Power management device

Abstract

To appropriately manage power supply amounts of distribution type power sources possessed by respective users in accordance with respective demand responses.SOLUTION: A power management device manages supply of power to a power system from a plurality of distribution type power sources possessed by a plurality of users, and includes: a prediction unit that predicts a total power use amount in all the plurality of users; a setting unit that calculates a total required power amount required by all the plurality of distribution type power sources based on requested amounts of power in accordance with demand responses and the total power use amount, and distributes the total required power amount to the plurality of distribution type power sources within a range not exceeding a maximum power amount that each of the plurality of distribution type power sources can output, thereby setting target power amounts that should be output from the plurality of distribution type power sources, respectively; and an output unit that outputs the target power amounts to control devices of corresponding distribution type power sources, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification discloses a power management apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a power system control system has been proposed that calculates a demand forecast value for the entire power system and a supply plan value for the entire power system, distributes the difference between the demand forecast value and the supply plan value to control objects (devices owned by consumers) installed in the distribution system based on a cost optimization method, and outputs a control amount based on the obtained distribution amount to the control objects (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Furthermore, a power management device that performs power management for multiple consumer facilities each equipped with a distributed power source has been proposed that controls the amount of reverse power output from the distributed power sources of the multiple consumer facilities so that it is uniform (see, for example, Patent Document 2). This power management device is said to be able to suppress unfairness in the benefits enjoyed by consumers corresponding to the consumer facilities due to reverse power flow, thereby suppressing unfairness in the benefits among consumers regarding reverse power flow. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-143835 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-7364 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to appropriately control the amount of power supply from distributed power sources owned by multiple consumers in response to demand response, it is necessary to predict in advance each consumer's power usage and each distributed power source's power supply upper limit at the time of demand response execution, then select distributed power sources that can supply power (have surplus power) and set and instruct an appropriate power supply amount for each distributed power source.However, because it is difficult to accurately predict each consumer's power usage, a new method was needed to appropriately select distributed power sources that can supply power and to appropriately calculate the target power supply amount for each distributed power source.

[0006] The main purpose of the power management device of the present disclosure is to appropriately manage the amount of power supply from distributed power sources owned by each consumer in accordance with demand response. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The power management device of the present disclosure employs the following means to achieve the above-mentioned main object.

[0008] The power management device of the present disclosure comprises: A power management device that manages power supply from a plurality of distributed power sources owned by a plurality of consumers to a power grid, a prediction unit that predicts a total amount of power usage across a plurality of consumers; a setting unit that calculates a total required amount of power required by a plurality of distributed power sources as a whole based on the amount of power requested in response to demand response and the total amount of power usage, and sets a target amount of power to be output from each of the plurality of distributed power sources by distributing the total required amount of power to the plurality of distributed power sources within a range that does not exceed the maximum amount of power that each of the plurality of distributed power sources can output; an output unit that outputs the target power amount set by the setting unit to a control device of a corresponding distributed power source; The gist of the project is to provide the following:

[0009] Compared to forecasting the power consumption of multiple consumers individually, forecasting the total power consumption of all consumers (a consumer group) can reduce the variance from the actual value, and if the power consumption of the consumer group is as predicted, the target amount of power can be appropriately produced. This is because if the total power consumption of a consumer group is as predicted, even if the power consumption of one consumer is high, the power consumption of another consumer will be low by that amount, and the power consumption of the group as a whole will not change. Therefore, by forecasting the total power consumption of a consumer group, calculating the total amount of power required by multiple distributed power sources based on the power supply demand and total power consumption, and then distributing the total amount of power required among the multiple distributed power sources, it is possible to respond appropriately to demand response.

[0010] In the power management device according to the present disclosure, when the demand response is a request to reduce the amount of demand (so-called downward DR), the setting unit may calculate the total required amount of power by adding the requested amount to the total amount of power consumption. In this way, it is possible to appropriately respond to the request to reduce the amount of demand.

[0011] In the power management device according to the present disclosure, when the demand response is a request to increase the amount of demand (so-called "upward DR"), the setting unit may calculate the total required amount of power by subtracting the requested amount from the total amount of power consumption. This makes it possible to appropriately respond to the request to increase the amount of demand.

