Solar power plant management equipment, solar power plant management method, and solar power plant management program

Abstract

This invention provides an operating rate management device, an operating rate management method, and an operating rate management program that can automatically manage the reasons for power generation shutdowns and the duration of shutdowns at solar power plants. [Solution] According to one embodiment, the operating rate management device includes a power generation stop information extraction unit that automatically extracts the stop period and reason for stoppage of equipment that is not generating power, based on the operating data of the solar power plant. Furthermore, the power generation stop information extraction unit estimates the equipment that is not generating power using the amount of solar radiation of the solar power plant and the amount of electricity generated by the equipment included in the operating data, and extracts the stop period. Furthermore, the power generation stop information extraction unit estimates and extracts the reason for stoppage using at least one of the following: equipment stop operation data related to work that involves stopping the equipment, weather data of the solar power plant, and output limit data related to limiting the power output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a management device for a solar power plant, a management method for a solar power plant, and a management program for a solar power plant.

Background Art

[0002] In the operation of a solar power plant, facilities where power generation has stopped due to regular inspections or equipment failures, etc., and their downtime are managed. From this information, for example, the operating rate of the solar power plant is calculated and revenue calculation is performed.

[0003] However, in many cases, the extraction of the reasons for the stop and the downtime of the facilities where power generation has stopped is manually listed by the user, and it is a very laborious task when there are many facilities to be managed. For example, even during the period when power generation has stopped, there is no need to manage the power generation stop after sunset, and there is also a distinction in general management between the power generation stop due to an externally inevitable factor such as a power generation output restriction command from the power company, or natural phenomena such as snow accumulation or lightning strike, and the power generation stop caused by equipment failure response. Since the reason for the power generation stop is often only known after the user checks various data, even now, the extraction and listing of the reason for the power generation stop and the downtime of the equipment are still performed manually by the user. Therefore, it is desired to extract these automatically.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide a management device for a solar power plant, a management method for a solar power plant, and a management program for a solar power plant that can automatically manage the reasons for power generation stop and the downtime of facilities in a solar power plant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, the operating rate management device includes a power generation shutdown information extraction unit that automatically extracts the shutdown period and reason for shutdown of equipment that is not generating power, based on the operating data of the solar power plant. Furthermore, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit estimates the equipment that is not generating power using the amount of solar radiation of the solar power plant and the amount of electricity generated by the equipment included in the operating data, and extracts the shutdown period. Furthermore, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit estimates and extracts the reason for shutdown using at least one of the following: equipment shutdown work data related to work that involves shutting down the equipment, weather data of the solar power plant, and output limit data related to limiting the power output. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an example of a block diagram of the operating rate management device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is another example of a block diagram of the operating rate management device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an example of operating data stored in the time-series database in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an example of the parameters used by the operating rate management device in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an example of data to be stored in the equipment shutdown operation database in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an example of a power generation shutdown list database in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an example flowchart showing the flow of the automatic extraction process for the shutdown period, etc., in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is an example flowchart showing the flow of the lost power generation calculation process and the operating rate calculation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an example of displaying the calculation results of the operating rate, etc., in the first embodiment on a display device using a GUI. [Figure 10]This is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the operating rate management device in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an example of a diagram conceptually illustrating the method for calculating lost power generation in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is an example of a diagram conceptually illustrating the method for calculating lost power generation in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, an operating rate management device and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments shown below are illustrative examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, in the drawings referenced in the embodiments, the same or similar reference numerals are used for identical parts or parts with similar functions, and their descriptions may be omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may differ from the actual ratios, and some components may be omitted from the drawings.

[0009] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the terms "greater than or equal to" and "less than or equal to" can be appropriately replaced with "greater than" and "less than," respectively.

[0010] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is an example of a block diagram of the operating rate management device 1 in the first embodiment.

[0011] The operating rate management device 1 is located, for example, in a data center located away from the solar power plant 100, and receives various operational data inputs from the solar power plant 100 via the network 50, such as local solar radiation (Wh / m2) and actual power generation amount (kWh). From the operational data, the operating rate management device 1 automatically extracts the period of power generation stoppage (stoppage period) and the cause (reason for stoppage) of equipment that has stopped generating power at the solar power plant 100. After extracting the stoppage period and reason for stoppage, the operating rate management device 1 calculates the amount of power lost and then calculates the operating rate. In this embodiment, the operating rate management device 1 is configured to calculate the operating rate in addition to extracting the stoppage period and reason for stoppage, but it does not necessarily have a function to calculate the operating rate. For example, it can also be used as a device that extracts the stoppage period and reason for stoppage and outputs it as a daily report, monthly report, or annual report. Both devices with such configurations and the operating rate management device 1 described in this embodiment are examples of management devices for the solar power plant 100.

[0012] In this embodiment, the user of the operating rate management device 1 is assumed to be, for example, the manager of the solar power plant 100 or maintenance workers who perform O&M (Operation & Maintenance) on the solar power plant 100. However, the examples of users are not limited to these.

