Power management device, power management method, and power management program

Abstract

When it is predicted that a reverse power flow will occur in any of a plurality of areas, a plan generation unit (103) generates a power consumption plan in which an external power consumption apparatus, which is a power consumption apparatus disposed in an area other than a reverse power flow area that is the area in which the reverse power flow is predicted to occur, is moved to the reverse power flow area, and the external power consumption apparatus is made to consume power in the reverse power flow area. A transmission unit (104) instructs the external power consumption apparatus to move to the reverse power flow area in accordance with the power consumption plan.

Description

Power management device, power management method, and power management program

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

[0002] In recent years, renewable energy power sources have become increasingly popular. In areas where renewable energy power sources are located, it is possible to receive power supply from both the power company and the renewable energy power source. When power demand in such areas falls below the power supply, reverse power flow occurs that exceeds the operational capacity of the distribution system. When reverse power flow that exceeds the operational capacity of the distribution system occurs, it becomes difficult to control the voltage of the distribution system, and there is a possibility that voltage quality will deteriorate and circuit breaker malfunctions will occur. For this reason, it is necessary to prevent reverse power flow that exceeds the operational capacity of the distribution system from occurring.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology 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.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-118632

[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 the power distribution system.

[0007] The power management device according to the present disclosure includes: a plan generation unit that generates a power consumption plan that, when a reverse flow is predicted to occur in one of a plurality of areas, moves an external power consumption device that is a power consumption device located in an area other than a reverse flow area where the reverse flow is predicted to occur to the reverse flow area, and causes the external power consumption 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.

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

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the operation of a power management apparatus according to embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the operation of a power management apparatus according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a power management apparatus according to embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a power management apparatus according to embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of area information according to embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of vehicle plan information according to embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of mobile storage battery plan information according to embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of stationary equipment plan information according to embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of charging facility information according to embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of navigation information according to embodiment 1. A flowchart showing an example of the operation of a power management apparatus according to embodiment 1. A flowchart showing a specific example of a power consumption plan generation process and a process for calculating estimated costs according to embodiment 1. A flowchart showing a specific example of a power consumption plan generation process and a process for calculating estimated costs according to embodiment 1. A flowchart showing a specific example of a time travel plan candidate generation process ... an area travel plan candidate generation process according to embodiment 1. 1 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a process for generating an area movement plan candidate according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of updated stationary equipment plan information according to embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of updated vehicle plan information according to embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of updated mobile storage battery plan information according to embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of updated charging facility information according to embodiment 1.

[0010] Hereinafter, 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] First Embodiment ***Outline*** First, an outline 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 an electric 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] Area A510 is equipped with multiple distributed energy resources (DERs). Area A510 includes the following DERs: a solar panel 521, an electric vehicle 522, a mobile storage battery 523, a stationary storage battery 524, and an 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 electricity consumption devices. The electricity consumption devices are also simply referred to as devices. The electric water heater 525 can consume electricity by discharging (specifically, by "heating" water). The electric vehicle 522, the mobile storage battery 523, and the stationary storage battery 524 can consume electricity by charging. The electric vehicle 522 and the mobile storage battery 523 can be charged by connecting them to the charging plugs of charging equipment 526. The electric vehicle 522 and the mobile storage battery 523 that are not connected to the charging facility 526 are not charging. The electric vehicle 522 and the mobile storage battery 523 are also mobile. In area A510, the sum of the power supplied from the power distribution system A500 and the power supplied from the solar panel 521 may exceed the power demand. In such a case, reverse power flow occurs in area A510. In FIG. 1 , the stationary storage battery 524 and the 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. Area B610 includes the following DERs: solar panels 621, an electric vehicle 622, a mobile storage battery 623, a stationary storage battery 624, and an electric water heater 625. 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. Power consumption devices are also simply referred to as devices. The electric water heater 625 can consume electricity by discharging (specifically, "heating"). The electric vehicle 622, the mobile storage battery 623, and the stationary storage battery 624 can consume electricity by charging. The electric vehicle 622 and the mobile storage battery 623 can be charged by connecting them to the 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. Furthermore, the electric vehicle 622 and the mobile storage battery 623 are mobile. In 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, reverse power flow occurs in area B610. In Fig. 1, the stationary storage battery 624 and the 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] The power management apparatus 100 is, for example, a computer used by an aggregator. An aggregator is a business that aggregates energy resources of consumers and controls the balance between the supply and demand of power between the consumers and the power company. The operating procedure of the power management apparatus 100 corresponds to a power management method. Furthermore, a program that realizes the operation of the 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 to consume excess power that exceeds the operational capacity. A time period during which reverse power flow is predicted to occur in any area is called a prediction time period. The unit time of the prediction time period corresponds to the unit time during which the power supply management system 210, described below, manages the power supply plan and the power demand plan. In this embodiment, the power supply management system 210 manages the power supply plan and the power demand plan in 30-minute increments, so the prediction time period is also in 30-minute increments. An area during which reverse power flow is predicted to occur is called a reverse flow area. Power consuming devices located in a 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 located in areas other than the reverse flow area are called external power consuming devices. External power consuming devices are also called external devices. Adjustment capability is the ability to absorb excess power when excess power occurs due to reverse power flow. The power management apparatus 100 allocates adjustment capacity by generating a power consumption plan that causes internal devices to consume excess power and causes external devices to consume any surplus power that remains after being consumed by the internal devices. More specifically, the power management apparatus 100 generates a time shift plan and an area shift 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 of an inverse power flow area (the adjustment capacity of internal devices) over time. The area shift plan is a plan for consuming surplus power. The area shift plan is a plan for shifting the adjustment capacity of an area other than an inverse power flow area (the adjustment capacity of external devices) to an inverse power flow area.

[0017] In FIG. 1 , for example, as of 11:30, it is predicted that a reverse power flow of 1,100 electric energy will occur in area B610 during the time period "13:00" (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 A510. In the example of FIG. 1 , the time period "13:00" starting at 13:00, during which a reverse power flow is predicted to occur, corresponds to the predicted time period. Furthermore, area B610, in which a reverse power flow is predicted to occur, corresponds to the reverse power flow area. Furthermore, the electric vehicle 622, mobile storage battery 623, stationary storage battery 624, and electric water heater 625 located in area B610, which is a reverse power flow area, correspond to internal equipment. The electric vehicle 522, mobile battery 523, stationary battery 524, and electric water heater 525 located in area A 510 correspond to external devices. Note that, hereinafter, the time period "13:00" will be simply referred to as "13:00." Similarly, a time period starting at another time, for example, the time period "12:00," will also be simply 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 predicted time period.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, the 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, the improvement request time, and the improvement request amount. The improvement request area is a reverse power flow area (area B610 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 (amount of power 100 in Figs. 1 and 2).

[0020] The power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not time shifting of the adjustment capacity is possible during the predicted time period. Specifically, the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not power consumption scheduled for an internal device during a time period other than the predicted time period can be performed by the internal device during the predicted time period. If time shifting of the adjustment capacity is possible, the power management apparatus 100 generates a time shift plan for shifting the adjustment capacity over time.

[0021] The time shift of the regulation capacity includes advancing and delaying the regulation capacity. Advancing the regulation capacity means advancing the charging or discharging of an internal device scheduled for a later time to an earlier time. In other words, advancing the regulation capacity means changing the time of charging or discharging of an internal device to an earlier time. Delaying the regulation capacity means delaying the charging or discharging of an internal device scheduled for an earlier time to a later time. In other words, delaying the regulation capacity means changing the time of charging or discharging of an internal device to a later time. Advancing the regulation capacity means, for example, charging or discharging an internal device scheduled for "14:00" to "13:00". Delaying the regulation capacity means, for example, charging or discharging an internal device scheduled for "12:00" to "13:00". An internal device designated by the power management apparatus 100 as a target for advancing or delaying the regulation capacity 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 instructing 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 the time shift instruction message to a terminal device of a road passenger transportation business 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 the time shift instruction message to, for example, a terminal device of the owner of the mobile storage battery 623, etc.

