Power Consumption Control System

Abstract

The present invention provides a power consumption control system that can use battery power when the amount of electricity consumed reaches the demand target value, and can use battery power for the amount of electricity consumed until the amount of electricity consumed reaches the demand target value and reaches a predetermined amount of electricity that the consumer considers to be a comfortable amount of electricity consumption. [Solution] A power consumption control system for a facility that uses electricity, comprising: a power consumption information acquisition unit that acquires power consumption information, which is information on the amount of electricity being used in the facility; a demand target value storage unit that stores a demand target value that is set in advance in the facility's demand controller as a target value that will not be exceeded; a first notification receiving unit that receives a first notification when the rising amount of power consumption reaches the demand target value; and a storage battery, which is instructed to discharge when the first notification is received.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power consumption control system.

Background Art

[0002] One means of suppressing energy costs is by a demand controller. The electricity bill by the power company is divided into a so-called basic charge part and an electricity quantity charge part according to the electricity consumption. In the demand controller, the electricity bill is suppressed by suppressing the basic charge part. Among the average power consumption values for 30 minutes, i.e., the so-called demand values, the highest demand value during one month is called the maximum demand value, and the basic charge part of the electricity bill is determined according to the maximum demand value of the month that was the highest among the past 12 months. Therefore, the concept of reducing the electricity bill by the demand controller is the concept of monitoring such demand values and controlling them as necessary. As a result of stopping the air conditioner in the demand controller in order to keep the demand value low, a situation where the room temperature has to be uncomfortable for the consumer has occurred.

[0003] There is an invention that combines a storage battery and solar power generation for reducing energy costs. In this invention, surplus power obtained by solar power generation is stored in the storage battery and discharged from the storage battery when necessary. That is, in this invention, the storage battery is used from an auxiliary perspective such as "utilization of surplus solar power" or "emergency power source". In addition, since the initial cost for introduction of the storage battery is high, there is also a problem that introduction is difficult.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an energy management system that enables improvement of the power supply and demand balance. This management system includes a storage battery and a control unit. The control unit is configured to charge the storage battery in a time zone other than the suppression time zone and discharge the storage battery in the suppression time zone. The suppression time zone is, for example, a time zone in which occurrence of power supply and demand tightness is predicted and is a time zone with a high electricity bill.

Prior Art Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 136353 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The objective is to provide a power consumption control system that can use battery power when the amount of electricity consumed reaches the demand target value. Herein, "when the amount of electricity consumed reaches the demand target value" refers to a situation where the amount of electricity consumed reaches the demand target value and is expected to continue exceeding the demand target value.

[0007] The objective is to provide a power consumption control system that allows the use of battery power for the amount of electricity used until the amount of electricity used reaches the demand target value and reaches a predetermined amount of electricity that the consumer considers comfortable.

[0008] The objective is to provide a power consumption control system that does not interfere with consumers' power use by using electricity for charging during the charging process.

[0009] The objective is to provide a power consumption control system in which a demand controller processes notifications when power consumption increases and reaches the demand target value (first notification), or when power consumption decreases and reaches the demand target value (second notification). [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) The problem is solved by a power usage control system for a facility that uses electricity, comprising: a power usage information acquisition unit that acquires power usage information which is information on the amount of electricity being used in the facility; a demand target value storage unit that stores a demand target value that is set in advance in the facility's demand controller as a target value that will not be exceeded; a first notification receiving unit that receives a first notification when the rising amount of power usage reaches the demand target value; and a storage battery, which instructs the storage battery to discharge when it receives the first notification. (2) The problem is solved by the power consumption control system described in (1), which includes a second notification receiving unit that receives a second notification when the amount of decreasing power consumption reaches a demand target value, and which instructs the storage battery to stop discharging when it receives the second notification. (3) The problem is solved by the power usage control system described in (1), which includes a charge start value storage unit that stores a charge start value which is a power value that does not interfere with the facility's power usage when charging of the storage battery is started, and charges the storage battery only when the amount of power used is less than the charge start value. (4) The problem is solved by the power consumption control system described in (1), which includes a target power value A storage unit that stores a target power value A separately set apart from the demand target value as an amount of power greater than the demand target value, and which instructs the storage battery to stop discharging when the rising amount of power consumption reaches the target power value A. (5) The problem is solved by the power consumption control system described in (1), which includes a target power value A storage unit that stores a target power value A separately set apart from the demand target value as an amount of power greater than the demand target value, and the difference between the target power value A and the demand target value is set to the maximum available amount, which is the amount of power that can be used by discharging the storage battery. (6) The problem is solved by the power usage control system described in (1), which includes an energy storage amount information acquisition unit that provides information on the amount of energy stored in the battery provided by the facility, and a minimum battery remaining amount storage unit that stores the minimum amount of energy that the battery provided by the facility should store in order to maintain the function of the battery, and which instructs the battery to start discharging when the amount of energy exceeds the minimum remaining amount, and does not instruct the battery to start discharging when the amount of energy does not exceed the minimum remaining amount. (7) The problem is solved by the power consumption control system described in (1), characterized in that the first notification is transmitted by a demand controller installed in the facility. (8) The problem is solved by the power consumption control system described in (2), characterized in that the second value is transmitted by a demand controller installed in the facility.

