Energy supply system, energy system, simulation method, simulation device, management method, and management system

Abstract

An energy supply system (200) includes a fuel cell device (920) and a heat source device (440). The heat source device (440) includes a first portion (441) and a second portion (442). The first portion (441) heats a first heat medium (h1) using heat from the fuel cell device (920). The second portion (442) further heats the first heat medium (h1) heated by the first portion (441).

Description

Energy supply system, energy system, simulation method, simulation device, management method and management system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an energy supply system, an energy system, a simulation method, a simulation device, a management method, and a management system.

[0002] Various power sources are used. Examples of power sources include solar cells, fuel cells, and storage batteries. Systems including solar cells, fuel cells, and storage batteries have been studied. Patent Document 1 describes such a system.

[0003] JP 2016-59250 A

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a technology suitable for cost-effective energy supply.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an energy supply system comprising: a fuel cell device; and a heat source device including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion heats a first heat medium using heat from the fuel cell device; and the second portion further heats the first heat medium heated in the first portion.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technology suitable for cost-effective energy supply.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram for explaining heat supply by an energy supply system. Fig. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a simulation. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of FC operation. Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining determination of GP power amount and SB power amount.

[0008] (Findings forming the basis of the present disclosure) The present inventors have studied an energy supply system including a fuel cell. According to their study, not only using a fuel cell as a power generation device but also utilizing the heat of the fuel cell leads to cost-effective energy supply.

[0009] Based on these findings, the present inventors have come to form the subject of the present disclosure.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology suitable for cost-effective energy supply.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0012] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0013] In the embodiments, a solar cell may be referred to as PV, a fuel cell may be referred to as FC, a storage battery may be referred to as SB, and a power system may be referred to as GP.

[0014] In the embodiment, charging / discharging refers to charging or discharging. Charging / discharging power refers to charging power or discharging power. Positive charging / discharging power refers to discharging power, and negative absolute values ​​of charging / discharging power refer to charging power. Charging / discharging power amount refers to charging power amount or discharging power amount. Positive charging / discharging power amount refers to discharging power amount, and negative absolute values ​​of charging / discharging power amount refer to charging power amount.

[0015] In the embodiments, unless otherwise inconsistent, "lifespan" may be read as "durability" or "usable period."

[0016] 1 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment, in which a supply facility 460 and the like are omitted.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a block diagram for explaining heat supply by the energy supply system 400. In Fig. 2, the solar cell 410, the storage battery 430, etc. are not shown.

[0018] The energy system 100 includes a simulation device 200, a control device 300, and an energy supply system 400. Electric power can be supplied from the energy supply system 400 and a power grid 500 to a load 600. Heat can be supplied from the energy supply system 400 to the load 600.

[0019] [Energy Supply System 400] The energy supply system 400 includes a solar cell 410, a fuel cell device 920, a fuel supply facility 421, a fluid machine 429, a storage battery 430, a heat source device 440, a heat storage tank 450, and a supply facility 460. The fuel cell device 920 includes a fuel cell group 420. The fuel cell group 420 includes M fuel cells 425. M is a natural number of 2 or more. M can also be a natural number of 10 or more. In this embodiment, M is 100.

[0020] The solar cell 410 generates electricity by receiving sunlight. The solar cell 410 has one or more solar cell panels.

[0021] The fuel cell 425 consumes a first fuel to generate electricity. Specifically, the first fuel is hydrogen. Examples of the fuel cell 425 include a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, a solid oxide fuel cell, a phosphoric acid fuel cell, and a molten carbonate fuel cell. In this embodiment, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is used as the fuel cell 425.

[0022] In this embodiment, the fuel cell 425 can generate rated power and partial load power. Rated power is power generation that generates rated power. Partial load power is power generation that generates power that is less than the rated power.

[0023] The storage battery 430 can be charged with power purchased from the power grid 500, power generated by the solar cell 410, and power generated by the fuel cell 425. The storage battery 430 has one or more storage battery modules.

[0024] The energy supply system 400 is configured with an electric power source and a heat source. The electric power source includes a solar cell 410, a fuel cell device 920, and a storage battery 430. The heat source includes a fuel cell device 920 and a heat source device 440. The electric power source and the power system 500 partially or entirely meet the electric power demand of the load 600. The heat source partially or entirely meets the heat demand of the load 600.

[0025] In this embodiment, the fuel cell device 920 , the fuel supply facility 421 , the fluid machine 429 , the storage battery 430 , the heat source device 440 and the supply facility 460 are controlled by the control device 300 .

[0026] The heat source device 440 includes a first part 441 and a second part 442. The supply equipment 460 includes a heat medium supply unit 461, a fuel supply unit 462, and an air supply unit 463.

[0027] The heat medium supply unit 461 supplies the first heat medium h1 to the first portion 441. The fuel cell device 920 supplies heat to the first portion 441. The first portion 441 uses this heat to heat the first heat medium h1. The second portion 442 further heats the first heat medium h1 heated in the first portion 441. The first heat medium h1 heated in the first portion 441 and the second portion 442 is temporarily stored in the heat storage tank 450 and then supplied to the load 600.

[0028] In this configuration, the first heat medium h1 is preheated in the first portion 441 by heat from the fuel cell device 920 before being heated in the second portion 442. This reduces the amount of energy required to heat the first heat medium h1 in the second portion 442. This is advantageous from the perspective of achieving cost-effective energy supply.

[0029] In this embodiment, heat is supplied from the fuel cell device 920 to the first portion 441 via the second heat medium h2. The first portion 441 is a heat exchanger that heats the first heat medium h1 by exchanging heat between the second heat medium h2 and the first heat medium h1. The type of heat exchanger is not limited. The heat exchanger may include a plate-type heat exchanger or a fin-tube-type heat exchanger. In this embodiment, the heat supplied from the fuel cell device 920 to the first portion 441 is exhaust heat from the fuel cell device 920.

[0030] In the example of FIG. 2 , a first fuel is supplied from a fuel supply facility 421 to a fuel cell device 920. Each fuel cell 425 consumes the first fuel to generate electricity. Each fuel cell 425 generates heat as it generates electricity. This heat is removed by the second heat medium h2. As a result, the second heat medium h2 is heated.

[0031] The energy supply system 400 includes a heat transfer flow path 470. The heat transfer flow path 470 is configured with piping. As the second heat medium h2 flows through the heat transfer flow path 470, heat is transported from the fuel cell device 920 to the first portion 441 by the second heat medium h2. Specifically, as the second heat medium h2 flows through the heat transfer flow path 470, it circulates between the fuel cell device 920 and the first portion 441. Here, the circulation of the second heat medium h2 between the fuel cell device 920 and the first portion 441 refers to the second heat medium h2 repeatedly moving back and forth between the fuel cell device 920 and the first portion 441.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first heat medium h1 is water, and the heat medium supply unit 461 is a water supply unit. The second heat medium h2 is a liquid, specifically water. In the example of FIG. 2, the second heat medium h2 is used to cool the fuel cell 425. That is, the second heat medium h2 is a coolant, specifically cooling water. Water has a large specific heat capacity. Therefore, when the second heat medium h2 is water, the required amount of heat can be transported from the fuel cell device 920 to the heat source device 440 while suppressing the flow rate of the second heat medium h2. This can contribute to cost-effective energy supply.

[0033] The heat transfer flow path 470 includes M first flow paths 423 and M second flow paths 424. The M first flow paths 423 and the M second flow paths 424 are configured by pipes.

[0034] The heat transfer passage 470 is provided with a fluid machine 429. In this embodiment, the fluid machine 429 includes at least one pump and / or at least one valve. The at least one pump and / or at least one valve are controlled by the control device 300.

[0035] 2 , the fluid machine 429 includes M first valves 426, M second valves 427, and a pump 428. The M first valves 426, the M second valves 427, and the pump 428 are controlled by the control device 300.

[0036] The M first flow paths 423 are in one-to-one correspondence with the M fuel cells 425. Each first flow path 423 is connected to a corresponding fuel cell 425. The M first flow paths 423 are in one-to-one correspondence with the M first valves 426. Each first flow path 423 is provided with a corresponding first valve 426.

[0037] The M second flow paths 424 are in one-to-one correspondence with the M fuel cells 425. Each second flow path 424 is connected to a corresponding fuel cell 425. The M second flow paths 424 are in one-to-one correspondence with the M second valves 427. Each second flow path 424 is provided with a corresponding second valve 427.

[0038] The pump 428 is provided in the heat transfer flow path 470. When the pump 428 is driven, the second heat medium h2 from the first portion 441 is supplied to the corresponding fuel cell 425 via the first flow path 423. The second heat medium h2 is heated by cooling the fuel cell 425, and then flows out of the fuel cell 425. Due to the pressure at the time of outflow, the second heat medium h2 from the fuel cell 425 is supplied to the first portion 441 via the corresponding second flow path 424.

[0039] The first valve 426 controls the flow of the second heat medium h2 in the first flow path 423. The second valve 427 controls the flow of the second heat medium h2 in the second flow path 424.

[0040] The first valve 426 may be a flow rate adjusting valve or an on-off valve. The second valve 427 may be a flow rate adjusting valve or an on-off valve. Here, the flow rate adjusting valve is a valve that can have an opening degree greater than 0% and less than 100% as well as 0% (fully closed) and 100% (fully open). The on-off valve is a valve whose opening degree can be set to either of two values, 0% or 100%.

[0041] In this embodiment, the fuel cell group 420 includes a first fuel cell 425a and a second fuel cell 425b. Possible states of the fluid machine 429 include a first state and a second state. In the first state, the first fuel cell 425a and the first portion 441 are fluidly connected, and the second fuel cell 425b and the first portion 441 are fluidly separated. In the second state, the second fuel cell 425b and the first portion 441 are fluidly connected, and the first fuel cell 425a and the first portion 441 are fluidly separated.

[0042] Note that the first element and the second element being fluidly connected means that fluid flow between the first element and the second element is permitted, and the first element and the second element being fluidly separated means that fluid flow between the first element and the second element is prohibited.

[0043] In this embodiment, the control device 300 sets the fluid machine 429 to the first state when the first fuel cell 425a is generating electricity but the second fuel cell 425b is not. The control device 300 sets the fluid machine 429 to the second state when the second fuel cell 425b is generating electricity but the first fuel cell 425a is not. This configuration allows the second heat medium h2, which has a high temperature, to be supplied to the first portion 441. This makes it easier to reduce the energy required to heat the first heat medium h1 in the second portion 442. This is advantageous from the perspective of achieving cost-effective energy supply.

[0044] Specifically, the control device 300 realizes the first state by: - ​​placing the first valve 426 provided in the first flow path 423 connected to the first fuel cell 425a and the second valve 427 provided in the second flow path 424 connected to the first fuel cell 425a in a flow-through state; and - placing the first valve 426 provided in the first flow path 423 connected to the second fuel cell 425b and / or the second valve 427 provided in the second flow path 424 connected to the second fuel cell 425b in a closed state.