[0023] The designated internal device will charge or discharge at "13:00." Here, it is assumed that 20 of the requested improvement amount can be consumed by charging or discharging the designated internal device. In other words, it is assumed that the time shift of the adjustment capacity cannot absorb all of the requested improvement amount, and 80 of the requested improvement amount will remain as surplus power.

[0024] Next, the power management apparatus 100 determines whether area transfer of adjustment capacity is possible. Specifically, the power management apparatus 100 determines whether it is possible to move external devices to area B610 and have the external devices consume power in area B610 during the predicted time period. If area transfer of adjustment capacity is possible, the power management apparatus 100 generates an area transfer plan to transfer adjustment capacity of areas other than area B610 to area B610. In the example of FIG. 2 , the power management apparatus 100 generates a plan to move movable external devices in area A510 that have spare charging capacity to area B610. Specifically, the power management apparatus 100 generates a plan to move an electric vehicle 522 and a mobile storage battery 523 that have spare charging capacity to area B610 and have the electric vehicle 522 and the mobile storage battery 523 consume the surplus power in area B610. The external devices (electric vehicle 522 and mobile storage battery 523) designated by the power management apparatus 100 as the devices to be moved are referred to as designated external devices.

[0025] The power management apparatus 100 transmits an area transfer instruction message to the terminal device of the manager of the designated external device. The area transfer instruction message is a message instructing the manager to move the designated external device to area B610 by 13:00. If the designated external device is an electric vehicle 522, the power management apparatus 100 transmits the area transfer instruction message to a terminal device of a road passenger transportation business such as a bus company or a taxi company. If the designated external device is a mobile storage battery 523, the power management apparatus 100 transmits the area transfer instruction message to a terminal device of the owner of the mobile storage battery 523, for example.

[0026] The designated external device is connected to the charging facility 626 in area B610 by 13:00, and starts charging or discharging from 13:00 to consume the surplus power. As a result, the amount of excess power at 13:00 is zero, and no reverse power flow that exceeds the operational capacity of distribution system B600 occurs.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows fluctuations in the allocation of request amounts and adjustment capacity in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2. The request amount is the amount of excess power. The request amount and adjustment capacity shown in FIG. 3 are managed by the 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 request amount and adjustment capacity for each area based on the power supply plan and the power demand plan, as shown in FIG. 3. The request amount is the excess power (reverse flow - operational capacity) derived from the power supply plan and the power demand plan.

[0028] (a1) of Fig. 3 shows the request amount and regulation capacity for each time of area A510 before the power management apparatus 100 transfers its regulation capacity. (b1) of Fig. 3 shows the request amount and regulation capacity for each time of area B610 before the power management apparatus 100 transfers its regulation capacity. (a2) of Fig. 3 shows the request amount and regulation capacity for each time of area A510 after the power management apparatus 100 transfers its regulation capacity. (b2) of Fig. 3 shows the request amount and regulation capacity for each time of area B610 after the power management apparatus 100 transfers its regulation 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 regulation capacity. As shown in (b1) of FIG. 3, in area B610, there is a request for power at "13:00" but there is no regulation capacity. In other words, excess power is predicted to occur at "13:00", but there is no regulation capacity to absorb the excess power. On the other hand, in area B610, there is a lot of regulation capacity at "12:00" and "12:30".

[0030] Therefore, as shown in (b2) of FIG. 3 , the power management apparatus 100 postpones the adjustment capability for "12:00" and "12:30" to "13:00." In other words, the power management apparatus 100 postpones the charging or discharging of internal devices scheduled for "12:00" and "12:30" to "13:00." Even with this postponement of adjustment capability, it is not possible to absorb all of the excess power, and surplus power remains. Therefore, the power management apparatus 100 moves the adjustment capability for "13:00" in area A510 to area B610. In other words, the power management apparatus 100 moves movable external devices in area A510 that have available charging capacity to area B610, and has the moved external devices consume the surplus power in area B610. As a result, as shown in (b2) of FIG. 3 , the requested amount and adjustment capability match in area B610, and the excess power is absorbed. Furthermore, as shown in (a2) of FIG. 3, the adjustment capacity at "13:00" in area A510 is lost due to the transfer to area B610, but there is no request for it, so no problem occurs.

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

[0032] The power management device 100 is network-connected to a power supply management system 210, a power company terminal 220, a customer terminal 230, a charging facility operator terminal 240, and a road passenger travel operator terminal 250. Before describing the functional configuration and hardware configuration of the power management device 100, the power supply management system 210, the power company terminal 220, the customer terminal 230, the charging facility operator terminal 240, and the road passenger travel operator 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 for each unit time from power utilities. The power supply management system 210 also collects predicted power supply amounts for each area and for each unit time from renewable energy power suppliers. The power supply management system 210 also collects predicted power demand amounts for each area and for each unit time from power utilities. The power supply management system 210 generates a power supply plan and a power demand plan for each area and for each unit time using the collected predicted power supply amounts and predicted power demand amounts. The power demand plan managed by the power supply management system 210 does not include power consumption due to the transfer of the adjustment capacity of the power management device 100. The power supply management system 210 also grasps the requested 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 increments. For this reason, the power supply management system 210 grasps the requested amount and the adjustment capacity in 30-minute increments. 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 capacity is predicted in a specific area at a specific time, the power supply management system 210 transmits an adjustment capacity shortage message to the power company terminal 220 notifying that an adjustment capacity shortage will occur.

[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. An electric power company carries out a business of delivering electricity generated at a power plant to a point where the electricity is used by a consumer using transmission lines, distribution lines, etc. The electric power company terminal 220 transmits area information 1051, which will be described later, to the power management apparatus 100. Furthermore, when the electric power company terminal 220 receives an adjustment capability shortage message from the power supply management system 210, it transmits an improvement request message to the power management apparatus 100.

[0035] The consumer terminal 230 is a terminal device used by a consumer. A consumer receives a supply of 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 equipment. Note that the power consumption equipment used by the consumer is not limited to these. The consumer may also own a charging facility. In the following, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that only charging facility operators own charging facilities. The consumer terminal 230 transmits status information of the equipment used by the consumer. The status information of the mobile storage battery indicates the location, status, and chargeable capacity 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 below. The status information of the stationary storage battery or electric water heater indicates the status and consumable capacity of the stationary storage battery or electric water heater. Specifically, the status information of the stationary storage battery or the electric water heater indicates the value of each row of the later-described stationary equipment plan information 1054. The status information of each device is reflected in the mobile storage battery plan information 1053 and the stationary equipment plan information 1054.

[0036] The charging facility operator terminal 240 is a terminal device used by a charging facility operator. A charging facility operator is an operator that manages charging facilities. Electric vehicles and mobile storage batteries can be charged by connecting them to a charging plug of the charging facility. Status information of the charging facility is transmitted from the charging facility 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 value of each row of the charging facility plan information 1055, which will be described later. The status information of the charging facility is reflected in the 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. A road passenger transport operator is, for example, a taxi operator or a bus operator. A road passenger transport operator operates electric vehicles for road passenger transport. Status information of the electric vehicle is transmitted from the road passenger transport operator terminal 250. The status information of the electric vehicle indicates the position, status, and chargeable amount of the electric vehicle. Specifically, the status information of the electric vehicle indicates the value of each row of the vehicle plan information 1052 described below. The status information of the electric vehicle is reflected in the vehicle plan information 1052.

