Power Processing Systems

Abstract

To promote environmental activities based on a user of a facility different from the facility, when renewable energy power is self-consumed in the facility in which a renewable energy power generation apparatus is installed.SOLUTION: A power processing system 1 comprises a communication device 205, and a processing device 215. The communication device 205 is configured so as to communicate with both of a facility 10 and a management device 310. The processing device 215 determines a first power consumption which is a power amount consumed in the facility 10 in a totalization period, out of a power generation amount of renewable energy power generated by a renewable energy power generation apparatus 105 in the predetermined totalization period, and determines a second power consumption which is the power amount consumed in a facility 30 by using ordinary power different from the renewable energy power. When the communication device 215 receives an allocation request, the processing device 215 executes certificate issue processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] From the viewpoint of environmental protection, renewable energy such as solar power has been attracting attention. Electricity consumers such as companies may be required by governments or the like to derive all or a part of the electricity consumed in their facilities from electricity derived from renewable energy sources.

[0003] JP 2020-9334 A (Patent Document 1) discloses an electricity trading platform. In this platform, electricity derived from solar power generation is traded between electricity consumers, electricity generators, etc. Such electricity has environmental value in addition to the value of the electricity itself. The environmental value can be embodied as a certificate such as a green power certificate and traded. Electricity consumers can secure electricity derived from solar power generation and its environmental value by trading through this platform. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-9334 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Renewable energy electricity, such as electricity derived from solar power generation, is generated by renewable energy power generation equipment. Under the Feed in Tariff (FIT) system, electricity generated in this way has been purchased by electric power companies at a fixed price. After the end of the FIT system, such renewable energy electricity is likely to be self-consumed by the facilities where the renewable energy power generation equipment is installed. Self-consumption of renewable energy electricity is basically equivalent to meeting the electricity demand of the facilities without emitting CO2, and therefore contributes to the global environment.

[0006] A user at a facility different from the above facility may consume electricity at the facility using normal electricity (e.g., electricity from a power grid) different from renewable energy electricity. The user can satisfy a request from a government or the like by allocating the environmental value of renewable energy electricity to the electricity consumption at the facility. As a result, the user can participate in activities (environmental activities) for securing environmental values. It is preferable that such activities are promoted.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a power processing system that can promote environmental activities by users of facilities other than a facility in which a renewable energy power generation device is installed, when renewable energy power is self-consumed in the facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The power processing system of the present disclosure includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is configured to communicate with both a first facility where a renewable energy power generation device is installed and a terminal device of a user at a second facility different from the first facility. The processing unit determines a first power consumption (a self-consumption amount of renewable energy power) which is an amount of power consumed at the first facility during a predetermined collection period among the amount of renewable energy power generated by the renewable energy power generation device during a predetermined collection period, and determines a second power consumption which is an amount of power consumed in a power consumption event carried out at the second facility using normal power different from the renewable energy power. When the communication unit receives an allocation request from the terminal device, the processing unit executes a certificate issuance process. The allocation request is a signal requesting that at least a part of the environmental value of the first power consumption be allocated to at least a part of the second power consumption. The certificate issuance process is to issue a certificate proving that at least a part of the environmental value has been allocated to at least a part of the second power consumption.

[0009] With the above configuration, at least a part of the environmental value of the first power consumption is allocated to at least a part of the second power consumption through the issuance of a certificate to the user of the second facility. As a result, the user of the second facility can secure the environmental value. Therefore, when the renewable energy power is self-consumed in the first facility, environmental activities by the second user can be promoted. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, when renewable energy power is self-consumed in a facility in which a renewable energy power generation device is installed, environmental activities by users of facilities other than the facility in question can be promoted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a power processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating equipment installed in a facility. [Diagram 3]11 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed in relation to a certificate issuing process. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a storage device of a server. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed in the first modification example. [Figure 6] 11 is a flow chart illustrating processing performed by a server in connection with detecting possible fraudulent activity. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a power processing system according to a third modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a storage device. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed in Modification 3. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed in Modification 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Each of the embodiments and their modified examples may be appropriately combined with each other.

[0013] [Embodiment Mode] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a power processing system according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the power processing system 1 includes a plurality of facilities 10, a server 20, and a facility 30.

[0014] The multiple facilities 10 include facilities 10-1, 10-2, . . . 10-n. Users of the facilities 10-1, 10-2, . . . 10n are also referred to as users UA-1, UA-2, . . . UA-n, respectively. Each of the users UA-1, UA-2, . . . UA-n is also referred to as user UA. Each facility 10 is connected to a power system PG managed by a power company 40.

[0015] Each facility 10 is equipped with a power generation device 105 and a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) 110.

[0016] The power generation equipment 105 generates power using renewable energy such as solar or wind power. The power generated by the power generation equipment 105 is also referred to as "renewable energy power" (green power). The power generation equipment 105 in the facility 10-1 is a solar power generation equipment 105-1. The power generation equipment 105 in the facility 10-2 is a wind power generation equipment 105-2. The power generation equipment 105 may be other types of renewable energy power generation equipment such as a biomass power generation equipment or a geothermal power generation equipment.

