Power management device, power management system, higher-level power management device, and power management method

Abstract

This power management device comprises: a control unit; and a communication unit. The control unit calculates adjustable power information indicating adjustable power for adjusting the balance of power supply and demand in a power system connected to a group of facilities. The communication unit transmits the calculated adjustable power information to a higher-level power management device in a manner in which the calculated adjustable power information is distinguishable from other adjustable power information.

Description

Power management device, power management system, upper-level power management device, and power management method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power management device, a power management system, an upper-level power management device, and a power management method.

[0002] In recent years, a system using distributed power sources such as power storage devices (hereinafter referred to as a VPP (Virtual Power Plant)) has become known for stabilizing the balance between power supply and demand in a power grid (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Here, a power management device that manages two or more facilities (hereinafter referred to as a facility group) may control the distributed power sources connected to the facilities so that the difference (imbalance) between the planned value for forward flow power (hereinafter referred to as procured power) from the power grid to the facility group and the actual value for procured power is less than a specified difference.

[0004] Similarly, a power management device that manages a group of facilities may control the distributed power sources connected to the facilities so that the difference (imbalance) between the planned value for reverse flow power (hereinafter referred to as generated power) from the group of facilities to the power grid and the actual value for generated power is less than a specified difference.

[0005] International Publication No. 2015 / 041010 Pamphlet International Publication No. 2016 / 084396 Pamphlet

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a power management device comprising: a control unit that calculates adjustable power information indicating adjustable power for adjusting the balance of power supply and demand in a power grid connected to a group of facilities; and a transmission unit that transmits the adjustable power information to a higher-level power management device, wherein the control unit calculates the adjustable power information of at least one of first information indicating a sum of values ​​related to the adjustable power of the group of facilities in which only reverse flow power is adjustable to lower demand power in response to an adjustment request for the adjustable power transmitted from the higher-level power management device, or second information indicating a sum of values ​​related to the adjustable power of the group of facilities in which only forward flow power is adjustable to increase demand power in response to the adjustment request, and the transmission unit transmits the adjustable power information of at least one of the first information or the second information to the higher-level power management device in a manner that is distinguishable from the other adjustable power information.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a power management system comprising: a lower power management device having a control unit that calculates adjustable power information indicating adjustable power for adjusting the power supply and demand balance of a power grid connected to a group of facilities; and an upper power management device having a control unit that calculates, from the adjustable power information, adjustment-request power information indicating adjustment-request power, which is power for which adjustment is requested to the group of facilities; wherein the lower power management device further has a transmission unit that transmits the adjustable power information to the upper power management device; the control unit of the lower power management device calculates the adjustable power information of at least one of first information indicating a sum of values ​​related to the adjustable power of the group of facilities in which only reverse flow power is adjustable to lower demand power in accordance with the adjustment request for the adjustable power transmitted from the upper power management device; and second information indicating a sum of values ​​related to the adjustable power of the group of facilities in which only forward flow power is adjustable to increase demand power in accordance with the adjustment request; and the transmission unit of the lower power management device transmits the adjustable power information of at least one of the first information and the second information to the upper power management device in a manner that is distinguishable from the other adjustable power information.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is an upper power management device comprising: a receiver that receives adjustable power information transmitted from a power management device; a control unit that calculates, from the adjustable power information, adjustment-requested power information indicating adjustment-requested power, which is power for which a facility group is requested to adjust; and a transmitter that transmits the adjustment-requested power information to the power management device, wherein the control unit calculates the adjustment-requested power information including at least one of first adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power for requesting the facility group to adjust adjustable power consisting of forward flow power and reverse flow power; second adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power for requesting the facility group to adjust the adjustable power that is only forward flow power; or third adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power for requesting the facility group to adjust the adjustable power that is only reverse flow power, and the transmitter transmits the adjustment-requested power information to a lower power management device.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure is a power management method performed in a power management system including a lower power management device having a control unit that calculates adjustable power information indicating adjustable power for adjusting the power supply and demand balance of a power grid connected to a group of facilities, and an upper power management device having a control unit that calculates, from the adjustable power information, adjustment-request power information indicating adjustment-request power, which is power for which adjustment is requested of the group of facilities, the power management method including the steps of: the control unit of the lower power management device calculating the adjustable power information of at least one of first information indicating a sum of values ​​related to the adjustable power of the group of facilities in which the only power that can be adjusted to lower demand power in accordance with the adjustment request for the adjustable power transmitted from the upper power management device is reverse flow power; and second information indicating a sum of values ​​related to the adjustable power of the group of facilities in which the only power that can be adjusted to increase demand power in accordance with the adjustment request; and a step of a transmitter of the lower power management device transmitting the adjustable power information of at least one of the first information and the second information to the upper power management device in a manner that is distinguishable from other adjustable power information.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an energy management system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a facility 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a lower-level management server 200 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an upper-level management server 300 according to an embodiment. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating adjustable power that can be adjusted to increase power demand in response to an adjustment request from a facility 100A according to an embodiment. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating adjustable power that can be adjusted to increase power demand in response to an adjustment request from a facility 100B according to an embodiment. FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating adjustable power that can be adjusted to increase power demand in response to an adjustment request from a facility 100C according to an embodiment. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating adjustable power that can be adjusted to decrease power demand in response to an adjustment request from a facility 100A according to an embodiment. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating adjustable power that can be adjusted to decrease power demand in response to an adjustment request from a facility 100B according to an embodiment. FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating adjustable power that can be adjusted to decrease power demand in response to an adjustment request from a facility 100C according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating adjustable power information that can be adjusted to increase power demand in response to an adjustment request from a facility group 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining adjustable power information that allows adjustment to reduce power demand in response to an adjustment request from the facility group 100 according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a power management method according to the embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, parts having similar configurations and functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the drawings are shown in a schematic manner.

[0012] [Embodiment] (Power Management System) Hereinafter, a power management system according to an embodiment will be described.

[0013] 1 , the power management system 1 includes a lower-level management server 200 and a higher-level management server 300. The power management system 1 may also include a distributed power source provided in a facility 100.

[0014] Here, the facility 100, the lower management server 200, and the upper management server 300 may be configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network 11. The network 11 may include the Internet, a dedicated line such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or a mobile communication network.

[0015] The lower level management server 200 may also be referred to as a power management device or a lower level power management device.

[0016] The upper management server 300 may also be called a power management device or an upper power management device.

[0017] The facility 100 is connected to the power grid 12 and may receive power from the power grid 12 or may supply power to the power grid 12. Power from the power grid 12 to the facility 100 may be referred to as forward flow power. Power from the facility 100 to the power grid 12 may be referred to as reverse flow power. In FIG. 1 , facilities 100A to 100C are illustrated as examples of the facility 100.

[0018] The facility 100 may be a facility such as a residence, a facility such as a store, a facility such as an office, or a facility such as a factory. The facility 100 may also be a complex facility including at least two or more of the following facilities: a residence, a store, an office, and a factory. Details of the facility 100 will be described later (see FIG. 2).

