Power trading support device

Abstract

To provide a power transaction supporting device for realizing a free transaction of power.SOLUTION: In a smart grid, a power transaction supporting device 120 acquires a power profile from a user U1 and provides the acquired power profile to a user U2. The user U2 thereafter requests power supply from the user U1, who has power to supply, the profile of the user U2, who requested the power supply, is sent to the user U1, who received the request. When the user U1, who received the request, approves of the power supply to the user U2, who requested the power supply, the use U1, who received the request issues a notification of the result of approval to the user U2 who requested the power supply.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for supporting electricity trading. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2021-108525 discloses a power operation system. The system disclosed in this publication includes a user site having a power storage facility that stores power generated by a renewable energy power generation facility and a management facility that controls the power storage facility, and an information processing unit that communicates with the management facility and power consumers and processes information. The management facility sends user site information and power storage information including the amount of power that can be supplied to an information processing unit. The information processing unit identifies and authenticates the user site information and power storage information, and accepts power demand requests sent by power consumers. Furthermore, the information processing unit matches the power demand requests with the user site information and power storage information, and based on the matching results, generates a discharge instruction and sends it to the management facility. Based on the discharge instruction, the management facility discharges power from the power storage facility to a specified power transmission and distribution network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-108525 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, the present inventors would like to realize electricity trading with greater flexibility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The energy trading supporting apparatus disclosed herein includes a storage unit in which user profiles are stored. The energy trading supporting apparatus is configured to perform the following processes. obtaining a power profile of the power available to the user; Providing the power profile to other users; A process in which other users apply to receive power from users who have power available; The application process involves sending the application user's profile to the application recipient; The process of approving the application of the applicant by the applicant user; After the approval process, the electricity of the applied user is supplied to the applied user through the smart grid.

[0006] This energy trading supporting device provides users who will be energy recipients (buyers) with a power profile of the energy that can be supplied by users who will be energy suppliers (sellers). Users who will be energy recipients (buyers) can find the energy quality they want and apply for it. This allows users who wish to receive energy to choose the energy they want to receive.

[0007] The power profile may include at least one of the amount of power that the user can supply, power source information for the supplied power, and supply conditions.

[0008] The amount of power that the user can supply may include the amount of power stored in the smart grid, the amount of power that is planned to be generated, and the amount of power that is planned to be stored.

[0009] The amount of power stored in the smart grid may be recorded in association with the user.

[0010] The energy trading supporting apparatus may be configured to perform the following processes. obtaining an electricity demand profile relating to the user's electricity demand; providing the electricity demand profile to other users over a communications network; The process of other users applying to supply electricity to meet their electricity needs; A process in which a power profile of the power that the user who applied for the application can supply is sent to the user who applied for the application; The process of approving the application of the applicant by the applicant user; A process in which the electricity of the user who applied is supplied to the user who applied after the approval process is received.

[0011] According to this process, a power demand profile is provided from a user who will be a power receiver (buyer) to a user who will be a power supplier (seller). The user who will be a power supplier (seller) can then find a party to whom they wish to supply power and apply for the supply of power. This allows a user who wishes to supply power to choose a supplier. Furthermore, the user who will be a power receiver (buyer) can limit the power supplied in accordance with the power demand profile and can select the quality of power (power generation means) to be used.

[0012] The power demand profile may include at least one of the date and time the user desires to receive power, the amount of power desired to be supplied, power source information for the power desired to be supplied, supply conditions, and the use of the power.

[0013] Transaction data including information on the application process, information on the approval process, and information on the electricity supplied in the electricity supply process may be configured to be recorded on a blockchain. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a smart grid 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the information processing device 100 of the smart grid 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a storage unit that stores the virtual power storage capacity in association with the user. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a storage unit that stores the power generation devices 51 to 55 in association with users. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a storage unit that stores the power storage devices 61 to 65 in association with users. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing processes m51 and m52, which are an example of the purchase process m5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing processes m61 and m62, which are an example of the selling process m6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing another form of the table recorded in the first recording process m1. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the mechanism realized by the second recording process m11 and the shared setting process m12. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an energy trading support apparatus 120 disclosed herein. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another process of the energy trading supporting apparatus 120. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the power storage status of a plurality of users A to F. In FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another process of the energy trading supporting apparatus 120. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described. Of course, the embodiments described herein are not intended to particularly limit the disclosure herein. The disclosure herein is not limited to the embodiments described herein unless otherwise specified. Each drawing is a schematic drawing and does not necessarily reflect the actual object. Furthermore, components and parts that perform the same function are appropriately designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0016] "Smart Grid 10" FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a smart grid 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the smart grid 10 includes a power transmission network 20 and a communication network 40. Multiple power devices are connected to the power transmission network 20 of the smart grid. Here, power devices are a general term for various devices necessary for using electricity. Power devices may include devices for generating electricity, converting electrical energy into other energy sources, storing electricity, voltage conversion, power factor adjustment, and power connection / disconnection. The power transmission network 20 of the smart grid 10 is connected to various power devices, such as existing power transmission lines 24 that transmit electricity from large-scale power generation facilities 22, such as thermal power plants, hydroelectric power plants, and nuclear power plants operated by electric power companies; power generation companies 26 that utilize natural energy sources such as solar power generation and wind power; homes 28 that have installed solar power generation systems or cogeneration systems; factory operators 30 that have installed solar power generation systems in factories; and building operators 32 that have installed solar power generation systems in buildings. Electric vehicles equipped with on-board batteries may also be connected to the power transmission network 20. Furthermore, small, independent local systems that include solar power plants and wind power plants can also be considered small-scale power distribution systems and are called microgrids 35. Power consumers and power generation companies connected to the power transmission network 20 of these smart grids are each connected to a communication network 40, and power transmission and distribution data can be communicated and managed in both directions.

[0017] Here, there are various types of electric vehicles that can be connected to the power grid 20, such as so-called plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that have a plug-in function that allows them to be connected to the power grid 20 and charge and discharge, plug-in range extender electric vehicles (RexEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Also included are hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), range extender EVs, and fuel cell vehicles that are connected to the power grid 20 and have a function that allows them to supply electric power generated by the vehicle to the power grid 20. Hybrid vehicles and range extender EVs may not only use gasoline or diesel to generate electricity, but may also be equipped with a hydrogen engine to generate electricity.

[0018] Electricity consumers are those who consume electricity, such as homes and factories, and receive their supply of electricity while purchasing it as needed. Power generation companies that use natural energy sources such as solar power and wind power sell the electricity they generate. Businesses that have installed solar power generation equipment in their own factories or buildings, as well as electricity users who generate their own electricity, sell surplus electricity from their solar power generation equipment and purchase electricity as needed to cover the electricity that cannot be supplied by the solar power generation equipment.

[0019] Among these, the home energy management system 28a is called a HEMS (Home Energy Management System). The factory energy management system 30a is called an FEMS (Factory Energy Management System). The building energy management system 32a is called a BEMS (Building Energy Management System). The energy management system 35a of the microgrid 35, which manages the power supply from local power plants such as solar power plants, wind power plants, and biomass power plants, and the power demand within the local area, is called a CEMS (Cluster / Community Energy Management System). The CEMS is the core system of the smart grid, managing the energy of the entire local area, including the HEMS, BEMS, and FEMS. The smart grid 10 is equipped with an information processing device 100 that collects information from these systems. The smart grid 10 is configured to use IT technology via a communication network 40 to control and optimize the flow of power in the power transmission network 20 from both the supply and demand sides.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an information processing device 100 of a smart grid 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the smart grid 10 may include an aggregation coordinator 11 and a resource aggregator 13. The aggregation coordinator 11 is an operator that aggregates the amount of power controlled by the resource aggregator 13 and directly trades power with general power transmission and distribution companies and electricity retailers. The aggregation coordinator 11 is, for example, an electric power company. The resource aggregator 13 is generally an operator that directly concludes VPP service contracts with power consumers and controls resources.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the aggregation coordinator 11 requests the resource aggregator 13 to perform control to adjust the demand response (D1). The resource aggregator 13 responds to the control request in accordance with the contract with the aggregation coordinator 11 (R1). The adjustments required of the resource aggregator 13 include a "downward DR" to reduce (suppress) power demand and an "upward DR" to increase (create) power demand. The downward DR, for example, causes a HEMS, BEMS, or FEMS (see FIG. 1) to execute control to reduce power consumption. Furthermore, if a power storage device or an electric vehicle connected to the power grid 20 and capable of outputting power is provided, the downward DR may be controlled to supply the power stored in the power storage device or the electric vehicle to the power grid 20. The upward DR, for example, causes a HEMS, BEMS, or FEMS to execute control to promote power consumption. For example, a BEMS may cancel control to reduce the temperature setting of an air conditioner. A FEMS may also increase the operating rate of a factory. In addition, if the vehicle is equipped with a power storage device or an electric vehicle that is connected to the power transmission network 20 and capable of outputting power, the on-board battery of the power storage device or the electric vehicle may be controlled in the upward DR so that power is actively stored in the power storage device or the electric vehicle.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the smart grid 10 includes, for example, a power transmission network 20 to which a plurality of power generation devices 51-55 and a plurality of power storage devices 61-65 are connected, and a communication network 40 to which information on at least the amount of power transmitted by the power transmission network 20 is transmitted.

[0023] 2, the power generation plants 51 to 55 include various power generation plants such as a solar power generation plant, a cogeneration power generation plant, a wind power generation plant, a biomass power generation plant, etc. The power generation plants 51 to 55 also include home power generation plants and large-scale power generation plants.

[0024] The power storage devices 61 to 65 may include stationary power storage devices and on-board batteries of electric vehicles that can be connected to the smart grid 10. Stationary power storage devices also include stationary power storage devices for home use and large-scale power storage devices.

[0025] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the power storage devices 61, 62 are stationary home power storage devices installed in the houses A1, A2. The houses A1, A2 are also provided with charging / discharging stands, to which the electric vehicles 71, 72 are connected as appropriate. The electric vehicles 71, 72 are equipped with on-board batteries and can be charged / discharged via the charging / discharging stands. Therefore, the electric vehicles 71, 72 function as power storage devices as appropriate. Solar panels serving as power generation devices 51, 52 are attached to the roofs of the houses A1, A2, respectively. The houses A1, A2 may be detached houses or collective housing such as condominiums or apartments.

[0026] The factory A3 is equipped with a power generation device 53 that uses renewable energy such as solar panels, and a stationary power storage device 63. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a charging stand is provided in the factory A3. For example, an electric vehicle 73 of an employee who commutes to work by electric vehicle is connected to the charging stand. Here, the employee's electric vehicle 73 is connected to the smart grid 10 via the charging stand in the factory A3 during working hours. Also, when the employee is at home, the vehicle is connected to the smart grid 10 via a charging stand installed in the employee's home.

[0027] For example, a resident of a residence A1 may be an employee of a factory A3. In this case, a situation may arise in which the resident of the residence A1 commutes to the factory A3 by electric vehicle 71. The electric vehicle 71 may be appropriately connected to the smart grid 10 between the residence A1 and the factory A3. Therefore, even on weekdays, the electric vehicle 71 is generally connected to the smart grid 10 while it is parked. The electric vehicles 71 to 73 may be connected to the smart grid 10 through charging stands 81 not only at homes and workplaces but also at commercial facilities, tourist destinations, and local charging spots A6. The function of the charging spot A6 or the function of the electric vehicles 71 to 73 may be configured to appropriately control charging from and discharging to the smart grid 10. Charging from and discharging to the smart grid 10 may be controlled by, for example, the resource aggregator 13.

