Power control device and power control method

Abstract

To provide a power control device capable of distributing an adjustment amount corresponding to output control to a photovoltaic power generation facility that is a management target of power supply and demand to each consumer having a small-scale photovoltaic power generation device, and allowing each consumer to substitute for the output control while utilizing energy that can be generated.SOLUTION: A power control device is connected to a power system and configured to cause a plurality of consumers having at least one of a photovoltaic power generation device, a power storage device, or a hot water storage type hot water supply device to perform power adjustment, and includes: an adjustment command acquisition unit configured to acquire an adjustment command to suppress an output on behalf of a photovoltaic power generation facility linked to a power system; an adjustment amount distribution unit configured to determine distribution of an adjustment amount of the photovoltaic power generation device of each consumer so as to match the adjustment command; and a power adjustment unit configured to cause each consumer to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type hot water supply device according to the determined adjustment amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power control device and a power control method that are connected to a power grid and adjust power for a plurality of consumers that have a photovoltaic power generation device and at least one of a power storage device and a storage-type hot water supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, power generation using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power has become widespread. Electricity demand varies depending on the time of day. Furthermore, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power have the characteristic that the amount of power generated fluctuates depending on the weather and time of day. Solar power generation is a typical example of a renewable energy power generation device, but as it becomes more widespread, the impact that fluctuations in power generation have on the power grid is becoming a problem. In a power grid, if the balance between supply and demand for electricity is disrupted, frequency will be disrupted and, in the worst case, a large-scale blackout will occur, so maintaining the supply and demand balance is important.

[0003] Therefore, when power generation exceeds local demand, measures are taken to maintain the supply-demand balance, such as output control to reduce the output of power generation facilities, creating electricity demand through pumping operations at pumped-storage hydroelectric power plants, and transmitting electricity to other areas. These measures are prioritized by law. Output control prioritizes thermal power plants, which can easily adjust output in short bursts. However, if the supply-demand balance cannot be maintained, output control is also applied to biomass power plants, solar power plants, and wind power plants. Thermal and biomass power plants can control output by reducing or stopping combustion, but output control for solar power plants ultimately results in the waste of potential power generation. The same is true for wind power plants. Maintaining the supply-demand balance in the power grid without wasting potential energy will also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

[0004] An electricity trading matching system has been proposed as a mechanism for preventing electricity generated by renewable energy from being wasted (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The system in Patent Document 1 is a system designed to allow multiple consumers equipped with power generation devices and power storage devices to share surplus electricity among themselves when they are unable to sell the electricity they generate to the power company, i.e., when the amount of electricity exceeds the amount that the power company can purchase. The matching system in Patent Document 1 includes a required energy information acquisition unit, a consumer information acquisition unit, a surplus energy estimation unit, and a matching unit.

[0005] The required energy information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the amount of energy required by a first consumer during a predetermined time period. The consumer information acquisition unit acquires information regarding a power generation device and a storage battery owned by a second consumer, and the amount of energy consumed by the second consumer. The surplus energy estimation unit estimates the amount of surplus energy that can be supplied by the second consumer based on the information regarding the amount of energy generated by the power generation device, the amount of energy stored in the storage battery, and the amount of energy consumed by the second consumer during the predetermined time period acquired by the consumer information acquisition unit. The matching unit compares the amount of surplus energy that can be supplied by the second consumer estimated by the surplus energy estimation unit with the information regarding the amount of energy required by the first consumer acquired by the required energy information acquisition unit, and detects a combination of the first consumer and the second consumer with which a transaction will be concluded. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-153274 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Power generation facilities with a power generation capacity above a certain level are subject to output control by law. Regarding output control, power generation companies with equipment capable of remote output control (online control companies) and those without such equipment (offline control companies) have different response capabilities and accuracy. Therefore, a system (online proxy control) has been introduced in which online control companies perform output control on behalf of offline control companies with limited response capabilities, and the online control company that actually performed the output control receives compensation for the output control. For example, when solar power generation increases and the power supply on the power grid exceeds power demand, the offline control company's power generation is considered to have been suppressed by online proxy control. In the online proxy control system, a proxy control service provider suppresses power generation on behalf of offline control companies that are unable to respond flexibly to output control adjustment commands. The proxy control service provider receives financial income for the suppressed power (power that could have been generated and sold). This system facilitates coordination between offline control companies and proxy control service providers.

[0008] However, even if power generation companies with a power generation capacity above a predetermined value can respond to output control as a whole through online proxy control, there will still be power that is subject to output control (output suppression) in order to maintain the supply and demand balance of the power grid. For the power grid as a whole, this output suppression means that power that could be generated is wasted. If this amount of power can be effectively utilized, it will contribute to reducing the environmental burden. It is desirable to move away from the current situation in which power that should be output controlled is wasted and toward a system in which it is utilized. In contrast to such systems, matching systems such as those described in Patent Document 1 are designed to allow consumers with small-scale power generation equipment that is not subject to output control to mutually exchange surplus power from their privately generated electricity. However, they do not provide a mechanism designed to absorb the output control of power generation companies with a power generation capacity above a predetermined value.

[0009] According to some statistics, the cumulative number of residential solar power generation systems installed reached approximately 2.8 million in fiscal year 2020 (see URL: https: / / www.jpea.gr.jp / wp-content / uploads / session2_03_jpea_takahashi.pdf 1-1. Status of Residential (Under 10kW) Solar Power Generation Installation), which, assuming an average power generation capacity of 4kW, amounts to 11.2 million kW. This means that if such small-scale solar power generation systems could be applied to output control, they could make a significant contribution to maintaining the balance of power supply and demand in the power grid and making effective use of electricity.

[0010] This invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides a power control device that can allocate an adjustment amount corresponding to output control to a solar power generation facility that is subject to power supply and demand management to each consumer that has a small-scale solar power generation device, and can act as an agent for output control while allowing each consumer to utilize the energy that can be generated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention provides a power control device that is connected to a power grid and causes a plurality of consumers having a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device or a hot water supply device to perform power adjustment, the power control device comprising: an adjustment command acquisition unit that acquires an adjustment command to suppress output on behalf of a solar power generation facility connected to the power grid; an adjustment amount allocation unit that determines an allocation of adjustment amounts for each consumer in accordance with the adjustment command; and a power adjustment unit that causes each consumer to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water supply device in accordance with the determined adjustment amount.

[0012] From a different perspective, the present invention provides a power control method in which a power control device connected to a power system and causing a plurality of consumers having a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device or a hot water supply device to perform power adjustments comprises the steps of: obtaining an adjustment command to suppress output on behalf of the solar power generation facility linked to the power system; determining an allocation of an adjustment amount related to the power adjustment for each consumer so as to correspond to the adjustment command; and causing each consumer to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water supply device in accordance with the determined adjustment amount.