[0017] The HEMS 110 includes a processor, a memory, an auxiliary storage device, and an input / output interface (none of which are shown). The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random access memory). The input / output interface transmits and receives signals to and from various devices in the facility 10. The HEMS 110 manages the amount of power consumption in the facility 10 and the amount of power generated by the power generation device 105 in accordance with the signals.

[0018] The server 20 includes a communication device 205, a storage device 210, and a processing device 215. The communication device 205 is configured to communicate with both the HEMS 110 of each facility 10 and a management device 310 (described later) of the facility 30. The communication device 205 corresponds to a "communication unit" in this disclosure. The storage device 210 stores various data and information (described later in detail) used by the processing device 215. The processing device 215 includes a processor and a memory (neither of which are shown). The processor is, for example, a CPU. The memory includes a ROM and a RAM.

[0019] The facility 30 is owned by a company (or individual) that has been requested to participate in an environmental activity to secure environmental value. The facility 30 is scheduled to allocate an environmental value to at least a portion of the amount of normal electricity consumed therein (the facility that is the target of the environmental activity). The normal electricity is electricity different from the renewable energy electricity, and in this example, it is grid electricity GP supplied from the power grid PG. The facility 30 is provided with a building 305 and an electric power facility 340.

[0020] The building 305 is connected to the power grid PG. The building 305 is provided with a management device 310. The management device 310 is an example of a terminal device of a user UB of the facility 30. The management device 310, for example, determines the amount of power consumption in a power consumption event (also simply referred to as a "power consumption event") carried out using normal power in the facility 30, and determines the type of the power consumption event.

[0021] The power equipment 340 is connected to the power system PG, and is provided outside the vehicle 330. The power equipment 340 includes a measurement device 345 and a communication device 346. The measurement device 345 measures the amount of power consumption in the facility 30 caused by external charging (described later) of the vehicle 330. The communication device 346 transmits the measurement value of the measurement device 345 and event information EI indicating the type of a power consumption event in the facility 30 to the management device 310. The event information EI may be transmitted to the server 20 by the management device 310.

[0022] The vehicle 330 is an electric vehicle including a power storage device 335, and is owned by a user UB. The vehicle 330 is configured to be capable of performing external charging, in which the power storage device 335 of the vehicle 330 is charged using power supplied from a power facility 340. In this example, the external charging corresponds to a power consumption event in the facility 30.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the devices installed in the facility 10. With reference to Fig. 2, the facility 10 is equipped with a power generation device 105, a HEMS 110, electrical equipment 111, a connection unit 112, a switchboard 115, and smart meters 125, 130, and 135.

[0024] The power generation device 105 generates electric power PW1 using renewable energy. The electric equipment 111 consumes electric power PW2 in the facility 10.

[0025] The switchboard 115 is connected to the power grid PG through the connection unit 112. The switchboard 115 receives power PW1 from the power generation device 105 and supplies power PW2 to the electrical equipment 111. The power PW3a is system power GP supplied to the facility 10 (switchboard 115) through the connection unit 112, in other words, power purchased by the user UA from the power company 40. The power PW3b is power of the power PW1 supplied from the facility 10 to the power grid PG, in other words, power sold by the user UA to the power company 40 as renewable energy power (power purchased by the power company 40). The sum of the powers PW1 and PW3a is equal to the sum of the powers PW2 and PW3b (PW1+PW3a=PW2+PW3b).

[0026] During the period (power buying period) when the user UA is buying power from the power company 40, it is difficult to cover the power demand at the facility 10 with only the power PW1, and all of the power PW1 is self-consumed at the facility 10 as part of the power PW2 (consumed by the electrical appliances 111). The sum of the powers PW1 and PW3a is equal to the power PW2. On the other hand, during the period (power selling period) when the user UA is selling power to the power company 40, it is possible to cover the power demand at the facility 10 with only the power PW1, and of the power PW1, the power PW2 is self-consumed at the facility 10. The power PW1 is equal to the sum of the powers PW2 and PW3b.

[0027] The smart meters 125, 130, and 135 measure power PW1, PW2, PW3a, and PW3b, respectively. The measured values ​​of power PW1, PW2, PW3a, and PW3b are measured values ​​V1, V2, V3a, and V3b, respectively. Each of the smart meters 125, 130, and 135 sequentially transmits the corresponding measured value together with facility ID (Identification) information to the server 20. These measured values ​​may be transmitted to the HEMS 110. The facility ID information indicates a pre-assigned ID of the facility 10, and is stored in a memory (not shown) of the smart meters 125, 130, and 135.

[0028] Under the FIT (Feed in Tariff) system, renewable energy power generated by the power generation device 105 has been purchased by the power company 40 at a fixed price. After the end of the FIT system, it is considered that the renewable energy power thus generated is more likely to be self-consumed in the facility 10 (more likely to be consumed by the electrical appliances 111) than to be sold to the power company 40. Self-consumption of renewable energy power in the facility 10 basically corresponds to covering the power demand of the facility 10 without emitting CO2, and contributes to CO2 reduction (environmental protection). It is preferable that a user UA who makes such a contribution is evaluated in some way.

