example, a freight vehicle and a multicopter. The transport 70 may have a loading device for loading and unloading the cartridges 20 and the batteries 30. An operator may ride on the transport 70 and operate the transport 70, or the transport 70 may be operated remotely. The transport 70 may be automatically operated. The transport 70 may be an electric transport having a storage battery and a motor, and moving by the power of the motor driven by the energy discharged from the storage battery. When the transport 70 is an electric transport, the storage battery of the transport 70 may be charged by the charging and discharging equipment 6 of the plant 1. When the transport 70 is a freight vehicle, the road on which the transport 70 travels may be dedicated to the transport 70, or may be shared with general vehicles other than the transport 70.

[0056] In the following, the cartridge 20 in the building 10 will be referred to as the first cartridge 20, the cartridge 20 transported by the transport aircraft 70 will be referred to as the second cartridge 20, the battery 30 in the building 10 will be referred to as the first battery 30, and the battery 30 transported from the distribution center 9 by the transport aircraft 70 will be referred to as the second battery 30.

[0057] The transport 70 travels between the distribution center 9, the stock facility 8 and the building 10 on a regular basis, for example daily, weekly or monthly. When the transport aircraft 70 arrives at the building 10, the first cartridge 20 in the building 10 is exchanged for the second cartridge 20 transported by the transport aircraft 70 and collected. The amount of hydrogen remaining in the first cartridge 20 collected from the building 10 by the transport aircraft 70 is less than the amount of hydrogen remaining in the second cartridge 20 delivered from the transport aircraft 70 to the building 10; for example, the first cartridge 20 collected from the building 10 by the transport aircraft 70 is empty, and the second cartridge 20 delivered from the transport aircraft 70 to the building 10 is filled with hydrogen. When the transport aircraft 70 arrives at the building 10, the first battery 30 in the building 10 is exchanged for and recovered with the second battery 30 transported by the transport aircraft 70. The residual power amount of the first battery 30 recovered from the building 10 to the transport aircraft 70 is greater than the residual power amount of the second battery 30 delivered from the transport aircraft 70 to the building 10; for example, the residual rate of the power amount of the first battery 30 recovered from the building 10 to the transport aircraft 70 is nearly 100%, and the residual rate of the power amount of the second battery 30 delivered from the transport aircraft 70 to the building 10 is 0%. It should be noted that when the transport 70 arrives at the building 10, either the cartridge 20 or the battery 30 may be replaced.

[0058] Each of the transport aircraft 70, distribution center 9 and stock facility 8 is assigned a unique identification number.

[0059] <4. Building> 2 is a diagram showing a building 10. The building 10 is a general building such as a detached house, an apartment building, a store, etc. The building 10 is assigned a unique identification number. Hereinafter, the identification number assigned to the building 10 is referred to as a building ID.

[0060] Each building 10 includes an electric wiring network 12, a distribution board 13, a power meter 14, a power meter 15, a power conditioner 16, a charging / discharging device 18, a cartridge holder 19, a cartridge 20, a hydrogen supply 21, an air supply 22, a fuel cell power generation device 23, a water tank 24, a remaining amount meter 25, a power meter 26, a natural energy power generation device 27, a battery holder 29, a battery 30, and an individual management device 35. The electric wiring network 12, the distribution board 13, the natural energy power generation device 27, the power meter 15, the power conditioner 16, the charging / discharging device 18, the cartridge holder 19, the hydrogen supply 21, the air supply 22, the fuel cell power generation device 23, the water tank 24, the remaining amount meter 25, the power meter 26, the natural energy power generation device 27, and the battery holder 29 are installed in the building 10. These may be installed either outdoors or indoors.

[0061] An electric wiring network 12 is laid throughout a building 10. A large number of loads 11 installed or disposed in the building 10 are connected to the electric wiring network 12. The electric wiring network 12 is connected to a distribution board 13.

[0062] The distribution board 13 distributes the AC power supplied to the distribution board 13 from the power conditioner 16 to the loads 11. The loads 11 receive the AC power from the distribution board 13 through the electrical wiring network 12 and consume the AC power. The loads 11 are electrical devices such as lighting fixtures, refrigerators, air conditioners, water heaters, communication network devices (routers, wireless master units, wireless repeaters, telephones, etc.), televisions, audio equipment, recorders, and cooking appliances.

[0063] The cartridge holder 19 holds a plurality of cartridges 20. The cartridges 20 are detachable from the cartridge holder 19. When the cartridge 20 is attached to the cartridge holder 19, the cartridge 20 is connected to the fuel electrode of a fuel cell power generation device 23 via a hydrogen supplier 21.

[0064] The cartridge holder 19 may also serve as a receiving box for home delivery. Specifically, the cartridge holder 19 has a door that can be locked and unlocked using a tool such as a physical key, an electronic key, or a code, and when the door is unlocked and opened, the cartridge 20 can be attached to and detached from the cartridge holder 19, and when the door is closed and locked, the theft of the cartridge 20 in the cartridge holder 19 is prevented. In this case, the cartridge holder 19 may have an area inside for storing deliveries other than the cartridge 20, in addition to an area for mounting multiple cartridges 20.

[0065] The fuel gauge 25 is provided in the cartridge holder 19 for each cartridge 20. The fuel gauge 25 measures the amount of hydrogen remaining in the cartridge 20 and outputs the measured value to the individual management device 35. Any method may be used for measuring the amount of hydrogen remaining in the cartridge 20 by the fuel gauge 25. For example, the fuel gauge 25 may measure the pressure of hydrogen in the cartridge 20 with a pressure gauge and convert the measured pressure into the amount of hydrogen remaining. The fuel gauge 25 may measure the total weight of the cartridge 20 with a weight gauge and convert the measured weight into the amount of hydrogen remaining by subtracting the weight of the cartridge 20 itself from the measured weight. The fuel gauge 25 may measure the flow rate of hydrogen sent from the cartridge 20 to the hydrogen supply device 21 with a flow meter and convert the measured flow rate into the amount of hydrogen remaining by subtracting the maximum hydrogen storage amount of the cartridge 20 from the time integral of the measured flow rate.

