JP7480246B2 - Power management device and power management method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a power management device and a power management method.

In recent years, a system that uses distributed power sources such as power storage devices to stabilize the balance between power supply and demand in the power grid (hereinafter referred to as VPP (Virtual Power Plant)) has been attracting attention (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Here, a power management device that manages two or more facilities (hereinafter, a facility group) may control the distributed power sources installed in the facilities so that the difference (imbalance) between the planned value for the forward flow power (hereinafter, procured power) of the facility group and the actual value for the procured power of the facility group is equal to or less than a predetermined difference.

Similarly, a power management device managing two or more facilities may control the distributed power sources installed in the facilities so that the difference (imbalance) between the planned value for the reverse flow power (hereinafter, generated power) of the group of facilities and the actual value for the generated power of the group of facilities is less than or equal to a predetermined difference.

International Publication No. 2015/041010 International Publication No. 2016/084396

In the above-mentioned system, if a divergence occurs between the planned value and the predicted value after the planned value is created, it is possible to control the energy storage device to adjust the imbalance based on the divergence between the planned value and the predicted value.

The inventors have focused on such cases and have come to the following findings. Specifically, the inventors have found that simply controlling the energy storage device to suppress the imbalance in generated power results in an increase in the imbalance in the facility's power demand (and thus in the procured power). Similarly, the inventors have found that simply controlling the energy storage device to suppress the imbalance in procured power results in an increase in the imbalance in generated power.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a power management device and a power management method that can appropriately control power related to a power system.

One aspect of the disclosure is a power management device that includes a control unit that controls a power storage device installed in a facility connected to a power grid, and a transmission unit that transmits adjustable power information indicating adjustable power for adjusting the power supply and demand balance of the power grid to a higher-level node, the adjustable power information indicating the adjustable power in a manner that can distinguish whether the adjustable power is power that increases or decreases the power demand of the facility, whether the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid, and whether the adjustable power includes surplus power, and the surplus power is the difference between the power generated by a power generation device installed in the facility and the power consumption of the facility.

One aspect of the disclosure is a power management method comprising step A of controlling a power storage device installed in a facility connected to a power grid, and step B of transmitting adjustable power information indicating adjustable power for adjusting the power supply and demand balance of the power grid to a higher-level node, the adjustable power information indicating the adjustable power in a manner that makes it possible to distinguish whether the adjustable power is power that increases or decreases the power demand of the facility, whether the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid, and whether the adjustable power includes surplus power, and the surplus power is the difference between the power generated by a power generation device installed in the facility and the power consumption of the facility.

The present invention provides a power management device and a power management method that can appropriately control power related to a power system.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a power management system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a facility 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an upper level management server 300 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the lower level management server 200 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the EMS 160 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation example according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an operation example according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an operation example according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an operation example according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a power management method according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a power management method according to an embodiment.

The following describes the embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, the drawings are schematic.

[Embodiment]
(Power Management System)
A power management system according to an embodiment will be described below. The power management system may be simply referred to as a power system.

As shown in FIG. 1, the power management system 1 has a facility 100. The power management system 1 includes a lower management server 200, an upper management server 300, a third-party server 400, and an external server 500.

Here, the facility 100, the lower management server 200, the upper management server 300, the third-party server 400, and the external server 500 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network 11. The network 11 may include the Internet, a dedicated line such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or a mobile communication network.

The facility 100 is connected to the power grid 12 and may receive power from the power grid 12 or may supply power to the power grid 12. Power from the power grid 12 to the facility 100 may be referred to as forward flow power. Power from the facility 100 to the power grid 12 may be referred to as reverse flow power. In FIG. 1, facilities 100A to 100C are illustrated as examples of the facility 100.

Although not particularly limited, facility 100 may be a facility such as a residence, a facility such as a store, or a facility such as an office. Facility 100 may be an apartment building including two or more residences. Facility 100 may be a complex including at least two or more of the following facilities: residences, stores, and offices. Details of facility 100 will be described later (see FIG. 2). Note that a user who owns or manages facility 100 may also be referred to as facility 100.

The lower-level management server 200 is managed by a business operator that manages the power related to the power grid 12 or the facilities 100. The business operator may be a resource aggregator (RA). One or more facilities 100 managed by the lower-level management server 200 may be referred to as a facility group 100.

