Computer and power regulation method

Abstract

To select a resource operated as adjustment force of an external power source so as to reduce the number of resource replacement, in selection of the resource.SOLUTION: A computer manages a plurality of resources operable as adjustment force of an external power source. Each of the plurality of resources includes a power storage device capable of charging power from the external power source. The computer executes resource selection of selecting a resource operated as the adjustment force among the plurality of resources in response to a charge request for adjustment force. The computer determines chargeable time of each of the plurality of resources, prior to the resource selection. The computer preferentially selects a resource having short chargeable time in resource selection for a first charge request, and preferentially selects a resource having long chargeable time in resource selection for a second charge request. An adjustment period required in the second charge request is longer than an adjustment period required in the first charge request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a computer and a power regulation method. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent No. 5562423 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for setting, for each battery of a plurality of electric vehicles, charge / discharge commands required for suppressing both fluctuations in power supply and demand among all power consumers and imbalances in power supply and demand among each power consumer to level out power supply and demand, and controlling the charge / discharge of the corresponding battery based on each set charge / discharge command. In order to equalize the charge / discharge load of each battery, the charge / discharge command is set so as to allocate a larger charge / discharge amount to a battery with a larger available capacity than to a battery with a smaller available capacity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5562423 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, an electric vehicle including a battery can operate as a regulating power for an external power source (for example, a regulating power for leveling power supply and demand). In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, an electric vehicle including a battery corresponds to a resource that can operate as a regulating power for an external power source.

[0005] However, when the adjustment period required in the charging request is long, it may not be possible to meet the request with only one resource. For such a charging request, it is possible to first perform charging with a first resource, and before the chargeable time of the first resource (the limit time for which charging can be continued) is exceeded, charging with a second resource is started, and charging with the first resource is terminated in accordance with the timing when charging with the second resource is started. Charging is continued by the second resource performing charging instead of the first resource. In this way, by continuing charging while changing the resource performing charging in response to the charging request (hereinafter also referred to as the "charging resource"), it is possible to perform charging for the adjustment power of the external power source for a long period of time. However, in such a power adjustment method, if the number of times the charging resource is changed (i.e., the number of times the resource is changed in the power adjustment) increases, the parts that control the charging resource (for example, a charging relay) are likely to deteriorate. In addition, a charging interruption (i.e., a period in which charging is not performed by any resource) may occur during resource change (i.e., between the end of charging by the previous resource and the start of charging by the subsequent resource). For this reason, it is desirable to select resources in response to a charging request so as to reduce the number of resource switching times. This problem is not unique to charging for the regulation of an external power source (i.e., charging in response to a charging request), and similar problems may occur in discharging for the regulation of an external power source (i.e., discharging in response to a discharging request).

[0006] However, while the above Patent Document 1 considers the allocation of charge and discharge amounts for each resource, it does not sufficiently consider the selection of resources in response to charge or discharge requests for the adjustment capability of an external power source.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to select resources to operate as the adjusting power of an external power source so as to reduce the number of resource replacements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A computer according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is configured to manage a plurality of resources operable as an adjustment capacity of an external power supply. Each of the plurality of resources includes a power storage device capable of charging power from the external power supply. The computer is configured to execute resource selection for selecting a resource to be operated as an adjustment capacity from among the plurality of resources in response to a charging request for adjustment capacity. The computer is configured to obtain a chargeable time for each of the plurality of resources prior to resource selection. The computer is configured to preferentially select a resource having a short chargeable time in resource selection for a first charging request, and to preferentially select a resource having a long chargeable time in resource selection for a second charging request. The adjustment period requested in the second charging request is longer than the adjustment period requested in the first charging request.

[0009] Although the details will be described later, according to the above configuration, in selecting a resource to operate as the adjusting power of the external power source, it is possible to select a resource so as to reduce the number of resource replacements (for example, see Figs. 11 and 12). Hereinafter, the above computer is also referred to as a "management computer".

[0010] The adjustment period is the period during which the provision of adjustment capacity is required, and is generally referred to as the "provision period." The length of the adjustment period is generally referred to as the "duration." Adjustment capacity refers to the overall ability to adjust the power of external power sources (frequency control, supply and demand balance adjustment, etc.), and includes reserve capacity.

[0011] The external power source may be a power grid (for example, a microgrid or a large-scale power grid established as infrastructure). The external power source may supply AC power or DC power.

[0012] The management computer may be configured to trade adjustment power in an electricity market and generate a charging request when the management computer wins a bid for adjustment power for an increase in demand in the electricity market. Adjustment power may be traded in units of frames in the electricity market. The management computer may be configured to regard a charging request for adjustment power equal to or less than a predetermined number of frames as a first charging request and to regard a charging request for adjustment power exceeding the predetermined number of frames as a second charging request.

[0013] According to the above configuration, when selecting a resource to be operated as adjustment reserve for which a bid has been made in the electricity market, it is possible to select a resource that reduces the number of times resource replacement is required.

[0014] The length of the frame may be 30 minutes. The predetermined number of frames may be 1 frame. In the electricity market, trading may be conducted for 48 frames, each dividing a day into 30-minute units. The length of the frames (unit time) traded in the electricity market varies depending on the country or region. For example, in a form in which the frame length is 5 minutes, the predetermined number of frames may be selected from the range of 4 frames to 10 frames.

[0015] The management computer may be configured to generate a charging request when an imbalance of demand occurs with respect to the simultaneous amount of the external power source. The management computer may be configured to consider a charging request for eliminating the imbalance as a first charging request.

[0016] In adjusting the imbalance of simultaneous power supply, there is a tendency to require early adjustment of small power fluctuations. For this reason, in the above configuration, the charging request for eliminating the imbalance is regarded as the first charging request. This makes it easier to reduce the number of resource replacements.

[0017] An imbalance in the simultaneous supply and demand amount corresponds to, for example, the difference between the planned supply and demand value and the actual supply and demand value. When a demand forecast is wrong and the actual value of demand (power consumption) is greater than the planned value, an imbalance in the simultaneous supply and demand amount occurs. Also, when a power generation forecast (for example, a forecast of power generated by solar power generation or wind power generation) is wrong and the actual value of supply (power generation) is greater than the planned value, an imbalance in the simultaneous supply and demand amount occurs.

[0018] The management computer may be configured to classify each of the multiple resources into a category corresponding to the chargeable time of the resource among multiple categories in which different chargeable time ranges are set. The management computer may be configured to consider resources belonging to the same category to have the same chargeable time.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the selection of resources becomes easy. The management computer may estimate a chargeable time by using information on the resource (for example, information indicating the type of the resource), and classify the resource into any of the above-mentioned multiple categories based on the estimated chargeable time. The number of categories is arbitrary, and may be 2 or more and less than 10, 3 or more and 5 or less, or 10 or more.

[0020] The management computer may be configured to calculate a chargeable time for each of the multiple resources using a state of charge (SOC) of the power storage device and a rated charging power of the power storage device for each of the multiple resources.

[0021] The lower the SOC at the start of charging, the longer the chargeable time tends to be. SOC is information indicating the ratio of the remaining amount of stored power to the full charge capacity of the power storage device. Also, the higher the rated charging power, the shorter the chargeable time tends to be. Therefore, with the above configuration, it becomes easier to accurately determine the chargeable time of each resource. The management computer may be configured to calculate the chargeable time of each of the multiple resources by further using information on the full charge capacity of the resource (amount of stored power when fully charged) and charging restrictions.

[0022] The plurality of resources may include a vehicle that can be electrically connected to an external power source via a charging facility. By utilizing an on-board battery, it becomes easier to ensure sufficient adjustment capability for charging requests.

[0023] The management computer may be configured to remotely control resources selected by the resource selection to operate as coordinating forces.

[0024] The management computer controls resources (charge control of the power storage device) remotely, and can easily and accurately operate the power storage device as a regulating power.

[0025] The management computer may be configured to determine a target amount of power for the charging request. The management computer may be configured to select resources in the resource selection such that a sum of amounts of power adjusted by the selected resources reaches the target amount of power.

[0026] According to the above configuration, it becomes easier to ensure a sufficient amount of adjustment power (amount of charging power) in response to a charging request.

[0027] A computer according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is configured to manage a plurality of resources operable as an adjustment capacity of an external power supply. Each of the plurality of resources includes a power storage device capable of discharging power to the external power supply. The computer is configured to execute resource selection for selecting a resource to be operated as an adjustment capacity from among the plurality of resources in response to a discharge request for adjustment capacity. The computer is configured to obtain a dischargeable time for each of the plurality of resources prior to resource selection. The computer is configured to preferentially select a resource having a short dischargeable time in resource selection for a first discharge request, and to preferentially select a resource having a long dischargeable time in resource selection for a second discharge request. The adjustment period requested in the second discharge request is longer than the adjustment period requested in the first discharge request.

[0028] The computer is configured to adjust power by discharging. Although details will be described later, the computer having the above configuration can select resources to operate as an adjustment power of the external power source in a manner similar to the computer that adjusts power by charging described above, so as to reduce the number of resource replacements (for example, see FIG. 13 and FIG. 14).

[0029] A power adjustment method according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes determining a chargeable time for each of a plurality of resources capable of operating as an adjustment power of an external power source; determining whether a charging request for the adjustment power is a first charging request or a second charging request that requests power adjustment with a longer adjustment period than the first charging request; if it is determined that the charging request is the first charging request, preferentially selecting a resource having a shorter chargeable time in resource selection for the charging request; if it is determined that the charging request is the second charging request, preferentially selecting a resource having a longer chargeable time in resource selection for the charging request; and operating the resource selected in the resource selection for the charging request as the adjustment power of the external power source.

[0030] The power regulation method described above also makes it possible to select resources to operate as the regulation power of the external power supply so as to reduce the number of resource replacements, as in the case of the computer that regulates power by charging described above. Also, the method described above makes it possible to appropriately regulate the power of the external power supply using the selected resources.

[0031] A power adjustment method according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes determining a dischargeable time for each of a plurality of resources capable of operating as an adjustment power of an external power source; determining whether a discharge request for the adjustment power is a first discharge request or a second discharge request that requests power adjustment with a longer adjustment period than the first discharge request; when it is determined that the discharge request is the first discharge request, preferentially selecting a resource having a shorter dischargeable time in resource selection for the discharge request; when it is determined that the discharge request is the second discharge request, preferentially selecting a resource having a longer dischargeable time in resource selection for the discharge request; and operating the resource selected in the resource selection for the discharge request as the adjustment power of the external power source.