[0028] The power generation company A4 is equipped with a power generation system 54 equipped with many solar panels. The power generation company A4 discharges the electricity generated by the solar panels to the smart grid 10. The power generation company A4's power generation system is not limited to solar power generation, and various power generation systems, such as wind power generation, biomass power generation, and small-scale hydroelectric power generation, may be used. The power generation company A4 may also be equipped with a required stationary power storage device 64. The power storage company A5 is a company that has prepared a large-scale power storage device 65 equipped with many power storage devices. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the facility of the power storage company A5 also includes a power generation device 65 such as solar panels. The large-scale power storage device 65 prepared by the power storage company A5 may be a stationary storage battery that combines recycled automotive batteries or non-standard battery products from battery manufacturers. Such stationary storage batteries are considered to be relatively inexpensive, large-capacity, and stable.

[0029] The greater the total capacity of all the power storage devices connected to the smart grid 10, the greater the degree of freedom in power storage. The total capacity of all the power storage devices connected to the smart grid 10 should be, for example, at least half a day's worth of power required by the microgrid, more preferably at least two to three days' worth, and even more preferably at least one week's worth, and the power storage devices should be sufficiently charged. Furthermore, the power storage devices connected to the smart grid 10 should all have sufficient free capacity to cover the amount of power generated within the microgrid. This increases the degree of freedom in power storage and power supply in the smart grid 10, improving user convenience. In the smart grid 10 managed by the information processing device 100 proposed here, as shown in FIG. 2, a power storage business operator A5, etc., can be established, which has power storage devices with large-scale power storage capacity and whose main business is power storage through the smart grid 10.

[0030] Information processing device 100 The information processing device 100 of the smart grid 10 is a device that processes information of the smart grid 10. The information processing device 100 can be realized, for example, by a computer that executes predetermined processes in accordance with an embedded program. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 100 is embedded as one function of a cloud server of a resource aggregator 13 connected to the communication network 40 of the smart grid 10. Each process of the information processing device 100 can be embodied as a processing module that performs predetermined arithmetic processing in accordance with a predetermined program.

[0031] Incidentally, the power generated by the power generation devices 51 to 55 connected to the smart grid 10 is not only consumed by the user but also stored in the user's own storage battery or an electric vehicle. When surplus power is generated, it is supplied to the smart grid 10. In response to this, the system may be configured to sell the power each time. Furthermore, when there is a power shortage, the smart grid 10 supplies the power to make up for the shortage. In response to this, the system may be configured to purchase the power each time.

[0032] For example, a user of a residence A1 can store the power generated by a private power generation device 51 in a power storage device 61. The power generated by the private power generation device 51 can also be supplied to the smart grid 10. The power supplied to the smart grid 10 is sold to the power utility each time. The power supplied to the smart grid 10 is consumed by consumers through the smart grid 10. When consumers receive power from the smart grid 10, they purchase the power from the power utility each time.

[0033] On the other hand, a plurality of power storage devices 61-65 are connected to the smart grid 10. The plurality of power storage devices 61-65 may be configured so that charging and discharging can be controlled according to commands from the resource aggregator 13, for example. In such a smart grid 10, the inventors believe that a user of the residence A1 can store surplus power of the user's home through the smart grid 10. For example, the surplus power of the user of the residence A1 may be controlled through the smart grid 10 so that the surplus power of the smart grid 10 is stored in the plurality of power storage devices 61-65 connected to the smart grid 10. In this case, when power generated by the user's home power generation device 51 is supplied to the smart grid 10, the resource aggregator 13 can control the plurality of power storage devices 61-65 connected to the smart grid 10 to store the power.

[0034] When the user of the residence A1 supplies power generated by the private power generation device 51 to the smart grid 10, the user can store the power in multiple power storage devices 61-65 connected to the smart grid 10. The power stored in the multiple power storage devices 61-65 connected to the smart grid 10 can be received via the smart grid 10 at any time. Such control is possible if the smart grid 10 has a power transmission network 20 and a communication network 40 and is controlled by IT technology. In this case, the user can choose to store surplus power as power in the smart grid 10 instead of selling it each time.

[0035] From this perspective, the present inventors have conceived of associating a virtual energy storage capacity, which is defined as an amount of energy equivalent to the amount of energy that can be received from the smart grid 10, with a user and storing the virtual energy storage capacity in the information processing device 100 of the smart grid 10. This allows the user to record the energy discharged to the smart grid 10 as energy stored in the smart grid 10 and as energy that can be received from the smart grid 10. In other words, the user can store surplus energy through the smart grid 10. The stored energy is recorded as a virtual energy storage capacity equivalent to the amount of energy that can be received from the smart grid 10. By associating the virtual energy storage capacity with the user and recording it in the information processing device 100 of the smart grid 10, the smart grid 10 can be controlled so that the user can receive an amount of energy equivalent to the associated and stored virtual energy storage capacity. This allows the user to store the energy generated at home through the smart grid 10 and use it whenever necessary, eliminating the need to sell the energy each time.

[0036] <<Processes m1 to m12 executed by information processing device 100>> In this embodiment, the processes executed by the information processing device 100 include a first recording process m1, a deposit process m2, a withdrawal process m3, a transfer process m4, a purchase process m5, a sale process m6, a price setting process m7, an exchange process m8, an exchange setting process m9, a transmission process m10, a second recording process m11, and a shared setting process m12. Each of the processes m1 to m12 is embodied by a process following a program installed in the information processing device 100. Note that this shows an example of the processes executed by the information processing device 100, and the processes executed by the information processing device 100 are not limited to those exemplified here.

[0037] <First recording process m1> The first recording process m1 is a process of recording a virtual power storage capacity corresponding to the amount of power that can be received from the smart grid 10, in association with the user. The virtual power storage capacity is data that can be handled by the information processing device 100, and is an amount of power corresponding to the amount of power that can be received from the smart grid 10, in association with the user, and recorded in the information processing device 100. It can also be considered as a right to receive a corresponding amount of power from the smart grid 10. The virtual power storage capacity can also be considered as the amount of power that the user has stored in the smart grid 10. The virtual power storage capacity is power that the user has stored in the smart grid 10, and can also be considered as a right to receive a corresponding amount of power through the smart grid 10. Note that it does not necessarily matter whether the amount of power actually stored in the power storage devices 61 to 65 connected to the smart grid 10 by the user through the smart grid 10 matches the virtual power storage capacity recorded as information in the information processing device 100.

[0038] The information processing device 100 may include a storage unit that stores the virtual storage capacity associated with a user. The user may be assigned an ID that identifies the user. By storing the virtual storage capacity associated with the user in the information processing device 100, the information processing device 100 can handle the virtual storage capacity as an amount of power that the user can dispose of at will. In other words, the virtual storage capacity can actually be data that can be handled by a computer. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a storage unit that stores the virtual storage capacity associated with a user. The user ID and the virtual storage capacity may be recorded in a table in the information processing device 100, as shown in FIG. 3, in which the user ID and the virtual storage capacity can be recorded side by side. The virtual storage capacity may be assigned a unit used for an amount of power, such as Wh, so that it can be handled in the same way as an amount of power.

[0039] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 100 is configured to record a monetary balance linked to a user ID. The monetary balance may be recorded using a mechanism similar to that of mobile payment, and may be linked to, for example, bank account payment (immediate payment), credit card payment (post-payment), charge (pre-payment) payment, or point payment (point payment), which are all used in mobile payment. For example, in bank account payment (immediate payment), the amount used is immediately deducted from a predetermined bank account of the user when the monetary balance is charged. In credit card payment (post-payment), the credit card used by the user is registered in advance, and payment is made using the credit card when the monetary balance is charged. In charge (pre-payment) payment, in addition to charging cash at a terminal or cash register, a certain amount can also be charged from a credit card or bank account. In point payment (point payment), points awarded for the purchase or use of a service or product may be converted into a monetary balance and used to pay for services that utilize the virtual power storage capacity provided here. In addition, the points may be used as they are to pay for services that utilize the virtual power storage capacity provided here.

[0040] Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the residence A1 can contribute to the adjustment of power supply and demand in the smart grid 10 by generating power using solar panels as the power generation device 51, storing power in the electric vehicle 71, and discharging power from the electric vehicle 71 to the smart grid 10. The residents of the residence A1 can be users of the smart grid 10 based on a predetermined contract. The power generated by the solar panels as the power generation device 51 is not only used to power the residence A1, but also surplus power is supplied to the smart grid 10. In this case, if there is surplus power in the smart grid 10, it can be charged in the power storage devices 61 to 65 connected to the smart grid 10 in the adjustment of demand response (DR). In this embodiment, the information processing device 100 does not treat the surplus power supplied from the residence A1 as power sold, but treats it as power stored in the power storage devices 61 to 65 connected to the smart grid 10. At this time, the information processing device 100 measures the amount of power equivalent to the surplus power supplied from the residence A1 to the smart grid 10 as a virtual power storage capacity. The measured virtual power storage capacity links the resident of the residence A1 as a user. The amount of power equivalent to the surplus power supplied from the residence A1 to the smart grid 10 can be measured by a smart meter attached to the residence A1.

[0041] <Generator ID> The information processing device 100 may include a storage unit that stores the power generation devices 51 to 55 connected to the smart grid 10 by linking them to users. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a storage unit that stores the power generation devices 51 to 55 by linking them to users. In this embodiment, a power generation device ID is assigned to each of the power generation devices 51 to 55 as an identification number. The power generation device ID and the user ID may be recorded in a table that can record the power generation device ID and the user ID side by side, as shown in FIG. 4. For example, when using this mechanism using virtual power storage capacity among the power generation devices 51 to 55 connected to the smart grid 10, the power generation device ID may be assigned to the power generation devices 51 to 55 that can be connected to the smart grid 10 by, for example, a contract between the user and a resource aggregator, and the power generation device ID may be recorded by linking it to the user ID.

[0042] <Electricity storage device ID, electric vehicle ID> The information processing device 100 may include a storage unit that stores the power storage devices 61-65 connectable to the smart grid 10 by linking them to users. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a storage unit that stores the power storage devices 61-65 by linking them to users. In this embodiment, a power storage device ID is assigned to each of the power storage devices 61-65 as an identification number. The power storage device IDs and user IDs may be recorded in a table that can record the power storage device IDs and user IDs side by side, as shown in FIG. 5. For example, when a user uses this system using virtual power storage capacity, the power storage devices 61-65 connectable to the smart grid 10 may be assigned power storage device IDs based on a contract between the user and a resource aggregator, and the power storage devices 61-65 may be recorded in association with the user IDs. The electric vehicles 71-73 may be connected to the smart grid 10 as appropriate and serve as power storage devices. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the electric vehicles 71-73 may be assigned power storage device IDs that are linked to the user IDs and recorded. It is preferable that the electric vehicles 71 to 73 can be distinguished from the stationary power storage devices 61 to 65. As shown in Fig. 5, the electric vehicles may be assigned an electric vehicle ID in addition to the power storage device ID. The electric vehicle ID may be linked to a user ID and recorded in a table separate from the power storage device ID.

[0043] <Deposit processing m2> The deposit process m2 is a process of increasing the virtual power storage capacity of the user according to the amount of power output from power devices linked to the user to the power grid 20. The power devices linked to the user may be, for example, power generation devices 51-55, power storage devices 61-65, or electric vehicles 71-73. The amount of power output from the power generation devices 51-55, power storage devices 61-65, or electric vehicles 71-73 as power devices to the power grid 20 may be measured by, for example, a smart meter.

