Control system, server device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This control system (100) controls energy resources installed for a plurality of consumers (70) in order to provide an electric power service to an electricity utility or the plurality of consumers (70). The control system (100) comprises a detection unit (54) that detects any communication abnormality in a hierarchical communication network that is used for communication for control and includes at least three hierarchies, and a control unit (55) that executes a predetermined process related to hte control when a communication abnormality is detected.

Description

Control System, Server Device, Information Processing Method, and Program

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system for controlling energy resources provided to consumers.

[0002] In order to balance power demand (consumption) and supply (generation) in the power system, a technology related to demand response for adjusting the power consumption amount at consumers in response to requests from power companies is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a demand response compatible power control system.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7482464

[0004] In a control system for controlling energy resources provided to consumers to realize demand response or the like, a communication abnormality may occur.

[0005] The present invention provides a control system or the like that can cope with communication abnormalities.

[0006] A control system according to an aspect of the present invention is a control system for controlling energy resources installed in a plurality of consumers in order to provide a power service to an electric utility or the plurality of consumers, and includes at least three layers used for communication for the control. A detection unit that detects a communication abnormality in a hierarchical communication network, and a control unit that executes a predetermined process related to the control when the communication abnormality is detected.

[0007] A server device according to an aspect of the present invention is a server device that issues an execution instruction for controlling energy resources installed in a plurality of consumers in order to provide a power service to an electric utility or the plurality of consumers, and includes at least three layers used for communication for the control. A detection unit that detects a communication abnormality in a hierarchical communication network, and a control unit that performs a process of calculating an adjustment amount of power for consumers other than the part of the consumers among the plurality of consumers when the execution instruction cannot be issued to the energy resources installed in a part of the consumers among the plurality of consumers due to the detected communication abnormality.

[0008] A server device according to one aspect of the present invention is a server device that receives execution instructions for controlling energy resources installed at an electric utility or a plurality of consumers in order to provide electricity services to the plurality of consumers, and comprises a detection unit for detecting communication abnormalities in a hierarchical communication network having at least three layers used for communication for the control, and a control unit that notifies other server devices that a communication abnormality has occurred when such an abnormality is detected.

[0009] A server device according to one aspect of the present invention is a server device that receives execution instructions for controlling energy resources installed at an electric utility or a plurality of consumers in order to provide electricity services to the plurality of consumers, and comprises a detection unit that detects communication abnormalities in a hierarchical communication network including at least three layers used for communication for the control, and a control unit that, when the server device cannot receive the execution instructions for the control due to the detected communication abnormality, performs processing to cause the controller of the energy resource, with which it can communicate, to control the energy resource independently without the execution instructions.

[0010] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method in a control system that controls energy resources installed at a plurality of consumers in order to provide electricity services to an electric utility or a plurality of consumers, and includes the steps of detecting a communication anomaly in a hierarchical communication network having at least three layers used for communication for the control, and executing a predetermined process relating to the control when the communication anomaly is detected.

[0011] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method for a server device that issues execution instructions for the control of energy resources installed at a plurality of consumers in order to provide electricity services to an electric utility or a plurality of consumers, and comprises the steps of: detecting a communication anomaly in a hierarchical communication network including at least three layers used for communication for the control; and, if the execution instructions cannot be issued to energy resources installed at some of the plurality of consumers due to the detected communication anomaly, performing a process to calculate the amount of power adjustment for consumers other than the partial number of consumers.

[0012] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method for a server device that receives execution instructions for controlling energy resources installed at a plurality of consumers in order to provide electricity services to an electric utility or a plurality of consumers, and includes the steps of detecting a communication anomaly in a hierarchical communication network having at least three layers used for communication for the control, and notifying other server devices that the communication anomaly has occurred when the communication anomaly is detected.

[0013] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method for a server device that receives execution instructions for controlling energy resources installed at a plurality of consumers in order to provide electricity services to an electric utility or a plurality of consumers, and includes a detection step of detecting a communication anomaly in a hierarchical communication network including at least three layers used for communication for the control, and a step of, when the server device cannot receive the execution instructions for the control due to the detected communication anomaly, causing the controller of the energy resource that the server device can communicate with to control the energy resource independently without the execution instructions.

[0014] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method described above.

[0015] The control system and the like of the present invention can respond to communication abnormalities.

[0016] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of normal operation during the provision of the third service. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram of operation example 1 when a communication error occurs. Figure 4 is a sequence diagram of operation example 2 when a communication error occurs. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram of operation example 3 when a communication error occurs. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram of operation example 4 when a communication error occurs. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram of operation example 5 when a communication error occurs. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram of operation example 6 when a communication error occurs.

[0017] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0018] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0019] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the control system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system according to the embodiment.

[0020] The control system 100 is a system that provides electricity-related services (also referred to as electricity services) to each of the multiple customers 70 that have contracts with a certain retail electricity provider by controlling the energy resources installed in each of the multiple customers 70. Electricity, in other words, is energy. The retail electricity provider is, for example, a so-called new power company, but it may also be a former general electricity provider (major power company). Each of the multiple customers 70 may be a customer corresponding to a residence, or a customer 70 corresponding to a non-residential building such as a factory. The total number of the multiple customers 70 is, for example, several hundred to several hundred thousand. In the example in Figure 1, the multiple customers 70 are distinguished into a first customer group and a second customer group.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the control system 100 includes a plurality of first energy resources 10a, a first EMS (Energy Management System) controller 20a, and a first EMS server 30a, each installed at each of the customers 70 belonging to the first customer group, and a plurality of second energy resources 10b, a second EMS controller 20b, a second EMS server 30b, a first aggregation server 40, and a second aggregation server 50, each installed at each of the customers 70 belonging to the second customer group. Note that the aggregation servers may be integrated into a single server.

[0022] The first energy resource 10a is installed in a facility corresponding to the consumer 70 (for example, a house). The first energy resource 10a includes at least one piece of equipment such as a solar power generation system, a battery storage system, lighting equipment, air conditioning equipment, ventilation equipment, a heat pump water heater, and an electric vehicle charging / discharging device. The first energy resource 10a includes power demand equipment that consumes electricity supplied from the grid 60, and equipment that is permitted to output electricity to the grid 60, such as a solar power generation system.

[0023] The first energy resource 10a is owned by, for example, the consumer 70, but the battery storage system and the like may be owned by the retail electricity provider or the service provider. In other words, a TPO (Third-Party Ownership) model may be adopted. The first energy resource 10a comprises a communication unit 11a, an information processing unit 12a, and a storage unit 13a.

