POWER MANAGEMENT DEVICE, POWER MANAGEMENT METHOD, AND POWER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Abstract

When reverse power flow is predicted to occur in any one of the multiple areas, the plan generating unit (103) generates a power consumption plan for moving, to the reverse flow area, an external power consuming device that is a power consuming device located in an area other than the reverse flow area where reverse power flow is predicted to occur, and causing the external power consuming device to consume power in the reverse flow area. The transmitting unit (104) instructs the external power consuming device to be moved to the reverse flow area in accordance with the power consumption plan.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to managing power. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, renewable energy sources have become increasingly popular. In areas where renewable energy sources are located, power can be supplied from both the power company and the renewable energy sources. If the amount of power demand in such an area falls below the amount of power supply, a reverse power flow that exceeds the operational capacity of the power distribution system will occur. If a reverse power flow occurs that exceeds the operational capacity of a power distribution system, it becomes difficult to control the voltage in the power distribution system, and this can lead to a deterioration in voltage quality and malfunctions of circuit breakers. For this reason, it is necessary to prevent the occurrence of reverse power flow that exceeds the operational capacity of the power distribution system.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling the amount of power flowing into a power distribution system due to reverse power flow by utilizing the adjustable output range of a renewable energy power source for each area as an adjustment capability. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-118632 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that, when the adjustment capacity in a certain area is insufficient, a reverse power flow that exceeds the operational capacity of the power distribution system occurs.

[0006] One of the main objectives of the present disclosure is to solve such problems. Specifically, the main objective of the present disclosure is to prevent the occurrence of reverse power flow that exceeds the operational capacity of a power distribution system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A power management device according to the present disclosure includes: a plan generating unit that generates a power consumption plan for, when a reverse power flow is predicted to occur in any one of a plurality of areas, moving an external power consuming device that is located in an area other than a reverse flow area where the reverse power flow is predicted to occur to the reverse flow area and causing the external power consuming device to consume power in the reverse flow area; and an instruction unit that instructs the external power consumption device to be moved to the reverse flow area in accordance with the power consumption plan. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of reverse power flow that exceeds the operational capacity of a power distribution system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the operation of the power management device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the operation of the power management device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the operation of the power management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a power management device according to the first embodiment; [Diagram 5] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a power management device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of area information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of vehicle plan information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of mobile battery plan information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of fixed equipment plan information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of charging facility information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of navigation information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the power management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 5 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a process for generating a power consumption plan and a process for calculating an estimated cost according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 5 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a process for generating a power consumption plan and a process for calculating an estimated cost according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 5 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a process for generating a candidate time travel plan according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 5 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a process for generating a candidate time travel plan according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 5 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a process for generating a candidate time travel plan according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 5 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a process for generating a candidate area movement plan according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] 5 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a process for generating a candidate area movement plan according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of updated fixed equipment plan information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of updated vehicle plan information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of updated mobile battery plan information according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of updated charging facility information according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiments and in the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts.

[0011] Embodiment 1 ***overview*** First, an overview of the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] 1 and 2, a power distribution system A500 and a power distribution system B600 are both power distribution systems of a power company. The power distribution system A500 distributes power to an area A510. The power distribution system B600 distributes power to an area B610. The areas A510 and B610 are adjacent to each other.

[0013] Multiple DERs (Distributed Energy Resources) are deployed in area A510. Area A510 includes the following DERs: solar panel 521, electric vehicle 522, mobile battery 523, stationary battery 524, and electric water heater 525. The electric vehicle 522, the mobile storage battery 523, the stationary storage battery 524, and the electric water heater 525 are devices that consume electricity, and are collectively referred to as power consumption devices. The power consumption devices are also simply referred to as devices. Electric water heater 525 can consume electricity by discharging (specifically, by "boiling" water). The electric vehicle 522, the mobile storage battery 523, and the stationary storage battery 524 are capable of consuming electric power by charging. The electric vehicle 522 and the mobile storage battery 523 can be charged by connecting to a charging plug of a charging facility 526. The electric vehicle 522 and the mobile storage battery 523 that are not connected to the charging facility 526 are not charging. In addition, the electric vehicle 522 and the mobile storage battery 523 are movable. In area A510, the sum of the power supplied from power distribution system A500 and the power supplied from solar panel 521 may exceed the power demand. In such a case, reverse power flow occurs in area A510. In FIG. 1, a stationary storage battery 524 and an electric water heater 525 are connected to the solar panel 521, but the solar panel 521 may be placed independently in an open space or the like without being connected to any equipment.

[0014] Area B610 also has multiple DERs deployed. Area B610 includes solar panels 621, an electric vehicle 622, a mobile battery 623, a stationary battery 624, and an electric water heater 625 as DERs. The electric vehicle 622, the mobile storage battery 623, the stationary storage battery 624, and the electric water heater 625 are devices that consume electricity, and are collectively referred to as power consumption devices. The power consumption devices are also simply referred to as devices. The electric water heater 625 can consume electricity by discharging (specifically, by "boiling" water). The electric vehicle 622, the mobile storage battery 623, and the stationary storage battery 624 are capable of consuming electric power by charging. The electric vehicle 622 and the mobile storage battery 623 can be charged by connecting to a charging plug of a charging facility 626. The electric vehicle 622 and the mobile storage battery 623 that are not connected to the charging facility 626 are not charging. In addition, the electric vehicle 622 and the mobile storage battery 623 are movable. In the area B610, the sum of the power supplied from the power distribution system B600 and the power supplied from the solar panel 621 may exceed the power demand. In such a case, a reverse power flow occurs in the area B610. In FIG. 1, a stationary storage battery 624 and an electric water heater 625 are connected to the solar panel 621, but the solar panel 621 may be placed independently in an open space or the like without being connected to any equipment.

[0015] Power management apparatus 100 is, for example, a computer used by an aggregator. An aggregator is a business that bundles the energy resources of consumers and controls the balance of electricity demand and supply between consumers and power companies. The operating procedure of power management apparatus 100 corresponds to a power management method, and the program that realizes the operation of power management apparatus 100 corresponds to a power management program.

[0016] When reverse power flow is predicted to occur in any area, the power management apparatus 100 allocates adjustment capability for consumption of excess power that exceeds the operational capacity. A time period in which reverse power flow is predicted to occur in any of the areas is called a predicted time period. The unit time of the predicted time period corresponds to the unit time in which the power supply management system 210, which will be described later, manages the power supply plan and the power demand plan. In this embodiment, since the power supply management system 210 manages the power supply plan and the power demand plan in 30-minute units, the predicted time period is also in 30-minute units. The area where reverse power flow is expected to occur is called the reverse power flow area. The power consuming devices located in the reverse flow area are called internal power consuming devices. Internal power consuming devices are also called internal devices. On the other hand, power consuming devices that are located in areas other than the reverse power flow area are called external power consuming devices, or external devices. Adjustment capacity is the ability to absorb excess power when it occurs due to reverse power flow. The power management apparatus 100 generates a power consumption plan in which the internal devices consume the excess power, and the external devices consume the remaining surplus power that cannot be consumed by the internal devices, and allocates adjustment capability. More specifically, the power management apparatus 100 generates a time movement plan and an area movement plan as the power consumption plan. The time shift plan is a plan for consuming excess power. The time shift plan is a plan for shifting the adjustment capacity (adjustment capacity of internal equipment) of the reverse power flow area in time. The area movement plan is a plan for consuming surplus power. The area movement plan is a plan for moving the adjustment power (adjustment power of external devices) of an area other than the reverse flow area to the reverse flow area.

[0017] 1, for example, it is predicted that reverse power flow of 1,100 electric power will occur in area B 610 at 11:30 in the time period "13:00" (the time period from 13:00 to 13:29), which is a time period starting at 13:00. On the other hand, it is predicted that no reverse power flow will occur in area A 510. In the example of FIG. 1, the time period starting from 13:00 when reverse power flow is predicted to occur, “13:00”, corresponds to the predicted time period. Moreover, area B 610 where reverse power flow is predicted to occur corresponds to a reverse power flow area. In addition, the electric vehicle 622, the mobile storage battery 623, the stationary storage battery 624, and the electric water heater 625 arranged in the area B 610, which is a reverse power flow area, correspond to internal devices. The electric vehicle 522, the mobile storage battery 523, the stationary storage battery 524, and the electric water heater 525 arranged in the area A 510 correspond to external devices. In the following, the time period "13:00" will simply be referred to as "13:00." Similarly, a time period that starts at another time, for example, the time period "12:00," will simply be referred to as "12:00."

[0018] In the example of FIG. 1, the operational capacity of the power distribution system B600 is 1000, so that an excess power of 100 will occur in the prediction time period.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, power management apparatus 100 receives an improvement request message from a power company terminal 220, which will be described later. The improvement request message notifies the improvement request area, improvement request time, and improvement request amount. The improvement request area is a reverse power flow area (area B 610 in Figs. 1 and 2). The improvement request time is the start time of the prediction time period (13:00 in Figs. 1 and 2). The improvement request amount is the amount of excess power (power amount 100 in Figs. 1 and 2).

[0020] The power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not a time shift of the adjustment capability is possible in the predicted time period. Specifically, the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not it is possible to cause the internal device to consume power during the predicted time period, the power consumption of which is scheduled for the internal device during a time period other than the predicted time period. When the time shift of the adjustment capacity is possible, the power management apparatus 100 generates a time shift plan for shifting the adjustment capacity in time.

[0021] The time shift of adjustment capacity includes the advancement and delay of adjustment capacity. The advancement of adjustment capability means that the charging or discharging of an internal device scheduled for a later time is brought forward to an earlier time. In other words, the advancement of adjustment capability means changing the time at which the charging or discharging of an internal device is to be performed to an earlier time. The postponement of adjustment capability means postponing the charging or discharging of an internal device scheduled for an earlier time to a later time. In other words, the postponement of adjustment capability means changing the time for charging or discharging an internal device to a later time. The advancement of adjustment capability means, for example, charging or discharging an internal device scheduled for "14:00" at "13:00". The delay of adjustment capability means, for example, charging or discharging an internal device scheduled for "12:00" at "13:00". An internal device that the power management apparatus 100 designates as a target for moving up or moving down the adjustment capability is called a designated internal device.

[0022] The power management apparatus 100 transmits a time shift instruction message to the terminal device of the manager of the designated internal device. The time shift instruction message is a message that instructs the designated internal device to consume power (charge or discharge) at "13:00". If the designated internal device is an electric vehicle 622, the power management apparatus 100 transmits a time transfer instruction message to a terminal device of a road passenger transport business operator such as a bus company or a taxi company. If the designated internal device is any of a mobile storage battery 623, a stationary storage battery 624, and an electric water heater 625, the power management apparatus 100 transmits a time transfer instruction message to a terminal device of the owner of the mobile storage battery 623, etc.

[0023] The designated internal devices will be charged or discharged at "13:00". Here, it is assumed that 20 of the requested improvement amount can be consumed by charging or discharging the designated internal equipment. In other words, it is assumed that the requested improvement amount cannot be absorbed entirely by shifting the control capacity over time, and 80 of the amount of electricity remains as surplus power.

[0024] Next, the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not it is possible to move the adjustment power between areas. Specifically, the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not it is possible to move the external device to the area B610 and have the external device consume power in the area B610 during the predicted time period. When area movement of regulation power is possible, the power management apparatus 100 generates an area movement plan for moving regulation power of areas other than the area B610 to the area B610. 2, the power management apparatus 100 generates a plan to move a movable external device in area A 510 that has a charge margin to area B 610. Specifically, the power management apparatus 100 generates a plan to move an electric vehicle 522 and a mobile storage battery 523 that have a charge margin to area B 610, and to have the electric vehicle 522 and the mobile storage battery 523 consume surplus power in area B 610. The external devices (electric vehicle 522 and mobile storage battery 523) designated by the power management apparatus 100 as devices to be moved are called designated external devices.

