JP2020013359A - Energy management system and energy management method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an energy management system and an energy management method capable of providing a user with information for appropriately selecting an operation mode of a power converter and capable of un-necessitating a setting operation by the user for the selected operation mode.SOLUTION: An energy management system includes a power converter, a terminal device, and a server computer capable of communicating with the power converter and the terminal device. The power converter includes a chargeable and dischargeable power storage unit, an information collection unit configured to collect information regarding input and output of electric power in electric devices and power storage units arranged in a house where the power conversion unit is installed, and a communication unit configured to upload the collected information to the server computer. The server computer generates recommended information on the operation of the power converter using the uploaded information, and transmits the recommended information to the terminal device. The terminal device includes a receiving unit configured to receive the recommended information, and a presenting unit configured to present the received recommended information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an energy management system and an energy management method.

  The commercial power supplied from the grid or the output power of a power generation device such as a photovoltaic power generation system installed at home is temporarily stored in a storage battery, and in the event of a power outage, the stored power is converted from direct current to alternating current to a load. 2. Description of the Related Art A power converter (power storage device) for supplying power is known.

  In recent years, with the spread of smart meters, which are next-generation power meters having a communication function, the power consumption of home electrical devices (such as air conditioners and lighting devices) called HEMS (Home Energy Management System) has been reduced. Management systems are also becoming popular. In such a system, power may be supplied from a power converter.

  As such a system, Patent Literature 1 listed below discloses an energy management system capable of presenting to a user how energy consumption has changed due to living behavior. Patent Literature 2 below discloses a power information management system that can cumulatively manage information on power received by consumers. Patent Literature 3 below discloses a system that presents an effect obtained by responding to a power saving request to a user in an easy-to-understand manner in order to enhance the power saving effect.

JP-A-2005-228229 JP 2013-65169 A JP 2017-200438 A

  In the systems disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 to 3, although information regarding power consumption is presented to a user, for example, in a conventional technique, an operation mode (hereinafter, also referred to as an operation mode) of a power converter is selected by the user. Therefore, there is a problem that the optimal operation mode according to the application cannot be selected. The cause is that the operation information of the power converter cannot be determined by the user himself. Further, the conventional system has a problem that the main purpose is to collect and present energy information to a user, and the collected information cannot be broken down into a specific action (selection of an operation mode).

  Therefore, the present invention can provide the user with information for appropriately selecting the operation mode of the power converter, and can eliminate the setting operation by the user of the selected operation mode. The purpose is to provide a management method.

  An energy management system according to an aspect of the present invention is an energy management system including a power converter, a terminal device, and a server computer capable of communicating with the power converter and the terminal device. A possible power storage unit, an information collection unit that collects information related to input and output of electric power in the electric equipment and the power storage unit disposed in the house where the power converter is installed, and uploads the collected information to the server computer. A communication unit, the server computer uses the uploaded information, generates recommended information regarding the operation of the power converter, transmits the recommended information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the recommended information. And a presentation unit for presenting the received recommended information.

  An energy management method according to another aspect of the present invention is an energy management method in a system including a power converter having a power storage unit, a terminal device, and a server computer capable of communicating with the power converter and the terminal device. Collecting the information related to the input and output of electric power in the electric device and the power storage unit disposed in the house where the power converter is installed, and the power converter transmits the collected information to the server computer. Uploading, the server computer, using the uploaded information, generating recommended information on the operation of the power converter, transmitting the recommended information to the terminal device, the terminal device receives the recommended information, Presenting the received recommended information.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the information for selecting the operation mode of a power converter appropriately can be provided to a user, and the setting operation by the user of the selected operation mode can be made unnecessary.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an energy management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to power supply in the energy management system shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation in the energy management system shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the recommendation mode determination process shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the terminal device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a trial calculation result based on the first trial calculation pattern in a table format. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second example of a trial calculation result based on the first trial calculation pattern in a table format. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a trial calculation result based on the first trial calculation pattern in a table format. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a trial calculation result based on the first trial calculation pattern in a table format.

[Description of Embodiment of the Present Invention]
First, the contents of the embodiment of the present invention will be listed and described. At least some of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

  (1) An energy management system according to an aspect of the present invention is an energy management system including a power converter, a terminal device, and a server computer capable of communicating with the power converter and the terminal device. A power storage unit capable of charging and discharging, an information collection unit that collects information on input and output of electric power in electric appliances and a power storage unit arranged in a house where the power converter is installed, and a server computer that collects the collected information. And a communication unit for uploading to the server computer, the server computer uses the uploaded information to generate recommended information on the operation of the power converter, transmits the recommended information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the recommended information. And a presentation unit for presenting the received recommended information. Thus, information for appropriately selecting the operation mode of the power converter can be provided to the user as recommended information.

  (2) Preferably, the power converter further includes a control unit configured to control a charging / discharging operation of the power storage unit, and the terminal device includes: an input unit configured to input an instruction for the presented recommended information; A transmission unit for transmitting to the computer, the server computer transmits setting information on the operation of the power converter to the power converter in response to the received instruction, and the communication unit of the power converter receives the setting information. Then, the control unit controls the charging / discharging operation of the power storage unit according to the received setting information. Thereby, the operation mode of the power converter can be automatically set to the operation mode approved by the user, and the setting operation by the user can be eliminated.

