Management system, management method, display device and management device

Abstract

A management system, a management method, a display device, and a management device are provided that make it possible to know whose instructions the operation of a power conversion device is following. [Solution] In a management system having a facility (100), an external server (400), and a user terminal (500), the facility (100) is equipped with an EMS (160) which is a management device, a power conversion system (PCS) (131) which converts at least one of the output power from a distributed power source (a solar cell (110), a storage battery (120)) and the input power to the distributed power source into AC power or DC power, and a display device (170) which displays the status of the power conversion system. The management device is equipped with a transmitter which transmits a source message to the display device to identify the source of a power control message that controls the power conversion system.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system, a management method, a display device, and a management device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a management system has been proposed that includes a power conversion device that controls a distributed power source and a management device that communicates with the power conversion device (for example, Patent Document 1). The distributed power source is, for example, a power source such as a solar cell, a storage battery, or a fuel cell.

[0003] In order to popularize the above-mentioned management system, it is effective to standardize the communication standards between the distributed power sources and the management device, and attempts are being made to standardize such communication standards.

[0004] Moreover, the power electronics device is configured to operate based on a power control message designated by a business operator (such as a power generation business operator, a power transmission and distribution business operator, or a retail business operator). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-171359 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] A first feature relates to a management system including a management device, a power conversion device that converts at least one of an output power from a distributed power source and an input power to the distributed power source into AC power or DC power, and a display device that displays a state of the power conversion device. The management device includes a transmission unit that transmits a source message to the display device to identify a source of a power control message that controls the power conversion device.

[0007] A second feature relates to a management method used in a management system including a management device, a power conversion device that converts at least one of an output power from a distributed power source and an input power to the distributed power source into AC power or DC power, and a display device that displays a state of the power conversion device, the management method including a step of transmitting a source message from the management device to the display device for identifying a source of a power control message for controlling the power conversion device.

[0008] A third feature relates to a display device provided in a management system including a management device and a power conversion device that converts at least one of an output power from a distributed power source and an input power to the distributed power source into AC power or DC power, and displays a state of the power conversion device. The display device includes a receiving unit that receives, from the management device, a transmission source message for identifying a transmission source of a power control message for controlling the power conversion device.

[0009] A fourth feature relates to a management device provided in a management system including a power conversion device that converts at least one of an output power from a distributed power source and an input power to the distributed power source into AC power or DC power, and a display device that displays a state of the power conversion device. The management device includes a transmission unit that transmits a source message to the display device to identify a source of a power control message for controlling the power conversion device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a management system 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a communication device 132 according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the EMS 160 according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display device 170 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a SET command according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a SET response command according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a GET command according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a GET response command according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an INF command according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a management method according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a management method according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a management method according to the first modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0012] However, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from the actual dimensions. Therefore, the specific dimensions should be determined in consideration of the following explanation. The drawings also contain parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0013] [Embodiment] (Management System) A management system according to an embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 1 includes a facility 100, an external server 400, and a user terminal 500. The facility 100 includes a router 200. The router 200 is connected to the external server 400 via a network 300. The router 200 forms a local area network, and is connected to each device (for example, a communication device 132 of a PCS 130, a load 150, an EMS 160, and a display device 170). In FIG. 1, solid lines indicate power lines, and dotted lines indicate signal lines. Note that this is not limiting, and signals may be transmitted via the power lines.

[0014] The facility 100 includes a solar cell 110, a storage battery 120, a PCS 130, a distribution board 140, a load 150, an EMS 160, and a display device 170.

[0015] The solar cell 110 is a device that generates power in response to received light. The solar cell 110 outputs the generated DC power. The amount of power generated by the solar cell 110 varies depending on the amount of solar radiation irradiated on the solar cell 110. In the embodiment, the solar cell 110 is an example of a distributed power source that can be subjected to output suppression based on output suppression designated by the business operator, but is not limited thereto, and the storage battery 120 may be a distributed power source that can be subjected to output suppression based on output suppression designated by the business operator.

