Power management device and power management method

Abstract

To provide a power management device capable of appropriately adjusting an imbalance of a procurement power and a generated power, and provide a power management method.SOLUTION: A power management device comprises: a management part that manages two or more facilities; an acquisition part that acquires at least one of a first plan value related to an inverse flow power of the two or more facilities and a second plan value related to a forward flow power of the two or more facilities; and a control part that executes at least one of first control that reduces a prediction error of the first plan value and second control that reduces a prediction error of the second plan value. The first control specifies a first facility which contributes to the inverse flow power among the two or more facilities, and includes a procedure for controlling a first device installed in the specified first facility. The second control specifies a second facility which contributes to the forward flow power among the two or more facilities, and includes a procedure for controlling a second device installed in the specified second facility.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power management apparatus and a power management method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a system using distributed power sources such as power storage devices (hereinafter referred to as VPP (Virtual Power Plant)) has been attracting attention in order to stabilize the balance of power supply and demand in a power grid (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Here, a power management device that manages two or more facilities (hereinafter referred to as a facility group) may control the distributed power sources installed in the facilities so that the difference (imbalance) between the planned value for the forward flow power (hereinafter referred to as procurement power) of the facility group and the actual value for the procurement power of the facility group is less than a specified difference.

[0004] Similarly, a power management device that manages two or more facilities may control the distributed power sources installed in the facilities so that the difference (imbalance) between the planned value for the reverse flow power (hereinafter referred to as generated power) of the facility group and the actual value for the generated power of the facility group is less than a specified difference. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 041010 Brochure [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2016 / 084396 Brochure Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the above-described mechanism, if a divergence occurs between the planned value and the predicted value after the planned value is created, it is possible to control the energy storage device to adjust the imbalance based on the divergence between the planned value and the predicted value.

[0007] The inventors have focused on such cases and have come to the following findings. Specifically, the inventors have found that simply controlling the power storage device in order to suppress the imbalance in generated power will actually increase the imbalance in the facility's power demand (and therefore the power procurement). Similarly, the inventors have found that simply controlling the power storage device in order to suppress the imbalance in procured power will actually increase the imbalance in generated power.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a power management device and a power management method that can appropriately adjust the imbalance between procured power and generated power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the disclosure is a power management device comprising: a management unit that manages two or more facilities; an acquisition unit that acquires at least one of a first planned value for reverse flow power of the two or more facilities and a second planned value for forward flow power of the two or more facilities; and a control unit that executes at least one of a first control that reduces a prediction error of the first planned value and a second control that reduces a prediction error of the second planned value, wherein the first control includes a procedure of identifying a first facility among the two or more facilities that contributes to the reverse flow power and controlling a first device installed in the identified first facility, and the second control includes a procedure of identifying a second facility among the two or more facilities that contributes to the forward flow power and controlling a second device installed in the identified second facility.

[0010] One aspect of the disclosure is a power management method comprising: step A of managing two or more facilities; step B of acquiring at least one of a first planned value for reverse flow power of the two or more facilities and a second planned value for forward flow power of the two or more facilities; and step C of executing at least one of a first control for reducing a prediction error of the first planned value and a second control for reducing a prediction error of the second planned value, wherein the first control includes a procedure for identifying a first facility among the two or more facilities that contributes to the reverse flow power and controlling a first device installed in the identified first facility, and the second control includes a procedure for identifying a second facility among the two or more facilities that contributes to the forward flow power and controlling a second device installed in the identified second facility. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power management device and a power management method that can appropriately adjust the imbalance between procured power and generated power. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a power management system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a facility 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the lower level management server 200 according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the upper management server 300 according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the problem associated with the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the problem associated with the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the problem associated with the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a power management method according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a power management method according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a power management method according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, the drawings are schematic.

[0014] [Embodiment] (Power Management System) A power management system according to an embodiment will be described below. The power management system may be simply referred to as a power system.

[0015] 1, the power management system 1 includes a facility 100. The power management system 1 includes a lower management server 200, a higher management server 300, and a third-party server 400.

[0016] Here, the facility 100, the lower management server 200, the upper management server 300, and the third-party server 400 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network 11. The network 11 may include the Internet, a dedicated line such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or a mobile communication network.

[0017] The facility 100 is connected to the power grid 12 and may receive power from the power grid 12 or may supply power to the power grid 12. Power from the power grid 12 to the facility 100 may be referred to as forward flow power. Power from the facility 100 to the power grid 12 may be referred to as reverse flow power. In FIG. 1 , facilities 100A to 100C are illustrated as examples of the facility 100.

[0018] Although not particularly limited, facility 100 may be a facility such as a residence, a facility such as a store, or a facility such as an office. Facility 100 may also be an apartment building including two or more residences. Facility 100 may also be a complex including at least two or more of the following facilities: a residence, a store, and an office. Details of facility 100 will be described later (see FIG. 2).

[0019] The lower level management server 200 is managed by a business operator that manages the power related to the power grid 12. The business operator may be a resource aggregator (RA). The business operator may be a power generation business operator or a retail business operator. Details of the lower level management server 200 will be described later (see FIG. 3).

