Power control system

Abstract

The present invention enables suppression of occurrence of capacity excess / shortage of an energy storage medium while maintaining business activities of a power supply destination business office. In this electric power control system, a control unit: acquires a power generation prediction pattern for predicting the transition of generated power from a power generation device using renewable energy, in a predetermined time slot; acquires a predefined activity pattern corresponding to a predefined activity schedule of a power supply destination business office, in the predetermined time slot; determines, on the basis of the power generation prediction pattern and the predefined activity pattern, a power consumption pattern indicating the transition of power consumption of the power supply destination business office such that a charging mode for charging the energy storage medium and a discharging mode for discharging the energy storage medium are repeatedly alternated in the predetermined time slot; performs control for charging / discharging of the energy storage medium on the basis of the power generation prediction pattern and the power consumption pattern; and outputs a business activity pattern corresponding to the power consumption pattern and corresponding to a schedule different from the predefined activity pattern.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power control system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a power control system has been known which is connected to a power supply line to which a power generation device using renewable energy, a power supply source different from the power generation device using renewable energy, a load, and an energy storage medium are connected (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). The power generation device using renewable energy is a power generation device that generates power using natural energy (also referred to as "renewable energy") such as solar power generation or wind power generation. The power supply source is, for example, a commercial power supply or a fuel power generation device. Depending on the excess or deficiency of the power generation amount of the power generation device using renewable energy and the power supply amount from the power supply source with respect to the power consumption amount of the load, a charging mode for charging the energy storage medium and a discharging mode for discharging from the energy storage medium are alternately repeated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the power generation amount of the power generation device using renewable energy is affected by fluctuations in the natural environment, it is difficult to control. On the other hand, for example, when the power supply destination is a business entity, generally, the business hours and operating hours of each business entity are determined in advance. That is, in each business entity, a daily power consumption schedule is determined according to its business activity schedule. For this reason, depending on the time zone, there is a risk that the energy storage medium may become over- or under-capacity, such as over-discharging or over-charging of the energy storage medium, in response to fluctuations in the power generation amount of the power generation device using renewable energy.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a power control system capable of solving the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The power control system disclosed in this specification is a power control system connected to a power supply line to which a renewable energy utilization power generation device, a power supply source different from the renewable energy utilization power generation device, and an energy storage medium are connected. The power control system includes a control unit. The control unit performs a power generation prediction pattern acquisition process for acquiring a power generation prediction pattern for predicting the transition of power generation power from the renewable energy utilization power generation device within a predetermined time period (within 24 hours), a predetermined activity pattern acquisition process for acquiring a predetermined activity pattern corresponding to a predetermined activity schedule of a power supply destination business office within the predetermined time period, a determination process for determining a power consumption pattern indicating the transition of power consumption of the power supply destination business office so as to alternately repeat a charging mode for charging the energy storage medium and a discharging mode for discharging from the energy storage medium within the predetermined time period based on the power generation prediction pattern and the predetermined activity pattern, a charging control process for controlling charging and discharging of the energy storage medium based on the power generation prediction pattern and the power consumption pattern, and an output process for outputting a business activity pattern corresponding to the power consumption pattern and different from the predetermined activity pattern.

[0007] In this power control system, a power consumption pattern is determined based on the power generation prediction pattern and the established activity pattern of the renewable energy utilization power generation device. This power consumption pattern is a pattern that alternately repeats the charging mode and the discharging mode of the energy storage medium in a predetermined time period. According to this power control system, compared with a configuration in which the charging and discharging of the energy storage medium do not alternately repeat the charging mode and the discharging mode, the charging and discharging are frequently repeated, so that the occurrence of over- or under-capacity of the energy storage medium can be suppressed. Furthermore, according to this power control system, since a business activity pattern corresponding to this power consumption pattern is output, the power supply destination business establishment can conduct business activities according to a schedule corresponding to this power consumption pattern. Note that "business activities" include not only activities for profit such as stores, factories, offices, companies, hospitals, individual business establishments, and part-time jobs, but also activities of non-profit businesses such as public utilities and public services of NPOs, government offices, hospitals, schools, nurseries, social welfare corporations, etc.

[0008] (2) In the above power control system, the control unit generates a consumption reference pattern indicating the transition of the power consumption of the power supply destination business establishment in the predetermined time period based on the established activity pattern, and in the determination process, compared with the case where the charging and discharging of the energy storage medium are controlled based on the consumption reference pattern, the power consumption pattern may be determined such that the maximum value of the charge-discharge amount per charge-discharge is smaller. In this power control system, the power consumption pattern is determined based on the predicted consumption reference pattern. Therefore, according to this power control system, an appropriate power consumption pattern based on the consumption reference pattern can be determined.

[0009] (3) In the above power control system, the control unit acquires a consumption reference pattern indicating the transition of the power consumption of the power supply destination business office in the predetermined time period based on the predetermined activity pattern, and in the determination process, compared with the case of controlling the charging and discharging of the energy storage medium based on the consumption reference pattern, the consumption power pattern is determined so that the number of times of charging and discharging executed by the discharging mode and the charging mode in the predetermined time period increases. According to this power control system, the occurrence of over- or under-capacity of the energy storage medium can be more effectively suppressed.