[0025] The power management apparatus 100 transmits an area change instruction message to the terminal device of the manager of the designated external device. The area change instruction message is a message instructing the manager to move the designated external device to area B 610 by "13:00". When the designated external device is an electric vehicle 522, the power management apparatus 100 transmits an area change instruction message to, for example, a terminal device of a road passenger transport business operator such as a bus company or a taxi company. When the designated external device is a mobile storage battery 523, the power management apparatus 100 transmits an area change instruction message to, for example, a terminal device of the owner of the mobile storage battery 523.

[0026] The designated external device is connected to the charging facility 626 in area B 610 by "13:00", and starts charging or discharging from "13:00" to consume surplus power. As a result, the amount of excess power at "13:00" becomes 0, and no reverse power flow that exceeds the operational capacity of the power distribution system B600 occurs.

[0027] Figure 3 shows the fluctuations in the requested amount and the allocation of adjustment capacity in the examples of Figures 1 and 2. The requested amount is the amount of excess power. The requested amount and adjustment capacity shown in FIG. 3 are managed by a power supply management system 210, which will be described later. The power supply management system 210 manages a power supply plan and a power demand plan for each area. The power demand plan managed by the power supply management system 210 does not include power consumption due to the transfer of adjustment capacity by the power management device 100. Furthermore, the power supply management system 210 grasps the requested amount and adjustment capacity for each area based on the power supply plan and the power demand plan, as shown in Fig. 3. The requested amount is the excess power (reverse power flow - operational capacity) derived from the power supply plan and the power demand plan.

[0028] FIG. 3(a1) shows the requested amount and adjustment capacity for each time of day in area A510 before the power management apparatus 100 moves the adjustment capacity. FIG. 3(b1) shows the requested amount and adjustment capacity for each time of day in area B610 before the power management apparatus 100 moves the adjustment capacity. FIG. 3(a2) shows the requested amount and adjustment capacity for each time of day in area A510 after the power management apparatus 100 has moved the adjustment capacity. FIG. 3(b2) shows the requested amount and adjustment capacity for each time of day in area B610 after the power management apparatus 100 has moved the adjustment capacity.

[0029] As shown in (a1) of FIG. 3, in area A510, there is no request for power at "13:00", and there is sufficient power adjustment capacity. In area B610, as shown in (b1) of FIG. 3, there is a request for power at "13:00", but there is no capacity to adjust to the demand. In other words, it is predicted that excess power will occur at "13:00", but there is no capacity to absorb the excess power. On the other hand, there is a lot of capacity to adjust to the demand at "12:00" and "12:30" in area B610.

[0030] For this reason, the power management apparatus 100 postpones the adjustment capability for "12:00" and "12:30" to "13:00" as shown in (b2) of Fig. 3. In other words, the power management apparatus 100 postpones the charging or discharging of the internal devices that are scheduled to be charged or discharged at "12:00" and "12:30" to "13:00". Even with this postponement of adjustment capacity, it is not possible to absorb all of the excess power, and surplus power still exists. For this reason, the power management apparatus 100 moves the adjustment power for "13:00" in area A 510 to area B 610. In other words, the power management apparatus 100 moves external devices in area A 510 that have charging capacity and can be moved to area B 610, and causes the moved external devices to consume the surplus power in area B 610. As a result, as shown in (b2) of FIG. 3, the requested amount and the adjustment capacity match in area B610, and the excess power is absorbed. Also, in area A510, as shown in (a2) of FIG. 3, the adjustment capacity at "13:00" is lost due to the transfer to area B610, but since there is no request for capacity, no problem occurs.

[0031] ***Configuration Description*** FIG. 4 shows an example of a functional configuration of the power management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 shows an example of a hardware configuration of power management apparatus 100 according to this embodiment.

[0032] The power management device 100 is connected to a power supply management system 210, a power company terminal 220, a consumer terminal 230, a charging facility company terminal 240, and a road passenger movement company terminal 250 via a network. Before describing the functional configuration and hardware configuration of the power management device 100, a power supply management system 210, a power company terminal 220, a customer terminal 230, a charging facility company terminal 240, and a road passenger movement company terminal 250 will be described.

[0033] The power supply management system 210 manages a power supply plan and a power demand plan for each area and for each unit time. The power supply management system 210 collects predicted power supply amounts for each area and each unit time from power suppliers. The power supply management system 210 also collects predicted power supply amounts for each area and each unit time from renewable energy power suppliers. Furthermore, the power supply management system 210 collects predicted power demand for each area and each unit time from the power company. The power supply management system 210 uses the collected predicted power supply amount and predicted power demand amount to generate a power supply plan and a power demand plan for each area and for each unit time. The power demand plan managed by the power supply management system 210 does not include power consumption due to the transfer of the adjustment power of the power management apparatus 100. Furthermore, the power supply management system 210 grasps the request amount and adjustment capacity for each area and for each unit time based on the power supply plan and the power demand plan, as shown in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, the power supply management system 210 manages the power supply plan and the power demand plan in 30-minute units. Therefore, the power supply management system 210 grasps the request amount and adjustment capacity in 30-minute units. The power supply management system 210 may manage the power supply plan and the power demand plan in different unit times. When a shortage of adjustment power is predicted in a specific area at a specific time, the power supply management system 210 transmits an adjustment power shortage message to the power company terminal 220 to notify the power company terminal 220 of the shortage of adjustment power.

[0034] The electric power company terminal 220 is a terminal device used by an electric power company. An electric power company is a business that operates an electric power supply business. Electric power companies transport electricity generated at power plants to the point where it is used by consumers using transmission lines, distribution lines, etc. Area information 1051 , which will be described later, is transmitted from the power company terminal 220 to the power management apparatus 100 . Furthermore, when the electric power company terminal 220 receives an adjustment capability shortage message from the electric power supply management system 210, it transmits an improvement request message to the power management apparatus 100.

[0035] The customer terminal 230 is a terminal device used by the customer. A consumer is someone who receives electricity and uses it. A consumer is an individual or a corporation that uses equipment. In this embodiment, the consumer uses a mobile storage battery, a stationary storage battery, and an electric water heater as power consumption devices. Note that the power consumption devices used by the consumer are not limited to these. The consumer may own a charging facility. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that only the charging facility business operator owns the charging facility. The customer terminal 230 transmits status information of the equipment used by the customer. The status information of the mobile storage battery indicates the location, status, and chargeable amount of the mobile storage battery. Specifically, the status information of the mobile storage battery indicates the values ​​of each row of the mobile storage battery plan information 1053 described later. The status information of the stationary storage battery or electric water heater indicates the status and consumable amount of the stationary storage battery or electric water heater. Specifically, the status information of the stationary storage battery or electric water heater indicates the value of each row of the stationary equipment plan information 1054 described later. The status information of each device is reflected in mobile battery plan information 1053 and fixed device plan information 1054.

[0036] The charging facility provider terminal 240 is a terminal device used by the charging facility provider. A charging equipment business operator is a business operator that manages charging equipment. Electric vehicles and mobile storage batteries can be charged by connecting them to a charging plug at a charging facility. Status information of the charging facility is transmitted from the charging facility business operator terminal 240. The status information of the charging facility indicates the status of the charging plug provided in the charging facility. Specifically, the status information of the charging facility indicates the values ​​of each row of charging facility plan information 1055, which will be described later. The status information of the charging facility is reflected in charging facility plan information 1055.

[0037] The road passenger transport operator terminal 250 is a terminal device used by a road passenger transport operator. A road passenger transport operator is an operator that operates a road passenger transport business. Examples of road passenger transport operators include taxi operators and bus operators. Road passenger transport operators operate electric vehicles for road passenger transport. Electric vehicle status information is transmitted from the road passenger movement business operator terminal 250. The electric vehicle status information indicates the location, status, and chargeable amount of the electric vehicle. Specifically, the electric vehicle status information indicates the values ​​of each row of the vehicle plan information 1052, which will be described later. The electric vehicle status information is reflected in the vehicle plan information 1052 .

[0038] Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the power management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0039] Power management apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is a computer. The power management apparatus 100 includes, as hardware, a processor 901, a main memory device 902, an auxiliary memory device 903, and a communication device 904. 4, the power management apparatus 100 includes, as its functional configuration, a receiver 101, a database manager 102, a plan generator 103, a transmitter 104, and a database 105. The functions of the receiver 101, the database manager 102, the plan generator 103, and the transmitter 104 are realized, for example, by a program. The auxiliary storage device 903 stores programs for implementing the functions of the receiving unit 101, the database management unit 102, the plan generating unit 103, and the transmitting unit 104. These programs are loaded from the auxiliary storage device 903 to the main storage device 902. Then, the processor 901 executes these programs to perform the operations of the receiving unit 101, the database management unit 102, the plan generating unit 103, and the transmitting unit 104, which will be described later. FIG. 5 shows a schematic state in which the processor 901 is executing programs that realize the functions of the receiving unit 101, the database management unit 102, the plan generating unit 103, and the transmitting unit 104.

[0040] Next, an example of a functional configuration of the power management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0041] The receiving unit 101 communicates with the power supply management system 210 , the power company terminal 220 , the customer terminal 230 , the charging facility company terminal 240 and the road passenger movement company terminal 250 using the communication device 904 . Specifically, the receiver 101 receives an improvement request message from the electric power company terminal 220 . Furthermore, the receiving unit 101 receives area information 1051 from the electric power company terminal 220 . Furthermore, the receiving unit 101 receives, from the customer terminal 230, status information of the mobile storage battery, the stationary storage battery, and the electric water heater. Furthermore, the receiving unit 101 receives status information of the charging facility from the charging facility business operator terminal 240. In addition, the receiving unit 101 receives status information of the electric vehicle from the road passenger movement operator terminal 250. When the receiving unit 101 receives an improvement request message, the receiving unit 101 outputs the improvement request message to the plan generating unit 103 . Furthermore, when receiving state information, the receiving unit 101 outputs the state information to the database management unit 102 .

[0042] The database management unit 102 manages the database 105 . Specifically, the database management unit 102 stores the area information 1051 received by the receiving unit 101 in the database 105 . Furthermore, the database management unit 102 reflects the status information received by the receiving unit 101 in any one of the vehicle plan information 1052 , the mobile storage battery plan information 1053 , the stationary equipment plan information 1054 , and the charging facility plan information 1055 . In addition, when requested by the plan generation unit 103, the database management unit 102 reads out vehicle plan information 1052, mobile battery plan information 1053, etc. from the database 105, and outputs the read vehicle plan information 1052, mobile battery plan information 1053, etc. to the plan generation unit 103.

[0043] When an improvement request message is received from the power company terminal 220, the plan generating unit 103 generates a power consumption plan. Furthermore, when a time shift of the adjustment capacity is required to implement the power consumption plan, the plan generating unit 103 generates a time shift instruction message. Then, the plan generating unit 103 outputs the time shift instruction message to the transmitting unit 104. Furthermore, when it is necessary to move the area of ​​the adjustment capacity to implement the power consumption plan, the plan generating unit 103 generates an area movement instruction message. Then, the plan generating unit 103 outputs the area movement instruction message to the transmitting unit 104. The process performed by the plan generating unit 103 corresponds to a plan generating process.