[0029] In order to carry out the aforementioned environmental activities, the user UB of the facility 30 may wish to assign an environmental value of renewable energy electricity to the amount of electricity consumed in an electricity consumption event (in this example, external charging) in the facility 30. It is preferable that such environmental activities be promoted.

[0030] The inventors have noticed that setting an environmental value for the self-consumption of renewable energy power in the facility 10 leads to the user UA's evaluation of the CO2 reduction resulting from the self-consumption of renewable energy power. Furthermore, the inventors have noticed that assigning the environmental value thus set to a power consumption event in the facility 30 leads to the promotion of environmental activities by the user UB.

[0031] In this embodiment, the server 20 executes the following first determination process, second determination process, request reception process, and certificate issuance process.

[0032] The first determination process is to determine the amount of power consumed in the facility 10 during a predetermined collection period out of the amount of renewable energy power generated by the power generation device 105 during the collection period. This amount of power is also referred to as the "first power consumption amount." The above collection period is a period during which the results of power usage in the facility 10 over this period are collected (the period for which the facility 10 is billed for power charges), and is, for example, one day, one week, or one month. The first power consumption amount is the self-consumption amount of renewable energy power during the collection period, and is therefore considered to have environmental value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire first power consumption amount has environmental value. A case in which only a portion of the first power consumption amount has environmental value will be described in Modification 1.

[0033] During the power buying period, all of the power PW1 is self-consumed in the facility 10 as a part of the power PW2. On the other hand, during the power selling period, the power PW2 of the power PW1 is self-consumed. Therefore, the first power consumption is the sum of the time-integrated value (first integrated value) of the power PW1 during the power buying period of the collection period and the time-integrated value (second integrated value) of the power PW2 during the power selling period of the collection period. The server 20 sequentially determines the power buying period and the power selling period in the facility 10 according to the measurement values ​​V3a and V3b. The server 20 sequentially calculates the time-integrated value of the power PW1 during the power buying period and the time-integrated value of the power PW2 during the power selling period according to the result of the determination and the measurement values ​​V1 and V2, and stores the calculation results in the storage device 210. Then, after the collection period ends, the first integrated value and the second integrated value are determined, and the first power consumption is determined.

[0034] The second determination process determines the amount of power consumed in the power consumption event (external charging) in the facility 30. This amount of power is also referred to as a “second power consumption amount.” In this example, the second power consumption amount is the amount of power consumption in the facility 30 caused by external charging, and is determined according to the measurement value of the measurement device 345 of the power equipment 340.

[0035] The request receiving process is to receive an allocation request from the management device 310. The allocation request is a signal requesting that at least a portion of the environmental value (self-consumption environmental value) of the first power consumption be allocated to at least a portion of the second power consumption. The allocation request includes information indicating an environmental value (requested environmental value) that is requested to be allocated to the second power consumption. The requested environmental value corresponds to at least a portion of the self-consumption environmental value. The allocation request is generated by the management device 310 and transmitted from the management device 310 to the server 20. If the allocation request requests that an environmental value be allocated to the entire second power consumption, the power consumption event in the facility 30 is treated as a CO2-free event.

[0036] The self-consumption environmental value is set by the server 20 according to the first power consumption and the environmental value per unit power consumption (unit environmental value) (for example, the larger the first power consumption, the higher the environmental value is set). In this example, the unit environmental value is represented by a default value that is appropriately predetermined by the administrator of the server 20 and stored in the storage device 210.

[0037] The certificate issuance process is executed when the communication device 205 receives an allocation request from the management device 310. The certificate issuance process is to issue a certificate (renewable energy certificate) that certifies that the requested environmental value has been allocated to the second power consumption.

[0038] When the first determination process, the second determination process, the request receiving process, and the certificate issuing process are executed as described above, the requested environmental value is assigned to the second power consumption amount through the issuance of a certificate to the user UB of the facility 30. As a result, the user UB can secure the environmental value. Therefore, environmental activities by the user UB can be promoted.

[0039] The server 20 collects the measured values ​​from the smart meters 125, 130, 135 of each of the facilities 10 and determines the first power consumption of each facility 10 during the collection period. The server 20 sets the environmental value of each first power consumption according to the corresponding first power consumption. The server 20 calculates the sum of each of these environmental values ​​as a total environmental value and stores the calculation result as total environmental value information in the storage device 210. The allocation request is also a signal requesting that at least a part of the total environmental value be set as a requested environmental value and allocated to the second power consumption. Since the total environmental value is derived from the self-consumption environmental value in the facility 10, at least a part of the total environmental value is considered to include this self-consumption environmental value.

[0040] By setting the self-consumption environmental value for each facility 10 and calculating the total environmental value, it is possible to more easily collect environmental values ​​from each facility 10. This makes it easier to avoid a situation where the environmental value derived from the self-consumption of renewable energy power is insufficient and the requested environmental value cannot be allocated to the second power consumption even when the requested environmental value is large. As a result, environmental activities by the user UB can be more effectively promoted.