[0044] For example, in the deposit process m2, when power is output from the power generation devices 51-55 to the power transmission network 20, the power generation device that output the power and the user are identified. Then, the virtual power storage capacity of the user recorded in the first recording process m1 is increased according to the amount of power output from the power generation devices 51-55 to the power transmission network 20 (see FIG. 3). The power devices that output power to the power transmission network 20 are not limited to the power generation devices 51-55. For example, the power storage devices 61-65 and the electric vehicles 71-73 may also output power to the smart grid 10. In this case, too, the power device that output the power and the user are identified in the deposit process m2. Then, the virtual power storage capacity of the user recorded in the first recording process m1 is increased according to the amount of power output from the power device to the power transmission network 20 (see FIG. 3).

[0045] 2, for example, when surplus power is generated in a residence A1 and the residence A1 releases the power to the power transmission network 20 of the smart grid 10, the deposit process m2 increases the virtual power storage capacity of the resident (user) of the residence A1. In the deposit process m2, it is preferable that the amount by which the virtual power storage capacity is increased according to the amount of power output to the power transmission network 20 is set in advance. For example, the deposit process m2 may be configured to increase the virtual power storage capacity by the same amount as the amount of power output from the power generation device 51 to the smart grid 10.

[0046] In this case, in the deposit process m2, for example, the virtual storage capacity is updated by the following formula f1. Virtual storage capacity = Virtual storage capacity (0) + Discharged energy (f1) Here, the virtual storage capacity (0) is the virtual storage capacity before the deposit process m2, and the released amount of power is the amount of power released from the home A1 to the power transmission network 20 of the smart grid 10. For example, when 1 kWh is released from the home A1 to the smart grid 10, the virtual storage capacity of the user of the home A1 may be configured to increase by 1 kWh.

[0047] The amount by which the virtual energy storage capacity is increased in the deposit process m2 according to the amount of energy may be simply the amount of released energy, as in the above-described formula (f1). The amount is not limited to formula (f1), and may be a preset amount. For example, the deposit process m2 may be configured to increase or decrease the amount of energy output from the power generation devices 51 to 55 associated with the user to the power transmission network 20 by a predetermined rate to increase the virtual energy storage capacity. In other words, there may be a difference between the amount of energy output to the smart grid 10 and the amount by which the virtual energy storage capacity is increased. For example, the amount by which the virtual energy storage capacity is increased may be reduced relative to the amount of energy output by the user to the smart grid 10, taking into account transmission losses.

[0048] For example, when the supply and demand of electricity is tight, discharging electricity stored in the power storage device 61 of the residence A1 to the smart grid 10 relieves the power shortage in the smart grid 10. For this reason, the smart grid 10 may be configured to increase the virtual power storage capacity by adding a predetermined amount to the amount of electricity output from the power storage device 61 to the smart grid 10. In this case, if 5% of the amount of electricity output from the power storage device 61 to the smart grid 10 is added, the virtual power storage capacity may be increased by 1.05 kWh when 1 kWh is output from the power storage device 61 to the smart grid 10. This relieves the power shortage for the smart grid 10, and provides the user with the benefit of efficient storage of the virtual power storage capacity. Furthermore, for example, when there is a power surplus in the smart grid 10, discharging electricity stored in the power storage device of the residence A1 to the smart grid 10 relieves the power shortage in the smart grid 10. In this way, adjusting the amount by which the virtual power storage capacity is increased in the deposit process m2 can be used to adjust the supply and demand of power.

[0049] Furthermore, the deposit process m2 may be configured to, for example, deduct a predetermined fee from the virtual energy storage capacity. The fee can be set arbitrarily and may be set in advance in the information processing device 100. For example, a certain percentage of the amount of energy output from the user's power equipment to the smart grid 10 may be deducted as a fee from the virtual energy storage capacity to be added. As a specific example, if the fee is 5% of the amount of energy output from the power generation device 51 to the smart grid 10, the virtual energy storage capacity may be configured to increase by 0.95 kWh when 1 kWh is output from the power generation device 51 to the smart grid 10. In this way, by processing to deduct the fee for a service using the virtual energy storage capacity from the virtual energy storage capacity, the fee for the service using the virtual energy storage capacity can be settled with the virtual energy storage capacity. This eliminates or reduces the need for processing to settle fees for services using the virtual energy storage capacity with money or points.

[0050] <Drawer processing m3> The withdrawal process m3 is a process of decreasing the virtual power storage capacity of the user in accordance with the amount of power received from the power transmission network 20 by the user.

[0051] In the withdrawal process m3, when a user receives power from the power transmission network 20, the user is identified by the device that received the power. For example, when power is received from the power transmission network 20 at a residence A1 and consumed, the user is identified by a smart meter attached to the residence A1. Also, when an electric vehicle is charged at a charging spot A6 in the city, the user is identified by an electric vehicle ID obtained from the electric vehicle. Then, the virtual power storage capacity of the user recorded in the first recording process m1 is reduced according to the amount of power received by the user from the power transmission network 20 (see FIG. 3).

[0052] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when a house A1 experiences a power shortage and receives power from the power transmission network 20 of the smart grid 10, the withdrawal process m3 reduces the virtual power storage capacity of the resident (user) of the house A1 instead of the power purchase process. Also, when the user receives power from the smart grid 10 through a charging stand at a charging spot A6 in the city, the withdrawal process m3 may also reduce the virtual power storage capacity of the user. In this way, when a user receives power from the smart grid 10, the user's virtual power storage capacity is reduced according to the amount of power received. When a user receives power from the smart grid 10, the withdrawal process m3 may subtract an equivalent amount of power from the user's virtual power storage capacity. In this case, the user can receive power from the smart grid 10 using the virtual power storage capacity without the power purchase process.

[0053] In the withdrawal process m3, it is preferable that the amount by which the virtual storage capacity is reduced according to the amount of power received by the user is set in advance. For example, the virtual storage capacity may be reduced by the same amount as the amount of power received by the user from the smart grid 10. In this case, in the withdrawal process m3, for example, the virtual storage capacity is updated by the following formula f2. Virtual storage capacity = Virtual storage capacity (0) - Amount of received energy (f2)

[0054] Here, the virtual storage capacity (0) is the virtual storage capacity before the withdrawal process m3, and the amount of received power is the amount of power received by the user from the smart grid 10. For example, when a user receives a supply of 1 kWh of power from the smart grid 10 through a charging stand at a charging spot A6 in the city of the smart grid 10, the virtual storage capacity of the user may be configured to decrease by 1 kWh. In this way, even if power is received from the smart grid 10 by the withdrawal process m3 of the virtual storage capacity, the virtual storage capacity decreases by an equivalent amount, but the user's cash assets do not decrease directly.

[0055] The amount by which the virtual storage capacity is reduced in the withdrawal process m3 according to the amount of power may be simply subtracted from the amount of received power, as in the above-described formula (f2). The amount is not limited to formula (f2), and may be a preset amount. For example, the withdrawal process m3 may be configured to reduce the virtual storage capacity by increasing or decreasing a predetermined rate for the amount of power output from the power generation devices 51 to 55 linked to the user to the power transmission network 20. In other words, there may be a difference between the amount of power supplied from the smart grid 10 and the amount by which the virtual storage capacity is reduced. For example, the amount by which the virtual storage capacity is reduced may be greater than the amount of power supplied from the smart grid 10 to the user, taking into account power transmission loss.

[0056] Furthermore, when the power supply and demand is tight, discharging from the smart grid 10 is suppressed, thereby alleviating the power tightness of the smart grid 10. In this case, it is desirable to suppress discharging from the smart grid 10. For this reason, the withdrawal process m3 when the power supply and demand is tight may be configured to add a premium amount according to the tightness of the power supply and demand to the amount of power received from the smart grid 10, thereby reducing the virtual power storage capacity. In this case, if a premium amount of 5% of the amount of power received from the smart grid 10 is added, the virtual power storage capacity may be reduced by 1.05 kWh when 1 kWh is received from the smart grid 10. This can inspire users to reduce their power consumption, thereby alleviating the power tightness of the smart grid 10. Furthermore, when there is a surplus of power in the smart grid 10 and the power storage devices 61 to 65 connected to the smart grid 10 have little free capacity, the amount of power by which the virtual power storage capacity is reduced may be reduced relative to the amount of power received from the smart grid 10. This can induce the user to increase power consumption. In this way, adjusting the amount by which the virtual storage capacity is reduced in the withdrawal process m3 can be used to adjust the supply and demand of power.

[0057] Furthermore, the withdrawal process m3 may be configured to, for example, deduct a predetermined fee from the virtual energy storage capacity. The fee can be set arbitrarily. For example, a certain percentage of the amount of energy received by the user from the smart grid 10 may be set as the fee, and the virtual energy storage capacity to be reduced may be increased accordingly. As a specific example, if the fee is 5% of the amount of energy received by the user from the smart grid 10, the virtual energy storage capacity may be reduced by 1.05 kWh when the user receives 1 kWh from the smart grid 10. In this case, too, the fee for the service using the virtual energy storage capacity is deducted from the virtual energy storage capacity, so that the fee for the service using the virtual energy storage capacity can be settled with the virtual energy storage capacity. This eliminates or reduces the need for a process to settle the fee for the service using the virtual energy storage capacity with money or points.

[0058] The system using the virtual energy storage capacity provided by the information processing device 100 may be operated by, for example, an electric power company or a resource aggregator. A fee for using the system or service using the virtual energy storage capacity may be charged by the operator at a fixed rate, such as monthly or yearly, to a user using the system using the virtual energy storage capacity provided by the information processing device 100. In this case, a fee does not need to be set for each deposit process m2 or withdrawal process m3. The system using the virtual energy storage capacity provided by the information processing device 100 may also be provided to users without charging a fee. A system using virtual energy storage capacity reduces the processing and administrative burden associated with the exchange of money in response to users' selling and purchasing of electricity. Therefore, by providing the system using virtual energy storage capacity to users free of charge, for example, without charging a fee corresponding to the administrative burden, it is expected that the system using virtual energy storage capacity will be widely used.

[0059] As described above, the information processing device 100 disclosed herein executes a first recording process m1 for recording a virtual energy storage capacity in association with a user, a deposit process m2, and a withdrawal process m3. In the first recording process m1, the virtual energy storage capacity is recorded in association with a user. In the deposit process m2, the virtual energy storage capacity of the user is increased in accordance with the amount of energy output to the power transmission network 20 from an electric power device associated with the user. In the withdrawal process m3, the virtual energy storage capacity of the user is decreased in accordance with the amount of energy used by the user from the power transmission network 20. This allows the generated energy to be virtually stored in the smart grid 10 as virtual energy storage capacity, and the virtual energy storage capacity can be used to receive energy via the smart grid 10.

[0060] The virtual energy storage capacity recorded in the first recording process m1 can also be treated as the amount of power actually stored in the energy storage devices 61 to 65 connected to the smart grid 10. A user can receive power through the smart grid 10 according to the amount of power of the virtual energy storage capacity. The virtual energy storage capacity is an amount of power that can be virtually disposed of by the user at will. The virtual energy storage capacity can also be virtually disposed of by the user at will.

