Energy utilization system, management device, and program

Abstract

The problem is to enable storage of an appropriate amount of hydrogen in a building such as a house, while enabling determination of the necessity of delivering hydrogen to the building. 【Solution means】An energy utilization system includes a plurality of buildings (10) and a management device (40). Each building (10) has a fuel cell power generation device (23) and a plurality of cartridges (20). The management device (40) determines the necessity of delivering a cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen for each building (10). The management device (40) executes, for each building (10), a first calculation process for calculating the ratio of the number of empty cartridges (20) to the total number of cartridges (20), a comparison process for comparing the ratio calculated by the first calculation process with a predetermined value, and a determination process for determining that delivery of a cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen is necessary when the ratio exceeds the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy utilization system, a management device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an energy transport system including a plurality of buildings, delivery vehicles, and a data center. Each building has a solar power generation device and a storage battery. The delivery vehicle has a vehicle storage battery. The delivery vehicle tours these buildings. When the delivery vehicle arrives at a building, surplus energy is stored from the building's storage battery into the vehicle storage battery of the delivery vehicle, or deficit energy is stored from the vehicle storage battery of the delivery vehicle into the building's storage battery.

[0003] By the way, since the construction of a power transmission network requires enormous costs and time, in areas where no power transmission network is constructed, such as mountainous areas, islands, or forest areas, the realization of an off-grid society is desired. That is, it is desired to realize a society in which buildings are not connected to a power transmission network and each building can be self-sufficient in power without relying on an electric power company. In order to realize an off-grid society, a self-power generation device is required for each building. In order to reduce the load on the environment, it is preferable that a natural energy power generation device that generates power from natural energy such as solar energy, wind power, hydro power, or geothermal energy be used as the self-power generation device of the building. Further, when a fuel cell type power generation device generates power from hydrogen, since no carbon dioxide is generated, it is preferable that the fuel cell type power generation device be used as the self-power generation device for reducing the environmental load. However, when a fuel cell type power generation device is used as the self-power generation device, it is necessary to deliver hydrogen produced by a hydrogen production facility such as a factory to a house. Further, in order to prevent a shortage of hydrogen in the house, it is necessary to store a certain amount of hydrogen in the house.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to enable storage of an appropriate amount of hydrogen in a building such as a house, and to enable determination of the necessity of delivering hydrogen to the building.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The reference numerals shown in the following parentheses are referred to in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0007] According to claim 1, A plurality of buildings (10) having a fuel cell power generation device (23) and a plurality of cartridges (20) for storing hydrogen used in the fuel cell power generation device (23), An energy utilization system comprising, for each of the buildings (10), a management device (40) for determining the necessity of delivering a cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen, wherein the management device (40) for each of the buildings (10) A first calculation process for calculating the ratio of the number of empty cartridges (20) to the total number of the plurality of cartridges (20), A comparison process for comparing the ratio calculated by the first calculation process with a predetermined value, A determination process for determining that delivery of a cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen is necessary when the ratio exceeds the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, and executes An energy utilization system characterized by the above is provided.

[0008] According to claim 10, A management device (40) for determining the necessity of delivering a cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen to a plurality of buildings (10) having a plurality of cartridges (20) for storing hydrogen used in a fuel cell power generation device (23), A first calculation process for calculating the ratio of the number of empty cartridges (20) to the total number of the plurality of cartridges (20); A comparison process for comparing the ratio calculated by the first calculation process with a predetermined value; A determination process for determining that delivery of a cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen is necessary when the ratio exceeds the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process; executing A management device (40) characterized by the above is provided.

[0009] According to claim 15, On a computer of a management device (40) that determines the necessity of delivering a cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen to a plurality of buildings (10) having a plurality of cartridges (20) for storing hydrogen used in a fuel cell power generation device (23), A first calculation process for calculating the ratio of the number of empty cartridges (20) to the total number of the plurality of cartridges (20); A comparison process for comparing the ratio calculated by the first calculation process with a predetermined value; A determination process for determining that delivery of a cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen is necessary when the ratio exceeds the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process; causing the above to be executed A program characterized by the above is provided.

[0010] According to claims 1, 10, and 15 as described above, based on the comparison between the ratio of the number of empty cartridges (20) to the total number of a plurality of cartridges (20) in a building (10) and a predetermined value, the necessity of delivering a cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen to the building (10) is determined. If the ratio of the number of empty cartridges (20) exceeds the predetermined value, it is determined that delivery of a cartridge (20) to the building (10) is necessary. Therefore, when there are non-empty cartridges (20) in the building (10), a cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen can be delivered to the building (10) to replace the empty cartridge (20).

[0011] According to claim 2, in the energy utilization system according to claim 1, the building (10) has a rechargeable battery (30), for each building (10), the management device (40), when the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, a first acquisition process for acquiring the value (W1) of the remaining power amount of the battery (30); when the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, a second acquisition process for acquiring the value (W2) of the power amount that can be generated from the remaining hydrogen amount of the cartridge (20) by the fuel cell power generation device (23); when the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, a prediction process for predicting the value (W4) of the power consumption in the building (10); a second determination process for determining the necessity of delivering the cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen to the building (10) based on the value (W1) of the remaining power amount acquired by the first acquisition process, the value (W2) of the power amount that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value (W4) of the power consumption predicted by the prediction process; is executed An energy utilization system is provided, which is characterized by the above.

[0012] According to claim 11, the management device (40) according to claim 10, the building (10) has a rechargeable battery (30), when the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, a first acquisition process for acquiring the value (W1) of the remaining power amount of the battery (30); when the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, a second acquisition process for acquiring the value (W2) of the power amount that can be generated from the remaining hydrogen amount of the cartridge (20) by the fuel cell power generation device (23); When the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, a prediction process for predicting the value (W4) of the amount of power consumed in the building (10); A second determination process for determining the necessity of delivering the cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen to the building (10) based on the value (W1) of the remaining amount of power of the battery, the value (W2) of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device based on the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge (20), and the value (W4) of the amount of power consumed predicted by the prediction process; to execute A management device (40) is provided, which is characterized by the above.

[0013] According to claims 2 and 11 as described above, even when the ratio of the number of empty cartridges (20) is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the necessity of delivering the cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen to the building (10) is determined based on the remaining amount of power of the battery (30), the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device (23) based on the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge (20), and the predicted amount of power consumed in the building (10). Therefore, the non-empty cartridges (20) are in the building (10) in a number corresponding to the remaining amount of power of the battery (30), the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device (23), and the predicted amount of power consumed in the building (10), and the cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen can be delivered to the building (10) to replace the empty cartridge (20).

[0014] According to claim 3, In the energy utilization system according to claim 1, The building (10) has a rechargeable battery (30) and a natural energy power generation device (27) that supplies power to the building (10). The management device (40) performs, for each building (10), A first acquisition process for acquiring the value (W1) of the remaining amount of power of the battery (30) when the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process; When, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, a second acquisition process of acquiring a value (W2) of the amount of power that can be generated from the remaining hydrogen amount of the cartridge (20) by the fuel cell power generation device (23); When, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, a first prediction process of predicting a value (W3) of the generated power amount of the natural energy power generation device (27); When, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, a second prediction process of predicting a value (W4) of the power consumption amount in the building (10); Based on the value (W1) of the remaining power amount acquired by the first acquisition process, the value (W2) of the power amount that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition process, the value (W3) of the generated power amount predicted by the first prediction process, and the value (W4) of the power consumption amount predicted by the second prediction process, a second determination process of determining the necessity of delivering the cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen to the building (10); executing An energy utilization system is provided, which is characterized by the above.

[0015] According to claim 12, The management device (40) according to claim 10, wherein the building (10) has a rechargeable battery (30) and a natural energy power generation device (27) that supplies power to the building (10), When, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, a first acquisition process of acquiring a value (W1) of the remaining power amount of the battery (30); When, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, a second acquisition process of acquiring a value (W2) of the power amount that can be generated from the remaining hydrogen amount of the cartridge (20) by the fuel cell power generation device (23); When, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, a first prediction process of predicting a value (W3) of the generated power amount of the natural energy power generation device (27); When the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, a second prediction process for predicting the value (W4) of the amount of power used in the building (10); Based on the value (W1) of the remaining amount of power of the battery obtained by the first acquisition process, the value (W2) of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device obtained by the second acquisition process, the value (W3) of the amount of power generated by the first prediction process, and the value (W4) of the amount of power used predicted by the second prediction process, a second determination process for determining the necessity of delivering the cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen to the building (10); Execute A management device (40) is provided, characterized in that.

[0016] According to claims 3 and 12 as described above, even if the ratio of the number of empty cartridges (20) is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the necessity of delivering the cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen to the building (10) is based on the remaining amount of power of the battery (30), the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device (23) based on the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge (20), the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device (27), and the predicted amount of power used in the building (10). Therefore, the number of non-empty cartridges (20) corresponds to the remaining amount of power of the battery (30), the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device (23), the amount of power generated by the natural energy power generation device (27), and the predicted amount of power used in the building (10). In a state where there are in the building (10), it is possible to deliver the cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen to the building (10) to replace the empty cartridge (20).

[0017] According to claim 4, In the energy utilization system according to claim 3, The second determination process is When the sum of the value (W1) of the remaining power amount acquired by the first acquisition process, the value (W2) of the power generation possible amount acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value (W3) of the power generation amount predicted by the first prediction process is less than the value (W4) of the power consumption amount predicted by the second prediction process, a process of determining that delivery of the cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen to the building (10) is necessary; When the sum of the value (W1) of the remaining power amount acquired by the first acquisition process, the value (W2) of the power generation possible amount acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value (W3) of the power generation amount predicted by the first prediction process is greater than or equal to the value (W4) of the power consumption amount predicted by the second prediction process, a process of determining that delivery of the cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen to the building (10) is unnecessary; including An energy utilization system is provided, which is characterized by the above.

[0018] According to claim 13, The management device (40) according to claim 12, wherein the second determination process is When the sum of the value (W1) of the remaining power amount acquired by the first acquisition process, the value (W2) of the power generation possible amount acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value (W3) of the power generation amount predicted by the first prediction process is less than the value (W4) of the power consumption amount predicted by the second prediction process, a process of determining that delivery of the cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen to the building (10) is necessary; When the sum of the value (W1) of the remaining power amount acquired by the first acquisition process, the value (W2) of the power generation possible amount acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value (W3) of the power generation amount predicted by the first prediction process is greater than or equal to the value (W4) of the power consumption amount predicted by the second prediction process, a process of determining that delivery of the cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen to the building (10) is unnecessary; including A management device (40) is provided, which is characterized by the above.

[0019] According to Claims 4 and 13 as described above, when the sum of the remaining power amount of the battery (30), the power generation possible amount of the fuel cell power generation device (23), and the power generation amount of the natural energy power generation device (27) is less than the predicted power consumption amount of the building (10), it means that there is a possibility of a power shortage in the building (10). In such a case, since it is determined that delivery of the cartridge (20) to the building (10) is necessary, a hydrogen-filled cartridge (20) can be delivered to the building (10) to replace the non-empty cartridge (20) with an empty cartridge (20). On the other hand, when the sum of the remaining power amount of the battery (30), the power generation possible amount of the fuel cell power generation device (23), and the power generation amount of the natural energy power generation device (27) is equal to or greater than the predicted power consumption amount of the building (10), it means that even if the power generation amount of the natural energy power generation device (27) is insufficient for the power consumption amount of the building (10), the battery (30) and the fuel cell power generation device (23) can sufficiently compensate for the shortfall. In such a case, since it is determined that delivery of the cartridge (20) to the building (10) is unnecessary, it is possible to prevent the cartridges (20) from being stored in the building (10) in a number greater than necessary, and it is also possible to prevent the cartridges (20) from being delivered to the building (10) more than necessary.

[0020] According to Claim 5, In the energy utilization system according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, a transporter for delivering a hydrogen-filled cartridge (20) to the building (10) to which delivery of the hydrogen-filled cartridge (20) has been determined to be necessary An energy utilization system is provided, characterized by further comprising this.

[0021] According to Claim 5 as described above, the hydrogen-filled cartridge (20) is delivered to the building (10) where delivery is necessary by the transporter.