[0013] Furthermore, from a different perspective, the present invention provides a power control system for a consumer connected to a power grid and having a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device or a hot water supply device, the power control system obtaining an adjustment amount related to the consumer's power adjustment determined based on an adjustment command to suppress output on behalf of a solar power generation facility connected to the power grid, and controlling at least one of the power storage device and the hot water supply device in accordance with the adjustment amount to adjust the power. The present invention also provides a power control system comprising: a power control device that is connected to a power grid and causes a plurality of consumers having a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device or a hot water storage type water heater to perform power adjustment; and an adjustment command device that allocates adjustment amounts to the power control device, wherein the adjustment command device sends an adjustment command to the power control device, the adjustment command including an adjustment amount to suppress output on behalf of a solar power generation facility connected to the power grid, and the power control device comprises: an adjustment command acquisition unit that acquires the adjustment command; an adjustment amount allocation unit that determines the allocation of the adjustment amount for each consumer so as to match the adjustment command; and a power adjustment unit that causes each consumer to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type water heater according to the determined adjustment amount. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The power control device of this invention comprises an adjustment command acquisition unit that acquires adjustment commands related to power adjustment, an adjustment amount allocation unit that determines the allocation of adjustment amounts for each consumer in accordance with the adjustment commands, and a power adjustment unit that causes each consumer to control at least one of the storage device and the storage-type hot water supply device in accordance with the determined adjustment amount.Therefore, it is possible to allocate an adjustment amount that corresponds to the output control request for a solar power generation facility connected to the power grid to each consumer that has a small-scale solar power generation device, and to have each consumer utilize the energy that can be generated while acting as an agent for overall output control. The power control method and power control system according to the present invention also achieve the same effects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a configuration in which output control of a photovoltaic power generation device is substituted by power adjustment of a plurality of small-scale consumers in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 and showing an example of the relationship between an aggregation coordinator, an aggregator, a power control device, and a consumer involved in power adjustment. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a block diagram showing an example in which the resource server shown in FIG. 2 performs control relating to power adjustment as a power control device. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a block diagram showing an example in which the HEMS server shown in FIG. 2 performs control relating to power adjustment as a power control device. FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a transmission and reception procedure related to power adjustment in this embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is given by way of example only in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration in which a solar power generation facility performs requested output control by adjusting the power of multiple small-scale consumers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The solar power generation facility 17 shown in FIG. 1 is a power generation facility that has a power generation capacity equal to or greater than a legally prescribed value and is subject to output control in a power grid. The aggregation coordinator 10 aggregates the power generated by power generation facilities with a power generation capacity equal to or greater than the predetermined value, such as the solar power generation facility 17, and conducts power trading with general electricity transmission and distribution utilities and retail electricity suppliers. The power generation capacity of the solar power generation facility 17 is, for example, 50 kW or greater. In FIG. 1, the server operated by the aggregation coordinator (hereinafter also referred to as the integration server) is simply represented as aggregation coordinator 10. The integration server of aggregation coordinator 10 sends adjustment commands related to adjusting the balance of power supply and demand to trading partners, such as general electricity transmission and distribution utilities, retail electricity suppliers, and consumers. Output suppression is one method of adjusting the balance of power supply and demand.

[0017] Solar power generation facility 17 is a power generation facility that has a power generation capacity equal to or greater than a predetermined value and is subject to output suppression. In contrast, consumers 13A, 13B, 13C, etc. shown in FIG. 1 have small-scale solar power generation equipment (hereinafter referred to as small-scale solar power generation equipment) that is not subject to output suppression. The power generation capacity of the small-scale solar power generation equipment is, for example, 2 kW or more but less than 10 kW, which is, for example, 5 to several thousandths of the power generation capacity of solar power generation facility 17. In addition, each consumer is equipped with at least one of a power storage device and a hot water storage type water heater, and a control device for a power control system (HEMS, i.e., Home Energy Management System) that controls power. In FIG. 1, the power control system equipped in each consumer is simply indicated as consumers 13A, 13B, 13C, etc. The HEMS server connected to consumers 13A, 13B, 13C, etc. is a server operated by a service provider that provides services to the power control system of each consumer.

[0018] In this embodiment, instead of suppressing the output of the solar power generation facility 17, substitute control is performed by implementing power adjustment to suppress the reverse flow of power generated by the collective of small-scale solar power generation devices of the consumers 13A, 13B, 13C, etc. to the power grid. It does not matter whether the solar power generation facility 17 is equipped with a power storage facility such as a storage battery. In particular, if the solar power generation facility 17 does not have a power storage facility, the solar power generation facility 17 will waste power that it can generate when it performs output control. Even if the solar power generation facility 17 has a power storage facility, if the storage capacity is smaller than the amount of suppression by output control, the solar power generation facility 17 will waste power that it can generate when it performs output control. By performing power adjustment instead of the solar power generation facility 17, by charging the storage batteries of each consumer with the power generated by the small-scale solar power generation devices of each consumer to suppress the reverse flow power, output control can be realized and the stored power can be effectively utilized by using the power stored in the storage batteries after the implementation period (e.g., after sunset). In this embodiment, the small-scale solar power generation devices of each consumer are not subject to output suppression because their individual power generation capacities are below a predetermined value. However, this does not exclude cases where the solar power generation devices of each consumer are subject to output control. Even if the solar power generation devices of each consumer are subject to output control, power adjustment can be performed to suppress power at a level exceeding the required output suppression. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a resource server 11B and a HEMS server 12B are interposed between the aggregation coordinator 10 and consumers 13A, 13B, 13C, etc. Communication related to power adjustment is performed hierarchically among the aggregation coordinator 10, the resource server, the HEMS server, and the consumers. The aggregation coordinator 10 communicates with multiple resource servers related to power adjustment.

[0019] While FIG. 1 illustrates one aggregation coordinator 10 and three resource servers 11A, 11B, and 11C, this number is merely an example. The resource servers 11A, 11B, 11C, and so on are servers operated by resource aggregators. The resource aggregators are businesses that enter into contracts with consumers and manage the power demands of each consumer. The resource aggregators can also be considered upper-level aggregators because they directly interact with the aggregation coordinator 10. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the integrated server, resource server, and HEMS server are operated by respective businesses. It is assumed that the businesses that operate the resource servers or HEMS servers are service providers that perform proxy control by adjusting the power consumption of consumers. However, this is merely an example, and the scope of functions assumed by the businesses can vary. For example, an aggregation coordinator business may also serve as a resource aggregator. According to this aspect, the HEMS server communicates directly with the aggregation coordinator 10 without going through a resource server. One resource server communicates with multiple subordinate HEMS servers regarding power adjustment. Although three HEMS servers 12A, 12B, and 12C are shown subordinate to the resource server 11B in FIG. 1, this number is merely an example. Also, although FIG. 1 shows only the resource server 11B as a subordinate HEMS server and omits the illustration of the other resource servers 11A, 11C, and so on, the same applies to the others.

[0020] The HEMS servers 12A, 12B, 12C, etc. are operated by businesses that provide power control systems for consumers to provide services to their customers. Businesses that operate HEMS servers can also be considered lower-level aggregators because they interact directly with each consumer. In some cases, a resource aggregator that operates a resource server also operates the HEMS server. In this case, the resource server and HEMS server hierarchies are integrated into one. That is, only the resource server (or, in other words, only the HEMS server) intervenes between the aggregation coordinator 10 and each consumer. A single HEMS server communicates with the power control systems of multiple lower-level consumers regarding power adjustment. While FIG. 1 clearly shows three consumers 13A, 13B, and 13C subordinate to the HEMS server 12B, this number is merely an example. 1 shows only the HEMS server 12B as a lower-level consumer, and omits the illustration of the other HEMS servers 12A, 12C, etc., but the same applies to the others. In addition to the above-mentioned aspects, various aspects can be considered for the range of functions assumed by the business operator, and these are included in the scope of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 corresponds to FIG. 1 and is a block diagram showing an example of the relationship between an aggregation coordinator, an aggregator, a power control device, and consumers involved in power adjustment. Elements corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are assigned corresponding reference numerals. FIG. 2 also shows the configuration of the power control systems of consumers 13A, 13B, and 13C. Consumer 13A shown in FIG. 2 is equipped with a small-scale solar power generation system 21A, a power conditioning circuit (PCS), a power load, a power storage device 22A, and a control device 24A. Consumer 13B is equipped with a small-scale solar power generation system 21B, a power conditioning circuit (PCS), a power load, a power storage device 22B, a storage-type hot water supply system 23B, and a control device 24B. Consumer 13C is equipped with a small-scale solar power generation system 21C, a power conditioning circuit (PCS), a power load, a storage-type hot water supply system 23C, and a control device 24C. In FIG. 2, the power conditioning circuit (PCS) is provided separately from the power storage device and the small-scale solar power generation device, but the power conditioning circuit (PCS) may be included in each of the power storage device and the small-scale solar power generation device, or the power storage device and the small-scale solar power generation device may share the power conditioning circuit (PCS).

