Power management server and power management method

Abstract

To provide a power management server and a power management method capable of suppressing momentary disturbances in demand-and-supply balance of a power system.SOLUTION: A power management server includes: a receiving unit that receives an adjustment message for adjusting a demand-and-supply balance of a power system; a management unit that manages two or more devices; a control unit that determines an individual adjusted power amount to be adjusted by each of the two or more devices and start timing for starting power adjustment of each of the two or more devices so that the total adjusted power amount requested by the adjustment message is adjusted; and a transmitting unit that transmits a control message including an information element for specifying the individual adjusted power amount and the start timing, wherein the control unit determines the start timing different in each of the two or more devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a system (for example, VPP: Virtual Power Plant) has been known in which a business operator such as a resource aggregator adjusts the power of a facility by using a control message such as a demand response in order to adjust the supply and demand balance in a power grid.

[0003] In the above-described mechanism, the individual power adjustment amount to be requested of each facility is determined so that the total power adjustment amount requested to be adjusted as a resource aggregator by the control message is adjusted. For example, when determining the individual power adjustment amount of each facility, the adjustable amount of each facility is referenced (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-135040 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-190115 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned system, a power meter (e.g., a smart meter) is used that transmits facility power information at predetermined time intervals (e.g., 30 minutes), and it is assumed that the supply and demand balance of the power system is adjusted at the minimum unit of the predetermined time interval.

[0006] Under such assumptions, the facility only needs to adjust the power (instantaneous power (kW)) so that the individually adjusted power amount (integrated power (kWh)) is adjusted for the entire predetermined time interval. In other words, the facility does not need to continue adjusting the power at a constant level throughout the entire predetermined time interval.

[0007] As a result of careful consideration, the inventors have found that, based on the above findings, it is possible to adjust the instantaneous power of electric power so that the integrated power reaches the individual adjustment power amount early within a predetermined time interval. If such a facility operates in this way, the power that is instantaneously adjusted within the predetermined time interval will be concentrated in the first half of the predetermined time interval, which will actually disrupt the supply and demand balance of the electric power grid.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a power management server and a power management method that make it possible to suppress momentary disruptions in the supply and demand balance of a power system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A power management server according to a first feature includes a receiving unit that receives an adjustment message for adjusting the supply and demand balance of a power system; a management unit that manages two or more devices; a control unit that determines an individual adjustment power amount to be adjusted by each of the two or more devices and a start timing at which each of the two or more devices starts power adjustment so that the total adjustment power amount requested by the adjustment message is adjusted; and a transmitting unit that transmits a control message including information elements that identify the individual adjustment power amount and the start timing, and the control unit determines the start timing, which differs for each of the two or more devices.

[0010] A power management server according to a second feature includes a receiving unit that receives an adjustment message for adjusting the supply and demand balance of a power system, and a transmitting unit that transmits a control message to two or more gateway devices that respectively control equipment, wherein the control message includes an information element that specifies the adjustment power that the equipment should continuously adjust so that the total amount of adjustment power requested by the adjustment message is adjusted, and an information element that specifies the duration for which the adjustment power should be maintained.

[0011] A power management method according to a third feature includes step A of receiving an adjustment message for adjusting the supply and demand balance of a power system; step B of determining an individual adjustment power amount to be adjusted by each of two or more devices and a start timing for each of the two or more devices to start power adjustment so that the total adjustment power amount requested by the adjustment message is adjusted; and step C of transmitting a control message including information elements that identify the individual adjustment power amount and the start timing, wherein step B includes a step of determining the start timing that differs for each of the two or more devices.

[0012] A power management method according to a fourth feature includes step A of receiving an adjustment message for adjusting the supply and demand balance of a power system, and step B of transmitting a control message to two or more gateway devices that respectively control equipment so that the total amount of adjustment power requested by the adjustment message is adjusted, and includes an information element that specifies the adjustment power that the equipment should continuously adjust so that the total amount of adjustment power requested by the adjustment message is adjusted, and an information element that specifies a duration for which the adjustment power should be maintained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power management server and a power management method that are capable of suppressing momentary disruptions in the supply and demand balance of a power system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a power management system 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the subordinate server 20 according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjusting the supply and demand balance in the power system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjusting the supply and demand balance in the power system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjusting the supply and demand balance in the power system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a power management method according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjusting the supply and demand balance in the power system according to the first modification. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjusting the supply and demand balance in the power system according to the first modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, the drawings are schematic.