  (3) More preferably, the electric device arranged in the house where the power converter is installed includes a power generation device. Thus, in a house provided with a power generation device, information for appropriately selecting an operation mode of a power converter or a rate plan of a power company can be provided to a user as recommended information.

  (4) More preferably, the server computer generates the recommended information satisfying the limitation in response to the designation of the limitation on generation of the recommended information. Accordingly, even when the user specifies the operation mode of the power converter or the power rate plan of the electric company, information for appropriately selecting the rate plan of the power company or the operation mode of the power converter that is not specified is provided. , As recommended information.

  (5) Preferably, the limitation relates to an operation of the power converter. Thus, even when the user specifies the operation mode of the power converter, information for appropriately selecting a charge plan of the power company can be provided to the user as recommended information.

  (6) More preferably, the server computer generates the recommendation information by using the information on the power bill plan of the power company in addition to the uploaded information. As a result, information for appropriately selecting a charge plan of the power company can be provided to the user as recommended information.

  (7) More preferably, the limitation is a matter relating to a power rate plan. Thus, even when the user specifies the power bill plan of the electric company, information for appropriately selecting the operation mode of the power converter can be provided to the user as recommended information.

  (8) Preferably, the server computer generates the recommended information by machine learning using the uploaded information. Thereby, more reliable recommendation information can be generated.

  (9) An energy management method according to another aspect of the present invention is an energy management method in a system including a power converter having a power storage unit, a terminal device, and a server computer capable of communicating with the power converter and the terminal device. And a step in which the power converter collects information regarding input and output of electric power in the electric device and the power storage unit arranged in the house where the power converter is installed, and the power converter collects the collected information. Uploading to the server computer, the server computer generates recommended information on the operation of the power converter using the uploaded information, and transmitting the recommended information to the terminal device. Receiving and presenting the received recommendation information. Thereby, information for appropriately selecting the operation mode of the power converter or the price plan of the power company can be provided to the user as recommended information.

[Details of Embodiment of the Present Invention]
In the following embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(Embodiment)
[overall structure]
Referring to FIG. 1, an energy management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a photovoltaic panel 104, a PCS (power conditioner) 106, a first remote controller 108, and a power converter 110 arranged in a house 102. , A second remote controller 112, a HEMS 120, a router 122, a smart meter 124 and a terminal device 130, and an integrated server 140 disposed outside the house 102. The house 102 is provided with an electric device 126 to which electric power is supplied from a system power supply 150. Outside the house 102, there is also a power company server 142 and an intermediary company server 144. In FIG. 1, arrows mainly indicate communication paths of information, and electric wiring for supplying electric power is partially provided (between the smart meter 124 and the system power supply 150, between the solar panel 104 and the PCS 106). ) Only.

  The photovoltaic power generation panel 104 and the PCS 106 constitute a power generation device. The PCS 106 converts DC power generated by the solar panel 104 into AC power and outputs the AC power. The first remote controller 108 is operated by the user to make various settings for the PCS 106. In addition, the first remote controller 108 communicates with the HEMS 120 and transmits information (such as the amount of generated power) on the operation state of the PCS 106 to the HEMS 120.

  The power converter 110 is a power storage device including a storage battery 114 and a power conditioner (hereinafter, also referred to as PCS) 116. Power converter 110 converts AC power supplied from the outside into DC by PCS 116 and stores it in storage battery 114. The second remote controller 112 includes a control unit (such as a CPU), a storage unit (such as a semiconductor memory), a communication unit, a display unit, and an operation unit. The second remote controller 112 is operated by the user and performs various settings (operation mode setting, etc.) for the PCS 116. The second remote controller 112 communicates with the HEMS 120 and transmits information (such as an output power amount) on the operation state of the power converter 110 to the HEMS 120. Further, as described later, the second remote controller 112 receives setting information regarding the operation of the power converter 110 from the integrated server 140 via the HEMS 120, and controls the power so that the power converter 110 operates according to the received information. Set the converter 110.

  The HEMS 120 includes an electric device having a communication function (for example, an air conditioner having a communication function, a refrigerator, a water heater, a lighting device, an EV switch (a charging device for an electric vehicle or the like)), a smart meter 124 described later, Communicate by wire. The HEMS 120 receives data related to power consumption from each device through communication with these devices, and stores the received data in an internal storage device (not shown). The HEMS 120 further communicates with the first remote controller 108 and the second remote controller 112 wirelessly or by wire, and stores the received data regarding power consumption in an internal storage device. At this time, the HEMS 120 stores the data relating to the power consumption with information indicating the reception time. The HEMS 120 has a function of accessing the network 152 via the router 122. The network 152 is, for example, the Internet. The router 122 is a communication device that can access the network 152 wirelessly or by wire. The HEMS 120 uploads data related to power consumption (including time information) stored in the internal storage device to the integrated server 140 at a predetermined timing (for example, a predetermined time or a predetermined time interval). Note that the data regarding the power consumption transmitted from the HEMS 120 to the integrated server 140 need not all be transmitted at the same timing. For example, it may be sent at a timing according to the electric device.