[0024] The communication unit 11a is a communication circuit for the first energy resource 10a to communicate with the first EMS controller 20a via a local communication network. The communication unit 11a may perform wireless communication, for example, but it may also perform wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standards used by the communication unit 11a.

[0025] The information processing unit 12a performs information processing corresponding to the first energy resource 10a. The information processing unit 12a is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The information processing unit 12a includes a detection unit 14a and a control unit 15a as functional components. The functions of the detection unit 14a and the control unit 15a are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 12a executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 13a. Details of the functions of the detection unit 14a and the control unit 15a will be described later.

[0026] The storage unit 13a is a storage device that stores information necessary to realize the above-mentioned information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 12a. The storage unit 13a is implemented, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[0027] The first EMS controller 20a is a device that manages the amount of power consumed by customers 70 belonging to the first customer group, as measured by a power measuring device (not shown) that is communicated to the first EMS controller 20a. The first EMS controller 20a also controls at least a portion of the plurality of first energy resources 10a. The first EMS controller 20a comprises a communication unit 21a, an information processing unit 22a, and a storage unit 23a.

[0028] The communication unit 21a is a communication circuit for the first EMS controller 20a to communicate with a plurality of first energy resources 10a via a local communication network and with the first EMS server 30a via a wide-area communication network. The communication unit 21a may, for example, perform wireless communication, but it may also perform wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standards used by the communication unit 21a.

[0029] The information processing unit 22a performs information processing related to the management of power consumption, etc. The information processing unit 22a is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The information processing unit 22a includes a detection unit 24a and a control unit 25a as functional components. The functions of the detection unit 24a and the control unit 25a are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 22a executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 23a. Details of the functions of the detection unit 24a and the control unit 25a will be described later.

[0030] The storage unit 23a is a storage device that stores information necessary to realize the above-mentioned information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 22a. The storage unit 23a is implemented, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[0031] The first EMS server 30a receives power data (information indicating the daily power consumption at each customer 70) transmitted by multiple first EMS controllers 20a installed at each customer 70 belonging to the first customer group, and stores (manages) the data in association with the identification information of each customer 70 (first EMS controller 20a). The first EMS server 30a is managed and operated, for example, by the manufacturer and distributor of the first EMS controllers 20a. The first EMS server 30a comprises a communication unit 31a, an information processing unit 32a, and a storage unit 33a.

[0032] The communication unit 31a is a communication circuit for the first EMS server 30a to communicate with the first aggregation server 40 and a plurality of first EMS controllers 20a via a wide-area communication network. The communication unit 31a may perform wired communication, for example, but it may also perform wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used by the communication unit 31a.

[0033] The information processing unit 32a performs information processing related to the management of power consumption, etc. The information processing unit 32a is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The information processing unit 32a includes a detection unit 34a and a control unit 35a as functional components. The functions of the detection unit 34a and the control unit 35a are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 32a executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 33a. Details of the functions of the detection unit 34a and the control unit 35a will be described later.

[0034] The storage unit 33a is a storage device that stores information necessary to realize the above-mentioned information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 32a. The storage unit 33a is implemented by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be implemented by a semiconductor memory.

[0035] The second energy resource 10b has the same configuration as the first energy resource 10a, except that it is installed at a customer 70 belonging to the second customer group and communicates with the second EMS controller 20b, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In the description of the first energy resource 10a, the first customer group, the first energy resource 10a, the communication unit 11a, the information processing unit 12a, the storage unit 13a, the detection unit 14a, the control unit 15a, and the first EMS controller 20a can be read as the second customer group, the second energy resource 10b, the communication unit 11b, the information processing unit 12b, the storage unit 13b, the detection unit 14b, the control unit 15b, and the second EMS controller 20b.

[0036] The second EMS controller 20b has the same configuration as the first EMS controller 20a, except that it is installed at a customer 70 belonging to the second customer group and communicates with the second energy resource 10b and the second EMS server 30b, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In the description of the first EMS controller 20a, the first customer group, the first EMS controller 20a, the communication unit 21a, the information processing unit 22a, the storage unit 23a, the detection unit 24a, the control unit 25a, the first energy resource 10a, and the first EMS server 30a can be read as the second customer group, the second EMS controller 20b, the communication unit 21b, the information processing unit 22b, the storage unit 23b, the detection unit 24b, the control unit 25b, the second energy resource 10b, and the second EMS server 30b.

[0037] To elaborate on the difference between the first EMS controller 20a and the second EMS controller 20b, the first EMS controller 20a and the second EMS controller 20b are, for example, EMS controllers manufactured by different companies. Alternatively, the first EMS controller 20a and the second EMS controller 20b may be manufactured by the same company, with one being a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller and the other a BEMS (Building Energy Management System) controller.

[0038] The second EMS server 30b has the same configuration as the first EMS server 30a, except that it communicates with multiple second EMS controllers 20b, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In the description of the first EMS server 30a, the first customer group, the first EMS server 30a, the communication unit 31a, the information processing unit 32a, the storage unit 33a, the detection unit 34a, the control unit 35a, and the first EMS controller 20a can be read as the second customer group, the second EMS server 30b, the communication unit 31b, the information processing unit 32b, the storage unit 33b, the detection unit 34b, the control unit 35b, and the second EMS controller 20b. The difference between the first EMS server 30a and the second EMS server 30b is the difference in the EMS controllers under their control.

[0039] The first aggregation server 40 is a lower-level server device that performs information processing for controlling a plurality of first energy resources 10a and a plurality of second energy resources 10b (in other words, information processing for providing services to a plurality of consumers 70). The first aggregation server 40 is managed and operated by, for example, a service provider. The first aggregation server 40 comprises a communication unit 41, an information processing unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0040] The communication unit 41 is a communication circuit for the first aggregation server 40 to communicate with the first EMS server 30a, the second EMS server 30b, and the second aggregation server 50 via a wide-area communication network. The communication unit 41 may perform wired communication, for example, but it may also perform wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standards used by the communication unit 41.

[0041] The information processing unit 42 performs information processing for controlling a plurality of first energy resources 10a and a plurality of second energy resources 10b. The information processing unit 42 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The information processing unit 42 includes a detection unit 44 and a control unit 45 as functional components. The functions of the detection unit 44 and the control unit 45 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 42 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 43.

[0042] The storage unit 43 is a storage device that stores information necessary to realize the above-mentioned information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 42. The storage unit 43 is implemented by, for example, an HDD, but may also be implemented by a semiconductor memory.