[0011] In the power consumption control system, a first notification is received when the amount of electricity consumed equals the demand target value. Upon receiving this first notification, the system instructs the battery to discharge. As a result of the battery discharge, any electricity consumed that exceeds the demand target value is supplied from the battery. Consequently, the demand controller perceives that the amount of electricity consumed does not exceed the demand target value. This allows the system to avoid raising the basic electricity charge.

[0012] The issuance of a second notification, indicating that electricity consumption has fallen below the demand target, means that there is no longer a need to use the battery's power. Therefore, when the second notification is issued, the battery's discharge will be stopped.

[0013] The charging start threshold is used to determine whether or not to charge during the charging process. By not charging when the amount of power used does not exceed the charging start threshold, charging can be performed without disrupting the user's power usage.

[0014] The target power value A can be set to a power value that is truly comfortable for the consumer. The demand target value is not necessarily a comfortable value for the consumer. As the target power value A, the amount of power that allows the consumer to feel comfortable can be set. Regarding the power from the power provider up to the target power value A exceeding the demand target value, the power of the storage battery is used instead of the power provided by the power provider. As a result, the basic charge of the consumer's electricity bill will not increase. When a storage battery with a large capacity is used, the maximum possible usage amount can be made unlimited.

[0015] When discharging from the storage battery, it is necessary to prevent the loss of the storage battery's function. For this reason, when discharging from the storage battery, it is necessary to ensure that the remaining amount of the storage battery does not fall below the minimum remaining amount.

[0016] By the demand controller transmitting the first notice and the second notice, the processing in the power usage control system can be distributed and carried out.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] Explanatory drawing of the entire system according to Example 1 [Figure 2] Explanatory drawing of the overall controller according to Example 1 [Figure 3] Explanatory drawing of the demand controller according to Example 1 [Figure 4] Explanatory drawing of the storage battery equipment according to Example 1 and Example 2 [Figure 5] Explanatory drawing of the solar power generation equipment according to Example 1 and Example 2 [Figure 6] Energy cost reduction algorithm of Example 1 [Figure 7] Energy cost reduction algorithm of Example 1 [Figure 8] Charging algorithm common to Example 1 and Example 2 [Figure 9] Explanatory drawing of the entire system according to Example 2 [Figure 10] Explanatory drawing of the overall controller according to Example 2 [Figure 11] Explanation diagram of the demand controller according to Example 2 [Figure 12] Energy cost reduction algorithm of Example 2

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] [Overview of Example 1 and Example 2] In the examples according to the present application, when the power used by the consumer reaches the "target maximum demand power (hereinafter referred to as the 'demand target value')" set for the demand controller, the battery discharges and the power (electricity) of the battery is used.

[0019] At that time, the maximum available amount of the battery to be used may be determined. Specifically, separately from the "demand target value", a "new target value" is set. When the amount of power used by the consumer reaches the "demand target value", the power of the battery is used until the power used by the consumer reaches the "new target value". In this case, the maximum available amount is the "difference" between the "new target value" and the "demand target value".

[0020] Also, when discharging from the battery and using the power of the battery, there is no need to limit the amount of power of the battery to be used. In this case, when the amount of power used by the consumer reaches the demand target value, all the power exceeding the target value is covered by the electricity of the battery without any quantity limitation.

