Power Conditioning System

Abstract

To allow a user of a management system to recognize information on a regulatable apparent power on a power transfer line even when there is no instruction from the management system to transmit the information on the regulatable apparent power on the power transfer line to the management system.SOLUTION: A power regulation system for regulating apparent power on a power transfer line on which power is transferred comprises: acquisition means for acquiring system information related to the power regulation system; and output means for outputting information on the apparent power capable of being regulated by the power regulation system to a management system for managing the apparent power on the power transfer line when a predetermined condition on a regulation capability specified from the system information is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to power conditioning systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes that, for each power distribution network, the charging monitoring unit acquires the "location," "desired payment amount," "desired charging amount," and "scheduled connection end time" from the charging control device of the electric vehicle connected to that power distribution network, and stores these in a list storage unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6287664 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a device for adjusting the apparent power in a power transmission line through which power is transmitted is connected to the power transmission line, a management system for managing the apparent power in the power transmission line may obtain information on the apparent power that can be adjusted in the power transmission line from the connected device. In this case, unless there is an instruction from the management system to transmit information on the apparent power that can be adjusted in the power transmission line to the management system, the information is not transmitted to the management system, and the user of the management system cannot recognize the information. The present disclosure aims to make a user of a management system aware of information regarding adjustable apparent power in a power transmission line, even when there is no instruction from the management system to transmit information regarding adjustable apparent power in a power transmission line to the management system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The power conditioning system disclosed herein is a power conditioning system that adjusts apparent power in a power transmission line through which power is transmitted, and includes an acquisition means for acquiring system information related to the power conditioning system, and an output means for outputting information about the apparent power that can be adjusted by the power conditioning system to a management system that manages the apparent power in the power transmission line when a condition specified for the adjustment capability identified from the system information is satisfied. In this case, even if there is no instruction from the management system to transmit information about the apparent power that can be adjusted in the power transmission line to the management system, the user of the management system can be made aware of the information about the apparent power that can be adjusted in the power transmission line. Here, the power adjustment system may include a plurality of devices each adjusting the apparent power in the power transmission line and a control unit for controlling the adjustment by the plurality of devices, the condition being determined with respect to the adjustment capability of the plurality of devices, and the output unit may output the information on the apparent power that can be adjusted by the plurality of devices to the management system when the condition is satisfied. In this case, even if there is no instruction from the management system to transmit information on the apparent power that can be adjusted in the power transmission line to the management system, the information on the apparent power that can be adjusted by the plurality of devices can be made known to a user of the management system. The condition may be defined with respect to a change in the capability, in which case a user of the management system can be made aware of a change in the capability of adjusting the device even if there is no instruction from the management system to transmit information about the apparent power that can be adjusted on the power transmission line to the management system. The change may also be a change from the capability when the condition was last satisfied, in which case a user of the management system can be made aware that the capability of adjusting the equipment has changed since the condition was last satisfied, even in the absence of an instruction from the management system to transmit information about the apparent power that can be adjusted on the power transmission line to the management system. The change may also be a decrease in the capacity, in which case the user of the management system can be made aware of the decrease in the capacity of the device to adjust, even if there is no instruction from the management system to transmit information about the apparent power that can be adjusted on the power transmission line to the management system. The condition may be defined with respect to the degree of the change, in which case the degree of change in the adjustment capability of the device can be recognized by a user of the management system even in the absence of an instruction from the management system to transmit information about the apparent power that can be adjusted on the power transmission line to the management system. The output unit may output the information when a specific condition, different from the above condition, that is set for the plurality of devices is satisfied, even if the condition set for the capabilities of the plurality of devices is not satisfied. In this case, the user of the management system can be made aware of information regarding apparent power that can be adjusted by the plurality of devices, depending on the device that is the subject of the information. The specific condition may be that any of the plurality of devices is used to adjust the apparent power in the power transmission line. In this case, the user of the management system can be made aware of information about the apparent power that can be adjusted by the plurality of devices including the device used to adjust the apparent power in the power line, regardless of the adjustment capability of the device. The condition may be defined with respect to a relationship between the capabilities of the devices and a specific one of the power transmission lines, in which case the user of the management system can be made aware of information about the apparent power that can be adjusted by the devices depending on the power transmission line that is the subject of the condition. The condition may be defined as a relationship between a first power transmission line of the plurality of power transmission lines and the capacity of a first equipment group consisting of a plurality of equipment, and a relationship between a second power transmission line of the plurality of power transmission lines and the capacity of a second equipment group consisting of a plurality of equipment and not identical to the first equipment group. In this case, the user of the management system can be made aware of information on apparent power that can be adjusted by the plurality of equipment according to the power transmission line associated with the equipment that is the subject of the information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power adjustment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a control server and a management server. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an HPS. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a control server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 illustrates an HPS management table. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a wire management table. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a declaration process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a power adjustment system 1 according to this embodiment. The power conditioning system 1 is a system that adjusts apparent power. The power regulating system 1 includes a power system 10, a plurality of power consuming facilities 20, a control server 30, and a management server 40.

[0008] The power system 10 is a system provided with facilities for supplying power to power consumers. The power system 10 includes a power plant 11, a transmission line 12, a supply-side substation 13, a supply-side distribution line 14, an automatic voltage regulator (SVR: Step Voltage Regulator) 15, a receiving-side substation 16, a receiving-side distribution line 17, a pole transformer 18, and a consumer-side distribution line 19.

[0009] The power plant 11 is a facility that generates electricity. Examples of the power plant 11 include a thermal power plant, a hydroelectric power plant, a nuclear power plant, a solar power plant, a wind power plant, and a geothermal power plant. The power transmission line 12 is a line through which current that constitutes the power generated by the power plant 11 flows. The power transmission line 12 is installed from the power plant 11 to a supply-side substation 13.

[0010] The supply-side substation 13 is a facility that converts voltage. The supply-side substation 13 is provided on the power supply side of the power-receiving substation 16. In this embodiment, the facility located closest to the power supply side is the power plant 11. Also, the facility located closest to the power receiving side is the power consuming facility 20. Supply-side substation 13 converts the voltage supplied through transmission line 12. Examples of supply-side substation 13 include a substation that converts a voltage of 500,000 V to 154,000 V, a substation that converts a voltage of 154,000 V to 66,000 V, a substation that converts a voltage of 66,000 V to 22,000 V, and the like.

[0011] Supply-side distribution line 14 is a line through which a current flows when a converted voltage is applied to supply-side substation 13. Supply-side distribution line 14 is provided from supply-side substation 13 to receiving-side substation 16. Supply-side distribution line 14 is provided on the power supply side of receiving-side distribution line 17. The SVR 15 adjusts the voltage supplied to the supply-side distribution line 14. More specifically, the SVR 15 detects the voltage supplied to the supply-side distribution line 14. If the detected voltage is not within a predetermined range, the SVR 15 adjusts the voltage so that the voltage falls within the predetermined range. The receiving-side substation 16 is a facility that converts the voltage supplied through the supply-side distribution line 14. An example of the receiving-side substation 16 is a substation that converts the supplied voltage to 6600V.

[0012] The receiving-side distribution line 17 is a line through which a current flows when a converted voltage is applied to the receiving-side substation 16. The receiving-side distribution line 17 is installed from the receiving-side substation 16 to a pole transformer 18. Pole transformer 18 is a facility that converts the voltage supplied through receiving-side distribution line 17. Examples of pole transformer 18 include a transformer that converts a voltage of 6600V to 200V, a transformer that converts a voltage of 6600V to 100V, and the like.

[0013] The consumer-side distribution line 19 is a line through which a current flows when the voltage converted by the pole transformer 18 is applied. A plurality of consumer-side distribution lines 19 are provided in the power system 10. More specifically, a consumer-side distribution line 19 is provided for each power consumption facility 20. Each consumer-side distribution line 19 is provided from the pole transformer 18 to the power consumption facility 20. As described above, the power system 10 is a system provided outside the power consumption facility 20, and is a system for distributing generated power to power consumers. The power transmission line 12, the supply side distribution line 14, the receiving side distribution line 17, and the consumer side distribution line 19 are all regarded as power transmission lines through which power is transmitted. When the power transmission line 12, the supply side distribution line 14, the receiving side distribution line 17, and the consumer side distribution line 19 are described without making any particular distinction therebetween, they may be simply referred to as "power lines."

[0014] Further, the power system 10 is provided with a plurality of electric wire sensors 10S. The electric wire sensors 10S are connected to the supply-side distribution line 14. More specifically, the electric wire sensors 10S are connected to a portion of the supply-side distribution line 14 that is closer to the power supply side than the SVR 15. Further, the electric wire sensors 10S are each connected to each of the receiving-side distribution lines 17. In other words, the electric wire sensors 10S are provided for each of the supply-side distribution line 14 and the receiving-side distribution line 17.

