Energy utilization system, management device, and program

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of enabling storage of an appropriate amount of hydrogen in a building such as a house while enabling determination of the need for additionally supplying hydrogen to the building.　This energy utilization system comprises a plurality of buildings (10) and a management device (40). The buildings (10) each have a fuel cell-type power generation device (23) supplied with hydrogen from a plurality of cartridges (20). The management device (40) determines, for each building (10), the need for addition of a cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen. The management device (40) executes: a first calculation process of calculating, for each building (10), the ratio of the number of empty cartridges (20) to the total number of the cartridges (20); a comparison process of comparing the ratio calculated by the first calculation process with a predetermined value; and a determination process of determining that addition of the cartridge (20) filled with hydrogen is necessary when the ratio exceeds the predetermined value as the result of the comparison by the comparison process.

Description

Energy utilization systems, management devices, and programs

[0001] The technologies disclosed herein relate to energy utilization systems, control devices, and programs.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an energy transport system comprising multiple buildings, delivery vehicles, and a data center. Each building has a solar power generation device and a storage battery. The delivery vehicles have vehicle storage batteries. The delivery vehicles circulate between these buildings. When a delivery vehicle arrives at a building, surplus energy is stored from the building's storage battery to the delivery vehicle's vehicle storage battery, or insufficient energy is stored from the delivery vehicle's vehicle storage battery to the building's storage battery.

[0003] Incidentally, since constructing a power transmission network requires enormous costs and time, the realization of an off-grid society is desirable in areas where a power transmission network has not been established, such as mountainous regions, remote islands, or forested areas. In other words, it is desirable to realize a society in which buildings are not connected to the power transmission network and each building can be self-sufficient in electricity without relying on power companies. To realize an off-grid society, each building needs its own power generation equipment. In order to reduce the burden on the environment, it is preferable to use natural energy power generation equipment that generates electricity from natural energy sources such as solar energy, wind power, hydropower, or geothermal energy as the building's own power generation equipment. Furthermore, since fuel cell power generation equipment does not produce carbon dioxide when generating electricity from hydrogen, it is preferable to use fuel cell power generation equipment as the private power generation equipment in order to reduce the environmental burden. However, when fuel cell power generation equipment is used as the private power generation equipment, it is necessary to deliver hydrogen produced at hydrogen production facilities such as factories to the homes. In addition, in order to prevent hydrogen deficiency in homes, it is necessary to store a certain amount of hydrogen in the homes.

[0004] Patent No. 5565351

[0005] The problem that the technology disclosed herein seeks to solve is to enable the storage of an appropriate amount of hydrogen in buildings such as houses, while also enabling the determination of the hydrogen needs for those buildings.

[0006] To solve the above problems, an energy utilization system is provided comprising: a plurality of buildings having fuel cell type power generation devices that generate electricity by receiving hydrogen from a plurality of hydrogen storage cartridges; and a management device for each building that determines the need for additional hydrogen-filled cartridges, wherein the management device performs a first calculation process for each building to calculate the ratio of the number of empty cartridges to the total number of the plurality of cartridges; a comparison process for comparing the ratio calculated by the first calculation process with a predetermined value; and a determination process for determining that, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio exceeds the predetermined value, it is necessary to add hydrogen-filled cartridges to the building.

[0007] This allows for the storage of appropriate amounts of hydrogen in buildings such as houses, while also enabling the determination of the need to add hydrogen to buildings.

[0008] Figure 1 shows the prediction device. Figure 2 shows examples of the first, second, and third daily data. Figure 3 is a diagram of the energy utilization system. Figure 4 is a diagram of a house. Figure 5 is a diagram of the management system for the energy utilization system. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the processes performed by the computer of the overall management device.

[0009] [Summary of Disclosure] This specification discloses the following energy utilization system, control device, and program. The following reference numerals in parentheses are referenced in Figures 1 to 6. The reference numerals in parentheses are included for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the analysis device and control device, and therefore the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples shown in the drawings.

[0010] [1] The energy utilization system comprises a plurality of buildings (10) and a management device (40). The buildings (10) have fuel cell power generation devices (23) that generate electricity by receiving hydrogen from a plurality of hydrogen storage cartridges (20). The management device (40) determines for each building (10) the need for additional hydrogen-filled cartridges (20). The management device (40) performs a comparison process, a first calculation process and a determination process for each building. In the first calculation process, the management device (40) calculates the ratio of the number of empty cartridges (20) to the total number of the plurality of cartridges (20). In the comparison process, the management device (40) compares the ratio calculated in the first calculation process with a predetermined value. If, as a result of the comparison in the comparison process, the ratio exceeds the predetermined value, the management device (40) determines in the determination process that it is necessary to add hydrogen-filled cartridges (20) to the building (10). Adding a cartridge (20) to a building (10) may, for example, mean delivering the cartridge (20) to the building (10). Adding a cartridge (20) to a building (10) may, for example, mean replenishing the cartridge (20) in the building (10). Adding a cartridge (20) to a building (10) may, for example, mean delivering or replenishing the cartridge (20) in the building (10) and then retrieving other cartridges (20) from the building (10). Adding a cartridge (20) to a building (10) may, for example, mean exchanging other cartridges (20) in the building (10) for additional cartridges (20).

[0011] [2] In the energy utilization system of [1], the building (10) has a rechargeable battery (30). The management device (40) performs a first acquisition process, a second acquisition process, a prediction process, and a second determination process for each building (10). If, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the management device (40) acquires the value (W1) of the residual energy of the battery (30) in the first acquisition process. If, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the management device (40) acquires the value (W2) of the amount of energy that the fuel cell power generator (23) can generate from the remaining hydrogen in the cartridge (20) in the second acquisition process. If, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the management device (40) predicts the value (W4) of the amount of energy used in the building (10) in the prediction process. In the second determination process, the management device (40) determines the need to add a hydrogen-filled cartridge (20) to the building (10) based on the residual energy value (W1) obtained in the first acquisition process, the amount of energy that can be generated (W2) obtained in the second acquisition process, and the amount of energy used predicted in the prediction process (W4).

[0012] [3] In the energy utilization system of [1], the building (10) has a rechargeable battery (30) and a natural energy power generation device (27) that supplies power to the building (10). The management device (40) performs a first acquisition process, a second acquisition process, a first prediction process, a second prediction process, and a second determination process for each building (10). If, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the management device (40) acquires the value (W1) of the residual energy of the battery (30) in the first acquisition process. If, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the management device (40) acquires the value (W2) of the amount of energy that the fuel cell power generation device (23) can generate from the remaining hydrogen in the cartridge (20) in the second acquisition process. If, as a result of the comparison in the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the management device (40) predicts the value (W3) of the amount of electricity generated by the natural energy power generation device (27) in the first prediction process. If, as a result of the comparison in the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the management device (40) determines, in the second determination process, the necessity of adding a hydrogen-filled cartridge (20) to the building (10) based on a second prediction process that predicts the value (W4) of the amount of electricity used in the building (10), the value (W1) of the residual amount of electricity obtained in the first acquisition process, the value (W2) of the amount of electricity that can be generated obtained in the second acquisition process, the value (W3) of the amount of electricity generated predicted in the first prediction process, and the value (W4) of the amount of electricity used predicted in the second prediction process.

[0013] [4] In the energy utilization system of [3], the second determination process includes a process that determines that it is necessary to add a hydrogen-filled cartridge (20) to the building (10) if the sum of the residual energy amount (W1) obtained by the first acquisition process, the amount of energy that can be generated (W2) obtained by the second acquisition process, and the amount of power generated (W3) predicted by the first prediction process is less than the amount of energy used (W4) predicted by the second prediction process; and a process that determines that it is unnecessary to add a hydrogen-filled cartridge (20) to the building (10) if the sum of the residual energy amount (W1) obtained by the first acquisition process, the amount of energy that can be generated (W2) obtained by the second acquisition process, and the amount of power generated (W3) predicted by the first prediction process is greater than or equal to the amount of energy used (W4) predicted by the second prediction process.

[0014] [5] Any of the energy utilization systems described in [1] to [4] further comprises a transporter (70). The transporter (70) delivers hydrogen-filled cartridges (20) to the building (10) where it has been determined that additional hydrogen-filled cartridges (20) are needed.

[0015] [6] In the energy utilization system of [3] or [4], the second prediction process includes a second calculation process, a third calculation process, and a fourth calculation process. In the second calculation process, the management device (40) calculates the actual value of the amount of electricity used in the building (10) based on the output of a power meter that measures the total power consumption of loads in the building (10) as the amount of electricity used, thereby accumulating first daily data (61) having the actual value of the amount of electricity used each day. In the third calculation process, the management device (40) calculates a correction coefficient, thereby accumulating second daily data (62) having a correction coefficient for each day. In the fourth calculation process, the management device (40) multiplies the actual value of the amount of electricity used for past days in the first daily data (61) by the correction coefficient calculated by the third calculation process, and calculates the product as a predicted value of the amount of electricity used for future days, thereby having a predicted value of the amount of electricity used each day. In the fourth calculation process, the management device (40) stores the third daily data (63). In the third calculation process, the management device (40) calculates the correction coefficient for future days based on the actual values ​​of the amount of electricity used on past days in the first daily data (61) and the predicted values ​​of the amount of electricity used on past days in the third daily data (63).

[0016] [7] In the energy utilization system of [6], the future day is the next day, and the past day is one week before the next day.

[0017] [8] In the energy utilization system described in [6], in the third calculation process, the management device divides the actual value of the amount of electricity used on past days in the first daily data (61) by the predicted value of the amount of electricity used on past days in the third daily data (63), and calculates the correction coefficient for future days based on the determination value which is the ratio.

[0018] [9] In the energy utilization system of [8], the third calculation process includes: a second comparison process that compares the determination value with a first threshold and a second threshold that is greater than the first; if, as a result of the comparison by the second comparison process, the determination value exceeds the first threshold and is less than or equal to the second threshold, a process that applies the correction coefficient for past days in the second daily data (62) to the correction coefficient for future days; if, as a result of the comparison by the second comparison process, the determination value is less than or equal to the first threshold, a process that applies the value obtained by decreasing the correction coefficient for past days in the second daily data (62) to the correction coefficient for future days; and if, as a result of the comparison by the second comparison process, the determination value exceeds the second threshold, a process that applies the value obtained by increasing the correction coefficient for past days in the second daily data (62) to the correction coefficient for future days.

[0019]

[10] The control device (40) determines the need for additional hydrogen-filled cartridges (20) to a building (10) that has a fuel cell power generation device (23) that generates electricity by receiving hydrogen from hydrogen-filled cartridges (20). The control device (40) performs a first calculation process, a comparison process and a determination process. In the first calculation process, the control device (40) calculates the ratio of the number of empty cartridges (20) to the total number of the plurality of cartridges (20). In the comparison process, the control device (40) compares the ratio calculated in the first calculation process with a predetermined value. If, as a result of the comparison in the comparison process, the ratio exceeds the predetermined value, the control device (40) determines in the determination process that it is necessary to add hydrogen-filled cartridges (20) to the building (10).

[0020]

[11] In the management device (40) of

[10] , the building (10) has a rechargeable battery (30). The management device (40) performs a first acquisition process, a second acquisition process, a prediction process and a second determination process. If, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, in the first acquisition process, the management device (40) acquires the value (W1) of the residual energy of the battery (30). If, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, in the second acquisition process, the management device (40) acquires the value (W2) of the amount of energy that the fuel cell power generator (23) can generate from the remaining hydrogen in the cartridge (20). If, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, in the prediction process, the management device (40) predicts the value (W4) of the amount of energy used in the building (10). In the second determination process, the management device (40) determines the need to add a hydrogen-filled cartridge (20) to the building (10) based on the residual energy value (W1) obtained in the first acquisition process, the amount of energy that can be generated (W2) obtained in the second acquisition process, and the amount of energy used predicted in the prediction process (W4).

[0021]

[12] In the management device (40) of

[10] , the building (10) has a rechargeable battery (30) and a natural energy power generation device (27) that supplies power to the building (10). The management device (40) performs a first acquisition process, a second acquisition process, a first prediction process, a second prediction process and a second determination process. If, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, in the first acquisition process, the management device (40) acquires the value (W1) of the residual energy of the battery (30). If, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, in the second acquisition process, the management device (40) acquires the value (W2) of the amount of energy that the fuel cell power generation device (23) can generate from the remaining hydrogen in the cartridge (20). If, as a result of the comparison in the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the management device (40) predicts the value (W3) of the amount of electricity generated by the natural energy power generation device (27) in the first prediction process. If, as a result of the comparison in the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the management device (40) predicts the value (W4) of the amount of electricity used in the building (10) in the second prediction process. In the second determination process, the management device (40) determines the necessity of adding a hydrogen-filled cartridge (20) to the building (10) based on the value (W1) of residual electricity obtained in the first acquisition process, the value (W2) of the amount of electricity that can be generated obtained in the second acquisition process, the value (W3) of the amount of electricity generated predicted in the first prediction process, and the value (W4) of the amount of electricity used predicted in the second prediction process.

