Display System

Abstract

To provide a display system with which power that is used by a plurality of facilities can be properly adjusted in accordance with the schedules and intentions of users of the facilities.SOLUTION: A display system includes power source devices that are installed in a plurality of facilities 20 and can output power, and display devices 7 that are installed in the plurality of facilities 20. A power load device installed in each of the facilities 20 is configured to receive a power supply from the power source device installed in the facility 20 and / or a power system, and includes a transmission unit 31 that transmits an output control command, to the facility 20, for increasing / reducing a power reception point power of the facility 20 during a prescribed control target period. When the output control command is calculated, the display device 7 displays a request message indicating the details of a request concerning power that is used by the facility 20 in which the display device 7 is installed. The request message is generated on the basis of an individual use state which is a power use state in the corresponding facility 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display system including a power supply device that is installed in each of a plurality of facilities and is capable of outputting electric power, and a display device that is installed in each of the facilities. [Background technology]

[0002] In addition to conventional large-scale power plants, power supply devices such as generators and charge / discharge devices installed in facilities such as homes and offices are also connected to the power grid. Power load devices installed in the facilities are also connected to the power grid. Using the power supply devices and power load devices to increase or decrease the power at the facility's receiving point can contribute to balancing the supply and demand of power in the power grid. In recent years, under the concept of a virtual power plant (VPP), attempts have been made to provide functionality equivalent to that of a power plant by controlling the operation of consumer-side energy resources, such as the power supply devices and power load devices installed in consumer facilities. The term "power at the receiving point of a facility" includes both the power received from the power grid to the facility and the reverse power flow from the facility to the power grid.

[0003] Patent Document 1 (JP 2018-125907 A) describes a system that includes power resources installed in multiple facilities and a virtual power generation central unit that can communicate with the multiple power resources. The virtual power generation central unit selects the power resource to be the target of an operation command based on economic efficiency, the degree of impact on consumers, etc. [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] In the system described in Patent Document 1, a virtual central power generation unit controls power resources. Therefore, if the power resources installed in a facility are power load devices such as air conditioners or washing machines, it is possible that the power load devices may operate or become unable to operate against the plans or wishes of the facility users (for example, residents if the facility is a residence).

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a display system that can appropriately adjust power consumption in a plurality of facilities without violating the schedules and intentions of users of each facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A characteristic configuration of a display system according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a display system including a power supply device installed in each of a plurality of facilities and capable of outputting electric power, and a display device installed in each of the facilities, the power supply device includes a power supply unit connected to an electric power grid; a power load device installed in the facility is configured to receive power supply from at least one of the power supply device and the power grid installed in the facility; a transmitting unit that transmits an output control command to the facility to increase or decrease power at a power receiving point of the facility during a predetermined control target period; When the output control command is calculated, the display device displays a request message indicating the request content regarding the power usage in the facility, which is generated based on the individual usage status, which is the power usage status in the facility in which the display device is installed.

[0008] According to the above characteristic configuration, when an output control command for increasing or decreasing the facility's power receiving point power during a specified control period is calculated, a request message regarding power usage is displayed on the display device. Users of the facility where the display device displaying the request message is installed can check the request message and plan their use of the power load devices during the control period based on the content of the request message. Furthermore, the users can adjust their power usage during the control period based on their own will in response to the request message. This makes it possible to adjust power usage during the control period at multiple facilities without violating the schedules and wishes of the users of each facility.

[0009] Furthermore, according to the above characteristic configuration, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the facility for which the request message should be displayed is selected according to the individual usage status, which is the power usage status of each facility. As a result, the request message is displayed on the display device of the appropriate facility. It is also possible to realize a configuration in which the content of the request message is determined according to the individual usage status. As a result, a request message with appropriate content is displayed.

[0010] In this way, by displaying the request message on the display device of the appropriate facility, or by displaying a request message with appropriate content, it is possible to appropriately adjust the power usage in multiple facilities.

[0011] As described above, the above characteristic configuration makes it possible to construct a display system that can appropriately adjust power usage in multiple facilities without violating the schedules and wishes of users of each facility.

[0012] Another characteristic configuration of the display system of the present invention is that when the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined first condition, the display device displays the request message requesting that the power usage be maintained during the control period.

[0013] According to the above characteristic configuration, in response to a request message requesting maintenance of power consumption, users of a facility where a display device displaying the request message is installed maintain their power consumption during the control period, thereby suppressing fluctuations in power consumption at the facility. As a result, the power at the power receiving point during the control period at the facility is more likely to be maintained at an appropriate value.

[0014] Another characteristic configuration of the display system according to the present invention is that the first condition includes the fluctuation range of the power consumption being larger than a predetermined standard, or the number of fluctuations in the power consumption being greater than a predetermined standard.

[0015] According to the above characteristic configuration, a request message requesting that power usage be maintained during a control period is displayed in a facility where the range of power usage fluctuations is relatively large or where the frequency of power usage fluctuations is relatively high. Therefore, a display system can be realized that can display a request message requesting that power usage be maintained in an appropriate facility.

[0016] Another characteristic configuration of the display system of the present invention is that when the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined second condition, the display device displays the request message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period.

[0017] According to the above characteristic configuration, by appropriately setting the second condition, a display system can be realized that can display a request message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period on the display device depending on the situation.

[0018] Another characteristic configuration of the display system of the present invention is that the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for reducing the receiving point power during the control period across all of the multiple facilities, and when the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined second condition, the display device displays the request message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period.

[0019] According to the above characteristic configuration, in response to a request message requesting a reduction in power consumption during the control period, users of a facility where a display device displaying the request message is installed reduce their power consumption, thereby reducing power consumption at the facility. In other words, the power consumption at the power receiving point during the control period at the facility is more likely to decrease.

