Power management system and power management method

Abstract

It is desirable to efficiently consume a prescribed amount of power that needs to be consumed in a first time period due to the occurrence of a first event relating to surplus power. A power management system (1) comprises a control unit. When it is necessary to consume a second amount of power in a first time period due to the occurrence of a first event, the control unit commands an air conditioner (100) to consume a first amount of power within the remaining charge amount of a power storage device (400) before the first time period, and commands the power storage device (400) to charge at least a portion of the second amount of power during the first time period.

Description

Power management system, and power management method

[0001] Relates to a power management system and a power management method.

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-170925), as a request for demand response by an aggregator, from a higher-level device, a first request to increase the amount of power consumed in a first time period compared to when the request has not been received, etc., when a first event related to surplus power occurs, it may be necessary to consume a predetermined amount of power in the first time period.

[0003] It is desirable to efficiently consume the predetermined amount of power that needs to be consumed when the first event occurs.

[0004] The power management system from the first perspective manages the power supply to the power storage device and the first device. The power management system includes a control unit. When a first event occurs and it is necessary to consume a second amount of power in a first time period, the control unit commands the first device to consume a first amount of power within the remaining charge amount of the power storage device before the first time period. The first event is an event related to surplus power. The control unit commands at least a part of the second amount of power to be charged to the power storage device in the first time period.

[0005] In the power management system from the first perspective, when a first event related to surplus power occurs and it is necessary to consume a second amount of power in a first time period, the control unit commands the first device to consume a first amount of power within the remaining charge amount of the power storage device before the first time period, and (after increasing the chargeable amount of the power storage device), commands at least a part of the second amount of power to be charged to the power storage device in the first time period.

[0006] As a result, the power management system can efficiently consume at least a part of the second amount of power that needs to be consumed when the first event occurs after the first time period.

[0007] The power management system from the second perspective is the power management system from the first perspective, where the first event is the aggregator receiving a first request from a higher-level device as a demand response request. The first request is a request to increase the amount of electricity consumed in the first time period compared to when no request is received. The second amount of electricity is the requested amount of electricity requested by the first request.

[0008] The third power management system is the same as the second power management system, in which the control unit, after receiving the first request, calculates the third energy amount based on the first energy amount and the first information. The first information is information about the energy storage device. The third energy amount is the amount of energy that can be charged to the energy storage device during the first time period. The control unit transmits either the fourth energy amount or whether to accept the first request to the higher-level device. The fourth energy amount is the amount of energy that can be accepted for the first request, based on the third energy amount. The first information includes the remaining charge of the energy storage device when the first request is received.

[0009] In the third perspective, the power management system can accept the first request, with the fourth energy quantity as the requested energy quantity, if the higher-level device agrees to the fourth energy quantity.

[0010] The power management system of the fourth perspective is the power management system of the third perspective, wherein the energy storage device includes an on-board battery of an electric vehicle. The first information further includes information indicating whether or not the on-board battery is in a rechargeable state during the first time period.

[0011] The fifth power management system is a power management system of any one of the first, second, or fourth aspects, wherein the first equipment includes an air conditioner. The control unit instructs the air conditioner to perform a first operation before the first time period. The first operation is an operation that consumes a first amount of electricity.

[0012] The power management system in the sixth perspective is the power management system in the fifth perspective, wherein the control unit acquires operating data of the air conditioner and predicts a first energy quantity based on the operating data. Alternatively, the control unit sets a predetermined energy quantity as the first energy quantity.

[0013] The power management system of the seventh aspect is a power management system of the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the first operation includes operation during a second time period when the air conditioner is not operating, or operation for a first target space when the air conditioner is not operating.

[0014] The seventh aspect of the power management system allows for the charging of more energy into the energy storage device by increasing the first energy amount.

[0015] The power management system in the eighth perspective is the power management system in the seventh perspective, and the second time period is a time period earlier than the time period in the air conditioner's operating schedule in which operation is planned.

[0016] The power management system of the ninth perspective is the power management system of the seventh perspective, and the first target space is a target space in which operation is not planned in the operating schedule of the air conditioner.

[0017] The power management system of the tenth perspective is a power management system of any one of the fifth perspective to the ninth perspective, and the first operation includes high-load operation.

[0018] The tenth aspect of the power management system allows for the charging of a larger amount of requested power into the energy storage device by increasing the first amount of power.

[0019] The power management system of the 11th perspective is the power management system of the 10th perspective, and high-load operation is operation performed during a time period when an increase in thermal load is expected, or operation performed on a target space where an increase in thermal load is expected.

[0020] The power management system of the 12th perspective is the power management system of the 10th perspective, and high-load operation is either cooling operation which lowers the temperature in the target space below the set temperature within a predetermined range, or heating operation which raises the temperature in the target space above the set temperature within a predetermined range.

[0021] The power management system in the 13th perspective is the power management system in the 10th perspective, and high-load operation is operation in which the airflow of the air conditioner is increased above the set airflow, or operation in which the airflow direction of the air conditioner is changed.

[0022] The power management system of the 14th perspective is a power management system of any one of the 10th to 13th perspectives, wherein the control unit causes the air conditioner to perform high-load operation in the time period immediately preceding the first time period.

[0023] The power management system from the 14th perspective can increase the amount of electricity used in the first time period without burdening users by reducing the demand for air conditioning in the first time period.

[0024] The power management system of the 15th perspective is a power management system of any one of the 5th to 14th perspectives, wherein the control unit consumes the amount of energy from the second energy quantity that is not used to charge the energy storage device by operating the air conditioner.

[0025] The power management method in the 16th perspective is performed by a computer. The power management method manages the power supply to the energy storage device and the first device. The computer includes a control unit. If the first event occurs and it becomes necessary to consume the second amount of energy during the first time period, the control unit instructs the first device to consume the first amount of energy from the remaining charge of the energy storage device before the first time period. The first event is an event related to surplus power. The control unit instructs the energy storage device to be charged with at least a portion of the second amount of energy during the first time period.