  The smart meter 124 has a communication function. The smart meter 124 measures power supplied from the system power supply 150 and transmits information on the measured power amount to the HEMS 120. Here, if the amount of power supplied from the PCS 106 is larger than the amount of power consumed in the house 102 due to a contract with the power company, surplus power can be sold to the power company (hereinafter, also referred to as power selling). And Therefore, the measurement value of the smart meter 124 can be a negative value.

  The electric device 126 has a communication function with the HEMS 120. Here, as the electric device 126, a device capable of transmitting information regarding its own power consumption to the HEMS 120 is representatively shown. The electric device 126 includes an air conditioner having a communication function, a refrigerator, a water heater, a lighting device, an EV switch, and the like.

  The terminal device 130 includes a control unit (such as a CPU), a storage unit (such as a semiconductor memory), a communication unit, a display unit, and an operation unit. The terminal device 130 is, for example, a portable terminal such as a smartphone. The terminal device 130 can access the network 152 via a wireless communication base station or via the router 122.

  The integrated server 140, the electric power company server 142, and the intermediary company server 144 are server computers each including a control unit (CPU), a storage unit (semiconductor memory, hard disk drive, etc.), a communication unit, and an operation unit. The integrated server 140 communicates with the second remote controller 112, the HEMS 120, and the terminal device 130 of the house 102, and collects information on power consumption in the house 102. The integrated server 140 calculates a cost associated with the predicted power consumption, and executes a recommendation operation of providing recommended information to the terminal device 130, as described later. The recommendation operation will be described later. The power company server 142 and the intermediary company server 144 each store information (hereinafter, also referred to as a power rate plan) regarding the power supply service provided by the company in an internal storage device, and via the network 152. Transmits information in response to external requests. The integrated server 140 periodically acquires the power rate plan of each company from the power company server 142 and the intermediary company server 144 and stores the plan in the internal storage device. The integrated server 140 appropriately refers to the latest power rate plan stored in the storage device in the recommendation operation, as described later.

  1, the upper broken line indicates that information is exchanged among the second remote controller 112, the HEMS 120, and the integrated server 140. The lower dashed line indicates that information is exchanged between the terminal device 130 and the integrated server 140.

[Operation mode of power converter]
Power converter 110 can operate in multiple modes. In which mode the power converter 110 operates can be set externally (for example, by a user operation) via the second remote controller 112. FIG. 2 shows a configuration directly related to power supply among the configurations shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 2, PCS 106, power converter 110, smart meter 124, and load 128 are connected to electric wiring 154 for supplying power from system power supply 150. Note that the load 128 includes the electric device 126 and is disposed in the house 102, and represents the entire electric device that can be supplied with power from the system power supply 150.

  Sw represents the input / output power of the PCS 106, that is, the amount of power exchanged between the PCS 106 and the electric wiring 154. Sw is the amount of power supplied from the PCS 106, and 0 ≦ Sw ≦ max (Sw) as the maximum power that can supply max (Sw).

  PDw represents the input / output power of the power converter 110, that is, the amount of power exchanged between the power converter 110 and the electric wiring 154. Since power converter 110 charges and discharges storage battery 114, the maximum power that can supply (charge) max (PDx) is -max (PDx) ≦ PDw ≦ max (PDx). If PDw is negative, it means charging, and if it is positive, it means discharging. PDx means the power converter 110, and max (PDx) changes depending on the state of charge of the power converter 110.

  Rw represents the input / output power of the load 128, that is, the amount of power exchanged between the load 128 and the electric wiring 154. Rw is the power consumed by the load 128, and -max (Rw) ≦ Rw ≦ 0, where max (Rw) is the maximum power consumption.

  It should be noted that the values of Sw, PDw, and Rw are all determined to be positive or negative with reference to the electric wiring 154. That is, in FIG. 2, the arrow flowing into the electric wiring 154 has a positive value, and the arrow flowing out of the electric wiring 154 has a negative value.

  It is assumed that power converter 110 can operate in, for example, three types of modes. Table 1 shows the possible states for the A mode (single mode) and the corresponding settings of the power converter 110.

  In Table 1, “conditions” indicate possible states regarding the magnitude relation of Sw, Rw, and max (PDx) (corresponding to the charging state of the power converter 110), and are used to determine the operation of the power converter 110. Is the condition. These conditions include, for example, six types (A1 to A6) of patterns. “Setting of PDx” is a target power value supplied from the power converter 110.

  In patterns A1 to A3, target value PDw of power converter 110 is set to 0, and power converter 110 is set not to discharge. The patterns A1 to A3 are in a state where the power supplied from the PCS 106 can cover the power consumption of the load 128, and the surplus power can be sold.

  In patterns A4 to A6, target value PDw of power converter 110 is set to | Rw |-| Sw |. That is, the power consumption of the load 128 cannot be covered only by the power supplied from the PCS 106, and the shortage is supplied from the power converter 110 and the system power supply 150. In the pattern A4, the shortage of the load 128 can be supplied only by the power converter 110, and trading is not performed. (Even if the power converter 110 can supply more power, power is sold. Absent). In patterns A5 and A6, trading is performed according to the sign of (| Rw |-| Sw |) -PDw. In the positive case, the PCS 106 and the power converter 110 alone cannot cover the power consumption of the load 128 and receive power supply from the system power supply 150 (power purchase). On the other hand, in the case of a negative value, the power consumption of the load 128 can be covered only by the PCS 106 and the power converter 110, and the trading is not performed.