[0061] In the deposit process m2, the user can virtually store, for example, the electricity generated in the house A1 in the smart grid 10 as virtual storage capacity instead of selling it as surplus electricity. In the withdrawal process m3, the user can use the electricity stored as virtual storage capacity at any place and time through the smart grid 10. Therefore, if the virtual storage capacity is stored, the user does not need to purchase electricity each time he or she receives electricity from the smart grid 10.

[0062] As a result, for example, if the smart grid 10 is connected with a sufficient number of power storage devices and is in a state where it can accept surplus power from the residence A1, the surplus power can be stored in the smart grid 10 as virtual power storage capacity even if the residence A1 does not have a stationary power storage device. Therefore, by storing surplus power in the smart grid 10 as virtual power storage capacity, it is possible to realize a state similar to that in which the residence A1 has a stationary power storage device even if the residence A1 does not have a stationary power storage device. Therefore, the user of the residence A1 can reduce the cost of the stationary power storage device by reducing the capacity of the stationary power storage device or by eliminating the installation of the stationary power storage device.

[0063] Furthermore, when a user is using an electric vehicle that can be connected to the smart grid 10, the user can use the virtual power storage capacity to supply power to the electric vehicle at any location via the smart grid 10. At this time, the electric vehicle ID of the electric vehicle is stored linked to the user ID, as in the case of the power storage device, as shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, when charging is performed using a charging station that can be connected to the smart grid 10, it is preferable that the retrieval process m3 of the information processing device 100 is programmed so that the electric vehicle ID is recognized when the electric vehicle is connected no matter where the charging station is used. As a result, when the electric vehicle ID is identified, the user ID is identified, and an amount of power corresponding to the amount of power received by the electric vehicle is deducted from the virtual power storage capacity of the user identified by the user ID.

[0064] In this way, by utilizing the virtual power storage capacity realized by the information processing device 100 proposed herein, the user can virtually store the power generated at home in the smart grid 10. The power virtually stored in the smart grid 10 as virtual power storage capacity can be supplied through the smart grid 10 when there is a power shortage at the residence A1. In addition, even when the user is away from home, the virtual power storage capacity can be used to supply power from the smart grid 10 to an electric vehicle.

[0065] In this way, the virtual storage capacity can also be considered as a right to receive a corresponding amount of power from the smart grid 10. In other words, the virtual storage capacity can also be considered as power stored in the smart grid 10 by the user and as a right to receive a corresponding amount of power through the smart grid 10. For example, if a user lives in a house A1 equipped with solar panels and travels far away on the weekend using an electric vehicle 71, the power generated by the solar panels is stored as virtual storage capacity through the smart grid 10. Since the virtual storage capacity is a right to receive a corresponding amount of power through the smart grid 10, when the user connects the electric vehicle to the smart grid 10 at a charging spot at the travel destination, the user can receive power from the smart grid 10 using the stored virtual storage capacity. At this time, the user's virtual storage capacity is processed to decrease according to the amount of power received by the user. In this way, the user can virtually store self-generated power in the smart grid 10 as virtual storage capacity and receive power whenever and wherever they want. As a result, the user of the house A1 can store the electricity generated at the house A1 in the smart grid 10 as virtual storage capacity, thereby making maximum use of the self-generated electricity without waste, regardless of time or place.

[0066] Users are not limited to individuals. For example, a solar panel power generation company can store virtual storage capacity by discharging power to the smart grid 10 using virtual storage capacity. When a solar panel power generation company uses power for other businesses, it can receive power from the smart grid 10 using the virtual storage capacity stored in the solar panel power generation business. As described above, users may also be corporations. As described above, large-scale consumers who operate power generation businesses in parallel can also serve as users by centrally managing virtual storage capacity and settling their power consumption using the virtual storage capacity. As described above, corporate users can store power generated in their power generation business in the smart grid 10 and consume it in other businesses. As described above, users are not limited to individuals. When receiving power from the smart grid 10 through a withdrawal process m3 using virtual storage capacity rather than selling or purchasing power as described above, the information processing device 100 may be configured to communicate with a user's operation terminal and execute predetermined processing in collaboration with the user's operation terminal. In this case, the power utility company can reduce the amount of payments to users for the sale of power or the amount of money received for the purchase of power by users, because power is used through virtual storage capacity. In this case, the administrative burden of money transfer is reduced compared to when power is sold or purchased each time.

[0067] The information processing device 100 may be configured to perform processes such as transferring, purchasing, and selling virtual energy storage capacity. In these processes, the information processing device 100 may be configured to communicate with a user's operation terminal and execute predetermined processes in cooperation with the user's operation terminal. The user's operation terminal may be, for example, a personal computer or a smartphone. The user's operation terminal may also be an operation terminal such as an installed HEMS that monitors the exchange of power via a smart meter. The information processing device 100 may be configured to have a dedicated web page open and to input predetermined information through the web page. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may be configured to have dedicated software installed in the personal computer or smartphone and to input predetermined information through the software's processing. For example, the information processing device 100 may be configured to communicate with a personal computer or a smartphone and display an operation screen for executing each process on the user's operation terminal, allowing the required information to be input. The information processing device 100 may be configured to obtain information necessary for processes such as transferring, purchasing, and selling virtual energy storage capacity through the user's operation terminal.

[0068] <Transfer Processing m4> The transfer process m4 is a process for transferring virtual energy storage capacity between users. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, when transferring virtual energy storage capacity from a power generation company A4 that can easily store virtual energy storage capacity by generating electricity to a factory A3 that consumes a lot of electricity, the transferor user A4 and the transferee user A3 are identified by user IDs, and the capacity to be transferred (transfer amount d1) is set. Information on the transferor user A4, the transferee user A3, and the transfer amount d1 may be obtained, for example, through the user's operation terminal.

[0069] In this case, it is preferable to reduce the virtual storage capacity of the transferor user A4 by an amount equivalent to the transferred capacity, and increase the virtual storage capacity of the transferee user A3 by an amount equivalent to the transferred amount. In this way, virtual storage capacity can be transferred between users. In this case, power can be exchanged between users by the process of transferring virtual storage capacity, rather than by selling or purchasing power. In other words, the user who receives the transfer of virtual storage capacity can receive power equivalent to the transferred virtual storage capacity through the smart grid 10. The transfer process m4 enables the transfer, lending, and borrowing of virtual storage capacity between users without the transfer of money. In this case, the virtual storage capacity is transferred, but actual power is exchanged through the smart grid 10. Therefore, it is not necessary to actually move power according to the transferred amount between the users' power storage devices.

[0070] <Purchase process m5> The purchase process m5 is a process for purchasing a virtual power storage capacity for a user. The purchase process m5 includes a mode in which the user purchases virtual power storage capacity from, for example, an electric power company, and a mode in which the user purchases from another user. Note that if the electric power company is considered as one of the users, both modes can be realized by the same process.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing processes m51 and m52, which are an example of the purchase process m5. In the example shown in FIG. 6, in the purchase process m51, the user A1 purchases virtual energy storage capacity from the electric power company A0. As described above, the virtual energy storage capacity can also be considered as a right to receive power from the smart grid 10. In this case, the information processing device 100 specifies the seller as the electric power company A0, the purchasing user A1, the purchase amount g1, and the purchase price g2. In the purchase process m5, the user's virtual energy storage capacity may be increased according to the purchase amount. On the other hand, the user's financial balance may be decreased according to the purchase amount. Furthermore, the financial balance of the electric power company may be increased according to the purchase amount.

[0072] Here, the monetary balance managed by the information processing device 100 may be managed as a record of monetary value each time. For example, an operator providing a system or service using virtual energy storage capacity does not need to transfer money to or from a user each time. The monetary balance may also be appropriately converted into commercially usable points and given to the user. The system may be configured so that the user can check the monetary balance as needed and can instruct the user to transfer the money to their actual bank account or exchange it for points. An operator providing a system or service using virtual energy storage capacity may be configured so that the monetary transfer process or the exchange for points is executed through a payment service provider such as a bank or credit card company. When the system is configured so that the monetary transfer process or the exchange for points is executed through a payment service provider, the operator does not necessarily need to directly retain or manage the user's bank account or credit card information.

[0073] In the purchase process m52, user A3 purchases virtual energy storage capacity from user A4. In this case, the information processing device 100 identifies user A4 as the seller, the purchasing user A3, the purchase amount g3, and the purchase price g4. Information necessary for the purchase process may be obtained, for example, through the operation terminal of user A3. In the purchase process m52, the virtual energy storage capacity of user A3 may be increased according to the purchase amount g3, and the virtual energy storage capacity of user A4 may be decreased according to the purchase price g4. On the other hand, the monetary balance of user A3 may be decreased according to the purchase price g4, and the monetary balance of user A4 may be increased. In this way, the purchase process m5 may transfer the virtual energy storage capacity according to the purchase amount and the monetary balance according to the purchase price between the supplier and the purchaser. The information necessary for the purchase process m5 may be processed, for example, according to input from the operation terminal of the user who will be the purchaser. For example, the information necessary for the purchase process m51 may be obtained through the operation terminal of user A1, the purchaser. For example, the information required for the purchase process m52 may be obtained through the operation terminal of the purchaser, user A3.

[0074] <Sale process m6> The selling process m6 is a process for selling the user's virtual power storage capacity. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing processes m61 and m62, which are examples of the selling process m6. The selling process m6 includes a mode (m61) in which the user purchases virtual power storage capacity from an electric power company, for example, and a mode (m62) in which the user sells virtual power storage capacity to another user. Note that if the electric power company is considered as one of the users, both can be realized by the same process.

[0075] For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , in a selling process m61 in which user A1 sells virtual energy storage capacity to electric power utility A0, the information processing device 100 specifies user A1 as the seller, the electric power utility A0 as the buyer, and specifies a selling amount h1 and a selling price h2. Then, the information processing device 100 decreases user A1's virtual energy storage capacity in accordance with the selling amount h1, and increases the virtual energy storage capacity of the electric power utility A0. It may also increase user A1's financial balance in accordance with the selling price h2, and decrease the financial balance of the electric power utility A0. Furthermore, in a selling process m62 in which user A4 sells virtual energy storage capacity to user A3, the information processing device 100 specifies user A4 as the seller, the user A3 as the buyer, and specifies a selling amount h3 and a selling price h4. Then, it decreases user A4's virtual energy storage capacity in accordance with the selling amount h3, and increases user A3's virtual energy storage capacity. It may also increase user A4's financial balance in accordance with the selling price h2, and decrease user A3's financial balance. In this way, the selling process m6 allows the sale of virtual energy storage capacity between any two users. The information required for the selling process m6 may be processed, for example, according to input from the operation terminal of the seller user. For example, the information required for the selling process m61 may be obtained through the operation terminal of the seller user A1. For example, the information required for the selling process m62 may be obtained through the operation terminal of the seller user A4.

[0076] <Pricing process m7> The price setting process m7 is a process for setting a price per unit amount of the virtual power storage capacity. For example, the price setting process m7 sets a distribution price when the virtual power storage capacity is bought and sold between users.

[0077] For example, the service provider of the smart grid 10 may also serve as the energy storage business operator A5, which is equipped with a large-scale energy storage device 65 with sufficient capacity to store the electricity released to the smart grid 10. Furthermore, the service provider of the smart grid 10 may be configured to utilize the available capacity of the users' energy storage devices 61-65 through a contract with the users. In this case, the service provider of the smart grid 10 may also have sufficient capacity to store the electricity released to the smart grid 10. In this case, the service provider of the smart grid 10 may appropriately adjust the amount of electricity supplied to the smart grid 10 by the energy storage device 65. The service provider of the smart grid 10 may appropriately set a price per unit amount of the reference virtual energy storage capacity in the information processing device 100. Here, the set price may be widely offered to users, and thus may become the reference price per unit amount of the virtual energy storage capacity. The resource aggregator 13 controls the smart grid 10 and adjusts the supply and demand of electricity. Therefore, the resource aggregator 13 can act as a service provider for such a smart grid 10.