[0020] In this embodiment, the lower level management server 200 constitutes a power management device that manages two or more facilities 100 (hereinafter, also referred to as a facility group 100).

[0021] The upper management server 300 is managed by a business operator that manages power related to the power grid 12. The upper management server 300 may be managed by a business operator that provides services to the business operator of the lower management server 200. The upper management server 300 may be referred to as an AEMS (Area Energy Management System). The business operator may be an aggregation coordinator (AC). The services may include a service for suppressing the difference (imbalance) between the planned value for the forward flow power (hereinafter referred to as procured power) of the facility group 100 and the actual value for the procured power of the facility group 100 to a predetermined difference or less. The services may include a service for suppressing the difference (imbalance) between the planned value for the reverse flow power (hereinafter referred to as generated power) of the facility group 100 and the actual value for the generated power of the facility group 100 to a predetermined difference or less. Details of the upper management server 300 will be described later (see FIG. 4).

[0022] The third-party server 400 is managed by a business operator that manages the balance of power supply and demand in the power grid 12. The business operator may manage a capacity market related to the power grid 12. For example, the third-party server 400 may have a function to check an imbalance in procured power. The third-party server 400 may have a function to check an imbalance in generated power. For example, the third-party server may perform the following operations.

[0023] First, the third-party server 400 may check whether the difference (imbalance) between the planned value for the procured power and the actual value for the procured power exceeds a predetermined difference. The planned value and the actual value may be aggregated for a unit period (e.g., every 30 minutes), and the imbalance may be checked for the unit period (e.g., every 30 minutes). If the imbalance exceeds the predetermined difference, the third-party server 400 may impose a penalty on the business operator managing the lower-level management server 200. If the imbalance does not exceed the predetermined difference, the third-party server 400 may provide an incentive to the business operator managing the lower-level management server 200. The penalty and incentive may be monetary.

[0024] Second, the third-party server 400 may check whether the difference (imbalance) between the planned value of power generation and the actual value of power generation exceeds a predetermined difference. The planned value and the actual value may be aggregated for a unit period (e.g., every 30 minutes), and the imbalance may be checked for the unit period (e.g., every 30 minutes). If the imbalance exceeds the predetermined difference, the third-party server 400 may impose a penalty on the business operator managing the lower management server 200. If the imbalance does not exceed the predetermined difference, the third-party server 400 may provide an incentive to the business operator managing the lower management server 200. The penalty and incentive may be monetary.

[0025] Here, the period during which an imbalance between generated power and procured power is confirmed may be defined as the target period (e.g., one day). In such a case, the planned value of procured power may include a plan formulated at a time before the target period (e.g., 12:00 on the day before the target period). The planned value of generated power may include a planned value formulated at a time before the target period (e.g., 12:00 on the day before the target period). Furthermore, the planned value of procured power may include a planned value formulated at a time before a unit period included in the target period (e.g., one hour before the unit period). The planned value of generated power may include a planned value formulated at a time before a unit period included in the target period (e.g., one hour before the unit period).

[0026] Although not particularly limited, the planned value for the procured power and the actual value for the procured power may be reported from the lower management server 200 or the upper management server 300. The planned value for the generated power and the actual value for the generated power may be reported from the lower management server 200 or the upper management server 300.

[0027] (facility) A facility according to an embodiment will be described below. As shown in Fig. 2, the facility 100 includes a solar cell device 110, a power storage device 120, a fuel cell device 130, a load device 140, and an EMS (Energy Management System) 160. The facility 100 may also include a measuring device 190.

[0028] The solar cell device 110 is a distributed power source that generates electricity in response to light such as sunlight. For example, the solar cell device 110 is configured by a PCS (Power Conditioning System) and a solar panel. Here, installation may mean connecting the solar cell device 110 to the power grid 12.

[0029] The power storage device 120 is a distributed power source that charges and discharges power. For example, the power storage device 120 is configured by a PCS and a power storage cell. Here, "installed" may mean that the power storage device 120 is connected to the power grid 12.

[0030] The fuel cell device 130 is a distributed power source that generates electricity using fuel. For example, the fuel cell device 130 is composed of a PCS and a fuel cell. Here, "installed" may mean that the fuel cell device 130 and the power grid 12 are connected.

[0031] For example, the fuel cell device 130 may be a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC; Solid Oxide Fuel Cell), a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC; Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC; Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell), or a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC; Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell).

[0032] The load devices 140 are devices that consume power. For example, the load devices 140 may include air conditioners, heat pump water heaters, lighting devices, and the like.

[0033] The EMS 160 manages the power related to the facility 100. The EMS 160 may control the solar cell device 110, the power storage device 120, the fuel cell device 130, and the load devices 140. In the embodiment, the EMS 160 is illustrated as an apparatus that receives control commands from the lower-level management server 200, but such an apparatus may also be referred to as a gateway or simply as a control unit. To distinguish the EMS 160 from the lower-level management server 200, the EMS 160 may also be referred to as a local EMS (LES), a home EMS (HEMS), or a VPP controller.