Below, we will explain an example of a case where the lower management server 200 is managed by an RA. The lower management server 200 may be referred to as an RA, and the RA may be referred to as the lower management server 200. Details of the lower management server 200 will be described later (see Figure 4).

The upper management server 300 is managed by a business operator that manages the power related to the power grid 12. The upper management server 300 may also be managed by a business operator that provides various services. The upper management server 300 may also be referred to as an AEMS (Area Energy Management System) or an AC (Aggregation Controller). Details of the upper management server 300 will be described later (see FIG. 3).

The business operator may be a retail electricity business operator. The retail electricity business operator may include a local power business operator (general electric utility) that manages infrastructure such as the power grid 12, or may include a new power business operator other than the local power business operator. The new power business operator may be expected to sell electricity to the facility by procuring electricity from the electricity market. The electricity market may include a wholesale electricity market for trading electricity (procured electricity) supplied to the facility 100, a power adjustment market for adjusting the gap between electricity supply and demand after the gate of the wholesale electricity market is closed, or a capacity market for trading supply capacity (e.g., reverse flow electricity). The electricity market may include trading of electricity with other retail electricity business operators. The electricity market may include trading of electricity with other power generation businesses. In other words, the electricity market may be an exchange for trading electricity, regardless of the form of one-to-one, one-to-other, or many-to-many.

The service may include a service for suppressing the difference (imbalance) between the planned value for the forward flow power (hereinafter also referred to as procured power) of the group of facilities 100 and the actual value for the procured power of the group of facilities 100 to a predetermined difference or less. The service may include a service for suppressing the difference (imbalance) between the planned value for the reverse flow power (hereinafter also referred to as generated power) of the group of facilities 100 and the actual value for the generated power of the group of facilities 100 to a predetermined difference or less.

The third-party server 400 is managed by a business operator that manages the balance of power supply and demand in the power grid 12. The business operator may manage the power market related to the power grid 12. For example, the third-party server 400 may have a function to check the imbalance of procured power. The third-party server 400 may have a function to check the imbalance of generated power. For example, the third-party server may perform the operations shown below.

First, the third-party server 400 may check whether the difference (imbalance) between the planned value for the procured power and the actual value for the procured power exceeds a predetermined difference. The planned value and the actual value may be aggregated for each unit period (e.g., 30 minutes), and the imbalance may be checked for each unit period (e.g., 30 minutes). If the imbalance exceeds the predetermined difference, the third-party server 400 may impose a penalty on the business entity managing the upper management server 300. If the imbalance does not exceed the predetermined difference, the third-party server 400 may provide an incentive to the business entity managing the upper management server 300. The penalty and incentive may be monetary.

Secondly, the third-party server 400 may check whether the difference (imbalance) between the planned value for the generated power and the actual value for the generated power exceeds a predetermined difference. The planned value and the actual value may be aggregated for each unit period (e.g., 30 minutes), and the imbalance may be checked for each unit period (e.g., 30 minutes). If the imbalance exceeds the predetermined difference, the third-party server 400 may impose a penalty on the business entity managing the upper management server 300. If the imbalance does not exceed the predetermined difference, the third-party server 400 may provide an incentive to the business entity managing the upper management server 300. The penalty and incentive may be monetary.

Here, the period during which the imbalance between the generated power and the procured power is confirmed may be defined as the target period (e.g., one day). In such a case, the planned value for procured power may include a plan formulated before the target period (e.g., 12:00 on the day before the target period). The planned value for generated power may include a planned value formulated before the target period (e.g., 12:00 on the day before the target period). Furthermore, the planned value for procured power may include a planned value formulated before a unit period included in the target period (e.g., one hour before the unit period). The planned value for generated power may include a planned value formulated before a unit period included in the target period (e.g., one hour before the unit period).

Although not particularly limited, the planned value for the procured power and the actual value for the procured power may be reported from the lower management server 200 or the upper management server 300. The planned value for the generated power and the actual value for the generated power may be reported from the lower management server 200 or the upper management server 300.

In the embodiment, a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) service that adjusts the balance of power supply and demand in the power grid 12 using distributed power sources installed in the facility 100 will be described. The AC may be considered to be a business that bundles the amount of power controlled by the RA and directly trades power with a general electricity transmission and distribution business operator or a retail electricity business operator. The RA may be considered to be a business that directly concludes a contract for the VPP service with the facility 100 (consumer) and controls resources.