[0078] Furthermore, the price setting process m7 allows, for example, an electric power company A0 to set a price per unit of virtual storage capacity when buying and selling virtual storage capacity with users. A solar panel power generation company A4 can set a price per unit when selling virtual storage capacity. A factory company A3 can set a price per unit when purchasing virtual storage capacity, for example. These may be published on an open website between users who can buy and sell (transact) virtual storage capacity, or may be published on a closed website between specific users. This is expected to promote the buying and selling of virtual storage capacity between users.

[0079] In this case, the virtual storage capacity may be set with a limiting condition for receiving power from the smart grid. If a limiting condition for receiving power from the smart grid can be set, solar panel power generation company A4 can sell virtual storage capacity with a limiting condition for receiving power from the smart grid. For example, on a sunny day, solar panel power generation company A4 generates a lot of power, but if there are no power users, it may be forced to stop power generation through demand response. In this case, the solar panel power generation company can predict the amount of power to be generated and set and sell virtual storage capacity with a limiting condition at a low price, which allows power to be received from the smart grid during peak power generation times at solar panel power generation company A4.

[0080] The energy storage business operator A5 may purchase such inexpensive virtual energy storage capacity, encourage solar panel power generation businesses to generate electricity, and store the electricity in the energy storage device 65 through the smart grid 10. Furthermore, the factory operator A3 can procure electricity at low cost when, for example, the factory wishes to increase production. Furthermore, the factory operator A3 may set a purchase price for the virtual energy storage capacity according to the period when the factory wishes to increase production, solicit power generation businesses that will sell virtual energy storage capacity that can be used during that period, and purchase the virtual energy storage capacity that can be used during that period in advance. In this way, even if the factory wishes to increase production and electricity becomes tight during that period, and the amount of electricity used is reduced due to a demand response request, the virtual energy storage capacity that can be used during that period can be secured, thereby controlling the smart grid 10 and securing electricity preferentially.

[0081] From this perspective, the virtual storage capacity may be set with a limiting condition under which power can be received from the smart grid. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing another form of the table recorded in the first recording process m1. In this case, the first recording process m1 may record the virtual storage capacity for each limiting condition under which power can be received from the smart grid, for example, as shown in Fig. 8. The virtual storage capacity may also be considered as a right to receive a considerable amount of power from the smart grid 10, as described above. In the first recording process m1, as shown in Fig. 8, the virtual storage capacity may be set as a right with limited time periods, dates, and days of the week under which power can be received from the smart grid 10.

[0082] In this way, the price setting process m7 may be configured to store the price per unit amount of the virtual power storage capacity in a predetermined storage area of ​​the information processing device 100, for example. The information processing device 100 may also have a function to publish the virtual power storage capacity among users who can buy and sell (trade) the virtual power storage capacity. The publication destination may be a website that is widely open to users or a closed website that is published only among specific users.

[0083] In this case, for example, the price of the virtual energy storage capacity may fluctuate in conjunction with the tightness of the supply and demand of electricity in the smart grid 10 managed by the resource aggregator 13. Also, the price may be set in accordance with a power supply command from the aggregation coordinator 11. In user-to-user transactions, the price per unit amount of the virtual energy storage capacity may be set separately from, for example, the prices of selling and buying electricity. The virtual energy storage capacity is also a right to receive electricity from the smart grid 10, but restrictions may be placed on when it can be exercised. For example, the price of the virtual energy storage capacity may be set for each restriction condition so that the price of the virtual energy storage capacity varies depending on the time of day, date and time, day of the week, etc., when electricity can be received from the smart grid 10.

[0084] <Exchange process m8, exchange setting process m9> The exchange process m8 is a process for exchanging the virtual energy storage capacity with predetermined commercially usable points. The exchange setting process m9 is a process for setting the exchange quantity of points per unit of virtual energy storage capacity. According to this exchange process, the virtual energy storage capacity can be configured to be exchanged for commercially usable points. The exchange setting process m9 is a process for setting the exchange quantity of points per unit of virtual energy storage capacity. Furthermore, in the exchange with points, a standard exchange rate may be set, or an exchange rate between users may be set, similar to the setting of the price of the virtual energy storage capacity. Furthermore, a limiting condition for receiving power from the smart grid 10 may be set for the exchangeable virtual energy storage capacity. In the first recording process m1, as shown in FIG. 8, the point balance may be recorded in association with the user ID. As a result, the user's point balance is recorded, and the exchange between the virtual energy storage capacity and points is recorded.

[0085] The transmission process m10 is a process of transmitting the user's virtual power storage capacity to the user's predetermined terminal. This allows the user to be notified of the virtual power storage capacity. The information processing device 100 may allow the user to check the user's virtual power storage capacity, for example, through a website accessible by the user's terminal. Furthermore, information on the virtual power storage capacity may be periodically transmitted to the user's pre-registered email address.

[0086] In this way, the virtual energy storage capacity can be increased not only by outputting power to the power transmission network 20 of the smart grid 10, but also by transferring or purchasing. Therefore, the deposit process m2 may not always be performed. Furthermore, the virtual energy storage capacity basically decreases when power is received from the power transmission network 20 of the smart grid 10. However, power generation companies and individuals who have installed many solar panels often output power to the power transmission network 20 of the smart grid 10, and it is easy for them to obtain virtual energy storage capacity through the deposit process m2. Such users can dispose of the virtual energy storage capacity by selling it or exchanging it for points. In this way, by linking the virtual energy storage capacity corresponding to the amount of power that can be received from the smart grid to the user and setting it, more flexible energy trading can be realized and the convenience of energy usage for users can be greatly improved.

[0087] <Second recording process m11> 2, a plurality of power storage devices 61 to 65 are connected to the smart grid 10. The second recording process m11 is a process of recording an allocated capacity assigned to a user among the storage capacities of the power storage devices 61 to 65 connected to the smart grid 10, in association with the user. According to the second recording process m11, for example, the power storage device 61 to 65 can be controlled so that the free capacity of at least one of the power storage devices 61 to 65 connected to the smart grid 10 can be used as a dedicated power storage capacity for another user.

[0088] In this case, the information processing device 100 may be configured to record the allocated capacity assigned to a user among the storage capacities of the power storage devices 61 to 65 in association with the user, as shown in FIG. 8. In the form shown in FIG. 8, the data table prepared in the information processing device 100 is configured to record the allocated capacity assigned to a user alongside a user ID that identifies the user. The allocated capacity assigned to a user can be used, for example, as a dedicated storage capacity for the user instead of a home storage battery. Since the allocated capacity assigned to a user is a dedicated portion, when the user generates surplus power, the surplus power is discharged through the smart grid 10, and is always controlled as if it were stored. The allocated capacity assigned to the user may be basically included when the user receives services provided through the smart grid 10, or may be included as an option.

[0089] For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, user A5, who owns a large-scale power storage device 65, can store sufficient power in the large-scale power storage device 65. This allows a service to be provided in which the user can allocate storage capacity to other users for use. For example, user A4, a solar panel power generator, can store power at any time by releasing power generated by the solar panels 54 to the smart grid 10. This allows the user A4 to continue generating power using the solar panels 54 without being affected by demand response from the aggregation coordinator 11. Furthermore, when there is a power shortage in the smart grid 10, the user A4 can obtain a considerable profit by supplying (selling) power to the smart grid 10. In this way, by performing the second recording process m11, the solar panel power generator A4 can secure dedicated storage capacity in the large-scale power storage device 65 of user A5, allowing the user A4 to store surplus power. This allows the solar panel power generator A4 to generate power by fully utilizing the power generation capacity of the solar panels. The large-scale power storage device 65 may set a fee for allocating storage capacity to users.

[0090] <Shared setting process m12> The sharing setting process m12 is a process for setting a part of the storage capacity of a power storage device connected to the smart grid so that it can be shared by users connected to the smart grid. According to the sharing setting process m12, part of the storage capacity of a power storage device connected to the smart grid by the sharing setting process m12 can be used by any user participating in the smart grid 10.

[0091] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a mechanism realized by the second recording process m11 and the shared use setting process m12. In the example schematically shown in FIG. 9, users A to F are equipped with stationary power storage devices Ax to Fx connected to the smart grid 10, respectively. Among these, the power storage device Ax of user A is set with a power storage capacity a1 that user A can use exclusively for his / her own home and a power storage capacity a2 that can be used by participants of the smart grid 10 through the smart grid 10. When the power storage capacity a2 is available, it is released to other users. In this case, when the power storage capacity a2 is available, it can store power generated by participants (other users) of the smart grid 10 through the smart grid 10. The power stored in the power storage capacity a2 may be stored in the information processing device 100 as a virtual power storage capacity in association with the other users who have stored the generated power. In the shared use setting process m12, a capacity such as the power storage capacity a2 can be set as part or all of the capacity of the power storage device. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the storage devices Bx to Ex of users B to E are similarly set with storage capacities b1 to e1 that user A can use exclusively for his / her own home, and storage capacities b2 to e2 that participants in the smart grid 10 can use through the smart grid 10.

[0092] The information processing device 100 may disclose information about the storage capacity available to participants in the smart grid 10 to users participating in the smart grid 10 via a dedicated website or the like. Based on the disclosed information, the users participating in the smart grid 10 may execute a process to store generated power in the storage capacity set up for sharing. In this process, the information processing device 100 identifies a user ID in accordance with an operation process of the user, and causes the power device of the user identified by the user ID to release power to the smart grid 10. Then, the corresponding power may be processed to be stored in the storage capacity set up for sharing via the smart grid 10. Note that, taking into consideration transmission loss and the like, the amount of power stored in the storage capacity set up for sharing may be less than the amount of power released from the user's power device to the smart grid 10.

[0093] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the storage capacity available to participants of the smart grid 10 through the smart grid 10 is not set in the storage device Fx of the user F. In this case, the entire storage device Fx can be used exclusively by the user F for his / her own home. In this manner, it is preferable that the smart grid 10 is configured so that the user can selectively set whether or not to set the storage capacity available to participants of the smart grid 10 through the smart grid 10. When the storage capacity available to participants of the smart grid 10 is set through the smart grid 10, an incentive may be provided according to the usage.

[0094] 9, users A to F borrow capacities a3 to f3 that can be exclusively used from the power storage device 65 of the power storage provider A5, which is connected to the smart grid 10. In this case, the power storage provider A5 may record the allocated capacity allocated to each user A to F from the power storage capacity of the power storage device 65, linking it to the users A to F. This allows users A to F to store surplus power in the power storage device 65 of the power storage provider A5 even if their own power storage devices Ax to Fx are full. The stored power may then be managed as virtual power storage capacity in the information processing device 100. This allows users A to F to receive power as needed through the smart grid 10. Furthermore, users G to J do not own power storage devices. However, users G to J have allocated capacities g3 to j3 that can be exclusively used from the power storage device 65 of the power storage provider A5. Therefore, although users G to J do not have their own power storage devices at home, they can store surplus power generated by themselves in the power storage device 65 of the power storage business operator A5. The stored power can then be managed as a virtual power storage capacity in the information processing device 100. This allows users G to J to receive the power they have generated by themselves whenever and wherever they like through the smart grid 10. This process can be realized by the second recording process m11.