[0022] According to Claim 6, In the energy utilization system according to Claim 3 or 4, the second prediction process Based on the output of a power meter that measures the total power consumption of the loads in the building (10) as the power used, by calculating the actual value of the power consumption in the building (10), a second calculation process for accumulating first daily data (61) having the actual value of the daily power consumption is performed; A third calculation process for accumulating second daily data (62) having a correction coefficient for each day by calculating the correction coefficient; A fourth calculation process for accumulating third daily data (63) having a predicted value of the daily power consumption by multiplying the actual value of the power consumption of a past day in the first daily data (61) by the correction coefficient calculated by the third calculation process and using the product as the predicted value of the power consumption of a future day; and has In the third calculation process, the correction coefficient for the future day is calculated based on the actual value of the power consumption of the past day in the first daily data (61) and the predicted value of the power consumption of the past day in the third daily data (63). An energy utilization system is provided, characterized by the above.

[0023] According to claim 14, there is provided a management device (40) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the second prediction process Based on the output of a power meter that measures the total power consumption of the loads in the building (10) as the power used, by calculating the actual value of the power consumption in the building (10), a second calculation process for accumulating first daily data (61) having the actual value of the daily power consumption is performed; A third calculation process for accumulating second daily data (62) having a correction coefficient for each day by calculating the correction coefficient; A fourth calculation process for accumulating third daily data (63) having a predicted value of the daily power consumption by multiplying the actual value of the power consumption of a past day in the first daily data (61) by the correction coefficient calculated by the third calculation process and using the product as the predicted value of the power consumption of a future day; and has The third calculation process calculates the correction coefficient for the future day based on the actual value of the power consumption on the past day in the first daily data (61) and the predicted value of the power consumption on the past day in the third daily data (63). A management device (40) is provided, which is characterized by this.

[0024] According to claims 6 and 14 as described above, the correction coefficient for the future day is calculated based on the actual value of the power consumption on the past day and the predicted value of the power consumption on the past day. Such a correction coefficient is multiplied by the actual value of the power consumption on the past day. Since the product is the predicted value of the power consumption on the future day, the predicted value of the power consumption on the future day reflects the actual value of the power consumption on the past day and the predicted value of the power consumption on the past day. Therefore, the predicted value of the future power consumption is accurately calculated from the actual value of the power consumption on the past day.

[0025] According to claim 7, In the energy utilization system according to claim 6, The future day is the next day, and the past day is the day one week before the next day An energy utilization system is provided, which is characterized by this.

[0026] According to claim 7 as described above, the predicted value of the power consumption on the future day reflects the actual value of the power consumption on the day one week before the future day and the predicted value of the power consumption on the day one week before the future day. Since people generally have the same behavior patterns on the same day of the week, the predicted value of the future power consumption is accurately calculated from the actual value of the power consumption on the day one week before the future day.

[0027] According to claim 8, In the energy utilization system according to claim 6, The third calculation process divides the actual value of the power consumption on the past day in the first daily data (61) by the predicted value of the power consumption on the past day in the third daily data (63) byExcept for that, based on the determination value which is the ratio, calculate the correction coefficient for the future day. An energy utilization system is provided, which is characterized by this.

[0028] According to claim 8 as described above, the correction coefficient for the future day is calculated based on the determination value which is the ratio of the actual value of the power consumption on the past day and the predicted value of the power consumption on the past day. Such a correction coefficient is multiplied by the actual value of the power consumption on the past day. Since the product is the predicted value of the power consumption on the future day, the power consumption on the future day reflects the actual value of the power consumption on the past day and the predicted value of the power consumption on the past day. Therefore, the predicted value of the future power consumption is accurately calculated from the actual value of the power consumption on the past day.

[0029] According to claim 9, In the energy utilization system according to claim 8, The third calculation process is A second comparison process for comparing the determination value with a first threshold value and a second threshold value greater than it, When, as a result of the comparison by the second comparison process, the determination value exceeds the first threshold value and is less than or equal to the second threshold value, a process of fitting the correction coefficient of the past day in the second daily data (62) to the correction coefficient of the future day, When, as a result of the comparison by the second comparison process, the determination value is less than or equal to the first threshold value, a process of fitting the value obtained by reducing the correction coefficient of the past day in the second daily data (62) to the correction coefficient of the future day, When, as a result of the comparison by the second comparison process, the determination value exceeds the second threshold value, a process of fitting the value obtained by increasing the correction coefficient of the past day in the second daily data (62) to the correction coefficient of the future day, Including An energy utilization system is provided, which is characterized by this.

[0030] According to claim 9 as described above, when the determination value exceeds the first threshold value and is equal to or less than the second threshold value, the actual value of the power consumption of the past day in the first daily data (61) is appropriate. In such a case, even if the correction coefficient of the past day in the second daily data (62) is applied to the correction coefficient of the future day, the predicted value of the power consumption of the future day is likely to be accurately calculated. When the determination value is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the actual value of the power consumption of the past day in the first daily data (61) is too large. In such a case, if the value obtained by reducing the correction coefficient of the past day in the second daily data (62) is applied to the correction coefficient of the future day, the predicted value of the power consumption of the future day is calculated to be on the lower side. Therefore, the predicted value of the power consumption of the future day is likely to be accurately calculated. When the determination value exceeds the second threshold value, the actual value of the power consumption of the past day in the first daily data (61) is too small. In such a case, if the value obtained by increasing the correction coefficient of the past day in the second daily data (62) is applied to the correction coefficient of the future day, the predicted value of the power consumption of the future day is calculated to be on the lower side. Therefore, the predicted value of the power consumption of the future day is likely to be accurately calculated.

Advantages of the Invention

[0031] While being able to store an appropriate amount of hydrogen in a building such as a house, it is possible to determine the necessity of delivering hydrogen to the building.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The features and technical effects of the embodiments will be understood from the following detailed description and the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below. Since the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrations in the drawings.

[0034] 〔First Embodiment〕 <1. Prediction Device> FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the prediction device 340. The prediction device 340 predicts the amount of power to be used the next day in the power usage area 310. The prediction device 340 may have functions other than predicting the amount of power to be used the next day. The prediction device 340 may use the predicted amount of power for various calculations.

[0035] The power usage area 310 is a single unit that uses power. The power usage area 310 is, for example, a single-family detached house, an apartment building, a single household, a single store, a single office, or a single factory.

[0036] Power is supplied to the power usage area 310 from the power source 323. The power source 323 is, for example, a self-generation device, a battery, a commercial power source, or a combination of two or more of these. The commercial power source is also referred to as the grid power source.

[0037] The type of the self-power generation device is not limited. For example, the self-power generation device is a fuel cell power generation device, a solar power generation panel, a hydroelectric power generation device, a wind power generation device, a geothermal power generation device, or a prime mover power generation device. The self-power generation device may also be a combination of two or more selected from a fuel cell power generation device, a solar power generation panel, a hydroelectric power generation device, a wind power generation device, a geothermal power generation device, and a prime mover power generation device. The solar power generation panel, the hydroelectric power generation device, the wind power generation device, the geothermal power generation device, etc. are collectively referred to as a natural energy power generation device. The natural energy power generation device generates electric power by using natural energy such as solar energy, water power, wind power, or geothermal energy. The self-power generation device may have a DC-AC converter that converts DC power into AC power as needed.

[0038] The fuel cell power generation device used as the self-power generation device generates electric power by using fuels such as hydrogen, hydrocarbon-based fuels, or alcohol-based fuels. The fuel cell power generation device has a fuel cell and auxiliary equipment. The fuel cell power generation device may have a reformer that reforms hydrocarbon-based fuels or alcohol-based fuels into hydrogen as needed. The supply source of the fuel supplied to the fuel cell power generation device is, for example, a high-pressure gas container, a fuel storage device, or a gas pipeline network. The supply source of the fuel may be one delivered to the power usage area 310, such as a high-pressure gas container or a fuel storage device. The gas pipeline network is constructed as a social infrastructure.

[0039] The type of battery is not limited. For example, the battery may be a lead-acid battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, an all-solid-state battery, or a combination of two or more of these. The battery may be installed in an electric vehicle. The battery may be stationary or portable. The battery may be a portable battery delivered to the power usage area 310. The battery may optionally have a DC-AC converter that converts DC power to AC power. When the battery is used in combination with a self-generation device or a commercial power source or both, the battery accumulates surplus power or discharges insufficient power. Surplus power refers to power that cannot be completely consumed by the load 311 described below. Insufficient power refers to power that cannot be covered by the self-generation device or the commercial power source or both, out of the total power consumption consumed by the load 311.

[0040] In the power usage area 310, a power facility 313 is installed. The power facility 313 is, for example, a switchboard, a distribution board, a power panel, a control panel, a transformer, a power conditioner, a switch, a relay, a circuit breaker, a disconnector, a transformer, or a switch. The power facility 313 may be a combination of two or more selected from a switchboard, a distribution board, a power panel, a control panel, a transformer, a power conditioner, a switch, a relay, a circuit breaker, a disconnector, a transformer, or a switch. The power facility 313 receives power supply from the power source 323. The power facility 313 distributes the power supplied from the power source 323 to the load 311 described below.

[0041] In the power usage area 310, an electrical wiring network such as an in-house wiring network is laid out. The electrical wiring network is connected to the power facility 313. A large number of loads 311 installed or arranged in the power usage area 310 are connected to the electrical wiring network. The load 311 is an electrical device such as, for example, a lighting fixture, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a water heater, communication network equipment (router, wireless master unit, wireless repeater, telephone, etc.), a television, an audio device, a video recorder, a cooking appliance, or an electric motor. The load 311 consumes the power received from the power facility 313 and operates. The total power consumption of these loads 311 is the power usage in the power usage area 310. The total power consumption amount of these loads 311 is the power usage amount in the power usage area 310.

[0042] In the power usage area 310, a power meter 314 is installed. The power meter 314 measures the total power consumption of all the loads 311 in the power usage area 310, that is, the power usage in the power usage area 310. The power meter 314 transfers the measured value of the power usage to the prediction device 340. The power meter 314 may transmit the measured value of the power usage to the prediction device 340 through a network such as the Internet. The power meter 314 may transfer the measured value of the power usage to the prediction device 340 via a computer system and a network.

[0043] The prediction device 340 is composed of a general-purpose computer system or a dedicated computer system. The general-purpose computer system refers to a computer system such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, and a desktop computer on which a general-purpose OS (Operating System) is installed. The general-purpose OS is, for example, Windows (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), or Unix (registered trademark). The dedicated computer system refers to a computer specialized for the management or control of power in the power usage area 310. Examples of the dedicated computer system include a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) or a BEMS (Building Energy Management System) controller. The prediction device 340 may be installed in the power usage area 310. The prediction device 340 may be installed on the inner wall within the power usage area 310. The prediction device 340 may be installed at a location away from the power usage area 310, for example, in a data center.

[0044] The prediction device 340 has a computer, an input device, and a display device. The computer of the prediction device 340 has a motherboard, one or more hardware processors, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a memory device, and a communication device, etc.

[0045] The main board has buses, bus controllers, interface circuits, etc., and transmits information among a hardware processor, GPU, RAM, memory device, input device, display device, and communication device. The hardware processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The hardware processor performs various arithmetic operations. The RAM provides a storage area or a working area for the hardware processor during the arithmetic operations by the hardware processor. The GPU performs, under the command of the hardware processor, processes that can be performed faster than the hardware processor (for example, image processing and matrix arithmetic operations). The input device is an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, touch pad, stylus, pointing device, key, and push button. The input device outputs a signal corresponding to the content of the operation performed by the user on the input device to the main board. The prediction device 340 recognizes the input and command by the administrator according to the signal transferred from the input device. The display device may be, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device. The display device displays an image according to the video signal input from the main board. The communication device may be, for example, a network card or a WiFi (registered trademark) sub-device.

[0046] The prediction device 340 is connected to the storage device 350. The storage device 350 is a semiconductor storage device, magnetic storage device, NAS (Network Attached Storage), data server, file server, or cloud computing system. The prediction device 340 records information in the storage device 350 or reads the information recorded in the storage device 350. The storage device 350 may be connected to the prediction device 340 by an interface circuit, or may be accessed by the prediction device 340 via a network. The storage device 350 may be built into the prediction device 340, may be externally attached to the prediction device 340, or may be connected to the prediction device 340 via a network.

[0047] Program 346 is stored in the memory device of the prediction device 340. Program 346 is executable for the prediction device 340, particularly for its computer.

[0048] <2. Process flow> The processes that program 346 causes the prediction device 340, particularly its computer, to execute will be described in detail below. Further, the functions of the prediction device 340 realized when the prediction device 340 executes program 346 will be described in detail below.