[0020] Another characteristic feature of the display system according to the present invention is that the second condition includes that the power consumption is higher than a predetermined standard.

[0021] According to the above characteristic configuration, a request message requesting a reduction in power consumption is displayed in a facility that uses a relatively large amount of power. Therefore, a display system can be realized that can display a request message requesting a reduction in power consumption in an appropriate facility.

[0022] Another characteristic configuration of the display system of the present invention is that the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for reducing the power receiving point power during the control period across all of the multiple facilities, and if the individual usage status does not satisfy the second condition, the display device displays the request message requesting that the power usage be maintained during the control period.

[0023] According to the above characteristic configuration, in response to a request message requesting maintenance of power consumption, users of a facility where a display device displaying the request message is installed maintain their power consumption during the control period, thereby suppressing fluctuations in power consumption at the facility. As a result, the power at the power receiving point during the control period at the facility is more likely to be maintained at an appropriate value.

[0024] Another characteristic configuration of the display system of the present invention is that when the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined third condition, the display device displays the request message requesting an increase in power usage during the control period.

[0025] According to the above characteristic configuration, by appropriately setting the third condition, a display system can be realized that can display a request message requesting an increase in power usage during the control period on the display device depending on the situation.

[0026] Another characteristic feature of the display system of the present invention is that the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for increasing the receiving point power during the control period across multiple facilities, and if the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined third condition, the display device displays the request message requesting an increase in power usage during the control period.

[0027] According to the above characteristic configuration, in response to a request message requesting an increase in power consumption, users of a facility where a display device displaying the request message is installed increase their power consumption during the control period, thereby increasing the power consumption at the facility. In other words, the power receiving point power at the facility during the control period is more likely to increase.

[0028] Another characteristic feature of the display system according to the present invention is that the third condition includes that power consumption is less than a predetermined standard.

[0029] According to the above characteristic configuration, a request message requesting an increase in power usage is displayed in a facility with a relatively low power usage, thereby realizing a display system that can display a request message requesting an increase in power usage in an appropriate facility.

[0030] Another characteristic configuration of the display system of the present invention is that the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for increasing the receiving point power during the control period across multiple facilities, and if the individual usage status does not satisfy the third condition, the display device displays the request message requesting that the power usage be maintained during the control period.

[0031] According to the above characteristic configuration, in response to a request message requesting maintenance of power consumption, users of a facility where a display device displaying the request message is installed maintain their power consumption during the control period, thereby suppressing fluctuations in power consumption at the facility. As a result, the power at the power receiving point during the control period at the facility is more likely to be maintained at an appropriate value.

[0032] Another characteristic feature of the display system of the present invention is that the transmitting unit sends the output control command to the facility based on a supply command for adjustment capacity, etc. (i.e., including adjustment capacity provided to electricity transmission and distribution companies and supply capacity provided to retail companies, etc.; the same applies below) from a company that trades electricity in the electricity trading market.

[0033] According to the above characteristic configuration, when each of the plurality of facilities provides its own adjustment capacity, etc. in response to a command to provide adjustment capacity, etc., a request message is displayed on the display device, making it possible to adjust the power usage at the plurality of facilities without going against the schedule or will of the users of each facility. This allows the plurality of facilities to provide adjustment capacity, etc., without going against the schedule or will of the users of each facility.

[0034] Another characteristic configuration of the display system according to the present invention is a management device capable of communicating with the plurality of power supply devices from outside the facility; the management device includes the transmission unit and a display command generation unit that generates the request message based on the output control command and the individual usage status; The transmitting unit transmits the request message generated by the display command generating unit to the display device of the facility.

[0035] According to the above characteristic configuration, there is no need to provide a display command generation unit in each facility, which makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the cost of building a display system increases when there are a relatively large number of facilities and the cost is increased by providing a display command generation unit in each facility. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between facilities, a management device, and an aggregation coordinator. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a facility configuration. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a control period and a non-control period. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration related to display of a request message. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the remote controller displaying a first request message. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the remote controller displaying a second request message. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the remote controller displaying a third request message. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a first control flow. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a second control flow. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a third control flow. [Figure 11] Another embodiment <9> 10 is a flowchart of the fourth control flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between facilities 20 in which fuel cell devices 10 and power load devices 4 are installed, a management device 30, and an aggregation coordinator 40. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the facility 20. The display system includes a fuel cell device 10 installed in each of multiple facilities 20 and capable of outputting power, and a management device 30 that can communicate with the multiple fuel cell devices 10 from a remote location outside the facility 20. Note that the number of management devices 30 and the number of facilities 20 shown in Fig. 1 can be changed as appropriate. The fuel cell device 10 corresponds to the "power supply device" of the present invention. The display system also functions as a power supply management system.

[0038] The management device 30 is a device owned by a business operator. The business operator, also called a resource aggregator, controls the consumer-side energy resources of a facility 20 that has concluded a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) service contract by transmitting control information to the fuel cell device 10 and the power load device 4 as consumer-side energy resources.

[0039] The aggregation coordinator 40 is an operator that aggregates the amount of electricity controlled by each management device 30 and conducts electricity transactions 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.).