Here, the entity that sends control commands to the distributed power sources installed in the facility 100 may be referred to as a VPP controller. If the lower-level management server 200 has a VPP service collaboration function, the lower-level management server 200 and the EMS 160 described below may constitute a VPP controller. In such a case, the lower-level management server 200 may include a first server that functions as an RA, and a second server that has a VPP service collaboration function. The first server and the second server may be separate servers, or may be consolidated into a single server.

In the embodiment, the VPP controller (second server) is an example of a power management device. The RA (first server) is an example of a higher-level node. However, the higher-level node may include a higher-level management server 300 (AC or AEMS).

(facility)
A facility according to an embodiment will be described below. As shown in Fig. 2, the facility 100 includes a solar cell device 110, a power storage device 120, a fuel cell device 130, a load device 140, and an EMS (Energy Management System) 160. The facility 100 may also include a measuring device 190.

The solar cell device 110 is a distributed power source that generates electricity in response to light such as sunlight. For example, the solar cell device 110 is composed of a PCS (Power Conditioning System) and a solar panel. Here, installation may mean connecting the solar cell device 110 to the power grid 12.

The power storage device 120 is a distributed power source that charges and discharges power. For example, the power storage device 120 is composed of a PCS and a power storage cell. Here, "installed" may mean that the power storage device 120 is connected to the power grid 12. In the following, the power storage device 120 is an example of a distributed power source used to adjust the power supply and demand balance of the power grid 12. The power storage device 120 may be considered to be an example of a distributed power source used for VPP control.

The fuel cell device 130 is a distributed power source that generates electricity using fuel. For example, the fuel cell device 130 is composed of a PCS and a fuel cell. Here, installation may mean that the fuel cell device 130 is connected to the power system 12.

For example, the fuel cell device 130 may be a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), or a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC).

Load device 140 is a device that consumes power. For example, load device 140 may include an air conditioner, a heat pump water heater, a lighting device, etc.

EMS160 manages the power for the facility 100. EMS160 may control the solar cell device 110, the power storage device 120, the fuel cell device 130, and the load devices 140. In the embodiment, EMS160 is illustrated as an example of a device that receives control commands from the lower-level management server 200, but such a device may be referred to as a Gateway or simply as a control unit. EMS160 may be referred to as a Local EMS (LEMS) or a Home EMS (HEMS) to distinguish it from the lower-level management server 200. Details of EMS160 will be described later (see FIG. 5).

The measuring device 190 measures the forward flow power (hereinafter also referred to as demand power) from the power system 12 to the facility 100. The measuring device 190 may measure the reverse flow power from the facility 100 to the power system 12. For example, the measuring device 190 may be a smart meter belonging to a power company. The measuring device 190 may transmit an information element indicating the measurement result (integrated value of forward flow power or reverse flow power) in a first interval (e.g., 30 minutes) to the EMS 160 at each first interval. The measuring device 190 may transmit an information element indicating the measurement result in a second interval (e.g., 1 minute) that is shorter than the first interval to the EMS 160.

(upper management server)
The host management server according to the embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG.

The communication unit 310 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module that complies with standards such as IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, 5G, and 6G, or may be a wired communication module that complies with standards such as IEEE802.3.

For example, when it is necessary to adjust the power supply and demand balance of the power grid 12, the communication unit 310 may transmit an adjustment request (DR request) to the lower management server 200 requesting adjustment of the power of the power grid 12. The DR request may include a down DR request requesting a decrease in forward flow power (or an increase in reverse flow power), or an up DR request requesting an increase in forward flow power (or a decrease in reverse flow power). The DR request may include information indicating the requested adjustment power to be adjusted across the entire facility group 100. The requested adjustment power may include a requested decrease in forward flow power (e.g., a down DR instruction power amount (Wh)). The DR request may include a requested increase in forward flow power (e.g., an up DR instruction power amount (Wh)).

The management unit 320 is composed of storage media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and non-volatile memory.