[0021] The systems of Example 1 and Example 2 both include a general controller, and the CPU of the general controller controls the discharge from the power storage facility. In Example 1 and Example 2, when the amount of power used by the consumer reaches the demand target value and the discharge of the battery starts, there is a difference in the route for obtaining the information that the amount of power used by the consumer has reached the demand target value. In Example 1, the information that the amount of power used by the consumer has reached the demand target value is obtained from the demand controller. In Example 2, the information that the amount of power used by the consumer has reached the demand target value is obtained from a separately provided meter without passing through the demand controller.

[0022] Furthermore, the systems in Example 1 and Example 2 differ in the route used to obtain information that the amount of electricity used by the consumer has reached the demand target value, and therefore the devices used to acquire electricity amount differ. In Example 1, electricity amount information is obtained from an electricity meter. The electricity meter acquires 30-minute average information. In Example 2, electricity amount information is obtained from a separately installed meter, specifically a multimeter. The multimeter acquires the instantaneous electricity usage of the consumer. [Examples]

[0023] Based on Figures 1 to 8, the energy cost reduction system according to Example 1 will be described. In Figures 1 to 8, dotted arrows represent connections via the power supply network, and solid arrows represent information and communication connections via the information and communication network (including the Internet and LAN).

[0024] Figure 1 shows the overall energy cost reduction system according to Example 1. The system according to Example 1 consists of a consumer system, a cloud information system, and a power provider system. The consumer system and the cloud information system are connected to each other by wired and wireless means via an information and communication network, and remote operation is possible for information exchange. The consumer system receives electricity from the power provider system.

[0025] The consumer system is built within the facilities of the company or factory that is a consumer of electricity. The consumer system includes electricity meters, multimeters, consumer electrical equipment, air conditioning equipment, solar power generation equipment, energy storage equipment, demand controllers, and a central controller.

[0026] Within the consumer system, the electricity meter and demand controller, as well as the multimeter and solar power generation equipment, are all interconnected via an information and communication network.

[0027] The electricity supplied from the power provider system is connected to the consumer's electrical equipment via power meters and multimeters. It is also connected to air conditioning equipment. In this specification, consumer's electrical equipment refers to electrical equipment owned by the consumer, excluding air conditioning equipment (heating and cooling equipment). In other words, consumer's electrical equipment includes, for example, refrigeration and freezing equipment, production equipment, lighting equipment, etc.

[0028] A power meter is a measuring instrument used to determine the average 30-minute demand (kW) for consumer electrical and air conditioning equipment, and is installed by the power provider in the consumer system. The power meter is configured to measure the voltage and current data required by the consumer electrical and air conditioning equipment and to transmit the determined average demand (kW) to the demand controller.

[0029] A multimeter is a measuring instrument used to measure the current instantaneous amount of electricity demanded by consumer electrical equipment and air conditioning equipment.

[0030] A solar power generation facility is a facility that generates electricity using sunlight. The parts of the solar power generation facility that perform the solar power generation function can generally be those available on the market. The electricity generated by the solar power generation facility is supplied to consumer electrical equipment and air conditioning equipment. The solar power generation facility is connected to a central controller via the power supply network. This allows the solar power generation facility to transmit the electricity it generates to the central controller.

[0031] Energy storage equipment is a system that stores electricity supplied from an external source and discharges the stored electricity in response to instructions and commands from a central controller. As shown in Figure 1, the energy storage equipment is connected to the central controller via an information and communication network. This allows the energy storage equipment to receive instructions and commands from the central controller and / or to transmit information about its own status (such as remaining energy) to the central controller. The energy storage equipment is also configured to store electricity supplied and transmitted from consumer electricity equipment.

[0032] A demand controller is equipment designed to suppress what is known as the demand value. The demand value is a concept used in transactions with power companies, and it refers to the average power consumption over a 30-minute period. This demand value is used by power companies to calculate electricity charges, especially the basic charge portion. It is sometimes referred to as "maximum demand power." The highest value within a day's "demand value" becomes the "maximum demand value" for that day, and the peak value over a month becomes the "maximum demand power" for that month. The higher the maximum demand power, the higher the basic charge. Conversely, if the demand value is low, the basic charge can be kept low, so suppressing the demand value leads to a reduction in electricity charges.