[0044] The transmitting unit 104 uses the communication device 904 to transmit the time movement instruction message and the area movement instruction message. When the plan generating unit 103 generates a time shift instruction message for the equipment managed by the customer, the time shift instruction message is transmitted to the customer terminal 230 . Specifically, when the plan generation unit 103 generates a time transfer instruction message for any of a stationary storage battery, a mobile storage battery, and an electric water heater, the transmission unit 104 transmits the time transfer instruction message to the consumer terminal 230. In addition, when the plan generation unit 103 generates a time movement instruction message for an electric vehicle, the transmission unit 104 transmits the time movement instruction message to the road passenger movement business operator terminal 250. Furthermore, when the plan generating unit 103 generates an area change instruction message for the mobile storage battery, the transmitting unit 104 transmits the area change instruction message to the customer terminal 230. In addition, when the plan generation unit 103 generates an area change instruction message for the electric vehicle, the transmission unit 104 transmits the area change instruction message to the road passenger movement business operator terminal 250. The transmission unit 104 corresponds to an instruction unit. Moreover, the process performed by the transmission unit 104 corresponds to an instruction process.

[0045] The database 105 stores area information 1051, vehicle plan information 1052, and the like. The database 105 is realized by, for example, the auxiliary storage device 903 . In the following, the area information 1051, vehicle plan information 1052, mobile battery plan information 1053, stationary equipment plan information 1054, charging facility plan information 1055, navigation information 1056, and cost information 1057 stored in the database 105 are collectively referred to as database information.

[0046] Next, the database information will be described in detail.

[0047] FIG. 6 shows an example of the area information 1051. In the area information 1051, the power distribution system that distributes power to each area and the geographical range of each area are described for each area. Values ​​beginning with "X", such as "X100", indicate latitude. Values ​​beginning with "Y", such as "Y100", indicate longitude. Similarly, in other figures, values ​​beginning with "X" indicate latitude, and values ​​beginning with "Y" indicate longitude. In this embodiment, the geographical range of each area is defined by latitude and longitude, but the geographical range of each area may be defined in another coordinate system. In this embodiment, the geographical range of each area is defined by four points, but the geographical range of each area may be defined by three points or five or more points.

[0048] FIG. 7 shows an example of the vehicle plan information 1052. The vehicle plan information 1052 indicates the location, chargeable amount, and status of the electric vehicle for each unit time. 7, "X111, Y111" and the like indicate the location of an electric vehicle. The location of an electric vehicle indicated in the vehicle plan information 1052 is the location at the start time of a unit time. For example, the location "X111, Y111" of "electric vehicle 1" at "12:00" is the location of electric vehicle 1 at 12:00, which is the start time of the unit time. The numerical values ​​such as "20" and "50" indicate the chargeable amount of the electric vehicle, that is, the consumable amount. This chargeable amount is also the chargeable amount at the start time of the unit time. "Waiting" indicates that the electric vehicle is in a waiting state. In other words, "waiting" is a state in which the electric vehicle is not in commercial operation. "Running" indicates that the electric vehicle is running. In other words, "running" is a state in which the electric vehicle is in commercial operation. A "Y" to the right of "standby" indicates that electric vehicles can be charged. An "N" to the right of "driving" indicates that electric vehicles cannot be charged. For example, at "12:00", "electric vehicle 1" is located at a geographical position "X111, Y111" in area A510, has a chargeable amount of "20", is in a "standby" state, and is available for charging. Furthermore, at "12:00", "Electric vehicle 3" is located at geographical position "X131, Y131" in area A510, its chargeable amount is "50", it is "traveling", and cannot be charged. 7, the chargeable amount of the electric vehicle is described. Alternatively, the charge amount of the electric vehicle may be described. In this case, the plan generating unit 103 can obtain the chargeable amount by subtracting the charge amount from the charging capacity of the electric vehicle.

[0049] The database management unit 102 integrates the status information of each electric vehicle transmitted from the road passenger movement business operator terminal 250 to generate vehicle plan information 1052. As described above, the status information of the electric vehicle transmitted from the road passenger movement business operator terminal 250 indicates the position, status, and chargeable amount of the electric vehicle.

[0050] FIG. 8 shows an example of the mobile battery plan information 1053. The mobile battery plan information 1053 indicates the location, chargeable amount, and status of the mobile battery per unit time. 8, "X117, Y117" and the like indicate the location of the mobile battery. The location of the mobile battery indicated in the mobile battery plan information 1053 is the location at the start time of the unit time. For example, the location "X117, Y117" of "Mobile Battery 1" at "12:00" is the location of mobile battery 1 at 12:00, which is the start time of the unit time. In addition, the numerical values ​​such as "20" and "40" indicate the chargeable amount of the mobile storage battery, that is, the consumable amount. This chargeable amount is also the chargeable amount at the start time of the unit time. "Standby" indicates that the mobile battery is on standby. "Storing" indicates that the mobile battery is storing electricity. "Discharging" indicates that the mobile battery is discharging electricity. A "Y" to the right of "Standby" indicates that the portable battery can be charged. An "N" to the right of "Storage" and "Discharge" indicates that the portable battery cannot be charged. For example, at "12:00", "Mobile Battery 1" is located at a geographical position "X117, Y117" in area A510, has a chargeable amount of "20", is in a "standby" state, and is available for charging. Furthermore, at "13:00", "Mobile Battery 3" is located at geographical position "X217, Y217" in area B610, its chargeable amount is "0", it is "storing electricity", and cannot be charged. In Fig. 8, the chargeable amount of the mobile storage battery is described. Alternatively, the charge amount of the mobile storage battery may be described. In this case, the plan generating unit 103 can obtain the chargeable amount by subtracting the charge amount from the charge capacity of the mobile storage battery.

[0051] The database management unit 102 integrates the status information of each mobile storage battery transmitted from the consumer terminal 230 to generate mobile storage battery plan information 1053. As described above, the status information of the mobile storage battery indicates the location, status, and consumable amount of the mobile storage battery.

[0052] FIG. 9 shows an example of the fixed equipment plan information 1054. The stationary equipment plan information 1054 indicates the status and chargeable amount of the stationary storage battery and the electric water heater. "Standby" indicates that the stationary storage battery and the electric water heater are in standby mode. "Storing" indicates that the stationary storage battery is storing electricity. "Discharging" indicates that the stationary storage battery is discharging electricity. "Heating" indicates that the electric water heater is heating water. A "Y" to the right of "Standby" for a stationary battery indicates that the stationary battery can be charged. An "N" to the right of "Storage" and "Discharge" for a stationary battery indicates that the stationary battery cannot be charged. In addition, the numbers "20" and "30" for stationary batteries indicate the chargeable capacity of the stationary batteries, i.e., the amount that can be consumed. The number "20" for electric water heaters indicates the amount that can be consumed by the electric water heater to heat the water. For example, at "12:00", "stationary storage battery 1" is in the "standby" state, the chargeable amount is "20", and charging is possible. Furthermore, at "12:00", "Electric water heater 1" is in the "heating" state, and the amount of water that can be consumed by heating is "20". 9, the chargeable amount of the stationary storage battery is described. Alternatively, the charge amount of the stationary storage battery may be described. In this case, the plan generating unit 103 can obtain the chargeable amount by subtracting the charge amount from the charge capacity of the stationary storage battery.

[0053] The database management unit 102 integrates the status information of each stationary storage battery or each electric water heater transmitted from the consumer terminal 230 to generate stationary equipment plan information 1054. As described above, the status information of the stationary storage battery or electric water heater indicates the status and consumable amount of the stationary storage battery or electric water heater.

[0054] FIG. 10 shows an example of the charging facility plan information 1055. The charging facility plan information 1055 indicates the location of the charging facility and the number of charging plugs provided at the charging facility. Furthermore, the charging facility plan information 1055 indicates the state of each charging plug of each charging facility for each unit time. "In Use" indicates that the charging plug is being used for charging, and "Standby" indicates that the charging plug is not being used for charging. For example, "charging facility 1" is located at geographic location "X119, Y119" in area A510 and is equipped with two charging plugs. In addition, the two charging plugs of "charging facility 1" are used for charging at "12:00" and "12:30". On the other hand, the two charging plugs of "charging facility 1" are not used for charging at "13:00". In the following description, a charging plug in the "standby" state will be referred to as a "standby plug."

[0055] The database management unit 102 integrates the status information of each charging facility transmitted from the charging facility business operator terminal 240 to generate charging facility plan information 1055. As described above, the charging facility status information indicates the status of the charging plug equipped in the charging facility.

[0056] FIG. 11 shows an example of the navigation information 1056. The navigation information 1056 indicates the distance between the current position of the electric vehicle or the mobile storage battery and the location of the charging facility. Furthermore, the navigation information 1056 indicates the time required for the electric vehicle or the mobile storage battery to move from the current position to the location of the charging facility. For example, the distance between "electric vehicle 1" and "charging facility 1" is "1 km." Also, the time required for "electric vehicle 1" to travel to the location of "charging facility 1" is "3 minutes."

[0057] The database management unit 102 calculates the distance and required time indicated in the navigation information 1056 based on the position of each electric vehicle indicated in the status information from the road passenger movement operator terminal 250 and the position of each charging facility indicated in the charging facility plan information 1055. In addition, the database management unit 102 calculates the distance and required time indicated in the navigation information 1056 based on the position of each mobile storage battery indicated in the status information from the customer terminal 230 and the position of each charging facility indicated in the charging facility plan information 1055. When the position of the electric vehicle changes from the original position, status information notifying the new position of the electric vehicle is transmitted from the road passenger movement business operator terminal 250. The database management unit 102 updates the distance and required time of the navigation information 1056 every time the receiving unit 101 receives status information notifying the new position of the electric vehicle. Similarly, when the location of the mobile storage battery changes from its original location, status information notifying the new location of the mobile storage battery is transmitted from the consumer terminal 230. The database management unit 102 updates the distance and required time in the navigation information 1056 every time the receiving unit 101 receives status information notifying the new location of the mobile storage battery.

[0058] Although not shown, the cost information 1057 also indicates a "unit electricity charge," a "penalty charge," and an "electricity cost," which will be described later.

[0059] ***Explanation of Operation*** Next, an example of the operation of power management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the power management apparatus 100.

[0060] It is assumed that all database information is stored in the database 105 before the start of the flow in FIG. Also, the database management unit 102 updates the database information as appropriate according to the status of the device. In this embodiment, the details of the database information update process will not be described, but it is assumed that every time the status of the device changes, the latest status information is transmitted from any of the power supply management system 210, the power company terminal 220, the customer terminal 230, the charging equipment company terminal 240, and the road passenger movement company terminal 250. Then, the database management unit 102 updates the corresponding database information in accordance with the latest status information. For example, when the position of any electric vehicle changes, status information notifying the latest position of the electric vehicle is transmitted from the road passenger movement business operator terminal 250 to the receiving unit 101. Based on this status information, the database management unit 102 updates the current position of the electric vehicle in the vehicle plan information 1052. The database management unit 102 also updates the distance and required time between the electric vehicle and each charging facility in the navigation information 1056.

[0061] When an improvement request message is received from the electric power company terminal 220 (YES in step S1), the receiver 101 transfers the improvement request message to the plan generator 103, and the process proceeds to step S2. As described above, the improvement request message indicates the improvement request area (reverse flow area), the improvement request amount (excess power amount), and the improvement request time (start time of the predicted time period).