[0040] 1 and 2, the management device 30 sequentially collects and stores in chronological order power information from multiple facilities 20, such as the output power of the fuel cell device 10, the load power (power usage, the same applies hereinafter) of the power load devices 4, and the power receiving point power of the power meter 3 at the facilities 20. In this embodiment, the term "load power of the power load devices 4" refers to the total load power of all the power load devices 4 installed in the facility 20. The management device 30 then predicts the power that can be supplied from each facility 20 during a predetermined time period in the future, and transmits this to the aggregation coordinator 40. This supplyable power is the adjustment margin, such as the facility 20's ability to increase or decrease the power receiving point power. In this embodiment, "increasing the power receiving point" means increasing the power received from power system 1 to power line 2, or decreasing the reverse flow power from power line 2 to power system 1, and "decreasing the power receiving point" means decreasing the power received from power system 1 to power line 2, or increasing the reverse flow power from power line 2 to power system 1.

[0041] For example, in order to increase the power receiving point power of the facility 20, it is sufficient to at least either reduce the output power of the fuel cell device 10 or increase the load power of the power load device 4, so the upward adjustment margin when increasing the power receiving point power of the facility 20 indicates how much margin there is for reducing the output power of the fuel cell device 10, and how much margin there is for increasing the load power of the power load device 4. Also, in order to decrease the power receiving point power of the facility 20, it is sufficient to at least either increase the output power of the fuel cell device 10 or decrease the load power of the power load device 4, so the downward adjustment margin when decreasing the power receiving point power of the facility 20 indicates how much margin there is for increasing the output power of the fuel cell device 10, and how much margin there is for decreasing the load power of the power load device 4.

[0042] The management device 30 also determines baseline power receiving point power for the multiple facilities 20 that it manages. This baseline power receiving point power corresponds to the total power receiving point power of each facility 20 predicted when no adjustment capacity or the like is provided from each facility 20.

[0043] The aggregation coordinator 40 aggregates the available power received from each management device 30 and trades power with general electricity transmission and distribution companies and electricity retailers by bidding on electricity trading markets such as the supply and demand adjustment market, the wholesale electricity market, and the capacity market. When the aggregation coordinator 40 receives a supply command for adjustment capacity or the like for a predetermined future control period from the general electricity transmission and distribution company or the electricity retailer with which it has traded, it distributes and transmits the adjustment capacity or the like specified in the supply command to each management device 30.

[0044] When the management device 30 receives a supply command from the aggregation coordinator 40, it distributes and transmits the adjustment capacity and the like specified in the supply command to each facility 20. As a result, in each facility 20, by controlling the fuel cell devices 10 and power load devices 4 as consumer-side energy resources during a predetermined future control period, adjustment capacity and the like are supplied, which increases or decreases the power at the receiving point of the facility 20 compared to when the control is not performed.

[0045] The facility 20 is provided with a fuel cell device 10 as a power supply device, and a power load device 4. The fuel cell device 10 and the power load device 4 are connected to a power line 2 that is linked to an electric power system 1. A power meter 3 that measures the power at the receiving point of the facility 20 is installed on the power line 2. Note that while FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example in which one fuel cell device 10 is installed as a power supply device, the number of installed power supply devices can be changed as appropriate.

[0046] Information about the power receiving point power measured by the power meter 3 is transmitted to the management device 30 via the gateway 5 and the router 6. For example, the information about the power receiving point power is transmitted to the management device 30 at a predetermined timing, such as every 10 seconds.

[0047] The power load device 4 is a variety of devices such as a lighting device, an air conditioner, etc., and can receive power supply from at least one of the fuel cell device 10 installed in the facility 20 and the power system 1.

[0048] In this way, the power load device 4 installed in the facility 20 is configured to receive power supply from at least one of the fuel cell device 10 installed in the facility 20 and the power system 1.

[0049] The fuel cell device 10 includes a fuel cell unit 12 as a power supply unit connected to the power grid 1, a power conversion unit 11 that converts the power generated by the fuel cell unit 12 into a predetermined voltage, frequency, and phase and supplies it to the power line 2, a fuel cell control unit 13 that controls the operation of the fuel cell unit 12 and the power conversion unit 11, and a memory unit 14 that stores information handled by the fuel cell device 10. The fuel cell device 10 may also include a fuel reformer that generates hydrogen, which is the fuel gas for the fuel cell unit 12.

[0050] That is, the fuel cell device 10 includes a fuel cell section 12 that is connected to the power system 1.

[0051] The fuel cell control unit 13 can adjust the output power from the fuel cell device 10 to the power line 2 between a predetermined upper limit output power and a predetermined lower limit output power. For example, the fuel cell control unit 13 can maintain the output power of the fuel cell device 10 at the upper limit output power and operate it continuously. The fuel cell control unit 13 can also operate the fuel cell device 10 so that the output power of the fuel cell device 10 follows the load power of the power load device 4. For example, the fuel cell control unit 13 can operate the fuel cell device 10 so that the output power of the fuel cell device 10 follows the load power of the power load device 4 by adjusting the output power of the fuel cell device 10 so that the power measured by the power measurement unit 8 (i.e., the power supplied from the power grid 1) becomes zero or close to zero. In addition to the load following control, the fuel cell control unit 13 can perform control to increase or decrease the output power of the fuel cell device 10 so that the power at the receiving point of the facility 20 detected by the power meter 3 reaches a predetermined power value.

[0052] The fuel cell control unit 13 has information about the output power supplied from the power conversion unit 11 to the power line 2 and information about the power measured by the power measurement unit 8, and is therefore able to derive the load power (= output power + measured power) of the power load device 4. When the sign of the power measured by the power measurement unit 8 is positive, this means that the load power is greater than the output power of the fuel cell device 10, and when the sign of the power measured by the power measurement unit 8 is negative, this means that the output power of the fuel cell device 10 is greater than the load power.

[0053] The fuel cell device 10 is connected to a remote control 7 (corresponding to the "display device" according to the present invention) that is operated by users of the facilities 20 when issuing commands to the fuel cell device 10. Information about the output power and load power of the fuel cell device 10 is transmitted to the management device 30 via the remote control 7 and router 6. For example, information about the output power and load power of the fuel cell device 10 is transmitted to the management device 30 at a predetermined timing, such as every minute. The remote control 7 is installed in each facility 20.