[0022] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which the resource server shown in Figs. 1 and 2 performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device. Resource server 11 shown in Fig. 3 represents resource servers 11A, 11B, 11C, ... shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Resource server 11 according to this embodiment includes a server control unit 31, a data storage unit 32, and a communication circuit 33. Consumer 13 shown in Fig. 3 represents the power control systems provided in consumers 13A, 13B, 13C, ... shown in Figs. 1 and 2. In Fig. 3, small-scale solar power generation device 21, power storage device 22, storage-type hot water supply device 23, and control device 24 of consumer 13 represent the small-scale solar power generation device, power storage device, storage-type hot water supply device, and control device provided in consumers 13A, 13B, and 13C.

[0023] The server control unit 31 includes an adjustment command acquisition unit 35, an adjustment amount distribution unit 36, and a power adjustment unit 37. It also optionally includes a history acquisition unit 38. In terms of hardware resources, the server control unit 31 is configured with circuits centered around a processor and memory. The processor executes a processing program stored in the memory, thereby functioning as the adjustment command acquisition unit 35, the adjustment amount distribution unit 36, the power adjustment unit 37, and the optional history acquisition unit 38. In other words, the hardware resources of the processor and the processing program, which are software resources, are organically combined to realize the functions of the server control unit 31. The data storage unit 32 is configured with a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Disk). The data storage unit 32 optionally includes a history storage unit 39. The history storage unit 39 is a storage area that stores the history acquired by the history acquisition unit 38. The history acquisition unit 38 will be described later. The communication circuit 33 is a communication circuit for communicating with external devices such as the upper-level aggregation coordinator 10 and the lower-level HEMS server 12.

[0024] The adjustment command acquisition unit 35 acquires an adjustment command for power adjustment from the aggregation coordinator 10, which acts as a proxy for output control of the photovoltaic power generation facility 17 that is the target of output control. The adjustment amount allocation unit 36 ​​determines the amount of power adjustment that each consumer should perform to match the acquired adjustment command. Alternatively, the adjustment amount for power adjustment may be determined on a per-subordinate HEMS server basis and assigned to the HEMS server. In this case, the subordinate HEMS server determines the amount of power adjustment that each subordinate consumer should perform to match the assigned adjustment command. The power adjustment unit 37 communicates with one or more subordinate HEMS servers 12 so that at least one of the power storage device 22 and the hot water storage device 23 is controlled according to the adjustment amount assigned to each consumer. The HEMS server 12 communicates with the control device 24 of the subordinate consumer 13 regarding power adjustment using at least one of the power storage device 22 and the hot water storage device 23 of each consumer.

[0025] To describe one example of the exchange more specifically, the resource server (power adjustment unit 37) sends an adjustment command including an adjustment amount allocated to each consumer to the HEMS server 12. Upon receiving the adjustment amount allocated to each consumer from the resource server 11, the HEMS server 12 notifies each consumer 13 (control device 24) of the respective adjustment amount. Upon receiving the allocated adjustment amount from the HEMS server 12, the control device 24 of each consumer 13 performs power adjustment applying at least one of the power storage device 22 and the hot water storage device 23 according to the adjustment amount. As a different example, it is also possible to consider an aspect in which the HEMS server 12 determines the content of power adjustment that each consumer 13 should perform according to the adjustment amount, and the control device 24 of each consumer 13 performs power adjustment applying at least one of the power storage device 22 and the hot water storage device 23 according to an instruction from the HEMS server 12. Another possible embodiment is one in which HEMS server 12 determines the content of power adjustment that each consumer 13 should perform according to the adjustment amount, and at least one of power storage device 22 and storage-type hot water heater 23 performs power adjustment according to an instruction from HEMS server 12. Alternatively, resource server (power adjustment unit 37) sends an adjustment command including an adjustment amount allocated to each HEMS server 12 to HEMS server 12. Upon receiving the allocated adjustment amount from resource server 11, HEMS server 12 determines and notifies each consumer 13 (control device 24) of the respective adjustment amount. Upon receiving the adjustment amount from HEMS server 12, control device 24 of each consumer 13 performs power adjustment using at least one of power storage device 22 and storage-type hot water heater 23 according to the adjustment amount. In this case, too, it is possible that HEMS server 12 determines the content of power adjustment that each consumer 13 should make according to the adjustment amount, and control device 24 of each consumer 13 makes power adjustment applying at least one of power storage device 22 and storage-type hot water heater 23 in accordance with instructions from HEMS server 12. It is also possible that HEMS server 12 determines the content of power adjustment that each consumer 13 should make according to the adjustment amount, and at least one of power storage device 22 and storage-type hot water heater 23 makes power adjustment in accordance with instructions from HEMS server 12.

[0026] Furthermore, an example of the communication will be described from the perspective of a power control system of consumer 13. The power control system acquires an adjustment amount allocated to consumer 13, and performs power adjustment applying at least one of power storage device 22 and storage-type hot water heater 23 according to the adjustment amount. Note that the power control system may also acquire details of power adjustment that consumer 13 should perform according to the adjustment amount, and perform power adjustment applying at least one of power storage device 22 and storage-type hot water heater 23 according to the acquired details. Here, the power control system is a power control system for consumer 13 that is connected to a power grid and has a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device and a storage-type hot water heater.

[0027] Furthermore, when the adjustment amount distribution unit 36 ​​determines the amount of power adjustment that each consumer should make to match the acquired adjustment command, or when the HEMS server 12 determines the amount of power adjustment that each lower-level consumer should make to match the assigned adjustment command, the consumer 13 to be subjected to power adjustment may be selected from the multiple consumers 13. In this case, if the consumer 13 to be subjected to power adjustment is selected based on the postal code information of the consumer 13, it is possible to easily select the consumer 13 in the area where output control is required. The postal code information of the consumer 13 is effective in extracting the consumers in the corresponding area when output control is performed in a specific area, such as on a distribution substation basis.

[0028] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the resource server 11 operated by the upper aggregator performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device, and the lower HEMS server 12 is interposed between the power control device and the consumer 13. In contrast, in this embodiment, the HEMS server 12 operated by the lower aggregator performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device. The resource server 11 operated by the upper aggregator is interposed between the HEMS server 12 as the control device and the aggregation coordinator 10.

[0029] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which the HEMS server shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device. HEMS server 12 shown in Fig. 4 represents HEMS servers 12A, 12B, 12C, ... shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 4, HEMS server 12 according to this embodiment includes a server control unit 41, a data storage unit 42, and a communication circuit 43. Consumer 13 is the same as in Fig. 3, and small-scale solar power generation device 21, power storage device 22, storage type hot water supply device 23, and control device 24 of consumer 13 represent the small-scale solar power generation device, power storage device, storage type hot water supply device, and control device provided in consumers 13A, 13B, and 13C.