[0010] Note that the present invention can also be realized in other forms such as, for example, a power control system, a power control method, a power control program, and a non-transitory recording medium recording the power control program.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] A. Embodiment: A-1. Electrical Configuration of the Power Control System 100 and an External Device: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the electrical configuration of the power control system 100 and external devices in the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, as external devices, a solar power generation device 10, a commercial power supply (system) 20, a backbone system (master controller) 40, a LIB module 50, and a weather forecasting system 60 are shown. The power control system 100, the solar power generation device 10, the commercial power supply 20, and the LIB module 50 are electrically connected via a power supply DC line LW, and supply power to a load 30 operating at a power supply destination facility. As an example of the load 30, when the power supply destination is a manufacturing facility, devices that perform acceleration and deceleration operations relatively quickly (machine tools, industrial robots, conveyor devices, textiles, food processing devices, etc.) or devices that require relatively high output and operation during a power outage (elevators, air conditioning devices, compressors, etc.) can be cited. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the load 30 is a device operating in a factory. The power supply DC line LW is an example of the power supply line in the claims.

[0013] The solar power generation device 10 is a device that generates electricity using solar power generation that converts solar energy into electricity, and includes a solar panel 12 and a PV converter 14. The PV converter 14 includes a power generation device sensor 14A and a DC / DC converter 14B. The power generation device sensor 14A is a current-voltage sensor, and detects the voltage value and current value of the generated power in the solar power generation device 10, and outputs a detection signal according to the detection results. Based on the detection result of the power generation device sensor 14A, the DC / DC converter 14B controls to maximize the generated power of the solar panel 12, and outputs DC power corresponding to the generated power amount of the solar panel 12 to the power supply DC line LW. The DC / DC converter 14B controls to maintain the DC power at a constant voltage (for example, a voltage with a higher potential than the power supply DC line LW). Hereinafter, the power output from the solar power generation device 10 is referred to as "PV power Wp". In the present embodiment, the PCU 120 described later controls the on / off operation of the DC / DC converter 14B. The solar power generation device 10 is an example of a renewable energy utilization power generation device in the claims.

[0014] The commercial power supply 20 is electrically connected to the power supply DC line LW via the AC / DC converter 22. The AC power from the commercial power supply 20 is converted into DC power by the AC / DC converter 22 and output to the power supply DC line LW. Hereinafter, the DC power output from the commercial power supply 20 is referred to as "commercial power Wa". In the present embodiment, the PCU 120 controls the operation of the AC / DC converter 22 so that the DC power output from the AC / DC converter 22 maintains a constant voltage (for example, a voltage with a higher potential than the power supply DC line LW). The commercial power supply 20 is an example of a power supply source in the claims.

[0015] The power control system 100 includes a LIC module 110, a PCU (POWER CONTROL UNIT) 120, a DC / DC converter 130, a capacitor sensor 140, and a load sensor 150.

[0016] The LIC module 110 has a configuration in which a plurality of lithium-ion capacitors (hereinafter referred to as "LICs") 112 are connected in series. One end (for example, the positive electrode side) of the LIC module 110 is electrically connected to the load 30 via the power supply DC line LW without passing through a voltage converter such as a DC / DC converter. That is, in the present embodiment, the potential of the one end side of the LIC module 110 and the potential of the side connected to the power supply DC line LW in the load 30 are substantially the same. The other end (for example, the negative electrode side) of the LIC module 110 is electrically connected to the common line (for example, the ground line) side.

[0017] The capacitor sensor 140 is a current-voltage sensor provided in the LIC module 110 connected in parallel to the power supply DC line LW (in other words, a current-voltage sensor provided in the current path between the LIC module 110 and the power supply DC line LW), which detects the current value and voltage value during discharge and charging of the LIC module 110 respectively, and outputs a detection signal according to the detection results. The load sensor 150 is a current-voltage sensor provided in the current path between the LIC module 110 and the load 30 in the power supply DC line LW, which detects the voltage value of the load 30 and the current value flowing through the load 30 respectively, and outputs a detection signal according to the detection results.

[0018] One end of the DC / DC converter 130 is electrically connected to the power supply DC line LW, and the other end of the DC / DC converter 130 is electrically connected to the connection part 132. One end (for example, the positive electrode side) of the LIB module 50 is electrically connected to the connection part 132. The other end (for example, the negative electrode side) of the LIB module 50 is electrically connected to the common line (for example, the ground line) side. The LIB module 50 is an example of the energy storage medium in the claims.

[0019] The LIB module 50 is an energy storage medium with a lower output density (also referred to as "power density") compared to the LIC module 110. Also, the LIB module 50 has a higher energy density compared to the LIC module 110. In this embodiment, the LIB module 50 has a configuration in which, for example, a plurality of lithium-ion batteries (hereinafter referred to as "LIB") 52 are connected in series. The LIB 52 is, for example, an iron phosphate-based LIB or a ternary (nickel manganese cobalt-based, etc.) LIB. Hereinafter, the power stored in the LIB module 50 is referred to as "storage power Ws".

[0020] The PCU 120 includes a control unit 121, a storage unit 122, and an interface unit 123, and each of these units is communicably connected to each other via a bus (not shown).