[0049] (1) Each time the prediction device 340 receives a measurement value of the power consumption from the power meter 314 along with the measurement time, the prediction device 340 associates the measurement value of the power consumption with the measurement time and records it in the storage device 350. When recording the measurement value of the power consumption and the measurement time, the prediction device 340 additionally records the measurement value of the power consumption and the measurement time in the time-series data 351. Thereby, the prediction device 340 accumulates in the storage device 350 the time-series data 351 in which the measurement values of the power consumption are arranged in time series.

[0050] (2) At a predetermined time every day, for example, at 1 o'clock, the prediction device 340 calculates the actual value of the power consumption for the previous day by integrating the measurement values of the power consumption from 0 o'clock to 24 o'clock of the previous day in the time-series data 351. The prediction device 340 associates the calculated actual value of the power consumption with the date and day of the week and records it in the storage device 350. When recording the actual value of the power consumption, the date, and the day of the week, the prediction device 340 additionally records the actual value of the power consumption, the date, and the day of the week in the daily data 361. Thereby, the prediction device 340 accumulates in the storage device 350 the daily data 361 of the actual values of the power consumption for each day. The date associated with the actual value of the power consumption is the year, month, and day of the day before the day on which the actual value of the power consumption was calculated. The day of the week associated with the actual value of the power consumption is the day of the week of the day before the day on which the actual value of the power consumption was calculated.

[0051] (3) The prediction device 340 calculates a correction coefficient at a predetermined time every day, for example, at 15:00. The prediction device 340 associates the correction coefficient with the date and day of the week and stores it in the storage device 350. When recording the correction coefficient, date, and day of the week, the prediction device 340 additionally records the correction coefficient, date, and day of the week in the daily data 362. Thereby, the prediction device 340 accumulates the daily data 362 of the correction coefficient for each day in the storage device 350. The date associated with the correction coefficient is the year, month, and day of the future day (specifically, the next day) with respect to the day when the correction coefficient is calculated. The day of the week associated with the actual value of the power consumption is the day of the week of the future day (specifically, the next day) with respect to the day when the correction coefficient is calculated.

[0052] (4) The prediction device 340 multiplies the actual value of the power consumption on the past day (specifically, the day one week before the next day, which is a future day) in the daily data 361 by the correction coefficient calculated in (3) at a predetermined time every day, for example, at 15:00, and calculates the product as the predicted value of the power consumption for the future day (specifically, the next day). The prediction device 340 associates the calculated predicted value of the power consumption with the date and day of the week and records it in the storage device 350. When recording the predicted value of the power consumption, date, and day of the week, the prediction device 340 additionally records the predicted value of the power consumption, date, and day of the week in the daily data 363. Thereby, the prediction device 340 accumulates the daily data 363 of the predicted value of the power consumption for each day in the storage device 350. The date associated with the predicted value of the power consumption is the year, month, and day of the future day (specifically, the next day) with respect to the day when the actual value of the power consumption is calculated. The day of the week associated with the predicted value of the power consumption is the day of the week of the future day (specifically, the next day) with respect to the day when the predicted value of the power consumption is calculated.

[0053] Figure 2 shows an example of the daily data 361, 362, and 363 calculated as described above. (3) The daily calculation of the correction coefficient is as follows in (3-1) to (3-9). In the following description, the initial value of the correction coefficient is 1.0, the variation amount is a positive value smaller than the initial value of the correction coefficient, and the correction coefficient varies by the daily calculation of the correction coefficient in (3). The variation amount is, for example, 0.1, but it may be other values such as 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, or 0.09.

[0054] (3-1) The prediction device 340 reads the actual value (R i-1 [kWh]) of the power consumption on a past day (specifically, the day one week before the next day which is a future day) from the daily data 361. "R" represents the actual value of the power consumption, and the subscript represents the week number. "R i-1 " represents the actual value of the power consumption on the day one week before the next day which is a future day. Of course, the day of the week one week before the next day is the same as the day of the week of the next day.

[0055] (3-2) The prediction device 340 reads the predicted value (P i-1 [kWh]) of the power consumption on a past day (specifically, the day one week before the next day which is a future day) from the daily data 363. "P" represents the predicted value of the power consumption, and the subscript represents the week number. "P i-1 " represents the predicted value of the power consumption on the day one week before the next day which is a future day.

[0056] (3-3) The prediction device 340 divides the actual value (R i-1 ) of the power consumption in (3-1) by the predicted value (P i-1 ) in (3-2) by to calculate the ratio (R i-1 / P i-1 ) as the determination value.

[0057] (3-4) The prediction device 340 compares the determination value (R i-1 / P i-1 ) with a predetermined first threshold value (Th1) and a predetermined second threshold value (Th2) larger than it. The determination value (R i-1 / Pi-1 ) is less than or equal to the first threshold value (Th1), the prediction device 340 compares the determination value (R i-1 / P i-1 ) with a predetermined third threshold value (Th3). When the determination value (R i-1 / P i-1 ) exceeds the second threshold value (Th2), the prediction device 340 compares the determination value (R i-1 / P i-1 ) with a predetermined fourth threshold value (Th4) greater than the second threshold value (Th2). The first threshold value (Th1) is less than 1.0, and the second threshold value (Th2) may be 1.0. For example, the first threshold value (Th1), the second threshold value (Th2), the third threshold value (Th3), and the fourth threshold value (Th4) are "Th1 = 0.8, Th2 = 1.0, Th3 = 0.5, Th4 = 1.5".

[0058] (3 - 5) When Th1 < R i-1 / P i-1 ≤ Th2 (3 - 4) As a result of the comparison, when the determination value (R i-1 / P i-1 ) exceeds the first threshold value (Th1) and is less than or equal to the second threshold value (Th2), the predicted value (P i-1 ) of the power consumption on the past day (i.e., the day one week before the next day, which is the future day) is appropriate. In such a case, the prediction device 340 reads the correction coefficient (K i-1 ) on the day one week before the next day from the daily data 362. The prediction device 340 fits the correction coefficient (K i-1 ) to the correction coefficient (K i ) of the next day, thereby calculating the correction coefficient (K i ) of the next day. The correction coefficient (K i ) of the next day calculated in this way is multiplied by the actual value (R i-1 ) of the power consumption on the day one week before the next day in the above (4), thereby calculating the predicted value (P i ) of the power consumption on the next day.

[0059] (3 - 6) When Th3 < R i-1 / P i-1 ≤ Th1 (As a result of the comparison in (3-4), when the determination value (R i-1 / P i-1 ) exceeds the third threshold value (Th3) and is equal to or less than the first threshold value (Th1), the predicted value (P i-1 ) of the power consumption on the day one week before the day of the next day, which is a future day, is too large. In such a case, the prediction device 340 reads the correction coefficient (K i-1 ) on the day one week before the next day from the daily data 362. The prediction device 340 corrects the correction coefficient (K i-1 ) to decrease it and fits it to the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day. That is, the prediction device 340 subtracts a certain variation amount (for example, 0.1) from the correction coefficient (K i-1 ) and fits the difference to the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day, whereby the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day is calculated. The correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day calculated in this way is multiplied by the actual value (R i-1 ) of the power consumption on the day one week before the next day in the above (4), whereby the predicted value (P i ) of the power consumption for the next day is calculated.

[0060] (3-7) When Th2 < R i-1 / P i-1 ≦ Th4 (As a result of the comparison in (3-4), when the determination value (R i-1 / P i-1 ) exceeds the second threshold value (Th2) and is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value (Th4), the predicted value (P i-1 ) of the power consumption on the day one week before the next day is too small. In such a case, the prediction device 340 reads the correction coefficient (K i-1 ) on the day one week before the next day from the daily data 362. The prediction device 340 corrects the correction coefficient (K i-1 ) to increase it and fits it to the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day. That is, the prediction device 340 adds the variation amount (for example, 0.1) to the correction coefficient (K i-1 ) and fits the sum to the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day, whereby the correction coefficient (Ki ) is calculated. The correction coefficient (K i ) on the day following such update is multiplied by the actual value (R i-1 ) of the power consumption on the day one week before the day following, in the above (4), to calculate the predicted value (P i ) of the power consumption on the day following.

[0061] (3 - 8) R i-1 / P i-1 When ≤ Th3 (3 - 4) As a result of the comparison, when the determination value (R i-1 / P i-1 ) is less than or equal to the third threshold value (Th3), it is considered that an abnormal increase in power consumption that normally does not occur has occurred on a past day (i.e., the day one week before the day following, which is a future day). In such a case, the prediction device 340 reads, from the daily data 361, the actual value (R i-2 ) of the power consumption on a further past day (specifically, the day two weeks before the day following, which is a future day). Further, the prediction device 340 reads, from the daily data 363, the predicted value (P i-2 ) of the power consumption on a further past day (specifically, the day two weeks before the day following, which is a future day). The prediction device 340 divides the actual value (R i-2 ) of the power consumption by the predicted value (P i-2 ) by to calculate the ratio (R i-2 / P i-2 ) as the determination value. The prediction device 340 compares the determination value (R i-2 / P i-2 ) with the first threshold value (Th1) and the second threshold value (Th2). As a result of the comparison, when the determination value (R i-2 / P i-2 ) exceeds the first threshold value (Th1) and is less than or equal to the second threshold value (Th2), the prediction device 340 reads, from the daily data 362, the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) on the day two weeks before the day following, which is a future day. The prediction device 340 fits the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) to the correction coefficient (K i ) on the day following to calculate the correction coefficient (K i ) on the day following, which is a future day. As a result of the comparison, when the determination value (Ri-2 / P i-2 ) is less than or equal to the first threshold value (Th1), the prediction device 340 reads, from the daily data 362, the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) on the day two weeks before the next day. The prediction device 340 corrects to reduce the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) and fits it to the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day. That is, the prediction device 340 subtracts a certain variation amount (for example, 0.1) from the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) and fits the difference to the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day, thereby calculating the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day. As a result of the comparison, when the determination value (R i-2 / P i-2 ) exceeds the second threshold value (Th2), the prediction device 340 reads the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) on the day two weeks before the next day. The prediction device 340 corrects to increase the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) and fits it to the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day. That is, the prediction device 340 adds the variation amount (for example, 0.1) to the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) and fits the sum to the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day, thereby calculating the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day. The correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day calculated as above is multiplied by the actual value (R i-1 ) of the power consumption on the day one week before the next day in (4) above, thereby calculating the predicted value (P i ) of the power consumption for the next day.

[0062] (3 - 9) Th4 < R i-1 / P i-1 In the case (3 - 4) As a result of the comparison, the determination value (R i-1 / P i-1) exceeds the fourth threshold value (Th4), a decrease in power consumption that normally would not occur is considered to have occurred on a past day (i.e., the day one week before the next day which is a future day). In such a case, the prediction device 340 reads, from the daily data 361, the actual value (R i-2 ) of the power consumption on an even more past day (specifically, the day two weeks before the next day which is a future day). Further, the prediction device 340 reads, from the daily data 363, the predicted value (P i-2 ) of the power consumption on an even more past day (specifically, the day two weeks before the next day which is a future day). The prediction device 340 divides the actual value (R i-2 ) of the power consumption by the predicted value (P i-2 ) by to calculate the ratio (R i-2 / P i-2 ) as a determination value. The prediction device 340 compares the determination value (R i-2 / P i-2 ) with the first threshold value (Th1) and the second threshold value (Th2). As a result of the comparison, when the determination value (R i-2 / P i-2 ) exceeds the first threshold value (Th1) and is equal to or less than the second threshold value (Th2), the prediction device 340 reads, from the daily data 362, the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) on the day two weeks before the next day which is a future day. The prediction device 340 fits the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) to the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day to calculate the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day which is a future day. As a result of the comparison, when the determination value (R i-2 / P i-2 ) is equal to or less than the first threshold value (Th1), the prediction device 340 reads, from the daily data 362, the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) on the day two weeks before the next day. The prediction device 340 corrects the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) to decrease it and fits it to the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day. That is, the prediction device 340 subtracts a certain variation amount (for example, 0.1) from the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) and fits the difference to the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day to obtain the correction coefficient (K i) is calculated. As a result of the comparison, if the determination value (R i-2 / P i-2 ) exceeds the second threshold value (Th2), the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) on the day two weeks before the next day is read. The prediction device 340 corrects the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) to increase it and fits it to the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day. That is, the prediction device 340 adds the variation amount (for example, 0.1) to the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) and fits the sum to the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day, thereby calculating the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day. The correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day calculated as above is multiplied by the actual value (R i-1 ) of the power consumption on the day one week before the next day in the above (4), thereby calculating the predicted value (P i ) of the power consumption for the next day. The correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day calculated as above is multiplied by the actual value (R i-1 ) of the power consumption on the day one week before the next day in the above (4), thereby calculating the predicted value (P i ) of the power consumption for the next day.

