Storage battery control device, storage battery control method, and storage battery control program

Abstract

To provide a control apparatus of an accumulator, a control method of the accumulator and a control program of the accumulator which can reduce the deterioration of the accumulator, while enhancing accuracy of power control at the time corresponding to demand response requirement or the like.SOLUTION: A control apparatus for controlling an accumulator comprises a communication part and a control part. The communication part communicates with the accumulator wiredly or wirelessly. The control part controls the communication part so as to transmit a control signal which operates the accumulator in a first mode or a second mode, to the accumulator. The first mode is a mode in which the accumulator is load follow-up discharged or surplus power charged. The second mode is a mode in which the accumulator is specified power charged or specified power discharged. The communication part receives requirement of demand response transmitted from a power business operator. The control part controls the communication part so as to transmit a control signal which operates the accumulator in the first mode or the second mode to the accumulator based on the requirement of the demand response.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-8539, filed on January 22, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Technical field]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a storage battery control device, a storage battery control method, and a storage battery control program. [Background technology]

[0003] In recent years, in order to maintain the balance between power supply and demand in a power grid, a technology has been known in which an electric utility that supplies power to a consumer facility communicates with a control device that controls power equipment at the consumer facility to manage the power consumption at the consumer facility. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a server that communicates with a consumer facility and issues a demand response request for the electric utility to suppress the power consumption at the consumer facility.

[0004] Recently, the introduction of storage batteries has been progressing in consumer facilities. Various technologies for controlling the charging and discharging of storage batteries have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses an aggregation system having a server that transmits control commands to control devices of each consumer. In this system, each control device controls the charging and discharging of the corresponding storage battery so that the power input from the grid is equal to or less than the allocation amount specified in the control command, or so that power equal to or more than the allocation amount is output to the grid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-27448 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-33213 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] An apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: A control device for controlling a storage battery, A communication unit that communicates with the storage battery via wire or wirelessly; and a control unit that controls the communication unit to transmit a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in a first mode or a second mode. The first mode is a mode in which the storage battery is discharged in response to load or charged with surplus power. The second mode is a mode in which the storage battery is charged or discharged at a specified power. The communication unit , De Receive a mand-response request. The control unit controls the communication unit to transmit a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in the first mode or the second mode, depending on the content of the demand response request.

[0007] An apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: A control device for controlling a plurality of storage batteries, A communication unit that communicates with the plurality of storage batteries via wired or wireless communication; and a control unit that controls the communication unit to transmit a control signal to the storage battery for operating at least one of the plurality of storage batteries in a first mode or a second mode. The first mode is a mode in which at least any one of the plurality of storage batteries is subjected to load following discharge or surplus power charging. The second mode is a mode in which at least any one of the plurality of storage batteries is charged to a designated power or discharged to a designated power. The communication unit , De Receive a mand-response request. The control unit controls the communication unit to send a control signal to at least any of the multiple storage batteries to operate each of the multiple storage batteries in the first mode or the second mode, depending on the content of the demand response request.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method comprises: 1. A method for controlling a storage battery, comprising: A communication step of communicating with the storage battery by wire or wirelessly; a control step of controlling the storage battery to transmit a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in a first mode or a second mode; D receiving a request for a mand-response; and controlling the storage battery to transmit a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in the first mode or the second mode depending on the content of the demand response request. The first mode is a mode in which the storage battery is discharged in response to load or charged with surplus power. The second mode is a mode in which the storage battery is charged or discharged at a specified power.

[0009] A program according to an embodiment includes: A program for controlling a storage battery, On the computer, A communication step of communicating with the storage battery by wire or wirelessly; a control step of controlling the storage battery to transmit a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in a first mode or a second mode; D receiving a request for a mand-response; a step of controlling the storage battery to transmit a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in the first mode or the second mode according to the content of the demand response request; Execute the command. The first mode is a mode in which the storage battery is discharged in response to load or charged with surplus power. The second mode is a mode in which the storage battery is charged or discharged at a specified power. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control signal transmitted by a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control signal transmitted by a control device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control signal transmitted by a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control signal transmitted by a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control signal transmitted by a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control signal transmitted by a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a process flow of a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a process flow of a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a process flow of a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a process flow of a control device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] In a power control system including a storage battery, a relatively high level of accuracy may be required for power control performed when responding to a demand response request. In addition, there is a concern that charging and discharging the storage battery with a relatively high level of accuracy may affect the life of the storage battery. It would be very beneficial if the accuracy of power control when responding to a demand response request could be improved while reducing deterioration of the storage battery. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a storage battery control device, a storage battery control method, and a storage battery control program that can reduce deterioration of the storage battery while improving the accuracy of power control when responding to a demand response request. According to the storage battery control device, the storage battery control method, and the storage battery control program of an embodiment, it is possible to reduce deterioration of the storage battery while improving the accuracy of power control when responding to a demand response request. Hereinafter, the storage battery control device, the storage battery control method, and the storage battery control program of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from the actual ones. Therefore, the specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following explanation. Furthermore, the drawings may include parts in which the dimensional relationships or ratios differ from one another.

[0013] (system) A system according to an embodiment will now be described.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a system according to an embodiment. In Fig. 1, the system 1 may include a server 10, a power control system 100A, and a power control system 100B.

[0015] The server 10 may be, for example, a power management server managed by an electric power utility such as a power generation business operator, a power transmission and distribution business operator, a retail business operator, or an aggregator. The server 10 may be configured to include one or more information processing devices such as server devices that can communicate with each other. The server 10 according to one embodiment may function as a control device that controls a storage battery (a storage battery control device). The server 10 will be described in more detail below.

[0016] The power control system 100A may be, for example, a power control system in a customer facility A. The power control system 100B may be, for example, a power control system in a customer facility B. The customer facility A and the customer facility B may be, for example, a general home, a store, or a factory. The customer facility A and the customer facility B may be any facility that can be interpreted as a unit of power control. Hereinafter, when there is no particular distinction between a plurality of power control systems such as the power control system 100A and the power control system 100B, they are also simply referred to as the power control system 100. For ease of explanation, the system 1 shown in FIG. 1 shows an example including two power control systems, the power control system 100A and the power control system 100B. However, the system 1 according to one embodiment may include any number of power control systems 100, which may be one or more. That is, the system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may include a power control system 100 in each of any number of customer facilities.