[0026] In the power management method of the 16th perspective, if the control unit needs to consume a second amount of energy during the first time period due to a first event related to surplus power, it commands the first device to consume the first amount of energy from the remaining charge of the energy storage device before the first time period, and (after increasing the chargeable capacity of the energy storage device) commands the energy storage device to charge at least a portion of the second amount of energy during the first time period.

[0027] As a result, the power management method can efficiently consume at least a portion of the second amount of electricity that needs to be consumed due to the occurrence of the first event, after the first time period.

[0028] This is a schematic diagram of the power management system. This is a functional block diagram of the air conditioner. This is a functional block diagram of the edge device. This is a functional block diagram of the control device. This is a flowchart explaining the processing of the control device. This is a flowchart explaining the processing of the control device. This is a flowchart explaining the processing of the control device.

[0029] (1) The overall power management system 1 manages the power supply to the energy storage devices 400 and the first equipment installed in each of the multiple buildings 98. The first equipment includes an air conditioner 100. The first equipment may further include a hot water supply system, etc. In this embodiment, the case in which the first equipment is an air conditioner 100 will be described.

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the power management system 1. As shown in Figure 1, the power management system 1 has a control device 200. When a first event related to surplus power occurs and it becomes necessary to consume a second amount of electricity in building 98a, which is included in a plurality of buildings 98, the control device 200 controls the power supply to the energy storage device 400 and the air conditioner 100 installed in building 98a. In this embodiment, the first event is receiving a first request from the higher-level device 90 to building 98a as a demand response request from the aggregator. The first request is a request to increase the amount of electricity consumed in building 98a during the first time period compared to when no request has been received. In this case, the second amount of electricity is the requested amount of electricity requested by the first request. Hereinafter, the demand response request will be referred to as a DR request, and the first request may be referred to as a DR request.

[0031] Demand response is the process by which users (consumers) receiving electricity from the commercial power grid adjust their electricity consumption in the commercial power grid based on the adjustment of the supply and demand balance by an aggregator in cooperation with general transmission and distribution companies and retail electricity companies. General transmission and distribution companies and retail electricity companies pay users a fee as compensation for demand response, in proportion to the amount of electricity consumption in the commercial power grid that has been adjusted. The aggregator may be a resource aggregator that directly enters into a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) service contract with the user and controls resources, or it may be an aggregation coordinator that bundles the amount of electricity controlled by the resource aggregator and directly trades electricity with general transmission and distribution companies and retail electricity companies.

[0032] The first event may be, for example, that the electricity rate for the commercial power grid in building 98a during the first time period is lower than a predetermined electricity rate. In this case, the second energy quantity is, for example, the energy quantity determined according to the lower electricity rate. The first event may also be, for example, that the amount of renewable energy generated in building 98a during the first time period is predicted to be greater than a predetermined amount. In this case, the second energy quantity is, for example, the energy quantity determined according to the predicted amount of power generated.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, each of the multiple buildings 98 is equipped with an edge device 300, a power storage device 400, an air conditioner 100, a converter 500, and a distribution board 600.

[0034] The upper-level device 90, the control device 200, and the edge device 300 are connected to each other via a network NW1 such as the Internet. The edge device 300, the converter 500, and the air conditioner 100 are connected to each other via a network NW2 such as a LAN. The air conditioner 100, the energy storage device 400, the converter 500, the distribution board 600, and the commercial power grid 99 are connected to each other via a power line 97 so that power can be supplied.

[0035] The following describes a case where the power management system 1 manages the power supply to a power storage device 400 and an air conditioner 100 installed in a building 98a, which is part of a group of buildings 98.

[0036] (2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Energy Storage Device The energy storage device 400 includes a stationary battery installed in the building 98a. The energy storage device 400 is equipped with a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The energy storage device 400 is charged by power supplied from the converter 500. The energy storage device 400 also supplies power to the converter 500 by discharging.

[0037] (2-2) Distribution board The distribution board 600 distributes AC power supplied from the commercial power grid 99 to the air conditioner 100 and the converter 500. The distribution board 600 also supplies AC power supplied from the energy storage device 400 and converted by the converter 500 to the commercial power grid 99.

[0038] (2-3) Conversion device The conversion device 500 can convert the DC power output by the energy storage device 400 into DC power of a predetermined magnitude. The conversion device can also convert the DC power into DC power of a predetermined magnitude and output the converted DC power to the energy storage device 400.

[0039] The converter 500 can convert DC voltage to AC voltage, or AC voltage to DC voltage, between the commercial power grid 99 and the energy storage device 400. As a result, the converter 500 has the function of converting DC power from the energy storage device 400 into AC power and supplying it to the air conditioner 100 and the commercial power grid 99, and the function of converting AC power from the commercial power grid 99 into DC power and supplying it to the energy storage device 400.

[0040] The conversion device 500 can obtain from the energy storage device 400 the remaining charge of the energy storage device 400 at a specific time, the full charge capacity of the energy storage device 400, and so on.

[0041] (2-4) Air conditioner The air conditioner 100 constitutes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and performs air conditioning for one or more target spaces within the building 98a. In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 100 is a so-called multi-type air conditioning system for buildings.

[0042] The air conditioner 100 has one or more refrigerant systems. Each refrigerant system has one outdoor unit 30 and one or more indoor units 20. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioner 100. In Fig. 2, one indoor unit 20 and one outdoor unit 30 belonging to the same refrigerant system are shown representatively. The outdoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 20 belonging to the same refrigerant system are connected by a liquid refrigerant connection pipe and a gas refrigerant connection pipe to form a refrigerant circuit. Also, the outdoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 20 belonging to the same refrigerant system are communicably connected via a communication line 92. The outdoor unit 30 and the edge device 300 are communicably connected via a network NW2. One or more indoor units 20 are provided in each target space.