[0021] The control unit 121 is composed of, for example, a CPU or the like, and controls each proportional charge and discharge controller by executing a computer program read from the storage unit 122. Specifically, the control unit 121 controls the operations of the AC / DC converter 22, the DC / DC converter 14B of the PV converter 14, and the DC / DC converter 130. For example, the control unit 121 executes the power control process described below by reading and executing a power control program (not shown) from the storage unit 122. When executing the power control process, the control unit 121 functions as a DC / DC control unit 210, a pattern determination unit 220, a power generation prediction unit 230, a load power calculation unit 240, and a load planning unit 250. The functions of these units will be described in accordance with the descriptions of various processes below.

[0022] The storage unit 122 is composed of, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc., stores various data, programs, and models, and is used as a work area or a temporary storage area for data when executing various programs and models. In addition, a power control program is stored in the storage unit 122. The power control program is a computer program for executing the power control process described below. These programs are provided in a state stored in a computer-readable recording medium (not shown) such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a USB memory, and are stored in the storage unit 122 by being installed in the PCU 120.

[0023] The interface unit 123 is composed of, for example, a LAN interface, a USB interface, etc., and communicates with other devices by wire or wirelessly. Note that the PCU 120 detects the current, voltage, temperature, etc. of the LIC 112 in the LIC module 110 and the LIB 52 in the LIB module 50, and monitors the states of the LIC 112 and the LIB 52 (for example, the occurrence of abnormal states such as over-discharge, over-charge, and high temperature) based on the detection results.

[0024] The backbone system 40 is an existing system used by the business offices of the power supply destinations, and undertakes functions essential for the manufacturing industry, such as order receiving management, shipping management, production plan management, manufacturing management, quality management, etc. This backbone system 40 is an external device communicably connected to the power control system 100, and transmits various instruction information and the like to the PCU 120. The instruction information includes, as information, the default activity pattern of this factory. Here, the default activity pattern specifically refers to the plan information related to the operation plan of the load 30 in a predetermined time zone (for example, the operation plan of the load 30, the process plan in which the load 30 (machine tool, conveyor) is used (for example, the production plan of the product produced by the production line, the delivery plan of the goods conveyed by the conveyor line, etc.), and the work plan of the workers using the load 30. The backbone system 40 creates the plan information for each month, each week, and each day as the default activity pattern based on the order receiving information, and manages various business activities of the facilities and employees in the factory. In addition to the default activity pattern, the instruction information includes, for example, a selection signal of the power control mode (for example, the presence or absence of self-generation) executed in the power control system 100.

[0025] The weather forecast system 60 is a system that provides weather information (for example, the Amedas observation information provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency) via a communication network or the like. The weather information includes, for example, observation information of the natural environment such as weather, temperature (daily average temperature, daily maximum temperature, daily minimum temperature), humidity, precipitation, wind direction and wind speed, sunshine duration, solar radiation amount, snow depth, etc., and includes not only the current weather condition but also weather forecasts (for example, forecasts of temperature, humidity, and sunshine amount).

[0026] When the power control system 100 is activated, the PCU 120 supplies power to the load 30 using the supplied power (PV power Wp, commercial power Wa) from the power supply unit (solar power generation device 10, commercial power supply 20), and executes a power control process (including the determination process and others described later) for controlling the charge and discharge of the LIB module 50. As described above, by controlling the charge and discharge of the LIB module 50, the charge and discharge of the LIC module 110 are indirectly controlled. Specifically, the PCU 120 executes the power control process based on the power control mode selection signal from the backbone system 40 and various sensors 14A, 140, 150. At this time, the PCU 120 controls the charge and discharge of the LIB module 50 by operating, for example, the DC / DC converter 130, but does not directly control the charge and discharge of the LIC module 110. That is, the PCU 120 indirectly controls the charge and discharge of the LIC module 110 by controlling the charge and discharge of the LIB module 50. Note that in this specification, "charge and discharge" may mean both charging and discharging, or may mean only one of charging and discharging.

[0027] A-2. Power control process executed by the control unit 121 of the PCU 120: When the power control process is executed, the control unit 121 functions as a DC / DC control unit 210, a pattern determination unit 220, a power generation prediction unit 230, a load power calculation unit 240, and a load planning unit 250 at each step of a predetermined time interval. Hereinafter, each function will be described.

[0028] A-2-1. Power generation prediction unit 230: The power generation prediction unit 230 generates a power generation prediction pattern Pp for a predetermined time period (from 0:00 to 24:00 in this embodiment). The power generation prediction pattern Pp is prediction data indicating the transition of PV power Wp (generated power) from the solar power generation device 10 in the predetermined time period. Specifically, the power generation prediction unit 230 acquires power generation correlation data Qp for the predetermined time period from the weather forecast system 60. The power generation correlation data Qp is prediction data of weather information that affects the PV power Wp of the solar power generation device 10, and in this embodiment, for example, it is prediction data of the transition of solar irradiance in the predetermined time period. Note that the solar power generation device 10 can estimate the power generation amount from information such as the conversion characteristics, capacity, installation direction, and angle of the panels and the solar irradiance prediction data. The power generation prediction unit 230 generates a power generation prediction pattern Pp for the predetermined time period based on the power generation correlation data Qp. Note that the predetermined time period is within 24 hours and preferably includes a time period during which power can be generated by the renewable energy utilization power generation device (in the case of the solar power generation device 10, the daytime time period).