[0017] The power control system 100 may be, for example, a power control system including a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) installed in a customer facility. However, the power control system 100 is not limited to a power control system including a HEMS, and may be a power control system including any information processing device that controls power devices installed in the customer facility.

[0018] In Fig. 1, the solid lines connecting the functional blocks represent paths (hereinafter also referred to as "communication paths") that mainly transmit control signals or communicated information. Also, in Fig. 1, the dashed lines connecting the functional blocks represent paths (hereinafter also referred to as "power paths") that mainly transmit power.

[0019] 1, in the system 1, the server 10, the power control system 100A, and the power control system 100B may each be connected to a network N so as to be able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication. In other words, a wired or wireless communication path may be established between the server 10, the power control system 100A, and the power control system 100B via the network N.

[0020] Furthermore, in the system 1, the power control system 100A and the power control system 100B may be electrically connected to the power system G. Furthermore, in the system 1, the electric power supplier 200 may also be electrically connected to the power system G. That is, a power path may be established between the power control system 100A and the power control system 100B and the electric power supplier 200. As a result, each of the power control system 100A and the power control system 100B receives power from the power system G or discharges power to the power system G.

[0021] 1 illustrates an example in which each of the power control systems 100 is connected to one power system G managed by the same electric power supplier 200. However, each of the power control systems 100 may be connected to any power system. For example, each of the multiple power control systems 100 may be connected to any of multiple power systems managed by multiple different electric power suppliers.

[0022] The power control system 100 in the customer facility A may include a storage battery 20A and an electric power device 30A. The power control system 100 in the customer facility B may include a storage battery 20B, an electric power device 30B, and a controller 40. Hereinafter, when there is no particular distinction between a plurality of storage batteries such as the storage battery 20A and the storage battery 20B, they are also simply referred to as storage batteries 20. When there is no particular distinction between a plurality of electric power devices such as the electric power device 30A and the electric power device 30B, they are also simply referred to as electric power devices 30. In this manner, the power control system 100 may include the storage battery 20 and the electric power device 30. The power control system 100 may also include a controller 40 as appropriate. For ease of explanation, one server 10 and two power control systems 100 are shown in FIG. 1. However, the system 1 according to one embodiment may include any number of servers 10 and power control systems 100.

[0023] The storage battery 20 may be any storage battery capable of charging and discharging power. For example, the storage battery 20 may be a storage battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery. The storage battery 20 can supply power by discharging the charged power. The storage battery 20 can be charged with at least one of power supplied from a power grid G, power supplied from a solar cell, power supplied from a fuel cell, and power supplied from other power sources. In one embodiment, the storage battery 20 may be any power source as long as it has the function of charging and discharging power. The storage battery 20 may be, for example, an electric vehicle (Electric Vehicle: EV) equipped with an on-board charging device.

[0024] The power equipment 30 may be configured to include various devices such as electrical appliances that consume power in the power control system 100. In this case, the power equipment 30 is a power load that consumes power, and may be, for example, a machine or equipment such as an air conditioner or lighting equipment used in a commercial or industrial facility such as a building. The power equipment 30 may also be, for example, various electrical appliances used in a home, such as an air conditioner, a microwave oven, or a television. In FIG. 1, the power equipment 30 is shown as one functional block. However, the power equipment 30 is not limited to one device, and may be any number of various devices.

[0025] The electric power device 30 may be configured to include various types of power generation devices that generate electric power in the electric power control system 100. In this case, the electric power device 30 may include, for example, a solar cell and / or a power generation device such as a fuel cell. The type of the solar cell is not limited as long as it is capable of photoelectric conversion, such as a silicon-based polycrystalline solar cell, a silicon-based single crystal solar cell, or a thin-film solar cell such as CIGS. In one embodiment, the solar cell may be any power source that has a function of generating solar power to supply electric power. The fuel cell may include, for example, a cell that generates direct current electric power by chemically reacting hydrogen with oxygen in the air, and other auxiliary devices. The fuel cell may be configured to include, for example, a cell stack of a fuel cell such as a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), or a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC).

[0026] Furthermore, the electric power device 30 may be, for example, a gas generator that generates electricity using a gas engine that uses a predetermined gas as fuel. Also, the electric power device 30 may be any power source that can supply electric power by generating or discharging electric power.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, the storage battery 20 and the power device 30 are connected by a power path. Therefore, in the power control system 100, the power charged in the storage battery 20 may be discharged to the power device 30 and consumed by the power device 30. Also, in the power control system 100, the power generated by the power device 30 may be charged in the storage battery 20. In this case, the storage battery 20 may supply the discharged power to an inverter in the power control system 100. Also, the storage battery 20 may charge the power supplied from the inverter in the power control system 100.

[0028] The controller 40 may be, for example, a HEMS installed in the customer facility. However, the controller 40 is not limited to a HEMS and may be any information processing device that controls electric power devices installed in the customer facility.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 1, the power control system 100 may or may not include a controller 40 as appropriate. When the storage battery 20 can be controlled by a control signal transmitted from the server 10, the power control system 100 may not include the controller 40, as in the power control system 100A shown in Fig. 1. On the other hand, when the storage battery 20 cannot be controlled by a control signal transmitted from the server 10, the power control system 100 may include the controller 40, as in the power control system 100B shown in Fig. 1.

[0030] In the system 1, the server 10 may manage the power consumption of the consumer by transmitting and receiving messages to and from the power control system 100. The system 1 may be used, for example, for so-called demand response (DR) that manages the power consumption of the consumer based on a request from an electric utility company in order to maintain the power supply and demand balance of the power system G. In this case, the server 10 transmits a message including a control command for the power device 30 to the power control system 100 installed in the consumer facility, for example. Meanwhile, the server 10 receives a message including information such as the power consumption and operation state of the power device 30 from the power control system 100 in order to grasp the power consumption situation of the consumer. The server 10 may perform so-called feedback control in which the control command to be transmitted to the power control system 100 is modified based on the information received from the power control system 100 in order to improve the accuracy of controlling the power consumption of the consumer.

[0031] The power control system 100 may transmit information measured at a predetermined timing, such as every hour on the hour or at 00 seconds of every minute, to the server 10. The server 10 may be required to receive the information measured in the power control system 100 with low latency after the measurement, for example, to improve the accuracy of feedback control.