[0034] The measuring device 190 measures the forward flow power from the power grid 12 to the facility 100. The measuring device 190 may also measure the reverse flow power from the facility 100 to the power grid 12. For example, the measuring device 190 may be a smart meter belonging to a power company. The measuring device 190 may transmit an information element indicating the measurement result (the integrated value of the forward flow power or the reverse flow power) at a first interval (e.g., 30 minutes) to the EMS 160 at the first interval. The measuring device 190 may also transmit an information element indicating the measurement result at a second interval (e.g., 1 minute) that is shorter than the first interval to the EMS 160.

[0035] (Sub-management server) The lower level management server according to the embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG.

[0036] The communication unit 210 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module conforming to standards such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, 5G, or 6G, or may be a wired communication module conforming to standards such as IEEE802.3.

[0037] The communication unit 210 may receive a planned value related to the power generation of the group of facilities 100. The communication unit 210 may receive a planned value related to the power procurement of the group of facilities 100.

[0038] In the embodiment, the acquisition unit is configured to acquire at least one of a first planned value related to the procurement power of the facility group 100 and a second planned value related to the procurement power of the facility group 100.

[0039] Here, the period during which the imbalance between generated power and procured power is adjusted may be defined as a target period (e.g., one day). The imbalance between generated power and procured power for which adjustment is made may be adjusted for each unit period (e.g., 30 minutes) included in the target period.

[0040] For example, the first planned value may include a plan (hereinafter referred to as the first advance planned value) that is formulated at a timing prior to the target period (for example, 12:00 on the day before the target period). Similarly, the second planned value may include a planned value (hereinafter referred to as the second advance planned value) that is formulated at a timing prior to the target period (for example, 12:00 on the day before the target period). The first advance planned value and the second advance planned value may be collectively referred to as advance planned values.

[0041] Furthermore, the first planned value may include a planned value (hereinafter referred to as a corrected first planned value) that is formulated at a timing earlier than a unit period included in the target period (for example, one hour before the unit period). The corrected first planned value may be considered to be a planned value obtained by correcting the advance first planned value. Similarly, the second planned value may include a plan (hereinafter referred to as a corrected second planned value) that is formulated at a timing earlier than a unit period included in the target period (for example, one hour before the unit period). The corrected second planned value may be considered to be a planned value obtained by correcting the advance second planned value. The corrected first planned value and the corrected second planned value may be collectively referred to as corrected planned values.

[0042] Although not particularly limited, the advance plan value may be determined by aggregating advance plan values received from each of the facilities 100. The corrected plan value may be formulated (determined) by the control unit 230 based on the generated power and demand power of each of the facilities 100. The corrected plan value may be a plan value instructed by the upper management server 300.

[0043] The communication unit 210 may transmit control commands to control devices installed in each of the facilities 100. The devices installed in each of the facilities 100 may include distributed power sources such as a solar cell device 110, a power storage device 120, and a fuel cell device 130. The devices installed in each of the facilities 100 may include load devices 140.

[0044] The management unit 220 is configured by a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a nonvolatile memory.

[0045] The management unit 220 manages information related to the facility 100. For example, the information related to the facility 100 includes the type of distributed power source (solar cell device 110, power storage device 120, or fuel cell device 130) installed in the facility 100, the specifications of the distributed power source (solar cell device 110, power storage device 120, or fuel cell device 130) installed in the facility 100, etc. The specifications may include the rated power generation of the solar cell device 110, the rated charging power of the power storage device 120, the rated charging power of the power storage device 120, and the rated output power of the fuel cell device 130. The specifications may also include the rated capacity of the power storage device 120, the maximum charging and discharging power, etc.

[0046] In the embodiment, the management unit 220 constitutes a management unit that manages the group of facilities 100.

[0047] The control unit 230 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured by multiple circuits (such as integrated circuits and / or discrete circuits) that are communicatively connected.

[0048] In the embodiment, the control unit 230 is configured as a control unit that executes a first control for reducing the prediction error of the first planned value and a second control for reducing the prediction error of the second planned value. The first control and the second control will be described in detail later.

[0049] (upper management server) The upper management server according to the embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG.

[0050] The communication unit 310 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module conforming to standards such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, 5G, or 6G, or may be a wired communication module conforming to standards such as IEEE802.3.

[0051] For example, when it is necessary to adjust the supply and demand balance of the power grid 12, the communication unit 310 may transmit an adjustable power request to the lower management server 200 inquiring about the amount of power that can be adjusted by the group of facilities 100. In response to the adjustable power request, the communication unit 310 may receive an adjustable power answer including the amount of power that can be adjusted by the group of facilities 100 (hereinafter referred to as the adjustable amount) from the lower management server 200. The planned value for realizing the adjustable amount may be considered to be the above-mentioned corrected planned value.

[0052] For example, when it is necessary to adjust the supply and demand balance of the power grid 12, the communication unit 310 may transmit an adjustment instruction to the lower-level management server 200 to instruct adjustment of at least one of the procured power and the regulated power. In response to the adjustment instruction, the communication unit 310 may receive an adjustment result of at least one of the procured power and the regulated power from the lower-level management server 200.