[0043] (2-4-1) Indoor unit The indoor unit 20 is provided, for example, on the ceiling of the target space. As shown in Fig. 2, the indoor unit 20 mainly has an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, an indoor expansion valve 23, and an indoor control unit 29. Also, the indoor unit 20 has various sensors such as an indoor suction temperature sensor 61 and an indoor heat exchange temperature sensor 62.

[0044] The indoor heat exchanger causes heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger and the air in the target space. The indoor fan sucks the air in the target space into the indoor unit 20, exchanges heat between the sucked air and the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger, and supplies it to the target space. The indoor fan is driven by an indoor fan motor 22m. The indoor expansion valve 23 is a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit. The indoor suction temperature sensor 61 measures the temperature of the air in the target space sucked by the indoor unit 20. The indoor heat exchange temperature sensor 62 measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0045] The indoor control unit 29 controls the operation of each component of the indoor unit 20. As shown in Figure 2, the indoor control unit 29 is communicatively connected to the indoor fan motor 22m and the indoor expansion valve 23. The indoor control unit 29 is also communicatively connected to various sensors such as the indoor intake temperature sensor 61 and the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 62. The indoor control unit 29 has a control calculation device and a memory device. The control calculation device is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The memory device is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The control calculation device reads a program stored in the memory device and controls the operation of each component of the indoor unit 20 by performing predetermined calculation processing according to the program. The control calculation device can also write calculation results to the memory device and read information stored in the memory device according to the program. The indoor control unit 29 is configured to receive various signals transmitted from the operating remote control corresponding to the indoor unit 20. Furthermore, the indoor control unit 29 exchanges various information, such as control signals, signals related to measurements from various sensors, and signals related to various settings, with the outdoor control unit 39 of the outdoor unit 30 via the communication line 92.

[0046] (2-4-2) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 30 is installed, for example, on the roof of the building 98a. As shown in Figure 2, the outdoor unit 30 mainly comprises a compressor, a flow path switching valve 32, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve 34, an outdoor fan, and an outdoor control unit 39. The outdoor unit 30 also has various sensors such as an outdoor temperature sensor 66.

[0047] The compressor draws in low-pressure refrigerant from the suction pipe, compresses the refrigerant using a compression mechanism, and discharges the compressed refrigerant through the discharge pipe. The compressor's compression mechanism is driven by a compressor motor 31m. The flow path switching valve 32 is a mechanism that switches the refrigerant flow path between a first state and a second state. During cooling operation, the flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the first state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the refrigerant circuit in the order of outdoor heat exchanger, outdoor expansion valve 34, indoor expansion valve 23, indoor heat exchanger, and returns to the compressor. In the first state, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. During heating operation, the flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the second state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the refrigerant circuit in the order of indoor heat exchanger, indoor expansion valve 23, outdoor expansion valve 34, outdoor heat exchanger, and returns to the compressor. In the second state, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser. The outdoor heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through it and the outdoor air of the building 98a. The outdoor expansion valve 34 is a mechanism for regulating the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit. The outdoor fan supplies outdoor air from the building 98a to the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan is driven by the outdoor fan motor 36m. The outdoor temperature sensor 66 measures the temperature of the outdoor air from the building 98a that the outdoor unit 30 draws in.

[0048] The outdoor control unit 39 controls the operations of each part constituting the outdoor unit 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the outdoor control unit 39 is communicably connected to the compressor motor 31m, the flow path switching valve 32, the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the outdoor fan motor 36m. Further, the outdoor control unit 39 is communicably connected to various sensors such as the outdoor temperature sensor 66. The outdoor control unit 39 has a control arithmetic unit and a storage device. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The storage device is a storage medium such as a RAM, a ROM, and a flash memory. The control arithmetic unit reads out the program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined arithmetic processing according to the program, thereby controlling the operations of each part constituting the outdoor unit 30. Further, the control arithmetic unit can write the arithmetic result into the storage device or read out the information stored in the storage device according to the program. The outdoor control unit 39 exchanges various information such as control signals, signals related to the measurement of various sensors, and signals related to various settings with the indoor control unit 29 of the indoor unit 20 via the communication line 92. Further, the outdoor control unit 39 exchanges various information such as control signals, signals related to the measurement of various sensors, and signals related to various settings with the edge device 300 via the network NW2.

[0049] (2-5) Edge device The edge device 300 is provided, for example, in a computer room in the building 98a. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the edge device 300. As shown in FIG. 3, the edge device 300 mainly includes a storage unit 51, a communication unit 54, and a control unit 59.

[0050] The storage unit 51 is a storage medium such as a RAM, a ROM, and a flash memory. The storage unit 41 stores programs executed by the control unit 59, data necessary for the execution of the programs, and the like. The communication unit 54 includes a network interface device for communicating with the control device 200 via the network NW1 and a network interface device for communicating with the air conditioner 100 and the conversion device 500 via the network NW2.

[0051] The control unit 59 is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The control unit 59 reads a program stored in the memory unit 51 and performs predetermined arithmetic processing according to the program. The control unit 59 can also write the calculation results to the memory unit 51 or read information stored in the memory unit 41 according to the program.

[0052] The control unit 59 exchanges various information, such as control signals and signals related to various settings, with the control device 200 via the network NW1. The control unit 59 also exchanges various information, such as control signals and signals related to various settings, with the air conditioner 100 and the converter 500 via the network NW2.

[0053] The control unit 59 centrally controls one or more refrigerant systems.

[0054] For example, when the control unit 59 receives a command to start cooling or heating operation from the operating remote control corresponding to the indoor unit 20 or from the control device 200, it switches the flow path switching valve 32 to the first state or the second state. The control unit 59 then adjusts the rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34, the rotation speed of the outdoor fan motor 36m, the rotation speed of the indoor fan motor 22m, and the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23, etc., so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger (evaporation temperature or condensation temperature) becomes the temperature corresponding to the set temperature.