[0032] (Server configuration) Next, a description will be given of a configuration of the server 10 in the system 1. As described above, the server 10 according to one embodiment may function as a control device for the storage battery 20. That is, the server 10, which is a control device for the storage battery 20, may have a function of controlling the storage battery 20.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the server 10 in the system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the server 10 includes a server control unit 12, a server storage unit 14, and a server communication unit 16. In this manner, the server 10 functioning as a control device for the storage battery 20 may include at least one of the server control unit 12, the server storage unit 14, and the server communication unit 16. The server control unit 12, the server storage unit 14, and the server communication unit 16 may be connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly.

[0034] The server control unit 12 includes one or more processors. The server control unit 12 may be configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program that defines a control procedure, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The server control unit 12 may control each functional unit, such as the server storage unit 14 and the server communication unit 16 described above, to realize various functions of the server 10.

[0035] The server storage unit 14 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the server storage unit 14 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The server storage unit 14 stores any information used in the operation of the server 10. The server storage unit 14 may be a volatile storage device or a non-volatile storage device. For example, the server storage unit 14 may store a system program, an application program, a database, and the like. The information stored in the server storage unit 14 may be updatable with information acquired from the network N via the server communication unit 16, for example.

[0036] The server storage unit 14 may store, for example, information about the power control system 100. The information about the power control system 100 may include information about the type of each device constituting the power control system 100, information about the electric utility, and information about the control target. The information about the type of each device may include, for example, the manufacturer, model, or model number of each device constituting the power control system 100. The information about the electric utility may include, for example, information about an electric utility contracted by a consumer, or an electric utility such as a power generation business operator, a power transmission and distribution business operator, a retail business operator, or an aggregator that supplies power to a consumer facility in which the power control system 100 is installed, such as an electric utility contracted by a consumer, or a power district including a consumer facility. The information about the control target may include, for example, the type, power consumption, or number of power devices 30 controlled by the power control system 100.

[0037] The server communication unit 16 includes a communication module connectable to a network N. The communication module is compatible with a communication standard such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN, but is not limited thereto and may be compatible with any communication standard. In this embodiment, the server 10 is connected to a network N such as the Internet or a dedicated line via the server communication unit 16. This enables the server 10 to communicate with, for example, the storage battery 20 or the controller 40 in the power control system 100. In this manner, the server communication unit 16 may have a function of communicating with the storage battery 20 in a wired or wireless manner.

[0038] The communication between the server 10 and the power control system 100 (and the storage battery 20) may be realized according to any protocol. For example, a protocol conforming to Open ADR is used as the protocol, but is not limited thereto, and a protocol conforming to a standard protocol such as ECHONET Lite (registered trademark), SEP (Smart Energy Profile), or KNX may be used. Furthermore, a unique dedicated protocol may be used as the protocol. The communication performed by the server communication unit 16 may be controlled by, for example, the server control unit 12. In this manner, the server control unit 12 may control the server communication unit 16 to communicate with the storage battery 20 using, for example, a protocol conforming to Open ADR. For example, the server control unit 12 may control the server communication unit 16 to communicate with the storage battery 20 using, for example, a protocol conforming to Open ADR.

[0039] (Server operation) Next, an operation of the server 10 in the system 1 according to an embodiment will be described. The operation of the server 10 may be realized by controlling each function of the server 10 through processing in a server control unit 12. The server 10 communicates with a power control system 100 that is communicatively connected. The server 10 transmits a message request to the power control system 100 to request transmission of a message. The message request transmitted from the server 10 may include any information.

[0040] The server 10 may transmit a message request to the power control system 100 to request transmission of a message during a period in which a predetermined event is implemented. This message request allows the server 10 to cause the power control system 100 to transmit a message during a period in which a predetermined event is implemented. The period in which a predetermined event is implemented may be, for example, a demand response period in which the above-mentioned demand response is implemented. Hereinafter, the predetermined event will be described as a demand response, but is not limited to this. In addition, the demand response may be, for example, an automated demand response (ADR) in which the power control system 100 or the like automatically controls the power equipment 30, or a manual demand response (MDR) in which the power equipment 30 is controlled via human operation.

[0041] The server 10 may specify the destination of the message request for each power control system 100. Alternatively, the server 10 may specify the destination of the message request for each group of power control systems 100 determined based on a predetermined condition.

[0042] For example, the predetermined condition may be a condition as to whether or not the power control system 100 is a target of a demand response request during a demand response period. In such a case, the server 10 determines whether or not the power control system 100 is a target of a demand response request. For example, the server 10 may determine whether or not the power control system 100 is a target of a demand response request by receiving information on the power control system 100 to be controlled from an information processing device of the electric utility 200 requesting a demand response. Hereinafter, the demand response period is also referred to as a "DR period," and the demand response request is also referred to as a "DR request."

[0043] When it is determined that the power control system 100 is a target of a DR request in the DR period, the server 10 may transmit a message request to the power control system 100 to request transmission of a message in the DR period. When it is determined that the power control system 100 is not a target of a DR request in the DR period, the server 10 may transmit a message request to the power control system 100 to request transmission of a message in the DR period.

[0044] The server 10 may determine whether the power control system 100 is a target of the DR request based on information on the power control system 100, including the above-mentioned information on the type of each device, information on the electric utility, and information on the control target. For example, the server 10 may determine that the power control system 100 of a specific manufacturer and a specific model number is a target of the DR request based on information on the type of each device. The server 10 may determine that the power control system 100 in the power district where the demand response is implemented is a target of the DR request based on information on the electric utility. The server 10 may determine that the power control system 100 in which the power device 30 to be controlled includes the storage battery 20 is a target of the DR request based on information on the control target. Alternatively, the server 10 may determine that the power control system 100 of a specific manufacturer is a target of the DR request among the power control systems 100 in the power district where the demand response is implemented, based on information on the type of each device and information on the electric utility.

[0045] Next, the operation of the server 10 to control the storage battery 20 in the power control system 100 will be described.

[0046] The server 10 according to an embodiment can control the storage battery 20 by transmitting a control signal to the storage battery 20 in the power control system 100. For example, the server 10 may transmit a control signal to operate the storage battery 20 in several different operation modes. The server 10 according to an embodiment may transmit a control signal to operate the storage battery 20 in a first mode or a second mode, as described below. At this time, the server control unit 12 of the server 10 may control the server communication unit 16 to transmit a control signal to operate the storage battery 20 in the first mode or the second mode to the storage battery 20 of the power control system 100. The server control unit 12 may generate a control signal to operate the storage battery 20 in the first mode or the second mode, based on information previously stored in the server storage unit 14, for example.