  Table 2 shows possible states for the B mode (double mode) and the corresponding settings of the power converter 110.

  The meanings of “condition” and “setting of PDx” are the same as in Table 1. As in Table 1, there are six types (B1 to B6) of patterns.

  In patterns B2 to B4, target value PDw of power converter 110 is set to | Rw |. That is, the power consumption of the load 128 is covered by the power supplied from the PCS 106. Therefore, the power generated by the PCS 106 (surplus power) can be sold (power sales).

  In patterns B1, B5, and B6, target value PDw of power converter 110 is set to max (PDx). That is, power is supplied from the power converter 110 as much as possible. In pattern B1, of the power consumption of the load 128, the power that cannot be supplied from the power converter 110 is supplied from the PCS. Further, of the power supplied from the PCS 106, surplus power not supplied to the load 128 can be sold. On the other hand, in the patterns B5 and B6, it is possible to trade within the range of the concluded sales contract according to the sign of | Sw |-(| Rw | -PDw). That is, when the value is negative, power purchase is performed. In the positive case, if a power sale contract is concluded, power is sold.

  Table 3 shows the possible states for the C mode (green mode) and the corresponding settings of the power converter 110.

  The meanings of “condition” and “setting of PDx” are the same as in Table 1. As in Table 1, there are six types (C1 to C6) of patterns. In the C mode, in any pattern, the target value PDw of the power converter 110 is set to | Rw | − | Sw |, and trading is performed according to the sign of (| Rw | − | Sw |) −PDw. Is performed. That is, when the power is positive, the power is purchased, and when the power is negative, the power is sold.

[Recommend operation]
With reference to FIG. 3, the operation of the entire energy management system 100 related to the recommendation operation will be described. This operation is started by the integrated server 140 at a predetermined timing (for example, a predetermined time, a predetermined time interval, and the like).

  In step 300, the integrated server 140 executes a recommendation mode determination process. The recommendation mode determination process is a process described later with reference to FIG. By the recommendation mode determination process, the integrated server 140 determines information recommended for the user (power rate plan, operation mode of the power converter 110, and the like) regarding power consumption in the house 102.

  In step 302, the integrated server 140 determines whether the recommendation information determined in step 300 is based on the current power consumption preconditions (eg, current power rate plan, operation mode of power converter 110, combination thereof, etc.) of house 102. ) Is determined. If it is determined that they are different, the control proceeds to step 304. Otherwise (if they are the same), the recommendation operation ends.

  In step 304, the integrated server 140 transmits data including the recommended information determined in step 300 to the terminal device 130. The data transmission from the integrated server 140 to the terminal device 130 may be performed, for example, via e-mail or predetermined application software installed in the terminal device 130 in advance. The transmission address of the terminal device 130 may be registered in the integrated server 140 in advance by the user operating the terminal device 130. The format of the transmitted data is arbitrary. Any text that indicates the recommended content may be used, and may be text only or include image data.

  Upon receiving the data including the recommended information from the integrated server 140, the terminal device 130 notifies the reception of the received data by blinking an LED, sound, or the like, and receives the operation of the user, and displays the recommended information on the display unit. For example, recommended content and operation buttons for selecting whether to accept the recommendation are displayed. The terminal device 130 displays, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit 132, and waits for the user to select the operation button 134 or 136. In response to the user operating one of the operation buttons 134 and 136, the control proceeds to step 306.

  In step 306, the terminal device 130 determines whether or not the user has accepted the recommended information. Specifically, when the terminal device 130 determines that the user has selected the operation button 134, it determines that the recommendation has been accepted, and the control proceeds to step 308. Otherwise (when the user selects the operation button 136), it is determined that the recommendation has been rejected, and the control proceeds to step 310.

  In step 308, the terminal device 130 transmits a predetermined code indicating that the recommendation is approved (hereinafter, also referred to as an approval code) to the integrated server 140. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 312.

  In step 310, the terminal device 130 transmits a predetermined code indicating that the recommendation is rejected (hereinafter, also referred to as a rejection code) to the integrated server 140. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 312.

  In step 312, the integrated server 140 receives the code transmitted in step 308 or 310, and executes a process according to the received code. Specifically, when receiving the acknowledgment code, for example, if the recommended information is the operation mode of the power converter 110, the integrated server 140 sends an operation corresponding to the recommended information to the second remote controller 112 of the power converter 110. A predetermined code indicating the mode is transmitted. For example, if the recommended information is a power rate plan, a message to the effect that the user desires to change the power rate plan is transmitted to the power company server 142 or the intermediary company server 144 or the like. On the other hand, when the integrated server 140 receives the rejection code, the recommendation operation ends without changing the current power consumption precondition for the house 102.

  Thereby, for example, if the recommended information is the operation mode of power converter 110, second remote controller 112 sets power converter 110 to operate in the specified operation mode. For example, if the recommended information is a power rate plan, the power company or intermediary company can change the power rate plan automatically or after contacting the user.