[0054] In this way, the display system includes the fuel cell device 10 that is installed in each of the plurality of facilities 20 and is capable of outputting electric power, and the remote controller 7 that is installed in each of the facilities 20.

[0055] The management device 30 can transmit output control commands (power receiving point power increase / decrease commands) that determine the output power (individual adjustment capabilities, etc.) of the fuel cell devices 10 to the multiple fuel cell devices 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the output control commands are included in the above-mentioned control information. When the fuel cell device 10 receives an output control command from the management device 30, it operates in a first operation mode that aims to supply output power determined based on the output control command during a control period that is the subject of the output control command, and operates in a second operation mode that is different from the first operation mode during a non-control period that is outside the control period.

[0056] The first operating mode is an operating mode that adjusts the output power of multiple fuel cell devices 10 during the control period on days when output control commands (such as requests to increase or decrease output in the supply and demand adjustment market or commands to activate the capacity market) are expected in the supply and demand adjustment market, wholesale electricity market, or capacity market.

[0057] The second operating mode is an operating mode that is preset in the plurality of fuel cell devices 10. Alternatively, the management device 30 can transmit an operating mode control command that determines the second operating mode to the plurality of fuel cell devices 10, and the fuel cell devices 10 determine the second operating mode in accordance with the operating mode control command received from the management device 30. For example, the second operating mode is an operation that maintains the output power of the fuel cell device 10 at an upper limit output power (rated output operation), an operation that causes the output power of the fuel cell device 10 to follow the load power of the power load device 4 (load following operation), etc.

[0058] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a control period and a non-control period. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the control information (output control command) specifies the period from 12:00 to 15:00 as the control period. Therefore, the fuel cell device 10 operates in the first operation mode during the control period from 12:00 to 15:00, and operates in the second operation mode during the other non-control periods.

[0059] [About displaying request messages] The remote control 7 in this embodiment has a display 71 (see FIG. 5) and a plurality of operation buttons 72 (see FIG. 5). The remote control 7 is configured to be able to display various messages and the like on the display 71. Furthermore, users of the facility 20 can operate the fuel cell device 10 by operating each operation button 72.

[0060] The following describes the display of the request message on the display 71. The request message is a message indicating the content of a request regarding the power usage in the facility 20 where the remote control 7 is installed. The power usage is the power consumed by the power load device 4, and is equivalent to the load power described above.

[0061] 4 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration related to the display of a request message. As shown in FIG. 4, the management device 30 has a facility communication unit 31 (corresponding to the "transmission unit" according to the present invention), an output control command calculation unit 32, a display command generation unit 33, and an information storage unit 34.

[0062] The facility communication unit 31 is connected to the router 6 of each facility 20 via, for example, an internet line. This allows the management device 30 to communicate with each facility 20 via the facility communication unit 31.

[0063] 4 shows two facilities 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. The number of facilities 20 with which the management device 30 can communicate may be three or more.

[0064] The output control command calculation unit 32 is configured to calculate the above-mentioned output control command. The output control command calculation unit 32 sends the calculated output control command to the facility 20 via the facility communication unit 31. When the output power of the fuel cell device 10 changes due to the output control command, the power receiving point power of the facility 20 changes. In other words, the output control command is a command to increase or decrease the power receiving point power of the facility 20. In this way, the display system includes the facility communication unit 31 that sends the output control command, which is a command to increase or decrease the power receiving point power of the facility 20, to the facility 20. The output control command calculation unit 32 calculates the output control command based on information (supply command) input by the aggregation coordinator 40.

[0065] More specifically, when the management device 30 receives a supply command from the aggregation coordinator 40, the output control command calculation unit 32 calculates an output control command based on the supply command. Note that, when it is necessary to increase the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities 20 in consideration of the supply command and fluctuations in the load power of the power load devices 4, the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for increasing the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities 20. Specifically, the calculation may be a calculation for increasing the power consumption across the multiple facilities 20, or a calculation for reducing the power supply from the multiple facilities 20. Note that, when it is necessary to decrease the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities 20 in consideration of the supply command and fluctuations in the load power of the power load devices 4, the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for decreasing the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities 20. Specifically, this calculation may be a calculation for reducing the power consumption of the multiple facilities 20 as a whole, or a calculation for increasing the power supply from the multiple facilities 20 as a whole. Furthermore, in cases where it is necessary to maintain the power receiving point power during the control target period across the multiple facilities 20 in consideration of the supply command and fluctuations in the load power of the power load device 4, the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for maintaining the power receiving point power during the control target period across the multiple facilities 20. Specifically, this calculation may be a calculation for maintaining the power consumption of the multiple facilities 20 as a whole, or a calculation for maintaining the power supply from the multiple facilities 20 as a whole.

[0066] The supply command from the aggregation coordinator 40 is a specific example of a supply command for adjustment capacity, etc. from a business operator that trades electricity in the electricity trading market.

[0067] The calculated output control command is sent from the output control command calculation unit 32 to the facility communication unit 31. Then, the facility communication unit 31 sends the output control command to the facility 20 to which the output control command is to be sent.

[0068] 4, an output control command is sent to a first facility 20a among the multiple facilities 20. Furthermore, an output control command is not sent to a second facility 20b among the multiple facilities 20. Note that there may be cases where an output control command is not sent to any of the facilities 20.