[0022]

[13] In the management device (40) of

[12] , the second determination process includes a process that determines that it is necessary to add a hydrogen-filled cartridge (20) to the building (10) if the sum of the residual energy value (W1) obtained by the first acquisition process, the amount of energy that can be generated (W2) obtained by the second acquisition process, and the amount of power generated (W3) predicted by the first prediction process is less than the amount of energy used (W4) predicted by the second prediction process; and a process that determines that it is unnecessary to add a hydrogen-filled cartridge (20) to the building (10) if the sum of the residual energy value (W1) obtained by the first acquisition process, the amount of energy that can be generated (W2) obtained by the second acquisition process, and the amount of power generated (W3) predicted by the first prediction process is greater than or equal to the amount of energy used (W4) predicted by the second prediction process.

[0023]

[14] In the management device (40) of

[12] or

[13] , the second prediction process includes a second calculation process, a third calculation process, and a fourth calculation process. In the second calculation process, the management device (40) stores first daily data (61) having actual daily power consumption values ​​for each day by calculating actual power consumption values ​​in the building (10) based on the output of a power meter that measures the total power consumption of loads in the building (10) as power consumption. In the third calculation process, the management device (40) stores second daily data (62) having daily correction coefficients by calculating correction coefficients. In the fourth calculation process, the management device (40) stores third daily data (63) having daily power consumption prediction values ​​by multiplying the actual power consumption values ​​for past days in the first daily data (61) by the correction coefficient calculated by the third calculation process and calculating the product as a predicted value of future daily power consumption. In the third calculation process, the management device (40) calculates a correction coefficient for future days based on the actual values ​​of the amount of electricity used on past days in the first daily data (61) and the predicted values ​​of the amount of electricity used on past days in the third daily data (63).

[0024]

[15] The program causes the computer of the management device (40) to perform a first calculation process, a comparison process, and a determination process. The management device (40) determines the need for additional hydrogen-filled cartridges (20) for a building (10) that has a fuel cell power generation device (23) that generates electricity by receiving hydrogen from a plurality of hydrogen-storing cartridges (20). In the first calculation process, the computer calculates the ratio of the number of empty cartridges (20) to the total number of the plurality of cartridges (20). In the comparison process, the computer compares the ratio calculated in the first calculation process with a predetermined value. If, as a result of the comparison in the comparison process, the ratio exceeds the predetermined value, the computer determines in the determination process that additional hydrogen-filled cartridges (20) are needed.

[0025] According to [1],

[10] , or

[15] above, the necessity of adding hydrogen-filled cartridges (20) to the building (10) is determined based on a comparison between the ratio of empty cartridges (20) to the total number of cartridges (20) in the building (10) and a predetermined value. If the ratio of empty cartridges (20) exceeds the predetermined value, it is determined that it is necessary to add cartridges (20) to the building (10). Therefore, while there are non-empty cartridges (20) in the building (10), hydrogen-filled cartridges (20) can be added to the building (10) to replace the empty cartridges (20).

[0026] According to [2] or

[11] , even if the proportion of empty cartridges (20) is below a predetermined value, the necessity of adding hydrogen-filled cartridges (20) to the building (10) is determined based on the residual energy of the battery (30), the amount of energy that the fuel cell power generator (23) can generate based on the remaining hydrogen in the cartridges (20), and the predicted amount of energy used in the building (10). This allows hydrogen-filled cartridges (20) to be added to the building (10) in order to replace empty cartridges (20) when there are a number of non-empty cartridges (20) in the building (10) corresponding to the residual energy of the battery (30), the amount of energy that the fuel cell power generator (23) can generate, and the predicted amount of energy used in the building (10).

[0027] According to [3] or

[12] above, even if the proportion of empty cartridges (20) is below a predetermined value, the necessity of adding hydrogen-filled cartridges (20) to the building (10) is determined based on the residual power of the battery (30), the amount of power that the fuel cell power generator (23) can generate based on the amount of hydrogen remaining in the cartridges (20), the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generator (27), and the predicted amount of electricity used in the building (10). From this, when there are a number of non-empty cartridges (20) in the building (10) corresponding to the residual power of the battery (30), the amount of power that the fuel cell power generator (23) can generate, the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generator (27), and the predicted amount of electricity used in the building (10), hydrogen-filled cartridges (20) can be added to the building (10) to replace the empty cartridges (20).

[0028] According to [4] or

[13] above, if the sum of the residual energy of the battery (30), the amount of energy that can be generated by the fuel cell power generator (23), and the amount of energy generated by the natural energy power generator (27) is less than the predicted amount of energy used by the building (10), then there is a risk of a power shortage in the building (10). In such a case, it is determined that an additional cartridge (20) is needed for the building (10). Therefore, while there is a non-empty cartridge (20) in the building (10), a hydrogen-filled cartridge (20) can be added to the building (10) to replace an empty cartridge (20). On the other hand, if the sum of the residual energy of the battery (30), the amount of energy that can be generated by the fuel cell power generator (23), and the amount of energy generated by the renewable energy power generator (27) is greater than or equal to the predicted amount of energy used by the building (10), it means that even if the amount of energy generated by the renewable energy power generator (27) is insufficient for the building's (10) energy consumption, the battery (30) and the fuel cell power generator (23) can adequately compensate for the shortfall. In such a case, it is determined that there is no need to add cartridges (20) to the building (10). Therefore, it is possible to prevent more cartridges (20) from being stored in the building (10) than necessary, and to prevent the addition of more cartridges (20) to the building (10) than necessary.

[0029] According to the above [5], the hydrogen-filled cartridges (20) are delivered by transport aircraft to buildings (10) where additional hydrogen is needed.

[0030] According to [6] or

[14] above, the correction coefficient for future days is calculated based on the actual and predicted values ​​of electricity consumption for past days. Such a correction coefficient is multiplied by the actual and predicted values ​​of electricity consumption for past days. Since the product of these two values ​​is the predicted value of electricity consumption for future days, the predicted value of electricity consumption for future days reflects both the actual and predicted values ​​of electricity consumption for past days. Therefore, the predicted value of electricity consumption for future days can be accurately calculated from the actual and predicted values ​​of electricity consumption for past days.

[0031] According to [7] above, the predicted amount of electricity consumption for a future day will reflect the actual amount of electricity consumption for the day one week prior to that future day, and the predicted amount of electricity consumption for the day one week prior to that future day. Since people generally behave in similar patterns on the same day of the week, the predicted amount of electricity consumption for a future day can be accurately calculated from the actual amount of electricity consumption for the day one week prior to that future day.

[0032] According to [8] above, the correction coefficient for future days is calculated based on a determination value which is the ratio of the actual value of past day's electricity consumption to the predicted value of past day's electricity consumption. Such a correction coefficient is multiplied by the actual value of past day's electricity consumption. Since the product of these two values ​​is the predicted value of future day's electricity consumption, future day's electricity consumption will reflect both the actual value of past day's electricity consumption and the predicted value of past day's electricity consumption. Therefore, the predicted value of future day's electricity consumption can be accurately calculated from the actual value of past day's electricity consumption.

[0033] According to [9] above, if the judgment value exceeds the first threshold and is below the second threshold, the actual value of past day's electricity consumption in the first daily data (61) is appropriate. In such cases, even if the correction coefficient for past days in the second daily data (62) is applied to the correction coefficient for future days, the predicted value of future day's electricity consumption is likely to be calculated accurately. If the judgment value is below the first threshold, the actual value of past day's electricity consumption in the first daily data (61) is too large. In such cases, if the value obtained by reducing the correction coefficient for past days in the second daily data (62) is applied to the correction coefficient for future days, the predicted value of future day's electricity consumption will be calculated to be smaller. Therefore, the predicted value of future day's electricity consumption is likely to be calculated accurately. If the judgment value exceeds the second threshold, the actual value of past day's electricity consumption in the first daily data (61) is too small. In such cases, if the value obtained by increasing the correction coefficient for past days in the second daily data (62) is applied to the correction coefficient for future days, the predicted value of electricity consumption for future days will be calculated to be smaller. Therefore, the predicted value of electricity consumption for future days is more likely to be calculated accurately.

[0034] The features, objectives, and advantages of the energy utilization systems, management devices, and programs described above will become clearer from the drawings illustrating several preferred embodiments and from the accompanying explanation.

[0035] [Embodiments] Several embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The features and technical effects of the embodiments will be understood from the following detailed description and drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples in the drawings, as the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only.

[0036] <First Embodiment> <1. Prediction Device> Figure 1 is a block diagram of the prediction device 340. The prediction device 340 predicts the amount of electricity used in the power usage area 310 the following day. The prediction device 340 may have functions other than predicting the amount of electricity used the following day. The prediction device 340 may use the predicted amount of electricity used for various calculations.

[0037] A power usage area 310 is a single unit that uses electricity. A power usage area 310 may be, for example, a detached house, an apartment building, a single dwelling unit, a shop, an office, or a factory.

[0038] Power is supplied to the power usage area 310 from a power source 323. The power source 323 is, for example, a private power generator, a battery, or a commercial power source, or a combination of two or more of these. A commercial power source is also called a grid power source.

[0039] The type of private power generation device is not specified. For example, a private power generation device may be a fuel cell power generation device, a solar power generation panel, a hydroelectric power generation device, a wind power generation device, a geothermal power generation device, or a prime mover power generation device. A private power generation device may also be a combination of two or more selected from fuel cell power generation devices, solar power generation panels, hydroelectric power generation devices, wind power generation devices, geothermal power generation devices, and prime mover power generation devices. Solar power generation panels, hydroelectric power generation devices, wind power generation devices, and geothermal power generation devices are collectively referred to as renewable energy power generation devices. Renewable energy power generation devices generate electricity using natural energy such as solar energy, hydroelectric power, wind power, or geothermal energy. A private power generation device may have a DC-AC converter to convert DC power to AC power as needed.

[0040] A fuel cell power generation system used as a private power generation device generates electricity using fuels such as hydrogen, hydrocarbon fuels, or alcohol fuels. The fuel cell power generation system includes a fuel cell and auxiliary equipment. The fuel cell power generation system may also have a reformer for converting hydrocarbon fuels or alcohol fuels into hydrogen, as needed. The fuel supply source for the fuel cell power generation system is, for example, a high-pressure gas container, a fuel storage device, or a gas pipeline network. The fuel supply source may also be delivered to the power usage area 310, such as a high-pressure gas container or fuel storage device. The gas pipeline network is constructed as social infrastructure.

[0041] The type of battery is not specified. For example, the battery may be a lead-acid battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, lithium-ion battery, nickel-cadmium battery, or all-solid-state battery, or a combination of two or more of these. The battery may be installed in an electric vehicle. The battery may be stationary or portable. The battery may be a portable battery delivered to the power usage area 310. The battery may have a DC-AC converter to convert DC power to AC power as needed. When the battery is used in combination with a private power generator, a commercial power source, or both, the battery stores surplus power and discharges insufficient power. Surplus power refers to power that cannot be consumed by the load 311 described below. Insufficient power refers to the power that cannot be covered by the private power generator, the commercial power source, or both of the total power consumed by the load 311.

[0042] Power equipment 313 is installed in the power usage area 310. Power equipment 313 is, for example, a switchboard, distribution board, power panel, control panel, transformer, power conditioner, switch, relay, disconnector, circuit breaker, transformer, or changeover. Power equipment 313 may be a combination of two or more selected from switchboards, distribution boards, power panels, control panels, transformers, power conditioners, switch, relay, disconnector, circuit breaker, transformer, or changeover. Power equipment 313 receives power from a power source 323. Power equipment 313 distributes the power supplied from the power source 323 to the loads 311 described later.

[0043] The power usage area 310 is covered by an electrical wiring network, such as an in-house wiring network. The electrical wiring network is connected to the power equipment 313. Numerous loads 311 installed or placed in the power usage area 310 are connected to the power wiring network. The loads 311 are electrical devices such as lighting fixtures, refrigerators, air conditioners, water heaters, communication network equipment (routers, wireless base stations, wireless repeaters, telephones, etc.), televisions, audio equipment, recording devices, cooking appliances, or electric motors. The loads 311 operate by consuming power received from the power equipment 313. The total power consumption of these loads 311 is the power used in the power usage area 310. The total amount of power consumed by these loads 311 is the amount of power used in the power usage area 310.