[0016] The storage battery 120 is a device that accumulates power. The storage battery 120 outputs accumulated DC power. In the embodiment, the storage battery 120 is described as an example of a distributed power source that cannot be subjected to output suppression based on output suppression designated by a business operator, but is not limited thereto, and may be a distributed power source that can be subjected to output suppression.

[0017] The PCS 130 is an example of a power conditioning system (PCS) that converts at least one of the output power from the distributed power source and the input power to the distributed power source into AC power or DC power. In the embodiment, the PCS 130 has a conversion device 131 and a communication device 132. In the embodiment, the PCS 130 is an example of a unit including the conversion device 131.

[0018] The conversion device 131 converts DC power from the solar cell 110 into AC power, and converts DC power from the storage battery 120 into AC power. Furthermore, the conversion device 131 converts AC power from the power system 10 into DC power. The conversion device 131 is connected to a main power line 10L (here, a main power line 10LA and a main power line 10LB) connected to the power system 10 via a first distribution board 140A, and is connected to both the solar cell 110 and the storage battery 120. The main power line 10LA is a power line that connects the power system 10 and the first distribution board 140A, and the main power line 10LB is a power line that connects the first distribution board 140A and the second distribution board 140B. In this embodiment, the conversion device 131 will be described as a hybrid type power conversion device connected to the solar cell 110 and the storage battery 120, but the power conversion device may be configured to be connected to each of the solar cell 110 and the storage battery 120. In the case where a power conversion device is connected to each of the solar cell 110 and the storage battery 120, each of the power conversion devices can be controlled in the same manner as the hybrid type power conversion device of this embodiment.

[0019] The communication device 132 is connected to the conversion device 131, and receives various messages to the conversion device 131 and transmits various messages from the conversion device 131. In the communication between the communication device 132 and the conversion device 131, a protocol (e.g., a proprietary protocol) applied to the PCS 130 is used.

[0020] In the embodiment, the communication device 132 is connected to the router 200 by wire or wirelessly. The communication device 132 is connected to the external server 400 via the router 200, and receives an output suppression message from the external server 400 instructing output suppression of the distributed power source. Secondly, the communication device 132 is connected to the EMS 160 via the router 200, and communicates a predetermined command having a predetermined format with the EMS 160. The predetermined format is not particularly limited, and for example, the ECHONET (registered trademark), ECHONET Lite (registered trademark; the same applies below), SEP2.0, or KNX system can be used.

[0021] The predetermined format will be described as, for example, a format conforming to the ECHONET Lite system. In such a case, the predetermined command can be broadly classified into, for example, a request command, a request response command which is a response to a request command, and an information notification command. The request command is, for example, a SET command or a GET command. The request response command is, for example, a SET response command which is a response to a SET command, and a GET response command which is a response to a GET command. The information notification command is, for example, an INF command.

[0022] The SET command is a command including a property that instructs settings or operations on the PCS 130. The SET response command is a command indicating that the SET command has been received. The GET command is a command including a property that indicates the state of the PCS 130, and is used to acquire the state of the PCS 130. The GET response command is a command including a property that indicates the state of the PCS 130, and is used to include information requested by the GET command. The INF command is a command including a property that indicates the state of the PCS 130, and is used to notify the state of the PCS 130.

[0023] The distribution board 140 is connected to the main power line 10L. The distribution board 140 has a first distribution board 140A and a second distribution board 140B. The first distribution board 140A is connected to the power system 10 via the main power line 10LA, and is also connected to the solar cell 110 and the storage battery 120 via the conversion device 131. The first distribution board 140A controls the power output from the conversion device 131 and the power supplied from the power system 10, and supplies them to the main power line 10LB. The power flowing from the main power line 10LB is distributed to each device (here, the load 150 and the EMS 160) by the second distribution board 140B.