[0032] The power regulation method described above also makes it possible to select resources to operate as the regulating power of the external power supply so as to reduce the number of resource replacements, as in the case of the computer that regulates power by discharging described above. Also, the method described above makes it possible to appropriately regulate the power of the external power supply using the selected resources. Effect of the Invention

[0033] According to the present disclosure, when selecting a resource to operate as the adjusting power of an external power source, it is possible to select a resource that reduces the number of times the resource is switched over. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a power management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram showing the state of each resource when adjusting the power of an external power supply in the power management system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a management computer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a process for acquiring resource information executed by the management computer shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an electricity market according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a process related to market trading executed by the management computer shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing a process related to resource selection in response to a charging request in a power adjustment method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing a process related to resource selection in response to a discharge request in a power adjustment method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 2 is a flowchart showing a process relating to power adjustment executed by a server of the TSO shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing a process for ensuring adjustment capability to eliminate the imbalance, which is executed by the management computer shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing the results of resource selection in the first case according to the methods of Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and the embodiment. [Figure 12] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the results of resource selection in the second case according to the methods of Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the results of resource selection in the third case by the methods according to Comparative Example 3, Comparative Example 4, and the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the results of resource selection in the fourth case by the methods according to Comparative Example 3, Comparative Example 4, and the embodiment. [Figure 15] 8 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the process shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 16] 16 is a diagram showing the results of resource selection in response to a power charging request by the method according to the modified example shown in FIG. 15 in each of the fifth and sixth cases. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which multiple resources are caused to perform charging simultaneously during the same period. [Figure 18]9 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the process shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 19] 19 is a diagram showing the results of resource selection in response to a discharge request by the method according to the modified example shown in FIG. 18 in each of the seventh and eighth cases. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which multiple resources are caused to discharge simultaneously during the same period. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0036] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 1, the power management system according to the embodiment includes a resource group 500, a server 600, and a server 700.

[0037] The server 600 manages a resource group 500. The resource group 500 includes a plurality of resources each having a power storage device. Each resource is configured to be electrically connectable to a power grid PG. Each resource functions as an adjustment capacity for adjusting the power of the power grid PG. In this embodiment, the resource group 500 includes, as resources, a BEV (electric vehicle) 110, a PHEV (plug-in hybrid vehicle) 120, and an ESS (energy storage system) 200. Although FIG. 1 illustrates one each of the resources (BEV, PHEV, ESS), the number of each resource included in the resource group 500 is independently arbitrary and may be 10 or more and less than 100, or may be 100 or more.

[0038] The BEV 110, the PHEV 120, and the ESS 200 each include a battery B11, a battery B12, and a power storage device B2. Each of the batteries B11 and B12 and the power storage device B2 is a power storage device configured to be capable of being charged and discharged. These power storage devices are configured to be capable of being charged with power from the power grid PG, and are configured to be capable of discharging power to the power grid PG.

[0039] Each of the BEV 110 and the PHEV 120 is an xEV configured to run using electric power stored in a battery (electricity storage device). An xEV is a vehicle that uses electric power as all or part of its power source. Specifically, each of the BEV 110 and the PHEV 120 supplies electric power from a battery to an electric motor (not shown) and runs using the power generated by the electric motor. The number of electric motors for running is arbitrary, and may be one, two, or three or more. The electric motor may be an in-wheel motor. Each of the batteries B11 and B12 may be a known vehicle power storage device (for example, a liquid secondary battery, an all-solid-state secondary battery, or a battery pack). Examples of vehicle secondary batteries include a lithium-ion battery and a nickel-metal hydride battery.

[0040] The BEV 110 has only a battery B11 as an energy storage device for driving. On the other hand, the PHEV 120 has an energy storage device for driving in addition to the power storage device (battery B12). The PHEV 120 has a power source H1 for driving. The power source H1 includes an internal combustion engine and a fuel tank that supplies fuel to the internal combustion engine. The PHEV 120 can run using the power output from the internal combustion engine without using electric power. The fuel tank corresponds to an energy storage device for driving. The fuel for the internal combustion engine is arbitrary, and may be gasoline, diesel, or hydrogen.

[0041] The ESS200 is a stationary resource. The ESS200 may be provided in a building (such as a detached house, an apartment building, a commercial facility, a factory, a hospital, or a school). The ESS200 may be configured to supply power to an electric load installed in the building (such as an air conditioner, a floor heating system, a lighting device, a cooking device, or a water heater in a house). The ESS200 may function as an emergency power source for the building. The ESS200 may be configured to store surplus power generated by a power generation facility installed in the building (such as a renewable energy power generation facility such as a solar power generation facility or a wind power generation facility). Note that renewable energy refers to renewable energy (RE: Renewable Energy). As the power storage device B2, a known stationary power storage device (such as a lithium ion battery, a lead acid battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a redox flow battery, or a NAS (sodium sulfur) battery) can be adopted.

[0042] The power system PG is a power grid constructed by power transmission and distribution facilities. A plurality of power plants are connected to the power system PG. The power system PG receives power supply from these power plants. In this embodiment, a power company maintains and manages the power system PG (commercial power source). The power company corresponds to a TSO (system operator) described later. The power system PG supplies AC power (for example, three-phase AC power). The server 700 is, for example, a computer belonging to the TSO. The server 700 has an intermediate supply system and a simple command system built in, which will be described later. The servers 600 and 700 are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0043] 2 is a diagram showing the states of the BEV 110, the PHEV 120, and the ESS 200 when power adjustment is performed in the power system PG. Hereinafter, when no distinction is made, the BEV 110 and the PHEV 120 will each be referred to as the "xEV 100," and the batteries B11 and B12 will each be referred to as the "battery B1."

[0044] 2 together with FIG. 1, the xEV 100 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 101, a charger / discharger 102, an inlet 103, and a charge / discharge relay 104. The xEV 100 adjusts the power of the power system PG while being electrically connected to the power system PG via an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) 310. The xEV 100 and the power system PG are electrically connected to each other by connecting a plug of the EVSE 310 (for example, a plug provided at the end of a charging cable connected to a main body of the EVSE 310) to the inlet 103 of the xEV 100. Hereinafter, the state in which the xEV 100 and the power system PG are electrically connected to each other is referred to as an "xEV connected state." Also, the state in which the xEV 100 and the power system PG are not electrically connected to each other is referred to as an "xEV unconnected state." The xEV 100 is in the xEV unconnected state while traveling.

[0045] The charger / discharger 102 is located between the inlet 103 and the battery B1, and is controlled by the ECU 101. The charger / discharger 102 includes, for example, an inverter. The charge / discharge relay 104 is located between the charger / discharger 102 and the battery B1. The charge / discharge relay 104 is controlled by the ECU 101. In a situation where power is not exchanged between the inlet 103 and the battery B1 (for example, while the xEV 100 is running), the charge / discharge relay 104 is in an open state (disconnected state). On the other hand, when power is exchanged between the inlet 103 and the battery B1 in the xEV connected state, the ECU 101 closes the charge / discharge relay 104 (connected state). When the xEV 100 stores power supplied from the power grid PG, the ECU 101 controls the charger / discharger 102 so that appropriate power is input from the inlet 103 to the battery B1. When the xEV 100 outputs electric power to the electric power grid PG, the ECU 101 controls the charger / discharger 102 so that an appropriate amount of electric power is output from the battery B1 to the inlet 103.

[0046] In the xEV-connected state, the xEV 100 communicates with the server 600 via the EVSE 310. The server 600 and the EVSE 310 may communicate with each other via the Internet. The server 600 can control the charger / discharger 102 by sending a command to the xEV 100 via the EVSE 310. The server 600 can remotely control the battery B1 to charge for power adjustment of the power system PG. The server 600 can also remotely control the battery B1 to discharge for power adjustment of the power system PG.

[0047] The xEV100 may be a privately owned vehicle (POV) or a MaaS (Mobility as a Service) vehicle. The MaaS vehicle is a vehicle managed by a MaaS operator. The xEV100 may be equipped with a wireless communication device (e.g., a DCM (Data Communication Module)) that can access a mobile communication network (telematics) and configured to wirelessly communicate with the server 600 through the mobile communication network without going through the EVSE. The xEV100 may receive a command or notification from the server 600 through the wireless communication device. In this embodiment, the xEV100 having a V2G function (a function of bidirectionally exchanging power with the power grid) is used as a resource (adjustment power). The xEV100 may further have a V2H (Vehicle to Home) function.

[0048] The configuration of the xEV 100 described above is merely one example. In the above example, AC power is supplied to the xEV 100 from the power grid PG via the EVSE 310, the AC power is converted to DC power by the charger / discharger 102, and the DC power is input to the battery B1. However, the function of the charger / discharger 102 may be mounted on the EVSE instead of the xEV. The charger / discharger may be built into the connector of the charging cable. The EVSE may convert AC power supplied from the power grid into DC power, and the DC power may be output from the EVSE to the xEV.

[0049] The ESS200 further includes a PCS (Power Conditioning System) 210. The power system PG is connected to the power storage device B2 via the PCS210. The PCS210 and the power system PG are electrically connected to each other. The ESS200 is always electrically connected to the power system PG. The PCS210 is configured to be able to communicate with a server 600. The server 600 and the PCS210 may communicate with each other via the Internet. The PCS210 includes an operation control device, a protection device, and a power conversion circuit (none of which are shown). The PCS210 includes a charge / discharge relay 220. The PCS210 can switch between electrical connection / disconnection between the power storage device B2 and the power system PG by controlling the charge / discharge relay 220. The PCS210 switches between electrical connection / disconnection between the power storage device B2 and the power system PG in response to a request from the server 600, for example. In the PCS210, the operation control device controls a power conversion circuit in response to a command from the server 600. The power conversion circuit includes, for example, an inverter. Server 600 can control charging and discharging of power storage device B2 by transmitting a charge / discharge command to PCS 210.

[0050] Server 600 can remotely control power storage device B2 to charge or discharge for power adjustment of power system PG. Specifically, when ESS200 stores power supplied from power system PG, a power conversion circuit of PCS210 is controlled so that appropriate power is input from power system PG to power storage device B2 via PCS210. When power is output from ESS200 to power system PG, a power conversion circuit of PCS210 is controlled so that appropriate power is output from power storage device B2 via PCS210 to power system PG.

[0051] Each of the xEV 100 (ECU 101) and the ESS 200 (PCS 210) is configured to be able to communicate not only with the server 600 but also with the server 700. Each of the charger / discharger 102 of the xEV 100 and the PCS 210 of the ESS 200 may be remotely controlled by the server 700 instead of the server 600.