[0030] The server control unit 41 includes an adjustment command acquisition unit 45, an adjustment amount distribution unit 46, and a power adjustment unit 47. It also optionally includes a history acquisition unit 48. In terms of hardware resources, the server control unit 41 is configured with circuits centered around a processor and memory. The processor executes a processing program stored in the memory, thereby functioning as the adjustment command acquisition unit 45, the adjustment amount distribution unit 46, the power adjustment unit 47, and the optional history acquisition unit 48. In other words, the processor's hardware resources and the processing program, which are software resources, are organically combined to realize the functions of the server control unit 31. The data storage unit 42 includes a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Disk). The data storage unit 42 optionally includes a history storage unit 49. The history storage unit 49 is a storage area that stores the history acquired by the history acquisition unit 48. The history acquisition unit 48 will be described later. The communication circuit 43 is a communication circuit for communicating with external devices such as the upper-level aggregation coordinator 10 and the lower-level HEMS server 12.

[0031] The adjustment command acquisition unit 45 acquires an adjustment command related to power adjustment of the photovoltaic power generation facility 17 that is the target of output control from the aggregation coordinator 10 via the resource server 11. The adjustment amount allocation unit 46 determines the amount of adjustment to be performed by each small-scale photovoltaic power generation device of each consumer that adjusts power in accordance with the acquired adjustment command, and allocates the determined adjustment amount to each consumer. The power adjustment unit 47 communicates with the control device 24 of the lower-level consumer 13 regarding the power adjustment of each consumer. The power adjustment unit 47 communicates with the control device 24 so that the control device 24 controls at least one of the power storage device 22 and the hot water storage type water heater 23 according to the adjustment amount allocated to each consumer.

[0032] To describe one example of the exchange more specifically, the HEMS server 12 (power adjustment unit 47) sends an adjustment command including an adjustment amount allocated to each consumer 13 (control device 24). When each consumer 13 (control device 24) receives the allocated adjustment amount from the HEMS server 12, it performs power adjustment applying at least one of the power storage device 22 and the hot water storage type hot water heater 23 according to the adjustment amount. As a different example, the HEMS server 12 (power adjustment unit 47) may determine the content of power adjustment that each consumer 13 should perform according to the adjustment amount, and the control device 24 of each consumer 13 may perform power adjustment applying at least one of the power storage device 22 and the hot water storage type hot water heater 23 according to an instruction from the HEMS server 12 (power adjustment unit 47). In addition, it is also possible for the HEMS server 12 (power adjustment unit 47) to determine the content of the power adjustment that each consumer 13 should make according to the adjustment amount, and for at least one of the storage device 22 and the hot water storage type water heater 23 to make the power adjustment in accordance with the instructions of the HEMS server 12.

[0033] Furthermore, an example of the communication will be described from the perspective of a power control system of consumer 13. The power control system acquires an adjustment amount allocated to consumer 13, and performs power adjustment applying at least one of power storage device 22 and storage-type hot water heater 23 according to the adjustment amount. Note that the power control system may also acquire details of power adjustment that consumer 13 should perform according to the adjustment amount, and perform power adjustment applying at least one of power storage device 22 and storage-type hot water heater 23 according to the acquired details. Here, the power control system is a power control system for consumer 13 that is connected to a power grid and has a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device and a storage-type hot water heater.

[0034] Furthermore, the adjustment amount allocation unit 46 may determine the amount of power adjustment to be performed by each small-scale solar power generation device of each consumer that adjusts its power in accordance with the acquired adjustment command, and when allocating the determined adjustment amount to each consumer, select the consumer 13 that will perform power adjustment from among the multiple consumers 13. In this case, if the consumer 13 that will perform power adjustment is selected based on the postal code information of the consumer 13, it is possible to easily select the consumer 13 in the area where output control is required. The postal code information of the consumer 13 is effective in extracting consumers in the relevant area when output control is performed in a specific area, such as by distribution substation.

[0035] (Other embodiments) In the first embodiment, the resource server 11 performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device, and in the second embodiment, the HEMS server 12 performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device. Other possible embodiments include, for example, a configuration in which the resource server 11 and the HEMS server 12 cooperate to perform control related to power adjustment. In this configuration, some functions of the server control unit 31 and the data storage unit 32 shown in FIG. 3 are not present in the resource server 11 but in the HEMS server 12 as shown in FIG. 4, and these cooperate to perform control related to power adjustment. Furthermore, a configuration in which at least one function of the resource server 11 and the HEMS server 12 is distributed and processed by multiple servers is also possible. For example, a configuration in which the aggregation coordinator 10 also functions as the resource server 11 is also possible. In this case, the HEMS server 12 performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device and directly communicates with the upper aggregation coordinator 10. Another possible configuration is one in which the resource server 11 also functions as the HEMS server 12. In this case, the resource server and HEMS server hierarchies are integrated into one, and only the resource server 11 (in other words, only the HEMS 12 server) located between the aggregation coordinator 10 and the consumer 13 performs control related to power adjustment as a power control device.

[0036] <Basic configuration and communication procedures related to power adjustment> FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the procedure for communication related to power adjustment in this embodiment. In FIG. 5, the resource server 11 represents the resource servers 11A, 11B, 11C, and so on shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The HEMS server 12 represents the HEMS servers 12A, 12B, 12C, and so on. The consumers 13 represent the consumers 13A, 13B, 13C, and so on. The horizontal direction in FIG. 5 corresponds to the passage of time, with time elapsed from left to right. The output control implementation period shown in FIG. 5 is a period during which each consumer adjusts power instead of controlling the output of the solar power generation facility 17, and suppresses reverse power flow from the small-scale solar power generation device 21 to the power grid. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the output control implementation period may occur during any period during the daytime (daytime on the same day) when the solar power generation device generates power using solar radiation. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, at a predetermined time before the arrival of the current day (the previous day), the control device 24 of the power control system of the consumer 13 calculates a predicted value of the amount of power that can be adjusted at each hour during the day on that day, and transmits the predicted value to the HEMS server 12 as the amount of power that can be adjusted.

[0037] The HEMS server 12, which receives reports of the amount of power adjustment possible from each consumer 13, compiles the amount of power adjustment possible from those consumers 13 and sends it to the resource server 11. The resource server 11, which receives reports from the HEMS server 12, compiles the amount of power adjustment possible from each HEMS server and sends it to the aggregation coordinator 10. The aggregation coordinator 10, which has received advance reports of the amount of power adjustment possible, determines whether or not it is necessary to send an adjustment command for output control and / or power adjustment based on the balance of power supply and demand for that day. If it determines to send an adjustment command for output control and / or power adjustment, it determines the target and implementation period of output control and / or power adjustment. The implementation period is a future time at the time of the determination. At a predetermined time (for example, one hour) prior to the start of the implementation period for output control and / or power adjustment, the aggregation coordinator 10 sends an adjustment command for output control to the target power generation facility, or sends an adjustment command for power adjustment to the service provider that performs proxy control by adjusting the power of the consumer.

[0038] Since this embodiment particularly relates to proxy control through power adjustment of consumers, the description of interactions with the power generation facility that is the target of output control will be omitted, and the description will focus on the power adjustment command sent to the service provider that performs proxy control through the consumer's power adjustment. The service provider is assumed to have concluded a contract for proxy control with each consumer in advance. The service provider may be a business operator that operates the resource server 11, and the resource server 11 may perform the control related to the power adjustment (see FIG. 3). Alternatively, the service provider may be a business operator that operates the HEMS server 12, and the HEMS server 12 may perform the control related to the power adjustment (see FIG. 4).

[0039] The aggregation coordinator 10 sends an adjustment command for power adjustment to a service provider that performs proxy control by adjusting the power of a consumer. For example, if the service provider is the operator of a resource server 11, the service provider sends an adjustment command for power adjustment to the resource server 11. The resource server 11, which has received the adjustment command for power adjustment from the aggregation coordinator 10, determines the consumers 13 that will participate in the power adjustment. Then, it assigns an output control amount to the consumers 13 that will participate in the power adjustment. Then, it communicates with the subordinate HEMS server 12 so that each consumer controls at least one of a power storage device and a storage-type hot water heater according to the assigned adjustment amount. The subordinate HEMS server 12 communicates with the control device 24 of the consumer 13 that will participate in the power adjustment.