[0015] The electric wire sensor 10S detects parameters related to apparent power in the connected electric wire. The parameters related to apparent power are parameters that affect the apparent power. Examples of the parameters related to apparent power include apparent power, reactive power, harmonic voltage, current, power factor, and the amount of apparent power and reactive power in a predetermined period. The current as a parameter related to apparent power includes harmonic current. The harmonic voltage and harmonic current may be harmonic voltage and harmonic current of a specific order. The specific order may be any order, for example, the fifth order. Examples of the parameters related to apparent power include total harmonic distortion (THD) of current and THD of voltage. Here, the THD of current is calculated from the following formula (1). The THD of voltage is calculated from the following formula (2). TIFF0007640844000001.tif31150

[0016] In the above formula (1), I1 is the fundamental current. n is the nth harmonic current. In the above formula (2), V1 is the fundamental wave voltage. n is the nth harmonic voltage. The electric wire sensor 10S detects the above parameters related to the apparent power, for example, at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time may be any time, but is, for example, one hour. When the electric wire sensor 10S detects the parameters related to the apparent power, the electric wire sensor 10S creates information related to the apparent power based on the result of this detection. The information related to the apparent power created in the electric wire sensor 10S may be referred to as power information hereinafter. The power information may be information indicating parameters detected by the electric wire sensor 10S related to the apparent power in the electric wire. The power information may also be information indicating a waveform of a current detected by the electric wire sensor 10S in the electric wire. When the electric wire sensor 10S creates the power information, the electric wire sensor 10S transmits the created power information to the control server 30 together with electric wire identification information for identifying the electric wire that is the subject of the power information. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electric wire sensors 10S provided in the power adjustment system 1 simultaneously detect parameters of the apparent power in the electric wires at the above-mentioned predetermined time intervals, and transmit power information created based on the detection results to the control server 30. Therefore, the control server 30 acquires the power information simultaneously transmitted from the electric wire sensors 10S at predetermined time intervals.

[0017] The numbers of power plants 11, transmission lines 12, supply side substations 13, receiving side substations 16, pole transformers 18, and consumer side distribution lines 19 provided in the power system 10 are not limited to the illustrated example. The numbers of power plants 11, transmission lines 12, supply side substations 13, receiving side substations 16, pole transformers 18, and consumer side distribution lines 19 provided in the power system 10 may be more or less than those shown in the illustrated example. In addition, when the number of target facilities among the power plants 11, transmission lines 12, supply side substations 13, receiving side substations 16, pole transformers 18, and consumer side distribution lines 19 is less than that in the illustrated example, this also includes the case where the target facilities are not provided. For example, electricity generated at a power plant 11 may be supplied to an electricity consumption facility 20 via a receiving power distribution line 17 but without passing through a pole-mounted transformer 18 and a customer-side power distribution line 19. Furthermore, the number of supply-side distribution lines 14 and receiving-side distribution lines 17 is not limited to the example shown in the figure. The power system 10 may be provided with more supply-side distribution lines 14 and receiving-side distribution lines 17 than the number shown in the figure. In this case, the electric wire sensor 10S may be provided for each supply-side distribution line 14, or the electric wire sensor 10S may be provided for each receiving-side distribution line 17. The parameter detected by the electric wire sensor 10S is not limited to one type of parameter related to apparent power. The electric wire sensor 10S may detect multiple types of parameters among the above-mentioned parameters. Then, power information indicating each of the multiple types of detected parameters may be transmitted to the control server 30. Also, an electric wire sensor 10S may be provided for each type of parameter to be detected. Also, the electric wire sensor 10S may transmit the power information not only to the control server 30 but also to the management server 40. Also, the electric wire sensor 10S may transmit the power information to the management server 40 without transmitting it to the control server 30. In this case, the management server 40 may transmit the power information acquired from the electric wire sensor 10S to the control server 30.

[0018] The power consumption facilities 20 are facilities that receive and consume the power supplied from the power plant 11 through the consumer-side distribution line 19. Each power consumption facility 20 is provided with a plurality of heat pump systems (HPS) 21 and a load 22. The HPS 21, as an example of a device, adjusts temperature and humidity using power received from the power grid 10. Targets of adjustment by the HPS 21 include the temperature and humidity of the space within the power consuming facility 20. Also, targets of adjustment by the HPS 21 include the temperature of liquid provided in the power consuming facility 20.

[0019] Moreover, the HPS 21 of this embodiment can supply a current. The HPS 21 adjusts the above-mentioned parameters related to the apparent power in the HPS 21 by supplying a current. Furthermore, the HPS 21 can supply a current to an electric wire. The HPS 21 adjusts the above-mentioned parameters related to the apparent power in the electric wire by supplying a current to the electric wire.

[0020] An example of a method for adjusting parameters related to apparent power in an electric wire by the HPS 21 will be described. When a harmonic current of a specific order is generated in an electric wire, the HPS 21 reduces the harmonic current of the specific order in the electric wire by supplying a current of a phase that cancels the harmonic current of the specific order to the electric wire. Another example of a method for adjusting parameters related to apparent power in an electric wire by the HPS 21 will be described. When reactive power is generated in the electric wire, the HPS 21 supplies a current to the electric wire, thereby reducing the reactive power in the electric wire. In addition, the power factor in the electric wire is improved as the reactive power in the electric wire is reduced. In this manner, in this embodiment, the HPS 21 is used to adjust the parameters related to the apparent power in the electric wire. The HPS 21 adjusts the parameters related to the apparent power in the HPS 21 by a method similar to that for adjusting the electric wire. Here, the apparent power also changes as the parameters related to the apparent power change. Therefore, the adjustment of the above parameters related to the apparent power can be broadly understood as an adjustment of the apparent power. Hereinafter, the parameters related to the apparent power that are the subject of adjustment may be collectively referred to as "apparent power."

[0021] Examples of the HPS 21 include a system for adjusting temperature and humidity, etc. More specifically, examples of the HPS 21 include devices used in HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems, such as air conditioners, showcases that adjust the internal temperature, refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, etc. When the HPS 21 receives an instruction from the control server 30 to adjust the apparent power in the electric line, the HPS 21 adjusts the apparent power in the electric line by supplying a current to the electric line in response to the instruction. The load 22 receives and consumes the electric power supplied from the power plant 11 via the consumer-side distribution line 19 .

[0022] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an HPS sensor 21S is provided in each power consuming facility 20. More specifically, an HPS sensor 21S is provided for each HPS 21 in each power consuming facility 20. The HPS sensor 21S detects the power, amount of power, or amount of power in a predetermined time supplied from the HPS 21. Note that when describing power, amount of power, and amount of power in a predetermined time without making any particular distinction, they may be collectively referred to simply as "power."

[0023] Each HPS sensor 21S detects the power supplied from the HPS 21 at every predetermined time. The predetermined time is the time when each electric wire sensor 10S detects the power information. In other words, in this embodiment, each electric wire sensor 10S simultaneously detects the apparent power in the electric wire, and each HPS sensor 21S simultaneously detects the power supplied from the HPS 21 at every predetermined time. In addition, information indicating the result of detection by the HPS sensor 21S as the power supplied from the HPS 21 may be referred to as supply information hereinafter. When the HPS sensor 21S creates supply information based on the result of detection of the power supplied from the HPS 21, the HPS sensor 21S transmits the created supply information to the control server 30 together with HPS identification information that identifies the HPS 21 that is the target of the supply information. As a result, the control server 30 acquires the supply information transmitted simultaneously from each HPS sensor 21S and the power information transmitted simultaneously from each electric wire sensor 10S at every predetermined time.

[0024] In the illustrated example, one power consuming facility 20 is provided for each consumer-side distribution line 19, but this is not limited to the example. A plurality of power consuming facilities 20 may be provided for each consumer-side distribution line 19. Furthermore, the number of HPSs 21 and the number of loads 22 provided in the power consuming facility 20 are not limited to the illustrated example. The power consuming facility 20 may be provided with more HPSs 21 and loads 22 than those illustrated. Furthermore, the power consuming facility 20 may be provided without an HPS 21 or load 22. Furthermore, the power consuming facility 20 may be provided with equipment other than the HPS 21.

[0025] The control server 30 is a server device that controls the operation of the HPS 21. More specifically, the control server 30 controls the operation of the HPS 21 to adjust the apparent power in the electric line. When the control server 30 is instructed by the management server 40 to adjust the apparent power in the electric line, the control server 30 causes the HPS 21 to adjust the apparent power in the electric line that is the target of adjustment, based on the instruction.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control server 30 transmits information regarding the apparent power that can be adjusted by the HPS 21 to the management server 40. More specifically, the control server 30 transmits information regarding the apparent power of the electric wire that can be adjusted by the HPS 21 to the management server 40 even when there is no instruction from the management server 40 to transmit this information to the management server 40.

[0027] The management server 40, which is an example of a management system, manages the apparent power in the electric wire. More specifically, the management server 40 instructs the control server 30 to adjust the apparent power in the electric wire and causes the HPS 21 to adjust the apparent power in the electric wire, thereby managing the apparent power in the electric wire.