[0033] The demand controller is connected to the main controller, air conditioning equipment, and electricity meter via an information and communication network. It is configured to receive necessary information from the main controller, air conditioning equipment, and electricity meter, and to transmit necessary information to the main controller, air conditioning equipment, and electricity meter.

[0034] The central controller functions as the central hub of the consumer system in this invention. The central controller is connected to the demand controller, energy storage equipment, solar power generation equipment, and cloud information system via an information and communication network.

[0035] The central controller according to Example 1 will be described based on Figure 2. The central controller is the core component of the energy cost reduction system according to the present invention. The central controller comprises an information receiving unit, an input information receiving unit, a judgment unit, an instruction information creation unit, an instruction information transmission unit, and an information storage unit.

[0036] The information receiving unit is connected to the solar power generation equipment, demand controller, energy storage equipment, and cloud information system via an information and communication network, and the central controller is configured to send and receive various types of information with these equipment and systems.

[0037] The input information receiving section of the main controller is the part that receives information that the user manually enters into the main controller, also known as manual input information. Specifically, this includes information that needs to be set, such as the maximum usable capacity of the battery, the minimum remaining battery capacity, the charging start value, and the maximum stored energy.

[0038] The information receiving unit and the input information receiving unit are connected to the decision unit within the central controller. The decision unit is the part that makes decisions according to a predetermined algorithm based on the information received from the information receiving unit and the input information receiving unit. The central controller is configured as a computer, and the algorithm is configured to be executable as a program on the computer. The central controller also includes an instruction information creation unit, which is connected to the decision unit.

[0039] The instruction information generation unit is configured to receive information regarding the judgment result from the judgment unit. The instruction information generation unit, in accordance with the information regarding the judgment result received from the judgment unit, The system is configured to generate instruction information (command information) for solar power generation equipment, demand controllers, and energy storage equipment. The central controller is also configured to provide various types of information (data) to the cloud information system.

[0040] The instruction information creation unit is connected to the information transmission unit and hands over the created instruction information (command information) to the information transmission unit. The information transmission unit is configured to transmit the instruction information (command information) received from the instruction information creation unit to the central controller and / or the customer's electrical equipment via the information communication network.

[0041] A demand controller according to Embodiment 1 will be described based on Figure 3. The demand controller is a device that has a function for suppressing demand values ​​and internally comprises an information receiving unit, an input information receiving unit, a judgment unit, an instruction information creation unit, an information transmission unit, and an information storage unit.

[0042] The information receiving unit receives information from the power meter and the central controller via the information and communication network. From the power meter, it receives information on the 30-minute average value of power consumption. The demand controller further includes an input information receiving unit. The input information receiving unit is the part that receives information that the user manually enters into the demand controller, so-called manual input information.

[0043] The information receiving unit and the input information receiving unit are connected to the decision unit. The decision unit is the part that makes decisions according to a predetermined algorithm based on the information received from the information receiving unit and the input information receiving unit. The demand controller is configured as a computer, and the algorithm is configured to be executable as a program on the computer. The demand controller also has an instruction information creation unit, which is connected to the decision unit. The instruction information creation unit is configured to be able to receive information regarding the decision result from the decision unit. The instruction information creation unit is configured to be able to create instruction information (command information) for the central controller and / or the consumer's electrical equipment according to the information regarding the decision result received from the decision unit.

[0044] The instruction information creation unit is connected to the information transmission unit and hands over the created instruction information (command information) to the information transmission unit. The information transmission unit is configured to transmit the instruction information (command information) received from the instruction information creation unit to the central controller and / or the customer's electrical equipment via the information communication network.

[0045] Based on Figure 4, the energy storage equipment according to Embodiment 1 will be described. The energy storage equipment is equipment that stores electrical energy (as chemical energy) and makes it possible to take out electrical energy again when needed. The energy storage equipment comprises an energy storage unit, a power receiving unit / power transmitting unit, and an information transmitting / receiving unit. The energy storage equipment is configured to store the power / electricity received via the power receiving unit in the energy storage unit and transmit it to the outside, i.e., consumer electrical equipment and air conditioning equipment, as needed.