[0052] The server 600 is configured to manage a plurality of EVSEs 310 and a plurality of PCSs 210 installed within a predetermined area to which the power grid PG supplies power. The plurality of EVSEs 310 may include public EVSEs 310 (for example, EVSEs installed along roads or in public facilities) that can be used by an unspecified number of users, and non-public EVSEs 310 (for example, home EVSEs) that can be used only by specific users. The server 600 is, for example, a computer belonging to an aggregator. The aggregator is an electric utility that provides an energy management service by bundling a plurality of distributed energy resources (hereinafter also referred to as "DERs (Distributed Energy Resources)"). Each of the xEVs 100 and the ESSs 200 may function as a DER. The server 600 may remotely and collectively control a plurality of DERs to cause these DERs to function as a VPP (Virtual Power Plant). The VPP is a mechanism that bundles a large number of DERs using advanced energy management technology that utilizes the Internet of Things (IoT) and remotely and collectively controls these DERs to function as if they were one power plant. The server 600 may perform a demand response (DR) for each DER. The power system PG and the server 600 according to this embodiment correspond to examples of the "external power source" and the "computer" according to the present disclosure, respectively.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the server 600. Referring to FIG. 3, the server 600 includes a processor 610, a storage device 620, a communication device 630, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 640. The processor 610 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The number of processors included in the server 600 is arbitrary, and may be one or more. The storage device 620 is configured to be able to store various information. In addition to the program executed by the processor 610, the storage device 620 stores information used in the program (for example, maps, mathematical expressions, and various parameters). The communication device 630 includes various communication I / Fs (interfaces). The server 600 is configured to communicate with the outside through the communication device 630. The HMI 640 includes an input device and a display device. The HMI 640 may include a touch panel display. The HMI 640 may include a smart speaker that accepts voice input.

[0054] In this embodiment, the server 600 includes a resource manager 611, a selector 612, a supply and demand manager 613, a trader 614, and an adjustment capacity calculator 615, which will be described below. Each of these units is embodied, for example, by a processor 610 and a program executed by the processor 610. However, without being limited to this, each of the above units may be embodied by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0055] The resource manager 611 is configured to acquire information on each resource from the resource group 500. For example, the state of each resource may be transmitted from each resource to the server 600. The resource manager 611 may update the resource management information stored in the storage device 620 based on the information acquired from each resource.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process for acquiring resource information executed by the server 600. The process shown in this flowchart is executed for each resource. Hereinafter, the resource that is the target of the process is referred to as the "target resource". The server 600 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 4 at a predetermined cycle, for example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the conditions for executing the process shown in FIG. 4 can be set arbitrarily for each resource. For example, for a target resource that is an xEV, the process shown in FIG. 4 may be executed when the xEV is switched between a connected state and a non-connected state. Hereinafter, each step in the flowchart will be simply denoted as "S".

[0057] 1 to 3 as well as FIG. 4, in S11, server 600 acquires information on the target resource (hereinafter referred to as "resource information"). For example, when the target resource is ESS 200, server 600 communicates with PCS 210 and acquires the resource information from PCS 210. When the target resource is xEV 100, server 600 communicates with ECU 101 and acquires the resource information from ECU 101.

[0058] In this embodiment, in S11, the server 600 acquires the SOC (State of Charge), full charge capacity (amount of stored power in a fully charged state), rated charging power, and rated discharging power of the power storage device included in the target resource. The SOC indicates the remaining amount of stored power in the power storage device, and is, for example, expressed as a ratio of the current amount of stored power to the full charge capacity, as a range from 0 to 100%. The rated charging power is the maximum charging power of the power storage device as specified by the manufacturer of the power storage device. The rated discharging power is the maximum discharging power of the power storage device as specified by the manufacturer of the power storage device.

[0059] In S11, the server 600 further acquires information on the charge limit and discharge limit of the target resource. Examples of the charge limit include SOC charge limit and input limit. The SOC charge limit is a process of limiting the charge of the power storage device so that the SOC of the power storage device does not exceed an upper limit value (hereinafter also referred to as the "SOC upper limit value") lower than 100%. In a power storage device subject to the SOC charge limit, the upper limit value of the SOC becomes lower than 100%. The input limit is a process of limiting the charge of the power storage device so that the charging power or charging current of the power storage device does not exceed an upper limit value (hereinafter also referred to as the "upper limit power value"). In a power storage device subject to the input limit, the maximum charging power becomes lower than the rated charging power. Examples of the discharge limit include SOC discharge limit and output limit. The SOC discharge limit is a process of limiting the discharge of the power storage device so that the SOC of the power storage device does not fall below a lower limit value (hereinafter also referred to as the "SOC lower limit value") higher than 0%. In a power storage device subject to the SOC discharge limit, the lower limit value of the SOC becomes higher than 0%. Output limitation is a process of limiting the discharge of a power storage device so that the discharge power or discharge current of the power storage device does not fall below a lower limit value (hereinafter also referred to as the "lower limit power value"). In a power storage device that is subject to output limitation, the maximum discharge power becomes lower than the rated discharge power. In this embodiment, the server 600 acquires the SOC upper limit value, upper limit power value, SOC lower limit value, and lower limit power value of the target resource as resource information. For target resources that do not output this information, it is determined that no charge or discharge restriction is being performed.

[0060] When the target resource is an xEV 100, the server 600 further acquires the grid connection state of the target resource (xEV connected state / xEV unconnected state) in addition to the above resource information. However, the way in which xEV information is managed varies depending on the automobile manufacturer. For this reason, the content of the resource information that the server 600 can acquire from the xEV 100 may vary for each xEV. When the server 600 cannot acquire information related to the specifications of the battery B1 from the xEV 100, it may instead acquire information indicating the type of powertrain of the xEV 100 and estimate the specifications of the battery B1 (for example, full charge capacity, rated charging power, and rated discharging power) from the type of powertrain.

[0061] In the next S12, the server 600 updates the resource management information (FIG. 3) stored in the storage device 620 using the resource information acquired in S11. If the target resource is not registered in the server 600, identification information (ID) is assigned to the target resource. Then, data on the target resource is linked to the ID and added to the resource management information shown in FIG. 3.

[0062] 3, the resource management information according to this embodiment is stored in the storage device 620 of the server 600, with each resource being distinguished by its own identification information (ID). The resource ID may be a unique number assigned to each resource, or may be the communication address of the resource.

[0063] The resource management information includes the resource type (BEV / PHEV / ESS) and the above-mentioned rated charging power and rated discharging power. Each of the resource type, rated charging power, and rated discharging power may be registered in advance in the server 600 (storage device 620). Alternatively, the server 600 may acquire the resource type, rated charging power, and rated discharging power from the target resource by the process of S11 in FIG. 4 described above.

[0064] The resource management information further includes the SOC of the power storage device, full charge capacity, and information related to the charge and discharge limitations described above (for example, an upper SOC value, an upper power value, a lower SOC value, and a lower power value). The resource management information further includes a grid connection state of the xEV (xEV connected state / xEV unconnected state). Although not shown in FIG. 3, the resource management information may further include a location of the resource (for example, longitude and latitude). The resource management information may further include a temperature of the power storage device. The resource management information may further include the presence or absence of an abnormality in the resource. The resource management information may further include a driving plan for the xEV. The server 600 may acquire these pieces of information by the process of S11 in FIG. 4 described above.

[0065] The resource manager 611 is configured to obtain the chargeable time and dischargeable time of each resource included in the resource group 500 .

[0066] In this embodiment, the resource management unit 611 obtains the chargeable time of the resource based on the SOC, the full charge capacity, the rated charging power, the upper limit power value of the charging limit, and the SOC upper limit value. Specifically, the resource management unit 611 determines the chargeable time as the time from when the resource starts charging the power storage device to when the SOC of the power storage device reaches the upper limit value, assuming that the resource charges the power storage device with the maximum charging power. The maximum charging power of the resource (the maximum value of the power that the resource can charge) is the rated charging power for a power storage device that is not subject to input limit, and is the upper limit power value of the input limit for a power storage device that is subject to input limit. The lower the maximum charging power, the longer the chargeable time. The upper limit value of the SOC is 100% for a power storage device that is not subject to SOC charging limit, and is the SOC upper limit value of the SOC charging limit for a power storage device that is subject to SOC charging limit. The lower the upper limit value of the SOC, the shorter the chargeable time. In this embodiment, the resource management unit 611 regards the SOC of the power storage device measured most recently as the SOC at the start of charging. However, the resource manager 611 may predict the SOC at the start of charging using predetermined information (for example, the grid connection state and the driving plan for the xEV). The lower the SOC at the start of charging, the longer the chargeable time.

[0067] In this embodiment, the resource management unit 611 obtains the dischargeable time of the resource based on the SOC, the full charge capacity, the rated discharge power, the lower limit power value of the discharge limit, and the lower limit SOC value. Specifically, the resource management unit 611 determines the dischargeable time as the time from when the resource starts discharging the power storage device to when the SOC of the power storage device reaches the lower limit, assuming that the resource discharges the power storage device at the maximum discharge power. The maximum discharge power of the resource (the maximum value of the power that the resource can discharge) is the rated discharge power in a power storage device that is not subject to an output limit, and is the lower limit power value of the output limit in a power storage device that is subject to an output limit. The lower the maximum discharge power, the longer the dischargeable time. The lower limit of the SOC is 0% in a power storage device that is not subject to an SOC discharge limit, and is the SOC lower limit value of the SOC discharge limit in a power storage device that is subject to an SOC discharge limit. The higher the lower limit of the SOC, the shorter the dischargeable time. In this embodiment, the resource management unit 611 regards the SOC of the power storage device measured most recently as the SOC at the start of discharge. However, the resource manager 611 may predict the SOC at the start of discharge using predetermined information (for example, the grid connection state and the driving plan for the xEV). The higher the SOC at the start of discharge, the longer the dischargeable time.

[0068] The resource manager 611 is configured to control the resource selected by the selector 612. The resource manager 611 is configured to operate the resource selected by the selector 612 as a coordinating force by remote control. The resource manager 611 may control the resource according to an instruction from the server 700.

[0069] The supply and demand management unit 613 is configured to acquire supply and demand information of the power system PG from the server 700. The supply and demand management unit 613 also monitors the actual supply and demand of the power system PG. The actual supply and demand of the power system PG may be measured by a watt-hour meter provided for each resource, or may be measured by a wheeling meter. The watt-hour meter for each resource may include a smart meter, or may include a watt-hour meter built into the EVSE 310 or the PCS 210. When an imbalance of demand shortage occurs with respect to the simultaneous balancing of the power system PG, the supply and demand management unit 613 generates a charge request to eliminate the imbalance. When an imbalance of supply shortage occurs with respect to the simultaneous balancing of the power system PG, the supply and demand management unit 613 generates a discharge request to eliminate the imbalance.

[0070] The trading unit 614 is configured to trade in the electricity market. The trading unit 614 executes bidding in the electricity market and notifies the supply and demand management unit 613 of the bidding result. When the trading unit 614 wins the bid for the adjustment capacity for an increase in demand in the electricity market, the trading unit 614 generates a charge request. When the trading unit 614 wins the bid for the adjustment capacity for an increase in supply in the electricity market, the trading unit 614 generates a discharge request.

