Power supply management system, fuel cell device and charging / discharging device

Abstract

To provide a power supply management system configured to be capable of appropriately raising and lowering power reception point power of each facility while protecting a power system.SOLUTION: A power supply device 8 in a facility 3 is interconnected with a power system 7 in a state in which power is suppliable to a power load unit 9 and power is suppliable to a power system 7 and in a state in which power is suppliable from the power system 7 to the power load unit 9. A voltage detection unit 5 capable of detecting voltage of the power system 7 interconnected with the power supply device 8 is provided. The management device 2 receives an adjustment force delivery commend and performs command transmission processing of dividing, on the basis of a detected value of the voltage detection unit 5, an output request value of the received delivery commend into a plurality of values before allocating the values to a plurality of power supply devices 8 and transmitting output control commands for determining output power of the power supply devices 8 corresponding to the allocated values to the plurality of power supply devices 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply management system that includes power supply devices that are installed in each of a plurality of facilities and are capable of outputting electric power, and a management device that is capable of communicating with the plurality of power supply devices from outside the facilities, and also relates to a fuel cell device and a charge / discharge device as power supply devices used in this power supply management system. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a power management system has been proposed that includes a plurality of facilities, power supply devices, and a management device, based on the concept of a virtual power plant (VPP).

[0003] In the power management system, when a management device receives a command to provide adjustment capacity, the management device provides the adjustment capacity of the power supply devices of each facility to the power grid on the day of provision. In this way, by consolidating multiple dispersed facilities and power supply devices using the management device, the multiple facilities and power supply devices can function as a single power plant or consumer market. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-125907 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, when the power at the receiving point is increased or decreased, a voltage detection unit capable of detecting the voltage of the power system (voltage at the receiving point) and an output suppression device are often provided in order to protect the power system. For example, in a power system, when the voltage at the receiving point rises, an output suppression device reduces the output power of the power supply devices in the facilities belonging to that power system, thereby suppressing the voltage at the receiving point. However, if the output suppression device operates frequently, the efficiency of the power supply devices whose output is suppressed decreases, so it is preferable to operate the output suppression device less frequently. The decrease in efficiency of the power supply unit can be due to, for example, a decrease in the accuracy of the power supply unit's adjustment power provision, difficulty in fine-tuning the power supply unit's output power, a loss of opportunities to provide the power supply unit's adjustment power, resulting in financial losses for the power supply management system, or a decrease in the power generation efficiency and charging / discharging efficiency of the power supply unit.

[0006] The present invention aims to configure a power supply management system that can appropriately increase and decrease the power at the power receiving point of each facility while protecting the power system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a power management system comprising power supply devices that are installed in each of a plurality of facilities and are capable of outputting electric power, and a management device that can communicate with the plurality of power supply devices from outside the facilities, wherein the power supply devices are capable of supplying electric power to electric power load units and are connected to the electric power system in a state in which they can supply electric power to an electric power system and in a state in which they can supply electric power from the electric power system to the electric power load units, and the management device comprises a voltage detection unit that can detect the voltage of the electric power system that is connected to the power supply devices, and the management device receives a supply command for adjustment capacity, and performs a command transmission process that divides an output request value of the received supply command based on a detected value of the voltage detection unit and allocates it to the plurality of power supply devices, and transmits to the plurality of power supply devices output control commands that determine the output power of the power supply devices according to the allocated values. When the management device issues a power receiving point power reduction command as the output control command to the plurality of power supply devices in order to reduce the power receiving point power of the facility, the allocation value of the power supply device in which the detected value of the voltage detection unit exceeds a preset value is reduced below the allocation values of the other power supply devices. .

[0008] According to the present invention, when a management device receives a supply command, the management device divides the output request value of the supply command into multiple allocation values and allocates them to each power supply device in order to lower or increase the power at the receiving point in each facility. When the management device reduces the power receiving point power of each power supply device, it sends a power receiving point power reduction command as an output control command to the power supply device, thereby increasing the output power of the power supply device based on the allocation value included in the power receiving point reduction command, thereby creating adjustment capacity. By supplying power equivalent to the allocation value (adjustment capacity of each facility) to the power grid, the management device can supply power equivalent to the output request value of the supply command (total adjustment capacity). When increasing the power receiving point power of each power supply device, the management device transmits a power receiving point power increase command as an output control command to the power supply device, thereby reducing the output power of the power supply device based on the allocation value included in the power receiving point increase command, thereby creating adjustment capacity. By introducing power equivalent to the allocation value (adjustment capacity of each facility) into each facility, the management device can supply power equivalent to the output request value of the supply command (total adjustment capacity).

[0009] Furthermore, in the present invention, when the output request value of the supply command is divided into multiple allocation values and allocated to the power supply devices, the allocation values are set based on the voltage value (receiving point voltage) of the receiving point where the power supply device of each facility is connected to the power grid, thereby making it possible to set appropriate allocation values for the power supply devices taking into account the voltage state of the power grid. Therefore, for example, in the case where the power supply management system is provided with an output limiting device for a power supply device (a device that protects the power supply system by limiting the output power of a power supply device in order to prevent the output power of a facility's power supply device from being reversely flowed to the power supply system when the voltage value of the power system (voltage at the receiving point) exceeds a predetermined set value), the allocation value assigned to the power supply device can be appropriately set, taking into account the voltage at the receiving point, so as to prevent the output power limiting control by the output limiting device from being activated, or so as to cancel the output power limiting control. As a result, even when an output limiting device for the power supply device is installed, the impact of the output power limiting control by the output limiting device can be reduced when controlling the output power of the power supply device of each facility based on an output control command from the management device. This makes it possible to appropriately lower and raise the power at the receiving point of each facility (for example, by controlling the output power of the power supply device) while protecting the power system, thereby improving the efficiency of the power management system.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the management device issues a command to reduce the power receiving point power to reduce the power receiving point power of the facility, the allocation value is reduced for a power supply device whose detection value (power receiving point voltage) of the voltage detection unit exceeds the set value. The set value is preferably set to a voltage value equal to or lower than the predetermined set value set by the output suppression device described above, and more preferably set to a value lower than the predetermined set value by a predetermined value. This prevents the power supply device from increasing its output power based on the allocated value, which is advantageous in protecting the power system and improving the efficiency of the power management system.