[0012] Furthermore, in the power management device disclosed herein, the setting unit may set the distributed power amount obtained by evenly distributing the total required amount of power to a plurality of distributed power sources as the target power amount for each of the plurality of distributed power sources, and if the distributed power amount for any of the plurality of distributed power sources exceeds the maximum power amount, set the target power amount for that distributed power source as the maximum power amount for that distributed power source, and may also set the target power amount for each of the remaining distributed power sources as the target power amount for each of the remaining distributed power sources. This makes it possible to ensure fairness in profits related to power sales among a plurality of consumers.

[0013] Alternatively, in the power management device of the present disclosure, the multiple distributed power sources may have higher power generation efficiency as the amount of power generated increases, and the setting unit may set the target power amount for each of the multiple distributed power sources by distributing the total required power up to the maximum power amount, giving priority to the multiple distributed power sources with the largest maximum power amount. In this way, it is possible to maximize the economic benefit of the multiple distributed power sources as a whole.

[0014] Furthermore, in the power management device of the present disclosure, when the demand response is executed, the setting unit may acquire actual values ​​including the amount of power output from each of the plurality of distributed power sources, and based on the acquired actual values, set a feedback command so that the actual amount of the demand response matches the requested amount of the demand response, and output the feedback command to the control device of the corresponding distributed power source. In this way, it is possible to more accurately match the requested amount of demand response. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an aggregation system. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a power generation amount management process during downward DR. [Figure 3]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power generation amount plan value setting process. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how a power generation amount plan value is set in response to a request for a downward DR. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how a power generation amount plan value is set in response to a request for a downward DR. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how a power generation amount plan value is set in response to a request for a downward DR. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how a power generation amount plan value is set in response to a request for a downward DR. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a power generation amount management process (first half) during upward DR. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a power generation amount management process (second half) during upward DR. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an aggregation system 10. The aggregation system 10 adjusts the balance between supply and demand of electricity by remotely controlling distributed power generation systems owned by consumers such as residences and businesses, and includes a supply and demand management server 11 installed by an electric power company, and a power management device 20 according to the present embodiment that is connected to the supply and demand management server 11 and is also connected via a network 12 to distributed power generation systems owned by consumers (residences) that have concluded demand response contracts.

[0018] Examples of the distributed power supply system include a fuel cell system 30, a solar power generation system, a storage battery system, etc. Below, a case where a fuel cell system 30 is installed as a distributed power supply system in a consumer area will be described.

[0019] The fuel cell system 30 is configured with a fuel cell module 31, which includes a fuel cell stack that generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between anode gas and cathode gas, a reformer that steam-reforms a raw gas (e.g., natural gas or LP gas) to produce anode gas, and an evaporator that evaporates reforming water and supplies it to the reformer; a gas pump that supplies raw fuel gas to the reformer; a water pump that supplies reforming water to the evaporator; an air blower that supplies air as cathode gas to the fuel cell stack; and a power conditioner (DC / DC converter and inverter) connected to the output terminal of the fuel cell stack. The output terminal of the power conditioner is connected to the power grid 1 via a relay, and the fuel cell system 30 is interconnected with the power grid 1 to supply power to loads (electrical appliances) in the residence. The fuel cell system 30 is also permitted to have a reverse power flow with respect to the power grid 1, and supplies surplus power generated by the fuel cell stack to the power grid 1.

[0020] The control device 32 of the fuel cell system 30 is configured as a microprocessor centered around a CPU, and in addition to the CPU, is equipped with ROM, RAM, an RTC (Real Time Clock), input / output ports, etc. Detection signals from various sensors required for operation of the fuel cell system 30 (e.g., a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the fuel cell stack, a flow rate sensor for detecting the supply amount of raw fuel gas, etc.) are input to the control device 32 via an input port. On the other hand, drive signals are output from the control device 32 to various auxiliary devices required for operation of the fuel cell system 30 (e.g., a gas pump, a water pump, an air blower, etc.) via an output port.

[0021] The control device 32 of the fuel cell system 30 controls the supply amounts of raw fuel gas, reforming water, and air so that the fuel cell stack generates electricity at an amount corresponding to the required power generation amount required for the system. The control of the raw fuel gas supply amount is performed by setting a current command based on the required power generation amount, setting a target gas flow rate so that a current corresponding to the set current command is output from the fuel cell stack and the fuel utilization factor Uf matches the target utilization factor, and controlling the gas pump so that the gas flow rate detected by the flow sensor matches the set target gas flow rate. The fuel utilization factor Uf is the ratio (%) of the amount of anode gas used for power generation to the amount of anode gas supplied to the anode. The control of the reforming water supply amount is performed by setting a target reforming water flow rate based on the target gas flow rate so that the steam-to-carbon ratio SC in the reformer 23 matches the target ratio, and controlling the water pump to supply reforming water at the set target reforming water flow rate. The steam-to-carbon ratio SC is the molar ratio of carbon contained in hydrocarbons in the raw fuel gas to steam added for steam reforming. The amount of air supplied is controlled by setting a target air flow rate using feedback control so that the temperature of the fuel cell stack detected by the temperature sensor matches the target temperature, and by controlling the air blower so that air is supplied at the set target air flow rate.

