Demand Response Compatible Power Control System

Abstract

Since it is possible to predict the issuance of a demand response, it is possible to secure a sufficient planned time for suppressing power consumption in preparation for the demand response. 【Solution means】The demand response-compatible power control system 10 includes a power usage situation acquisition unit 12 that acquires information on the power usage situation of the power company, a weather forecast acquisition unit 14 that acquires information on the weather forecast, and a prediction unit 16 that predicts the issuance of a demand response based on the information on the power usage situation and the information on the weather forecast. And a plan creation unit 18 that creates a plan for suppressing the power consumption of the facility so as to correspond to the issuance of the demand response predicted by the prediction unit 16. It is characterized by comprising.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a demand response-enabled power control system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to balance the demand (consumption) and supply (generation) of electricity, demand response for controlling power consumption may be issued. As a technology related to the present invention, for example, in Patent Document 1, there is described a power supply system that supplies power to a load connected to a grid power source, the power supply system including a plurality of storage batteries connected between the grid power source and the load and capable of charging and discharging power from a predetermined power source, and a control unit that controls charging and discharging of the storage batteries. The control unit is capable of performing predetermined control in a time period targeted by a demand response request. In the predetermined control, based on the instantaneous value of the purchased power from the grid power source, the number of storage batteries for which discharge is required is calculated as the discharge request number, and the upper limit value of the amount of power purchased from the grid power source in the time period for satisfying the demand response request is acquired as the target purchased power amount. The number of storage batteries for which discharge is necessary so that the amount of power purchased from the grid power source in the time period does not exceed the target purchased power amount is calculated as the necessary discharge number. When the discharge request number is less than or equal to the necessary discharge number, discharge from the storage batteries is permitted only by the discharge request number. When the discharge request number is greater than the necessary discharge number, discharge from the storage batteries is permitted only by the necessary discharge number. A power supply system is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Because demand response is issued three hours before the start of power consumption reduction, there is little preparation time to create a power consumption reduction plan, which means that power consumption cannot be reduced efficiently.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a demand response compatible power control system that makes it possible to secure a sufficient planning time for suppressing power consumption in preparation for demand response. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The demand-response compatible power control system according to the present invention includes a power usage status acquisition unit that acquires information about a power usage status of a power company, a weather forecast acquisition unit that acquires information about a weather forecast, a prediction unit that predicts the issuance of a demand response based on the information about the power usage status and the information about the weather forecast, a power storage unit that can store power generated using solar power, and a power storage control unit that causes the power storage unit to store power in advance in response to the issuance of the demand response predicted by the prediction unit. A planning unit that creates a power consumption suppression plan for a facility so as to cover a shortage of power when the power predicted by the prediction unit for the issuance of the demand response is insufficient only with the power stored in the power storage unit. the power storage control unit calculates a remaining amount of power γ obtained by subtracting an amount of power β of the generated power predicted based on information about the weather forecast from an amount of power α for responding to the issuance of the demand response, , predicts the power generation amount to be generated during a time period when the electricity cost is low, and uses a time period that results in low cost Controlling the storage unit to store electric power using commercial electric power . The planning unit obtains the operation plan and expected power consumption of the air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, and facility equipment used in the facility, and adjusts the operation of the air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, and facility equipment so as to suppress the power consumption of the air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, and facility equipment in response to the issuance of the demand response. Further, when there are a plurality of the facility equipment, the work plan of the employees is adjusted so as to reduce the number of the facility equipment in operation. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, since it is possible to predict the issuance of a demand response, it is possible to store electricity in a power storage unit in preparation for a demand response, and to ensure sufficient time for a power consumption reduction plan. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, the same elements in all the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. Also, in the description in the text, the reference numerals described above will be used as necessary.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a demand response - compliant power control system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a weather forecast owned by a weather information company 6 in the demand response - compliant power control system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operating status and the like of each facility in a factory when an order for demand response is predicted in the demand response - compliant power control system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a power suppression plan and the like for each facility in a factory when the issuance of demand response is predicted in the demand response compatible power control system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] The demand response compatible power control system 10 is a system for making a plan to ensure sufficient time for creating a power consumption suppression plan in preparation for demand response. The demand response compatible power control system 10 includes a power usage status acquisition unit 12, a weather forecast acquisition unit 14, a prediction unit 16, a plan creation unit 18, a display unit 20, and a storage unit 22.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the demand response compatible power control system 10 is connected to the company 4, the weather information company 6, and the power company 8 via the network 2.

[0018] The power usage status acquisition unit 12 has a function of acquiring information on the power usage status of the power company 8.