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

[0039] The power management apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is a computer. The power management apparatus 100 includes, as hardware components, a processor 901, a main storage device 902, an auxiliary storage device 903, and a communication device 904. As shown in FIG. 4 , the power management apparatus 100 also includes, as functional components, a receiving unit 101, a database management unit 102, a plan generation unit 103, a transmission unit 104, and a database 105. The functions of the receiving unit 101, the database management unit 102, the plan generation unit 103, and the transmission unit 104 are implemented, for example, by programs. The auxiliary storage device 903 stores programs that implement the functions of the receiving unit 101, the database management unit 102, the plan generation unit 103, and the transmission unit 104. These programs are loaded from the auxiliary storage device 903 to the main storage device 902. The processor 901 executes these programs to perform the operations of the receiving unit 101, the database management unit 102, the plan generation unit 103, and the transmission unit 104, which will be described later. FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a state in which the processor 901 is executing a program that realizes 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 the functional configuration of the power management apparatus 100 according to this 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 equipment operator terminal 240, and the road passenger movement operator terminal 250 using the communication device 904. Specifically, the receiving unit 101 receives an improvement request message from the power company terminal 220. The receiving unit 101 also receives area information 1051 from the power company terminal 220. The receiving unit 101 also receives status information of the mobile storage battery, the stationary storage battery, and the electric water heater from the customer terminal 230. The receiving unit 101 also receives status information of the charging equipment from the charging equipment operator terminal 240. The receiving unit 101 also 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. When the receiving unit 101 receives status information, the receiving unit 101 outputs the status information to the database managing unit 102.

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

[0043] The plan generation unit 103 generates a power consumption plan when an improvement request message is received from the power company terminal 220. Furthermore, the plan generation unit 103 generates a time movement instruction message when a time movement of adjustment capacity is required to implement the power consumption plan. The plan generation unit 103 then outputs the time movement instruction message to the transmission unit 104. Furthermore, the plan generation unit 103 generates an area movement instruction message when an area movement of adjustment capacity is required to implement the power consumption plan. The plan generation unit 103 then outputs the area movement instruction message to the transmission unit 104. The processing performed by the plan generation unit 103 corresponds to plan generation processing.

[0044] The transmitting unit 104 transmits a time movement instruction message and an area movement instruction message using the communication device 904. When the plan generating unit 103 generates a time movement instruction message for equipment managed by the consumer, the transmitting unit 104 transmits the time movement instruction message to the consumer terminal 230. Specifically, when the plan generating unit 103 generates a time movement instruction message for any of a stationary storage battery, a mobile storage battery, and an electric water heater, the transmitting unit 104 transmits the time movement instruction message to the consumer terminal 230. Furthermore, when the plan generating unit 103 generates a time movement instruction message for an electric vehicle, the transmitting unit 104 transmits the time movement instruction message to the road passenger movement operator terminal 250. Furthermore, when the plan generating unit 103 generates an area movement instruction message for a mobile storage battery, the transmitting unit 104 transmits the area movement instruction message to the consumer terminal 230. Furthermore, when the plan generating unit 103 generates an area movement instruction message for an electric vehicle, the transmitting unit 104 transmits the area movement instruction message to the road passenger movement operator terminal 250. The transmission unit 104 corresponds to an instruction unit, and 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, etc. The database 105 is realized by, for example, the auxiliary storage device 903. Hereinafter, the area information 1051, vehicle plan information 1052, mobile storage 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 will be collectively referred to as database information.

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

[0047] FIG. 6 shows an example of area information 1051. The area information 1051 describes, for each area, the power distribution system that distributes power to each area and the geographical extent of 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 extent of each area is defined by latitude and longitude. However, the geographical extent of each area may be defined using a different coordinate system. Also, in this embodiment, the geographical extent of each area is defined by four points. However, the geographical extent of each area may be defined by three points or five or more points.

[0048] FIG. 7 shows an example of vehicle plan information 1052. The vehicle plan information 1052 indicates the location, chargeable amount, and status of an electric vehicle for each unit time. In FIG. 7 , "X111, Y111" and the like indicate the location of the electric vehicle. The location of the electric vehicle indicated in the vehicle plan information 1052 is the location at the start time of the 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. Furthermore, 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. "Standby" indicates that the electric vehicle is in a standby state. In other words, "standby" indicates a state in which the electric vehicle is not in commercial operation. "Running" indicates that the electric vehicle is running. In other words, "running" indicates a state in which the electric vehicle is in commercial operation. A "Y" written to the right of "standby" indicates that the electric vehicle can be charged. An "N" written to the right of "driving" indicates that the electric vehicle 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 capacity of "20," is in a "standby" state, and is chargeable. Furthermore, at "12:00," "electric vehicle 3" is located at a geographical position "X131, Y131" in area A510, has a chargeable capacity of "50," is in a "driving" state, and is not chargeable. In FIG. 7 , the chargeable capacity of the electric vehicle is described. Alternatively, the charge amount of the electric vehicle may be described. In this case, the plan generation unit 103 can obtain the chargeable capacity by subtracting the charge amount from the charge capacity of the electric vehicle.

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

[0050] FIG. 8 shows an example of mobile battery plan information 1053. The mobile battery plan information 1053 indicates the location, chargeable capacity, and status of a mobile battery for each unit time. In FIG. 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, the start time of the unit time. Furthermore, numerical values ​​such as "20" and "40" indicate the chargeable capacity of the mobile battery, i.e., the consumable capacity. This chargeable capacity is also the chargeable capacity at the start time of the unit time. "Standby" indicates that the mobile battery is in a standby state. "Storing" indicates that the mobile battery is storing power. "Discharging" indicates that the mobile battery is discharging power. A "Y" to the right of "standby" indicates that the mobile battery can be charged. An "N" to the right of "storage" and "discharge" indicates that the mobile battery cannot be charged. For example, at 12:00, "Mobile Battery 1" is located at geographic location "X117, Y117" in area A510, has a chargeable capacity of "20", is in a "standby" state, and is chargeable. Furthermore, at 13:00, "Mobile Battery 3" is located at geographic location "X217, Y217" in area B610, has a chargeable capacity of "0", is in "storage", and is not chargeable. In FIG. 8, the chargeable capacity of the mobile battery is described. Alternatively, the charge amount of the mobile battery may be described. In this case, the plan generation unit 103 can obtain the chargeable capacity by subtracting the charge amount from the charge capacity of the mobile battery.

[0051] The database management unit 102 integrates the status information of each mobile storage battery transmitted from the customer 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 stationary equipment plan information 1054. The stationary equipment plan information 1054 indicates the status and chargeable capacity 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" written to the right of "Standby" for the stationary storage battery indicates that the stationary storage battery can be charged. An "N" written to the right of "Storing" and "Discharging" for the stationary storage battery indicates that the stationary storage battery cannot be charged. Furthermore, numerical values ​​such as "20" and "30" for the stationary storage battery indicate the chargeable capacity of the stationary storage battery, i.e., the amount that can be consumed. The "20" for the electric water heater indicates the amount that can be consumed by heating the water from the electric water heater. For example, at "12:00", "stationary storage battery 1" is in a "standby" state, the chargeable amount is "20", and it is possible to charge. Also, at "12:00", "electric water heater 1" is in "heating" mode, and the amount that can be consumed by heating is "20". In FIG. 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 generation 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 customer 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 charging facility plan information 1055. The charging facility plan information 1055 indicates the location of charging facilities and the number of charging plugs provided at the charging facilities. The charging facility plan information 1055 also indicates the status of each charging plug at each charging facility for each unit time. "In use" indicates that the charging plug is being used for charging. "Standby" indicates that the charging plug is not being used for charging. For example, "charging facility 1" is located at a geographical location of "X119, Y119" in area A510 and is equipped with two charging plugs. The two charging plugs of "charging facility 1" are being used for charging at "12:00" and "12:30." On the other hand, the two charging plugs of "charging facility 1" are not being used for charging at "13:00." In the following, charging plugs in the "standby" status are referred to as "standby plugs."

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

[0056] FIG. 11 shows an example of navigation information 1056. The navigation information 1056 indicates the distance between the current location of the electric vehicle or mobile storage battery and the location of the charging facility. Furthermore, the navigation information 1056 indicates the time required for the electric vehicle or mobile storage battery to travel from its current location to the location of the charging facility. For example, the distance between "electric vehicle 1" and "charging facility 1" is "1 km." Furthermore, 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 business operator terminal 250 and the position of each charging facility indicated in the charging facility plan information 1055. The database management unit 102 also 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 its initial 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 in the navigation information 1056 each time the receiving unit 101 receives status information notifying the new position of the electric vehicle. Similarly, when the position of the mobile storage battery changes from its initial position, status information notifying the new position of the mobile storage battery is transmitted from the customer 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 operation of the power management apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG.