[0055] For example, the control unit 59 periodically acquires operation data D1 (for example, once every 30 seconds). The operation data D1 includes the rotation speed of the indoor fan motor 22m, the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23, the indoor intake temperature (measured by the indoor intake temperature sensor 61), the indoor heat exchanger temperature (measured by the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 62), the rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34, the rotation speed of the outdoor fan motor 36m, the outdoor temperature (measured by the outdoor temperature sensor 66), and the power status of the indoor unit 20 (ON or OFF), etc., from the indoor control unit 29 of the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor control unit 39 of the outdoor unit 30. The control unit 59 stores the acquired operation data D1 in the storage unit 51. Each time the control unit 59 acquires operation data D1, it transmits the acquired operation data D1 to the control device 200.

[0056] The control unit 59 charges the energy storage device 400 with power supplied from the commercial power grid 99 via the converter 500. The control unit 59 also supplies the power stored in the energy storage device 400 to the air conditioner 100 connected to the distribution board 600 via the converter 500.

[0057] (2-6) Control device The control device 200 is provided, for example, in the cloud. Figure 4 is a control block diagram of the control device 200. As shown in Figure 4, the control device 200 mainly includes a storage unit 41, an input unit 42, a display unit 43, a communication unit 44, and a control unit 49.

[0058] The memory unit 41 is a storage device such as RAM, ROM, and HDD. The memory unit 41 stores programs executed by the control unit 49, as well as data necessary for program execution.

[0059] The input unit 42 is an input interface such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel. Various commands and information can be input to the control device 200 using the input unit 42. The display unit 43 is an output interface such as a monitor and touch panel. Various data stored in the storage unit 41 can be displayed on the display unit 43. The communication unit 44 is a network interface device for communicating with the host device 90 and the edge device 300 via the network NW1.

[0060] (2-6-1) Control Unit The control unit 49 is a processor such as a CPU and a GPU. The control unit 49 reads and executes programs stored in the memory unit 41 and realizes various functions of the control device 200. The control unit 49 can also write calculation results to the memory unit 41 and read information stored in the memory unit 41 according to the program.

[0061] For example, the control unit 49, via the edge device 300, causes the air conditioner 100 to perform cooling or heating operation at a predetermined set temperature and set airflow.

[0062] For example, the control unit 49 charges the energy storage device 400 with power supplied from the commercial power grid 99 via the edge device 300. The control unit 49 also supplies the power stored in the energy storage device 400 to the air conditioner 100 via the edge device 300.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 49 has, as functional blocks, an acquisition unit 491, a calculation unit 492, a DR determination unit 493, and a DR execution unit 494.

[0064] (2-6-1-1) The acquisition unit 491 receives an up DR request for building 98a from the upper-level device 90 via the network NW1. In other words, the control unit 49, upon receiving the up DR request, needs to consume the requested amount of power in building 98a during the first time period as requested by the up DR request. Hereinafter, the requested amount of power requested by the initial up DR request may be referred to as the initial requested amount of power.

[0065] The acquisition unit 491 periodically acquires operation data D1 from the edge device 300 via the network NW1. The acquisition unit 491 stores the acquired operation data D1 in the storage unit 41.

[0066] The acquisition unit 491 acquires first information D2 relating to the energy storage device 400. The first information D2 includes the remaining charge of the energy storage device 400 and the full charge capacity of the energy storage device 400 when an up DR request is received. The acquisition unit 491 acquires the remaining charge of the energy storage device 400 and the full charge capacity of the energy storage device 400 from the energy storage device 400 via the edge device 300 and the converter 500. The acquisition unit 491 stores the acquired first information D2 in the storage unit 41.

[0067] (2-6-1-2) Calculation Unit The calculation unit 492 predicts the amount of first electricity that can be consumed by having the air conditioner 100 perform a first operation before the first time period, based on the operation data D1. In other words, the first operation is an operation that consumes the first amount of electricity. The amount of electricity consumed by the air conditioner 100 is calculated based on, for example, the rotational speed of the indoor fan motor 22m, the rotational speed of the compressor motor 31m, and the rotational speed of the outdoor fan motor 36m, which are included in the operation data D1.

[0068] The first operation may include operation during a second time period when the air conditioner 100 is not operating. In other words, the first energy consumption may include the amount of energy that can be consumed by operating the air conditioner 100 during the second time period when the air conditioner 100 is not operating. The second time period may be predicted from past time periods when the power supply of the indoor unit 20 was OFF, based on the power supply status of the indoor unit 20 included in the operation data D1. Alternatively, the second time period may be predicted from past time periods when operation is not planned, based on the past operation schedule of the air conditioner 100. Furthermore, the second time period may be a time period when operation is not planned in the air conditioner 100's operation schedule for the day. Also, the second time period may be an earlier time period than the time period in which operation is planned in the air conditioner 100's operation schedule for the day. In other words, the air conditioner 100 operates in an earlier time period than the time period in which it is planned to operate.

[0069] Furthermore, the first operation may include operation of the first target space where the air conditioner 100 is not operating. In other words, the first energy amount may include the amount of energy that can be consumed by causing the air conditioner 100 to operate in the first target space where the air conditioner 100 is not operating. The first target space may be predicted from past target spaces where the power supply of the indoor unit 20 was OFF, based on the power supply status of the indoor unit 20 included in the operation data D1. Alternatively, the first target space may be predicted from past target spaces where operation is not planned, based on the past operation schedule of the air conditioner 100. Furthermore, the first target space may be a target space where operation is not planned in the air conditioner 100's operation schedule for the day.

[0070] Furthermore, the first operation may include high-load operation. In other words, the first amount of electricity may include the amount of electricity that can be consumed by having the air conditioner 100 perform high-load operation.

[0071] High-load operation may be performed during periods when a high heat load is expected, or it may be performed on a target space where a high heat load is expected. The calculation unit 492 predicts the periods when a high heat load is expected, and the target space where a high heat load is expected, based on the rotational speed of the indoor fan motor 22m, the indoor intake temperature, the indoor heat exchanger temperature, etc., included in the operation data D1.