[0028] The management server 40 and the control server 30 are realized, for example, by a computer. The management server 40 and the control server 30 may be configured by a single computer, or may be realized by distributed processing using multiple computers. The management server 40 and the control server 30 may also be realized on virtual hardware provided by cloud computing. In the following description, when the management server 40 and the control server 30 are described without making any particular distinction between them, they may be simply referred to as "servers."

[0029] In this embodiment, the control server 30, the electric wire sensors 10S, the HPS 21, the HPS sensors 21S, and the management server 40 are connected via a network (not shown). The network connecting the control server 30, the electric wire sensors 10S, the HPS 21, the HPS sensors 21S, and the management server 40 may be capable of transmitting and receiving data. Furthermore, the communication line used for transmitting and receiving data may be wired or wireless, or may be power line communication (PLC). Furthermore, a configuration in which the communication destination is connected via multiple networks or communication lines may be used.

[0030] Furthermore, the number of control servers 30 and management servers 40 is not limited to the example shown in the figure. Two or more control servers 30 and two or more management servers 40 may be provided in the power adjustment system 1. Furthermore, a control server 30 may be provided for each power consuming facility 20, for example.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control server 30 and the management server 40. As shown in FIG. The server is provided with a CPU 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33. The server is also provided with a storage device 35, which is configured with a hard disk device or the like and stores information. The server is also provided with a communication device 34 (communication I / F) that communicates with the outside. In addition, the server is provided with input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse used for inputting information, and a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

[0032] The ROM 32 and the storage device 35 store programs executed by the CPU 31. The CPU 31 reads out the programs stored in the ROM 32 or the storage device 35, and executes the programs using the RAM 33 as a working area. The CPU 31 executes programs stored in the ROM 32 and the storage device 35 to realize each of the functional units described below.

[0033] Here, the program executed by the CPU 31 can be provided to the server in a state where it is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, a semiconductor memory, etc. Also, the program executed by the CPU 31 may be provided to the server using a communication means such as the Internet.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the HPS21. The HPS 21 includes an adjustment unit 211, a power conversion device 212, a power receiving path 213, and an active filter (AF) 214. The adjustment unit 211 adjusts the temperature and humidity. The adjustment unit 211 is provided with a motor (not shown) that operates using the received power. The adjustment unit 211 is also provided with a heat exchanger (not shown), through which air and liquid in the power consuming facility 20 exchange heat.

[0035] The power conversion device 212 has an inverter (not shown) and a converter (not shown). The power conversion device 212 converts the power received from the power system 10 into power having a specific voltage and a specific frequency using the inverter and the converter. The specific voltage and specific frequency are the voltage and frequency required for the operation of a motor provided in the adjustment unit 211. The power conversion device 212 supplies the converted power to the adjustment unit 211. The power receiving path 213 is a path through which the power received by the power electronics device 212 in the HPS 21 passes.

[0036] The AF 214 is electrically connected in parallel to the power receiving path 213 of the power electronics device 212. The AF 214 adjusts the apparent power in the power receiving path 213 by supplying a current to the power receiving path 213 of the power electronics device 212. The AF 214 also adjusts the apparent power in the wire by supplying a current to the wire. The power detected by the HPS sensor 21S (see FIG. 1) is the power supplied from the AF 214.

[0037] Although the functional configuration of the HPS 21 is shown in FIG. 3, the device used to adjust the apparent power in the electric wire is not limited to the HPS 21. The device used for adjusting the apparent power in the electric wire may be any device capable of supplying a current to the electric wire. Examples of devices capable of supplying a current to the electric wire include devices having a power conversion device. More specifically, examples of devices capable of supplying a current to the electric wire include devices having a power conversion device provided with at least one of an inverter and a converter. Examples of devices having a power conversion device include electric vehicles and storage batteries. Examples of devices having a power conversion device include systems that generate renewable energy, such as solar power generation systems and wind power generation systems.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the control server 30. As shown in FIG. The control server 30 includes an acquisition unit 301 , a storage unit 302 , a required amount calculation unit 303 , a possible amount calculation unit 304 , a report determination unit 305 , an information creation unit 306 , a transmission unit 307 , and an adjustment control unit 308 .

[0039] The acquisition unit 301, which is an example of an acquisition means, acquires information transmitted to the control server 30 and information input to the control server 30. For example, the acquisition unit 301 acquires power information transmitted from the electric wire sensor 10S to the control server 30. The acquisition unit 301 also acquires supply information transmitted from the HPS sensor 21S. The acquisition unit 301 also acquires information on the capacity of power that the AF214 of each HPS21 can supply from each HPS21. The capacity of power that the AF214 can supply is the maximum power that the AF214 can supply. The information on the capacity of power may be referred to as capacity information below. An example of the capacity information is information indicating the capacity of power that the AF214 can supply. Here, the capacity information and supply information can also be regarded as system information related to the power adjustment system 1. Note that the user of the power adjustment system 1 may input capacity information about each HPS21 to the control server 30, so that the capacity information is acquired by the acquisition unit 301. The information acquired by the acquisition unit 301 is stored in the storage unit 302 . The storage unit 302 stores information. The information stored in the storage unit 302 will be described in detail later.

[0040] The required amount calculation unit 303 calculates the power that needs to be supplied to the electric wire to improve the apparent power in the electric wire. Hereinafter, the power that needs to be supplied to the electric wire to improve the apparent power in the electric wire may be referred to as the adjustment required amount. The required amount calculation unit 303 calculates the adjustment required amount for the target electric wire based on the latest power information for the target electric wire.

[0041] The possible amount calculation unit 304 calculates the power that can be supplied by the AF 214 of the HPS 21 to adjust the apparent power in the electric wire. Hereinafter, the power that can be supplied by the AF 214 of the HPS 21 to adjust the apparent power in the electric wire may be referred to as the adjustable amount. The possible amount calculation unit 304 calculates the adjustable amount for the target HPS 21 based on the capacity information and supply information for the target HPS 21.

[0042] The reporting determination unit 305 determines whether to report information on the apparent power that can be adjusted by the HPS 21 to the management server 40. More specifically, the reporting determination unit 305 determines whether to report information on the apparent power that can be adjusted by the HPS 21 to the management server 40 based on whether a condition set forth on the ability of the HPS 21 to adjust the apparent power in the electric wire is satisfied. Hereinafter, the information on the apparent power that can be adjusted by the HPS 21 is referred to as adjustment information. When the condition set forth on the ability of the HPS 21 to adjust is satisfied, the reporting determination unit 305 determines to report the adjustment information to the management server 40. When the condition set forth on the ability of the HPS 21 to adjust is not satisfied, the reporting determination unit 305 determines not to report the adjustment information to the management server 40.

[0043] The information creation unit 306 creates adjustment information. More specifically, the information creation unit 306 creates adjustment information for a specific HPS 21 based on the adjustment possible amount calculated by the adjustment possible amount calculation unit 304 for this specific HPS 21. The transmission unit 307 , which is an example of an output unit, transmits the adjustment information created by the information creation unit 306 to the management server 40 .

[0044] The adjustment control unit 308, which is an example of a control means, controls the adjustment of the apparent power in the electric wire by the HPS 21. When the adjustment control unit 308 is instructed by the management server 40 to adjust the apparent power in the electric wire, it calculates the power to be supplied to the target electric wire in order to adjust the apparent power in the target electric wire. Furthermore, the adjustment control unit 308 determines the HPS 21 to be used for adjusting the target electric wire based on the calculated power, and calculates the power to be supplied from the determined HPS 21. Furthermore, when it is determined that multiple HPSs 21 are used for adjusting the target electric wire, the adjustment control unit 308 calculates the power to be supplied from the HPS 21 for each determined HPS 21. Furthermore, the adjustment control unit 308 transmits information indicating the calculation result to the target HPS 21 and instructs the HPS 21 to make the adjustment, thereby causing the HPS 21 to adjust the apparent power in the electric wire.

[0045] 5 is a diagram showing the HPS management table. The HPS management table is a table for managing the HPS 21. The HPS management table is stored in storage unit 302 of control server 30. In the HPS management table, "HPS" indicates HPS identification information. "A" through "L" added to the "21" of "HPS" are information for identifying which of the HPSs 21 provided in the power adjustment system 1 it is.

[0046] In the HPS management table, the electric wire identification information is shown in the "via electric wire". The electric wire identification information shown in the "via electric wire" is the electric wire identification information for the receiving-side electric power distribution line 17 that is passed through in the supply of electric power from the power system 10 to the "HPS". Furthermore, "A" to "C" added together with the "17" of the "via electric wire" are information for identifying which of the receiving-side electric power distribution lines 17 provided in the power adjustment system 1 it is. A user of the power adjustment system 1 inputs electric wire identification information for each "HPS" to the control server 30 in association with the "HPS." More specifically, the user inputs the electric wire identification information to the control server 30 in association with the "HPS" that receives power supply via the receiving-side distribution line 17 identified from the electric wire identification information. When the acquiring unit 301 acquires the electric wire identification information input to the control server 30, it writes the acquired electric wire identification information to the "transit electric wire" of the "HPS" associated with the electric wire identification information.