[0071] The adjustment capability calculation unit 615 is configured to calculate a target adjustment capability (target charging power) and a target amount of power (target amount of charging power) for the charging request. In this embodiment, the adjustment capability calculation unit 615 determines a value obtained by adding a predetermined margin (kWh) to the amount of power (kWh) requested in the charging request as the target amount of charging power. The adjustment capability calculation unit 615 also determines a value obtained by adding a predetermined margin (kW) to the adjustment capability (kW) requested during the adjustment period of the charging request as the target charging power.

[0072] The adjustment capability calculation unit 615 is configured to calculate a target adjustment capability (target discharge power) and a target amount of power (target amount of discharge power) for the discharge request. In this embodiment, the adjustment capability calculation unit 615 determines a value obtained by adding a predetermined margin (kWh) to the amount of power (kWh) requested in the discharge request as the target amount of discharge power. The adjustment capability calculation unit 615 also determines a value obtained by adding a predetermined margin (kW) to the adjustment capability (kW) requested during the adjustment period of the discharge request as the target discharge power.

[0073] The selection unit 612 is configured to execute resource selection from the resource group 500 in response to a charge request or a discharge request for adjustment capacity. The resource selection is a process of selecting a resource to be operated as adjustment capacity from among a plurality of resources (including a power storage device) included in the resource group 500. The selection unit 612 notifies the resource management unit 611 of the selected resource.

[0074] In this embodiment, when a charging request for adjustment power occurs, the supply and demand management unit 613 judges whether the charging request corresponds to the first charging request or the second charging request. The second charging request requests power adjustment for a longer adjustment period than the first charging request. That is, the adjustment period requested in the second charging request is longer than the adjustment period requested in the first charging request. Prior to resource selection for the generated charging request, the resource management unit 611 obtains the chargeable time of each resource that is a candidate for selection. Then, in resource selection for the first charging request, the selection unit 612 preferentially selects a resource with a short chargeable time, and in resource selection for the second charging request, preferentially selects a resource with a long chargeable time. Details of resource selection for a charging request will be described later (see FIG. 7).

[0075] In this embodiment, when a discharge request for adjustment capacity occurs, the supply and demand management unit 613 judges whether the discharge request corresponds to the first discharge request or the second discharge request. The second discharge request requests power adjustment for a longer adjustment period than the first discharge request. That is, the adjustment period required for the second discharge request is longer than the adjustment period required for the first discharge request. Prior to resource selection for the generated discharge request, the resource management unit 611 obtains the dischargeable time of each resource that is a candidate for selection. Then, in resource selection for the first discharge request, the selection unit 612 preferentially selects a resource with a short dischargeable time, and in resource selection for the second discharge request, preferentially selects a resource with a long dischargeable time. Details of resource selection for discharge requests will be described later (see FIG. 8).

[0076] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an overview of an electricity market according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, the electricity market according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. However, the electricity market described below is merely an example. The computer (server 600) according to this embodiment can be applied to any electricity market.

[0077] A BG (balancing group) that uses the power system PG is responsible for achieving simultaneous balancing. A BG corresponds to a BRP (balance responsible party). Examples of a BG include a retail electricity supplier, a power generation supplier, and an aggregator. In this embodiment, a planned value simultaneous balancing system is adopted. A BG submits planned values ​​for each frame to a specified institution in advance. A frame is a frame in which a day is divided into unit times. In this embodiment, the length of a frame (unit time) is 30 minutes. The specified institution may be the Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators (OCCTO). Imbalances in simultaneous balancing (discrepancies with planned values) are evaluated for each frame. A BG that causes an imbalance is obligated to pay an imbalance fee (penalty). In addition, a BG that frequently causes imbalances may have its license revoked.

[0078] The electricity market according to this embodiment includes a spot market (day-ahead market), an hourly market (intraday market), a supply-demand adjustment market, and a capacity market. The spot market and the hourly market are established and operated by a wholesale electricity exchange such as JEPX (Japan Electric Power Exchange). In each market, electricity is traded as a commodity. Each commodity is bought and sold, for example, by a bidding method. In each market, commodities are traded in units of frames. In the wholesale electricity exchange, trading is carried out for 48 frames divided into 30-minute units in one day. "GC" (gate close) in FIG. 5 indicates the market closing time for each frame. Also, GC corresponds to the deadline for changing the planned value in the planned value simultaneous equalization system. In this embodiment, the GC is one hour before the frame start time. Before the GC, the BG can use the market to adjust the difference between the planned value and the actual supply and demand in the frame (frame corresponding to the GC). The BG may procure adjustment power to eliminate the imbalance by DR (demand response).

[0079] The supply and demand adjustment market is a market where operators of power system PG (hereinafter referred to as "TSO (Transmission System Operator)") can procure adjustment power. The TSO may be a general electricity transmission and distribution business operator. Adjustment power gives flexibility (the ability to change electricity production or consumption according to power fluctuations) to the power system PG. After GC, the TSO adjusts demand and supply using the adjustment power procured through the supply and demand adjustment market. The TSO controls the adjustment power (resources) procured in the market by GF (Governor Free), LFC (Load Frequency Control), or EDC (Economic Load Dispatch Control). This achieves simultaneous balancing of the power system PG.

[0080] The adjustment capacity traded in the supply and demand adjustment market is broadly divided into adjustment capacity during normal times and adjustment capacity during accidents. Adjustment capacity during normal times is further divided into adjustment capacity for forecast errors and adjustment capacity for intra-hour fluctuations. Forecast errors include demand forecast errors and renewable energy forecast errors. Forecast errors are the average error between planned values ​​and actual values ​​for each frame (30-minute average error). Intra-hour fluctuations are fluctuations within a frame (less than 30 minutes).

[0081] BG predicts demand and submits a demand plan before GC. However, prediction errors (the difference between the predicted and actual electricity demand values) may occur after GC. Adjustment power for demand prediction errors is the adjustment power to eliminate prediction errors that occur after GC. Adjustment power for renewable energy prediction errors is the adjustment power to eliminate renewable energy prediction errors (the difference between the predicted and actual renewable energy output values) expected at the time of GC. TSO mainly uses LFC and EDC to control adjustment power for prediction errors.

[0082] Both electricity demand and renewable energy output change from moment to moment. Even if the forecasted values ​​and actual values ​​match on a 30-minute average basis, small fluctuations occur in periods shorter than 30 minutes. Adjustment capacity for intra-hour fluctuations is the adjustment capacity that responds to intra-hour fluctuations (fluctuations of less than 30 minutes) to match demand and supply. With regard to the control of adjustment capacity for intra-hour fluctuations, TSOs respond to fluctuations of less than one minute with GF, and to fluctuations of one minute or more with LFC or EDC.

[0083] The adjustment capacity during an accident is the capacity to eliminate the difference between supply and demand caused by unpredictable troubles (for example, a power source failure). In preparation for a power source failure, the TSO procures backup power sources in the market. Regarding the control of backup power sources (adjustment capacity during an accident), the TSO responds with GF immediately after a power source failure, and then switches to LFC and EDC in that order.

[0084] Demand fluctuations can be subdivided into very short-term components (cyclical components), short-term components (fringe components), and long-term components (sustained components).

[0085] In the supply and demand adjustment market, adjustment capacity for cyclical loads (primary adjustment capacity) and adjustment capacity for fringe loads (secondary adjustment capacity-1) are traded. Primary adjustment capacity is equivalent to "FCR" (Frequency Containment Reserve). For FCR, the response time is within 10 seconds and the duration is 5 minutes. Secondary adjustment capacity-1 is equivalent to "S-FRR" (Synchronized Frequency Restoration Reserve). For S-FRR, the response time is within 5 minutes and the duration is 30 minutes (1 frame).

[0086] In the supply and demand adjustment market, adjustment capacity for the portion of the sustained portion equivalent to the difference with the previous frame (secondary adjustment capacity-2) and adjustment capacity for the portion of the sustained portion continuing from the previous frame (tertiary adjustment capacity-1) are further traded. Secondary adjustment capacity-2 is equivalent to "FRR" (Frequency Restoration Reserve). For FRR, the response time is within 5 minutes and the duration is 30 minutes (1 frame). Tertiary adjustment capacity-1 is equivalent to "RR" (Replacement Reserve). For RR, the response time is within 15 minutes and the duration is 3 hours (6 frames).

[0087] Furthermore, in the supply and demand adjustment market, adjustment capacity (tertiary adjustment capacity-2) for the FIT (Feed-in Tariff) special system is also traded. Under the FIT special system, the TSO is responsible for imbalances in the power generation plan. The TSO predicts renewable energy output two days before the frame and determines the power generation plan value. The TSO then procures tertiary adjustment capacity-2 on the day before the frame to eliminate the renewable energy forecast error (forecast error from two days before). Tertiary adjustment capacity-2 is equivalent to "RR-FIT" (Replacement Reserve for Feed-in Tariff). For RR-FIT, the response time is within 45 minutes and the duration is three hours (six frames).

[0088] In the capacity market, power source I' is traded. Power source I' is a reserve capacity to respond to severe weather (extreme heat, extreme cold, etc.) that occurs mainly once every 10 years. Power source I' is a dedicated power source for the TSO and is constantly secured for a specified period of time. The response time of power source I' is within 3 hours, and the duration is 2 to 4 hours (4 to 8 frames).

[0089] The successful bidder for adjustment capacity in the supply and demand balancing market adjusts power within the range of the successful bid amount (ΔkW contract amount) relative to the reference value (kW). The successful bidder registers the reference value in the supply and demand balancing market system by GC (one hour before the start time of the successful slot). The successful bid amount may be positive (upward adjustment capacity) or negative (downward adjustment capacity). The successful bidder adjusts power in accordance with instructions from the TSO during one or more slots (provision period) for which they have been successful. If the output command value is changed during the provision period, the successful bidder changes the output to that value within the response time of the product requirements. If the output command value remains the same during the provision period, the successful bidder will continue to output in accordance with that command for at least the duration of the product requirements.

[0090] The successful bidder notifies the TSO of the resources (e.g., list pattern) to be used for power adjustment. The server 700 of the TSO transmits commands to the successful bidder's resources, for example, by a central load dispatching center system (intermediate supply system) or a simple command system. The resources may be connected to the intermediate supply system by a dedicated line online. For example, when the server 700 controls the resource group 500 by the above command, the server 700 may control the resources via the server 600 (aggregator) or may control the resources directly. After the completion of all the frames for which the successful bidder has won, the successful bidder transmits the performance data of the resources in the frames to the TSO. During the supply period (adjustment period of the won adjustment power), the TSO checks for each frame (30 minutes) whether the successful bidder maintains a state in which it is possible to supply the ΔkW contract amount (whether or not ΔkW can be supplied) and whether the successful bidder adjusts according to the command within the range of the ΔkW contract amount (response performance). If at least one of the evaluations of whether ΔkW can be supplied (Assessment I) and the evaluation of response performance (Assessment II) reveals that the ΔkW of the transaction subject does not meet the requirements, the successful bidder will be subject to a specified penalty fee.