[0044] A power meter 314 is installed in the power usage area 310. The power meter 314 measures the total power consumption of all loads 311 in the power usage area 310, that is, the power used in the power usage area 310. The power meter 314 transmits the measured power usage to the prediction device 340. The power meter 314 may also transmit the measured power usage to the prediction device 340 via a network such as the Internet. The power meter 314 may also transmit the measured power usage to the prediction device 340 via a computer system and network.

[0045] The prediction device 340 consists of a general-purpose computer system or a dedicated computer system. A general-purpose computer system refers to a computer system such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or desktop computer on which a general-purpose OS (Operating System) is installed. Examples of general-purpose OSs include Windows®, Android®, iOS®, macOS®, Linux®, or Unix®. A dedicated computer system refers to a computer specialized in the management or control of power in the power usage area 310. Examples of dedicated computer systems include a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) or a BEMS (Building Energy Management System) controller. The prediction device 340 may be installed in the power usage area 310. The prediction device 340 may be installed on an inner wall within the power usage area 310. The prediction device 340 may be installed in a location away from the power usage area 310, for example, in a data center.

[0046] The prediction device 340 includes a computer, an input device, and a display device. The computer of the prediction device 340 includes a main board, one or more hardware processors, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), a memory device, and a communication device.

[0047] The main board includes a bus, bus controller, and interface circuits, and transmits information between the hardware processor, GPU, RAM, memory device, input device, display device, and communication device. The hardware processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The hardware processor performs various arithmetic operations. RAM provides the hardware processor with storage or work area when it performs arithmetic operations. The GPU performs processing that can be done faster than the hardware processor (e.g., image processing and matrix operations) under the command of the hardware processor. The input device is an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, touchpad, stylus, pointing device, keys, and push buttons. The input device outputs a signal to the main board according to the content of the operation performed by the user on the input device. The prediction device 340 recognizes the input and commands from the administrator according to the signals transferred from the input device. The display device may be, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device. The display device displays images according to the video signals input from the main board. The communication device may be, for example, a network card or a Wi-Fi® client device.

[0048] The prediction device 340 is connected to the storage device 350. The storage device 350 is a semiconductor memory device, a magnetic memory device, a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a data server, a file server, or a cloud computing system. The prediction device 340 records information to the storage device 350 and reads information recorded to the storage device 350. The storage device 350 may be connected to the prediction device 340 by an interface circuit, or it may be accessed by the prediction device 340 via a network. The storage device 350 may be built into the prediction device 340, attached to the prediction device 340, or connected to the prediction device 340 via a network.

[0049] Program 346 is stored in the memory device of the prediction device 340. Program 346 is executable for the prediction device 340, and more particularly for its computer.

[0050] <2. Processing Flow> The processing that program 346 instructs the prediction device 340, particularly its computer, to execute will be described in detail below. Furthermore, the functions of the prediction device 340 that are realized by the execution of program 346 will be described in detail below.

[0051] (1) Each time the prediction device 340 receives a power consumption measurement from the power meter 314, it records the power consumption measurement in the storage device 350, associating it with the measurement time. When recording the power consumption measurement and measurement time, the prediction device 340 adds the power consumption measurement and measurement time to the time-series data 351. As a result, the prediction device 340 stores time-series data 351, which is a time-series arrangement of power consumption measurements, in the storage device 350.

[0052] (2) At a predetermined time each day, for example at 1:00, the forecasting device 340 calculates the actual value of the previous day's electricity consumption by integrating the measured values ​​of electricity consumption from 0:00 to 24:00 of the previous day in the time-series data 351 over time. The forecasting device 340 records the calculated actual value of electricity consumption in the storage device 350, associating it with the date and day of the week. When recording the actual value of electricity consumption, the date and day of the week, the forecasting device 340 adds the actual value of electricity consumption, the date and day of the week to the daily data 361. In this way, the forecasting device 340 accumulates the daily data 361 of the actual value of electricity consumption for each day in the storage device 350. The date associated with the actual value of electricity consumption is the year, month, and day of the day before the day on which the actual value of electricity consumption was calculated. The day of the week associated with the actual value of electricity consumption is the day of the week before the day on which the actual value of electricity consumption was calculated.

[0053] (3) The forecasting device 340 calculates a correction coefficient at a predetermined time each day, for example, at 3pm. The forecasting device 340 stores the correction coefficient in the storage device 350, associating it with the date and day of the week. When recording the correction coefficient, date and day of the week, the forecasting device 340 adds the correction coefficient, date and day of the week to the daily data 362. In this way, the forecasting device 340 accumulates the daily data 362 of the correction coefficient for each day in the storage device 350. The date associated with the correction coefficient is the year, month, and day of the following day (specifically, the day after the day the correction coefficient was calculated). The day of the week associated with the actual value of electricity consumption is the day of the following day (specifically, the day after the day the correction coefficient was calculated).

[0054] (4) At a predetermined time each day, for example at 15:00, the prediction device 340 calculates the predicted value of the amount of electricity used for a future day (specifically, the next day) by multiplying the actual value of the amount of electricity used for a past day (specifically, the day one week before the next day, which is a future day) in the daily data 361 by the correction coefficient calculated in (3). The product of these multiplications is then used to calculate the predicted value of the amount of electricity used for a future day (specifically, the next day). The prediction device 340 records the calculated predicted value of the amount of electricity used in the storage device 350, associating it with the date and day of the week. When recording the predicted value of the amount of electricity used, the date and day of the week, the prediction device 340 adds the predicted value of the amount of electricity used, the date and day of the week to the daily data 363. In this way, the prediction device 340 stores the daily data 363 of the predicted value of the amount of electricity used for each day in the storage device 350. The date associated with the predicted value of the amount of electricity used is the year, month, and day of the future day (specifically, the next day) relative to the day on which the actual value of the amount of electricity used was calculated. The day of the week associated with the predicted electricity consumption is the day of the week in the future (specifically, the day after) from the day the predicted electricity consumption was calculated.

[0055] Figure 2 shows an example of the daily data 361, 362, and 363 calculated as described above. The daily calculation of the correction coefficient in (3) is as follows (3-1) to (3-9). In the following description, the initial value of the correction coefficient is 1.0, the variation amount is a positive value smaller than the initial value of the correction coefficient, and the correction coefficient varies by the daily calculation of the correction coefficient in (3). The variation amount is, for example, 0.1, but it may be other values such as 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, or 0.09.

[0056] (3-1) The prediction device 340 reads, from the daily data 361, the actual value (R i-1 [kWh]) of the power consumption on a past day (specifically, the day one week before the next day, which is a future day). "R" represents the actual value of the power consumption, and the subscript represents the week number. "R i-1 " represents the actual value of the power consumption on the day one week before the next day, which is a future day. Of course, the day of the week one week before the next day is the same as the day of the week of the next day.

[0057] (3-2) The prediction device 340 reads, from the daily data 363, the predicted value (P i-1 [kWh]) of the power consumption on a past day (specifically, the day one week before the next day, which is a future day). "P" represents the predicted value of the power consumption, and the subscript represents the week number. "P i-1 " represents the predicted value of the power consumption on the day one week before the next day, which is a future day.

[0058] (3-3) The prediction device 340 divides the actual value (R i-1 ) of the power consumption in (3-1) by the predicted value (P i-1 ) of the power consumption in (3-2) to calculate the ratio (R i-1 / P i-1 ) as a determination value.

[0059] (3-4) The prediction device 340 compares the determination value (R i-1 / P i-1 ) with a predetermined first threshold value (Th1) and a predetermined second threshold value (Th2) larger than it. The determination value (R i-1 / P i-1If the value is less than or equal to the first threshold (Th1), the prediction device 340 determines the judgment value (R i-1 / P i-1 The result is compared with a predetermined third threshold (Th3). The judgment value (R i-1 / P i-1 If the value exceeds the second threshold (Th2), the prediction device 340 determines the judgment value (R i-1 / P i-1 The first threshold (Th1) is compared to a predetermined fourth threshold (Th4) that is greater than the second threshold (Th2). The first threshold (Th1) may be less than 1.0, and the second threshold (Th2) may be 1.0. For example, the first threshold (Th1), second threshold (Th2), third threshold (Th3), and fourth threshold (Th4) are "Th1 = 0.8, Th2 = 1.0, Th3 = 0.5, Th4 = 1.5".

[0060] (3-5) Th1 < R i-1 / P i-1 If Th2 is ≤ the result of the comparison of (3-4), the judgment value (R i-1 / P i-1 If the value exceeds the first threshold (Th1) but is less than or equal to the second threshold (Th2), the predicted value of the amount of electricity used on a past day (i.e., one week before the next day, which is a future day) (P i-1 ) is appropriate. In such cases, the prediction device 340 uses the correction coefficient (K) from the daily data 362 for the day one week prior to the next day, which is a future day. i-1 The prediction device 340 reads the correction coefficient (K i-1 ) is the correction factor (K) for the next day i By applying this to the next day, which is a future day, the correction coefficient (K i The correction coefficient (K) calculated for the following day is then determined. i ) in (4) above, the actual value of the amount of electricity used on the day one week prior to the next day (R i-1 By multiplying by this, the predicted value of the next day's electricity consumption (P i The result is calculated.

[0061] (3-6) Th3 < R i-1 / P i-1 If Th1 is ≤ the result of the comparison of (3-4), the judgment value (R i-1 / Pi-1 If the third threshold (Th3) exceeds the first threshold (Th1) and is less than or equal to the third threshold (P), the predicted value of the amount of electricity used on the day one week prior to the next day (P) is calculated. i-1 ) is too large. In such cases, the prediction device 340 calculates a correction coefficient (K) from the daily data 362 for the day one week prior to the next day. i-1 The prediction device 340 reads the correction coefficient (K i-1 ) is corrected to reduce it, and that is the correction coefficient (K) for the next day. i ) is applied to that. In other words, the prediction device 340 uses a correction coefficient (K i-1 Subtract a certain amount of variation (e.g., 0.1) from ) and use the correction coefficient (K) for the next day to determine the difference. i By applying this to the next day's correction coefficient (K i The correction coefficient (K) calculated for the following day is then determined. i ) in (4) above, the actual value of the amount of electricity used on the day one week prior to the next day (R i-1 By multiplying by this, the predicted value of the next day's electricity consumption (P i The result is calculated.

[0062] (3-7) Th2 < R i-1 / P i-1 If Th4 is ≤ the result of the comparison of (3-4), the judgment value (R i-1 / P i-1 If the second threshold (Th2) exceeds the fourth threshold (Th4) and is less than or equal to the second threshold (P), the predicted value of the amount of electricity used on the day one week prior to the next day (P i-1 ) is too small. In such cases, the prediction device 340 takes the correction coefficient (K) from the daily data 362 for the day one week prior to the next day. i-1 The prediction device 340 reads the correction coefficient (K i-1 The correction is made to increase the (K) and this is used as the correction coefficient for the next day. i ) is applied to that. In other words, the prediction device 340 uses a correction coefficient (K i-1 The amount of variation (e.g., 0.1) is added to the result, and the sum is the correction coefficient (K) for the next day. i By applying this to the next day's correction coefficient (K i The correction coefficient (K) for the day after the update is calculated in this way. i) in (4) above, the actual value of the amount of electricity used on the day one week prior to the next day (R i-1 By multiplying by this, the predicted value of the next day's electricity consumption (P i The result is calculated.