[0022] When a shortage of power supply is predicted based on the power generation status and future power generation plans of the power utility, current weather, future weather forecast, current power consumption, and predicted future power consumption, the supply and demand management server 11 requests the power management device 20 to perform a downward DR to reduce the amount of electricity demand, and when an excess of power supply is predicted, the supply and demand management server 11 requests the power management device 20 to perform an upward DR to increase the amount of electricity demand.

[0023] The power management device 20 of this embodiment creates power generation plan values ​​for multiple fuel cell systems 30 owned by multiple consumers who have concluded demand-response contracts, and manages the power generation amount (reverse power amount) of each fuel cell system 30. The power management device 20 is a computer including a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, etc., and is communicatively connected to each of the multiple fuel cell systems 30 under the contract via a network. When the power management device 20 receives the above-mentioned downward DR or upward DR from the supply and demand management server 11, it sets power generation plan values ​​for each of the multiple fuel cell systems 30 under the contract, and transmits a demand response command including the power generation plan values ​​to the control device 32 of the corresponding fuel cell system 30. Here, the demand response command includes information on the execution time period (start time and end time) during which the plan should be executed, in addition to the power generation plan value.

[0024] Next, the operation of the power management device 20 when setting the power generation amount plan value of each fuel cell system 30 in response to a request for a lowering DR or an increasing DR will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 9. First, the operation when setting the power generation amount plan value in response to a request for a lowering DR will be described, and then the operation when setting the power generation amount plan value in response to a request for an increasing DR will be described.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a power generation amount management process during downward DR executed by the CPU 21 of the power management apparatus 20. As shown in FIG.

[0026] In the power generation amount management process during down-DR, the CPU 21 of the power management device 20 first predicts the maximum possible power generation amount of each of the fuel cell systems 30 under a demand-response contract when the demand response is executed (step S100). The maximum possible power generation amount may be, for example, the current maximum possible power generation amount obtained from the control device 32 of each fuel cell system 30. Next, the CPU 21 predicts whether or not each fuel cell system 30 will have surplus power generation when the demand response is executed (step S110). This process is performed by predicting the power usage amount of each consumer when the demand response is executed, subtracting the corresponding power usage amount from the maximum possible power generation amount predicted in step S100 for each fuel cell system 30 owned by each consumer to calculate the surplus power generation amount, and determining whether or not the surplus power generation amount is greater than a threshold value (e.g., 0). If the surplus power generation amount is greater than the threshold value, it is determined that there is surplus power generation. If the surplus power generation amount is equal to or less than the threshold value, it is determined that there is no surplus power generation. The prediction of each consumer's power consumption when the demand response pump is in operation can be performed, for example, by aggregating the actual power consumption values ​​of each consumer for each time period, predicting the power consumption for each time period based on the aggregated actual values ​​using machine learning, and obtaining a predicted value of power consumption for the time period corresponding to the time period during which the demand response is to be executed.

[0027] The CPU 21 then predicts the total power consumption of the surplus power generation group (consumers) that have surplus power generation among the multiple fuel cell systems 30 related to the contract at the time of executing demand response (step S120), and predicts the total surplus power generation of the surplus power generation group (step S130). The total power consumption can be calculated by summing up the power consumption of the consumers in the surplus power generation group among the power consumption of each consumer predicted in step S110, and the total surplus power generation can be calculated by summing up the surplus power generation in the surplus power generation group among the surplus power generation of each fuel cell system 30 predicted in step S110.