[0011] The present invention is a power supply management system comprising: power supply devices that are installed in each of a plurality of facilities and are capable of outputting power; and a management device that can communicate with the plurality of power supply devices from outside the facilities, wherein the power supply devices are capable of supplying power to power load units and are connected to the power system in a state in which they can supply power to the power system and in a state in which they can supply power from the power system to the power load units; the power supply devices are equipped with a voltage detection unit that can detect the voltage of the power system that is connected to the power supply devices; the management device receives an adjustment power supply command and, based on the detection value of the voltage detection unit, divides the output request value of the received supply command into multiple parts and allocates them to the plurality of power supply devices, and performs a command transmission process in which output control commands that determine the output power of the power supply devices according to the allocation values are transmitted to the plurality of power supply devices; and when the management device issues a power supply point power increase command as the output control command to the plurality of power supply devices to increase the power receiving point power of the facility, for a power supply device for which the detection value of the voltage detection unit exceeds a predetermined setting value, the allocation value is increased more than the allocation values of the other power supply devices.

[0012] According to the present invention, when a management device receives a supply command, the management device divides the output request value of the supply command into multiple allocation values and allocates them to each power supply device in order to lower or increase the power at the receiving point in each facility. When the management device reduces the power receiving point power of each power supply device, it sends a power receiving point power reduction command as an output control command to the power supply device, thereby increasing the output power of the power supply device based on the allocation value included in the power receiving point reduction command, thereby creating adjustment capacity. By supplying power equivalent to the allocation value (adjustment capacity of each facility) to the power grid, the management device can supply power equivalent to the output request value of the supply command (total adjustment capacity). When increasing the power receiving point power of each power supply device, the management device transmits a power receiving point power increase command as an output control command to the power supply device, thereby reducing the output power of the power supply device based on the allocation value included in the power receiving point increase command, thereby creating adjustment capacity. By introducing power equivalent to the allocation value (adjustment capacity of each facility) into each facility, the management device can supply power equivalent to the output request value of the supply command (total adjustment capacity).

[0013] Furthermore, in the present invention, when the output request value of the supply command is divided into multiple allocation values and allocated to the power supply devices, the allocation values are set based on the voltage value (receiving point voltage) of the receiving point where the power supply device of each facility is connected to the power grid, thereby making it possible to set appropriate allocation values for the power supply devices taking into account the voltage state of the power grid. Therefore, for example, in the case where the power supply management system is provided with an output limiting device for a power supply device (a device that protects the power supply system by limiting the output power of a power supply device in order to prevent the output power of a facility's power supply device from being reversely flowed to the power supply system when the voltage value of the power system (voltage at the receiving point) exceeds a predetermined set value), the allocation value assigned to the power supply device can be appropriately set, taking into account the voltage at the receiving point, so as to prevent the output power limiting control by the output limiting device from being activated, or so as to cancel the output power limiting control. As a result, even when an output limiting device for the power supply device is installed, the impact of the output power limiting control by the output limiting device can be reduced when controlling the output power of the power supply device of each facility based on an output control command from the management device. This makes it possible to appropriately lower and raise the power at the receiving point of each facility (for example, by controlling the output power of the power supply device) while protecting the power system, thereby improving the efficiency of the power management system.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the management device issues a command to increase the power receiving point power of a facility, the allocation value is increased for the power supply devices of the facility where the detection value (power receiving point voltage) of the voltage detection unit does not exceed the set value. This promotes a reduction in the output power of the power supply device based on the allocation value in the aforementioned facility, thereby reducing the possibility of the output suppression device being activated due to an increase in the voltage at the receiving point caused by changes in the external environment, such as changes in weather.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that the power supply devices include a power supply device whose power generation efficiency or charge / discharge efficiency decreases when the output power of the power supply device decreases.

[0016] Power supply devices installed in facilities may include, for example, fuel cell devices, storage batteries, and the like, whose power generation efficiency or charge / discharge efficiency decreases when the output power of the power supply device decreases. According to the present invention, when an output suppression device is installed, the operation of the suppression control of the output power of the power supply device is suppressed, thereby suppressing a decrease in the output power of the power supply device and suppressing a decrease in the power generation efficiency or charging / discharging efficiency of the power supply device, which is advantageous in terms of improving the efficiency of the power supply management system.

[0017] In the present invention, it is preferable that the allocation value included in the output control command is set to a value that does not cause the detection value of the voltage detection unit to exceed the set value, based on the correlation between the output power of the power supply device and the detection value of the voltage detection unit.

[0018] According to the present invention, when the allocation value is decreased by a command to decrease the power receiving point, or when the allocation value is increased by a command to increase the power receiving point, the allocation value is set to a value that does not cause the detection value of the voltage detection unit (power receiving point voltage) to exceed the set value based on the correlation between the output power of the power supply device and the detection value of the voltage detection unit (power receiving point voltage), thereby protecting the power system and being advantageous in terms of improving the efficiency of the power supply management system.