[0063] (3-8) R i-1 / P i-1 If Th3 is ≤ the result of the comparison of (3-4), the judgment value (R i-1 / P i-1 If the R value is below the third threshold (Th3), it is assumed that an unusual increase in power consumption occurred on a past day (i.e., a future day, one week before the next day). In such cases, the prediction device 340 uses the daily data 361 to determine the actual power consumption (R value) for an even further past day (specifically, a future day, two weeks before the next day). i-2 ) is read. Furthermore, the prediction device 340 reads the predicted value of the amount of electricity used on an even further past day (specifically, a future day, two weeks before the next day) from the daily data 363 (P i-2 The prediction device 340 reads the actual value of the amount of electricity used (R i-2 ) is used as the predicted value of the amount of electricity used (P i-2 By dividing by ), the ratio (R i-2 / P i-2 The prediction device 340 calculates the judgment value (R i-2 / P i-2 The result of the comparison is compared with the first threshold (Th1) and the second threshold (Th2). i-2 / P i-2 If the value exceeds the first threshold (Th1) and is less than or equal to the second threshold (Th2), the prediction device 340 calculates a correction coefficient (K) from the daily data 362 for the day two weeks prior to the next day, which is a future day. i-2 The prediction device 340 reads the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) is the correction factor (K) for the next day i By applying this to the next day, which is a future day, the correction coefficient (K i ) is calculated. Based on the comparison, the judgment value (R i-2 / P i-2When it is below the first threshold value (Th1), the prediction device 340 reads the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) from the daily data 362 on the day two weeks before the next day. The prediction device 340 corrects it to decrease and fits it to the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) for the next day. That is, the prediction device 340 subtracts a certain variation amount (for example, 0.1) from the correction coefficient (K i ) and fits the difference to the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) for the next day. By doing so, the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day is calculated. As a result of the comparison, when the determination value (R i / P i-2 ) exceeds the second threshold value (Th2), the prediction device 340 reads the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) on the day two weeks before the next day. The prediction device 340 corrects it to increase and fits it to the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) for the next day. That is, the prediction device 340 adds the variation amount (for example, 0.1) to the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) and fits the sum to the correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day. By doing so, the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) for the next day is calculated. The correction coefficient (K i ) for the next day calculated as above is multiplied by the actual value (R i ) of the power consumption on the day one week before the next day in (4) above, whereby the predicted value (P i ) of the power consumption for the next day is calculated. i-1 i

[0064] (3-9) When Th4 < R i-1 / P i-1 In the case where, as a result of the comparison in (3-4), the determination value (R i-1 / P i-1 ) exceeds the fourth threshold value (Th4), it is considered that a decrease in power usage that normally would not occur has occurred on a past day (that is, the day one week before the next day, which is a future day). In such a case, the prediction device 340 further obtains the actual value (R i-2 ) of the power consumption on a past day (specifically, the day two weeks before the next day, which is a future day) from the daily data 361.) is read. Furthermore, the prediction device 340 reads the predicted value of the amount of electricity used on an even further past day (specifically, a future day, two weeks before the next day) from the daily data 363 (P i-2 The prediction device 340 reads the actual value of the amount of electricity used (R i-2 ) is used as the predicted value of the amount of electricity used (P i-2 By dividing by ), the ratio (R i-2 / P i-2 The prediction device 340 calculates the judgment value (R i-2 / P i-2 The result of the comparison is compared with the first threshold (Th1) and the second threshold (Th2). i-2 / P i-2 If the value exceeds the first threshold (Th1) and is less than or equal to the second threshold (Th2), the prediction device 340 calculates a correction coefficient (K) from the daily data 362 for the day two weeks prior to the next day, which is a future day. i-2 The prediction device 340 reads the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) is the correction factor (K) for the next day i By applying this to the next day, which is a future day, the correction coefficient (K i ) is calculated. Based on the comparison, the judgment value (R i-2 / P i-2 If the value is less than or equal to the first threshold (Th1), the prediction device 340 calculates the correction coefficient (K) from the daily data 362 for the day two weeks prior to the next day. i-2 The prediction device 340 reads the correction coefficient (K i-2 ) is corrected to reduce it, and that is the correction coefficient (K) for the next day. i ) is applied to that. In other words, the prediction device 340 uses a correction coefficient (K i-2 Subtract a certain amount of variation (e.g., 0.1) from ) and use the correction coefficient (K) for the next day to determine the difference. i By applying this to the next day's correction coefficient (K i ) is calculated. Based on the comparison, the judgment value (R i-2 / P i-2 If the value exceeds the second threshold (Th2), the correction coefficient (K) for the day two weeks prior to the next day is applied. i-2 The prediction device 340 reads the correction coefficient (K i-2 The correction is made to increase the (K) and this is used as the correction coefficient for the next day.i ) is applied to that. In other words, the prediction device 340 uses a correction coefficient (K i-2 The amount of variation (e.g., 0.1) is added to the result, and the sum is the correction coefficient (K) for the next day. i By applying this to the next day's correction coefficient (K i The correction coefficient (K) calculated for the following day is then calculated as described above. i ) in (4) above, the actual value of the amount of electricity used on the day one week prior to the next day (R i-1 By multiplying by this, the predicted value of the next day's electricity consumption (P i The correction coefficient (K) calculated for the following day is then calculated as described above. i ) in (4) above, the actual value of the amount of electricity used on the day one week prior to the next day (R i-1 By multiplying by this, the predicted value of the next day's electricity consumption (P i The result is calculated.

[0065] <3. Summary> As described above, the correction factor (K) for a future day (specifically, the next day) i ) is the actual value of electricity consumption for a past day (specifically, the day one week prior to the next day) (R i-1 ) and the predicted value of past daily electricity consumption (P i-1 It is calculated based on such a correction factor (K i ) is the actual value of past daily electricity consumption (R i-1 It is multiplied by (K). i ×R i-1 ) is the predicted value of future daily electricity consumption (P i Since this is the case, the predicted value of future daily electricity consumption (P i ) is the actual value of past daily electricity consumption (R i-1 ) and the predicted value of past daily electricity consumption (P i-1 ) will reflect the predicted value of future electricity consumption (P i ) is the actual value of past daily electricity consumption (R i-1 It is calculated precisely from ).

[0066] The future day is the next day, and the past day is one week before the future day. Therefore, the predicted value of the amount of electricity used on the future day (P i) is the actual value of the amount of electricity used on the day one week prior to that future day (R i-1 ) and the predicted value of the amount of electricity used on the day one week prior to that future day (P i-1 ) will reflect the fact that people generally behave in similar patterns on the same day of the week, so the predicted value of future electricity consumption (P i ) is the actual value of the amount of electricity used on the day one week prior to that future day (R i It is calculated precisely from ).

[0067] Judgment value (R i-1 / P i-1 If the value exceeds the first threshold (Th1) and is less than or equal to the second threshold (Th2), the actual value of past daily power consumption in the daily data 361 (R i-1 ) is appropriate. In such cases, the correction coefficient for past days in the daily data 362 (K i-1 ) is a correction factor (K) for future days i Even if applied to the predicted daily electricity consumption (P i The judgment value (R) is easily calculated accurately. i-1 / P i-1 If ) is less than or equal to the first threshold (Th1), the actual value of past daily power consumption in the daily data 361 (R i-1 The value is too large. In such cases, the correction coefficient (K) for past days in the daily data 362 should be used. i-1 The value obtained by reducing ) is the correction coefficient (K) for future days. i When applied to this, the predicted daily electricity consumption for the future (P i ) is calculated to be on the smaller side. Therefore, the predicted value of future daily electricity consumption (P i The judgment value (R) is easily calculated accurately. i-1 / P i-1 If the second threshold (Th2) is exceeded, the actual value of past daily power consumption in the daily data 361 (R i-1 The value is too small. In such cases, the correction coefficient (K) for past days in the daily data 62 should be used. i-1 The value obtained by increasing ) is the correction coefficient (K) for future days. i When applied to this, the predicted daily electricity consumption for the future (P i) is calculated to be on the smaller side. Therefore, the predicted value of future daily electricity consumption (P i ) is easier to calculate accurately.

[0068] <Second Embodiment> <1. Overview of the Energy Utilization System> Figure 3 is a diagram showing the energy utilization system. The energy utilization system is an off-grid city located in a certain region of a certain country (hereinafter referred to as the "specific region"). The energy utilization system comprises a plant 1, a distribution center 9, a stock facility 8, a transport machine 70, and numerous buildings 10. The buildings 10 are distributed throughout the specific region. Plant 1 is established in a specific location within the specific region. Distribution center 9 is established adjacent to plant 1. Stock facility 8 is established in a densely populated area of ​​buildings 10 within the specific region.

[0069] Plant 1 produces hydrogen through the electrolysis of water using surplus electricity from each building 10, renewable energy, or both. Plant 1 may also receive hydrogen from external sources. The hydrogen produced in Plant 1 is delivered to each building 10. Each building 10 generates electrical energy from renewable energy sources such as solar energy, and also generates electrical energy through the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen. Buildings 10 are self-sufficient in electricity without relying on power companies. Surplus electricity from each building 10 may be converted into chemical energy, for example, and then supplied to Plant 1 by delivery without using the power grid. People living in specific areas can live lives that minimize greenhouse gas emissions. This energy utilization system contributes to promoting carbon neutrality, realizing a decarbonized society, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0070] This energy utilization system contributes to the realization of the distribution of the portable cartridges 20 described below between multiple buildings 10, a plant 1, a distribution center 9, and a stock facility 8. Through the distribution of cartridges 20, this energy utilization system contributes to the realization of a society in which the electrical energy generated by the natural energy power generation devices 27 in each building 10 and the natural energy power generation equipment 2 in the plant 1 can be used together to power the chemical energy of the hydrogen in the cartridges 20.

[0071] In particular, the energy utilization system contributes to optimizing the number of empty cartridges 20 recovered from building 10 and the timing of their recovery. The energy utilization system also contributes to optimizing the number of fully charged cartridges 20 added to building 10 and the timing of their addition. Therefore, this energy utilization system contributes to suppressing the occurrence of power shortages in each building 10 and contributes to the realization of an off-grid society in a specific area. Adding fully charged cartridges 20 to building 10 may involve the delivery of fully charged cartridges 20. Adding fully charged cartridges 20 to building 10 may involve delivering or replenishing fully charged cartridges 20 to building 10 and then recovering other cartridges from building 10. Adding fully charged cartridges 20 to building 10 may involve exchanging other cartridges in building 10 for fully charged cartridges 20.

[0072] <2. Plant> Plant 1 is equipped with renewable energy power generation equipment 2, hydrogen production equipment 3, hydrogen storage equipment 4, hydrogen refueling equipment 5, and power transmission equipment 7.

[0073] The renewable energy power generation facility 2 generates electricity from natural energy. The renewable energy power generation facility 2 includes, for example, a solar power generation facility, a hydroelectric power generation facility, a wind power generation facility, or a geothermal power generation facility, or a combination of two or more of these. The solar power generation facility converts solar energy into electricity. The hydroelectric power generation facility converts the kinetic energy of water into electricity. The wind power generation facility converts the kinetic energy of wind into electricity. The geothermal power generation facility converts geothermal energy into electricity. The renewable energy power generation facility 2 outputs the generated electricity to the power transmission facility 7, and that electricity is sent via the power transmission facility 7 to the hydrogen production facility 3, the hydrogen storage facility 4, and the hydrogen refueling facility 5. The renewable energy power generation facility 2 may be installed on a site separate from the sites of the hydrogen production facility 3, the hydrogen storage facility 4, and the hydrogen refueling facility 5, and the electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation facility 2 may be sent to the hydrogen production facility 3, the hydrogen storage facility 4, and the hydrogen refueling facility 5 by the power transmission facility 7.

[0074] The hydrogen production facility 3 uses electricity to produce hydrogen and sends that hydrogen to the hydrogen storage facility 4. For example, the hydrogen production facility 3 may have an electrolysis device. The electrolysis device produces hydrogen by electrolyzing water using electricity supplied from a renewable energy power generation facility.

[0075] The hydrogen storage facility 4 stores the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production facility 3.

[0076] The hydrogen refueling equipment 5 receives hydrogen from the hydrogen storage equipment 4 and fills small, portable cartridges 20 with hydrogen in small quantities.

[0077] <3. Cartridge and its Transportation> The cartridge 20 stores hydrogen in a low-pressure or high-pressure gaseous state, liquid state, or absorbed state. Absorbed state means that hydrogen is absorbed into an alloy and is in a state in which it can be reversibly released. The cartridge 20 has a cylinder or a hydrogen storage alloy.

[0078] The battery 30 includes a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, an all-solid-state battery, a lead-acid battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a sodium-sulfur battery.

[0079] The cartridges 20 are transported between Plant 1, Distribution Center 9, Stock Facility 8, and numerous buildings 10. For example, a full cartridge 20 filled with hydrogen is transported from Plant 1, via Distribution Center 9, and optionally via Stock Facility 8, to Building 10. For example, an empty cartridge 20 is transported from Building 10, via Stock Facility 8, and optionally via Distribution Center 9, to Plant 1.

[0080] As shown in Figure 3, the distribution center 9 is a distribution hub for the cartridges 20. In other words, the transport aircraft 70 transports the cartridges 20 from the distribution center 9 to the building 10 and the stock facility 8, and from the building 10 and the stock facility 8 to the distribution center 9. The distribution center 9 is located next to plant 1, within plant 1, or on land separate from plant 1.

[0081] The stock facility 8 is a relay point between the distribution center 9 and the building 10, and is a temporary storage facility for the cartridges 20. Specifically, for example, a transport machine 70 transports the cartridges 20 from the distribution center 9 to the stock facility 8, and residents of the building 10 carry the cartridges 20 temporarily stored in the stock facility 8 back to the building 10. For example, residents of the building 10 carry the cartridges 20 from the building 10 to the stock facility 8, and the transport machine 70 transports the cartridges 20 from the stock facility 8 to the distribution center 9. If the transport machine 70 transports the cartridges 20 directly from the building 10 to the distribution center 9, those cartridges 20 are not stored in the stock facility 8. The stock facility 8 may have lockable and unlockable lockers for the temporary storage of the cartridges 20. The stock facility 8 may be installed in a commercial facility or the like.