[0040] Consumer 13, which has received an adjustment command from HEMS server 12, uses control device 24 to calculate a target value from the command value, and when controlling power storage device 22, changes the power storage schedule for the implementation period of the day to a power storage schedule corresponding to the target value. Then, charging and discharging of power storage device 22 is controlled until the end of the implementation period of the day (a mode including the nighttime of the previous day is also possible) so that the power demand corresponds to the target value. Also, when controlling hot water storage type water heater 23, the water heating schedule for the implementation period of the day is changed to a water heating schedule corresponding to the target value. Then, water heating of storage type water heater 23 is controlled until the end of the implementation period of the day (a mode including the nighttime of the previous day is also possible) so that the power demand corresponds to the target value. At a certain interval during the implementation period of the day or after the implementation period has ended, the consumer 13 reports the results of the power adjustment of the day to the HEMS server 12 (results response).

[0041] The HEMS server 12 receives the results of the power adjustments from each power control system and sends them together to the resource server 11. The resource server 11, which has received reports from each HEMS server 12, sends them together to the aggregation coordinator 10. The aggregation coordinator 10, which has received reports from each resource server, determines an incentive for power adjustment to be given to the consumer 13 according to the results.

[0042] 1 and 2, the operator operating the HEMS server 12 can be considered a lower-level resource aggregator. However, a HEMS server 12 that collectively manages multiple power consumers may also behave as a single equivalent consumer. In this case, the resource server 11, which functions as a power control system, assigns adjustment amounts to one or more HEMS servers 12 and communicates with the HEMS servers 12 to control at least one of a power storage device and a hot water storage device, which are centrally controlled by the HEMS servers 12, according to the assigned adjustment amounts. The HEMS server to which the adjustment amounts are assigned determines the consumers 13 that will participate in the power adjustment. The HEMS server 12 then assigns an output control amount to each consumer 13 that will participate in the power adjustment. The HEMS server 12 then communicates with the control devices 24 of the consumers 13 that will participate in the power adjustment so that each consumer controls at least one of a power storage device and a hot water storage device according to the assigned adjustment amount.

[0043] <<Example of power adjustment using a power storage device>> An example of power adjustment performed by the control device 24 of the consumer 13 will be described. Here, an example in which the power storage device 22 is applied to power adjustment will be described. As shown in FIG. 5 , the control device 24 of the consumer 13 transmits to the upper HEMS server 12, on the previous day, a predicted hourly amount of power that can be adjusted when an adjustment command is received the next day, as the amount of power adjustment possible. The control device 24 collects information such as the actual amount of power generated by the small-scale solar power generation device 21 of the consumer 13, the actual amount of charging and discharging of the power storage device 22, the actual amount of power consumed due to the power load, and the weather forecast for the day, and derives the predicted value based on the collected information. The amount of power generated by the consumer 13, the amount of power consumed due to the charging and discharging of the power storage device 22, and the amount of power consumed due to the power load may be stored in advance as a history in a non-volatile memory of the control device 24. When the HEMS server 12 located at the upper level of the consumer 13 acts as a power control device, the history may be sent to the upper HEMS server 12, and the HEMS server 12 may store the history of each consumer 13. In this case, the data storage unit 32 of the HEMS server 12 includes a history storage unit 39 that stores the history of each consumer 13. The control device 24 refers to the history stored in the history storage unit 39 to derive the adjustable amount of output.

[0044] Furthermore, when the resource server 11, which is higher up than the HEMS server 12, acts as a power control device, the resource server 11 may store the history. In this case, the data storage unit 42 of the resource server 11 includes a history storage unit 49 that stores the history of each consumer. The control device 24 refers to the history stored in the history storage unit 49 of the resource server 11 via the HEMS server 12, and derives the adjustable amount of output.

[0045] When power adjustment is performed for the day, the adjustment amount distribution unit 36 ​​or 46 of the power control device determines the amount of power that the consumer 13 should suppress within the range of the power adjustment allowable amount transmitted on the previous day and transmits an adjustment command. The control device 24 of the consumer 13 receives the adjustment command from the upper-level HEMS server 12 before the start of the implementation period. The control device 24, having received the adjustment command, references information contained in the adjustment command regarding the implementation period and the amount of power to be suppressed during the implementation period. Upon receiving the adjustment command, the control device 24 changes the power storage schedule during the implementation period of the power adjustment so that it corresponds to the target value according to the adjustment command. Then, based on the changed power storage schedule, the control device 24 controls the charging and discharging of the power storage device 22 so that the amount of power sold from the consumer 13 to the power grid during the implementation period, in other words, the reverse flow power, is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be zero. Alternatively, the predetermined value may be power purchase. In other words, the charging and discharging of the power storage device 22 may be controlled so that a reverse flow to the power grid does not occur during the implementation period. However, because the amount of power that can be charged into the power storage device 22 is limited, it is not always possible to prevent the occurrence of reverse power flow during the implementation period. The charging and discharging of the power storage device 22 may be controlled during a portion of the implementation period so that a reverse power flow from the consumer 13 to the power grid does not occur. The control device 24 changes the power storage schedule within a range in which the power stored in the power storage device 22 during the implementation period of the power adjustment is used to cover the power used by the power load of the consumer 13 after the implementation period (e.g., after sunset). The changed power storage schedule may be such that the power storage device 22 is fully charged. By controlling the charging of the power storage device 22 until it is fully charged, it is possible to cover the power used not only during the night of the day after the implementation period but also until the sun rises the next morning and solar power generation begins. Therefore, the power stored in the power storage device 22 during the implementation period is utilized without waste.

[0046] <Example of power adjustment using a hot water storage device> As another example of power adjustment performed by the control device 24, an example in which a storage-type hot water heater 23 is applied to power adjustment will be described. As shown in FIG. 5 , the control device 24 of the consumer 13 transmits to the upper-level HEMS server 12 a forecast value for each hour of the amount of power that can be adjusted when an adjustment command is received the previous day or the next day as the amount of power adjustment possible. The control device 24 derives the forecast value based on information collected by the control device 24, such as the actual amount of power generated by the small-scale solar power generation device 21 at the consumer 13, the actual amount of power consumed by the storage-type hot water heater 23 due to heating, the actual amount of power consumed by other power loads, and the weather forecast for the day. The amount of power generated by the consumer 13, the amount of power consumed by the storage-type hot water heater 23, and the amount of power consumed by other power loads may be stored in advance as history in the non-volatile memory of the control device 24. If the upper-level HEMS server 12 or the resource server 11, which is higher than the HEMS server 12, acts as a power control device, the HEMS server 12 or the resource server 11 may store the history. The control device 24 refers to the history stored in the history storage unit 49 of the resource server 11 via the HEMS server 12, and derives the adjustable amount of output.

[0047] When power adjustment is performed for the day, the adjustment amount distribution unit 36 ​​or 46 of the power control device determines the amount of power that the consumer 13 should suppress within the range of the power adjustment allowable amount transmitted the previous day and transmits an adjustment command. The control device 24 receives the adjustment command from the upper-level HEMS server 12 before the start of the implementation period. Upon receiving the adjustment command, the control device 24 references information contained in the adjustment command regarding the implementation period and the amount of power to suppress during the implementation period. Upon receiving the adjustment command, the control device 24 changes the water heating schedule of the storage-type hot water heater 23 during the power adjustment implementation period to correspond to the target value according to the adjustment command. The control device 24 then controls the water heating of the storage-type hot water heater 23 based on the changed water heating schedule. In this way, the amount of power sold from the consumer 13 to the power grid during the implementation period, in other words, reverse power flow power, is set to a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be zero, i.e., a water heating schedule that prevents reverse power flow to the power grid. However, since the amount of hot water that storage type hot water heater 23 can store is limited, it is not necessarily possible to eliminate the occurrence of reverse power flow at all times during the implementation period. In this way, control device 24 changes the hot water heating schedule within a range such that the amount of hot water used by consumer 13 after the implementation period of power adjustment (for example, after sunset) is covered by the hot water that storage type hot water heater 23 has heated and stored during the implementation period of power adjustment. Therefore, the electricity used to heat water by storage type hot water heater 23 during the implementation period is used without waste.