[0019] The lower level management server 200 is a server managed by a business operator that manages the power of the facilities 100. The lower level management server 200 may be a resource aggregator (RA). One or more facilities 100 managed by the lower level management server 200 may be referred to as a facility group 100. Details of the lower level management server 200 will be described later (see FIG. 3).

[0020] The upper management server 300 is a server managed by a business operator that manages the power of the power grid 12. The upper management server 300 may also be managed by a business operator that provides various services. The upper management server 300 may be an aggregation coordinator (AC) or an AEMS (Area Energy Management System). As shown in FIG. 4 , the upper management server 300 may include a communication unit 310, a management unit 320, and a control unit 330. Details of the upper management server 300 will be described later (see FIG. 4 ).

[0021] The utility may be a retail electricity supplier. The retail electricity supplier may include a local power supplier (general electric utility) that manages the power grid 12, or may include a new power supplier other than the local power supplier. The new power supplier may be expected to sell power to the facility 100 by procuring power from the power market.

[0022] The service may include a service for suppressing the difference (imbalance) between the planned value (hereinafter referred to as the procurement planned value) for the forward flow power (hereinafter also referred to as the procurement power or the demand power) of the facility group 100 and the actual value for the procurement power of the facility group 100 to within a specified difference.

[0023] The service may include a service for suppressing the difference (imbalance) between the planned value (hereinafter, power generation planned value) for the reverse flow power (hereinafter, generated power) of the facility group 100 and the actual value for the generated power of the facility group 100 to within a specified difference.

[0024] The electricity market may be a market in which electricity is traded for a target period (e.g., one day). The target period may be defined as a period (e.g., one day) in which an imbalance in power demand is confirmed. The electricity market may be a market in which electricity prices are determined for each unit period (e.g., 30 minutes) that constitutes the target period. The electricity market may include a spot market in which trading closes the day before the target period. The electricity market may include an advance market in which trading closes just before (e.g., one hour before) the unit period that constitutes the target period. The electricity market may include a forward market, a forward power market, a futures market, a capacity market, or an balancing market in which electricity is traded for a specific future period (e.g., one year, one month, one week).

[0025] A period during which an imbalance between procured power and generated power is confirmed may be defined as a target period (e.g., one day). In such a case, the planned value for procured power may include a plan formulated at a time before the target period (e.g., 12:00 on the day before the target period). The planned value for generated power may include a planned value formulated at a time before the target period (e.g., 12:00 on the day before the target period). Furthermore, the planned value for procured power may include a planned value formulated at a time before a unit period included in the target period (e.g., one hour before the unit period). The planned value for generated power may include a planned value formulated at a time before a unit period included in the target period (e.g., one hour before the unit period).

[0026] The procurement plan values ​​and the actual values ​​related to the procured power may be reported from the lower management server 200 or the upper management server 300. The power generation plan values ​​and the actual values ​​related to the generated power may be reported from the lower management server 200 or the upper management server 300.

[0027] When the power demand of the facility 100 is increased or decreased in response to the DR request, a reward may be given according to the degree to which the DR request was complied with. The reward may be given to the upper management server 300 or to the facility 100. When the power demand of the facility 100 is not increased or decreased in response to the DR request, a penalty may be imposed according to the degree to which the DR request was not complied with. The penalty may be imposed on the upper management server 300 or on the facility 100. The penalty may be imposed only on the facility 100 that responded that it would comply with the DR request. The reward and penalty may be monetary.

[0028] 2 , the facility 100 may include a solar cell device 110, a power storage device 120, a fuel cell device 130, load devices 140, an EMS (Energy Management System) 160, and a measuring device 190.

[0029] The solar cell device 110 is a distributed power source that generates power in response to light such as sunlight. For example, the solar cell device 110 is configured by a power conditioning system (PCS) and a solar panel. The solar cell device 110 may be connected to the power grid 12.

[0030] The power storage device 120 is a distributed power source that charges and discharges power. For example, the power storage device 120 is configured by a PCS and a power storage cell. The power storage device 120 and the power grid 12 may be connected.

[0031] The fuel cell device 130 is a distributed power source that generates electricity using fuel. For example, the fuel cell device 130 is composed of a PCS and a fuel cell. The fuel cell device 130 and the power grid 12 may be connected.

[0032] For example, the fuel cell device 130 may be a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC; Solid Oxide Fuel Cell), a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC; Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC; Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell), or a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC; Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell).

[0033] The load devices 140 are devices that consume power. For example, the load devices 140 may include an air conditioner, a heat pump water heater, a lighting device, and the like.

[0034] The EMS 160 manages the power related to the facility 100. The EMS 160 may control the solar cell device 110, the power storage device 120, the fuel cell device 130, and the load devices 140. In the embodiment, the EMS 160 is illustrated as an example of a device that receives a control command from the lower-level management server 200, but such a device may also be referred to as a gateway or simply as a control unit. The control command may be an instruction to control a distributed power source (e.g., the power storage device 120). To distinguish the EMS 160 from the lower-level management server 200, the EMS 160 may also be referred to as a local EMS (LEM), a home EMS (HEMS), or a DSR-MS.

[0035] The measuring device 190 measures the power demand. For example, the measuring device 190 may be a smart meter belonging to a power company. The measuring device 190 may transmit an information element indicating a measurement result (an integrated value of power demand) at a first interval (e.g., 30 minutes) to the EMS 160 at the first interval. The measuring device 190 may transmit an information element indicating a measurement result at a second interval (e.g., 1 minute) shorter than the first interval to the EMS 160.

[0036] The entity that transmits information relating to the control of the distributed power sources (e.g., the solar cell device 110, the power storage device 120, or the fuel cell device 130) connected to the facility 100 may be referred to as a Demand Side Resources-Energy Management System. The lower-level management server 200 or the EMS 160 may constitute a DSR-MS.

[0037] The DR request may include an upward DR request requesting an increase in the power demand of the facility 100 from a reference value to a target value, or a downward DR request requesting a decrease in the power demand of the facility 100 from a reference value to a target value.

[0038] The reference value is the power demand of the facility group 100 before the DR request. The reference value may be a value that reflects the power consumption of the facility 100 (e.g., the power consumption of the load devices 140), the power generated by the power generation device (e.g., the solar cell device 110 or the fuel cell device 130), and the charging power and discharging power of the power storage device 120. The reference value may be considered to be baseline power. The baseline power may be the average value of the power demand for a certain period before the issuance of the DR request is announced. The certain period may be determined according to the actual situation of negawatt trading, or may be determined between the lower management server 200 and the upper management server 300. The baseline power may be calculated based on the predicted value of the power demand of the facility 100, or may be calculated based on the predicted values ​​of the power consumption and power generation of the facility 100.

[0039] The target value is a target value of the power demand of the facility 100 that can be adjusted in response to a DR request. For example, the target value may be a target value of the power demand of the facility 100 that can be adjusted by controlling the charging power or discharging power of the power storage device 120. In order to bring the power demand of the facility 100 closer to the target value, the power consumption of the load devices 140 may be controlled, or the power generated by a power generation device (e.g., the solar cell device 110 or the fuel cell device 130) may be controlled.