[0029] A-2-2. Load power calculation unit 240: The load power calculation unit 240 generates a consumption reference pattern Pr for a predetermined time period. The consumption reference pattern Pr is prediction data indicating the transition of the load power Wr (power consumption) of the load 30 in the predetermined time period. The integrated value of the consumption reference pattern Pr is the required power consumption of the load 30 in the predetermined time period. Specifically, the load power calculation unit 240 acquires a default activity pattern Qr (for example, a production plan in a predetermined time period) for the predetermined time period from the backbone system 40, and acquires load correlation data Qt for the predetermined time period from the weather forecast system 60. This acquisition process is an example of the default activity pattern acquisition process in the claims. The load correlation data Qt is prediction data of weather information affecting the load power Wr of the load 30, and in this embodiment, it is, for example, prediction data of the transition of temperature and humidity in the predetermined time period. By multiplying the default activity pattern Qr by the power consumption required to produce one product, it can be converted into a power amount. Also, since there is a correlation between the temperature, discomfort index, and air conditioner operation power consumption in the predetermined time period according to the load correlation data Qt, the consumption reference pattern Pr can be treated as a power amount. The load power calculation unit 240 generates a consumption reference pattern Pr for the predetermined time period based on the default activity pattern Qr and the load correlation data Qt.

[0030] A-2-3. Pattern determination unit 220: The pattern determination unit 220 executes an acquisition process of acquiring a power generation prediction pattern Pp and a consumption reference pattern Pr, and a determination process of determining a power consumption pattern Pc based on the acquired power generation prediction pattern Pp and consumption reference pattern Pr. The power consumption pattern Pc is a pattern in which the maximum value of the charge-discharge amount per charge-discharge is smaller than when controlling the charge-discharge of the LIB module 50 based on the consumption reference pattern Pr. The charge-discharge amount per charge-discharge is the charge-discharge amount for one execution of either the charge mode or the discharge mode.

[0031] The outline of the determination process is as follows. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the transitions of the PV power Wp of the photovoltaic power generation device 10, the commercial power Wa of the commercial power supply 20, and the load power Wr of the load 30. In FIG. 2(a), an example of a power generation prediction pattern Pp, a supply prediction pattern Pa, and a consumption reference pattern Pr is shown. The supply prediction pattern Pa is prediction data indicating the transition of the commercial power Wa of the commercial power supply 20 in a predetermined time period. The power generation prediction pattern Pp shown in the figure is raised by the amount of the supply prediction pattern Pa.

[0032] In the example of FIG. 2(a), the power generation prediction pattern Pp is a parabolic pattern in which the PV power Wp shows a peak value around 12:00 noon, and the supply prediction pattern Pa is a pattern showing a constant power (Waa) in a predetermined time period. The consumption reference pattern Pr is a pattern that varies according to the production plan in the factory. In a time period when the total supply power of the PV power Wp and the commercial power Wa (the value of the power generation prediction pattern Pp in FIG. 2(a)) is lower than the consumption reference pattern Pr, a discharge mode in which the LIB module 50 discharges to compensate for the insufficient power is executed. In a time period when the total supply power exceeds the consumption reference pattern Pr, a charging mode in which the LIB module 50 is charged with the surplus power of the total supply power is executed. In FIG. 2(a), the first discharge mode with a discharge amount D1a, the charging mode with a charging amount C1a, and the second discharge mode with a discharge amount D1b are repeatedly alternated. That is, the number of charge and discharge cycles in the consumption reference pattern Pr is three, and the maximum value of the charge and discharge amount per charge and discharge cycle is the charging amount C1a in the charging mode. Therefore, if the capacity of the LIB module 50 is not more than the charging amount C1a, there will be an over - or under - capacity of the LIB module 50. Note that when the first and second discharge modes are regarded as a single discharge mode of continuous discharge, the maximum value of the charge and discharge amount per charge and discharge cycle is the discharge amount (= D1a + D1b) in that single discharge mode.

[0033] FIG. 2(b) illustrates a power generation prediction pattern Pp, a supply prediction pattern Pa, and a power consumption pattern Pc. In the example of FIG. 2(b), the power consumption pattern Pc is a pattern obtained by sliding the consumption reference pattern Pr by a predetermined unit time (unit slide time n described later) (see the white arrow in FIG. 2). Therefore, in the consumption reference pattern Pr and the power consumption pattern Pc, the total amount of the load power Wr of the load 30 in a predetermined time period (required power consumption amount) is the same. In the example of FIG. 2(b), the first charging mode of the charge amount C2a, the first discharging mode of the discharge amount D2a, the second charging mode of the charge amount C2b, the second discharging mode of the discharge amount D2b, and the third charging mode of the charge amount C2c are alternately repeated. That is, the number of charge and discharge cycles in the power consumption pattern Pc is five, and the maximum value of the charge and discharge amount per charge and discharge cycle is the discharge amount D2b during the charging mode. This discharge amount D2b is smaller than the maximum value of the charge and discharge amount per charge and discharge cycle (charge amount C1a, discharge amount (= D1a + D1b)) when controlling the charge and discharge of the LIB module 50 based on the consumption reference pattern Pr (FIG. 2(a)). In short, when the consumption reference pattern Pr is changed to the power consumption pattern Pc, the schedule of the load power Wr of the load 30 is changed so that the number of charge and discharge cycles in a predetermined time period increases. As a result, while maintaining the total amount of the load power Wr of the load 30 in a predetermined time period, the maximum value of the charge and discharge amount per charge and discharge cycle can be reduced.