[0060] It is assumed that all database information is stored in the database 105 before the start of the flow of FIG. 12 . Furthermore, the database management unit 102 appropriately updates the database information depending on the status of the equipment. In this embodiment, the details of the database information update process will not be described. However, it is assumed that whenever the status of the equipment changes, the latest status information is transmitted from one of the power supply management system 210, the power company terminal 220, the customer terminal 230, the charging facility operator terminal 240, and the road passenger movement operator terminal 250. The database management unit 102 then updates the corresponding database information in accordance with the latest status information. For example, if the position of any electric vehicle changes, the road passenger movement operator terminal 250 transmits status information notifying the receiving unit 101 of the latest position of the electric vehicle. 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 receiving unit 101 transfers the improvement request message to the plan generating unit 103, and the process proceeds to step S2. As described above, the improvement request message indicates the improvement request area (reverse power 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 generation unit 103 acquires database information from the database management unit 102. More specifically, when the plan generation unit 103 acquires the improvement request message from the receiving unit 101, the plan generation unit 103 requests the database management unit 102 to read out the database information. The database management unit 102 reads out the 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 facility plan information 1055, navigation information 1056, and cost information 1057.

[0063] Next, in step S3, the plan generation unit 103 generates a power consumption plan and calculates estimated costs. The estimated costs are costs estimated to be required to implement the power consumption plan. Specifically, the plan generation unit 103 generates multiple power consumption plan candidates, which are candidates for the power consumption plan. The plan generation unit 103 also calculates the estimated costs of each power consumption plan candidate. The plan generation unit 103 then selects the power consumption plan candidate with the smallest estimated cost as the power consumption plan. Details of step S3 will be described later.

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

[0065] If the power consumption plan and estimated costs are approved by the power utility (YES in step S5), the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the power consumption plan and estimated costs are not approved by the power utility (NO in step S5), the process returns to step S1. If the power consumption plan and estimated costs are approved by the power utility, the plan generation unit 103 receives a notification message notifying the approval of the power consumption plan and estimated costs via the receiving unit 101. On the other hand, if the power consumption plan and estimated costs are not approved by the power utility, the plan generation unit 103 receives a new improvement request message via the receiving unit 101. The new improvement request message includes 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. If a new improvement request message is received, the database information has already been read, 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 the power consumption plan approved by the power utility in the database 105. That is, the database management unit 102 registers database information reflecting the power consumption plan in the database 105. The plan generation 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 a time shift of the adjustment capability is necessary. That is, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether an advancement and / or delay in the timing of charging or discharging the internal devices is necessary. If a time shift of the adjustment capability is necessary (YES in step S7), the process proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, if a time shift of the adjustment capability is not necessary (NO in step S7), the process proceeds to step S9.

[0068] In step S8, the plan generation unit 103 transmits a time shift instruction message via the transmission unit 104. As described above, the time shift instruction message is a message that instructs a change in the timing of charging or discharging of an 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 a mobile storage battery, a stationary storage battery, and an electric water heater, the plan generation unit 103 transmits the time shift instruction message to the consumer terminal 230. Furthermore, if the internal device that is the target of the time shift of the adjustment power is an electric vehicle, the plan generation unit 103 transmits the time shift instruction message to the road passenger movement operator terminal 250.

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

[0070] In step S10, the plan generation unit 103 transmits an area movement instruction message via the transmission unit 104. As described above, the area movement instruction message is a message that instructs 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 location of the charging facility to which the device is connected. If the external device that is the target of the area movement of the adjustment capacity is an electric vehicle, the plan generation unit 103 transmits the area movement instruction message to the road passenger movement operator terminal 250. Furthermore, if the external device that is the target of the area movement of the adjustment capacity is a mobile storage battery, the plan generation unit 103 transmits the area movement instruction message to the consumer terminal 230.

[0071] Finally, in step S11, the plan generation unit 103 updates the charging facility plan information 1055 ( FIG. 10 ). Specifically, the plan generation unit 103 updates the status of the time period corresponding to the charging plug that has come to be used for charging due to the time shift of the adjustment capability to "in use." The plan generation unit 103 also updates the status of the time period corresponding to the charging plug that has come to be used for charging due to the area shift of the adjustment capability to "in use." Note that the processing of step S11 may be performed simultaneously with step S6.

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

[0073] In the flow of Figure 13, the plan generation unit 103 generates, as the power consumption plan candidates, either only a time travel plan candidate, only an area travel plan candidate, or a set of a time travel plan candidate and an area travel plan candidate. A time travel plan candidate is a candidate for a time travel plan. A area travel plan candidate is a candidate for an area travel plan. The plan generation unit 103 also calculates an estimated cost. When only a time travel plan candidate is generated, the plan generation unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of the time travel plan candidate. The estimated cost of the time travel plan candidate is the cost estimated to be required for implementing the time travel plan candidate. When only an area travel plan candidate is generated, the plan generation unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of the area travel plan candidate. The estimated cost of the area travel plan candidate is the cost estimated to be required for implementing the area travel plan candidate. When a set of a time travel plan candidate and an area travel plan candidate is generated, the plan generation unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of the set of a time travel plan candidate and an area travel plan candidate. The estimated cost of a pair of candidate time travel plans and candidate area travel plans is the estimated cost required to implement the pair of candidate time travel plans and candidate area travel plans.The plan generation unit 103 then selects, as the power consumption plan, the candidate time travel plan with the smallest estimated cost, the candidate area travel plan with the smallest estimated cost, or the pair of candidate time travel plans and candidate area travel plans with the smallest estimated cost.Each step in FIGS. 13 and 14 will be described below.

[0074] First, in step S30, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether a time movement plan candidate can be generated. Specifically, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether there are any dischargeable internal devices or chargeable internal devices at the improvement request time. If there are at least any dischargeable internal devices or chargeable internal devices at the improvement request time, the plan generation unit 103 determines that a time movement plan candidate can be generated. On the other hand, if there are no dischargeable internal devices or chargeable internal devices at the improvement request time, the plan generation 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 movement plan candidate cannot be generated (NO in step S30), the process proceeds to step S35.

[0075] In step S31, the plan generation unit 103 generates a time movement plan candidate. If multiple time movement plan candidate candidates can be generated, the plan generation unit 103 generates the multiple time movement plan candidate candidates by changing the internal devices that are subject to the time movement of the adjustment capacity. Details of step S31 will be described later.

[0076] Next, in step S32, the plan generation 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 all of the 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 all of the improvement request amount (NO in step S32), the process proceeds to step S35.

[0077] In step S33-1, the plan generation 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 generation unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of each of the time movement plan candidates. Details of step S33-1 will be described later.

[0078] In step S34-1, the plan generation unit 103 selects the time movement plan candidate with the smallest estimated cost from among the time movement plan candidates that can consume all of the improvement requested amount as the power consumption plan for step 3 in Fig. 12. The internal device that is the subject of advancing or postponing 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 generation unit 103 determines whether or not a candidate area movement plan can be generated. Specifically, the plan generation 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 that can be charged at the improvement request time, the plan generation unit 103 determines that a candidate area movement plan 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 generation unit 103 determines that a candidate area movement plan cannot be generated. If a candidate area movement plan cannot be generated (NO in step S35), the process proceeds to step S36. On the other hand, if a candidate area movement plan can be generated (YES in step S35), the process proceeds to step S37.