[0041] The certificate is sold to the user UB at a price that depends on the required environmental value. For example, the higher the required environmental value, the higher the selling price of the certificate. At least a portion of the profit (sales profit) obtained by selling the certificate is provided to the user UA (distributed to each user UA) as a reward for self-consumption of renewable energy power. This reward is set according to the first power consumption (for example, the higher the first power consumption, the larger the reward).

[0042] When a reward is provided to the user UA in this manner, the user UA can be evaluated in the form of a reward for the CO2 reduction resulting from the self-consumption of renewable energy electricity in the facility 10.

[0043] 3 is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed in relation to the certificate issuing process. This flowchart is started each time the above-mentioned collection period ends. Before the start of this flowchart, users UA and UB are assumed to be registered in the server 20 as users who wish to sell and buy environmental value, respectively. Hereinafter, steps are abbreviated as "S".

[0044] Referring to FIG. 3, the server 20 determines the first power consumption amount APC1 in accordance with the above-mentioned first and second integrated values ​​(S210).

[0045] The server 20 sets the self-consumption environmental value SCEV according to the first power consumption amount APC1 and the unit environmental value (S215). The server 20 adds the set self-consumption environmental value SCEV to the total environmental value, and updates the total environmental value (S220).

[0046] The management device 310 of the facility 30 transmits a signal indicating the second power consumption amount APC2 to the server 20 (S325), and then transmits an allocation request AR to the server 20 (S335).

[0047] The server 20 determines the second power consumption APC2 according to the signal (S230), and determines whether or not the allocation request AR has been received (S240). If the server 20 has not yet received the allocation request AR (NO in S240), the server 20 continues the determination process of S240 until the allocation request AR is received. If the server 20 receives the allocation request AR (YES in S240), the server 20 executes the certificate issuance process (S245), and then transmits a notification NT to the management device 310 indicating the completion of the certificate issuance process (S246).

[0048] In response to receiving the notification NT, the management device 310 executes a payment process for the issuance of the certificate (S350), thereby executing a payment from the user UB to the administrator of the server 20. The management device 310 transmits a signal SS to the server 20 indicating the completion of the payment process.

[0049] When the server 20 receives the signal SS, the server 20 sets a reward for the user UA of the facility 10 according to the first power consumption APC1 (S250). After that, the server 20 executes a process (e.g., a payment process) for providing a reward to the user UA (S260).

[0050] In the above, the processes of S325, S335, and S350 are executed every time the above-mentioned aggregation period ends, but they may be executed every time a power consumption event is held in the facility 30. That is, the payment process of S350 may be executed every time a power consumption event is held (pay-per-use for certificate issuance). In the case of pay-per-use, the server 20 may prohibit the issuance of a certificate to the user UB (issuance of a certificate under a flat-rate system) when the requested environmental value from the facility 30 reaches a predetermined upper limit (when the payment fee reaches the upper limit fee).

[0051] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to quantitatively evaluate the user UA in the form of a reward for the environmental contribution (CO2 reduction) achieved through the self-consumption of renewable energy power, while promoting environmental activities by the user UB.

[0052] [Variation 1] The server 20 may set (change) the self-consumption environmental value SCEV according to the type of the power generation equipment 105 (specifically, whether the power generation equipment 105 is a solar power generation equipment 105-1, a wind power generation equipment 105-2, a biomass power generation equipment, a geothermal power generation equipment, etc.).

[0053] In detail, the server 20 sets the self-consumption environmental value SCEV according to the life cycle CO2 emission of the power generation equipment 105. The life cycle CO2 emission is expressed as the amount of CO2 emission per unit of power generation of renewable energy electricity, which reflects the CO2 emission in a series of processes including the manufacture, operation, and disposal of the power generation equipment 105. The CO2 emission in the series of processes includes the amount of CO2 emitted from the factory when the power generation equipment 105 is manufactured.

[0054] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in storage device 210 of server 20. With reference to FIG. 4, life cycle CO2 data 250 includes ID information 255, type information 260, life cycle CO2 emission information 265, and coefficient information 270.

[0055] The ID information 255 indicates the ID of the facility 10 for each facility 10. In this example, the facilities 10 having IDs of 001 and 002 correspond to the facilities 10-1 and 10-2, respectively. The type information 260 indicates the type of power generated by the corresponding power generation device 105 for each facility 10.

[0056] The life cycle CO2 emission information 265 indicates the life cycle CO2 emission (g / kWh) of the corresponding power generation equipment 105. The life cycle CO2 emission of the wind power generation equipment 105-2 is less than the life cycle CO2 emission of the solar power generation equipment 105-1.

[0057] The coefficient information 270 indicates a coefficient (environmental coefficient) used for setting the self-consumption environmental value SCEV. The environmental coefficient is used for determining the proportion of the power consumption amount having an environmental value out of the first power consumption amount APC1, and is greater than 0 and less than 1. In other words, in this modified example 1, out of the first power consumption amount APC1, only the product of the first power consumption amount APC1 and the environmental coefficient is treated as having an environmental value. The server 20 sets the self-consumption environmental value SCEV according to the product of this product and the unit environmental value.

[0058] In this example, for the facility 10-1, only 80% of the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation device 105-1 is treated as having environmental value, and for the facility 10-2, only 90% of the power generated by the wind power generation device 105-2 is treated as having environmental value.