[0069] With the configuration described above, the facility communication unit 31 sends an output control command to the facility 20 based on a supply command for adjustment capacity, etc. from a business operator that trades electricity in the electricity trading market. When an output control command is calculated, the output control command calculation unit 32 sends the calculation result of the output control command, etc. to the display command generation unit 33.

[0070] 4, information about the power receiving point power measured by the power meter 3 in each facility 20 is sent to the facility communication unit 31 via the gateway 5 and the router 6. The information may be, for example, the value of the power receiving point power measured by the power meter 3 every minute.

[0071] When the facility communication unit 31 receives information about the power receiving point power, it stores the information in the information storage unit 34. With this configuration, information indicating the history of the power receiving point power in each facility 20 is accumulated in the information storage unit 34.

[0072] As described above, the management device 30 acquires the output power of each of the multiple fuel cell devices 10, and when the facility communication unit 31 receives this output power, it stores this information in the information storage unit 34. With this configuration, information indicating the history of the output power of the fuel cell devices 10 in each facility 20 is accumulated in the information storage unit 34. The management device 30 can transmit output control commands that determine the output power of the fuel cell devices 10 to the multiple fuel cell devices 10. The management device 30 also derives the history of the output power of each fuel cell device 10 based on the history of these output control commands. This history is stored in the information storage unit 34.

[0073] The information storage unit 34 generates information indicating the individual usage status of each facility 20 based on the history of power received at each facility 20 and the history of power output from each fuel cell device 10. Note that if the information storage unit 34 acquires and stores the load power (power usage) of each facility 20 from each fuel cell device 10 via the remote control 7 and the router 6, it may generate information indicating the individual usage status of each facility 20 based on the load power (power usage). The individual usage status refers to the power usage status of the power load device 4 of the facility 20. Furthermore, the information indicating the individual usage status is generated for each facility 20.

[0074] For example, if a certain facility 20 is supplying 300 watts to the power grid 1 at a certain time, and the output power of the fuel cell device 10 of the facility 20 at that time is 700 watts, then 400 watts is being used at that time in the facility 20. In this case, the information indicating the individual usage status corresponding to the facility 20 includes information indicating that 400 watts was being used at that time.

[0075] In addition, the individual usage status may be the current electricity usage status in facility 20, the electricity usage status in facility 20 at any point in the past, or a chronological history of electricity usage in facility 20.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 4 , the display command generation unit 33 acquires information indicating individual usage conditions from the information storage unit 34. Then, when an output control command is calculated, the display command generation unit 33 generates a display command for each facility 20 based on the individual usage conditions. The display command is a command for displaying a request message on the display 71 of the remote control 7. The request message is a message indicating the request content regarding the power usage in the facility 20. The request message is included in the display command. In other words, the request message is generated based on the individual usage conditions. The generated display command is sent via the facility communication unit 31 to the router 6 of the facility 20 corresponding to the display command. The router 6 sends the display command to the remote control 7. In other words, the facility communication unit 31 transmits the request message generated by the display command generation unit 33 to the remote control 7 of the facility 20.

[0077] 4, when the multiple facilities 20 include a first facility 20a and a second facility 20b, the display command generator 33 generates a display command for the first facility 20a based on the individual usage status of the first facility 20a. The display command is sent to the remote controller 7 of the first facility 20a.

[0078] In this case, the display command generator 33 generates a display command for the second facility 20b based on the individual usage status of the second facility 20b. The display command is sent to the remote controller 7 of the second facility 20b. That is, in this embodiment, the display command is sent not only to the facility 20 to which the output control command has been sent, but also to the facility 20 to which the output control command has not been sent.

[0079] When the remote control 7 receives the display command, it displays a request message on the display 71 in accordance with the display command.

[0080] As described above, the display command is generated based on the individual usage situation, that is, the remote control 7 displays the request message based on the individual usage situation.

[0081] In this way, when the remote control 7 calculates an output control command, it displays a request message indicating the request content regarding the power usage in the facility 20 based on the individual usage status, which is the power usage status in the facility 20 in which the remote control 7 is installed. The display command generation unit 33 may generate a display command for each facility 20 based on the individual usage status when calculating the output control command (before sending the output control command). In this case, the generated display command may be configured to be sent to the remote control 7 via the facility communication unit 31 and the router 6 together with the output control command.

[0082] In this embodiment, there are three types of display commands: a first display command, a second display command, and a third display command. Upon receiving the first display command, the remote control 7 displays a first request message on the display 71, as shown in FIG. 5. The first request message is a message requesting that the power usage be maintained during the control target period. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first request message displayed on the display 71 reads, "Please do not make any major changes to the power usage between 12:00 and 15:00."

[0083] Users of the facility 20 where the remote controller 7 displaying the first request message is installed refrain from, for example, powering on or off the power load device 4, changing settings, etc., during the control target period.

[0084] Upon receiving the second display command, the remote control 7 displays a second request message on the display 71, as shown in Fig. 6. The second request message is a message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control target period. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the second request message displayed on the display 71 reads, "Please reduce power usage between 12:00 and 15:00."

[0085] Users of the facility 20 where the remote control 7 displaying the second request message is installed may, for example, turn off the power of the power load device 4 or change settings to reduce power consumption during the control period.

[0086] Upon receiving the third display command, the remote control 7 displays a third request message on the display 71, as shown in Fig. 7. The third request message is a message requesting an increase in power usage during the control target period. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the third request message displayed on the display 71 reads, "Please increase power usage between 12:00 and 15:00."

[0087] A user of the facility 20 where the remote control 7 displaying the third request message is installed may, for example, turn on the power of the power load device 4 during the control period, or increase the amount of power used by changing settings, etc.