[0062] Next, in step S2, the plan generating unit 103 acquires database information from the database managing unit 102. More specifically, when the plan generating unit 103 receives an improvement request message from the receiving unit 101, the plan generating unit 103 requests the database managing unit 102 to read out database information. The database management unit 102 reads out database information from the database 105. The plan generation unit 103 acquires the database information read out by the database management unit 102. The plan generation unit 103 acquires at least vehicle plan information 1052, mobile storage battery plan information 1053, stationary equipment plan information 1054, charging equipment plan information 1055, navigation information 1056, and cost information 1057.

[0063] Next, in step S3, the plan generating unit 103 generates a power consumption plan and calculates an estimated cost. The estimated cost is a cost estimated to be required for implementing the power consumption plan. Specifically, the plan generating unit 103 generates a plurality of power consumption plan candidates that are candidates for the power consumption plan. The plan generating unit 103 also calculates the estimated cost of each power consumption plan candidate. Then, the plan generating unit 103 selects the power consumption plan candidate with the smallest estimated cost as the power consumption plan. Step S3 will be described in detail later.

[0064] Next, in step S4, the plan generating unit 103 notifies the power company terminal 220 via the receiving unit 101 of the power consumption plan and the estimated cost. That is, the plan generating unit 103 transmits, via the receiving unit 101, a notification message notifying the power company terminal 220 of the power consumption plan and the estimated cost.

[0065] If the power consumption plan and the estimated costs are approved by the power company (YES in step S5), the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the power consumption plan and the estimated costs are not approved by the power company (NO in step S5), the process returns to step S1. If the power consumption plan and the estimated cost are approved by the power company, the plan generation unit 103 receives, via the reception unit 101, a notification message notifying that the power consumption plan and the estimated cost have been approved. On the other hand, if the power consumption plan and estimated costs are not approved by the power company, the plan generation unit 103 receives a new improvement request message via the receiving unit 101. The new improvement request message contains parameters different from those of the previous improvement request message. For example, the improvement request amount and the improvement request time have changed in the new improvement request message. When a new improvement request message is received, the database information has already been read out, so step S2 is omitted. In step S3, the plan generation unit 103 generates a new power consumption plan and calculates the estimated costs based on the new improvement request message.

[0066] In step S6, the database management unit 102 registers in the database 105 the power consumption plan approved by the power company. That is, the database management unit 102 registers in the database 105 database information in which the power consumption plan is reflected. The plan generating unit 103 requests the database management unit 102 to register the database information reflecting the power consumption plan in the database 105. Then, the database management unit 102 registers the database information reflecting the power consumption plan in the database 105.

[0067] Next, in step S7, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not a time shift of the adjustment power is necessary. That is, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not it is necessary to advance and / or delay the timing of charging or discharging the internal devices. If a time shift of the adjustment power is required (YES in step S7), the process proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, if time shifting of the adjustment power is not required (NO in step S7), the process proceeds to step S9.

[0068] In step S8, the plan generating unit 103 transmits a time shift instruction message via the transmitting unit 104. As described above, the time shift instruction message is a message for instructing a change in the timing of charging or discharging the internal device. The time shift instruction message indicates the identifier of the internal device and the changed charging or discharging timing. If the internal device that is the target of the time shift of the adjustment power is any one of the mobile storage battery, the stationary storage battery, and the electric water heater, the plan generating unit 103 transmits a time shift instruction message to the customer terminal 230. In addition, if the internal device that is the target of the time shift of the control power is an electric vehicle, the plan generation unit 103 transmits a time shift instruction message to the road passenger movement business operator terminal 250.

[0069] In step S9, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not it is necessary to move the adjustment capacity to another area. That is, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not it is necessary to move the external device to another area. If the adjustment capability needs to be changed to another area (YES in step S9), the process proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, if the area change of the adjustment power is not required (NO in step S9), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0070] In step S10, the plan generating unit 103 transmits an area change instruction message via the transmitting unit 104. As described above, the area movement instruction message is a message for instructing a movable external device to move to another area. The area movement instruction message indicates an identifier of the external device, a time when the movement should be completed, an identifier of the destination area, and an identifier and a position of the charging facility to which the external device is to be connected. If the external device targeted for the area change of the adjustment power is an electric vehicle, the plan generating unit 103 transmits an area change instruction message to the road passenger movement business operator terminal 250. Furthermore, if the external device targeted for area movement of the adjustment capability is a mobile storage battery, the plan generating unit 103 transmits an area movement instruction message to the customer terminal 230.

[0071] Finally, in step S11, the plan generating unit 103 updates the charging facility plan information 1055 (FIG. 10). Specifically, the plan generating unit 103 updates the state of the charging plug that is to be used for charging due to the time shift of the adjustment power to "used" during the corresponding time period. Also, the plan generating unit 103 updates the state of the charging plug that is to be used for charging due to the area shift of the adjustment power to "used" during the corresponding time period. The process of step S11 may be performed simultaneously with step S6.

[0072] Next, step S3 in FIG. 12 will be described in detail. 13 and 14 show details of step S3.

[0073] In the flow of Fig. 13, the plan generation unit 103 generates, as the power consumption plan candidates, only a time movement plan candidate, only an area movement plan candidate, or a set of a time movement plan candidate and an area movement plan candidate. A time movement plan candidate is a candidate for a time movement plan. An area movement plan candidate is a candidate for an area movement plan. In addition, the plan generating unit 103 calculates an estimated cost. When only a time travel plan candidate is generated, the plan generating unit 103 calculates an estimated cost of the time travel plan candidate. The estimated cost of the time travel plan candidate is a cost estimated to be required for implementing the time travel plan candidate. When only the area movement plan candidate is generated, the plan generation unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of the area movement plan candidate. The estimated cost of the area movement plan candidate is the cost estimated to be required for implementing the area movement plan candidate. When a pair of a time travel plan candidate and an area travel plan candidate is generated, the plan generation unit 103 calculates an estimated cost for the pair of the time travel plan candidate and the area travel plan candidate. The estimated cost for the pair of the time travel plan candidate and the area travel plan candidate is a cost estimated to be required for implementing the pair of the time travel plan candidate and the area travel plan candidate. Then, the plan generation unit 103 selects, as a power consumption plan, one of the time movement plan candidate with the smallest estimated cost, the area movement plan candidate with the smallest estimated cost, or a pair of the time movement plan candidate and area movement plan candidate with the smallest estimated cost. Each step in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 will be described below.

[0074] First, in step S30, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not a time movement plan candidate can be generated. Specifically, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not there is an internal device that can discharge electricity or an internal device that can be charged at the improvement request time. When there is at least one of an internal device that can discharge electricity and an internal device that can be charged at the improvement request time, the plan generating unit 103 determines that a time movement plan candidate can be generated. On the other hand, if there is neither a dischargeable internal device nor a chargeable internal device at the improvement request time, the plan generating unit 103 determines that a time movement plan candidate cannot be generated. If a time movement plan candidate can be generated (YES in step S30), the process proceeds to step S31. On the other hand, if a time travel plan candidate cannot be generated (NO in step S30), the process proceeds to step S35.

[0075] In step S31, the plan generating unit 103 generates a time movement plan candidate. When multiple time movement plan candidates can be generated, the plan generating unit 103 generates the multiple time movement plan candidates by changing the internal devices that are the time movement of the adjustment capability. Step S31 will be described in detail later.

[0076] Next, in step S32, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not there is a time movement plan candidate that can consume all of the improvement request amount among the time movement plan candidates generated in step S31. If there is a time movement plan candidate that can consume the entire improvement request amount (YES in step S32), the process proceeds to step S33-1. On the other hand, if there is no time movement plan candidate that can consume the entire improvement request amount (NO in step S32), the process proceeds to step S35.

[0077] In step S33-1, the plan generating unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of a time movement plan candidate that can consume all of the improvement request amount. If there are multiple time movement plan candidates that can consume all of the improvement request amount, the plan generating unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of each of the time movement plan candidates. Step S33-1 will be described in detail later.

[0078] In step S34-1, the plan generating unit 103 selects, from among the time shift plan candidates that can consume the entire improvement requested amount, the time shift plan candidate with the smallest estimated cost as the power consumption plan for step 3 in FIG. The internal device that is the subject of advancing or delaying discharging or charging in the time movement plan candidate selected as the power consumption plan in step S34-1 is the designated internal device.

[0079] In step S35, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not a candidate area movement plan can be generated. Specifically, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not there is an external device that can be moved to the improvement request area by the improvement request time and that can be charged at the improvement request time. If there is an external device that can be moved to the improvement request area by the improvement request time and can be charged at the improvement request time, the plan generating unit 103 determines that an area movement plan candidate can be generated. On the other hand, if there is no external device that can be moved to the improvement request area by the improvement request time and that can be charged at the improvement request time, the plan generating unit 103 determines that it is not possible to generate an area movement plan candidate. If the area movement plan candidate cannot be generated (NO in step S35), the process proceeds to step S36. On the other hand, if an area movement plan candidate can be generated (YES in step S35), the process proceeds to step S37.

[0080] In step S36, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not a time movement plan candidate has been generated. That is, the plan generating unit 103 determines which of the following routes the process has taken to reach step S36. Route 1: YES in step S30 → step S31 → NO in step S32 → NO in step S35 → step S36 Route 2: NO in step S30 → NO in step S35 → step S36

[0081] If the process has reached step S36 on route 1, a time travel plan candidate has been generated. On the other hand, if the process has reached step S36 on route 2, a time travel plan candidate has not been generated. If a time movement plan candidate has been generated (YES in step S36), the process proceeds to step S33-1. On the other hand, if no time movement plan candidate has been generated (NO in step S36), neither the time movement plan candidate nor the area movement plan candidate has been generated, so the process ends.

[0082] The time movement plan candidate for which the determination in step S36 is YES can consume only a part of the improvement request amount. In this embodiment, even if the time movement plan candidate can consume only a part of the improvement request amount, the estimated cost is calculated in step S33-1. Also, even if the time movement plan candidate can consume only a part of the improvement request amount, the time movement plan candidate with the smallest estimated cost is selected as the power consumption plan in step S34-1. However, such a time movement plan candidate that can consume only a part of the requested improvement amount may not be selected as the power consumption plan. In this case, step S36 is unnecessary in the flow of Fig. 13. If step S36 is not included in the flow of Fig. 13, the process ends when the determination in step S35 is NO.

[0083] In step S37, the plan generating unit 103 generates candidate area movement plans. If the determination in step S30 is YES and a time movement plan candidate has been generated in step S31, the plan generating unit 103 generates an area movement plan candidate for each time movement plan candidate. That is, the plan generating unit 103 generates a candidate area movement plan for consuming surplus power that cannot be consumed in the candidate time movement plan. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S30 is NO, no time movement plan candidate has been generated, so the plan generating unit 103 generates an area movement plan candidate for consuming the improvement request amount (excess power). Step S37 will also be described in detail later.

[0084] In step S38 in FIG. 14, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not a time movement plan candidate has been generated. That is, the plan generating unit 103 determines which of the following routes the process has taken to reach step S38. Route 1: YES in step S30 → step S31 → NO in step S32 → YES in step S35 → step S37 → step S38 Route 2: NO in step S30 → YES in step S35 → step S37 → step S38

[0085] If the process has reached step S38 on route 1, a time travel plan candidate has been generated. On the other hand, if the process has reached step S38 on route 2, a time travel plan candidate has not been generated. If a time movement plan candidate has been generated (YES in step S38), the process proceeds to step S33-2. On the other hand, if no time movement plan candidate has been generated (NO in step S38), the process proceeds to step S33-2.