[0024] The load 150 is a device that consumes power supplied via a power line. For example, the load 150 includes devices such as an air conditioner, a lighting device, a refrigerator, and a television. The load 150 may be a single device or may include multiple devices.

[0025] The EMS 160 is a device (EMS; Energy Management System) that manages power information indicating the power in the facility 100. The power in the facility 100 refers to the power flowing within the facility 100, the power purchased by the facility 100, or the power sold from the facility 100. Therefore, for example, the EMS 160 manages at least the PCS 130.

[0026] The EMS 160 may control the amount of power generated by the solar cell 110, the amount of charge in the storage battery 120, and the amount of discharge in the storage battery 120. The EMS 160 may be configured integrally with the distribution board 140. The EMS 160 is a device connected to the network 300, and the functions of the EMS 160 may be provided by a cloud service via the network 300.

[0027] In the embodiment, the EMS 160 is connected to each device (for example, the communication device 132 of the PCS 130 and the load 150) via the router 200, and communicates predetermined commands having a predetermined format with each device.

[0028] The EMS 160 is connected to the display device 170 via the router 200, and communicates with the display device 170. The EMS 160 may communicate a predetermined command having a predetermined format with the display device 170. As described above, the predetermined format is, for example, a format that complies with the ECHONET Lite standard.

[0029] The display device 170 displays the status of the PCS 130. The display device 170 may display power information indicating the power in the facility 100. The display device 170 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a television, a personal computer, or a dedicated terminal. The display device 170 is connected to the EMS 160 by wire or wirelessly, and communicates with the EMS 160. The display device 170 may communicate with the EMS 160 a predetermined command having a predetermined format. The display device 170 receives data required for displaying various information from the EMS 160.

[0030] The network 300 is a communication network that connects the EMS 160 and the external server 400. The network 300 may be a public communication line such as the Internet. The network 300 may include a mobile communication network. The network 300 may be a dedicated communication line or a general communication line. For example, when the output of the solar cell 110 is equal to or greater than a predetermined output, the output suppression can be performed more accurately by using a dedicated communication line as the network 300.

[0031] The external server 400 is a server managed by a business operator such as a power generation business operator, a power transmission and distribution business operator, or a retail business operator. For example, the business operator specifies output suppression of a distributed power source, and is, for example, a power generation business operator, a power transmission and distribution business operator, a retail business operator, or a business operator that manages a group of distributed power sources. Specifically, the external server 400 transmits an output suppression message that instructs output suppression of the distributed power source. The external server 400 may transmit a tide flow suppression message (DR; Demand Response) that instructs suppression of tide flow from the power system 10 to the facility 100.

[0032] The output suppression message includes a target output suppression level indicating the level of output suppression of the distributed power source (here, the solar cell 110). The target output suppression level is determined according to an output (hereinafter, equipment-certified output) that is certified as the output capability (e.g., rated output) of the PCS that controls the distributed power source. The target output suppression level may be expressed as an absolute value (e.g., XX kW) determined according to the equipment-certified output, or as a relative value (e.g., a reduction of XX kW) with respect to the equipment-certified output, or as a suppression rate (e.g., XX%) with respect to the equipment-certified output. Note that, although the equipment-certified output has been described, the equipment-certified capacity [kWh] may also be used. The distributed power source may also be a storage battery 120 and a fuel cell.

[0033] If the output capacity of the distributed power source and the PCS are different, the certified output is set to the smaller of these capacities. In cases where multiple PCSs are installed, the certified output is the sum of the output capacities of the multiple PCSs.

[0034] In an embodiment, the output curtailment message includes calendar information indicating a schedule for output curtailment of the distributed power source. In the calendar information, the schedule for output curtailment of the distributed power source can be set in 30-minute increments. The calendar information may include a schedule for one day, a schedule for one month, or a schedule for one year.