[0040] (Lower Management Server) The following describes the lower management server 200 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the lower management server 200 may include a communication unit 210, a management unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0041] The communication unit 210 may be configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module conforming to a standard such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, 5G, or 6G, or may be a wired communication module conforming to a standard such as IEEE802.3.

[0042] The communication unit 210 may include a receiving unit that receives facility information from the EMS 160, and may include a transmitting unit that transmits adjustable power information to the communication unit 310. The receiving unit of the communication unit 210 may receive information related to a report request or adjustment-requested power information from the communication unit 310. The transmitting unit of the communication unit 210 may receive information related to the report request from the communication unit 310 and simultaneously transmit the adjustable power information to the communication unit 310. The transmitting unit of the communication unit 210 may transmit information related to control of the distributed power source to the EMS 160.

[0043] The adjustable power information is information indicating a value related to the adjustable power of the facility group 100 calculated by the control unit 230 from information related to adjustable power in the facility information of the facility 100. The information related to the report request is information indicating that the control unit 330 is requesting adjustable power information.

[0044] The facility information is information indicating values ​​related to the power of the distributed power sources, the load devices 140, or the measuring devices 190 installed in the facility 100. Specifically, the facility information may include a planned value related to the power consumption of the facility 100, or may include an actual value related to the power consumption of the facility 100. The facility information may include a planned value related to the power generated by the distributed power sources connected to the facility 100, or may include an actual value related to the power generated by the distributed power sources connected to the facility 100. The facility information may include a planned value related to the power demand of the facility 100, or may include an actual value related to the power demand of the facility 100. Note that the power demand is a value obtained by subtracting the power generated from the power consumption. When the distributed power source is a power storage device 120, the facility information may include information indicating the remaining amount of power stored in the power storage device 120 (e.g., SOC; State Of Charge) (hereinafter referred to as remaining power storage information).

[0045] The facility information may include information (hereinafter, information about adjustable power) indicating a value related to power that can be adjusted in response to a DR request (hereinafter, adjustable power) at each facility 100 connected to the power grid 12. The facility information may include information related to adjustable power for each unit period (e.g., 30 minutes) that constitutes the target period. The information related to adjustable power for each unit period may include information indicating a value related to forward flow power among the adjustable power (hereinafter, also referred to as a demand plan adjustable amount), or may include information indicating a value related to backward flow power among the adjustable power (hereinafter, also referred to as a power generation plan adjustable amount).

[0046] The demand plan adjustable amount may be expressed as an amount of power [Wh], power [W], instantaneous power [ΔW], current [A], energy [J], or the like. Energy [J] may be interpreted as an amount of power [Ws]. Note that current [A] may be considered to be usable in the same way as power [W] under the assumption that the voltage [V] supplied to the facility 100 is substantially constant. Note that "value" may be interpreted as "quantity" or "physical quantity."

[0047] The adjustable amount of power generation plan may be expressed as electric energy [Wh], power [W], instantaneous power [ΔW], current [A], energy [J], etc. Energy [J] may be read as electric energy [Ws]. Note that current [A] may be considered to be usable in the same way as power [W] under the assumption that the voltage [V] supplied to the facility 100 is approximately constant. Note that "value" may be read as "quantity" or "physical quantity."

[0048] The power adjustment-requesting information is information indicating a value related to the power adjustment-requesting information calculated from the adjustable power information by the control unit 330. The communication unit 210 may receive the power adjustment-requesting information from the communication unit 310.

[0049] The communication unit 210 may periodically receive facility information about the facility 100. The facility information may include information indicating the configuration of the distributed power sources possessed by the facility 100, or may include information indicating the specifications of the distributed power sources possessed by the facility 100. The facility information may include information indicating whether or not the facility 100 will participate in adjusting the balance between power supply and demand in the power grid 12 (for example, VPP control).

[0050] The communication unit 210 may transmit to the EMS 160 information regarding the control of the distributed power sources connected to the facility 100 , which has been formulated by the control unit 230 .

[0051] The management unit 220 may be configured by a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a nonvolatile memory.

[0052] The management unit 220 may manage facility information of the facility 100 that has a distributed power source controlled by the control unit 230. The facility information may include the type of the distributed power source (e.g., the solar cell device 110, the power storage device 120, or the fuel cell device 130) provided in the facility 100, the specifications of the distributed power source provided in the facility 100, etc. The specifications may include the rated power generation of the solar cell device 110, the rated charging power of the power storage device 120, the rated discharging power of the power storage device 120, and the rated output power of the fuel cell device 130. The specifications may include the rated capacity of the power storage device 120, the maximum charging and discharging power, etc.

[0053] The control unit 230 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured by multiple circuits (such as integrated circuits or discrete circuits) that are communicatively connected.

[0054] The control unit 230 calculates adjustable power information indicating a value related to adjustable power for adjusting the balance of power supply and demand in the power grid 12 connected to the group of facilities 100. Specifically, the control unit 230 calculates the adjustable power information of the group of facilities 100 from information related to the adjustable power of the facility 100 received from the EMS 160.

[0055] For example, the control unit 230 may calculate, as the adjustable power information, first information indicating a sum of values ​​related to adjustable power of the group of facilities 100 in which the only power that can be adjusted to reduce power demand in response to an adjustment request related to adjustable power transmitted from the upper management server 300 is reverse flow power. In other words, the first information corresponds to the sum of information in facilities in which the only power that can be adjusted to reduce power demand in response to an adjustment request is the power generation plan adjustable amount.

[0056] The first information may be information indicating a power generation plan adjustable amount that is the sum of a power generation plan adjustable amount that can be used without using a demand plan adjustable amount among adjustable power that is made up of forward flow power and reverse flow power and that can be adjusted to reduce demand power in response to an adjustment request, a power generation plan adjustable amount that can be used without using a demand plan adjustable amount among adjustable power that is made up of only forward flow power and that can be adjusted to reduce demand power in response to an adjustment request, and a power generation plan adjustable amount that can be used without using a demand plan adjustable amount among adjustable power that is made up of only reverse flow power and that can be adjusted to reduce demand power in response to an adjustment request.

[0057] The value related to adjustable power may be expressed as electric energy [Wh], power [W], instantaneous power [ΔW], current [A], energy [J], etc. Energy [J] may be read as electric energy [Ws]. Note that current [A] may be considered to be usable in the same way as power [W] under the assumption that the voltage [V] supplied to the facility 100 is approximately constant. Note that "value" may be read as "quantity" or "physical quantity."

[0058] For example, the control unit 230 may calculate, as the adjustable power information, second information indicating a sum of values ​​related to adjustable power of the group of facilities 100 in which the only power that can be adjusted to increase demand power in response to an adjustment request related to adjustable power transmitted from the upper management server 300 is forward flow power. In other words, the second information corresponds to the sum of information in the facilities in which the only power that can be adjusted to increase demand power in response to an adjustment request is the demand plan adjustable amount.

[0059] The second information may be information indicating the sum of a demand plan adjustable amount that can be used without using the power generation plan adjustable amount among adjustable power that is made up of forward flow power and reverse flow power and that can be adjusted to increase demand power in response to an adjustment request, a demand plan adjustable amount that can be used without using the power generation plan adjustable amount among adjustable power that is made up of only forward flow power and that can be adjusted to increase demand power in response to an adjustment request, and a demand plan adjustable amount that can be used without using the power generation plan adjustable amount among adjustable power that is made up of only forward flow power and that can be adjusted to increase demand power in response to an adjustment request.