[0013] The operating rate management device 1 in this embodiment includes a time-series database 10, a power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11, an equipment shutdown work database 12, a power generation shutdown list database 13, a lost power generation amount calculation unit 14, a lost power generation amount database 15, an operating rate calculation unit 16, and an operating rate database 17. The operating rate management device 1 can be realized, for example, by installing a program for the operating rate management device 1 on a PC (Personal Computer). The CPU (Central Processing Unit) within the operating rate management device 1 executes the program for the operating rate management device 1, thereby realizing the functions of each of the above-described functional blocks. The time-series database 10, the equipment shutdown work database 12, the power generation shutdown list database 13, the lost power generation amount database 15, and the operating rate database 17 are built on an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0014] The time-series database 10 stores time-series data of the operation of the solar power plant 100, such as solar radiation, actual power generation, and output limit information. Instead of using data transmitted from the solar power plant 100, this operation data may also be stored in a SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) monitoring system operating at a control center or other location of the solar power plant 100 (not shown). Such operation data is collected by values ​​from various sensors installed on the equipment of the solar power plant 100. This operation data, such as power generation, is measured, for example, at the level of solar modules connected to a PCS (Power Conditioner System). In the following, the power generation stoppage information extraction unit 11 will be used to estimate whether power generation has stopped at the level of solar modules connected to the PCS, but the target of the stoppage range estimation is not limited to this example. For example, by attaching sensors to each solar panel to measure power generation and acquiring the power generation amount for each solar panel as operation data, the target of the stoppage range estimation by the power generation stoppage information extraction unit 11 can be set more precisely. In the following, for explanatory purposes, the cessation of power generation by solar modules connected to the PCS will also be referred to as power generation being stopped by the PCS.

[0015] The power generation stop information extraction unit 11 extracts the stop period and the reason for the stop based on the time-series data of the operation data in the time-series database 10. The power generation stop information extraction unit 11 estimates, for example, that a power generation stop of the facility has occurred using the solar radiation amount of the solar power plant 100 and the actual power generation amount at that time. Specifically, the power generation stop information extraction unit 11 holds in advance the solar radiation amount at which power generation is possible as a set value, and if the power generation amount is below a predetermined value (for example, the power generation amount is zero) even though this set value is exceeded, it is estimated that a power generation stop has occurred in that PCS. Also, in all PCSs, if the measured power generation amount is below a predetermined value, the power generation stop information extraction unit 11 estimates that the facilities of the solar power plant 100 have stopped completely. Further, the power generation stop information extraction unit 11 extracts the stop period of the PCS or the entire solar power plant 100 where the power generation stop has occurred. In the present embodiment, when estimating the stop of the facility, the power generation amount is used, but an instantaneous value such as the power generation (kW) may also be used.

[0016] Also, the power generation stop information extraction unit 11 estimates and extracts the reason for the stop using various data. For example, the reason for the stop is estimated based on various data such as whether it is due to a regular inspection, due to meteorological causes such as snow or lightning, due to a power generation output restriction command from the power company, or due to a facility failure. In the present embodiment, when estimating the reason for the stop, not only operation data but also meteorological data and the facility stop work database 12 are used. [[ID=⑤]] [[ID=⑥]]

[0017] [[ID=⑦]] [[ID=⑧]]The facility stop work database 12 is a database that manages facility stop work data related to work involving facility stops, such as the schedule and results of work at the solar power plant 100. For example, in the facility stop work database 12, facility stop work data including the work period of work involving facility stops, the facilities to be stopped, and the work type, etc. is managed. Such data is input in advance by the user using dedicated software for work plan result management (not shown), for example. [[ID=⑨]] [[ID=⑩]]

[0018] [[ID=⑪]] The power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 checks whether the PCS that experienced the power generation shutdown is registered in the equipment shutdown work database 12 as a target for equipment shutdown work at that time. If the PCS is registered as a target for equipment shutdown work, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 estimates that the PCS power generation shutdown was caused by the work and extracts it as the reason for the shutdown.

[0019] Furthermore, the power generation stoppage information extraction unit 11 receives weather data input from the solar power plant 100 and checks the weather conditions at the solar power plant 100. For example, the weather data includes measurement data taken on-site, such as snow accumulation data installed at the solar power plant 100, as well as external data such as lightning strike information provided by government agencies. For example, if power generation stops due to snow accumulation on the solar panels, or if power generation stops due to lightning strikes (including stops due to the operation of protective devices such as overcurrent relays), the power generation stoppage information extraction unit 11 estimates that the PCS power generation stoppage was caused by weather conditions and extracts it as the reason for the stoppage.

[0020] Furthermore, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 estimates that the PCS power generation shutdown occurred due to output restriction when a power company issues a power output restriction command in order to maintain power supply and demand, and extracts this as the reason for the shutdown. For example, this output restriction data related to the power generation output restriction is included in the operation data.