[0066] The hydrogen supply device 21 has a fluid device such as a valve. The hydrogen supply device 21 sequentially selects the cartridges 20 held in the cartridge holder 19 and supplies hydrogen from the selected cartridge 20 to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell power generation device 23. When the remaining amount of hydrogen in the selected cartridge 20 is low, the hydrogen supply device 21 selects the next cartridge 20 and supplies hydrogen from the selected cartridges 20 to the fuel cell power generation device 23. When the selected cartridge 20 becomes empty, the hydrogen supply device 21 deselects the cartridge 20 and stops the supply from the cartridge 20. The hydrogen supply device 21 adjusts the supply flow rate or supply pressure, or both, of hydrogen from the selected cartridge 20 to the fuel cell power generation device 23. Of the cartridges 20 held in the cartridge holder 19, the selected cartridge 20 is consuming hydrogen. The unselected cartridges 20 are filled with hydrogen. The deselected cartridges 20 are empty.

[0067] The air supplier 22 is connected to the oxygen electrode of the fuel cell power generation device 23. The air supplier 22 has fluid devices such as a valve and a blower. The air supplier 22 supplies air to the oxygen electrode of the fuel cell power generation device 23. The air supplier 22 adjusts the supply flow rate or supply pressure of hydrogen to the fuel cell power generation device 23, or both.

[0068] The fuel electrode and oxygen electrode of the fuel cell power generation device 23 are connected to the power conditioner 16 via a wattmeter 26. The fuel cell power generation device 23 generates DC power and water by reacting hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen supplier 21 with oxygen in the air supplied by the air supplier 22 through an electrolyte membrane. The fuel cell power generation device 23 outputs the generated DC power to the power conditioner 16 via the wattmeter 26. The fuel cell power generation device 23 discharges the generated water to one or more water tanks 24. The wattmeter 26 may measure the output current or output voltage of the fuel cell power generation device 23 and perform calculations from the output current or output voltage.

[0069] The power meter 26 measures the power generated by the fuel cell type power generation device 23 and outputs the measured value to the individual management device 35 .

[0070] The water tank 24 stores the water supplied from the fuel cell power generation apparatus 23. The water tank 24 may be of a cartridge type and may be detachable from the installation location. Note that the water generated by the fuel cell power generation apparatus 23 may be discharged into a sewage system.

[0071] The natural energy power generation device 27 is connected to the power conditioner 16 via the power meter 15. The natural energy power generation device 27 generates DC power from natural energy. The natural energy power generation device 27 supplies the generated DC power to the power conditioner 16. For example, the natural energy power generation device 27 has a solar power generation panel that generates DC power from solar energy. The solar power generation panel is installed, for example, on the roof of the building 10. Note that the natural energy power generation device 27 may have a device other than a solar power generation panel, for example, a hydroelectric power generation device, a wind power generation device, or a geothermal power generation device. The natural energy power generation device 27 may be a combination of two or more of a solar power generation panel, a hydroelectric power generation device, a wind power generation device, and a geothermal power generation device.

[0072] The power meter 15 measures the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 and outputs the measured values ​​to the individual management device 35. The power meter 15 may measure the output current or output voltage of the natural energy power generation device 27 and perform calculations from the output current or output voltage.

[0073] The battery holder 17 holds a plurality of batteries 30. The batteries 30 are detachable from the battery holder 17. When the battery 30 is attached to the battery holder 17, the battery 30 is connected to the charge / discharge device 18.

[0074] The charging / discharging device 18 has a charging function and a discharging function. The charging / discharging device 18 charges the battery 30 mounted in the battery holder 17 with surplus power supplied to the charging / discharging device 18 from the power conditioner 16. The charging / discharging device 18 outputs DC power shortage from the battery 30 to the power conditioner 16.

[0075] The charging / discharging device 18 has a charge amount meter. The charging / discharging device 18 measures the residual energy of each battery 30 using the charge amount meter. The charging / discharging device 18 outputs the measurement value of the residual energy of each battery 30 to the individual management device 35. As a result, the individual management device 35 acquires the measurement value of the residual energy of each battery 30. Note that the individual management device 35 may periodically store the measurement value of the residual energy of each battery 30 in association with the measurement time at a very short cycle.

[0076] The power conditioner 16 includes a DC-AC converter, a relay, a control circuit, etc. The power conditioner 16 is connected to the distribution board 13. A power meter 14 can be provided between the distribution board 13 and the power conditioner 16.

[0077] The power conditioner 16 converts the DC power supplied from the natural energy power generation device 27 into AC power and supplies the AC power to the distribution board 13. The power conditioner 16 converts the DC power supplied from the fuel cell power generation device 23 into AC power and supplies the AC power to the distribution board 13. The power conditioner 16 converts the DC power supplied from the charge / discharge device 18 into AC power and supplies the AC power to the distribution board 13. The distribution board 13 distributes the AC power supplied to the distribution board 13 from the power conditioner 16 to the loads 11.

[0078] Of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27, the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23, and the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18, the power conditioner 16 supplies the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 to the distribution board 13 with the highest priority.

[0079] When the total power consumption of the load 11 is less than the power generation of the natural energy power generation device 27, the power conditioner 16 supplies surplus power obtained by subtracting the total power consumption from the power generation of the load 11 to the charging / discharging device 18. Therefore, the surplus power is supplied to the battery 30 by the charging / discharging device 18.

[0080] The building 10 is configured to be able to select which of the power generated by the fuel cell type power generation device 23 and the power of the first battery 30 is to be given priority for consumption. Specifically, when the total power consumption of the loads 11 exceeds the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27, the power conditioner 16 is able to select which of the power discharged by the charge / discharge device 18 and the power generated by the fuel cell type power generation device 23 is to be given priority for consumption. Based on a command input from the individual management device 35, the power conditioner 16 selects which of the power discharged by the charge / discharge device 18 and the power generated by the fuel cell type power generation device 23 is to be given priority for consumption.

[0081] When the preferential consumption of the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 is selected, the power conditioner 16 supplies the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 to the distribution board 13. However, when the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 are insufficient for the total power consumption of the load 11, the power conditioner 16 also supplies the generated power of the fuel cell type power generation device 23 to the distribution board 13. When the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 are insufficient for the total power consumption of the load 11, the hydrogen supply device 21, the air supply device 22 and the fuel cell type power generation device 23 operate, and when the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 meet the total power consumption of the load 11, the hydrogen supply device 21, the air supply device 22 and the fuel cell type power generation device 23 stop.