[0060] The adjustable power information may include at least one of first information and second information. The communication unit 210 may transmit at least one of the first information and second information to the communication unit 310 in a manner that allows the adjustable power information to be distinguished from other adjustable power information. That is, the communication unit 210 may transmit the first information without transmitting the second information, may transmit the second information without transmitting the first information, or may transmit the first information and the second information in a manner that allows the first information and the second information to be distinguished from each other.

[0061] The control unit 230 may, for example, calculate third information as adjustable power information, which indicates the sum of values ​​related to forward flow power among the adjustable power of the facility group 100, which is power that can be adjusted to reduce demand power in response to an adjustment request for adjustable power sent from the upper management server 300.

[0062] The third information may be information indicating the sum of the demand plan adjustable amount of adjustable power, which is power that can be adjusted to reduce demand power in response to an adjustment request and consists of forward flow power and reverse flow power, and the demand plan adjustable amount of adjustable power, which is power that can be adjusted to reduce demand power in response to an adjustment request and consists of only forward flow power.

[0063] The control unit 230 may calculate, for example, fourth information as adjustable power information, which indicates the sum of values ​​related to reverse flow power among the adjustable power of the facility group 100, which is power that can be adjusted to reduce demand power in response to an adjustment request for adjustable power sent from the upper management server 300.

[0064] The fourth information may be information indicating the sum of the power generation plan adjustable amount of adjustable power, which is power that can be adjusted to reduce demand power in response to an adjustment request and consists of forward flow power and reverse flow power, and the power generation plan adjustable amount that can be used without using the demand plan adjustable amount of adjustable power, which is power that can be adjusted to reduce demand power in response to an adjustment request and consists of only reverse flow power.

[0065] The adjustable power information may include third information and fourth information. The communication unit 210 may transmit the third information and fourth information to the communication unit 310 in a manner that allows the third information and fourth information to be distinguished from other adjustable power information. That is, the communication unit 210 may transmit the third information and fourth information in a manner that allows the third information and fourth information to be distinguished from other adjustable power information (e.g., first information). Alternatively, the communication unit 210 may transmit the third information and fourth information in a manner that allows the third information and fourth information to be distinguished from other adjustable power information (e.g., fifth information and sixth information).

[0066] The control unit 230 may, for example, calculate, as adjustable power information, fifth information indicating the sum of values ​​related to reverse flow power among the adjustable power of the facility group 100, which is power that can be adjusted to increase demand power in response to an adjustment request for adjustable power sent from the upper management server 300.

[0067] The fifth information may be information indicating the sum of the power generation plan adjustable amount of adjustable power that can be adjusted to increase demand power in response to an adjustment request, which is composed of forward flow power and reverse flow power, and the power generation plan adjustable amount of adjustable power that can be adjusted to increase demand power in response to an adjustment request, which is composed of only reverse flow power.

[0068] The control unit 230 may, for example, calculate, as adjustable power information, sixth information indicating the sum of values ​​related to forward flow power among the adjustable power of the facility group 100, which is power that can be adjusted to increase demand power in response to an adjustment request for adjustable power sent from the upper management server 300.

[0069] The sixth information may be information indicating the sum of the demand plan adjustable amount of adjustable power, which is power that can be adjusted to increase demand power in response to an adjustment request and is made up of forward flow power and reverse flow power, and the demand plan adjustable amount that can be used without using the power generation plan adjustable amount of adjustable power, which is power that can be adjusted to increase demand power in response to an adjustment request and is made up of only forward flow power.

[0070] The adjustable power information may include fifth information and sixth information. The communication unit 210 may transmit the fifth information and sixth information to the communication unit 310 in a manner that allows the fifth information and sixth information to be distinguished from other adjustable power information. That is, the communication unit 210 may transmit the fifth information and sixth information in a manner that allows the fifth information and sixth information to be distinguished from other adjustable power information (e.g., second information). Alternatively, the communication unit 210 may transmit the third information and fourth information in a manner that allows the third information and fourth information to be distinguished from other adjustable power information (e.g., third information and fourth information).

[0071] The control unit 230 receives the adjustment-requested power information from the communication unit 310 via the receiver of the communication unit 210, and calculates the adjustment-requested power division information from the adjustment-requested power information.

[0072] The adjustment-request power division information is information indicating a value related to the adjustment-request power division information calculated from the adjustment-request power information indicating a value related to the adjustment-request power for requesting adjustment of the power supply and demand balance of the power system 12 connected to the facility group 100 when the adjustment-request power includes forward flow power and reverse flow power.

[0073] The value related to the adjustment requested power may be expressed as an amount of power [Wh], power [W], instantaneous power [ΔW], current [A], energy [J], etc. Energy [J] may be read as an amount of power [Ws]. Note that current [A] may be considered to be usable in the same way as power [W] under the assumption that the voltage [V] supplied to the facility 100 is approximately constant. Note that "value" may be read as "quantity" or "physical quantity."

[0074] For example, when the adjustment request power information transmitted from the upper management server 300 includes forward flow power and reverse flow power, the control unit 230 may calculate adjustment request power division information indicating a value related to power obtained by subtracting the value of the third information from the value related to the adjustment request power.

[0075] For example, when the adjustment request power information transmitted from the upper management server 300 includes forward flow power and reverse flow power, the control unit 230 may calculate adjustment request power division information indicating a value related to power obtained by subtracting the value of the fifth information from the value related to the adjustment request power.

[0076] The adjustment-request power division information may include at least one of information indicating a value related to power obtained by subtracting the value of the third information from the value related to the adjustment-request power in the adjustment-request power information, and information indicating a value related to power obtained by subtracting the value of the fifth information from the value related to the adjustment-request power in the adjustment-request power information.

[0077] The control unit 230 instructs the communication unit 210 to transmit information related to the control of the distributed power source. The information related to the control of the distributed power source may be transmitted all at once before the control plan target period for the entire control plan target period of the distributed power source, or may be transmitted sequentially for each unit period constituting the control plan target period (hereinafter referred to as the control plan unit period), or may be transmitted in real time at intervals shorter than the control plan unit period.

[0078] The control unit 230 formulates a control plan (hereinafter referred to as a charge / discharge plan) for the power storage device 120 for each control plan unit period as information related to the control of the distributed power source. The charge / discharge plan includes an operation mode of the power storage device 120 (e.g., a discharge mode, a charge mode, or a standby mode). The charge / discharge plan may include the discharge power and the charge power of the power storage device 120. Although not particularly limited, the control unit 230 may formulate the charge / discharge plan for the power storage device 120 so as to maximize the profits of the facility 100.

