Charge / discharge control device, charge / discharge control method, and program

Abstract

Provided are a charge / discharge control device, a charge / discharge control method, and a program that allow both a retail electricity provider and a consumer to enjoy an economic merit. A charge / discharge control server 1 comprises: a power generation amount prediction unit 11 that predicts a power generation amount of a consumer having a distributed power supply; a demand amount prediction unit 12 that predicts a demand amount of the consumer; a price acquisition unit 13 that acquires a power transaction market price; a charge / discharge plan creation unit 14 that creates a DR charge / discharge plan related to the distributed power supply on the basis of the predicted power generation amount and demand amount, and the acquired market price; a plan implementation propriety determination unit 15 that receives the results of determining the propriety of implementing control based on the DR charge / discharge plan, such determination being performed on the basis of the economic efficiency when control based on the DR charge / discharge plan is performed and the economic efficiency when said control is not performed; and a distributed power supply instruction unit 16 that causes the distributed power supply to perform control based on the DR charge / discharge plan if the determination result by the plan implementation propriety determination unit 15 is to implement control based on the DR charge / discharge plan.

Description

Charge / discharge control device, charge / discharge control method and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a charge / discharge control device, a charge / discharge control method, and a program.

[0002] Currently, consumers purchase electricity from retail electricity suppliers (grids) such as electric power companies. In recent years, due to government policies and other factors, consumers have begun installing solar panels to cover their own electricity needs and sell the electricity. Under these circumstances, a charge / discharge control device has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The charge / discharge control device controls charging / discharging of a storage battery 14 for charging power generated by a power generation device 13 and grid power from a grid 200. The charge / discharge control device includes: a calculation unit 11 that calculates the discharge amount and charge amount of the storage battery 14 based on the magnitude relationship between the grid power purchase price and the power sale price, the predicted power demand of the consumer, and the predicted power generation amount of the power generation device 13, and a control unit that controls the charge / discharge and timing of the charge / discharge of the storage battery 14 based on the discharge amount and charge amount calculated by the calculation unit 11.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-4529

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 is intended to primarily reduce electricity consumers' electricity bills by calculating the discharge and charge amounts of a storage battery using the price of grid electricity and forecast values ​​of the consumer's electricity demand and power generation. On the other hand, it is more profitable for retail electricity suppliers to use electricity during times when the wholesale electricity market spot price (hereinafter referred to as "market price") is lower than during times when it is higher.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a charge / discharge control device, a charge / discharge control method, and a program that allow both electricity retailers and consumers to enjoy economic benefits.

[0006] The present invention relates to a charge / discharge control device comprising: a charge / discharge plan creation means for creating a demand-response charge / discharge plan for a distributed power source owned by a consumer based on a predicted value or a discharge time period specified by a user; a judgment means for receiving a judgment result on whether or not to implement control based on the demand-response charge / discharge plan based on the economic efficiency of implementing control based on the demand-response charge / discharge plan and the economic efficiency of not implementing the control; and a distributed power source control means for causing the distributed power source to perform control based on the demand-response charge / discharge plan when the judgment result by the judgment means is to implement control based on the demand-response charge / discharge plan.

[0007] The charge / discharge control device may also include a power generation amount prediction means for predicting the power generation amount of a consumer having a distributed power source, a demand amount prediction means for predicting the demand amount of the consumer, and a price acquisition means for acquiring the market price of electricity trading, and the charge / discharge plan creation means may create the demand response charge / discharge plan using the predicted power generation amount and demand amount and the acquired market price as the predicted values.

[0008] Furthermore, in the charge / discharge control device, the power generation amount prediction means may predict the power generation amount for a future date, the demand amount prediction means may predict the demand amount for the future date, the price acquisition means may acquire the market price for the future date, the charge / discharge plan creation means may create the demand response charge / discharge plan for the future date, and the judgment means may accept a judgment result as to whether or not control based on the demand response charge / discharge plan for the future date can be implemented.

[0009] In addition, in the charge / discharge control device, the power generation prediction means and the demand prediction means may make predictions based on the location of the consumer that has the distributed power source, and the price acquisition means may acquire the market price in an area that includes the location of the consumer.

[0010] In the charge / discharge control device, the charge / discharge plan creation means may create the demand-response charge / discharge plan including a charging time period, a discharging time period, and a stop time period excluding the charging and discharging time periods.

[0011] In addition, in the charge / discharge control device, the charge / discharge plan creation means may create the demand-response charge / discharge plan that includes at least one of a charging time period, a discharging time period, and a stop time period excluding the charging and discharging time periods.

[0012] In addition, in the charge / discharge control device, the economic efficiency is an amount calculated based on a procurement cost based on the market price and the electricity bill of the consumer, and the judgment means may accept a judgment result to implement control based on the demand response charge / discharge plan if the economic efficiency when control based on the demand response charge / discharge plan is performed exceeds the economic efficiency when the control is not performed.

[0013] In addition, in the charge / discharge control device, the power generation prediction means may predict the power generation amount by inputting predicted values ​​of the temperature and solar radiation amount for the target day into a power generation prediction model that has been trained using a set of information including the temperature, solar radiation amount, and the power generation amount for each specified time period.

[0014] In addition, in the charge / discharge control device, the demand prediction means may predict the demand by inputting the predicted values ​​of the day of the week, temperature, and time period of the target day into a demand prediction model that has been trained using information including a set of information including the day of the week, temperature, and time period, and the demand for each specified time period.

[0015] In the charge / discharge control device, the charge / discharge plan creation means may create the demand-response charge / discharge plan further based on a rate based on an electricity rate plan of the customer.