[0046] The energy storage system includes an information transmission / reception unit. This unit is configured to send and receive information via an information and communication network. The power transmission unit is connected to the information transmission / reception unit and is configured to change the amount of power transmitted according to information received from the central controller via the information transmission / reception unit. Specifically, the current remaining energy storage capacity and error signals are transmitted.

[0047] Based on Figure 5, the photovoltaic power generation equipment according to Example 1 will be described. The photovoltaic power generation equipment comprises a power generation unit, a power transmission unit, and an information transmission / receiving unit. The power generation unit is responsible for generating electricity using the so-called photoelectric effect. The power transmission unit is connected to the power generation unit. The power (electricity) generated by the power generation unit is sent to the outside, namely the consumer's electrical equipment and air conditioning equipment, via the power transmission unit. The photovoltaic power generation equipment is equipped with an information transmission / receiving unit and is connected to a central controller via an information communication network. For example, the photovoltaic power generation equipment transmits power generation amount information to the central controller. The photovoltaic power generation equipment receives information from a multimeter. Specifically, for example, it receives information on the current instantaneous amount of electricity demand.

[0048] [1. Procedures to be taken in advance] The energy cost reduction algorithm in Example 1 requires the following prior processing. These processes are not described in any of the flowcharts in Figures 6 to 8 described later.

[0049] First, determine (1) through (5).

[0050] (1) Determine the maximum available capacity of the battery to be used when the amount of electricity used by the consumer reaches the demand target value. The amount of electricity used in the battery may be unlimited. In that case, the amount of electricity used in the battery shall be set to unlimited. In the invention according to Example 1, when the amount of electricity used by the consumer (i.e., "demand amount") reaches the "target maximum demand power (hereinafter referred to as the "demand target value")" set for the demand controller, the battery is discharged and the battery's power (electricity) is used. The maximum available capacity of the battery used at that time is determined. Specifically, a "new target value" is set separately from the "demand target value," and when the amount of electricity used by the consumer reaches the "demand target value," the battery's power is used until the amount of electricity used by the consumer reaches the "new target value." In this case, the maximum available capacity is the "difference" between the "new target value" and the "demand target value." The new target value is the amount of electricity set so that the consumer can feel comfortable with regard to electricity use. For the demand amount that reaches the demand target value, the battery's power is used instead of the electricity provided by the power provider. As a result, the basic charge of the consumer's electricity bill will not be increased. When using a large-capacity battery, the maximum usable capacity can be made unlimited.

[0051] (2) With respect to the remaining charge of the storage battery, the minimum remaining charge of the storage battery is determined, which is the value that the storage battery should store in order to maintain its function.

[0052] (3) Regarding whether or not to permit the start of battery charging, a threshold value will be set for when charging can begin, in relation to the amount of electricity used by the consumer (i.e., the amount of electricity demanded). When charging of the battery begins, electricity is used to charge the battery, so a power competition will occur between the amount of electricity demanded and the electricity used to charge the battery, and starting the battery charging may result in hindering the consumer's use of electricity. This threshold value is set for this reason.

[0053] (4) Determine the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the battery, i.e., the maximum storage capacity. This amount is inherent to the battery from the beginning and is known in advance.

[0054] Next, the values ​​for the maximum usable capacity of the battery, the minimum remaining capacity of the battery, the starting value for charging the battery, and the maximum stored capacity of the battery, as defined in (1) to (4), are recorded in the information storage unit of the central controller via the input information receiving unit of the central controller.

[0055] [2. Energy cost reduction algorithm in Example 1: Processing by the CPU of the central controller]

[0056] The energy cost reduction algorithm for Example 1 will be described based on Figure 6. The energy cost reduction algorithm, following the flowchart in Figure 6, is implemented as a program execution within the central controller. In the figure, "S" indicates a step. The energy cost reduction algorithm for Example 1 is executed by the CPU of the central controller in the following procedure.

[0057] First, the CPU of the central controller receives a report from the CPU of the demand controller (hereinafter referred to as "demand controller") stating that the amount of electricity used by consumers, i.e., the demand amount, has reached the demand target value (S1).

[0058] Next, the CPU of the central controller acquires battery charge information and determines whether the battery charge exceeds the minimum charge level (S2).