[0088] [About choosing a facility] The display command generation unit 33 is configured to send a display command to the remote control 7 of each facility 20 in accordance with a first control flow shown in Fig. 8, a second control flow shown in Fig. 9, and a third control flow shown in Fig. 10. These control flows result in the selection of a facility 20 to which a display command is to be sent from among the multiple facilities 20. Furthermore, these control flows result in the determination of the content of a request message to be displayed on the remote control 7 of each facility 20.

[0089] These control flows are described below. These control flows are executed for each of the multiple facilities 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, if the multiple facilities 20 include a first facility 20a and a second facility 20b, these control flows are executed for the first facility 20a, and then these control flows are executed for the second facility 20b.

[0090] In the first control flow shown in Fig. 8, the process of step S1 is first executed. In step S1, it is determined whether or not an output control command has been calculated.

[0091] If the output control command has not been calculated, the determination in step S1 is No, and this control flow ends. On the other hand, if the output control command has been calculated, the determination in step S1 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S2.

[0092] In step S2, it is determined whether the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined first condition. In this embodiment, the first condition is that "a fluctuation in power usage of a predetermined power or more has occurred three or more times within the past 30 minutes (a fluctuation in power usage of a predetermined power or more within a predetermined time period shorter than 30 minutes)." In this configuration, for example, if there is a change in power usage of 300 watts or more in one minute, it may be determined that a fluctuation in power usage has occurred once.

[0093] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first condition may include other conditions, or may not include the condition that "a fluctuation in power usage of a predetermined power or more has occurred three or more times within the most recent past 30 minutes." For example, the first condition may include that the fluctuation range in power usage is greater than a predetermined standard (e.g., 300 watts), or that the number of fluctuations in power usage is greater than a predetermined standard (e.g., three times).

[0094] If the individual usage status does not satisfy the first condition, the determination in step S2 is No, and this control flow ends. On the other hand, if the individual usage status satisfies the first condition, the determination in step S2 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S3.

[0095] In step S3, the display command generation unit 33 issues a command to display the first request message. Specifically, the display command generation unit 33 sends a first display command to the remote control 7 of the facility 20. As a result, the first request message as shown in Fig. 5 is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7. Thereafter, this control flow ends.

[0096] In this way, when the individual usage status satisfies the predetermined first condition, the remote control 7 displays a request message requesting that the power usage be maintained during the control target period.

[0097] 9, first, the process of step S4 is executed. In step S4, it is determined whether the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for reducing the power receiving point power in the control target period across the multiple facilities 20.

[0098] If the calculation of the output control command is not a calculation for reducing the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities 20, the result in step S4 is determined as No, and the control flow ends. On the other hand, if the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for reducing the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities 20, the result in step S4 is determined as Yes, and the process proceeds to step S5.

[0099] In step S5, it is determined whether the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined second condition. In this embodiment, the second condition is that the current and past (predetermined period of time) power usage is higher than a predetermined standard. More specifically, the second condition is that "the current power usage is 300 watts or more, and the average power usage over the most recent 30 minutes is 200 watts or more."

[0100] Thus, the second condition includes the power consumption being higher than a predetermined standard.

[0101] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second condition may include other conditions, or may not include the condition that "the current power usage is equal to or greater than a predetermined power (e.g., 300 watts), and the average value of the power usage over the most recent 30 minutes is equal to or greater than a predetermined power (e.g., 200 watts)". For example, the second condition may be simply "the current power usage is equal to or greater than a predetermined power (e.g., 300 watts)", or "the average value of the power usage over the most recent 30 minutes is equal to or greater than a predetermined power (e.g., 200 watts)".

[0102] If the individual usage status satisfies the second condition, step S5 is judged as Yes and the process proceeds to step S6. If the individual usage status does not satisfy the second condition, step S5 is judged as No and the process proceeds to step S7.

[0103] In step S6, the display command generation unit 33 issues a command to display the second request message. Specifically, the display command generation unit 33 sends a second display command to the remote control 7 of the facility 20. As a result, the second request message as shown in Fig. 6 is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7. Thereafter, this control flow ends.

[0104] In this way, when the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for reducing the power receiving point power during a predetermined control period across the multiple facilities 20, and the individual usage status satisfies the predetermined second condition, the remote controller 7 displays a request message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period. In other words, the display command is generated based on the calculation of the output control command and the individual usage status.

[0105] In step S7, the display command generation unit 33 issues a command to display the first request message. Specifically, the display command generation unit 33 sends the first display command to the remote control 7 of the facility 20. As a result, the first request message as shown in Fig. 5 is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7. Thereafter, this control flow ends.

[0106] In this way, when the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for reducing the power receiving point power during a predetermined control period for all of the facilities 20, and the individual usage status does not satisfy the second condition, the remote controller 7 displays a request message requesting that the power usage during the control period be maintained. In other words, the display command is generated based on the calculation of the output control command and the individual usage status.

[0107] 10, first, the process of step S8 is executed. In step S8, it is determined whether the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for increasing the power receiving point power in the control target period across the multiple facilities 20.

[0108] If the calculation of the output control command is not a calculation for increasing the power receiving point power during the control period for the entire plurality of facilities 20, the determination in step S8 is No, and this control flow ends. On the other hand, if the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for increasing the power receiving point power during the control period for the entire plurality of facilities 20, the determination in step S8 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S9.

[0109] In step S9, it is determined whether the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined third condition. In this embodiment, the third condition is that the current and past (predetermined past period) power usage is less than a predetermined standard. More specifically, the third condition is that "the current power usage is less than 300 watts, and the average power usage over the most recent 30 minutes is 400 watts or less."

[0110] Thus, the third condition includes that the power consumption is less than a predetermined standard.