[0016] In the charge / discharge control device, the charge / discharge plan creation means may create the demand-response charge / discharge plan further based on information on a storage battery mode of the customer.

[0017] In the charge / discharge control device, the charge / discharge plan creation means may create the demand-response charge / discharge plan further based on a power selling price when selling surplus power.

[0018] The charge / discharge control device may output the economic efficiency when control based on the demand-response charge / discharge plan is performed and the economic efficiency when the control is not performed.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a charge / discharge control method including a power generation amount prediction step in which a charge / discharge control device predicts the amount of power generated by a consumer having a distributed power source, a demand amount prediction step in which the consumer's demand amount is predicted, a price acquisition step in which the market price for electricity trading is acquired, a charge / discharge plan creation step in which a demand-response charge / discharge plan for the distributed power source is created based on the predicted power generation amount and the demand amount and the acquired market price, a determination step in which the charge / discharge control device receives a determination result on whether or not to implement control based on the demand-response charge / discharge plan based on the economic efficiency of implementing control based on the demand-response charge / discharge plan and the economic efficiency of not implementing the control, and a distributed power source control step in which the charge / discharge control device causes the distributed power source to implement control based on the demand-response charge / discharge plan when the determination result in the determination step is to implement control based on the demand-response charge / discharge plan.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a program for causing a computer to function as a power generation amount prediction means for predicting the amount of power generated by a consumer having a distributed power source, a demand amount prediction means for predicting the amount of demand of the consumer, a price acquisition means for acquiring the market price for electricity trading, a charge / discharge plan creation means for creating a demand-response charge / discharge plan for the distributed power source based on the predicted power generation amount and demand amount and the acquired market price, a determination means for accepting a determination result as to whether or not control based on the demand-response charge / discharge plan should be implemented based on the economic efficiency of implementing control based on the demand-response charge / discharge plan and the economic efficiency of not implementing the control, and a distributed power source control means for causing the distributed power source to perform control based on the demand-response charge / discharge plan when the determination result by the determination means is to implement control based on the demand-response charge / discharge plan.

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a charge / discharge control device, a charge / discharge control method, and a program that allow both electricity retailers and consumers to enjoy economic benefits.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the overall configuration of the charge and discharge control system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a charge and discharge control server and a consumer device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a distributed power source control process in the charge and discharge control server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining data used for prediction of a power generation amount prediction model in the charge and discharge control server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining data used for prediction of a demand amount prediction model in the charge and discharge control server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining data used for learning of a power generation amount prediction model in the charge and discharge control server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of charge and discharge amounts and remaining stored power amounts due to differences in control of the distributed power sources according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a charge and discharge control server provided in the charge and discharge control system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a distributed power source control process in the charge and discharge control server according to the second embodiment.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that this is merely an example, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the overall configuration of a charge / discharge control system 100 according to a first embodiment. The charge / discharge control system 100 is a system in which a charge / discharge control server 1 (a charge / discharge control device) performs charge / discharge control on the distributed power sources of each consumer, which allows both the retail electricity supplier and the consumer to enjoy economic benefits. The consumers that are the targets of the charge / discharge control system 100 are located in multiple areas (area A, area B, area C, etc. in FIG. 1 ) with different temperatures and amounts of solar radiation.

[0024] In the charge / discharge control system 100 shown in FIG. 1 , a charge / discharge control server 1, consumer devices 4a, 4b, 4c, ..., a staff terminal 6, a weather server 8, and a market price server 9 are communicably connected via a communication network N. The charge / discharge control server 1 predicts the amounts of power generation and demand of consumers having distributed power sources, and creates a demand response (DR) charge / discharge plan for the distributed power sources based on the market price, which is the wholesale electricity exchange spot price, held by the market price server 9, and the predicted amounts of power generation and demand. Then, a staff member (user) determines whether or not to implement the DR charge / discharge plan created by the charge / discharge control server 1 based on the economics and enters the determination result through the staff terminal 6. Then, if the charge / discharge control server 1 determines to perform control based on the DR charge / discharge plan, it controls the consumer devices 4a, 4b, 4c, .... In the following description, when the consumer devices 4a, 4b, 4c, ... are not particularly identified, they will be simply referred to as consumer devices 4.

[0025] The consumer device 4 is communicably connected to the charge / discharge control server 1 via a communication network N. The consumer device 4 is also communicably connected to the consumer's distributed power sources. The distributed power sources are, for example, storage batteries equipped with solar panels connected to consumer device 4a and consumer device 4b. The distributed power sources are, for example, electric vehicles (EVs) connected to consumer device 4c. However, the distributed power sources are not particularly limited to these.

[0026] The person in charge terminal 6 is, for example, a terminal used by a person in charge of a company that operates the charge / discharge control server 1. The person in charge terminal 6 is, for example, a personal computer (PC). The person in charge terminal 6 may also be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet. Although not shown, the person in charge terminal 6 includes a control unit, a storage unit, an input / output unit, a communication IF (interface) unit, etc.

[0027] The weather server 8 is a server that provides meteorological data such as the weather, temperature, and amount of solar radiation at each base. Here, a base refers to, for example, each city (such as the prefectural capital of a prefecture). The weather server 8 is, for example, a web server from which the Japan Meteorological Agency and various weather companies provide information. The market price server 9 is a server that provides data related to the market price of electricity trading. The market price server 9 is, for example, a web server from which JEPX (Japan Electric Power Exchange) provides information.