[0080] In step S36, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether a time movement plan candidate has been generated. That is, the plan generation unit 103 determines which of the following paths the process took to reach step S36: Path 1: YES in step S30 → step S31 → NO in step S32 → NO in step S35 → step S36 Path 2: NO in step S30 → NO in step S35 → step S36

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

[0082] If step S36 returns YES, the time movement plan candidate can only consume a portion of the improvement request amount. In this embodiment, even for a time movement plan candidate that can only consume a portion of the improvement request amount, the estimated cost is calculated in step S33-1. Furthermore, even for a time movement plan candidate that can only consume a portion 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 only consume a portion of the improvement request amount may not be selected as the power consumption plan. In this case, step S36 is not necessary in the flow of FIG. 13. If step S36 is not included in the flow of FIG. 13, the processing ends when step S35 returns NO.

[0083] In step S37, the plan generation unit 103 generates a candidate area movement plan. If step S30 is determined to be YES and a candidate time movement plan has been generated in step S31, the plan generation unit 103 generates a candidate area movement plan for each candidate time movement plan. In other words, the plan generation unit 103 generates a candidate area movement plan for consuming surplus power that cannot be consumed by the candidate time movement plan. On the other hand, if step S30 is determined to be NO, a candidate time movement plan has not been generated, so the plan generation unit 103 generates a candidate area movement plan for consuming the improvement request amount (excess power). Details of step S37 will be described later.

[0084] 14, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether a time movement plan candidate has been generated. That is, the plan generating unit 103 determines which of the following paths the process has taken to reach step S38. Path 1: YES in step S30 → step S31 → NO in step S32 → YES in step S35 → step S37 → step S38 Path 2: NO in step S30 → YES in step S35 → step S37 → step S38

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

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

[0087] In step S34-2, the plan generation unit 103 selects the 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 request amount as the power consumption plan for step 3 in FIG. 12. The internal device that is the subject of an advancement or postponement of discharge or charge in the time movement plan candidate selected as the power consumption plan in step S34-2 is the designated internal device. Also, the external device that is the subject of area movement in the area movement plan candidate selected as the power consumption plan in step S34-2 is the designated external device. There may be 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 may only be able to consume a portion of the improvement request amount. In this case, the plan generation unit 103 selects, for example, the pair with the highest power consumption as the power consumption plan for step 3 in FIG. 12.

[0088] In step S33-3, the plan generation unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of the area movement plan candidate. If there are multiple area movement plan candidates, the plan generation unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of each area movement plan candidate. Details of step S33-1 will also be described later.

[0089] In step S34-3, the plan generation unit 103 selects the area movement plan candidate with the smallest estimated cost from among the area movement plan candidates that can consume all of the improvement request amount as the power consumption plan for step 3 in FIG. 12. 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 no area movement plan candidate that can consume all of the improvement request amount, that is, all of the area movement plan candidates may only be able to consume a portion of the improvement request amount. In this case, the plan generation unit 103 selects, for example, the area movement plan candidate with the highest power consumption as the power consumption plan for step 3 in FIG. 12.

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

[0091] First, in step S3101, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether there is any internal equipment in the improvement request area that can discharge at the improvement request time. That is, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether there is any internal equipment whose scheduled discharge time can be advanced or delayed to the improvement request time. The plan generation unit 103 determines whether such internal equipment exists by referencing the vehicle plan information 1052, the mobile storage battery plan information 1053, and the stationary equipment plan information 1054. If such internal equipment exists (YES in step S3101), the process proceeds to step S3102. On the other hand, if such internal equipment does not exist (NO in step S3101), the process proceeds to step S3111 in FIG. 16 .

[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 "heating" is scheduled, which are shown in the stationary equipment plan information 1054 in FIG. 9 .

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

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

[0095] In step S3105, because the total value of the consumable power amount has reached the improvement request amount, the plan generation unit 103 provisionally registers a time movement plan candidate in the database 105. That is, the plan generation unit 103 generates a time movement plan candidate in which all of the internal devices selected in step S3012 discharge at the improvement request time. Then, the plan generation unit 103 provisionally registers the generated time movement plan candidate in the database 105. Specifically, the plan generation unit 103 generates a copy of the database information corresponding to the internal devices selected in step S3102. Then, the plan generation unit 103 generates a time movement plan candidate in which the internal devices discharge 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 time movement plan candidate in which, in the copy of the fixed equipment plan information 1054 (Figure 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 generation unit 103 determines whether all combinations of internal devices that can discharge at the improvement request time have been tried. That is, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether the processing from step S3102 onwards has 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 processing ends. On the other hand, if there are combinations that have not been tried (NO in step S3106), the processing returns to step S3102, and the plan generation unit 103 selects internal devices and their scheduled discharge times for the combinations that have not been tried.

[0097] Note that, in step S3106, it is determined whether all combinations of internal devices that can discharge at the improvement request time have been tried, but the plan generation unit 103 may make a different determination. For example, in step S3106, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether a specified number of combinations have been tried. If the specified number of combinations have been tried, the plan generation unit 103 may end the processing even if not all combinations have been tried.

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

[0099] In step S3108, since the total value of the consumable power amount does not reach the improvement request amount but there are no further internal devices that can be selected, the plan generation unit 103 provisionally registers a time shift 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 but not all of it by advancing and / or delaying the scheduled discharge time. 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 generation unit 103 in step S3108 is the same as that described in step S3105. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3121 in FIG. 17 .

[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 there is any internal device that can be charged at the improvement request time. That is, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether there is any internal device whose scheduled charging time can be advanced or postponed to the improvement request time. The plan generation unit 103 determines whether such internal device exists by referencing the vehicle plan information 1052, the mobile storage battery plan information 1053, and the stationary equipment plan information 1054. If such internal device exists (YES in step S3111), the process proceeds to step S3112. On the other hand, if such internal device does not exist (NO in step S3111), the process ends. In this case, no internal device that can be discharged or charged exists at the improvement request time, so no time movement plan candidate is generated.

[0102] In step S3112, the plan generation unit 103 selects an internal device that can be charged at the improvement request time and the current scheduled charging time of the internal device. If the plan generation unit 103 selects a mobile storage battery or an electric vehicle in step S3112, it also refers to the charging equipment plan information 1055 ( FIG. 10 ) and determines whether there is a standby plug in the improvement request area at the improvement request time. If there is no standby plug at the improvement request time, the plan generation unit 103 cancels the selection of the mobile storage battery or the electric vehicle performed in step S3112. If a stationary storage battery is selected, a charging plug is not required to charge a stationary storage battery, so the plan generation unit 103 does not determine whether there is 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 cumulative value. If "Stationary storage battery 3" and "12:00" shown in the stationary equipment plan information 1054 in Fig. 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 "Storage" at "12:00", to the cumulative value. This cumulative value is the cumulative value of the consumable power amounts of the internal devices selected in step S3112 up to this point.

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

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

[0106] Next, in step S3116, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether all combinations of internal devices that can be charged at the improvement request time have been tried. That is, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether the processing from step S3112 onwards 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 processing ends. On the other hand, if there are combinations that have not been tried (NO in step S3116), the processing returns to step S3112, and the plan generation unit 103 selects internal devices and their scheduled charging times for combinations that have not been tried.

[0107] In step S3116, it is determined whether all combinations of internal devices in the improvement request area that can discharge at the improvement request time have been tried, but the plan generation unit 103 may make a different determination. For example, in step S3116, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether a specified number of combinations have been tried. If the specified number of combinations have been tried, the plan generation unit 103 may end the processing even if not all combinations have 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 generation unit 103 determines in step S3117 whether or not there are any unselected internal devices. If there are any unselected internal devices (YES in step S3117), the process returns to step S3112, and the plan generation unit 103 selects the unselected internal devices and their scheduled charging times. If there are no unselected internal devices (NO in step S3117), the process proceeds to step S3118.

[0109] In step S3118, since the total value of the consumable power amount does not reach the improvement request amount but there are no further internal devices that can be selected, the plan generation unit 103 provisionally registers a time movement plan candidate in the database 105. The time movement plan candidate provisionally registered in step S3118 is a time movement plan candidate that can absorb part of the improvement request amount but not all of it by advancing and / or delaying the charging start time. The operation of the plan generation unit 103 in step S3118 is the same as that described in step S3115. After step S3118, the processing ends.