[0053] The management unit 320 is configured by a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a nonvolatile memory.

[0054] For example, the management unit 320 may manage the amount of power that can be adjusted by the facility group 100.

[0055] The control unit 330 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC) or may be configured by multiple circuits (such as integrated circuits and / or discrete circuits) communicatively connected.

[0056] For example, the control unit 330 may instruct the communication unit 310 to transmit the above-mentioned adjustment instruction based on the amount of power that can be adjusted by the facility group 100. The amount of power that can be adjusted instructed by the adjustment instruction may be the adjustable capacity itself, or may be the amount of power that can be allocated with the adjustable capacity as the upper limit. The planned value for realizing the amount of power that can be adjusted may be considered to be the above-mentioned corrected planned value.

[0057] (assignment) Problems associated with the embodiment will be described below. Specifically, control for reducing the prediction error of each facility 100 in a case where a prediction error occurs between the planned value and the predicted value will be described. Here, a case where the predicted value is lower than the planned value will be described as an example.

[0058] First, as shown in Fig. 5, when a difference (prediction error) occurs between the planned value for the power generation of the facility 100 and the predicted value for the power generation of the facility 100, it is assumed that the prediction error will be reduced by discharging the power storage device 120 installed in the facility 100. In other words, since the predicted value for the power generation is lower than the planned value for the power generation, it is assumed that the power generation will be increased by discharging the power storage device 120.

[0059] Secondly, as shown in Fig. 6, when a difference (prediction error) occurs between the planned value for the power demand of the facility 100 and the predicted value for the power demand of the facility 100, it is assumed that the prediction error will be reduced by charging the power storage device 120 installed in the facility 100. In other words, since the predicted value for the power demand is lower than the planned value for the power demand, it is assumed that the power demand will be increased by charging the power storage device 120.

[0060] Under these assumptions, a case will be considered in which an increase in generated power is attempted by discharging the power storage device 120. For example, when the power storage device 120 installed in the facility 100 is discharged when a demand for power is planned to be generated, the discharged power from the power storage device 120 is used for self-consumption. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7, the demand for power decreases as the power storage device 120 is discharged, and there is a possibility that the imbalance in the demand for power (and therefore the procured power) will increase instead.

[0061] To solve this problem, in this embodiment, the lower level management server 200 executes the following operations.

[0062] (First control and second control) The first control and the second control according to the embodiment will be described below. As described above, the control unit 230 executes the first control to reduce the prediction error of the first planned value and the second control to reduce the prediction error of the second planned value.

[0063] First, the control unit 230 identifies a first facility that contributes to the generated power among the group of facilities 100. The control unit 230 identifies a second facility that contributes to the procured power among the group of facilities 100. In other words, the control unit 230 classifies each of the two or more facilities 100 as a first facility or a second facility.

[0064] The following options are possible for identifying the first facility:

[0065] In Option 1-1, the control unit 230 may identify a facility that is planned to generate power as the first facility. The facility that is planned to generate power may be a facility that is assumed to generate power in the advance first planned value, or may be a facility that is assumed to generate power in the revised first planned value.

[0066] In option 1-2, the control unit 230 may identify, as the first facility, a facility that is planned to generate power and that may generate power due to an increase in the output power of a distributed power source installed in the facility or a decrease in the power demand of the facility. The facility that is planned to generate power may be a facility that is assumed to generate power in the advance first planned value, or may be a facility that is assumed to generate power in the revised first planned value.

[0067] In option 1-2, the increase in the output power of the distributed power source may be achieved by discharging the power storage device 120 installed in the facility 100. The increase in the output power of the distributed power source may be achieved by increasing the output power of the fuel cell device 130 installed in the facility 100. For example, when the operation mode of the fuel cell device 130 is the load following mode, the increase in the output power of the fuel cell device 130 may be achieved by changing the operation mode of the fuel cell device 130 to the rated output mode.

[0068] In option 1-2, the reduction in the facility's power demand may be achieved by reducing the power consumption of the load devices 140 (for example, air conditioners, heat pump water heaters, and lighting devices) installed in the facility 100.

[0069] Here, the first facility may be a facility having a configuration of a distributed power source that is permitted to output reverse flow power. The configuration of the distributed power source may be a configuration having a distributed power source (e.g., PV 110) that is permitted to output reverse flow power. The distributed power source that is permitted to output reverse flow power may include a power storage device 120 or a fuel cell device 130. The configuration of the distributed power source may be a configuration having a distributed power source that is permitted to have a boosting effect of reverse flow power derived from the distributed power source that is permitted to output reverse flow power.

[0070] The boost effect is an effect of increasing the output power of a distributed power source that is permitted to output reverse flow power, with the output power of the distributed power source that is permitted to output reverse flow power as an upper limit. In other words, the distributed power source that is permitted to have the boost effect may be a distributed power source that is permitted to output power with the power consumption of facility 100 as an upper limit.

[0071] The following options are available for the second facility:

[0072] In option 2-1, the control unit 230 may identify a facility for which procurement power is planned to be generated as the second facility. The facility for which procurement power is planned to be generated may be a facility for which procurement power is assumed to be generated in the advance second plan value, or may be a facility for which procurement power is assumed to be generated in the revised second plan value.