[0019] In order to achieve the above object, a fuel cell device of the present invention has the functions of the power supply device used in the above-mentioned power supply management system, and the power supply unit of the power supply device has a fuel cell unit.

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fuel cell device having the functions of a power supply device used in a power supply management system that can provide adjustment power.

[0021] In order to achieve the above object, a charge / discharge device of the present invention has the functions of the power supply device used in the above-mentioned power management system, and a power supply unit of the power supply device has a charge / discharge unit.

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a charge / discharge device having the functions of a power supply device used in a power management system capable of providing adjustment capability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between facilities, a management device, and an aggregation coordinator. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a facility. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which load following control is performed so that the output power of the fuel cell device and the load power of the power load device have the same value. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the output power of the fuel cell device is increased from the state shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an allocation value that is reduced from the uniform allocation is set for the output request value of a supply command for positive regulation power. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which load following control is performed so that the output power of the fuel cell device and the load power of the power load device have the same value. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the output power of the fuel cell device is reduced from the state shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an allocation value that is increased compared to the uniform allocation is set for the output request value of a supply command for negative regulation power. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] (Power Management System Overview) 1 and 2 show a power management system 1 having a management device 2 and multiple facilities 3. Outside the power management system 1, there exist an aggregation coordinator 4, a supply and demand adjustment market (not shown), a power transmission and distribution company (not shown), and the like.

[0025] The management device 2, also known as a resource aggregator, is an operator that controls the consumer-side energy resources of facilities 3 that have concluded a virtual power plant (VPP) service contract by transmitting control information to fuel cell devices 8 and power load devices 9 as consumer-side energy resources.

[0026] The aggregation coordinator 4 is an operator that aggregates the amount of electricity controlled by each management device 2 and trades electricity with general electricity transmission and distribution operators and retail electricity operators in the electricity trading market (supply and demand adjustment market, wholesale electricity market, capacity market, etc.).

[0027] 1 and 2, the management device 2 sequentially collects and stores power information such as the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8, the load power B1 of the power load device 9, and the power receiving point power of the power meter 10 at the facility 3 from multiple facilities 3. In this embodiment, when "load power B1 of the power load device 9" is mentioned, it means the total load power B1 of all the power load devices 9 installed in the facility 3.

[0028] The management device 2 predicts the amount of power that can be supplied from each facility 3 during a predetermined time period in the future, and transmits this to the aggregation coordinator 4. This available power is the adjustment capability of the facility 3, such as its ability to increase or decrease the power at the receiving point. In this embodiment, "increasing the power receiving point" means increasing the power received from the power grid 7 to the power line 14 (forward flow power) or decreasing the reverse flow power from the power line 14 to the power grid 7, and "decreasing the power receiving point" means decreasing the power received from the power grid 7 to the power line 14 (forward flow power) or increasing the reverse flow power from the power line 14 to the power grid 7.

[0029] For example, in order to increase the receiving point power of facility 3, it is sufficient to do at least one of reducing the output power A1 of fuel cell device 8 and increasing the load power B1 of power load device 9. Therefore, the upward adjustment margin when increasing the receiving point power of facility 3 indicates how much margin there is for reducing the output power A1 of fuel cell device 8 and how much margin there is for increasing the load power B1 of power load device 9.

[0030] In order to reduce the power receiving point of facility 3, it is sufficient to at least one of increasing the output power A1 of fuel cell device 8 and reducing the load power B1 of power load device 9. Therefore, the downward adjustment margin when reducing the power receiving point of facility 3 indicates how much margin there is for increasing the output power A1 of fuel cell device 8 and how much margin there is for reducing the load power B1 of power load device 9.

[0031] The management device 2 determines baseline power receiving point power for the multiple facilities 3 that it manages. This baseline power receiving point power corresponds to the total power receiving point power of each facility 3 predicted when each facility 3 does not provide adjustment capacity (i.e., including adjustment capacity provided to the electricity transmission and distribution company and supply capacity provided to the retailer, etc.).

[0032] The aggregation coordinator 4 aggregates the available adjustment power received from each management device 2 and trades with general electricity transmission and distribution companies and electricity retailers by bidding on trading markets such as the supply and demand adjustment market, wholesale electricity market, and capacity market. When the aggregation coordinator 4 receives an instruction to supply adjustment power for a specified future control period from a general electricity transmission and distribution company or electricity retailer with which it has traded, it distributes and transmits the adjustment power specified in the instruction to each management device 2.

[0033] When the management device 2 receives a supply command from the aggregation coordinator 4, it distributes and transmits the adjustment power specified in the supply command to each facility 3. Each facility 3 is controlled to supply the adjustment power of the fuel cell device 8 as a consumer-side energy resource during a predetermined future control period. As a result, adjustment power is supplied such that the power receiving point power of the facility 3 increases or decreases compared to when the above-mentioned control is not performed.

[0034] (Facility configuration) As shown in Figure 2, each facility 3 is provided with a fuel cell device 8 (corresponding to a power supply device), a power load device 9 (corresponding to a power load section), a power meter 10, a gateway 11, a router 12, a remote control 13, a power measurement section 15, etc.

[0035] In the facility 3, a power line 14 is installed, the power line 14 is connected to the power system 7, and a power meter 10 is installed on the power line 14. A fuel cell device 8 and a power load device 9 are connected to the power line 14, and a power measurement unit 15 is installed on the power line 14.

[0036] The power load device 9 is, for example, a lighting device, an air conditioner, or the like, and can receive power supply from at least one of the fuel cell device 8 and the power system 7. A remote control 13 is connected to the fuel cell device 8, and a user of the facility 3 can issue commands to the fuel cell device 8 by operating the remote control 13.