[0047] Furthermore, in the HPS management table, the "latest possible amount" indicates the latest adjustable amount calculated for "HPS" by possible amount calculation unit 304. Furthermore, in the HPS management table, the "previous possible amount" indicates the adjustable amount calculated by possible amount calculation unit 304 the previous time of the "latest possible amount" for "HPS". Note that the latest adjustable amount may be referred to as the latest possible amount below. Furthermore, the adjustable amount calculated by possible amount calculation unit 304 the previous time of the latest possible amount may be referred to as the previous possible amount below.

[0048] An example of a method for calculating the adjustable amount by the possible amount calculation unit 304 will be described. The possible amount calculation unit 304 calculates the adjustable amount by subtracting the power supplied from the "HPS" from the power capacity of the "HPS". Note that the power supplied from the "HPS" is a value specified from supply information about the "HPS". Also, the power capacity of the "HPS" is a value specified from capacity information about the "HPS". When the possible amount calculation unit 304 acquires the latest supply information for the "HPS," it calculates the adjustable amount for this "HPS." Then, the possible amount calculation unit 304 overwrites the "latest possible amount" for the "HPS" with the calculated adjustable amount, and also overwrites the "previous possible amount" with the value that was indicated in the "latest possible amount" until this overwriting, thereby updating the "latest possible amount" and the "previous possible amount." Each time new supply information for the "HPS" is acquired, the possible amount calculation unit 304 updates the "latest possible amount" and "previous possible amount" of this "HPS." In addition, the possible amount calculation unit 304 updates the "latest possible amount" and "previous possible amount" for each "HPS."

[0049] In the HPS management table, information for identifying whether or not the HPS 21 is being used to adjust the apparent power in the electric wire is shown in "adjusting". An "o" next to "adjusting" means that the "HPS" is being used to adjust the apparent power in the electric wire. An "x" next to "adjusting" means that the "HPS" is not being used to adjust the apparent power in the electric wire. When the adjustment control unit 308 is instructed by the management server 40 to adjust the apparent power in the electric line, it writes "O" in "Adjusting" associated with the "HPS" that it has decided to use for adjusting the electric line. In addition, when the "HPS" finishes adjusting the apparent power in the electric line, the adjustment control unit 308 writes "X" in "Adjusting" associated with this "HPS."

[0050] An example of the contents of the HPS management table will be explained. In the "HPS" specified by "21A", "17A" is displayed as the "passing wire", "10" is displayed as the "latest available amount", "20" is displayed as the "previous available amount", and "x" is displayed as "adjusting".

[0051] 6 is a diagram showing an electric wire management table. The electric wire management table is a table for managing electric wires. The electric wire management table is stored in the storage unit 302 of the control server 30. In the electric wire management table, the electric wire identification information is shown in "electric wire". "14" shown in "electric wire" indicates that it is the supply side distribution line 14. Furthermore, "17" shown in "electric wire" indicates that it is the receiving side distribution line 17. Furthermore, "A" to "C" added together with "17" are information for identifying which of the receiving side distribution lines 17 provided in the power adjustment system 1 it is.

[0052] In the electric wire management table, the electric power information created in the electric wire sensor 10S is shown in the "electric power information". When the latest electric power information is acquired by the acquisition unit 301, this electric power information is overwritten on the "electric power information" associated with the target "electric wire". In the electric wire management table, a value determined as a standard for apparent power in an "electric wire" is indicated in the "reference value." Each "reference value" is input by a user of the power adjustment system 1.

[0053] In the electric wire management table, the "latest required amount" indicates the latest required adjustment amount for the "electric wire" calculated by the required amount calculation unit 303. In the electric wire management table, the "previous required amount" indicates the required adjustment amount calculated by the required amount calculation unit 303 the previous time for the "latest required amount" for the "electric wire". Note that the latest required adjustment amount may be referred to as the latest required amount below. Also, the required adjustment amount calculated by the required amount calculation unit 303 the previous time for the latest required amount may be referred to as the previous required amount below.

[0054] The following describes an example of a method for calculating the adjustment required amount by the required amount calculation unit 303. The required amount calculation unit 303 calculates the adjustment required amount to be larger as the difference between a parameter specified from "power information" associated with a target "electric wire" in the electric wire management table and a "reference value" associated with the target "electric wire" is larger. When the required amount calculation unit 303 acquires the latest power information for the "electric line", it calculates the adjustment required amount for this "electric line". Then, the required amount calculation unit 303 overwrites the "latest required amount" for the "electric line" with the calculated adjustment required amount, and updates the "latest required amount" and the "previous required amount" by overwriting the value that was shown in the "latest required amount" until this overwriting. Every time the required amount calculation unit 303 acquires new power information for the "electric line", it updates the "latest required amount" and the "previous required amount" for this "electric line". In addition, the required amount calculation unit 303 updates the "latest required amount" and the "previous required amount" for each "electric line".

[0055] In addition, in the electric wire management table, the "latest total amount" indicates the total value of the latest possible amount for each HPS 21 that can be used to adjust the apparent power in the "electric wire" among the HPSs 21 provided in the power conditioning system 1. In addition, in the electric wire management table, the "previous total amount" indicates the total value of the previous possible amount for each HPS 21 that can be used to adjust the apparent power in the "electric wire" among the HPSs 21 provided in the power conditioning system 1. Here, the HPS 21 that can be used to adjust the apparent power in the "electric wire" is the HPS 21 that receives the supply of power via this "electric wire". In other words, the HPS 21 that can be used to adjust the apparent power in the "electric wire" is the "HPS" whose electric wire identification information of this "electric wire" is associated with the "passing electric wire" in the HPS management table (see FIG. 5). Hereinafter, the total value of the latest possible amount for each HPS 21 that can be used to adjust the apparent power in the electric wire may be referred to as the latest total amount. Furthermore, the total value of the previous possible amounts for each HPS 21 that can be used to adjust the apparent power in the electric line may be referred to as the previous total amount hereinafter.

[0056] The target HPS21 in the "Latest Total Amount" and "Previous Total Amount" will be described in detail. The HPSs 21 that can be used to adjust the apparent power in the wire "17A" are the HPSs 21 "21A", "21B", "21C", and "21D" for which "17A" is shown in the "Routing Wire" of the HPS management table. Therefore, the "Latest Total Amount" of "17A" shows "10+20+20+10=60", which is the sum of the "Latest Available Amounts" for the HPSs 21 "21A", "21B", "21C", and "21D". Also, the "Previous Total Amount" of "17A" shows "20+20+20+10=70", which is the sum of the "Previous Available Amounts" for the HPSs 21 "21A", "21B", "21C", and "21D".

[0057] Also, the HPS 21 that can be used to adjust the apparent power in the wire "17B" are the HPS 21 of "21E", "21F", "21G", and "21H" for which "17B" is shown in the "passing wire" of the HPS management table. Therefore, the "latest total amount" of "17B" shows "30+20+30+20=100", which is the sum of the "latest possible amounts" of the HPS 21 of "21E", "21F", "21G", and "21H". Also, the "previous total amount" of "17B" shows "20+10+20+20=70", which is the sum of the "previous possible amounts" of the HPS 21 of "21E", "21F", "21G", and "21H".

[0058] Also, the HPS 21 that can be used to adjust the apparent power in the wire of "17C" are the HPS 21 of "21I", "21J", "21K", and "21L" for which "17C" is shown in the "Routing Wire" of the HPS management table. Therefore, the "Latest Total Amount" of "17C" shows "10+10+10+10=40", which is the sum of the "Latest Available Amounts" for the HPS 21 of "21I", "21J", "21K", and "21L". Also, the "Previous Total Amount" of "17C" shows "10+10+10+10=40", which is the sum of the "Previous Available Amounts" for the HPS 21 of "21I", "21J", "21K", and "21L".

[0059] In this embodiment, each HPS 21 provided in the power conditioning system 1 receives power supply via the supply-side distribution line 14. Therefore, the HPSs 21 that can be used to adjust the apparent power in the supply-side distribution line 14 are all the HPSs 21 provided in the power conditioning system 1. Therefore, the "latest total amount" of "14" indicates "10+20+20+10+30+20+30+20+10+10+10+10=200", which is the total value of the "latest possible amounts" for all the HPSs 21 provided in the power conditioning system 1. Furthermore, the "previous total amount" of "14" indicates "20+20+20+10+20+10+20+20+10+10+10+10=180", which is the total value of the "previous possible amounts" for all the HPSs 21 provided in the power conditioning system 1.