[0028] Next, a description will be given of the functional blocks of each device in the charge / discharge control system 100. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the charge / discharge control server 1 and the consumer device 4 according to the first embodiment. [Charge / discharge control server 1] The charge / discharge control server 1 shown in Fig. 2 is a server provided by, for example, a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) company, which is different from a retail electricity company or a consumer and allows the consumer to perform control taking into consideration the economic benefits of both parties.

[0029] The charge / discharge control server 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, and a communication IF (interface) unit 29. The control unit 10 is a CPU (central processing unit) that controls the entire charge / discharge control server 1. The control unit 10 works in cooperation with the above-mentioned hardware to perform various functions by appropriately reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 20. The control unit 10 includes a power generation amount prediction unit 11, a demand amount prediction unit 12, a price acquisition unit 13, a charge / discharge plan creation unit 14, a plan implementation feasibility determination unit 15, a distributed power source instruction unit 16, and a consumer data reception processing unit 17.

[0030] The power generation amount prediction unit 11 functions as a power generation amount prediction means. The power generation amount prediction unit 11 predicts the amount of power generation at a future date, taking into account the location of each consumer having a distributed power source. Specifically, the power generation amount prediction unit 11 predicts the amount of power generation for the next day using a power generation amount prediction model 22a (see FIG. 4A). The demand amount prediction unit 12 functions as a demand amount prediction means. The demand amount prediction unit 12 predicts the amount of demand at a future date, taking into account the location of each consumer having a distributed power source. Specifically, the demand amount prediction unit 12 predicts the amount of demand for the next day using a demand amount prediction model 22b (see FIG. 4B). The price acquisition unit 13 functions as a price acquisition means. The price acquisition unit 13 acquires market prices at a future date, taking into account the location of each consumer having a distributed power source. Specifically, the price acquisition unit 13 receives market price data for the next day from the market price server 9.

[0031] The charge / discharge plan creation unit 14 functions as a charge / discharge plan creation means. The charge / discharge plan creation unit 14 creates a demand response (DR) charge / discharge plan for the distributed power source based on the power generation amount predicted by the power generation amount prediction unit 11, the demand amount predicted by the demand amount prediction unit 12, and the market price acquired by the price acquisition unit 13. Specifically, the charge / discharge plan creation unit 14 creates a DR charge / discharge plan for the next day. The DR charge / discharge plan created by the charge / discharge plan creation unit 14 is, for example, a plan consisting of a charging time period, a discharging time period, and a stop time period excluding the charging and discharging time periods. Here, the charge / discharge plan creation unit 14 may automatically create a plan for discharging that has a high market price and is economically advantageous, for example. Alternatively, the charge / discharge plan creation unit 14 may create a plan after a person in charge specifies a discharging time period (discharging frame). When a designation of a discharging time frame is received from the staff terminal 6, the DR charge / discharge plan may be created based on the received designation of the discharging time frame, or the DR charge / discharge plan may be created using each predicted value in addition to the received designation of the discharging time frame. The DR charge / discharge plan created by the charge / discharge plan creation unit 14 may also include an out-of-control time period (out-of-control time frame). Furthermore, the DR charge / discharge plan created by the charge / discharge plan creation unit 14 does not necessarily need to include a charging time period and a discharging time period; for example, the DR charge / discharge plan created by the charge / discharge plan creation unit 14 may include at least one of a charging time period, a discharging time period, and a stop time period excluding the charging and discharging time periods.

[0032] The plan implementation feasibility determination unit 15 functions as an output unit and a determination unit. The plan implementation feasibility determination unit 15 receives, for example, from the person in charge terminal 6, a determination result on whether or not to implement control based on the DR charge / discharge plan based on the economic efficiency of performing control based on the DR charge / discharge plan created by the charge / discharge plan creation unit 14 and the economic efficiency of not performing the control. Specifically, the plan implementation feasibility determination unit 15 receives the determination result on whether or not to implement control based on the DR charge / discharge plan for the next day. Here, the economic efficiency is an amount calculated based on wholesale procurement costs (procurement costs) based on market prices and electricity rates of consumers. The economic efficiency also takes into consideration both the retail electricity supplier and the consumer. The plan implementation feasibility determination unit 15 outputs, to the person in charge terminal 6, the economic efficiency of performing control based on the DR charge / discharge plan and the economic efficiency of not performing the control. Then, if the economic efficiency of performing control based on the DR charging / discharging plan exceeds the economic efficiency of not performing the control, the plan implementation judgment unit 15 accepts, for example, from the person in charge terminal 6, a judgment result that control based on the DR charging / discharging plan will be performed.

[0033] The distributed power source instructing unit 16 functions as a distributed power source control means. When the result of the determination by the plan implementation determining unit 15 is to implement control based on the DR charge / discharge plan, the distributed power source instructing unit 16 causes the distributed power sources of each consumer to perform control based on the DR charge / discharge plan. More specifically, the distributed power source instructing unit 16 transmits instruction data for controlling the distributed power sources based on the DR charge / discharge plan to the consumer device 4. The consumer data receiving processing unit 17 receives consumer data from the consumer device 4 and performs processing to use the data for learning the learning model in the learning model storage unit 22, for example. The consumer data is actual data related to the amount of power generated and the amount of demand at the consumer.