[0059] The server 20 executes a classification process (first classification process) for classifying renewable energy power into a first group GR1 or a second group GR2 according to the life cycle CO2 emissions of the power generation device 105. When renewable energy power is classified into the first group GR1, the life cycle CO2 emissions are smaller than when renewable energy power is classified into the second group GR2. In this example, the server 20 classifies power originating from wind power generation into the first group GR1, and classifies power originating from solar power generation into the second group GR2.

[0060] The server 20 executes a value setting process to set the self-consumption environmental value SCEV according to the result of the first classification process. This value setting process is to set the self-consumption environmental value SCEV higher when the renewable energy electricity is classified into the first group GR1 than when the renewable energy electricity is classified into the second group GR2 (in this example, it includes setting the environmental coefficient for the facility 10-2 higher than the environmental coefficient for the facility 10-1).

[0061] When the value setting process is executed, the life cycle CO2 emissions are reflected in the self-consumption environmental value SCEV. Specifically, when the life cycle CO2 emissions are small, the self-consumption environmental value SCEV is set higher than when the life cycle CO2 emissions are large.

[0062] 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed in Modification 1. This flowchart starts when S210 in FIG.

[0063] 5, the server 20 determines whether the life cycle CO2 emissions of the power generation equipment 105 of the facility 10 are equal to or greater than a reference amount, according to the facility ID information and the life cycle CO2 data 250 (S211). The reference amount is suitably determined in advance through experiments, as an amount of life cycle CO2 emissions less than the reference amount is particularly preferable from an environmental perspective.

[0064] If the life cycle CO2 emissions are less than the reference amount (NO in S211), the server 20 classifies the renewable energy power into the first group GR1 (S212a) and sets its environmental coefficient to C1 (S213a). On the other hand, if the life cycle CO2 emissions are equal to or more than the reference amount (YES in S211), the server 20 classifies the renewable energy power into the second group GR2 (S212b) and sets its environmental coefficient to C2 (<C1) (S213b). After S213a or S213b, in S215 (FIG. 3), the server 20 sets the self-consumption environmental value SCEV according to the environmental coefficient.

[0065] According to this Modification 1, the life cycle CO2 emissions are reflected in the self-consumption environmental value SCEV. As a result, the self-consumption environmental value SCEV can be set in a more realistic form.

[0066] [Modification 2] As described above, the user UA can obtain a larger reward as the first power consumption APC1 is larger. On the other hand, if the user UA attempts to increase this reward through improper conduct (for example, when the solar power generation device 105-1 is switched to another power source to illegally increase the power PW1 and the first power consumption APC1), the reliability of the self-consumption environmental value SCEV decreases. This leads to a decrease in the reliability of the total environmental value derived from the self-consumption environmental value SCEV and the reliability of the environmental value (certificate reliability) assigned to the second power consumption APC2 based on the total environmental value.

[0067] In Modification 2, the communication device 205 of the server 20 acquires weather information indicating the weather during the aggregation period in the area where the facility 10-1 in which the solar power generation device 105-1 is installed is located from an external server. The processing device 215 of the server 20 determines the solar power generation amount, which is the amount of renewable energy power generated by the solar power generation device 105-1 during the aggregation period, and determines whether the solar power generation amount is within its assumed range according to the solar power generation amount and the weather information. The assumed range is appropriately determined in advance by experiments as a realistic range of the solar power generation amount during the aggregation period.

[0068] When the amount of solar power generation is outside the expected range, the server 20 detects the possibility of fraudulent behavior by the user UA-1 and reduces the self-consumption environmental value SCEV by lowering the unit environmental value from the default value more than when the amount of solar power generation is within the expected range. This makes it possible to prevent unjustified inflation of the self-consumption environmental value SCEV.

[0069] 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the server 20 in relation to detecting possible fraudulent activity. This flowchart is started every time the above-mentioned counting period ends, and is executed before the start of the flowchart of FIG.

[0070] 6, the server 20 determines the amount of solar power generation during the collection period (S405), acquires weather information during the collection period in the area where the facility 10-1 is located (S410), and determines whether the amount of solar power generation is within the expected range (S415). If the amount of solar power generation is outside the expected range (NO in S415), the server 20 detects the possibility of fraudulent behavior by the user UA-1 (S417) and reduces the unit environmental value from the default value (S420). If not (YES in S415), the server 20 determines that the amount of solar power generation is valid (S421). After S420 or S421, the process proceeds to S210 in FIG. 3.

[0071] According to this modification 2, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the reliability of the total environmental value derived from the self-consumption environmental value SCEV. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the reliability of the environmental value allocated to the second power consumption APC2 (the reliability of the certificate).

[0072] [Variation 3] In this third modification, the server 20 stores the history of CO2 emissions from the facilities of a company that is requested to participate in environmental activities, and executes the certificate issuance process according to this history.

[0073] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a power processing system according to Modification 3. With reference to Fig. 7, in power processing system 1A, facility 30 including building 305 is also referred to as facility 30-1. User UB and management device 310 of facility 30-1 are also referred to as user UB-1 and management device 310-1, respectively. Power processing system 1A differs from power processing system 1 (Fig. 1) in that it further includes facility 30 (30-2) including a smoke exhaust device 350.