[0043] The second aggregation server 50 is a higher-level server device that performs information processing for controlling a plurality of first energy resources 10a and a plurality of second energy resources 10b (in other words, information processing for providing services to a plurality of customers 70). The second aggregation server 50 is, for example, managed and operated by a service provider. The second aggregation server 50 includes a communication unit 51, an information processing unit 52, and a storage unit 53.

[0044] The communication unit 51 is a communication circuit for the second aggregation server 50 to communicate with the first aggregation server 40 via a wide area communication network. The communication unit 51 performs, for example, wired communication, but may perform wireless communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 51 is not particularly limited.

[0045] The information processing unit 52 performs information processing for controlling a plurality of first energy resources 10a and a plurality of second energy resources 10b. The information processing unit 52 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 52 includes a detection unit 54 and a control unit 55 as functional components. The functions of the detection unit 54 and the control unit 55 are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 52 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 53.

[0046] The storage unit 53 is a storage device that stores information necessary to realize the above-described information processing such as a computer program executed by the information processing unit 52. The storage unit 53 is realized, for example, by a HDD, but may be realized by a semiconductor memory.

[0047] [Multiple Services]The first aggregation server 40 divides one day into 48 time slots with �0 minutes as the minimum unit, and selects the service that is most financially beneficial to the customer 70 from among a plurality of services for each time slot. Here, as examples of the services included in the plurality of services, five types of services will be described.

[0048] The first service is a service that performs energy-saving control of the first energy resource 10a or the second energy resource 10b (hereinafter also simply referred to as the energy resource) and reduces the electricity bill. The energy-saving control is, for example, so-called peak cut control. Note that the energy resource to be subject to the energy-saving control and how to control the energy resource are set in advance, for example.

[0049] The second service is a service that maximizes the self-consumption of the generated electric power obtained from the energy resource.

[0050] The third service is a service that sells the generated electric power to the power market.

[0051] The fourth service is a service (DR service) that gives power margin to the retail electric power business operator according to the request of the retail electric power business operator contracted by the customer. Specifically, the fourth service is a service that outputs the generated electric power from the energy resource to the power grid 60 or performs energy-saving control of the energy resource.

[0052] The fifth service is a service that lends surplus power in the customer 70 to other customers 70.

[0053] In the following embodiments, an example in which the first aggregation server 40 selects a service from the above five types of services will be described. However, the plurality of services (service candidates) to be selected may include services other than the above five types. It is sufficient that at least one of the above five types of services is included in the plurality of services to be selected.

[0054] [Normal Operation] During the time slot in which the third service described above is provided, the second aggregation server 50 predicts, for example, the amount of electricity generated by the multiple consumers 70 that are the target of the third service and the amount of electricity required in the electricity market, and instructs the first energy resource 10a (or second energy resource 10b) provided at the multiple consumers 70 to adjust the amount of electricity at predetermined time intervals. This makes it possible to balance the electricity required by the market (demand) with the electricity output from the multiple consumers 70 to the grid 60 (supply).

[0055] The amount of power adjustment is transmitted from the second aggregation server 50 to the first energy resource 10a (or second energy resource 10b) in a top-down manner via the hierarchical communication network shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows an example of normal operation while the third service is being provided.

[0056] The control unit 55 of the second aggregation server 50 calculates the amount of power adjustment for the multiple consumers 70 (first energy resource 10a or second energy resource 10b) that are the target of the provision of the third service (S11). The information necessary for calculating the adjustment amount is notified to the second aggregation server in advance by each node (energy resource, EMS controller, EMS server, aggregation server) and is not shown in the diagram. The control unit 55 also transmits a first execution instruction for controlling the energy resources of the multiple consumers 70 to the first aggregation server 40 using the communication unit 51 (S12). The first execution instruction includes the individual power adjustment amount for each of the multiple consumers 70 (the adjustment amount calculated in step S11).

[0057] The communication unit 41 of the first aggregation server 40 receives the first execution instruction. The control unit 45 transmits the first execution instruction to the first EMS server 30a using the communication unit 41 (S13). Although not shown in Figure 2, the control unit 45 also transmits the first execution instruction to the second EMS server 30b using the communication unit 41.

[0058] The communication unit 31a of the first EMS server 30a receives the first execution instruction. The control unit 35a transmits the first execution instruction to each of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a using the communication unit 31a (S14). Although not shown in Figure 2, the communication unit 31b of the second EMS server 30b also receives the first execution instruction, and the control unit 35b transmits the first execution instruction to each of the multiple second EMS controllers 20b using the communication unit 31b.

[0059] Each communication unit 21a of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a receives a first execution instruction. Each control unit 25a of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a adjusts the power by controlling the first energy resource 10a based on the received first execution instruction (S15). Although not shown in Figure 2, each communication unit 21b of the multiple second EMS controllers 20b receives a first execution instruction from the second EMS server 30b, and each control unit 25b of the multiple second EMS controllers 20b adjusts the power by controlling the second energy resource 10b based on the received first execution instruction.

[0060] During the provision of the third service, the processes in steps S11 to S15 are repeated at predetermined time intervals.

[0061] [Operation Example 1: When a communication error occurs in the communication path (a)] If a communication error occurs in the communication path (a) (see Figure 1) between the second aggregation server 50 and the first aggregation server 40, the first execution instruction will not be transmitted to devices lower than the first aggregation server 40, and the provision of the third service cannot continue. Operation Example 1 in such a case will be explained below. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram of Operation Example 1 when a communication error occurs.

[0062] The detection unit 54 of the second aggregation server 50 and the detection unit 44 of the first aggregation server 40 periodically perform communication attempts. If the detection unit 54 detects that communication on communication path (a) is interrupted (S21) and the communication attempt fails, it considers that a communication abnormality has occurred on communication path (a). In other words, the detection unit 54 detects a communication abnormality on communication path (a) (S22). Similarly, the detection unit 44 also detects a communication abnormality on communication path (a) (S23).

[0063] When the control unit 45 detects a communication anomaly by the detection unit 44, it sends an anomaly notification to the first EMS server 30a using the communication unit 41 to notify the communication anomaly (S24). Although not shown in Figure 3, the control unit 45 also sends the anomaly notification to the second EMS server 30b using the communication unit 41.

[0064] The communication unit 31a of the first EMS server 30a receives abnormality notification information. The detection unit 34a detects a communication abnormality based on the abnormality notification information (S25), and the control unit 35a transitions to independent control mode upon detection of the communication abnormality (S26). The control unit 35a, having transitioned to independent control mode, sends a second execution instruction for providing a service different from the third service to each of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a using the communication unit 31a (S27). The other service is, for example, the first service or the second service described above, and is a service that does not require communication with a higher-level device. The type of service for which control is performed in independent control mode is predetermined.