[0034] The memory unit 20 is a memory area such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory element for storing programs, data, etc. required for the control unit 10 to execute various processes. The memory unit 20 includes a program memory unit 21 and a learning model memory unit 22. The program memory unit 21 is a memory area for storing application programs for executing the various functions performed by the control unit 10 described above. Note that the various functions performed by the control unit 10 may be executed by multiple application programs. The learning model memory unit 22 is a memory area for storing various learning models. The learning model memory unit 22 stores a power generation amount prediction model 22a (see Figures 4A and 4C) used by the power generation amount prediction unit 11 and a demand amount prediction model 22b (see Figures 4B and 4D) used by the demand amount prediction unit 12.

[0035] The communication IF unit 29 is an interface for communicating with the customer device 4, the staff terminal 6, various external servers (for example, the weather server 8 and the market price server 9) and the like that are possessed by each customer. Note that a computer refers to an information processing device that includes a control unit, a storage device and the like, and the charge / discharge control server 1 is an information processing device that includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20 and the like, and is included in the concept of a computer. Furthermore, the charge / discharge control server 1 may be realized by a combination of multiple servers rather than a single server, or at least a part of it may be a cloud.

[0036] [Customer Device 4] The customer device 4 is provided at each customer that has a distributed power source, and is a device that controls the distributed power source. The customer device 4 is, for example, a PC. The customer device 4 may also be an embedded device incorporated into the distributed power source. The customer device 4 includes a control unit 40, a storage unit 45, and a communication IF unit 49. The control unit 40 is a CPU that controls the entire customer device 4. The control unit 40 works with the above-mentioned hardware to perform various functions by appropriately reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 45. The control unit 40 includes an instruction data receiving unit 41, a distributed power source control unit 42, and a customer data transmitting unit 43.

[0037] The instruction data receiving unit 41 receives instruction data from the charge / discharge control server 1. The distributed power source control unit 42 controls the distributed power source based on the instruction data received by the instruction data receiving unit 41. The consumer data transmitting unit 43 transmits performance data relating to the actual amount of power generation and the amount of demand to the charge / discharge control server 1.

[0038] The storage unit 45 is a storage area such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory element for storing programs, data, etc. required for the control unit 40 to execute various processes. The storage unit 45 includes a program storage unit 46. The program storage unit 46 is a storage area for storing application programs for executing the various functions performed by the control unit 40. The communication IF unit 49 is an interface for communicating with the charge / discharge control server 1 and the distributed power sources. Note that a computer refers to an information processing device equipped with a control unit, a storage device, etc., and the consumer device 4 is an information processing device equipped with the control unit 40, a storage unit 45, etc., and is included in the concept of a computer.

[0039] [Explanation of Processing] Next, the processing of the charge / discharge control server 1 will be described. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the distributed power supply control processing in the charge / discharge control server 1 according to the first embodiment. Figs. 4A to 4D are diagrams for explaining data used for prediction and learning of each prediction model in the charge / discharge control server 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a graph showing an example of the charge / discharge amount and the remaining amount of stored electricity depending on differences in control of the distributed power supply according to the first embodiment.

[0040] The distributed power supply control process in Fig. 3 starts at a predetermined time, such as 6:00 p.m. in the evening of the day before the distributed power supply is to be controlled. In step S 11 in Fig. 3 (hereinafter, "step S" will be simply referred to as "S"), the control unit 10 (power generation amount prediction unit 11, demand amount prediction unit 12, price acquisition unit 13) of the charge / discharge control server 1 acquires the power generation amount, demand amount, and market price, which are the respective predicted values ​​for the next day.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4A , the power generation amount prediction unit 11 inputs the predicted temperature and solar radiation for the next day at each base point, acquired from the weather server 8, into the power generation amount prediction model 22a, thereby obtaining the power generation amount for each base point for each frame for the next day. Here, a frame refers to one time interval, for example, 30 minutes. As shown in FIG. 4B , the demand amount prediction unit 12 inputs the predicted temperature and day of the week for the next day at each base point, acquired from the weather server 8, into the demand amount prediction model 22b, thereby obtaining the demand amount for each base point for the next day for each frame. Furthermore, the price acquisition unit 13 acquires the market price for the next day at each base point from the market price server 9. The market price is, for example, the JEPX spot price.

[0042] In S12 of FIG. 3 , the control unit 10 (the charge / discharge plan creation unit 14) creates a DR charge / discharge plan for the next day using the acquired predicted values. The control unit 10 creates a DR charge / discharge plan consisting of charging frames, which are charging time periods, discharging frames, which are discharging time periods, and stop frames, which are stop time periods excluding the charging and discharging time periods, using, for example, the average value of the specifications of each consumer's distributed power source. In S13, the control unit 10 (the plan implementation determination unit 15) calculates the economic efficiency based on the created DR charge / discharge plan. The control unit 10 calculates the wholesale procurement cost for purchasing power and the consumer's electricity bill when the distributed power source is controlled based on the DR charge / discharge plan. The wholesale procurement cost can be calculated, for example, by multiplying the market price plus a commission by the amount of power purchased. The consumer's electricity bill can be calculated, for example, by using the amount of power consumption in a calculation formula provided by the retail electricity supplier.

[0043] 5A is an example of a graph 51 showing the charge / discharge amount and remaining storage amount when control is performed according to a DR charge / discharge schedule. The remaining storage amount line 51a of the graph 51 rises in section 51c, which is the DR charge period, and falls in sections 51d and 51e, which are the DR discharge periods. The charge / discharge amount line 51b moves in the charge direction from the start of section 51c, which is the DR charge period, and indicates that charging is completed by the end of section 51c. The charge / discharge amount line 51b also moves in the discharge direction from the start of sections 51d and 51e, which are the DR discharge periods, and indicates that discharging is completed by the end of each section. Section 51c, which is the DR charge period, is set during a time period when market prices are relatively low, while sections 51d and 51e, which are the DR discharge periods, are set during a time period when market prices are relatively high.