[0074] The facility 30-2 is connected to the power grid PG and is a target facility for environmental activities. The facility 30-2 is a factory where the smoke exhaust system 350 emits a large amount of CO2. The power consumption event in the facility 30-2 is an event different from the external charging of the vehicle 330 (for example, a power consumption event for operating a production line in the factory). The user UB and the management device 310 of the facility 30-2 are also referred to as the user UB-2 and the management device 310-2, respectively.

[0075] Like the management device 310-1, the management device 310-2 is configured to be able to transmit an allocation request AR to the server 20. When the management device 310-2 transmits the allocation request AR to the server 20, a part of the total environmental value can be allocated to the power consumption event in the facility 30-2. The management device 310-2 also transmits to the server 20 event information EI indicating the type of the power consumption event in the facility 30-2.

[0076] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in storage device 210. Referring to Fig. 8, history data 280 includes ID information 285 and CO2 emission amount history information 290.

[0077] The ID information 285 indicates the ID of the facility that is the target of the environmental activity. In this example, the facilities with IDs 00A and 00B correspond to the facilities 30-1 and 30-2, respectively. The CO2 emission history information 290 indicates the history of the amount of CO2 emission from the facility with the corresponding ID for a predetermined period of time in the past (e.g., one year). In this history, the CO2 emissions from the facilities 30-1 and 30-2 are emissions AE1 and AE2, respectively (AE1 <AE2)。

[0078] The server 20 executes a classification process (second classification process) to classify the facility 30 into the first facility group FGR1 or the second facility group FGR2 according to the history data 280. When the facility 30 is classified into the first facility group FGR1, the facility 30 has a lower amount of CO2 emissions in the history data 280 than when the facility 30 is classified into the second facility group FGR2.

[0079] When the facility 30 is classified into the first facility group FGR1, the server 20 issues a certificate with higher priority than when the facility 30 is classified into the second facility group FGR2. Specifically, the server 20 sets a priority (0 or higher) for the facility 30 to the user UB according to the result of the second classification process, and executes the certificate issuance process according to the priority.

[0080] For example, if the facility 30 is classified into the first facility group FGR1 (is facility 30-1), the server 20 sets the priority of issuing a certificate to the user UB to the first priority. On the other hand, if the facility 30 is classified into the second facility group FGR2 (is facility 30-2), the server 20 sets the priority of issuing a certificate to the user UB to the second priority. The first priority is higher than the second priority. When the priority is the first priority, the server 20 issues a certificate with higher priority than when the priority is the second priority.

[0081] Issuing a certificate preferentially when the facility 30 is classified into the first facility group FGR1 includes, for example, issuing a certificate only to user UB-1 of the facility 30-1 associated with the first priority when the server 20 receives allocation requests AR from each of the facilities 30-1, 30-2 and the total environmental value is insufficient. The total environmental value being insufficient means, for example, that the sum of the requested environmental values ​​included in these allocation requests AR is greater than the total environmental value and each requested environmental value is less than the total environmental value (i.e., only one of these requested environmental values ​​is allocable to the corresponding second power consumption APC2).

[0082] When the certificate issuance process is executed according to the results of the second classification process as described above, a certificate is issued preferentially when the amount of CO2 emissions from facility 30 is small, rather than when the amount of CO2 emissions is large. This makes it easier to issue a certificate to a facility 30 (facility 30-1) with low CO2 emissions. As a result, it becomes easier for user UB-1 to engage in environmental activities. On the other hand, it becomes more difficult for user UB-2 to engage in environmental activities. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the fact that the company that owns facility 30-2 is emitting a large amount of CO2 is contradicted by the fact that the company in question emits a large amount of CO2 while being recognized by society as contributing to environmental protection through environmental activities.

[0083] 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process executed in Modification 3. This flowchart starts when a YES determination is made in S240 of FIG.

[0084] 9, the server 20 determines whether or not the CO2 emission amount in the history data 280 is less than a threshold amount (S241). The threshold amount is determined in advance by experimentation as an amount of CO2 emission amount in a past predetermined period that is less than the threshold amount being environmentally preferable.

[0085] If the CO2 emissions are less than the threshold amount (YES in S241), the server 20 classifies the facility 30 into the first facility group FGR1 (S242a), and sets the priority PR of certificate issuance for user UB of the facility 30 (30-1) to the first priority PR1 (S243a). On the other hand, if the CO2 emissions are equal to or greater than the threshold amount (NO in S241), the server 20 classifies the facility 30 into the second facility group FGR2 (S242b), and sets the priority PR of certificate issuance for user UB of the facility 30 (30-2) to the second priority PR2 (S243b). After S243a or S243b, the process proceeds to S245.

[0086] In S245, the server 20 executes a certificate issuance process according to the priority PR. For example, if the priority PR is set to the first priority PR1, a certificate is issued to the user UB of the facility 30 regardless of a shortage of the total environmental value. On the other hand, if the priority PR is set to the second priority PR2 and there is a shortage of the total environmental value, the issuance of a certificate to the user UB of the facility 30 is postponed until the shortage of the total environmental value is resolved.