[0016] [Embodiment] (Power Management System) A power management system according to an embodiment will be described below. As shown in Fig. 1, the power management system 100 includes a facility 10, a subordinate server 20, and an upper server 30. The facility 10, the subordinate server 20, and the upper server 30 are connected by a network 120. The network 120 is the Internet. The network 120 may include a dedicated line such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or may include a mobile communication network.

[0017] The facility 10 includes a power storage device 210, a load device 220, a power meter 230, and an EMS (Energy Management System) 240. Although not particularly limited, the facility 10 may be a non-commercial facility such as a residence, or a commercial facility such as an office or a shop. The facility 10 may also be a factory. Although one facility 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1 for the sake of simplicity, two or more facilities 10 may be provided.

[0018] The power storage device 210 is a distributed power source that charges and discharges power. The power storage device 210 is an example of a device managed by the subordinate server 20. The power storage device 210 may be an example of a distributed power source used in a VPP (Virtual Power Plant). For example, the power storage device 210 is configured by a PCS and a power storage cell.

[0019] The load device 220 is a device that consumes power. The load device 220 may be an example of a device managed by the lower level server 20. For example, the load device 220 is an air conditioner, a lighting device, an AV (Audio Visual) device, or the like.

[0020] The power meter 230 is a power meter that measures forward flow power from the power grid to the facility 10 and reverse flow power from the facility 10 to the power grid. For example, the power meter 230 may be a power meter certified by a third party. The power meter 230 may be a smart meter that belongs to the upper server 30. The power meter 230 may have a function of transmitting the measurement values ​​of the power meter 230 at a predetermined transmission interval (for example, 30 minutes). The measurement values ​​of the power meter 230 may be transmitted to the EMS 240, the lower server 20, or the upper server 30.

[0021] The EMS 240 is a device that manages the power of the facility 10. The EMS 240 may control the operating state of the power storage device 210 provided in the facility 10, and may also control the operating state of the load device 220 provided in the facility 10. The EMS 240 may be referred to as a GW (Gateway) controller.

[0022] In the embodiment, communication between the subordinate server 20 and the EMS 240 is performed according to a first protocol. On the other hand, communication between the EMS 240 and each device (e.g., the power storage device 210, the load device 220, and the power meter 230) may be performed according to a second protocol that may be different from the first protocol. For example, the first protocol may be a protocol conforming to Open ADR (Automated Demand Response) or a unique dedicated protocol. For example, the second protocol may be a protocol conforming to ECHONET Lite (registered trademark), SEP (Smart Energy Profile) 2.0, KNX, or a unique dedicated protocol. For example, both the first protocol and the second protocol may be unique dedicated protocols, as long as they are protocols created according to different rules. However, the first protocol and the second protocol may also be protocols created according to the same rules.

[0023] The subordinate server 20 is an example of a power management server that manages two or more devices. The subordinate server 20 is a server managed by a business such as a power generation business, a power transmission and distribution business, a retail business, or a resource aggregator. The resource aggregator is a power business that provides reverse flow power to power generation businesses, power transmission and distribution businesses, retail businesses, etc. in a VPP. The resource aggregator may also be a power business that generates reduced power for the forward flow power (power consumption) of the facility 10 managed by the resource aggregator.

[0024] The upper server 30 is an example of a server that manages the balance of power supply and demand in a power grid. The upper server 30 is an entity that provides infrastructure such as a power grid, and may be a server managed by a power generation company or a power transmission and distribution company. The upper server 30 may also be a server managed by an aggregator controller that controls a resource aggregator.

[0025] The upper server 30 transmits an adjustment message to the lower server 20 requesting adjustment of the supply and demand balance of the power grid. The adjustment message may include a message requesting a reduction in the power demand of the power grid (a DR (Demand Response) message). The adjustment message may also include a message requesting a reduction in the power supply of the power grid (an output curtailment message).

[0026] In the embodiment, communication between the lower server 20 and the upper server 30 is performed according to a third protocol. For example, a protocol conforming to Open ADR can be used as the third protocol. When a protocol conforming to Open ADR is used as the first protocol, the third protocol may be the same as the first protocol.

[0027] (Sub-server) The following describes a subordinate server according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the subordinate server 20 includes a communication unit 21, a management unit 22, and a control unit 23. As described above, the subordinate server 20 is an example of a power management server that manages two or more devices.

[0028] The communication unit 21 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module conforming to standards such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, or 5G, or may be a wired communication module conforming to standards such as IEEE802.3.

[0029] In the embodiment, the communication unit 21 constitutes a receiving unit that receives an adjustment message from the upper server 30. The adjustment message transmitted to the lower server 20 is a message transmitted to an area including devices managed by the lower server 20. As described above, the adjustment message may be a DR message or an output suppression message.