[0019] Here, the "information on the power usage status" means "power usage amount / supply capacity (power usage rate)" based on the latest power usage status (power demand) provided by the power companies (general power transmission and distribution operators) in each area of Japan in the electricity forecast. The unit of power is MW (megawatt), and the unit of the usage rate is percent.

[0020] Note that the power usage status acquisition unit 12 stores the information on the power usage status acquired from the power company 8 in the storage unit 22. Thereby, it can be used when the prediction unit 16 makes a prediction after the next year.

[0021] Here, the power companies in each area of Japan are Hokkaido Electric Power, Tohoku Electric Power, Tokyo Electric Power, Chubu Electric Power, Hokuriku Electric Power, Kansai Electric Power, Chugoku Electric Power, Shikoku Electric Power, Kyushu Electric Power, and Okinawa Electric Power, and each power company publishes a real-time supply capacity standard indicating the usage rate based on the assumed supply capacity value every hour, and a peak-time supply capacity standard indicating the usage rate based on the assumed maximum supply capacity value in a day.

[0022] The weather forecast acquisition unit 14 has a function of acquiring information on weather forecasts. The "information on weather forecasts" refers to meteorological forecasts that predict how the weather will change in a certain area.

[0023] Meteorological forecasts collect information on the state of the atmosphere such as past weather, current weather, atmospheric pressure, wind direction, wind speed, temperature, and humidity. Based on this information, for a specific area or a wide range of regions, the state of the atmosphere such as weather, wind, and temperature from the current day to several days later (and in some cases, even several months later depending on the type), as well as information predicting the state of water areas and the ground related to it, are provided.

[0024] Note that the weather forecast acquisition unit 14 stores in the storage unit 22 not only forecasts but also meteorological information including actual weather among the information on weather forecasts. This can be used when the prediction unit 16 makes predictions after the next year.

[0025] The prediction unit 16 has a function of predicting the issuance of demand response based on information on power usage status and information on weather forecasts. As shown in Figure 2, based on the record of actual weather (meteorological data) from August 1, 2021, to August 7, 2021, and the weather forecast from August 1, 2022, to August 7, 2022, the demand response is predicted.

[0026] In the example shown in Figure 2, for instance, when it is currently August 3, 2022, and the weather forecast for August 4, 2022, is sunny, the temperature is predicted to be 39°C, and the power usage status is predicted to be 93%, and on the same day of the previous year (August 4, 2021), the weather forecast was sunny, the temperature was 39°C, and the power usage status was 92%, it is determined that there is a high possibility that the demand response will be issued, and it is predicted that the demand response will be issued on August 4, 2022.

[0027] The planning department 18 has a function of creating a plan for suppressing the power consumption of the facility so as to respond to the issuance of the demand response predicted by the prediction department 16. Specifically, based on the operation schedule and the planned power consumption of the factory facilities, air-conditioning equipment, dust collectors, lighting, etc. on the day when the issuance of the demand response is predicted, the operation of the facilities, air-conditioning equipment, dust collectors, and lighting is adjusted so as to meet the power saving required by the issuance of the demand response.

[0028] When there are multiple equipment devices, the planning department 18 adjusts the work schedule of employees so as to reduce the number of operating equipment devices. Specifically, the operation of multiple facilities is shifted, for example, the operation of any one of the facilities is shifted to the night, or the number of simultaneously operating facilities is suppressed by having employees come to work on holidays.

[0029] More specifically, the production management system calculates the equipment with a margin in the production quantity, and further adjusts it so that the number of simultaneously operating equipment is reduced in consideration of the overtime work and the availability of employees coming to work on holidays by the salary and working hours management system.

[0030] In addition, when responding to the demand response, since an incentive (reward) is given according to the amount of power saved, it is preferable to optimize while considering the balance with the increase in labor costs due to employees coming to work on holidays and overtime work.

[0031] For example, when there are six facilities from facility 1 to facility 6, the planning department 18 can make adjustments such as stopping the operation of facility 1 in the first half of 3 hours and stopping the operation of facility 2 and facility 3 in the second half of 3 hours as shown in Fig. 3(d). As a result, a reduction of 20 + 10 + 10 = 40 kW is achieved. Here, since there are employees operating facilities 1 to 6, the working hours of the employees will also be adjusted.