[0087] According to this modification 3, it is possible to facilitate environmental activities by the user UB-1, and as a result, it is possible to further encourage the user UB-1 to reduce CO2 emissions.

[0088] [Variation 4] When the facility 30 is classified into the first facility group FGR1, the server 20 may set the selling price of the certificate to the user UB lower than when the facility 30 is classified into the second facility group FGR2. For example, when the requested environmental values ​​included in the allocation requests AR from the facilities 30-1 and 30-2 are the same, the server 20 may set the selling price of the certificate to the user UB-1 lower than the selling price of the certificate to the user UB-2.

[0089] When the selling price is set as described above, when the actual CO2 emissions are small, the user UB can purchase the certificate at a lower price than when the actual CO2 emissions are large. For example, the user UB-1 can purchase the certificate at a lower price than the user UB-2. As a result, the user UB-1 can be further encouraged to reduce the CO2 emissions in the facility 10-1.

[0090] [Variation 5] In the fifth modification, the server 20 (communication device 205) acquires event information EI indicating a type of a power consumption event in the facility 30 from the management device 310. The event information indicates whether or not the power consumption event is external charging of the vehicle 330. The server 20 (processing device 215) executes a certificate issuance process in accordance with the event information EI. For example, when the power consumption event in the facility 30 is external charging, the server 20 issues a certificate to the user UB of the facility 30 with priority over a case in which the power consumption event is not external charging.

[0091] In this example, when external charging is performed in the facility 30 (when the facility 30 is facility 30-1), the server 20 sets the priority of certificate issuance to user UB of the facility 30 to a first priority. On the other hand, when a power consumption event other than external charging is performed in the facility 30 (when the facility 30 is facility 30-2), the server 20 sets the priority of certificate issuance to user UB of the facility 30 to a second priority (e.g., 0). The first priority is higher than the second priority. When the priority is set to 0, issuance of a certificate is prohibited.

[0092] Preferentially issuing a certificate when external charging is performed in the facility 30 includes, for example, issuing only a certificate for user UB-1 of facility 30-1 related to the first priority when the server 20 receives allocation requests AR from each of the facilities 30-1 and 30-2 and the total environmental value is insufficient. That is, in this case, the certificate issuance process corresponds to issuing a certificate to user UB (i.e., only to user UB-1) only when the power consumption event is external charging. The server 20 may preferentially issue a certificate to user UB-1 by setting the second priority for user UB-2 to 0 and prohibiting the issuance of a certificate to user UB-2.

[0093] When the certificate issuing process is executed according to the event information EI as described above, the certificate is issued to the user UB-1 with priority over the user UB-2. As a result, it is possible to facilitate environmental activities by the user UB-1. In particular, it is effective to set the second priority to 0. This prohibits the issuance of a certificate to the user UB-2, and a certificate is issued only to an entity that owns an externally chargeable electric vehicle, such as the user UB-1. As a result, for example, if the user UB-1 owns a gasoline-powered vehicle (not shown) in addition to the vehicle 330, it is possible to motivate the user UB-1 to trade in the gasoline-powered vehicle for an externally chargeable electric vehicle in order to more easily carry out environmental activities. This can contribute to the spread of electric vehicles.

[0094] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the process executed in Modification 5. This flowchart starts when a YES determination is made in S240 of FIG.

[0095] 10, the server 20 acquires event information EI from the facility 30 (S241a). The server 20 determines whether or not the power consumption event in the facility 30 is external charging according to the event information EI (S241b).

[0096] When the power consumption event is external charging (YES in S241b), in this example, when the source of the allocation request AR is the facility 30-1, the server 20 sets the priority PR of certificate issuance for the user UB-1 to the first priority PR1 (S243c). Then, the process proceeds to S245 in FIG. 3. In S245, the server 20 executes the certificate issuance process according to the priority PR, as in the case of the third modification.

[0097] On the other hand, if the power consumption event is not external charging (NO in S241b), in this example, if the source of the allocation request AR is facility 30-2, the server 20 sets the priority PR for certificate issuance to user UB-2 to the second priority PR2 (S243d).

[0098] The server 20 switches the process depending on whether the second priority PR2 is 0 or not (S244). If the second priority PR2 is not 0 (NO in S244), the process proceeds to S245. If the second priority PR2 is 0 (YES in S244), the server 20 prohibits the issuance of the certificate and ends the process.

[0099] If a power consumption event in facility 30-1 includes external charging and a power consumption event other than external charging (for example, the operation of an air conditioner installed in building 305 of facility 30-1), management device 310-1 may transmit to server 20 only the power consumption during external charging, of the total power consumption during this event and external charging, as second power consumption APC2.

[0100] According to the fifth modification, it is possible to contribute to the spread of electric vehicles, and therefore to the reduction of CO2 emissions. [Variation 6] When the power consumption event in the facility 30 is external charging, the server 20 may set the selling price of the certificate to the user UB lower than when the power consumption event in the facility 30 is not external charging. For example, when the requested environmental values ​​included in the allocation requests AR from the facilities 30-1 and 30-2 are the same, the server 20 may set the selling price of the certificate to the user UB-1 lower than the selling price of the certificate to the user UB-2.