[0091] The aggregator uses the server 600 to perform electronic commerce. The server 600 performs transactions of adjustment power in the electricity market. The accounting of the market transactions is managed by the server 600. When the server 600 wins a bid for adjustment power for an increase in demand in the electricity market, it generates a charging request corresponding to the won adjustment power. Then, the server 600 selects a resource to be operated as adjustment power from the resource group 500 in response to the charging request. When the server 600 wins a bid for adjustment power for an increase in supply in the electricity market, it generates a discharge request corresponding to the won adjustment power. Then, the server 600 selects a resource to be operated as adjustment power from the resource group 500 in response to the discharge request. An example in which the server 600 makes a bid in the supply and demand adjustment market will be described below.

[0092] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process related to market transactions executed by the server 600. The process shown in this flowchart is executed when a predetermined condition is met. The predetermined condition may be met at a predetermined time or periodically. The predetermined condition may be met when the server 600 receives a bidding instruction from a user. The server 600 may determine a suitable timing for bidding based on at least one of the market price, weather information (including weather forecast information), the demand history of the resource group 500, and the state of each resource included in the resource group 500, and execute the process shown in FIG. 6 at the suitable timing for bidding.

[0093] 1 to 3 and FIG. 6, in S21, the trading unit 614 checks resources that can be used as adjustment power among the resource group 500. For example, the trading unit 614 recognizes resources that are not abnormal as available resources. With regard to xEVs, the trading unit 614 may exclude from the available resources an xEV that has a travel schedule set in a frame (target frame) corresponding to the object of trading.

[0094] In the next S22, the trading unit 614 selects a trading object (a product to be bid on) based on the available adjustment capacity (resources) confirmed in S21. In this embodiment, the trading object is adjustment capacity. Then, in S23, the trading unit 614 makes a bid for the selected trading object. The trading unit 614 may select and bid on a product under preset conditions. The trading unit 614 may also select and bid on a product under conditions specified by a user. The trading unit 614 may also select and bid on a product using a trained model obtained by machine learning using AI (artificial intelligence).

[0095] In the next S24, the transaction unit 614 judges whether the product (adjustment capacity) for which a bid has been made has been sold. If the product has not been sold (NO in S24), the series of processes shown in Fig. 6 ends. However, this is not limited thereto, and if the product has not been sold, the transaction unit 614 may return the process to S22 and make a bid for another product.

[0096] If the bid is successful (YES in S24), a charge request or discharge request corresponding to the successful bid product is generated in the server 600. In the following S25, the supply and demand management unit 613 judges whether a charge request or a discharge request has been generated. If it is judged to be a "charge request" in S25, a process related to resource selection for the charge request is executed in S261. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the details of S261.

[0097] 1 to 3 and FIG. 7, in S30A, the resource management unit 611 obtains the chargeable time of each available resource by the above-mentioned method. In the following S30B, the adjustment power calculation unit 615 calculates the target charging power (kW) and the target charging energy (kWh) for the charging request for the successful bid product (adjustment power). In the following S31, the supply and demand management unit 613 judges whether the adjustment period (provision period) of the successful bid product is longer than a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter, written as "Th1"). Th1 can be set arbitrarily, but in this embodiment, Th1 is set to one frame (30 minutes). For example, if the successful bid product is one frame of FCR or S-FRR, NO is judged in S31. For example, if the successful bid product is RR, RR-FIT, or power source I', its duration is one hour or more (multiple frames), so YES is judged in S31.

[0098] If the length of the adjustment period is equal to or shorter than Th1 (NO in S31), the process proceeds to S32. The length of the adjustment period being equal to or shorter than Th1 means that the charge request resulting from the successful bid is a first charge request. In S32, the selection unit 612 preferentially selects resources with short chargeable times from among the available resources. Before the selection, resources with too short chargeable times (for example, resources with chargeable times shorter than a predetermined time) may be excluded from candidates for selection.

[0099] If the adjustment period is longer than Th1 (YES in S31), the process proceeds to S33. The adjustment period being longer than Th1 means that the charge request generated by the successful bid is the second charge request. In S33, the selection unit 612 preferentially selects a resource with a long chargeable time from among the available resources.

[0100] When either of the processes of S32 and S33 is executed, in S34, it is determined whether or not the total amount of power adjusted by the selected resources reaches the target amount of charging power (S30B). If not reached (NO in S34), the process returns to S31. The resource selection in S32 or S33 is repeated until YES is determined in S34. In both S32 and S33, the selection unit 612 selects a resource based on the maximum charging power of each resource that is a selection candidate, so that the target charging power (S30B) is secured during the adjustment period of the charging request. In addition, the selection unit 612 selects a resource so that the total amount of power adjusted by the selected resources approaches the target amount of charging power (S30B). However, in S32, a resource with a short chargeable time is preferentially selected, and in S33, a resource with a long chargeable time is preferentially selected. The selection unit 612 can calculate the amount of power that can be adjusted by the resource using the maximum charging power and chargeable time of the resource.

[0101] If the determination in S34 is YES, the series of processes shown in FIG. 7 ends and the process proceeds to S27 in FIG.

[0102] 1 to 3, if it is determined in the above-mentioned S25 that the request is a "discharge request", a process related to resource selection for the discharge request is executed in S262. FIG 8 is a flowchart showing the details of S262.

[0103] 1 to 3 and FIG. 8, in S40A, the resource management unit 611 obtains the dischargeable time of each available resource by the above-mentioned method. In the following S40B, the adjustment capacity calculation unit 615 calculates the target discharge power (kW) and the target discharge power amount (kWh) for the discharge request for the successful bid product (adjustment capacity). In the following S41, the supply and demand management unit 613 judges whether the adjustment period (provision period) of the successful bid product is longer than a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter, referred to as "Th2"). Th2 can be set arbitrarily, but in this embodiment, Th2 is set to one frame (30 minutes). For example, if the successful bid product is one frame of FCR or S-FRR, NO is judged in S41. For example, if the successful bid product is RR, RR-FIT, or power source I', its duration is one hour or more (multiple frames), so YES is judged in S41.

[0104] If the length of the adjustment period is less than or equal to Th2 (NO in S41), the process proceeds to S42. The length of the adjustment period being less than or equal to Th2 means that the discharge request resulting from the successful bid is a first discharge request. In S42, the selection unit 612 preferentially selects resources with a short dischargeable time from among the available resources. Before the selection, resources with too short a dischargeable time (for example, resources with a dischargeable time shorter than a predetermined time) may be excluded from candidates for selection.

[0105] If the adjustment period is longer than Th2 (YES in S41), the process proceeds to S43. The adjustment period being longer than Th2 means that the discharge request resulting from the successful bid is a second discharge request. In S43, the selection unit 612 preferentially selects resources with a long dischargeable time from among the available resources.

[0106] When either of the processes of S42 and S43 is executed, in S44, it is determined whether or not the total amount of power adjusted by the selected resources reaches the target discharge power amount (S40B). If not reached (NO in S44), the process returns to S41. The resource selection in S42 or S43 is repeated until YES is determined in S44. In both S42 and S43, the selection unit 612 selects resources based on the maximum discharge power of each resource that is a selection candidate, so that the target discharge power (S40B) is ensured during the adjustment period of the discharge request. In addition, the selection unit 612 selects resources so that the total amount of power adjusted by the selected resources approaches the target discharge power amount (S40B). However, in S42, a resource with a short dischargeable time is preferentially selected, and in S43, a resource with a long dischargeable time is preferentially selected. The selection unit 612 can calculate the amount of power that can be adjusted by the resource using the maximum dischargeable power and dischargeable time of the resource. If a single resource cannot handle the entire adjustment period of a sold item, the adjustment period is divided and allocated to multiple resources.

[0107] If the determination in S44 is YES, the series of processes shown in FIG. 8 ends and the process proceeds to S27 in FIG.

[0108] 1 to 3 and FIG. 6 again, in S27, the resource management unit 611 notifies the server 700 of the resources (list pattern) selected by the selection unit 612 for the successful bid product together with information identifying the successful bid product (for example, product ID). The resource management unit 611 may notify the server 700 of the communication address, maximum charging power, chargeable time, maximum discharging power, and dischargeable time of the selected resource. The server 600 may replace the resource (list pattern) specified at the time of bidding based on the notification in S27.

[0109] Furthermore, in S27, the resource management unit 611 notifies the user terminal of the resource selected by the selection unit 612 of the period (adjustment start time and adjustment end time) allocated to the resource. The user terminal may be a terminal mounted on the resource (e.g., ECU 101 or PCS 210), or may be a mobile terminal carried by the user (e.g., a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a wearable device, an electronic key, or a service tool). When the process of S27 is executed, the series of processes shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0110] The server 700 performs power adjustment of the power system PG by utilizing the adjustment capacity (the product that has been sold) secured in the supply and demand adjustment market. Specifically, the server 700 controls the resources selected for the product based on the notification from the server 600 (S27 in FIG. 6). FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the process related to the power adjustment executed by the server 700 (TSO). The process shown in this flowchart is started when the adjustment start time for the product that has been sold arrives.

[0111] 1 to 3 and FIG. 9, in S101, the server 700 generates a command to request the control target to adjust power within the range of the ΔkW contract amount based on the supply and demand situation of the power system PG, and transmits the generated command to the control target. Specifically, the server 700 transmits a command indicating the charging power or discharging power according to the supply and demand situation of the power system PG to the control target. In a situation where adjustment power is not required, the command may become a charging stop command or a discharging stop command indicating 0 kW power. The control target controlled by this command is one or more resources notified by the server 600 (S27 in FIG. 6). The control target may change midway. For example, if the adjustment period of the successful bid product is divided and allocated to multiple resources, the control target will be changed midway through the adjustment period (more specifically, at the end timing of the period allocated to the previous resource). The charging or discharging will continue as the subsequent resource charges or discharges in place of the previous resource.

[0112] The server 700 operates the controlled object as an adjustment capacity (a successful bid product) by remote control. The server 700 controls the power conversion circuit of the controlled object (for example, the charger / discharger 102 or the PCS 210 shown in FIG. 2) based on the above command. The charging power or discharging power of the controlled object may be continuously controlled so as to follow a target value according to the supply and demand situation. Alternatively, the charging power or discharging power of the controlled object may be adjusted by duty control according to the above command. The controlled resource maintains the charging / discharging relay (for example, the charging / discharging relay 104 or 220 shown in FIG. 2) in a closed state (connected state) during the assigned period. Then, when the assigned period ends, the charging / discharging relay is opened (cut off).