[0111] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the third condition may include other conditions, or may not include the condition that "the current power usage is less than a predetermined power (e.g., 300 watts) and the average value of the power usage over the most recent 30 minutes is less than or equal to a predetermined power (e.g., 400 watts)". For example, the third condition may be only "the current power usage is less than a predetermined power (e.g., 300 watts)" or "the average value of the power usage over the most recent 30 minutes is less than or equal to a predetermined power (e.g., 400 watts)".

[0112] If the individual usage status satisfies the third condition, step S9 is judged as Yes, and the process proceeds to step S10. If the individual usage status does not satisfy the third condition, step S9 is judged as No, and the process proceeds to step S11.

[0113] In step S10, the display command generation unit 33 issues a command to display a third request message. Specifically, the display command generation unit 33 sends a third display command to the remote control 7 of the facility 20. As a result, the third request message as shown in Fig. 7 is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7. Thereafter, this control flow ends.

[0114] In this way, when the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for increasing the power receiving point power during a predetermined control period across the multiple facilities 20, and the individual usage status satisfies the predetermined third condition, the remote controller 7 displays a request message requesting an increase in power usage during the control period. In other words, the display command is generated based on the calculation of the output control command and the individual usage status.

[0115] In step S11, the display command generation unit 33 issues a command to display a first request message. Specifically, the display command generation unit 33 sends a first display command to the remote control 7 of the facility 20. As a result, the first request message as shown in Fig. 5 is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7. Thereafter, this control flow ends.

[0116] In this way, when the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for increasing the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities 20, and the individual usage status does not satisfy the third condition, the remote controller 7 displays a request message requesting that the power usage during the control period be maintained. In other words, the display command is generated based on the calculation of the output control command and the individual usage status.

[0117] Depending on the contents of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition, it is expected that two or more of these conditions will be satisfied. In such a case, for example, a priority order may be established among the first display command, the second display command, and the third display command. That is, for example, when a certain facility 20 satisfies the first condition and the second condition, the second display command may be preferentially sent to the facility 20, and the first display command may not be sent to the facility 20. Furthermore, the contents of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition may be determined so that two or more of these conditions will not be satisfied.

[0118] Furthermore, the content of the request message may or may not include a word indicating the control target period.

[0119] The request message may be continuously displayed on the display 71 from a predetermined start timing to a predetermined end timing. In this case, the start timing may be, for example, the start time of the controlled period or a time a predetermined time before the start time of the controlled period. The end timing may be, for example, the end time of the controlled period.

[0120] Furthermore, the determinations in steps S2, S5, and S9 described above may be made, for example, at the start time of the controlled period, or at a time a predetermined time before the start time of the controlled period.

[0121] <Another embodiment> <1> In the above embodiment, a specific example of the configuration of the display 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 fuel cell unit 12 is provided as the power supply unit of the power supply device, 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 display 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.

[0122] <2> In the above embodiment, specific numerical values ​​for the output power, load power, power receiving point power, length of the control target period, etc. are given as examples, but these numerical values ​​are given for illustrative purposes and can be changed as appropriate.

[0123] <3> The output control command may be calculated based on information input by the business operator that owns the management device 30, or may be the information input by the business operator that owns the management device 30 itself.

[0124] <4> In the above embodiment, the output control command is input or calculated based on a supply command to supply adjustment power, etc. for power trading in the electricity trading market, and the first operating mode is described as an operating mode that adjusts the output power of multiple fuel cell devices 10 during the control target period on the day when the output control command is expected, but it can also be changed as follows. For example, the output control command may be a command for adjusting the balance between supply and demand of electricity among multiple facilities 20 owned by a business operator, or a command issued when there is a power shortage in a predetermined area (for example, an entire prefecture) to resolve the power shortage. In this case, for example, the first operation mode may be an operation mode that adjusts at least one of the output power of multiple fuel cell devices 10 and the power usage of the power load device 4 during the control period on the day when the output control command is expected. In other words, the output control command for increasing or decreasing the power receiving point of the facility 20 may include only a demand response command for adjusting (increasing or decreasing) only the power usage of the power load device 4, or may include the demand response command and a command for adjusting (increasing or decreasing) the output power of the fuel cell device 10.

[0125] <5> The display command generation unit 33 may be configured to calculate a predicted value of power usage in the facility 20 during the control period based on the individual usage status of the facility 20. Furthermore, the facility 20 to which the display command is to be sent may be selected based on the predicted value, and the content of the request message to be displayed on the remote control 7 of each facility 20 may be determined.

[0126] <6> One display command generating unit 33 may be provided in each facility 20. For example, the remote control 7 may include the display command generating unit 33.

[0127] <7> In the above embodiment, the display command generating unit 33 that generates the display command is provided in the management device 30, but a functional unit that generates the display command may also be configured to be provided in the facility 20. For example, the display command may be generated using individual usage conditions related to the power usage of the power load device 4 that are stored in a memory unit (not shown) of the remote control 7 or in a memory unit 14 of the fuel cell device 10. In this case, a display command is generated based on the output control command sent from the management device 30 to the remote control 7 and the individual usage conditions stored on the facility 20 side, and the display command is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7.

[0128] <8> In the above embodiment, whether or not an output control command has been calculated is determined in step S1 shown in Fig. 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in step S1, after the output control command has been calculated, whether or not the output control command has been sent to at least one facility 20 may be determined, or whether or not preparations for sending the output control command to at least one facility 20 have been completed may be determined.