[0079] The control unit 230 calculates a value related to the individual adjustment-requested power for which adjustment is requested in the facility 100 from the adjustment-requested power information received from the communication unit 310 as a control plan for the power storage device 120. For example, the control unit 230 assigns a value related to the individual adjustment-requested power for the facility 100 so that the sum of the values ​​related to the individual adjustment-requested power for which adjustment is requested in the facility 100 is equal to or greater than the value related to the adjustment-requested power for the group of facilities 100 included in the adjustment-requested power information. Note that the value related to the individual adjustment-requested power may be assigned for each facility 100 or for each distributed power source connected to the facility 100.

[0080] (Host Management Server) The following describes the host management server 300 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4 , the host management server 300 may include a communication unit 310, a management unit 320, and a control unit 330.

[0081] The communication unit 310 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module conforming to a standard such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, 5G, or 6G, or may be a wired communication module conforming to a standard such as IEEE802.3.

[0082] The communication unit 310 may include a receiving unit that receives adjustable power information from the communication unit 210, and may include a transmitting unit that transmits information related to a report request to the communication unit 210. When it is necessary to adjust the power supply and demand balance of the group of facilities 100 connected to the power grid 12, the transmitting unit of the communication unit 310 may transmit adjustment request power information that requests adjustment of the power supply and demand balance of the group of facilities 100 connected to the power grid 12 to the communication unit 210. The transmitting unit of the communication unit 310 may transmit information related to the report request.

[0083] The management unit 320 may be configured by a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a nonvolatile memory.

[0084] The management unit 320 may manage adjustable power information. The management unit 320 may manage information related to the facility 100 to which the retail electricity supplier sells power.

[0085] The information related to the facility 100 may include the type of distributed power source provided in the facility 100, the specifications of the distributed power source provided in the facility 100, etc. The specifications may include the rated power generation of the solar cell device 110, the rated charging power of the power storage device 120, the rated discharging power of the power storage device 120, and the rated output power of the fuel cell device 130. The specifications may include the rated capacity of the power storage device 120, the maximum charging and discharging power, etc.

[0086] The control unit 330 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured by multiple circuits (such as integrated circuits or discrete circuits) that are communicatively connected.

[0087] The control unit 330 calculates adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to the adjustment-requested power for requesting the lower management server 200 to adjust the power supply and demand balance of the power grid 12 connected to the facility group 100 .

[0088] The control unit 330 may calculate the power adjustment request information from the adjustable power information received from the communication unit 210. The control unit 330 may calculate the adjustable power information from the information on the adjustable power received from the EMS 160, and then calculate the power adjustment request information from the adjustable power information.

[0089] When it is necessary to adjust the power supply and demand balance of the group of facilities 100 connected to the power grid 12, the control unit 330 may instruct the communication unit 310 to send adjustment request power information requesting an adjustment of the power supply and demand balance.

[0090] The adjustment-requesting power information may be first adjustment-requesting power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requesting power consisting of forward flow power and reverse flow power, second adjustment-requesting power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requesting power that is only forward flow power, or third adjustment-requesting power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requesting power that is only reverse flow power.

[0091] The first adjustment request power information may be information indicating a value related to the adjustment request power in which the value related to the forward flow power among the adjustment request power is the value of the third information, and the value related to the reverse flow power among the adjustment request power is equal to or less than the value of the fourth information.

[0092] The first adjustment request power information may be information indicating a value related to the adjustment request power in which the value related to the reverse flow power among the adjustment request power is the value of the fifth information, and the value related to the forward flow power among the adjustment request power is equal to or less than the value of the sixth information.

[0093] The second adjustment-requested power information may be information indicating a value related to the adjustment-requested power, the value related to the forward flow power of the adjustment-requested power being equal to or less than the value of the second information.

[0094] The third adjustment-requesting power information may be information indicating a value related to the adjustment-requesting power, the value related to the backward flow power of the adjustment-requesting power being equal to or less than the value of the first information.

[0095] The adjustment-requesting power information may be any one of the first adjustment-requesting power information, the second adjustment-requesting power information, and the third adjustment-requesting power information, or may include all of the first adjustment-requesting power information, the second adjustment-requesting power information, and the third adjustment-requesting power information. (Operation Example)

[0096] In the operation example, a case will be described in which information on adjustable power indicating adjustable power for adjusting the power supply and demand balance of the power grid 12 connected to the group of facilities 100 is transmitted from the EMS 160 to the lower management server 200, adjustable power information calculated by the lower management server 200 is transmitted from the lower management server 200 to the upper management server 300, and adjustment request power information is calculated by the upper management server 300. Adjustment of the power supply and demand balance of the power grid 12 may include adjustment of an imbalance in forward flow power, adjustment of an imbalance in reverse flow power, power trading in a power market such as a capacity market or a supply and demand adjustment market, etc.

[0097] The adjustable power may include power generated by increasing or decreasing the charging power of the power storage device 120 connected to the facility 100 or increasing or decreasing the discharging power of the power storage device 120 .

[0098] The adjustable power may include power generated by increasing or decreasing the power consumption of the load devices 140 connected to the facility 100 .

[0099] Adjustable power may include power generated by increasing or decreasing the output power of a power generation device (e.g., fuel cell device 130 ) connected to facility 100 .

[0100] In the following, an example will be given in which adjustable power is power generated by controlling the power storage device 120 connected to the facility 100.

[0101] The information on adjustable power will be described in detail below. The explanation will be divided into a case where adjustable power is power that can be adjusted to increase power demand in response to an adjustment request (upward DR) as shown in Fig. 5 and a case where adjustable power is power that can be adjusted to decrease power demand in response to an adjustment request (downward DR) as shown in Fig. 6.

[0102] First, the upward DR will be described. Fig. 5A shows power that can be adjusted to increase the demand power in response to an adjustment request from the facility 100A. The power that can be adjusted to increase the demand power in response to an adjustment request from the facility 100A is adjustable power consisting of forward flow power and reverse flow power. Information on the adjustable power of the facility 100A includes information indicating the adjustable amount of the demand plan of 1 kW of the adjustable power of the facility 100A and information indicating the adjustable amount of the power generation plan of 3 kW of the adjustable power.

[0103] 5B shows power that can be adjusted to increase the power demand in response to an adjustment request from facility 100B. The power that can be adjusted to increase the power demand in response to an adjustment request from facility 100B is adjustable power, which is only forward flow power. The information on the adjustable power of facility 100B includes information indicating the 2 kW demand plan adjustable amount of the adjustable power of facility 100B.

[0104] 5C shows power that can be adjusted to increase the power demand in response to an adjustment request from facility 100C. The power that can be adjusted to increase the power demand in response to an adjustment request from facility 100C is adjustable power, which is only reverse flow power. The information on the adjustable power of facility 100C includes information indicating the power generation plan adjustable amount of 2 kW of the adjustable power of facility 100C.

[0105] The adjustable amount of the demand plan and the adjustable amount of the power generation plan are determined by the magnitude relationship between the reference value and the target value. Depending on the magnitude relationship between the reference value and the target value, a case where the adjustable amount of the demand plan is zero and a case where the adjustable amount of the power generation plan is zero are also assumed.

[0106] 5 , the adjustable amount of the demand plan may be adjustable power that is produced by reducing the discharge power of the power storage device 120 and increasing the charge power of the power storage device 120. The adjustable amount of the power generation plan may be adjustable power that is produced by reducing the discharge power of the power storage device 120 and increasing the charge power of the power storage device 120.