[0021] The reasons for power generation shutdown extracted by the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 are not limited to the examples described above, and may be extracted using various data and methods. For example, the reasons for shutdown may be estimated and extracted using AI or the like. If multiple reasons for shutdown are possible, the system may present candidate reasons to the user or allow the user to make corrections. If it is difficult to estimate the reason for shutdown, the reason for shutdown field may be left blank. If the reason for shutdown field is left blank, it is desirable to allow the user to input the reason for shutdown.

[0022] The power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 stores the PCS (Power Conditioning System) that is shut down, the duration of the shutdown, and the reason for the shutdown in the power generation shutdown list database 13.

[0023] Incidentally, the operating rate management device 1 uses various parameters for information processing described in this embodiment, such as determining when to stop power generation and determining the reason for the stoppage. In addition, information indicating that a parameter should be excluded from the calculation of the operating rate may be included in the parameter settings. For example, by setting an exclusion flag to ON, it can be used as information indicating that the parameter should be excluded from the calculation of the operating rate. This makes it possible to exclude the corresponding stoppage period when calculating the operating rate, as described later. Furthermore, the electricity sales price may be included as a parameter when calculating the loss amount, as described later.

[0024] The power generation shutdown list database 13 stores the name of the target solar power plant, the PCS (Power Conditioning System) that caused the power generation shutdown, the shutdown period, and the reason for the shutdown, along with the status of the exclusion flag.

[0025] The Lost Power Generation Calculation Unit 14 calculates the amount of lost power generation at the solar power plant 100 due to the shutdown of power generation using a predetermined calculation formula. For example, the Lost Power Generation Calculation Unit 14 calculates the amount of lost power generation at the solar power plant 100 for one month using formula (1) or formula (2). The Lost Power Generation Calculation Unit 14 checks the information stored in the power generation shutdown list database 13, and if the equipment that has stopped generating power is the entire solar power plant 100, it calculates the amount of lost power generation using formula (1) for that period, and if the equipment that has stopped generating power is a PCS unit, it calculates the amount of lost power generation using formula (2) for that period. Of course, even if power generation has stopped at the entire solar power plant 100, the amount of lost power generation may be calculated using formula (2). In this case, the amount of lost power generation at all PCS can be calculated using formula (2), and the total amount of lost power generation at the solar power plant 100 can be calculated by summing the results. In this case, formula (1) does not need to be used.

number

[0026] The predicted power generation amount (kWh) for the solar power plant 100 and the predicted power generation amount (kWh) per PCS unit may be calculated using general simulation software. The lost power generation calculation unit 14 may also use AI. When calculating lost power generation, the lost power generation calculation unit 14 excludes downtime periods for which the exclusion flag is set to ON. For example, downtime due to unavoidable operational factors such as equipment shutdown for periodic inspections, weather conditions, or power output restriction orders from the power company can be excluded from the lost power generation calculation. On the other hand, in cases where power generation stops unintentionally for some reason, such as a PCS failure, it is possible to include such cases in the lost power generation calculation. The user can specify whether to turn the exclusion flag ON or OFF for each reason for shutdown in advance on the settings screen.

[0027] The lost power generation calculation unit 14 stores the calculated lost power generation data in the lost power generation database 15. The lost power generation database 15 stores the lost power generation according to the reason for shutdown specified by the user (specified as having the exclusion flag turned off), for example, along with the shutdown period.

[0028] The operating rate calculation unit 16 calculates the operating rate of the solar power plant 100 for a predetermined period using a predetermined calculation formula. For example, the operating rate calculation unit 16 calculates the operating rate of the solar power plant 100 for one month using formula (3). In calculating the operating rate, the operating rate calculation unit 16 extracts and uses data on the amount of electricity actually generated by the solar power plant 100 for one month from the operating data in the time-series database 10. The operating rate calculation unit 16 also extracts and uses data on the amount of electricity lost for one month from the lost electricity generation database 15. Here again, the operating rate calculation unit 16 excludes downtime periods for which the exclusion flag is turned on when calculating the operating rate.

number

[0029] The utilization rate calculation unit 16 stores the calculated utilization rate data in the utilization rate database 17. The data stored in the utilization rate database 17 may be displayed via a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on a display device (not shown), for example.

[0030] Figure 2 is another example of a block diagram of the operating rate management device 1 in the first embodiment.

[0031] In the block diagram of Figure 2, the operating rate management device 1 comprises a power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11, a power generation shutdown list database 13, an operating rate calculation unit 16, and an operating rate database 17.

[0032] In this example, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 is constructed as a cloud server, similar to the example described above. The power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 receives input of time-series data of operating data stored in the SCADA time-series database 10 via the network 50.