[0028] When the CPU 21 predicts the total surplus power generation amount, it calculates the downward DR possible amount, which is the upper limit of the power generation increase amount allowable for the entire group with surplus power generation, by subtracting a certain margin from the total surplus power generation amount of the group with surplus power generation (step S140), and transmits the calculated downward DR possible amount to the supply and demand management server 11 (step S150). Having received the downward DR possible amount, the supply and demand management server 11 sets a downward DR request amount (a requested amount of power generation increase) so as not to exceed the downward DR possible amount, and transmits the set downward DR request amount to the power management device 20. Note that, depending on the downward DR possible amount, the supply and demand management server 11 may not transmit the downward DR request amount to the power management device 20, i.e., may not request a downward DR.

[0029] Next, the CPU 21 waits for receipt of a downward DR request amount from the supply and demand management server 11 (step S160). When the CPU 21 determines that the downward DR request amount has been received, it sets the downward DR request amount as the downward DR execution amount (step S170) and calculates the total required power generation amount, which is the power generation amount required by the entire group with surplus power generation amount (step S180). The total required power generation amount can be calculated by adding the downward DR execution amount set in step S170 to the total power consumption amount predicted in step S120.

[0030] After calculating the total required power generation, the CPU 21 allocates the total required power generation to each fuel cell system 30 in the group with surplus power generation, thereby setting a power generation plan value for each (step S190), and outputs the set power generation plan value to the control device 32 of the corresponding fuel cell system 30 (step S200). Upon receiving the power generation plan value, the fuel cell system 30 starts downward DR and controls the operation of the fuel cell module 31 so that power is generated based on the power generation plan value. Meanwhile, the CPU 21 does not output a power generation plan value to each fuel cell system 30 in the group without surplus power generation. The control device 32 of each fuel cell system 30 in the group without surplus power generation controls the operation of the fuel cell module 31 so that the power generation follows the load (power usage by the consumer) (load-following operation). Since the fuel cell system 30 predicted to have no surplus power generation, each fuel cell system 30 is predicted to operate at its maximum possible power generation capacity. However, even if the prediction is incorrect, no reverse power flow occurs due to the load-following operation, and the actual value of the downward DR is not affected.

[0031] The CPU 21 then waits for the downward DR to start (step S210). When the downward DR starts, the CPU 21 acquires the actual values ​​of power generation, actual values ​​of power consumption by consumers, actual values ​​of the amount of reverse power flow, etc. from the control devices 32 of each fuel cell system 30 in the group with surplus power generation. Based on the acquired actual values, the CPU 21 updates the predicted value of the maximum possible power generation of each fuel cell system 30, updates the predicted value of the total power consumption of the group with surplus power generation, calculates the downward DR compensation amount, and updates the total required power generation. The CPU 21 then resets the power generation amount to be distributed to each fuel cell system 30 and issues a power generation instruction to the control devices 32 of the corresponding fuel cell systems 30 (step S220). Here, the downward DR compensation amount is the amount of power generation to be compensated for in the future when the actual downward DR amount at a point in time during the downward DR is less than the downward DR request amount at that time. The total required power generation amount is updated by adding the downward DR execution amount and the downward DR compensation amount to the updated value of the total power consumption of the group with surplus power generation. Then, the CPU 21 determines whether the execution time period of the downward DR has ended (the downward DR has ended) (step S230). If the CPU 21 determines that the execution time period of the downward DR has not ended, it returns to step S220 and repeats the process. If the CPU 21 determines that the execution time period of the downward DR has ended, it ends the power generation amount management process during the downward DR.

[0032] The process of step S190 is performed by executing the power generation amount plan value setting process illustrated in Fig. 3. The power generation amount plan value setting process will be described in detail below.

[0033] In the power generation amount plan value setting process, the CPU 21 first calculates a power generation amount reference value (step S300). The power generation amount reference value is the amount of power generated per unit when the total required power generation amount is evenly distributed to each fuel cell system 30 in the group with surplus power generation, and can be calculated by dividing the total required power generation amount by the number of fuel cell systems 30 (number of units capable of generating power) in the group with surplus power generation. Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not there is any fuel cell system 30 in the group with surplus power generation whose maximum possible power generation amount is equal to or less than the power generation amount reference value (step S310).

[0034] If the CPU 21 determines in step S310 that there is no fuel cell system 30 whose maximum power generation capacity is equal to or less than the power generation reference value, it sets the power generation plan value for each fuel cell system 30 by equally distributing the total required power generation capacity to each fuel cell system 30 in the group with surplus power generation (step S320), and ends the power generation plan value setting process. In this way, by equally distributing the total required power generation capacity to each fuel cell system 30 in the group with surplus power generation, it is possible to equalize the profits related to the sale of power by each consumer, thereby ensuring fairness among consumers.