[0035] In an embodiment, a predetermined period may be set as the maximum period during which output suppression of a distributed power source is performed. The predetermined period may be, for example, the number of days in a year (days rule) or the accumulated time in a year (accumulated time rule). More specifically, the predetermined period may be, for example, 30 days in a year (30-day rule) or 360 hours in a year (360-hour rule). However, a predetermined period may not be set (designated rule). These rules are types of output suppression of a distributed power source according to an output suppression message.

[0036] In the embodiment, the external server 400 transmits a power control message for controlling the conversion device 131 to the PCS 130 via the EMS 160. The power control message may be a message for controlling the conversion device 131, and may be a message for instructing an increase or decrease in the output of the solar cell 110, or a message for instructing the storage battery 120 to store or discharge electricity. The power control message may be an output curtailment message or a tidal flow curtailment message, but the output curtailment message or the tidal flow curtailment message may be transmitted from the external server 400 to the PCS 130 without passing through the EMS 160.

[0037] The user terminal 500 transmits a power control message for controlling the conversion device 131 via the EMS 160. The user terminal 500 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a dedicated terminal. The user terminal 500 may be a terminal carried by a user who uses the solar cell 110, the storage battery 120, or the PCS 130, or may be a terminal carried by a contractor who maintains the solar cell 110, the storage battery 120, or the PCS 130. The power control message may be any message for controlling the conversion device 131, and may be a message for instructing an increase or decrease in the output of the solar cell 110, or a message for instructing the storage battery 120 to store or discharge electricity.

[0038] In Fig. 1, the user terminal 500 is connected to the EMS 160 via the network 300 and the router 200, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The user terminal 500 may be located in the customer facility 1 and connected to the EMS 160 via the router 200 without going through the network 300. For example, the user terminal 500 may be the display device 170 described above. The user terminal 500 may be connected to the EMS 160 via the network 300 and the router 200.

[0039] (Applicable scenes) As described above, the power control message may be transmitted from the external server 400 or from the user terminal 500. Therefore, a case is assumed in which the power control message transmitted from the external server 400 and the power control message transmitted from the user terminal 500 compete with each other. In such a case, if it is not possible to know whose instructions the conversion device 131 is following in its operation, there is a possibility that the conversion device 131 cannot be appropriately controlled.

[0040] From this viewpoint, in the embodiment, the EMS 160 transmits a source message for identifying the source of the power control message to the display device 170. The source may be an entity selected from among a business operator managing the power system to which the conversion device 131 is connected and a user operating the conversion device 131. The business operator managing the power system to which the conversion device 131 is connected is an entity that manages the external server 400, and is, for example, a power generation business operator, a power transmission and distribution business operator, a retail business operator, or a group management business operator of distributed power sources. The user operating the conversion device 131 is an entity that manages the user terminal 500, and may be, for example, a user who uses the solar cell 110, the storage battery 120, or the PCS 130, or may be a company that performs maintenance of the solar cell 110, the storage battery 120, or the PCS 130.

[0041] The display device 170 described above displays information identifying the sender in response to receiving a sender message. For example, the information identifying the sender is information such as "operating under control of a business operator such as a power generation business operator" or "operating under control of a user." The information identifying the sender does not necessarily need to include the name of the sender, and may be information such as "under centralized control" or "individual operation."

[0042] The power control message may also include communication information indicating the communication path through which the power control message was sent together with the information identifying the sender. The communication information may be, for example, an information element indicating whether the message was sent via a public line (operation via public line or operation via public line), or an information element indicating whether the message was sent via a dedicated line.

[0043] (Communication Equipment) A communication device according to an embodiment will be described below. As shown in Fig. 2, the communication device 132 includes a first communication unit 132A, a second communication unit 132B, an interface 132C, and a control unit 132D. Here, the communication device 132 (i.e., the PCS 130) is an example of a device.