[0095] In addition, for example, blockchain technology can be applied to transaction records such as deposit process m2, withdrawal process m3, transfer process m4, purchase process m5, and exchange process m8, including the virtual storage capacity in the information processing device 100, the allocated capacity assigned to the user, monetary balance, and point balance.

[0096] According to the mechanism using the virtual energy storage capacity as described above, the amount of power that each user can receive from the power transmission network 20 of the smart grid 10 is recorded in the information processing device 100 as a virtual energy storage capacity. In this case, surplus power generated by the power generation devices 51 to 55 connected to the smart grid 10 is output to the smart grid 10 and recorded as power that can be received from the power transmission network 20 of the smart grid 10, linked to the user. The user can then receive power from the smart grid 10 according to the virtual energy storage capacity at any time and place, regardless of time or place. When this virtual energy storage capacity mechanism is used by all users participating in the smart grid 10, generated power can be shared or borrowed among users within the user community connected by the smart grid 10. Furthermore, the storage functions of the energy storage devices 61 to 65 connected to the smart grid 10 can also be shared among users by the second recording process m11 and the shared setting process m12. This allows the functions of the power generation devices 51-55 and the power storage devices 61-65 connected to the smart grid 10 to be fully utilized. This means that it is expected that the electricity generated within the user's community will be consumed more efficiently within the community, thereby maximizing private power generation and private consumption.

[0097] In such a smart grid 10, currently, whenever there is a power shortage, power is purchased through the smart grid 10. Furthermore, whenever there is surplus power, the power is sold through the smart grid 10. Furthermore, if a storage battery is provided, surplus power can be stored in the storage battery. The inventors have considered that in such a smart grid 10, power stored as surplus power can be not only consumed by the user but also provided as power that can be used by others through the power transmission network 20. In light of this, it is possible to further realize the provision of surplus power to others through the power transmission network 20 after identifying the provider and recipient within the smart grid 10.

[0098] 10 is a schematic diagram of the energy trading supporting apparatus 120 disclosed herein. The energy trading supporting apparatus 120 may be implemented, for example, by a program that causes a computer to execute predetermined processing. As shown in FIG. 10, the energy trading supporting apparatus 120 may be incorporated, for example, as an add-on function into the information processing device 100 of the smart grid 10.

[0099] <Electricity trading support device 120> The energy trading supporting apparatus 120 includes a storage unit 120a. The storage unit 120a stores a user profile. The storage unit 120a may be provided in, for example, the information processing device 100. A user ID may be assigned to each of multiple users of the smart grid 10. The user may be an individual, a corporation, or an organization. The user ID is computer-readable information for identifying the user. The user profile is information about the user's characteristics. The information included in the user profile may be predetermined. The user profile may include, for example, the user's name, affiliation, address (or location if the user is a corporation), bank account, and other information. The user profile may be stored in the storage unit 120a of the energy trading support apparatus 120 in association with the user ID assigned to the user. The user profile may be recorded, for example, when the user first uses a service provided by the energy trading support apparatus 120. The process of recording the user profile in the storage unit 120a of the energy trading support apparatus 120 is referred to as user registration. Table 1 is an example of a table for storing data in the storage unit 120a. Note that the energy trading supporting apparatus 120 is not limited to the storage unit 120a and may also be provided with a storage unit for storing other information. Examples of other information stored in the energy trading supporting apparatus 120 include user communication records, and an energy profile and an energy demand profile, which will be described later.

[0100] [Table 1]

[0101] Fig. 11 is a flow diagram showing another process of the energy trading supporting apparatus 120. Fig. 11 shows the exchange of information between a user U1 who will be an electricity supplier and a user U2 who will be an electricity receiver through the energy trading supporting apparatus 120. Fig. 11 shows a one-to-one relationship between the user U1 who will be an electricity supplier and the user U2 who will be an electricity receiver. The service provided by the energy trading supporting apparatus 120 is not limited to Fig. 11, and there may be multiple users U1 who will be electricity suppliers and multiple users U2 who will be electricity receivers.

[0102] The energy trading supporting apparatus 120 is configured to execute the following processes S1a to S1g. S1a. Process to obtain power profile S1b. Providing the power profile to another user U2 via the communication network 40 S1c. A process in which another user U2 applies to receive power from a user U1 who has power available to supply. S1d. The profile of the user U2 who applied in the application process is sent to the user U1 who applied. S1e. The process in which the requested user U1 approves the request of the requesting user U2 S1f. After the approval process, the power of the applied user U1 is supplied to the applied user U2 through the smart grid. S1g. A process in which the user U2 who received the power supply pays the fee to the user U1 who supplied the power.

[0103] <Power that can be supplied by user U1> The power profile is a profile of power that the user U1 can supply. Here, the power that the user U1 can supply may be power that the user U1 can supply to the smart grid 10. For example, the power that the user U1 can supply may be power that is generated by a power generation facility owned by the user U1, stored in a storage battery, and can be supplied to the smart grid 10. The power that the user U1 can supply is not limited to power that is generated by a power generation facility owned by the user U1 and stored in a storage battery. The power that the user U1 can supply may include, for example, power that the user purchases through the smart grid 10 and that is stored in a power storage facility exclusively owned by the user U1 through the smart grid 10. In this regard, the amount of power that the user U1 can supply may be the virtual power storage capacity described above. The power storage facility exclusively owned by the user U1 is, for example, a power storage facility owned by the user U1. It is not limited to a power storage facility exclusively owned by the user U1, but may include a power storage facility that can be used by participants of the smart grid 10 through the smart grid 10. For example, in a large-scale energy storage facility of smart grid 10, if the smart grid 10 has energy storage facilities that are available to participants of smart grid 10 through smart grid 10, the energy storage capacity of the energy storage facilities allocated to user U1 can be regarded as energy storage facilities exclusively owned by user U1.

[0104] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the energy storage status of multiple users A to F. In the example shown in FIG. 12, users A to F are equipped with stationary energy storage devices Ax to Fx connected to smart grid 10, respectively. The energy storage devices Ax to Fx of users A to F store surplus energy a5 to f5 of users A to F, respectively. The surplus energy a5 to f5 is energy that can be supplied by users A to F. Furthermore, users A to F have allocated capacities a3 to f3 that can be exclusively used by the energy storage device 65 of the energy storage provider A5. In this case, users A to F can also store part of their surplus energy in the energy storage device 65 of the energy storage provider A5. Therefore, the energy of users A to F stored in the energy storage device 65 of the energy storage provider A5 is energy that can be supplied by users.

[0105] Furthermore, users G to J do not own a power storage device at their homes. However, users G to J have allocated capacities g3 to j3 that they can exclusively use in the power storage device 65 of the power storage provider A5. Therefore, although users G to J do not own a power storage device at their homes, they can store surplus power that they generate themselves in the power storage device 65 of the power storage provider A5. In this case, the power of users G to J stored in the power storage device 65 of the power storage provider A5 is power that can be supplied by the users.

[0106] As such, the user U1 shown in Fig. 11 that can be a power supplier may be a plurality of users A to J as listed in Fig. 12. The power that user U1 can supply is not limited to power that has already been stored in the smart grid, but may also include power that is scheduled to be generated in the future and power that is scheduled to be stored. In this way, power that can be released to the smart grid 10 is stored in the power storage devices Ax to Fx of users A to F, the power storage device 65 of the power storage company A5, etc. The energy trading supporting device 120 may be configured, for example, to record the amount of power that has been stored in a state that can be released to the smart grid 10 in association with user U1.

[0107] Power Profile The power profile is information that records the characteristics of the power that user U1 can supply. The power profile may be information that identifies, for example, user U1 who supplies power, the power generation means of the power that user U1 can supply, the power generation location, etc. The smart grid 10 may be equipped with a storage unit that records the power profile of the power that user U1 can supply. Table 2 is an example of a table that stores the power profile. The table shown in Table 2 is configured so that the power profile ID, power amount, user ID, power generation means, power generation location, power generation facility ID, supply date and time, rate, region, and affiliation (attribute) can be recorded for the power profile. The information that can be included in the power profile is not limited to that listed in Table 2.

[0108] [Table 2]

[0109] Here, the power profile ID is an ID assigned to distinguish the power that a user can supply. The user ID is an ID assigned to distinguish users. The power generation facility ID is an ID assigned to distinguish power generation facilities.

[0110] The power profile may be stored, for example, in a computer connected to the communication network 40 of the smart grid 10, in association with information such as the amount of power, power generation means, and power generation location regarding the power that user U1 can supply. In the case of the virtual power storage capacity described above, it may be stored in association with information such as the power generation means and power generation location for each amount of power. For example, a case will be described in which a user owns a solar power generation facility and a wind power generation facility, and stores the power in a common power storage facility. In this case, the amount of power stored in the power storage facility is stored in association with information such as the power generation means and power generation location. Therefore, the amount of power generated by the solar power generation facility and the amount of power generated by the wind power generation facility can be distinguished by the power profile linked to the amount of power stored in the power storage facility.

[0111] 12, user A stores surplus power a5 in his / her own power storage device Ax. User A can also store surplus power in the allocated capacity a3 that can be exclusively used by the power storage device 65 of the power storage provider A5. The power profile may be recorded as information linked to the amount of power of the surplus power a5 stored in the power storage device Ax and the amount of power of the surplus power stored in the allocated capacity a3 of the power storage device 65 of the power storage provider A5.

[0112] The power profile may be, for example, information linked to information such as the power generation means and the power generation location for each predetermined unit amount of power. The amount of power recorded in the power profile may be calculated as a ratio to the power that User A can supply.

[0113] 10, assume that user A owns a wind power generation facility and a fuel cell in addition to a solar power generation facility, and stores the surplus power from each facility in the power storage device 61. In this case, the ratio of the amount of power generated by the solar power generation facility, the amount of power generated by the wind power generation facility, and the amount of power generated by the fuel cell out of the amount of power stored in the power storage device 61 may be recorded.

[0114] For example, it may be recorded that 100 kW·h of power is stored in the power storage device 61, of which 60% (60 kW·h) is power generated by solar power generation, 20% (20 kW·h) is power generated by wind power generation, and 20% (20 kW·h) is power stored in the fuel cell. Then, as will be described later, there may be a case where power generated by solar power generation is desired and the power is output to the smart grid 10 as power generated by solar power generation. In this case, it is preferable to calculate so that the proportion of power generated by solar power generation decreases depending on the amount of power output. For example, assume that, of the 100 kW·h of power stored in the power storage device 61 in the above example, 20 kW·h of power generated by solar power generation is output to the smart grid 10. In this case, of the remaining 80 kW·h of power stored in the power storage device 61, 50% (40 kW·h) is power generated by solar power generation, 25% (20 kW·h) is power generated by wind power generation, and 25% (20 kW·h) is power generated by the fuel cell. In this way, the proportion of power generated by the power generation means and power generation location out of the power that user A can supply may be recorded, linked to information such as the power generation means and power generation location. Then, based on this power proportion, the amount of power that user A can supply that is linked to information such as the power generation means and power generation location may be derived.

[0115] Although an example of a power profile has been given here, the power profile is not limited to this example. The power profile may include, for example, at least one of the amount of power that the user can supply, power source information for the supplied power, and supply conditions. Here, the power source information for the supplied power may be information about the power generation facility. Furthermore, the supply conditions are the conditions under which the user supplies the power that the user can supply.