[0107] The control unit 230 of the lower management server 200 calculates adjustable power information from the information on adjustable power received from the EMS 160 .

[0108] As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 230 calculates fifth information indicating a power generation plan adjustable amount of 5 kW, which is the sum of the power generation plan adjustable amount of 3 kW out of the adjustable power of facility 100A, the power generation plan adjustable amount of 0 kW out of the adjustable power of facility 100B, and the power generation plan adjustable amount of 2 kW out of the adjustable power of facility 100C.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 7 , the control unit 230 calculates second information indicating a demand plan adjustable amount of 2 kW, which is the sum of the demand plan adjustable amount that can be used without using the power generation plan adjustable amount of 0 kW out of the adjustable power of the facility 100A, the demand plan adjustable amount that can be used without using the power generation plan adjustable amount of 2 kW out of the adjustable power of the facility 100B, and the demand plan adjustable amount that can be used without using the power generation plan adjustable amount of 0 kW out of the adjustable power of the facility 100C.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 7 , the control unit 230 calculates sixth information indicating a demand plan adjustable amount of 3 kW, which is the sum of a demand plan adjustable amount of 1 kW out of the adjustable power of the facility 100A, a demand plan adjustable amount that can be used without using a power generation plan adjustable amount of 2 kW out of the adjustable power of the facility 100B, and a demand plan adjustable amount of 0 kW out of the adjustable power of the facility 100C.

[0111] The control unit 230 instructs the communication unit 210 to transmit adjustable power information including the second information, the fifth information, and the sixth information to the communication unit 210 .

[0112] The receiving section of the communication section 310 receives the adjustable power information transmitted from the transmitting section of the communication section 210 .

[0113] The control unit 330 calculates power adjustment request information from the adjustable power information received by the receiver of the communication unit 310 .

[0114] For example, when receiving the second information, fifth information, and sixth information as shown in FIG. 7 , the control unit 330 may calculate, as the adjustment-requested power information, first adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to the adjustment-requested power requesting adjustment of the power generation plan adjustable amount of 5 kW and the demand plan adjustable amount of 0 to 3 kW.

[0115] For example, when receiving the second information as shown in FIG. 7 , the control unit 330 may calculate, as the adjustment-requested power information, second adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to the adjustment-requested power requesting adjustment of the demand plan adjustable amount of 0 to 2 kW.

[0116] For example, when receiving the fifth information as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 330 may calculate, as the adjustment-requested power information, third adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to the adjustment-requested power that requests adjustment of the power generation plan adjustable amount of 0 to 5 kW.

[0117] The control unit 330 may instruct the communication unit 310 to transmit adjustment-requesting power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requesting power that requests adjustment of adjustable power that is capable of adjusting the power demand.

[0118] The communication unit 310 transmits the first adjustment-requesting power information, the second adjustment-requesting power information, or the third adjustment-requesting power information to the communication unit 210 .

[0119] The communication unit 210 receives the first, second, or third adjustment-requesting power information transmitted from the communication unit 310 .

[0120] When the communication unit 210 receives the first adjustment-requesting power information, the control unit 230 divides the value related to the adjustment-requesting power in the first adjustment-requesting power information into a power generation plan adjustable amount and a demand plan adjustable amount. Specifically, the control unit 230 calculates adjustment-requesting power division information by dividing the value related to the adjustment-requesting power into a value of fifth information that is the power generation plan adjustable amount of the adjustment-requesting power and a power value obtained by subtracting the fifth information from the value related to the adjustment-requesting power that is the demand plan adjustable amount of the adjustment-requesting power.

[0121] The control unit 230 allocates the power so that the total value of the power levels for which individual adjustment is requested to be adjusted in the facilities 100 where the lower management server 200 controls the distributed power sources is equal to or greater than the power level for which adjustment is requested for the group of facilities 100 .

[0122] When the communication unit 210 receives the first adjustment request power information, the control unit 230 allocates the power generation plan adjustable amount of the adjustment request power to the facility 100, and then allocates the demand plan adjustable amount of the adjustment request power.

[0123] The control unit 230 may preferentially allocate individual adjustable power to facilities 100 whose adjustable power includes renewable energy.

[0124] The control unit 230 transmits to the EMS 160 information regarding the control of the distributed power source, which is information indicating a control plan for controlling the charging power or discharging power of the storage device 120 installed in the facility 100 in order to adjust the individual adjustment request power allocated to the facility 100.

[0125] Next, the down DR will be described. Fig. 6A shows power that can be adjusted to lower the demand power in response to an adjustment request from the facility 100A. As shown in Fig. 6A, the power that can be adjusted to lower the demand power in response to an adjustment request from the facility 100A is adjustable power made up of forward flow power and reverse flow power. As shown in Fig. 6A, the information on the adjustable power of the facility 100A includes information indicating the adjustable amount of the demand plan of 1 kW of the adjustable power of the facility 100A and information indicating the adjustable amount of the power generation plan of 3 kW of the adjustable power.

[0126] 6B shows power that can be adjusted to lower the power demand in response to an adjustment request from facility 100B. As shown in Fig. 6B, the power that can be adjusted to lower the power demand in response to an adjustment request from facility 100B is adjustable power, which is only forward flow power. As shown in Fig. 6B, the information about the adjustable power of facility 100B includes information indicating a demand plan adjustable amount of 2 kW of the adjustable power of facility 100B.

[0127] 6C shows power that can be adjusted to lower the power demand in response to an adjustment request from facility 100C. As shown in Fig. 6C, the power that can be adjusted to lower the power demand in response to an adjustment request from facility 100C is adjustable power, which is only reverse flow power. As shown in Fig. 6C, the information about the adjustable power of facility 100C includes information indicating the power generation plan adjustable amount of 2 kW of the adjustable power of facility 100C.

[0128] The adjustable amount of the demand plan and the adjustable amount of the power generation plan are determined by the magnitude relationship between the reference value and the target value. Depending on the magnitude relationship between the reference value and the target value, a case where the adjustable amount of the demand plan is zero and a case where the adjustable amount of the power generation plan is zero are also assumed.

[0129] 6 , the adjustable amount of the demand plan may be adjustable power that is produced by increasing the discharge power of the power storage device 120 and decreasing the charge power of the power storage device 120. The adjustable amount of the power generation plan may be adjustable power that is produced by increasing the discharge power of the power storage device 120 and decreasing the charge power of the power storage device 120.

[0130] The control unit 230 of the lower management server 200 calculates adjustable power information from the received information on adjustable power.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 8 , the control unit 230 calculates third information indicating a demand plan adjustable amount of 3 kW, which is the sum of a demand plan adjustable amount of 1 kW out of the adjustable power of the facility 100A, a demand plan adjustable amount of 2 kW out of the adjustable power of the facility 100B, and a demand plan adjustable amount of 0 kW out of the adjustable power of the facility 100C.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 8 , the control unit 230 calculates first information indicating a power generation plan adjustable amount of 2 kW, which is the sum of the power generation plan adjustable amount that can be used without using 0 kW of the demand plan adjustable amount out of the adjustable power of the facility 100A, the power generation plan adjustable amount that can be used without using 0 kW of the demand plan adjustable amount out of the adjustable power of the facility 100B, and the power generation plan adjustable amount that can be used without using 2 kW of the demand plan adjustable amount out of the adjustable power of the facility 100C.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 8 , the control unit 230 calculates fourth information indicating a power generation plan adjustable amount of 5 kW, which is the sum of the power generation plan adjustable amount of 3 kW out of the adjustable power of the facility 100A, the power generation plan adjustable amount of 0 kW out of the adjustable power of the facility 100B, and the power generation plan adjustable amount that can be used without using the demand plan adjustable amount of 2 kW out of the adjustable power of the facility 100C.