For example, the management unit 320 may manage the adjustable power (which may be referred to as the total adjustable power) for the entire group of facilities 100. The total adjustable power may be received from the lower-level management server 200. The total adjustable power may include power (amount of power available for down-DR (Wh)) that allows for a decrease in forward flow power (or an increase in reverse flow power). The total adjustable power may also include power (amount of power available for up-DR (Wh)) that allows for an increase in forward flow power (or a decrease in reverse flow power).

The control unit 330 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured by multiple circuits (such as integrated circuits and/or discrete circuits) communicatively connected.

For example, the control unit 330 may formulate a control plan for the distributed power source based on the total adjustable power. The control unit 330 may instruct the communication unit 310 to transmit a DR request in accordance with the control plan. Alternatively, the control unit 330 may formulate a control plan for the distributed power source, calculate a total adjustable amount for operation in accordance with the control plan for the distributed power source, and instruct the communication unit 310 to transmit a DR request based on the total adjustable amount.

(lower management server)
The lower level management server according to the embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG.

The communication unit 210 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module that complies with standards such as IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, 5G, and 6G, or may be a wired communication module that complies with standards such as IEEE802.3.

For example, the communication unit 210 may receive facility information of the facility 100. The facility information may include information indicating the configuration of the distributed power sources possessed by the facility 100, or may include information indicating the specifications of the distributed power sources possessed by the facility 100. The facility information may include information indicating whether or not to participate in the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance of the power grid 12 (e.g., VPP control).

The communication unit 210 may receive a planned value for the power generation of each of the facilities 100. The communication unit 210 may receive a planned value for the power demand of each of the facilities 100.

The communication unit 210 may transmit a control command to control the devices installed in each of the facilities 100. The devices installed in each of the facilities 100 may include distributed power sources such as a solar cell device 110, a power storage device 120, and a fuel cell device 130. The devices installed in each of the facilities 100 may include a load device 140.

The management unit 220 is composed of storage media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and non-volatile memory.

For example, the management unit 220 may manage one or more facilities 100 connected to the power grid 12. Management of one or more facilities 100 may be interpreted as management of one or more distributed power sources connected to the power grid 12.

The management unit 220 may manage information related to the facility 100. For example, the information related to the facility 100 may include the type of distributed power source (solar cell device 110, power storage device 120, or fuel cell device 130) provided in the facility 100, and the specifications of the distributed power source (solar cell device 110, power storage device 120, or fuel cell device 130) provided in the facility 100. The specifications may include the rated power generation of the solar cell device 110, the rated charging power of the power storage device 120, the rated discharging power of the power storage device 120, and the rated output power of the fuel cell device 130. The specifications may include the rated capacity of the power storage device 120, the maximum charging and discharging power, etc.

The control unit 230 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured by multiple circuits (such as integrated circuits and/or discrete circuits) communicatively connected.

For example, the control unit 230 allocates the adjustment power to be adjusted in each of the facilities 100 based on the DR request received from the upper management server 300. Specifically, the control unit 230 allocates the adjustment power to be adjusted in each of the facilities 100 so that the total of the adjustment power to be adjusted in each of the facilities 100 is equal to or greater than the requested adjustment power included in the DR request. The adjustment power to be adjusted in each of the facilities 100 may be referred to as individual adjustment power to distinguish it from the requested adjustment power.

The individual adjustment power may be allocated to each facility 100, or may be allocated to each distributed power source (e.g., a power storage device 120) installed in the facility 100.

(EMS)
The EMS according to the embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG.

The first communication unit 161 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module that complies with standards such as IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, 5G, and 6G, or may be a wired communication module that complies with standards such as IEEE802.3 or a proprietary protocol.

For example, the first communication unit 161 constitutes a first communication unit that communicates with the lower-level management server 200 via the network 11. The first communication unit 161 may receive a control command from the lower-level management server 200 instructing the operation of the distributed power source (in the embodiment, the power storage device 120). The control command may include information indicating the individual adjustment power that should be controlled by each of the power storage devices 120.

The first communication unit 161 may communicate with the load device 140, or may communicate with the measurement device 190.

The second communication unit 162 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module that complies with standards such as IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, 5G, and 6G, or may be a wired communication module that complies with standards such as IEEE802.3, RS485, or a proprietary protocol.

For example, the second communication unit 162 may communicate with the solar cell device 110, the power storage device 120, and the fuel cell device 130. Although signal lines are omitted in FIG. 2, the second communication unit 162 may communicate with the load device 140 and may communicate with the measurement device 190.