  With reference to FIG. 4, the recommendation mode determination process performed by integrated server 140 will be described. As described above, at a predetermined timing, data relating to power consumption is uploaded from the second remote controller 112 and the HEMS 120 to the integrated server 140, and the integrated server 140 adds, for example, information on the reception time to the internal storage. It is assumed that it is stored in the device.

  In step 400, integrated server 140 acquires the latest SOC value of power converter 110 from the data (hereinafter, also referred to as upload data) related to the power consumption of house 102 stored in the internal storage device.

  In step 402, the integrated server 140 creates, using the upload data stored in the internal storage device, prediction data of surplus power by the photovoltaic panel 104 and the PCS 106 in a predetermined future (for example, the next day). For example, using information on past surplus power in the house 102 and the like, it is possible to generate surplus power prediction data by a known extrapolation method, moving average method, or the like.

  In step 404, the integrated server 140 creates, using the upload data stored in the internal storage device, forecast data of the power consumption of the electric device 126 in the same future in which the forecast data was created in 402. For example, using information on past power consumption in the house 102 and the like, power consumption prediction data can be generated by a known extrapolation method, a moving average method, or the like.

  In step 406, the integrated server 140 acquires the SOC of the power converter 110 acquired in step 400, the prediction data created in steps 402 and 404, and, if necessary, in advance from the power company server 142 and the intermediary company server 144. For each of the prerequisites for power consumption, a predicted cost (power rate) is calculated based on the power rate plan in use. Regarding the estimation cost estimation method, for example, the following three types of estimation patterns can be considered. Which trial calculation pattern the integration server 140 performs a trial calculation depends on a condition specified in advance by the user.

-First trial calculation pattern This is executed when the user specifies a power rate plan. The integrated server 140 estimates the estimated cost in each operation mode of the power converter 110 under the specified power rate plan. For example, if the user does not want to change the current power rate plan, the user may specify the current power rate plan. In this case, the integrated server 140 estimates the estimated cost without considering the power rate plan of each company stored in the internal storage device.

-Second trial calculation pattern The user specifies the operation mode of the power converter 110. The integrated server 140 estimates the estimated cost for operating the power converter 110 in the specified operation mode for each power rate plan. For example, a user who wants to cover the power consumption of his own home with the power generated by a solar panel installed in his own home may select the above-described C mode (green mode). A person with high eco-consciousness can propose a better power rate plan while respecting the user's policy in accordance with the individual's thought that only an operation mode equivalent to eco-friendly is selected.

-Third estimation pattern The user does not specify the power rate plan or the operation mode of the power converter 110. The integration server 140 estimates the estimated cost for each possible power rate plan and power converter 110 operating mode combination. For example, based on the operation mode data collected from the already installed nationwide power converters (power storage devices) and the information on the power rate plan, the integrated server 140 may newly install (including installation) users or install existing users. Of users are proposed a combination of an operation mode and a power rate plan. Power converters are installed all over the country, and data (power information (excess power, etc.), power-related information (power rate plan, etc.), power converter capacity, model name, manufacturer name, related data ( When the address, etc.) are collected, the collected data becomes big data. From this big data, to the user, "Around the area where you live, the power converter tends to be used in AA mode and the power plan tends to be used in BB plan. How about the combination?" Can be recommended. This recommendation makes it easier for the user to determine the operation mode and the electricity bill plan, thereby improving convenience.

  In step 408, the integrated server 140 determines, as the recommendation mode, a precondition for power consumption corresponding to the smallest predicted cost (lowest power rate) among the predicted costs calculated in step 406. Note that the recommendation mode is not necessarily determined to be one. If the plurality of predicted costs have the same value, the plurality of power consumption preconditions corresponding to the same are determined as the recommendation mode.

  As described above, in the predetermined future, the precondition of the power consumption at which the power rate becomes lower can be determined as the recommendation mode. Therefore, as described above, by presenting the determined recommendation mode to the user, the user can change the precondition of the current power consumption to one having a lower electricity rate. Further, all or a part of the processing (including the procedure) necessary for the change is automatically executed, so that the burden and complexity of the user can be reduced.

  As described below, the recommendation mode determination processing 300 can be performed by machine learning. For example, the integrated server 140 prepares learning data and a model (neural network) for each power company as follows. Once a month, for each user belonging to each power company, the cost when each operation mode of the power converter is selected is calculated based on the transition of the power consumption in the past year, and the power consumption in the past year is calculated. A combination of the transition and the operation mode of the power converter that is the least expensive is prepared as learning data.

  The integrated server 140 trains the neural network using the prepared learning data. The input to the neural network is the transition of the power consumption in the past year, and the teacher data is a vector having the optimal ("1") and other ("0") elements for each operation mode. . For example, in the case of the three operation modes (A to C modes) described above, if the second operation mode is the cheapest, the state is represented by a vector [0, 1, 0]. The output of the neural network is a vector composed of elements representing the probability that each operation mode is optimal for each operation mode. The output layer is, for example, a softmax layer using a known softmax function that converts the value of each element so that the sum of the values of each element of the vector becomes 1. The integrated server 140 performs the above-described generation of the learning data and the learning of the neural network for all the users, and stores the learned neural network in the storage unit.