[0048] <Example of power adjustment amount allocation> A specific example will be described in which the adjustment amount allocation unit 36 ​​shown in Fig. 3 or the adjustment amount allocation unit 46 shown in Fig. 4 determines the adjustment amount related to power adjustment. Several methods are conceivable for the adjustment amount allocation unit 36 ​​or 46 to determine the adjustment amount for each consumer. As an example, if the implementation period is specified as a number of consecutive units of 30 minutes, the adjustment command is updated as needed, for example, in 5-minute increments, depending on fluctuations in the supply and demand balance during the implementation period. In other words, the adjustment amount can be updated in 5-minute increments.

[0049] In a first mode, the adjustment amount allocation unit 36 ​​or 46 may allocate an adjustment amount according to the power generation capacity of each consumer's small-scale solar power generation device 21. Since a small-scale solar power generation device 21 with a large power generation capacity is predicted to generate more power during the implementation period than a small-scale solar power generation device 21 with a small power generation capacity, a larger adjustment amount is allocated to consumers that have a small-scale solar power generation device 21 with a large power generation capacity accordingly.

[0050] As a second aspect, it is possible to allocate the adjustment amount of each consumer depending on the presence or absence of reverse power flow or the magnitude of reverse power flow power of each consumer that is expected or actually performed during the implementation period. The reverse power flow power from the consumer to the power grid is power generated by the small-scale solar power generation device 21 of the consumer 13. If this power is suppressed, it can be said that the small-scale solar power generation device 21 of the consumer 13 has performed power adjustment on behalf of the solar power generation facility 17. In other words, it can be said that it has acted as a proxy for the output control of the solar power generation facility 17.

[0051] Furthermore, as a third aspect, when the power storage device 22 is applied to power adjustment, the adjustment amount allocation unit 36 ​​or 46 may determine and allocate an adjustment amount according to the magnitude of power consumption of each consumer after the implementation period. This is to use power without waste, assuming that the power stored in the power storage device 22 during power adjustment will be consumed by the consumer 13 after the implementation period. A consumer with high power consumption after the implementation period is likely to be able to use power without waste even if a large adjustment amount is allocated. An example of the period after the implementation period is after sunset, but any time period after the implementation period may be used. The adjustment amount may also be determined and allocated according to the magnitude of power consumption that exceeds the amount of power generation after the implementation period.

[0052] As a fourth aspect, when applying the power storage device 22 to power adjustment, the adjustment amount allocation unit 36 ​​or 46 may determine and allocate the adjustment amount according to the size of the available capacity of the power storage device 22 that is predicted during the implementation period of the power adjustment. The predicted available capacity can be said to be the capacity at which the power storage device 22 can be applied to the power adjustment, so the idea is to allocate a larger adjustment amount to the consumer 13 that is predicted to have a larger available capacity during the implementation period. In this case, the storage schedule for power that was originally scheduled to be charged before the implementation time of the power adjustment may be shifted to the extent that is determined possible, referring to the history, during the implementation period of the power adjustment, thereby increasing the available capacity compared to the original storage schedule.

[0053] Furthermore, as a fifth aspect, when applying the power storage device 22 to power adjustment, the control device 24 can accept a user setting of a dedicated capacity (available capacity) for the purpose of dealing with the power adjustment, and reserve that available capacity in the power storage device 22 according to the setting. The adjustment amount allocation unit 36 ​​or 46 determines and allocates an adjustment amount according to the size of the reserved available capacity in this way. The reserved available capacity can be said to be the capacity at which the power storage device 22 can be applied to power adjustment, so the idea is to allocate a larger adjustment amount to the consumer 13 that has reserved a larger available capacity for power adjustment.

[0054] As a sixth aspect, when applying storage-type hot water heater 23 to power adjustment, adjustment amount allocation unit 36 ​​or 46 may determine and allocate the adjustment amount as follows. When storage-type hot water heater 23 is applied to power adjustment, the hot water heating schedule, which was originally scheduled to be heated and stored before the power adjustment implementation time, is shifted to the period during which power adjustment is implemented, to the extent that it is determined that there will be no shortage of hot water by referring to the history. By doing so, at least a portion of the electricity generated by small-scale solar power generation device 21 during the period during which power adjustment is implemented is used to heat water. The amount of power consumption equivalent to the shift of water heating to the implementation period is calculated, and the adjustment amount is determined and allocated according to the amount of power consumption for the shift. The amount of power consumption for the shift can be said to be the power adjustment capacity that can be handled by applying storage-type hot water heater 23.

[0055] <Compensation for power adjustment> Providing incentives for the power adjustment described above further promotes the use of electricity. The incentives can be funded by utilizing the power related to output control, which reduces the amount of power generated by thermal power plants across the entire power system. Therefore, fuel costs and greenhouse gas reduction costs equivalent to the amount of power reduced from thermal power plants could be used as incentive funds. By measuring these effects and linking them to the amount of power adjusted, it is possible to return value to users. The amount of power adjusted can be, for example, the amount of power charged or consumed during the adjustment period. When using power storage device 22 for power adjustment, the amount of power charged during the adjustment period corresponds to the amount of power avoided from reverse power flow. Therefore, incentives can be provided based on the amount of power charged during the adjustment period. Furthermore, when using hot water supply device 23 for power adjustment, power consumption may exceed power generation during the adjustment period, resulting in power purchases. This power purchase results in an economic loss for users. Therefore, incentives can be provided to compensate for the power purchases during the adjustment period. Alternatively, an incentive may be provided based on the amount of power consumed by hot water storage type water heater 23 during the implementation period. In this case, since an incentive is provided, hot water storage type water heater 23 can be applied to power adjustment without worrying about the risk of purchasing power.

[0056] As mentioned above, (i) The power control device of the present invention is a power control device that is connected to a power grid and causes a plurality of consumers having a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device or a hot water supply device to perform power adjustment, and is characterized by comprising: an adjustment command acquisition unit that acquires an adjustment command to suppress output on behalf of a solar power generation facility connected to the power grid; an adjustment amount allocation unit that determines an allocation of an adjustment amount for each consumer in accordance with the adjustment command; and a power adjustment unit that causes each consumer to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water supply device in accordance with the determined adjustment amount.

[0057] In this invention, the power supply and demand of the power system to which the solar power generation facility is connected is managed by a coordinator. The coordinator that manages the power supply and demand in the power system manages the balance of power supply and demand in the power system and sends adjustment commands related to the adjustment. A specific example of such a coordinator is a power transmission and distribution company that operates the power transmission and distribution of the power system. The aggregation coordinator in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the coordinator of this invention.