[0086] In step S33-2, the plan generating unit 103 calculates estimated costs for the time travel plan candidate and the area travel plan candidate. That is, the plan generation unit 103 calculates the estimated cost estimated to be required for implementing the time travel plan candidate generated in step S31 and the area travel plan candidate generated in step S37. When there are multiple pairs of the time travel plan candidate and the area travel plan candidate, the plan generation unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of the time travel plan candidate and the area travel plan candidate for each pair. Step S33-2 will be described in detail later.

[0087] In step S34-2, the plan generating unit 103 selects, as the power consumption plan of step 3 in FIG. 12, a pair with the smallest estimated cost among pairs of time movement plan candidates and area movement plan candidates that can consume all of the improvement requested amount. The internal device that is the subject of advancing or delaying discharging or charging in the time movement plan candidate selected as the power consumption plan in step S34-2 is the designated internal device. Moreover, an external device that is a target of area movement in the area movement plan candidate selected as the power consumption plan in step S34-2 is a designated external device. There may be a case where there is no pair of time movement plan candidates and area movement plan candidates that can consume all of the improvement request amount, that is, all pairs can consume only a part of the improvement request amount. In this case, the plan generation unit 103 selects, for example, the pair with the largest power consumption as the power consumption plan of step 3 in FIG. 12.

[0088] In step S33-3, the plan generation unit 103 calculates an estimated cost for the area movement plan candidate. When there are multiple area movement plan candidates, the plan generation unit 103 calculates an estimated cost for each area movement plan candidate. Step S33-1 will be described in detail later.

[0089] In step S34-3, the plan generating unit 103 selects the area movement plan candidate with the smallest estimated cost from among the area movement plan candidates that can consume the entire improvement requested amount as the power consumption plan for step 3 in FIG. The external device that is the target of area movement in the area movement plan candidate selected as the power consumption plan in step S34-3 is the designated external device. There may be a case where there is no area movement plan candidate that can consume all of the improvement request amount, that is, all area movement plan candidates can consume only a part of the improvement request amount. In this case, the plan generating unit 103 selects, for example, the area movement plan candidate with the highest power consumption as the power consumption plan of step 3 in FIG. 12.

[0090] Next, step S31 in FIG. 13 will be described in detail. 15, 16 and 17 show details of step S31. Step S31 will be described below with a concrete example. In the concrete example below, as in the previous example, it is assumed that area B610 is an improvement request area. It is also assumed that the current time is 11:30. It is also assumed that the improvement request time is 13:00.

[0091] First, in step S3101, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not there is an internal device in the improvement request area that can discharge electricity at the improvement request time. That is, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not there is an internal device whose scheduled discharge time can be brought forward or delayed to the improvement request time. The plan generating unit 103 refers to the vehicle plan information 1052, the mobile storage battery plan information 1053, and the fixed equipment plan information 1054 to determine whether or not such internal equipment exists. If such an internal device exists (YES in step S3101), the process proceeds to step S3102. On the other hand, if such an internal device does not exist (NO in step S3101), the process proceeds to step S3111 in FIG.

[0092] In step S3102, the plan generating unit 103 selects an internal device that can discharge at the improvement request time and the current scheduled discharge time of the internal device. For example, the plan generating unit 103 selects "electric water heater 2" and "12:30" when "boiling" is scheduled, which are shown in the fixed equipment plan information 1054 in FIG.

[0093] Next, in step S3103, the plan generating unit 103 adds the consumable power amount at the current scheduled discharge time of the internal device selected in step S3102 to the accumulated value. When "Electric water heater 2" and "12:30" are selected in step S3102, the plan generating unit 103 adds "20", which is the power value consumed by "Electric water heater 2" in "Heating water" at "12:30", to the accumulated value. This accumulated value is the accumulated value of the consumable power amount of the internal devices selected in step S3102 up to this point.

[0094] Next, in step S3104, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not the total value of the consumable power amount after the consumable power amount is added in step S3103 has reached the improvement request amount. If the total consumable power amount reaches the improvement request amount (YES in step S3104), the process proceeds to step S3105. On the other hand, if the total consumable power amount does not reach the improvement request amount (NO in step S3104), the process proceeds to step S3107.

[0095] In step S3105, since the total value of the consumable power amount reaches the improvement request amount, the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the time movement plan candidate in the database 105. That is, the plan generating unit 103 generates a time movement plan candidate for discharging all of the internal devices selected in step S3012 at the improvement request time. Then, the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the generated time movement plan candidate in the database 105. Specifically, the plan generating unit 103 generates a copy of the database information corresponding to the internal device selected in step S3102. Then, the plan generating unit 103 generates a time movement plan candidate in which the internal device discharges at the improvement request time in the generated copy. If "Electric water heater 2" and "12:30" are selected in step S3102, the plan generation unit 103 generates a candidate time movement plan in which, in the copy of the fixed equipment plan information 1054 (FIG. 9), "Electric water heater 2" is on "standby" at "12:30" and "heating" is performed at "13:00".

[0096] Next, in step S3106, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not all combinations of internal devices that can discharge at the improvement request time have been tried. In other words, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not the processes from step S3102 onward have been performed for all combinations of internal devices that can discharge at the improvement request time. If all combinations have been tried (YES in step S3106), the process ends. On the other hand, if there are any combinations that have not been tried (NO in step S3106), the process returns to step S3102, and the plan generating unit 103 selects the internal devices and their scheduled discharge times for the combinations that have not been tried.

[0097] Although it is determined in step S3106 whether or not all combinations of internal devices that can discharge at the improvement request time have been tried, the plan generating unit 103 may perform a different determination. For example, in step S3106, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not a prescribed number of combinations have been tried. If the prescribed number of combinations have been tried, the plan generating unit 103 may end the process even if not all combinations have been tried.

[0098] If NO in step S3104, that is, if the total value of the consumable power amount does not reach the improvement request amount, the plan generating unit 103 determines in step S3107 whether or not there is any unselected internal device. If there are any unselected internal devices (YES in step S3107), the process returns to step S3102, and the plan generating unit 103 selects the unselected internal devices and their scheduled discharge times. If there is no unselected internal device (NO in step S3107), the process proceeds to step S3108.

[0099] In step S3108, although the total value of the consumable power amount does not reach the improvement request amount, there is no further internal device that can be selected, so the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the time movement plan candidate in the database 105. The time shift plan candidate provisionally registered in step S3108 is a time shift plan candidate that can absorb part of the improvement request amount by advancing and / or delaying the scheduled discharge time, but cannot absorb all of it. Hereinafter, the time shift plan candidate provisionally registered in step S3108 is referred to as an unachieved time shift plan candidate. The operation of the plan generating unit 103 in step S3108 is similar to that described in step S3105. Then, the process proceeds to step S3121 in FIG.

[0100] Step S3111 in FIG. 16 is performed when there is no internal device that can discharge at the improvement request time (NO in step S3101).

[0101] In step S3111, it is determined whether or not there is an internal device that can be charged at the improvement request time. That is, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not there is an internal device for which the scheduled charging time can be brought forward or delayed to the improvement request time. The plan generating unit 103 refers to the vehicle plan information 1052, the mobile storage battery plan information 1053, and the fixed equipment plan information 1054 to determine whether or not such internal equipment exists. If such an internal device exists (YES in step S3111), the process proceeds to step S3112. On the other hand, if such an internal device does not exist (NO in step S3111), the process ends. In this case, since there is neither an internal device that can discharge nor an internal device that can charge at the improvement request time, no time movement plan candidate is generated.

[0102] In step S3112, the plan generating unit 103 selects an internal device that is chargeable at the improvement request time and the current scheduled charging time of the internal device. When a mobile storage battery or an electric vehicle is selected in step S3112, the plan generating unit 103 also determines whether or not there is a standby plug in the improvement request area at the improvement request time by referring to the charging equipment plan information 1055 (FIG. 10). When there is no standby plug at the improvement request time, the plan generating unit 103 cancels the selection of the mobile storage battery or the electric vehicle performed in step S3112. When a stationary storage battery is selected, a charging plug is not required for charging the stationary storage battery, so the plan generating unit 103 does not make a determination regarding a standby plug.

[0103] Next, in step S3113, the plan generating unit 103 adds the consumable power amount at the current scheduled charging time of the internal device selected in step S3112 to the accumulated value. 9 are selected in step S3112, the plan generating unit 103 adds "20", which is the power value consumed by "stationary storage battery 3" in "power storage" at "12:00", to the accumulated value. This accumulated value is the accumulated value of the consumable power amount of the internal devices selected in step S3112 up to this point.

[0104] Next, in step S3114, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not the total value of the consumable power amount after the consumable power amount is added in step S3113 has reached the improvement request amount. If the total consumable power amount reaches the improvement request amount (YES in step S3114), the process proceeds to step S3115. On the other hand, if the total consumable power amount does not reach the improvement request amount (NO in step S3114), the process proceeds to step S3117.

[0105] In step S3115, since the total value of the consumable power amount reaches the improvement request amount, the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the time movement plan candidate in the database 105. That is, the plan generating unit 103 generates a time movement plan candidate for charging all of the internal devices selected in step S3112 at the improvement request time. Then, the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the generated time movement plan candidate in the database 105. Specifically, the plan generating unit 103 generates a copy of the database information corresponding to the internal device selected in step S3112. Then, the plan generating unit 103 generates a time movement plan candidate in which the internal device performs charging at the improvement request time in the generated copy. If "Stationary storage battery 3" and "12:00" are selected in step S3112, the plan generation unit 103 generates a candidate time movement plan in which, in the copy of the fixed equipment plan information 1054 (FIG. 9), "Stationary storage battery 3" is on "standby" at "12:00" and "energy storage" is performed at "13:00".

[0106] Next, in step S3116, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not all combinations of internal devices that can be charged at the improvement request time have been tried. In other words, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not the process from step S3112 onward has been performed for all combinations of internal devices that can be charged at the improvement request time. If all combinations have been tried (YES in step S3116), the process ends. On the other hand, if there is an untried combination (NO in step S3116), the process returns to step S3112, and the plan generating unit 103 selects the internal devices and their scheduled charging times for the untried combinations.

[0107] Although it is determined in step S3116 whether or not all combinations of internal devices in the improvement request area that are capable of discharging at the improvement request time have been tried, the plan generating unit 103 may perform a different determination. For example, in step S3116, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not a prescribed number of combinations have been tried. If the prescribed number of combinations have been tried, the plan generating unit 103 may end the process even if all combinations have not been tried.

[0108] If the result of step S3114 is NO, that is, if the total value of the consumable power amount does not reach the improvement request amount, the plan generating unit 103 determines in step S3117 whether or not there is any internal device that has not been selected. If there is an unselected internal device (YES in step S3117), the process returns to step S3112, and the plan generating unit 103 selects the unselected internal device and its scheduled charging time. If there is no unselected internal device (NO in step S3117), the process proceeds to step S3118.

[0109] In step S3118, although the total value of the consumable power amount does not reach the improvement request amount, there is no further internal device that can be selected, so the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the time movement plan candidate in the database 105. The time shift plan candidate provisionally registered in step S3118 is a time shift plan candidate that can absorb a part of the improvement request amount by advancing and / or delaying the charging start time, but cannot absorb all of it. The operation of the plan generating unit 103 in step S3118 is similar to that described in step S3115. After step S3118, the process ends.

[0110] Step S3121 in Fig. 17 is performed when a candidate unachieved time travel plan is provisionally registered in step S3108 in Fig. 15. That is, step S3121 is performed when there are not enough dischargeable internal devices at the improvement request time to absorb the entire improvement request amount (NO in step S3104, NO in step S3107).