[0113] In the next step S102, the server 700 judges whether the adjustment period of the successful bid product has ended. If it is within the adjustment period, the result is NO in S102, and the process returns to S101. Then, the process of S101 adjusts the power of the power system PG using the adjustment capacity (the selected one or more resources) provided by the aggregator. After that, when the adjustment end time of the successful bid product arrives (YES in S102), the series of processes shown in FIG. 9 ends.

[0114] In the above example, the server 700 directly controls each resource. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the server 700 may control the resources via the server 600. The server 700 may transmit a command to the server 600, and the server 600 may remotely control the resources according to the command from the server 700.

[0115] The aggregator uses the server 600 to secure adjustment power to eliminate imbalances related to simultaneous balancing of the power system PG. The server 600 generates an adjustment power request when an imbalance related to simultaneous balancing of the power system PG occurs. In response to the adjustment power request, the server 600 selects a resource (including a power storage device) to operate as adjustment power from the resource group 500.

[0116] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for securing adjustment capability to eliminate an imbalance, which is executed by the server 600. The process shown in this flowchart is started when a planned value is input to the server 600, for example.

[0117] 1 to 3 and FIG. 10, in S51, the supply and demand management unit 613 monitors the power balancing amount for the power system PG. Specifically, in S51, the supply and demand management unit 613 determines whether or not the imbalance (the difference between the planned value and the actual supply and demand) for the power system PG is within a predetermined allowable range, and if the imbalance exceeds the allowable range (YES in S51), the process proceeds to S52. The determination of YES in S51 means that an imbalance for the power system PG has occurred. If the imbalance that has occurred is an imbalance of demand shortage, the supply and demand management unit 613 generates a charge request to eliminate the imbalance. If the imbalance that has occurred is an imbalance of supply shortage, the supply and demand management unit 613 generates a discharge request to eliminate the imbalance.

[0118] In S52, the demand and supply management unit 613 judges whether a charging request or a discharging request has occurred. If it is judged in S52 that a "charging request" has occurred, the process proceeds to S531, and if it is judged in S52 that a "discharging request" has occurred, the process proceeds to S532. Then, when either the process of S531 or S532 has been executed, the process proceeds to S54. In S531, S532, and S54, processes equivalent to S261, S262, and S27 in FIG. 6 are executed, respectively. That is, in S531, the process shown in FIG. 7 is executed. Since the imbalance adjustment period is 30 minutes (one frame), NO is judged in S31 in FIG. 7. In S532, the process shown in FIG. 8 is executed. Since the imbalance adjustment period is 30 minutes (one frame), NO is judged in S41 in FIG. 8. In this way, the charging request and the discharging request for eliminating the imbalance are regarded as the first charging request and the first discharging request, respectively. When the process of S54 is executed, the series of processes shown in FIG. 10 ends.

[0119] The server 600 uses the adjustment power secured as described above to resolve the imbalance. The server 600 executes, for example, a process similar to the process shown in FIG. 9 following the process shown in FIG. 10. As a result, the resource selected by the process of S531 or S532 in FIG. 10 is remotely controlled by the server 600. Specifically, during the adjustment period of the imbalance, the resource manager 611 generates a command (a charge command or a discharge command) for resolving the imbalance based on the actual supply and demand of the power system PG, and transmits the generated command to the control target. The resource manager 611 operates the resource as an adjustment power for resolving the imbalance through the remote control. The actual supply and demand of the power system PG during the adjustment period is monitored by the supply and demand manager 613.

[0120] In the above example, the server 600 directly controls each resource. However, this is not a limitation. In a configuration in which the server 600 belongs to a child aggregator (resource aggregator), the server 600 may control resources according to a command from a parent aggregator (aggregation coordinator). The server 600 may generate a charge request or a discharge request in response to a request from the parent aggregator.

[0121] Hereinafter, the resource selection for a charging request in the power adjustment method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Hereinafter, the power adjustment method according to this embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as "method according to the embodiment") will be described in comparison with Comparative Examples 1 and 2. In the method according to Comparative Example 1, resources are selected in order starting from the resource with the shortest chargeable time, regardless of the adjustment period of the charging request. In the method according to the embodiment, resources are selected in order starting from the resource with the longest chargeable time, regardless of the adjustment period of the charging request. In the method according to the embodiment, the selection method is changed depending on the adjustment period of the charging request (see S31 to S33 in Fig. 7).

[0122] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the results of resource selection in the first case by the methods according to Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and the embodiment. In the first case, resources V1 to V5 shown in Table T1 in FIG. 11 are resources that are candidates for selection, and two charging requests Rq11 and Rq12 are generated on the same day. The chargeable times of resources V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5 are 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours, respectively. The adjustment period of the charging request Rq11 is 30 minutes (1 frame), and the adjustment period of the charging request Rq12 is 3 hours (6 frames). It is assumed that resources V1 to V5 do not charge or discharge the power storage device outside the adjustment period of each charging request.

[0123] 11, in the method according to the first comparative example, the priority order of resource selection is resources V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5, in that order. Therefore, resources V1 and V2 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq11. Resource V2 charges for 15 minutes during the adjustment period of the charging request Rq11, and the chargeable time becomes 15 minutes. After that, resources V2, V3, V4, and V5 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq12.

[0124] In the method according to Comparative Example 2, the priority order of resource selection is resources V5, V4, V3, V2, and V1, in descending order. Therefore, only resource V5 is allocated to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq11. Resource V5 charges for 30 minutes during the adjustment period of the charging request Rq11, and the chargeable time becomes 1 hour and 30 minutes. After that, resources V5, V4, and V3 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq12.

[0125] In the method according to the embodiment, in resource selection for the first charging request, a resource with a short chargeable time is preferentially selected, and in resource selection for the second charging request, a resource with a long chargeable time is preferentially selected. The charging request Rq11 corresponds to the first charging request, and the charging request Rq12 corresponds to the second charging request. Therefore, resources V1 and V2 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq11. Resource V2 charges for 15 minutes during the adjustment period of the charging request Rq11, and the chargeable time becomes 15 minutes. After that, resources V5 and V4 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq12.

[0126] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the results of resource selection in the second case by the methods according to Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and the embodiment. In the second case, resources V1 to V5 shown in table T1 in Fig. 12 (same as table T1 in Fig. 11) are resources that are candidates for selection, and four charging requests Rq21 to Rq24 are generated on the same day. The adjustment period of each of the charging requests Rq21 to Rq23 is 30 minutes (one frame), and the adjustment period of the charging request Rq24 is three hours (six frames). It is assumed that resources V1 to V5 do not charge or discharge the power storage device outside the adjustment period of each charging request.

[0127] 12, in the method according to the comparative example 1, resources V1 and V2 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq21. Resource V2 charges for 15 minutes during the adjustment period of the charging request Rq21, and the chargeable time becomes 15 minutes. Thereafter, resources V2 and V3 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq22. Resource V3 charges for 15 minutes during the adjustment period of the charging request Rq22, and the chargeable time becomes 30 minutes. Only resource V3 is allocated to the adjustment period of the next charging request Rq23. Thereafter, resources V4 and V5 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq24.

[0128] In the method according to the second comparative example, only the resource V5 is allocated to the adjustment period of each of the charging requests Rq21 to Rq23. The resource V5 charges for a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes during the adjustment period of the charging requests Rq21 to Rq23, resulting in a chargeable time of 30 minutes. Therefore, the priority order of resource selection for the charging request Rq24 is resources V4, V3, V5, V2, and V1 from highest to lowest (V5 and V2 may be reversed). The resources V4, V3, V5, V2, and V1 are allocated to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq24 in this order.

[0129] In the method according to the embodiment, in the resource selection for the first charging request, a resource with a short chargeable time is preferentially selected, and in the resource selection for the second charging request, a resource with a long chargeable time is preferentially selected. Each of the charging requests Rq21 to Rq23 corresponds to the first charging request, and the charging request Rq24 corresponds to the second charging request. The resources V1 and V2 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq21. The resource V2 charges for 15 minutes during the adjustment period of the charging request Rq21, and the chargeable time becomes 15 minutes. Thereafter, the resources V2 and V3 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq22. The resource V3 charges for 15 minutes during the adjustment period of the charging request Rq22, and the chargeable time becomes 30 minutes. Thereafter, only the resource V3 is allocated to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq23. Then, the resources V5 and V4 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq24.

[0130] Comparing the number of resource replacements (more specifically, resource replacements during an adjustment period) in Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and the method according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the number of resource replacements in the method according to the embodiment is the smallest. Specifically, the number of resource replacements in the method according to Comparative Example 1 is four times in the first case and three times in the second case. The number of resource replacements in the method according to Comparative Example 2 is two times in the first case and four times in the second case. The number of resource replacements in the method according to the embodiment is two times in the first case and three times in the second case. Thus, according to the method according to the embodiment, it is possible to select resources to operate as the adjustment power of the power system PG (external power source) so as to reduce the number of resource replacements.

[0131] The resource selection for a discharge request in the power adjustment method according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 13 and 14. The method according to the embodiment will be described below in comparison with Comparative Examples 3 and 4. In the method according to Comparative Example 3, resources are selected in order starting from the resource with the shortest dischargeable time, regardless of the adjustment period of the discharge request. In the method according to Comparative Example 4, resources are selected in order starting from the resource with the longest dischargeable time, regardless of the adjustment period of the discharge request. In the method according to the embodiment, the selection method is changed depending on the adjustment period of the discharge request (see S41 to S43 in Fig. 8).

[0132] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the results of resource selection in the third case by the methods according to Comparative Example 3, Comparative Example 4, and the embodiment. In the third case, resources V1 to V5 shown in Table T1 in FIG. 13 (same as Table T1 in FIG. 11) are resources that are candidates for selection, and two discharge requests Rq31 and Rq32 occur on the same day. The dischargeable times of resources V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5 are 2 hours, 1 hour, 45 minutes, 30 minutes, and 15 minutes, respectively. The adjustment period of the discharge request Rq31 is 30 minutes (one frame), and the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq32 is 3 hours (six frames). It is assumed that resources V1 to V5 do not charge or discharge the power storage device outside the adjustment period of each discharge request.

[0133] 13, in the method according to Comparative Example 3, resources V5 and V4 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq31, and resources V4, V3, V2, and V1 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq32. In the method according to Comparative Example 4, only resource V1 is allocated to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq31, and resources V1, V2, and V3 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq32.