[0058] Furthermore, the solar power generation facility connected to the power grid is a solar power generation facility connected to a power grid in which a coordinator manages power supply and demand. The power generation capacity of the solar power generation facility is greater than the power generation capacity of the solar power generation equipment of the customer, and has a power generation capacity equivalent to the power generation capacity of the solar power generation equipment of multiple customers. The solar power generation facility is a power generation facility that can be subject to output control and has a power generation capacity equal to or greater than a predetermined value (10 kW, for example) set forth by law. A specific example of such a facility is a solar power generation equipment having a power generation capacity equal to or greater than the predetermined value. The solar power generation facility 17 (not the small-scale solar power generation equipment 21) in the above-described embodiment corresponds to the solar power generation facility connected to the power grid in this invention. Furthermore, the adjustment command is a command sent from a coordinator that manages the supply and demand of electricity in a power grid to a service provider that performs proxy control by adjusting the power of consumers to suppress power in accordance with the output control of the solar power generation facilities under its management. It is also a command related to power adjustment sent from the service provider that received the command to multiple consumers that have small-scale solar power generation devices.

[0059] The power generation capacity of the solar power generation device of each consumer is smaller than the power generation capacity of the solar power generation facility. The solar power generation device of each consumer is mainly assumed to be a solar power generation device that is not subject to output control and has a power generation capacity less than a predetermined value (10 kW, for example) specified by law. A specific example of such a solar power generation device is a home solar power generation device. The small-scale solar power generation device 21 in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the solar power generation device owned by each consumer in this invention. The adjustment amount is the amount of power that each consumer should adjust in relation to the adjustment command, or the total amount of power that each consumer should adjust in relation to the adjustment command.

[0060] Furthermore, the power storage device is a power storage device owned by each consumer, and includes a storage battery and a control device that controls the charging and discharging of the storage battery. The power storage device stores power supplied from a small-scale solar power generation system or the power grid and outputs it to the power load of each consumer or to the power grid. Charging a storage battery can be considered a type of power load. It is possible to control a schedule (power storage schedule) for when and how much power to charge the storage battery and output. In power adjustment, the time period for charging the storage battery can be shifted from the original schedule to a period during which power adjustment is implemented, and the power generated by the small-scale solar power generation system can be used to charge the storage battery and allocated to power adjustment. The power charged in the storage battery is supplied to the power load as needed, so the power allocated to power adjustment is used effectively. The power storage device is included in the power control system of consumer 13 in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0061] A storage-type hot water heater is a device that uses heat pump technology or the like to heat and store hot water using electricity, and supplies it as needed; it can be considered a type of power load. It is possible to control the schedule (heating schedule) of when and how much hot water is heated. With power adjustment, the time period for heating can be shifted from the original schedule to a period during which power adjustment is implemented, and the power generated by the small-scale solar power generation system can be used for heating and allocated to power adjustment. Since boiled water is used as needed, if there is no need to reheat the water, the power allocated to power adjustment can be used effectively. The storage-type hot water heater is included in the power control system of consumer 13 in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0062] The power adjustment method according to the present invention is effective in maintaining the balance between power supply and demand in a power grid and in effectively utilizing power. Apart from proxy control through power adjustment, another method for maintaining the balance between power supply and demand is, for example, changing the power price according to the power supply and demand balance. For example, if electricity is made cheaper during the daytime, it is economically rational to encourage each consumer to store the power generated by a small-scale solar power generation device in a storage battery during the daytime. However, even if one tries to maintain the balance between power supply and demand by using power prices alone, it is difficult to accurately estimate and guide the total power usage in the power grid. In other words, it is difficult to say that the risk of a power supply and demand imbalance resulting in a power outage can be avoided by simply using power prices.

[0063] Furthermore, tertiary control reserves (wide-area electricity procurement markets) are being prepared as another method for maintaining the balance of electricity supply and demand in the power grid. For example, this is a mechanism for adjusting the balance of electricity supply and demand in each region by transferring electricity across a wide area from regions where electricity supply exceeds electricity demand to regions where electricity demand exceeds electricity supply. This is being prepared as a method for dealing with prediction errors in electricity generation from renewable energy sources. However, in situations where a large amount of surplus electricity is generated, the market price of electricity is low. As a result, there are costs involved in purchasing the surplus electricity, and even if the surplus electricity can be sold at a low price to regions where there is a shortage of electricity, it is difficult from a profitability perspective.

[0064] Further, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. (ii) The power adjustment unit may be configured to cause the storage device to perform charging control or the storage-type hot water supply device to perform boiling control using the power generated by the solar power generation device during the period in which the power adjustment is being implemented. According to this aspect, even if a consumer has a small-scale photovoltaic power generation device, the power generated by the consumer's multiple photovoltaic power generation devices during the power adjustment period can be used to charge and control the consumer's storage battery or to control the heating of the storage-type hot water heater, and by controlling these collectively, an adjustment amount commensurate with the output control can be obtained. The consumer can use the power stored in the storage battery during the power adjustment period or the hot water heated by the storage-type hot water heater after the period has ended (for example, after sunset), so the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation device during the power adjustment period is utilized.

[0065] (iii) The adjustment amount allocation unit may allocate an adjustment amount to a consumer to whom power generated by the solar power generation device flows back to the power grid during the period in which the power adjustment is implemented, so that the backflow power is suppressed to zero or a predetermined value or less. According to this aspect, the adjustment amount allocation unit can determine the allocation of adjustment amounts for each consumer that experiences reverse power flow during the period in which power adjustment is being implemented, so that the reverse power flow is eliminated or the reverse power flow power is reduced to a predetermined value or less.

[0066] (iv) The adjustment amount allocation unit may allocate the adjustment amount in accordance with the magnitude of the power generation capacity of the photovoltaic power generation device of each consumer. According to this aspect, the adjustment amount allocation unit can determine the allocation of the adjustment amount according to the magnitude of the power generation capacity of the photovoltaic power generation device of each customer.

[0067] (v) The adjustment amount allocation unit may obtain in advance a predicted value of the capacity that can be stored in the storage device of each consumer that has the storage device during the period in which the power adjustment is implemented, and may determine the allocation of the adjustment amount to each consumer based on the obtained predicted value of the capacity. According to this aspect, the adjustment amount allocation unit obtains a predicted value of the capacity that can be stored in each consumer's storage device during the implementation period before the power adjustment is implemented, and can determine the allocation of the adjustment amount to each consumer based on the size of that value.

[0068] (vi) The system may further include a history acquisition unit that acquires history relating to at least one of the control of the charge and discharge of the power storage device for each time period of the consumer and the control of heating of the hot water storage type hot water heater, and the power adjustment unit may refer to the history acquired by the history acquisition unit and control at least one of the control of the charge of the power storage device before the period in which the power adjustment is implemented and the control of heating of the hot water storage type hot water heater to be shifted to the period in which the power adjustment is implemented, and the adjustment amount allocation unit may determine the allocation of the adjustment amount to each consumer based on the amount of power demand that increases during the period in which the power adjustment is implemented due to the shift. According to this aspect, the adjustment amount allocation unit can determine the allocation of adjustment amounts to each consumer based on the amount of electricity demand that increases during the implementation period by shifting the electricity demand during the nighttime before the output control is implemented to the implementation period.

[0069] (vii) The adjustment amount allocation unit may obtain in advance a predicted value of the amount of electricity that the storage-type hot water supply device of each consumer that has the storage-type hot water supply device can use for heating water during the period in which the power adjustment is implemented, and may determine the allocation of adjustment amounts to each consumer based on the predicted value obtained from each consumer. According to this aspect, the adjustment amount allocation unit obtains a predicted value of the amount of electricity that each consumer's storage-type water heating device can use for heating during the implementation period before the power adjustment is implemented, and can determine the allocation of adjustment amounts to each consumer based on the magnitude of that value.

[0070] (viii) Each consumer may be provided with a control device that controls at least one of the power storage device and the hot water supply device, and the power adjustment unit may be configured to cause the control device to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water supply device. According to this aspect, the adjustment amount distribution unit can realize power adjustment that allows each consumer to consume electricity for their own use according to the determined adjustment amount by interacting with a control device that controls at least one of the storage device and the hot water storage type water heater owned by each consumer.