[0082] When preferential consumption of the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 is selected, the power conditioner 16 supplies the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 and the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 to the distribution board 13. However, when the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 and the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 is insufficient for the total power consumption of the load 11, the power conditioner 16 also supplies the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 to the distribution board 13. When preferential consumption of the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 is selected, the hydrogen supply device 21, the air supply device 22 and the fuel cell power generation device 23 may always operate, or the hydrogen supply device 21, the air supply device 22 and the fuel cell power generation device 23 may operate only when the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 is insufficient for the total power consumption of the load 11. In the case where the hydrogen supplier 21, the air supplier 22 and the fuel cell power generation device 23 are constantly operating, when the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 and the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 is in excess of the total power consumption of the load 11, the power conditioner 16 supplies the surplus power to the charge / discharge device 18. Therefore, the surplus power is supplied to the battery 30 by the charge / discharge device 18.

[0083] The power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27, the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23, and the power discharged by the charge / discharge device 18 may be consumed in accordance with various priorities.

[0084] The power meter 14 measures the total power consumption of the load 11 and outputs these measurements to the individual management device 35 .

[0085] The individual management device 35 is a terminal used by a resident. The individual management device 35 is assigned an identification number that is the same as the building ID of the building 10 in which the resident who uses the individual management device 35 resides.

[0086] The individual management device 35 is composed of a general-purpose computer system or a dedicated computer system. The general-purpose computer system refers to a computer system such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, and a desktop computer on which a general-purpose OS (Operating System) is installed. The general-purpose OS is, for example, Windows (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), or Unix (registered trademark). The dedicated computer system refers to a computer system that is installed on the inner wall of a building and has a function of monitoring or controlling the load 11 of the building 10. For example, the dedicated computer system includes a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) or a BEMS (Building Energy Management System) controller. The individual management device 35 may be a combination of a general-purpose computer system and a dedicated computer system. The individual management device 35 may be accessible by a user's terminal device through a home network and, if necessary, a communication network 90.

[0087] The individual management device 35 has a display device. The individual management device 35 displays various information using the display device. The individual management device 35 has input devices such as a touch panel, push buttons, keys, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, a starry skype, and a pointing device. When a resident operates the input device, the individual management device 35 receives commands and information corresponding to the operation. For example, when a resident selects the first priority mode (battery priority mode) using the input device of the individual management device 35, the selection of the first priority mode is transferred from the individual management device 35 to the power conditioner 16 and the overall management device 40, and the power conditioner 16 preferentially supplies the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 out of the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the fuel cell type power generation device 23. For example, when a resident selects the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode) through an input device of the individual management device 35, the selection of the second priority mode is transferred from the individual management device 35 to the power conditioner 16 and the overall management device 40, and the power conditioner 16 preferentially consumes the generated power of the fuel cell type power generation device 23 out of the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the fuel cell type power generation device 23. Note that, while the resident selects either the first priority mode or the second priority mode, the individual management device 35 may automatically select either the first priority mode or the second priority mode through calculation processing, and the power conditioner 16 may operate as described above according to the selected mode. Alternatively, the manager may select either the first priority mode or the second priority mode and input the selected mode to the overall management device 40 described later, and the overall management device 40 may transfer the selected mode to the individual management device 35, and the power conditioner 16 may operate as described above according to the selected mode.

[0088] The individual management device 35 has a communication device such as a mobile phone line communication module, a network card, and a WiFi (registered trademark) handset. The individual management device 35 is connected to a communication network 90 such as the Internet by the communication device. The individual management device 35 can access the overall management device 40 through the communication network 90. ​​For example, a secure communication protocol such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) may be adopted for communication between the individual management device 35 and the overall management device 40.

[0089] The individual management device 35 has a storage medium storing a program 46. This program 46 causes the individual management device 35 to function as follows.

[0090] The individual management device 35 has a clock function for measuring time and recognizing the current time. The individual management device 35 periodically stores the measured water volume of the water tank 24 measured by the water meter in association with the measurement time at very short intervals. In this way, the individual management device 35 accumulates time-series data of the measured water volume. Based on the time-series data of the measured water volume, the individual management device 35 displays on the display device a graph or the like showing the relationship between the measured water volume and the measurement time, and also displays the instantaneous (real-time) measurement value and the measurement time together with the transition. The individual management device 35 instantly (in real-time) associates the measured water volume of the water tank 24 measured by the water meter with the measurement time, and transmits the measurement value and the measurement time to the overall management device 40.

[0091] The individual management device 35 periodically stores the measured value of the power generated by the fuel cell type power generation device 23 measured by the power meter 26 in association with the measurement time at very short intervals. In this way, the individual management device 35 accumulates time series data of the measured value of the power generated. Based on the time series data of the measured value of the power generated, the individual management device 35 displays on the display device a graph or the like showing a relationship between the measured value of the power generated and the measurement time, and also displays the real-time measured value and the measurement time together with the trend. The individual management device 35 instantly associates the measured value of the power generated by the fuel cell type power generation device 23 measured by the power meter 26 with the measurement time, and transmits the measurement location and measurement time to the overall management device 40.

[0092] The individual management device 35 calculates the value of the amount of power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 by integrating over time the time series data of the measured values ​​of the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the individual management device 35 may calculate the value of the amount of power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0093] The individual management device 35 periodically stores the measured value of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 measured by the power meter 15 in a very short cycle in association with the measurement time. In this way, the individual management device 35 accumulates time series data of the measured value of the power generated. Based on the time series data of the measured value of the power generated, the individual management device 35 displays on the display device a graph or the like showing a trend indicating the relationship between the measured value of the power generated and the measurement time, and also displays the real-time measured value and the measurement time together with the trend. The individual management device 35 instantly associates the measured value of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 measured by the power meter 15 with the measurement time, and transmits the measured value and the measurement time to the overall management device 40.

[0094] The individual management device 35 calculates the value of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 by integrating, over time, the time series data of the measured values ​​of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the individual management device 35 may calculate the value of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0095] The individual management device 35 periodically stores the measured value of the total power consumption of the load 11 measured by the power meter 14 in association with the measurement time at a very short period. In this way, the individual management device 35 accumulates time series data of the measured value of the total power consumption. Based on the time series data of the measured value of the total power consumption, the individual management device 35 displays on the display device a graph or the like showing a trend indicating the relationship between the measured value of the total power consumption and the measurement time, and also displays the real-time measured value and the measurement time together with the trend. The individual management device 35 instantly associates the measured value of the total power consumption of the load 11 measured by the power meter 14 with the measurement time, and transmits the measured value and the measurement time to the overall management device 40.