[0047] (Battery operation mode) Next, a first mode and a second mode as operation modes of the storage battery 20 will be described.

[0048] (First mode) The first mode of operation of the storage battery 20 may be a mode in which the power control system 100 to which the storage battery 20 is connected controls the power purchased from the power system G or the power sold to the power system G so as not to fluctuate more than a predetermined value. When the storage battery 20 is connected to the power control system 100 of a certain consumer facility, the power purchased from the power system G or the power sold to the power system G by the power control system 100 including the storage battery 20 may change from moment to moment. The power purchased and / or sold by the power control system 100 may change depending on the power supplied by the power control system 100 and the power consumed by the power control system 100. Here, the power supplied by the power control system 100 may be the power supplied by the power device 30 (e.g., a power generation device) and / or the power discharged by the storage battery 20. Moreover, the power consumed by the power control system 100 may be the power consumed by the power device 30 (e.g., a load device) and / or the power charged by the storage battery 20.

[0049] The power control system 100 may control the power purchased from the power grid G ​​or the power sold to the power grid G ​​by controlling the power supplied and / or consumed by the power devices 30 and the power charged and / or discharged by the storage battery 20. The server 10 according to one embodiment may control the power purchased and / or sold by the power control system 100 so as not to fluctuate more than a predetermined amount by transmitting a control signal to the power control system 100.

[0050] In the power control system 100, the change over time in the power generated by the solar cell, fuel cell, and the like among the power devices 30 can be predicted to some extent by, for example, referring to past history. In the power control system 100, the change over time in the power consumed by the load devices among the power devices 30 can also be predicted to some extent by, for example, referring to past history. Therefore, the power control system 100 may control the power purchased and / or sold by the power control system 100 not to fluctuate more than a predetermined amount by controlling the power charged and discharged to the storage battery 20 connected to the power control system 100. In this case, the server 10 according to one embodiment may transmit a control signal to the power control system 100 to control the charging and discharging of the storage battery 20 as described above.

[0051] As described above, in the first mode, the storage battery 20 may be controlled so that the power purchased and / or sold by the power control system 100 does not fluctuate more than a predetermined amount. Here, the control of the power purchased and / or sold by the power control system 100 "does not fluctuate more than a predetermined amount" may be, for example, control such that the width of the temporal change in the power is within a predetermined range. Here, the control of the width of the temporal change in the power is within a predetermined range may be, for example, control such that the power is constant. Hereinafter, the first mode is also referred to as a "constant power purchase and sale mode." However, in the first mode, the power purchased and sold does not necessarily have to be strictly constant.

[0052] In this way, the first mode of operation of the storage battery 20 may be a mode in which the width of temporal change in power bought and sold by the power control system 100 connected to the storage battery 20 is controlled within a predetermined range. In this case, the first mode may be a mode in which charging and discharging of the storage battery 20 is controlled so that the width of temporal change in power bought and sold by the power control system 100 connected to the storage battery 20 is controlled within a predetermined range. The first mode may also be a mode in which the power bought and sold by the power control system 100 connected to the storage battery 20 is controlled to be constant.

[0053] In the operation of the first mode, i.e., the constant power buying and selling mode, control may be performed to keep the power demand constant (to a certain extent). However, in order to perform control to keep the power demand constant, relatively frequent control may be required. The cost of equipment corresponding to such control may be relatively high. In addition, the communication cost of such control may also be relatively high. Furthermore, for example, if a control delay occurs, the accuracy of the control may decrease. In addition, in the operation of the first mode, i.e., the constant power buying and selling mode, relatively frequent control may be required for the storage battery 20. If charge and discharge control is performed frequently for the storage battery 20, the load on the storage battery 20 increases, which may cause the storage battery 20 to deteriorate earlier.

[0054] (Second mode) The second mode of operation of the storage battery 20 may be a mode in which the power discharged from the storage battery 20 and / or the power charged to the storage battery 20 is controlled so as not to fluctuate more than a predetermined value. The server 10 according to an embodiment may control the power charged and / or discharged by the storage battery 20 so as not to fluctuate more than a predetermined value by transmitting a control signal to the power control system 100 or the storage battery 20 connected to the power control system 100. In this case, the server 10 according to an embodiment may control the power charged and / or discharged by the storage battery 20 so as not to fluctuate more than a predetermined value by controlling the charging and discharging of the storage battery 20.

[0055] Here, the control of the power charged and / or discharged by the storage battery 20 "does not fluctuate more than a predetermined amount" may be, for example, control in which the width of temporal change in the power is within a predetermined range. Also, control in which the width of temporal change in the power is within a predetermined range may be, for example, control in which the power is constant. Hereinafter, the second mode is also referred to as "constant charge / discharge power mode." However, in the second mode, the power charged and discharged does not necessarily have to be strictly constant.

[0056] In this manner, the second mode of operation of the storage battery 20 may be a mode in which the width of temporal change in the power charged and discharged by the storage battery 20 is controlled within a predetermined range. In this case, the second mode may be a mode in which the power charged and discharged by the storage battery 20 is controlled to be constant.

[0057] In the second mode, i.e., the constant charge / discharge power mode, control can be performed to keep the charge / discharge power of the storage battery 20 constant (to a certain extent). When the storage battery 20 operates in the second mode, control is not required to be performed relatively frequently compared to when the storage battery 20 operates in the first mode. Therefore, when the storage battery 20 operates in the second mode, the load on the storage battery 20 is lower compared to when the storage battery 20 operates in the first mode, and deterioration of the storage battery 20 can be suppressed.

[0058] (Switching the battery operation mode) As described above, the server 10 according to one embodiment transmits a control signal to the power control system 100 or the storage battery 20 to operate the storage battery 20 in the first mode or the second mode. Therefore, the server 10 can start the operation of the storage battery 20 in the first mode or the second mode according to the control signal transmitted to the power control system 100 (or the storage battery 20). Furthermore, the server 10 can switch the operation mode of the storage battery 20 according to the control signal transmitted to the power control system 100 (or the storage battery 20). For example, the server 10 can switch the operation of the storage battery 20 to the second mode by transmitting a control signal to the storage battery 20 operating in the first mode to operate in the second mode. On the other hand, the server 10 can switch the operation of the storage battery 20 to the first mode by transmitting a control signal to the storage battery 20 operating in the second mode to operate in the first mode.