[0037] The power receiving point power of the facility 3 is detected by the power meter 10, and the detected power receiving point power is transmitted to the management device 2 via the gateway 11 and the router 12. A voltage detection unit 5 capable of detecting the voltage of the power grid 7 (hereinafter referred to as the power receiving point voltage V1) is provided on the power grid 7 side of the power meter 10, and the detection value (power receiving point voltage V1) of the voltage detection unit 5 is transmitted to the management device 2.

[0038] The detected value of the power measurement unit 15 (see (Configuration of the fuel cell device) described later) is transmitted to the management device 2 via the gateway 11 and the router 12. Information on the fuel cell device 8 is transmitted to the management device 2 via the remote control 13 and the router 12.

[0039] (Configuration of fuel cell device) 2, the fuel cell device 8 is provided with a power conversion unit 16, a fuel cell unit 17, a fuel reforming unit 18, a fuel cell control unit 19, a memory unit 20, etc. The fuel cell unit 17 is connected to the power grid 7 via a power line 14, and generates electricity using hydrogen generated by the fuel reforming unit 18 from city gas or the like as fuel gas.

[0040] The power generated by the fuel cell unit 17 is converted to a predetermined voltage, frequency, and phase by the power conversion unit 16 and supplied to the power line 14, and the fuel cell control unit 19 controls the operation of the fuel cell unit 17 and the power conversion unit 16. Information handled by the fuel cell device 8 is stored in the memory unit 20.

[0041] The fuel cell control unit 19 can perform load following control (see Figure 3) to increase or decrease the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 so that the detected value of the power (power supplied from the power system 7) detected by the power measuring unit 15 becomes zero (so that the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 and the load power B1 of the power load device 9 become the same value). In addition to the load following control, the fuel cell control unit 19 can perform control to increase or decrease the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 so that the power at the receiving point of the facility 3 detected by the power meter 10 becomes a predetermined power value. The fuel cell control unit 19 can maintain the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 at the upper limit value AM1 and perform continuous operation (rated output operation).

[0042] The above three controls of the fuel cell device 8 are performed in the form of adjusting the output power from the fuel cell device 8 to the power line 14 between an upper limit value AM1 and a lower limit value AM2 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Generally, in the fuel cell device 8, when the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 decreases, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell device 8 decreases.

[0043] The fuel cell control unit 19 has information about the output power A1 supplied from the power conversion unit 16 to the power line 14 and information about the power measured by the power meter 10, and is therefore able to derive the load power B1 (= output power A1 + measured power) of the power load device 9. If the sign of the power measured by the power meter 10 is positive, this means that the load power B1 is greater than the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8, and if the sign of the power measured by the power meter 10 is negative, this means that the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is greater than the load power B1.

[0044] When the detected value of the power measuring unit 15 is a positive value, it means that the power of the power grid 7 is being introduced into the power line 14, and that the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is smaller than the load power B1 of the power load device 9. When the detected value of the power measuring unit 15 is a negative value, it means that the power of the power line 14 is being supplied to the power grid 7, and that the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is larger than the load power B1 of the power load device 9.

[0045] Increasing the power receiving point power means increasing the power received from the power grid 7 to the power line 14, or decreasing the reverse flow power from the power line 14 to the power grid 7. Decreasing the power receiving point power means decreasing the power received from the power grid 7 to the power line 14, or increasing the reverse flow power from the power line 14 to the power grid 7.

[0046] (Adjustment capacity in facilities) As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in each of the power systems 7 of the facility 3, a set value V2 is set in advance for a receiving point voltage V1 from the viewpoint of protecting the power system 7. In this case, an output suppression device is often installed in the facility 3. When the power receiving point voltage V1 exceeds a set value V2, the output suppression device reduces the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 of the facility 3 (suppresses and controls the power generation output), and the power receiving point voltage V1 is suppressed to below the set value V2.

[0047] The state shown in Figure 3 is a state in which the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 and the load power B1 of the power load device 9 are the same value, and the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is lower than the upper limit value AM1.As shown in Figure 4, it is possible to increase the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 to near the upper limit value AM1.

[0048] 3 and 4, when an operation to increase the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is performed and the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 becomes greater than the load power B1 of the power load device 9, the difference between the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 and the load power B1 of the power load device 9 becomes positive adjustment power A2P. Positive adjustment power A2P is surplus power of the facility 3, and can be supplied from the facility 3 to the power grid 7.

[0049] The state shown in Figure 6 is a state in which the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 and the load power B1 of the power load device 9 are the same value, and the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is approximately the same as the upper limit value AM1, and as shown in Figure 7, it is possible to operate the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 to decrease.

[0050] 6 and 7, when the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is reduced and becomes smaller than the load power B1 of the power load device 9, the difference between the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 and the load power B1 of the power load device 9 becomes the negative adjustment capability A2M. The negative adjustment capability A2M is the power shortage of the facility 3, and is the power that can be introduced from the power grid 7 to the power load device 9.

[0051] In each of the facilities 3, a positive adjustment power A2P or a negative adjustment power A2M is generated due to changes in the power generation state of the fuel cell device 8 or changes in the load state of the power load device 9. The sum of the positive adjustment powers A2P of the facilities 3 is the power that can be supplied by the power source management system 1 (total adjustment power), and the sum of the negative adjustment powers A2M of the facilities 3 is the power that can be introduced by the power source management system 1 (total adjustment power).