[0065] Although not shown in Figure 3, the communication unit 31b of the second EMS server 30b also receives abnormality notification information, and the detection unit 34b detects the communication abnormality. Upon detection of the communication abnormality, the control unit 35b transitions to independent control mode and sends a second execution instruction for providing other services to each of the multiple second EMS controllers 20b using the communication unit 31b.

[0066] Each communication unit 21a of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a receives a second execution instruction. Each control unit 25a of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a provides other services by controlling the first energy resource 10a based on the received second execution instruction (S28).

[0067] Although not shown in Figure 3, each communication unit 21b of the multiple second EMS controllers 20b receives the second execution instruction. Each control unit 25b of the multiple second EMS controllers 20b provides other services by controlling the second energy resource 10b based on the received second execution instruction.

[0068] As explained above, in Operation Example 1, if the first EMS server 30a is unable to receive the first execution instruction for control to provide the third service due to a communication error, the first EMS server 30a will instruct the first EMS controller 20a, with which it can communicate, to control the first energy resource 10a independently without the first execution instruction. The same applies to the second EMS server 30b.

[0069] Such a control system 100 can change the services provided to the customer 70 when a communication error occurs.

[0070] [Operation Example 2: What happens when a communication error occurs in communication path (a)] Next, we will explain another example of operation (Operation Example 2) when a communication error occurs in communication path (a). Figure 4 is a sequence diagram of Operation Example 2 when a communication error occurs.

[0071] The detection unit 54 of the second aggregation server 50 and the detection unit 44 of the first aggregation server 40 periodically perform communication attempts. If the detection unit 54 detects that communication on communication path (a) is interrupted (S31) and the communication attempt fails, it considers that a communication abnormality has occurred on communication path (a). In other words, the detection unit 54 detects a communication abnormality on communication path (a) (S32). Similarly, the detection unit 44 also detects a communication abnormality on communication path (a) (S33).

[0072] When the control unit 45 detects a communication anomaly by the detection unit 44, it transmits anomaly notification information to the first EMS server 30a using the communication unit 41 to notify the communication anomaly (S34). Although not shown in Figure 4, the control unit 45 also transmits the anomaly notification information to the second EMS server 30b using the communication unit 41.

[0073] The communication unit 31a of the first EMS server 30a receives abnormality notification information. The detection unit 34a detects a communication abnormality based on the abnormality notification information (S35), and the control unit 35a transmits the abnormality notification information to each of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a using the communication unit 31a (S36). Although not shown in Figure 4, the communication unit 31b of the second EMS server 30b also receives abnormality notification information, and the control unit 35b transmits the abnormality notification information to each of the multiple second EMS controllers 20b using the communication unit 31b.

[0074] Each communication unit 21a of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a receives abnormality notification information. Each detection unit 24a of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a detects a communication abnormality based on the abnormality notification information (S37), and the control unit 25a transitions to independent control mode when a communication abnormality is detected (S38). The control unit 25a, having transitioned to independent control mode, provides a service different from the third service by controlling the first energy resource 10a (S39). In other words, the control unit 25a changes the control content of the first energy resource 10a.

[0075] Although not shown in Figure 4, the communication unit 21b of each of the multiple second EMS controllers 20b receives abnormality notification information. The detection unit 24b of each of the multiple second EMS controllers 20b detects a communication abnormality based on the abnormality notification information, and the control unit 25b transitions to independent control mode when a communication abnormality is detected. The control unit 25b, having transitioned to independent control mode, provides a service different from the third service by controlling the second energy resource 10b.

[0076] As explained above, in Operation Example 2, if the first EMS controller 20a cannot receive the first execution instruction due to a communication error, it performs a process to control the first energy resource 10a independently of the first execution instruction. The second EMS controller 20b does the same.

[0077] Such a control system 100 can change the services provided to the customer 70 when a communication error occurs.

[0078] [Operation Example 3: When a communication error occurs in the communication path (b1) 1] If a communication error occurs in the communication path (b1) (see Figure 1) between the first aggregation server 40 and the first EMS server 30a, the first execution instruction will not be transmitted to devices lower than the first EMS server 30a, and the provision of the third service cannot continue. Operation Example 3 in such a case will be explained below. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram of Operation Example 3 when a communication error occurs.

[0079] The detection unit 44 of the first aggregation server 40 and the detection unit 34a of the first EMS server 30a periodically perform communication attempts. If the detection unit 44 detects that communication in the communication path (b1) is interrupted (S41) and the communication attempt fails, it considers that a communication abnormality has occurred in the communication path (b1). In other words, the detection unit 44 detects a communication abnormality in the communication path (b1) (S42).

[0080] When the control unit 45 detects a communication anomaly by the detection unit 44, it transmits anomaly notification information to the second aggregation server 50 using the communication unit 41 to notify the system of the communication anomaly (S43).

[0081] The communication unit 51 of the second aggregation server 50 receives abnormality notification information. The detection unit 54 detects a communication abnormality based on the abnormality notification information (S44), and the control unit 55, upon detection of the communication abnormality, calculates the amount of power adjustment for the multiple second energy resources 10b, assuming that there are no multiple first energy resources 10a that cannot send the first execution instruction due to the communication abnormality (S45). In other words, it recalculates the amount of power adjustment. When recalculating, the amount of adjustment for the subordinate equipment where the communication abnormality occurred may be set to 0, or the recalculation may be performed based on information that was successfully notified immediately before the communication abnormality occurred. Alternatively, a statistical amount of the notification results of multiple times before the communication abnormality occurred, such as the average value, may be used. The method of recalculating the adjustment amount is not limited to this embodiment and can be applied in other cases as well.

[0082] The control unit 55 then transmits a first execution instruction for controlling the multiple second energy resources 10b to the first aggregation server 40 using the communication unit 51 (S46).

[0083] The communication unit 41 of the first aggregation server 40 receives the first execution instruction. The control unit 45 transmits the first execution instruction to the second EMS server 30b using the communication unit 41 (S47).

[0084] Although not shown in Figure 5, after step S47, the first execution instruction is transmitted to multiple second EMS controllers 20b, and the multiple second EMS controllers 20b control multiple second energy resources 10b. In other words, the provision of the third service to the second group of consumers continues.

[0085] On the other hand, if communication in the communication path (b1) is interrupted (S41) and the communication attempt fails, the detection unit 34a of the first EMS server 30a similarly detects a communication abnormality in the communication path (b1) (S51).

[0086] The control unit 35a transitions to independent control mode when a communication anomaly is detected (S52). In independent control mode, the control unit 35a transmits a second execution instruction for providing a service different from the third service to each of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a using the communication unit 31a (S53).