[0059] In the case where the storage battery 20 is controllable by a control signal transmitted from the server 10, the storage battery 20 may itself switch the operation mode as described above. In addition, in the case where the storage battery 20 is not controllable by a control signal transmitted from the server 10, the controller 40 may receive the control signal and control the storage battery 20 to switch the operation mode.

[0060] Hereinafter, as an example, a control signal for operating the storage battery 20 in the first mode or the second mode in communication using a protocol compliant with Open ADR will be described. For example, when the server 10 transmits "oadrDistributeEvent" to the power control system 100, the server 10 may change predetermined contents in "eiEventSignals" shown in Figs. 3 to 8.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example in which the operation mode of the storage battery 20 is switched to the first mode by changing the contents of "signalName" in "eiEventSignals". As shown in FIG. 3, when the operation mode of the storage battery 20 is set to the first mode, for example, the contents of "signalName" may be specified as "LOAD_CONTROL" as in Ca1 shown in FIG. 3. This allows the operation mode of the storage battery 20 to be set to the first mode, that is, the constant power buying and selling mode. In this case, for example, as in Va1 shown in FIG. 3, the power bought and sold that is controlled to be constant may be specified by specifying the contents of "value" in "payloadFloat". Va1 shown in FIG. 3 shows an example in which the power bought and sold that is controlled to be constant is specified as 19876 kW. The power bought and sold specified in FIG. 3 may be in units of about kW when, for example, an industrial storage battery such as a factory is assumed. Also, the power bought and sold specified in FIG. 3 may be in units of about W when, for example, a home storage battery is assumed. The same applies to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 below.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which the operation mode of the storage battery 20 is switched to the second mode by changing the content of "signalName" in "eiEventSignals". As shown in FIG. 4, when the operation mode of the storage battery 20 is set to the second mode, the content of "signalName" may be specified as "LOAD_DISPATCH" as in Ca2 shown in FIG. 4. This allows the operation mode of the storage battery 20 to be set to the second mode, i.e., the constant charge / discharge power mode. In this case, the charge / discharge power controlled to a constant value may be specified by specifying the content of "value" in "payloadFloat" as in Va2 shown in FIG. 4. Va2 shown in FIG. 4 shows an example in which the charge / discharge power controlled to a constant value is specified as 200 kW. The charge / discharge power specified in FIG. 4 may be in units of about kW when, for example, an industrial storage battery such as a factory is assumed. Also, the charge / discharge power specified in FIG. 4 may be in units of about W when, for example, a home storage battery is assumed. The same applies to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 below.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which the operation mode of the storage battery 20 is switched to the first mode by changing the content of "signalType" in "eiEventSignals". As shown in FIG. 5, when the operation mode of the storage battery 20 is set to the first mode, for example, the content of "signalType" may be specified as "x-LoadControlSetpoint" as in Cb1 shown in FIG. 5. This allows the operation mode of the storage battery 20 to be set to the first mode, that is, the constant power buying and selling mode. In this case, for example, as in Vb1 shown in FIG. 5, the power bought and sold that is controlled to be constant may be specified by specifying the content of "value" in "payloadFloat". Vb1 shown in FIG. 5 shows an example in which the power bought and sold that is controlled to be constant is specified as 19876 kW.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which the operation mode of the storage battery 20 is switched to the second mode by changing the content of "signalType" in "eiEventSignals". As shown in FIG. 6, when the operation mode of the storage battery 20 is set to the second mode, the content of "signalType" may be specified as "setpoint" as in Cb2 shown in FIG. 6. This allows the operation mode of the storage battery 20 to be set to the second mode, that is, the constant charge / discharge power mode. In this case, the charge / discharge power controlled to a constant value may be specified by specifying the content of "value" in "payloadFloat" as in Vb2 shown in FIG. 6. Vb2 shown in FIG. 6 shows an example in which the charge / discharge power controlled to a constant value is specified as 200 kW.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which the operation mode of the storage battery 20 is switched to the first mode by changing the content of "signalID" in "eiEventSignals". When the operation mode of the storage battery 20 is set to the first mode, the content of "signalID" in "eiEventSignals" may be arbitrarily specified, for example, as abcdef. For example, when the operation mode of the storage battery 20 is set to the first mode, the content of "signalID" may be arbitrarily specified, for example, as in Cc1 shown in FIG. 7, as in buysell. This allows the operation mode of the storage battery 20 to be set to the first mode, that is, the constant power buying and selling mode. In this case, for example, the content of "value" in "payloadFloat" may be specified to specify the power bought and sold that is controlled to be constant, as in Vc1 shown in FIG. 7. Vc1 shown in FIG. 7 shows an example in which the power bought and sold that is controlled to be constant is specified to be 19876 kW.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which the operation mode of the storage battery 20 is switched to the second mode by changing the content of "signalID" in "eiEventSignals". When the operation mode of the storage battery 20 is set to the second mode, the content of "signalID" in "eiEventSignals" may be arbitrarily specified, such as vwxyz, so as to be different from that in the first mode. For example, when the operation mode of the storage battery 20 is set to the second mode, the content of "signalID" may be arbitrarily specified, such as chargedischarge, as in Cc2 shown in FIG. 8. This allows the operation mode of the storage battery 20 to be set to the second mode, that is, the constant charge / discharge power mode. In this case, the charge / discharge power controlled to a constant value may be specified by specifying the content of "value" in "payloadFloat", as in Vc2 shown in FIG. 8. Vc2 shown in FIG. 8 shows an example in which the charge / discharge power controlled to a constant value is specified to be 200 kW.

[0067] (Example of battery control) Next, some representative examples of controlling the storage battery 20 in the system 1 will be described.

[0068] 9 to 12 are flow charts illustrating an example of an operation of the server 10 in the system 1 to transmit a control signal for controlling the storage battery 20 of the power control system 100. In FIGS. 9 to 12, the operation of the server 10 may be an operation based on processing by the server control unit 12 of the server 10. Furthermore, the operation of the server 10 to "transmit" or "receive" may be an operation of "transmit" or "receive" performed by the server communication unit 16 of the server 10. Furthermore, the operation of the server 10 to store or read predetermined information may be an operation of the server control unit 12 to store the information in the server storage unit 14 or to read the information from the server storage unit 14.