[0045] Furthermore, the control device 300 realizes the second state by: - ​​placing the first valve 426 provided in the first flow path 423 connected to the second fuel cell 425b and the second valve 427 provided in the second flow path 424 connected to the second fuel cell 425b in a flow-through state; and - placing the first valve 426 provided in the first flow path 423 connected to the first fuel cell 425a and / or the second valve 427 provided in the second flow path 424 connected to the first fuel cell 425a in a closed state.

[0046] The above description of the states that the fluid machine 429 can assume and the control of the control device 300 can be generalized. In this generalization, consider a case where, of M fuel cells 425, m1 fuel cells 425 are generating electricity and m2 fuel cells 425 are not generating electricity. Here, m1 and m2 are natural numbers greater than or equal to 1. The control device 300: Opens the first valve 426 provided in the first flow path 423 connected to the m1 fuel cells 425 and the second valve 427 provided in the second flow path 424 connected to the m1 fuel cells 425; and closes the first valve 426 provided in the first flow path 423 connected to the m2 fuel cells 425 and / or the second valve 427 provided in the second flow path 424 connected to the m2 fuel cells 425. This configuration makes it easier to supply the high-temperature second heat medium h2 to the first portion 441.

[0047] The energy supply system 400 includes a heat dissipation device (not shown). The heat dissipation device dissipates heat from the fuel cell device 920 into the atmosphere or the like. By performing this dissipation when there is no need to supply heat from the fuel cell device 920 to the first section 441, it is possible to avoid an unintended temperature rise in the fuel cell device 920. This is advantageous from the perspective of stable operation of the fuel cell device 920. In fact, when the load 600 is a factory load or the like, a situation may arise in which the heat demand of the load 600 is significantly smaller than the power demand of the load 600. In such a situation, a heat dissipation device may be suitably used. The heat dissipation device is, for example, a cooling tower.

[0048] In this embodiment, the second portion 442 is a combustion portion that heats the first heat medium h1 by consuming fuel and includes a burner. The preheating reduces the fuel consumption required to heat the first heat medium h1 in the second portion 442. The second portion 442 is specifically a combustion boiler, more specifically a hot water boiler.

[0049] Hereinafter, the fuel consumed in the second portion 442 may be referred to as the second fuel. In this embodiment, the second fuel is natural gas.

[0050] As described above, the first section 441 is associated with the heat medium supply unit 461 of the supply facility 460. In contrast, the second section 442 is associated with the fuel supply unit 462 and the air supply unit 463 of the supply facility 460. The fuel supply unit 462 supplies a second fuel to the second section 442. The air supply unit 463 supplies combustion air to the second section 442. The heat medium supply unit 461, the fuel supply unit 462, and the air supply unit 463 are controlled by the control device 300.

[0051] In this embodiment, the heat medium supply unit 461 includes a pump, the fuel supply unit 462 includes a pump, and the air supply unit 463 includes a blower.

[0052] 2, the energy supply system 400 includes a heat medium flow path 444a, a fuel flow path 445a, and an air flow path 446a. The heat medium flow path 444a, the fuel flow path 445a, and the air flow path 446a are configured by piping.

[0053] The heat medium passage 444a allows the first heat medium h1 to flow from the heat medium supply unit 461 to the first portion 441. The fuel passage 445a allows the second fuel to flow from the fuel supply unit 462 to the second portion 442. The air passage 446a allows the combustion air to flow from the air supply unit 463 to the second portion 442.

[0054] The energy supply system 400 includes a valve 444b, a valve 445b, and a valve 446b. The valve 444b is provided in the heat medium flow path 444a. The valve 445b is provided in the fuel flow path 445a. The valve 446b is provided in the air flow path 446a. The valves 444b, 445b, and 446b are controlled by the control device 300.

[0055] The valve 444b controls the flow of the first heat medium h1 from the heat medium supply unit 461 to the first portion 441. The valve 445b controls the flow of the second fuel from the fuel supply unit 462 to the second portion 442. The valve 446b controls the flow of combustion air from the air supply unit 463 to the second portion 442. In this embodiment, the valves 444b, 445b, and 446b are flow control valves.

[0056] A mixed gas is generated by mixing the second fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit 462 with the combustion air supplied from the air supply unit 463. The burner in the second section 442 burns the mixed gas and discharges combustion exhaust gas. The first heating medium h1 heated in the first section 441 is further heated by the heat of the burner and the heat of the combustion exhaust gas.

[0057] In this embodiment, the control device 300 controls the supply of heat medium to the first portion 441 of the heat source device 440 and the combustion in the second portion 442 of the heat source device 440 in accordance with an operation plan (described below) of the heat source device 440. The heat medium supply control includes control of the supply of the first heat medium h1 from the heat medium supply unit 461 to the first portion 441 and control of the supply (circulation in the example of FIG. 2 ) of the second heat medium h2 from the fuel cell device 920 to the first portion 441. The combustion control includes control of the supply of fuel from the fuel supply unit 462 to the second portion 442 and control of the supply of combustion air from the air supply unit 463 to the second portion 442.

[0058] In the heat medium supply control, the control device 300 controls the flow rate of the first heat medium h1 supplied from the heat medium supply unit 461 to the first section 441 by adjusting the rotation speed of the pump in the heat medium supply unit 461 and / or adjusting the opening degree of the valve 444b. In the heat medium supply control, the control device 300 also controls the flow rate of the second heat medium h2 supplied (circulated in the example of FIG. 2 ) from the fuel cell device 920 to the first section 441 by controlling the fluid machine 429.

[0059] In the combustion control, the control device 300 controls the flow rate of the second fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit 462 to the second portion 442 by adjusting the rotation speed of the pump in the fuel supply unit 462 and / or the opening degree of the valve 445b. In addition, in the combustion control, the control device 300 controls the flow rate of the combustion air supplied from the air supply unit 463 to the second portion 442 by adjusting the rotation speed of the blower in the air supply unit 463 and / or the opening degree of the valve 446b.

[0060] [Power System 500 and Load 600] Returning to FIG. 1 , by purchasing power from the power system 500, it is possible to receive a supply of power from the power system 500.

[0061] The load 600 may be supplied with power purchased from the power grid 500, power generated by the solar cell 410, power generated by the fuel cell 425, power discharged from the storage battery 430, etc. The load 600 may be supplied with heat generated by the fuel cell 425, heat generated by the heat source device 440, etc. The load 600 may be, for example, a load in a factory.

[0062] [Simulation Device 200 and Control Device 300] The simulation device 200 and the control device 300 will be described below. An example will be described below in which the heat source device 440 includes, as the second portion 442, a combustion unit that heats the first heat medium h1 by consuming fuel. The second portion 442, which is the combustion unit, will sometimes be referred to as the combustion unit 442. Hereinafter, the heat source device 440 will sometimes be referred to as HS. As described above, the combustion unit 442 may be a combustion boiler.

[0063] The simulation device 200 uses simulation to create an operation plan for the energy supply system 400. The control device 300 controls the energy supply system 400 in accordance with the operation plan.

[0064] The simulation device 200 may be an on-site device located at the site where the energy supply system 400 is installed (i.e., an on-site device). Alternatively, the simulation device 200 may be a cloud device provided on the cloud.

[0065] The control device 300 controls the fuel cell group 420, the fuel supply equipment 421, the fluid machinery 429, the storage battery 430, the heat source device 440, and the supply equipment 460. The control device 300 also controls the purchase of electricity from and sale of electricity to the power system 500.

[0066] The control device 300 may be a device located at the site where the energy supply system 400 is installed. Alternatively, the control device 300 may be a cloud device provided on the cloud.

[0067] In one specific example, the simulation device 200 is a cloud device. The control device 300 is a device located at the site where the energy supply system 400 is installed.

[0068] The simulation device 200 includes an information unit 210, a prediction unit 220, and a calculation unit 230. The information unit 210 is a memory. The prediction unit 220 is a processor. The calculation unit 230 is also a processor.

[0069] The information section 210 contains: SB equipment price A SB , ・FC equipment price A FC , HS equipment price A HS , ・First fuel unit price U FUEL1 , ・Second fuel unit price U FUEL2 , ・Power purchase price U GP , ・SB durability time D SB , FC durability time D FC , ・HS durability time D HS , ・SB maximum storage amount B MAX , SB maximum cycle number Y MAX , ・FC maximum startup count N FCMAX , FC maximum power generation time T FCMAX , HS maximum number of combustions N HSMAX , HS maximum combustion time T HSMAX , maximum discharge rate, maximum charge rate, minimum rest time, maximum continuous power generation time, permitted value for power generation of the fuel cell 425, and maximum amount of discharged power of the storage battery 430 in one time step ts.

[0070] SB Equipment Price A SB is the equipment price of the storage battery 430.

[0071] FC equipment price A FC is the equipment price of the fuel cell 425.

[0072] HS equipment price A HS is the equipment price of the heat source device 440.

[0073] First fuel unit price U FUEL1 is the price of the first fuel required for the fuel cell 425 to generate a unit amount of power. FUEL2 is the price of the second fuel required for the combustion unit 442 of the heat source device 440 to generate a unit amount of heat. FUEL1 and second fuel unit price U FUEL2 is updated periodically or irregularly. Specifically, the first fuel unit price U FUEL1 is the hydrogen unit price U H2 The hydrogen unit price U H2 is the price of hydrogen required for the fuel cell 425 to generate a unit amount of electricity. FUEL2 is the unit price of natural gas U NG The unit price of natural gas is U NG is the price of natural gas required for the combustion section 442 of the heat source device 440 to generate a unit amount of heat.

[0074] Power purchase price U GP is the price required to purchase a unit amount of power from the power grid 500. GP It is updated periodically or irregularly.

[0075] SB durability time D SB is the upper limit of the time that has elapsed since the storage battery 430 was installed. In this embodiment, this elapsed time is the SB endurance time D SB After reaching this value, the storage battery 430 is not charged or discharged.

[0076] FC durability time D FC is the upper limit of the time that has elapsed since the fuel cell 425 was installed. In this embodiment, this elapsed time is the FC endurance time D FC After reaching this value, the fuel cell 425 will no longer generate electricity.

[0077] HS durability time DHS is the upper limit of the elapsed time from the time when the heat source device 440 is installed. In this embodiment, this elapsed time is the HS endurance time D HS After reaching this temperature, the heat source device 440 will not heat the air.

[0078] SB maximum power storage amount B MAX is the upper limit of the amount of power stored in the storage battery 430.

[0079] SB maximum cycle number Y MAX is the upper limit of the number of cycles of the storage battery 430.