[0060] After calculating the latest possible amount of each HPS 21, the possible amount calculation unit 304 of the control server 30 calculates the latest total amount for the "electric wire" based on the calculation result. The possible amount calculation unit 304 then overwrites the "latest total amount" for the "electric wire" with the calculated latest total amount, and overwrites the "previous possible amount" with the value that was indicated in the "latest total amount" until this overwriting, thereby updating the "latest total amount" and the "previous total amount". The possible amount calculation unit 304 updates the "latest total amount" and the "previous total amount" every time it calculates the latest possible amount of each HPS 21. In addition, the possible amount calculation unit 304 updates the "latest total amount" and the "previous total amount" for each "electric wire".

[0061] An example of the contents of the electric wire management table will be described below. For the "electric wire" identified by "14", "P1" is displayed as the "power information", "S1" is displayed as the "reference value", "180" is displayed as the "latest required amount", "200" is displayed as the "previous required amount", "200" is displayed as the "latest total amount", and "180" is displayed as the "previous total amount".

[0062] In this embodiment, as described above, the control server 30 acquires the supply information transmitted simultaneously from each HPS sensor 21S and the power information transmitted simultaneously from each electric wire sensor 10S at every predetermined time. In this case, the control server 30 simultaneously updates the "latest possible amount" and "previous possible amount" of each "HPS" in the HPS management table (see FIG. 5) at every predetermined time, and simultaneously updates the "latest required amount," "previous required amount," "latest total amount," and "previous total amount" of each "electric wire" in the electric wire management table (see FIG. 6).

[0063] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reporting process. The reporting process is a process in which the control server 30 reports adjustment information to the management server 40. In this embodiment, the reporting process is started every time the "latest required amount", "previous required amount", "latest total amount", and "previous total amount" of each "electric wire" in the electric wire management table (see Fig. 6) are updated. The reporting determination unit 305 sets one of the "electric wires" managed in the electric wire management table as a target electric wire for which it is determined whether or not to report adjustment information (hereinafter referred to as "S") 101). The electric wire set by the reporting determination unit 305 as a target electric wire for which it is determined whether or not to report adjustment information is sometimes referred to as a target electric wire hereinafter.

[0064] The report determination unit 305 judges whether or not the ability of the HPS 21 to adjust the apparent power in the target electric cable satisfies the relational condition (S102). The relational condition is a condition defined for reporting to the management server 40 that the relationship between the adjustment required amount for the target conductor and the adjustable amount of the HPS 21 capable of adjusting the target conductor has changed. In the present embodiment, the relational condition is defined as the ability to improve the apparent power of the target conductor. More specifically, the relational condition is defined as the ability to reduce the previous total amount for the target conductor compared to the previous required amount for the target conductor, and reduce the latest total amount for the target conductor compared to the latest required amount for the target conductor.

[0065] When the adjustment of the apparent power of the target electric wire is necessary, whether or not the apparent power of the target electric wire can be improved is determined by the relationship between the adjustment required amount for the target electric wire and the adjustable amount of the HPS 21 that can adjust the target electric wire. When reporting a change in this relationship to the management server 40, the user of the management server 40 can decide whether or not to instruct the HPS 21 to adjust the apparent power of the target electric wire, taking this change into consideration. Therefore, in this embodiment, a relationship condition is defined in order to report the occurrence of a change to the management server 40 when the relationship between the adjustment required amount for the target electric wire and the adjustable amount of the HPS 21 that can adjust the target electric wire has changed. The report determination unit 305 refers to the electric wire management table (see FIG. 6 ). Then, it compares the “previous required amount” associated with the target electric wire with the “previous total amount” and compares the “latest required amount” with the “latest total amount” to determine whether the relational condition is satisfied.

[0066] If the relation condition is not satisfied (NO in S102), the reporting determination unit 305 judges whether the ability of the HPS 21 to adjust the target electric wire satisfies the change condition (S103). The change condition is a condition defined for reporting to the management server 40 that the ability of the HPS 21 to adjust the target electric wire has changed. In this embodiment, the change condition is defined for a change in the adjustable amount of the HPS 21 that can adjust the apparent power in the target electric wire. More specifically, the change condition is defined as the latest total amount for the target electric wire being less than the previous total amount for the target electric wire.

[0067] When reporting to the management server 40 that the adjustment required amount of the HPS 21 capable of adjusting the target electric wire has decreased, the user of the management server 40 can determine whether or not to instruct the HPS 21 to adjust the apparent power of the target electric wire in light of this decrease. Therefore, in this embodiment, a change condition is defined in order to report to the management server 40 that a decrease has occurred when the adjustable amount of the HPS 21 capable of adjusting the target electric wire has decreased. The report determination unit 305 determines whether the change condition is satisfied by comparing the "previous total amount" and the "latest total amount" associated with the target electric wire in the electric wire management table.

[0068] If the change condition is not satisfied (NO in S103), the report determination unit 305 determines whether the ability of the HPS 21 to adjust the target electric wire satisfies the ratio condition (S104). The ratio condition is a condition defined for reporting to the management server 40 that the ability of the HPS 21 to adjust the target electric wire has changed significantly. In this embodiment, the ratio condition is defined for a change in the adjustment required amount for the HPS 21 that can adjust the apparent power in the target electric wire. More specifically, the ratio condition is defined as a rate of change from the previous total amount to the latest total amount for the target electric wire being equal to or greater than a predetermined rate. The predetermined rate may be any value, but is, for example, 0.2.

[0069] When a significant change in the adjustment required amount of the HPS 21 capable of adjusting the target electric wire is reported to the management server 40, the user of the management server 40 can determine, in light of this change, whether or not to instruct the HPS 21 to adjust the apparent power of the target electric wire. Therefore, in this embodiment, a change condition is defined in order to report to the management server 40 that a significant change has occurred in the adjustable amount of the HPS 21 capable of adjusting the target electric wire. The report determination unit 305 determines whether the ratio condition is satisfied by comparing the "previous total amount" and the "latest total amount" associated with the target electric wire in the electric wire management table.

[0070] If the ratio condition is not satisfied (NO in S104), the report determination unit 305 determines whether the adjustment condition is satisfied (S105). The adjustment conditions are conditions defined for reporting adjustment information about the HPS 21 used to adjust the apparent power in the electric wire to the management server 40. In this embodiment, the adjustment conditions are defined such that the HPS 21 capable of adjusting the apparent power in the target electric wire is used to adjust the instructed electric wire.

[0071] After the management server 40 issues an instruction to adjust a specific electric wire, information on the specific HPS 21 used in adjusting this electric wire is reported to the management server 40. In response to the reported information, the user of the management server 40 can decide whether or not to also instruct the adjustment of other electric wires. Therefore, in this embodiment, adjustment conditions are defined in order to continuously report to the management server 40 information on the HPS 21 used in adjusting electric wires.

[0072] The reporting determination unit 305 refers to the HPS management table (see FIG. 5). Then, depending on whether "O" is displayed in "Under Adjustment" associated with each "HPS" capable of adjusting the apparent power in the target electric wire, it determines whether the HPS 21 capable of adjusting the apparent power in the target electric wire is used to adjust the instructed electric wire. If "O" is displayed in at least one of "Under Adjustment" associated with each "HPS" capable of adjusting the target electric wire, the reporting determination unit 305 determines that the adjustment condition is satisfied. On the other hand, if "X" is displayed in all of "Under Adjustment" associated with each "HPS" capable of adjusting the target electric wire, the reporting determination unit 305 determines that the adjustment condition is not satisfied.

[0073] If the relationship condition is satisfied (YES in S102), if the change condition is satisfied (YES in S103), if the ratio condition is satisfied (YES in S104), or if the adjustment condition is satisfied (YES in S105), the reporting determination unit 305 determines to report the adjustment information. In this case, the information creation unit 306 creates adjustment information for the target electric wire (S106). The transmitting unit 307 transmits the adjustment information created by the information creating unit 306 to the management server 40 (S107).

[0074] The adjustment information may be information indicating the latest total amount for the target electric line. When the target electric line is the supply-side distribution line 14, an example of the adjustment information may be information such as "the supply-side distribution line 14 can be adjusted by '200'," which includes the latest total amount for the supply-side distribution line 14, "200" (see FIG. 6).

[0075] In addition, the adjustment information reported to the management server 40 by satisfying the relational condition includes information indicating that the relationship between the adjustment required amount for the target electric line and the adjustable amount of the HPS 21 that can adjust the target electric line has changed. An example of this adjustment information is information indicating that "the adjustment required amount of the supply side electric line 14 changes from "200" to "180", and the adjustable amount of the supply side electric line 14 changes from "180" to "200", including the latest required amount "180", the previous required amount "200", the latest total amount "200", and the previous total amount "180" for the supply side electric line 14, in the case where the target electric line is the supply side electric line 14. In addition, another example of the adjustment information is information indicating that "the apparent power in the supply side electric line 14 can be improved". In addition, another example of the adjustment information is information indicating that "the relationship between the adjustment required amount of the supply side electric line 14 and the adjustable amount of the supply side electric line 14 has changed".