The control unit 163 controls the EMS 160. The control unit 163 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured as a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured as multiple circuits (such as integrated circuits and/or discrete circuits) communicatively connected.

For example, the control unit 163 may control the solar cell device 110, the power storage device 120, and the fuel cell device 130. The control unit 163 may also control the load device 140.

(Example of operation)
In the operation example, a report of adjustable power information indicating adjustable power used to control the power of the power system 12 will be described. The control of the power of the power system 12 may include adjustment of an imbalance in procured power, adjustment of an imbalance in generated power, and power trading in a power market such as a capacity market or a supply-demand balancing market. In the operation example, a case is assumed in which the adjustable power information is reported from the VPP controller to the RA. That is, the VPP controller reports the adjustable power information to the RA. The adjustable power information is information indicating adjustable power for each unit period (e.g., 30 minutes).

The adjustable power includes adjustable power (which may be referred to as individual adjustable power) of each of the facilities 100 under the control of the VPP controller. The individual adjustable power may include power generated by a decrease in charging power of the power storage device 120 installed in the facility 100, an increase in charging power of the power storage device 120, a decrease in discharging power of the power storage device 120, and an increase in discharging power of the power storage device 120. The individual adjustable power may include power generated by a decrease in power consumption of the load device 140 installed in the facility 100 and an increase in power consumption of the load device 140. The individual adjustable power may include power generated by a decrease in output power of a power generation device (e.g., fuel cell device 130) installed in the facility 100 and an increase in output power of the power generation device (e.g., fuel cell device 130).

In the following, we will use an example in which the individually adjustable power is power generated by controlling the power storage device 120.

Under these assumptions, the adjustable power information is information that indicates the adjustable power in a manner that makes it possible to distinguish whether the adjustable power is power that increases or decreases the demand power of the facility 100, whether the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid 12, and whether the adjustable power includes surplus power.

Surplus power is the difference between the power generated by the power generation device installed in the facility 100 and the power consumption of the facility 100. The power consumption of the facility 100 may include the power consumption of the load device 140, not including the charging power of the power storage device 120. The power consumption of the facility 100 may be interpreted as the power consumption of the load device 140. The power consumption of the facility 100 may be considered to be the power demand of the facility 100 minus the power generated by the power generation device. However, the power consumption of the facility 100 may include the charging power of the power storage device 120 and the power consumption of the load device 140.

The adjustable power information will be described in detail below. In the following, the adjustable power information will be described in detail with reference to Figures 6 to 9, with the case being divided into a case where the adjustable power is power that increases the power demand of facility 100 (supports up DR) and a case where the adjustable power is power that decreases the power demand of facility 100 (supports down DR). The terms shown in Figures 6 to 9 may be as follows:

The reference value is the demand power of the facility 100 before the DR request. The reference value is a value that reflects the power generation power of the power generation device (e.g., the solar cell device 110 and the fuel cell device 130) and the charging power and discharging power of the power storage device 120 in addition to the power consumption of the facility 100 (power consumption of the load device 140). The reference value may be considered as the baseline power. The baseline power may be the average value of the demand power for a certain period before the notice of the issuance of the DR request. The certain period may be determined according to the actual situation of the negawatt trading, or may be determined between the lower management server 200 (e.g., RA) and the upper management server 300 (e.g., AC or AEMS). The baseline power may be calculated based on the predicted value of the demand power of the facility 100, based on the predicted value of the generated power of the facility 100, or based on both the demand power and the generated power.

The residual demand is the power consumption of the facility 100 minus the power generated by the power generation equipment (e.g., the solar cell equipment 110 and the fuel cell equipment 130). When reverse power flow occurs in the facility 100, the residual demand may be interpreted as surplus power.

The target value is a target value of the power demand of the facility 100 that can be adjusted by a DR request. For example, the target value is a target value of the power demand of the facility 100 that can be adjusted by controlling the charging power or discharging power of the power storage device 120. In order to bring the power demand of the facility 100 closer to the target value, the power consumption of the load device 140 may be controlled, and the power generated by the power generation device (e.g., the solar cell device 110 and the fuel cell device 130) may be controlled. The difference between the target value and the reference value is the individually adjustable power.