[0129] <9> The display command generation unit 33 may be configured to send a display command to the remote controller 7 of each facility 20 in accordance with the fourth control flow shown in Fig. 11. In this case, for example, the second control flow shown in Fig. 9 and the third control flow shown in Fig. 10 may not be executed. In the fourth control flow shown in Fig. 11, first, the process of step S12 is executed. In step S12, it is determined whether or not an output control command has been calculated. If the output control command has not been calculated, the determination in step S12 is No, and this control flow ends. On the other hand, if the output control command has been calculated, the determination in step S12 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, it is determined whether the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined second condition. The second condition may be the same as or different from the above embodiment. If the individual usage status satisfies the second condition, step S13 is determined as Yes, and the process proceeds to step S14. If the individual usage status does not satisfy the second condition, step S13 is determined as No, and the process proceeds to step S15. In step S14, the display command generation unit 33 issues a command to display the second request message. Specifically, the display command generation unit 33 sends the second display command to the remote control 7 of the facility 20. As a result, the second request message as shown in Fig. 6 is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7. Thereafter, this control flow ends. In other words, in this configuration, regardless of whether the calculation of the output control command is a calculation to reduce the power receiving point power during the control period across multiple facilities 20 as a whole, if the individual usage situation satisfies a predetermined second condition, the remote control 7 displays a request message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period. In step S15, it is determined whether the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined third condition. The third condition may be the same as or different from the above embodiment. If the individual usage status satisfies the third condition, step S15 is determined as Yes, and the process proceeds to step S16. If the individual usage status does not satisfy the third condition, step S15 is determined as No, and this control flow ends. In step S16, the display command generation unit 33 issues a command to display the third request message. Specifically, the display command generation unit 33 sends a third display command to the remote control 7 of the facility 20. As a result, the third request message as shown in Fig. 7 is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7. Thereafter, this control flow ends. In other words, in this configuration, regardless of whether the calculation of the output control command is a calculation to increase the receiving point power during the control period across multiple facilities 20 as a whole, if the individual usage situation satisfies a predetermined third condition, the remote control 7 displays a request message requesting an increase in power usage during the control period. 11 , steps S15 and S16 may not be included. In such a configuration, the control flow may be terminated if step S13 is determined to be No, or the display command generation unit 33 may send a first display command to the remote control 7 if step S13 is determined to be No, or the request message may not be displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7 if step S13 is determined to be No. Alternatively, steps S13 and S14 may not be included, and the process may proceed to step S15 if step S12 is determined to be Yes. In such a configuration, the control flow may be terminated if step S15 is determined to be No, or the display command generation unit 33 may send a first display command to the remote control 7 if step S15 is determined to be No, or the request message may not be displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7 if step S15 is determined to be No.

[0130] <10> The configurations disclosed in the above embodiments (including other 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 of not departing from the purpose of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0131] The present invention can be used in a display system that includes a power supply device that is installed in each of a plurality of facilities and is capable of outputting power, and a display device that is installed in each of the facilities. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1 Power system 2. Power lines 3. Electricity meter 4 Power load device 5 Gateway 6. Router 7 Remote control (display device) 8 Power measurement section 10 Fuel cell device (power supply device) 11 Power conversion section 12 Fuel cell section (power supply section) 13 Fuel cell control unit 14 Storage section 20 facilities 20a Facility 1 20b Second Facility 30 Management device 31 Facility Communication Unit (Transmitter) 32 Output control command calculation unit 33 Display command generation section 34 Information storage section 40 Aggregation Coordinator 71 Display 72 Operation buttons

Claims

1. A display system including a power supply device installed in each of a plurality of facilities and capable of outputting electric power, and a display device installed in each of the facilities, the power supply device includes a power supply unit connected to an electric power grid; a power load device installed in the facility is configured to receive power supply from at least one of the power supply device and the power grid installed in the facility; a transmitting unit that transmits an output control command to the facility to increase or decrease power at a power receiving point of the facility during a predetermined control target period; When the output control command is calculated, the display device displays a request message indicating the request content regarding the power usage in the facility, which is generated based on individual usage conditions, which are the power usage conditions in the facility in which the display device is installed.

2. The display system according to claim 1 , wherein, when the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined first condition, the display device displays the request message requesting that the power usage be maintained during the control target period.

3. 3. The display system according to claim 2, wherein the first condition includes a condition that the fluctuation range of power consumption is larger than a predetermined standard, or a condition that the number of fluctuations in power consumption is larger than a predetermined standard.

4. A display system described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined second condition, the display device displays the request message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period.

5. A display system described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for reducing the receiving point power during the control period across multiple facilities, and when the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined second condition, the display device displays the request message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period.

6. 6. The display system according to claim 4, wherein the second condition includes that the power consumption is higher than a predetermined standard.

7. A display system described in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein if the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for reducing the receiving point power during the control period across all of the multiple facilities and the individual usage status does not satisfy the second condition, the display device displays the request message requesting that the power usage during the control period be maintained.

8. A display system described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined third condition, the display device displays the request message requesting an increase in power usage during the control period.

9. A display system described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for increasing the receiving point power during the control period across all of the multiple facilities and the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined third condition, the display device displays the request message requesting an increase in power usage during the control period.

10. 10. The display system according to claim 8, wherein the third condition includes that power consumption is less than a predetermined standard.

11. A display system described in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein if the calculation of the output control command is a calculation to increase the receiving point power during the control period across all of the multiple facilities and the individual usage status does not satisfy the third condition, the display device displays the request message requesting that the power usage during the control period be maintained.

12. The display system according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitting unit transmits the output control command to the facility based on a supply command of adjustment power from a business operator that trades electricity in an electricity trading market.

13. a management device capable of communicating with the plurality of power supply devices from outside the facility; the management device includes the transmission unit and a display command generation unit that generates the request message based on the output control command and the individual usage status; The display system according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission unit transmits the request message generated by the display command generation unit to the display device of the facility.

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