[0082] Whenever a cartridge 20 is brought into or taken out of Plant 1, Distribution Center 9, Stock Facility 8, Building 10, or Transport Machine 70, the identification number of the cartridge 20 is read by a reader, and this identification number, along with the identification information of the destination or source, is transmitted to the central control device 40. This allows the cartridge 20 to be tracked, and its location and movement are managed by the central control device 40.

[0083] The transport vehicle 70 may be, for example, a truck or a multirotor. The transport vehicle 70 may have a loading and unloading device for loading and unloading the cartridge 20. An operator may ride in the transport vehicle 70 and operate it, or the transport vehicle 70 may be operated remotely. The transport vehicle 70 may be automatically operated. The transport vehicle 70 may be an electric transport vehicle having a battery and a motor, and moving using the power of the motor driven by energy discharged from the battery. If the transport vehicle 70 is a truck, the road on which the transport vehicle 70 travels may be exclusively for the transport vehicle 70, or it may be shared with other general vehicles.

[0084] In the following, the cartridge 20 located in building 10 will be referred to as the first cartridge 20, and the cartridge 20 transported by transporter 70 will be referred to as the second cartridge 20.

[0085] The transport aircraft 70 makes regular rounds between the distribution center 9, the stock facility 8, and the building 10, for example, daily, weekly, or monthly. When the transport aircraft 70 arrives at the building 10, the first cartridge 20 located in the building 10 is exchanged for the second cartridge 20 transported by the transport aircraft 70 and recovered. The amount of hydrogen remaining in the first cartridge 20 recovered from the building 10 to the transport aircraft 70 is less than the amount of hydrogen remaining in the second cartridge 20 delivered from the transport aircraft 70 to the building 10. For example, the first cartridge 20 recovered from the building 10 to the transport aircraft 70 is empty, while the second cartridge 20 delivered from the transport aircraft 70 to the building 10 is filled with hydrogen.

[0086] <4. Building> Figure 4 shows building 10. Building 10 is a general building such as a detached house or a shop.

[0087] Each building 10 corresponds to the power usage area 310 in the first embodiment. Each building 10 is equipped with an electrical wiring network 12, a distribution board 13, a power meter 14, a power meter 15, a power conditioner 16, a charge / discharge device 18, a cartridge holder 19, a cartridge 20, a hydrogen supply unit 21, an air supply unit 22, a fuel cell power generation device 23, a water tank 24, a remaining charge indicator 25, a power meter 26, a renewable energy power generation device 27, a battery 30, and an individual management device 35. The electrical wiring network 12, distribution board 13, renewable energy power generation device 27, power meter 15, power conditioner 16, charge / discharge device 18, cartridge holder 19, a hydrogen supply unit 21, an air supply unit 22, a fuel cell power generation device 23, a water tank 24, a remaining charge indicator 25, a power meter 26, a renewable energy power generation device 27, and a battery 30 are installed in building 10. These installation locations may be either outdoors or indoors.

[0088] The electrical wiring network 12 is spread throughout the building 10. Numerous loads 11 installed or placed in the building 10 are connected to the electrical wiring network 12. The electrical wiring network 12 is connected to the distribution board 13.

[0089] The distribution board 13 distributes the AC power supplied to the distribution board 13 from the power conditioner 16 to the loads 11. The loads 11 receive AC power from the distribution board 13 through the electrical wiring network 12 and consume that AC power. The loads 11 are electrical devices such as lighting fixtures, refrigerators, air conditioners, water heaters, communication network equipment (routers, wireless base stations, wireless repeaters, telephones, etc.), televisions, audio equipment, recording devices, and kitchen appliances.

[0090] The cartridge holder 19 holds multiple cartridges 20. The cartridges 20 are detachable from the cartridge holder 19. When a cartridge 20 is mounted in the cartridge holder 19, the cartridge 20 is connected to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell power generator 23 via the hydrogen supply unit 21.

[0091] The cartridge holder 19 may also serve as a delivery box. Specifically, the cartridge holder 19 has a door that can be locked and unlocked using a physical key, an electronic key, or a tool such as an encryption key. When the door is unlocked and opened, cartridges 20 can be attached to and detached from the cartridge holder 19. When the door is closed and locked, theft of cartridges 20 from inside the cartridge holder 19 is prevented. In this case, the cartridge holder 19 may have an area inside for storing deliveries other than cartridges 20, in addition to the area where multiple cartridges 20 are installed.

[0092] A hydrogen level indicator 25 is provided in the cartridge holder 19 for each cartridge 20. The hydrogen level indicator 25 measures the amount of hydrogen remaining in the cartridge 20 and outputs the measured value to the individual control device 35. The unit of hydrogen amount may be expressed as the volume or pressure of hydrogen gas, or both, or as the weight of hydrogen. Any method can be used by the hydrogen level indicator 25 to measure the amount of hydrogen remaining in the cartridge 20. For example, the hydrogen level indicator 25 may measure the pressure of hydrogen in the cartridge 20 using a pressure gauge and convert the measured pressure to the amount of hydrogen remaining. The hydrogen level indicator 25 may measure the total weight of the cartridge 20 using a weighing scale and convert the measured weight to the amount of hydrogen remaining by subtracting the weight of the cartridge 20 itself from the measured weight. The hydrogen level indicator 25 may measure the flow rate of hydrogen sent from the cartridge 20 to the hydrogen supply unit 21 using a flow meter and convert the measured flow rate to the amount of hydrogen remaining by subtracting the maximum hydrogen storage capacity of the cartridge 20 from the time integral of the measured flow rate.

[0093] The hydrogen supply unit 21 has fluid equipment such as valves. The hydrogen supply unit 21 sequentially selects cartridges 20 held in the cartridge holder 19 and supplies hydrogen from the selected cartridge 20 to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell power generation device 23. When the amount of hydrogen remaining in the selected cartridge 20 becomes low, the hydrogen supply unit 21 selects the next cartridge 20 and supplies hydrogen from the selected multiple cartridges 20 to the fuel cell power generation device 23. When the selected cartridge 20 becomes empty, the hydrogen supply unit 21 deselects that cartridge 20 and stops supplying hydrogen from that cartridge 20. The hydrogen supply unit 21 adjusts the hydrogen supply flow rate, supply pressure, or both from the selected cartridge 20 to the fuel cell power generation device 23. Among the cartridges 20 held in the cartridge holder 19, the selected cartridge 20 is consuming hydrogen. The unselected cartridges 20 are filled with hydrogen. The deselected cartridges 20 are empty.

[0094] The air supply unit 22 is connected to the oxygen electrode of the fuel cell power generator 23. The air supply unit 22 has fluid equipment such as valves and blowers. The air supply unit 22 supplies air to the oxygen electrode of the fuel cell power generator 23. The air supply unit 22 adjusts the hydrogen supply flow rate, supply pressure, or both to the fuel cell power generator 23.

[0095] The fuel electrode and oxygen electrode of the fuel cell power generator 23 are connected to the power conditioner 16. The fuel cell power generator 23 generates DC power and water by reacting hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen supplyer 21 with oxygen from the air supplied by the air supplyer 22 through an electrolyte membrane. The fuel cell power generator 23 outputs the generated DC power to the power conditioner 16. The fuel cell power generator 23 discharges the generated water into one or more water storage tanks 24.

[0096] The power meter 26 measures the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 and outputs the measured value to the individual control device 35. The power meter 26 may also measure the output current or output voltage of the fuel cell power generator 23 and calculate the power from the output current or output voltage.

[0097] The water storage tank 24 stores water supplied from the fuel cell power generator 23. The water storage tank 24 may be of the cartridge type and may be detachable from its installation location. The water generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 may be discharged into the sewage system.

[0098] The renewable energy power generation device 27 is connected to the power conditioner 16. The renewable energy power generation device 27 generates DC power from renewable energy. The renewable energy power generation device 27 supplies the generated DC power to the power conditioner 16. For example, the renewable energy power generation device 27 has a solar power generation panel that generates DC power from solar energy. The solar power generation panel is installed, for example, on the roof of the building 10. The renewable energy power generation device 27 may also have devices other than solar power generation panels, such as a hydroelectric power generation device, a wind power generation device, or a geothermal power generation device. The renewable energy power generation device 27 may be a combination of two or more of the solar power generation panel, hydroelectric power generation device, wind power generation device, and geothermal power generation device.

[0099] The power meter 15 measures the power generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27 and outputs these measurements to the individual control device 35. The power meter 15 may also measure the output current or output voltage of the renewable energy power generation device 27 and calculate the power generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27 from the output current or output voltage.

[0100] The battery 30 is connected to the charge / discharge device 18. There is one or more batteries 30. The battery 30 may be a stationary battery. The battery 30 may also be a battery mounted on an electric transport vehicle parked in or near the building 10. The electric transport vehicle is, for example, an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0101] The charge / discharge device 18 has both a charging function and a discharging function. The charge / discharge device 18 charges the battery 30 with the surplus power supplied to the charge / discharge device 18 from the power conditioner 16. The charge / discharge device 18 outputs insufficient DC power from the battery 30 to the power conditioner 16.

[0102] The charge / discharge device 18 has a charge amount meter. The charge / discharge device 18 measures the residual energy of the battery 30 using the charge amount meter. The charge / discharge device 18 outputs the measured value of the residual energy of the battery 30 to the individual management device 35. As a result, the individual management device 35 obtains the measured value of the residual energy of the battery 30. The individual management device 35 may periodically store the measured value of the residual energy of the battery 30 in association with the measurement time at a very short interval. The combination of the battery 30, the fuel cell type power generator 23, and the natural energy power generator 27 corresponds to the power source 323 in the first embodiment.

[0103] The power conditioner 16 includes a DC-AC converter, relays, and control circuits. The power conditioner 16 is connected to the distribution board 13. A power meter 14 can be installed between the distribution board 13 and the power conditioner 16.

[0104] The power conditioner 16 converts the DC power supplied from the renewable energy power generation device 27 into AC power, and then supplies that AC power to the distribution board 13. The power conditioner 16 converts the DC power supplied from the fuel cell power generation device 23 into AC power, and then supplies that AC power to the distribution board 13. The power conditioner 16 converts the DC power supplied from the charge / discharge device 18 into AC power, and then supplies that AC power to the distribution board 13. The distribution board 13 distributes the AC power supplied from the power conditioner 16 to the loads 11.

[0105] The power conditioner 16 prioritizes supplying the power generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27 to the distribution board 13, out of the power generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27, the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23, and the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18.

[0106] If the total power consumption of load 11 is less than the power generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27, the power conditioner 16 supplies the surplus power, obtained by subtracting the total power consumption from the generated power, to the charge / discharge device 18. As a result, the surplus power is supplied to the battery 30 by the charge / discharge device 18.

[0107] Building 10 is configured to allow the user to select which of the following power sources to consume preferentially: the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 or the power from the battery 30. Specifically, if the total power consumption of the load 11 exceeds the power generated by the renewable energy power generator 27, the power conditioner 16 can select whether to prioritize the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 or the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23. Based on commands input from the individual control device 35, the power conditioner 16 selects which of the charge / discharge device 18 or the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 to consume preferentially.

[0108] If priority is given to consuming the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18, the power conditioner 16 supplies the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the renewable energy power generation device 27 to the distribution board 13. If the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the renewable energy power generation device 27 are still insufficient to meet the total power consumption of the load 11, the power conditioner 16 also supplies the generated power of the fuel cell power generation device 23 to the distribution board 13. If the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the renewable energy power generation device 27 are insufficient to meet the total power consumption of the load 11, the hydrogen supplyer 21, air supplyer 22, and fuel cell power generation device 23 will operate. If the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the renewable energy power generation device 27 meet the total power consumption of the load 11, the hydrogen supplyer 21, air supplyer 22, and fuel cell power generation device 23 will stop.

[0109] If preferential consumption of the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 is selected, the power conditioner 16 supplies the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 and the power generated by the renewable energy power generator 27 to the distribution board 13. If the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 and the renewable energy power generator 27 is still insufficient to meet the total power consumption of the load 11, the power conditioner 16 also supplies the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 to the distribution board 13. If preferential consumption of the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 is selected, the hydrogen supplyer 21, air supplyer 22, and fuel cell power generator 23 may operate continuously, or they may operate only when the power generated by the renewable energy power generator 27 is insufficient to meet the total power consumption of the load 11. When the hydrogen supply unit 21, air supply unit 22, and fuel cell power generator 23 are always in operation, if the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 and the renewable energy power generator 27 exceeds the total power consumption of the load 11, the power conditioner 16 supplies the surplus power to the charge / discharge device 18. As a result, the surplus power is supplied to the battery 30 by the charge / discharge device 18.