[0111] In step S3121, it is determined whether or not there is an internal device that can be charged at the improvement request time. That is, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not there is an internal device for which the scheduled charging time can be brought forward or delayed to the improvement request time. The plan generating unit 103 refers to the vehicle plan information 1052, the mobile storage battery plan information 1053, and the fixed equipment plan information 1054 to determine whether or not such internal equipment exists. If such an internal device exists (YES in step S3121), the process proceeds to step S3122. On the other hand, if such an internal device does not exist (NO in step S3121), the process ends.

[0112] In step S3122, an unselected candidate remaining time travel plan is selected.

[0113] In step S3123, the plan generating unit 103 selects a device that is chargeable at the improvement request time and the current scheduled charging time of the device. When a mobile storage battery or an electric vehicle is selected in step S3123, the plan generating unit 103 also determines whether or not there is a standby plug in the improvement request area at the improvement request time by referring to the charging equipment plan information 1055 (FIG. 10). When there is no standby plug at the improvement request time, the plan generating unit 103 cancels the selection of the mobile storage battery or the electric vehicle performed in step S3123. When a stationary storage battery is selected, a charging plug is not required for charging the stationary storage battery, so the plan generating unit 103 does not make a determination regarding a standby plug.

[0114] Next, in step S3124, the plan generating unit 103 adds the consumable power amount at the current scheduled charging time of the internal device selected in step S3123 to the accumulated value. The cumulative value here is the sum of the cumulative value of the consumable energy obtained for the unreached time movement plan candidate selected in step S3122 and the cumulative value of the consumable energy of the internal device selected in step S3123 up to this point. The cumulative value of the consumable energy obtained for the unreached time movement plan candidate selected in step S3122 is the cumulative value of the consumable energy resulting from moving forward and / or delaying the scheduled discharge time. The cumulative value of the consumable energy of the internal device selected in step S3123 up to this point is the cumulative value of the consumable energy resulting from moving forward and / or delaying the scheduled charge time.

[0115] Next, in step S3125, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not the total value of the consumable power amount after the consumable power amount is added in step S3124 has reached the improvement request amount. If the total consumable power amount reaches the improvement request amount (YES in step S3125), the process proceeds to step S3126. On the other hand, if the total consumable power amount does not reach the improvement request amount (NO in step S3125), the process proceeds to step S3129.

[0116] In step S3126, since the total value of the consumable power amount reaches the improvement request amount, the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the time movement plan candidate in the database 105. That is, the plan generating unit 103 generates a time movement plan candidate for charging all of the internal devices selected in step S3123 at the improvement request time. Then, the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the generated time movement plan candidate in the database 105 in association with the unreached time movement plan candidate selected in step S3122. The generation of time travel plan candidates in step S3126 is performed in the same manner as the generation of time travel plan candidates in step S3115.

[0117] Next, in step S3127, the plan generating unit 103 judges whether or not all combinations of devices in the improvement request area that can be charged at the improvement request time have been tried for the unreached time travel plan candidate selected in step S3122. In other words, the plan generating unit 103 judges whether or not the process from step S3123 onwards has been performed for all combinations of internal devices that can be charged at the improvement request time for the unreached time travel plan candidate selected in step S3122. If all combinations have been tried (YES in step S3127), the process proceeds to step S3128. On the other hand, if there is a combination that has not been tried (NO in step S3127), the process returns to step S3123, and the plan generating unit 103 selects the internal devices and their scheduled charging times for the combinations that have not been tried.

[0118] Although it is determined in step S3127 whether or not all combinations of internal devices in the improvement request area that are capable of discharging at the improvement request time have been tried, the plan generating unit 103 may perform a different determination. For example, in step S3127, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not a prescribed number of combinations have been tried. If the prescribed number of combinations have been tried, the plan generating unit 103 may proceed to step S3128 even if all combinations have not been tried.

[0119] In step S3128, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not there is an unselected candidate unreached time travel plan. If there is an unselected unreached time travel plan candidate (YES in step S3128), the process returns to step S3122, and the plan generating unit 103 selects an unselected unreached time travel plan candidate, and repeats the operations from step S3123 onwards. On the other hand, if there is no unselected candidate unreached time travel plan (NO in step S3128), the process ends.

[0120] If NO in step S3125, that is, if the total value of the consumable power amount does not reach the improvement request amount, the plan generating unit 103 determines in step S3129 whether or not there is any device that has not been selected. If there is an unselected internal device (YES in step S3129), the process returns to step S3123, and the plan generating unit 103 selects the unselected internal device and its scheduled charging time. If there are no unselected internal devices (NO in step S3129), the process proceeds to step S3130.

[0121] In step S3130, although the total value of the consumable power amount does not reach the improvement request amount, there is no further internal device that can be selected, so the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the time movement plan candidate in the database 105. The time shift plan candidate provisionally registered in step S3130 is a time shift plan candidate that cannot absorb all of the improvement request amount even if the charging start time is advanced and / or delayed in addition to the discharging start time advanced and / or delayed in the unachieved time shift plan candidate selected in step S3122. The plan generating unit 103 generates a time movement plan candidate in the same manner as in step S3115. Then, the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the generated time movement plan candidate in the database 105 in association with the unreached time movement plan candidate selected in step S3122.

[0122] After that, in step S3128, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not there is an unselected unreached time travel plan candidate. If there is an unselected unreached time travel plan candidate (YES in step S3128), the process returns to step S3122, and the plan generating unit 103 selects an unselected unreached time travel plan candidate, and repeats the operations from step S3123 onwards. On the other hand, if there is no unselected candidate unreached time travel plan (NO in step S3128), the process ends.

[0123] Next, step S37 in FIG. 13 will be described in detail. 18 and 19 show details of step S37.

[0124] First, in step S3701, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not a time movement plan candidate has been generated. If no time movement plan candidate has been generated (NO in step S3701), the process proceeds to step S3702. On the other hand, if a time travel plan candidate has been generated (YES in step S3701), the process proceeds to step S3721 in FIG.

[0125] In step S3702, the plan generating unit 103 selects charging equipment in the improvement request area that has a standby plug at the improvement request time. Specifically, the plan generating unit 103 refers to the charging facility plan information 1055 (FIG. 10) and selects a charging facility in which the status of the charging plug is "standby" at "13:00" from among the charging facilities located in the area B610. In the example of FIG. 10, for example, the plan generating unit 103 selects "charging facility 3."

[0126] Next, in step S3703, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not there is a movable external device that can be charged at the improvement request time in an area adjacent to the improvement request area. In other words, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not an area movement plan can be generated. If such an external device exists (YES in step S3703), the process proceeds to step S3704. On the other hand, if such an external device does not exist (NO in step S3703), the process proceeds to step S3709.

[0127] In step S3704, the plan generating unit 103 selects unselected movable external devices that can be charged at the improvement request time in areas neighboring the improvement request area. Specifically, the plan generating unit 103 selects the movable external devices by the number of standby plugs in order of proximity to the charging facility selected in step S3702. The plan generating unit 103 refers to the vehicle plan information 1052 (FIG. 7) and the mobile battery plan information 1053 (FIG. 8) to search for movable external devices that can be charged in nearby areas at the improvement request time. The plan generating unit 103 also refers to the navigation information 1056 (FIG. 11) to select the number of movable external devices that can be charged by the number of standby plugs in order of the distance to the charging facility selected in step S3702. In the example of vehicle plan information 1052 (FIG. 7) and mobile battery plan information 1053 (FIG. 8), the mobile external devices in area A510 that can be charged at "13:00" are "electric vehicle 1," "electric vehicle 2," "mobile battery 1," and "mobile battery 2." If "charging facility 3" is selected in step S3702, the number of standby plugs is "2." The plan generation unit 103 selects "electric vehicle 1" and "mobile battery 1," which are the two external devices closest to charging facility 3, based on the navigation information 1056 (FIG. 11).

[0128] Next, in step S3705, the plan generating unit 103 adds the consumable power amount at the improvement request time of the external device selected in step S3703 to the cumulative value. When "electric vehicle 1" and "mobile storage battery 1" are selected in step S3704, the plan generating unit 103 converts "20", which is the consumable power amount of "electric vehicle 1" at "13:00", and "20", which is the consumable power amount of "mobile storage battery 1" at "13:00", into a cumulative value. This cumulative value is the cumulative value of the consumable power amounts of the external devices selected in step S3703 up to this point.

[0129] Next, in step S3706, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not the total value of the consumable power amount after the consumable power amount is added in step S3705 has reached the improvement request amount. If the total consumable power amount reaches the improvement request amount (YES in step S3706), the process proceeds to step S3707. On the other hand, if the total consumable power amount does not reach the improvement request amount (NO in step S3706), the process proceeds to step S3709.

[0130] In step S3707, since the total value of the consumable power amount reaches the improvement request amount, the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the area movement plan candidate in the database 105. That is, the plan generating unit 103 generates a candidate area movement plan for moving all of the external devices selected in step S3704 to the improvement-requested area and charging them in the improvement-requested area. Then, the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the generated candidate area movement plan in the database 105. Specifically, the plan generating unit 103 generates a copy of the database information corresponding to the external device selected in step S3704. Then, the plan generating unit 103 generates a candidate area movement plan in which the external device charges in the improvement request area in the generated copy. When "electric vehicle 1" and "mobile battery 1" are selected in step S3704, the plan generating unit 103 generates an area movement plan candidate in the copy of the vehicle plan information 1052 (FIG. 7) and the copy of the mobile battery plan information 1053 (FIG. 8). More specifically, in the copy of the vehicle plan information 1052 (FIG. 7), the plan generating unit 103 generates an area movement plan candidate in which "electric vehicle 1" charges at "13:00" at "charging facility 3", which is the charging facility selected in step S3702. Also, in the copy of the mobile battery plan information 1053 (FIG. 8), the plan generating unit 103 generates an area movement plan candidate in which "mobile battery 1" charges at "13:00" at "charging facility 3", which is the charging facility selected in step S3702.

[0131] Next, in step S3708, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not all combinations of charging facilities in the improvement request area that have standby plugs at the improvement request time have been tried. In other words, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not the processes in step S3702 and thereafter have been performed for all combinations of charging facilities that have standby plugs at the improvement request time. If all combinations have been tried (YES in step S3708), the process ends. On the other hand, if there are untried combinations (NO in step S3708), the process returns to step S3702, and the plan generating unit 103 selects charging equipment for the untried combinations.

[0132] Although it is determined in step S3708 whether or not all combinations of charging facilities in the improvement request area that have standby plugs at the improvement request time have been tried, the plan generating unit 103 may perform a different determination. For example, in step S3708, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not a prescribed number of combinations have been tried. If the prescribed number of combinations have been tried, the plan generating unit 103 may end the process even if not all combinations have been tried.

[0133] If the result of step S3706 is NO, that is, if the total amount of consumable power does not reach the improvement request amount, the plan generation unit 103 determines in step S3709 whether there is any unselected charging equipment among the charging equipment in the improvement request area that has a standby plug at the improvement request time. If there is any unselected charging facility (YES in step S3709), the process returns to step S3702, and the plan generating unit 103 selects an unselected charging facility. If there is no unselected charging equipment (NO in step S3709), the process proceeds to step S3710.