[0063] <3. Summary> As described above, the correction coefficient (K i ) for a future day (specifically, the next day) is calculated based on the actual value (R i-1 ) of the power consumption on a past day (specifically, the day one week before the next day) and the predicted value (P i-1 ) of the power consumption on the past day. Such a correction coefficient (K i ) is multiplied by the actual value (R i-1 ) of the power consumption on the past day. The product (K i ×R i-1 ) is the predicted value (P i ) of the power consumption for the future day. Therefore, the predicted value (P i ) of the power consumption for the future day is based on the actual value (R i-1 ) of the power consumption on the past day and the predicted value (P i-1) will reflect the above. Therefore, the predicted value (P i ) of the future power consumption can be accurately calculated from the actual value (R i-1 ) of the power consumption on a past day.

[0064] The future day is the next day, and the past day is the day one week before the future day. Therefore, the predicted value (P i ) of the power consumption on the future day will reflect the actual value (R i-1 ) of the power consumption on the day one week before the future day and the predicted value (P i-1 ) of the power consumption on the day one week before the future day. Since people generally have the same behavior pattern on the same day of the week, the predicted value (P i ) of the future power consumption can be accurately calculated from the actual value (R i ) of the power consumption on the day one week before the future day.

[0065] When the judgment value (R i-1 / P i-1 ) exceeds the first threshold value (Th1) and is equal to or less than the second threshold value (Th2), the actual value (R i-1 ) of the power consumption on the past day in the daily data 361 is appropriate. In such a case, even if the correction coefficient (K i-1 ) of the past day in the daily data 362 is applied to the correction coefficient (K i ) of the future day, the predicted value (P i ) of the power consumption on the future day can be easily and accurately calculated. When the judgment value (R i-1 / P i-1 ) is equal to or less than the first threshold value (Th1), the actual value (R i-1 ) of the power consumption on the past day in the daily data 361 is too large. In such a case, if the value obtained by reducing the correction coefficient (K i-1 ) of the past day in the daily data 362 is applied to the correction coefficient (K i ) of the future day, the predicted value (P i ) of the power consumption on the future day will be calculated to be on the lower side. Therefore, the predicted value (P i ) of the power consumption on the future day can be easily and accurately calculated. The judgment value (Ri-1 / P i-1 ) exceeds the second threshold value (Th2), the actual value (R of the power consumption of the past day in the daily data 361 i-1 ) is too small. In such a case, the correction coefficient (K of the past day in the daily data 62 i-1 ) is used. The value obtained by increasing the correction coefficient (K of the future day i ) is applied to the predicted value (P of the power consumption of the future day i ), and the predicted value of the power consumption of the future day is calculated to be on the lower side. Therefore, it is easy to accurately calculate the predicted value (P of the power consumption of the future day i ).

[0066] 〔Second Embodiment〕 <1. Outline of Energy Utilization System> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an energy utilization system. The energy utilization system is an off-grid city existing in a certain area (hereinafter referred to as a specific area) of a certain country. The energy utilization system includes a plant 1, a distribution center 9, a stock facility 8, a transporter 70, and a number of buildings 10. The buildings 10 are distributed in the specific area. The plant 1 is established at a specific location in the specific area. The distribution center 9 is established adjacent to the plant 1. The stock facility 8 is established in the densely populated area of the buildings 10 in the specific area.

[0067] In Plant 1, hydrogen is produced by electrolyzing water using surplus power, natural energy, or both in each building 10. Plant 1 may receive hydrogen from outside. The hydrogen generated in Plant 1 is delivered to each building 10. In each building 10, generation of electrical energy from natural energy such as solar energy and generation of electrical energy by the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen are realized. Building 10 is self-sufficient in power without relying on the power company. The surplus power of each building 10 may be supplied to Plant 1 by distribution without using the power grid after being converted into, for example, chemical energy or the like. People living in a specific area can live a life that emits as little greenhouse gas as possible. This energy utilization system contributes to the promotion of carbon neutrality, the realization of a decarbonized society, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0068] This energy utilization system contributes to the realization of the circulation of the portable cartridge 20 described below among the plurality of buildings 10, Plant 1, distribution center 9, and stock facility 8. Through the circulation of the cartridge 20, this energy utilization system contributes to the realization of a society in which the electrical energy generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 in each building 10 and the natural energy power generation facility 2 in Plant 1 can be utilized as the chemical energy of hydrogen in the cartridge 20.

[0069] In particular, the energy utilization system contributes to optimizing the number and collection timing of the empty cartridges 20 recovered from the buildings 10. The energy utilization system contributes to optimizing the number and delivery timing of the full cartridges 20 delivered to the buildings 10. Therefore, this energy utilization system contributes to suppressing the occurrence of power shortages in each building 10 and to the realization of an off-grid society in a specific area.

[0070] <2. Plant> Plant 1 is equipped with natural energy power generation facility 2, hydrogen production facility 3, hydrogen storage facility 4, hydrogen The filling equipment 5 and the power transmission equipment 7 are installed.

[0071] The natural energy power generation equipment 2 generates electric power from natural energy. The natural energy power generation equipment 2 has, for example, a solar power generation equipment, a hydroelectric power generation equipment, a wind power generation equipment, or a geothermal power generation equipment, or a combination of two or more of these. The solar power generation equipment converts solar energy into electric power. The hydroelectric power generation equipment converts the kinetic energy of water into electric power. The wind power generation equipment converts the kinetic energy of wind into electric power. The geothermal power generation equipment converts geothermal energy into electric power. The natural energy power generation equipment 2 outputs the generated electric power to the power transmission equipment 7, and the electric power is sent to the hydrogen production equipment 3, the hydrogen storage equipment 4, and the hydrogen filling equipment 5 via the power transmission equipment 7. Even if the natural energy power generation equipment 2 is installed on a site separated from the sites of the hydrogen production equipment 3, the hydrogen storage equipment 4, and the hydrogen filling equipment 5, the electric power generated by the natural energy power generation equipment 2 may be sent to the hydrogen production equipment 3, the hydrogen storage equipment 4, and the hydrogen filling equipment 5 by the power transmission equipment 7.

[0072] The hydrogen production equipment 3 produces hydrogen using electric power and sends the hydrogen to the hydrogen storage equipment 4. For example, the hydrogen production equipment 3 may have an electrolyzer. The electrolyzer generates hydrogen by electrolyzing water using the electric power supplied from the natural energy power generation equipment.

[0073] The hydrogen storage equipment 4 stores the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production equipment 3.

[0074] The hydrogen filling equipment 5 receives the supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage equipment 4 and fills the hydrogen in small portions into a small-sized cartridge 20 that can be carried by a person.

[0075] <3. Cartridge and Its Transportation> The cartridge 20 stores hydrogen in a low-pressure or high-pressure gaseous state, a liquid state, or an occluded state. The occluded state means that hydrogen is occluded in an alloy and is in a state where it can be reversibly released. The cartridge 20 has a cylinder or a hydrogen storage alloy.

[0076] The battery 30 has a secondary battery such as, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a flow battery, a lead-acid battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a sodium-sulfur battery.

[0077] The cartridge 20 is transported among the plant 1, the distribution center 9, the storage facility 8, and a number of buildings 10. For example, a full cartridge 20 filled with hydrogen is transported from the plant 1, via the distribution center 9, and optionally via the storage facility 8, to the building 10. For example, an empty cartridge 20 is transported from the building 10, optionally via the storage facility 8, and via the distribution center 9, to the plant 1.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 3, the distribution center 9 is a distribution base for the cartridge 20. That is, the transporter 70 transports the cartridge 20 from the distribution center 9 to the building 10 and the storage facility 8, or transports the cartridge 20 from the building 10 and the storage facility 8 to the distribution center 9. The location where the distribution center 9 is installed is adjacent to the plant 1, inside the plant 1, or on a piece of land away from the plant 1.

[0079] The storage facility 8 is a relay point between the distribution center 9 and the building 10 and is a temporary storage facility for the cartridge 20. Specifically, for example, the transporter 70 transports the cartridge 20 from the distribution center 9 to the storage facility 8, and the resident of the building 10 carries the cartridge 20 temporarily stored in the storage facility 8 from the storage facility 8 to the building 10. For example, the resident of the building 10 carries the cartridge 20 from the building 10 to the storage facility 8, and the transporter 70 transports the cartridge 20 from the storage facility 8 to the distribution center 9. When the transporter 70 transports the cartridge 20 directly from the building 10 to the distribution center 9, those cartridges 20 are not stored in the storage facility 8. The storage facility 8 may have a locker that can be locked and unlocked for temporarily storing the cartridge 20. The storage facility 8 may be installed in a commercial facility or the like.

[0080] When the cartridge 20 is carried into or out of any of the plant 1, the distribution center 9, the stock facility 8, the building 10, and the transporter 70, the identification number of the cartridge 20 is read by the reader, and the identification number is transferred to the overall management device 40 together with the identification information of the receiving or sending source. As a result, the cartridge 20 is tracked, and the position and movement of the cartridge 20 are managed by the overall management device 40.

[0081] The transporter 70 is, for example, a goods vehicle and a multicopter. The transporter 70 may have a loading and unloading device for loading and unloading the cartridge 20. An operator may board the transporter 70 and operate the transporter 70, or the transporter 70 may be remotely operated. The transporter 70 may be automatically driven. The transporter 70 may be an electric transporter having a storage battery and a motor and moving by the power of the motor driven by the energy discharged from the storage battery. When the transporter 70 is a goods vehicle, the road that the transporter 70 passes through may be dedicated to the transporter 70 or shared with general vehicles other than the transporter 70.

[0082] Hereinafter, the cartridge 20 in the building 10 is referred to as the first cartridge 20, and the cartridge 20 transported by the transporter 70 is referred to as the second cartridge 20.

[0083] The transporter 70 periodically circulates between the distribution center 9, the stock facility 8, and the building 10, for example, daily, weekly, or monthly. When the transporter 70 arrives at the building 10, the first cartridge 20 in the building 10 is exchanged with the second cartridge 20 transported by the transporter 70 and recovered. The remaining hydrogen amount of the first cartridge 20 recovered from the building 10 to the transporter 70 is less than the remaining hydrogen amount of the second cartridge 20 delivered from the transporter 70 to the building 10. For example, the first cartridge 20 recovered from the building 10 to the transporter 70 is empty, and the second cartridge 20 delivered from the transporter 70 to the building 10 is filled with hydrogen.

[0084] <4. Building> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing building 10. Building 10 is a general building such as a detached house or a store.

[0085] Each building 10 corresponds to the power usage area 310 in the first embodiment. Each building 10 includes an electrical wiring network 12, a distribution board 13, a wattmeter 14, a wattmeter 15, a power conditioner 16, a charge / discharge device 18, a cartridge holder 19, a cartridge 20, a hydrogen supply device 21, an air supply device 22, a fuel cell power generation device 23, a water storage tank 24, a remaining amount meter 25, a wattmeter 26, a natural energy power generation device 27, a battery 30, and an individual management device 35. The electrical wiring network 12, the distribution board 13, the natural energy power generation device 27, the wattmeter 15, the power conditioner 16, the charge / discharge device 18, the cartridge holder 19, the hydrogen supply device 21, the air supply device 22, the fuel cell power generation device 23, the water storage tank 24, the remaining amount meter 25, the wattmeter 26, the natural energy power generation device 27, and the battery 30 are installed in the building 10. These installation locations may be either outdoors or indoors.

[0086] The electrical wiring network 12 is laid around the building 10. A number of loads 11 installed or arranged in the building 10 are connected to the electrical wiring network 12. The electrical wiring network 12 is connected to the distribution board 13.

[0087] The distribution board 13 distributes the AC power supplied from the power conditioner 16 to the distribution board 13 to the loads 11. The loads 11 receive the supply of AC power from the distribution board 13 through the electrical wiring network 12 and consume the AC power. The loads 11 are electrical devices such as lighting fixtures, refrigerators, air conditioning equipment, water heaters, communication network equipment (routers, wireless parent units, wireless repeaters, telephones, etc.), TVs , audio equipment, video recorders, and cooking appliances.