[0080] Maximum number of FC startups N FCMAX is the upper limit of the number of times the fuel cell 425 can be started, counted from when the fuel cell 425 is new. In this embodiment, this total is the maximum number of FC start-ups N FCMAX After reaching this value, the fuel cell 425 will no longer generate electricity.

[0081] FC maximum power generation time T FCMAX is the upper limit of the cumulative power generation time of the fuel cell 425 counted from when the fuel cell 425 is new. In this embodiment, this cumulative power generation time is equal to the FC maximum power generation time T FCMAX After reaching this value, the fuel cell 425 will no longer generate electricity.

[0082] HS maximum number of combustions N HSMAX is the upper limit of the number of combustions of the combustion section 442 of the heat source device 440 counted from the state when the heat source device 440 is new. In this embodiment, this total is the HS maximum number of combustions N HSMAX After reaching this temperature, the heat source device 440 will not heat the air.

[0083] HS maximum burning time T HSMAX is the upper limit of the cumulative combustion time of the combustion section 442 of the heat source device 440 counted from the time when the heat source device 440 is new. In this embodiment, this cumulative power generation time is equal to the HS maximum combustion time T HSMAX After reaching this temperature, the heat source device 440 will not heat the air.

[0084] The maximum discharge rate is the upper limit of the discharge rate of the storage battery 430 .

[0085] The maximum charging rate is the upper limit of the charging rate of the storage battery 430 .

[0086] The minimum rest time is the lower limit of the rest time of the fuel cell 425 .

[0087] The maximum continuous power generation time is the upper limit of the continuous power generation time of the fuel cell 425 .

[0088] The permitted value regarding the power generation of the fuel cell 425 is, for example, the amount of power generation, the power generation amount, etc. that the fuel cell 425 is permitted to generate.

[0089] The maximum discharge amount of power of the storage battery 430 in one time step ts is the upper limit of the discharge amount of power of the storage battery 430 in one time step ts.

[0090] In this embodiment, the FC equipment price A FC , FC durability time D FC , FC maximum startup count N FCMAX , FC maximum power generation time T FCMAX , the minimum rest time, the maximum continuous power generation time, and the permitted values ​​for power generation of the fuel cells 425 are the same for the M fuel cells 425 .

[0091] As can be understood from the above description, the storage battery 430 has a lifespan that corresponds to the durability of the storage battery 430. When the storage battery 430 is charged and discharged, the lifespan of the storage battery 430 is consumed. In this embodiment, the lifespan of the storage battery 430 is determined by the SB endurance time D SB and SB maximum cycle number Y MAX It is a concept that includes:

[0092] As can be understood from the above description, the fuel cell 425 has a lifespan that corresponds to the durability of the fuel cell 425. When the fuel cell 425 generates power, the lifespan of the fuel cell 425 is consumed. In this embodiment, the lifespan of the fuel cell 425 is determined by the FC durability time D FC , FC maximum startup count N FCMAX and FC maximum power generation time T FCMAX It is a concept that includes:

[0093] As can be understood from the above description, the heat source device 440 has a lifespan that corresponds to the durability of the heat source device 440. When combustion occurs in the combustion section 442 of the heat source device 440, the lifespan of the heat source device 440 is consumed. In this embodiment, the lifespan of the heat source device 440 is determined by the HS durability time D HS , HS maximum combustion number N HSMAX and HS maximum combustion time T HSMAX It is a concept that includes:

[0094] The prediction unit 220 predicts the amount of power generated by the solar cell 410. This prediction is made based on the correlation between past weather and the amount of power generated by the solar cell 410, and on weather forecasts.

[0095] The prediction unit 220 predicts the amount of power demand for the load 600. This prediction is made based on the pattern of changes in the amount of power demand in the past. For example, if the load 600 is a load in a factory, the amount of power demand tends to increase when the temperature is low or high because the power consumption of an air conditioner increases. Also, for example, the amount of power demand tends to increase on weekdays compared to holidays. Therefore, the amount of power demand for the day and time period to be predicted can be predicted based on which part of the pattern the day and time period to be predicted correspond to. Also, for example, if the load 600 is a load in a factory and the factory is producing products, the amount of power demand can also be predicted from information on the planned production volume.

[0096] The prediction unit 220 predicts the heat demand for the load 600. This prediction is made based on the past change pattern of the heat demand. For example, if the load 600 is a load in a factory that uses hot water on a production line, the heat demand tends to be higher on weekdays than on holidays. Therefore, the heat demand for the day and time period to be predicted can be predicted based on which part of the pattern the day and time period to be predicted correspond to. Also, for example, if the load 600 is a load in a factory and the factory is producing products, the heat demand can also be predicted from information on the planned production volume.

[0097] The prediction unit 220 may predict the amount of power generated by the solar cell 410, the amount of power demanded by the load 600, and the amount of heat demanded by the load 600 based on a predetermined algorithm (for example, a mathematical formula with fixed coefficients) or may perform the predictions by machine learning. The predictions can be performed by known methods.

[0098] The calculation unit 230 creates an operation plan for the energy supply system 400. Specifically, the operation plan is created by a simulation using information from the information unit 210 and information from the prediction unit 220.

[0099] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the simulation.

[0100] In step S10, the calculation unit 230 sets the value of a first counter CT1 to one.

[0101] The value of the first counter CT1 indicates which processing loop it is in. In Fig. 4, which will be described later, column La constitutes one processing loop, and column Lb constitutes another processing loop.

[0102] In step S11, the calculation unit 230 sets the value of a second counter CT2 to one.

[0103] The value of the second counter CT2 indicates the number of the unit process in each processing loop. In Fig. 4, processing relating to one tentative plan 7, which will be described later, constitutes a unit process.

[0104] In step S12, the calculation unit 230 determines whether the value of the second counter CT2 is greater than 1. If the value of the second counter CT2 is greater than 1, the calculation unit 230 proceeds to step S13. If the value of the second counter CT2 is 1, the calculation unit 230 proceeds to step S14.

[0105] In step S13, the calculation unit 230 changes the FC operation by changing the tentative plan 7.

[0106] In step S14, the calculation unit 230 sets the FC operation as the reference operation. The FC operation is set as the reference operation by setting the reference plan 7s as the tentative plan 7.

[0107] Specifically, when the value of the second counter CT2 is 1 and the value of the first counter CT1 is 1, a default plan 7w, which is a default reference plan 7s, is set as the tentative plan 7, and the FC operation is set as the reference operation. When the value of the second counter CT2 is 1 and the value of the first counter CT1 is Q and Q>1, the reference plan 7s set in step S23 when the value of the first counter CT1 was Q-1 is set as the tentative plan 7, and the FC operation is set as the reference operation.

[0108] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the FC operation.

[0109] In the simulation of this embodiment, a tentative plan 7 is repeatedly created. The tentative plan 7 is a plan for a period Ta. The period Ta is composed of Z time steps ts. That is, Ta = ts × Z. Z is a natural number equal to or greater than 2. In this embodiment, the Z time steps ts have the same time length.

[0110] The tentative plan 7 is a plan for the M fuel cells 425 in the fuel cell group 420 .

[0111] The provisional plan 7 is the FC generated power P FCi (and as a result, the amount of FC power generation E FCi FC power generation power P FCi is the power generated by the fuel cell 425. As described above, in this embodiment, rated power generation and partial load power generation can be performed. Based on this, in the provisional plan 7, the FC generated power P FCi is set to one of G values, where G is a natural number equal to or greater than 2. In the following, the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 425 at time step ts is referred to as the FC power generation amount E FCi It is written as E FCi =P FCi ×ts.

[0112] In this embodiment, the period Ta is 24 hours. Z is 48. The time step ts is 30 minutes. M is 100. G is 62. Specifically, the FC generated power PFCi The possible values ​​are 0 kW and 61 values ​​from 4 kW to 10 kW in 0.1 kW increments (4 kW, 4.1 kW, 4.2 kW, . . . 9.8 kW, 9.9 kW, 10 kW), for a total of 62 values.

[0113] In the tentative plan 7 of Fig. 4, M x Z cells form a matrix with M rows and Z columns. The number of cells in the row direction, Z, indicates the number of time steps ts. The number of cells in the column direction, M, indicates the number of fuel cells 425 in the fuel cell group 420, M.

[0114] Each cell corresponds to one fuel cell 425 at one time step ts. Although not shown in FIG. 3 because it is a plan view, the time step ts and the FC generated power P of the fuel cell 425 associated with each cell are FCi can take on G different values. G different FC generated power P FCi A tentative plan for each of these will be prepared.

[0115] For example, in FIG. G A matrix with M × Z cells is drawn, with the letters "(7)" written on it. In this matrix, the provisional plans 7a11 to 7a1 G The G provisional plans 7a21 to 7a2 in FIG. G , Provisional Plan 7b11 to 7b1 G , and Provisional Plans 7b21 to 7b2 G The same is true for .

[0116] As can be understood from the above explanation, G Z×M The FC operation is the operation of the M fuel cells 425 over the period Ta, and is the G Z×M This is the action corresponding to one of the patterns.

[0117] As will be understood from the explanation below, in the simulation, Z×M The optimum one of the patterns is determined by repeating a processing loop involving the creation of N patterns of interim plans 7, where N is explained below.

[0118] In step S15, the calculation unit 230 calculates the GP power amount E when the FC operation changed or set in step S13 or step S14 is performed. GP and SB power amount E SB Determine the GP power amount E GP is the amount of power purchased from the power grid 500 at each time step ts. SB is the amount of charge and discharge power of the storage battery 430 at each time step ts.

[0119] FIG. 5 shows the GP power amount E GP and SB power amount E SB 10 is a flowchart for explaining the determination of the

[0120] In FIG. 5, the demanded energy E DEM is the amount of power demand in the load 600 at each time step ts. PV is the amount of power generated by the solar cell 410 at each time step ts. DEM and PV power amount E PV is a predicted value by the prediction unit 220. FC generated power amount E FCg is the amount of power generated by the fuel cell group 420 at each time step ts, and the FC power generation amount E FCi is the sum of

[0121] In step S151, the calculation unit 230 calculates the differential power amount E DIF The difference in power amount E is determined. DIF is the amount of power demand E DEM , PV electric energy E PV , FC power generation amount E FCg That is, the differential power amount E DIF is the amount of power demand E DEM From this, the PV power amount E PV and FC power generation amount E FCg Equation 1: E DIF = E DEM -E PV -E FCg

[0122] Next, in step S152, the calculation unit 230 calculates the difference in power amount E DIF It is determined whether the differential power amount E is smaller than zero. DIF If the difference in the amount of power E is smaller than zero, the process proceeds to step S154. DIF If is greater than or equal to zero, the process proceeds to step S153.