[0096] The individual management device 35 calculates the value of the total power consumption of the load 11 by integrating the time series data of the measured values ​​of the total power consumption of the load 11 over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the individual management device 35 may calculate the value of the total power consumption of the load 11 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0097] The individual management device 35 real-timely obtains the measured value of the remaining amount of hydrogen for each cartridge 20. Specifically, the fuel cell gauge 25 measures the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20 and outputs the measured value to the individual management device 35, thereby allowing the individual management device 35 to obtain the measured value of the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20. The individual management device 35 real-timely calculates the total remaining amount by adding up the remaining amounts of hydrogen in these cartridges 20. The individual management device 35 real-timely calculates the value of the amount of power that the fuel cell power generation device 23 can generate from the total remaining amount of hydrogen. The individual management device 35 real-timely stores the values ​​of the total remaining amount of hydrogen and the amount of power that can be generated, in association with the time of calculation. In this way, the individual management device 35 accumulates time-series data on the total remaining amount of hydrogen and the amount of power that can be generated. The individual management device 35 displays on a display device a trend showing the relationship between the total remaining amount of hydrogen and the possible generating electric power and the calculation time in the form of a graph or the like based on the time series data of the total remaining amount of hydrogen and the possible generating electric power, and also displays on the display device the real-time total remaining amount of hydrogen, the possible generating electric power, and the calculation time together with the trend. The individual management device 35 real-timely transmits the total remaining amount of hydrogen, the possible generating electric power, and the calculation time to the overall management device 40.

[0098] The individual management device 35 instantly acquires the measured value of the residual energy of each battery 30 from the charging / discharging device 18. The individual management device 35 instantly calculates the value of the total remaining energy by summing up the measured values ​​of the residual energy of these batteries 30. The individual management device 35 instantly stores the value of the total remaining energy in association with the calculation time. As a result, the individual management device 35 accumulates time series data of the total remaining energy. The individual management device 35 displays a trend showing the relationship between the total remaining energy and the calculation time on the display device based on the time series data of the total remaining energy in the form of a graph or the like, and also displays the real-time total remaining energy and the calculation time together with the trend on the display device. The individual management device 35 instantly associates the value of the total remaining energy with the calculation time, and transmits the value of the total remaining energy and the calculation time to the overall management device 40.

[0099] Incidentally, a total management device 40 described below may have functions similar to those of the individual management devices 35 described above.

[0100] <5. Management System> The energy utilization system has a management system as shown in FIG. 3. This management system manages the energy utilization system as a whole. The management system includes an individual management device 35 used by the resident of each building 10, an overall management device 40 used by the operator of the distribution center 9, a weather information storage device 80, a first terminal 91 used by the operator of the transport aircraft 70, a second terminal 92 used by the operator of the plant 1, and a third terminal 93 installed in the stock facility 8. The overall management device 40 is installed in a data center or the like. The individual management device 35 is installed in the building 10 or can be carried by the resident of the building 10. The first terminal 91 is installed in the transport aircraft 70 or can be carried by the operator of the transport aircraft 70. The second terminal 92 is installed in the plant 1 or can be carried by the operator of the plant 1.

[0101] The overall control device 40 comprises a computer 41 , a memory device 45 , an input device 43 , a display device 44 and a communication device 42 .

[0102] The computer 41 is responsible for the overall control of the overall management device 40. The computer 41 has a clocking function for measuring time and recognizing the current time. The computer 41 has a main board, one or more hardware processors, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main board has a bus, a bus controller, an interface circuit, and the like, and transmits information between the hardware processor, the GPU, the RAM, the memory device 45, the input device 43, the display device 44, and the communication device 42. The hardware processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The hardware processor performs various types of arithmetic processing. The RAM provides the hardware processor with a storage area or a working area when the hardware processor performs arithmetic processing. The GPU performs processing that can be performed faster than the hardware processor (for example, image processing and matrix calculation processing) under the command of the hardware processor.

[0103] The input device 43 is an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a touch pad, a starry skype, a pointing device, a key, and a push button. The input device 43 outputs a signal according to the content of the operation performed by the administrator on the input device 43 to the computer 41. The computer 41 recognizes the input and command by the administrator according to the signal transferred from the input device 43.

[0104] The display device 44 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device. The display device 44 displays an image according to a video signal input from the computer 41.

[0105] The communicator 42 may be, for example, a network card or a WiFi (registered trademark) adapter. The communicator 42 is connected to a communication network 90 via a router or the like.

[0106] The memory device 45 may be, for example, a memory device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). An operating system (OS) is stored in the memory device 45, and is installed in the overall management device 40 so that the OS is executed by the computer 41. The memory device 45 stores a program 46 that can be executed on the OS by the computer 41, particularly the hardware processor.

[0107] The overall management device 40 is connected to a storage device 50. The storage device 50 is a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a data server, a file server, or a cloud computing system. A computer 41 of the overall management device 40 records information in the storage device 50 and reads information recorded in the storage device 50. The storage device 50 may be connected to the computer 41 by an interface circuit, or may be accessed by the computer 41 via a communication network 90.

[0108] Next, the functions of the computer 41 realized by the program 46 will be described.

[0109] The computer 41 collects and accumulates the information sent from the individual management device 35 for each building 10. More specifically, the process is as follows.

[0110] Every time the computer 41 receives the measured value of the water volume of the water tank 24 and the measurement time from the individual management device 35, the computer 41 associates the measured value of the water volume of the water tank 24 with the measurement time and records the associated value in the storage device 50. In this way, the computer 41 accumulates time-series data 51 of the measured value of the water volume of the water tank 24 in the storage device 50.