[0116] <Supply conditions> The supply conditions may include, for example, the date and time of supply, the price, the region to which the power is supplied, the affiliation and attributes of the person receiving the power, etc. The region to which the power is supplied may be limited to a region or a power distribution system, such as within a microgrid to which the user belongs or within a microgrid provided by the resource aggregator 13. The price may vary depending on the region and the date and time. For example, the price may be set to increase gradually as the transmission route becomes longer, or the price for supplying power may be set higher when power demand is high and lower during times when power generation is high. Furthermore, conditions may be set so that power is supplied free of charge if the conditions are met.

[0117] The affiliation and attributes of the power recipient may include, for example, information identifying the person receiving the power. In the case of a business, information identifying the type of industry or business content may be included. This allows the user to set conditions for the power recipient as conditions for supplying available power. In other words, the conditions for the power recipient are recorded in the power profile, allowing the user to limit the recipients of power. For example, if a user wants to supply available power to a rice producer, the power profile may include the affiliation and attributes of the power recipient as being rice producers. This allows the user to limit the recipients of power to rice producers. Furthermore, instead of being limited to rice producers, the profile may also include agriculture, factories, schools, hospitals, and the like. Furthermore, multiple industries may be registered, and if there is no need to particularly limit the affiliation and attributes of the power recipient, "none" may be selected.

[0118] Here, the power profile may be recorded in a computer connected to the smart grid 10. The power profile may be recorded so that it can be acquired by the energy trading supporting apparatus 120, for example. Therefore, the power profile may be recorded in a computer on the user U1 side that can be accessed through the smart grid 10, or may be recorded in a computer of the resource aggregator 13. For example, an ID previously assigned to the power generation facility may be recorded so that the power generation facility can be identified.

[0119] <Process S1a> In process S1a, as shown in Fig. 11, a power profile of power that can be supplied by user U1 who has power that can be supplied to the smart grid 10 is acquired. According to process S1a, for example, a power profile can be acquired for the power that user U1 can supply. Information such as the power generation means and power generation location can be obtained for each amount of power that user U1 can supply to the smart grid 10. As a result, based on the acquired power profile, for example, the power generation means, power generation location, power generation equipment, supply conditions, etc. can be identified for the power that user U1 can supply to the smart grid 10.

[0120] <Process S1b> In process S1b, the power profile is provided to another user U2 via the communication network 40. For example, the other user U2 may be a user who receives services provided through the energy trading support apparatus 120 and may be registered in advance in the energy trading support apparatus 120. The power profile may be configured to be provided to the other user U2 via the communication network 40. The service provided through the energy trading support apparatus 120 may be configured to provide a power profile of power that can be supplied by user U1, who will be the power supplier, in response to a request from user U2 who will receive power, or to allow user U1 to view the power profile of power that can be supplied by user U1. The service provided through the energy trading support apparatus 120 may be configured to allow user U1 to search for information on the power profile of power that can be supplied by user U1, and to allow user U2 who wishes to receive power to select power that meets the conditions based on the power profile.

[0121] <Process S1c> In process S1c, user U2, who wishes to receive power, applies for power supply from user U1, who has available power to supply. Process S1c is executed electronically via a communication network such as the Internet. In this embodiment, the energy trading support apparatus 120 is configured to provide information on the power profile of the power that user U2, who wishes to receive power, can view the power profile of the power that can be supplied. The energy trading support apparatus 120 may also be configured to search for supply conditions set by user U1, who has available power to supply, and extract power that other users can receive. Based on the results of the information provided, the power profile viewing, and the search and extraction of supply conditions, user U2, who wishes to receive power, may apply for power supply from user U1, who will be the power supplier.

[0122] <Process S1d> In process S1d, the profile of the user who applied in the application process S1c is sent to the applied user. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 , in process S1d, the profile of user U2 who applied to receive power supply from user U1 who has available power in the application process S1c is sent to the applied user U1. This process S1d is executed electronically through a communication network such as the Internet. In this embodiment, the energy trading supporting apparatus 120 may be pre-programmed so that the profile of user U2 who applied to receive power supply from user U1 who has available power in the application process S1c is sent to the applied user U1. Through this process S1d, user U1 who has available power can check the profile of user U2 who applied to receive power supply.

[0123] <Process S1e> In process S1e, user U1, who has applied for power supply, approves the application of user U2, who has also applied for power supply. In this embodiment, the energy trading support apparatus 120 is configured to allow user U1, who has applied for power supply, to choose whether to approve the application of user U2, who has also applied for power supply. Furthermore, the energy trading support apparatus 120 may be configured to automatically approve the application of user U1, without requiring user operation, if user U1, who has applied for power supply, meets predetermined supply conditions based on the profile of user U2, who has applied for power supply. Automatic approval reduces the burden on user U1 in the approval process and ensures smooth processing from application to approval. The approval result may be notified to user U2, who has applied for power supply (S1e1). For example, if automatic approval is performed, user U2 may be notified that his / her application was not approved if user U2 does not meet the predetermined supply conditions.

[0124] <Process S1f> In process S1f, in response to the approval process, a process may be executed in which the electricity of the applied user U1 is supplied to the applied user U2 via the smart grid 10. The process of supplying electricity may be appropriately performed by controlling the power storage devices 61-65 via the power transmission network 20 and the communication network 40 of the smart grid 10. Such control may be configured to be performed, for example, by communication with the energy trading supporting apparatus 120. In this case, in response to the approval process, a process may be executed in which the electricity of the applied user U1 is supplied to the smart grid 10. Furthermore, a process may be executed in which the electricity is supplied from the smart grid 10 to the applied user U2. In this case, the process in which the electricity of the applied user U1 is supplied to the smart grid 10 and the process in which the electricity is supplied from the smart grid 10 to the applied user U2 may be executed simultaneously.

[0125] Furthermore, a process of supplying power from the user U1 who applied to the smart grid 10 and a process of supplying power from the smart grid 10 to the user U2 who also applied may be executed with a time lag. For example, the power from the user U1 who applied to the smart grid 10 may be supplied to the smart grid 10 and stored in a predetermined power storage device 65 connected to the smart grid 10. Thereafter, the power may be supplied from the smart grid 10 to the user U2 who also applied to the smart grid 10 at a time when the user U2 needs power. Alternatively, a predetermined amount of power may be supplied from the power storage device 65 to the user U2 who also applied to the smart grid 10 at a time when the user U2 needs power, and then the power from the user U1 who also applied to the smart grid 10 may be supplied. In this way, the power from the user U1 who applied to the smart grid 10 may be supplied to the user U2 who also applied to the smart grid 10, and the time and amount of power supplied do not necessarily have to be the same each time.

[0126] <Process S1g> In process S1g, the user U2 who has received the power supply pays a fee to the user U1 who has supplied the power. The fee is determined according to the supply conditions set by the user U1 who has supplied the power.

[0127] According to this energy trading supporting apparatus 120, a user U1 who will be an electricity supplier (seller) provides an electricity profile (S1b), and a user U2 who will be an electricity receiver (buyer) can find the quality of electricity they desire and apply for the supply (S1c). For example, if a user who will be an electricity receiver (buyer) wants to procure electricity from green energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, or biomass, the user can find electricity generated by such power generation methods based on the electricity profile and apply for the supply of electricity. Also, for example, if a user who will be an electricity receiver (buyer) wants to support power generation in a specific region, such as a local small-scale hydroelectric power plant or biomass power plant, the user can find and apply for electricity generated in that region. This allows user U2 who wishes to receive electricity to select the electricity to be supplied. Furthermore, according to this energy trading supporting apparatus 120, a user who will be an electricity supplier (seller) can determine the users to whom the electricity will be supplied based on the user profile. In this way, the electricity of user U1, who will be the electricity supplier (seller), becomes widely available to other users who use the services of the electricity trading support device 120, user U2, who will be the electricity receiver (buyer), can choose the electricity to be supplied, and user U1, who will be the electricity supplier (seller), can choose who will use his or her electricity.

[0128] For example, a user who becomes an electricity supplier (seller) can support a specific business by supplying electricity. Furthermore, the condition for supplying electricity may be free of charge. In this case, if the user who becomes an electricity supplier (seller) sympathizes with the business of the user to whom the electricity is being supplied based on the user's profile, the user may supply the electricity free of charge. For example, if a user wants to donate electricity to a farm, school, tourist facility, or other area in a region where there is a shortage of electricity, the user can identify the user who will be the electricity recipient (buyer) and supply the electricity free of charge. Users can use surplus electricity from their own power generation free of charge for purposes they wish to support, such as farms, schools, or tourist facilities in a region where there is a shortage of electricity. This allows surplus electricity from self-generated electricity to be used effectively for local support and development.

[0129] The energy trading supporting apparatus 120 may be configured to record transaction data in a blockchain, the transaction data including information on the application process, information on the approval process, information on the power supplied from the applied user to the smart grid in the power supply process, and information on the power supplied from the smart grid to the applied user. This allows a series of transaction records in the energy trading supporting apparatus 120 to be recorded as information that can be verified by the blockchain. When recorded in the blockchain, information recorded in a series of processes S1a to S1g may be collected as a single transaction and recorded in the blockchain.

[0130] Here, user U1, who will be the electricity supplier (seller), may set supply conditions in a power profile. The power profile may include at least one of the amount of electricity the user can supply, information about the power source to be supplied, and supply conditions. By setting appropriate supply conditions in the power profile, user U2, who will be the electricity receiver (buyer), can be restricted in accordance with the intentions of user U1. The supply conditions can include, for example, the date and time of supply, the price, the region to which the supply is made, the affiliation and attributes of the person receiving the supply, etc. This allows user U1, who will be the electricity supplier (seller), to supply electricity to those who meet his or her intentions.

[0131] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another process of the energy trading supporting apparatus 120. The energy trading supporting apparatus 120 may be configured to execute the following steps S2a to S2f.

[0132] S2a. Obtaining a power demand profile regarding a user's power demand S2b. Providing the electricity demand profile to other users via a communication network S2c. A process in which other users apply to supply electricity to meet the user's electricity demand. S2d. A process in which a power profile of the power that the user who applied for the application can supply is sent to the user who applied for the application. S2e. The process in which the applied user approves the application of the applying user S2f. A process in which the electricity of the applied user is supplied to the applied user through the smart grid after the approval process. S2g. A process in which the user U2 who received the power supply pays the fee to the user U1 who supplied the power.

[0133] <Electricity Demand Profile> The power demand profile is information related to a user's power demand. The power demand profile may be information that identifies, for example, the user who wishes to receive power, the amount of power the user wishes to receive, the means of generating the power the user wishes to receive, etc. The smart grid 10 may be provided with a storage unit that records the power demand profile of the power the user wishes to receive. Table 3 is an example of a table that stores the power demand profile. The table shown in Table 3 is configured so that the power demand profile ID, amount of power, user ID, power generation means, supply date and time, price, region, affiliation (attribute), and return gift can be recorded for the power demand profile. The information that can be included in the power demand profile is not limited to that listed in Table 3.

[0134] [Table 3]

[0135] Here, the power demand profile ID is an ID assigned to distinguish the power that a user can supply. The user ID is an ID assigned to distinguish users. The supply date and time records the date and time when the user desires supply. The amount of power records the amount of power that the user desires to receive. The power generation means records information about the power source that the user desires to receive. The price records the price of the power. For example, the price per unit amount of power is recorded. The area records the area where supply is possible. The price and area can be one of the supply conditions. The affiliation (attribute) can record, for example, the use of the power.