[0052] (Flow between management device, aggregation coordinator and supply and demand adjustment market) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the management device 2 collects and stores various types of power information from each facility 3, such as the receiving point voltage V1 and receiving point power, the detection value of the power measuring unit 15, and information about the fuel cell device 8.

[0053] The management device 2 predicts the future generation state of positive and negative adjustment power A2P, A2M at the facility 3 based on current and past power information, predicts the total positive adjustment power A2P and the total negative adjustment power A2M, and calculates the supplyable power for the control period based on these. The supplyable power is the facility 3's ability to increase the power at the receiving point or the adjustment margin to decrease the power at the receiving point. If the supplyable power for the control period can satisfy the adjustment power (output request value) for the control period in the supply command from the aggregation coordinator 4, the management device 2 transmits to the aggregation coordinator 4 a message indicating that it can comply with the supply command. Note that if the supplyable power does not satisfy the output request value of the supply command, the management device 2 may transmit the supplyable power for the control period to the aggregation coordinator 4.

[0054] The available power supply may be, for example, "X kW of power can be supplied from X o'clock to X o'clock on X month X day from now," or "X kW of power can be introduced from X o'clock to X o'clock on X month X day from now." Similar information is also transmitted to the aggregation coordinator 4 from the management devices 2 of other power management systems 1.

[0055] The aggregation coordinator 4 makes a bid in the supply and demand adjustment market based on information (such as available power) from a plurality of power management systems 1, and trades with the power transmission and distribution business operator. As a result of the transaction, when a transaction is concluded between the aggregation coordinator 4 and the power transmission and distribution company, the aggregation coordinator 4 transmits a supply command to each of the power management systems 1 (management devices 2).

[0056] The management device 2 issues output control commands to the multiple fuel cell devices 8 to determine the output power A1 of the fuel cell devices 8. The output control commands that the management device 2 issues to the facility 3 include a power receiving point power decrease command to decrease the power receiving point power of the facility 3, and a power receiving point power increase command to increase the power receiving point power of the facility 3. Note that the management device 2 may also issue an output control command to maintain the power receiving point power.

[0057] When the fuel cell device 8 receives an output control command from the management device 2, it operates in a first operation mode aiming to provide an output power A1 determined based on the output control command during the control period targeted by the output control command. During periods other than the output control period, the fuel cell device 8 operates in a second operation mode different from the first operation mode. The second operation mode of the fuel cell device 8 includes the load following control and rated output operation described above in (Facility configuration).

[0058] (Processing of the control device that received a command to provide positive control power) (Part 1) When the management device 2 receives a command to supply positive adjustment power (when the management device 2 issues a command to reduce power at the receiving point as an output control command), for example, on the morning of the day power is to be supplied to the power grid 7 or a few hours before power is to be supplied to the power grid 7, the management device 2 selects a fuel cell device 8 that can supply output power from the fuel cell device 8 as described below.

[0059] In facility 3, a low receiving point voltage V1 means that the ability to provide positive adjustment power from power line 14 to power grid 7 is high, and a high receiving point voltage V1 means that the ability to provide positive adjustment power from power line 14 to power grid 7 is low.

[0060] A set value V3 (e.g., 106V) lower than the set value V2 (e.g., 107V) is set in advance, and the management device 2 selects fuel cell devices 8 in facilities 3 where the power receiving point voltage V1 is lower than the set value V3 as fuel cell devices 8 that can supply output power. Fuel cell devices 8 in facilities 3 where the power receiving point voltage V1 is higher than the set value V3 are excluded from the selection as fuel cell devices 8 that cannot supply power (this corresponds to a state in which the allocation value for a power supply device whose detection value of the voltage detection unit exceeds the preset set value is reduced below the allocation values for the other power supply devices (specifically, reduced to zero)).

[0061] When the management device 2 selects a fuel cell device 8 that can provide power, it divides the output request value of the positive adjustment power supply command by the number of fuel cell devices 8 that can provide power, sets multiple equal allocation values, and allocates the equal allocation values to the fuel cell devices 8 that can provide power.

[0062] 3 and 4, it can be determined that the fuel cell device 8 in the facility 3 with a low receiving point voltage V1 can obtain sufficient positive regulation power A2P, so even if the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is increased based on the uniform allocation value, the receiving point voltage V1 will not reach the set value V3. The management device 2 simply allocates the uniform allocation value to such a fuel cell device 8.

[0063] (Processing of the control device that received a command to provide positive control power) (Part 2) The management device 2 performs an operation to reduce the allocation value of the fuel cell device 8 in the facility 3 having a relatively high power receiving point voltage V1 among the fuel cell devices 8 selected as being capable of supplying output power, compared to the allocation values (equal allocation values) of the fuel cell devices 8 in the other facilities 3, as described below.

[0064] When an equal allocation value is allocated to a fuel cell device 8 that can supply electricity, it can be determined that the fuel cell device 8 in a facility 3 with a relatively high receiving point voltage V1 cannot obtain sufficient positive adjustment power A2P. Therefore, in such a facility 3, if the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is increased based on the equal allocation value (an increase operation that adds the equal allocation value to the output power A1), the receiving point voltage V1 may exceed the set value V3.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5, the management device 2 grasps the correlation between the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 and the power receiving point voltage V1 in each facility 3 based on past power information as a relational expression F1.

[0066] In this case, it is assumed that the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 in the facility 3 is a value A11. The management device 2 sets values obtained by decreasing the allocation values in multiple stages, ranging from values obtained by greatly decreasing the uniform allocation values to values obtained by only slightly decreasing the uniform allocation values.