[0123] In step S153, the calculation unit 230 calculates the SB power amount E SB The minimum value of the predetermined list is set as follows. The predetermined list is a list of the following three items: (a1), (a2), and (a3). (a1) The current amount of power stored in the storage battery 430; (a2) The maximum amount of power discharged from the storage battery 430 in one time step ts; and (a3) ​​The difference in power amount E DIF

[0124] In step S154, the calculation unit 230 calculates the SB power amount E SB Determine the SB power amount E SB is the differential power amount E DIF That is, the SB power amount E SB is the differential power amount E DIF In step S154, the calculation unit 230 calculates the GP power amount E GP Set E to zero. SB = E DIF Equation 3: E GP =0

[0125] After step S153, in step S155, the calculation unit 230 calculates the GP power amount E GP Determine the GP power amount E GP is the differential power amount E DIF and SB power amount E SB That is, the GP power amount E GP is the differential power amount E DIF From SB power amount E SB Equation 4: E GP = E DIF -E SB

[0126] Returning to FIG. 3, after step S15, in step S16, the calculation unit 230 calculates the operation cost C of each fuel cell 425 at each time step ts. FC1 Determine the operation cost C FC1 is the amount of FC generated power E FCi and fuel unit price U FUEL That is, the operation cost C FC1 is the amount of FC generated power E FCi and fuel unit price U FUEL Formula 5: C FC1 = E FCi ×U FUEL

[0127] After step S16, in step S17, the calculation unit 230 calculates the lifetime cost C of each fuel cell 425 at each time step ts. FC2 Determine the life cost C FC2 is given by the following Equation 6 using f1, f2, and f3. MAX( ) is a function that extracts the maximum element among the multiple elements listed in "( )". That is, the lifetime cost C FC2 is the maximum value of f1, f2, and f3. FC2 =MAX(f1, f2, f3)

[0128] f1 is given by the following formula 7. In formula 7, the number of FC startups N FC is the number of times the fuel cell 425 has been started up, counted from when the fuel cell 425 was new. FC FC maximum startup count N FCMAX The value divided by FC equipment price A FC Formula 7: f1 = N FC / N FCMAX ×A FC

[0129] f2 is given by the following formula 8. In formula 8, the FC cumulative power generation time T FC is the cumulative power generation time of the fuel cell 425 counted from when the fuel cell 425 was new. That is, f2 is the FC cumulative power generation time T FC FC maximum power generation time T FCMAXThe value divided by FC equipment price A FC Formula 8: f2 = T FC / T FCMAX ×A FC

[0130] f3 is given by the following formula 9. In formula 9, the FC installation time I FC is the elapsed time from the time the fuel cell 425 was installed. That is, f3 is the FC installation time I FC FC endurance time D FC The value divided by FC equipment price A FC Formula 9: f3 = I FC / D FC ×A FC

[0131] After step S17, in step S18, the calculation unit 230 calculates the life cost C of the storage battery 430 at each time step ts. SB2 Determine the life cost C SB2 is given by the following Equation 10 using f4, f5, and f6. That is, the lifetime cost C SB2 is the maximum value at f4, f5 and f6. SB2 =MAX(f4, f5, f6)

[0132] f4 is given by the following formula 11. In formula 11, the SB cumulative discharge energy B AD is the cumulative discharged power amount of the storage battery 430 counted from when the storage battery 430 was new. AD SB maximum storage capacity B MAX and SB maximum cycle number Y MAX The value divided by the product of SB equipment price A SB Formula 11: f4 = B AD / (B MAX ×Y MAX ) x A SB

[0133] f5 is given by the following formula 12. In formula 12, the SB cumulative charging energy B ACis the cumulative amount of charged energy of the storage battery 430 counted from when the storage battery 430 was new. AC SB maximum storage capacity B MAX and SB maximum cycle number Y MAX The value divided by the product of SB equipment price A SB Formula 12: f5 = B AC / (B MAX ×Y MAX ) x A SB

[0134] f6 is given by the following formula 13. In formula 13, the SB installation time I SB is the elapsed time from the time when the storage battery 430 was installed. That is, f6 is the SB installation time I SB SB endurance time D SB The value divided by SB equipment price A SB Formula 13: f6 = I SB / D SB ×A SB

[0135] After step S18, in step S19, the calculation unit 230 calculates the power purchase cost C from the power grid 500 at each time step ts. GP1 Determine the power purchase cost C GP1 is the GP power amount E GP and electricity purchase price U GP That is, the power purchase cost C GP1 is the GP power amount E GP and electricity purchase price U GP Formula 14: C GP1 = E GP ×U GP

[0136] After step S19, in step S20, the calculation unit 230 calculates the penalty cost C PEN Determine the penalty cost C PEN is the operation cost C FC1 is larger than the lifetime cost C FC2 is larger than the lifetime cost C SB2 is larger than the power purchase cost C GP1 is greater than.

[0137] In this embodiment, the penalty cost C PEN If a penalty cost C occurs, PEN The total cost C TOTAL The simulation is designed so that the penalty cost C is always large. Therefore, the operation plan of the energy supply system 400 that is actually used to control the energy supply system 400 can be based on one of the multiple tentative plans 7 that does not violate the penalty conditions. In one specific example, the penalty cost C PEN is set to the maximum value that can be handled in the simulation.

[0138] Penalty Cost C PEN takes a value greater than zero when a penalty condition of the energy supply system 400 is violated. The penalty condition includes at least one condition selected from the group consisting of the following conditions (b1), (b2), (b3), (b4), (b5), (b6), (b7), and (b8): (b1) A condition that there is no sale of power from the energy supply system 400 to the power grid 500; (b2) A condition that the SOC (State Of Charge) of the storage battery 430 is greater than or equal to A% and less than B%, where A is a value greater than 0 and B is a value greater than A and less than 100; (b3) A condition that the discharge rate of the storage battery 430 is less than or equal to the maximum discharge rate; (b4) A condition that the charge rate of the storage battery 430 is less than or equal to the maximum charge rate; (b5) A condition that the rest time of the fuel cell 425 is greater than or equal to the minimum rest time; and (b6) A condition that the continuous power generation time of the fuel cell 425 is less than or equal to the maximum continuous power generation time. (b7) A condition that the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 425 is a permitted value. (b8) A condition that the power generated by the fuel cell 425 is a permitted value.

[0139] Condition (b1) may be included as a penalty condition when the simulation is applied to an area where selling of electricity is prohibited. Condition (b5) may be included as a penalty condition when the specifications of the fuel cell 425 impose a restriction on the downtime. Condition (b6) may be included as a penalty condition when the specifications of the fuel cell 425 impose a restriction on the continuous power generation time.

[0140] After step S20, in step S21, the calculation unit 230 calculates the HS heat generation amount H HS Determine the HS calorific value H HS is the amount of heat generated by the combustion section 442 of the heat source device 440 at each time step ts.

[0141] HS heat generation amount H HS is the heat demand H DEM and FC heat generation amount H FC That is, the HS heat generation amount H HS is the heat demand H DEM From FC heat generation amount H FC The difference is the amount of heat demand H DEM is the heat demand in the load 600 at each time step ts. DEM is a predicted value by the prediction unit 220. FC heat generation amount H FC is the amount of FC generated power E FCg The amount of FC power generation E FCg is the amount of power generated by the fuel cell group 420 at each time step ts, and the FC power generation amount E FCi Formula 15: H HS = H DEM -H FC

[0142] After step S21, in step S22, the calculation unit 230 calculates the operation cost C of the heat source device 440 at each time step ts. HS1 Determine the operation cost C HS1 is the HS heat generation amount H HS and second fuel unit price U FUEL2That is, the operation cost C HS1 is the HS heat generation amount H HS and second fuel unit price U FUEL2 Formula 16: C HS1 = H HS ×U FUEL2

[0143] After step S22, in step S23, the calculation unit 230 calculates the lifetime cost C of the heat source device 440 at each time step ts. HS2 Determine the life cost C HS2 is given by the following Equation 17 using f7, f8, and f9. That is, the lifetime cost C HS2 is the maximum value at f7, f8 and f9. HS2 =MAX(f7, f8, f9)

[0144] f7 is given by the following formula 18. In formula 18, the number of HS combustions N HS is the number of combustions of the combustion unit 442 of the heat source device 440 counted from the state when the heat source device 440 was new. HS HS maximum combustion number N HSMAX The value divided by HS equipment price A HS Formula 18: f7 = N HS / N HSMAX ×A HS

[0145] f8 is given by the following formula 19. In formula 19, the HS cumulative combustion time T HS is the cumulative combustion time of the combustion section 442 of the heat source device 440 counted from when the heat source device 440 was new. HS HS maximum combustion time T HSMAX The value divided by HS equipment price A HS Formula 19: f8 = T HS / T HSMAX ×A HS

[0146] f9 is given by the following formula 20. In formula 20, the HS installation time I HSis the elapsed time from the time the heat source device 440 is installed. HS HS endurance time D HS The value divided by HS equipment price A HS Formula 20: f9 = I HS / D HS ×A HS

[0147] After step S23, in step S24, the calculation unit 230 calculates the total cost C TOTAL Determine the total cost C TOTAL is the operation cost C of the M fuel cells 425 at each time step ts. FC1 , the lifetime cost C of the M fuel cells 425 at each time step ts FC2 , the life cost C of the storage battery 430 at each time step ts SB2 , the power purchase cost C from the power system 500 at each time step ts GP1 , the penalty cost C for each time step ts PEN , the operation cost C of the heat source device 440 at each time step ts HS1 , and the lifetime cost C of the heat source device 440 at each time step ts HS2 Includes:

[0148] After step S24, in step S25, the calculation unit 230 determines whether the value of the second counter CT2 is equal to N. N will be described later. If the value of the second counter CT2 is equal to N, the process proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, if the value of the second counter CT2 is different from N, the process proceeds to step S27. In this embodiment, the process proceeds to step S27 if the value of the second counter CT2 is smaller than N.

[0149] In step S27, the calculation unit 230 increments the value of the second counter CT2 by 1. Then, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0150] Steps S15 to S24 constitute a unit process. The unit process can be repeated by repeatedly updating the second counter CT2.

[0151] When the value of the first counter CT1 is 1, the value of the second counter CT2 increases from 1 to N. In terms of the processing loop shown in column La of FIG. 4, N tentative plans 7 are generated, and N total costs C corresponding to the N tentative plans 7 are calculated. TOTAL is determined.

[0152] When the value of the first counter CT1 is 2, the value of the second counter CT2 increases from 1 to N. In terms of the processing loop shown in column Lb of FIG. 4, N tentative plans 7 are generated, and N total costs C corresponding to the N tentative plans 7 are calculated. TOTAL is determined.

[0153] The same process can be performed when the value of the first counter CT1 is 3 or more.