[0035] If the CPU 21 determines in step S310 that there is a fuel cell system 30 whose maximum possible power generation is equal to or less than the power generation reference value, it sets the power generation plan value of the corresponding fuel cell system 30 to the maximum possible power generation (step S330). Next, the CPU 21 calculates the remaining required power generation, which is the remaining required power generation, by subtracting the combined power generation amount obtained by adding up the set power generation plan values ​​from the total required power generation (step S340), and recalculates the power generation reference value (step S350). The power generation reference value is recalculated by dividing the remaining required power generation by the number of units for which a planned value has not yet been set. The number of units for which a planned value has not yet been set is the number of fuel cell systems 30 that have surplus power generation and for which a power generation plan value has not yet been set. Therefore, the recalculated power generation reference value is the power generation amount per unit when the remaining required power generation is equally distributed among multiple fuel cell systems 30 that have surplus power generation and for which a power generation plan value has not yet been set. Then, the CPU 21 determines whether or not there is a fuel cell system 30 in the group with surplus power generation for which a power generation amount plan value has not yet been set, whose maximum power generation capacity is equal to or less than the power generation reference value (step S360).

[0036] If the CPU 21 determines in step S360 that there is a fuel cell system 30 whose maximum power generation capacity is equal to or less than the power generation reference value, it sets the power generation amount plan value of the fuel cell system 30 in question to the maximum power generation capacity (step S370), and returns to step S340 to repeat the process. If the CPU 21 determines in step S360 that there is no fuel cell system 30 whose maximum power generation capacity is equal to or less than the power generation reference value, it sets the power generation amount plan value of the remaining fuel cell system 30 for which a power generation amount plan value has not yet been set (step S380), and ends the power generation amount plan value setting process.

[0037] 4 to 6 are explanatory diagrams showing how a power generation amount plan value is set in response to a request for a downward DR. As shown in the figures, the group with surplus power generation includes 20 fuel cell systems 30 with a maximum power generation capacity of 700 W, two fuel cell systems 30 with a maximum power generation capacity of 600 W, three fuel cell systems 30 with a maximum power generation capacity of 500 W, one fuel cell system 30 with a maximum power generation capacity of 400 W, and five fuel cell systems 30 with a maximum power generation capacity of 200 W. The group without surplus power generation includes four fuel cell systems 30, and the total required power generation amount based on the downward DR is 15 kW (15,000 W). In this case, the group with surplus power generation includes 31 fuel cell systems 30, so the power generation amount reference value is approximately 484 W (= 15,000 W / 31 fuel cell systems). Among the fuel cell systems 30 in the group with surplus power generation, those with maximum power generation capacities of 400 W and 200 W are below the power generation reference value, so their respective power generation plan values ​​are set to the respective maximum power generation capacities of 400 W and 200 W (see Figure 4).

[0038] When the planned power generation values ​​for the fuel cell systems 30 with maximum possible power generation capacities of 400 W and 200 W are set, the remaining required power generation amount is 13,600 W, calculated by subtracting the total set power generation amounts of 1,400 W (= 400 W × 1 unit + 200 W × 5 units) from the total required power generation amount of 15,000 W. This means that the number of fuel cell systems 30 for which a planned power generation amount has not yet been set (number of units for which a planned value has not yet been set) is 25. Therefore, the recalculated base power generation amount value is approximately 544 W (= 13,600 W / 25 units). Among the fuel cell systems 30 with surplus power generation and for which a planned power generation amount value has not yet been set, the one with a maximum possible power generation amount of 500 W has a maximum possible power generation amount of 500 W, and because its maximum possible power generation amount is less than the base power generation amount value, its planned power generation amount value is set to the maximum possible power generation amount of 500 W (see FIG. 5).

[0039] When the planned power generation value for the fuel cell system 30 with a maximum possible power generation of 500 W is set, the remaining required power generation amount is 12,100 W, which is calculated by subtracting the total set power generation amounts of 2,900 W (= 500 W × 3 units + 400 W × 1 unit + 200 W × 5 units) from the total required power generation amount of 15,000 W. This means that the number of fuel cell systems 30 for which a planned power generation amount has not yet been set (the number of units for which a planned value has not yet been set) is 22. Therefore, the recalculated base power generation amount value is 550 W (= 12,100 W / 22 units). Since the maximum possible power generation amounts (600 W, 700 W) of the fuel cell systems 30 that have surplus power generation and for which a planned power generation amount value has not yet been set are both greater than the base power generation amount value, the remaining required power generation amount is equally distributed among the remaining fuel cell systems 30 with surplus power generation, and the base power generation amount value of 550 W is set as the planned power generation amount value (see FIG. 6).