[0069] (Control example 1) 9 is a flowchart showing an example of switching between the first mode and the second mode of the storage battery 20 depending on whether or not it is a DR period. At the time when the operation shown in FIG. 9 starts, the server 10 may not have received a DR request, for example.

[0070] 9 starts, the server 10 determines whether or not a DR request has been received from the information processing device of the electric power utility 200 (step S11). If a DR request has not been received in step S11, the server 10 may wait for the reception of a DR request.

[0071] When the DR request is received in step S11, the server 10 instructs the storage battery 20 to operate in the first mode (step S12). In step S12, the server 10 transmits a control signal for operating the storage battery 20 in the first mode to the storage battery 20 or the power control system 100 to which the storage battery 20 is connected. Also, in step S12, the server 10 may transmit to the storage battery 20 the first mode, i.e., a power value at which the power to be sold and purchased is controlled to be constant. When the control signal is transmitted from the server 10 in step S12, the storage battery 20 that receives the control signal may operate in the first mode (at a specified power value). In this case, the storage battery 20 may start a DR period at a timing specified in the DR request and operate in the first mode during the DR period.

[0072] When the operation in the first mode is instructed in step S12, the server 10 determines whether the DR period has ended (step S13). If the DR period has not ended in step S13, the server 10 may wait for the DR period to end. In this case, the storage battery 20 may continue to operate in the first mode.

[0073] When it is determined in step S13 that the DR period has ended, the server 10 instructs operation in the second mode (step S14). In step S14, the server 10 transmits a control signal for operating the storage battery 20 in the second mode to the storage battery 20 or the power control system 100 to which the storage battery 20 is connected. Also, in step S14, the server 10 may transmit to the storage battery 20 the second mode, i.e., a power value at which the charging and discharging power is controlled to be constant. When the control signal is transmitted from the server 10 in step S14, the storage battery 20 that receives the control signal may operate in the second mode (at a specified power value). In this case, the storage battery 20 may start operation in the second mode at the timing when the DR period ends, and continue the operation until the next DR request is received.

[0074] In this manner, the server communication unit 16 of the server 10 may receive a demand response request transmitted from an information processing device of the electric utility company 200. In this case, the server control unit 12 may control the server communication unit 16 to transmit, to the storage battery 20, a control signal for operating the storage battery 20 in the first mode or the second mode, based on the demand response request. The server control unit 12 may also control the server communication unit 16 to transmit, to the storage battery 20, a control signal for operating the storage battery 20 in the first mode, during a period based on the demand response request. Furthermore, the server control unit 12 may control the server communication unit 16 to transmit, to the storage battery 20, a control signal for operating the storage battery 20 in the second mode, during a period other than the period based on the demand response request.

[0075] According to a control device (server 10) for the storage battery 20 in one embodiment, the storage battery 20 operates in a first mode with constant bought and sold power during a DR period, and operates in a second mode with constant charged and discharged power outside the DR period. Therefore, by using the constant bought and sold power mode of the storage battery 20 during the DR period, the accuracy of power control can be improved. Furthermore, by using the constant charged and discharged power mode of the storage battery 20 during periods other than the DR period, deterioration of the storage battery 20 can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the control device for the storage battery 20 in one embodiment, it is possible to reduce deterioration of the storage battery while improving the accuracy of power control when responding to a demand response request, etc.

[0076] Moreover, according to the control device for the storage battery 20 of the embodiment, the storage battery 20 is prevented from always operating in a constant mode of power buying and selling. Therefore, according to the control device for the storage battery 20 of the embodiment, the cost of the server 10 that issues control instructions for the storage battery 20 can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the control device for the storage battery 20 of the embodiment, the communication cost of the server 10 that issues control instructions for the storage battery 20 can also be reduced. Furthermore, the control of the storage battery 20 of the embodiment can be applied directly to the standard protocol of Open ADR. Therefore, not only is it easy to implement, but the implementation cost can also be reduced.

[0077] (Control example 2) 10 is a flowchart showing an example of switching between the first mode and the second mode of the storage battery 20 depending on whether the DR request is a request to suppress the demand for power, i.e., a so-called down DR. At the time when the operation shown in FIG. 10 starts, the server 10 may not have received a DR request, for example.

[0078] 10 starts, the server 10 determines whether or not a DR request has been received from the information processing device of the electric utility 200 (step S21). If a DR request has not been received in step S21, the server 10 may wait for the reception of a DR request.

[0079] When the DR request is received in step S21, the server 10 determines whether the received DR request is a so-called downward DR, which requests suppression of power demand (step S22). When it is determined in step S22 that the DR request is a downward DR, the server 10 instructs operation in the first mode (step S23). In step S23, the server 10 transmits a control signal for operating the storage battery 20 in the first mode to the storage battery 20 or the power control system 100 to which the storage battery 20 is connected. Also, in step S23, the server 10 may transmit to the storage battery 20 the first mode, i.e., a power value at which the power to be sold and purchased is controlled to be constant. When the control signal is transmitted from the server 10 in step S23, the storage battery 20 that receives the control signal may operate in the first mode (at a specified power value). In this case, the storage battery 20 may start a DR period at a timing specified in the DR request and operate in the first mode during the DR period.

[0080] If it is determined in step S22 that the DR is not a downward DR (for example, a so-called upward DR requesting an increase in power), the server 10 may transmit the second mode, i.e., a power value at which the charging and discharging power is controlled to be constant, to the storage battery 20 (step S24).

[0081] When the operation in the first mode is instructed in step S23, the server 10 determines whether the DR period has ended (step S25). The server 10 may perform the operation in step S25 even after step S24. If the DR period has not ended in step S25, the server 10 may wait for the end of the DR period. In this case, the storage battery 20 may continue the operation in the first mode.

[0082] When it is determined in step S25 that the DR period has ended, the server 10 instructs operation in the second mode (step S26). In step S26, the server 10 transmits a control signal for operating the storage battery 20 in the second mode to the storage battery 20 or the power control system 100 to which the storage battery 20 is connected. The server 10 may also transmit to the storage battery 20 in step S26 (instead of step S24) the second mode, i.e., a power value at which the charging and discharging power is controlled to be constant. When the control signal is transmitted from the server 10 in step S26, the storage battery 20 that receives the control signal may operate in the second mode (at a specified power value). In this case, the storage battery 20 may start operation in the second mode at the timing when the DR period ends, and continue the operation until the next DR request is received.