[0088] The cartridge holder 19 holds a plurality of cartridges 20. The cartridge 20 is detachable from the cartridge holder 19. When the cartridge 20 is attached to the cartridge holder 19, the cartridge 20 is connected to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell power generation device 23 via the hydrogen supply device 21.

[0089] The cartridge holder 19 may also serve as a home delivery receiving box. Specifically, the cartridge holder 19 has a door that can be locked and unlocked using tools such as a physical key, an electronic key, or a password. When the door is unlocked and opened, the cartridge 20 can be attached to and detached from the cartridge holder 19. When the door is closed and locked, theft of the cartridge 20 inside the cartridge holder 19 is prevented. In this case, the cartridge holder 19 may have an inner area for accommodating deliveries other than the cartridge 20, in addition to the area where the plurality of cartridges 20 are attached.

[0090] The remaining amount meter 25 is provided in the cartridge holder 19 for each cartridge 20. The remaining amount meter 25 measures the amount of hydrogen remaining in the cartridge 20 and outputs the measured value to the individual management device 35. The unit of the amount of hydrogen may be expressed by the volume or pressure of hydrogen gas or both, or by the weight of hydrogen. Any method for measuring the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20 by the remaining amount meter 25 may be used. For example, the remaining amount meter 25 may measure the pressure of hydrogen in the cartridge 20 with a pressure gauge and convert the measured pressure into the remaining amount of hydrogen. The remaining amount meter 25 may measure the total weight of the cartridge 20 with a weighing scale and subtract the weight of the cartridge 20 itself from the measured weight to convert the measured weight into the remaining amount of hydrogen. The remaining amount meter 25 may measure the flow rate of hydrogen sent from the cartridge 20 to the hydrogen supply device 21 with a flow meter and subtract the maximum hydrogen storage amount of the cartridge 20 from the time integral of the measured flow rate to convert the measured flow rate into the remaining amount of hydrogen.

[0091] The hydrogen supplier 21 has fluid devices such as valves. The hydrogen supplier 21 sequentially selects the cartridges 20 held in the cartridge holder 19 and supplies hydrogen from the selected cartridges 20 to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell power generation device 23. When the remaining amount of hydrogen in the selected cartridge 20 decreases, the hydrogen supplier 21 selects the next cartridge 20 and supplies hydrogen from the selected multiple cartridges 20 to the fuel cell power generation device 23. When the selected cartridge 20 becomes empty, the hydrogen supplier 21 releases the selection of that cartridge 20 and stops the supply from that cartridge 20. The hydrogen supplier 21 adjusts the supply flow rate and / or supply pressure or both of hydrogen from the currently selected cartridge 20 to the fuel cell power generation device 23. Among the cartridges 20 held in the cartridge holder 19, the currently selected cartridge 20 is in use for hydrogen consumption. The unselected cartridges 20 are full of hydrogen. The cartridges 20 for which the selection has been released are empty.

[0092] The air supplier 22 is connected to the oxygen electrode of the fuel cell power generation device 23. The air supplier 22 has fluid devices such as valves and blowers. The air supplier 22 supplies air to the oxygen electrode of the fuel cell power generation device 23. The air supplier 22 adjusts the supply flow rate and / or supply pressure or both of hydrogen to the fuel cell power generation device 23.

[0093] The fuel electrode and oxygen electrode of the fuel cell power generation device 23 are connected to the power conditioner 16. The fuel cell power generation device 23 generates DC power and water by reacting hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen supplier 21 with oxygen in the air supplied by the air supplier 22 through an electrolyte membrane. The fuel cell power generation device 23 outputs the generated DC power to the power conditioner 16. The fuel cell power generation device 23 discharges the generated water to one or more water storage tanks 24.

[0094] The power meter 26 measures the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 and outputs the measured value to the individual management device 35. The power meter 26 may measure the output current or output voltage of the fuel cell power generation device 23 and calculate it from the output current or output voltage.

[0095] The water storage tank 24 stores the water supplied from the fuel cell power generation device 23. The water storage tank 24 may be of a cartridge type and may be detachable from its installation location. Note that the water generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 may be discharged to the sewage facility.

[0096] The natural energy power generation device 27 is connected to the power conditioner 16. The natural energy power generation device 27 generates DC power from natural energy. The natural energy power generation device 27 supplies the generated DC power to the power conditioner 16. For example, the natural energy power generation device 27 has a solar power generation panel that generates DC power from solar energy. The solar power generation panel is installed on the roof of the building 10, for example. Note that the natural energy power generation device 27 may have a device other than the solar power generation panel, such as a hydroelectric power generation device, a wind power generation device, or a geothermal power generation device. The natural energy power generation device 27 may be a combination of two or more of the solar power generation panel, the hydroelectric power generation device, the wind power generation device, and the geothermal power generation device.

[0097] The power meter 15 measures the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 and outputs the measured values to the individual management device 35. The power meter 15 may measure the output current or output voltage of the natural energy power generation device 27 and calculate the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 from the output current or output voltage.

[0098] The battery 30 is connected to the charge / discharge device 18. The number of batteries 30 is one or two or more. The battery 30 may be a stationary battery. The battery 30 may be a battery mounted on an electric transport vehicle parked near the building 10. The electric transport vehicle is, for example, an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0099] The charge / discharge device 18 has a charging function and a discharging function. The charge / discharge device 18 charges the battery 30 with the surplus power supplied from the power conditioner 16 to the charge / discharge device 18. The charge / discharge device 18 outputs DC insufficient power from the battery 30 to the power conditioner 16.

[0100] The charge / discharge device 18 has a charge measuring device. The charge / discharge device 18 measures the remaining power amount of the battery 30 with the charge measuring device. The charge / discharge device 18 outputs the measured value of the remaining power amount of the battery 30 to the individual management device 35. Thereby, the individual management device 35 acquires the measured value of the remaining power amount of the battery 30. Note that the individual management device 35 may periodically store the measured value of the remaining power amount of the battery 30 in association with the measurement time at a very short cycle. The combination of the battery 30, the fuel cell power generation device 23, and the natural energy power generation device 27 corresponds to the power supply 323 in the first embodiment.

[0101] The power conditioner 16 has a DC-AC converter, a relay, a control circuit, etc. The power conditioner 16 is connected to the distribution board 13. The power meter 14 can be provided between the distribution board 13 and the power conditioner 16.

[0102] The power conditioner 16 converts the DC power supplied from the natural energy power generation device 27 into AC power, and then supplies the AC power to the distribution board 13. The power conditioner 16 converts the DC power supplied from the fuel cell power generation device 23 into AC power, and then supplies the AC power to the distribution board 13. The power conditioner 16 converts the DC power supplied from the charge / discharge device 18 into AC power, and then supplies the AC power to the distribution board 13. The distribution board 13 distributes the AC power supplied from the power conditioner 16 to the distribution board 13 to the load 11.

[0103] The power conditioner 16 supplies the distribution board 13 with the generated power of the natural energy generator 27 with the highest priority among the generated power of the natural energy generator 27, the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23, and the discharge power of the charge and discharge device 18.

[0104] When the total power consumption of the load 11 is less than the generated power of the natural energy generator 27, the power conditioner 16 supplies the surplus power obtained by subtracting the total power consumption from the generated power to the charge and discharge device 18. Therefore, the surplus power is supplied to the battery 30 by the charge and discharge device 18.

[0105] The building 10 is configured to be able to select which of the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 and the power of the battery 30 to preferentially consume. Specifically, when the total power consumption of the load 11 exceeds the generated power of the natural energy generator 27, the power conditioner 16 can select which of the discharge power of the charge and discharge device 18 and the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 to preferentially consume. The power conditioner 16 selects which of the discharge power of the charge and discharge device 18 and the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 to preferentially consume based on a command input from the individual management device 35.

[0106] When the preferential consumption of the discharge power of the charge and discharge device 18 is selected, the power conditioner 16 supplies the discharge power of the charge and discharge device 18 and the generated power of the natural energy generator 27 to the distribution board 13. Even so, when the discharge power of the charge and discharge device 18 and the generated power of the natural energy generator 27 are insufficient for the total power consumption of the load 11, the power conditioner 16 also supplies the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 to the distribution board 13. Note that when the discharge power of the charge and discharge device 18 and the generated power of the natural energy generator 27 are insufficient for the total power consumption of the load 11, the hydrogen supply device 21, the air supply device 22, and the fuel cell power generation device 23 operate, and when the discharge power of the charge and discharge device 18 and the generated power of the natural energy generator 27 satisfy the total power consumption of the load 11, the hydrogen supply device 21, the air supply device 22, and the fuel cell power generation device 23 stop.

[0107] When the preferential consumption of the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 is selected, the power conditioner 16 supplies the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 and the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 to the distribution board 13. Even so, when the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 and the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 are insufficient for the total power consumption of the load 11, the power conditioner 16 also supplies the discharge power of the charge-discharge device 18 to the distribution board 13. When the preferential consumption of the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 is selected, the hydrogen supply device 21, the air supply device 22, and the fuel cell power generation device 23 may always operate, or the hydrogen supply device 21, the air supply device 22, and the fuel cell power generation device 23 may operate when the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 is insufficient for the total power consumption of the load 11. When the hydrogen supply device 21, the air supply device 22, and the fuel cell power generation device 23 always operate, when the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 and the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 are surplus for the total power consumption of the load 11, the power conditioner 16 supplies the surplus power to the charge-discharge device 18. Therefore, the surplus power is supplied to the battery 30 by the charge-discharge device 18.

[0108] The generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27, the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23, and the discharge power of the charge-discharge device 18 may be consumed in various priorities. The combination of the charge-discharge device 18, the power conditioner 16, and the distribution board 13 corresponds to the power facility 313 in the first embodiment.

[0109] The power meter 14 measures the total power consumption of the load 11, that is, the power consumption in the building 10, and outputs those measured values to the individual management device 35.

[0110] The individual management device 35 is a terminal used by the resident.

[0111] The individual management device 35 is composed of a general-purpose computer system or a dedicated computer system. The general-purpose computer system refers to a computer system such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, and a desktop computer on which a general-purpose OS (Operating System) is installed. The general-purpose OS is, for example, Windows (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), or Unix (registered trademark). The dedicated computer system refers to a computer system installed on the inner wall of a building and having a function of monitoring or controlling the load 11 of the building 10. For example, examples of the dedicated computer system include a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) or a BEMS (Building Energy Management System) controller. The individual management device 35 may be a combination of a general-purpose computer system and a dedicated computer system. The user's terminal device may be able to access the individual management device 35 through the in-house network and, if necessary, the communication network 90.

[0112] The individual management device 35 has a display device. The individual management device 35 displays various information through the display device. The individual management device 35 has input devices such as a touch panel, push buttons, keys, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, a stylus, and a pointing device. When the occupant operates the input device, the individual management device 35 receives commands and information corresponding to the operation. For example, when the occupant selects the first priority mode (battery priority mode) using the input device of the individual management device 35, the selection of the first priority mode is transferred from the individual management device 35 to the power conditioner 16 and the overall management device 40. The power conditioner 16 preferentially supplies the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 among the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23. For example, when the occupant selects the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode) using the input device of the individual management device 35, the selection of the second priority mode is transferred from the individual management device 35 to the power conditioner 16 and the overall management device 40. The power conditioner 16 preferentially consumes the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 among the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23. In addition, instead of the occupant selecting either the first priority mode or the second priority mode, the individual management device 35 may automatically select either the first priority mode or the second priority mode through arithmetic processing, and the power conditioner 16 may operate as described above according to the selected mode. Also, the administrator may select either the first priority mode or the second priority mode, input the selected mode to the overall management device 40 described later, the overall management device 40 transfers the selected mode to the individual management device 35, and the power conditioner 16 may operate as described above according to the selected mode.

[0113] The individual management device 35 has communication devices such as a mobile phone line communication module, a network card, and a WiFi (registered trademark) sub-device. The individual management device 35 is connected to a communication network 90 such as the Internet by the communication device. The individual management device 35 is accessible to the overall management device 40 through the communication network 90. For example, a secure communication protocol such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) may be adopted for the communication between the individual management device 35 and the overall management device 40.

[0114] The individual management device 35 has a storage medium storing a program. This program causes the individual management device 35 to function as follows.