[0040] In the above-described embodiment, the total required power generation is evenly distributed to the multiple fuel cell systems 30 in the group with surplus power generation within the range of their respective maximum power generation capacities. However, the total required power generation may be distributed in descending order of maximum power generation capacities up to the maximum power generation capacities. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing how a planned power generation amount is set in response to a downward DR request in another embodiment. In a situation similar to that shown in FIG. 4, a total required power generation amount of 15,000 W is first distributed to the fuel cell system 30 with the highest maximum power generation capacity (700 W) up to the maximum power generation capacity. That is, the planned power generation amount value of the fuel cell system 30 with the maximum power generation capacity of 700 W is set to 700 W. As a result, the remaining required power generation amount obtained by subtracting the total set power generation amount (14,000 W = 700 W × 20 units) from the total required power generation amount is 1,000 W. Therefore, the remaining required power generation amount of 1,000 W is sequentially distributed to the fuel cell system 30 with the next highest maximum power generation capacity (600 W) up to the maximum power generation capacity. That is, of the fuel cell systems 30 with a maximum power generation capacity of 600 W, the planned power generation value of one is set to 600 W, and the planned power generation value of the other is set to 400 W. In the fuel cell system 30, power generation efficiency is higher when the system is always operated at rated output rather than varying the output according to the load, and the power generation efficiency increases as the output (power generation capacity) increases.Therefore, by distributing the total required power generation up to the maximum power generation capacity in order from the system with the highest maximum power generation capacity, the economic benefit of the entire group can be maximized.

[0041] Next, the power generation amount management process during upward DR will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Fig. 8 and Fig. 9.

[0042] In the power generation amount management process during an upward DR, the CPU 21 of the power management device 20 first predicts the maximum power generation possible amount and the presence or absence of surplus power generation when a demand response is executed for multiple fuel cell systems 30 under demand-response contracts, as in steps S100 to S120 of the power generation amount management process during a downward DR. It also predicts the total power consumption of a group (or a consumer owning a group) with surplus power generation when a demand response is executed (steps S400 to S420). The CPU 21 then predicts the total power generation suppression amount, which is the upper limit of the power generation suppression amount allowed for the entire group (both the group with surplus power generation and the group without surplus power generation) (step S430). In the upward DR, the power generation amount of the fuel cell system 30 is suppressed in response to a request for an upward DR, but the power generation amount of the fuel cell system 30 can be suppressed down to 0 W. Therefore, the total power generation suppression amount can be predicted by using the predicted power generation amount of the group as the total power generation suppression amount. Here, the predicted power generation amount of a group can be calculated as the sum of the predicted power generation amount of the group with surplus power generation and the predicted power generation amount of the group without surplus power generation. During time periods other than demand response, each fuel cell system 30 generates power by following the power usage of the load (load-following operation). Therefore, the predicted power generation amount of the group with surplus power generation can be predicted by taking the sum of the predicted power usage amounts of the group with surplus power generation as the predicted power generation amount of the group with surplus power generation. On the other hand, in the fuel cell systems 30 without surplus power generation, the power generation amount matches the maximum possible power generation amount. Therefore, the predicted power generation amount of the group without surplus power generation can be predicted by taking the sum of the maximum possible power generation amount of the group without surplus power generation as the predicted power generation amount of the group without surplus power generation.

[0043] When the CPU 21 predicts the total power generation suppressible amount, it calculates the upward DR possible amount by subtracting a certain margin from the total power generation suppressible amount (step S440) and transmits the calculated upward DR possible amount to the supply and demand management server 11 (step S450). The supply and demand management server 11, which has received the upward DR possible amount, sets an upward DR request amount (a requested amount of power generation suppression) so as not to exceed the upward DR possible amount, and transmits the set upward DR request amount to the power management device 20. Note that, depending on the upward DR possible amount, the supply and demand management server 11 may not transmit the upward DR request amount to the power management device 20, i.e., may not request an upward DR.