[0076] In addition, the adjustment information reported to the management server 40 by satisfying the change condition includes information indicating that the adjustable amount of the HPS 21 capable of adjusting the target electric wire has changed. An example of this adjustment information includes information that "when the target electric wire is the "17A" receiving-side distribution line 17, the adjustable amount of the "17A" receiving-side distribution line 17, including the latest total amount "60" and the previous total amount "70" for this receiving-side distribution line 17, has decreased from "70" to "60". Another example of the adjustment information includes information that "the adjustable amount of the "17A" receiving-side distribution line 17 has decreased". Another example of the adjustment information includes information that "the adjustable amount of the "17A" receiving-side distribution line 17 has changed".

[0077] Furthermore, the adjustment information reported to the management server 40 by satisfying the ratio condition includes information indicating that the adjustable amount of the HPS 21 capable of adjusting the target electric wire has changed significantly. An example of this adjustment information is information that "when the target electric wire is the "17B" receiving-side distribution line 17, the adjustable amount of the "17B" receiving-side distribution line 17, which includes the latest total amount "100" and the previous total amount "70" for this receiving-side distribution line 17, has changed from "70" to "100." Another example of the adjustment information is information such as "the adjustable amount of the receiving-side distribution line 17 of "17B" has increased by 20% or more." Another example of the adjustment information is information such as "the adjustable amount of the receiving-side distribution line 17 of "17B" has greatly increased."

[0078] The adjustment information may also include information for identifying the HPS 21 that is the target of the adjustment information. The adjustment information may also include information indicating the latest required amount, the previous required amount, the latest total amount, and the previous total amount for each HPS 21 that is the target of the adjustment information. The adjustment information may be an image or may be audio.

[0079] When the transmitting unit 307 has transmitted the adjustment information, or when the adjustment conditions are not satisfied (NO in S105), the reporting and determining unit 305 determines whether or not it has been determined whether or not to report the adjustment information for all the electric wires managed in the electric wire management table (see FIG. 6) (S108).

[0080] If it has not been determined whether or not to report the adjustment information for all the electric wires managed in the electric wire management table (NO in S108), the report determination unit 305 sets one electric wire for which it has not been determined whether or not to report the adjustment information as a new target electric wire (S101). After this, the processing from step 102 onwards is repeated. Moreover, when it is determined whether or not to report adjustment information for all electric wires managed in the electric wire management table (YES in S108), the reporting process ends.

[0081] Next, a specific example of the declaration process will be described below. The following describes a specific example of the declaration process, taking the contents shown in the HPS management table (see FIG. 5) and the electric wire management table (see FIG. 6) as targets. First, the report determination unit 305 sets the supply-side distribution line 14 as one electric line as a target electric line (S101).

[0082] Here, the "previous total amount" of "180" is less than the "previous required amount" of "200" associated with "Electric wire" "14" in the electric wire management table (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, the "latest total amount" of "200" is greater than the "latest required amount" of "180" associated with "Electric wire" "14". In this case, the reporting determination unit 305 determines that the adjustment capability of the HPS 21 for "Electric wire" "14" satisfies the relational condition (YES in S102). The information creating unit 306 creates adjustment information for the supply-side distribution line 14 (S106). Furthermore, the transmitting unit 307 transmits the created adjustment information to the management server 40 (S107).

[0083] Here, while it has been determined whether or not to report the adjustment information for the supply-side distribution line 14, it has not been determined whether or not to report the adjustment information for the receiving-side distribution lines 17 "17A" to "17C." In this case, the report determination unit 305 determines that it has not been determined whether or not to report the adjustment information for all the power lines (NO in S108). Next, the report determination unit 305 sets the receiving-side power distribution line 17 of "17A" as the target power line (S101).

[0084] Here, the "previous total amount" of "70" is greater than the "previous required amount" of "60" associated with the "electric wire" of "17A." In this case, the report determination unit 305 determines that the adjustment capability of the HPS 21 for the "electric wire" of "17A" does not satisfy the relational condition (NO in S102). Also, the "latest total amount" of "60" is less than the "previous total amount" of "70" associated with the "electric wire" of "17A." In this case, the report determination unit 305 determines that the adjustment capability of the HPS 21 for the "electric wire" of "17A" satisfies the change condition (YES in S103). The information creating unit 306 creates adjustment information for the receiving-side distribution line 17 of "17A" (S106). Furthermore, the transmitting unit 307 transmits the created adjustment information to the management server 40 (S107).

[0085] Here, it has not been determined whether or not to report the adjustment information for the receiving-side distribution lines 17 of “17B” and “17C”. In this case, the report determination unit 305 determines that it has not been determined whether or not to report the adjustment information for all the power lines (NO in S108). Next, the report determination unit 305 sets the receiving-side distribution line 17 of "17B" as the target electric line (S101).

[0086] Here, the "previous total amount" of "70" is greater than the "previous required amount" of "60" associated with the "electric wire" of "17B." In this case, the report determination unit 305 determines that the adjustment capability of the HPS 21 for the "electric wire" of "17B" does not satisfy the relational condition (NO in S102). Also, the "latest total amount" of "100" is greater than the "previous total amount" of "70" associated with the "electric wire" of "17B." In this case, the report determination unit 305 determines that the adjustment capability of the HPS 21 for the "electric wire" of "17B" does not satisfy the change condition (NO in S103).

[0087] Also, the rate of change from the "previous total amount" "70" associated with the "electric wire" of "17B" to the "latest total amount" "100" is "(100-70) / 70 0.43", which is greater than the predetermined rate of "0.2". In this case, the report determination unit 305 determines that the adjustment capability of the HPS 21 for the "electric wire" of "17B" satisfies the rate condition (YES in S104). The information creating unit 306 creates adjustment information for the receiving-side distribution line 17 of "17B" (S106). In addition, the transmitting unit 307 transmits the created adjustment information to the management server 40 (S107).

[0088] Here, it has not been determined whether or not to report the adjustment information for the receiving-side power distribution line 17 of “17C”. In this case, the report determination unit 305 determines that it has not been determined whether or not to report the adjustment information for all power lines (NO in S108). Next, the report determination unit 305 sets the receiving-side power distribution line 17 of "17C" as the target power line (S101).

[0089] Here, the "previous total amount" of "40" is greater than the "previous required amount" of "30" associated with the "electric wire" of "17C." In this case, the report determination unit 305 determines that the adjustment capability of the HPS 21 for the "electric wire" of "17C" does not satisfy the relational condition (NO in S102). Also, the "latest total amount" associated with the "electric wire" of "17C", which is "40", has not changed from the "previous total amount" of "40". In this case, the report determination unit 305 determines that the adjustment capability of the "electric wire" of "17C" by the HPS 21 does not satisfy the change condition (NO in S103).

[0090] Also, the rate of change from the "previous total amount" of "40" associated with the "electric wire" of "17C" to the "latest total amount" of "40" is "0", which is smaller than the predetermined rate of "0.2". In this case, the report determination unit 305 determines that the adjustment capability of the HPS 21 for the "electric wire" of "17C" does not satisfy the rate condition (NO in S104). In addition, "◯" is displayed in "Under adjustment" associated with "HPS" of "21I" and "21J" for which "17C" is displayed as the electric wire identification information of the target electric wire in "Transited electric wire" in the HPS management table (see FIG. 5). In this case, the reporting and determination unit 305 determines that the adjustment condition is satisfied (YES in S105).

[0091] The information creating unit 306 creates adjustment information for the receiving-side distribution line 17 of "17C" (S106). In addition, the transmitting unit 307 transmits the created adjustment information to the management server 40 (S107). Furthermore, the reporting determination unit 305 determines that a decision has been made as to whether or not to report adjustment information for all electric wires managed in the electric wire management table (YES in S108), and the reporting process is thereby completed.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the transmitting unit 307 transmits the adjustment information for each target electric wire separately to the management server 40, but the present invention is not limited to this. After it has been determined whether or not to report adjustment information for all electric wires to the management server 40, the transmitting unit 307 may transmit the adjustment information that has been decided to be reported to the management server 40 collectively to the management server 40.

[0093] As described above, in this embodiment, the possible amount calculation unit 304 calculates the adjustable amount from the capacity information and the supply information. Furthermore, the report determination unit 305 determines whether or not to report the adjustment information to the management server 40, based on the adjustable amount calculated by the possible amount calculation unit 304. Furthermore, when it is determined that the adjustment information is to be reported to the management server 40, the transmission unit 307 transmits the adjustment information to the management server 40. In other words, in this embodiment, the transmission unit 307 outputs the adjustment information to the management server 40 when a condition determined for the adjustment capability of the HPS 21 identified from the capacity information and the supply information is satisfied. Here, examples of the condition determined for the adjustment capability of the HPS 21 include a relationship condition, a change condition, a ratio condition, and the like. In this case, even if there is no instruction from management server 40 to send the adjustment information to management server 40, the adjustment information is sent to management server 40, so that the user of the management system can be made aware of the adjustment information.