[0083] In this way, the server control unit 12 may control the server communication unit 16 to transmit a control signal to the storage battery 20 to operate the storage battery 20 in the first mode, based on a demand response request to reduce the demand for electricity. Also, the server control unit 12 may control the server communication unit 16 to transmit a control signal to the storage battery 20 to operate the storage battery 20 in the second mode, based on a demand response request to increase the demand for electricity.

[0084] According to the control device (server 10) of the storage battery 20 of one embodiment, the operation of the storage battery 20 is switched between the first mode and the second mode depending on whether the DR request is a downward DR or not. Therefore, according to the control device (server 10) of the storage battery 20 of one embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the above-mentioned control example 1.

[0085] (Control example 3) FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of switching between the first mode and the second mode of the storage battery 20 for each power control system 100 in a customer facility depending on whether the fluctuation in power demand in the power control system 100 is relatively large.

[0086] In the operation shown in FIG. 11, the operation of step S31 is performed instead of the operation of step S22 shown in FIG.

[0087] That is, in the operation shown in Fig. 10, when a DR request is received in step S21, it is determined in step S22 whether the DR request is a lowering DR. If the DR request is a lowering DR in step S22, the storage battery 20 is instructed to operate in the first mode in step S23. Also, in the operation shown in Fig. 10, if the DR request is not a lowering DR in step S22, information on the operation in the second mode is transmitted to the storage battery 20 in step S24.

[0088] 11, when a DR request is received in step S21, it is determined whether the fluctuation in power demand of the consumer facility having the power control system 100 that received the DR request is greater than a predetermined value (step S31). In step S31, the predetermined value for determining the magnitude of the fluctuation in power demand may be different for each consumer facility, or may be the same for at least some of the consumer facilities.

[0089] 11, if the fluctuation in power demand is greater than a predetermined value in step S31, the storage battery 20 is instructed to operate in the first mode in step S23. Also, if the fluctuation in power demand is not greater than a predetermined value in step S31, information regarding the operation in the second mode may be transmitted to the storage battery 20 in step S24.

[0090] In this way, the server control unit 12 may control the server communication unit 16 to transmit, to the storage battery 20, a control signal for operating the storage battery 20 in the first mode when the range of temporal changes in the demand for power in the power control system 100 exceeds a predetermined range. Also, the server control unit 12 may control the server communication unit 16 to transmit, to the storage battery 20, a control signal for operating the storage battery 20 in the second mode when the range of temporal changes in the demand for power in the power control system 100 does not exceed a predetermined range.

[0091] According to the control device (server 10) for the storage battery 20 of one embodiment, the operation of the storage battery 20 is switched between the first mode and the second mode depending on whether the change in the power demand of the consumer is relatively large or not. Therefore, according to the control device (server 10) for the storage battery 20 of one embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the above-mentioned control example 1.

[0092] (Control example 4) FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of switching between the first mode and the second mode of the storage battery 20 for each power control system 100 in a consumer facility depending on whether the degree of deterioration of the storage battery 20 in the power control system 100 is relatively small.

[0093] In the operation shown in FIG. 12, the operation of step S41 is performed instead of the operation of step S22 shown in FIG.

[0094] That is, in the operation shown in FIG. 12, when a DR request is received in step S21, it is determined whether or not the deterioration level of the storage battery 20 in the power control system 100 that received the DR request is smaller than a predetermined value (step S41). In step S41, the "deterioration level is smaller than a predetermined value" or the "deterioration level is equal to or lower than a predetermined value" of the storage battery 20 may mean a state in which the deterioration level of the storage battery 20 is relatively small, for example, a state in which the storage battery 20 is not very (slightly) deteriorated. On the other hand, the "deterioration level is greater than a predetermined value" or the "deterioration level is equal to or higher than a predetermined value" of the storage battery 20 may mean a state in which the deterioration level of the storage battery 20 is relatively large, for example, a state in which the storage battery 20 is considerably (to a certain degree) deteriorated. In step S41, the predetermined value for determining whether the deterioration level of the storage battery 20 is small may be a different value for each customer facility having the storage battery 20, or may be the same value for at least some of the customer facilities having the storage battery 20. In step S41, the value for determining the degree of deterioration of the storage battery 20 may be, for example, a value indicating the state of health (SOH) of the storage battery 20, or may be another index.

[0095] 12, if the deterioration level of the storage battery 20 is equal to or lower than a predetermined level in step S41, the storage battery 20 is instructed to operate in the first mode in step S23. Also, in the operation shown in Fig. 12, if the deterioration level of the storage battery 20 is not equal to or lower than a predetermined level in step S41 (for example, if the deterioration level of the storage battery 20 is equal to or higher than a predetermined level), information regarding the operation in the second mode may be transmitted to the storage battery 20 in step S24.

[0096] In this way, the server control unit 12 may control the server communication unit 16 to transmit, to the storage battery 20, a control signal for operating the storage battery 20 in the first mode when the index representing the degradation state of the storage battery 20 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, i.e., when the degradation level of the storage battery 20 is equal to or lower than a predetermined level. Also, the server control unit 12 may control the server communication unit 16 to transmit, to the storage battery 20, a control signal for operating the storage battery 20 in the second mode when the index representing the degradation state of the storage battery 20 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, i.e., when the degradation level of the storage battery 20 is equal to or higher than a predetermined level.

[0097] According to the control device (server 10) for the storage battery 20 of one embodiment, the operation of the storage battery 20 is switched between a first mode and a second mode depending on whether the deterioration level of the storage battery 20 is relatively small. Therefore, according to the control device (server 10) for the storage battery 20 of one embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the above-mentioned control example 1.

[0098] Although the above-mentioned embodiment has been described as a representative example, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that many modifications and substitutions can be made within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications or changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, the functions included in each means or each step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple means or steps can be combined or divided into one.