[0073] In option 2-2, the control unit 230 may identify as the second facility a facility that is planned to generate procured power and that may generate procured power due to a decrease in the output power of a distributed power source installed at the facility or an increase in the power demand at the facility. The facility that is planned to generate procured power may be a facility that is assumed to generate procured power in the advance second plan value, or may be a facility that is assumed to generate procured power in the revised second plan value.

[0074] In option 2-2, the reduction in the output power of the distributed power source may be achieved by charging the power storage device 120 installed in the facility 100. The reduction in the output power of the distributed power source may be achieved by reducing the output power of the fuel cell device 130 installed in the facility 100. For example, when the operation mode of the fuel cell device 130 is the rated output mode, the reduction in the output power of the fuel cell device 130 may be achieved by changing the operation mode of the fuel cell device 130 to the load following mode.

[0075] In option 2-2, the reduction in the facility's power demand may be achieved by increasing the power consumption of the load devices 140 (for example, air conditioners, heat pump water heaters, and lighting devices) installed in the facility 100.

[0076] Second, in the first control, the control unit 230 controls the first device installed in the identified first facility. The first device may include a distributed power source such as the power storage device 120 and the fuel cell device 130, and may also include load devices 140 such as an air conditioner, a heat pump water heater, and a lighting device. In other words, the control unit 230 controls the first device so as to reduce the prediction error of the first plan.

[0077] Here, when option 2-2 is adopted as the method for identifying the second facility, the control unit 230 may execute the first control by assuming the amount of generated power that may be reduced by the second control.

[0078] Third, in the second control, the control unit 230 controls the second device installed in the identified second facility. The second device may include a distributed power source such as the power storage device 120 and the fuel cell device 130, and may also include load devices 140 such as an air conditioner, a heat pump water heater, and a lighting device. In other words, the control unit 230 controls the second device so as to reduce the prediction error of the second plan.

[0079] Here, when option 1-2 is adopted as the method for identifying the first facility, the control unit 230 may execute the second control, assuming the amount of procured power that may be reduced by the first control.

[0080] (Power management method) A power management method according to an embodiment will be described below.

[0081] 8, in step S11, the group of facilities 100 transmits advance planned values to the lower-level management server 200. The advance planned values may include planned values for the power generation of each of the facilities 100, and may also include planned values for the power demand of each of the facilities 100.

[0082] In step S12, the lower management server 200 may aggregate the planned values of each of the facilities 100 and transmit the advance planned value of the facility group 100 to the upper management server 300. The lower management server 200 or the upper management server 300 may transmit the advance planned value of the facility group 100 to the third-party server 400. The advance planned value may include a first advance planned value related to the power generation of the facility group 100, and may include a second advance planned value related to the power procurement of the facility group 100.

[0083] In step S21, when the supply and demand balance of the power system 12 needs to be adjusted, the upper management server 300 transmits an adjustable power request to the lower management server 200 inquiring about the amount of power that can be adjusted by the facility group 100.

[0084] For example, when it is necessary to adjust the supply and demand balance of the power system 12 during a unit period included in the target period, the upper management server 300 may transmit an adjustable power request at a timing before the unit period (for example, at least one hour before the unit period).

[0085] In step S22, the lower management server 200 identifies the first facility and the second facility. The lower management server 200 identifies the amount of power that can be adjusted by the first facility (hereinafter referred to as the first adjustable amount) and the amount of power that can be adjusted by the second facility (hereinafter referred to as the second adjustable amount). The first adjustable amount is the amount of power that can be adjusted for generated power. The second adjustable amount is the amount of power that can be adjusted for procured power.

[0086] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, in step S41, the lower level management server 200 identifies the first facility. The method for identifying the first facility is as described above, and so details thereof will be omitted.

[0087] In step S42, the lower level management server 200 identifies the second facility. The method for identifying the second facility is as described above, and so details thereof will be omitted.

[0088] In step S43, the lower management server 200 identifies a first adjustable amount for the first facility. The first adjustable amount is identified based on the chargeable or dischargeable amount of the power storage device 120 located in the first facility, the increase or decrease margin of the output power of the fuel cell device 130 located in the first facility, and the increase or decrease margin of the power consumption of the load device 140 located in the first facility.

[0089] In step S44, the lower management server 200 identifies a second adjustable amount for the second facility. The second adjustable amount is identified based on the chargeable or dischargeable amount of the power storage device 120 located in the second facility, the increase or decrease margin of the output power of the fuel cell device 130 located in the second facility, and the increase or decrease margin of the power consumption of the load device 140 located in the second facility.

[0090] 8, in step S23, the lower management server 200 transmits an adjustable power response as a response to the adjustable power request to the upper management server 300. The adjustable power response includes a first adjustable amount and a second adjustable amount.

[0091] For example, if it is necessary to adjust the supply and demand balance of the power system 12 during a unit period included in the target period, the lower management server 200 may send an adjustable power response at a timing before the unit period (for example, at least one hour before the unit period).