[0072] Furthermore, high-load operation may be cooling operation, which lowers the temperature in the target space below the set temperature within a predetermined range, or heating operation, which raises the temperature in the target space above the set temperature within a predetermined range. The calculation unit 492 predicts the set temperature when no DR request has been received, based on the indoor heat exchanger temperature, etc., included in the operation data D1. The predetermined range may be determined, for example, based on comfort indicators such as PMV (Predicted Mean Vote). Alternatively, the predetermined range may be, for example, a range determined in advance (e.g., up to the set temperature minus 2°C in the case of cooling operation).

[0073] Furthermore, high-load operation may be operation that increases the airflow of the indoor unit 20 above the set airflow, or operation that changes the airflow direction of the indoor unit 20. The calculation unit 492 predicts the set airflow when no increase DR request has been received, based on the rotational speed of the indoor fan motor 22m included in the operation data D1.

[0074] The calculation unit 492 may select an operation included in the first operation (such as operation in the second time period, operation for the first target space, high-load operation, etc.) such that the first amount of power consumed by the air conditioner 100 performing a first operation before the first time period, and the entire initial requested amount of power is charged to the energy storage device 400 during the first time period, so that the first amount of power satisfies the formula: "Initial requested amount of power ≤ Full charge capacity of energy storage device 400 - (Remaining charge of energy storage device 400 when the increased DR request is received - First amount of power)".

[0075] After receiving a request for increased DR, the calculation unit 492 calculates a third amount of energy based on the first amount of energy calculated and the first information D2 acquired by the acquisition unit 491. The third amount of energy is the amount of energy that can be charged into the energy storage device 400 during the first time period. The calculation unit 492 calculates the third amount of energy using the following formula, for example: "Third amount of energy = Full charge capacity of energy storage device 400 - (Remaining charge of energy storage device 400 when the request for increased DR is received - First amount of energy)".

[0076] The calculation unit 492 calculates the third energy quantity, and then calculates the fourth energy quantity. The fourth energy quantity is the amount of energy that can be accepted in response to an upward DR request based on the third energy quantity. The fourth energy quantity is, for example, a value less than or equal to the third energy quantity. In this embodiment, the fourth energy quantity is the same as the third energy quantity.

[0077] (2-6-1-3) DR determination unit The DR determination unit 493 determines whether or not to accept the request for an upgraded DR.

[0078] First, the DR determination unit 493 determines whether the fourth energy amount is equal to or greater than the initial requested energy amount.

[0079] The DR determination unit 493 determines that if the fourth energy quantity is equal to or greater than the initial requested energy quantity, it will accept the increased DR request based on the initial requested energy quantity. In this case, the DR determination unit 493 transmits information to the host device 90 that it will accept the increased DR request based on the initial requested energy quantity. The DR determination unit 493 may also correct the first energy quantity by subtracting the amount obtained by subtracting the initial requested energy quantity from the fourth energy quantity from the first energy quantity.

[0080] If the DR determination unit 493 determines that the fourth energy amount is less than the initial requested energy amount, it transmits the fourth energy amount to the higher-level device 90.

[0081] Next, the DR determination unit 493 determines whether the higher-level device 90 agrees to the fourth energy amount.

[0082] The DR determination unit 493 determines that if the higher-level device 90 agrees to the fourth energy amount, it will accept the request for an increased DR with the fourth energy amount as the requested energy amount. In this case, the DR determination unit 493 transmits information to the higher-level device 90 that it accepts the request for an increased DR with the fourth energy amount as the requested energy amount.

[0083] The DR determination unit 493 determines that it will not accept the increased DR request if the higher-level device 90 does not agree to the fourth power quantity. In this case, the DR determination unit 493 transmits information to the higher-level device 90 that it will not accept the increased DR request.

[0084] (2-6-1-4) DR Execution Unit The DR execution unit 494 commands the air conditioner 100 to consume a first amount of the remaining charge of the energy storage device 400 before the first time period. In this embodiment, the DR execution unit 494 commands the air conditioner 100 to perform a first operation that consumes the first amount of energy before the first time period.

[0085] The DR execution unit 494 may, in priority, cause the air conditioner 100 to operate during a second time period when the air conditioner 100 is not operating, or to operate in a first target space when the air conditioner 100 is not operating. If the air conditioner 100 cannot consume the first amount of power even when operating during a second time period when the air conditioner 100 is not operating, or to operate in a first target space when the air conditioner 100 is not operating, the DR execution unit 494 may cause the air conditioner 100 to perform high-load operation.

[0086] The DR execution unit 494 may cause the air conditioner 100 to perform high-load operation in the time period immediately preceding the first time period.

[0087] The DR execution unit 494 commands the energy storage device 400 to charge at least a portion of the requested amount of electricity requested by the DR request during the first time period. The DR execution unit 494 consumes the amount of electricity that is not charged to the energy storage device 400 by operating the air conditioner 100.

[0088] In this embodiment, the DR execution unit 494 consumes the amount of electricity that cannot be charged into the energy storage device 400 (because the energy storage device 400 becomes fully charged) by having the air conditioner 100 operate.

[0089] For example, if the DR execution unit 494 predicts before the first time period that some of the requested power amount will not be able to be charged to the energy storage device 400 because the first amount of power cannot be consumed by having the air conditioner 100 perform the first operation before the first time period, the DR execution unit 494 will consume the amount of power that cannot be charged to the energy storage device 400 from the remaining charge of the energy storage device 400 by having the air conditioner 100 perform an operation included in the first operation before the first time period. In this case, the DR execution unit 494 may, as a priority, have the air conditioner 100 perform an operation in the second time period when the air conditioner 100 is not operating, or an operation for the first target space when the air conditioner 100 is not operating. The DR execution unit 494 may cause the air conditioner 100 to perform high-load operation if it cannot consume the amount of electricity that cannot be charged to the energy storage device 400 from the requested amount of electricity, even if it is operated during a second time period when the air conditioner 100 is not operating, or for the first target space when the air conditioner 100 is not operating.