[0044] The first communication unit 132A receives an output curtailment message or a power flow rate curtailment message from the external server 400. In an embodiment, the first communication unit 132A may receive the output curtailment message or the power flow rate curtailment message without going through the EMS 160, or may receive the output curtailment message or the power flow rate curtailment message via the EMS 160.

[0045] The second communication unit 132B communicates with the EMS 160 using a predetermined command having a predetermined format. As described above, the predetermined format is, for example, a format conforming to the ECHONET Lite system. Here, the predetermined format used in the communication between the communication device 132 (second communication unit 132B) and the EMS 160 may be different from the format used in the communication between the communication device 132 (first communication unit 132A) and the external server 400. In addition, the predetermined format used in the communication between the second communication unit 132B (second communication unit 132B) and the EMS 160 may be different from the format used in the communication between the communication device 132 (interface 132C) and the conversion device 131.

[0046] The interface 132C is an interface with the conversion device 131. The interface 132C may be a wired interface or a wireless interface. In the communication between the communication device 132 and the conversion device 131, a protocol (e.g., a proprietary protocol) applied to the PCS 130 is used.

[0047] The control unit 132D is configured with a memory and a CPU, and controls the communication device 132. For example, the control unit 132D controls the output of the distributed power source in accordance with the output suppression message by controlling the conversion device 131 using the interface 132C. The control unit 132D acquires the state of the conversion device 131 (e.g., the amount of power generated by the solar cell 110, the amount of power stored in the storage battery 120, and the amount of discharged power from the storage battery 120) from the conversion device 131 using the interface 132C. The control unit 132D generates a command for controlling the conversion device 131 based on a command received from the EMS 160, and outputs the command to the conversion device 131 using the interface 132C.

[0048] (Management device) The management device according to the embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG.

[0049] The communication unit 161 communicates a predetermined command having a predetermined format with the communication device 132 and the display device 170. As described above, the predetermined format is, for example, a format that complies with the ECHONET Lite standard.

[0050] The control unit 162 is configured with a memory and a CPU, and controls the EMS 160. The control unit 162 may control the amount of power generated by the solar cell 110, the amount of charge in the storage battery 120, and the amount of discharge in the storage battery 120.

[0051] (display device) The display device according to the embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG.

[0052] The communication unit 171 communicates a predetermined command having a predetermined format with the EMS 160. As described above, the predetermined format is, for example, a format that complies with the ECHONET Lite standard.

[0053] The display unit 172 displays various types of information. The display unit 172 is, for example, an organic EL or liquid crystal display. The display unit 172 displays, for example, information that identifies the transmission source.

[0054] The control unit 173 is configured with a memory and a CPU, and controls the display device 170. For example, the control unit 173 controls the display of information that identifies a sender in response to receiving a sender message.

[0055] (Message format) The message format according to the embodiment will be described below, taking as an example a case where the predetermined format is a format that complies with the ECHONET Lite standard.

[0056] 5, the SET command M510 includes a header M511, a code M512, and a target property M513. In the embodiment, the SET command M510 is an example of a command that instructs the operation of the PCS 130 in response to a power control message, and is a command transmitted from the EMS 160 to the PCS 130. That is, the SET command M510 may be considered to be an example of a power control message.

[0057] The header M511 is information indicating the destination of the SET command M510, etc. The code M512 is information indicating the type of the message including the code M512. Here, the code M512 is information indicating that the message including the code M512 is a SET command. The target property M513 includes a property indicating the operation that the EMS 160 instructs the PCS 130 to perform.

[0058] 6, the SET response command M520 includes a header M521, a code M522, and a response content M523. In the embodiment, the SET response command M520 is an example of a command transmitted from the PCS 130 to the EMS 160 in response to a command received from the EMS 160.