[0092] In step S24, if the supply and demand balance of the power system 12 needs to be adjusted, the upper management server 300 transmits an adjustment instruction to the lower management server 200 to instruct adjustment of at least one of the procured power and the adjusted power.

[0093] For example, when it is necessary to adjust the supply and demand balance of the power grid 12 in a unit period included in the target period, the upper management server 300 may transmit an adjustment instruction at a timing before the unit period (for example, one hour or more before the unit period). The adjustment instruction may include a first adjustment amount of power, which is determined as an adjustment amount for generated power and has the first adjustable amount as its upper limit. The adjustment instruction may include a second adjustment amount of power, which is determined as an adjustment amount for procured power and has the second adjustable amount as its upper limit.

[0094] In step S25, the lower management server 200 executes the first control and the second control based on the adjustment instruction. The first control and the second control may be considered to be controls executed with a unit period as the smallest unit. For example, the lower management server 200 transmits a control command to the facility group 100.

[0095] 10, in step S51, the lower-level management server 200 identifies the first facility. The method for identifying the first facility is as described above, and therefore the details thereof will be omitted. Note that if the first facility has already been identified in step S41 and there is no need to change the first facility, the processing of step S51 may be omitted.

[0096] In step S52, the lower management server 200 identifies the second facility. The method for identifying the second facility is as described above, and therefore the details thereof will be omitted. Note that if the second facility has already been identified in step S42 and there is no need to change the second facility, the processing of step S52 may be omitted.

[0097] In step S53, the lower-level management server 200 controls the first device installed in the first facility to reduce the prediction error of the first planned value. As described above, when option 2-2 is adopted as the method for identifying the second facility, the lower-level management server 200 may execute the first control by estimating the power generation amount that may be reduced by the second control.

[0098] Note that a corrected first planned value for realizing the first adjustment amount of power may be used as the first planned value. If the first adjustment amount of power is the same as the first adjustable amount, the corrected first planned value for realizing the first adjustable amount may be used as the first planned value.

[0099] In step S54, the lower-level management server 200 controls the second device installed in the second facility to reduce the prediction error of the second planned value. As described above, when option 1-2 is adopted as the method for identifying the first facility, the lower-level management server 200 may execute the second control by estimating the amount of procured power that may be reduced by the second control.

[0100] Note that the second planned value may be a corrected second planned value for realizing the second adjustment amount of power. If the second adjustment amount of power is the same as the second adjustable amount, the second planned value may be a corrected second planned value for realizing the second adjustable amount.

[0101] Returning to FIG. 8, in step S26, the lower-level management server 200 transmits the adjustment result of at least one of the procured power and the adjusted power to the upper-level management server 300 as a response to the adjustment instruction.

[0102] In step S31, the group of facilities 100 transmits the post-event performance values to the lower management server 200. The post-event performance values may include performance values related to the power generated by each of the facilities 100, or may include performance values related to the power procured by each of the facilities 100.

[0103] In step S32, the lower management server 200 may aggregate the post-event performance values of each of the facilities 100 and transmit the post-event performance values of the facility group 100 to the upper management server 300. The lower management server 200 or the upper management server 300 may transmit the post-event performance values of the facility group 100 to the third-party server 400. The post-event performance values may include performance values related to the power generated by the facility group 100, or may include performance values related to the power procured by the facility group 100.

[0104] (Action and effect) In the embodiment, the lower level management server 200 classifies each of the two or more facilities 100 as a first facility or a second facility, and then controls a first device installed in the first facility to reduce a prediction error in a first planned value for power generation, and controls a first device installed in the second facility to reduce a prediction error in a second planned value for power procurement. This makes it possible to appropriately suppress an increase in the imbalance in power procurement due to the first control, or an increase in the imbalance in power generation due to the second control.

[0105] [Change Example 1] Modification 1 of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0106] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the lower management server 200 executes control to reduce the imbalance in generated power (first control) and control to reduce the imbalance in procured power (second control) has been mainly described.

[0107] In contrast to this, in Modification Example 1, a case will be described in which the lower management server 200 executes control to reduce the imbalance in generated power (first control) without executing control to reduce the imbalance in procured power (second control). Although not particularly limited, the control to reduce the imbalance in procured power may be executed by the upper management server 300.

[0108] In the first modification, the lower management server 200 may be considered to be a server managed by the power generation company, and the upper management server 300 may be considered to be a server that provides services to one or more retail companies.

[0109] In this context, the group of facilities 100 managed by the lower-level management server 200 is assumed to be part of the group of facilities managed by the upper-level management server 300. Therefore, if the lower-level management server 200 adjusts the imbalance in the power generation of the group of facilities 100, this may have an impact on the power procurement of the group of facilities managed by the upper-level management server 300.

[0110] In Modification Example 1, taking into account such issues, when Option 1-2 is adopted as the method for identifying the first facility, the lower-level management server 200 may transmit (report) information on the amount of power procurement that may be reduced by the first control to the upper-level management server 300. In such a case, the upper-level management server 300 may be considered to be an example of a supply and demand management device.