First, we will explain how to handle the increased DR. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the adjustable power information includes, in a distinguishable manner, first information indicating that the adjustable power is power A, second information indicating that the adjustable power is power B, and third information indicating that the adjustable power is power C.

Power A is power that does not include reverse flow power to the power grid 12. In other words, power A is power that does not include reverse flow power to the power grid 12 and only includes forward flow power from the power grid 12. Power B is power that includes reverse flow power to the power grid 12 and also includes surplus power. In other words, power B is power that does not include forward flow power from the power grid 12 and only includes reverse flow power to the power grid 12 and also includes surplus power. Power C is power that includes reverse flow power to the power grid 12 and also does not include surplus power. In other words, power C is power that does not include forward flow power from the power grid 12 and only includes reverse flow power to the power grid 12 and also includes surplus power.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the residual demand is forward flow power, i.e., when the power consumed by facility 100 is greater than the power generated by facility 100, no reverse flow occurs, so power B is the same as power C.

Power A, power B, and power C are determined by the magnitude relationship between the reference value, residual demand, and target value. Therefore, depending on the magnitude relationship between the reference value, residual demand, and target value, cases are envisaged where power A is zero, and cases are envisaged where power B and power C are zero.

In the case shown in FIG. 6, power A is adjustable power that is generated by stopping the discharge of the power storage device 120 and charging the power storage device 120 (increasing the charging power of the power storage device 120). Power B is adjustable power that is generated by reducing the discharge of the power storage device 120. Power C is adjustable power that is generated by reducing the discharge of the power storage device 120.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the case where the residual demand is reverse flow power, i.e., the power generated by facility 100 is greater than the power consumed by facility 100, reverse flow is occurring, so power B is a greater value than power C.

Power A, power B, and power C are determined by the magnitude relationship between the reference value, residual demand, and target value. Therefore, depending on the magnitude relationship between the reference value, residual demand, and target value, cases are assumed in which power A is zero, cases are assumed in which power B is zero, and cases are assumed in which power C is zero.

In the case shown in FIG. 7, power A is adjustable power that is generated by charging the power storage device 120 (increasing the charging power of the power storage device 120). Power B is adjustable power that is generated by stopping the discharge of the power storage device 120 and charging the power storage device 120 (increasing the charging power of the power storage device 120). Power C is adjustable power that is generated by stopping the discharge of the power storage device 120.

Secondly, we will explain how to deal with lowering the DR. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the adjustable power information includes, in a distinguishable manner, fourth information indicating that the adjustable power is power D, fifth information indicating that the adjustable power is power E, and sixth information indicating that the adjustable power is power F.

Power D is power that does not include reverse flow power to the power system 12. In other words, power D is power that does not include reverse flow power to the power system 12 and only includes forward flow power from the power system 12. Power E is power that includes reverse flow power to the power system 12 and also includes surplus power. In other words, power E is power that does not include forward flow power from the power system 12 and only includes reverse flow power to the power system 12 and also includes surplus power. Power F is power that includes reverse flow power to the power system 12 and also does not include surplus power. In other words, power F is power that does not include forward flow power from the power system 12 and only includes reverse flow power to the power system 12 and also includes surplus power.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the case where the residual demand is forward flow power, i.e., the power consumed by facility 100 is greater than the power generated by facility 100, no reverse flow occurs, so power E is the same as power F.

Power D, power E, and power F are determined by the magnitude relationship between the reference value, residual demand, and target value. Therefore, depending on the magnitude relationship between the reference value, residual demand, and target value, cases are envisaged where power D is zero, and cases are envisaged where power E and power F are zero.

In the case shown in FIG. 8, power D is adjustable power generated by stopping charging of the power storage device 120 and discharging the power storage device 120 (increasing the discharge power of the power storage device 120). Power E is adjustable power generated by increasing the discharge power of the power storage device 120. Power F is adjustable power generated by increasing the discharge power of the power storage device 120.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the case where the residual demand is reverse flow power, i.e., the power generated by facility 100 is greater than the power consumed by facility 100, reverse flow is occurring, so power E is greater than power F.

Power D, power E, and power F are determined by the magnitude relationship between the reference value, residual demand, and target value. Therefore, depending on the magnitude relationship between the reference value, residual demand, and target value, cases are assumed in which power D is zero, cases are assumed in which power E is zero, and cases are assumed in which power F is zero.