  After the neural network after learning is obtained as described above, the integrated server 140 reduces the power consumption for the past year based on the upload data from the house 102 to the power contracted by the resident of the house 102. The operation mode corresponding to the element having the highest probability among the outputs (vectors) of the neural network after learning corresponding to the company can be determined as the recommendation mode.

[Example of recommendation mode determination]
(First estimation pattern)
6 to 9 show examples of trial calculation results based on the first trial calculation pattern. In the following, it is assumed that, in the current power rate plan, the cost required for charging power converter 110 is 10 yen per 1% SOC in the daytime and 1 yen per 1% SOC in the nighttime. Further, it is assumed that power converter 110 is charged so that the SOC becomes 100% of the energy management system by a predetermined time in the next morning, and it is possible to sell power if there is surplus power for power generation.

  6 to 9, “trading” indicates the amount of power trading. A positive value indicates the amount of power purchase, and a negative value indicates the amount of power sale. “PDx daytime charge amount” indicates the SOC (%) corresponding to the amount of power that the power converter 110 charges in the daytime, and “PDx daytime cost” indicates the power charge corresponding to “PDx daytime charge amount”. “PDx night charge” indicates an SOC (%) corresponding to the amount of power that the power converter 110 charges at night, and “PDx night charge” indicates a power rate corresponding to “PDx night charge”. “Total” is a total value of “trading”, “PDx daytime cost” and “PDx nighttime cost”, and means a predicted cost.

(First example)
On one day, the integrated server 140 determines from the upload data stored in the internal storage device that the SOC of the power converter 110 is 10%, the surplus power generation potential is “small”, and the power consumption of the load is small. Assume that the prospect is predicted to be "large". Therefore, integrated server 140 supplies power (discharges SOC 10%) from power converter 110 to the load without charging power converter 110 in the B mode, and stops power converter 110 by the night of that day. It is predicted that the stored power of the storage battery 114 will be 0 (SOC = 0 (%)), and the power converter 110 will be charged at night so that SOC = 100 (%). Therefore, as shown in the row of the B mode in FIG. 6, assuming that the power purchase price is 1000 yen (power purchase cost), the daytime charge amount of the power converter 110 is 0% (cost 0 yen), and the nighttime charge amount is 0%. The charge amount is 100% (cost 100 yen), and the total amount (predicted cost for the next morning) is 1100 yen.

  On the other hand, with regard to the C mode, the integrated server 140 needs to purchase power to charge the power converter 110 even when the power converter 110 has a small surplus power even if the power server 110 is to be charged. The power converter 110 is predicted to be charged so that SOC = 100 (%). Therefore, as shown in the row of the C mode in FIG. 6, assuming that the amount of power purchase and sale is 1000 yen (power purchase cost), the charge amount of the power converter 110 in the daytime is 90% (cost 900 yen), The charge amount is 0% (cost 0 yen), and the total amount (predicted cost for the next morning) is 1900 yen. In such a case, the integration server 140 determines the B mode having the smaller total amount as the recommendation mode.

(Second example)
On one day, integrated server 140 determines from the upload data stored in the internal storage device that the SOC of power converter 110 is 90%, the possibility of surplus power for power generation is small, and the possibility of power consumption for the load is small. Suppose you predict it to be large. Therefore, integrated server 140 does not charge power converter 110 in the B mode, supplies power from power converter 110 to the load (discharges SOC = 90 (%)), and outputs power by night of that day. It is predicted that the stored power of the storage battery 114 of the converter 110 will be 0 (SOC = 0 (%)), and that the power converter 110 will be charged at night so that the SOC becomes 100 (%). Therefore, as shown in the row of the B mode in FIG. 7, the trading value of the electric power is 800 yen, which is smaller than the case of the first example (1000 yen), and the charge amount of the power converter 110 in the daytime is 0% (cost 0). Yen), the charge amount at night is 100% (cost 100 yen), and the total amount (predicted cost for the next morning) is 900 yen.

  On the other hand, with regard to the C mode, the integrated server 140 needs to purchase power to charge the power converter 110 even when the power converter 110 has a small surplus power even if the power server 110 is to be charged. The power converter 110 is predicted to be charged so that SOC = 100 (%). Therefore, as shown in the row of the C mode in FIG. 7, the purchase price of the electric power is 1000 yen, which is the same as the case of the first example, the charge amount of the power converter 110 in the daytime is 10% (cost 100 yen), Is 0% (cost 0 yen), and the total amount (predicted cost for the next morning) is 1100 yen. In such a case, the integration server 140 determines the B mode having the smaller total amount as the recommendation mode.

(Third example)
On one day, the integrated server 140 determines from the upload data stored in the internal storage device that the SOC of the power converter 110 is 10%, the possibility of the surplus power for power generation is “large”, and the power consumption of the load is Suppose that the prospect is predicted to be "small". Therefore, in the B mode, the integrated server 140 supplies the power from the power converter 110 to the load (discharges SOC = 10 (%)) without charging the power converter 110, and outputs the power by the night of that day. The stored power of the storage battery 114 of the converter 110 becomes 0 (SOC = 0 (%)) (the power converter 110 is charged at night so that the SOC becomes 100 (%)), and the surplus power of power generation is large. , 700 yen is possible. Therefore, as shown in the row of the B mode in FIG. 8, the power purchase and sale amount is −700 yen, the daytime charge amount of the power converter 110 is 0% (cost 0 yen), and the nighttime charge amount is 100% ( Cost 100 yen), and the total amount (predicted cost of the next morning) is -600 yen.