[0087] Each communication unit 21a of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a receives a second execution instruction. Each control unit 25a of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a provides other services by controlling the first energy resource 10a based on the received second execution instruction (S54). In other words, other services are provided to the first group of consumers.

[0088] As explained above, in Operation Example 3, if the second aggregation server 50 is unable to issue a first execution instruction to the first energy resource 10a installed in the first consumer group, it performs a process to calculate the amount of power adjustment for the second consumer group other than the first consumer group.

[0089] Such a control system 100 can continue providing services to customers 70 belonging to the second customer group when a communication abnormality occurs.

[0090] Furthermore, in Operation Example 3, if the first EMS server 30a is unable to receive the first execution instruction for control to provide the third service due to a communication error, the first EMS server 30a performs a process to cause the first EMS controller 20a, with which it can communicate, to control the first energy resource 10a independently, without the first execution instruction.

[0091] Such a control system 100 can change the services provided to customers 70 belonging to the first customer group when a communication anomaly occurs.

[0092] [Operation Example 4: When a communication error occurs in the communication path (b1) 2] Next, we will explain another operation example (Operation Example 4) when a communication error occurs in the communication path (b1). Figure 6 is a sequence diagram of Operation Example 4 when a communication error occurs.

[0093] The processing in steps S41 to S47 is the same as in operation example 3, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Although not shown in Figure 6, after step S47, the first execution instruction is sent to multiple second EMS controllers 20b, and the multiple second EMS controllers 20b control multiple second energy resources 10b. In other words, the provision of the third service to the second group of consumers continues.

[0094] On the other hand, if communication in the communication path (b1) is interrupted (S41) and the communication attempt fails, the detection unit 34a of the first EMS server 30a similarly detects a communication anomaly in the communication path (b1) (S61). The control unit 35a transmits the anomaly notification information to each of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a using the communication unit 31a (S62).

[0095] Each communication unit 21a of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a receives abnormality notification information. Each detection unit 24a of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a detects a communication abnormality based on the abnormality notification information (S63), and the control unit 25a transitions to independent control mode when a communication abnormality is detected (S64). The control unit 25a, having transitioned to independent control mode, provides a service different from the third service by controlling the first energy resource 10a (S65). In other words, the control unit 25a changes the control content of the first energy resource 10a, thereby providing a different service to the first group of consumers.

[0096] As explained above, in Operation Example 4, if the second aggregation server 50 is unable to issue a first execution instruction to the first energy resource 10a installed in the first consumer group, it performs a process to calculate the amount of power adjustment for the second consumer group other than the first consumer group.

[0097] Such a control system 100 can continue providing services to customers 70 belonging to the second customer group when a communication abnormality occurs.

[0098] Furthermore, in operation example 4, if the first EMS controller 20a cannot receive the first execution instruction due to a communication error, it performs a process to control the first energy resource 10a independently of the first execution instruction.

[0099] Such a control system 100 can change the services provided to customers 70 belonging to the first customer group when a communication anomaly occurs.

[0100] [Operation Example 5: When a communication error occurs in the communication path (c1)] If a communication error occurs in the communication path (c1) (see Figure 1) between the first EMS server 30a and some of the first EMS controllers 20a, the first execution instruction will not be transmitted to devices lower than some of the first EMS controllers 20a, and the provision of the third service cannot continue. Operation Example 5 in such a case will be explained below. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram of Operation Example 5 when a communication error occurs.

[0101] The detection unit 34a of the first EMS server 30a, and the detection units 24a of each of the multiple first EMS controllers 20a, periodically perform communication attempts. If the detection unit 34a detects that communication in the communication path (c1) with some of the first EMS controllers 20a is interrupted (S71) and the communication attempt fails, it considers that a communication abnormality has occurred in the communication path (c1). In other words, the detection unit 34a detects a communication abnormality in the communication path (c1) (S72).

[0102] When the control unit 35a detects a communication anomaly by the detection unit 34a, it transmits anomaly notification information to the first aggregation server 40 using the communication unit 31a to notify the system of the communication anomaly (S73).

[0103] The communication unit 41 of the first aggregation server 40 receives abnormality notification information. The detection unit 44 detects a communication abnormality based on the abnormality notification information (S74), and when the detection unit 44 detects a communication abnormality, the control unit 45 transmits abnormality notification information to the second aggregation server 50 using the communication unit 41 to notify the communication abnormality (S75).

[0104] The communication unit 51 of the second aggregation server 50 receives abnormality notification information. The detection unit 54 detects a communication abnormality based on the abnormality notification information (S76), and the control unit 55, upon detection of the communication abnormality, calculates the amount of power adjustment for the other first energy resources 10a and the multiple second energy resources 10b, assuming that there are no first energy resources 10a that cannot be controlled due to the communication abnormality (S77). In other words, it recalculates the amount of power adjustment.

[0105] The control unit 55 then transmits a first execution instruction for controlling the other first energy resources 10a and the plurality of second energy resources 10b to the first aggregation server 40 using the communication unit 51 (S78).

[0106] The communication unit 41 of the first aggregation server 40 receives the first execution instruction. The control unit 45 transmits the first execution instruction to the first EMS server 30a using the communication unit 41 (S79), and also transmits it to the second EMS server 30b (S80).

[0107] Although not shown in Figure 7, after step S79, the first execution instruction is transmitted to a communicable first EMS controller 20a, and the communicable first EMS controller 20a controls the other first energy resources 10a. After step S80, the first execution instruction is transmitted to a plurality of second EMS controllers 20b, and the plurality of second EMS controllers 20b control the plurality of second energy resources 10b. In other words, the provision of the third service continues to a portion of the first customer group and the second customer group.

[0108] On the other hand, if communication in the communication path (c1) is interrupted (S71) and the communication attempt fails, the detection unit 24a of some of the first EMS controllers 20a similarly detects a communication anomaly in the communication path (c1) (S81). The control unit 25a of some of the first EMS controllers 20a transitions to independent control mode when a communication anomaly is detected (S82). The control unit 25a, having transitioned to independent control mode, provides a service different from the third service by controlling the first energy resource 10a (S83). In other words, the control unit 25a changes the control content of the first energy resource 10a.

[0109] As explained above, in Operation Example 5, if the second aggregation server 50 is unable to issue a first execution instruction to some of the first energy resources 10a installed in the first consumer group, it performs a process to calculate the amount of power adjustment for the energy resources excluding some of the first energy resources 10a.

[0110] Such a control system 100 can continue providing services even when a communication error occurs.