[0030] Here, the adjustment message includes an information element that specifies an adjustment period for adjusting the supply and demand balance of the power grid. A predetermined time interval may be defined as the smallest unit of the adjustment period. The predetermined time interval may be the same as the predetermined transmission interval at which the power meter 230 transmits measurement values. The adjustment result of the supply and demand balance of the power grid may be verified by the measurement values ​​transmitted from the power meter 230.

[0031] Furthermore, the adjustment message includes an information element that specifies the total amount of power to be adjusted, which requires adjustment of the supply and demand balance of the power grid. The total amount of power to be adjusted may be represented by an integrated value of power to be adjusted during the adjustment target period. The total amount of power to be adjusted may be determined based on baseline power. The baseline power may be an average value of power demand for a certain period before the transmission of the adjustment message. The certain period may be determined according to the actual situation of negawatt trading, or may be determined between the lower server 20 and the upper server 30. Alternatively, the total amount of power to be adjusted may be determined based on a forecast value of supply and demand in the power grid.

[0032] For example, assuming a case in which the instantaneous value of the adjustment power to be adjusted from the baseline power is determined based on the baseline power, the total amount of adjustment power may be represented by the cumulative value of the difference between the supply and demand forecast value of the power system and the instantaneous value of the adjustment power.

[0033] The total amount of adjusted power may be an information element that specifies a range defined by a lower limit value and an upper limit value of the total amount of adjusted power. The information element may include the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the total amount of adjusted power, and may also include a target power for the total amount of adjusted power and a relative value based on the target power (e.g., ±XX% or ±YY kWh). If the relative value is predetermined, the relative value may not be included in the adjustment message.

[0034] In the embodiment, the communication unit 21 transmits a control message for controlling the power storage device 210. The communication unit 21 may transmit the control message to the power storage device 210, or may transmit the control message to the EMS 240 that controls the power storage device 210.

[0035] The management unit 22 is configured with a storage medium such as a nonvolatile memory and / or an HDD. The management unit 22 manages information related to two or more power storage devices 210. The two or more power storage devices 210 may be provided in the same facility 10 or in different facilities 10. For example, the management unit 22 may manage the discharge power value of the power storage device 210, or may manage the charge power value of the power storage device 210. These power values ​​may be defined by minimum and maximum values. These power values ​​may be interpreted as the rated power value of the power storage device 210 (PCS). The management unit 22 may manage the dischargeable capacity of the power storage device 210, or may manage the chargeable capacity of the power storage device 210. These capacities may be determined by the rated capacity and storage capacity of the power storage device 210 (power storage cell). The discharge power value, charge power value, dischargeable capacity, and chargeable capacity may be collectively referred to as power storage information.

[0036] The control unit 23 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured by multiple circuits (such as integrated circuits and / or discrete circuits) that are communicatively connected.

[0037] In the embodiment, the control unit 23 determines the individual adjustment amount of power to be adjusted by each of the two or more power storage devices 210 and the start timing at which each of the two or more power storage devices 210 starts power adjustment, so that the total adjustment amount of power requested by the adjustment message is adjusted. The control unit 23 determines a different start timing for each of the two or more power storage devices 210. The control unit 23 may determine the individual adjustment amount of power and the start timing based on power storage information of each power storage device 210. The individual adjustment amount of power may be represented by an integrated value of power adjusted by the power storage device 210.

[0038] The control unit 23 may determine different start timings for two or more power storage devices 210 within a predetermined time interval. The control unit 23 may determine the individual adjustment amount of power and the start timing based on the lower limit value of the total adjustment amount of power. The control unit 23 may determine the individual adjustment amount of power and the start timing based on the upper limit value of the total adjustment amount of power.

[0039] Here, when the device that adjusts the supply and demand balance of the power grid is the power storage device 210, the control unit 23 determines the start timing for starting at least one of the discharging operation and the charging operation of the power storage device 210. In such a case, the control unit 23 determines the duration and magnitude of the power of at least one of the discharging operation and the charging operation of the power storage device 210.

[0040] For example, in a case where a reduction in power demand in the power grid is requested, the control unit 23 determines, for each of two or more power storage devices 210, the start timing for starting the discharging operation of the power storage device 210, the magnitude of the discharge power of the power storage device 210, and the duration of the discharging operation of the power storage device 210. The magnitude of the discharge power may be represented by the instantaneous value of the discharge power. The duration of the discharging operation may be represented by the end timing for ending the discharging operation, by the duration for which the discharging operation continues, or by the amount of individual adjustment power. Since the amount of individual adjustment power is represented by the product of the instantaneous value of the discharge power and the duration of the discharging operation, the duration of the discharging operation is represented by the result of dividing the individual adjustment power by the instantaneous value of the discharge power.