[0059] If the system determines that the battery level exceeds the minimum required level (S2:Yes), the CPU of the central controller instructs the battery to begin discharging (S3). If the system determines that the battery level does not exceed the minimum required level (S2:No), the system does not instruct the battery to begin discharging in order to avoid depleting the battery, and the algorithm terminates.

[0060] The CPU of the central controller continues to acquire information on the remaining battery level and determines whether the remaining battery level exceeds the minimum battery level (S4). This determination is constantly repeated while the battery is discharging. If it is determined that the remaining battery level exceeds the minimum battery level (S4: Yes), the CPU of the central controller continues to discharge the battery. If it is determined that the remaining battery level has fallen below the minimum battery level (S4: No), the CPU of the central controller instructs the battery to stop discharging (S6), and the algorithm terminates.

[0061] The CPU of the main controller receives a report from the CPU of the demand controller that the demand has fallen below the demand target value (S5). Since the demand falling below the demand target value means that there is no longer a need to use the electricity from the battery, the CPU of the main controller instructs the battery to stop discharging (S6), and the algorithm terminates.

[0062] [3. Energy Cost Reduction Algorithm in Example 1: Processing by the CPU of the Demand Controller] The energy cost reduction algorithm for Example 1 will be described based on Figure 7. The energy cost reduction algorithm, following the flowchart in Figure 7, is implemented as a program execution within the demand controller. In the figure, "S" indicates a step. The energy cost reduction algorithm for Example 1 is executed by the CPU of the demand controller in the following procedure.

[0063] First, the CPU of the demand control unit acquires information on the amount of electricity used by the consumers, i.e., demand information, and determines whether the demand has reached the demand target value (S7).

[0064] If the demand level is determined to have reached the demand target value (S7: Yes), the Demacon CPU reports this to the main controller's CPU (S8).

[0065] On the other hand, if it is determined that the amount of demand has not reached the demand target value (S7: No), the Demacon's CPU continues to acquire demand information and repeatedly determines whether the amount of demand has reached the demand target value (S7).

[0066] The Demacon CPU retrieves demand information again and determines whether the demand is below the demand target value (S9). If it is determined that the demand is not below the demand target value (S9: No), the Demacon CPU retrieves demand information again and determines whether the demand is below the demand target value (S9).

[0067] If it is determined that the demand has fallen below the demand target value (S9: Yes), discharging from the battery is no longer necessary, so the system reports to the CPU of the central controller that the demand has fallen below the demand target value (S10), and the algorithm terminates.

[0068] [4. Charging Algorithm in Example 1] The charging of the energy storage equipment according to Example 1 will be explained based on Figure 8. The charging of the energy storage equipment according to the flowchart in Figure 8 is carried out as the execution of a program within the control unit. In the figure, "S" indicates a step. The charging algorithm according to Example 1 is executed by the CPU of the control unit in the following steps.

[0069] The CPU of the central controller acquires information on the remaining energy storage capacity and determines whether the remaining energy storage capacity is below the maximum energy storage capacity of the energy storage equipment (S11).

[0070] If the CPU of the central controller determines that the remaining charge is not below the maximum charge capacity of the energy storage equipment (S11: No), the algorithm terminates without instructing the charging equipment to start charging (S13). This is because the charging equipment is sufficiently charged and no further charging is needed.

[0071] If the CPU of the central controller determines that the remaining energy storage capacity is below the maximum energy storage capacity of the energy storage equipment (S11: Yes), it then obtains demand information and determines whether the demand is below the charging equipment's starting charge threshold (S12). If the demand exceeds the charging equipment's starting charge threshold (S12: No), the central controller's CPU terminates the algorithm without instructing the charging equipment to start charging. This is because starting charging when the demand exceeds the charging equipment's starting charge threshold would use the electricity provided by the power provider to charge the charging equipment, which would increase the demand value.

[0072] If the demand is below the charging start threshold of the charging equipment (S12: Yes), the CPU of the central controller instructs the charging equipment to start charging (S14). Using electricity for charging will temporarily increase the demand value, but since there is a sufficient margin in the target value, the demand can be managed with appropriate control and will not interfere with the control.