[0033] The power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 extracts the period of power generation shutdown that occurred at the PCS from the time-series data of the operating data acquired via the network using the same method as described above. In addition, external weather data and an external equipment shutdown work database 12 are used to extract the reason for the shutdown. The power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 checks whether the equipment shutdown work is the target of the work plan and performance management software by referring to the equipment shutdown work database 12 and extracts the reason for the shutdown depending on whether it is registered or not.

[0034] In this example, the calculation of lost power generation is performed by a lost power generation calculation unit 14 provided in external simulation software. The lost power generation calculation unit 14 uses the information from the power generation shutdown list database 13 of the operating rate management device 1 to calculate the lost power generation in the same manner as described above.

[0035] The operating rate calculation unit 16 calculates the operating rate using the amount of lost power generation calculated by external simulation software. The operating rate is calculated using the same method as described above.

[0036] The device configurations shown in Figures 1 and 2 are examples only and are not limited to these examples. Each calculation in the operating rate management device 1 may be performed not only within the device itself but also by various external devices. Below, we will explain the operating rate management device 1 by referring again to the device configuration in Figure 1.

[0037] Figure 3 shows an example of operation data stored in the time-series database 10 in the first embodiment.

[0038] The time-series database 10 acquires operational data from various sensors at the solar power plant 100 at regular intervals and stores it as time-series data. The acquisition interval for operational data may be arbitrarily determined by the user. For example, the acquisition interval could be set to one minute.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the time-series database 10 stores the measured total power consumption of the solar power plant (kWh), the measured active power consumption of each PCS (kWh), solar radiation (Wh / m2), temperature (°C), fault occurrence flag, output limit flag, weather information, and snow accumulation detection flag, among other things.

[0040] The power generation stoppage information extraction unit 11 automatically extracts the stoppage period and reason for stoppage using this information. As described above, in this embodiment, the power generation stoppage information extraction unit 11 has in advance a set value for the amount of solar radiation required to generate power, and if the amount of power generated is less than or equal to the set value despite exceeding this set value, it is estimated that a power generation stoppage occurred in that PCS. The power generation stoppage information extraction unit 11 may use instantaneous values ​​(W / m2) (also called solar radiation intensity) instead of solar radiation. Alternatively, the power generation stoppage information extraction unit 11 may calculate the total energy amount (Wh / m2) for a certain period based on the solar radiation intensity and use it as solar radiation. The stoppage period may be the period during which the amount of power generated is less than or equal to the set value despite exceeding the set value for solar radiation, or, as will be described later, in the case of a stoppage due to equipment shutdown work, the period from the start to the end of the work may be considered the stoppage period.

[0041] Furthermore, a fault occurrence flag can be used when extracting the reason for the shutdown. If the fault occurrence flag is on, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 can estimate that the reason for the shutdown is due to a fault. In this case, it is not necessary to check the equipment shutdown work database 12 to see if there is any equipment shutdown work.

[0042] Furthermore, an output limit flag can be used when extracting the reason for the shutdown. If the output limit flag is on, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 can estimate that the reason for the shutdown is due to a power output limit command from the power company.

[0043] Furthermore, in extracting the reason for the shutdown, a snow detection flag, which can be obtained from a snow gauge installed on-site, is used, for example. If the snow detection flag is on, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 can estimate that the reason for the shutdown is snow accumulation on the solar panels. Instead of this data, snow depth data or temperature information may be used to determine the presence or absence of snow. Also, since solar power plants 100 often acquire weather data separately as operational data, this data may be obtained from the time-series database 10.

[0044] Figure 4 shows an example of the parameters used by the operating rate management device 1 in the first embodiment.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the operating rate management device 1 uses parameters such as information indicating the amount of solar radiation considered to be sufficient for power generation, information indicating the amount of power generated considered to be in operation, information indicating the types of work to be excluded from the operating rate, information indicating whether to exclude from the operating rate when the output limit flag is on, information indicating whether to exclude from the operating rate when the snow accumulation detection flag is on, information indicating whether to exclude from the operating rate during the lightning strike detection period, information indicating the minimum temperature to be reflected in the operating rate, and information indicating the electricity selling price. These parameters are specified by the user, for example, on a settings screen (not shown).

[0046] The power generation stop information extraction unit 11 uses information indicating the amount of solar radiation that is considered sufficient for power generation (hereinafter also referred to as the solar radiation setting value) and information indicating the amount of power generated that is considered to be in operation (hereinafter referred to as the power generation amount setting value) as parameters for determining when to stop power generation at the facility. The power generation stop information extraction unit 11 considers that there is sufficient solar radiation for power generation if the amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than this setting value. In the example shown in the figure, this setting value is set to 35 (Wh / m2). This determination may also be made using solar radiation intensity (W / m2) instead of solar radiation. The power generation stop information extraction unit 11 also sets the amount of power generated that is considered to be in operation to 0 (kWh).