[0115] The individual management device 35 has a timing function that measures time and recognizes the current time (current year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and day of the week). The individual management device 35 periodically, at a very short cycle, associates and stores the measured value of the water storage volume in the water storage tank 24 measured by the water meter with the measurement time. Thereby, the individual management device 35 accumulates time-series data in which the measured values of the water storage volume are arranged in time series. Based on the time-series data of the measured values of the water storage volume, the individual management device 35 displays on the display device a transition representing the relationship between the measured value of the water storage volume and the measurement time in a graph or the like, and also displays on the display device the immediate (real-time) measured value and the measurement time together with the transition. The individual management device 35 immediately (in real time) associates the measured value of the water storage volume in the water storage tank 24 measured by the water meter with the measurement time, and transfers the measured value and the measurement time to the overall management device 40.

[0116] The individual management device 35 periodically stores, at a very short cycle, the measured value of the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 measured by the power meter 26 in association with the measurement time. Thereby, the individual management device 35 accumulates time-series data in which the measured values of the generated power are arranged in time series. Based on the time-series data of the measured values of the generated power, the individual management device 35 displays, on the display device in a graph or the like, the transition representing the relationship between the measured value of the generated power and the measurement time, and also displays the instantaneous measured value and the measurement time on the display device together with the transition. The individual management device 35 immediately associates the measured value of the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 measured by the power meter 26 with the measurement time, and transfers the measurement location and the measurement time to the overall management device 40.

[0117] The individual management device 35 calculates the value of the generated energy of the fuel cell power generation device 23 by integrating the time-series data of the measured values of the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 over time. The integration period may be, for example, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, or 1 year. That is, the individual management device 35 may calculate the value of the generated energy of the fuel cell power generation device 23 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0118] The individual management device 35 periodically stores, at a very short cycle, the measured value of the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 measured by the power meter 15 in association with the measurement time. Thereby, the individual management device 35 accumulates time-series data of the measured value of the generated power. Based on the time-series data of the measured value of the generated power, the individual management device 35 displays, on the display device in a graph or the like, the transition representing the relationship between the measured value of the generated power and the measurement time, and also displays the instantaneous measured value and the measurement time on the display device together with the transition. The individual management device 35 immediately associates the measured value of the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 measured by the power meter 15 with the measurement time, and transfers the measured value and the measurement time to the overall management device 40.

[0119] The individual management device 35 calculates the value of the power generation amount of the natural energy power generation device 27 by integrating the time-series data of the measured values of the power generation power of the natural energy power generation device 27 over time. The integration period may be, for example, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, or 1 year. That is, the individual management device 35 may calculate the value of the power generation amount of the natural energy power generation device 27 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0120] The individual management device 35 periodically measures the measured value of the power consumption of the building 10 measured by the power meter 14 at a very short cycle and stores it in association with the measurement time. Thereby, the individual management device 35 accumulates time-series data in which the measured values of the power consumption are arranged in time series. Based on the time-series data of the measured values of the power consumption, the individual management device 35 displays on the display device, in a graph or the like, the transition representing the relationship between the measured value of the power consumption and the measurement time, and also displays the immediate measured value and the measurement time on the display device together with the transition. The individual management device 35 immediately associates the measured value of the power consumption measured by the power meter 14 with the measurement time and transfers the measured value and the measurement time to the overall management device 40.

[0121] The individual management device 35 calculates the value of the power consumption of the building 10 by integrating the time-series data of the measured values of the power consumption of the building 10 over time. The integration period may be, for example, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, or 1 year. That is, the individual management device 35 may calculate the value of the power consumption of the building 10 every hour, every day, every week , every month, or every year.

[0122] The individual management device 35 immediately acquires the measured value of the remaining hydrogen amount for each cartridge 20. Specifically, the remaining amount meter 25 measures the remaining hydrogen amount of the cartridge 20, and the measured value is output to the individual management device 35, whereby the individual management device 35 acquires the measured value of the remaining hydrogen amount of the cartridge 20. The individual management device 35 immediately calculates the total remaining amount by summing up the remaining hydrogen amounts of these cartridges 20. The individual management device 35 immediately calculates the value of the amount of electric power that the fuel cell power generation device 23 can generate from the total remaining hydrogen amount. The individual management device 35 immediately associates and stores the values of the total remaining hydrogen amount and the generable electric power amount with the calculation time. Thereby, the individual management device 35 accumulates time-series data in which the total remaining hydrogen amount and the generable electric power amount are arranged in time series. Based on the time-series data of the total remaining hydrogen amount and the generable electric power amount, the individual management device 35 displays on the display device, in a graph or the like, the transition representing the relationship between the total remaining hydrogen amount, the generable electric power amount, and the calculation time, and also displays on the display device the immediate total remaining hydrogen amount, the generable electric power amount, and the calculation time together with the transition. The individual management device 35 immediately transmits the total remaining hydrogen amount, the generable electric power amount, and the calculation time to the overall management device 40.

[0123] The individual management device 35 immediately calculates the number of empty cartridges 20 and the number of non-empty cartridges 20 based on the remaining hydrogen amount for each cartridge 20 measured by the remaining amount meter 25. For example, if the remaining hydrogen amount of the cartridge 20 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the individual management device 35 recognizes that cartridge 20 as empty and counts the number of such empty cartridges 20. If the remaining hydrogen amount of the cartridge 20 exceeds the predetermined value, the individual management device 35 recognizes that cartridge 20 as non-empty and counts the number of such non-empty cartridges 20.

[0124] The individual management device 35 immediately displays the calculated number of empty cartridges 20 on the display device. The individual management device 35 immediately displays the calculated number of non-empty cartridges 20 on the display device.

[0125] The individual management device 35 immediately transmits the calculated number of empty cartridges 20 to the overall management device 40. The individual management device 35 immediately transmits the calculated number of non-empty cartridges 20 to the overall management device 40.

[0126] The individual management device 35 immediately acquires the measured value of the remaining power amount of the battery 30 from the charge and discharge device 18. The individual management device 35 immediately associates and stores the value of the remaining power amount with the calculation time. Thereby, the individual management device 35 accumulates time-series data in which the remaining power amounts are arranged in time series. The individual management device 35 displays, on the display device in the form of a graph or the like, the transition representing the relationship between the remaining power amount and the calculation time based on the time-series data of the remaining power amount, and also displays the immediate remaining power amount and the calculation time on the display device together with the transition. The individual management device 35 immediately associates the value of the remaining power amount with the calculation time and transmits the value of the remaining power amount and the calculation time to the overall management device 40.

[0127] Note that the overall management device 40 described later may have functions similar to those of the individual management device 35 above.

[0128] <5. Management System> The energy utilization system has a management system as shown in FIG. 5. This management system manages the energy utilization system as a whole. The management system includes an individual management device 35 used by the residents of each building 10, an overall management device 40 used by the operator of the distribution center 9, a weather information storage device 80, a first terminal 91 used by the operator of the transporter 70, a second terminal 92 used by the operator of the plant 1, and a third terminal 93 installed in the stock facility 8. The overall management device 40 is installed in a data center or the like. The individual management device 35 is installed in the building 10 or can be carried by the residents of the building 10. The first terminal 91 is installed in the transporter 70 or can be carried by the operator of the transporter 70. The second terminal 92 is installed in the plant 1 or can be carried by the operator of the plant 1.

[0129] The overall management device 40 includes a computer 41, a memory device 45, an input device 43, a display device 44, and a communicator 42.

[0130] The computer 41 is in charge of the overall control of the overall management device 40. The computer 41 has a timing function that measures time and recognizes the current time (the current year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and day of the week). The computer 41 has a main board, one or more hardware processors, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The main board has a bus, a bus controller, an interface circuit, etc., and transmits information among the hardware processor, GPU, RAM, memory device 45, input device 43, display device 44, and communicator 42. The hardware processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The hardware processor performs various arithmetic processes. The RAM provides a storage area or a working area for the hardware processor during the arithmetic processes by the hardware processor. The GPU performs processes that can be done faster than the hardware processor (for example, image processing and matrix arithmetic processing) under the command of the hardware processor.

[0131] The input device 43 is an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a touch pad, a stylus, a pointing device, a key, and a push button. The input device 43 outputs a signal corresponding to the content of the operation performed by the administrator on the input device 43 to the computer 41. The computer 41 recognizes the input and command by the administrator according to the signal transferred from the input device 43.

[0132] The display device 44 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device. The display device 44 displays an image according to the video signal input from the computer 41.

[0133] The communicator 42 may be, for example, a network card or a WiFi (registered trademark) sub-device. The communicator 42 is connected to the communication network 90 via a router or the like.

[0134] The memory device 45 may be a memory device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), for example. The OS (Operating System) is stored in the memory device 45 and is installed in the overall management device 40 so as to be executed by the computer 41. A program 46 that can be executed by the computer 41, particularly the hardware processor, on the OS is stored in the memory device 45.

[0135] The overall management device 40 is connected to the storage device 50. The storage device 50 is a semiconductor memory device, a magnetic memory device, a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a data server, a file server, or a cloud computing system. The computer 41 of the overall management device 40 records information in the storage device 50 or reads the information recorded in the storage device 50. The storage device 50 may be connected to the computer 41 by an interface circuit or may be accessed by the computer 41 via the communication network 90.

[0136] Subsequently, the functions of the computer 41 realized by the program 46 will be described.

[0137] The computer 41 collects and stores the information sent from the individual management device 35 for each building 10. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0138] Whenever the computer 41 receives the measured value and measurement time of the water storage volume of the water storage tank 24 from the individual management device 35, the computer 41 associates the measured value of the water storage volume of the water storage tank 24 with the measurement time and records it in the storage device 50. Thereby, the computer 41 accumulates time-series data 51 in which the measured values of the water storage volume of the water storage tank 24 are arranged in time series in the storage device 50.

[0139] Whenever the computer 41 receives the measured value and measurement time of the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 from the individual management device 35, the computer 41 associates the measured value of the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 with the measurement time and records it in the storage device 50. Thereby, the computer 41 accumulates time-series data 52 in which the measured values of the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 are arranged in time series in the storage device 50. The computer 41 calculates the value of the generated energy of the fuel cell power generation device 23 by integrating the time-series data 52 of the measured values of the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 over time. The integration period may be, for example, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, or 1 year. That is, the computer 41 may calculate the value of the generated energy of the fuel cell power generation device 23 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0140] Whenever the computer 41 receives the measured value and measurement time of the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 from the individual management device 35, the computer 41 associates the measured value of the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 with the measurement time and records it in the storage device 50. Thereby, the computer 41 accumulates time-series data 53 in which the measured values of the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 are arranged in time series in the storage device 50. The computer 41 calculates the value of the generated energy of the natural energy power generation device 27 by integrating the time-series data 53 of the measured values of the generated power of the natural energy power generation device 27 over time. The integration period may be, for example, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, or 1 year. That is, the computer 41 may calculate the value of the generated energy of the natural energy power generation device 27 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0141] Whenever the computer 41 receives the measured value of the power consumption of the building 10 and the measurement time from the individual management device 35, it records the measured value of the power consumption of the building 10 in association with the measurement time in the storage device 50. When recording the measured value of the power consumption and the measurement time, the computer 41 additionally records the measured value of the power consumption and the measurement time in the time-series data 54. As a result, the computer 41 accumulates in the storage device 50 the time-series data 54 in which the measured values of the power consumption of the building 10 are arranged in time series. The computer 41 calculates the value of the power consumption of the building 10 by integrating the time-series data 54 of the measured values of the power consumption of the building 10 over time. The integration period may be, for example, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, or 1 year. That is, the computer may calculate the value of the power consumption of the building 10 every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0142] Whenever the computer 41 receives the total remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20 and the calculation time from the individual management device 35, it records the total remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20 in association with the calculation time in the storage device 50. As a result, the computer 41 accumulates in the storage device 50 the time-series data 55 in which the total remaining amounts of hydrogen in the cartridge 20 are arranged in time series. Whenever the computer 41 receives from the individual management device 35 the value of the power generation capacity of the fuel cell power generation device 23 based on the total remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 20 and the calculation time, it records the value of the power generation capacity of the fuel cell power generation device 23 in association with the calculation time in the storage device 50. As a result, the computer 41 accumulates in the storage device 50 the time-series data 56 in which the power generation capacities of the fuel cell power generation device 23 are arranged in time series.