[0041] Similarly, in a case where a reduction in power supply from the power grid is requested, the control unit 23 determines, for each of two or more power storage devices 210, the start timing for starting the charging operation of the power storage device 210, the magnitude of the charging power of the power storage device 210, and the duration of the charging operation of the power storage device 210. The magnitude of the charging power may be represented by the instantaneous value of the charging power. The duration of the charging operation may be represented by the end timing for ending the charging operation, by the duration for which the charging operation continues, or by the amount of individual adjustment power. Since the amount of individual adjustment power is represented by the product of the instantaneous value of the charging power and the duration of the charging operation, the duration of the charging operation is represented by the product of the individual adjustment amount of power divided by the instantaneous value of the charging power.

[0042] Furthermore, the control unit 23 may determine the start timing so that the discharging operation of the power storage device 210 is performed throughout the entire adjustment period for which power adjustment is requested by the adjustment message. In other words, the control unit 23 may determine the start timing for each of the two or more power storage devices 210 so that the discharging operation of the two or more power storage devices 210 is not interrupted.

[0043] For example, the control unit 23 aligns the end timing of the discharge operation of the nth power storage device 210 to be controlled with the start timing of the discharge operation of the n+1th power storage device 210 to be controlled. Aligning the end timing and the start timing may mean that the end timing of the nth discharge operation is 8:59:59 and the start timing of the n+1th discharge operation is 9:00:00, or the end timing of the nth discharge operation is 9:00:00 and the start timing of the n+1th discharge operation is 9:00:00. That is, the adjustment target period may or may not include a momentary blank time (e.g., 1 second) between discharge operations. From the perspective of appropriately maintaining the supply and demand balance in the power grid, it is preferable that a momentary blank time between discharge operations is not included. The above-mentioned times, such as 8:59:59 and 9:00:00, may be considered synonymous with timing.

[0044] Similarly, control unit 23 may determine the start timing so that the charging operation of power storage device 210 is performed throughout the entire adjustment target period for which power adjustment is requested by the adjustment message. In other words, control unit 23 may determine the start timing for each of two or more power storage devices 210 so that the charging operation of two or more power storage devices 210 is not interrupted.

[0045] For example, control unit 23 aligns the end timing of the charging operation of power storage device 210 to be controlled n-th with the start timing of the charging operation of power storage device 210 to be controlled n+1-th. Aligning the end timing and the start timing may mean that the end timing of the n-th charging operation is 8:59:59 and the start timing of the n+1-th charging operation is 9:00:00, or the end timing of the n-th charging operation is 9:00:00 and the start timing of the n+1-th charging operation is 9:00:00. That is, the adjustment target period may or may not include a momentary blank time in the charging operation (e.g., 1 second). From the viewpoint of appropriately maintaining the supply and demand balance in the power grid, it is preferable not to include a momentary blank time in the charging operation. The above-mentioned times such as 8:59:59 and 9:00:00 may be considered synonymous with timing.

[0046] (Example of adjusting the supply and demand balance in the power grid) An example of adjusting the supply and demand balance in a power system according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 5. In the following, a case will be illustrated in which power storage devices A to D are managed by a subordinate server 20 and a demand reduction in the power system is requested. A case will be illustrated in which the start timing of each power storage device is different within a predetermined time interval, which is the smallest unit of the adjustment target period. TS is the start timing of the predetermined time interval, and TE is the end timing of the predetermined time interval.

[0047] 3 to 5, the vertical axis represents discharge power, and the horizontal axis represents time. The upper limit value represents the time transition of the upper limit value of the instantaneous value of the total regulated power, and the lower limit value represents the time transition of the upper limit value of the instantaneous value of the total regulated power. The target value represents the time transition of the target value of the instantaneous value of the total regulated power. The target value may be an intermediate value between the upper limit value and the lower limit value. The range defined by the upper limit value and the lower limit value is specified by an information element included in the adjustment message received from the upper server 30.

[0048] 3, the subordinate server 20 determines TS as the start timing of power storage device A and determines T1 as the end timing of power storage device A. The subordinate server 20 determines T1 as the start timing of power storage device B and determines T2 as the end timing of power storage device B. The subordinate server 20 determines T2 as the start timing of power storage device C and determines T3 as the end timing of power storage device C. The subordinate server 20 determines T3 as the start timing of power storage device D and determines TE as the end timing of power storage device D. In other words, the subordinate server 20 determines the start timings of two or more power storage devices 210 so that the discharging operation is not interrupted at predetermined time intervals.