[0047] Furthermore, the operating rate calculation unit 16 calculates the operating rate while excluding equipment shutdowns under specific work conditions, and therefore sets information indicating the types of work to be excluded from the operating rate calculation. As a setting value for this parameter, various work types can be selected, such as periodic inspections, emergency inspections, general work, or fault response. The exclusion flag is set to ON for the selected work type.

[0048] Furthermore, the operating rate calculation unit 16 calculates the operating rate while excluding equipment shutdowns under specific conditions. This is achieved by using information indicating whether to exclude the shutdown when the output limit flag is on, information indicating whether to exclude the shutdown when the snow accumulation detection flag is on, and information indicating whether to exclude the shutdown during the lightning strike detection period. If the setting value for these parameters is set to "exclude," the exclusion flag is set to on.

[0049] Furthermore, the operating rate calculation unit 16 uses information indicating the minimum temperature to be reflected in the operating rate. The operating rate calculation unit 16 excludes temperatures acquired as operating data from the operating rate if they are below this set value.

[0050] Furthermore, when the utilization rate calculation unit 16 calculates the loss amount (yen) along with the utilization rate, it uses information indicating the electricity sales price (yen / kWh). This information may be acquired via the network 50 and updated as needed.

[0051] Figure 5 shows an example of data stored in the equipment shutdown operation database 12 in the first embodiment.

[0052] Figure 5 shows an example of the user interface for inputting data into work plan and performance management software. In the maintenance of solar power plant 100, it is common practice to create a work plan before commencing work and to manage the performance after completion, not only for periodic inspections but also for any work such as fault response. This example shows a screen for registering work performance when a user performs fault response related to a voltage anomaly in PCS01 that occurred at power plant A.

[0053] In this example registration screen, the user can select the "Power Plant Name" and freely enter the "Work Name" and "Work Details." The user also selects the "Work Type," "Power Generation Equipment to be Stopped," "Stop Start Date and Time," and "Stop End Date and Time" on the user interface. After the user completes entering all items, pressing the registration button registers the entered information as a work plan or actual work in the equipment shutdown work database 12.

[0054] On the other hand, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 checks the contents of the "work type" when estimating the reason for the shutdown by referring to the equipment shutdown work database 12. Also, if the reason for the shutdown is equipment shutdown work, it extracts the shutdown period from the "shutdown start date and time" and "shutdown end date and time" information. Furthermore, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 registers the status of the exclusion flag associated with the "work type" in the equipment shutdown work database 12.

[0055] Figure 6 shows an example of the power generation shutdown list database 13 in the first embodiment.

[0056] The power generation shutdown list database 13 is a database that compiles information on power generation facilities and the periods during which their power generation amount is below a predetermined value, despite having sufficient solar radiation to be considered as sufficient for power generation.

[0057] In this example, the database includes the following fields: "Power Plant Name," "Stopped Equipment," "Stop Start Date and Time," "Stop End Date and Time," "Stop Duration," "Exclusion Flag," and "Exclusion Reason." For each piece of equipment that has stopped generating power, or if all 100 solar power plants are shut down, the entire shutdown period is centrally stored. Additionally, exclusion flag information, along with the reason for the shutdown, is stored.

[0058] Figure 7 is an example flowchart showing the flow of the automatic extraction process for the shutdown period, etc., in the first embodiment.

[0059] This flowchart explains the process of automatically extracting the shutdown period and reason for shutdown of PCS units that stopped generating power in the past month, as part of the operation rate management device 1's processing. The number of PCS units is assumed to be N (where N is a natural number), and the solar radiation setting value and power generation amount setting value are assumed to be pre-set by the user.

[0060] First, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 extracts time-series data of the past month's operation data from the time-series database 10 (step S1). For example, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 extracts the amount of solar radiation measured at the solar power plant 100 during the past month and the measured values ​​of the active power for each PCS at that time. After extracting the time-series data of the operation data, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 starts loop processing (step S2). In the loop processing, the variable i is returned from i=1 to N, and the shutdown period and reason for shutdown for the i-th PCS over the past month are extracted.

[0061] Specifically, the loop process repeats steps S3 to S4. The power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 extracts periods in which the amount of solar radiation is greater than the solar radiation setting value and the active power at the i-th PCS is less than or equal to the power generation amount setting value (step S3). If the two conditions determined in step S3 are met, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 estimates that a power generation shutdown has occurred at the PCS and adds the shutdown period and reason to the list of stopped equipment (step S4). After the processing in steps S3 to S4, the variable i is incremented to extract the shutdown period and reason for the (i+1)th PCS. If the two conditions determined in step S3 are not met, no power generation shutdown has occurred, so the shutdown period and reason for the (i+1)th PCS are extracted. By repeating steps S3 to S4 in this way, the occurrence status of power generation shutdowns at the PCS level for the past month, along with the reasons for shutdown, can be extracted. The power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 also associates exclusion flags with the list of stopped equipment.