[0034] Hereinafter, the acquisition process and the determination process will be specifically described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the acquisition process and the determination process. As shown in FIG. 3, the pattern determination unit 220 acquires the power generation prediction pattern Pp from the power generation prediction unit 230 and acquires the consumption reference pattern Pr from the load power calculation unit 240 (S110). The process of S110 is an example of the power generation prediction pattern acquisition process in the claims.

[0035] Next, the pattern determination unit 220 calculates the target supply power Wt based on the power generation prediction pattern Pp and the consumption reference pattern Pr (S120). The target supply power Wt is the ideal supply power (average value) supplied from a power supply source other than the solar power generation device 10 (renewable energy utilization power generation device) to the load 30. In the present embodiment, when the power control mode with self-generation is selected, the target supply power Wt is the total power of the commercial power Wa of the commercial power supply 20 and the generated power of the self-generation device (not shown, for example, a gas power generation device (fuel cell system), a gas turbine power generation device, a steam turbine power generation device, etc.). When the power control mode without self-generation is selected, the target supply power Wt is the commercial power Wa of the commercial power supply 20.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship among the consumption reference pattern Pr, the power generation prediction pattern Pp, and the target supply power Wt. The pattern determination unit 220 calculates the average value Wra of the load power Wr from the consumption reference pattern Pr (see FIG. 4(a)), and calculates the average value Wpa of the PV power Wp from the power generation prediction pattern Pp (see FIG. 4(b)). Then, the pattern determination unit 220 calculates the target supply power Wt by the following formula 1 (see FIG. 4(c)). <Formula 1> "Target supply power Wt" = "Average value Wra of load power Wr" - "Average value Wpa of PV power Wp"

[0037] Next, the pattern determination unit 220 sets the variable X to an initial value (S130). The initial value is preferably a value sufficiently large with respect to the assumed charge and discharge amount of the LIB module 50. Further, the pattern determination unit 220 determines the number of slide times N based on, for example, the instruction information from the backbone system 40 (S140). The number of slide times N is, for example, a value obtained by dividing the length of time in a predetermined time zone by the unit slide time n. For example, if the length of time in a predetermined time zone is 24 hours and the unit slide time n is 1 hour, the number of slide times N is 24. If the length of time in a predetermined time zone is 18 hours and the unit slide time n is 30 minutes, the number of slide times N is 36.

[0038] Next, the pattern determination unit 220 executes an extraction process for the power consumption pattern Pc. This extraction process is a process of extracting, from a plurality of consumption reference patterns Pr(k = 1 to N) obtained by sliding the consumption reference pattern Pr for each unit sliding time n, the pattern with the smallest maximum charge / discharge amount per charge / discharge.

[0039] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the process of the extraction process for the power consumption pattern Pc. The pattern determination unit 220 creates a consumption reference pattern Pr(k) by sliding the consumption reference pattern Pr by a unit sliding time n(×k) (S210). FIG. 5(a) shows the consumption reference pattern Pr(k) and the power generation prediction pattern Pp (a pattern obtained by raising the target supply power Wt). The pattern determination unit 220 calculates the charge / discharge pattern Ps(k) of the LIB module 50 based on the consumption reference pattern Pr(k) and the power generation prediction pattern Pp (S220). Specifically, the charge / discharge pattern Ps(k) can be obtained by the difference between the consumption reference pattern Pr(k) and the pattern obtained by raising the power generation prediction pattern Pp by the target supply power Wt. The charge / discharge pattern Ps(k) illustrated in FIG. 5(b) is the difference pattern of the consumption reference pattern Pr(k) with respect to the pattern obtained by raising the power generation prediction pattern Pp by the target supply power Wt. In the time period when the charge / discharge pattern Ps(k) is below the reference line L, the charging mode of the LIB module 50 is executed, and in the time period when the charge / discharge pattern Ps(k) is above the reference line L, the discharging mode of the LIB module 50 is executed.

[0040] The pattern determination unit 220 calculates the charge / discharge switching time T(k) based on the charge / discharge pattern Ps(k) (S230). The charge / discharge switching time T(k) is the time when the charge / discharge pattern Ps(k) and the reference line L cross (zero-crossing time) (see FIG. 5(c)). Also, the pattern determination unit 220 calculates the absolute value U(k) of the charge / discharge amount in each charge / discharge mode (S240).