[0111] Furthermore, in operation example 5, if some of the first EMS controllers 20a are unable to receive the first execution instruction due to a communication error, they perform a process to control the first energy resource 10a independently of the first execution instruction.

[0112] Such a control system 100 can change the service when a communication error occurs.

[0113] In operation example 5, it is also possible that communication between the first EMS server 30a and all first EMS controllers 20a may be interrupted due to a failure of the first EMS server 30a. In such a case, as in operation examples 3 and 4, the services provided to customers 70 belonging to the second customer group will continue, and the services provided to customers 70 belonging to the first customer group will be changed.

[0114] [Operation Example 6: When a communication error occurs in the communication path (d1)] If a communication error occurs in the communication path (d1) (see Figure 1) between the first EMS controller 20a and some of the first energy resources 10a, the first EMS controller 20a will be unable to control some of the first energy resources 10a, and the provision of the third service will not be able to continue. Operation Example 6 in such a case will be described below. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram of Operation Example 6 when a communication error occurs.

[0115] The detection unit 24a of the first EMS controller 20a and the detection units 14a of each of the multiple first energy resources 10a periodically attempt to communicate. If the detection unit 14a detects that communication in the communication path (d1) with the first EMS controller 20a is interrupted (S91) and the communication attempt fails, it considers that a communication abnormality has occurred in the communication path (d1). In other words, the detection unit 14a detects a communication abnormality in the communication path (d1) (S92).

[0116] When the detection unit 14a detects a communication anomaly in the first energy resource 10a, it transitions to an independent operation mode (S93) and performs operations corresponding to a service different from the third service, without being controlled by the first EMS controller 20a.

[0117] On the other hand, if the detection unit 24a of the first EMS controller 20a fails to communicate with some of the first energy resources 10a, it considers that a communication abnormality has occurred in the communication path (d1). In other words, the detection unit 24a detects a communication abnormality in the communication path (d1) (S94).

[0118] When the control unit 25a detects a communication anomaly by the detection unit 24a, it transmits anomaly notification information to the first EMS server 30a using the communication unit 21a to notify the system of the communication anomaly (S95).

[0119] The communication unit 31a of the first EMS server 30a receives abnormality notification information. The detection unit 34a detects a communication abnormality based on the abnormality notification information (S96), and when the detection unit 34a detects a communication abnormality, the control unit 35a sends abnormality notification information to the first aggregation server 40 using the communication unit 31a to notify of the communication abnormality (S97).

[0120] The communication unit 41 of the first aggregation server 40 receives abnormality notification information. The detection unit 44 detects a communication abnormality based on the abnormality notification information (S98), and when the detection unit 44 detects a communication abnormality, the control unit 45 transmits abnormality notification information to the second aggregation server 50 using the communication unit 41 to notify the communication abnormality (S99).

[0121] The communication unit 51 of the second aggregation server 50 receives abnormality notification information. The detection unit 54 detects a communication abnormality based on the abnormality notification information (S100), and the control unit 55, upon detection of the communication abnormality, calculates the amount of power adjustment for the other first energy resources 10a and the multiple second energy resources 10b, assuming that there are no first energy resources 10a that cannot be controlled due to the communication abnormality (first energy resources 10a that transition to independent operation mode) among the multiple first energy resources 10a (S101). In other words, it recalculates the amount of power adjustment.

[0122] The control unit 55 then transmits a first execution instruction for controlling the other first energy resources 10a and the plurality of second energy resources 10b to the first aggregation server 40 using the communication unit 51 (S102).

[0123] The communication unit 41 of the first aggregation server 40 receives the first execution instruction. The control unit 45 transmits the first execution instruction to the first EMS server 30a using the communication unit 41 (S103), and also transmits it to the second EMS server 30b (S104).

[0124] Although not shown in Figure 8, after step S103, the first execution instruction is transmitted to the first EMS controller 20a, and the first EMS controller controls the other first energy resources 10a. Furthermore, after step S104, the first execution instruction is transmitted to multiple second EMS controllers 20b, and the multiple second EMS controllers 20b control multiple second energy resources 10b. In other words, the provision of the third service continues to a portion of the first customer group and the second customer group.

[0125] As explained above, in operation example 6, if the second aggregation server 50 is unable to issue a first execution instruction to some of the first energy resources 10a installed in the first consumer group, it performs a process to calculate the amount of power adjustment for the energy resources excluding some of the first energy resources 10a.

[0126] Such a control system 100 can continue providing services even when a communication error occurs.

[0127] Furthermore, in operation example 6, some of the first energy resources 10a operate independently when they cannot be controlled by the first EMS controller 20a due to a communication error.

[0128] Such a control system 100 can change the service when a communication error occurs.

[0129] In operation example 6, it is also possible that communication between the first EMS controller 20a and all first energy resources 10a may be interrupted due to a failure of the first EMS controller 20a. In such a case, as in operation example 5, the services provided to customers 70 belonging to the second customer group will continue, and the services provided to customers 70 belonging to the first customer group will be changed.

[0130] [Modification] In the above operation examples 1 to 6, the operation examples shown are for when a communication error occurs while the third service is being provided. However, the operation examples for when a communication error occurs while the fourth service is being provided are the same as in operation examples 1 to 6. In addition, even while the fourth service is being provided, the amount of power adjustment (upward DR or downward DR) is transmitted from the second aggregation server 50 to the first energy resource 10a (or second energy resource 10b) in a top-down manner via the hierarchical communication network.

[0131] The above examples 1 to 6 do not include examples of operation when an abnormality occurs in the communication path (b2). However, the example of operation when an abnormality occurs in the communication path (b2) is the same as the example of operation when an abnormality occurs in the communication path (b1). Similarly, the example of operation when an abnormality occurs in the communication path (c2) is the same as the example of operation when an abnormality occurs in the communication path (c1), and the example of operation when an abnormality occurs in the communication path (d2) is the same as the example of operation when an abnormality occurs in the communication path (d1).

[0132] The hierarchical communication network in the above embodiment has five layers (see Figure 1), but the number of layers in a hierarchical communication network is not particularly limited. The information processing when a communication anomaly occurs, as described in the above embodiment, can be applied to hierarchical communication networks with three or more layers. For example, the control system 100 may have a single aggregation server that has the functions of both the first aggregation server 40 and the second aggregation server 50 instead of the first aggregation server 40 and the second aggregation server 50. In this case, the hierarchical communication network will have four layers, but the information processing when a communication anomaly occurs, as described in the above embodiment, can still be applied.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the service is a service provided by a service provider to a consumer, but it can also be considered as a service provided by a service provider to a retail electricity provider. For example, the fourth service (DR service) can be considered a service provided to both the consumer and the retail electricity provider, as it provides an incentive to the consumer and helps stabilize the power supply to the retail electricity provider.