[0049] Furthermore, the subordinate server 20 determines the discharge power of the power storage device A during the duration of the power storage device A (between TS and T1) so that the discharge power is between an upper limit and a lower limit. The subordinate server 20 determines the discharge power of the power storage device B during the duration of the power storage device B (between T1 and T2) so that the discharge power is between an upper limit and a lower limit. The subordinate server 20 determines the discharge power of the power storage device C during the duration of the power storage device C (between T2 and T3) so that the discharge power is between an upper limit and a lower limit. The subordinate server 20 determines the discharge power of the power storage device D during the duration of the power storage device D (between T3 and TE) so that the discharge power is between an upper limit and a lower limit.

[0050] In this embodiment, the power storage device 210 is configured to continue the discharging operation at the discharge power set by the subordinate server 20 (EMS 240). Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, the magnitude of the discharge power does not change during the duration of the discharging operation.

[0051] For example, consider a case where the total regulated power amount at a predetermined time interval is 4 kWh / 30 minutes and the total regulated power amount is allocated equally to each power storage device. In such a case, the individual regulated power amount of each power storage device is 1 kWh / 30 minutes. For example, for power storage device A, the start timing may be 0 minutes (=TS), the end timing may be 9 minutes (=T1), the duration may be 9 minutes, and the magnitude of discharge power may be 6.67 kW. For power storage device B, the start timing may be 9 minutes (=T1), the end timing may be 14 minutes (=T2), the duration may be 5 minutes, and the magnitude of discharge power may be 12 kW. For power storage device C, the start timing may be 14 minutes (=T2), the end timing may be 22 minutes (=T3), the duration may be 8 minutes, and the magnitude of discharge power may be 7.5 kW. For power storage device D, the start timing may be 22 minutes (=T3), the end timing may be 22 minutes (=T4), the duration may be 30 minutes, and the magnitude of the discharge power may be 7.5 kW.

[0052] Under the premise shown in Fig. 3, the subordinate server 20 may determine the discharge power of each power storage device based on a lower limit value as shown in Fig. 4. In other words, the subordinate server 20 may determine the discharge power of each power storage device so as to conform to the lower limit value under the condition that the discharge power of each power storage device does not fall below the lower limit value during the duration of the power storage device. However, the subordinate server 20 may also determine the discharge power of at least some of the power storage devices based on an upper limit value.

[0053] Under the premise shown in Fig. 3, the subordinate server 20 may determine the discharge power of each power storage device based on an upper limit value as shown in Fig. 5. In other words, the subordinate server 20 may determine the discharge power of each power storage device so as to conform to the upper limit value under the condition that the discharge power of each power storage device does not exceed the upper limit value during the duration of the power storage device. However, the subordinate server 20 may also determine the discharge power of at least some of the power storage devices based on a lower limit value.

[0054] (Power management method) A power management method according to an embodiment will be described below. For the sake of simplicity, one facility 10 (power storage device 210) is illustrated in Fig. 6, but in practice, two or more power storage devices 210 are provided. The two or more power storage devices 210 may be provided in the same facility 10 or in different facilities 10.

[0055] 6, in step S10, the EMS 240 receives information (power storage information) related to the power storage device 210 from the power storage device 210. The power storage information may include a discharge power value, a charge power value, a dischargeable capacity, a chargeable capacity, etc. The EMS 240 may receive the power storage information periodically.

[0056] In step S11, the upper server 30 transmits an adjustment message to the lower server 20. The adjustment message includes an information element that specifies an adjustment target period for adjusting the supply and demand balance of the power grid. The adjustment message includes an information element that specifies the total amount of power to be adjusted for which adjustment of the supply and demand balance of the power grid is requested.

[0057] In step S12, the EMS 240 transmits the facility information to the lower-level server 20. For example, the facility information includes the above-mentioned power storage information.

[0058] In step S13, the subordinate server 20 determines the individual adjustment power amount and start timing of the power storage device 210 based on the power storage information of the power storage device 210. Furthermore, the subordinate server 20 may determine the duration and power magnitude of at least one of the discharging operation and the charging operation of the power storage device 210.

[0059] In step S14, the lower server 20 transmits a control message to the EMS 240. The control message includes information elements that specify the amount of power to be individually adjusted and the start timing of the power storage device 210. The control message may also include information elements that specify the duration and power level of the power storage device 210.