[0154] In step S26, the calculation unit 230 calculates the N total costs C TOTAL In step S26, the calculation unit 230 identifies the minimum total cost C TOTAL 4, the minimum total cost C in the column La corresponding to the case where the value of the first counter CT1 is 1 is set as the reference plan 7s. TOTAL The provisional plan 7 that realizes the above is provisional plan 7a. min In addition, the minimum total cost C in the column Lb corresponding to the case where the value of the first counter CT1 is 2 is expressed as follows: TOTAL Provisional Plan 7, which realizes the above, is referred to as Provisional Plan 7b. min It is written as follows.

[0155] After step S26, in step S28, the calculation unit 230 determines whether the value of the first counter CT1 is greater than 1. If the value of the first counter CT1 is greater than 1, the process proceeds to step S29. If the value of the first counter CT1 is 1, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0156] When the flow reaches step S29, the value of the first counter CT1 is equal to or greater than 2. The value of the first counter CT1 in this case is denoted as J. J is a natural number equal to or greater than 2.

[0157] In step S29, the calculation unit 230 determines whether the latest minimum total cost matches the previous minimum total cost. The latest minimum total cost is the minimum total cost C identified when the value of the first counter CT1 is J, i.e., the minimum total cost C identified in the most recent step S26. TOTAL The previous minimum total cost is the minimum total cost C identified when the value of the first counter CT1 is J-1, that is, the most recent previous step S26. TOTAL The total cost of these is C TOTAL If they match, the process proceeds to step S30. If they do not match, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0158] An example where J=2 will be described. In this case, the latest minimum total cost is the minimum total cost C when CT1=J=2, that is, the minimum total cost C in column Lb of FIG. TOTAL The previous minimum total cost is the minimum total cost C when CT1=J-1=1, that is, the minimum total cost C in column La of FIG. TOTAL is.

[0159] In step S30 , the calculation unit 230 creates an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 .

[0160] In step S31, the calculation unit 230 increments the value of the first counter CT1 by 1. Then, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0161] Steps S28 to S31 will be further described with reference to Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, the "processing loop" is simply written as "loop" and the "base plan" is simply written as "base."

[0162] In FIG. 4, column Lb corresponds to the part in the flowchart of FIG. 3 where the value of the first counter CT1 is J=2, and column La corresponds to the part in the flowchart of FIG. 3 where the value of the first counter CT1 is J-1=1.

[0163] As described above, the processing loop shown in column La of FIG. 4 generates N tentative plans 7, and N total costs C corresponding to the N tentative plans 7, respectively. TOTAL is determined.

[0164] Furthermore, the processing loop shown in column Lb in FIG. 4 generates N provisional plans 7, and calculates N total costs C corresponding to the N provisional plans 7. TOTAL is determined.

[0165] In the example of FIG. 4, the provisional plan 7a min is the total cost C of the N provisional plans 7 in the column La TOTAL is the minimum, and is therefore the reference plan 7s. min is the total cost C of the N provisional plans 7 in the column Lb TOTAL is the smallest, and is therefore the reference plan 7s.

[0166] Tentative plan 7a min The total cost C TOTAL and Interim Plan 7b min The total cost C TOTAL Consider a situation where the and are identical. min The total cost C TOTAL and Interim Plan 7b min The total cost C TOTAL The comparison of these total costs C TOTAL The fact that the values ​​are the same and the loop is terminated (indicated as "loop end" in FIG. 4) corresponds to the determination of "YES" in step S29 and the process proceeding to step S30. "Adoption of the next Ts operation at the end of the loop" in FIG. 4 corresponds to the creation of the operation plan in step S30 in FIG. 3. Specifically, the tentative plan 7a min Tomo Provisional Plan 7b min The portion 750 of the first time step ts of the specific plan 7x, which is identical to the first time step ts of the specific plan 7x, is adopted as the operating plan.

[0167] In Fig. 4, the transition from the processing loop shown in column La to the processing loop shown in column Lb corresponds to step S31 in Fig. 3. min is passed on to the initial tentative plan 7 of the processing loop shown in column Lb, which corresponds to step S14.

[0168] As mentioned above, in the simulation, the above G Z×MThe optimum pattern among the patterns is determined by repeating a processing loop involving the creation of N patterns of tentative plans 7. Here, N will be explained.

[0169] In the first processing loop shown in column La in Fig. 4, a tentative plan 7 is created with an N=Z x M x G pattern. That is, in the first processing loop, a unit process is executed N=Z x M x G times. In the second processing loop and subsequent processing loops shown in column Lb, a tentative plan 7 is created with an N=Z x M x G-G pattern. That is, in the second processing loop and subsequent processing loops, a unit process is executed N=Z x M x G-G times.

[0170] In each processing loop, G types of processing for a certain fuel cell 425 (hereinafter referred to as trial target 5) at a certain time step ts are repeated while the trial target 5 is changed. FCi G different values ​​are assigned to the G values, and G unit processes are performed. In this embodiment, specifically, the G values ​​are 62 values ​​in total, including one value of 0 kW and 61 values ​​in 0.1 kW increments from 4 kW to 10 kW (4 kW, 4.1 kW, 4.2 kW, . . . 9.8 kW, 9.9 kW, 10 kW).

[0171] 4, the tentative plan 7 is generated with N=Z×M×G patterns. Specifically, in the first processing loop, G processes are repeated Z×M times while the trial target 5 is changed.

[0172] In the second processing loop and the subsequent processing loops shown in column Lb, the tentative plan 7 is created in a pattern of N=Z×M×GG. ​​Specifically, in the second and subsequent processing loops, the total cost C TOTALThe one with the smallest value is carried over as the initial tentative plan 7. Here, the trial target 5 of the G-way processing in which the tentative plan 7 to be carried over to the next processing loop appears in the previous processing loop is referred to as the takeover target 6. In the second and subsequent processing loops, the G-way processing for the takeover target 6 carried over from the previous processing loop is not performed. This is why the term "-G" exists on the right-hand side of the above "N = Z × M × G - G".

[0173] 4, the multiple tentative plans 7 indicated in curly brackets (drawn below the downward block arrow) to the right of "N=Z×M×G pattern" in column La include the tentative plans 7s drawn above the downward block arrow. Similarly, the multiple tentative plans 7 indicated in curly brackets (drawn below the downward block arrow) to the right of "N=Z×M×G-G pattern" in column Lb include the tentative plans 7s drawn above the downward block arrow.

[0174] In the embodiment described above, the simulation device 200 includes the prediction unit 220, which predicts the amount of power generated by the solar cell 410, the amount of power demanded by the load 600, and the amount of heat demanded by the load 600. However, the simulation device 200 may obtain the predicted values ​​of the amount of power generated by the solar cell 410, the predicted values ​​of the amount of power demanded by the load 600, and the predicted values ​​of the amount of heat demanded by the load 600 from outside the simulation device 200.

[0175] The actual power generation of a fuel cell may have a characteristic that there are values ​​that can be taken and values ​​that cannot be taken within a range from above zero to below the rated power generation of the fuel cell. Taking this into consideration, the operation plan of the energy supply system 400 may be determined under the condition that the fuel cell 425 has a partial load characteristic. Here, the partial load characteristic is a characteristic that there are values ​​that can be taken and values ​​that cannot be taken within a range from above zero to below the rated power generation of the fuel cell 425. For example, a value of 0 kW and multiple values ​​in the range from 4 kW to 10 kW may correspond to values ​​that can be taken under the partial load characteristic. A value greater than 0 kW and less than 4 kW may correspond to values ​​that cannot be taken under the partial load characteristic.

[0176] Typically, a real fuel cell has a characteristic that the longer the cumulative power generation time, the lower the upper limit of the power generation. Taking this into consideration, the operation plan for the energy supply system 400 may be determined under the condition that the fuel cell 425 has a fuel cell deterioration characteristic. Here, the fuel cell deterioration characteristic is a characteristic that the upper limit of the power generation of the fuel cell 425 is lower when the cumulative power generation time of the fuel cell 425 is relatively long compared to when the cumulative power generation time of the fuel cell 425 is relatively short. Specifically, the fuel cell deterioration characteristic is a characteristic that the longer the cumulative power generation time of the fuel cell 425, the lower the upper limit of the power generation of the fuel cell 425.

[0177] Typically, a real storage battery has a characteristic that, as its cumulative charge / discharge time increases, its upper limit of charge power decreases, its upper limit of discharge power decreases, and its upper limit of stored power decreases. Here, the cumulative charge / discharge time is the sum of the cumulative discharge time and cumulative charge time of the storage battery counted from when the storage battery was new. The upper limit of stored power is the upper limit of the amount of power that the storage battery can store. Taking this into consideration, the operation plan of the energy supply system 400 may be determined under the condition that the storage battery 430 has a storage battery deterioration characteristic. Here, the storage battery deterioration characteristic is a characteristic in which, when the cumulative charge / discharge time of the storage battery 430 is relatively long, at least one selected from the group consisting of: (c1) the upper limit of the charge power of the storage battery 430; (c2) the upper limit of the discharge power of the storage battery 430; and (c3) the upper limit of the stored power amount of the storage battery 430 is lower than when the cumulative charge / discharge time of the storage battery 430 is relatively short. As can be understood from the above explanation, the cumulative charge / discharge time of the storage battery 430 is the sum of the cumulative discharge time and cumulative charge time of the storage battery 430 counted from the time when the storage battery 430 is new. The upper limit of the amount of stored power of the storage battery 430 is the upper limit of the amount of power that the storage battery 430 can store, and is the SB maximum storage amount B MAX Specifically, the battery deterioration characteristic is a characteristic in which the longer the cumulative charge / discharge time of the battery 430, the lower the at least one selected from the group consisting of (c1), (c2), and (c3). In a typical example, when an operation plan for the power supply system 400 is determined under the condition that the battery 430 has the battery deterioration characteristic related to (c3), the "SB maximum storage amount B" related to f4 and f5 in Formulas 10 to 12 is MAX " at the beginning of the installation of the storage battery 430 or the beginning of the simulation, MAX " will be adopted.

[0178] In the embodiment described above, the operation plan of the energy supply system 400 is a portion 750 of the specific plan 7x. However, the operation plan of the energy supply system 400 may be the entire specific plan 7x.

[0179] As can be understood from the above description, the present disclosure discloses a simulation device 200 for an energy supply system 400 .

[0180] In one example, the simulation device 200 determines an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 based on the demanded amount of power, the demanded amount of heat, the amount of power generated by the solar cells 410, the consumption of the first fuel in each fuel cell 425, the consumption of the lifespan of each fuel cell 425, the consumption of the lifespan of the storage battery 430, the consumption of the second fuel in the heat source device 440, and the consumption of the lifespan of the heat source device 440. This configuration makes it possible to create an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 that is suitable for achieving cost-effective energy supply.

[0181] The consumption of the second fuel by the heat source device 440 is specifically the consumption of the second fuel by the combustion section 442 .