[0134] [Effects, etc.] Below, examples of inventions obtained from the disclosures of this specification will be given, and the effects, etc. obtained from said inventions will be explained.

[0135] Invention 1 is a control system 100 for controlling energy resources installed in a plurality of consumers 70 in order to provide electricity services to an electric utility or a plurality of consumers 70, and the control system 100 comprises a detection unit for detecting communication abnormalities in a hierarchical communication network including at least three layers used for communication for control, and a control unit that executes predetermined processing related to control when a communication abnormality is detected. The energy resources here are a first energy resource 10a or a second energy resource 10b. The detection unit here is any of detection units 14a, 14b, 24a, 24b, 34a, 34b, 44, and 54. The control unit here is any of control units 15a, 15b, 25a, 25b, 35a, 35b, 45, and 55.

[0136] Such a control system 100 can respond to communication abnormalities.

[0137] Invention 2 is a control system 100 of Invention 1 in which the control unit is provided in a device that issues control execution instructions, and when it is not possible to issue execution instructions to energy resources installed in some of the multiple consumers 70 due to a detected communication anomaly, the control unit performs a predetermined process to calculate the amount of power adjustment for the consumers 70 other than the some consumers 70. Here, the control unit is, for example, a control unit 55, and the device that issues control execution instructions is, for example, a second aggregation server 50.

[0138] Such a control system 100 can ensure the continuation of control based on execution instructions in the event of an abnormality in the communication network.

[0139] Invention 3 is a control system 100 of Invention 1, in which the control unit is provided in a controller that controls energy resources upon receiving a control execution instruction, and when a control execution instruction cannot be received due to a detected communication anomaly, the control unit performs a predetermined process to independently control the energy resources that it can control without receiving an execution instruction. The control unit here is, for example, a control unit 25a or a control unit 25b, and the controller here is, for example, a first EMS controller 20a or a second EMS controller 20b.

[0140] Such a control system 100 can perform control independent of execution instructions, instead of control based on execution instructions, when an abnormality occurs in the communication network.

[0141] Invention 4 is a control system 100 of Invention 1, in which the control unit is provided in a device that receives a control execution instruction, and when it is not possible to receive a control execution instruction due to a detected communication anomaly, the control unit performs a predetermined process to cause the energy resource controller to control the energy resource independently without an execution instruction. The control unit here is, for example, a control unit 35a or a control unit 35b, the device that receives the control execution instruction here is, for example, a first EMS server 30a or a second EMS server 30b, and the controller here is, for example, a first EMS controller 20a or a second EMS controller 20b.

[0142] Such a control system 100 can perform control independent of execution instructions, instead of control based on execution instructions, when an abnormality occurs in the communication network.

[0143] Invention 5 is a control system 100 of any of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the detection unit detects a communication abnormality based on whether or not the device equipped with the detection unit can communicate with other devices.

[0144] Such a control system 100 can directly detect communication abnormalities.

[0145] Invention 6 is a control system 100 of Inventions 1 to 5, wherein the detection unit detects a communication anomaly based on whether or not the device equipped with the detection unit has received an anomaly notification information from another device indicating that a communication anomaly has occurred.

[0146] Such a control system 100 can indirectly detect communication abnormalities.

[0147] Invention 7 is a server device that provides power services to an electric utility or a plurality of consumers 70 by issuing execution instructions for the control of energy resources installed in a plurality of consumers 70, and comprises a detection unit 54 that detects communication anomalies in a hierarchical communication network including at least three layers used for communication for control, and a control unit 55 that performs processing to calculate the amount of power adjustment for consumers 70 other than the plurality of consumers 70 when it is not possible to issue execution instructions to energy resources installed in some of the plurality of consumers 70 due to the detected communication anomaly. The server device here is, for example, a second aggregation server 50.

[0148] Such server devices can continue control based on execution instructions even if an abnormality occurs in the communication network.

[0149] Invention 8 is a server device that receives execution instructions for controlling energy resources installed in a plurality of consumers 70 in order to provide electricity services to an electric utility or a plurality of consumers 70, and comprises a detection unit 44 for detecting communication abnormalities in a hierarchical communication network including at least three layers used for communication for control, and a control unit 45 for notifying other server devices that a communication abnormality has occurred when a communication abnormality is detected. The server device here is, for example, a first aggregation server 40.

[0150] Such server devices can notify other server devices if an abnormality occurs in the communication network.

[0151] Invention 9 is a server device that receives execution instructions for controlling energy resources installed at multiple consumers 70 in order to provide electricity services to an electric utility or multiple consumers, and comprises a detection unit 34a that detects communication anomalies in a hierarchical communication network including at least three layers used for communication for control, and a control unit 35a that, when it is not possible to receive execution instructions for control due to the detected communication anomaly, causes the server device to cause the controller of the energy resource that can communicate with the server device to control the energy resource independently without execution instructions. The server device here is, for example, a first EMS server 30a, but may also be a second EMS server 30b.

[0152] Such a server device allows the controller to perform control independent of execution instructions, instead of control based on execution instructions, in the event of a communication network anomaly.

[0153] Invention 10 is an information processing method for a control system 100 that controls energy resources installed in a plurality of consumers 70 in order to provide electricity services to an electric utility or a plurality of consumers 70, and the information processing method includes the steps of detecting a communication anomaly in a hierarchical communication network having at least three layers used for communication for control, and executing a predetermined process related to control when a communication anomaly is detected. The energy resource here is a first energy resource 10a or a second energy resource 10b.

[0154] This type of information processing method can handle communication anomalies.

[0155] Invention 11 is an information processing method for a server device that issues execution instructions for the control of energy resources installed in a plurality of consumers 70 in order to provide electricity services to an electric utility or a plurality of consumers 70, and includes the steps of detecting a communication anomaly in a hierarchical communication network including at least three layers used for communication for control, and, if execution instructions cannot be issued to the energy resources installed in some of the plurality of consumers 70 due to the detected communication anomaly, processing to calculate the amount of power adjustment for the consumers 70 other than the some consumers 70. The server device here is, for example, a second aggregation server 50.

[0156] This type of information processing method allows for the continuation of control based on execution instructions in the event of an anomaly in the communication network.

[0157] Invention 12 is an information processing method for a server device that receives execution instructions for controlling energy resources installed in a plurality of consumers 70 in order to provide electricity services to an electric utility or a plurality of consumers 70, and includes a detection unit 44 that detects communication abnormalities in a hierarchical communication network including at least three layers used for communication for control, and a control unit 45 that notifies other server devices that a communication abnormality has occurred when a communication abnormality is detected. The server device here is, for example, a first aggregation server 40.