[0060] In step S15, the EMS 240 sets the operation mode of the power storage device 210 based on the control message. The operation mode may include a discharging operation, a charging operation, a standby operation, etc. Such setting may be performed before the start of the adjustment target period or after the start of the adjustment target period. The EMS 240 may set the start timing for starting the discharging operation or the charging operation. Alternatively, the EMS 240 may set the operation mode of the power storage device 210 at the start timing. The EMS 240 may set the magnitude of the discharging power or the charging power when setting the operation mode of the power storage device 210. The EMS 240 may set the duration of the discharging operation or the charging operation when setting the operation mode of the power storage device 210. The EMS 240 may set the end timing of the discharging operation or the charging operation when setting the operation mode of the power storage device 210. The power storage device 210 operates according to the settings set by the EMS 240.

[0061] In step S16, the power meter 230 transmits the measurement value of the power meter 230 to the EMS 240. The power meter 230 transmits the measurement value at a predetermined transmission interval.

[0062] In step S17, the EMS 240 transmits the measurement value of the power meter 230 to the subordinate server 20. When the EMS 240 receives the measurement value from the power meter 230, the EMS 240 may transmit the measurement value to the subordinate server 20. The processing of step S17 may be omitted.

[0063] In step S18, the EMS 240 transmits a performance report of the power adjusted during the adjustment period to the subordinate server 20. For example, the performance report may include an integrated value of the discharged power or charged power of the power storage device 210 provided in the facility 10. The performance report may also include an integrated value for each predetermined time interval, which is the smallest unit of the adjustment period. If the subordinate server 20 can grasp the actual power adjusted during the adjustment period from the measurement value received in step S17, the processing of step S18 may be omitted.

[0064] In step S19, the lower server 20 transmits a performance report of the power adjusted during the adjustment target period to the upper server 30. For example, the performance report may include an integrated value of the discharge power or charge power of the power storage device 210 managed by the lower server 20. The performance report may include an integrated value for each predetermined time interval, which is the smallest unit of the adjustment target period.

[0065] (Action and effect) In the embodiment, the subordinate server 20 determines different start timings for each of the two or more power storage devices 210 so that the total amount of power to be adjusted is adjusted. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the discharging or charging operations of the two or more power storage devices 210 from being concentrated in the first half of the adjustment target period (or a predetermined time interval). In other words, it is possible to prevent momentary disruptions in the supply and demand balance of the power system.

[0066] In an embodiment, the subordinate server 20 may determine the individual adjustment power amount and the start timing based on the lower limit value of the total adjustment power amount. With this configuration, it is easy to appropriately balance supply and demand in the power system when there are many power storage devices 210 with small adjustable power among the power storage devices 210 managed by the subordinate server 20. It is easy to appropriately balance supply and demand in the power system when there is large adjustable power by devices other than the power storage devices 210 managed by the subordinate server 20 (for example, load devices 220).

[0067] In an embodiment, the subordinate server 20 may determine the individual adjustment power amount and the start timing based on the upper limit value of the total adjustment power amount. With this configuration, it is easy to appropriately balance supply and demand in the power system when there are many power storage devices 210 with large adjustable power among the power storage devices 210 managed by the subordinate server 20. It is easy to appropriately balance supply and demand in the power system when the adjustable power of devices other than the power storage devices 210 managed by the subordinate server 20 (for example, load devices 220) is small.

[0068] [Change Example 1] Modification 1 of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

[0069] In the embodiment, as described in FIG. 3 and the like, the magnitude of the discharge power (or charge power) does not change during the duration of the discharging operation (or the charging operation). In contrast, in Modification 1, the lower-level server 20 (communication unit 21) transmits a control message including information elements specifying two or more different start timings to one or more power storage devices 210. That is, in Modification 1, the magnitude of the discharge power (or the charge power) can change during the duration of the discharging operation (or the charging operation).

[0070] (Example of adjusting the supply and demand balance in the power grid) An example of adjusting the supply and demand balance in the power system according to Modification Example 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Similar to Figures 3 to 5, the following illustrates a case in which power storage devices A to D are managed by subordinate server 20 and a demand reduction in the power system is requested. Symbols shown in the figures are the same as those in Figures 3 to 5, and therefore their explanation will be omitted.

[0071] First, a modification of FIG. 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the subordinate server 20 determines TS as the start timing of the power storage device A, determines Ta as the end timing of the power storage device A, and determines Ta as the start timing of the power storage device A and determines T1 as the end timing of the power storage device A. The subordinate server 20 may determine the discharge power of the power storage device A based on a lower limit value between TS and Ta, and may determine the discharge power of the power storage device A based on an upper limit value between Ta and T1. As with the power storage device A, two or more start timings may be determined for the power storage devices B to D. Compared to FIG. 4, Ta, Tb, Tc, and Td are determined as additional start timings. Ta, Tb, Tc, and Td may also be considered as additional end timings.