[0059] The header M521 is information indicating the destination of the SET response command M520, etc. The code M522 is information indicating the type of the message including the code M522. Here, the code M522 is information indicating that the message including the code M522 is a SET response command. The response content M523 includes information indicating that the SET command has been received. Such information may be a copy of the properties included in the SET command, or may be an acknowledgement (ACK). Furthermore, such information is not limited to this, and may be a response (Selective ACK) intended to indicate that only a portion of the data has been correctly received.

[0060] 7, the GET command M610 includes a header M611, a code M612, and a target property M613. In the embodiment, the GET command M610 is an example of a command requesting the state of the PCS 130, and is an example of a command transmitted from the EMS 160 to the PCS 130.

[0061] The header M611 is information indicating the destination of the GET command M610, etc. The code M612 is information indicating the type of the message including the code M612. Here, the code M612 is information indicating that the message including the code M612 is a GET command. The target property M613 includes the property that the EMS 160 wants to know.

[0062] 8, the GET response command M620 includes a header M621, a code M622, and a response content M623. In the embodiment, the GET response command M620 is an example of a command transmitted from the PCS 130 to the EMS 160 in response to a command received from the EMS 160.

[0063] The header M621 is information indicating the destination of the GET response command M620, etc. The code M622 is information indicating the type of the message including the code M622. Here, the code M622 is information indicating that the message including the code M622 is a GET response command. The response content M623 includes the property requested by the GET command.

[0064] 9, the INF command M710 includes a header M711, a code M712, and a target property M713. In the embodiment, the INF command M710 is an example of a command that notifies the display device 170 of the sender, and is an example of a sender message transmitted from the EMS 160 to the display device 170.

[0065] The header M711 is information indicating the destination of the INF command M710, etc. The code M712 is information indicating the type of the message including the code M712. Here, the code M712 is information indicating that the message including the code M712 is an INF command. The target property M713 includes a property notified by the EMS 160.

[0066] (Management method) A management method according to the embodiment will be described below, taking as an example a case where the predetermined format used in communication between the PCS 130 (communication device 132) and the EMS 160 is a format conforming to the ECHONET Lite standard.

[0067] First, the case where the power control message is transmitted from the external server 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 10, in step S 10 , the external server 400 transmits a power control message for controlling the conversion device 131 to the EMS 160 .

[0069] In step S11, the EMS 160 sends a SET command corresponding to the power control message to the PCS 130.

[0070] In step S12, the PCS 130 transmits a SET response command to the EMS 160 in response to the SET command.

[0071] In step S13, the EMS 160 transmits a source message for identifying the source of the power control message to the display device 170. The source message may be, for example, the above-mentioned INF command or a GET response to a GET command from the EMS 160.

[0072] In step S14, the display device 170 displays information for identifying the source of the transmission (here, the business entity that manages the external server 400).

[0073] 10 illustrates a case in which a SET command corresponding to a power control message is transmitted to the PCS 130. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. When the power control message is an output curtailment message or a power flow curtailment message, the EMS 160 may transmit the output curtailment message or the power flow curtailment message to the PCS 130 instead of the processes of steps S11 and S12.

[0074] Secondly, the case where the power control message is transmitted from the user terminal 500 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 11, in step S 20 , the user terminal 500 transmits a power control message for controlling the conversion device 131 to the EMS 160 .

[0076] In step S21, the EMS 160 sends a SET command corresponding to the power control message to the PCS 130.

[0077] In step S22, the PCS 130 transmits a SET response command to the EMS 160 in response to the SET command.

[0078] In step S23, the EMS 160 transmits a source message for identifying the source of the power control message to the display device 170. The source message is, for example, the above-mentioned INF command.

[0079] In step S24, the display device 170 displays information for identifying the source of the transmission (here, the business operator that manages the user terminal 500).

[0080] (Action and Effects) In the embodiment, the EMS 160 transmits an assignment source message for identifying the assignment source of the power control message to the display device 170. Therefore, even if a case is assumed in which a power control message transmitted from the external server 400 and a power control message transmitted from the user terminal 500 compete with each other, it is possible to know whose instructions the operation of the conversion device 131 is following, and the conversion device 131 can be appropriately controlled.