[0110] Step S3121 in Fig. 17 is performed when a candidate movement plan for the unachieved time is provisionally registered in step S3108 in Fig. 15. In other words, 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 there is any internal device that can be charged at the improvement request time. That is, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether there is any internal device whose scheduled charging time can be advanced or delayed to the improvement request time. The plan generation unit 103 determines whether such internal device exists by referencing the vehicle plan information 1052, the mobile storage battery plan information 1053, and the stationary equipment plan information 1054. If such internal device exists (YES in step S3121), the process proceeds to step S3122. On the other hand, if such internal device does not exist (NO in step S3121), the process ends.

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

[0113] In step S3123, the plan generation unit 103 selects a device that can be charged at the improvement request time and the current scheduled charging time of the device. If the plan generation unit 103 selects a mobile storage battery or an electric vehicle in step S3123, it also refers to the charging equipment plan information 1055 ( FIG. 10 ) and determines whether there is a standby plug in the improvement request area at the improvement request time. If there is no standby plug at the improvement request time, the plan generation unit 103 cancels the selection of the mobile storage battery or the electric vehicle performed in step S3123. If a stationary storage battery is selected, a charging plug is not required to charge a stationary storage battery, so the plan generation unit 103 does not determine whether there is a standby plug.

[0114] Next, in step S3124, the plan generation unit 103 adds the consumable energy amount at the current scheduled charge time of the internal device selected in step S3123 to the cumulative value. The cumulative value here is the sum of the cumulative value of the consumable energy amount obtained in the candidate non-arrival time movement plan selected in step S3122 and the cumulative value of the consumable energy amount of the internal device selected in step S3123 up to this point. The cumulative value of the consumable energy amount obtained in the candidate non-arrival time movement plan selected in step S3122 is the cumulative value of the consumable energy amount resulting from advancing and / or postponing the scheduled discharge time. The cumulative value of the consumable energy amount of the internal device selected in step S3123 up to this point is the cumulative value of the consumable energy amount resulting from advancing and / or postponing the scheduled charge time.

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

[0116] In step S3126, because the total value of the consumable energy reaches the improvement request amount, the plan generation unit 103 provisionally registers a time movement plan candidate in the database 105. That is, the plan generation 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 generation unit 103 associates the generated time movement plan candidate with the unachieved time movement plan candidate selected in step S3122 and provisionally registers the generated time movement plan candidate in the database 105. The generation of the time movement plan candidate in step S3126 is performed in the same manner as the generation of the time movement plan candidate in step S3115.

[0117] Next, in step S3127, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether all combinations of devices in the improvement request area that can be charged at the improvement request time have been tried for the candidate non-arrival time travel plan selected in step S3122. That is, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether the processing from step S3123 onwards has been performed for all combinations of internal devices that can be charged at the improvement request time for the candidate non-arrival time travel plan 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 are combinations that have not been tried (NO in step S3127), the process returns to step S3123, and the plan generation unit 103 selects internal devices and their scheduled charging times for the combinations that have not been tried.

[0118] Note that in step S3127, it is determined whether all combinations of internal devices in the improvement request area that can discharge at the improvement request time have been tried, but the plan generation unit 103 may make a different determination. For example, in step S3127, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether a specified number of combinations have been tried. If the specified number of combinations have been tried, the plan generation unit 103 may proceed to step S3128 even if not all combinations have been tried.

[0119] In step S3128, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether there are any unselected candidate unreached time travel plans. If there are any unselected candidate unreached time travel plans (YES in step S3128), the process returns to step S3122, where the plan generation unit 103 selects an unselected candidate unreached time travel plan and repeats the operations from step S3123 onwards. On the other hand, if there are no unselected candidate unreached time travel plans (NO in step S3128), the process ends.

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

[0121] In step S3130, since the total value of the consumable energy amount does not reach the improvement request amount but there are no further internal devices to select, the plan generation unit 103 provisionally registers a time movement plan candidate in the database 105. The time movement plan candidate provisionally registered in step S3130 is a time movement plan candidate that cannot absorb all of the improvement request amount even if the discharge start time is advanced and / or delayed in addition to the charging start time being advanced and / or delayed in the unachieved time movement plan candidate selected in step S3122. The plan generation unit 103 generates the time movement plan candidate in the same manner as in step S3115. Then, the plan generation unit 103 provisionally registers the generated time movement plan candidate in the database 105 in association with the unachieved time movement plan candidate selected in step S3122.

[0122] Then, in step S3128, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether there are any unselected candidate unreached time travel plans. If there are any unselected candidate unreached time travel plans (YES in step S3128), the process returns to step S3122, and the plan generation unit 103 selects an unselected candidate unreached time travel plan and repeats the operations from step S3123 onwards. On the other hand, if there are no unselected candidate unreached time travel plans (NO in step S3128), the process ends.

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

[0124] First, in step S3701, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether a time movement plan candidate has been generated. If a time movement plan candidate has not been generated (NO in step S3701), the process proceeds to step S3702. On the other hand, if a time movement plan candidate has been generated (YES in step S3701), the process proceeds to step S3721 in FIG. 19 .

[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 references the charging equipment plan information 1055 ( FIG. 10 ) and selects charging equipment located in area B610 that has a charging plug in a "standby" state at "13:00". In the example of FIG. 10 , for example, the plan generating unit 103 selects "charging equipment 3."

[0126] Next, in step S3703, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether there is a movable external device that can be charged at the improvement request time in an area adjacent to the improvement request area. That is, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether 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 generation 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 generation unit 103 selects the number of movable external devices corresponding to the number of standby plugs in order of proximity to the charging facility selected in step S3702. The plan generation unit 103 references the vehicle plan information 1052 ( FIG. 7 ) and the mobile storage battery plan information 1053 ( FIG. 8 ) to search for movable external devices that can be charged in the neighboring area at the improvement request time. The plan generation unit 103 also references the navigation information 1056 ( FIG. 11 ) to select the number of movable external devices that can be charged at the number of standby plugs in order of proximity to the charging facility selected in step S3702. In the examples of vehicle plan information 1052 ( FIG. 7 ) and mobile storage 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 storage battery 1," and "mobile storage battery 2." If "charging facility 3" is selected in step S3702, the number of standby plugs is "2." Based on the navigation information 1056 ( FIG. 11 ), the plan generation unit 103 selects "electric vehicle 1" and "mobile storage battery 1," which are the two external devices closest to charging facility 3.

[0128] Next, in step S3705, the plan generation unit 103 adds the consumable energy amount of the external device selected in step S3703 at the improvement request time to the cumulative value. If "Electric vehicle 1" and "Mobile storage battery 1" are selected in step S3704, the plan generation unit 103 converts "20", which is the consumable energy amount of "Electric vehicle 1" at "13:00", and "20", which is the consumable energy amount of "Mobile storage battery 1" at "13:00", into a cumulative value. This cumulative value is the cumulative value of the consumable energy 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 the total value of the consumable power amount after the consumable power amount is added in step S3705 reaches the improvement request amount. If the total value of the 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 value of the consumable power amount does not reach the improvement request amount (NO in step S3706), the process proceeds to step S3709.

[0130] In step S3707, because the total value of the consumable energy reaches the improvement request amount, the plan generation unit 103 provisionally registers a candidate area movement plan in the database 105. That is, the plan generation unit 103 generates a candidate area movement plan in which all of the external devices selected in step S3704 are moved to the improvement-request area and charged in the improvement-request area. The plan generation unit 103 then provisionally registers the generated candidate area movement plan in the database 105. Specifically, the plan generation unit 103 generates a copy of the database information corresponding to the external devices selected in step S3704. The plan generation unit 103 then generates a candidate area movement plan in which the external devices are charged in the generated copy in the improvement-request area. If "electric vehicle 1" and "mobile storage battery 1" are selected in step S3704, the plan generation unit 103 generates a candidate area movement plan in the copy of the vehicle plan information 1052 ( FIG. 7 ) and the copy of the mobile storage battery plan information 1053 ( FIG. 8 ). More specifically, in duplicating the vehicle plan information 1052 (FIG. 7), the plan generation unit 103 generates a candidate area movement plan in which "electric vehicle 1" is charged at "13:00" using "charging facility 3," which is the charging facility selected in step S3702. In addition, in duplicating the mobile storage battery plan information 1053 (FIG. 8), the plan generation unit 103 generates a candidate area movement plan in which "mobile storage battery 1" is charged at "13:00" using "charging facility 3," which is the charging facility selected in step S3702.