[0094] In particular, in this embodiment, the condition defined for the adjustment capability of the HPS 21 identified from the supply information defines the adjustment capabilities of multiple HPSs 21. Then, when this condition is satisfied, the transmission unit 307 transmits adjustment information for the multiple HPSs 21 to the management server 40. In this case, even if there is no instruction from management server 40 to transmit adjustment information to management server 40, adjustment information for the multiple HPSs 21 is transmitted to management server 40. Therefore, the user of management server 40 can be made aware of information regarding apparent power that can be adjusted by the multiple HPSs 21.

[0095] Moreover, in this embodiment, the conditions are defined with respect to a change in the regulatory ability of HPS21. In this case, even if there is no instruction from management server 40 to transmit the adjustment information to management server 40, if a defined condition regarding a change in the adjustment capability of HPS 21 is satisfied, the adjustment information is transmitted to management server 40. Therefore, it is possible to make the user of management server 40 aware that the adjustment capability of HPS 21 has changed.

[0096] Also, in this embodiment, the condition is a decrease in the ability to regulate HPS21. In this case, even if there is no instruction from management server 40 to transmit the adjustment information to management server 40, if the adjustment capability of HPS 21 is degraded, the adjustment information is transmitted to management server 40. Therefore, it is possible to make the user of management server 40 aware that the adjustment capability of HPS 21 has been degraded.

[0097] Moreover, in this embodiment, the conditions are defined with respect to the degree of change in the regulatory ability of HPS21. In this case, even if there is no instruction from management server 40 to transmit the adjustment information to management server 40, if a condition defined for the degree of change in the adjustment capability of HPS 21 is satisfied, the adjustment information is transmitted to management server 40. Therefore, the degree of change in the adjustment capability of HPS 21 can be recognized by the user of management server 40.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the transmitting unit 307 satisfies a specific condition defined for the multiple HPSs 21 that is different from the condition defined for the adjustment capabilities of the multiple HPSs 21, it outputs adjustment information even if it does not satisfy the condition defined for the adjustment capabilities of the multiple HPSs 21. An example of the specific condition is an adjustment condition. In this case, it is possible to cause a user of management server 40 to recognize information on apparent power that can be adjusted by a plurality of HPSs 21 according to the HPS 21 that is the target of the adjustment information.

[0099] Particularly, in this embodiment, the specific condition is that any one of the multiple HPSs 21 is used to adjust the apparent power in the electric line. In this case, information on apparent power that can be adjusted by a plurality of HPSs 21, including the HPS 21 used to adjust the apparent power in the electric wire, can be made known to the user of management server 40, regardless of the adjustment capability of the HPSs 21.

[0100] Moreover, in this embodiment, the condition is defined with respect to the relationship between the adjustment capabilities of the multiple HPSs 21 and a specific electric wire among the multiple electric wires. In this case, the user of the management server 40 can be made aware of information regarding the apparent power that can be adjusted by a plurality of HPSs 21 depending on the electric wire that is the subject of the condition.

[0101] Particularly in this embodiment, the condition is determined on the relationship between a first power transmission line among the multiple power transmission lines and the capacity of a first equipment group consisting of multiple HPSs 21, and on the relationship between a second power transmission line among the multiple power transmission lines and the capacity of a second equipment group consisting of multiple HPSs 21 and not the same as the first equipment group. The first power transmission line is, for example, the supply side distribution line 14. The second power transmission line is, for example, the receiving side distribution line 17 of "17A". The first equipment group is, for example, the HPSs 21 of "21A" to "21L". The second equipment group is, for example, the HPSs 21 of "21A" to "21D". In this case, the user of management server 40 can be made aware of information on apparent power that can be adjusted by a plurality of HPSs 21 according to the electric wire associated with the HPS 21 that is the target of the adjustment information.

[0102] In this disclosure, it has been explained that the relationship conditions are defined such that the previous total amount for the target electric wire is less than the previous required amount for the target electric wire, and the latest total amount for the target electric wire is greater than the latest required amount for the target electric wire, but this is not limited to the above. The relationship condition may be defined as follows: when the previous total amount for the target conductor is smaller than the previous required amount for the target conductor and the latest total amount for the target conductor is smaller than the latest required amount for the target conductor, the difference between the latest required amount and the latest total amount is smaller than the difference between the previous required amount and the previous total amount. Also, when the previous total amount for the target conductor is larger than the previous required amount for the target conductor and the latest total amount for the target conductor is larger than the latest required amount for the target conductor, the relationship condition may be defined as follows: when the previous total amount for the target conductor is larger than the previous required amount for the target conductor and the latest total amount for the target conductor is larger than the latest required amount for the target conductor, the difference between the latest required amount and the latest total amount is larger than the difference between the previous required amount and the previous total amount.

[0103] Further, in the present disclosure, it has been described that the change condition is that the latest total amount for the target electric wire is less than the previous total amount for the target electric wire, but this is not limiting. The change condition may be defined as the latest total amount for the target electric wire being greater than the previous total amount for the target electric wire.

[0104] In addition, in the present disclosure, the change condition and the ratio condition are defined with respect to the relationship between the latest total amount and the previous total amount, but are not limited to this. The change condition or the ratio condition may be determined with respect to the relationship between the latest total amount and the total value of the adjustable amounts of the HPSs 21 that can adjust the target electric wire when the change condition or the ratio condition was last satisfied for the target electric wire. In other words, the condition determined with respect to the adjustment capability of the HPSs 21 may be determined with respect to the change from the capability of the HPSs 21 when the condition was last satisfied. In this case, even if there is no instruction from management server 40 to send adjustment information to management server 40, the user of management server 40 can be made aware that the adjustment capabilities of HPS21 have changed since the last time the conditions were satisfied.

[0105] Further, in the present disclosure, it has been described that the adjustment condition is that at least one HPS 21 capable of adjusting the apparent power in the target electric wire is used to adjust the electric wire, but this is not limited to this. The adjustment condition may be determined such that all HPSs 21 capable of adjusting the apparent power in the target electric wire are used to adjust the electric wire. Alternatively, the adjustment condition may be determined such that a predetermined number or more of the HPSs 21 capable of adjusting the apparent power in the target electric wire are used to adjust the electric wire. The predetermined number may be any number, but is, for example, two.

[0106] In addition, when the control server 30 receives an instruction from the management server 40 to report adjustment information to the management server 40, the control server 30 may create adjustment information and transmit the created adjustment information to the management server 40 regardless of the reporting process.

[0107] In addition, in the present disclosure, it has been described that the change condition and the ratio condition are determined for each of the supply-side distribution line 14 and the receiving-side distribution line 17, but this is not limiting. The change condition and the ratio condition may be determined for all the HPSs 21 provided in the power regulating system 1 without being determined in relation to a specific power line. Furthermore, the relationship condition may be defined for the relationship between a single electric line and all of the HPSs 21 provided in the power regulating system 1, rather than being defined for each electric line.

[0108] Further, in the present disclosure, it has been described that the relationship condition, the change condition, and the ratio condition are defined for a plurality of HPSs 21, but this is not limiting. The relationship condition, the change condition, and the ratio condition may be determined for each HPS 21. Then, when any of the relationship condition, the change condition, and the ratio condition is satisfied for one HPS 21, the information creation unit 306 may create adjustment information for this one HPS 21. Furthermore, the transmission unit 307 may transmit the created adjustment information to the management server 40. In other words, the control server 30 may determine a condition for the ability of the HPS 21 to adjust the apparent power in the power line for each HPS 21, create adjustment information for only the HPS 21 that satisfies this condition, and transmit the adjustment information to the management server 40.

[0109] Furthermore, the specific condition is not limited to the adjustment condition. A specific condition may be set as follows: adjustment information for a plurality of HPSs 21 capable of adjusting the target electric wire has not been reported to the management server 40 for a specific period of time or more. The specific period of time may be any period of time, but is, for example, 24 hours.

[0110] Further, in the present disclosure, it has been described that the capacity information is information indicating the maximum power that the AF 214 of the HPS 21 can supply, but the present invention is not limited to this. The capacity information may be information indicating the remaining power that can be supplied by the AF 214 of the HPS 21. In other words, the capacity information may be information indicating an adjustable amount for the AF 214. In this way, the capacity information may be any information relating to the capacity of power in the HPS 21.

[0111] Also, in the present disclosure, it has been described that the management server 40 manages the apparent power in the electric wire by instructing the adjustment of the apparent power in the electric wire. Here, the management server 40 may manage the apparent power in the electric wire by acquiring power information from the electric wire sensor 10S. In this case, the power adjustment system 1 may be provided with another server different from the control server 30 and the management server 40. Then, the management server 40 may notify the other server of the adjustment information acquired from the control server 30, and may also notify the control server 30 of an instruction from the other server regarding the apparent power in the electric wire. In this way, the management system to which the adjustment information is output may be any type of system as long as it is a system that manages the apparent power in the power transmission line.