[0143] Whenever the computer 41 receives the value of the remaining power amount of the battery 30 and the calculation time from the individual management device 35, it records the value of the remaining power amount of the battery 30 in association with the calculation time in the storage device 50. As a result, the computer 41 accumulates in the storage device 50 the time-series data 57 in which the remaining power amounts of the battery 30 are arranged in time series.

[0144] The time-series data 51 to 57 are data for each building 10.

[0145] The computer 41 calculates, every day, the actual value of the electricity consumption of the previous day of Building 10, the predicted value of the electricity consumption of the future day (specifically, the next day) of Building 10, and the correction coefficient. The process by which the computer 41 calculates the actual value of the electricity consumption of the previous day of Building 10, the predicted value of the electricity consumption of the future day, and the correction coefficient is the same as the process by which the prediction device 340 in the first embodiment calculates the actual value of the electricity consumption of the previous day of the power usage area 310, the predicted value of the electricity consumption of the future day, and the correction coefficient. Therefore, the overall management device 40 functions as a prediction device. As a result of the computer 41 calculating the actual value of the electricity consumption of the previous day of Building 10, the predicted value of the electricity consumption of the future day, and the correction coefficient, the daily data 61 of the actual value of the electricity consumption, the daily data 62 of the correction coefficient for each day, and the daily data 63 of the predicted value of the electricity consumption for each day are stored in the storage device 50. The daily data 61 to 63 are data for each building 10.

[0146] Note that the individual management device 35 may calculate, every day, the actual value of the electricity consumption of the previous day of the building 10 in which the individual management device 35 is provided, the predicted value of the electricity consumption of the future day of Building 10, and the correction coefficient. That is, the individual management device 35 may function as a prediction device.

[0147] When the resident selects the first priority mode (battery priority mode) using the input device of the individual management device 35, the fact of the selection of the first priority mode is transferred from the individual management device 35 to the overall management device 40, and the overall management device 40 recognizes the fact of the selection of the first priority mode. When the resident selects the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode) using the input device of the individual management device 35, the fact of the selection of the second priority mode is transferred from the individual management device 35 to the overall management device 40, and the overall management device 40 recognizes the fact of the selection of the second priority mode.

[0148] When the administrator designates Building 10 by means of the input device 43 and selects the first priority mode (battery priority mode), and the computer 41 transfers the fact of the selection of the first priority mode to the individual management device 35 of that Building 10, the individual management device 35 issues a command to the power conditioner 16 to the effect of the selection of the first priority mode, and the power conditioner 16 preferentially supplies the distribution board 13 with the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 among the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23. When the administrator designates Building 10 by means of the input device 43 and selects the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode), and the computer 41 transfers the fact of the selection of the second priority mode to the individual management device 35 of that Building 10, the individual management device 35 issues a command to the power conditioner 16 to the effect of the selection of the second priority mode, and the power conditioner 16 preferentially supplies the distribution board 13 with the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 among the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23.

[0149] The weather information storage device 80 is connected to the overall management device 40. The weather information storage device 80 is a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a data server, a file server, or a cloud computing system. The weather information storage device 80 may be connected to the computer 41 of the overall management device 40 by means of an interface circuit, or may be accessed by the computer 41 via the communication network 90.

[0150] The weather information storage device 80 stores the weather forecast of a specific area as data 81. That is, the weather information storage device 80 stores the data 81 on the future transition of the weather of a specific area. Weather refers to things such as the state of the atmosphere (such as clear sky, cloudy sky, rainy day, snowfall, etc.), temperature, humidity, solar radiation amount, and precipitation amount.

[0151] <6. Program> Program 46 causes the computer 41 of the overall management device 40 to execute the following processing for each building 10 at a predetermined time every day, for example, at 17:00. Note that the program 46 may cause the computer 41 of the overall management device 40 to execute the following processing for each building 10 in which the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode) is selected at a predetermined time every day.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 6, first, the computer 41 acquires the number of the latest empty cartridges 20 and the number of non-empty cartridges 20 in the building 10 (step S1). The number of the latest empty cartridges 20 and the number of non-empty cartridges 20 refer to the number of the latest empty cartridges 20 and the number of non-empty cartridges 20 received by the computer 41 from the individual management device 35 of the building 10 at the time of step S1 immediately after the predetermined time.

[0153] Next, the computer 41 calculates the ratio of the number of empty cartridges 20 (step S2). Specifically, the computer 41 calculates the ratio of the number of empty cartridges 20 by dividing the number of empty cartridges 20 by the sum of the number of empty cartridges 20 and the number of non-empty cartridges 20. Thereafter, the computer 41 determines whether or not the ratio of the number of empty cartridges 20 exceeds a predetermined value (step S2). If the ratio of the number of empty cartridges 20 exceeds the predetermined value (step S2: YES), the processing of the computer 41 proceeds to step S8, and if the ratio of the number of empty cartridges 20 is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the processing of the computer 41 proceeds to step S3.

[0154] In step S3, the computer 41 acquires the actually measured value (W1 [kWh]) of the latest remaining power amount from the time-series data 57 of the remaining power amount of the battery 30. The actually measured value (W1) of the latest remaining power amount refers to the value of the remaining power amount that was last added to the time-series data 57 at the time of step S4.

[0155] Next, the computer 41 acquires the value (W2 [kWh]) of the latest power generation capacity from the time-series data 56 of the power generation capacity of the fuel cell power generation device 23 (step S4). The value (W2) of the latest power generation capacity refers to the value of the power generation capacity that was last added to the time-series data 56 at the time of step S4.

[0156] Next, the computer 41 predicts the predicted value (W3 [kWh]) of the power generation amount of the natural energy power generation device 27 for the next day (step S5). For the prediction of the predicted value (W3) of the power generation amount, the time-series data 53 of the measured value of the power generation power of the natural energy power generation device 27, the weather forecast data 81, or both of them may be used and referred to. By inputting the time-series data 53 or the weather forecast data 81 or both of them into a pre-trained learned model, the value of the power generation amount of the natural energy power generation device 27 may be predicted. For example, the learned model is learned by teacher data such as the past daily power generation power, power generation amount, calendar, temperature, weather, etc. of solar power generation panels in various households. Here, the calculation period of the predicted value of the power generation amount to be predicted is equal to the regular cycle of the rounds of the transporter 70. Since the transporter 70 makes rounds every day, the predicted power generation amount is the amount of power that will be generated by the natural energy power generation device 27 of the building 10 during the next 24 hours.

[0157] Next, the computer 41 acquires the predicted value (W4 [kWh]) of the power consumption amount for the next day in the building 10 from the daily data 63 (step S6). At this time, if the predicted value (W4) of the power consumption amount for the next day is not included in the daily data 63, the computer 41 calculates the predicted value (W4) of the power consumption amount for the next day of the building 10. The process by which the computer 41 calculates the predicted value (W4) of the power consumption amount for the next day of the building 10 is the same as the process by which the prediction device 340 calculates the predicted value of the power consumption amount for the next day in the first embodiment.

[0158] Next, the computer 41 compares the sum of the measured value of the remaining power amount (W1), the value of the power generation available amount (W2), and the predicted value of the power generation amount (W3) with the predicted value of the power consumption amount (W4) (step S7). As a result of the comparison, if the sum is less than the predicted value of the power consumption amount (W4), the process of the computer 41 proceeds to step S8. As a result of the comparison, if the sum is equal to or greater than the predicted value of the power consumption amount (W4), the process of the computer 41 proceeds to step S9.

[0159] In step S8, the computer 41 determines that a full cartridge 20 needs to be delivered to the building 10. Further, the computer 41 sets the number of full cartridges 20 to be delivered to the building 10 equal to the number of empty cartridges 20 acquired in step S1. Further, the computer 41 transmits to the individual management device 35 that a full cartridge 20 needs to be delivered to the building 10 and the number of cartridges 20 to be delivered. When the individual management device 35 receives those pieces of information, the individual management device 35 displays on the display device that there will be a delivery of the cartridge 20 the next day and also displays the number of cartridges 20 to be delivered on the display device.

[0160] In step S9, the computer 41 determines that a full cartridge 20 does not need to be delivered to the building 10. Further, the computer 41 sets the number of full cartridges 20 to be delivered to the building 10 to zero. Further, the computer 41 transmits to the individual management device 35 that a full cartridge 20 does not need to be delivered to the building 10 and the number of cartridges 20 to be delivered, "zero". When the individual management device 35 receives those pieces of information, the individual management device 35 displays on the display device that there will be no delivery of the cartridge 20 the next day and also displays the number of cartridges 20 to be delivered, "zero", on the display device.

[0161] In the above description, the computer 41 executes the processes of steps S1 to S9 for each building 10. On the other hand, each individual management device 35 may execute the processes of steps S1 to S9 according to the program stored in its storage medium. In this case, in step S8, each individual management device 35 transmits to the computer 41 that it is necessary to deliver a full cartridge 20 to the building 10 and the number of cartridges 20 to be delivered. Further, in step S8, the individual management device 35 displays on the display device that there will be a delivery of the cartridge 20 the next day, and also displays the number of cartridges 20 to be delivered on the display device. In step S9, the individual management device 35 transmits to the computer 41 that it is not necessary to deliver a full cartridge 20 to the building 10 and the number of cartridges 20 to be delivered is "zero". Further, in step S9, the individual management device 35 displays on the display device that there will be no delivery of the cartridge 20 the next day, and also displays the number of cartridges 20 to be delivered as "zero" on the display device.

[0162] <7. Delivery> After the above processing, the computer 41 of the overall management device 40 calculates the order (hereinafter referred to as the delivery order) for visiting the buildings 10 and the stock facility 8 based on the location information of each building 10 and the stock facility 8 and the determination result for each building 10 by the above processing. Further, the computer 41 of the overall management device 40 calculates the route (hereinafter referred to as the delivery route) for visiting the buildings 10 and the stock facility 8 based on the location information of each building 10 and the stock facility 8, the determination result for each building 10 by the above processing, and the map information.

[0163] The computer 41 of the overall management device 40 creates information representing the calculated delivery order and delivery route, and transmits that information to the first terminal 91. The first terminal 91 may display the delivery order and delivery route based on that information.

[0164] Thereafter, the second cartridge 20 filled with hydrogen is loaded onto the transporter 70 at the delivery center 9.

[0165] After that, the transporter 70 departs from the distribution center 9 and moves around the building 10 and the stock facility 8 according to the delivery order and route information received by the first terminal 91. The operator may operate the transporter 70, or the transporter 70 may be automatically driven. When the first terminal 91 has the function of controlling the transporter 70, the first terminal 91 controls the transporter 70 so that the transporter 70 moves according to the delivery order and route, and the transporter 70 may be automatically driven.

[0166] When the transporter 70 arrives at the building 10, the first cartridge 20 of the building 10 is replaced with the second cartridge 20 of the transporter 70. The number of cartridge replacements is equal to the calculated number of deliveries as described above. The replacement may be performed by either the operator or the resident, or may be automatically performed by the loading and unloading device of the transporter 70. The removal of the first cartridge 20 from the cartridge holder 19 may be performed by either the operator or the resident, or may be automatically performed by the loading and unloading device of the transporter 70. The attachment of the second cartridge 20 to the cartridge holder 19 may be performed by either the operator or the resident, or may be automatically performed by the loading and unloading device of the transporter 70.

[0167] When the transporter 70 arrives at the stock facility 8, the first cartridge 20 of the stock facility 8 is replaced with the second cartridge 20 of the transporter 70. The replacement may be performed by the operator, the person at the stock facility 8, or may be automatically performed by the loading and unloading device of the transporter 70. The resident of the building 10 removes the first cartridge 20 from the cartridge holder 19 at home, carries the first cartridge 20 to the stock facility 8, exchanges the first cartridge 20 with the second cartridge 20 of the stock facility 8, brings the second cartridge 20 back to his / her building 10, and installs the second cartridge 20 in the original cartridge holder 19.

[0168] After touring the building 10 and the stock facility 8, the transporter 70 returns to the distribution center 9.

[0169] <8. Flexibility> When there is an excess of power in a certain building 10 (hereinafter referred to as the first building 10) and a shortage of power in another building 10 (hereinafter referred to as the second building 10), the cartridge 20 of the first building 10 may be delivered to the second building 10 and the cartridge 20 may be used in the second building 10. After the delivery of the cartridge 20, the individual management device 35 of the first building 10 calculates the value of the consideration and transmits the value of the consideration to the overall management device 40. The overall management device 40 transmits the value of the consideration to the individual management device 35 of the second building 10, and the individual management device 35 of the second building 10 displays the value of the consideration. The overall management device 40 manages the movement of consideration among a plurality of buildings 10 and calculates the delivery / receipt consideration for each building 10. The consideration may be currency or cryptocurrency (virtual currency), or may be points having economic value.