[0044] In S14 of Figure 3, the control unit 10 (plan implementation determination unit 15) calculates the wholesale procurement cost for purchasing electricity and the consumer's electricity bill in the case where the created DR charge / discharge plan is not followed, that is, in the case where the distributed power source is controlled to charge if there is surplus power generation and to discharge if there is no surplus.

[0045] 5B is an example of a graph 52 showing the charge / discharge amount and remaining storage amount when normal distributed power source control is performed without implementing control based on a DR charge / discharge schedule. The remaining storage amount line 52a in graph 52 indicates that it rises during the daytime when the amount of solar radiation is high. Furthermore, the charge / discharge amount line 52b moves in the charging direction as the remaining storage amount line 52a rises, and then moves in the discharging direction as the remaining storage amount reaches a certain value. It can be seen from graphs 51 and 52 in FIG. 5 that graph 51, which implements control based on a DR charge / discharge schedule, charges during times when market prices are low and discharges during times when market prices are high.

[0046] In S15 of FIG. 3 , the control unit 10 (plan implementation feasibility determination unit 15) receives a determination result as to whether or not to perform control based on the DR charge / discharge plan. First, the control unit 10 calculates the economic merit using the following (Equation 1): Economic merit = Reduction in wholesale procurement cost - Increase in consumer electricity bill (Equation 1) Here, the reduction in wholesale procurement cost is the value obtained by subtracting the wholesale procurement cost in the case where the DR charge / discharge plan is used from the wholesale procurement cost in the case where the DR charge / discharge plan is not used. Furthermore, the increase in consumer electricity bill is the value obtained by subtracting the consumer electricity bill in the case where the DR charge / discharge plan is used from the consumer electricity bill in the case where the DR charge / discharge plan is not used. The control unit 10 (plan implementation feasibility determination unit 15) outputs the calculated economic merit to the staff terminal 6.

[0047] If the control unit 10 calculates an economic merit of zero or greater, the control unit 10 receives from the operator terminal 6 a decision to execute control based on the created DR charge / discharge plan the next day. However, if the calculated economic merit is zero or greater, the decision to execute control based on the created DR charge / discharge plan the next day is not necessarily input from the operator terminal 6. The calculated economic merit reflects price differential profits. Price differential profits refer to the cost reduction effect achieved by a retail electricity supplier shifting its procurement time from JEPX. However, there are other factors not reflected in price differential profits. These factors include, for example, the retail electricity supplier's needs, such as its own power sources procured from sources other than JEPX, the costs of bilateral transactions, and avoiding renewable energy output suppression. Therefore, the decision input by the operator using the operator terminal 6 may take into account not only the calculated economic merit but also the other factors described above.

[0048] If the control unit 10 receives a determination result that control based on the DR charge / discharge plan will be performed (S15: YES), the control unit 10 proceeds to S16. On the other hand, if the control unit 10 receives a determination result that control based on the DR charge / discharge plan will not be performed (S15: NO), the control unit 10 ends this process. In S16, the control unit 10 (distributed power source instruction unit 16) transmits instruction data based on the DR charge / discharge plan for the distributed power source to the customer device 4 of the customer. Thereafter, the control unit 10 ends this process.

[0049] When control based on the DR charge / discharge plan is to be performed on the next day, the control unit 40 (instruction data receiving unit 41) of the consumer device 4 receives the instruction data transmitted by the charge / discharge control server 1. Then, when the control unit 40 (distributed power source control unit 42) of the consumer device 4 receives the instruction data, it controls the distributed power source on the next day based on the instruction data. Then, when the control for the next day is completed, the control unit 40 (consumer data transmitting unit 43) of the consumer device 4 transmits consumer data, which is actual data on the amount of power generation and amount of demand on that day, to the charge / discharge control server 1. Here, the consumer data includes, for example, the amount of power generation and amount of demand for each frame.

[0050] The control unit 10 (consumer data reception processing unit 17) of the charge / discharge control server 1 learns each learning model when it receives consumer data from the consumer device 4. The consumer data reception processing unit 17 inputs pairs of, for example, hourly temperature and solar radiation observed at each base on the day, obtained from the weather server 8, and the amount of power generated by distributed power sources in the area belonging to each base, into the power generation amount prediction model 22a as shown in FIG. 4C for learning. In addition, the consumer data reception processing unit 17 inputs pairs of, for example, hourly temperature and day of the week observed at each base on the day, obtained from the weather server 8, and the amount of demand from distributed power sources in the area belonging to each base, into the demand amount prediction model 22b as shown in FIG. 4D for learning. Note that the elements of the pairs (input values) used to train the power generation amount prediction model 22a and the demand amount prediction model 22b are not limited to those described above.

[0051] As described above, the charge / discharge control system 100 of the first embodiment has the following advantages: (1) The charge / discharge control server 1 includes a power generation amount prediction unit 11 that predicts the amount of power generated by a consumer having a distributed power source, a demand amount prediction unit 12 that predicts the amount of demand by the consumer, a price acquisition unit 13 that acquires the market price of electricity trading, a charge / discharge plan creation unit 14 that creates a DR charge / discharge plan for the distributed power source based on the predicted power generation amount and demand amount and the acquired market price, a plan implementation feasibility determination unit 15 that receives a determination result on whether or not to implement control based on the DR charge / discharge plan based on the economic efficiency of performing control based on the DR charge / discharge plan and the economic efficiency of not performing the control, and a distributed power source instructing unit 16 that causes the distributed power source to perform control based on the previous DR charge / discharge plan when the determination result by the plan implementation feasibility determination unit 15 is to perform control based on the DR charge / discharge plan. Therefore, by determining whether or not to implement control based on the DR charge / discharge plan based on economic efficiency, the charge / discharge control server 1 can be configured to enable both the electricity retailer and the consumer to enjoy economic benefits.