[0062] The variable i is incremented, and if i > N, the loop process is terminated (step S5). After the loop process is completed, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 extracts the period during which a complete shutdown occurred at the solar power plant 100 from the time-series data of the operating data. The power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 estimates whether a complete shutdown has occurred using the solar radiation setting value and the power generation amount setting value, etc. The power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 also automatically extracts the reason for the shutdown during the period during which a complete shutdown occurred and adds this information to the list of shut-down equipment (step S6). At this time, an exclusion flag is also associated with the list of shut-down equipment.

[0063] In step S6, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 adds the information of the complete shutdown of the solar power plant 100 to the list of stopped equipment. Then, in steps S3 to S4, it removes the information of the shutdown periods of the PCS that were added to the list of stopped equipment (step S7). After removing the duplicate information of the shutdown periods of individual PCS and the shutdown periods of all PCS, the power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11 stores the information from the list of stopped equipment in the power generation shutdown list database 13 and terminates the process (step S8). The power generation shutdown list database 13, which stores the shutdown information in this way, looks like Figure 6.

[0064] Figure 8 is an example of a flowchart showing the flow of the lost power generation calculation process and the operating rate calculation process in the first embodiment.

[0065] This flowchart describes the calculation flow for lost power generation over the past month and the calculation flow for the operating rate of the operating rate management device 1. This flowchart can be executed immediately after the flowchart described in Figure 7.

[0066] First, the lost power generation calculation unit 14 starts a loop process to calculate the lost power generation for the past month (step S21). In the loop process, it loops through steps S22 to S26, calculating, for example, the lost power generation for each hour from the beginning to the end of the month, and then calculates the sum of these. To do this, the lost power generation calculation unit 14 first checks the information in the power generation stoppage list database 13 to determine how many minutes of power generation stoppage were included within an hour (step S22). For example, the lost power generation calculation unit 14 uses the "stoppage start date and time" and "stoppage end date and time" information in Figure 6 to determine the stoppage period.

[0067] Furthermore, the Lost Power Generation Calculation Unit 14 confirms whether the equipment experiencing the power generation shutdown is a PCS unit or the entire solar power plant 100 (step S23). For example, this information can be confirmed using the "Stopped Equipment" information in Figure 6. If the equipment experiencing the power generation shutdown is the entire solar power plant 100, the Lost Power Generation Calculation Unit 14 calculates the lost power generation using equation (1) (step S24). On the other hand, if the equipment experiencing the power generation shutdown is a PCS unit, the Lost Power Generation Calculation Unit 14 calculates the lost power generation using equation (2) (step S25). When calculating the lost power generation, shutdown periods for which the "Exclusion Flag" in Figure 6 is turned on are excluded from the calculation of lost power generation. The hourly predicted power generation values ​​for the entire solar power plant 100 and the PCS unit used in calculating the lost power generation are calculated in advance, for example, by simulation software, and then input into the Lost Power Generation Calculation Unit 14 when calculating the lost power generation. Of course, it may also be calculated in parallel with the calculation of lost power generation within the operating rate management device 1.

[0068] After step S24 or step S25, the Lost Power Generation Calculation Unit 14 calculates the total amount of lost power generation (step S26). In this process, the Lost Power Generation Calculation Unit 14 calculates the total amount of lost power generation by accumulating the amount of lost power generation calculated hourly in the loop process. The Lost Power Generation Calculation Unit 14 repeats the process from step S22 to step S26 to calculate the amount of lost power generation for the past month. Once the Lost Power Generation Calculation Unit 14 has finished calculating the amount of lost power generation for the past month, it terminates the loop process (step S27). The Lost Power Generation Calculation Unit 14 stores the calculated final amount of lost power generation in the Lost Power Generation Database 15.

[0069] The operating rate calculation unit 16 calculates the operating rate of the solar power plant 100 for the past month using equation (3). In calculating the operating rate, the operating rate calculation unit 16 uses the value of lost power generation for the past month stored in the lost power generation amount database 15 and the amount of power generated for the past month in the time series database 10. The operating rate calculation unit 16 stores the calculated operating rate in the operating rate database 17 and terminates processing.

[0070] Figure 9 shows an example of displaying the calculation results of the operating rate, etc., in the first embodiment on a display device using a GUI.

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 9, the monthly operating rate for power plant A in 2025 is displayed. This data can be displayed using a GUI with data stored in the operating rate database 17. In addition to the operating rate, this figure also displays the lost power generation and the amount of loss in a list. The amount of loss is calculated by the operating rate calculation unit 16 by multiplying the lost power generation by the electricity sales price. The display example of the operating rate, etc., is just one example, and the results can be displayed for any period, such as a daily report or an annual report, instead of a monthly report.

[0072] Figure 10 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the operating rate management device 1 in the first embodiment.