In the case shown in FIG. 9, power D is adjustable power generated by reducing the charge of the power storage device 120. Power E is adjustable power generated by stopping the charge of the power storage device 120 and discharging the power storage device 120 (increasing the discharge power of the power storage device 120). Power F is adjustable power generated by discharging the power storage device 120 (increasing the discharge power of the power storage device 120).

In the embodiment, a case is exemplified where the device that can be used by RA to adjust the power supply and demand balance of the power grid 12 is the power storage device 120. That is, a case is exemplified where the right holder for the power storage device 120 (e.g., the contracting entity for the control rights of the power storage device 120) is the RA. Also, a case is exemplified where the right holder for the forward flow power (the seller of the forward flow power) is a retail electricity supplier such as an AEMS or AC.

In such cases, it is necessary to consider cases where the rights holder (e.g., the contracting party for the control rights of the power generation device) for the power generation device (e.g., the solar cell device 110) that contributes to the surplus electricity is different from the rights holder for the power storage device 120 (e.g., the contracting party (RA) for the control rights of the power storage device 120). For example, cases can be considered where the purchasing party of the surplus electricity is not the RA, such as when the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) system is applied to the surplus electricity generated by the solar cell device 110.

In this way, in cases where the rights holder for the power generating equipment that contributes to the surplus power is not the RA, the surplus power during reverse power flow (Figure 7 or Figure 9) does not belong to the RA, and therefore the surplus power cannot be included in the adjustable power.

For example, the VPP controller may receive contract information from the facility 100 to identify the right holder for the power generation device (e.g., the solar cell device 110) and the power storage device 120. The VPP controller may correct the adjustable power based on the contract information. For example, the VPP controller may correct the adjustable power (power B shown in FIG. 7 or power E shown in FIG. 9) so that the surplus power in a state where reverse power flow is occurring becomes zero.

On the other hand, in cases where the rights holder for the power generation equipment that contributes to the surplus power is an RA, there is no need to perform any action to correct the adjustable power so as to reduce the surplus power to zero.

Note that if the RA knows the contract information for identifying the right holder for the power generation device (e.g., the solar cell device 110) and the power storage device 120, the RA can perform the correction of the adjustable power, and therefore the VPP controller does not need to perform the correction of the adjustable power. Therefore, the VPP controller does not need to receive the contract information from the facility 100.

(Power Management Method)
A power management method according to an embodiment will be described below. In the following, if the lower management server 200 has a VPP service linking function, the VPP controller may be configured by the lower management server 200 (second server) and the EMS 160. The RA may be configured by the lower management server 200 (first server) functioning as the RA.

First, we will explain the case where the RA obtains contract information to identify the right holders for the power generation device (e.g., the solar cell device 110), the power storage device 120, and the forward flow power.

As shown in FIG. 10, in step S10, the RA receives contract information from the AC (upper management server 300) to identify the right holder for the power generation device (e.g., the solar cell device 110), the power storage device 120, and the forward flow power.

In step S11, the RA receives a plan (pre-planned values) that is formulated at a timing prior to the target period (e.g., 12:00 on the day prior to the target period) from the VPP controller. The pre-planned values may include planned values for the electricity to be procured and planned values for the electricity to be generated.

In step S12, the RA transmits the pre-planned values received from the VPP controller to the AC.

In step S21, the RA sends a report request to the VPP controller requesting a report on adjustable power.

In step S22, the VPP controller transmits a report on the adjustable power to the RA. The report on the adjustable power is an example of adjustable power information.

As described above, the adjustable power information is information indicating adjustable power in a manner that distinguishes whether the adjustable power is power that increases or decreases the demand power of the facility 100, whether the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid 12, and whether the adjustable power includes surplus power. In other words, the adjustable power information regarding up-DR support may include first information indicating power A, second information indicating power B, and third information indicating power C in a distinguishable manner. The adjustable power information regarding down-DR support may include fourth information indicating power D, fifth information indicating power E, and sixth information indicating power F in a distinguishable manner.

Here, the VPP controller may autonomously send the report (adjustable power information) without a report request. The VPP controller may periodically send the report (adjustable power information). In such a case, step S21 may be omitted.