[0073] The CPU of the central controller, which instructed the charging equipment to start charging, continues to acquire demand information and determines whether the demand is below the charging equipment's starting charge threshold (S16). If the demand exceeds the charging equipment's starting charge threshold (S16: No), the central controller's CPU instructs the charging equipment to stop charging (S18), and the algorithm terminates. This is because continuing to charge the charging equipment when the demand exceeds the charging equipment's starting charge threshold would continuously increase the demand value, leading to a situation where the demand exceeds the target value.

[0074] If the demand is below the charging start threshold of the charging equipment (S16: Yes), the CPU of the main controller obtains information on the remaining charge level and determines whether the remaining charge level has reached the maximum charge level of the charging equipment (S17). If the remaining charge level has not reached the maximum charge level of the charging equipment (S17: No), the CPU of the main controller obtains information on the demand again and determines whether the demand is below the charging start threshold (S16). If the remaining charge level has reached the maximum charge level of the charging equipment (S17: Yes), the CPU of the main controller instructs the charging equipment to stop charging (S18) and terminates the algorithm.

[0075] In other words, the charging algorithm of Example 1 charges the charging equipment until the stored energy is full, while maintaining a state in which the consumer's power consumption does not exceed the charging capacity of the charging equipment. [Examples]

[0076] Based on Figures 4, 5, and 8 to 12, the energy cost reduction system for Example 2 will be explained. In Figures 4, 5, and 9 to 11, dotted arrows represent connections via the power supply network, and solid arrows represent information and communication connections via the information and communication network (including the Internet and LAN).

[0077] Figure 9 shows the overall energy cost reduction system according to Example 2. The overall energy cost reduction system according to Example 2 will be explained in comparison with Example 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0078] In Example 2, unlike Example 1, the multimeter and the central controller are connected via an information and communication network. This is because in Example 2, the amount of electricity used by the consumer is obtained from the multimeter.

[0079] In Example 2, there is no information and communication network connection between the central controller and the demand controller. This is because, in Example 2, the central controller and the demand controller do not exchange information.

[0080] Figure 9 shows the central controller according to Example 2. The central controller according to Example 2 will be explained in comparison with the central controller according to Example 1 (Figure 2). The central controller of Example 2 differs from the central controller of Example 1 in that it does not exchange information with the demand controller, but is otherwise the same as the central controller of Example 1.

[0081] Figure 10 shows the demand controller according to Example 2. The demand controller according to Example 2 will be explained in comparison with the demand controller according to Example 1 (Figure 3). The demand controller of Example 2 differs from the demand controller of Example 1 in that it does not exchange information with the central controller, but is otherwise the same as the demand controller of Example 1.

[0082] The energy storage equipment and solar power generation equipment in Example 2 are as shown in Figures 4 and 5, and are the same as those in Example 1.

[0083] [1. Procedures to be taken in advance] The preparatory treatments required in Example 2 are the same as those in Example 1. In other words, (1) The maximum available capacity of the battery used when the amount of electricity used by the consumer reaches the demand target value. (2) With respect to the remaining charge of the storage battery, a value set to prevent the remaining charge from becoming zero, i.e., the minimum remaining charge of the storage battery, (3) Regarding whether or not to permit the start of charging of the storage battery, the value at which charging can be started in relation to the amount of electricity used by the consumer (i.e., the amount of demand), (4) Determine the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the battery, i.e., the maximum storage capacity. The values ​​for the maximum usable capacity of the battery, the minimum remaining capacity of the battery, the starting value for charging the battery, and the maximum stored capacity of the battery, as defined in (1) to (4), are recorded in the information storage unit of the central controller via the input information receiving unit of the central controller.

[0084] [2. Energy cost reduction algorithm in Example 2: Processing by the CPU of the main controller] Based on Figure 12, the energy cost reduction algorithm for Example 2 will be described. The energy cost reduction algorithm, following the flowchart in Figure 12, is implemented as a program execution within the central controller. In the figure, "S" indicates a step. The energy cost reduction algorithm for Example 2 is executed by the CPU of the central controller in the following procedure.

[0085] The CPU of the central controller obtains information on the amount of electricity that consumers are using at that moment, i.e., instantaneous electricity information, from the multimeter and determines whether the instantaneous electricity has reached the demand target value (S19).