[0052] (2) In the charge / discharge control server 1, the power generation amount prediction unit 11 predicts the amount of power generation for a future date, the demand amount prediction unit 12 predicts the amount of demand for a future date, the price acquisition unit 13 acquires the market price for a future date, the charge / discharge plan creation unit 14 creates a DR charge / discharge plan for a future date, and the plan implementation determination unit 15 receives a determination result on whether or not to implement control based on the DR charge / discharge plan for a future date. Thus, for example, the determination result on whether or not to implement control based on the DR charge / discharge plan for the next day can be received on the previous day, and control based on the DR charge / discharge plan can be reliably performed on the current day. Furthermore, because the DR charge / discharge plan is created using a predicted value for a future date, the DR charge / discharge plan can be closer to the actual value when control is actually performed.

[0053] (3) The power generation amount prediction unit 11 and the demand amount prediction unit 12 of the charge / discharge control server 1 make predictions based on the locations of consumers having distributed power sources, and the price acquisition unit 13 acquires market prices in areas including the locations of the consumers. This makes it possible to use different power generation amounts, demand amounts, and market prices depending on the locations of the consumers, and to determine whether to implement control based on a DR charge / discharge plan with improved accuracy.

[0054] (4) The charge / discharge plan creation unit 14 of the charge / discharge control server 1 creates a DR charge / discharge plan consisting of a charging time period, a discharging time period, and a stop time period excluding the charging and discharging time periods. This makes it possible to create a DR charge / discharge plan that allows charging during time periods when the market price is relatively low and discharging during time periods when the market price is relatively high.

[0055] (5) The economic efficiency is an amount calculated based on the wholesale procurement cost based on the market price and the electricity bill of the consumer, and the plan implementation determination unit 15 of the charge / discharge control server 1 determines to implement the control based on the DR charge / discharge plan when the economic efficiency of implementing the control based on the DR charge / discharge plan exceeds the economic efficiency of not implementing the control. Thus, it is possible to control the distributed power sources in a way that allows both the retail electricity supplier and the consumer to enjoy economic benefits.

[0056] (6) The power generation amount prediction unit 11 of the charge / discharge control server 1 predicts the power generation amount by inputting predicted values ​​of the temperature and solar radiation of a target day into the power generation amount prediction model 22a, which has been trained based on a set of information including the temperature, solar radiation, and the power generation amount for each predetermined time. The demand amount prediction unit 12 of the charge / discharge control server 1 predicts the demand amount by inputting predicted values ​​of the day of the week, temperature, and time period of a target day into the demand amount prediction model 22b, which has been trained based on a set of information including the day of the week, temperature, and time period of a target day, and the demand amount for each predetermined time. This enables prediction using a learning model.

[0057] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, a DR charge / discharge plan is created taking other factors into consideration. In the following description, parts that perform the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals or with the same reference numerals at the end, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0058] [Charge / Discharge Control Server 201] Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram of the charge / discharge control server 201 included in the charge / discharge control system 200 according to the second embodiment. The charge / discharge control server 201 included in the charge / discharge control system 200 shown in Fig. 6 is communicably connected to the consumer device 4, the staff terminal 6, the weather server 8, and the market price server 9. The charge / discharge control server 201 includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a communication IF unit 29.

[0059] Before describing the control unit 210, the storage unit 220 will be described. The storage unit 220 includes a program storage unit 221, a learning model storage unit 22, and a consumer information storage unit 223. The program storage unit 221 is a storage area that stores application programs for executing various functions performed by the control unit 210, which will be described later. The consumer information storage unit 223 is a storage area that stores, for example, information about the location of the consumer, information about the consumer's electricity rate plan, information about the battery mode, and the electricity selling price of the power buyer. Here, the power buyer may be a retail electricity supplier, or in the case of FIT (Feed In Tariff), a power transmission and distribution supplier, etc.

[0060] The information related to the electricity rate plan is, for example, information such as a flat rate or a time-of-use rate, and may include a basic rate and an energy rate. Here, a flat rate is a rate plan with a fixed amount regardless of the time of day. The information related to the storage battery mode is, for example, information such as a green mode or an economy mode. Here, the green mode is a mode that prioritizes charging the storage battery using solar power generation, and the economy mode is a mode that prioritizes selling solar power generation. Note that the information related to the electricity rate plan and the storage battery mode described above are only examples. The electricity selling price of the electricity buyer is the FIT purchase price or the post-FIT price. The consumer information storage unit 223 stores, for each consumer, information related to the electricity rate plan, information related to the storage battery mode, and the electricity selling price of the electricity buyer. Depending on the consumer, at least one of the information related to the electricity rate plan, information related to the storage battery mode, and the electricity selling price of the electricity buyer may not be stored.

[0061] Next, the control unit 210 will be described. The control unit 210 includes a power generation amount prediction unit 11, a demand amount prediction unit 12, a price acquisition unit 13, an electricity rate acquisition unit 218a, a battery mode acquisition unit 218b, an electricity selling price acquisition unit 218c, a charge / discharge plan creation unit 214, a plan implementation feasibility determination unit 15, a distributed power source instruction unit 16, and a consumer data reception processing unit 17. The electricity rate acquisition unit 218a acquires charges based on the consumer's electricity rate plan stored in the consumer information storage unit 223.