[0110] The power generated by the natural energy power generation device 27, the power generated by the fuel cell power generation device 23, and the power discharged by the charge / discharge device 18 may be consumed in various priority order. The combination of the charge / discharge device 18, the power conditioner 16, and the distribution board 13 corresponds to the power equipment 313 in the first embodiment.

[0111] The power meter 14 measures the total power consumption of the load 11, that is, the power used in the building 10, and outputs these measured values ​​to the individual control device 35.

[0112] The individual management device 35 is a terminal used by the resident.

[0113] The individual management device 35 consists of a general-purpose computer system or a dedicated computer system. A general-purpose computer system refers to a computer system such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or desktop computer on which a general-purpose OS (Operating System) is installed. Examples of general-purpose OSs include Windows®, Android®, iOS®, macOS®, Linux®, or Unix®. A dedicated computer system refers to a computer system installed on the interior wall of a building, etc., that has the function of monitoring or controlling the load 11 of the building 10. For example, a dedicated computer system could be a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) or a BEMS (Building Energy Management System) controller. The individual management device 35 may also be a combination of a general-purpose computer system and a dedicated computer system. The user's terminal device may be able to access the individual management device 35 through the in-home network and, if necessary, through the communication network 90.

[0114] The individual control device 35 has a display device. The individual control device 35 displays various information using the display device. The individual control device 35 has input devices such as a touch panel, push buttons, keys, keyboard, mouse, touchpad, stylus, and pointing device. When a resident operates an input device, the individual control device 35 receives commands and information corresponding to that operation. For example, if a resident selects the first priority mode (battery priority mode) using the input device of the individual control device 35, the selection of the first priority mode is transmitted from the individual control device 35 to the power conditioner 16 and the overall control device 40, and the power conditioner 16 prioritizes supplying the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 over the power generated by the fuel cell type power generator 23. For example, if a resident selects the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode) using the input device of the individual management device 35, the selection of the second priority mode is transmitted from the individual management device 35 to the power conditioner 16 and the central management device 40. The power conditioner 16 then preferentially consumes the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23, out of the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23. Alternatively, the individual management device 35 may automatically select either the first or second priority mode through calculation processing, and the power conditioner 16 may operate as described above according to the selected mode. Alternatively, the administrator may select either the first or second priority mode and input the selected mode to the central management device 40 described later. The central management device 40 may then transmit the selected mode to the individual management device 35, and the power conditioner 16 may operate as described above according to the selected mode.

[0115] The individual management device 35 has communication devices such as a mobile phone line communication module, a network card, and a Wi-Fi® client device. The individual management device 35 is connected to a communication network 90, such as the Internet, via these communication devices. The individual management device 35 can access the central management device 40 through the communication network 90. ​​A secure communication protocol, such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network), may be used for communication between the individual management device 35 and the central management device 40.

[0116] The individual management device 35 has a storage medium that stores a program. This program causes the individual management device 35 to function as follows.

[0117] The individual control device 35 has a timing function that measures time and recognizes the current time (current year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and day of the week). The individual control device 35 periodically stores the measured water volume of the water storage tank 24, measured by the water storage meter, along with the measurement time. In this way, the individual control device 35 accumulates time-series data of the measured water volume. Based on the time-series data of the measured water volume, the individual control device 35 displays the relationship between the measured water volume and the measurement time on a display device such as a graph, and also displays the immediate (real-time) measured value and measurement time together with the trend on the display device. The individual control device 35 immediately (in real time) associates the measured water volume of the water storage tank 24, measured by the water storage meter, with the measurement time and transfers the measured value and measurement time to the overall control device 40.

[0118] The individual control device 35 periodically stores the measured power output of the fuel cell power generator 23, measured by the power meter 26, in a very short cycle, associating it with the measurement time. In this way, the individual control device 35 accumulates time-series data of the measured power output in a time series. Based on the time-series data of the measured power output, the individual control device 35 displays the trend showing the relationship between the measured power output and the measurement time on a display device such as a graph, and also displays the immediate measured value and measurement time together with the trend on the display device. The individual control device 35 immediately transmits the measured power output of the fuel cell power generator 23, measured by the power meter 26, associating it with the measurement time, and transfers the measurement location and measurement time to the overall control device 40.

[0119] The individual control device 35 calculates the value of the amount of electricity generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 by integrating the time-series data of the measured power output of the fuel cell power generator 23 over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the individual control device 35 may calculate the value of the amount of electricity generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly.

[0120] The individual control device 35 periodically stores the measured power output of the renewable energy power generation device 27, as measured by the power meter 15, in a very short period of time, and associates this measurement with the measurement time. In this way, the individual control device 35 accumulates time-series data of the measured power output. Based on this time-series data of the measured power output, the individual control device 35 displays the relationship between the measured power output and the measurement time on a display device, such as in a graph, and also displays the immediate measured value and measurement time along with the trend on the display device. The individual control device 35 immediately transfers the measured power output of the renewable energy power generation device 27, as measured by the power meter 15, to the overall control device 40, associating the measured value and measurement time with the measurement time.

[0121] The individual control device 35 calculates the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27 by integrating the time-series data of the measured power output of the renewable energy power generation device 27 over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the individual control device 35 may calculate the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27 hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly.

[0122] The individual control device 35 periodically stores the measured power consumption of the building 10, as measured by the power meter 14, at very short intervals, associating it with the measurement time. In this way, the individual control device 35 accumulates time-series data of the measured power consumption. Based on the time-series data of the measured power consumption, the individual control device 35 displays the trend showing the relationship between the measured power consumption and the measurement time on a display device such as a graph, and also displays the immediate measured value and measurement time together with the trend on the display device. The individual control device 35 immediately transmits the measured power consumption measured by the power meter 14, associating it with the measurement time, and transfers the measured value and measurement time to the overall control device 40.

[0123] The individual control device 35 calculates the value of the building's power consumption by integrating the time-series data of measured power consumption of the building 10 over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the individual control device 35 may calculate the value of the building's power consumption hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly.

[0124] The individual control device 35 immediately acquires a measured value of the remaining hydrogen for each cartridge 20. Specifically, the remaining amount meter 25 measures the remaining amount of hydrogen in cartridge 20, and this measured value is output to the individual control device 35, thereby allowing the individual control device 35 to acquire the measured value of the remaining hydrogen in cartridge 20. The individual control device 35 immediately calculates the total remaining amount by summing the remaining amounts of hydrogen in these cartridges 20. The individual control device 35 immediately calculates the amount of electricity that the fuel cell power generator 23 can generate from the total remaining hydrogen. The individual control device 35 immediately stores the values ​​of the total remaining hydrogen and the amount of electricity that can be generated, associating them with the calculation time. In this way, the individual control device 35 accumulates time-series data of the total remaining hydrogen and the amount of electricity that can be generated in chronological order. The individual management device 35 displays the relationship between the total remaining hydrogen and the amount of electricity that can be generated and the calculation time in a graph or the like on a display device, based on time-series data of the total remaining hydrogen and the amount of electricity that can be generated. It also displays the current total remaining hydrogen, the amount of electricity that can be generated and the calculation time on the display device along with the trends. The individual management device 35 immediately transmits the total remaining hydrogen and the amount of electricity that can be generated and the calculation time to the overall management device 40.

[0125] The individual control device 35 immediately calculates the number of empty cartridges 20 and the number of non-empty cartridges 20 based on the amount of hydrogen remaining in each cartridge 20 as measured by the remaining amount meter 25. For example, if the amount of hydrogen remaining in a cartridge 20 is below a predetermined value, the individual control device 35 recognizes that cartridge 20 as empty and counts the number of such empty cartridges 20. If the amount of hydrogen remaining in a cartridge 20 exceeds a predetermined value, the individual control device 35 recognizes that cartridge 20 as non-empty and counts the number of such non-empty cartridges 20.

[0126] The individual management device 35 immediately displays the calculated number of empty cartridges 20 on the display device. The individual management device 35 immediately displays the calculated number of non-empty cartridges 20 on the display device.

[0127] The individual control device 35 immediately transmits the calculated number of empty cartridges 20 to the central control device 40. The individual control device 35 immediately transmits the calculated number of non-empty cartridges 20 to the central control device 40.

[0128] The individual management device 35 immediately obtains the measured value of the residual energy of the battery 30 from the charge / discharge device 18. The individual management device 35 immediately stores the value of the residual energy in association with the calculation time. In this way, the individual management device 35 accumulates time-series data of the residual energy arranged in chronological order. Based on the time-series data of the residual energy, the individual management device 35 displays the trend showing the relationship between the residual energy and the calculation time on a display device such as a graph, and also displays the immediate residual energy and calculation time together with the trend on the display device. The individual management device 35 immediately transmits the value of the residual energy and the calculation time in association with each other to the overall management device 40.

[0129] Furthermore, the overall management device 40, described later, may have functions similar to those of the individual management devices 35 described above.

[0130] <5. Management System> The energy utilization system has a management system as shown in Figure 5. This management system manages the energy utilization system as a whole. The management system comprises individual management devices 35 used by the residents of each building 10, a central management device 40 used by the operator of the distribution center 9, a weather information storage device 80, a first terminal 91 used by the operator of the transport vehicle 70, a second terminal 92 used by the operator of plant 1, and a third terminal 93 installed in the stock facility 8. The central management device 40 is installed in a data center or the like. The individual management devices 35 are installed in building 10 or are portable by the residents of building 10. The first terminal 91 is installed in transport vehicle 70 or is portable by the operator of transport vehicle 70. The second terminal 92 is installed in plant 1 or is portable by the operator of plant 1.

[0131] The central management device 40 includes a computer 41, a memory device 45, an input device 43, a display device 44, and a communication device 42.

[0132] Computer 41 is responsible for the overall control of the central management device 40. Computer 41 has a timekeeping function that measures time and recognizes the current time (current year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and day of the week). Computer 41 has a main board, one or more hardware processors, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The main board has a bus, a bus controller, and interface circuits, and transmits information between the hardware processor, GPU, RAM, memory device 45, input device 43, display device 44, and communication device 42. The hardware processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The hardware processor performs various arithmetic operations. RAM provides the hardware processor with storage space or work space when it performs arithmetic operations. The GPU performs operations that can be performed faster than the hardware processor (for example, image processing and matrix operations) under the command of the hardware processor.

[0133] The input device 43 is an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, touchpad, stylus, pointing device, key, or push button. The input device 43 outputs a signal to the computer 41 according to the operation performed by the administrator on the input device 43. The computer 41 recognizes the administrator's input and commands according to the signals transmitted from the input device 43.

[0134] The display device 44 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device. The display device 44 displays an image according to the video signal input from the computer 41.

[0135] The communication device 42 may be, for example, a network card or a Wi-Fi® client device. The communication device 42 is connected to the communication network 90 via a router or the like.

[0136] The memory device 45 may be a memory device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The OS (Operating System) is stored in the memory device 45 and installed on the central management unit 40 so that the OS is executed by the computer 41. The memory device 45 stores programs 46 that can be executed on the OS by the computer 41, particularly the hardware processor.

[0137] The central management unit 40 is connected to the storage device 50. The storage device 50 is a semiconductor memory device, a magnetic memory device, a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a data server, a file server, or a cloud computing system. The computer 41 of the central management unit 40 records information to the storage device 50 and reads information recorded to the storage device 50. The storage device 50 may be connected to the computer 41 by an interface circuit, or it may be accessed by the computer 41 via a communication network 90.

[0138] Next, we will explain the functions of the computer 41 implemented by program 46.

[0139] Computer 41 collects and stores information sent from the individual management device 35 for each building 10. Specifically, it does as follows:

[0140] Each time the computer 41 receives the measured water volume and measurement time from the individual management device 35, it records the measured water volume and measurement time in association with the storage device 50. As a result, the computer 41 stores time-series data 51, which is a time-series arrangement of the measured water volume of the water tank 24, in the storage device 50.

[0141] Each time the computer 41 receives the measured power output and measurement time from the individual management device 35, it records the measured power output of the fuel cell power generator 23 in the storage device 50, associating it with the measurement time. As a result, the computer 41 stores time-series data 52, which is a time-series arrangement of the measured power output of the fuel cell power generator 23, in the storage device 50. The computer 41 calculates the value of the amount of power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 by integrating the time-series data 52 of the measured power output over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the computer 41 may calculate the value of the amount of power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly.