[0072] Secondly, a modification of FIG. 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the subordinate server 20 determines TS as the start timing of the power storage device A, determines Ta as the end timing of the power storage device A, and determines Ta as the start timing of the power storage device A and determines T1 as the end timing of the power storage device A. The subordinate server 20 may determine the discharge power of the power storage device A based on an upper limit value between TS and Ta, and may determine the discharge power of the power storage device A based on a lower limit value between Ta and T1. As with the power storage device A, two or more start timings may be determined for the power storage devices B to D. Compared to FIG. 5, Ta, Tb, Tc, and Td are determined as additional start timings. Ta, Tb, Tc, and Td may also be considered as additional end timings.

[0073] Here, the subordinate server 20 may determine two or more start timings before the start of the predetermined time interval, or may determine an additional start timing during the predetermined time interval. For example, an additional start timing may be determined when the power consumption of the load devices 220 in the facility 10 differs from the predicted value, resulting in a surplus or deficiency in the individually adjusted power amount.

[0074] [Change Example 2] Modification 2 of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

[0075] In the embodiment, the case where the discharging operation (or charging operation) of each power storage device 210 is continuous during the adjustment target period has been exemplified, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0076] For example, the discharging operation (or charging operation) of each power storage device 210 may be interrupted during the adjustment target period. The time during which the discharging operation (or charging operation) is interrupted may be shorter than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be determined based on the time allowed for instantaneous fluctuations in the power grid.

[0077] Alternatively, the discharging (or charging) operations of the power storage devices 210 may overlap during the adjustment period. The overlapping time of the discharging (or charging) operations may be shorter than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be determined based on the time allowed for instantaneous fluctuations in the power grid.

[0078] [Change Example 3] The third modification of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

[0079] In the embodiment, the case where the subordinate server 20 determines the individual adjustment power amount and the start timing has been exemplified. In the third modification, the subordinate server 20 may be expressed as performing the following operations.

[0080] Specifically, the subordinate server 20 includes a receiving unit (communication unit 21) that receives an adjustment message for adjusting the supply and demand balance of the power grid, and a transmitting unit (communication unit 21) that transmits a control message to two or more gateway devices (hereinafter, EMSs 240) that respectively control devices (hereinafter, power storage devices 210). The control message includes an information element that specifies the adjustment power that the power storage devices 210 should continuously adjust so that the total amount of adjustment power requested by the adjustment message is adjusted, and an information element that specifies the duration for which the adjustment power should be maintained.

[0081] The regulated power may be represented by an instantaneous value of the regulated power (discharging power or charging power). Therefore, the information element specifying the regulated power may include an information element indicating the instantaneous value of the discharging power or charging power. The duration may be represented by the time for which power adjustment should be continued after receiving the control message. Therefore, the information element specifying the duration may include an information element indicating the time for which the power storage device 210 should continue the adjustment operation. In such a case, the power storage device 210 may start the adjustment operation (discharging operation or charging operation) in response to receiving the control message and maintain the regulated power for the duration. The duration may be defined by a start timing and a duration. Therefore, the information element specifying the duration may include information elements indicating a start timing (e.g., a start time) and a duration. In such a case, the power storage device 210 may start the adjustment operation at the start timing and maintain the regulated power for the duration. The duration may be defined by a start timing and an end timing. Therefore, the information element specifying the duration may include information elements indicating a start timing (e.g., a start time) and an end timing (e.g., an end time). In such a case, the power storage device 210 may maintain the regulated power from the start timing to the end timing.

[0082] As in the embodiment, the subordinate server 20 may determine different start timings for two or more power storage devices 210 within a predetermined time interval. The subordinate server 20 may transmit a control message at different timings for two or more power storage devices 210 according to the start timings. The subordinate server 20 may determine different end timings for two or more power storage devices 210 within a predetermined time interval. The subordinate server 20 may transmit a control message instructing the stop of the adjustment operation at different timings for two or more power storage devices 210 according to the end timings.

[0083] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the above-mentioned embodiments, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0084] In the embodiment, the facility 10 has one power storage device 210. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The facility 10 may have two or more power storage devices 210.

[0085] In the embodiment, a case has been exemplified in which the subordinate server 20 controls the supply and demand balance of the power system for each power storage device 210. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The subordinate server 20 may also control the supply and demand balance of the power system for each facility 10. In such a case, the power storage device 210 may be read as the facility 10.