[0134] In the method according to the embodiment, in resource selection for the first discharge request, a resource with a short dischargeable time is preferentially selected, and in resource selection for the second discharge request, a resource with a long dischargeable time is preferentially selected. The discharge request Rq31 corresponds to the first discharge request, and the discharge request Rq32 corresponds to the second discharge request. Therefore, the resources V5 and V4 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq31, and the resources V1 and V2 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq32.

[0135] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the results of resource selection in the fourth case by the methods according to Comparative Example 3, Comparative Example 4, and the embodiment. In the fourth case, resources V1 to V5 shown in table T1 in Fig. 14 (same as table T1 in Fig. 11) are resources that are candidates for selection, and four discharge requests Rq41 to Rq44 occur on the same day. The adjustment period for each of the discharge requests Rq41 to Rq43 is 30 minutes (one frame), and the adjustment period for the discharge request Rq44 is three hours (six frames). It is assumed that resources V1 to V5 do not charge or discharge the power storage device outside the adjustment period of each discharge request.

[0136] Referring to Figure 14, in the method of comparative example 3, resources V5 and V4 are assigned in this order to the adjustment period of discharge request Rq41, resources V4 and V3 are assigned in this order to the adjustment period of discharge request Rq42, only resource V3 is assigned to the adjustment period of discharge request Rq43, and resources V2 and V1 are assigned in this order to the adjustment period of discharge request Rq44.

[0137] In the method according to Comparative Example 4, only the resource V1 is allocated to the adjustment period of each of the discharge requests Rq41 to Rq43, and the resources V2, V3, V1, V4, and V5 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq44.

[0138] In the method according to the embodiment, in resource selection for the first discharge request, a resource with a short dischargeable time is preferentially selected, and in resource selection for the second discharge request, a resource with a long dischargeable time is preferentially selected. Each of the discharge requests Rq41 to Rq43 corresponds to the first discharge request, and the discharge request Rq44 corresponds to the second discharge request. The resources V5 and V4 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq41, the resources V4 and V3 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq42, only the resource V3 is allocated to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq43, and the resources V1 and V2 are allocated in this order to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq44.

[0139] Comparing the number of resource replacements (more specifically, resource replacements during an adjustment period) in Comparative Example 3, Comparative Example 4, and the method according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the number of resource replacements in the method according to the embodiment is the smallest. Specifically, the number of resource replacements in the method according to Comparative Example 3 is four times in the third case and three times in the fourth case. The number of resource replacements in the method according to Comparative Example 4 is two times in the third case and four times in the fourth case. The number of resource replacements in the method according to the embodiment is two times in the third case and three times in the fourth case. Thus, according to the method according to the embodiment, it is possible to select resources to operate as the adjustment power of the power system PG (external power source) so as to reduce the number of resource replacements.

[0140] As described above, the power adjustment method according to this embodiment includes the processes shown in FIG. 4 and FIGS.

[0141] In the process shown in Fig. 7, in S30A, the server 600 obtains the chargeable time of each resource that can operate as the adjustment power of the power system PG (external power source). In S31, the server 600 judges whether the charging request for adjustment power is a first charging request or a second charging request. If it is judged that the charging request is the first charging request (NO in S31), the server 600 preferentially selects a resource with a short chargeable time in resource selection for the charging request in S32. If it is judged that the charging request is the second charging request (YES in S31), the server 600 preferentially selects a resource with a long chargeable time in resource selection for the charging request in S33.

[0142] In the process shown in FIG. 8, in S40A, the server 600 obtains the dischargeable time of each resource that can operate as the regulating power of the power system PG (external power source). In S41, the server 600 determines whether the discharge request for the regulating power is a first discharge request or a second discharge request. If it is determined that the discharge request is the first discharge request (NO in S41), the server 600 preferentially selects a resource with a short dischargeable time in resource selection for the discharge request in S42. If it is determined that the discharge request is the second discharge request (YES in S41), the server 600 preferentially selects a resource with a long dischargeable time in resource selection for the discharge request in S43.

[0143] In the process shown in FIG. 9, the server 600 or 700 operates the resource selected in the resource selection for each of the charge request and the discharge request as the adjustment power of the power system PG (external power source).

[0144] According to the above power adjustment method, in selecting resources to be operated as the adjustment power of the power system PG, it is possible to select resources that reduce the number of resource replacements. Also, according to the above method, it is possible to appropriately adjust the power of the power system PG by the selected resources.

[0145] The server 600 may classify resources into a plurality of categories in which different ranges of chargeable time are set. The server 600 may be configured to classify each resource included in the resource group 500 into a category corresponding to the chargeable time of the resource, and to consider multiple resources belonging to the same category to have the same chargeable time. For example, the server 600 may execute the process shown in FIG. 15 instead of the process shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the process shown in FIG. 7.

[0146] The process shown in Fig. 15 is the same as the process shown in Fig. 7, except that S30C is added to the process shown in Fig. 7, and S32A and S33A are adopted instead of S32 and S33 (Fig. 7). The following mainly describes S30C, S32A, and S33A.

[0147] 1 to 3 and FIG. 15, after the process of S30B, in S30C, the selection unit 612 classifies each resource that is a candidate for selection into one of the sections A to C shown in table T2 in FIG. 15. The sections A, B, and C are set with the range of chargeable time of "30 minutes or more and less than 1 hour", "1 hour or more and less than 1 hour and 30 minutes", and "1 hour and 30 minutes or more". Each resource that is a candidate for selection is classified into a section corresponding to the chargeable time of the resource. For example, a resource with a chargeable time of 30 minutes is classified into section A. Furthermore, a resource with a chargeable time of 2 hours is classified into section C. Each resource that belongs to the same section is considered to have the same chargeable time. For example, each resource classified into section A is considered to have a chargeable time of 30 minutes, and charging for more than 30 minutes is not performed on a resource that belongs to section A. 30 minutes corresponds to the lower limit of the range of chargeable time set in section A. Similarly, each resource classified into sections B and C is considered to have a chargeable time of 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes, respectively. Resources with a chargeable time of less than 30 minutes do not fall into any of categories A to C, and are therefore excluded from the selection candidates. In this modified example, the width of the categories is set to 30 minutes in accordance with the length of the frame related to the electricity market and imbalance. Note that, although the number of categories is set to three in this modified example, the number of categories can be changed as appropriate.

[0148] When resource classification in S30C is completed, the process proceeds to S31. Then, if the length of the adjustment period is equal to or less than Th1 (NO in S31), the selection unit 612 selects resources from the selection candidates in the order of priority of categories A, B, C in S32A. That is, resources with a short chargeable time are preferentially selected. On the other hand, if the adjustment period is longer than Th1 (YES in S31), the selection unit 612 selects resources from the selection candidates in the order of priority of categories C, B, A in S33A. That is, resources with a long chargeable time are preferentially selected.

[0149] The selection unit 612 selects resources by the process of S32A or S33A so that the total amount of power adjusted by the selected resources approaches the target charging amount of power (S30B). Whether or not the target amount of power has been reached is determined in S34. If the determination in S34 is YES, the series of processes shown in FIG. 15 ends.

[0150] Hereinafter, the selection of resources in response to a charging request in the power adjustment method according to the above-described modified example will be described with reference to FIG.

[0151] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the results of resource selection for a charging request by the method according to the modified example shown in FIG. 15 in each of the fifth and sixth cases. The fifth and sixth cases are basically the same as the first and second cases described above, respectively. However, the resources to be selected are six resources shown in table T3 in FIG. 16. Resources A1 and A2 belong to division A, resources B1 and B2 belong to division B, and resources C1 and C2 belong to division C. Divisions A to C shown in table T3 in FIG. 16 are the same as divisions A to C shown in table T2 in FIG. 15. Charging requests Rq11, Rq12, and Rq21 to Rq24 in FIG. 16 are the same as charging requests Rq11, Rq12, and Rq21 to Rq24 in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12.

[0152] Referring to Figure 16, in the method of the above-mentioned modified example (see Figure 15), when selecting resources for a first charging request, resources are selected in the priority order of A, B, C, and when selecting resources for a second charging request, resources are selected in the priority order of C, B, A.

[0153] In the fifth case, the charging request Rq11 corresponds to the first charging request, and the charging request Rq12 corresponds to the second charging request. Therefore, only the resource A1 is allocated to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq11. After that, the resources C1 and C2 are allocated to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq12.

[0154] In the sixth case, each of the charging requests Rq21 to Rq23 corresponds to a first charging request, and the charging request Rq24 corresponds to a second charging request. Therefore, only the resource A1 is allocated to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq21, only the resource A2 is allocated to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq22, and only the resource B1 is allocated to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq23. Then, the resources C1 and C2 are allocated to the adjustment period of the charging request Rq24.

[0155] The number of resource replacements (more specifically, resource replacements during an adjustment period) in the method according to the above modification is one in both cases 5 and 6. In this way, the method according to the above modification makes it easier to reduce the number of resource replacements.

[0156] When the server 600 cannot cover the necessary adjustment capability (charging power) with only one resource, the server 600 may allocate multiple resources to the same period and have the multiple resources perform charging simultaneously to ensure the necessary adjustment capability (charging power). FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of having multiple resources perform charging simultaneously in the same period. The resources A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 in FIG. 17 are basically the same as those shown in table T3 in FIG. 16. However, the maximum charging power of the resource C2 is assumed to be less than the necessary adjustment capability.

[0157] 17, in this example, the necessary adjustment capability (target charging power) is ensured by having resources A1 and A2 charge simultaneously during the adjustment period of the charging request Rq11. Also, in the second half of the adjustment period of the charging request Rq12, resources B1 and B2 are caused to charge sequentially while continuing to charge resource C2. The necessary adjustment capability (target charging power) is ensured by resource B1 or B2 charging together with resource C2. The chargeable time of a resource may be calculated using the adjustment capability allocated to the resource out of the necessary adjustment capability (target charging power).

[0158] The server 600 may execute the process shown in Fig. 18 instead of the process shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 18 is a flow chart showing a modified example of the process shown in Fig. 8.

[0159] The process shown in Fig. 18 is the same as the process shown in Fig. 8, except that S40C is added to the process shown in Fig. 8, and S42A and S43A are adopted instead of S42 and S43 (Fig. 8). The following mainly describes S40C, S42A, and S43A.

[0160] 1 to 3 and FIG. 18, after the process of S40B, the selection unit 612 classifies each resource that is a candidate for selection into one of the sections D to F shown in table T4 in FIG. 18 in S40C. The sections D, E, and F are set with the range of dischargeable time of "30 minutes or more and less than 1 hour", "1 hour or more and less than 1 hour and 30 minutes", and "1 hour and 30 minutes or more". Each resource that is a candidate for selection is classified into a section corresponding to the dischargeable time of the resource. Each resource that belongs to the same section is considered to have the same dischargeable time. Each resource classified into sections D, E, and F is considered to have a dischargeable time of 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 1 hour and 30 minutes, respectively. A resource that has a dischargeable time of less than 30 minutes does not fall into any of the sections D to F, and is therefore excluded from the candidates for selection. In this modification, the width of the sections is set to 30 minutes in accordance with the length of the frame related to the electricity market and imbalance. In this modification, the number of sections is set to three, but the number of sections can be changed as appropriate.