[0081] [Change Example 1] The following describes a first modification of the embodiment. The following describes a first modification of the embodiment.

[0082] In the first modification, a case will be described in which a power control message transmitted from the external server 400 and a power control message transmitted from the user terminal 500 actually conflict with each other. In such a case, the EMS 160 suspends transmission of a power control message designated by a user while the conversion device 131 is operating based on a power control message designated by a business operator.

[0083] When the sender is an operator, the display device 170 displays a message indicating that acceptance of a power control message specified by a user is on hold while the conversion device 131 is operating based on a power control message specified by the operator.

[0084] The transmission of the power control message may be suspended for a certain period of time, or may be suspended until a predetermined number of times is exceeded. The predetermined number of times to be suspended may be, for example, at least once, or may vary depending on conditions. When the number of times to be suspended varies depending on conditions, for example, the user terminal 500 may be set to suspend the transmission of the power control message transmitted from the display device 170 or the remote controller at least once.

[0085] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, in step S30, the external server 400 transmits a power control message for controlling the conversion device 131 to the EMS 160.

[0086] In step S31, the EMS 160 sends a SET command corresponding to the power control message to the PCS 130.

[0087] In step S32, the PCS 130 transmits a SET response command to the EMS 160 in response to the SET command.

[0088] In step S33, the EMS 160 transmits a source message for identifying the source of the power control message to the display device 170. The source message is, for example, the above-mentioned INF command.

[0089] In step S34, the display device 170 displays information for identifying the sender (here, the business operator managing the external server 400). Here, the display device 170 displays a message that acceptance of the power control message received from the user terminal 500 is on hold. For example, the display device 170 displays a message such as "user control cannot be accepted."

[0090] In step S 35 , the user terminal 500 transmits a power control message to the EMS 160 to control the conversion device 131 .

[0091] In step S36, the EMS 160 suspends the transmission of the power control message received from the user terminal 500.

[0092] In step S37, the EMS 160 may transmit to the display device 170 an assignment source message for identifying the assignment source of the power control message. The assignment source message is, for example, the above-mentioned INF command. In such a case, the display device 170 may display that the power control message has been received from the user terminal 500. Furthermore, the display device 170 may display that the acceptance of the power control message received from the user terminal 500 has been put on hold. For example, the display device 170 may display that "user control has been put on hold."

[0093] 12 illustrates a case in which a SET command corresponding to a power control message is transmitted to the PCS 130. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. When the power control message is an output curtailment message or a power flow curtailment message, the EMS 160 may transmit the output curtailment message or the power flow curtailment message to the PCS 130 instead of the processes of steps S31 and S32.

[0094] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the above-mentioned embodiment, the description and drawings forming a part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0095] In the embodiment, a case has been described in which the predetermined format used in the communication between the communication device 132 and the EMS 160 is a format conforming to the ECHONET Lite system. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The predetermined format may be any format that is standardized as a format used in the facility 100.

[0096] In the embodiment, the PCS 130 (multi-PCS) that controls the output of the solar cell 110 and the storage battery 120 has been exemplified. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The PCS 130 may be a PCS that controls the solar cell 110, or may be a PCS that controls the output of the storage battery 120.

[0097] In the embodiment, the display device 170 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a television, or a dedicated terminal. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The display device 170 may be a remote controller for operating the conversion device 131. The remote controller may be considered to be a part of the PCS 130.

[0098] In the embodiment, the communication device 132 receives a SET command, which is an example of a power control message, from the EMS 160. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The EMS 160 may transmit the SET command, which is an example of a power control message, to a remote controller that operates the conversion device 131. The remote controller may be considered to be the communication device 132.