[0142] Each time the computer 41 receives the measured power output and measurement time from the individual management device 35, it records the measured power output of the renewable energy power generation device 27 in the storage device 50, associating it with the measurement time. As a result, the computer 41 stores time-series data 53, which is a time-series arrangement of the measured power output of the renewable energy power generation device 27, in the storage device 50. The computer 41 calculates the value of the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27 by integrating the time-series data 53 of the measured power output over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the computer 41 may calculate the value of the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27 hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly.

[0143] Each time the computer 41 receives the measured power consumption and measurement time of the building 10 from the individual management device 35, it records the measured power consumption of the building 10 in the storage device 50, associating it with the measurement time. When recording the measured power consumption and measurement time, the computer 41 adds the measured power consumption and measurement time to the time-series data 54. As a result, the computer 41 stores time-series data 54, which is a time-series arrangement of the measured power consumption of the building 10, in the storage device 50. The computer 41 calculates the value of the building's power consumption by integrating the time-series data 54 of the measured power consumption of the building 10 over time. The integration period may be, for example, one hour, one day, one week, one month, or one year. In other words, the computer may calculate the value of the building's power consumption every hour, every day, every week, every month, or every year.

[0144] Each time the computer 41 receives the total hydrogen remaining amount in cartridge 20 and the calculation time from the individual management device 35, it records the total hydrogen remaining amount in cartridge 20 in the storage device 50, associating it with the calculation time. In this way, the computer 41 accumulates time-series data 55 in the storage device 50, which is a time-series arrangement of the total hydrogen remaining amount in cartridge 20. Each time the computer 41 receives the value of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 based on the total hydrogen remaining amount in cartridge 20 and the calculation time from the individual management device 35, it records the value of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 in the storage device 50, associating it with the calculation time. In this way, the computer 41 accumulates time-series data 56 in the storage device 50, which is a time-series arrangement of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generator 23.

[0145] Each time the computer 41 receives the value of the battery 30's residual energy and the calculation time from the individual management device 35, it records the value of the battery 30's residual energy in the storage device 50, associating it with the calculation time. As a result, the computer 41 stores time-series data 57, which is the battery 30's residual energy arranged in chronological order, in the storage device 50.

[0146] Time series data 51-57 represent data for each of the 10 buildings.

[0147] Computer 41 calculates the actual power consumption of building 10 for the previous day, the predicted power consumption of building 10 for future days (specifically, the following day), and a correction coefficient every day. The process by which computer 41 calculates the actual power consumption of building 10 for the previous day, the predicted power consumption of future days, and the correction coefficient is the same as the process by which the prediction device 340 calculates the actual power consumption of the power consumption area 310 for the previous day, the predicted power consumption of future days, and the correction coefficient in the first embodiment. Therefore, the overall management device 40 functions as a prediction device. As a result of computer 41 calculating the actual power consumption of building 10 for the previous day, the predicted power consumption of future days, and the correction coefficient, daily data 61 of the actual power consumption for each day, daily data 62 of the correction coefficient for each day, and daily data 63 of the predicted power consumption for each day are stored in the storage device 50. The daily data 61 to 63 are data for each building 10.

[0148] Furthermore, the individual management device 35 may calculate the actual amount of electricity used by the building 10 on the previous day, the predicted amount of electricity used by the building 10 on future days, and a correction coefficient on a daily basis. In other words, the individual management device 35 may function as a predictive device.

[0149] When a resident selects the first priority mode (battery priority mode) using the input device of the individual control device 35, the selection of the first priority mode is transmitted from the individual control device 35 to the central control device 40, and the central control device 40 recognizes that the first priority mode has been selected. When a resident selects the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode) using the input device of the individual control device 35, the selection of the second priority mode is transmitted from the individual control device 35 to the central control device 40, and the central control device 40 recognizes that the second priority mode has been selected.

[0150] When the administrator selects building 10 using input device 43 and chooses the first priority mode (battery priority mode), the computer 41 transmits the selection of the first priority mode to the individual management device 35 of building 10. The individual management device 35 then issues a command to the power conditioner 16 indicating the selection of the first priority mode, and the power conditioner 16 preferentially supplies the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 to the distribution board 13, out of the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the generated power of the fuel cell type power generator 23. When the administrator selects building 10 using input device 43 and chooses the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode), the computer 41 transmits the selection of the second priority mode to the individual management device 35 of building 10. The individual management device 35 then issues a command to the power conditioner 16 indicating the selection of the second priority mode, and the power conditioner 16 preferentially supplies the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 to the distribution board 13, out of the discharge power of the charge / discharge device 18 and the power generated by the fuel cell power generator 23.

[0151] The weather information storage device 80 is connected to the central management device 40. The weather information storage device 80 is a semiconductor memory device, a magnetic memory device, a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a data server, a file server, or a cloud computing system. The weather information storage device 80 may be connected to the computer 41 of the central management device 40 by an interface circuit, or it may be accessed by the computer 41 via a communication network 90.

[0152] The weather information storage device 80 stores weather forecasts for a specific region as data 81. In other words, the weather information storage device 80 stores data 81 of future weather trends for a specific region. Weather refers to atmospheric conditions (such as clear skies, cloudy skies, rainy skies, and snowfall), temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and precipitation.

[0153] <6. Program> Program 46 causes the computer 41 of the central control unit 40 to execute the following processing for each building 10 at a predetermined time each day, for example at 17:00. Program 46 may also cause the computer 41 of the central control unit 40 to execute the following processing for each building 10 in which the second priority mode (fuel cell priority mode) is selected at a predetermined time each day.

[0154] As shown in Figure 6, first, the computer 41 obtains the number of the most recent empty cartridges 20 and the number of non-empty cartridges 20 in the building 10 (step S1). The number of the most recent empty cartridges 20 and the number of non-empty cartridges 20 refers to the number of the most recent empty cartridges 20 and the number of non-empty cartridges 20 that the computer 41 received from the individual management device 35 of the building 10 at step S1, immediately after a predetermined time has arrived.

[0155] Next, the computer 41 calculates the proportion of empty cartridges 20 (step S2). Specifically, the computer 41 calculates the proportion of empty cartridges 20 by dividing the number of empty cartridges 20 by the sum of the number of empty cartridges 20 and the number of non-empty cartridges 20. After that, the computer 41 determines whether the proportion of empty cartridges 20 exceeds a predetermined value (step S2). If the proportion of empty cartridges 20 exceeds the predetermined value (step S2: YES), the computer 41 proceeds to step S8; if the proportion of empty cartridges 20 is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the computer 41 proceeds to step S3.

[0156] In step S3, the computer 41 obtains the latest measured value of residual energy (W1 [kWh]) from the time-series data 57 of the battery 30's residual energy. The latest measured value of residual energy (W1) refers to the value of residual energy that was last added to the time-series data 57 at the time of step S4.

[0157] Next, the computer 41 obtains the latest value of the amount of power that can be generated (W2 [kWh]) from the time-series data 56 of the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 (step S4). The latest value of the amount of power that can be generated (W2) refers to the value of the amount of power that was last added to the time-series data 56 at the time of step S4.

[0158] Next, the computer 41 predicts the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27 for the following day (W3 [kWh]) (step S5). For predicting the amount of electricity generated (W3), time-series data 53 of measured values ​​of the electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27, or weather forecast data 81, or both, may be used and referenced. The amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27 may be predicted by inputting the time-series data 53, weather forecast data 81, or both into a pre-trained model that has been trained using machine learning. For example, the pre-trained model may have been trained using training data such as past daily electricity generation, amount of electricity generated, calendar, temperature, weather, etc., from various households. Here, the calculation period for the predicted amount of electricity generated is equal to the regular patrol cycle of the transporter 70, and since the transporter 70 patrols every day, the predicted amount of electricity generated is the amount of electricity that will be generated by the renewable energy power generation device 27 of the building 10 during the next 24 hours.

[0159] Next, the computer 41 obtains a predicted value (W4 [kWh]) of the amount of electricity consumed in the building 10 the following day from the daily data 63 (step S6). If, at this point, the predicted value (W4) of the amount of electricity used the following day is not included in the daily data 63, the computer 41 calculates the predicted value (W4) of the amount of electricity used in the building 10 the following day. The process by which the computer 41 calculates the predicted value (W4) of the amount of electricity used in the building 10 the following day is the same as the process by which the prediction device 340 calculates the predicted value of the amount of electricity used the following day in the first embodiment.

[0160] Next, the computer 41 compares the sum of the measured residual energy (W1), the amount of energy that can be generated (W2), and the predicted amount of energy generated (W3) with the predicted amount of energy consumed (W4) (step S7). If the sum is less than the predicted amount of energy consumed (W4), the computer 41 proceeds to step S8. If the sum is greater than or equal to the predicted amount of energy consumed (W4), the computer 41 proceeds to step S9.

[0161] In step S8, the computer 41 determines that it is necessary to add a full supply of cartridges 20 to the building 10. Furthermore, the computer 41 sets the number of full supply cartridges 20 to be added to the building 10 to be equal to the number of empty cartridges 20 obtained in step S1. Furthermore, the computer 41 transmits to the individual management device 35 that it is necessary to add a full supply of cartridges 20 to the building 10 and the number of cartridges 20 to be added. Upon receiving this information, the individual management device 35 displays on its display device that there will be an addition of cartridges 20 the following day, specifically delivery, replenishment, or replacement, and also displays the number of cartridges 20 to be added on the display device.

[0162] In step S9, the computer 41 determines that it is not necessary to add a full supply of cartridges 20 to the building 10. Furthermore, the computer 41 sets the number of cartridges 20 to be added to the building 10 to zero. In addition, the computer 41 transmits to the individual management device 35 that it is not necessary to add a full supply of cartridges 20 to the building 10 and that the number of cartridges to be added is "zero". Upon receiving this information, the individual management device 35 displays on its display device that there will be no addition of cartridges 20 the following day, specifically delivery, replenishment, or replacement, and also displays the number of cartridges to be added is "zero".

[0163] In the above description, the computer 41 executes the processes in steps S1 to S9 for each building 10. Alternatively, each individual management device 35 may execute the processes in steps S1 to S9 according to the program stored in its storage medium. In this case, in step S8, each individual management device 35 transmits to the computer 41 that it is necessary to add a full load of cartridges 20 to the building 10 and the number of cartridges 20 to be added. Furthermore, in step S8, the individual management device 35 displays on the display device that there will be an addition of cartridges 20 the following day, and also displays the number of cartridges 20 to be added on the display device. In step S9, the individual management device 35 transmits to the computer 41 that it is not necessary to add a full load of cartridges 20 to the building 10 and that the number of cartridges 20 to be added is "zero". Furthermore, in step S9, the individual management device 35 displays on the display device that there will be no addition of cartridges 20 the following day, and also displays that the number of cartridges 20 to be added is "zero".

[0164] <7. Delivery> After the above processing, the computer 41 of the central management device 40 calculates the order in which the deliveries will visit the buildings 10 and stock facilities 8 (hereinafter referred to as the delivery order) based on the location information of each building 10 and stock facility 8 and the determination results for each building 10 from the above processing. The computer 41 of the central management device 40 also calculates the route through the buildings 10 and stock facilities 8 (hereinafter referred to as the delivery route) based on the location information of each building 10 and stock facility 8, the determination results for each building 10 from the above processing, and map information.

[0165] The computer 41 of the central management device 40 creates information representing the calculated delivery order and delivery route, and transmits this information to the first terminal 91. The first terminal 91 may display the delivery order and delivery route based on this information.

[0166] Subsequently, the second cartridge 20, filled with hydrogen, is loaded onto the transport aircraft 70 at the distribution center 9.

[0167] Subsequently, the transport aircraft 70 departs from the distribution center 9 and moves according to the delivery order and delivery route information received by the first terminal 91, visiting the buildings 10 and the stock facilities 8. The operator may control the transport aircraft 70, or the transport aircraft 70 may be driven automatically. If the first terminal 91 has a function to control the transport aircraft 70, the transport aircraft 70 may be driven automatically by the first terminal 91 controlling the transport aircraft 70 so that it moves according to the delivery order and delivery route.

[0168] When the transport aircraft 70 arrives at building 10, the first cartridge 20 in building 10 is replaced with the second cartridge 20 of the transport aircraft 70. The number of cartridges 20 to be replaced is equal to the additional number calculated as described above. The replacement may be performed by either the operator or the occupants, or it may be performed automatically by the cargo handling equipment of the transport aircraft 70. The removal of the first cartridge 20 from the cartridge holder 19 may be performed by either the operator or the occupants, or it may be performed automatically by the cargo handling equipment of the transport aircraft 70. The installation of the second cartridge 20 into the cartridge holder 19 may be performed by either the operator or the occupants, or it may be performed automatically by the cargo handling equipment of the transport aircraft 70.