[0111] Each time the computer 41 receives the measured value of the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 and the measurement time from the individual management device 35, the computer 41 records the measured value of the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 in association with the measurement time in the storage device 50. As a result, the computer 41 accumulates time series data 52 of the measured value of the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 in the storage device 50. The computer 41 calculates the value of the amount of power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 by integrating the time series data 52 of the measured value of the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the individual management device 35 may calculate the value of the amount of power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0112] Every time the computer 41 receives the measured value of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 and the measurement time from the individual management device 35, the computer 41 records the measured value of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 in association with the measurement time in the storage device 50. As a result, the computer 41 accumulates time series data 53 of the measured value of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 in the storage device 50. The computer 41 calculates the value of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 by integrating the time series data 53 of the measured value of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the individual management device 35 may calculate the value of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0113] Each time the computer 41 receives the measured value of the total power consumption of the load 11 and the measurement time from the individual management device 35, the computer 41 records the measured value of the total power consumption of the load 11 in the storage device 50 in association with the measurement time. As a result, the computer 41 accumulates time series data 54 of the measured value of the total power consumption of the load 11 in the storage device 50. The computer 41 calculates the value of the total power consumption of the load 11 by integrating the time series data 54 of the measured value of the total power consumption of the load 11 over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the individual management device 35 may calculate the value of the total power consumption of the load 11 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0114] Each time the computer 41 receives the total remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20 and the calculation time from the individual management device 35, it records the total remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20 in association with the calculation time in the storage device 50. In this way, the computer 41 accumulates time-series data 55 of the total remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20 in the storage device 50. Each time the computer 41 receives from the individual management device 35 the value of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 based on the total amount of hydrogen remaining in the cartridge 20 and the calculation time, the computer 41 records the value of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 in association with the calculation time in the storage device 50. In this way, the computer 41 accumulates time-series data 56 of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 in the storage device 50.

[0115] Every time the computer 41 receives the value of the total remaining energy of the battery 30 and the calculation time from the individual management device 35, the computer 41 records the value of the total remaining energy of the battery 30 in association with the calculation time in the storage device 50. In this way, the computer 41 accumulates time-series data 57 of the total remaining energy of the battery 30 in the storage device 50.

[0116] The time series data 51 to 57 are data for each building 10, and a building ID is assigned to each of the time series data 51 to 57.

[0117] When a resident selects the first priority mode (battery priority mode) using the input device of the individual management device 35, a notification of the selection of the first priority mode is transferred from the individual management device 35 to the general management device 40, and the general management device 40 recognizes the selection of the first priority mode in association with the building ID. When a resident selects the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode) using the input device of the individual management device 35, a notification of the selection of the second priority mode is transferred from the individual management device 35 to the general management device 40, and the general management device 40 recognizes the selection of the second priority mode in association with the building ID.

[0118] When the administrator specifies a building 10 using the input device 43 and selects the first priority mode (battery priority mode), the computer 41 transfers the selection of the first priority mode to the individual management device 35 of that building 10.The individual management device 35 then issues a command to the power conditioner 16 to select the first priority mode, and the power conditioner 16 supplies the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 to the distribution board 13 as a priority, out of the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23. When the administrator specifies the building 10 using the input device 43 and selects the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode), the computer 41 transfers the selection of the second priority mode to the individual management device 35 of that building 10. The individual management device 35 then issues a command to the power conditioner 16 to select the second priority mode, and the power conditioner 16 supplies the generated power of the fuel cell power generator 23 to the distribution board 13 as a priority, out of the discharged power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the fuel cell power generator 23.

[0119] The weather information storage device 80 is connected to the overall control device 40. The weather information storage device 80 is a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a data server, a file server, or a cloud computing system. The weather information storage device 80 may be connected to the computer 41 of the overall control device 40 by an interface circuit, or may be accessed by the computer 41 via a communication network 90.

[0120] The meteorological information storage device 80 stores weather forecasts for a specific region as data 81. In other words, the meteorological information storage device 80 stores data 81 of future changes in the weather of a specific region. Weather information refers to atmospheric conditions (fine, cloudy, rainy, snowfall, etc.), temperature, humidity, amount of solar radiation, amount of precipitation, etc.

[0121] <6. Program> Before the transport aircraft 70 departs from the distribution center 9, the program 46 causes the computer 41 of the overall management device 40 to execute the following process for each building 10. Note that the program 46 may also cause the computer 41 of the overall management device 40 to execute the following process for each building 10 in which the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode) has been selected.

[0122] 4, the computer 41 acquires the latest value of the total remaining energy from the time-series data 57 of the total remaining energy of the battery 30 (step S1). The latest value of the total remaining energy refers to the value of the total remaining energy last added to the time-series data 57 at the time of step S1. Hereinafter, the acquired value of the total remaining energy may be expressed as "W1".

[0123] Next, the computer 41 acquires the latest value of the generateable energy from the time-series data 56 of the generateable energy of the fuel cell power generation device 23 (step S2). The latest value of the generateable energy refers to the value of the generateable energy that was last added to the time-series data 56 at the time of step S2. Hereinafter, the acquired value of the generateable energy may be referred to as "W2".

[0124] Next, the computer 41 predicts the value of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 (step S3). In predicting the value of the amount of power generated, the time series data 53 of the measured value of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27, the weather forecast data 81, or both of them may be used and referenced. The time series data 53, the weather forecast data 81, or both of them may be input to a trained model that has been machine-learned in advance to predict the value of the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27, and for example, the trained model is trained using teacher data such as the power generated by the solar power generation panel on past days, the amount of power generated, calendar, temperature, weather, etc. in various homes. Here, the calculation period of the value of the predicted amount of power generated is equal to the cycle of the regular patrol of the transport 70, and for example, if the transport 70 patrols daily, weekly, or monthly, the predicted amount of power generated is the amount of power that will be generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 of the building 10 in the next day, seven days, or one month. Hereinafter, the value of the predicted amount of power generated may be expressed as "W3".

[0125] Next, the computer 41 predicts the value of the power consumption in the building 10 (step S4). The time series data 54 of the measured value of the total power consumption of the load 11, or the weather forecast data 81, or both of them may be used and referenced for predicting the value of the power consumption. The time series data 54, the weather forecast data 81, or both of them may be input to a trained model that has been machine-learned in advance to predict the power consumption. For example, the trained model is trained using teacher data such as the past daily power consumption, calendar, temperature, weather, etc. in various homes. Herein, the calculation period of the predicted power consumption is equal to the periodic patrol cycle of the transport 70. For example, if the transport 70 patrols daily, weekly, or monthly, the predicted power consumption is the amount of power that will be consumed in the building 10 in the next day, seven days, or one month. Hereinafter, the value of the predicted total power consumption may be expressed as "W4".