[0101] When the selling price is set as described above, when external charging is performed at the facility 30, the user UB can purchase the certificate at a lower price than when not performing the external charging. For example, the user UB-1 can purchase the certificate at a lower price than the user UB-2 (environmental activities can be easily performed). As a result, as described above, the user UB-1 can be motivated to replace his gasoline-powered vehicle with an electric vehicle.

[0102] [Other variations] The facility 10 may further be provided with a power storage device for storing the renewable energy generated by the power generation device 105, and a smart meter for the power storage device for measuring the charging or discharging power of the power storage device during a collection period. In this case, the first power consumption is determined according to the measurement value of the smart meter and the powers PW1, PW2, PW3a, and PW3b.

[0103] The normal power is not limited to the grid power GP. For example, if a cogeneration system (combined heat and power supply system) that generates power by using gas used in the facility 10 is installed in the facility 10, the normal power may be the power generated by this system.

[0104] The server 20 may issue a certificate indicating the self-consumption environmental value SCEV (self-consumption value certificate) to the user UA. This certificate is issued for each facility 10, and is purchased from each user UA by the administrator of the server 20. The server 20 may then calculate the sum of the self-consumption environmental values ​​SCEV of the multiple purchased certificates as the total environmental value.

[0105] 3 (for example, the process of determining the first power consumption in S212) may be executed by the HEMS 110 instead of the server 20. Therefore, the “processing unit” in the present disclosure is a concept that includes the processing device 215 and the HEMS 110.

[0106] Some or all of S210 to S255 may be executed by the HEMS 110 (the server 20 may not be provided). In this case, a P2P (Peer to Peer) transaction is performed between the users UA and UB regarding the reward to the user UA and the payment by the user UB.

[0107] 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 the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1,1A Power processing system, 10,30 Facility, 20 Server, 105 Power generation equipment, 205,346 Communication equipment, 210 Storage device, 215 Processing device, 310 Management device, 330 Vehicle, 335 Storage device, 340 Power equipment, PG Power system.

Claims

1. A communication unit configured to communicate with both a first facility in which a renewable energy power generation device is installed and a terminal device of a user in a second facility different from the first facility; a processing unit; The processing unit includes: determining a first power consumption amount, which is an amount of power consumed in the first facility during a predetermined collection period, out of an amount of renewable energy power generated by the renewable energy power generation device during the predetermined collection period; determining a second amount of power consumption, the second amount being an amount of power consumed in a power consumption event carried out in the second facility using normal power different from the renewable energy power; When the communication unit receives an allocation request from the terminal device, the processing unit executes a certificate issuance process; the allocation request is a signal requesting that at least a portion of the environmental value of the first power consumption be allocated to at least a portion of the second power consumption; The certificate issuing process issues a certificate certifying that at least a portion of the environmental value has been allocated to at least a portion of the second power consumption.

2. The processing unit executes a first classification process to classify the renewable energy power into a first group or a second group according to a life cycle CO2 emission expressed as a CO2 emission per unit amount of the renewable energy power, which reflects a CO2 emission in a series of processes including manufacturing, operation, and disposal of the renewable energy power generation device; When the renewable energy electricity is classified into the first group, the life cycle CO2 emissions are smaller than when the renewable energy electricity is classified into the second group, The processing unit executes a value setting process for setting the environmental value in accordance with a result of the first classification process, The power processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the value setting process sets the environmental value higher when the renewable energy power is classified into the first group than when the renewable energy power is classified into the second group.

3. The renewable energy power generation device is a solar power generation device, The communication unit acquires weather information indicating weather in an area where the first facility is located, The processing unit includes: determining a solar power generation amount, which is the amount of the renewable energy power generated by the solar power generation device; determining whether the amount of solar power generation is within an expected range according to the amount of solar power generation and the weather information; The power processing system according to claim 1 , wherein when the amount of solar power generation is outside the expected range, the environmental value is reduced more than when the amount of solar power generation is within the expected range.

4. A storage unit that stores a history of CO2 emissions from the second facility, the processing unit executes a second classification process to classify the second facility into a first facility group or a second facility group according to the history; When the second facility is classified into the first facility group, the CO2 emission amount in the history is smaller than when the second facility is classified into the second facility group, the processing unit executes the certificate issuance process according to a result of the second classification process; 2. The power processing system of claim 1, wherein the certificate issuance process issues the certificate with priority when the second facility is classified into the first facility group, compared to when the second facility is classified into the second facility group.

5. the power consumption event includes external charging of an electric vehicle of a user of the second facility; The external charging is charging a power storage device of the electric vehicle using power supplied from a power facility provided in the second facility and external to the electric vehicle, The communication unit acquires event information indicating whether the power consumption event is the external charging, the processing unit executes the certificate issuance process in accordance with the event information; The power processing system according to claim 4 , wherein the certificate issuance process issues the certificate with a higher priority when the power consumption event is the external charging than when the power consumption event is not the external charging.

6. The power processing system of claim 5 , wherein the certificate issuance process includes issuing the certificate only if the power consumption event is the external charging.

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