[0041] For example, as shown in Fig. 5(c), in the first time period from 0 o'clock to the charge-discharge switching time T(k)a, the first charge mode is executed, and the area of the region partitioned by the charge-discharge pattern Ps(k) and the reference line L in the first time period is the absolute value U(k)a of the charge-discharge amount in the first charge mode. In the second time period from the charge-discharge switching time T(k)a to the charge-discharge switching time T(k)b, the first discharge mode is executed, and the area of the region partitioned by the charge-discharge pattern Ps(k) and the reference line L in the second time period is the absolute value U(k)b of the charge-discharge amount in the first discharge mode. In the third time period from the charge-discharge switching time T(k)b to the charge-discharge switching time T(k)c, the second charge mode is executed, and the area of the region partitioned by the charge-discharge pattern Ps(k) and the reference line L in the third time period is the absolute value U(k)c of the charge-discharge amount in the second charge mode. In the fourth time period from the charge-discharge switching time T(k)c to the charge-discharge switching time T(k)d, it is the second discharge mode, and the area of the region partitioned by the charge-discharge pattern Ps(k) and the reference line L in the fourth time period is the absolute value U(k)d of the charge-discharge amount in the second discharge mode. In the fifth time period from the charge-discharge switching time T(k)d to 0 o'clock, the third charge mode is executed, and the area of the region partitioned by the charge-discharge pattern Ps(k) and the reference line L in the fifth time period is the absolute value U(k)e of the charge-discharge amount in the third charge mode. In this embodiment, the charge modes executed in the first time period and the fifth time period are regarded as one charge mode, and the sum value of the absolute value U(k)a of the charge-discharge amount in the first charge mode and the absolute value U(k)e of the charge-discharge amount in the third charge mode is set as the absolute value U(k) of the charge-discharge amount of one charge mode.

[0042] The pattern determination unit 220 calculates the maximum value U(k)max of the absolute value U(k) of the charge-discharge amount per charge-discharge in the charge-discharge pattern Ps(k) (S250). In the example of Fig. 5(c), the absolute value U(k)d of the charge-discharge amount in the second discharge mode is the maximum value U(k)max.

[0043] Next, the pattern determination unit 220 determines whether the calculated maximum value U(k)max is smaller than the variable X (S260). If the maximum value U(k)max is smaller than the variable X (S260: Yes), the value of the variable X is updated to the maximum value U(k)max, and the charge / discharge pattern Ps(k) and the total slide time kn (= unit slide time n × k) are stored in the storage unit 122 (S270), and the process proceeds to S280. On the other hand, if the maximum value U(k)max is greater than or equal to the variable X (S260: No), the process proceeds to S280 without performing the process of S270.

[0044] In S280, the pattern determination unit 220 determines whether the processes from S210 to S270 have been executed for all of the plurality of consumption reference patterns Pr(k = 1 to N). If there remains a consumption reference pattern Pr that has not yet been executed (k < N, S280: No), 1 is added to the count k, and the process returns to S210, and the above process is repeatedly executed for the next consumption reference pattern Pr(k + 1). On the other hand, if the processes have been executed for all of the consumption reference patterns Pr (k = N, S280: Yes), the pattern determination unit 220 outputs the value of the most recent variable X, the charge / discharge pattern Ps(k) finally stored in the storage unit 122, and the total slide time kn (S150), and ends this acquisition process and determination process. Note that the processes from S120 to S280 are an example of the determination process in the claims.

[0045] A-2-4. Load planning unit 250: The load planning unit 250 acquires the value of the most recent variable X output by the pattern determination unit 220 and the total slide time kn. Based on the value of the most recent variable X and the total slide time kn, the load planning unit 250 corrects the default activity pattern Qr to create a corrected business activity pattern Qm, and outputs it to the factory (load 30) and the core system 40. This process is an example of the output process in the claims. The corrected business activity pattern Qm includes a power consumption pattern Pc. The power consumption pattern Pc is a power consumption reference pattern Pr(k) obtained by sliding the power consumption reference pattern Pr(0) (the power consumption reference pattern Pr output by the power consumption calculation unit 240) by the total slide time kn. Also, for example, in the factory or the core system 40, the required capacity of the LIB module 50 can be grasped based on the value of the most recent variable X.

[0046] A-2-5. DC / DC control unit 210: The DC / DC control unit 210 acquires the charge-discharge pattern Ps(k) output by the pattern determination unit 220, and executes a charge control process for controlling the charge and discharge of the LIB module 50 based on the charge-discharge pattern Ps(k). Thereby, charge-discharge control is executed for the LIB module 50 such that the maximum value of the charge-discharge amount per charge and discharge is suppressed to be less than or equal to the value of the most recent variable X.

[0047] A-3. Effects of this embodiment: According to the power control system 100 according to this embodiment, the power consumption pattern Pc (load schedule) of the load 30 is determined by changing the pattern of the power consumption reference pattern Pr so that the charge-discharge amount per charge and discharge becomes smaller. Thereby, while ensuring the required power consumption amount for the load 30, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of over- or under-capacity of the LIB module 50. Also, it becomes possible to use a relatively inexpensive LIB module 50 with a small capacity. Moreover, compared to a configuration that does not use the power consumption reference pattern Pr, an appropriate power consumption pattern Pc based on the power consumption reference pattern Pr can be determined.