[0126] Next, the computer 41 determines whether or not to replace the first cartridge 20 of the building 10 with the second cartridge 20 of the transport unit 70 and whether or not to replace the first battery 30 of the building 10 with the second battery 30 of the transport unit 70 based on the total remaining energy W1, the generateable energy W2, the generated energy W3, and the total consumed energy W4. Specifically, the determination is as follows.

[0127] The computer 41 calculates an evaluation value E1 from the total remaining energy W1, the generateable energy W2, the generated energy W3, and the total power consumption W4 (step S5). The evaluation value E1 is a value obtained by subtracting the total power consumption W4 from the sum of the total remaining energy W1, the generateable energy W2, and the generated energy W3.

[0128] The computer 41 compares the evaluation value E1 with the predetermined threshold value Th0 and the predetermined threshold value Th1 (steps S6 and S7). The predetermined threshold value Th0 is a value for determining whether or not a power shortage occurs in the building 10. The predetermined threshold value Th0 is, for example, zero. However, the predetermined threshold value Th0 may be a positive value greater than zero, taking into account a safety factor. The predetermined threshold value Th1 is a value for determining whether or not the battery 30 and the fuel cell power generation device 23 can more than sufficiently compensate for the shortage even if the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the building 10. The predetermined threshold value Th1 is a positive value greater than the predetermined threshold value Th0. If the comparison result indicates that the evaluation value E1 is less than the predetermined threshold value Th0 (step S6: YES), the computer 41 determines that the first cartridge 20 of the building 10 is replaced with the second cartridge 20 of the transport device 70, and determines that the first battery 30 of the building 10 is not replaced with the second battery 30 of the transport device 70 (step S8). The evaluation value E1 being less than the predetermined threshold value Th0 means that the sum of the total remaining energy W1, the generateable energy W2, and the generated energy W3 is less than the total power consumption W4. Here, the evaluation value E1 being less than the predetermined threshold value Th0 means that there is a risk of an energy shortage in the building 10 during the aforementioned calculation period. Therefore, by replacing the empty first cartridge 20 with the second cartridge 20 filled with hydrogen, an energy shortage in the building 10 will not occur. After step S8, the computer 41 may calculate the number of cartridges 20 to be replaced based on the time series data 55 of the total remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridges 20 or the latest total remaining amount of hydrogen in the time series data 55. Furthermore, the computer 41 may correct the number of cartridges 20 to be replaced. For example, the computer 41 may correct the number of cartridges 20 to be replaced based on the time series data 57 of the total remaining amount of power in the battery 30, the latest total remaining amount of power in the time series data 57, the time series data 54 of the measured value of the total power consumption of the load 11, the latest measured value in the time series data 54, the time series data 53 of the measured value of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27, the latest measured value in the time series data 53, the time series data 52 of the measured value of the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23, or the latest measured value in the time series data 52. The number of cartridges 20 after correction may be zero.

[0129] If the comparison result shows that the evaluation value E1 exceeds the predetermined threshold value Th1 (step S6: NO, step S7: NO), the computer 41 determines that the first cartridge 20 of the building 10 is not replaced with the second cartridge 20 of the transporter 70, and determines that the first battery 30 of the building 10 is replaced with the second battery 30 of the transporter 70 (step S9). Here, the evaluation value E1 exceeding the predetermined threshold value Th1 means that even if the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the building 10 during the aforementioned calculation period, the battery 30 and the fuel cell power generation device 23 more than adequately compensate for the shortage. Therefore, even if the charged first battery 30 is replaced with the uncharged second battery 30, no power shortage occurs in the building 10. After step S9, the computer 41 may calculate the number of batteries 30 to be replaced based on the time series data 57 of the total remaining amount of power of the batteries 30 or the latest total remaining amount of power in the time series data 57. Furthermore, the computer 41 may correct the number of batteries 30 to be replaced. For example, the computer 41 may correct the number of batteries 30 to be replaced based on the time series data 55 of the total remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20, the latest total remaining amount of hydrogen in the time series data 55, the time series data 56 of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23, the latest amount of power that can be generated in the time series data 56, the time series data 54 of the measured value of the total power consumption of the load 11, the latest measured value in the time series data 54, the time series data 53 of the measured value of the power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27, the latest measured value in the time series data 53, the time series data 52 of the measured value of the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23, or the latest measured value in the time series data 52. The number of batteries 30 after the correction may be zero.

[0130] If the comparison result shows that the evaluation value E1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value Th0 and equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value Th1 (step S6: NO, step S7: YES), the computer 41 determines that the first cartridge 20 of the building 10 will not be replaced with the second cartridge 20 of the transporter 70, and determines that the first battery 30 of the building 10 will not be replaced with the second battery 30 of the transporter 70 (step S10). Here, the evaluation value E1 being equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value Th1 means that even if the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the building 10 during the aforementioned calculation period, the battery 30 and the fuel cell power generation device 23 can sufficiently compensate for the shortage. Therefore, the charged first battery 30 is left in the building 10 without being replaced, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a power shortage in the building 10.

[0131] The computer 41 may transmit the determination result such as in step S8, S9, or S10, the number of cartridges 20 replaced, and the number of batteries 30 replaced to the individual management device 35, and the individual management device 35 may store and display the determination result and the number of replacements. The computer 41 may transmit the determination result such as in step S8, S9, or S10, the number of cartridges 20 replaced, the number of batteries 30 replaced, and the building ID to the first terminal 91, the second terminal 92, and the third terminal 93, and the first terminal 91, the second terminal 92, and the third terminal 93 may store and display the determination result, the number of replacements, and the building ID. The timing of displaying them is, for example, when the transport vehicle 70 delivers the second cartridge 20 filled with hydrogen and the second battery 30 that is not charged after the transport vehicle 70 departs from the distribution center 9.

[0132] <7. Delivery> After the above processing, the computer 41 of the overall management device 40 calculates the order of visiting the buildings 10 and the stock facilities 8 (hereinafter referred to as the delivery order) based on the location information of each building 10 and the stock facilities 8 and the judgment results for each building 10 by the above processing. The computer 41 of the overall management device 40 also calculates a route (hereinafter referred to as the delivery route) for visiting the buildings 10 and the stock facilities 8 based on the location information of each building 10 and the stock facilities 8, the judgment results for each building 10 by the above processing and map information.