[0090] For example, if the DR execution unit 494 is in the process of charging the energy storage device 400 with the requested amount of power, and the energy storage device 400 becomes fully charged, or if it is predicted that the energy storage device 400 will become fully charged, the DR execution unit 494 will consume the amount of power that cannot be charged to the energy storage device 400 from the requested amount of power by having the air conditioner 100 operate during the first time period. For example, the DR execution unit 494 will consume the amount of power that cannot be charged to the energy storage device 400 from the requested amount by having the air conditioner 100 perform an operation included in the first operation during the first time period. At this time, the DR execution unit 494 may, as a priority, have the air conditioner 100 perform an operation during the second time period when the air conditioner 100 is not operating, or an operation for the first target space when the air conditioner 100 is not operating. The DR execution unit 494 may cause the air conditioner 100 to perform high-load operation if it cannot consume the amount of electricity that cannot be charged to the energy storage device 400 from the requested amount of electricity, even if it is operated during a second time period when the air conditioner 100 is not operating, or for the first target space when the air conditioner 100 is not operating.

[0091] If the DR execution unit 494 is able to charge the entire requested amount of energy into the energy storage device 400, it may display information on the display unit 43 indicating that the entire requested amount of energy was charged into the energy storage device 400. If the DR execution unit 494 is unable to charge a portion of the requested amount of energy into the energy storage device 400, it may display information on the display unit 43 indicating that a portion of the requested amount of energy was unable to charge into the energy storage device 400.

[0092] (3) An example of the processing of the processing control device 200 will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 5A to 5C.

[0093] As shown in step S1, the control device 200 receives an upward DR request from the higher-level device 90 to increase the amount of electricity consumed in the building 98a during the first time period compared to when no request has been received.

[0094] After completing step S1, as shown in step S2, the control device 200 predicts the amount of first power that can be consumed by having the air conditioner 100 perform first operation before the first time period, based on the operation data D1.

[0095] After completing step S2, as shown in step S3, the control device 200 calculates the third amount of energy that can be charged to the energy storage device 400 during the first time period, based on the first amount of energy and the first information D2.

[0096] Upon completion of step S3, as shown in step S4, the control device 200 calculates an acceptable fourth energy amount for the increased DR request based on the third energy amount.

[0097] After completing step S4, as shown in step S5, the control device 200 determines whether the fourth energy is equal to or greater than the initial requested energy. If the fourth energy is equal to or greater than the initial requested energy, the process proceeds to step S6. If the fourth energy is less than the initial requested energy, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0098] When the system proceeds from step S5 to step S6, the control device 200 determines that it will accept the increased DR request based on the initial requested power amount.

[0099] Upon completion of step S6, as shown in step S7, the control device 200 transmits information to the host device 90 indicating that it accepts the increased DR request based on the initially requested power amount.

[0100] When proceeding from step S5 to step S8, the control device 200 transmits the fourth energy amount to the higher-level device 90.

[0101] After completing step S8, as shown in step S9, the control device 200 determines whether the higher-level device 90 agrees to the fourth energy quantity. If it agrees, the process proceeds to step S10. If it does not agree, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0102] When the system proceeds from step S9 to step S10, the control device 200 determines that it accepts the request for increased DR with the fourth energy amount as the requested energy amount.

[0103] After completing step S10, as shown in step S11, the control device 200 transmits information to the host device 90 that it has increased the fourth energy amount as the requested energy amount and accepts the DR request.

[0104] When the system proceeds from step S9 to step S12, the control device 200 determines that it will not accept the request for an upward DR.

[0105] Upon completion of step S12, as shown in step S13, the control device 200 transmits information to the host device 90 indicating that it does not accept the request for an upward DR, and terminates the process.

[0106] After completing step S7 or step S11, as shown in step S14, the control device 200 instructs the air conditioner 100 to perform a first operation that consumes a first amount of power before the first time period.

[0107] After completing step S14, as shown in step S15, the control device 200 commands the energy storage device 400 to charge at least a portion of the requested amount of power requested by the DR request during the first time period.

[0108] After step S15 is completed, as shown in step S16, the control device 200 causes the air conditioner 100 to operate in order to consume the amount of electricity that is not used to charge the energy storage device 400 from the requested amount of electricity.

[0109] (4) Characteristics (4-1) Conventionally, when an aggregator receives a demand response request from a higher-level device, such as a first request to increase the amount of electricity consumed in the first time period compared to when no request is received, a first event related to surplus power occurs, and it may be necessary to consume a predetermined amount of electricity in the first time period.

[0110] It is desirable that the predetermined amount of electricity that needs to be consumed as a result of the first event be consumed efficiently.

[0111] The power management system 1 of this embodiment manages the power supply to the energy storage device 400 and the first device. The power management system 1 includes a control unit 49. When a first event occurs and it becomes necessary to consume a second amount of energy during a first time period, the control unit 49 commands the first device to consume the first amount of energy from the remaining charge of the energy storage device 400 before the first time period. The first event is an event related to surplus power. The control unit 49 commands the energy storage device 400 to be charged with at least a portion of the second amount of energy during the first time period.

[0112] In the power management system 1, if a first event related to surplus power occurs and it becomes necessary to consume a second amount of energy during the first time period, the control unit 49 commands the first device to consume the first amount of energy from the remaining charge of the energy storage device 400 before the first time period, and (after increasing the chargeable capacity of the energy storage device 400) commands the energy storage device 400 to charge at least a portion of the second amount of energy during the first time period.

[0113] As a result, the power management system 1 can efficiently consume at least a portion of the second amount of electricity that needs to be consumed due to the occurrence of the first event, after the first time period.

[0114] (4-2) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the first event is the receipt of a first request from a higher-level device as a demand response request by the aggregator. The first request is a request to increase the amount of power consumed in the first time period compared to when no request is received. The second amount of power is the requested amount of power requested by the first request.