[0136] The electricity demand profile may include at least one of the following: the date and time when the user U2, who will be the electricity receiver, desires to receive electricity; the amount of electricity he / she desires to receive; information about the power source for the desired electricity; the supply conditions; and the purpose of the electricity. The supply conditions may include, for example, a condition such as compensation. The compensation may be set as free of charge. In other words, the energy trading supporting device 120 can solicit parties to support the business of the user U2, who will be the electricity receiver, in the form of electricity supply. The purpose of the electricity may include information about the use of the electricity, such as farms, schools, and tourist facilities. Such information about the use of the electricity may motivate the user U1, who will be the electricity supplier, to offer to supply electricity. The electricity demand profile may also include information about gifts in return. For example, if the user U2, who will be the electricity receiver, is a strawberry producer, the system may be configured so that strawberries produced by the user U2 are sent to the user U1, who will be the electricity supplier, as a gift in return for receiving the electricity. The information about the reward included in the electricity demand profile can motivate the user U1, who will become the electricity supplier, to offer to supply electricity.

[0137] <Process S2a> In step S2a, an electricity demand profile relating to the user's electricity demand is acquired. The energy trading supporting apparatus 120 may acquire the electricity demand profile relating to the user's electricity demand and store it in a predetermined storage unit.

[0138] <Process S2b> In process S2b, the electricity demand profile is provided to other users through the communication network. For example, the other users may be users who receive services provided through the energy trading supporting apparatus 120 and may be registered in advance in the energy trading supporting apparatus 120. In process S2b, the electricity demand profile is provided to other users through the communication network 40. Thus, as shown in Fig. 13, a user U1 who has electricity to supply can check the electricity demand profile and search for a party to whom he or she wants to supply electricity.

[0139] <Process S2c> In process S2c, another user applies to supply power to meet the power demand of a user. User U1 who has available power to supply has been provided with the power demand profile in process S2b, and can check the power demand profile and offer to supply power to a party to whom he or she wishes to supply power. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 13, user U1 who has available power to supply can check the power demand profile of user U2 and, if he or she wishes to supply power to user U2, can apply to supply power to meet the power demand of user U2. This process can be performed electronically, for example, via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0140] In this embodiment, the energy trading support apparatus 120 may be configured to provide information about an electricity demand profile to the user U1 who will be the electricity supplier, or to allow the user U1 who will be the electricity supplier to view the electricity demand profile obtained from the user U1 who will be the electricity recipient. The energy trading support apparatus 120 may also be configured to allow, for example, a user U1 who has available electricity to search for information included in the electricity demand profile and extract another user U2 who will supply electricity. Based on the results of providing such information or browsing, searching, or extracting the electricity demand profile, the user U1 who will be the electricity supplier may apply for electricity supply to the user U2 who will be receiving electricity. The electricity demand profile may also include information about the source of the desired electricity. In this case, if the information about the source of the desired electricity includes information about a power source such as solar power generation, the application may be rejected if the power supplied by the user U1 who will be the electricity supplier is not from the corresponding source. In this way, the user U1 who will be the electricity supplier can restrict applications for supplying electricity to the electricity demand of the user U2 by appropriately setting conditions in the electricity demand profile. This allows the user U2, who will be the power recipient, to collect power generated by a desired power source.

[0141] <Process S2d> In process S2d, a power profile of the power that user U1 who applied in application process S2c can supply is sent to user U2 who applied. This process allows user U2, who will be the power recipient, to obtain information about user U1 who will be the power supplier and the power source that user U1 will supply. If user U2, who will be the power recipient, wants to cover their electricity needs with green energy, they can check the power source information of the power that user U1 will supply based on the power profile.

[0142] <Process S2e> In process S2e, the user U2 who applied approves the application of the user U1. In this embodiment, the energy trading supporting apparatus 120 is configured to allow the user U2 who applied for power supply to choose whether to approve the application of the user U1 who applied for power supply. The energy trading supporting apparatus 120 may also be configured to automatically approve the application of the user U2 who applied for power supply without requiring user operation if the application's power profile satisfies predetermined supply conditions based on the power profile of the user U1 who applied for power supply. Automatic approval reduces the burden on the user U2 in the approval process and ensures smooth processing from application to approval. The energy trading supporting apparatus 120 may be configured to notify the user U1 who applied for power supply of the approval result (S2e1). For example, when the automatic approval process is configured to be executed, if the application's user U1 does not satisfy the predetermined supply conditions, the application's user U1 may be notified that the application was not approved.

[0143] <Process S2f> In process S2f, in response to the approval process S2e, the power of the user U1 who applied is supplied to the user U2 who applied through the smart grid. For example, in response to the approval process S2e, a process of supplying the power of the user U1 who applied to the smart grid 10 may be executed. Furthermore, a process of supplying the power from the smart grid 10 to the user U2 who applied may be executed. In this case, the process of supplying the power of the user U1 who applied to the smart grid 10 and the process of supplying the power from the smart grid 10 to the user U2 who applied may be executed simultaneously. Furthermore, the process of supplying the power of the user U1 who applied to the smart grid 10 and the process of supplying the power from the smart grid 10 to the user U2 who applied may be executed with a time lag. In other words, the power of the user U1 who applied may be supplied to the user U2 who applied through the smart grid 10, and the time and amount of power supplied do not necessarily have to be the same each time.

[0144] <Process S2g> In process S2g, user U2 who received the power supply pays compensation to user U1 who supplied the power. The compensation is determined in accordance with the supply conditions set by user U2 who received the power supply in the power demand profile. The compensation does not necessarily have to be monetary, and may be provided in the form of a gift or the like specified in the power demand profile.

[0145] In this case, too, the system may be configured to record transaction data including information on the application process S2c, information on the approval process S2e, and information on the electricity supplied in the electricity supply process S2f in the blockchain. This allows a series of transaction records in the energy trading supporting apparatus 120 to be recorded as information that can be verified by the blockchain. When recorded in the blockchain, the information recorded in the series of processes S2a to S2g may be collected as a single transaction and recorded in the blockchain.

[0146] According to the flow shown in Figure 13, user U2, who will be the power recipient (buyer), provides a power demand profile (S2b). User U1, who will be the power supplier (seller), can then find a party to whom he / she wishes to supply power and apply for power supply (S2c). For example, if user U2, who will be the power recipient (buyer), wants to procure power from green energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, or biomass, he / she specifies the power he / she wishes to procure using a power demand profile. The power demand profile also includes information such as the purpose and location of use. User U1, who will be the power supplier (seller), can find a party to whom he / she wishes to supply power based on the power demand profile and apply for power supply. This allows user U1, who wishes to supply power, to select a supply destination and supply power accordingly. User U2, who will be the power recipient (buyer), can also limit the power supplied according to the power demand profile and select the quality of power (power generation method) to use.

[0147] The energy trading supporting apparatus 120 may be configured to execute both the flow shown in FIG. 11 and the flow shown in FIG. 13. In this case, a user seeking to receive power can check the power profiles of other users, select the desired power source based on the type of power source, cost, etc., and apply for power supply. This allows for the collection of desired power. Furthermore, a user with surplus power available for supply can check the power demand profiles of other users and offer the surplus power to a user who wishes to supply power. The surplus power can be offered free of charge, or can be donated to a favorite business for effective use. In this way, the energy trading supporting apparatus 120 connects users (users) through their power profiles and power demand profiles. This allows for a system in which surplus power is supplied after mutual identification, reflecting the quality of power generation by the power supplier (seller) and the empathy for the business of the power recipient (buyer).

[0148] The invention disclosed herein has been described in various ways. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments described herein do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can be modified in various ways, and each component and each process described herein can be omitted or combined as appropriate, unless a particular problem arises. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 10 Smart Grid 11 Aggregation Coordinator 13 Resource Aggregators 20 Power grid 22 Large-scale power generation facilities 24 Power Lines 26 Power Generation Companies 28 Housing 28a Energy Management System (HEMS) 30 Factory operators 30a Energy Management System (FEMS) 32 Building operators 32a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) 35 Microgrid 35a Energy Management System (CEMS) 40 Communication Network 51~55 Power generating equipment 61~65 Energy storage device 71~73 Electric vehicles 100 Information processing device 120 Electricity trading support device 120a Storage section A0 Electricity Utility A1,A2 Housing A3 Factory A4 Power generation company A5 Energy storage company A6 charging spot

Claims

1. An energy trading support device having a computer connected to a smart grid, the smart grid has a plurality of users, including users who have power available to supply to the smart grid and users who wish to receive power from the smart grid; The energy trading support device includes: a process of recording a profile of each of a plurality of users; A process of acquiring a power profile of power that can be supplied by a user among the plurality of users who has the power that can be supplied; providing the power profile to other users; a process in which the other user applies to receive a supply of power from the user who has the available power; a process of sending a profile of the user who applied in the application process to the applied user; a process in which the requested user approves the request of the requesting user; a process of receiving the approval, and supplying the electricity of the applied user to the applied user through the smart grid; is configured to be executed by the computer, Here, the power profile includes supply conditions for supplying power, and the supply conditions include information that can identify the industry and business content of the user who is seeking to receive the power supply. Power trading support device.

2. The apparatus for supporting energy trading according to claim 1 , wherein the energy profile includes at least one of an amount of energy that the user can supply and information about a power source from which the energy is supplied.

3. 3. The energy trading supporting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the amount of power that the user can supply includes an amount of power stored in the smart grid, an amount of power that is planned to be generated, and an amount of power that is planned to be stored.

4. The energy trading supporting apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the amount of energy stored in the smart grid is recorded in association with a user.

5. A process of obtaining a power demand profile relating to the power demand of a user who wishes to receive the power supply; providing the power demand profile to other users over a communications network; A process in which other users who have been provided with the power demand profile apply to supply power to meet the power demand; A process of sending a power profile of power that the user who applied in the application process can supply to the applied user; a process in which the requested user approves the request of the requesting user; a process of supplying the power of the applied user to the applied user upon receiving the approval process; is further configured to be executed by the computer, Here, the power demand profile includes information that can identify the industry and business content of the user who is seeking to receive the power supply. An energy trading supporting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. An energy trading support device having a computer connected to a smart grid, the smart grid has a plurality of users, including users who have power available to supply to the smart grid and users who wish to receive power from the smart grid; The energy trading support device includes: obtaining a power demand profile relating to the power demand of a user who wishes to receive the power supply; providing the power demand profile to other users over a communications network; a process in which the other user applies to the user who wishes to receive the supply of power to supply power in response to the power demand; A process of sending a power profile of power that the user who applied in the application process can supply to the applied user; a process in which the requested user approves the request of the requesting user; a process of supplying the power of the applied user to the applied user upon receiving the approval process; is configured to be executed by the computer, Here, the power demand profile includes information that can identify the industry and business content of the user who is seeking to receive the power supply. Power trading support device.

7. 7. The energy trading supporting device according to claim 5, wherein the electricity demand profile includes at least one of a date and time when the user desires to receive electricity, an amount of electricity desired to be supplied, information on a power source of the electricity desired to be supplied, supply conditions, and an application of the electricity.

8. 8. The energy trading support device according to claim 1, wherein transaction data including information on the application process, information on the approval process, and information on the electricity supplied in the electricity supply process is recorded in a blockchain.

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