[0086] If the system determines that the instantaneous power consumption has reached the demand target value (S19: Yes), the CPU of the main controller obtains the remaining charge information of the energy storage device and determines whether the remaining charge exceeds the minimum remaining charge of the energy storage device (S20). If the remaining charge does not exceed the minimum remaining charge of the energy storage device (S20: No), the CPU of the main controller terminates the algorithm without instructing the energy storage device to discharge in order to avoid the energy storage device becoming completely empty.

[0087] If the instantaneous power consumption does not reach the demand target value (S19: No), the CPU of the main controller again obtains instantaneous power consumption information from the multimeter and determines whether the instantaneous power consumption has reached the demand target value (S19). This is because, until the instantaneous power consumption reaches the demand target value, the demand is lower than the demand target value and there is no need to discharge from the battery.

[0088] If the remaining charge exceeds the minimum charge level of the battery storage device (S20: Yes), the CPU of the main controller instructs the battery to discharge (S21).

[0089] The CPU of the central controller, which instructed the battery to begin discharging, again obtains battery charge information and determines whether the battery charge is above the minimum charge level (S22). If it determines that the battery charge is above the minimum charge level (S22: Yes), the CPU of the central controller again obtains instantaneous power consumption information from the multimeter and determines whether the instantaneous power consumption is below the demand target value (S23). If it determines that the instantaneous power consumption is below the demand target value (S23: Yes), since there is no longer a need to discharge, the CPU of the central controller instructs the battery to stop discharging, and the algorithm terminates.

[0090] If it is determined that the remaining battery charge is not above the minimum battery charge (S22: No), the system instructs the battery to stop discharging and terminates the algorithm.

[0091] If it is determined that the instantaneous power consumption is not below the demand target value (S23: No), then it is still necessary to discharge from the battery, so the CPU of the main controller obtains the remaining battery charge information again and determines whether the remaining battery charge is above the minimum remaining charge of the battery (S22).

[0092] In other words, in the energy cost reduction algorithm of Example 2, the CPU of the central controller, once the instantaneous power consumption reaches the demand target value, continues to instruct the battery to discharge, as long as the remaining charge does not fall below the minimum charge level of the battery, until the instantaneous power consumption falls below the demand target value and there is no longer a need to discharge.

[0093] [3. Charging algorithm in Example 2] The charging algorithm in Example 2 is as shown in Figure 8 and is the same as in Example 1, except that the demand is obtained from a multimeter.

Claims

1. A power consumption control system for facilities that use electricity, A power consumption information acquisition unit acquires power consumption information, which is information on the amount of electricity being used in the aforementioned facility. A demand target value storage unit stores a demand target value that is set in advance in the facility's demand controller as a target value that will not be exceeded, A first notification receiving unit receives a first notification when the rising amount of electricity consumption reaches the demand target value, Equipped with a battery, A power consumption control system that instructs the storage battery to discharge upon receiving the aforementioned first notification, It is equipped with a target power value A storage unit that stores a target power value A, which is set separately from the demand target value, as an amount of power greater than the demand target value. A power consumption control system characterized by instructing the storage battery to stop discharging when the rising amount of power consumption reaches a target power value A.

2. A power consumption control system for a facility that uses electricity, A power consumption information acquisition unit acquires power consumption information, which is information on the amount of electricity being used in the aforementioned facility. A demand target value storage unit stores a demand target value that is set in advance in the facility's demand controller as a target value that will not be exceeded, A first notification receiving unit receives a first notification when the rising amount of electricity consumption reaches the demand target value, Equipped with a battery, A power consumption control system that instructs the storage battery to discharge upon receiving the aforementioned first notification, It is equipped with a target power value A storage unit that stores a target power value A, which is set separately from the demand target value, as an amount of power greater than the demand target value. A power consumption control system characterized in that the difference between the target power value A and the demand target value is set to the maximum available amount, which is the amount of power that can be used by discharging the storage battery.

3. The first notification is characterized in that it is transmitted by a demand controller installed in the facility. A power consumption control system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. A second notification receiving unit that receives a second notification when the decreasing amount of power consumption reaches a demand target value, A power consumption control system that instructs the storage battery to stop discharging upon receiving the second notification, The power consumption control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the aforementioned second notification is transmitted by a demand controller installed in the facility.

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