[0071] (ix) One aspect of the present invention is a power control system for a consumer connected to a power grid and having a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device or a hot water supply device, the power control system acquiring an adjustment amount for the consumer's power adjustment determined based on an adjustment command to suppress output on behalf of a solar power generation facility connected to the power grid, and adjusting the power by controlling at least one of the power storage device and the hot water supply device in accordance with the adjustment amount.

[0072] (x) One aspect of the present invention includes a power control method comprising the steps of: a power control device connected to a power grid that causes a plurality of consumers having a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device or a hot water supply device to perform power adjustment; obtaining an adjustment command to suppress output on behalf of the managed solar power generation facility from a coordinator that manages power supply and demand in the power grid; determining an allocation of adjustment amounts for power adjustment of the solar power generation device of each consumer in accordance with the adjustment command; and causing each consumer to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water supply device in accordance with the determined adjustment amount.

[0073] (xi) Another aspect of the present invention is a power control system including a power control device connected to a power grid that causes a plurality of consumers having a photovoltaic power generation device and at least one of a power storage device and a hot water supply system to perform power adjustments, and an adjustment command device that allocates adjustment amounts to the power control device, wherein the adjustment command device sends an adjustment command to the power control device, the adjustment command including an adjustment amount to suppress output on behalf of a photovoltaic power generation facility connected to the power grid, and the power control device includes an adjustment command acquisition unit that acquires the adjustment command, an adjustment amount allocation unit that determines an allocation of the adjustment amount for each consumer so as to correspond to the adjustment command, and a power adjustment unit that causes each consumer to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water supply system in accordance with the determined adjustment amount. The adjustment command device according to the present invention corresponds, for example, to the resource server in the above-mentioned second embodiment.

[0074] The aspects of the present invention also include combinations of any of the above-described aspects. In addition to the above-described embodiment, various modifications of the present invention are possible. These modifications should not be interpreted as not falling within the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include all modifications and equivalents to the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10: Aggregation coordinator, 11, 11A, 11B, 11C: Resource server, 12, 12A, 12B, 12C: HEMS server, 13, 13A, 13B, 13C: Consumer, 17: Photovoltaic power generation facility, 21, 21A, 21B, 21C: Small-scale photovoltaic power generation device, 22, 22A, 22B: Power storage device, 23, 23B, 23C: Storage type hot water supply device, 24, 24A, 24B, 24C: Control device, 31, 41: Server control unit, 32, 42: Data storage unit, 33, 43: Communication circuit, 35, 45: Adjustment command acquisition unit, 36, 46: Adjustment amount distribution unit, 37, 47: Power adjustment unit, 38, 48: History acquisition unit, 39, 49: History storage unit

Claims

1. A power control device that is connected to a power grid and adjusts power consumption of a plurality of consumers that have a photovoltaic power generation device and at least one of a power storage device and a hot water supply device, an adjustment command acquisition unit that acquires, from an aggregation coordinator that manages power supply and demand in the power system, an adjustment command to substitute a requested amount of output suppression for a photovoltaic power generation facility connected to the power system with power adjustment of each consumer; an adjustment amount distribution unit that determines and distributes, for each consumer, an adjustment amount, which is the amount of power that each consumer should absorb as self-consumption by at least one of charging the power storage device and heating the hot water storage type water heater during the implementation period of the power adjustment so as to correspond to the adjustment command; A power control device comprising: a power adjustment unit that causes each consumer to control at least one of the storage device and the storage-type hot water supply device according to the determined adjustment amount, and suppresses the reverse flow power from the solar power generation device of each consumer to the power grid to be zero or below a predetermined value.

2. The power control device according to claim 1, wherein the power adjustment unit controls the power storage device to perform charging control or the hot water storage type water heater to perform boiling control using the power generated by the solar power generation device during the period in which the power adjustment is implemented.

3. The power control device according to claim 1 , wherein the adjustment amount allocating unit allocates the adjustment amount in accordance with the magnitude of the power generation capacity of the photovoltaic power generation device of each consumer.

4. 2. The power control device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment amount allocation unit acquires in advance a predicted value of a capacity that can be stored in the power storage device of each consumer that has the power storage device during a period in which the power adjustment is implemented, and determines an allocation of the adjustment amount to each consumer based on the acquired predicted value of the capacity.

5. Further, a history acquisition unit is provided for acquiring a history of at least one of the charge / discharge control of the power storage device for each time zone of each consumer and the heating control of the hot water storage type hot water heater, the power adjustment unit refers to the history acquired by the history acquisition unit and controls at least one of the charging control of the power storage device before the implementation period of the power adjustment and the heating control of the hot water storage type hot water heater to be shifted to the implementation period of the power adjustment; The power control device according to claim 1 , wherein the adjustment amount allocator determines the allocation of the adjustment amount to each consumer based on the magnitude of the power demand that increases during the implementation period of the power adjustment due to the shift.

6. The power control device described in claim 1, wherein the adjustment amount allocation unit obtains in advance a predicted value of the amount of electricity that the storage-type hot water supply device of each consumer that has the storage-type hot water supply device can use for heating during the period in which the power adjustment is implemented, and determines the allocation of adjustment amounts to each consumer based on the predicted value obtained from each consumer.

7. Each consumer is provided with a control device that controls at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type hot water supply device, The power control device according to claim 1 , wherein the power adjustment unit causes the control device to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type water heater.

8. A power control system for a consumer connected to a power grid, the power control system including a solar power generation device and at least one of a power storage device and a hot water supply device, From an aggregation coordinator that manages power supply and demand in the power system, an adjustment amount related to the power adjustment of the consumer, which is determined based on an adjustment command for substituting a requested amount of output suppression for a solar power generation facility connected to the power system with power adjustment on the consumer side, is acquired; A power control system that controls at least one of the storage device and the hot water supply device according to the adjustment amount, thereby suppressing the reverse flow power from the consumer's solar power generation device to the power grid to zero or a predetermined value or less.

9. A power control device is connected to a power grid and controls a plurality of consumers having a photovoltaic power generation device and at least one of a power storage device and a hot water supply device, obtaining an adjustment command to suppress output on behalf of the photovoltaic power generation facility connected to the power grid; determining and allocating for each consumer an adjustment amount, which is the amount of power that each consumer should absorb as self-consumption by at least one of charging the power storage device and heating the hot water storage type water heater during the implementation period of the power adjustment in accordance with the adjustment command; and causing each consumer to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type water heater in accordance with the determined adjustment amount.

10. a power control device connected to the power grid and configured to adjust power consumption of a plurality of consumers having a photovoltaic power generation device and at least one of a power storage device and a hot water supply device; an adjustment command device that issues an adjustment command to the power control device; A power control system comprising: the adjustment command device sends an adjustment command to the power control device, the adjustment command being a command from an aggregation coordinator that manages power supply and demand in the power system, to substitute a requested amount of output suppression for a solar power generation facility connected to the power system with power adjustment of each consumer; The power control device includes: an adjustment command acquisition unit that acquires the adjustment command; an adjustment amount distribution unit that determines and distributes, for each consumer, an adjustment amount, which is the amount of power that each consumer should absorb as self-consumption by at least one of charging the power storage device and heating the hot water storage type water heater during the implementation period of the power adjustment so as to correspond to the adjustment command; a power adjustment unit that causes each consumer to control at least one of the power storage device and the hot water storage type water heater in accordance with the determined adjustment amount, and suppresses the reverse flow power from the solar power generation device of each consumer to the power grid to zero or a predetermined value or less.

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