[0131] Next, in step S3708, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether all combinations of charging facilities in the improvement request area that have standby plugs at the improvement request time have been tried. That is, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether the processing from step S3702 onwards has 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 processing ends. On the other hand, if there are combinations that have not been tried (NO in step S3708), the processing returns to step S3702, and the plan generation unit 103 selects charging facilities for combinations that have not been tried.

[0132] Note that in step S3708, it is determined whether all combinations of charging facilities in the improvement request area that have standby plugs at the improvement request time have been tried, but the plan generation unit 103 may make a different determination. For example, in step S3708, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether a specified number of combinations have been tried. Then, if the specified number of combinations have been tried, the plan generation unit 103 may end the processing even if not all combinations have been tried.

[0133] If the result of step S3706 is NO, that is, if the total value of the consumable energy amount 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 unselected charging equipment (YES in step S3709), the process returns to step S3702, and the plan generation unit 103 selects an unselected charging equipment. If there is no unselected charging equipment (NO in step S3709), the process proceeds to step S3710.

[0134] In step S3710, since the total value of the consumable energy amount does not reach the improvement request amount but there is no further charging equipment to select, the plan generation unit 103 provisionally registers an 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 some but not all of the improvement request amount by moving external devices in nearby areas to the improvement request area. The operation of the plan generation unit 103 in step S3710 is the same as that described in step S3707. Thereafter, the processing ends.

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

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

[0137] In step S3722, the plan generating unit 103 selects charging facilities in the improvement request area that have standby plugs at the improvement request time. The plan generating unit 103 selects charging facilities using the same procedure as in step S3702.

[0138] Next, in step S3723, the plan generating unit 103 determines whether 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, the process proceeds to step S3724. On the other hand, if such an external device does not exist, the process 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 the external device in the same procedure as in step S3704.

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

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

[0142] In step S3727, because the total value of the consumable power amount has reached the improvement request amount, the plan generation unit 103 provisionally registers the area movement plan candidate in the database 105. The plan generation unit 103 generates the area movement plan candidate in the same procedure as in step S3707. Then, the plan generation 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 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 combinations that have not been tried (NO in step S3728), the process returns to step S3722, and the plan generating unit 103 selects charging facilities for combinations that have not been tried.

[0144] Note that in step S3728, it is determined whether all combinations of charging facilities in the improvement request area that have standby plugs at the improvement request time have been tried, but the plan generation unit 103 may make a different determination. For example, in step S3728, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether a specified number of combinations have been tried. Then, if the specified number of combinations have been tried, the plan generation unit 103 may proceed to step S3729 even if all combinations have not been tried.

[0145] In step S3729, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether there are any unselected time movement plan candidates. If there are any unselected unreached time movement plan candidates (YES in step S3729), the process returns to step S3721, where the plan generation 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 movement plan candidates (NO in step S3729), the process ends.

[0146] If the result of step S3726 is NO, that is, if the total value of the consumable energy amount 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 unselected charging equipment (YES in step S3730), the process returns to step S3722, and the plan generation unit 103 selects an unselected charging equipment. If there is no unselected charging equipment (NO in step S3730), the process proceeds to step S3731.

[0147] In step S3731, the total value of the consumable energy amount does not reach the improvement request amount, but there is no further charging equipment that can be selected, so the plan generation unit 103 provisionally registers an 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 some but not all of the improvement request amount by moving external devices in nearby areas to the improvement request area. The operation of the plan generation unit 103 in step S3731 is the same as that described in step S3727.

[0148] Then, in step S3729, the plan generation unit 103 determines whether there are any unselected time movement plan candidates. If there are any unselected time movement plan candidates (YES in step S3729), the process returns to step S3721, where the plan generation 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 movement plan candidates (NO in step S3729), the process ends.

[0149] Next, the method of calculating the estimated costs 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 generation unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of the time-shift plan candidate using the following formula (1): Unit electricity charge × power consumption − penalty fee × unachieved improvement request amount Formula (1) In formula (1), the "unit electricity charge" is the fee per kilowatt-hour. The "power consumption" is the amount of power consumed by discharging or charging internal devices. If the target of time-shifting of the adjustment capacity is multiple internal devices, the "power consumption" is the total value of the power consumption of the multiple internal devices. The "penalty fee" is levied when the improvement request amount is not achieved. The "penalty fee" is also a fee per kilowatt-hour. The "unachieved improvement request amount" is the amount of power obtained by subtracting the above-mentioned "power consumption" from the improvement request amount. The "penalty fee × unachieved improvement request amount" is also referred to as the "penalty cost." Note that the plan generation unit 103 may omit the division of the "penalty cost" in formula (1).

[0151] Furthermore, in steps S33-2 and S33-3, the plan generation unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of the candidate area movement plan using the following formula (2). In step S33-2, the plan generation unit 103 calculates the estimated cost of the candidate time movement plan using the above-mentioned formula (1), and further calculates the estimated cost of the candidate area movement plan using the following formula (2). Unit electricity charge × Travel time × Electricity cost + Unit electricity charge × Power consumption − Penalty fee × Unachieved improvement request amount Formula (2) In formula (2), the "unit electricity charge," "Penalty fee," and "Unachieved improvement request amount" are the same as those shown in formula (1). "Power consumption" is the amount of power consumed by charging external devices. If the target of the area movement of adjustment capacity is multiple external devices, "Power consumption" is the total value of the power consumption of the multiple external devices. If the target of the area movement of adjustment capacity is an electric vehicle, "Travel time" is the time required for the electric vehicle to travel to the charging facility. If the target of the area change of the regulation capacity is a mobile storage battery and the means of moving the mobile storage battery is an electric vehicle, the "electricity cost" is the time required for the electric vehicle to move the mobile storage battery to a charging facility. If the target of the area change of the regulation capacity is an electric vehicle, the "electricity cost" is the electricity cost of the electric vehicle. If the target of the area change of the regulation capacity is a mobile storage battery and the means of moving the mobile storage battery is an electric vehicle, the "electricity cost" is the electricity cost of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, if the target of the area change of the regulation capacity is a mobile storage battery and the means of 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 generation unit 103 may omit the division of the "penalty cost" in formula (2).

[0152] The above-mentioned "unit electricity charge," "penalty charge," and "electricity cost" are described in the cost information 1057. Furthermore, the "power consumption amount" is obtained from the time travel plan candidate or area travel plan candidate generated by the plan generation unit 103. The "unachieved 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 travel plan candidate or area travel plan candidate. The "travel time" is obtained from the navigation information 1056 ( FIG. 11 ). Note that the plan generation unit 103 may calculate the estimated cost using a calculation 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 generation unit 103 will be described. FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 show examples of time movement plan candidates and area movement plan candidates generated by the plan generation unit 103. FIG. 20 shows an example of stationary 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 text. 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 also indicated by a black background and white text. FIG. 22 shows an example of mobile storage battery plan information 1053 generated as an area movement plan candidate. In FIG. 22, differences from FIG. 8 are also indicated by a black background and white text. FIG. 23 shows an example of charging facility plan information 1055 updated corresponding to the area movement plan candidates of FIGS. 21 and 22. In FIG. 23, differences from FIG. 10 are also indicated by a black background and white text.