[0099] For example, in the above embodiment, the server 10 may control any number of storage batteries 20, which may be one or more. That is, the control device for the storage battery 20 according to one embodiment may control a plurality of storage batteries 20. In this case, the communication unit of the control device may communicate with the plurality of storage batteries 20 by wire or wirelessly. Also, the control unit of the control device may control the communication unit to transmit a control signal for operating at least one of the plurality of storage batteries 20 in the first mode or the second mode. In this case, the first mode may be a mode in which the width of the temporal change in the power sold and bought by the power control system 100 connected to at least one of the plurality of storage batteries 20 is controlled to be within a predetermined range. Also, the second mode may be a mode in which the width of the temporal change in the power charged and discharged by at least one of the plurality of storage batteries 20 is controlled to be within a predetermined range.

[0100] Also, for example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the power control system 100 has been described as being a HEMS, but this is not limited thereto. The power control system 100 may be any control device that controls the power equipment 30 installed in a customer facility. For example, the power control system 100 may be a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) that controls the power equipment 30 installed in a building or the like. Alternatively, the power control system 100 may be a Battery Management System (BMS) that controls a power storage device as the power equipment 30. Furthermore, the power control system 100 may be a control device incorporated in the power equipment 30 such as a load and a distributed power source.

[0101] Also, for example, in the above embodiment, the period during which a predetermined event is implemented has been described as a demand response period during which a demand response is implemented, but this is not limited thereto. The period during which a predetermined event is implemented may be a period during which any event is implemented that involves transmission of a message from the power control system 100 to the server 10. In such a case, in the above description, demand response may be read as any event.

[0102] Also, for example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the power control system 100 has been described as being configured with an information processing device installed in a consumer facility, but this is not limited thereto. The power control system 100 may be configured such that all or part of the processing and functions are provided via a network N by an information processing device group configured with a plurality of information processing devices, such as a cloud server or a block chain. Similarly, the server 10 may be configured such that all or part of the processing and functions are provided via a network N by an information processing device group. In such a case, the power control system 100 and the server 10 may be considered to include an information processing device group such as a cloud server or a block chain.

[0103] The above-described embodiment is not limited to being implemented only as the system 1. For example, the above-described embodiment may be implemented as a control method of a control device (server 10) included in the system 1. Furthermore, for example, the above-described embodiment may be implemented as a program executed by the control device (server 10) included in the system 1.

[0104] The "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" are 17 international goals adopted at the United Nations Summit in September 2015. The control device for the storage battery 20 according to one embodiment can contribute to the achievement of the 17 SDGs, such as "7. Affordable and clean energy for all," "9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote industry, innovation and infrastructure," and "11. Make cities and towns sustainable." [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1 System 10 Server 12 Server control unit 14 Server memory section 16 Server Communication Section 20. Storage Battery 30 Power equipment 40 Controller 100 Power Control System 200 Electricity Providers

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a storage battery, A communication unit that communicates with the storage battery via wire or wirelessly; a control unit that controls the communication unit to transmit a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in a first mode or a second mode; Equipped with The first mode is a mode in which the storage battery is discharged in a load-following manner or charged with surplus power, The second mode is a mode in which the storage battery is charged or discharged at a specified power, The communication unit receives a request for a demand response, A control device, wherein the control unit controls the communication unit to transmit a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in the first mode or the second mode depending on the content of the demand response request.

2. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the first mode is a mode in which charging and discharging of the storage battery is controlled so that the range of temporal changes in power sold and purchased by a power control system connected to the storage battery is controlled within a predetermined range.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first mode is a mode in which the power sold and purchased by a power control system connected to the storage battery is controlled to be constant.

4. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the second mode is a mode in which the power charged and discharged by the storage battery is controlled to be constant.

5. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the communication unit to transmit a control signal to the storage battery for operating the storage battery in the first mode during a period based on the request for the demand response, and controls the communication unit to transmit a control signal to the storage battery for operating the storage battery in the second mode during a period other than the period based on the request for the demand response.

6. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the communication unit to send a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in the first mode based on the demand response request that is a request to suppress demand for electricity, and controls the communication unit to send a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in the second mode based on the demand response request that is a request to increase demand for electricity.

7. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the communication unit to send to the storage battery a control signal for operating the storage battery in the first mode when a range of temporal changes in power demand in a power control system connected to the storage battery exceeds a predetermined range during a period in which the demand response is implemented, and controls the communication unit to send to the storage battery a control signal for operating the storage battery in the second mode when a range of temporal changes in power demand in a power control system connected to the storage battery does not exceed a predetermined range.

8. 5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the communication unit to send a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in the first mode when an index representing a degradation state of the storage battery is equal to or lower than a predetermined value during the period in which the demand response is implemented, and controls the communication unit to send a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in the second mode when the index representing a degradation state of the storage battery is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

9. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the communication unit so that the communication unit communicates with the storage battery using a protocol conforming to Open ADR.

10. A control device for controlling a plurality of storage batteries, A communication unit that communicates with the plurality of storage batteries via wired or wireless communication; a control unit that controls the communication unit to transmit a control signal to the storage battery to operate at least one of the plurality of storage batteries in a first mode or a second mode; Equipped with The first mode is a mode in which at least any one of the plurality of storage batteries is discharged in a load-following manner or is charged with surplus power, the second mode is a mode in which at least any one of the plurality of storage batteries is charged to or discharged to a designated power, The communication unit receives a request for a demand response, The control unit controls the communication unit to transmit a control signal to at least any of the plurality of storage batteries to operate the at least any of the plurality of storage batteries in the first mode or the second mode depending on the content of the demand response request.

11. 1. A method for controlling a storage battery, comprising: A communication step of communicating with the storage battery by wire or wirelessly; a control step of controlling the storage battery to transmit a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in a first mode or a second mode; Including, The first mode is a mode in which the storage battery is discharged in a load-following manner or charged with surplus power, The second mode is a mode in which the storage battery is charged or discharged at a specified power, receiving a request for a demand response; a step of controlling the storage battery to transmit a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in the first mode or the second mode according to the content of the demand response request; A method comprising:

12. A program for controlling a storage battery, On the computer, A communication step of communicating with the storage battery by wire or wirelessly; a control step of controlling the storage battery to transmit a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in a first mode or a second mode; Run the command, The first mode is a mode in which the storage battery is discharged in a load-following manner or charged with surplus power, The second mode is a mode in which the storage battery is charged or discharged at a specified power, receiving a request for a demand response; a step of controlling the storage battery to transmit a control signal to the storage battery to operate the storage battery in the first mode or the second mode according to the content of the demand response request; A program to execute.

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