[0182] In one example, the energy supply system 400 includes a fuel cell 425 that consumes a first fuel to generate electricity and a heat source device 440 that burns a second fuel to generate heat. This allows for a stable supply of electricity and heat. Furthermore, the supply of electricity and heat by the fuel cell 425 and the heat source device 440 is less affected by weather. This prevents a decrease in energy supply efficiency on cloudy days.

[0183] When determining an operation plan for the energy supply system 400, it is not essential for the simulation device 200 to determine the operation plan taking into account the consumption of the lifespan of the storage battery 430 and the consumption of the lifespan of the heat source device 440.

[0184] In one example, the operation plan of the energy supply system 400 includes an operation plan for each fuel cell 425, an operation plan for the storage battery 430, and an operation plan for the heat source device 440. With this configuration, it is possible to create an operation plan for each fuel cell 425, an operation plan for the storage battery 430, and an operation plan for the heat source device 440 that are suitable for achieving cost-effective energy supply.

[0185] In addition, in the operation plan of the energy supply system 400, the operation plan of the storage battery 430 is not essential.

[0186] In one example, the simulation device 200 determines an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 based on the cost of purchasing electricity from the power grid 500. With this configuration, it is possible to create an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 that takes into account the cost of purchasing electricity and is suitable for achieving a cost-effective energy supply. The cost of purchasing electricity is based on, for example, the amount of electricity purchased from the power grid 500 and the unit price of purchasing electricity.

[0187] In one example, the simulation device 200 determines an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 by changing the operation of the fuel cell group 420. With this configuration, it is possible to create an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 that is suitable for achieving a cost-effective energy supply by searching for an operation of the fuel cell group 420 that is suitable for achieving a cost-effective energy supply.

[0188] In one example, when changing the operation of the fuel cell group 420, the simulation device 200 changes the amount of power generated in one time step of any one of the fuel cells 425 in the fuel cell group 420. This configuration is well suited to simulations, and is advantageous from the perspective of accurately creating, with reasonable computer resources, an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 that is suitable for achieving cost-effective energy supply.

[0189] In one example, the operation plan for the energy supply system 400 is determined under the condition that the fuel cell 425 has a partial load characteristic. The partial load characteristic is a characteristic in which the power generated by the fuel cell 425 has values ​​that can be taken and values ​​that cannot be taken within a range from zero or more to the rated power generation of the fuel cell 425. The actual power generated by a fuel cell may have a characteristic in which values ​​that can be taken and values ​​that cannot be taken within a range from zero or more to the rated value of the fuel cell. With this configuration, when such a fuel cell is controlled according to the operation plan, the deviation between the control value and the actual value of the power generated by the fuel cell can be reduced. For example, the possible values ​​include zero. The possible values ​​include multiple values ​​that are greater than a predetermined power and less than the rated power generation. The impossible values ​​are values ​​that are greater than zero and less than the predetermined power. The predetermined power is greater than zero and less than the rated power generation.

[0190] In one example, the operation plan for energy supply system 400 is determined under the condition that fuel cell 425 has a fuel cell degradation characteristic. The fuel cell degradation characteristic is a characteristic in which the upper limit of the power generation capacity of fuel cell 425 is lower when the cumulative power generation time of fuel cell 425 is relatively long compared to when the cumulative power generation time of fuel cell 425 is relatively short. In reality, fuel cells may have a characteristic in which the upper limit of the power generation capacity decreases as the cumulative power generation time increases. With this configuration, when such a fuel cell is controlled according to the operation plan, it is possible to reduce the difference between the control value and the actual value of the power generation capacity of the fuel cell.

[0191] In one example, the operation plan of the energy supply system 400 is determined under the condition that the storage battery 430 has a storage battery deterioration characteristic. The storage battery deterioration characteristic is a characteristic in which, when the cumulative charge / discharge time of the storage battery 430 is relatively long, at least one selected from the group consisting of: (c1) an upper limit of the charging power of the storage battery 430; (c2) an upper limit of the discharging power of the storage battery 430; and (c3) an upper limit of the amount of stored power of the storage battery 430 is lower than when the cumulative charge / discharge time of the storage battery 430 is relatively short. A real storage battery may have a characteristic in which, as the cumulative charge / discharge time becomes longer, the upper limit of its charging power decreases, the upper limit of its discharging power decreases, and the upper limit of its amount of stored power decreases. With this configuration, when such a fuel cell is controlled according to the operation plan, it is possible to suppress the deviation between the control value and the actual value of the discharge power of the storage battery.

[0192] In one example, the simulation device 200 executes a first cost determination process to determine the operating cost of each fuel cell 425 based on the consumption of the first fuel in each fuel cell 425. The simulation device 200 executes a second cost determination process to determine the lifetime cost of each fuel cell 425 based on the consumption of the lifetime of each fuel cell 425. The simulation device 200 executes a third cost determination process to determine the lifetime cost of the storage battery 430 based on the consumption of the lifetime of the storage battery 430. The simulation device 200 executes a fourth cost determination process to determine the power purchase cost based on the amount of power purchased from the power system 500. The simulation device 200 executes a fifth cost determination process to determine the operating cost of the heat source device 440 based on the consumption of the second fuel in the combustion section 442 of the heat source device 440. The simulation device 200 executes a sixth cost determination process to determine the lifetime cost of the heat source device 440 based on the consumption of the lifetime of the heat source device 440. The simulation device 200 executes a process to determine an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 based on these processes. According to this configuration, it is possible to create an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 that is suitable for realizing cost-effective energy supply through simulation using various cost indicators.

[0193] It is not essential that the simulation device 200 executes all of these cost determination processes. The simulation device 200 can execute at least one of these cost determination processes. Then, the simulation device 200 can execute a process of determining an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 based on at least one of these cost determination processes.

[0194] In one example, the simulation device 200 executes a process for determining an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 based on a process for determining the operating cost of each fuel cell 425 based on the consumption of the first fuel in each fuel cell 425. The operating cost of the fuel cell 425 is based on the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 425. With this configuration, the operating cost of the fuel cell 425 can be appropriately determined.

[0195] The operating cost of the fuel cell 425 may be based on the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 425 and the unit price of fuel.

[0196] In one example, the simulation apparatus 200 executes a process for determining an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 based on a process for determining a lifetime cost of each fuel cell 425 based on consumption of the lifetime of each fuel cell 425. The lifetime cost of each fuel cell 425 is based on at least one selected from the group consisting of the number of times the fuel cell 425 is started, the cumulative power generation time of the fuel cell 425, and the elapsed time since the fuel cell 425 was installed. This configuration allows the lifetime cost of the fuel cell 425 to be appropriately determined. When the lifetime cost of the fuel cell 425 is based on two or three elements of the number of times the fuel cell 425 is started, the cumulative power generation time of the fuel cell 425, and the elapsed time since the fuel cell 425 was installed, the lifetime cost may be a simple sum of the costs based on each element, or a weighted sum of the costs. The lifetime cost of the fuel cell 425 may be based on only one of the number of times the fuel cell 425 is started, the cumulative power generation time of the fuel cell 425, and the elapsed time since the fuel cell 425 was installed.

[0197] In one example, the simulation device 200 executes a process for determining an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 by determining a lifetime cost of the storage battery 430 based on consumption over the lifetime of the storage battery 430. The lifetime cost of the storage battery 430 is based on at least one selected from the group consisting of the cumulative discharged amount of power of the storage battery 430, the cumulative charged amount of power of the storage battery 430, and the elapsed time since the storage battery 430 was installed. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately determine the lifetime cost of the storage battery 430. When the lifetime cost of the storage battery 430 is based on two or three elements of the cumulative discharged amount of power of the storage battery 430, the cumulative charged amount of power of the storage battery 430, and the elapsed time since the storage battery 430 was installed, the lifetime cost may be a simple sum of the costs based on each element, or a weighted sum of the costs. The lifetime cost of the storage battery 430 may be based on only one of the cumulative amount of discharged power of the storage battery 430, the cumulative amount of charged power of the storage battery 430, or the elapsed time since the storage battery 430 was installed.

[0198] In one example, the simulation device 200 executes a process of determining an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 in response to a violation of a penalty condition of the energy supply system 400. According to this configuration, an operation plan can be created taking into consideration a situation in which a penalty should be imposed.

[0199] In one example, the penalty conditions include at least one condition selected from the group consisting of the following conditions (b1), (b2), (b3), (b4), (b5), (b6), (b7), and (b8): (b1) A condition that there is no sale of power from the energy supply system 400 to the power grid 500; (b2) A condition that the SOC (State Of Charge) of the storage battery 430 is A% or more and B% or less, where A is a value greater than 0 and B is a value greater than A and less than 100; (b3) A condition that the discharge rate of the storage battery 430 is less than or equal to the maximum discharge rate; (b4) A condition that the charge rate of the storage battery 430 is less than or equal to the maximum charge rate; (b5) A condition that the rest time of the fuel cell 425 is greater than or equal to the minimum rest time; (b6) A condition that the continuous power generation time of the fuel cell 425 is less than or equal to the maximum continuous power generation time; and (b7) A condition that the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 425 is an allowed value. (b8) A condition that the power generated by the fuel cell 425 is an allowed value. According to this configuration, an operation plan can be created taking into consideration at least one condition selected from the group consisting of the condition (b1), the condition (b2), the condition (b3), the condition (b4), the condition (b5), the condition (b6), the condition (b7), and the condition (b8).

[0200] In one example, the simulation method includes a step of determining a plurality of interim plans 7 for the energy supply system 400. When some of the plurality of interim plans 7 violate the penalty condition and some do not, the operation plan of the energy supply system 400 is based on one of the plurality of interim plans 7 that does not violate the penalty condition (hereinafter, a non-violation plan). Here, the expression "an operation plan based on a non-violation plan" is intended to encompass both a case in which the operation plan is a part of the non-violation plan and a case in which the operation plan is the entire non-violation plan.

[0201] It is not essential that the simulation device 200 determine the operation plan for the energy supply system 400 in accordance with the violation of the penalty condition of the energy supply system 400 .

[0202] In one example, the simulation device 200 executes a processing loop that repeats unit processes. In the processing loop, the operation of the fuel cell group 420 is changed each time the unit process is repeated. Each unit process determines an operation cost of each fuel cell 425 based on the consumption of the first fuel of each fuel cell 425 when the fuel cell group 420 performs the operation. Each unit process determines a lifetime cost of each fuel cell 425 based on the consumption of the lifetime of each fuel cell 425 when the fuel cell group 420 performs the operation. Each unit process determines the amount of power to be charged or discharged by the storage battery 430 based on the demanded power amount, the amount of power generated by the solar cell 410, and the power generated by the fuel cell group 420. Each unit process determines the lifetime cost of the storage battery 430 based on the consumption of the lifetime of the storage battery 430 when the storage battery 430 charges or discharges the determined amount of power. Each unit process determines the amount of heat generated by the combustion section 442 of the heat source device 440 based on the amount of power generated by the fuel cell group 420 when the fuel cell group 420 performs the above operation and the amount of heat demand. Each unit process determines the operating cost of the heat source device 440 based on the consumption of the second fuel by the combustion section 442 when the combustion section 442 generates the determined amount of heat. Each unit process determines the lifetime cost of the heat source device 440 based on the consumption of the lifetime of the heat source device 440 when the combustion section 442 generates the determined amount of heat. In this context, "operation" of the fuel cell group 420 includes not only "execution of power generation" but also "stopping power generation."