[0067] When the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is increased (value A12) based on the smallest allocation value among the multiple allocation stages, the power receiving point voltage V1 is obtained from the relational expression F1. After this, the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is increased (values A13, A14, A15) based on incrementally larger allocation values, and the power receiving point voltage V1 is obtained from the relational expression F1.

[0068] For example, if the assigned value corresponds to value A14, the receiving point voltage V1 does not exceed the set value V3, and if the assigned value corresponds to value A15, the receiving point voltage V1 exceeds the set value V3.

[0069] Among the multiple reduced allocation values, the allocation value corresponding to value A14 is the maximum of the allocation values at which the receiving point voltage V1 does not exceed the set value V3, and the management device 2 allocates the allocation value corresponding to value A14 to the fuel cell device 8 as a reduced allocation value.

[0070] (Processing of the control device that received a command to provide positive control power) (Part 3) If an allocation value that is reduced from the uniform allocation value is allocated to the fuel cell device 8, there is a possibility that the output request value of the positive regulation power supply command cannot be fully met.

[0071] After selecting a fuel cell device 8 that can supply output power, the management device 2 performs an operation to increase the allocation value of the fuel cell device 8 of the facility 3 with a low receiving point voltage V1 compared to the allocation values (equal allocation values) of the fuel cell devices 8 of the other facilities 3, as described below.

[0072] The management device 2 calculates the remaining output request value that cannot be covered when the output request value of the positive adjustment power supply command is covered by the fuel cell devices 8 that have been assigned equal allocation values and the fuel cell devices 8 that have been assigned allocation values that are reduced from the equal allocation values.

[0073] The management device 2 selects fuel cell devices 8 that can tolerate an increase in output power A1 from among the fuel cell devices 8 that have been assigned equal allocation values (fuel cell devices 8 for which the facility 3's power receiving point voltage V1 is sufficiently low and which can obtain sufficient positive adjustment power A2P). The management device 2 divides the remaining output request value into multiple parts and allocates the remaining divided output request values to the aforementioned fuel cell devices 8. As a result, an allocation value that is slightly increased from the equal allocation is allocated to the aforementioned fuel cell devices 8.

[0074] As described above in (Part 1), (Part 2), and (Part 3) (Processing of the management device that receives a command to supply positive adjustment power), in response to the command to supply positive adjustment power, the management device 2 allocates an equal allocation value, an allocation value reduced from the equal allocation value, or an allocation value slightly increased from the equal allocation value to the fuel cell device 8 that has been selected as a fuel cell device 8 that can supply power, based on the receiving point voltage V1.

[0075] (Processing of the control device that received a command to provide positive control power) (Part 4) After an allocation value is assigned to the fuel cell device 8, when supplying power to the power grid 7, the management device 2 issues a power receiving point power reduction command as an output control command to the multiple fuel cell devices 8 in order to reduce the power receiving point power of the facility 3 (this corresponds to a command transmission process in which an output control command that determines the output power of the power supply device according to the allocation value is transmitted to the multiple power supply devices).

[0076] 3 and 4, in the facility 3, the output power A1 of the fuel cell devices 8 is increased based on the allocation value, and a positive adjustment power A2P is generated. By supplying the positive adjustment power A2P generated in each of the fuel cell devices 8 to the power grid 7, the management device 2 is able to supply the total positive adjustment power as power corresponding to the output request value of the supply command.

[0077] (Processing of the control device that received a command to provide negative control capacity) (Part 1) When the management device 2 receives a command to supply negative adjustment power (when the management device 2 issues a command to increase power at the receiving point as an output control command), for example, on the morning of the day when power is to be introduced from the power grid 7 or a few hours before the introduction of power from the power grid 7, the management device 2 selects a facility 3 that can introduce power from among the facilities 3, as described below.

[0078] In facility 3, a low receiving point voltage V1 means that the power grid 7 has a low ability to provide negative adjustment power to the power line 14, and a high receiving point voltage V1 means that the power grid 7 has a high ability to provide negative adjustment power to the power line 14.

[0079] A set value V4 (e.g., 106V) lower than the set value V2 (e.g., 107V) is set in advance, and the management device 2 selects facilities 3 whose receiving point voltage V1 is higher than the set value V4 as facilities 3 that can be introduced. Facilities 3 whose receiving point voltage V1 is lower than the set value V4 are excluded from the selection as facilities 3 that cannot be introduced.

[0080] When the management device 2 selects the facilities 3 that can be introduced, it divides the output request value of the negative adjustment power supply command by the number of fuel cell devices 8 in the facilities 3 that can be introduced to set multiple equal allocation values, and allocates the equal allocation values to the fuel cell devices 8 in the facilities 3 that can be introduced.

[0081] 6 and 7, if the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 in the facility 3 where the power receiving point voltage V1 is slightly higher than the set value V4 is reduced based on the uniform allocation value, the power receiving point voltage V1 will become lower than the set value V4. The management device 2 simply allocates the uniform allocation value to the fuel cell device 8 in such a facility 3.

[0082] (Processing of the control device that received a command to provide negative control capacity) (Part 2) The management device 2 performs an operation to increase the allocation value of the fuel cell device 8 of a facility 3 selected as a facility 3 where the power receiving point voltage V1 is relatively high, compared to the allocation values (equal allocation values) of the fuel cell devices 8 of other facilities 3, as described below.

[0083] When an equal allocation value is assigned to a fuel cell device 8 in a facility 3 where the power receiving point voltage V1 is sufficiently high, the power receiving point voltage V1 of the fuel cell device 8 in the facility 3 may not become smaller than the set value V4 even if the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is reduced based on the equal allocation value (a reduction operation that subtracts the equal allocation value from the output power A1).