[0115] (4-3) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 49 calculates a third energy amount based on the first energy amount and the first information D2 after receiving an up DR request. The first information is information about the energy storage device 400. The third energy amount is the amount of energy that can be charged to the energy storage device 400 during the first time period. The control unit 49 transmits either a fourth energy amount or whether to accept the up DR request to the higher-level device 90. The fourth energy amount is the amount of energy that can be accepted in response to the up DR request, based on the third energy amount. The first information D2 includes the remaining charge of the energy storage device 400 when the up DR request is received.

[0116] As a result, if the higher-level device 90 agrees to the fourth energy amount, the power management system 1 can accept the request for increased demand response (DR) with the fourth energy amount as the requested energy amount.

[0117] (4-4) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the first equipment includes an air conditioner 100. The control unit 49 commands the air conditioner 100 to perform a first operation before the first time period. The first operation is an operation that consumes a first amount of electricity.

[0118] (4-5) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 49 acquires operating data D1 of the air conditioner 100 and predicts a first amount of power based on the operating data D1.

[0119] (4-6) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the first operation includes operation during a second time period when the air conditioner 100 is not operating, or operation for a first target space when the air conditioner 100 is not operating.

[0120] As a result, the power management system 1 can charge the energy storage device 400 with a larger amount of energy by increasing the first amount of energy.

[0121] (4-7) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the second time period is a time period earlier than the time period in which the operation of the air conditioner 100 is scheduled to take place.

[0122] (4-8) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the first target space is a target space in which operation is not planned in the operating schedule of the air conditioner 100.

[0123] (4-9) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the first operation includes high-load operation.

[0124] As a result, the power management system 1 can charge the energy storage device 400 with a larger amount of energy by increasing the first amount of energy.

[0125] (4-10) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, high-load operation is operation performed during a time period when an increase in thermal load is expected, or operation performed on a target space where an increase in thermal load is expected.

[0126] (4-11) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, high-load operation is either cooling operation, which lowers the temperature in the target space to a set temperature within a predetermined range, or heating operation, which raises the temperature in the target space to a set temperature within a predetermined range.

[0127] (4-12) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, high-load operation is operation in which the airflow of the indoor unit 20 (air conditioner) is increased above the set airflow, or operation in which the airflow direction of the indoor unit 20 (air conditioner) is changed.

[0128] (4-13) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 49 causes the air conditioner 100 to perform high-load operation in the time period immediately preceding the first time period.

[0129] As a result, the power management system 1 can increase the first power consumption without burdening users by reducing the demand for air conditioning during the first time period.

[0130] (4-14) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 49 consumes the amount of electricity that is not charged to the energy storage device 400 from the requested amount of electricity by operating the air conditioner 100.

[0131] (4-15) The power management method in this embodiment is performed by the power management system 1 (computer). The power management method manages the power supply to the energy storage device and the first device. The power management system 1 includes a control unit 49. When the first event occurs and it becomes necessary to consume a second amount of energy during the first time period, the control unit 49 commands the first device to consume the first amount of energy from the remaining charge of the energy storage device 400 before the first time period. The first event is an event related to surplus power. The control unit 49 commands the energy storage device 400 to be charged with at least a portion of the second amount of energy during the first time period.

[0132] In the power management method, if a first event related to surplus power occurs and it becomes necessary to consume a second amount of energy during the first time period, the control unit 49 commands the first device to consume the first amount of energy from the remaining charge of the energy storage device 400 before the first time period, and (after increasing the chargeable capacity of the energy storage device 400) commands the energy storage device 400 to charge at least a portion of the second amount of energy during the first time period.

[0133] As a result, the power management method can efficiently consume at least a portion of the second amount of electricity that needs to be consumed due to the occurrence of the first event, after the first time period.

[0134] (5) Modifications (5-1) Modification 1A In this embodiment, the power management system 1 managed the power supply to multiple devices installed in each of the multiple buildings 98. However, the power management system 1 may manage the power supply to multiple devices installed in a single building.

[0135] In this case, for example, a device having the functions of a control device 200 and an edge device 300 may be installed in a computer room within a single building.

[0136] (5-2) Modification 1B In this embodiment, the calculation unit 492 predicts the first amount of electricity that can be consumed by having the air conditioner 100 perform the first operation before the first time period, based on the operation data D1. However, the calculation unit 492 may use a predetermined amount of electricity as the first amount of electricity.

[0137] The predetermined amount of electricity may be set on a daily basis or on a seasonal basis.

[0138] (5-3) Modification 1C In this embodiment, the energy storage device 400 included a stationary battery installed in the building 98a. However, the energy storage device 400 may also include an on-board battery of an electric vehicle installed in the building 98a.

[0139] In this case, the first information D2 further includes information indicating whether or not the onboard battery is in a rechargeable state during the first time period. The acquisition unit 491 acquires information indicating whether or not the onboard battery is in a rechargeable state during the first time period from, for example, the operation schedule of the electric vehicle.

[0140] The control unit 49 performs charging and discharging operations on one or more onboard batteries that are in a rechargeable state during the first time period (hereinafter sometimes referred to as rechargeable onboard batteries).

[0141] For example, the acquisition unit 491 acquires the remaining charge of the energy storage device 400 when it receives an up-DR request, which includes the remaining charge of the stationary battery when it receives an up-DR request and the remaining charge of the rechargeable onboard battery when it receives an up-DR request.

[0142] For example, the acquisition unit 491 acquires the full charge capacity of the stationary battery and the full charge capacity of the rechargeable vehicle battery as the full charge capacity of the energy storage device 400.

[0143] For example, the calculation unit 492 calculates the third amount of energy that can be charged to the energy storage device 400 during the first time period using the formula: "Third amount of energy = Full charge capacity of energy storage device 400 - (Remaining charge of energy storage device 400 when an upgrade DR request is received - First amount of energy)". The full charge capacity of energy storage device 400 is the sum of the full charge capacity of the stationary battery and the full charge capacity of the rechargeable on-board battery. The remaining charge of energy storage device 400 when an upgrade DR request is received is the sum of the remaining charge of the stationary battery and the remaining charge of the rechargeable on-board battery.