[0203] In each unit process, the process of determining the amount of power to be charged or discharged from the storage battery 430 and the process of determining the lifetime cost of the storage battery 430 based on the consumption of the lifetime of the storage battery 430 when the storage battery 430 charges or discharges the determined amount of power are not essential. In each unit process, the process of determining the lifetime cost of the heat source device 440 based on the consumption of the lifetime of the heat source device 440 when the combustion unit 442 generates the determined amount of heat is not essential.

[0204] In one example, each unit process determines the power purchase cost based on the amount of power purchased from the power grid 500. Furthermore, in each unit process, the process of determining the power purchase cost based on the amount of power purchased from the power grid 500 is not essential.

[0205] In one example, the operating cost of the heat source device 440 is based on the amount of heat generated by the combustion section 442. With this configuration, the operating cost of the heat source device 440 can be appropriately determined.

[0206] The operating cost of the heat source device 440 may be based on the amount of heat generated by the combustion section 442 and the unit price of the fuel.

[0207] In one example, the simulation device 200 determines an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 based on a processing loop. In this configuration, the processing loop is compatible with simulation. This is advantageous from the viewpoint of accurately creating an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 suitable for realizing cost-effective energy supply using reasonable computer resources.

[0208] In one example, the simulation device 200 determines an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 by repeating a processing loop such that the operation of the fuel cell group 420 in any unit process in the previous processing loop is carried over to the first unit process of the subsequent processing loop. With this configuration, by providing the calculation result obtained in the previous processing loop to the subsequent processing loop, the calculation result obtained in the processing loop can be brought closer to the optimal value. Specifically, the operation that is carried over is the operation of the fuel cell group 420 in the unit process that achieves the minimum total cost in the previous processing loop.

[0209] In one example, the operating cost of the fuel cell 425 is a parameter that increases as the consumption of the first fuel in the fuel cell 425 increases. The lifetime cost of the fuel cell 425 is a parameter that increases as the consumption of the lifetime of the fuel cell 425 increases. The lifetime cost of the storage battery 430 is a parameter that increases as the consumption of the lifetime of the storage battery 430 increases. The operating cost of the heat source device 440 is a parameter that increases as the consumption of the second fuel in the combustion section 442 of the heat source device 440 increases. The lifetime cost of the heat source device 440 is a parameter that increases as the consumption of the lifetime of the heat source device 440 increases. Each unit process executes a process to determine a total cost including the operating cost of each fuel cell 425, the lifetime cost of each fuel cell 425, the lifetime cost of the storage battery 430, the operating cost of the heat source device 440, and the lifetime cost of the heat source device 440. The simulation device 200 determines an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 by running a processing loop to search for conditions that reduce the total cost. In this configuration, the process of minimizing the total cost is well-suited to simulation. This is advantageous from the viewpoint of accurately creating an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 that is suitable for achieving cost-effective energy supply using reasonable computer resources. Specifically, the simulation device 200 executes a process of determining an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 based on a processing loop so as to minimize the total cost.

[0210] It is not essential that the total cost include all of the operating cost of each fuel cell 425, the lifetime cost of each fuel cell 425, the lifetime cost of the storage battery 430, the operating cost of the heat source device 440, and the lifetime cost of the heat source device 440.

[0211] The present disclosure also discloses a method for simulating the energy supply system 400 .

[0212] In one example, the simulation method includes a step of determining an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 based on the amount of electricity demand, the amount of heat demand, the amount of electricity generated by the solar cells 410, the consumption of the first fuel of each fuel cell 425, the consumption of the lifespan of each fuel cell 425, the consumption of the lifespan of the storage battery 430, the consumption of the second fuel of the heat source device 440, and the consumption of the lifespan of the heat source device 440.

[0213] In the simulation method, when determining an operation plan for the energy supply system 400, it is not essential to determine the operation plan by taking into consideration the consumption of the lifespan of the storage battery 430 and the consumption of the lifespan of the heat source device 440.

[0214] The present disclosure also discloses a method of operating the energy supply system 400.

[0215] In one example, the operation method includes a step of executing the simulation method and a step of controlling the energy supply system 400 in accordance with the operation plan determined by the simulation method. This configuration is suitable for realizing cost-effective energy supply.

[0216] The present disclosure also discloses an energy system 100.

[0217] In one example, the energy system 100 includes a simulation device 200, an energy supply system 400, and a control device 300. The control device 300 controls the energy supply system 400 in accordance with the operation plan determined by the simulation device 200.

[0218] The control device 300 may execute a process of executing the simulation method and a process of controlling the energy supply system 400 in accordance with the operation plan determined by the simulation method. This configuration is suitable for realizing cost-effective energy supply.

[0219] The present disclosure also discloses a method for managing the energy supply system 400.

[0220] In one example, the energy supply system 400 includes a solar cell 410, a fuel cell group 420, a storage battery 430, and a heat source device 440. The management method includes transmitting a signal to a terminal 850 to cause the terminal 850 to display management information. The management information includes an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 and a cost associated with the operation plan. The cost relates to consumption of the first fuel of each fuel cell 425, consumption of the lifespan of each fuel cell 425, consumption of the lifespan of the storage battery 430, consumption of the second fuel of the heat source device 440, and consumption of the lifespan of the heat source device 440. This configuration is suitable for cost-effective energy supply because it can prompt the user of the terminal 850 to make improvements for cost-effective energy supply if the cost is not appropriate. In one example, the "cost" is the total cost C of the specific plan 7x. TOTAL The cost may be related to the amount of power purchased from the power grid 500.

[0221] In the management method, it is not essential that the cost be based on the consumption of the life span of the storage battery 430 and the consumption of the life span of the heat source device 440 .

[0222] The terminal 850 that receives the signal can display the management information. The terminal 850 is, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, a tablet, a mobile phone, or a personal digital assistant (PDA).

[0223] The present disclosure also discloses a management system 800 for the energy supply system 400 .

[0224] In one example, the energy supply system 400 includes a solar cell 410, a group of fuel cells 420, a storage battery 430, and a heat source device 440. The management system 800 transmits a signal to a terminal 850 to cause the terminal 850 to display management information. The management information includes an operation plan for the energy supply system 400 and costs associated with the operation plan. The costs relate to the consumption of the first fuel in each fuel cell 425, the consumption of the lifespan of each fuel cell 425, the consumption of the lifespan of the storage battery 430, the consumption of the second fuel in the heat source device 440, and the consumption of the lifespan of the heat source device 440. The costs may also relate to the amount of power purchased from the power grid 500.

[0225] The management system 800 may or may not be included in the energy system 100. The management system 800 may be a device separate from the simulation device 200 and the control device 300. The management system 800 may communicate with the simulation device 200, or may communicate with the control device 300. One device may serve as both the management system 800 and the simulation device 200. One device may serve as both the management system 800 and the control device 300.

[0226] (Modification) The fuel cell device 920 of the embodiment described above includes a plurality of fuel cells 425. However, the number of fuel cells 425 included in the fuel cell device 920 may be one. In other words, the fuel cell device 920 includes one or a plurality of fuel cells 425.

[0227] The energy supply system 400 of the embodiment described above includes the storage battery 430. However, the storage battery 430 is not essential.

[0228] The energy supply system 400 of the embodiment described above includes a solar cell 410. However, the solar cell 410 is not essential.

[0229] The energy supply system 400 of the embodiment described above includes the heat storage tank 450. However, the heat storage tank 450 is not essential. The heat generated by the heat source device 440 may be supplied to the load 600 without passing through the heat storage tank.

[0230] In the embodiment described above, the heat source device 440 includes a heat exchange unit as the first part 441. However, it is not essential that the first part 441 is a heat exchange unit, and the first part 441 is not essential. Heat from the fuel cell 425 may be supplied to the load 600 without going through the heat source device 440.

[0231] In the embodiment described above, the second fuel consumed by the heat source device 440 is natural gas. However, the second fuel is not limited to this. The second fuel may be heavy oil, kerosene, or the like.

[0232] In the embodiment described above, the second portion 442 of the heat source device 440 heats the first heat medium h1 by consuming fuel. However, the second portion 442 may heat the first heat medium h1 by a method that does not rely on fuel consumption.

[0233] In the embodiment described above, the second portion 442 of the heat source device 440 is a combustion boiler. However, the heat source device 440 is not limited to this. The second portion 442 may be an electric boiler or a heat pump. When the second portion 442 is a heat pump, the second portion 442 may heat the first heat medium h1 by utilizing exhaust heat from a factory or the like. Furthermore, the second portion 442 may be a heat supply unit in a combined heat and power (CHP) system.

[0234] As can be understood from the above description, the second portion 442 may be an electric device that heats the first heat medium h1 by consuming electric power. As described above, the first heat medium h1 is preheated in the first portion 441 by heat from the fuel cell device 920 before being heated in the second portion 442. When the second portion 442 heats the first heat medium h1 by consuming electric power, the preheating can reduce the electric power consumption required to heat the first heat medium h1 in the second portion 442. Consequently, the energy consumption required to heat the first heat medium h1 in the second portion 442 can be reduced. The second portion 442 may heat the first heat medium h1 by both fuel consumption and electric power consumption.

[0235] In a first example, the electric device is an electric boiler. The electric boiler consumes electric power to generate Joule heat, and heats the first heat medium h1 with the Joule heat.

[0236] In a second example, the electrical equipment is a heat pump. The heat pump includes a heat medium supplier and a heat exchanger. The heat medium supplier consumes electricity to supply a third heat medium to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger heats the first heat medium h1 by exchanging heat between the third heat medium and the first heat medium h1. The heat medium supplier is, for example, a pump. In the second example, the heat medium supplier may circulate a third heat medium between the heat exchanger and the heat source. In one example, the heat source is a factory, and waste heat from the factory is transported to the heat exchanger via the third heat medium and exchanges heat with the first heat medium h1.

[0237] In the embodiment described above, the second heat medium h2 circulates between the fuel cell device 920 and the first part 441 by flowing through the heat transfer flow path 470. The configuration for circulating the second heat medium h2 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 2. For example, of the M first valves 426 and the M second valves 427, the M first valves 426 may be omitted, and the M second valves 427 may be omitted.

[0238] Furthermore, it is not essential that the second heat medium h2 circulates. A configuration may be employed in which the second heat medium h2 that flows from the fuel cell device 920 to the first portion 441 does not return to the fuel cell device 920 thereafter.