  On the other hand, regarding the C mode, the integrated server 140 can charge the power converter 110 with the generated power and sell the surplus power because the surplus power due to power generation is large and the power consumption of the load is small. Predict that it is possible to sell electricity. Therefore, as shown in the row of the C mode in FIG. 8, the trading value of the electric power is −500 yen, the charge amount of the power converter 110 in the daytime is 90%, but the cost is 0 yen, and the charge amount at night is 0%. % (Cost 0 yen), and the total amount (predicted cost for the next morning) is -500 yen. In such a case, the integrated server 140 determines the B mode having the smaller total amount (more profitable) as the recommendation mode.

(4th example)
On a certain day, as in the third example, the integrated server 140 determines that the SOC of the power converter 110 is 10% based on the upload data stored in the internal storage device, and that the estimated surplus power of the power generation is “large”. Suppose that the expected power consumption of the load is predicted to be “small”. However, suppose that the law has been amended and that it is no longer possible to obtain income from selling electricity. Therefore, the integrated server 140 supplies the power from the power converter 110 to the load (discharges SOC = 10 (%)) without charging the power converter 110 in the same manner as in the third example with respect to the B mode. By the night of the day, the stored power of the storage battery 114 of the power converter 110 becomes 0 (SOC = 0 (%)) (the power converter 110 is charged so that the SOC becomes 100 (%) at night). Predict that electricity is possible. However, unlike the third example, the income from the power sale is 0 yen. Therefore, as shown in the row of the B mode in FIG. 9, the power purchase and sale amount is 0 yen, the daytime charge amount of the power converter 110 is 0% (cost 0 yen), and the nighttime charge amount is 100% (cost). 100 yen), and the total amount (predicted cost for the next morning) is 100 yen.

  As for the C mode, the integrated server 140 also charges the power converter 110 with the generated power and sells the surplus power since the surplus power due to power generation is large and the power consumption of the load is small as in the third example. Predict that you can. However, unlike the third example, the income from the power sale is 0 yen. Therefore, as shown in the row of the C mode in FIG. 9, the power purchase and sale amount is 0 yen, the charge amount of the power converter 110 in the daytime is 90%, but the cost is 0 yen, and the charge amount at night is 0%. (The cost is 0 yen), and the total amount (the predicted cost for the next morning) is 0 yen. In such a case, the integrated server 140 determines the C mode having the smaller total amount as the recommendation mode.

(Second trial calculation pattern)
A trial calculation example based on a second trial calculation pattern is shown. Here, it is assumed that the user has designated the C mode (green mode) as the operation mode of power converter 110.

  On a certain day, the integrated server 140 determines from the upload data stored in the internal storage device that the SOC of the power converter 110 is 90%, the surplus power generation potential is “small”, and the load power consumption Assume that the prospect is predicted to be "large". Therefore, the integrated server 140 needs to purchase power to charge the power converter 110 even when the power converter 110 needs to charge the power converter 110, and the power converter 110 needs to purchase power. It is predicted that the battery will be charged so that SOC = 100 (%). Therefore, the integrated server 140 calculates the power purchase cost (x yen) required to charge the power converter 110 by SOC = 10 (%) in the daytime and the power purchase cost (y yen) of the power consumption by the load in the internal A trial calculation is performed using each power rate plan stored in the storage device. The integrated server 140 compares the predicted costs (x + y (yen)) obtained for each power rate plan, and determines the power rate plan corresponding to the minimum predicted cost as the recommendation mode. The information on the determined recommendation mode is transmitted from the integrated server 140 to the terminal device 130 as described above, and is displayed on the display unit 132 of the terminal device 130. For example, in the currently specified operation mode (C mode), the electric power company whose electric bill is the lowest and the electric power rate plan are displayed on the display unit 132.

(Third estimation pattern)
An example of a trial calculation based on the third trial calculation pattern is shown. When the user does not specify the operation mode of the power converter 110 and the power rate plan, a trial calculation based on the third trial calculation pattern is performed. Here, for example, the integrated server 140 collects, via the network 152, information on the operation mode in which the power converters installed in Japan are operating and information on the power rate plan adopted there. , Are stored in the internal storage device in association with each other.

  For example, a user newly installs a power converter (for example, the power converter 110), and intends to consider by himself a contract with which power bill plan of which power company and which operation mode of the power converter. It is assumed that there is no state. In such a case, the integrated server 140 refers to the internal storage device, and extracts the operation mode information and the power rate plan in the area where the user lives from the operation mode information and the power rate plan information. Then, it transmits to the terminal device 130 as the recommendation mode. The terminal device 130 displays the received operation mode and power rate plan of the power converter on the display unit 132. If the user selects one of them, the terminal device 130 transmits information on the selected operation mode and the power bill plan to the integrated server 140.

  Integrated server 140 transmits the information on the operation mode to second remote controller 112 of power converter 110 according to the information on the operation mode received from terminal device 130. Thereby, second remote controller 112 can set power converter 110 to operate in its operation mode. Further, integrated server 140 transmits to the electric power company, the intermediary company, etc., a message to the effect that the user desires to conclude a new electric power plan, in accordance with the information on the electric power plan received from terminal device 130. . This allows the user to receive a request for a new contract from a power company, an intermediary company, or the like, and conclude an appropriate power rate plan.