[0144] For example, the DR execution unit 494 commands the air conditioner 100 to consume a first amount of the remaining charge from the stationary storage battery and the rechargeable on-board battery before the first time period.

[0145] For example, the DR execution unit 494 commands that at least a portion of the requested amount of power requested by the DR request be charged to the stationary storage battery and the rechargeable vehicle battery during the first time period.

[0146] (5-4) Modification 1D In this embodiment, after receiving a request for increased DR, the calculation unit 492 predicts the amount of first power that can be consumed by having the air conditioner 100 perform first operation before the first time period, based on the operation data D1.

[0147] However, after receiving an increased DR request, the calculation unit 492 may compare the initial requested amount of power with the building 98a's capacity to respond to the increased DR request, and if the building 98a's capacity is insufficient to respond to the increased DR request, it may calculate the first amount of power to be consumed by having the air conditioner 100 perform a first operation before the first time period. In this case, the first amount of power is the difference between the initial requested amount of power and the building 98a's capacity to respond.

[0148] As a result, the power management system 1 can reduce the frequency of use of the energy storage device 400.

[0149] For example, the calculation unit 492 may use the formula "Building 98's capacity to handle = Fully charged capacity of the energy storage device 400 - Remaining charge of the energy storage device 400 when an increased DR request is received," and if the initial requested amount of power does not satisfy the formula "Initial requested amount of power ≤ Building 98a's capacity to handle," it may calculate the first amount of power to be consumed by having the air conditioner 100 perform a first operation before the first time period.

[0150] For example, the calculation unit 492 may define "the capacity of building 98a = the amount of electricity that can be consumed by operating (or operating at high load) the air conditioner 100 during the first time period," and if the initial requested amount of electricity does not satisfy the formula "initial requested amount of electricity ≤ the capacity of building 98a," it may calculate the first amount of electricity that should be consumed by operating the air conditioner 100 during the first operation before the first time period.

[0151] For example, the calculation unit 492 may define "the capacity of building 98a = the full charge capacity of the energy storage device 400 - the remaining charge of the energy storage device 400 when an increased DR request is received + the amount of electricity that can be consumed by operating (or operating at high load) the air conditioner 100 during the first time period," and if the initial requested amount of electricity does not satisfy the formula "initial requested amount of electricity ≤ the capacity of building 98a," it may calculate the first amount of electricity that should be consumed by operating the air conditioner 100 during the first operation before the first time period.

[0152] (5-5) Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the claims.

[0153] 1 Power management system, computer 49 Control unit 90 Higher-level unit 100 Air conditioner 400 Energy storage device D1 Operating data

[0154] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-170925

Claims

1. A power management system (1) for managing the supply of power to a power storage device (400) and a first device, comprising a control unit (49), wherein, when a first event relating to surplus power occurs and it becomes necessary to consume a second amount of energy during a first time period, the control unit commands the first device to consume a first amount of energy from the remaining charge of the power storage device before the first time period, and commands the power management system (1) to charge the power storage device with at least a portion of the second amount of energy during the first time period.

2. The power management system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first event is the aggregator receiving a first request from a higher-level device (90) as a demand response request, which increases the amount of power consumed during the first time period compared to when no request is received, and the second amount of power is the requested amount of power requested by the first request.

3. The power management system (1) according to claim 2, wherein, after receiving the first request, the control unit calculates a third amount of energy that can be charged to the energy storage device during the first time period based on the first amount of energy and the first information relating to the energy storage device, and transmits to the host device a fourth amount of energy that is acceptable to the first request based on the third amount of energy, or whether or not to accept the first request, wherein the first information includes the remaining charge of the energy storage device when the first request is received.

4. The power management system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the energy storage device includes an on-board battery of an electric vehicle, and the first information further includes information indicating whether or not the on-board battery is in a rechargeable state during the first time period.

5. The power management system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first device includes an air conditioner (100), and the control unit instructs the air conditioner to perform a first operation that consumes the first amount of power before the first time period.

6. The power management system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the control unit acquires operating data (D1) of the air conditioner and predicts the first amount of energy based on the operating data, or sets a predetermined amount of energy as the first amount of energy.

7. The power management system (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first operation includes operation during a second time period when the air conditioner is not operating, or operation for a first target space when the air conditioner is not operating.

8. The power management system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the second time period is a time period earlier than the time period in which the air conditioner is scheduled to be operated in the operating schedule.

9. The power management system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first target space is a target space in which operation is not planned in the operating schedule of the air conditioner.

10. The power management system (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the first operation includes high-load operation.

11. The power management system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the high-load operation is an operation performed during a time period in which an increase in thermal load is expected, or an operation performed on a target space in which an increase in thermal load is expected.

12. The power management system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the high-load operation is a cooling operation that lowers the temperature in the target space to a set temperature within a predetermined range, or a heating operation that raises the temperature in the target space to a set temperature within a predetermined range.

13. The power management system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the high-load operation is an operation in which the airflow of the air conditioner is increased above the set airflow, or an operation in which the airflow direction of the air conditioner is changed.

14. The power management system (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the control unit causes the air conditioner to perform the high-load operation in the time period immediately preceding the first time period.

15. The power management system (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 14, wherein the control unit causes the air conditioner to operate and consume the amount of the second amount of power that is not used to charge the energy storage device.

16. A power management method performed by a computer (1) for managing the supply of power to a power storage device (400) and a first device, wherein the computer comprises a control unit (49), and the control unit, when a first event relating to surplus power occurs and it becomes necessary to consume a second amount of power during a first time period, commands the first device to consume a first amount of the remaining charge of the power storage device before the first time period, and commands the power storage device to charge at least a portion of the second amount of power during the first time period.

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