[0048] B. Modification example: The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified into various forms without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

[0049] The configuration of the power control system 100 and the like in the above embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, the solar power generation device 10 is exemplified as the renewable energy utilization power generation device. However, a renewable energy utilization power generation device that generates power using renewable energy other than sunlight (for example, natural energy such as wind power, hydraulic power, geothermal power, and thermal power) may also be used. Further, although the commercial power supply 20 is exemplified as the power supply source, a power generation device that does not use renewable energy (a non-renewable energy utilization power generation device), such as a gas generator, may also be used. The supply power from the power supply source does not have to be constant. Note that the power supply source can control the supply power (for example, a constant voltage, etc.) compared to the renewable energy utilization power generation device by the amount that does not use renewable energy. For this reason, the influence due to the fluctuation of the generated power of the renewable energy utilization power generation device can be suppressed by the power supply source, and the degree of freedom of the charge and discharge plan can be improved.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the power control system 100 does not have to include the LIC module 110. The power control system 100 may have a configuration including at least one of the AC / DC converter 22, the DC / DC converter 14B, and the DC / DC converter 130. Further, a plurality of power control systems 100 may be connected in series or in parallel for use. In addition, since the plurality of devices (the LIC module 110, the DC / DC converter 130, etc.) constituting the power control system 100 are connected to the common power supply DC line LW, these plurality of devices are connected in parallel to each other. However, when a plurality of the power control systems 100 are connected, there may be devices connected in series.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the LIC module 110 may be configured such that a plurality of LICs 112 are connected in parallel, or a plurality of LICs 112 are connected in series and in parallel, or may be configured to include only one LIC 112. Further, in the above embodiment, the LIC module 110 (LIC 112) is exemplified as a capacitor, but for example, an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC: Electric Double Layer Capacitor) or an electrolytic capacitor may also be used.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the LIB module 50 may be configured such that a plurality of LIBs 52 are connected in parallel, or a plurality of LIBs 52 are connected in series and in parallel, or may be configured to include only one LIB 52. Further, in the above embodiment, the LIB module 50 (LIB 52) is exemplified as an energy storage medium, but other types of power storage devices such as lead-acid batteries may also be used. Further, the energy storage medium is not limited to a power storage device that stores power, and may be a device that stores energy other than power, such as hydrogen storage, and converts and outputs that energy into power.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the potential on the one end side of the LIC module 110 and the potential on the side connected to the power supply DC line LW in the load 30 were substantially the same. However, the potential on the one end side of the LIC module 110 and the potential on the side connected to the power supply DC line LW in the load 30 may be different, and a configuration in which the difference between the two potentials does not fluctuate may also be used. Even with such a configuration, since the LIC module 110 has a higher correlation between voltage and capacitance than the LIB module 50, the charge and discharge of the LIC module 110 can be indirectly controlled by controlling the charge and discharge of the LIB module 50 without providing a dedicated DC / DC converter.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 121 may be an integrated control device or may be composed of a plurality of control devices, and the functions of the DC / DC control unit 210, the pattern determination unit 220, the power generation prediction unit 230, the load power calculation unit 240, and the load planning unit 250 may be distributed and assigned to each of the plurality of control devices. For example, one control device may function as the DC / DC control unit 210, and another control device may function as the pattern determination unit 220, the power generation prediction unit 230, the load power calculation unit 240, and the load planning unit 250.

[0055] In the above-described embodiment, the power generation prediction unit 230 (control unit 121) predicted the future power generation amount (e.g., the next day) based on the weather information (e.g., weather prediction) obtained via a communication network or the like and generated the power generation prediction pattern Pp. However, the power generation prediction unit 230 may store, for example, data related to the weather of the environment where the solar power generation device 10 is installed in the storage unit 122, and the power generation prediction unit 230 may predict the power generation amount based on this weather-related data. The weather-related data is, for example, data created from past records regarding the correspondence between environmental information (temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind force, etc.) that affects the climate and the power generation amount. Further, the power generation prediction unit 230 may sequentially acquire and accumulate the environmental information and the power generation amount, and predict the future power generation amount by machine learning based on the accumulated big data.

[0056] The contents of the various processes in the above embodiment are merely examples and can be variously modified. In the above embodiment, the power consumption pattern Pc determined in the determination process was a pattern obtained by sliding the consumption reference pattern Pr by a predetermined time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a pattern obtained by changing the peak value, shape, etc. of the pattern while ensuring the required power consumption of the load 30 with respect to the consumption reference pattern Pr may be used. Further, the power consumption pattern Pc was a pattern with a large number of charge / discharge cycles in a predetermined time zone with respect to the consumption reference pattern Pr. However, if the maximum value of the charge / discharge amount per charge / discharge cycle is small, the number of charge / discharge cycles in the predetermined time zone may be the same or even smaller. Further, in the above determination process, a pattern with the smallest maximum value of the charge / discharge amount per charge / discharge cycle was extracted from among a plurality of consumption reference patterns Pr. However, if the maximum value of the charge / discharge amount per charge / discharge cycle with respect to the consumption reference pattern Pr is small, it does not have to be a pattern with the smallest maximum value of the charge / discharge amount per charge / discharge cycle.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the default activity pattern was plan information related to the operation plan of the factory. However, for example, when the power supply destination is in the information and communication industry, the default data processing amount, the corresponding machine (server), the cooling equipment operation plan, etc. correspond to the default activity pattern. In this case, the communication carrier can change the data processing time or optimize the operation schedule of the base or machine based on the business activity pattern output by the power control system of the present invention. Alternatively, when the power supply destination is a distribution service office, the default distribution plan, the amount of goods flow, the electric vehicle operation plan, etc. correspond to the default activity pattern. In this case, the distribution service provider can optimize the delivery destination and delivery time based on the business activity pattern output by the power control system of the present invention.