[0134] The control unit 230 instructs the communication unit 210 to transmit adjustable power information including the first information, the third information, and the fourth information to the communication unit 210 .

[0135] The receiving section of the communication section 310 receives the adjustable power information transmitted from the transmitting section of the communication section 210 .

[0136] The control unit 330 calculates power adjustment request information from the adjustable power information received by the receiver of the communication unit 310 .

[0137] For example, when receiving the first information, third information, and fourth information as shown in FIG. 8 , the control unit 330 may calculate, as the adjustment-requested power information, first adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to the adjustment-requested power requesting adjustment of the demand plan adjustable amount of 3 kW and the power generation plan adjustable amount of 0 to 5 kW.

[0138] For example, when receiving the third information as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 330 may calculate, as the adjustment-requested power information, second adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to the adjustment-requested power requesting adjustment of the demand plan adjustable amount of 0 to 3 kW.

[0139] For example, when receiving the first information as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 330 may calculate, as the adjustment-requesting power information, third adjustment-requesting power information indicating a value related to the adjustment-requesting power requesting an adjustment of the power generation plan adjustable amount of 0 to 2 kW.

[0140] When the communication unit 210 receives the first adjustment-requesting power information, the control unit 230 divides the value related to the adjustment-requesting power in the first adjustment-requesting power information into a demand plan adjustable amount and a power generation plan adjustable amount. Specifically, the control unit 230 calculates adjustment-requesting power division information that divides the value related to the adjustment-requesting power into a value of third information that is the power generation plan adjustable amount of the adjustment-requesting power and a power value obtained by subtracting the third information from the value related to the adjustment-requesting power that is the demand plan adjustable amount of the adjustment-requesting power.

[0141] The control unit 230 allocates the power so that the total value of the power levels for which individual adjustment is requested to be adjusted in the facilities 100 where the lower management server 200 controls the distributed power sources is equal to or greater than the power level for which adjustment is requested for the group of facilities 100 .

[0142] When the communication unit 210 receives the first adjustment request power information, the control unit 230 allocates the demand plan adjustable amount of the adjustment request power to the facility 100, and then allocates the power generation plan adjustable amount of the adjustment request power.

[0143] The control unit 230 may preferentially allocate individual adjustable power to facilities 100 whose adjustable power includes renewable energy.

[0144] The control unit 230 transmits to the EMS 160 information regarding the control of the distributed power source, which is information indicating a control plan for controlling the charging power or discharging power of the storage device 120 installed in the facility 100 in order to adjust the individual adjustment request power allocated to the facility 100.

[0145] 9 , in step S10, the lower-level management server 200 receives from the EMS 160 facility information for the facility 100 and a planned value for power demand that is to be formulated at a timing prior to the target period (e.g., 12:00 on the day before the target period).

[0146] The EMS 160 may transmit information regarding adjustable power autonomously or periodically.

[0147] In step S20, the upper management server 300 transmits information related to the report request to the lower management server 200.

[0148] In step S21, the lower-level management server 200 transmits adjustable power information to the upper-level management server 300.

[0149] In step S30, the upper management server 300 transmits the power adjustment request information to the lower management server 200.

[0150] In step S31, if the adjustment-requesting power information is the first adjustment-requesting power information, the lower management server 200 calculates adjustment-requesting power division information from the first adjustment-requesting power information. If the adjustment-requesting power information is not the first adjustment-requesting power information, the lower management server 200 does not need to calculate adjustment-requesting power division information.

[0151] In step S32 , the lower-level management server 200 allocates the individual adjustment-requested power to be adjusted in the facility 100 .

[0152] In step S33, the lower level management server 200 transmits information relating to the control of the distributed power sources to the EMS 160. The information relating to the control of the distributed power sources may include information indicating the charging power or discharging power of the power storage device 120.

[0153] (Operations and Effects) In the embodiment of the lower management server 200, the control unit 230 may calculate first information as adjustable power information, and the communication unit 210 may transmit at least one of the first information and the second information to the communication unit 310 in a manner that enables the first information and the second information to be distinguished from other adjustable power information. With this configuration, the control unit 330 can calculate a value related to the adjustment-requested power, which is only reverse flow power. This can prevent imbalances in the demand plan when an adjustment request to reduce power demand occurs. Furthermore, with this configuration, renewable energy generated by solar power plants and the like can be effectively utilized.

[0154] In the lower management server 200 of the embodiment, the control unit 230 may calculate adjustable power information including the second information, the fifth information, and the sixth information, and the communication unit 210 may transmit the second information, the fifth information, and the sixth information to the communication unit 310 in a manner that enables the second information, the fifth information, and the sixth information to be distinguished from other adjustable power information. With this configuration, the control unit 330 can calculate first adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power consisting of forward flow power and reverse flow power, second adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power that is only forward flow power, or third adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power that is only reverse flow power.

[0155] In the lower management server 200 of the embodiment, the control unit 230 may calculate adjustable power information including the first information, the third information, and the fourth information, and the communication unit 210 may transmit the first information, the third information, and the fourth information to the communication unit 310 in a manner that enables the first information, the third information, and the fourth information to be distinguished from other adjustable power information. With this configuration, the control unit 330 can calculate first adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power consisting of forward flow power and reverse flow power, second adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power that is only forward flow power, or third adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power that is only reverse flow power.

[0156] In the upper management server 300 of the embodiment, the control unit 330 may calculate first adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power consisting of forward flow power and reverse flow power, may calculate second adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power consisting of only forward flow power, or may calculate third adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power consisting of only reverse flow power. With such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately perform imbalance adjustment using the power storage device 120.

[0157] [Other Embodiments] The present disclosure has been described with reference to the above-described embodiments, but the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0158] In the above disclosure, the case where the lower management server 200 and the upper management server 300 are separate servers has been described. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. The lower management server 200 and the upper management server 300 may be a single server. In such a case, the function corresponding to the lower management server 200 may be referred to as a VPP function, and the function corresponding to the upper management server 300 may be referred to as a retail function.

[0159] In the above disclosure, the case where the distributed power source used for VPP control is the power storage device 120 has been exemplified. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. The distributed power source used for VPP control may include a solar cell device 110, a fuel cell device 130, etc. The distributed power source used for VPP control may also include a diesel generator, a wind power generation device, a geothermal power generation device, etc.

[0160] In the above disclosure, the distributed power source used for VPP control may be interpreted as a distributed power source system including the power storage device 120 and the EMS 160 .