[0133] The computer 41 of the overall management device 40 creates information indicating the calculated delivery order and delivery route, and transmits the information to the first terminal 91. The first terminal 91 may display the delivery order and delivery route based on the information.

[0134] Thereafter, the second cartridge 20 filled with hydrogen and the uncharged second battery 30 are loaded onto the transport 70 at the delivery center 9. When the second cartridge 20 is loaded onto the transport 70, the reader of the first terminal 91 reads the cartridge ID of the second cartridge 20, and the first terminal 91 associates the cartridge ID with the identification number of the transport 70 and transmits it to the overall management device 40, and the computer 41 of the overall management device 40 receives them. The computer 41 links the cartridge ID, the identification number of the transport 70, and the reception time to each other and adds them to the traceability database 59 of the storage device 50, so that the computer 41 manages the position of the second cartridge 20. Similarly, the reader of the first terminal 91 reads the battery ID of the second battery 30, and the first terminal 91 associates the battery ID with the identification number of the transport 70 and transmits it to the overall management device 40, and the battery ID, the identification number of the transport 70, and the reception time are added to the traceability database 59 by the computer 41.

[0135] Thereafter, the transport vehicle 70 departs from the distribution center 9, and travels around the building 10 and the stock facility 8 according to the information on the delivery order and delivery route received by the first terminal 91. An operator may operate the transport vehicle 70, or the transport vehicle 70 may be automatically operated. If the first terminal 91 has a function for controlling the transport vehicle 70, the transport vehicle 70 may be automatically operated by the first terminal 91 controlling the transport vehicle 70 so that the transport vehicle 70 travels according to the delivery order and delivery route.

[0136] When the transport 70 arrives at the building 10, the first cartridge 20 of the building 10 is replaced with the second cartridge 20 of the transport 70, or the first battery 30 of the building 10 is replaced with the second battery 30 of the transport 70. The replacement may be performed by either the operator or the resident, or may be performed automatically by the loading device of the transport 70. The first cartridge 20 may be removed from the cartridge holder 19 by either the operator or the resident, or may be performed automatically by the loading device of the transport 70. The second cartridge 20 may be attached to the cartridge holder 19 by either the operator or the resident, or may be performed automatically by the loading device of the transport 70. The first battery 30 may be removed from the battery holder 17 by either the operator or the resident, or may be performed automatically by the loading device of the transport 70. The second battery 30 may be attached to the battery holder 17 by either the operator or the resident, or may be performed automatically by the loading device of the transport 70. When the first cartridge 20 or the first battery 30 in the building 10 is loaded onto the transport device 70, the reader of the first terminal 91 reads the cartridge ID of the first cartridge 20 or the battery ID of the first battery 30, and the first terminal 91 associates the cartridge ID or battery ID with the identification number of the transport device 70 and transmits them to the overall management device 40, which is received by the computer 41 of the overall management device 40. The computer 41 links the cartridge ID (or battery ID), the identification number of the transport device 70, and the time of reception to one another and adds these to the traceability database 59 of the storage device 50, whereby the location of the first cartridge 20 or the first battery 30 is managed by the overall management device 40.When the second cartridge 20 or the second battery 30 of the transport device 70 is carried into the building 10, the reader of the first terminal 91 reads the cartridge ID of the second cartridge 20 or the battery ID of the second battery 30, the first terminal 91 associates the cartridge ID or battery ID with the building ID of the building 10 and transmits it to the overall management device 40, and the computer 41 links the cartridge ID (or battery ID), the building ID of the building 10 and the time of reception with each other and adds them to the traceability database 59 of the storage device 50. In this way, the location of the second cartridge 20 or the second battery 30 is managed by the overall management device 40.

[0137] When the transport 70 arrives at the stock facility 8, the first cartridge 20 of the stock facility 8 is replaced with the second cartridge 20 of the transport 70, and the first battery 30 of the stock facility 8 is replaced with the second battery 30 of the transport 70. The replacement may be performed by an operator, by a person at the stock facility 8, or automatically by a loading device of the transport 70. When the first cartridge 20 or the first battery 30 of the stock facility 8 is loaded onto the transport 70, the reader of the first terminal 91 or the third terminal 93 reads the cartridge ID of the first cartridge 20 or the battery ID of the first battery 30, and the first terminal 91 or the third terminal 93 transmits the cartridge ID or the battery ID to the overall management device 40 in association with the identification number of the transport 70. When the second cartridge 20 or the second battery 30 of the transport machine 70 is carried into the building 10, the reader of the first terminal 91 or the third terminal 93 reads the cartridge ID of the second cartridge 20 or the battery ID of the second battery 30, and the first terminal 91 or the third terminal 93 associates the cartridge ID or the battery ID with the identification number of the stock facility 8 and transmits it to the overall management device 40. The resident of the building 10 removes the first cartridge 20 or the first battery 30 from the holder 17 or 19 at home, carries the first cartridge 20 or the first battery 30 to the stock facility 8, exchanges the first cartridge 20 or the first battery 30 for the second cartridge 20 or the second battery 30 at the stock facility 8, takes the second cartridge 20 or the second battery 30 back to his / her own building 10, and mounts the second cartridge 20 or the second battery 30 in the original holder 17 or 19. When the second cartridge 20 or the second battery 30 from the stock facility 8 is brought back to the building 10, the reader of the third terminal 93 reads the cartridge ID of the second cartridge 20 or the battery ID of the second battery 30, the third terminal 93 associates the cartridge ID or battery ID with the building ID of the building 10 and transmits it to the overall management device 40, and the computer 41 links the cartridge ID (or battery ID), building ID and reception time to each other and adds them to the traceability database 59 of the storage device 50.As a result, the location of the second cartridge 20 or the second battery 30 is managed by the overall management device 40. When the first cartridge 20 or the first battery 30 in the building 10 is brought into the stock facility 8, the reader of the third terminal 93 reads the cartridge ID of the first cartridge 20 or the battery ID of the first battery 30, the third terminal 93 associates the cartridge ID or battery ID with the identification number of the stock facility 8 and transmits them to the overall management device 40, and the computer 41 links the cartridge ID (or battery ID), the identification number of the stock facility 8 and the reception time with each other and adds them to the traceability database 59 of the storage device 50. As a result, the location of the first cartridge 20 or the first battery 30 is managed by the overall management device 40.