[0170] <9. Summary> Based on the comparison between the ratio of the number of empty cartridges 20 to the total number of a plurality of cartridges 20 in the building 10 and a predetermined value, the necessity of delivering the cartridge 20 filled with hydrogen to the building 10 is determined. If the ratio of the number of empty cartridges 20 exceeds the predetermined value, it is determined that the delivery of the cartridge 20 to the building 10 is necessary. Therefore, in a state where there are non-empty cartridges 20 in the building 10, the cartridge 20 filled with hydrogen can be delivered to the building 10 to replace the empty cartridge 20.

[0171] Even if the ratio of the number of empty cartridges 20 is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the necessity of delivering the cartridge 20 filled with hydrogen to the building 10 is determined based on the remaining power amount of the battery 30 in the building 10, the power generation amount that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23 based on the remaining hydrogen amount of the cartridge 20 in the building 10, and the predicted power consumption amount in the building 10. Therefore, in a state where there are non-empty cartridges 20 in the building 10 in a number corresponding to the remaining power amount of the battery 30, the power generation amount that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23, and the predicted power consumption amount of the building 10, the cartridge 20 filled with hydrogen can be delivered to the building 10 to replace the empty cartridge 20.

[0172] Even if the ratio of the number of empty cartridges 20 in the building 10 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the necessity of delivering the hydrogen-filled cartridges 20 to the building 10 is determined based on the remaining power amount of the battery 30 in the building 10, the power generation amount of the fuel cell power generation device 23 based on the remaining hydrogen amount of the cartridges 20 in the building 10, the power generation amount of the natural energy power generation device 27 in the building 10, and the predicted power consumption amount in the building 10. Therefore, the non-empty cartridges 20 are in the building 10 in a number corresponding to the remaining power amount of the battery 30, the power generation amount of the fuel cell power generation device 23, the power generation amount of the natural energy power generation device 27, and the predicted power consumption amount of the building 10. It is possible to deliver the hydrogen-filled cartridges 20 to the building 10 to replace the empty cartridges 20.

[0173] When the sum of the remaining power amount of the battery 30 in the building 10, the power generation amount of the fuel cell power generation device 23 in the building, and the power generation amount of the natural energy power generation device 27 in the building 10 is less than the predicted power consumption amount of the building 10, it means that there is a possibility of a power shortage in the building 10. In such a case, since it is determined that the delivery of the cartridges 20 to the building 10 is necessary, it is possible to deliver the hydrogen-filled cartridges 20 to the building 10 to replace the empty cartridges 20 while the non-empty cartridges 20 are in the building 10. On the other hand, the sum of the remaining power amount of the battery 30 in the building 10, the power generation amount of the fuel cell power generation device 23 in the building 10, and the power generation amount of the natural energy power generation device 27 in the building 10 being equal to or greater than the predicted power consumption amount of the building 10 means that even if the power generation amount of the natural energy power generation device 27 is insufficient for the power consumption amount of the building 10, the battery 30 and the fuel cell power generation device 23 can sufficiently compensate for the shortage. In such a case, since it is determined that the delivery of the cartridges 20 to the building 10 is unnecessary, it is possible to prevent the cartridges 20 from being stored in the building 10 in a number more than necessary and also prevent the delivery of the cartridges 20 to the building 10 from being carried out more than necessary.

Explanation of Signs

[0174] 10 Building 14 Electric meter 20 Cartridge 23 Fuel cell power generation device 27 Natural energy power generation device 30 Battery 35 Individual management device 40 Overall management device 41 Computer 46 Program 61 First daily data 62 Second daily data 63 Third daily data 310 Power usage area 314 Electric meter 340 Predictor 346 Program 361 First daily data 362 Second daily data 363 Third daily data

Claims

1. A plurality of buildings having a fuel cell power generation device and a plurality of cartridges for storing hydrogen used in the fuel cell power generation device, An energy utilization system comprising, for each building, a management device that determines the necessity of delivering cartridges filled with hydrogen, wherein the management device, for each building, performs a first calculation process of calculating the ratio of the number of empty cartridges to the total number of the plurality of cartridges, a comparison process of comparing the ratio calculated by the first calculation process with a predetermined value, and a determination process of determining that delivery of a cartridge filled with hydrogen is necessary when the ratio exceeds the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, and executes an energy utilization system characterized by the above.

2. In the energy utilization system according to Claim 1, the building has a rechargeable battery, and the management device, for each building, when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, performs a first acquisition process of acquiring the value of the remaining power amount of the battery, when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, performs a second acquisition process of acquiring the value of the power amount that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device from the remaining hydrogen amount of the cartridge, when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, performs a prediction process of predicting the value of the power consumption in the building, and based on the value of the remaining power amount acquired by the first acquisition process, the value of the power amount that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value of the power consumption predicted by the prediction process, performs a second determination process of determining the necessity of delivering a cartridge filled with hydrogen to the building, and executes an energy utilization system characterized by the above.

3. In the energy utilization system according to Claim 1, the building has a rechargeable battery and a natural energy power generation device that supplies power to the building, and the management device, for each building, when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, performs a first acquisition process of acquiring the value of the remaining power amount of the battery, when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, performs a second acquisition process of acquiring the value of the power amount that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device from the remaining hydrogen amount of the cartridge, When, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, a first prediction process for predicting the value of the generated power amount of the natural energy power generation device When, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, a second prediction process for predicting the value of the power consumption amount in the building Based on the value of the remaining power amount acquired by the first acquisition process, the value of the power generation possible amount acquired by the second acquisition process, the value of the generated power amount predicted by the first prediction process, and the value of the power consumption amount predicted by the second prediction process, a second determination process for determining the necessity of delivering a cartridge filled with hydrogen to the building Execute An energy utilization system characterized by the above.

4. In the energy utilization system according to claim 3 The second determination process is When the sum of the value of the remaining power amount acquired by the first acquisition process, the value of the power generation possible amount acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value of the generated power amount predicted by the first prediction process is less than the value of the power consumption amount predicted by the second prediction process, a process for determining that delivery of a cartridge filled with hydrogen to the building is necessary When the sum of the value of the remaining power amount acquired by the first acquisition process, the value of the power generation possible amount acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value of the generated power amount predicted by the first prediction process is greater than or equal to the value of the power consumption amount predicted by the second prediction process, a process for determining that delivery of a cartridge filled with hydrogen to the building is unnecessary Including An energy utilization system characterized by the above.

5. In the energy utilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 A transporter for delivering a cartridge filled with hydrogen to the building determined to require delivery of the cartridge filled with hydrogen An energy utilization system characterized by further comprising the above.

6. In the energy utilization system according to claim 3 or 4 The second prediction process is A second calculation process for accumulating first daily data having an actual value of the power consumption amount per day by calculating an actual value of the power consumption amount in the building based on the output of a wattmeter that measures the total power consumption of the loads in the building as the power consumption A third calculation process for accumulating second daily data having a correction coefficient per day by calculating a correction coefficient By multiplying the actual value of the power consumption on a past day in the first daily data by the correction coefficient calculated by the third calculation process, and calculating the product as the predicted value of the power consumption on a future day, a fourth calculation process for accumulating third daily data having the predicted value of the power consumption for each day is performed. It has The third calculation process calculates the correction coefficient for the future day based on the actual value of the power consumption on the past day in the first daily data and the predicted value of the power consumption on the past day in the third daily data. An energy utilization system characterized by this.

7. In the energy utilization system according to claim 6, The future day is the next day, and the past day is the day one week before the next day. An energy utilization system characterized by this.

8. In the energy utilization system according to claim 6, The third calculation process divides the actual value of the power consumption on the past day in the first daily data by the predicted value of the power consumption on the past day in the third daily data, and based on the ratio, which is the determination value, calculates the correction coefficient for the future day. An energy utilization system characterized by this.

9. In the energy utilization system according to claim 8, The third calculation process A second comparison process for comparing the determination value with a first threshold value and a second threshold value larger than it; As a result of the comparison by the second comparison process, when the determination value exceeds the first threshold value and is equal to or less than the second threshold value, a process of fitting the correction coefficient of the past day in the second daily data to the correction coefficient of the future day; As a result of the comparison by the second comparison process, when the determination value is equal to or less than the first threshold value, a process of fitting, to the correction coefficient of the future day, a value obtained by reducing the correction coefficient of the past day in the second daily data; As a result of the comparison by the second comparison process, when the determination value exceeds the second threshold value, a process of fitting, to the correction coefficient of the future day, a value obtained by increasing the correction coefficient of the past day in the second daily data; Including An energy utilization system characterized by this.

10. A management device that determines the necessity of delivering cartridges filled with hydrogen to a plurality of buildings having a plurality of cartridges for storing hydrogen used in a fuel cell power generation device. A first calculation process for calculating the ratio of the number of empty cartridges to the total number of the plurality of cartridges; A comparison process for comparing the ratio calculated by the first calculation process with a predetermined value; A determination process for determining that delivery of a cartridge filled with hydrogen is necessary when the ratio exceeds the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process; executing A management device characterized by the above.

11. The management device according to claim 10, wherein the building has a rechargeable battery, a first acquisition process for acquiring a value of the remaining power amount of the battery when the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process; a second acquisition process for acquiring a value of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device from the remaining hydrogen amount of the cartridge when the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process; a prediction process for predicting a value of the power consumption in the building when the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process; a second determination process for determining the necessity of delivering a hydrogen-filled cartridge to the building based on the value of the remaining power amount acquired by the first acquisition process, the value of the amount of power that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value of the power consumption predicted by the prediction process; executing A management device characterized by the above.

12. The management device according to claim 10, wherein the building has a rechargeable battery and a natural energy power generation device for supplying power to the building, a first acquisition process for acquiring a value of the remaining power amount of the battery when the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process; a second acquisition process for acquiring a value of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generation device from the remaining hydrogen amount of the cartridge when the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process; a first prediction process for predicting a value of the power generation amount of the natural energy power generation device when the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process; a second prediction process for predicting a value of the power consumption in the building when the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process; A second determination process for determining the necessity of delivering a cartridge filled with hydrogen to the building based on the value of the remaining power amount acquired by the first acquisition process, the value of the power amount that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition process, the value of the generated power amount predicted by the first prediction process, and the value of the power consumption amount predicted by the second prediction process; Execute A management device characterized by this.

13. The management device according to claim 12, The second determination process is When the sum of the value of the remaining power amount acquired by the first acquisition process, the value of the power amount that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value of the generated power amount predicted by the first prediction process is less than the value of the power consumption amount predicted by the second prediction process, a process of determining that delivery of a cartridge filled with hydrogen to the building is necessary; When the sum of the value of the remaining power amount acquired by the first acquisition process, the value of the power amount that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value of the generated power amount predicted by the first prediction process is greater than or equal to the value of the power consumption amount predicted by the second prediction process, a process of determining that delivery of a cartridge filled with hydrogen to the building is unnecessary; Including A management device characterized by this.

14. The management device according to claim 12 or 13, The second prediction process is A second calculation process of accumulating first daily data having an actual value of the power consumption amount per day by calculating an actual value of the power consumption amount in the building based on the output of a power meter that measures the total power consumption of the loads in the building as the power consumption; A third calculation process of accumulating second daily data having a correction coefficient per day by calculating a correction coefficient; A fourth calculation process of accumulating third daily data having a predicted value of the power consumption amount per day by multiplying the actual value of the power consumption amount of a past day in the first daily data by the correction coefficient calculated by the third calculation process and using the product as the predicted value of the power consumption amount of a future day; Having The third calculation process calculates the correction coefficient for the future day based on the actual value of the power consumption amount of the past day in the first daily data and the predicted value of the power consumption amount of the past day in the third daily data A management device characterized by this.

15. To a computer of a management device that determines the necessity of delivering cartridges filled with hydrogen to a plurality of buildings having a plurality of cartridges for storing hydrogen used in a fuel cell power generation device, a first calculation process for calculating a ratio of the number of empty cartridges to the total number of the plurality of cartridges; a comparison process for comparing the ratio calculated by the first calculation process with a predetermined value; a determination process for determining that delivery of cartridges filled with hydrogen is necessary when the ratio exceeds the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process; to cause to execute A program characterized by the above.

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