[0032] The planning and generation unit 18 adjusts the operation of the air conditioning equipment so as to suppress the power consumption of the air conditioning equipment in response to the issuance of the demand response. Specifically, it adjusts the optimal operation of the air conditioner in consideration of the temperature of the space cooled by the air conditioner, the weather forecast, etc. In addition, it is preferable to control the humidity not only by the air conditioner but also by controlling a humidifier, a dehumidifier, and a ventilation fan.

[0033] For example, as shown in Fig. 3(a), when there are six air conditioners, i.e., air conditioners 1 to 6, in the factory, the operation is adjusted so that the power consumption of air conditioners 4 and 6 is reduced by 20% and 10% respectively. Thereby, for example, it contributes to the reduction of 3.2 + 3.2 = 6.4 kW.

[0034] The planning and generation unit 18 adjusts the operation of the dust collector installed in the factory so as to suppress the power consumption of the dust collector in response to the issuance of the demand response. Specifically, it takes the operation signal of the equipment that generates dust, etc., and performs automatic control to turn off the operation at unnecessary timings. Also, it uses a dust detector, etc., and performs automatic control to turn off the operation at timings when the dust collector is not necessary.

[0035] For example, as shown in Fig. 3(b), when there are six dust collectors, i.e., dust collectors 1 to 6, it is possible to adjust by increasing or decreasing the operation rate. Here, the dust collector has been described as an example, but it is also possible to save power by adjusting the operation of, for example, a ventilation fan. For the ventilation fan, for example, the optimal operation of the ventilation fan is adjusted in consideration of the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor, the weather forecast, the time zone, the location (backyard, whether it is a work place where illuminance is required, etc.).

[0036] The planning and generation unit 18 adjusts the operation of the lighting equipment so as to suppress the power consumption of the lighting equipment in response to the issuance of the demand response. Specifically, based on information such as the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor, the weather forecast, the time zone, and the location (backyard, whether it is a work place where illuminance is required, etc.), it thins out the locations where lighting is not required.

[0037] For example, as shown in Fig. 3(c), when there are six lights, namely Lights 1 to 6, adjustments such as dimming Lights 1 and 2 to half their original brightness and dimming Lights 3 and 4 to 1 / 4 of their original brightness can be made. This contributes to a reduction of, for example, 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.2 = 0.7 kW.

[0038] The display unit 20 has a function of visually displaying the operation plan and predicted power consumption of air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, and facility equipment used in the facility, as well as the work plan of employees working in the facility. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the descriptions and numerical values of each item may be displayed in a list, or they may be displayed using a bar graph, a pie chart, or the like. Fig. 4 shows the power consumption of each facility on the day when the issuance of demand response is predicted.

[0039] The storage unit 22 stores meteorological information including not only the forecast but also the actual weather among the information on the weather forecast acquired by the weather forecast acquisition unit 14. In addition, the storage unit 22 stores information on the power usage status acquired by the power usage status acquisition unit 12 from the power company 8.

[0040] Next, the operation of the demand response - compatible power control system 10 with the above configuration will be described. In recent years, power shortages have become a problem. The major cause of power shortages is the rapid climate change in recent years. When the demand for air conditioners due to intense heat in summer and heating due to cold waves in winter increases rapidly, power shortages are likely to occur. In addition, there are also problems such as an increase in power consumption in households, power plant outages, and fuel shortages as premises.

[0041] In response to such power shortages, a demand response may be issued. Demand response is a mechanism for adjusting the balance between power supply and demand by controlling power demand.

[0042] There are two types of demand response: the electricity - tariff type and the incentive type. The electricity - tariff type is a mechanism that encourages suppression of power demand from operators, etc., by setting various electricity tariffs such as raising the electricity tariff during peak demand times.

[0043] The incentive type is a mechanism in which businesses and others receive incentives (rewards) from power companies or third parties to respond to the suppression or increase of power demand. The issuance of a demand response is notified to the business three hours before the start time of power saving. For this reason, the countermeasures that can contribute to power saving are limited, and there is a problem that it is difficult to perform effective power saving. In response to such a problem, the demand response corresponding power control system 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a remarkable effect.

[0044] According to the demand response corresponding power control system 10, it is possible to predict the issuance of a demand response based on information regarding the power usage situation and information regarding the weather forecast. As a result, it is possible to predict several days before, for example, more than three hours before the actual issuance of a demand response, and thus there is an advantage that a power consumption suppression plan can be carefully formulated.

[0045] For example, as a power saving measure, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, reducing the operating rates of facilities 1 to 6 contributes most to the suppression of power consumption. For this, it is necessary to adjust the shifts such as the work schedules of the employees who operate facilities 1 to 6, etc., but by using the function of the prediction unit 16 to predict the issuance of a demand response several days before, it is possible to flexibly respond to the adjustment of the shift, etc.