(Modification)
In the above description, when the user accepts the recommendation mode displayed on the terminal device 130, the integrated server 140 transmits the operation mode setting information of the power converter 110 to the second remote controller 112, and the second remote controller 112 Although the case where the operation mode of the power converter 110 is set has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. Only the recommendation mode may be presented to the terminal device 130. If the user determines that the presented recommendation mode (operation mode) is appropriate, the user can operate the second remote controller 112 to set the operation mode of the power converter 110 to the recommendation mode. Further, when the recommendation mode is the rate plan of the electric power company, the user can contact the electric power company if the user judges that the mode is appropriate.

  In the above description, the case where the HEMS 120 collects the power information (power generation amount, power storage amount, power consumption amount) of the electric devices (including the power converter 110 and the PCS 106) in the house 102 and uploads the power information to the integrated server 140 is described. Is not limited to this. The second remote controller 112 of the power converter 110 may collect power information of electric devices in the house 102 and upload the collected power information to the integrated server 140. For example, the second remote controller 112 of the power converter 110 may have a function as a HEMS. Further, if the second remote controller 112 has a wireless communication function (for example, a WiFi communication function) with the router 122, the second remote controller 112 acquires the power information collected by the HEMS 120 from the HEMS 120, and May be uploaded to the integration server 140.

  Although a case has been described above where power converter 110 is operable in three types of operation modes, power converter 110 may be operable in other operation modes. Further, the method of calculating the estimated cost is not limited to the first to third calculation patterns.

  In the above, the photovoltaic power generation system is described as the power generation system, but the power generation system is not limited to this. A power generation system other than the solar power generation system may be used. Further, in addition to the solar power generation system, a power generation system other than the solar power generation system may be provided. Furthermore, house 102 only needs to be equipped with at least a power converter, and need not be equipped with a power generation system.

  In the above, the case where the power information (information on power generation and power consumption) in the house 102 is uploaded to the integrated server 140 at a predetermined timing has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The integrated server 140 may request the second remote controller 112 or the HEMS 120 to transmit a part or all of the power information at an arbitrary timing. The second remote controller 112 or the HEMS 120 that has received the request may transmit the stored power information to the integrated server 140. For example, if the integrated server 140 requests the second remote controller 112 for the current SOC value of the power converter 110, the second remote controller 112 transmits the SOC value to the integrated server 140, and It is possible to improve the calculation accuracy of the prediction cost by 140.

  As described above, the present invention has been described by describing the embodiment. However, the above-described embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The scope of the present invention is shown by each claim of the claims, in consideration of the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all changes within the meaning and range equivalent to the language described therein are described. Including.

100 Energy Management System 102 House 104 Solar Panel 106, 116 PCS
108 first remote controller 110 power converter 112 second remote controller 114 storage battery 120 HEMS
122 router 124 smart meter 126 electric device 128 load 130 terminal device 132 display unit 134, 136 operation button 140 integrated server 142 power company server 144 intermediary company server 150 system power supply 152 network 154 electric wiring

Claims (9)

An energy management system including a power converter, a terminal device, and a server computer that communicates with the power converter and the terminal device,
The power converter,
A chargeable and dischargeable power storage unit,
An information collection unit that collects information regarding input and output of electric power in the electric device and the power storage unit disposed in the house where the power converter is installed,
A communication unit for uploading the collected information to the server computer,
Using the uploaded information, the server computer generates recommended information on the operation of the power converter, and transmits the recommended information to the terminal device,
The terminal device,
A receiving unit that receives the recommendation information,
A presentation unit for presenting the received recommended information. The power converter further includes a control unit that controls a charge and discharge operation of the power storage unit,
The terminal device,
An input unit for inputting an instruction for the presented recommended information,
A transmitting unit that transmits the input instruction to the server computer,
The server computer transmits setting information regarding the operation of the power converter to the power converter in response to the received instruction.
The communication unit of the power converter receives the setting information,
The energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls a charge / discharge operation of the power storage unit according to the received setting information.   The energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the electric device arranged in the house where the power converter is installed includes a power generator.   The energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the server computer generates recommendation information that satisfies the limitation in response to designation of a limitation on generation of the recommendation information.   The energy management system according to claim 4, wherein the limitation is a matter relating to an operation of the power converter.   The energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the server computer generates the recommendation information using information on a power rate plan of a power company in addition to the uploaded information.   The energy management system according to claim 6, wherein the limitation is related to the power rate plan.   The energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the server computer generates the recommended information by machine learning using the uploaded information. An energy management method in a system including a power converter including a power storage unit, a terminal device, and a server computer capable of communicating with the power converter and the terminal device,
The power converter, collecting information on input and output of electric power in the electrical device and the power storage unit disposed in the house where the power converter is installed,
Uploading the collected information to the server computer,
The server computer, using the uploaded information, generating recommended information on the operation of the power converter, transmitting the recommended information to the terminal device,
The terminal device receiving the recommended information and presenting the received recommended information.

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