[0099] In the embodiment, a power control message received from the external server 400 or the user terminal 500 is transmitted from the EMS 160 to the PCS 130 in the form of a SET command. The EMS 160 may appropriately convert the power control message received from the external server 400 or the user terminal 500, and then transmit the converted power control message (e.g., a SET command) to the PCS 130. The converted power control message is also an example of a power control message that controls the conversion device 131. In such a case, the EMS 160 may transmit multiple SET commands to the PCS 130 at appropriate timings in order to control the PCS 130 based on the power control message received from the external server 400 or the user terminal 500.

[0100] In an embodiment, there may be a case where a power control message (e.g., an output curtailment message or a power flow curtailment message) is transmitted to PCS 130 without passing through EMS 160. In such a case, EMS 160 may receive information for identifying the source of the power control message from PCS 130. PCS 130 may transmit the information for identifying the source of the power control message to EMS 160 by an INF command. PCS 130 may transmit the information for identifying the source of the power control message to display device 170 by an INF command.

[0101] In the embodiment, the first communication unit 132A and the second communication unit 132B are configured separately, but the first communication unit 132A and the second communication unit 132B may be configured as an integrated unit. That is, the first communication unit 132A may also function as the second communication unit 132B.

[0102] Although not particularly limited in the embodiment, the storage battery 120, which is an example of a distributed power source, may be a storage battery provided in the facility 100, or may be a storage battery provided in an electric vehicle (EV).

[0103] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-103057 (filed on May 24, 2016) are incorporated by reference into this specification.

Claims

1. A management device that communicates with a display device that displays a state of a power conversion device, a transmitting means for transmitting, when a source of a power control message for controlling the power electronics device is a user who operates the power electronics device, a first message indicating that the source of the power control message is the user to the display device; a control means for suspending transmission of the power control message specified by the user to the power electronics device while the power electronics device is operating based on the other power control message specified by a business operator that manages a power grid when the power control message specified by the user conflicts with another power control message specified by the business operator, A management device, wherein the first message is used to display, on the display device, information indicating that the power conversion device is operating under the control of the user.

2. The management device of claim 1 , wherein the power control message is suspended for a period of time.

3. The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the power control message is suspended until a number of times transmission of the power control message has been suspended exceeds a predetermined number.

4. A method for controlling a management device that communicates with a display device that displays a state of a power conversion device, comprising: When a source of a power control message for controlling the power electronics device is a user who operates the power electronics device, transmitting a first message indicating that the source of the power control message is the user to the display device; When the power control message specified by the user conflicts with another power control message specified by a business operator that manages a power grid, while the power electronics device is operating based on the other power control message specified by the business operator, suspending transmission of the power control message specified by the user to the power electronics device, A control method, wherein the first message is used to display, on the display device, information indicating that the power conversion device is operating according to the control of the user.

5. A management system comprising a display device that displays a state of a power conversion device and a management device that communicates with the display device, The management device includes: When a source of a power control message for controlling the power electronics device is a user who operates the power electronics device, a first message indicating that the source of the power control message is the user is transmitted to the display device; When the power control message specified by the user conflicts with another power control message specified by a business operator that manages a power grid, while the power electronics device is operating based on the other power control message specified by the business operator, the transmission of the power control message specified by the user to the power electronics device is suspended; A management system in which, when the display device receives the first message, the display device controls to display information indicating that the power conversion device is operating according to the control of the user.

6. A management method for use in a management system including a display device that displays a state of a power conversion device and a management device that communicates with the display device, comprising: When a source of a power control message for controlling the power electronics device is a user who operates the power electronics device, the management device transmits a first message to the display device indicating that the source of the power control message is the user; When the power control message specified by the user conflicts with another power control message specified by a business operator that manages a power grid, the management device suspends transmission of the power control message specified by the user to the power electronics device while the power electronics device is operating based on the other power control message specified by the business operator; The management method includes a step of controlling the display device to display information indicating that the power conversion device is operating according to the control of the user when the display device receives the first message.

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