[0154] In the stationary equipment plan information 1054 of 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" from "12:00" can be postponed to "13:00." As a result, the stationary equipment plan information 1054 of 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." Furthermore, in the stationary equipment plan information 1054 of FIG. 9 , "heating" of "electric water heater 2" is scheduled to occur at "12:30." The plan generating unit 103 determines that the "heating" of "electric water heater 2" at "12:30" can be postponed to "13:00". As a result, the stationary equipment plan information 1054 in Fig. 20 indicates that the "heating" of "electric water heater 2" will be performed at "13:00" instead of "12:30". "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 generation 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 generation 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 of FIG. 21 indicates that "charging" of an amount of electric energy "20" will be performed by moving "electric vehicle 1" to "X219, Y219," the location of "charging facility 3," at 13:00. 21 indicates that "electric vehicle 2" will be "charged" with an amount of energy of 20 by moving to "X229, Y229," the location of "charging facility 4," at "13:00." "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 Storage Battery 1" and "Mobile Storage Battery 2" are in a "standby" state, and charging of an amount of energy "20" is possible. The plan generation unit 103 determines that "Mobile Storage Battery 1" and "Mobile Storage Battery 2" can be moved to area B610 at 13:00 to consume power through charging. Furthermore, with reference to the navigation information 1056 ( FIG. 11 ), the plan generation unit 103 determines that "Mobile Storage Battery 1" is closer to "Charging Facility 3" than to "Charging Facility 4," and that "Mobile Storage Battery 2" is closer to "Charging Facility 4" than to "Charging Facility 3." As a result, the mobile battery plan information 1053 of FIG. 22 indicates that "Mobile Storage Battery 1" will be moved to "X219, Y219," the location of "Charging Facility 3," at 13:00, to "Charge" an amount of energy "20." 22 indicates that "charging" of an amount of energy "20" will be performed by moving "Mobile Battery 2" to "X229, Y229," the location of "Charging Facility 4," at "13:00." "Mobile Battery 1" and "Mobile Battery 2" shown in the mobile battery plan information 1053 in FIG. 22 are designated external devices.

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

[0158] ***Description of Effects of the Embodiment*** In this embodiment, power management apparatus 100 moves movable external devices in areas other than the improvement-request area to the improvement-request 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 a situation in which the movement of external devices is too late for the improvement request time, and to reliably avoid the occurrence of reverse power flow that exceeds the operational capacity of the power distribution system.

[0160] Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 13 , the plan generation unit 103 generates a candidate area travel plan as a complement when a candidate time travel plan cannot be generated or when the candidate time travel plan cannot sufficiently consume the requested improvement amount. In other words, in Embodiment 1, if the candidate time travel plan can consume all of the requested improvement amount, the plan generation unit 103 does not generate a candidate area travel plan. The plan generation unit 103 may perform processing different from that shown in FIG. 13 . Specifically, the plan generation unit 103 may generate a candidate area travel plan even when the candidate time travel plan can consume all of the requested improvement amount. The plan generation unit 103 may then calculate estimated costs for all of the generated candidate time travel plans and candidate area travel plans, and select the candidate time travel plan or candidate area travel plan with the smallest estimated cost as the power consumption plan. Alternatively, the plan generation unit 103 may generate only candidate area travel plans without generating candidate time travel plans. In addition, the plan generation unit 103 may generate a candidate time movement plan as a complement when a candidate area movement plan cannot be generated or when the area movement plan cannot sufficiently consume the improvement request amount.

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

[0162] ***Supplementary Explanation of Hardware Configuration*** Finally, a supplementary explanation of the hardware configuration of the power management apparatus 100 will be provided. The processor 901 shown in FIG. 5 is an integrated circuit (IC) that performs processing. The processor 901 is a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or the like. The main storage device 902 shown in FIG. 5 is a random access memory (RAM). The auxiliary storage device 903 shown in FIG. 5 is a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or the like. The communication device 904 shown in FIG. 5 is an electronic circuit that executes 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 portion of the OS is executed by the processor 901. While executing at least a portion of the OS, the processor 901 executes programs that implement the functions of the receiving unit 101, the database management unit 102, the plan generation unit 103, and the transmission unit 104. The processor 901 executes the OS to perform task management, memory management, file management, communication control, and the like. 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 transmission unit 104 is stored in at least one of the main storage device 902, the auxiliary storage device 903, and a register and cache memory within the processor 901. The programs that implement the functions of the receiving unit 101, the database management unit 102, the plan generation unit 103, and the transmission unit 104 may be stored on a portable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk, or a DVD. A portable recording medium storing a program 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 "unit" in at least one of the receiving unit 101, the database management unit 102, the plan generation unit 103, and the transmitting unit 104 may be interpreted as a "circuit," a "step," a "procedure," a "process," or a "circuitry." The power management apparatus 100 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit is, for example, a logic IC (Integrated Circuit), a GA (Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). In this case, the receiving unit 101, the database management unit 102, the plan generation unit 103, and the transmitting unit 104 are each realized as part of a processing circuit. In this specification, the generic concept of a processor and a processing circuit is referred to as a "processing circuitry." That is, a processor and a processing circuit are each specific examples of "processing circuitry."

[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 Electric power company terminal, 230 Consumer terminal, 240 Charging equipment operator terminal, 250 Road passenger movement operator terminal, 500 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 Distribution system B, 610 Area B, 621 Solar panel, 622 Electric vehicle, 623 mobile storage battery, 624 stationary storage battery, 625 electric water heater, 626 charging equipment, 901 processor, 902 main memory device, 903 auxiliary memory device, 904 communication device.

Claims

1. A power management device having: a plan generation unit that generates a power consumption plan that, when it is predicted that reverse power flow will occur in one of a plurality of areas, moves an external power consumption device that is a power consumption device 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 causes the external power consumption 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.

2. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein the plan generation unit generates a power consumption plan for moving external power consumption devices located in an area adjacent to the reverse flow area to the reverse flow area.

3. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein the plan generation unit generates a power consumption plan that causes the external power consumption device to consume power that exceeds the operational capacity of the distribution system that distributes power to the reverse flow area.

4. The power management device of claim 1, wherein the plan generation unit generates a power consumption plan that causes external power consumption equipment that is 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.

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

6. The power management device of claim 1, wherein the plan generation unit generates a plurality of candidate power consumption plans that are candidates for the power consumption plan, calculates an estimated cost estimated to be required to implement each candidate power consumption plan, and selects the candidate power consumption plan with the smallest estimated cost from among the plurality of candidate power consumption plans as the power consumption plan.

7. The power management device according to claim 6, wherein the plan generation unit generates at least one of a candidate power consumption plan in which excess power that exceeds the operational capacity of the distribution system that distributes power to the reverse flow area is consumed only by the external power consumption devices, and a candidate power consumption plan in which the excess power is consumed only by internal power consumption devices that are power consumption devices located in the reverse flow area.

8. The power management device according to claim 6, wherein the plan generation unit generates a candidate power consumption plan 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.

9. The power management device according to claim 8, wherein the plan generation unit generates a candidate power consumption plan 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.

10. The power management device according to claim 8, wherein the plan generation unit generates a candidate power consumption plan 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.

11. A power management device as described in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the plan generation unit generates a candidate power consumption plan that causes the internal power consumption equipment to consume power during a predicted time period other than a predicted time period in which the reverse power flow is predicted to occur.

12. A power management method in which, when reverse power flow is predicted to occur in one of a plurality of areas, a computer generates a power consumption plan to move external power consumption devices that are power consumption devices located in areas other than a reverse flow area where the reverse power flow is predicted to occur to the reverse flow area and have the external power consumption devices consume power in the reverse flow area, and the computer instructs the external power consumption devices to be moved to the reverse flow area in accordance with the power consumption plan.

13. A power management program that causes a computer to execute a plan generation process for generating a power consumption plan in which, when reverse power flow is predicted to occur in one of a plurality of areas, external power consumption devices that are power consumption devices located in an area other than a 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 consume power in the reverse flow area, and an instruction process for instructing the external power consumption devices to be moved to the reverse flow area in accordance with the power consumption plan.

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