[0111] [Change Example 2] Modification 2 of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the lower management server 200 executes control to reduce the imbalance in generated power (first control) and control to reduce the imbalance in procured power (second control) has been mainly described.

[0113] In contrast to this, in Modification Example 2, a case will be described in which the lower management server 200 executes control to reduce the imbalance in procured power (second control) without executing control to reduce the imbalance in generated power (first control). Although not particularly limited, the control to reduce the imbalance in procured power may be executed by the upper management server 300.

[0114] In the second modification, the lower management server 200 may be considered to be a server managed by an electricity retailer, and the upper management server 300 may be considered to be a server that provides services to one or more power generation companies.

[0115] In this context, the group of facilities 100 managed by the lower management server 200 is assumed to be part of the group of facilities managed by the upper management server 300. Therefore, if the lower management server 200 adjusts the imbalance in the power procurement of the group of facilities 100, there is a possibility that the power generation of the group of facilities managed by the upper management server 300 will be affected.

[0116] In Modification Example 2, taking into consideration such a problem, when Option 2-2 is adopted as the method for identifying the second facility, the lower management server 200 may transmit (report) information on the power generation that may be reduced by the second control to the upper management server 300. In such a case, the upper management server 300 may be considered to be an example of a supply and demand management device.

[0117] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the above-mentioned embodiments, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0118] Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, the lower management server 200 and the upper management server 300 may be realized by a single server, and the lower management server 200 and the upper management server 300 may be managed by a single operator.

[0119] Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, the adjustable power request may be a message requesting either adjustable power related to generated power or adjustable power related to procured power. The adjustable power request may include the amount of power adjustment (e.g., 100 kW) requested of the lower level management server 200. The adjustable power request may also include the time to start adjustment (e.g., YYYYMMDDS).

[0120] Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, the adjustable power answer may be a message including either an adjustable power related to generated power or an adjustable power related to procured power. If an adjustable power related to generated power is requested, the adjustable power answer may include an adjustable power related to generated power (e.g., 60 kW). If an adjustable power related to procured power is requested, the adjustable power answer may include an adjustable power related to procured power (e.g., 10 kW). The adjustable power answer may include a time (e.g., YYYYMMDDS) to start the adjustment.

[0121] Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, the adjustment instruction may be a message instructing either the generated power or the procured power. The adjustment instruction may also include the amount of power to be adjusted (e.g., 100 kW) to be instructed to the lower management server 200. The adjustment instruction may also include the time to start the adjustment (e.g., YYYYMMDDS).

[0122] Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, the adjustment result may be a message including an adjustment result for either the generated power or the procured power. When the generated power is adjusted, the adjustment result may include an adjustable power for the generated power (e.g., 60 kW). When the procured power is adjusted, the adjustment result may include an adjustable power for the procured power (e.g., 10 kW). The adjustment result may include a time to start the adjustment (e.g., YYYYMMDDS).

[0123] In the above disclosure, the term "generated power" is mainly used, but "generated power" may also be read as "reverse flow power."

[0124] In the above disclosure, the term "procured power" is mainly used, but "procured power" may also be interpreted as "forward flow power." Procured power may be considered to be a term used for the forward flow power of the facility group 100, and demand power may be considered to be a term used for the forward flow power of each facility 100. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1...power management system, 11...network, 12...power system, 100...facility, 110...solar cell device, 120...power storage device, 130...fuel cell device, 140...load equipment, 160...EMS, 190...measuring device, 200...lower management server, 210...communication unit, 220...management unit, 230...control unit, 300...upper management server, 310...communication unit, 320...management unit, 330...control unit

Claims

1. a management department that manages two or more facilities; an acquisition unit that acquires a first planned value related to backward flow power of the two or more facilities and a second planned value related to forward flow power of the two or more facilities; a control unit that executes first control to reduce a prediction error of the first planned value and second control to reduce a prediction error of the second planned value, the first control includes a procedure of identifying a first facility that contributes to the reverse flow power among the two or more facilities and controlling a first device installed in the identified first facility; the second control includes a procedure of identifying a second facility that contributes to the forward flow power among the two or more facilities, and controlling a second device installed in the identified second facility; The control unit identifying a facility that is planned to generate the forward flow power and that may generate reverse flow power due to an increase in output power of a distributed power source installed in the facility or a decrease in power demand at the facility as the first facility; a power management device that executes the second control by assuming the forward flow power that may be reduced by the first control;

2. A management department that manages two or more facilities; an acquisition unit that acquires a first planned value related to the reverse flow power of the two or more facilities; a control unit that executes first control to reduce a prediction error of the first planned value, the first control includes a procedure of identifying a first facility that contributes to the reverse flow power among the two or more facilities and controlling a first device installed in the identified first facility; The control unit Identifying as the first facility a facility that is planned to generate forward flow power and that may generate reverse flow power due to an increase in output power of a distributed power source installed at the facility or a decrease in power demand at the facility; a power management device that transmits information about the forward flow power that may be reduced by the first control to a supply and demand management device;