[0044] Next, the CPU 21 waits for receipt of an upward DR request amount from the supply and demand management server 11 (step S460). When the CPU 21 determines that the upward DR request amount has been received, it sets the upward DR request amount as the upward DR execution amount (step S470) and distributes the set upward DR execution amount to the group with surplus power generation (upward DR execution amount for surplus power generation) and the group without surplus power generation (upward DR execution amount for no surplus power generation) (step S480). As described above, in the downward DR, the downward DR request amount is covered only by the group with surplus power generation, but in the upward DR, the upward DR request amount is covered by both the group with surplus power generation and the group without surplus power generation. The upward DR execution amount is distributed to the group with surplus power generation and the group without surplus power generation within the range of the predicted power generation amount (predicted power usage amount) of the group with surplus power generation and the range of the predicted power generation amount (maximum possible power generation amount) of the group without surplus power generation.

[0045] After allocating the upward DR request amount to the group with surplus power generation and the group without surplus power generation, the CPU 21 calculates the total required power generation amount, which is the power generation amount required by the entire fuel cell system 30 in the group with surplus power generation (step S490). The total required power generation amount can be calculated by subtracting the upward DR execution amount for the group with surplus power generation allocated in step S480 from the total power consumption predicted in step S420.

[0046] After calculating the total required power generation amount for the group with surplus power generation, the CPU 21 allocates the total required power generation amount to each fuel cell system 30 in the group with surplus power generation, thereby setting each planned power generation amount value (step S500), and outputs the set planned power generation amount value to the control device 32 of the corresponding fuel cell system 30 (step S510). Upon receiving the planned power generation amount value, the fuel cell system 30 starts an upward DR and controls the operation of the fuel cell module 31 so that power is generated based on the planned power generation amount value. Note that the processing of step S500 (allocation of power generation amount) can be performed in the same way as the power generation amount management processing during downward DR described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] Next, the CPU 21 sets the power generation amount plan value for each fuel cell system 30 by distributing the no-surplus power generation upward DR execution amount distributed to the no-surplus power generation group in step S480 to each fuel cell system 30 in the no-surplus power generation group within the range of each maximum power generation possible amount (step S520), and outputs the set power generation amount plan value to the control device 32 of the corresponding fuel cell system 30 (step S530). The distribution of the no-surplus power generation upward DR execution amount can be performed, for example, by equally distributing it to each fuel cell system 30 in the no-surplus power generation group within the range of each maximum power generation possible amount (maximum suppression amount of power generation). Upon receiving the power generation amount plan value, the fuel cell system 30 starts upward DR and controls the operation of the fuel cell module 31 so that power is generated based on the power generation amount plan value.

[0048] Then, the CPU 21 waits for the upward DR to start (step S540). When the upward DR starts, the CPU 21 acquires the actual values ​​of the power generation amount, the actual values ​​of the power consumption amount of the consumers, the actual values ​​of the power purchase amount, etc. from the control device 32 of each fuel cell system 30, and based on the acquired actual values, updates the predicted value of the maximum power generation amount of each fuel cell system 30, updates the predicted value of the total power consumption amount of the group with surplus power generation, calculates the upward DR compensation amount, redistributes the upward DR execution amount to each of the group with surplus power generation and the group without surplus power generation, updates the total required power generation amount of the group with surplus power generation, etc., and then resets the power generation suppression amount to be distributed to each fuel cell system 30 in the group with surplus power generation and the group without surplus power generation, and issues a power generation instruction to the control device 32 of the corresponding fuel cell system 30 (step S550). Here, the upward DR compensation amount is the power generation suppression amount to be compensated in the subsequent time when the upward DR actual amount at the midpoint of the upward DR is less than the upward DR request amount at that time, and like the upward DR execution amount, it is distributed to a group with surplus power generation (upward DR compensation amount for surplus power generation) and a group without surplus power generation (upward DR compensation amount for no surplus power generation). The total required power generation amount is updated by subtracting the upward DR execution amount for surplus power generation and the upward DR compensation amount for surplus power generation from the updated value of the total power consumption amount of the group with surplus power generation. Then, the CPU 21 determines whether the execution time period of the upward DR has ended (the upward DR has ended) (step S560). If the CPU 21 determines that the execution time period of the upward DR has not ended, it returns to step S550 and repeats the process. If it determines that the execution time period of the upward DR has ended, it ends the power generation amount management process during the upward DR.