[0138] After touring the building 10 and the stock facility 8, the transport aircraft 70 returns to the distribution center 9.

[0139] <8. Flexibility> When a certain building 10 (hereinafter referred to as the first building 10) has a surplus of electric power and another building 10 (hereinafter referred to as the second building 10) has a shortage of electric power, the cartridge 20 or the battery 30, or both, of the first building 10 may be delivered to the second building 10, and the cartridge 20 or the battery 30, or both, may be used in the second building 10. After the delivery of the cartridge 20 or the battery 30, or both, the individual management device 35 of the first building 10 calculates the value of the consideration and transmits the value of the consideration to the overall management device 40, which transmits the value of the consideration to the individual management device 35 of the second building 10, and the individual management device 35 of the second building 10 displays the value of the consideration. The overall management device 40 manages the transfer of the consideration between the multiple buildings 10 and calculates the delivery and receipt consideration for each building 10. The consideration may be a currency or cryptocurrency (virtual currency), or may be points having economic value. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1. Plant 3 Hydrogen production facility 10. Building 20 Cartridge 23 Fuel cell power generation equipment 27 Natural energy power generation equipment 30 Battery 35 Individual management device 40 Overall management device 41 Computers 70 Transport aircraft 91 Terminal 1 92 Terminal 2 93 Terminal 3

Claims

1. A plurality of buildings each having a fuel cell power generation system, at least one first cartridge for storing hydrogen for use in the fuel cell power generation system, and at least one first battery that is rechargeable and dischargeable; A management device that determines, for each of the buildings, whether the first cartridge has been replaced and whether the first battery has been replaced, The management device, for each building, a first acquisition process for acquiring a value of a remaining energy of the first battery; a second acquisition process for acquiring a value of an amount of electric power that can be generated by the fuel cell type power generation device from the remaining amount of hydrogen in the first cartridge; A first prediction process for predicting a value of power consumption in the building; a determination process for determining whether or not at least one of the first cartridges has been replaced with a second cartridge and whether or not at least one of the first batteries has been replaced with a second battery, based on the value of the remaining power amount obtained by the first acquisition process, the value of the generateable power amount obtained by the second acquisition process, and the value of the power consumption predicted by the first prediction process; Run An energy utilization system comprising:

2. In the energy utilization system according to claim 1 , a transport machine that transports the second cartridge to a building among the plurality of buildings for which it has been determined by the determination process that the first cartridge needs to be replaced with the second cartridge, and transports the second battery to a building among the plurality of buildings for which it has been determined by the determination process that the first battery needs to be replaced with the second battery; An energy utilization system comprising:

3. In the energy utilization system according to claim 1 or 2, A plant including a hydrogen production facility that produces hydrogen, a hydrogen storage facility that receives hydrogen from the hydrogen production facility and stores it, and a hydrogen filling facility that fills the second cartridge with hydrogen from the hydrogen storage facility. An energy utilization system comprising:

4. In the energy utilization system according to claim 1 or 2, The management device, A transmission process for transmitting the determination of the determination process to a terminal. Run the following again An energy utilization system comprising:

5. In the energy utilization system according to claim 1 or 2, The management device, a creation process for creating information representing a delivery route for the second cartridge and the second battery based on the determination of the determination process and the location information of the building; a transmission process for transmitting the information created by the creation process to a terminal; Run the following again An energy utilization system comprising:

6. In the energy utilization system according to claim 1 or 2, The building is configured to be able to select which of the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device and the power of the first battery is to be consumed preferentially. An energy utilization system comprising:

7. A management device that stores hydrogen used in a fuel cell power generation device that supplies power to a building and determines whether at least one first cartridge in the building needs to be replaced and whether at least one first battery in the building needs to be replaced, the management device comprising: a first acquiring means for acquiring a value of a residual energy of the first battery; a second acquisition means for acquiring a value of the amount of electric power that can be generated by the fuel cell type power generation device from the remaining amount of hydrogen in the first cartridge; A first prediction means for predicting a value of power consumption in the building; a determination means for determining whether or not at least one of the first cartridges has been replaced with a second cartridge and whether or not at least one of the first batteries has been replaced with a second battery, based on the value of the residual energy acquired by the first acquisition means, the value of the generateable energy acquired by the second acquisition means, and the value of the power consumption predicted by the first prediction means; A management device comprising:

8. 8. The management device according to claim 7, A second prediction means for predicting a value of a generated power amount of a natural energy power generation device that supplies power to the building, The determination means determines whether or not at least one of the first cartridges has been replaced with the second cartridge and whether or not at least one of the first batteries has been replaced with the second battery based on the value of the remaining power amount acquired by the first acquisition means, the value of the generateable power amount acquired by the second acquisition means, the value of the power consumption predicted by the first prediction means, and the value of the generated power amount predicted by the second prediction means. A management device comprising:

9. 9. The management device according to claim 8, When a first evaluation value obtained by adding up the value of the residual power amount acquired by the first acquisition means, the value of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition means, and the value of the generated power predicted by the second prediction means and subtracting the value of the amount of consumed power predicted by the first prediction means from the sum is less than a predetermined value, the determination means determines that at least one of the first cartridges should be replaced with the second cartridge and determines that at least one of the first batteries should not be replaced with the second battery. A management device comprising:

10. 10. The management device according to claim 9, When the first evaluation value exceeds a second predetermined value higher than the predetermined value, the determining means determines that at least one of the first cartridges is not to be replaced with the second cartridge, and determines that at least one of the first batteries is to be replaced with the second battery. A management device comprising:

11. 11. The management device according to claim 10, When the first evaluation value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value and equal to or less than the second predetermined value, the determining means determines that at least one of the first cartridges is not to be replaced with the second cartridge and determines that at least one of the first batteries is not to be replaced with the second battery. A management device comprising:

12. 12. The management device according to claim 7, The remaining amount of hydrogen in the second cartridge is greater than the remaining amount of hydrogen in the first cartridge, and the remaining amount of electric power in the second battery is less than the remaining amount of electric power in the first battery. A management device comprising:

13. 10. The management device according to claim 8, The second prediction means predicts a value of the amount of generated power of the natural energy power generation device based on weather forecast data. A management device comprising:

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