[0134] In step S3710, although the total value of the consumable power amount does not reach the improvement request amount, there is no further charging facility that can be selected, so the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the area movement plan candidate in the database 105. The area movement plan candidate provisionally registered in step S3710 is an area movement plan candidate that can absorb part of the improvement request amount by moving external devices in a neighboring area to the improvement request area, but cannot absorb all of it. The operation of the plan generating section 103 in step S3710 is similar to that described in step S3707. The process then ends.

[0135] Step S3721 in FIG. 19 is performed when a time travel plan candidate has been generated (YES in step S3701).

[0136] In step S3721, the plan generating unit 103 selects an unselected time travel plan candidate.

[0137] In step S3722, the plan generating unit 103 selects charging equipment in the improvement request area that has a standby plug at the improvement request time. The plan generating unit 103 selects charging equipment in a procedure similar to that in step S3702.

[0138] Next, in step S3723, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not there is an unselected movable external device that can be charged at the improvement request time in an area adjacent to the improvement request area. If such an external device exists, processing proceeds to step S3724. On the other hand, if no such external device exists, processing proceeds to step S3730.

[0139] In step S3724, the plan generating unit 103 selects an unselected, movable external device that can be charged at the improvement request time in an area adjacent to the improvement request area. The plan generating unit 103 selects an external device in the same procedure as in step S3704.

[0140] Next, in step S3725, the plan generating unit 103 adds the consumable power amount at the improvement request time of the external device selected in step S3724 to the cumulative value. The cumulative value here is the sum of the cumulative value of the consumable energy obtained in the time movement plan candidate selected in step S3721 and the cumulative value of the consumable energy of the external device selected in step S3724. The cumulative value of the consumable energy obtained in the time movement plan candidate selected in step S3721 is the cumulative value of the consumable energy resulting from advancing and / or delaying the scheduled discharge time and / or scheduled charge time. The plan generating unit 103 adds the consumable power amount to the cumulative value in the same manner as in step S3705.

[0141] Next, in step S3726, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not the total value of the consumable power amount after the consumable power amount is added in step S3725 has reached the improvement request amount. If the total consumable power amount reaches the improvement request amount (YES in step S3726), the process proceeds to step S3727. On the other hand, if the total consumable power amount does not reach the improvement request amount (NO in step S3726), the process proceeds to step S3730.

[0142] In step S3727, since the total value of the consumable power amount reaches the improvement request amount, the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the area movement plan candidate in the database 105. The plan generating unit 103 generates an area movement plan candidate in the same procedure as in step S3707. Then, the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the generated area movement plan candidate in the database 105 in association with the time movement plan candidate selected in step S3721.

[0143] Next, in step S3728, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not all combinations of charging facilities in the improvement request area that have standby plugs at the improvement request time have been tried. If all combinations have been tried (YES in step S3728), the process proceeds to step S3729. On the other hand, if there are untried combinations (NO in step S3728), the process returns to step S3722, and the plan generating unit 103 selects charging equipment for the untried combinations.

[0144] Although it is determined in step S3728 whether or not all combinations of charging facilities in the improvement request area that have standby plugs at the improvement request time have been tried, the plan generating unit 103 may perform a different determination. For example, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not a prescribed number of combinations have been tried in step S3728. If the prescribed number of combinations have been tried, the plan generating unit 103 may proceed to step S3729 even if all combinations have not been tried.

[0145] In step S3729, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not there is an unselected time travel plan candidate. If there is an unselected unreached time movement plan candidate (YES in step S3729), the process returns to step S3721, and the plan generating unit 103 selects an unselected time movement plan candidate and repeats the operations from step S3722 onwards. On the other hand, if there are no unselected time travel plan candidates (NO in step S3729), the process ends.

[0146] If the result of step S3726 is NO, that is, if the total amount of consumable power does not reach the improvement request amount, the plan generation unit 103 determines in step S3730 whether there is any unselected charging equipment among the charging equipment in the improvement request area that has a standby plug at the improvement request time. If there is any unselected charging facility (YES in step S3730), the process returns to step S3722, and the plan generating unit 103 selects an unselected charging facility. If there is no unselected charging equipment (NO in step S3730), the process proceeds to step S3731.

[0147] In step S3731, although the total value of the consumable power amount has not reached the improvement request amount, there is no further charging facility that can be selected, so the plan generating unit 103 provisionally registers the area movement plan candidate in the database 105. The area movement plan candidate provisionally registered in step S3731 is an area movement plan candidate that can absorb part of the improvement request amount by moving external devices in a neighboring area to the improvement request area, but cannot absorb all of it. The operation of the plan generating section 103 in step S3731 is similar to that described in step S3727.

[0148] After that, in step S3729, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether or not there is an unselected time travel plan candidate. If there is an unselected time movement plan candidate (YES in step S3729), the process returns to step S3721, and the plan generating unit 103 selects an unselected time movement plan candidate and repeats the operations from step S3722 onwards. On the other hand, if there are no unselected time travel plan candidates (NO in step S3729), the process ends.

[0149] Next, a method for calculating the estimated cost shown in steps S33-1, S33-2, and S33-3 in FIG. 13 will be described.

[0150] In steps S33-1 and S33-2, the plan generating unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of the time travel plan candidate by the following formula (1). Unit electricity charge x power consumption + Penalty fee × unmet improvement request amount Equation (1) In equation (1), "unit electricity price" is the price per kilowatt-hour. "Power consumption" is the amount of power consumed by discharging or charging an internal device. When the time shift of the regulation power is targeted at multiple internal devices, "power consumption" is the total value of the power consumption of the multiple internal devices. A "penalty fee" is levied if the requested improvement amount is not met. The "penalty fee" is also a fee per kilowatt hour. The "unmet improvement request amount" is the amount of power obtained by subtracting the above-mentioned "power consumption amount" from the improvement request amount. "Penalty fee x unmet improvement request amount" is also called "penalty cost." In addition, the plan generating unit 103 determines the “penalty cost” in the formula (1). Canada The calculation may be omitted.

[0151] In addition, in steps S33-2 and S33-3, the plan generation unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of the area movement plan candidate using the following formula (2). In the case of step S33-2, the plan generation unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of the time movement plan candidate using the above formula (1), and further calculates the estimated cost of the area movement plan candidate using the following formula (2). Unit electricity cost x travel time x electricity cost + unit electricity cost x power consumption + Penalty fee × unmet improvement request amount Equation (2) In formula (2), the “unit electricity charge”, “penalty charge”, and “unmet improvement request amount” are the same as those shown in formula (1). "Power consumption" is the amount of power consumed by charging an external device. When the area of ​​the adjustment capability is changed to include multiple external devices, "power consumption" is the total amount of power consumed by the multiple external devices. "Travel time" is the time required for an electric vehicle to travel to a charging facility if the target of the area movement of the regulation power is an electric vehicle. If the target of the area movement of the regulation power is a mobile storage battery and the means for moving the mobile storage battery is an electric vehicle, it is the time required for the electric vehicle to move the mobile storage battery to a charging facility. If the target of the area movement of the regulation capability is an electric vehicle, the "electricity cost" is the electricity cost of the electric vehicle. If the target of the area movement of the regulation capability is a mobile storage battery and the means for moving the mobile storage battery is an electric vehicle, the "electricity cost" is the electricity cost of the electric vehicle. In addition, when the target of the area movement of the adjustment power is a mobile storage battery and the means for moving the mobile storage battery is not an electric vehicle, the plan generation unit 103 calculates the cost required to move the mobile storage battery using a different method. The plan generating unit 103 calculates the penalty cost in the formula (2). Canada The calculation may be omitted.

[0152] The above “unit electricity charge”, “penalty charge” and “electricity cost” are described in the cost information 1057. In addition, the “power consumption amount” is obtained from the time travel plan candidate or area travel plan candidate generated by the plan generating unit 103. The "unmet improvement request amount" is obtained from the "improvement request amount" from the power supply management system 210 and the "power consumption amount" obtained from the time movement plan candidate or area movement plan candidate. The "travel time" is obtained from the navigation information 1056 (FIG. 11). The plan generating unit 103 may calculate the estimated cost using a formula other than formula (1) and formula (2).

[0153] Next, specific examples of time movement plan candidates and area movement plan candidates generated by the plan generating unit 103 will be described. 20, 21, and 22 show examples of time movement plan candidates and area movement plan candidates generated by the plan generating unit 103. FIG. Fig. 20 shows an example of fixed equipment plan information 1054 generated as a time movement plan candidate. In Fig. 20, differences from Fig. 9 are indicated by a black background and white characters. Fig. 21 shows an example of vehicle plan information 1052 generated as an area movement plan candidate. In Fig. 21, differences from Fig. 7 are shown with a black background and white characters. Fig. 22 shows an example of moving battery plan information 1053 generated as an area moving plan candidate. In Fig. 22 as well, differences from Fig. 8 are indicated by a black background and white characters. Fig. 23 shows an example of charging facility plan information 1055 updated in accordance with the area movement plan candidates of Fig. 21 and Fig. 22. In Fig. 23 as well, differences from Fig. 10 are shown with a black background and white characters.

[0154] In the fixed equipment plan information 1054 in Fig. 9, "power storage" of "stationary storage battery 3" and "stationary storage battery 4" is scheduled to occur at "12:00". The plan generating unit 103 determines that this "power storage" of "stationary storage battery 3" and "stationary storage battery 4" at "12:00" can be postponed to "13:00". As a result, the fixed equipment plan information 1054 in Fig. 20 indicates that "power storage" of "stationary storage battery 3" and "stationary storage battery 4" will occur at "13:00" instead of "12:00". Moreover, in the fixed equipment plan information 1054 in Fig. 9, "heating" of "electric water heater 2" is scheduled to occur at "12:30". The plan generating unit 103 determines that this "heating" of "electric water heater 2" at "12:30" can be postponed to "13:00". As a result, the fixed equipment plan information 1054 in Fig. 20 indicates that "heating" of "electric water heater 2" will occur at "13:00" instead of "12:30". The "stationary storage battery 3," "stationary storage battery 4," and "electric water heater 2" shown in the stationary equipment plan information 1054 in FIG. 20 are designated internal equipment.

[0155] In the vehicle plan information 1052 of Fig. 7, at "13:00", "electric vehicle 1" and "electric vehicle 2" are in a "standby" state, and charging of an amount of electric energy "20" is possible. The plan generating unit 103 determines that "electric vehicle 1" and "electric vehicle 2" can be moved to area B610 at "13:00" to consume electric power through charging. Furthermore, with reference to the navigation information 1056 (Fig. 11), the plan generating unit 103 determines that "electric vehicle 1" is closer to "charging facility 3" than to "charging facility 4", and that "electric vehicle 2" is closer to "charging facility 4" than to "charging facility 3". As a result, the vehicle plan information 1052 in Fig. 21 indicates that at "13:00", "electric vehicle 1" will be "charged" with an amount of electric power of "20" by moving to "X219, Y219", the location of "charging facility 3". Also, the vehicle plan information 1052 in Fig. 21 indicates that at "13:00", "electric vehicle 2" will be "charged" with an amount of electric power of "20" by moving to "X229, Y229", the location of "charging facility 4". "Electric vehicle 1" and "Electric vehicle 2" shown in the vehicle plan information 1052 in FIG. 21 are designated external devices.