[0084] As shown in FIG. 8, the management device 2 grasps the correlation between the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 and the power receiving point voltage V1 in each facility 3 based on past power information as a relational expression F1.

[0085] In this case, the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 in the facility 3 is a value A21, and if the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is reduced based on the uniform allocation value, it becomes a value A22. The management device 2 sets values by increasing the allocation value in multiple stages, ranging from a value obtained by greatly increasing the uniform allocation value to a value obtained by only slightly increasing the uniform allocation value.

[0086] When the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is decreased (value A22) based on the allocation value with the smallest increase among the multiple stages of allocation values, the power receiving point voltage V1 is obtained by the relational expression F1. After this, the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is decreased (values A23, A24, A25) based on the allocation values with gradually larger increases, and the power receiving point voltage V1 is obtained by the relational expression F1.

[0087] For example, if the assigned value corresponds to value A23, the receiving point voltage V1 exceeds the set value V4, and if the assigned value corresponds to value A24, the receiving point voltage V1 becomes lower than the set value V4.

[0088] Among the multiple increased allocation values, the allocation value corresponding to value A24 is the maximum allocation value at which the receiving point voltage V1 does not exceed the set value V4, and the management device 2 assigns the allocation value corresponding to value A24 to the fuel cell device 8 as the increased allocation value.

[0089] (Processing of the control device that received the command to provide negative control capacity) (Part 3) If an allocation value increased from the uniform allocation value is allocated to the fuel cell device 8, there is a possibility that a situation will arise in which power exceeding the output request value of the negative regulation power supply command is introduced into the facility 3.

[0090] The management device 2 calculates the amount of power that exceeds the output request value of the negative adjustment power supply command when the output request value of the negative adjustment power supply command is met by fuel cell devices 8 that have been assigned equal allocation values and fuel cell devices 8 that have been assigned allocation values that are increased from the equal allocation values.

[0091] The management device 2 selects fuel cell devices 8 that can tolerate a reduction in their allocation values from among the fuel cell devices 8 that have been allocated equal allocation values. The management device 2 divides the amount of power that exceeds the output request value of the negative adjustment power supply command into multiple parts, and allocates the divided power to the fuel cell devices 8. As a result, an allocation value that is slightly reduced from the equal allocation is allocated to the fuel cell devices 8.

[0092] As described above in (Part 1), (Part 2), and (Part 3) (Processing of the management device upon receiving a command to provide negative adjustment power), in response to the command to provide negative adjustment power, the management device 2 allocates an equal allocation value, an allocation value increased from the equal allocation value, or an allocation value slightly increased from the equal allocation value to the fuel cell device 8 of the facility 3 selected as a facility 3 that can be introduced, based on the receiving point voltage V1.

[0093] (Processing of the control device that received the command to provide negative control capacity) (Part 4) After the allocation value is assigned to the fuel cell device 8, when power is introduced from the power grid 7, the management device 2 issues a power receiving point power increase command as an output control command to the multiple fuel cell devices 8 to increase the power receiving point power of the facility 3 (this corresponds to a command transmission process of transmitting an output control command to the multiple power supply devices that determines the output power of the power supply device according to the allocation value).

[0094] 6 and 7, in the facility 3, the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is reduced based on the allocated value, and a negative regulation power A2M is created. The management device 2 introduces power from the power grid 7 to the power load device 9 based on the negative regulation power A2M created in each of the fuel cell devices 8. By supplying the negative regulation power A2M created in each of the fuel cell devices 8 to the power grid 7, the management device 2 is able to supply the total negative regulation power as power corresponding to the output request value of the supply command.

[0095] (First Alternative Embodiment of the Invention) In the facility 3, a plurality of fuel cell devices 8 may be provided, and a plurality of power load devices 9 may be provided.

[0096] (Second Alternative Embodiment of the Invention) In the above-mentioned (Processing of the management device that receives a command to supply positive adjustment power) (Part 1), a fuel cell device 8 of a facility 3 whose receiving point voltage V1 is higher than the set value V3 may be assigned an allocation value that is reduced compared to the allocation values (equal allocation values) of other fuel cell devices 8, rather than being excluded from selection as a fuel cell device 8 that cannot supply power.

[0097] (Third Alternative Embodiment of the Invention) In the above-mentioned (Processing of the management device that receives a command to supply positive adjustment power) (Part 2), when the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is increased based on the allocation value, the allocation value may be reduced by a certain value or may be eliminated for the fuel cell device 8 of the facility 3 whose receiving point voltage V1 exceeds the set value V3.

[0098] (Fourth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention) In the above-mentioned (Processing of the management device that receives a command to supply negative adjustment power) (Part 1), a fuel cell device 8 of a facility 3 whose receiving point voltage V1 is lower than the set value V4 may be assigned an allocation value that is reduced compared to the allocation values (equal allocation values) of fuel cell devices 8 of other facilities 3, rather than being excluded from selection as a fuel cell device 8 that cannot be introduced.

[0099] (Fifth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention) In the above-mentioned (Processing of the management device that receives a command to supply negative adjustment power) (Part 2), even if the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 is reduced based on an equal allocation value, in the fuel cell device 8 of a facility 3 where the receiving point voltage V1 does not fall below the set value V4, an allocation value that is increased by a certain value compared to the allocation values of the fuel cell devices 8 of other facilities 3 may be assigned.

[0100] (Sixth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention) In the above-mentioned (Processing of the management device that has received a command to provide positive adjustment power) (Part 2) and (Processing of the management device that has received a command to provide negative adjustment power) (Part 2), when obtaining a decreased (increased) allocation value for the fuel cell device 8, rather than setting multiple stages of allocation values, the allocation value may be continuously changed based on the relational expression F1 to obtain the receiving point voltage V1, which is then compared with the set values V3 and V4.