[0062] The storage battery mode acquisition unit 218b acquires information about the storage battery mode of the consumer stored in the consumer information storage unit 223. The power selling price acquisition unit 218c acquires the power selling price of the power buyer stored in the consumer information storage unit 223. The charge / discharge plan creation unit 214 creates a DR charge / discharge plan based on the power generation amount predicted by the power generation amount prediction unit 11, the demand amount predicted by the demand amount prediction unit 12, the market price acquired by the price acquisition unit 13, the rate based on the consumer's electricity rate plan acquired by the electricity rate acquisition unit 218a, information about the storage battery mode acquired by the storage battery mode acquisition unit 218b, and the power selling price acquired by the power selling price acquisition unit 218c. Note that if the electricity rate acquisition unit 218a is unable to acquire the rate based on the consumer's electricity rate plan, the charge / discharge plan creation unit 214 creates the DR charge / discharge plan without taking this into consideration. The same applies to the information on the storage battery mode acquired by the storage battery mode acquisition unit 218b and the power selling price acquired by the power selling price acquisition unit 218c.

[0063] [Description of Processing] Next, the processing of the charge / discharge control server 201 will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the distributed power supply control processing in the charge / discharge control server according to the second embodiment. The processing of S211 in Fig. 7 is the same as the processing of S11 in the first embodiment (Fig. 3).

[0064] In S212, the control unit 210 (electricity rate acquisition unit 218a) acquires a rate based on the consumer's electricity rate plan. More specifically, the electricity rate acquisition unit 218a refers to the consumer information storage unit 223, acquires information related to the consumer's electricity rate plan, and then acquires the rate. The rate based on the electricity rate plan may be stored in the consumer information storage unit 223, or may be acquired by querying an external server (not shown) based on the electricity rate plan. In S213, the control unit 210 (storage battery mode acquisition unit 218b) acquires information about the consumer's storage battery mode. More specifically, the storage battery mode acquisition unit 218b refers to the consumer information storage unit 223 and acquires information about the consumer's storage battery mode.

[0065] In S214, the control unit 210 (power selling price acquisition unit 218c) acquires the power selling price of the power buyer. More specifically, the power selling price acquisition unit 218c refers to the consumer information storage unit 223 and acquires the power selling price of the power buyer. In S215, the control unit 210 (charge / discharge plan creation unit 214) creates a DR charge / discharge plan for the next day using the acquired predicted values ​​and information. The processing from S216 to S219 is the same as the processing from S13 to S16 in the first embodiment ( FIG. 3 ). The processing of the consumer device 4 is also the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0066] As described above, the charge / discharge control system 200 of the second embodiment has the following advantages. (1) The charge / discharge control server 201 is configured so that the charge / discharge plan creation unit 214 creates a DR charge / discharge plan based further on the charges that are based on the electricity rate plan of the consumer. Thus, it is possible to create a DR charge / discharge plan that reflects the electricity rate plan of the consumer. (2) The charge / discharge control server 201 is configured so that the charge / discharge plan creation unit 214 creates a DR charge / discharge plan based further on information about the storage battery mode of the consumer. Thus, it is possible to create a DR charge / discharge plan that reflects the storage battery mode of the consumer. (3) The charge / discharge control server 201 is configured so that the charge / discharge plan creation unit 214 creates a DR charge / discharge plan based further on the electricity selling price when selling surplus electricity. Thus, it is possible to create a DR charge / discharge plan that reflects the electricity selling price of the electricity buyer.

[0067] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Note that the above-described embodiments and the modified embodiments described below can be used in appropriate combinations, but detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] (Modifications) (1) In each embodiment, the charge / discharge control server 1 performs the distributed power supply control process every day. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the charge / discharge control server 1 may perform the distributed power supply control process when requested by a retail electricity supplier.

[0069] (2) In each embodiment, a distributed power source is controlled and a learning model is trained based on consumer data. However, the use of consumer data is not limited to this. Actual DR amounts may be calculated from the consumer data, and the actual values ​​may be provided to, for example, a retail electricity supplier or a consumer.

[0070] (3) In each embodiment, the market price is acquired from a market price server, but this is not limiting. For example, the market price may be acquired based on a market price forecast made by the company itself, and is not limited to acquisition from an external source.

[0071] (4) Although not specifically mentioned in each embodiment, the distributed power supply control process may be performed individually for each consumer, or may be performed for each group of consumers located in the same area with the same base.

[0072] (5) In each embodiment, the charge / discharge control server 1 receives consumer data and learns a learning model of power generation and demand. However, this is not limited to this. The learning model may be learned by, for example, a learning device other than the charge / discharge control server, and the learned learning model may be transferred from the learning device to the charge / discharge control server, thereby providing the charge / discharge control server with the model. Alternatively, the learned learning model may be stored in the learning device, and the charge / discharge control server 1 may transmit input values ​​to the learning device and receive and use the predicted values ​​output by the learning device. Furthermore, the learning model may be learned each time actual data is received. However, for example, actual data may be accumulated and monthly processing may be performed once a month.

[0073] (6) In the second embodiment, the charge / discharge control server 201 is provided with the consumer information storage unit 223, and the charge, battery mode, and power selling price based on the consumer's electricity rate plan are acquired from the consumer information storage unit 223. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The charge / discharge control server may not be provided with a consumer information storage unit, and the charge, battery mode, and power selling price based on the consumer's electricity rate plan may be acquired from the consumer device.