[0046] Here, as the adjustment of the shift, for example, there is a possibility that the cost, such as the salary of the employees due to overtime work or coming to work on holidays, etc., may increase, but it is preferable to adjust so that the reward amount exceeds the incentive (reward amount) when responding to the issuance of a demand response.

[0047] It is possible to optimize overall so that the part of the power saving power required by the issuance of a demand response that is insufficient due to the power saving by the shift adjustment can be filled by the power saving of lighting, dust collectors, and air conditioning equipment.

[0048] As described above, according to the demand response compatible power control system 10, since the issuance of a demand response can be predicted several days in advance, it is possible to adjust the shift to smooth the operation of the facilities and achieve a remarkable effect of meeting the required power saving by combining various facility devices.

[0049] Note that, in the above description, the prediction unit 16 has been described as having a function of predicting the issuance of a demand response based on information regarding the power usage situation and information regarding the weather forecast. However, the power generation amount of each power company may be considered as the power usage situation.

[0050] Next, a demand response compatible power control system 11 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a demand response compatible power control system 11 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the power storage control to the power storage unit 24 and the power suppression plan for each facility in the factory when the issuance of a demand response is predicted in the demand response compatible power control system 11 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] The demand response compatible power control system 11 includes a power usage situation acquisition unit 12, a weather forecast acquisition unit 14, a prediction unit 16, a plan creation unit 18, a display unit 20, a storage unit 22, a power storage unit 24, and a power storage control unit 26.

[0053] The difference between the demand response compatible power control system 11 and the demand response compatible power control system 10 is only the power storage unit 24 and the power storage control unit 26. The other configurations are the same, and the description will focus on the differences.

[0054] The power storage unit 24 can use, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery. Of course, other secondary batteries may also be used, for example, a nickel-metal hydride battery. The power storage unit 24 can store power using the power generated by photoelectric conversion using sunlight, and can also store power using the power supplied from commercial power.

[0055] The power storage control unit 26 controls to store power in the power storage unit 24 in advance so as to correspond to the issuance of the demand response predicted by the prediction unit 16. The power storage control unit 26 controls to store power in the power storage unit 24 using at least one of commercial power and sunlight.

[0056] The power storage control unit 26 can predict the power generation amount by sunlight for each time zone based on the weather forecast by the weather forecast acquisition unit 14, and can predict the power generation amount for power generation in a time zone with low electricity rates such as late at night. Therefore, power storage control using commercial power and sunlight can be performed to ensure a power generation amount that can respond to the issuance of demand response while keeping costs low.

[0057] The plan creation unit 18 creates a suppression plan for the power consumption of the company 4 so as to cover the shortage of power when the power of the power storage unit 24 is insufficient to meet the power demand corresponding to the issuance of the demand response predicted by the prediction unit 16.

[0058] The plan creation unit 18 obtains the operation plan and expected power consumption of the air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, and facility equipment used in the company 4, and adjusts the operation of the air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, and facility equipment so as to suppress the power consumption of the air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, and facility equipment in response to the issuance of the demand response. The reduction plan in the plan creation unit 18 can be planned in the form as described in the demand response corresponding power control system 10.

[0059] Subsequently, the operation of the demand response corresponding power control system 11 will be described. Figure 6 describes power storage control and the like for various patterns. For example, in the example of pattern 3, it is predicted that a demand response will be issued at 13:00 to 15:00 at noon, which is the hottest time, and it is predicted that the power usage situation within the facility of company 4 will also reach a peak during this time zone.

[0060] Under such circumstances, according to the weather forecast by the weather forecast acquisition unit 14, the temperature from 11:00 to 12:00 noon and from 12:00 to 13:00 noon is high and it is sunny, and it is a time zone predicted to have a little margin in the power usage situation within the facility of Company 4. At this time, if the power generation amount by sunlight is stored at 5 Kwh per hour, a total surplus power amount of 10 Kwh can be obtained. Here, the 10 Kwh of the stored power amount, which is the power amount for responding to the issuance of demand response, can be output from the power storage unit 24 to handle it.

[0061] Next, in the example of Pattern 5, it is predicted that the demand response will be issued at 13:00 to 14:00, which is the time when the temperature is the highest, and it is predicted that the power usage situation within the facility of Company 4 will also reach its peak during this time zone.