[0156] In the mobile battery plan information 1053 of Fig. 8, at "13:00", "Mobile Battery 1" and "Mobile Battery 2" are in a "standby" state, and charging of an amount of power "20" is possible. The plan generating unit 103 determines that it is possible to move "Mobile Battery 1" and "Mobile Battery 2" to area B610 at "13:00" and consume power through charging. Furthermore, with reference to the navigation information 1056 (Fig. 11), the plan generating unit 103 determines that "Mobile Battery 1" is closer to "charging facility 3" than to "charging facility 4", and that "Mobile Battery 2" is closer to "charging facility 4" than to "charging facility 3". As a result, the mobile battery plan information 1053 in Fig. 22 indicates that at "13:00" "mobile battery 1" will be "charged" with an amount of energy "20" by moving to "X219, Y219", the location of "charging facility 3". Also, the mobile battery plan information 1053 in Fig. 22 indicates that at "13:00" "mobile battery 2" will be "charged" with an amount of energy "20" by moving to "X229, Y229", the location of "charging facility 4". "Mobile battery 1" and "Mobile battery 2" shown in mobile battery plan information 1053 in FIG. 22 are designated external devices.

[0157] In the charging facility plan information 1055 in Fig. 10, at "charging facility 3" at "13:00", "plug 1" and "plug 2" are in a "standby" state. As described above, at "13:00", "electric vehicle 1" and "mobile storage battery 1" are charged at "charging facility 3". For this reason, the charging facility plan information 1055 in Fig. 23 indicates that "plug 1" and "plug 2" of "charging facility 3" are "used" at "13:00". 10, "Plug 1" and "Plug 2" are in a "standby" state at "charging facility 4" at "13:00". As described above, "electric vehicle 2" and "mobile storage battery 2" are charged at "charging facility 4" at "13:00". For this reason, the charging facility plan information 1055 in FIG. 23 indicates that "Plug 1" and "Plug 2" of "charging facility 4" are "used" at "13:00".

[0158] ***Description of the Effects of the Embodiment*** In this embodiment, the power management device 100 moves external devices that are movable in areas other than the improvement-requested area to the improvement-requested area, causing the external devices to consume power. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of reverse power flow that exceeds the operational capacity of the power distribution system.

[0159] Furthermore, in this embodiment, power management apparatus 100 moves external devices in areas adjacent to the improvement request area to the improvement request area. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reliably avoid the occurrence of reverse power flow that exceeds the operational capacity of the power distribution system without inviting a situation in which the movement of the external devices is not completed in time for the improvement request time.

[0160] Embodiment 2 In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 13, when a time movement plan candidate cannot be generated or when the improvement request amount cannot be fully consumed in the time movement plan candidate, the plan generating unit 103 generates an area movement plan candidate as a complement. In other words, in the first embodiment, when the improvement request amount can be fully consumed in the time movement plan candidate, the plan generating unit 103 does not generate an area movement plan candidate. The plan generating unit 103 may perform a process different from the process shown in FIG. Specifically, even if the improvement request amount can be entirely consumed in the time movement plan candidate, the plan generating unit 103 may generate the area movement plan candidate. Then, the plan generation unit 103 may calculate estimated costs for all of the generated time travel plan candidates and generated area travel plan candidates, and select the time travel plan candidate or area travel plan candidate with the smallest estimated cost as the power consumption plan. Furthermore, the plan generating unit 103 may generate only area movement plan candidates without generating time movement plan candidates. In addition, the plan generating unit 103 may generate a candidate time movement plan as a complement when an area movement plan candidate cannot be generated or when the area movement plan is unable to sufficiently consume the improvement request amount.

[0161] Although the first and second embodiments have been described above, these two embodiments may be combined and implemented. Alternatively, one of these two embodiments may be partially implemented. Alternatively, these two embodiments may be partially combined. Furthermore, the configurations and procedures described in these two embodiments may be modified as necessary.

[0162] ***Additional hardware configuration information*** Finally, a supplementary explanation of the hardware configuration of the power management apparatus 100 will be provided. A processor 901 shown in FIG. 5 is an integrated circuit (IC) that performs processing. The processor 901 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like. The main storage device 902 shown in FIG. 5 is a RAM (Random Access Memory). The auxiliary storage device 903 shown in FIG. 5 is a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like. The communication device 904 shown in FIG. 5 is an electronic circuit that performs data communication processing. The communication device 904 is, for example, a communication chip or a NIC (Network Interface Card).

[0163] The auxiliary storage device 903 also stores an OS (Operating System). At least a part of the OS is executed by the processor 901 . The processor 901 executes at least a part of the OS, and executes programs that realize the functions of the receiving unit 101, the database management unit 102, the plan generating unit 103, and the transmitting unit 104. The processor 901 executes the OS, which performs task management, memory management, file management, communication control, and the like. In addition, at least one of information, data, signal values, and variable values ​​indicating the results of processing by the receiving unit 101, the database management unit 102, the plan generation unit 103, and the transmitting unit 104 is stored in at least one of the main memory device 902, the auxiliary memory device 903, the register within the processor 901, and the cache memory. Furthermore, the programs for realizing the functions of the receiving unit 101, the database management unit 102, the plan generating unit 103, and the transmitting unit 104 may be stored in a portable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk, a DVD, etc. Then, the portable recording medium storing the programs for realizing the functions of the receiving unit 101, the database management unit 102, the plan generating unit 103, and the transmitting unit 104 may be distributed.

[0164] Furthermore, the "part" in at least any of the receiving part 101, the database management part 102, the plan generating part 103, and the transmitting part 104 may be read as a "circuit" or a "process" or a "procedure" or a "processing" or a "circuitry". Furthermore, power management apparatus 100 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit is, for example, a logic integrated circuit (IC), a gate array (GA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In this case, the receiving unit 101, the database management unit 102, the plan generating unit 103 and the transmitting unit 104 are each realized as part of a processing circuit. In this specification, the higher-level concept of a processor and a processing circuit is called "processing circuitry." That is, a processor and a processing circuit are each specific examples of "processing circuitry." [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 100 Power management device, 101 Receiving unit, 102 Database management unit, 103 Plan generation unit, 104 Transmitting unit, 105 Database, 1051 Area information, 1052 Vehicle plan information, 1053 Mobile storage battery plan information, 1054 Stationary equipment plan information, 1055 Charging equipment plan information, 1056 Navigation information, 1057 Cost information, 210 Power supply management system, 220 Power company terminal, 230 Consumer terminal, 240 Charging equipment operator terminal, 250 Road passenger movement operator terminal, 500 Power distribution system A, 510 Area A, 521 Solar panel, 522 Electric vehicle, 523 Mobile storage battery, 524 Stationary storage battery, 525 Electric water heater, 526 Charging equipment, 600 Power distribution system B, 610 Area B, 621 Solar panel, 622 Electric vehicle, 623 mobile battery, 624 stationary battery, 625 electric water heater, 626 charging equipment, 901 processor, 902 main memory device, 903 auxiliary memory device, 904 communication device.

Claims

1. a plan generation unit that, when it is predicted that a reverse flow will occur in any one of a plurality of areas, generates a power consumption plan by calculating costs of power consumption by the external power consumption devices in the reverse flow area, the power consumption plan being for moving external power consumption devices that are power consumption devices located in an area other than a reverse flow area where the reverse flow is predicted to occur to the reverse flow area, and having the external power consumption devices consume excess power in the reverse flow area, which is power that exceeds an operational capacity of a power distribution system that distributes power to the reverse flow area; an instruction unit that instructs the external power consumption device to be moved to the reverse power flow area in accordance with the power consumption plan.

2. The plan generation unit The power management device according to claim 1 , wherein the power consumption plan is generated by calculating a penalty fee to be imposed if the excess power consumption limit is not met.

3. The plan generation unit The power management device according to claim 2 , wherein the power consumption plan is generated by calculating a cost for moving the external power consumption device to the reverse power flow area.

4. The plan generation unit The power management device according to claim 1 , wherein the power consumption plan is generated to move external power consumption devices located in an area adjacent to the reverse flow area to the reverse flow area.

5. The plan generation unit The power management device of claim 1 generates a power consumption plan that causes external power consumption devices that are not scheduled to consume power during a predicted time period in which the reverse flow is predicted to occur in the reverse flow area to consume power in the predicted time period.

6. The plan generation unit 2. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein the power management device generates a power consumption plan for selecting one of the plurality of external power consumption devices based on a distance between a current position of each of the plurality of external power consumption devices located in an area other than the reverse flow area and a location of a charging facility located in the reverse flow area, and for moving the selected external power consumption device to the reverse flow area.

7. The plan generation unit generating a plurality of candidate power consumption plans that are candidates for the power consumption plan; 2. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein an estimated cost estimated to be required for implementing each power consumption plan candidate is calculated, and the power consumption plan candidate with the smallest estimated cost is selected as the power consumption plan from among the plurality of power consumption plan candidates.

8. The plan generation unit 8. The power management device according to claim 7, wherein the power management device generates at least one of a candidate power consumption plan that causes only the external power consumption devices to consume excess power that exceeds the operational capacity of the power distribution system that distributes power to the reverse flow area, and a candidate power consumption plan that causes only internal power consumption devices that are power consumption devices located in the reverse flow area to consume the excess power.

9. The plan generation unit The power management device according to claim 7, wherein a candidate power consumption plan is generated that causes the external power consumption devices and internal power consumption devices that are power consumption devices located in the reverse flow area to consume excess power that exceeds the operational capacity of the distribution system that distributes power to the reverse flow area.

10. The plan generation unit The power management device according to claim 9, wherein a power consumption plan candidate is generated that causes the internal power consumption device to consume the excess power and causes the external power consumption device to consume the remaining power that cannot be consumed by the internal power consumption device.

11. The plan generation unit The power management device according to claim 9, wherein a power consumption plan candidate is generated that causes the external power consumption device to consume the excess power and causes the internal power consumption device to consume the remaining power that cannot be consumed by the external power consumption device.

12. The plan generation unit The power management device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein a candidate power consumption plan is generated that causes the internal power consumption device to consume power during a predicted time period other than a predicted time period in which the reverse power flow is predicted to occur.

13. The plan generation unit 4. The power management device according to claim 3, wherein the power consumption plan is generated by adding the cost of moving the external power consumption device to the reverse flow area, the cost of power consumption by the external power consumption device in the reverse flow area, and the penalty cost.

14. The external power consumption device is a charging device that is connected to a charging plug and charges, The plan generation unit 2. The power management device according to claim 1, further comprising: a power management unit configured to identify, among the charging plugs present in the reverse power flow area, the number and locations of standby plugs that will not be used for charging during a predicted time period in which the reverse power flow is predicted to occur; and a power management unit configured to generate the power consumption plan based on the identified number and locations of the standby plugs.

15. when it is predicted that a reverse power flow will occur in any one of a plurality of areas, the computer calculates costs of power consumption by the external power consumption devices in the reverse flow area to generate a power consumption plan in which external power consumption devices, which are power consumption devices located in areas other than the reverse flow area where the reverse power flow is predicted to occur, are moved to the reverse flow area, and the external power consumption devices are caused to consume excess power in the reverse flow area, which is power that exceeds the operational capacity of the power distribution system that distributes power to the reverse flow area; The power management method further comprises the step of: instructing the computer to move the external power consumption device to the reverse power flow area in accordance with the power consumption plan.

16. a plan generation process for calculating costs of power consumption by the external power consumption devices in the reverse flow area to generate a power consumption plan for, when a reverse flow is predicted to occur in any one of a plurality of areas, moving external power consumption devices that are power consumption devices located in an area other than a reverse flow area where the reverse flow is predicted to occur to the reverse flow area, and having the external power consumption devices consume excess power in the reverse flow area, which is power that exceeds an operational capacity of a power distribution system that distributes power to the reverse flow area; and issuing an instruction to move the external power consumption device to the reverse flow area in accordance with the power consumption plan.

Images