[0074] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 201 Charge / discharge control server 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, ... Consumer device 6 Personnel terminal 8 Weather server 9 Market price server 10, 40, 210 Control unit 11 Power generation amount prediction unit 12 Demand amount prediction unit 13 Price acquisition unit 14, 214 Charge / discharge plan creation unit 15 Plan implementation possibility determination unit 16 Distributed power source instruction unit 17 Consumer data reception processing unit 20, 45, 220 Memory unit 22 Learning model memory unit 22a Power generation amount prediction model 22b Demand amount prediction model 51, 52 Graph 100, 200 Charge / discharge control system 218a Electricity rate acquisition unit 218b Battery mode acquisition unit 218c Power selling price acquisition unit 223 Consumer information acquisition unit

Claims

1. A charge / discharge control device comprising: a charge / discharge plan creation means for creating a demand response charge / discharge plan for a distributed power source owned by a customer based on a predicted value or a specified discharge time zone by the user; a determination means for receiving a determination result on whether to implement control based on the demand response charge / discharge plan based on the economy when control based on the demand response charge / discharge plan is performed and the economy when the control is not performed; and a distributed power source control means for causing the distributed power source to perform control based on the demand response charge / discharge plan when the determination result by the determination means is to implement control based on the demand response charge / discharge plan.

2. The charge / discharge control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a power generation amount prediction means for predicting the power generation amount of a customer having a distributed power source; a demand amount prediction means for predicting the demand amount of the customer; and a price acquisition means for acquiring the market price of power trading, wherein the charge / discharge plan creation means creates the demand response charge / discharge plan using the predicted power generation amount and demand amount and the acquired market price as the predicted values.

3. The charge / discharge control device according to claim 2, wherein the power generation amount prediction means predicts the power generation amount for a future date, the demand amount prediction means predicts the demand amount for the future date, the price acquisition means acquires the market price for the future date, the charge / discharge plan creation means creates the demand response charge / discharge plan for the future date, and the determination means receives a determination result on whether to implement control based on the demand response charge / discharge plan for the future date.

4. The charge / discharge control device according to claim 2, wherein the power generation amount prediction means and the demand amount prediction means perform predictions based on the location of the customer having the distributed power source, and the price acquisition means acquires the market price in an area including the location of the customer.

5. The charge / discharge control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the charge / discharge plan creation means creates the demand response charge / discharge plan including a charging time zone, a discharging time zone, and a stopping time zone excluding the charging and discharging time zones.

6. The charge-discharge control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the charge-discharge plan creation means creates the demand response charge-discharge plan including at least any one of a charging time zone, a discharging time zone, and a stop time zone excluding the time zones of charging and discharging.

7. The charge-discharge control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the economy is an amount calculated based on the procurement cost based on the market price and the electricity charge of the customer, and the determination means is configured to, when the economy when performing control based on the demand response charge-discharge plan exceeds the economy when not performing the control, receive a determination result to perform control based on the demand response charge-discharge plan.

8. The charge-discharge control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the power generation amount prediction means inputs predicted values of the temperature and solar radiation amount of the target day to a power generation amount prediction model learned with information including the temperature and solar radiation amount and the power generation amount at each predetermined time as a set to predict the power generation amount.

9. The charge-discharge control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the demand amount prediction means inputs the day of the week, the predicted value of the temperature, and the time zone of the target day to a demand amount prediction model learned with information including the day of the week, the temperature, the time zone, and the demand amount at each predetermined time as a set to predict the demand amount.

10. The charge-discharge control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the charge-discharge plan creation means creates the demand response charge-discharge plan further based on the charge based on the electricity charge plan of the customer.

11. The charge-discharge control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the charge-discharge plan creation means creates the demand response charge-discharge plan further based on the information regarding the battery mode of the customer.

12. The charge-discharge control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the charge-discharge plan creation means creates the demand response charge-discharge plan further based on the selling electricity unit price when performing surplus electricity selling.

13. In the charge / discharge control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, there is provided output means for outputting the economy when control is performed based on the demand response charge / discharge plan and the economy when the control is not performed. A charge / discharge control device.

14. A charge / discharge control method, comprising: a power generation amount prediction step of predicting the power generation amount of a consumer having a distributed power source; a demand amount prediction step of predicting the demand amount of the consumer; a price acquisition step of acquiring the market price of power trading; a charge / discharge plan creation step of creating a demand response charge / discharge plan for the distributed power source based on the predicted power generation amount and demand amount and the acquired market price; a determination step of receiving a determination result on whether to implement control based on the demand response charge / discharge plan based on the economy when control is performed based on the demand response charge / discharge plan and the economy when the control is not performed; and a distributed power source control step of causing the distributed power source to perform control based on the demand response charge / discharge plan when the determination result by the determination step is to implement control based on the demand response charge / discharge plan.

15. A program for causing a computer to function as: power generation amount prediction means for predicting the power generation amount of a consumer having a distributed power source; demand amount prediction means for predicting the demand amount of the consumer; price acquisition means for acquiring the market price of power trading; charge / discharge plan creation means for creating a demand response charge / discharge plan for the distributed power source based on the predicted power generation amount and demand amount and the acquired market price; determination means for receiving a determination result on whether to implement control based on the demand response charge / discharge plan based on the economy when control is performed based on the demand response charge / discharge plan and the economy when the control is not performed; and distributed power source control means for causing the distributed power source to perform control based on the demand response charge / discharge plan when the determination result by the determination means is to implement control based on the demand response charge / discharge plan.

Images