[0062] Under such circumstances, according to the weather forecast by the weather forecast acquisition unit 14, the temperature from 11:00 to 12:00 noon and from 12:00 to 13:00 noon is high but the weather is cloudy, and it is a time zone predicted to have a little margin in the power usage situation within the facility of Company 4. In Pattern 5, sufficient power generation by sunlight cannot be expected as in Pattern 3 above, and the power generation amount by sunlight can be stored at 4 Kwh per hour, and the remaining power generation amount can be supplemented by power storage using commercial power. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, it can be stored at 1 Kwh per hour, and a total surplus power amount of 10 Kwh can be obtained. Here, the 10 Kwh of the stored power amount, which is the power amount for responding to the issuance of demand response, can be output from the power storage unit 24 to handle it.

[0063] Next, in the example of Pattern 6, it is predicted that the demand response will be issued at 13:00 to 14:00, which is the time when the temperature is the highest, and it is predicted that the power usage situation within the facility of Company 4 will also reach its peak during this time zone.

[0064] Under such circumstances, according to the weather forecast by the weather forecast acquisition unit 14, the temperature is high from 11:00 to 12:00 noon and from 12:00 to 13:00 noon, but the weather is rainy and then cloudy, and it is a time zone where there is a little margin in the power usage situation within the facility of Company 4. In Pattern 6, sufficient power generation by sunlight cannot be expected as in Patterns 3 and 5 above. The power generated by sunlight can be stored at a rate of 1 Kwh per hour, and the remaining power generation can be supplemented by storing power using commercial power.

[0065] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the power can be stored at a rate of 1 Kwh per hour, and a total power margin of 4 Kwh can be obtained. Since the 4 Kwh of power cannot meet the 10 Kwh of power required for demand response as shown in Patterns 3 and 5 above, when there is a shortage of power for the power storage unit 24 to respond to the issuance of demand response predicted by the prediction unit 16, the power planning unit 18 creates a consumption power suppression plan for Company 4 so as to cover the shortage of power.

[0066] Specifically, the operation plans and expected power consumption of the air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, and facility equipment used in Company 4 are obtained, and the power consumption is suppressed through energy conservation so as to cover the shortage of 6 Kwh of power (10 Kwh - 4 Kwh). As an energy conservation method, for example, the set temperature of the air conditioner in summer can be raised, the lighting can be thinned out when sunlight enters the room during the day, or the operation time can be shifted when multiple facilities are operating. By such energy conservation, when 6 Kwh of power shortage can be secured, it is possible to respond to the issuance of demand response.

[0067] According to the demand response corresponding power control system 11, since the response to demand response can be made using the power stored in the power storage unit 24 using the power generated by sunlight or commercial power during the time zone with low electricity rates such as late at night, there is an advantage that it is possible to respond to demand response while minimizing power saving within the facility of Company 4.

Explanation of Signs

[0068] 2 Networks, 4 Enterprises, 6 Weather Information Companies, 8 Electric Power Companies, 10, 11 Demand Response Power Control Systems, 12 Power Usage Acquisition Unit, 14 Weather Forecast Acquisition Unit, 16 Prediction Unit, 18 Planning Creation Unit, 20 Display Unit, 22 Memory Unit, 24 Energy Storage Unit, 26 Energy Storage Control Unit.

Claims

[Claim 1] a power usage status acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the power usage status of a power company; a weather forecast acquisition unit for acquiring information related to a weather forecast; a prediction unit that predicts the issuance of a demand response based on the information on the power usage status and the information on the weather forecast; a power storage unit capable of storing power generated using sunlight; a power storage control unit that causes the power storage unit to store power in advance in response to the issuance of the demand response predicted by the prediction unit; a plan creation unit that creates a plan to suppress power consumption of the facility so as to cover a shortage of power when the power required to respond to the issuance of the demand response predicted by the prediction unit is insufficient with only the power stored in the power storage unit; and Equipped with the power storage control unit controls the amount of power γ remaining after subtracting the amount of power β of the generated power predicted based on the information on the weather forecast from the amount of power α required to respond to the issuance of the demand response, to predict an amount of power to be generated during a time period when electricity rates are low, and controls the amount of power to be stored in the power storage unit using commercial power during a time period when electricity rates are low, The plan creation unit determines operation plans and estimated power consumption of air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, and facility equipment used in the facility, A demand response-enabled power control system that adjusts operation of the air conditioning equipment, the lighting equipment, and the facility equipment so as to reduce power consumption of the air conditioning equipment, the lighting equipment, and the facility equipment in response to the issuance of the demand response, and further adjusts employee work plans so as to reduce the number of the facility equipment that are operating if there are multiple facility equipment.

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