[0073] The utilization rate management device 1 in Figure 10 comprises a processor 52 such as a CPU, a main memory 53 such as RAM, an auxiliary storage device 54 such as an HDD, a network interface 55 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) board, a device interface 56 such as memory slots and memory ports, and a bus 57 that connects these devices to each other. The utilization rate management device 1 is, for example, a computer such as a PC, and is equipped with external input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, and a display device such as an LCD monitor.

[0074] In this embodiment, a program for causing a computer to perform information processing for the operating rate management device 1 is installed in the auxiliary storage device 54. The operating rate management device 1 loads this program into the main storage device 53 and executes it using the processor 52. This enables the functions of the time-series database 10, power generation shutdown information extraction unit 11, equipment shutdown work database 12, power generation shutdown list database 13, lost power generation amount calculation unit 14, lost power generation amount database 15, operating rate calculation unit 16, and operating rate database 17 shown in Figure 1 to be realized within the operating rate management device 1, making it possible to perform operations such as the calculation of the operating rate described in this embodiment. The data generated by the information processing is temporarily held in the main storage device 53 or stored in the auxiliary storage device 54.

[0075] Furthermore, the operating rate management device 1 is connected to the network 50 via the network interface 55 and exchanges the various data described above.

[0076] The program for the operating rate management device 1 can be installed, for example, by attaching an external device 58 containing the program to the device interface 56 and storing the program from the external device 58 to the auxiliary storage device 54. An example of the external device 58 is a computer-readable recording medium or a recording device that incorporates such a recording medium. Examples of recording media include CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), CD-R (Compact Disk Recordable), flexible disk, DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), and DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disk Recordable), while an example of a recording device is an HDD. Furthermore, the program can be installed, for example, by downloading it via the network interface 55.

[0077] According to this embodiment, the operating rate management device 1 automatically extracts the equipment shutdown period and the reason for shutdown at the solar power plant 100 using information from the time-series database 10, information from the equipment shutdown work database 12, and weather data acquired as external data. This allows for the automatic output of power generation shutdown periods and other information without requiring manual work from the user, significantly reducing the effort involved.

[0078] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the operating rate management device 1 automatically calculates the operating rate of the solar power plant 100 based on the automatically extracted downtime and reason for downtime. In addition, when calculating the operating rate, exclusion flags are set for each reason for downtime and managed separately, so unavoidable downtimes due to operation, such as equipment shutdown work due to periodic inspections, weather conditions, or power output restriction orders from the power company, can be excluded from the calculation of the operating rate. As a result, labor can be saved in calculating the operating rate of the solar power plant 100, and profit calculations can be made easier.

[0079] (Second Embodiment) Figure 11 is an example of a diagram conceptually illustrating the method for calculating lost power generation in the second embodiment.

[0080] In this embodiment, we will mainly describe the parts that differ from the embodiments described above, and we will omit the explanation of parts that are the same as described above.

[0081] Generally, power generation predictions using simulation software do not take into account performance degradation due to deterioration or soiling of solar panels. When the operating rate management device 1 calculates the amount of lost power generation using such simulation results, the amount of lost power generation will be larger than the actual amount, resulting in a poor outcome. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operating rate management device 1 calculates a correction value for the difference between the amount of power generation during periods when no power generation stoppages occur in the PCS and the predicted amount of power generation calculated by the simulation software, and calculates the amount of lost power generation with high accuracy by taking the correction value into account.

[0082] Figure 11 shows a graph comparing the predicted power generation amount from simulation software at a given time with the actual power generation amount at solar power plant 100 at that time. The vertical axis represents the power generation amount, and the horizontal axis represents time. As can be seen from the figure, the actual power generation amount is slightly lower than the predicted power generation amount from the simulation due to factors such as performance degradation and dirt on the solar panels.

[0083] In this embodiment, the lost power generation calculation unit 14 calculates the amount of lost power generation when a power generation stoppage occurs in the PCS, and corrects the predicted power generation amount of the solar power plant 100 or the predicted power generation amount per PCS during that period.

[0084] One possible correction method is to use the result of comparing the predicted power generation amount calculated by the simulation software with the actual power generation amount for a predetermined period, such as a certain period immediately preceding the power generation stoppage, as the correction amount. For example, the lost power generation amount calculation unit 14 calculates the average value of the ratio between the predicted power generation amount and the actual power generation amount for the past 24 hours prior to the power generation stoppage. Then, the lost power generation amount calculation unit 14 corrects the predicted power generation amount by multiplying the predicted power generation amount for the period in which the power generation stoppage occurred by this average value of the ratio.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the operating rate management device 1 corrects the predicted power generation amount during the period in which power generation stopped when calculating the amount of lost power generation. This reduces the difference between the theoretical predicted power generation amount and the decrease in power generation amount caused by performance degradation or dirt on the solar panels, enabling more accurate calculation of lost power generation and operating rate.

[0086] (Third embodiment) Figure 12 is an example of a diagram conceptually illustrating the method for calculating lost power generation in the third embodiment.