[0058] Furthermore, the power consumption pattern is not limited to the power consumption pattern Pc in which the maximum value of the charge-discharge amount per charge-discharge cycle is small, and may be any pattern determined based on the power generation prediction pattern Pp of the solar power generation device 10 and the required power consumption amount of the load 30. The power consumption pattern referred to here is a pattern in which the charging mode and the discharging mode of the LIB module 50 are alternately repeated (for example, discharging mode → charging mode → discharging mode, or charging mode → discharging mode → charging mode). According to a power control system using such a power consumption pattern, for example, compared with a configuration in which the charging mode and the discharging mode are not alternately repeated in the charge-discharge control of the LIB module 50, while ensuring the required power consumption amount for the load 30, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of over- or under-capacity of the LIB module 50.

[0059] In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced with hardware.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0060] 10: Solar power generation device 12: Solar panel 14: PV converter 14A: Power generation equipment sensor 14B: DC / DC converter 20: Commercial power supply 22: AC / DC converter 30: Load 40: Core system 50: LIB module 52: LIB 60: Weather forecast system 100: Power control system 110: LIC module 112: LIC 120: PCU 121: Control unit 122: Storage unit 123: Interface unit 130: DC / DC converter 132: Connection unit 140: Capacitor sensor 150: Load sensor 210: DC / DC control unit 220: Pattern determination unit 230: Power generation prediction unit 240: Load power calculation unit 250: Load planning unit L: Reference line LW: Power supply DC line Pa: Supply prediction pattern Pc: Power consumption pattern Pp: Power generation prediction pattern Pr: Consumption reference pattern Ps: Charge-discharge pattern

Claims

1. A power control system connected to a power supply line to which a renewable energy utilization power generation device, a power supply source different from the renewable energy utilization power generation device, and an energy storage medium are connected, comprising: a control unit; The control unit: a power generation prediction pattern acquisition process for acquiring a power generation prediction pattern that predicts the transition of power generation power from the renewable energy utilization power generation device within a predetermined time period (within 24 hours); a predetermined activity pattern acquisition process for acquiring a predetermined activity pattern corresponding to a predetermined activity schedule of the power supply destination business office within the predetermined time period; Based on the power generation prediction pattern and the predetermined activity pattern, a determination process for determining a power consumption pattern indicating the transition of power consumption of the power supply destination business office so as to alternately repeat a charging mode for charging the energy storage medium and a discharging mode for discharging from the energy storage medium within the predetermined time period; a charge control process for controlling the charge and discharge of the energy storage medium based on the power generation prediction pattern and the power consumption pattern; an output process for outputting a business activity pattern corresponding to the power consumption pattern and different from the predetermined activity pattern; and executes the above processes, Furthermore, the control unit: generates a power consumption reference pattern indicating the transition of power consumption of the power supply destination business office within the predetermined time period based on the predetermined activity pattern; In the determination process, the power consumption pattern is determined such that the maximum value of the charge and discharge amount per charge and discharge is smaller than when the charge and discharge of the energy storage medium are controlled based on the power consumption reference pattern. A power control system.

2. A power control system connected to a power supply line to which a renewable energy utilization power generation device, a power supply source different from the renewable energy utilization power generation device, and an energy storage medium are connected, comprising: a control unit; The control unit: a power generation prediction pattern acquisition process for acquiring a power generation prediction pattern that predicts the transition of power generation power from the renewable energy utilization power generation device within a predetermined time period (within 24 hours); a predetermined activity pattern acquisition process for acquiring a predetermined activity pattern corresponding to a predetermined activity schedule of the power supply destination business office within the predetermined time period; Based on the power generation prediction pattern and the predetermined activity pattern, in the predetermined time period, a determination process for determining a power consumption pattern indicating the transition of the power consumption of the power supply destination business office is performed so as to alternately repeat a charging mode for charging the energy storage medium and a discharging mode for discharging from the energy storage medium. A charging control process for controlling the charging and discharging of the energy storage medium based on the power generation prediction pattern and the power consumption pattern. An output process for outputting a business activity pattern corresponding to the power consumption pattern and corresponding to a schedule different from the predetermined activity pattern. Furthermore, the control unit Generates a consumption reference pattern indicating the transition of the power consumption of the power supply destination business office in the predetermined time period based on the predetermined activity pattern. In the determination process, the power consumption pattern is determined so that the number of charge and discharge operations performed by the discharge mode and the charge mode in the predetermined time period is larger than when the charge and discharge of the energy storage medium are controlled based on the consumption reference pattern. Power control system.

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