[0101] According to this configuration, an allocation value that makes the voltage V1 at the receiving point the same as or slightly smaller than the set values V3 and V4 can be set as the decreased (increased) allocation value. The allocation value that makes the receiving point voltage V1 smaller than the set values V3 and V4 by a certain value can also be set as the decreased (increased) allocation value.

[0102] (Seventh Alternative Embodiment of the Invention) In the above-mentioned (Processing of the management device that has received a command to provide positive adjustment capacity) (Part 2) and (Processing of the management device that has received a command to provide negative adjustment capacity) (Part 2), rather than knowing the relational equation F1 in advance, it is also possible to configure the system to obtain the relational equation F1 as described below.

[0103] The management device 2 detects the power receiving point voltage V1 by increasing or decreasing the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 to at least two values out of values A12 to A15, A22 to A25, etc. immediately before issuing a power receiving point power decrease command and a power receiving point power increase command to the fuel cell device 8. The management device 2 obtains a relational expression F1 as a linear function or a quadratic function based on the at least two values of the output power A1 of the fuel cell device 8 and the corresponding value of the power receiving point voltage V1.

[0104] (Eighth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention) As the receiving point voltage V1 described in the above (Processing of the management device that has received a command to provide positive adjustment power) (Part 1) to (Processing of the management device that has received a command to provide negative adjustment power) (Part 3), various values can be used, such as the value at a certain moment, the average value of the receiving point voltage V1 within a specified time, the maximum value of the receiving point voltage V1 within a specified time, etc. In order to reduce the impact on the receiving point voltage V1 of changes in the amount of power generated by the power generation device due to changes in weather, or sudden changes in the amount of power consumed, an appropriate receiving point voltage V1 can be selected from the various values mentioned above.

[0105] (Ninth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention) In the above embodiment, a specific example of the configuration of the power supply management system of the present invention has been described, but the configuration can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the power supply unit of the power supply device includes the fuel cell unit 17, but the power supply unit may be another device that can output electric power. For example, the power supply unit may be a device that includes a charge / discharge unit such as a storage battery. In that case, a charge / discharge device is realized that has the functions of a power supply device used in a power management system and in which the power supply unit includes a charge / discharge unit. Alternatively, the power supply unit may be a device including an engine and a generator driven by the engine.

[0106] The configurations disclosed in the above embodiments (including alternative embodiments, the same applies below) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction arises. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these and can be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not deviate from the purpose of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0107] The present invention can be applied to a power supply management system capable of providing adjustment power. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 2 Management device 3 Facilities 5 Voltage detection section 7 Power system 8 Fuel cell device (power supply device) 9 Power load device (power load section) A1 Output Power A2P adjustment power A2M adjustment force F1 Relationship (Correlation) V1 Receiving point voltage (voltage) V3 setting value V4 setting value

Claims

1. A power management system comprising: power supply devices installed in each of a plurality of facilities and capable of outputting electric power; and a management device capable of communicating with the plurality of power supply devices from outside the facilities, the power supply device is connected to the power grid in a state in which it can supply power to a power load, and in a state in which it can supply power to the power grid and from the power grid to the power load, a voltage detection unit capable of detecting a voltage of the power grid connected to the power supply device; The management device receives a supply command for adjustment power, and performs a command transmission process in which an output request value of the received supply command is divided into a plurality of parts based on the detection value of the voltage detection unit, and the divided parts are allocated to the plurality of power supply devices, and an output control command that determines the output power of the power supply device according to the allocated value is transmitted to the plurality of power supply devices; A power management system in which, when the management device issues a power receiving point power reduction command as an output control command to multiple power supply devices in order to reduce the power receiving point of the facility, the allocation value of the power supply device in which the detection value of the voltage detection unit exceeds a predetermined setting value is reduced below the allocation values of the other power supply devices.

2. A power management system comprising: a power supply device installed in each of a plurality of facilities and capable of outputting electric power; and a management device capable of communicating with the plurality of power supply devices from outside the facilities, the power supply device is connected to the power grid in a state in which it can supply power to a power load, and in a state in which it can supply power to the power grid and from the power grid to the power load, a voltage detection unit capable of detecting a voltage of the power grid connected to the power supply device; The management device receives a supply command for adjustment power, and performs a command transmission process in which an output request value of the received supply command is divided into a plurality of parts based on the detection value of the voltage detection unit, and the divided parts are allocated to the plurality of power supply devices, and an output control command that determines the output power of the power supply device according to the allocated value is transmitted to the plurality of power supply devices; A power management system in which, when the management device issues a power receiving point power increase command as an output control command to multiple power supply devices in order to increase the power receiving point of the facility, the allocation value for a power supply device whose detection value of the voltage detection unit exceeds a predetermined setting value is increased more than the allocation values of the other power supply devices.

3. 3. The power supply management system according to claim 1, wherein the power supply devices include a power supply device whose power generation efficiency or charge / discharge efficiency decreases when the output power of the power supply device decreases.

4. A power management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the allocation value included in the output control command is set to a value that does not cause the detection value of the voltage detection unit to exceed the set value based on the correlation between the output power of the power supply device and the detection value of the voltage detection unit.

5. 5. A fuel cell device comprising the functions of the power supply device used in the power supply management system according to claim 1, wherein a power supply unit of the power supply device comprises a fuel cell unit.

6. A charging / discharging device having the functions of the power supply device used in the power supply management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a power supply unit of the power supply device has a charging / discharging unit.

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