[0161] When resource classification in S40C is completed, the process proceeds to S41. Then, if the length of the adjustment period is equal to or less than Th2 (NO in S41), the selection unit 612 selects resources from the selection candidates in the order of priority of categories D, E, F in S42A. That is, resources with a short dischargeable time are preferentially selected. On the other hand, if the adjustment period is longer than Th2 (YES in S41), the selection unit 612 selects resources from the selection candidates in the order of priority of categories F, E, D in S43A. That is, resources with a long dischargeable time are preferentially selected.

[0162] The selection unit 612 selects resources by the process of S42A or S43A so that the total amount of power adjusted by the selected resources approaches the target discharge amount of power (S40B). Whether or not the target amount of power has been reached is determined in S44. If the determination in S44 is YES, the series of processes shown in FIG. 18 ends.

[0163] Hereinafter, the resource selection in response to a discharge request in the power adjustment method according to the above-described modified example will be described with reference to FIG.

[0164] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the results of resource selection for discharge requests by the method according to the modified example shown in FIG. 18 in each of the seventh and eighth cases. The seventh and eighth cases are basically the same as the third and fourth cases described above, respectively. However, the resources to be selected are six resources shown in table T5 in FIG. 19. Resources D1 and D2 belong to division D, resources E1 and E2 belong to division E, and resources F1 and F2 belong to division F. Divisions D to F shown in table T5 in FIG. 19 are the same as divisions D to F shown in table T4 in FIG. 18. Discharge requests Rq31, Rq32, and Rq41 to Rq44 in FIG. 19 are the same as discharge requests Rq31, Rq32, and Rq41 to Rq44 in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14.

[0165] Referring to Figure 19, in the method of the above-mentioned modified example (see Figure 18), when selecting resources for a first discharge request, resources are selected in the priority order of categories D, E, F, and when selecting resources for a second discharge request, resources are selected in the priority order of categories F, E, D.

[0166] In the seventh case, the discharge request Rq31 corresponds to the first discharge request, and the discharge request Rq32 corresponds to the second discharge request. Therefore, only the resource D1 is allocated to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq31. After that, the resources F1 and F2 are allocated to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq32.

[0167] In the eighth case, each of the discharge requests Rq41 to Rq43 corresponds to a first discharge request, and the discharge request Rq44 corresponds to a second discharge request. Therefore, only the resource D1 is allocated to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq41, only the resource D2 is allocated to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq42, and only the resource E1 is allocated to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq43. Then, the resources F1 and F2 are allocated to the adjustment period of the discharge request Rq44.

[0168] The number of resource replacements (more specifically, resource replacements during an adjustment period) in the method according to the above modification is one in both cases 7 and 8. In this way, the method according to the above modification makes it easier to reduce the number of resource replacements.

[0169] When the server 600 cannot cover the necessary adjustment capability (discharge power) with only one resource, the server 600 may allocate multiple resources to the same period and have the multiple resources discharge simultaneously to secure the necessary adjustment capability (discharge power). FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example in which multiple resources are caused to discharge simultaneously in the same period. The resources D1, D2, E1, E2, F1, and F2 in FIG. 20 are basically the same as those shown in table T5 in FIG. 19. However, the maximum discharge power of the resource F2 is assumed to be less than the necessary adjustment capability.

[0170] 20, in this example, the required adjustment capability (target discharge power) is secured by having resources D1 and D2 discharge simultaneously during the adjustment period of discharge request Rq31. Also, during the second half of the adjustment period of discharge request Rq32, resources E1 and E2 are sequentially caused to discharge while continuing to discharge resource F2. The required adjustment capability (target discharge power) is secured by resource E1 or E2 discharging together with resource F2. The dischargeable time of a resource may be calculated using the adjustment capability allocated to the resource out of the required adjustment capability (target discharge power).

[0171] In the above embodiment and each modification, it is not essential that the power adjustment by the resource is performed by remote control. The selected resource may perform the power adjustment by local control based on a command received in advance from the server. The server 600 may monitor the selected resource for abnormality during the adjustment period of the successful bid product, and may notify the server 700 of a normal alternative resource if an abnormality occurs in the resource.

[0172] The configuration of the power management system is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1. Another server may be provided between the server 700 and the server 600. The server 600 may communicate with the server 700 via another server. Another server may be provided between the resource group 500 and the server 600. The server 600 may communicate with the resource group 500 via another server. In the above embodiment, the on-premise server (the server 600) causes the resources to adjust power by charging or discharging. However, this is not limited to the above, and the functions of the server 600 (particularly, functions related to resource management) may be implemented on the cloud by cloud computing. The functions of the server 600 may also be implemented on a mobile terminal.

[0173] In the above embodiment, the resource group 500 (subject to management) includes the xEV 100 and the ESS 200. The server 600 can use the ESS 200, which is constantly connected to the power system PG, as the adjustment power of the power system PG. The server 600 can use the xEV 100 (vehicle) electrically connected to the power system PG via the EVSE 310 (charging equipment), as the adjustment power of the power system PG. However, this is not limited thereto, and the resource group 500 may include only one of the xEV 100 and the ESS 200. For example, the server 600 may manage only vehicles as resources.

[0174] The power system PG is not limited to a large-scale AC grid provided by a power company, and may be a microgrid or a DC (direct current) grid. The configuration of the xEV is not limited to the configuration described above (see FIG. 2). The xEV may be equipped with a charger or discharger instead of a charger / discharger. The server 600 may be configured to execute only one of the processes shown in FIG. 7 and the processes shown in FIG. 8. An xEV other than a BEV or a PHEV (such as a FCEV or a range extender EV) may be adopted as a resource.

[0175] The xEV may be equipped with solar panels. The xEV may be configured to be capable of wireless charging. The xEV may be configured to be capable of autonomous driving, or may have a flying function. The xEV is not limited to a passenger car, but may be a bus or a truck. The xEV may be a vehicle capable of running unmanned (e.g., a robotaxi, an automated guided vehicle (AGV), or an agricultural machine). The xEV may be an unmanned or one-seater small BEV (e.g., a micro-pallet). The resource may be a moving object other than the xEV (a rail car, a ship, an airplane, a drone, a walking robot, a robot cleaner, etc.).

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

[0177] 100 xEV, 101 ECU, 102 charger, 103 inlet, 104 charge / discharge relay, 110 BEV, 120 PHEV, 200 ESS, 210 PCS, 220 charge / discharge relay, 310 EVSE, 500 resource group, 600, 700 server, 610 processor, 611 resource management unit, 612 selection unit, 613 supply / demand management unit, 614 trading unit, 615 adjustment power calculation unit, 620 storage device, 630 communication device, HMI 640, B1, B11, B12 battery, B2 storage device, PG power system.

Claims

1. A computer that manages a plurality of resources operable as an adjusting power of an external power source, each of the plurality of resources includes a power storage device capable of being charged with power from the external power supply; The computer is configured to execute resource selection for selecting a resource to be operated as adjustment power from among the plurality of resources in response to a charging request for adjustment power; the computer is configured to calculate, prior to the resource selection, a chargeable time for each of the plurality of resources; the computer is configured to, in the resource selection for the first power charging request, preferentially select a resource having a short chargeable time, and, in the resource selection for the second power charging request, preferentially select a resource having a long chargeable time; The adjustment period requested in the second charging request is longer than the adjustment period requested in the first charging request.

2. The computer is configured to trade adjustment power in an electricity market and generate a charging request when the computer wins a bid for adjustment power for an increase in demand in the electricity market; In the electricity market, adjustment power is traded on a per-unit basis, 2. The computer of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to regard a charging request for an adjustment capacity equal to or less than a predetermined number of frames as the first charging request, and to regard a charging request for an adjustment capacity exceeding the predetermined number of frames as the second charging request.

3. The computer is configured to generate a charging request when a demand imbalance occurs with respect to the amount of simultaneous charging of the external power source; The computer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the computer is configured to consider a charging request for eliminating the imbalance as the first charging request.

4. The computer is configured to classify each of the plurality of resources into a category corresponding to the chargeable time of the resource among a plurality of categories in which different chargeable time ranges are set, and to consider resources belonging to the same category to have the same chargeable time.

5. The computer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the computer is configured to calculate a chargeable time of each of the plurality of resources using an SOC of the storage device and a rated charging power of the storage device for each of the plurality of resources.

6. The computer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of resources includes a vehicle that is electrically connectable to the external power source via a charging facility.

7. The computer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the computer is configured to operate a resource selected by the resource selection as a coordinating force by remote control.

8. The computer is configured to determine a target amount of power for a charging request; The computer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the computer is configured to select resources in the resource selection such that a sum of amounts of power adjusted by the selected resources reaches the target amount of power.

9. A computer that manages a plurality of resources operable as an adjusting power of an external power source, each of the plurality of resources includes a power storage device capable of discharging power to the external power supply; The computer is configured to execute resource selection for selecting a resource to be operated as adjustment power from among the plurality of resources in response to a discharge request for adjustment power, the computer is configured to calculate, prior to the resource selection, a dischargeable time of each of the plurality of resources; the computer is configured to, in the resource selection for a first discharge request, preferentially select a resource having a short dischargeable time, and, in the resource selection for a second discharge request, preferentially select a resource having a long dischargeable time; The adjustment period required in the second discharge request is longer than the adjustment period required in the first discharge request.

10. determining a chargeable time for each of a plurality of resources capable of operating as a regulating power of an external power source; Determining whether the charging request for the adjustment power is a first charging request or a second charging request requesting power adjustment for a longer adjustment period than the first charging request; When it is determined that the charging request is the first charging request, in resource selection for the charging request, a resource having a short chargeable time is preferentially selected; When it is determined that the charging request is the second charging request, in resource selection for the charging request, a resource having a long chargeable time is preferentially selected; operating a resource selected in resource selection for the charging request as a regulating power of the external power source; A power regulation method comprising:

11. determining a dischargeable time for each of a plurality of resources operable as a regulating power of an external power source; Determining whether the discharge request for the adjustment capacity is a first discharge request or a second discharge request requesting power adjustment for a longer adjustment period than the first discharge request; When it is determined that the discharge request is the first discharge request, in resource selection for the discharge request, a resource having a short dischargeable time is preferentially selected; When it is determined that the discharge request is the second discharge request, in resource selection for the discharge request, a resource having a long dischargeable time is preferentially selected; operating a resource selected in resource selection for the discharge request as a regulating power of the external power supply; A power regulation method comprising:

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