[0239] In the embodiment described above, the valves 444b, 445b, and 446b are flow rate adjusting valves. However, the valves 444b, 445b, and 446b may also be on-off valves.

[0240] In this embodiment, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is used as the fuel cell 425, but the fuel cell 425 is not limited to this. For example, a solid oxide fuel cell, a phosphoric acid fuel cell, or a molten carbonate fuel cell may also be used as the fuel cell 425.

[0241] The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0242] (Technology 1) An energy supply system comprising: a fuel cell device; and a heat source device including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion heats a first heat medium using heat from the fuel cell device; and the second portion further heats the first heat medium heated in the first portion.

[0243] (Technology 2) The energy supply system according to Technology 1, wherein the second portion heats the first heat medium by consuming fuel and / or electricity.

[0244] (Technology 3) The energy supply system according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the second part is a combustion boiler.

[0245] (Technology 4) The energy supply system according to any one of Technologies 1 to 3, further comprising a flow path through which a second heat medium flows to transfer the heat from the fuel cell device to the first portion.

[0246] (Technology 5) An energy supply system according to Technology 4, comprising a fluid machine provided in the flow path, wherein the fuel cell device includes a first fuel cell and a second fuel cell, and states that the fluid machine can take include a first state in which the first fuel cell and the first portion are fluidly connected while the second fuel cell and the first portion are fluidly separated, and a second state in which the second fuel cell and the first portion are fluidly connected while the first fuel cell and the first portion are fluidly separated.

[0247] (Technology 6) The energy supply system according to Technology 5, wherein the fluid machine includes at least one pump and / or at least one valve.

[0248] (Technology 7) An energy system comprising: the energy supply system according to Technology 5 or 6; and a control device, wherein the control device sets the fluid machinery to the first state when the first fuel cell is generating power and the second fuel cell is not generating power, and sets the fluid machinery to the second state when the second fuel cell is generating power and the first fuel cell is not generating power.

[0249] (Technology 8) An energy system comprising: an energy supply system according to any one of technologies 1 to 6; a simulation device; and a control device, wherein the energy supply system comprises a solar cell; the fuel cell device includes a group of fuel cells; the simulation device determines an operation plan for the energy supply system based on the amount of power demand, the amount of heat demand, the amount of power generated by the solar cell, the consumption of a first fuel by each fuel cell, the consumption of the life span of each fuel cell, and the consumption of a second fuel by the heat source device; and the control device controls the energy supply system in accordance with the operation plan.

[0250] (Technology 9) The energy system according to Technology 8, wherein the second part is a combustion unit that heats the first heat medium by consuming fuel, and the simulation device executes a processing loop that repeats unit processes, and in the processing loop, the operation of the fuel cell group is changed each time the unit process is repeated, and each unit process executes the following: a process of determining an operation cost of each fuel cell based on the consumption of the first fuel of each fuel cell when the fuel cell group performs the operation; a process of determining a lifetime cost of each fuel cell based on the consumption of the lifetime of each fuel cell when the fuel cell group performs the operation; a process of determining a heat value of the combustion unit based on the amount of power generated by the fuel cell group when the fuel cell group performs the operation and the demanded heat value; and a process of determining an operation cost of the heat source device based on the consumption of the second fuel of the combustion unit when the combustion unit generates the determined heat value, and the simulation device determines the operation plan of the energy supply system based on the processing loop.

[0251] (Technology 10) The energy system according to Technology 9, wherein each unit process executes a process of determining a power purchase cost based on an amount of power purchased from the power grid.

[0252] (Technology 11) The energy system according to Technology 9 or 10, wherein the operating cost of the fuel cell is based on the amount of power generated by the fuel cell.

[0253] (Technology 12) The energy system according to any one of Techniques 9 to 11, wherein the operating cost of the heat source device is based on the amount of heat generated by the combustion section.

[0254] (Technology 13) An energy system described in any one of Technologies 9 to 12, wherein the lifetime cost of the fuel cell is based on at least one selected from the group consisting of: the number of times the fuel cell has been started; the cumulative power generation time of the fuel cell; and the elapsed time since the fuel cell was installed.

[0255] (Technology 14) A simulation method for an energy supply system, the energy supply system including solar cells, a group of fuel cells, and a heat source device, the simulation method including determining an operation plan for the energy supply system based on: a demanded amount of electricity; a demanded amount of heat; an amount of electricity generated by the solar cells; consumption of a first fuel by each fuel cell; consumption over the life of each fuel cell; and consumption of a second fuel by the heat source device.

[0256] (Technology 15) A simulation device for an energy supply system, the energy supply system including solar cells, a group of fuel cells, and a heat source device, the simulation device determining an operation plan for the energy supply system based on the amount of power demand, the amount of heat demand, the amount of power generated by the solar cells, the consumption of a first fuel by each fuel cell, the consumption over the life of each fuel cell, and the consumption of a second fuel by the heat source device.

[0257] (Technology 16) A management method for an energy supply system including a group of fuel cells and a heat source device, comprising transmitting a signal to a terminal to cause management information to be displayed on the terminal, wherein the management information includes an operation plan for the energy supply system and costs associated with the operation plan, and the costs relate to: consumption of a first fuel in each fuel cell; consumption over the life of each fuel cell; and consumption of a second fuel in the heat source device.

[0258] (Technology 17) The management method according to technology 16, wherein the cost relates to an amount of power purchased from a power grid.

[0259] (Technology 18) A management system for an energy supply system including a group of fuel cells and a heat source device, wherein the management system transmits a signal to a terminal to cause the terminal to display management information, the management information including an operation plan for the energy supply system and costs associated with the operation plan, and the costs relate to: consumption of a first fuel in each fuel cell; consumption over the life of each fuel cell; and consumption of a second fuel in the heat source device.

[0260] (Technology 19) The management system according to technology 18, wherein the cost relates to an amount of power purchased from a power grid.

[0261] The techniques of the present disclosure are useful in energy supply systems.

Claims

1. An energy supply system comprising: a fuel cell device; and a heat source device including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion heats a first heat medium using heat from the fuel cell device; and the second portion further heats the first heat medium heated in the first portion.

2. The energy supply system according to claim 1, wherein the second portion heats the first heat medium by consuming fuel and / or electricity.

3. The energy supply system according to claim 1, wherein the second part is a combustion boiler.

4. The energy supply system according to claim 1, further comprising a flow path through which a second heat transfer medium flows to transfer the heat from the fuel cell device to the first portion.

5. An energy supply system as described in claim 4, comprising a fluid machine provided in the flow path, the fuel cell device including a first fuel cell and a second fuel cell, and states that the fluid machine can take include a first state in which the first fuel cell and the first portion are fluidly connected while the second fuel cell and the first portion are fluidly separated, and a second state in which the second fuel cell and the first portion are fluidly connected while the first fuel cell and the first portion are fluidly separated.

6. The energy supply system according to claim 5, wherein the fluid machinery includes at least one pump and / or at least one valve.

7. An energy system comprising: an energy supply system according to claim 5 or 6; and a control device, wherein the control device sets the fluid machinery to the first state when the first fuel cell is generating electricity and the second fuel cell is not generating electricity, and sets the fluid machinery to the second state when the second fuel cell is generating electricity and the first fuel cell is not generating electricity.

8. An energy system comprising: an energy supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a simulation device; and a control device, wherein the energy supply system comprises solar cells; the fuel cell device includes a group of fuel cells; the simulation device determines an operation plan for the energy supply system based on the amount of electricity demand, the amount of heat demand, the amount of electricity generated by the solar cells, the consumption of a first fuel by each fuel cell, the consumption over the life of each fuel cell, and the consumption of a second fuel by the heat source device; and the control device controls the energy supply system in accordance with the operation plan.

9. The energy system described in claim 8, wherein the second part is a combustion unit that heats the first heat medium by consuming fuel, and the simulation device executes a processing loop that repeats unit processes, and in the processing loop, the operation of the fuel cell group is changed each time the unit process is repeated, and each unit process executes the following: a process of determining an operation cost of each fuel cell based on the consumption of the first fuel of each fuel cell when the fuel cell group performs the operation; a process of determining a lifetime cost of each fuel cell based on the consumption of the lifetime of each fuel cell when the fuel cell group performs the operation; a process of determining a heat value of the combustion unit based on the amount of power generated by the fuel cell group when the fuel cell group performs the operation and the demanded heat value; and a process of determining an operation cost of the heat source device based on the consumption of the second fuel of the combustion unit when the combustion unit generates the determined heat value, and the simulation device determines the operation plan of the energy supply system based on the processing loop.

10. The energy system according to claim 9, wherein each unit process executes a process for determining a cost for purchasing electricity based on the amount of electricity purchased from the power grid.

11. The energy system of claim 9, wherein the operating cost of the fuel cell is based on the amount of power generated by the fuel cell.

12. The energy system according to claim 9, wherein the operating cost of the heat source device is based on the amount of heat generated by the combustion section.

13. The energy system described in claim 9, wherein the lifetime cost of the fuel cell is based on at least one selected from the group consisting of: the number of times the fuel cell has been started; the cumulative power generation time of the fuel cell; and the elapsed time since the fuel cell was installed.

14. A simulation method for an energy supply system, the energy supply system including solar cells, a group of fuel cells, and a heat source device, the simulation method including determining an operation plan for the energy supply system based on the amount of electricity demand, the amount of heat demand, the amount of electricity generated by the solar cells, the consumption of a first fuel by each fuel cell, the consumption over the life of each fuel cell, and the consumption of a second fuel by the heat source device.

15. A simulation device for an energy supply system, the energy supply system including solar cells, a group of fuel cells, and a heat source device, the simulation device determining an operation plan for the energy supply system based on the amount of electricity demand, the amount of heat demand, the amount of electricity generated by the solar cells, the consumption of a first fuel by each fuel cell, the consumption over the life of each fuel cell, and the consumption of a second fuel by the heat source device.

16. A method for managing an energy supply system including a group of fuel cells and a heat source device, comprising transmitting a signal to a terminal to cause management information to be displayed on the terminal, the management information including an operation plan for the energy supply system and costs associated with the operation plan, the costs relating to consumption of a first fuel in each fuel cell, consumption over the life of each fuel cell, and consumption of a second fuel in the heat source device.

17. The management method according to claim 16, wherein the cost relates to the amount of electricity purchased from the power grid.

18. A management system for an energy supply system including a group of fuel cells and a heat source device, wherein the management system transmits a signal to a terminal to cause management information to be displayed on the terminal, the management information including an operation plan for the energy supply system and costs associated with the operation plan, the costs relating to consumption of a first fuel in each fuel cell, consumption over the life of each fuel cell, and consumption of a second fuel in the heat source device.

19. The management system according to claim 18, wherein the cost relates to the amount of electricity purchased from the power grid.

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