[0169] When the transport aircraft 70 arrives at the stock facility 8, the first cartridge 20 in the stock facility 8 is replaced with the second cartridge 20 in the transport aircraft 70. The replacement may be performed by an operator, by a person at the stock facility 8, or automatically by the loading and unloading equipment of the transport aircraft 70. The resident of building 10 removes the first cartridge 20 from the cartridge holder 19 in their home, carries the first cartridge 20 to the stock facility 8, replaces the first cartridge 20 with the second cartridge 20 in the stock facility 8, takes the second cartridge 20 back to their building 10, and installs the second cartridge 20 into the original cartridge holder 19.

[0170] After inspecting building 10 and stock facility 8, transport aircraft 70 returns to distribution center 9.

[0171] <8. Flexibility> If there is a surplus of electricity in one building 10 (hereinafter referred to as the first building 10) and a shortage of electricity in another building 10 (hereinafter referred to as the second building 10), the cartridge 20 from the first building 10 may be transferred to the second building 10 and used in the second building 10. After the transfer of the cartridge 20, the individual management device 35 of the first building 10 calculates the value of the consideration and transmits the value of the consideration to the central management device 40, the central management device 40 transmits the value of the consideration to the individual management device 35 of the second building 10, and the individual management device 35 of the second building 10 displays the value of the consideration. The central management device 40 manages the movement of consideration between multiple buildings 10 and calculates the transfer and receipt of consideration for each building 10. The consideration may be currency, crypto assets (virtual currency), or points that have economic value.

[0172] <9. Summary> Based on a comparison of the ratio of empty cartridges 20 to the total number of cartridges 20 in building 10 with a predetermined value, the necessity of adding hydrogen-filled cartridges 20 to building 10 is determined. If the ratio of empty cartridges 20 exceeds the predetermined value, it is determined that it is necessary to add cartridges 20 to building 10. Therefore, while there are non-empty cartridges 20 in building 10, hydrogen-filled cartridges 20 can be added to building 10 to replace the empty cartridges 20.

[0173] Even if the proportion of empty cartridges 20 is below a predetermined value, the necessity of adding hydrogen-filled cartridges 20 to the building 10 is determined based on the residual power of the battery 30 in the building 10, the amount of power that the fuel cell power generator 23 can generate based on the remaining hydrogen in the cartridges 20 in the building 10, and the predicted amount of power used in the building 10. Therefore, when there are a number of non-empty cartridges 20 in the building 10 corresponding to the residual power of the battery 30, the amount of power that the fuel cell power generator 23 can generate, and the predicted amount of power used in the building 10, hydrogen-filled cartridges 20 can be added to the building 10 to replace the empty cartridges 20.

[0174] Even if the proportion of empty cartridges 20 in building 10 is below a predetermined value, the necessity of adding hydrogen-filled cartridges 20 to building 10 is determined based on the residual power of the battery 30 in building 10, the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 based on the remaining hydrogen in the cartridges 20 in building 10, the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generator 27 in building 10, and the predicted amount of electricity used in building 10. Therefore, when there are a number of non-empty cartridges 20 in building 10 corresponding to the residual power of the battery 30, the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generator 23, the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generator 27, and the predicted amount of electricity used in building 10, hydrogen-filled cartridges 20 can be added to building 10 to replace the empty cartridges 20. Empty cartridges 20 should be collected.

[0175] If the sum of the residual power of the battery 30 in building 10, the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 in building 10, and the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generator 27 in building 10 is less than the predicted power consumption of building 10, it means that there is a risk of a power shortage in building 10. In such a case, it is determined that an additional cartridge 20 is needed for building 10, so if there is a non-empty cartridge 20 in building 10, a hydrogen-filled cartridge 20 can be added to building 10 to replace an empty cartridge 20. On the other hand, if the sum of the residual power of the battery 30 in building 10, the amount of power that can be generated by the fuel cell power generator 23 in building 10, and the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generator 27 in building 10 is greater than or equal to the predicted power consumption of building 10, it means that even if the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power generator 27 is insufficient for the power consumption of building 10, the battery 30 and the fuel cell power generator 23 can adequately compensate for the shortfall. In such cases, it is determined that there is no need to add cartridges 20 to building 10, thus preventing more cartridges 20 than necessary from being stored in building 10, and also preventing more cartridges 20 from being added to building 10 than necessary.

[0176] The embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention should be interpreted by the terms of the claims.

[0177] 10 Building 14 Power meter 20 Cartridge 23 Fuel cell power generator 27 Renewable energy power generator 30 Battery 35 Individual control device 40 Central control device 41 Computer 46 Program 61 First daily data 62 Second daily data 63 Third daily data 310 Power usage area 314 Power meter 340 Prediction device 346 Program 361 First daily data 362 Second daily data 363 Third daily data

Claims

1. An energy utilization system comprising: a plurality of buildings having fuel cell power generation devices that generate electricity by receiving hydrogen from a plurality of hydrogen storage cartridges; and a management device for each building that determines the need for additional hydrogen-filled cartridges, wherein the management device performs, for each building: a first calculation process that calculates the ratio of the number of empty cartridges to the total number of the plurality of cartridges; a comparison process that compares the ratio calculated by the first calculation process with a predetermined value; and a determination process that, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, determines that it is necessary to add hydrogen-filled cartridges to the building if the ratio exceeds the predetermined value.

2. The energy utilization system according to claim 1, wherein the building has a rechargeable battery, and the management device performs, for each building, a first acquisition process to acquire the value of the residual energy of the battery if, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value; a second acquisition process to acquire the value of the amount of energy that the fuel cell power generator can generate from the remaining hydrogen in the cartridge if, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value; a prediction process to predict the amount of energy used in the building if, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value; and a second determination process to determine the need to add a hydrogen-filled cartridge to the building based on the value of the residual energy acquired by the first acquisition process, the value of the amount of energy that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value of the amount of energy used predicted by the prediction process.

3. The building has a rechargeable battery and a renewable energy power generation device that supplies power to the building, and the management device performs, for each building, a first acquisition process to acquire the value of the residual energy of the battery if, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value; a second acquisition process to acquire the value of the amount of electricity that the fuel cell power generation device can generate from the remaining hydrogen in the cartridge if, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value; a first prediction process to predict the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation device if, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value; a second prediction process to predict the amount of electricity used in the building if, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value; and a second determination process to determine the necessity of adding a hydrogen-filled cartridge to the building based on the value of the residual energy acquired by the first acquisition process, the value of the amount of electricity that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition process, the value of the amount of electricity generated predicted by the first prediction process, and the value of the amount of electricity used predicted by the second prediction process. The energy utilization system according to claim 1, which performs the following:

4. The energy utilization system according to claim 3, wherein the second determination process includes: determining that it is necessary to add a hydrogen-filled cartridge to the building if the sum of the value of residual energy obtained by the first acquisition process, the value of energy that can be generated obtained by the second acquisition process, and the value of the amount of power generated predicted by the first prediction process is less than the value of the amount of energy used predicted by the second prediction process; and determining that it is unnecessary to add a hydrogen-filled cartridge to the building if the sum of the value of residual energy obtained by the first acquisition process, the value of energy that can be generated obtained by the second acquisition process, and the value of the amount of power generated predicted by the first prediction process is greater than or equal to the value of the amount of energy used predicted by the second prediction process.

5. The energy utilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a transporter for delivering hydrogen-filled cartridges to a building where it has been determined that additional hydrogen-filled cartridges are needed.

6. The energy utilization system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second prediction process includes: a second calculation process that stores first daily data having actual values ​​of daily power consumption by calculating actual values ​​of power consumption in the building based on the output of a power meter that measures the total power consumption of loads in the building as power consumption; a third calculation process that stores second daily data having daily correction coefficients by calculating a correction coefficient; and a fourth calculation process that stores third daily data having daily prediction values ​​by multiplying the actual values ​​of power consumption for past days in the first daily data by the correction coefficient calculated by the third calculation process and calculating the product as a predicted value of power consumption for future days, wherein in the third calculation process, the management device calculates the correction coefficient for future days based on the actual values ​​of power consumption for past days in the first daily data and the predicted values ​​of power consumption for past days in the third daily data.

7. The energy utilization system according to claim 6, wherein the future day is the next day and the past day is one week prior to the next day.

8. The energy utilization system according to claim 6, wherein in the third calculation process, the management device divides the actual value of the amount of electricity used on past days in the first daily data by the predicted value of the amount of electricity used on past days in the third daily data, and calculates the correction coefficient for future days based on the determination value which is the ratio.

9. The energy utilization system according to claim 8, wherein the third calculation process includes: a second comparison process of comparing the determination value with a first threshold and a second threshold greater than the first; if, as a result of the comparison by the second comparison process, the determination value exceeds the first threshold and is less than or equal to the second threshold, a process of applying the correction coefficient for past days in the second daily data to the correction coefficient for future days; if, as a result of the comparison by the second comparison process, the determination value is less than or equal to the first threshold, a process of applying the value obtained by decreasing the correction coefficient for past days in the second daily data to the correction coefficient for future days; and if, as a result of the comparison by the second comparison process, the determination value exceeds the second threshold, a process of applying the value obtained by increasing the correction coefficient for past days in the second daily data to the correction coefficient for future days.

10. A management device for determining the need to add hydrogen-filled cartridges to a building having a fuel cell power generation system that generates electricity by receiving hydrogen from a plurality of hydrogen-storing cartridges, the management device performing: a first calculation process for calculating the ratio of the number of empty cartridges to the total number of the plurality of cartridges; a comparison process for comparing the ratio calculated by the first calculation process with a predetermined value; and a determination process for determining that, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio exceeds the predetermined value, it is necessary to add hydrogen-filled cartridges to the building.

11. The management device according to claim 10, wherein the building has a rechargeable battery, and performs a first acquisition process to acquire the value of the residual energy of the battery when, as a result of the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value; a second acquisition process to acquire the value of the amount of energy that the fuel cell power generator can generate from the remaining hydrogen in the cartridge when, as a result of the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value; a prediction process to predict the amount of energy used in the building when, as a result of the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value; and a second determination process to determine whether the building needs additional hydrogen-filled cartridges based on the value of the residual energy acquired by the first acquisition process, the value of the amount of energy that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition process, and the value of the amount of energy used predicted by the prediction process.

12. The management device according to claim 10, wherein the building has a rechargeable battery and a natural energy power generation device that supplies power to the building, and performs: a first acquisition process to acquire the value of the residual energy of the battery when, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value; a second acquisition process to acquire the value of the amount of energy that the fuel cell power generation device can generate from the remaining hydrogen in the cartridge when, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value; a first prediction process to predict the value of the amount of energy generated by the natural energy power generation device when, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value; a second prediction process to predict the value of the amount of energy used in the building when, as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, the ratio is less than or equal to the predetermined value; and a second determination process to determine whether the hydrogen-filled cartridge needs to be added to the building based on the value of the residual energy acquired by the first acquisition process, the value of the amount of energy that can be generated acquired by the second acquisition process, the value of the amount of energy generated predicted by the first prediction process, and the value of the amount of energy used predicted by the second prediction process.

13. The management device according to claim 12, wherein the second determination process includes: determining that additional hydrogen-filled cartridges are needed for the building if the sum of the value of residual energy obtained by the first acquisition process, the value of energy that can be generated obtained by the second acquisition process, and the value of power generation predicted by the first prediction process is less than the value of energy consumption predicted by the second prediction process; and determining that additional hydrogen-filled cartridges are not needed for the building if the sum of the value of residual energy obtained by the first acquisition process, the value of energy that can be generated obtained by the second acquisition process, and the value of power generation predicted by the first prediction process is greater than or equal to the value of energy consumption predicted by the second prediction process.

14. The management device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the second prediction process includes: a second calculation process that stores first daily data having actual values ​​of daily power consumption by calculating actual values ​​of power consumption in the building based on the output of a power meter that measures the total power consumption of loads in the building as power consumption; a third calculation process that stores second daily data having daily correction coefficients by calculating a correction coefficient; and a fourth calculation process that stores third daily data having daily prediction values ​​of power consumption by multiplying the actual values ​​of power consumption for past days in the first daily data by the correction coefficient calculated by the third calculation process and calculating the product as a prediction value of power consumption for future days, wherein in the third calculation process, the management device calculates the correction coefficient for future days based on the actual values ​​of power consumption for past days in the first daily data and the prediction value of power consumption for past days in the third daily data.

15. A program that causes a computer in a management device for a building having a fuel cell power generation system that generates electricity by receiving hydrogen from multiple hydrogen-storage cartridges to execute the following: a first calculation process that calculates the ratio of the number of empty cartridges to the total number of multiple cartridges; a comparison process that compares the ratio calculated by the first calculation process with a predetermined value; and a determination process that, if the ratio exceeds the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, determines that the building needs to have additional hydrogen-filled cartridges.

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