[0112] Further, in the present disclosure, it has been described that the HPS management table and the electric wire management table are stored in the storage unit 302 of the control server 30, but this is not limiting. The HPS management table and the electric wire management table may be stored in a storage means of a server other than the control server 30. In this case, the control server 30 may determine whether or not to report the adjustment information to the management server 40 based on the contents indicated in the information stored in the storage means of the other server.

[0113] In addition, in the present disclosure, the target electric power lines in the adjustment information are the supply-side electric power distribution line 14 and the receiving-side electric power distribution line 17, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control server 30 manages the power transmission line 12 and the consumer side power distribution line 19 by acquiring power information about the power transmission line 12 and the consumer side power distribution line 19, and may treat the power transmission line 12 and the consumer side power distribution line 19 as targets for adjustment information. Furthermore, the control server 30 may adjust the apparent power in the power transmission line 12 and the consumer side power distribution line 19 based on an instruction from the management server 40. The control server 30 may also acquire power information about the power transmission line through which power is transmitted to the HPS 21 in the power consuming facility 20, thereby managing the power transmission line, and may also treat the power transmission line as a target for adjustment information. Furthermore, the control server 30 may adjust the apparent power in the power transmission line of the power consuming facility 20 based on an instruction from the management server 40.

[0114] In addition, in the present disclosure, the parameters such as the capacity, the adjustment required amount, and the adjustable amount are power, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Each parameter may be any of the parameters described above regarding apparent power.

[0115] Also, the control server 30 may detect, for each HPS 21, the power being supplied from the HPS 21 and the capacity of the power that the HPS 21 can supply, and from the result of this detection, identify the ability of the HPS 21 to adjust the apparent power in the power lines. In other words, the control server 30 is not limited to acquiring system information from a device different from the control server 30, and the control server 30 may acquire system information by creating the system information itself. Furthermore, the system information acquired by the control server 30 may be information indicating the capability of the HPS 21 to adjust the apparent power in the power line.

[0116] Here, the embodiment described above can be understood as follows. When a condition defined for the adjustment capability of the HPS 21 identified from the capacity information and supply information is satisfied, the transmitter 307 of the power adjustment system 1 of this embodiment outputs the adjustment information to the management server 40. Here, examples of the condition defined for the adjustment capability of the HPS 21 include a relationship condition, a change condition, and a ratio condition. In this case, even if there is no instruction from management server 40 to send the adjustment information to management server 40, the adjustment information is sent to management server 40, so that the user of the management system can be made aware of the adjustment information.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the conditions defined for the adjustment capability of the HPS 21 are defined for the adjustment capabilities of multiple HPSs 21. Then, when the conditions are satisfied, the transmission unit 307 transmits adjustment information for the multiple HPSs 21 to the management server 40. In this case, even if there is no instruction from management server 40 to transmit adjustment information to management server 40, adjustment information for the multiple HPSs 21 is transmitted to management server 40. Therefore, the user of management server 40 can be made aware of information regarding apparent power that can be adjusted by the multiple HPSs 21.

[0118] Moreover, in this embodiment, the conditions are defined with respect to a change in the regulatory ability of HPS21. In this case, even if there is no instruction from management server 40 to transmit the adjustment information to management server 40, if a defined condition regarding a change in the adjustment capability of HPS 21 is satisfied, the adjustment information is transmitted to management server 40. Therefore, it is possible to make the user of management server 40 aware that the adjustment capability of HPS 21 has changed.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the change in ability defined as a condition is a change from the ability of the HPS 21 when the condition was last satisfied. In this case, even if there is no instruction from management server 40 to send adjustment information to management server 40, the user of management server 40 can be made aware that the adjustment capabilities of HPS21 have changed since the last time the conditions were satisfied.

[0120] Also, in this embodiment, the condition is a decrease in the ability to regulate HPS21. In this case, even if there is no instruction from management server 40 to transmit the adjustment information to management server 40, if the adjustment capability of HPS 21 is degraded, the adjustment information is transmitted to management server 40. Therefore, it is possible to make the user of management server 40 aware that the adjustment capability of HPS 21 has been degraded.

[0121] Moreover, in this embodiment, the conditions are defined with respect to the degree of change in the regulatory ability of HPS21. In this case, even if there is no instruction from management server 40 to transmit the adjustment information to management server 40, if a condition defined for the degree of change in the adjustment capability of HPS 21 is satisfied, the adjustment information is transmitted to management server 40. Therefore, the degree of change in the adjustment capability of HPS 21 can be recognized by the user of management server 40.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the transmitting unit 307 satisfies a specific condition defined for the multiple HPSs 21 that is different from the condition defined for the adjustment capabilities of the multiple HPSs 21, it outputs adjustment information even if it does not satisfy the condition defined for the adjustment capabilities of the multiple HPSs 21. An example of the specific condition is an adjustment condition. In this case, it is possible to cause a user of management server 40 to recognize information on apparent power that can be adjusted by a plurality of HPSs 21 according to the HPS 21 that is the target of the adjustment information.

[0123] Particularly, in this embodiment, the specific condition is that any one of the multiple HPSs 21 is used to adjust the apparent power in the electric line. In this case, information on apparent power that can be adjusted by a plurality of HPSs 21, including the HPS 21 used to adjust the apparent power in the electric wire, can be made known to the user of management server 40, regardless of the adjustment capability of the HPSs 21.

[0124] Moreover, in this embodiment, the condition is defined with respect to the relationship between the adjustment capabilities of the multiple HPSs 21 and a specific electric wire among the multiple electric wires. In this case, the user of the management server 40 can be made aware of information regarding the apparent power that can be adjusted by a plurality of HPSs 21 depending on the electric wire that is the subject of the condition.

[0125] Particularly in this embodiment, the condition is determined on the relationship between a first power transmission line among the multiple power transmission lines and the capacity of a first equipment group consisting of multiple HPSs 21, and on the relationship between a second power transmission line among the multiple power transmission lines and the capacity of a second equipment group consisting of multiple HPSs 21 and not the same as the first equipment group. The first power transmission line is, for example, the supply side distribution line 14. The second power transmission line is, for example, the receiving side distribution line 17 of "17A". The first equipment group is, for example, the HPSs 21 of "21A" to "21L". The second equipment group is, for example, the HPSs 21 of "21A" to "21D". In this case, the user of management server 40 can be made aware of information on apparent power that can be adjusted by a plurality of HPSs 21 according to the electric wire associated with the HPS 21 that is the target of the adjustment information.

[0126] In addition, the configurations described above are not limited to the above embodiments, and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. In other words, it is understood that various modifications of the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. The present invention is not limited to the above-described configurations, and some of the configurations described above may be omitted, or other functions may be added to the configurations described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1...power conditioning system, 10...power system, 10S...power line sensor, 11...power plant, 14...supply side distribution line, 16...receiving side substation, 17...receiving side distribution line, 19...consumer side distribution line, 20...power consumption facility, 21S...HPS sensor, 21...HPS, 30...control server, 40...management server, 214...AF

Claims

1. A power conditioning system for adjusting apparent power in a power transmission line through which power is transmitted, comprising: acquiring means for acquiring system information relating to the power conditioning system; an output means for outputting information on the apparent power that can be adjusted by the power adjustment system to a management system that manages apparent power in the power transmission line when a condition determined for the adjustment capability specified from the system information is satisfied; A power conditioning system comprising:

2. a plurality of devices each for adjusting apparent power on the power transmission line; A control unit for controlling the adjustment by the plurality of devices, The condition is defined with respect to a capability of the adjustment by the plurality of devices, 2. The power adjustment system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the information on the apparent power that can be adjusted by the plurality of devices to the management system when the condition is satisfied.

3. 3. The power regulating system according to claim 1, wherein the condition is defined regarding a change in the capacity.

4. 4. The power regulating system of claim 3, wherein the change is a change from the capacity when the condition was last satisfied.

5. 4. The power conditioning system of claim 3, wherein the change is a decrease in the capacity.

6. 4. The power regulating system according to claim 3, wherein the condition is defined with respect to the degree of the change.

7. The power adjustment system according to claim 2, characterized in that the output means outputs the information when a specific condition defined for the plurality of devices is satisfied that is different from the condition, even if the condition defined for the capabilities of the plurality of devices is not satisfied.

8. 8. The power adjustment system according to claim 7, wherein the specific condition is that any one of the plurality of devices is used to adjust apparent power in the power transmission line.

9. 3. The power regulating system according to claim 2, wherein the condition is defined with respect to a relationship between the capabilities of the plurality of devices and a specific power transmission line among a plurality of power transmission lines.

10. The power adjustment system according to claim 9, characterized in that the condition is defined regarding a relationship between a first power transmission line among the plurality of power transmission lines and the capacity of a first equipment group consisting of a plurality of devices, and is defined regarding a relationship between a second power transmission line among the plurality of power transmission lines and the capacity of a second equipment group, the second equipment group being an equipment group consisting of a plurality of devices and not identical to the first equipment group.

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