[0158] This type of information processing method can notify other server devices if an anomaly occurs in the communication network.

[0159] Invention 13 is an information processing method for a server device that receives execution instructions for controlling energy resources installed at multiple consumers 70 in order to provide electricity services to an electric utility or multiple consumers, and includes the steps of detecting a communication anomaly in a hierarchical communication network including at least three layers used for communication for control, and, if the server device cannot receive execution instructions for control due to the detected communication anomaly, performing processing to cause the controller of the energy resource that the server device can communicate with to control the energy resource independently without execution instructions. The server device here is, for example, a first EMS server 30a, but may also be a second EMS server 30b.

[0160] This type of information processing method allows the controller to perform control independent of execution instructions, instead of control based on execution instructions, in the event of an anomaly in the communication network.

[0161] Invention 14 is a program for causing a computer to execute any of the information processing methods from Inventions 10 to 13.

[0162] Such a program allows a computer to respond to communication anomalies.

[0163] (Other Embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0164] For example, in the above embodiment, the control system is implemented by multiple devices. In this case, the processing performed by the devices of the control system may be performed by other devices. For example, some or all of the processing performed by the second aggregation server may be performed by the first aggregation server. Alternatively, the control system may be implemented by a single device, for example, a device corresponding to the control system, EMS controller, EMS server, first aggregation server, or second aggregation server.

[0165] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processing units may be changed, or multiple processing units may be executed in parallel.

[0166] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0167] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0168] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0169] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a control system, EMS controller, EMS server, first aggregation server, or second aggregation server according to the above embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a method executed by these devices (computers), or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a method. The present invention may also be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0170] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0171] 10a First energy resource 10b Second energy resource 11a, 11b, 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b, 41, 51 Communication unit 12a, 12b, 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 42, 52 Information processing unit 13a, 13b, 23a, 23b, 33a, 33b, 43, 53 Storage unit 14a, 14b, 24a, 24b, 34a, 34b, 44, 54 Detection unit 15a, 15b, 25a, 25b, 35a, 35b, 45, 55 Control unit 20a First EMS controller 20b Second EMS controller 30a First EMS server 30b Second EMS server 40 First aggregation server 50 Second aggregation server 60 System 70 Customer 100 Control System

Claims

1. A control system for controlling energy resources installed at an electric utility or a plurality of consumers in order to provide electricity services to the plurality of consumers, comprising: a detection unit for detecting communication anomalies in a hierarchical communication network having at least three layers used for communication for the control; and a control unit that executes predetermined processing related to the control when the communication anomaly is detected.

2. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is provided in a device that issues instructions for the execution of the control, and when it is not possible to issue the execution instructions to energy resources installed at some of the multiple consumers due to a detected communication anomaly, the control system performs a predetermined process of calculating the amount of power adjustment for consumers other than the some of the multiple consumers.

3. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is provided in a controller that controls the energy resources upon receiving an instruction to execute the control, and when it is not possible to receive an instruction to execute the control due to a detected communication anomaly, the control unit performs a predetermined process of independently controlling the energy resources that it can control without the instruction to execute.

4. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is provided in a device that receives the instruction to execute the control, and when it is not possible to receive the instruction to execute the control due to a detected communication abnormality, the control system performs a predetermined process which causes the controller of the energy resource to control the energy resource independently without the instruction to execute.

5. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection unit detects the communication abnormality based on whether or not the device equipped with the detection unit can communicate with other devices.

6. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection unit detects the communication abnormality based on whether or not the device equipped with the detection unit has received abnormality notification information from another device indicating that the communication abnormality has occurred.

7. A server device that provides power services to an electric utility or multiple consumers, and issues execution instructions for controlling energy resources installed at the multiple consumers, comprising: a detection unit that detects communication anomalies in a hierarchical communication network including at least three layers used for communication for the control; and a control unit that, when the execution instructions cannot be issued to the energy resources installed at some of the multiple consumers due to the detected communication anomaly, performs processing to calculate the amount of power adjustment for the consumers other than the some of the consumers.

8. A server device that receives execution instructions for controlling energy resources installed at an electric utility or a plurality of consumers in order to provide electricity services to the plurality of consumers, comprising: a detection unit for detecting communication anomalies in a hierarchical communication network including at least three layers used for communication for the control; and a control unit that notifies other server devices that a communication anomaly has occurred when such an anomaly is detected.

9. A server device for providing electricity services to an electric utility or a plurality of consumers, which receives execution instructions for controlling energy resources installed at the plurality of consumers, comprising: a detection unit for detecting communication anomalies in a hierarchical communication network including at least three layers used for communication for the control; and a control unit that, when the server device cannot receive execution instructions for the control due to the detected communication anomaly, performs processing to cause the controller of the energy resource, with which it can communicate, to control the energy resource independently without the execution instructions.

10. An information processing method in a control system that controls energy resources installed at a plurality of consumers in order to provide electricity services to an electric utility or a plurality of consumers, the information processing method comprising: detecting a communication anomaly in a hierarchical communication network having at least three layers used for communication for the control; and executing a predetermined process relating to the control when the communication anomaly is detected.

11. An information processing method in a server device that issues execution instructions for controlling energy resources installed at a plurality of consumers in order to provide electricity services to an electric utility or a plurality of consumers, comprising the steps of: detecting a communication anomaly in a hierarchical communication network including at least three layers used for communication for the control; and, if the execution instructions cannot be issued to energy resources installed at some of the plurality of consumers due to the detected communication anomaly, performing a process to calculate the amount of power adjustment for consumers other than the partial number of consumers.

12. An information processing method for a server device that receives execution instructions for controlling energy resources installed at an electric utility or a plurality of consumers in order to provide electricity services to the plurality of consumers, the method comprising: detecting a communication anomaly in a hierarchical communication network having at least three layers used for communication for the control; and, when the communication anomaly is detected, notifying other server devices that the communication anomaly has occurred.

13. An information processing method for a server device that receives execution instructions for controlling energy resources installed at an electric utility or a plurality of consumers in order to provide electricity services to the plurality of consumers, the method comprising: a detection step of detecting a communication anomaly in a hierarchical communication network including at least three layers used for communication for the control; and, when the server device cannot receive execution instructions for the control due to the detected communication anomaly, a step of causing the controller of the energy resource with which it can communicate to control the energy resource independently without the execution instructions.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method described in any one of claims 10 to 13.

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