[0049] According to the power management device 20 of the present embodiment described above, the total power consumption of multiple consumers under a demand-response contract is predicted in response to requests for downward DR or upward DR. The total power generation required across multiple contracted fuel cell systems 30 (distributed power sources) is determined based on the predicted total power consumption and the downward DR or upward DR requests. The total required power generation is then distributed among the multiple fuel cell systems 30 to set their respective planned power generation values. Forecasting the power consumption of multiple consumers as a whole reduces the variance from the actual value compared to forecasting the power consumption of each consumer individually. If the power consumption of a group of consumers is as predicted, the target amount of power can be appropriately generated. This is because, if the total power consumption of a group of consumers is as predicted, even if the power consumption of one consumer is high, the power consumption of another consumer will be low by that amount, and the power consumption of the group as a whole will not change. Therefore, by predicting the total power consumption, calculating the total required power amount based on the requested amount of downward DR and upward DR and the total power consumption, and then distributing the total required power amount to multiple fuel cell systems 30, it is possible to respond appropriately to demand response.

[0050] The correspondence between the main elements of the embodiment and the main elements of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problems" section will be described below. In the embodiment, the CPU 21 that executes steps S100 to S130 of the power generation amount management process during downward DR and steps S400 to S430 of the power generation amount management process during upward DR corresponds to the "prediction unit," the CPU 21 that executes steps S140 to S190 and steps S440 to S500 and S520 of the power generation amount management process corresponds to the "setting unit," and the CPU 21 that executes step S200 and steps S510 and S530 of the power generation amount management process corresponds to the "output unit."

[0051] The correspondence between the main elements of the embodiments and the main elements of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section does not limit the elements of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section, since the embodiments are examples for specifically explaining the mode for implementing the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section. In other words, the interpretation of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section should be based on the description in that section, and the embodiments are merely specific examples of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section.

[0052] The above describes the form for carrying out the present invention using an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment in any way, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be carried out in various forms within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0053] The present invention can be used in the power management device manufacturing industry and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 Power system, 10 Aggregation system, 11 Supply and demand management server, 12 Network, 20 Power management device, 21 CPU, 22 ROM, 23 RAM, 30 Fuel cell system, 31 Fuel cell module, 32 Control device.

Claims

1. A power management device that manages power supply from a plurality of distributed power sources owned by a plurality of consumers to a power grid, a prediction unit that predicts a total amount of power usage across a plurality of consumers; a setting unit that calculates a total required amount of power required by a plurality of distributed power sources as a whole based on the amount of power requested in response to demand response and the total amount of power usage, and sets a target amount of power to be output from each of the plurality of distributed power sources by distributing the total required amount of power to the plurality of distributed power sources within a range that does not exceed the maximum amount of power that each of the plurality of distributed power sources can output; an output unit that outputs the target power amount set by the setting unit to a control device of a corresponding distributed power source; A power management device comprising:

2. 2. The power management device of claim 1, When the demand response is a request to reduce the demand amount, the setting unit calculates the total required amount of power by adding the requested amount to the total amount of power consumption. Power management device.

3. 3. The power management device according to claim 1, When the demand response is a request to increase the demand amount, the setting unit calculates the total required amount of power by subtracting the requested amount from the total amount of power usage. Power management device.

4. 4. The power management device according to claim 1, the setting unit sets the distributed power amount obtained by equally distributing the total required amount of power to a plurality of distributed power sources as the target power amount for each of the plurality of distributed power sources, and if the distributed power amount for any of the plurality of distributed power sources exceeds the maximum power amount, sets the target power amount for the corresponding distributed power source as the maximum power amount for that distributed power source, and sets the distributed power amount obtained by redistributing the remaining required power amount, which is obtained by subtracting the total value of the set power amounts for which the target power amount has been set, from the total required amount of power to the remaining distributed power sources as the target power amount for each of the remaining distributed power sources. Power management device.

5. 4. The power management device according to claim 1, The power generation efficiency of the plurality of distributed power sources increases as the amount of power generated increases, the setting unit sets the target amount of power for each of the plurality of distributed power sources by distributing the total amount of required power up to the maximum amount of power, giving priority to the distributed power sources with the largest maximum amount of power among the plurality of distributed power sources. Power management device.

6. 6. The power management device according to claim 1, When the demand response is executed, the setting unit acquires actual values ​​including the amount of power output from each of the plurality of distributed power sources, and sets a feedback command based on the acquired actual values ​​so that the actual amount of the demand response matches the requested amount of the demand response, and outputs the feedback command to the control device of the corresponding distributed power source. Power management device.

Images