3. A management department that manages two or more facilities; an acquisition unit that acquires a first planned value related to backward flow power of the two or more facilities and a second planned value related to forward flow power of the two or more facilities; a control unit that executes first control to reduce a prediction error of the first planned value and second control to reduce a prediction error of the second planned value, the first control includes a procedure of identifying a first facility that contributes to the reverse flow power among the two or more facilities and controlling a first device installed in the identified first facility; the second control includes a procedure of identifying a second facility that contributes to the forward flow power among the two or more facilities, and controlling a second device installed in the identified second facility; The control unit identifying, as the second facility, a facility that is planned to generate the reverse flow power and that may generate forward flow power due to a decrease in output power of a distributed power source installed at the facility; a power management device that executes the first control while assuming the reverse flow power that can be reduced by the second control;

4. A management department that manages two or more facilities; an acquisition unit that acquires a second planned value related to forward flow power of the two or more facilities; a control unit that executes second control to reduce a prediction error of the second planned value, the second control includes a procedure of identifying a second facility that contributes to the forward flow power among the two or more facilities, and controlling a second device installed in the identified second facility; The control unit Identifying as the second facility a facility that is planned to generate reverse flow power and that may generate forward flow power due to a decrease in output power of a distributed power source installed at the facility or an increase in power demand at the facility, a power management device that transmits information about the reverse flow power that can be reduced by the second control to a supply and demand management device;

5. A management department that manages two or more facilities; an acquisition unit that acquires a first planned value related to backward flow power of the two or more facilities and a second planned value related to forward flow power of the two or more facilities; a control unit that executes first control to reduce a prediction error of the first planned value and second control to reduce a prediction error of the second planned value, The control unit executes the second control while assuming the forward flow power that may be reduced due to the backward flow power caused by the first control, or executes the first control while assuming the backward flow power that may be reduced due to the forward flow power caused by the second control.

6. 4. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein the first facility is a facility having a configuration of a distributed power source that is permitted to output the reverse flow power.

7. Step A managing two or more facilities; A step B of acquiring a first planned value related to backward flow power of the two or more facilities and a second planned value related to forward flow power of the two or more facilities; and a step C of executing a first control for reducing a prediction error of the first planned value and a second control for reducing a prediction error of the second planned value, the first control includes a procedure of identifying a first facility that contributes to the reverse flow power among the two or more facilities and controlling a first device installed in the identified first facility; the second control includes a procedure of identifying a second facility that contributes to the forward flow power among the two or more facilities, and controlling a second device installed in the identified second facility; Step C includes: identifying a facility that is planned to generate the forward flow power and that may generate reverse flow power due to an increase in output power of a distributed power source installed in the facility or a decrease in power demand of the facility as the first facility; and executing the second control while assuming the forward flow power that may be reduced by the first control.

8. Step A of managing two or more facilities; Step B: acquiring a first planned value for reverse flow power of the two or more facilities; and a step C of executing a first control to reduce a prediction error of the first planned value, the first control includes a procedure of identifying a first facility that contributes to the reverse flow power among the two or more facilities and controlling a first device installed in the identified first facility; Step C includes: identifying a facility that is planned to generate forward flow power and that may generate reverse flow power due to an increase in output power of a distributed power source installed in the facility or a decrease in power demand at the facility as the first facility; transmitting information about the forward flow power that may be reduced by the first control to a supply and demand management device.

9. Step A of managing two or more facilities; A step B of acquiring a first planned value related to backward flow power of the two or more facilities and a second planned value related to forward flow power of the two or more facilities; and a step C of executing a first control for reducing a prediction error of the first planned value and a second control for reducing a prediction error of the second planned value, the first control includes a procedure of identifying a first facility that contributes to the reverse flow power among the two or more facilities and controlling a first device installed in the identified first facility; the second control includes a procedure of identifying a second facility that contributes to the forward flow power among the two or more facilities, and controlling a second device installed in the identified second facility; Step C includes: identifying, as the second facility, a facility that is planned to generate the reverse flow power and that may generate forward flow power due to a decrease in output power of a distributed power source installed in the facility; and executing the first control while assuming the reverse flow power that can be reduced by the second control.

10. Step A of managing two or more facilities; Step B: acquiring a second planned value for the forward flow power of the two or more facilities; and a step C of executing a second control to reduce a prediction error of the second planned value, the second control includes a procedure of identifying a second facility that contributes to the forward flow power among the two or more facilities, and controlling a second device installed in the identified second facility; Step C includes: identifying a facility that is planned to generate reverse flow power and that may generate forward flow power due to a decrease in output power of a distributed power source installed in the facility or an increase in power demand of the facility as the second facility; transmitting information about the reverse flow power that can be reduced by the second control to a supply and demand management device.

11. Step A of managing two or more facilities; A step B of acquiring a first planned value related to backward flow power of the two or more facilities and a second planned value related to forward flow power of the two or more facilities; and a step C of executing a first control for reducing a prediction error of the first planned value and a second control for reducing a prediction error of the second planned value, The power management method includes a step of performing the second control while assuming the forward flow power that may be reduced due to the backward flow power caused by the first control, or a step of performing the first control while assuming the backward flow power that may be reduced due to the forward flow power caused by the second control.

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