[0086] In the embodiment, the case where the device for adjusting the supply and demand balance in the power system is the power storage device 210 has been exemplified. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The device for adjusting the supply and demand balance in the power system may include a load device 220. The device for adjusting the supply and demand balance in the power system may include a distributed power source other than the power storage device 210. The distributed power source other than the power storage device 210 may include one or more distributed power sources selected from a solar cell device, a fuel cell device, a wind power generation device, a geothermal power generation device, a hydroelectric power generation device, etc.

[0087] Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, the subordinate server 20 may switch between a first process that determines the individual adjustment power amount and the start timing based on the lower limit value of the total adjustment power amount and a second process that determines the individual adjustment power amount and the start timing based on the upper limit value of the total adjustment power amount. For example, the subordinate server 20 may switch between the first process and the second process based on the time slot of the adjustment target period. If the adjustment target period is nighttime and a charging operation of the power storage device 210 is scheduled after the adjustment target period, the subordinate server 20 may execute the second process in a request to reduce the power demand of the power grid (discharging operation of the power storage device 210). If the adjustment target period is evening and a discharging operation of the power storage device 210 is scheduled after the adjustment target period, the subordinate server 20 may execute the first process in a request to reduce the power demand of the power grid (discharging operation of the power storage device 210). From a similar perspective, the subordinate server 20 may switch between the first process and the second process based on a demand forecast of the power grid for a time slot after the adjustment target period.

[0088] Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, at least some of the functions of the EMS 240 may be executed by a cloud server connected to the network 120. The EMS 240 may be considered to include a cloud server. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10...facility, 20...subordinate server, 21...communication unit, 22...management unit, 23...control unit, 30...upper server, 100...power management system, 120...network, 210...power storage device, 220...load device, 230...power meter, 240...EMS

Claims

1. a receiving unit for receiving an adjustment message for adjusting the supply and demand balance of the power grid; a management unit that manages two or more devices; a control unit that determines an individual adjustment power amount to be adjusted by each of the two or more devices and a start timing for each of the two or more devices to start power adjustment so that a total adjustment power amount requested by the adjustment message is adjusted; a transmitter that transmits a control message including information elements that specify the individual adjustment power amount and the start timing, a predetermined time interval is defined as a minimum unit for adjusting the supply and demand balance of the power system; the control unit determines different start timings for the two or more devices within the predetermined time interval; the control unit determines the individual adjustment power amount and the start timing so that the power adjusted by the two or more devices during a first time period included in the predetermined time interval is in line with a lower limit value of the total adjustment power requested by the adjustment message, and determines the individual adjustment power amount and the start timing so that the power adjusted by the two or more devices during a second time period included in the predetermined time interval is in line with an upper limit value of the total adjustment power; The control unit matches the end timing at which the device to be controlled nth ends the power adjustment with the start timing at which the device to be controlled n+1th starts the power adjustment.

2. The power management server according to claim 1 , wherein the total amount of regulated power is an information element that specifies a range defined by the lower limit value and the upper limit value.

3. The power management server according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission unit transmits the control message including an information element specifying two or more different start timings to one or more devices included in the two or more devices.

4. the two or more devices include a power storage device, The power management server according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines, as the start timing, a start timing for starting at least one of a discharging operation and a charging operation of the power storage device.

5. The power management server according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit determines a duration and a magnitude of power of at least one of a discharging operation and a charging operation of the power storage device.

6. Step A: receiving an adjustment message for adjusting the supply and demand balance of the power grid; A step B of determining individual adjustment power amounts to be adjusted by each of two or more devices and start timings for each of the two or more devices to start power adjustment so that the total adjustment power amount requested by the adjustment message is adjusted; and a step C of transmitting a control message including information elements that specify the individual adjustment power amount and the start timing, a predetermined time interval is defined as a minimum unit for adjusting the supply and demand balance of the power system; Step B includes a step of determining different start timings for the two or more devices within the predetermined time interval, The step B includes a step of determining the individual adjustment power amounts and the start timing so that the power adjusted by the two or more devices during a first time period included in the predetermined time interval is in line with a lower limit value of the total adjustment power requested by the adjustment message, and determining the individual adjustment power amounts and the start timing so that the power adjusted by the two or more devices during a second time period included in the predetermined time interval is in line with an upper limit value of the total adjustment power, The power management method includes a step of aligning the end timing at which the device to be controlled nth ends the power adjustment with the start timing at which the device to be controlled n+1th starts the power adjustment.

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