[0161] Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, communication between the DSR-MS and the power storage device 120 may be performed in accordance with ECHONETLite (registered trademark). Communication between the DSR-MS and the lower-level management server 200, or between the lower-level management server 200 and the upper-level management server 300, may be OpenADR.

[0162] Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, power may be expressed as an instantaneous value (W / kW) or as an integrated value per unit time (Wh / kWh).

[0163] In the above disclosure, the amount of electric power may be expressed in kWh, etc. Power is the amount of electric power per unit time, and may be expressed in kW, etc. In particular, when there is no influence of the time factor, the amount of electric power and the electric power may be interpreted as interchangeable.

[0164] Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, a program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each process performed by the lower-level management server 200. The program may also be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Using the computer-readable medium, the program can be installed on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

[0165] The above-described disclosure may have the following problems and effects: The power management device has room for improvement in appropriately controlling distributed power sources in response to a DR (Demand Response) request (a request for adjustment of adjustable power) from a higher-level power management device, and in reducing the occurrence of imbalances.

[0166] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a power management device, a power management system, an upper power management device, and a power management method that can appropriately control distributed power sources in response to DR requests from an upper power management device and reduce the occurrence of imbalances.

[0167] 1: Power management system 11: Network 12: Power system 100: Facility 110: Solar cell device 120: Power storage device 130: Fuel cell device 140: Load device 160: EMS 190: Measuring device 200: Lower management server 210: Communication unit 220: Management unit 230: Control unit 300: Upper management server 310: Communication unit 320: Management unit 330: Control unit

Claims

1. A power management device comprising: a control unit that calculates adjustable power information indicating adjustable power for adjusting the balance of power supply and demand in a power grid connected to a group of facilities; and a communication unit that transmits the adjustable power information to a higher-level power management device, wherein the control unit calculates the adjustable power information of at least one of first information indicating a sum of values ​​related to the adjustable power of the group of facilities where the only power that can be adjusted to lower demand power in response to an adjustment request for the adjustable power transmitted from the higher-level power management device is reverse flow power, and second information indicating a sum of values ​​related to the adjustable power of the group of facilities where the only power that can be adjusted to increase demand power in response to the adjustment request, and the communication unit transmits the adjustable power information of at least one of the first information and the second information to the higher-level power management device in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from other adjustable power information.

2. The power management device of claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates the adjustable power information including third information indicating the sum of values ​​related to forward flow power among the adjustable power of the group of facilities, and fourth information indicating the sum of values ​​related to reverse flow power among the adjustable power of the group of facilities, for power that can be adjusted to reduce demand power in response to the adjustment request, and the communication unit transmits the third information and the fourth information to the upper power management device in a manner that makes them distinguishable from other adjustable power information.

3. The power management device described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit calculates the adjustable power information including fifth information indicating the sum of values ​​related to backward flow power among the adjustable power of the group of facilities in power that can be adjusted to increase demand power in response to the adjustment request and sixth information indicating the sum of values ​​related to forward flow power among the adjustable power of the group of facilities, and the communication unit transmits the fifth information and the sixth information to the upper power management device in a manner that makes them distinguishable from other adjustable power information.

4. The power management device of claim 2, wherein the communication unit receives adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power for requesting adjustment of the power supply and demand balance of the power grid connected to the group of facilities from the upper-level power management device, the adjustment-requested power including the forward flow power and the reverse flow power, and the control unit calculates adjustment-requested power division information indicating a value related to power obtained by subtracting the value of the third information from the value related to the adjustment-requested power in the adjustment-requested power information.

5. The power management device of claim 3, wherein the communication unit receives adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power for requesting adjustment of the power supply and demand balance of the power grid connected to the group of facilities from the upper-level power management device, the adjustment-requested power including the forward flow power and the reverse flow power, and the control unit calculates adjustment-requested power division information indicating a value related to power obtained by subtracting the value of the fifth information from the value related to the adjustment-requested power in the adjustment-requested power information.

6. A power management system comprising: a lower power management device having a control unit that calculates adjustable power information indicating adjustable power for adjusting the balance of power supply and demand in a power grid connected to a group of facilities; and an upper power management device having a control unit that calculates, from the adjustable power information, adjustment-request power information indicating adjustment-request power, which is power for which adjustment is requested to be made to the group of facilities; wherein the lower power management device further has a communication unit that transmits the adjustable power information to the upper power management device; the control unit of the lower power management device calculates the adjustable power information of at least one of first information indicating a sum of values ​​related to the adjustable power of the group of facilities where only backward flow power is adjustable to lower demand power in accordance with the adjustment request for the adjustable power transmitted from the upper power management device; and second information indicating a sum of values ​​related to the adjustable power of the group of facilities where only forward flow power is adjustable to increase demand power in accordance with the adjustment request; and the communication unit of the lower power management device transmits the adjustable power information of at least one of the first information and the second information to the upper power management device in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from the other adjustable power information.

7. The power management system described in claim 6, wherein the upper power management device further has a communication unit that transmits the adjustment-requested power information to the lower power management device, and the control unit of the upper power management device calculates the adjustment-requested power information including at least one of first adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to the adjustment-requested power that requests the group of facilities to adjust the adjustable power consisting of the forward flow power and the reverse flow power, second adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to the adjustment-requested power that requests the group of facilities to adjust the adjustable power that is only the forward flow power, or third adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to the adjustment-requested power that requests the group of facilities to adjust the adjustable power that is only the reverse flow power, and the communication unit of the upper power management device transmits the adjustment-requested power information to the lower power management device.

8. An upper power management device comprising: a communication unit that receives adjustable power information transmitted from a power management device and transmits adjustment-requested power information to the power management device; a control unit that calculates the adjustment-requested power information from the adjustable power information, indicating adjustment-requested power, which is power for which a facility group is requested to adjust; the control unit calculates the adjustment-requested power information including at least one of first adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power that requests the facility group to adjust adjustable power consisting of forward flow power and reverse flow power; second adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power that requests the facility group to adjust adjustable power that is only forward flow power; or third adjustment-requested power information indicating a value related to adjustment-requested power that requests the facility group to adjust adjustable power that is only reverse flow power; and the communication unit transmits the adjustment-requested power information to a lower power management device.

9. A power management method performed in a power management system comprising: a lower power management device having a control unit that calculates adjustable power information indicating adjustable power for adjusting the balance of power supply and demand in a power grid connected to a group of facilities; and an upper power management device having a control unit that calculates, from the adjustable power information, adjustment-request power information indicating adjustment-request power, which is power for which adjustment is requested of the group of facilities, the power management method comprising the steps of: the control unit of the lower power management device calculating the adjustable power information of at least one of first information indicating a sum of values ​​related to the adjustable power of the group of facilities in which only backward flow power is adjustable to lower power demand in accordance with the adjustment request for the adjustable power transmitted from the upper power management device; and second information indicating a sum of values ​​related to the adjustable power of the group of facilities in which only forward flow power is adjustable to increase power demand in accordance with the adjustment request; and a step of a communication unit of the lower power management device transmitting the adjustable power information of at least one of the first information and the second information to the upper power management device in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from other adjustable power information.

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