[0087] In this embodiment, we will mainly describe the parts that differ from the embodiments described above, and we will omit the explanation of parts that are the same as described above.

[0088] In this embodiment, the operating rate management device 1 calculates the amount of lost power generation when power generation is stopped, including not only performance degradation due to deterioration or dirt on the solar panels, but also the amount of loss that occurs during operation due to performance degradation.

[0089] In Figure 13, the amount of power lost when the PCS stops generating electricity and the amount of power lost due to performance degradation during operation are shown in gray. The power loss calculation unit 14 can determine the amount of power lost due to performance degradation during operation of the solar power plant 100 by the difference between the predicted amount of power generated by the simulation software and the actual amount of power generated.

[0090] According to this embodiment, the operating rate management device 1 calculates the amount of power generation lost during operation due to performance degradation caused by deterioration or soiling of the solar panels. This makes it possible to consider the timing of equipment replacement, examine the financial effects of repowering the equipment, and calculate the amount of loss associated with the downtime, thus easily examining cost-effectiveness.

[0091] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel operating rate management device 1 described herein can be implemented in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the forms of the operating rate management device 1 described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and equivalents are intended to include such forms and modifications included in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1: Operating rate management device, 10: Time-series database, 11: Power generation shutdown information extraction unit, 12: Equipment shutdown operation database, 13: Power generation shutdown list database, 14: Lost Electricity Generation Calculation Unit, 15: Lost Electricity Generation Database, 16: Availability calculation unit, 17: Availability database, 50: Network, 52: Processor, 53: Main memory, 54: Secondary memory, 55: Network interface, 56: Device interface, 57: Bus, 58: External equipment, 100: Solar power plant

Claims

1. It includes a power generation shutdown information extraction unit that automatically extracts the shutdown period and reason for shutdown of equipment that has stopped generating power, based on the operating data of the solar power plant. The aforementioned power generation stop information extraction unit, Using the solar radiation of the solar power plant and the amount of electricity generated by the equipment included in the aforementioned operating data, the equipment that is not generating electricity is estimated, and the period of shutdown is extracted. The reason for the shutdown is estimated and extracted using at least one of the following: equipment shutdown data related to work involving the shutdown of the equipment, weather data of the solar power plant, and output restriction data related to the restriction of power output. A control device for a solar power plant.

2. The solar power plant management device according to claim 1, further comprising an operating rate calculation unit that calculates the operating rate of the solar power plant using the amount of power generated during a predetermined period included in the operating data and the amount of power lost during the shutdown period.

3. The solar power plant management device according to claim 2, wherein, based on the reason for shutdown, the operating rate calculation unit excludes the corresponding shutdown period from the calculation of the operating rate.

4. The power generation stop information extraction unit estimates that power generation has stopped for equipment whose power generation amount is below a predetermined value, even though there is sufficient solar radiation to generate power.

5. The power generation shutdown information extraction unit estimates the reason for shutdown using information indicating the type of work in the equipment shutdown work data, as described in claim 3, for a solar power plant management device.

6. The solar power plant management device according to claim 1, further comprising a lost power generation calculation unit that calculates the amount of lost power generation due to the shutdown of power generation using information on the shutdown period of the equipment.

7. The solar power plant management device according to claim 6, wherein the lost power generation calculation unit corrects the lost power generation amount using the result of comparing the predicted value of the amount of power generated during a predetermined period with the amount of power generated during the predetermined period included in the operation data.

8. The solar power plant management device according to claim 7, wherein the lost power generation amount calculation unit further calculates the amount of power generation lost during operation from the difference between the predicted value of the amount of power generated during the predetermined period and the amount of power generated during the predetermined period included in the operation data.

9. A power generation shutdown information extraction unit automatically extracts the shutdown period and reason for shutdown of equipment that has stopped generating power, based on the operating data of a solar power plant, in an operating rate management method, The aforementioned power generation stop information extraction unit, Using the solar radiation of the solar power plant and the amount of electricity generated by the equipment included in the aforementioned operating data, the equipment that is not generating electricity is estimated, and the period of shutdown is extracted. The reason for the shutdown is estimated and extracted using at least one of the following: equipment shutdown data related to work involving the shutdown of the equipment, weather data of the solar power plant, and output restriction data related to the restriction of power output. Management methods for solar power plants.

10. A power generation shutdown information extraction unit causes a computer to execute a power generation management method that automatically extracts the shutdown period and reason for shutdown of equipment that has stopped generating power, based on the operating data of a solar power plant, The aforementioned power generation stop information extraction unit, Using the solar radiation of the solar power plant and the amount of electricity generated by the equipment included in the aforementioned operating data, the equipment that is not generating electricity is estimated, and the period of shutdown is extracted. The reason for the shutdown is estimated and extracted using at least one of the following: equipment shutdown data related to work involving the shutdown of the equipment, weather data of the solar power plant, and output restriction data related to the restriction of power output. A management program for solar power plants.

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