In step S23, the RA corrects the adjustable power based on the contract information. For example, the RA may correct the adjustable power (power B shown in FIG. 7 or power E shown in FIG. 9) so that the surplus power becomes zero when the right holder for the power generation device (e.g., solar cell device 110) that contributes to the surplus power is not the RA. On the other hand, the RA does not need to correct the adjustable power (power B shown in FIG. 7 or power E shown in FIG. 9) when the right holder for the power generation device (e.g., solar cell device 110) that contributes to the surplus power is the RA.

In step S31, the RA receives a DR request from the AC to adjust the power supply and demand balance of the power grid 12.

In step S32, the RA allocates the individual adjustment power to be adjusted in each of the facilities 100 based on the adjustable power. The lower-level management server 200 allocates the individual adjustment power to be adjusted in each of the facilities 100 so that the total of the individual adjustment power to be adjusted in each of the facilities 100 is equal to or greater than the requested adjustment power included in the DR request.

In step S33, the RA transmits a control command to the VPP controller to instruct charging or discharging the power storage device 120 depending on the allocation result in step S32.

In step S34, the VPP controller transmits the control command received in step S33 to the facility 100 (energy storage device 120).

In step S41, the facility 100 (energy storage device 120) transmits the control result based on the control command to the RA.

In step S42, the RA transmits the control results received from the facility 100 to the AC.

The control result may include information indicating the charging power or discharging power of the power storage device 120 based on the control command. The control result may include information indicating the forward flow power or reverse flow power of the facility 100 as a result of charging or discharging the power storage device 120 based on the control command. The control result may be information for each unit period (e.g., 30 minutes).

Secondly, we will explain the case where the RA does not have the contract information for identifying the right holders for the power generation device (e.g., the solar cell device 110), the power storage device 120, and the forward flow power. In Figure 11, the same step numbers are used for the same processes as in Figure 10. In Figure 11, steps S10X and S23X are executed instead of the above-mentioned steps S10 and S23.

Figure 10 illustrates an example of a case where the RA receives contract information from the AC (upper management server 300). However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the RA may receive contract information from a VPP controller. In other words, the VPP controller may transmit contract information to the RA.

As shown in FIG. 11, in step S10X, the VPP controller receives contract information from the facility 100 to identify the right holder for the power generation device (e.g., the solar cell device 110), the power storage device 120, and the forward flow power. The contract information may be transmitted from the facility 100 in response to a request from the VPP controller, or may be transmitted autonomously from the facility 100 without a request from the VPP controller.

In step S23X, the VPP controller corrects the adjustable power based on the contract information. For example, the VPP controller may correct the adjustable power (power B shown in FIG. 7 or power E shown in FIG. 9) so that the surplus power becomes zero when the right holder for the power generation device (e.g., solar cell device 110) that contributes to the surplus power is not RA. On the other hand, the VPP controller does not need to correct the adjustable power (power B shown in FIG. 7 or power E shown in FIG. 9) when the right holder for the power generation device (e.g., solar cell device 110) that contributes to the surplus power is RA.

Although not specifically mentioned in FIG. 11, the VPP controller may transmit the contract information received from the facility 100 to the RA.

(Action and Effects)
In the embodiment, the VPP controller transmits adjustable power information to the RA in a manner that can distinguish whether the adjustable power is power that increases or decreases the power demand of the facility 100, and whether the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid 12. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately control the VPP control (power related to the power grid) while taking into consideration the impact of the control of the power storage device 120 on the power demand of the facility 100 and the power demand (procured power) of the facility 100.

In the embodiment, the VPP controller transmits adjustable power information to the RA in a manner that makes it possible to distinguish whether the adjustable power includes surplus power. With this configuration, even in a case where the right holder of a power generation device (e.g., solar cell device 110) that contributes to the surplus power is not the RA, it is possible for the VPP controller or RA to exclude the surplus power from the adjustable power, and VPP control (adjustment of imbalance) can be appropriately performed. In other words, the VPP controller can distinguish whether the reverse flow power is due to the power generated by the power generation device or due to the control of the power storage device 120 (an increase in discharge power or a decrease in charge power).

In an embodiment, the VPP controller may receive contract information and may correct the adjustable power based on the contract information. With such a configuration, the VPP controller can appropriately perform a correction to remove surplus power from the adjustable power.

For example, in a case where a solar cell device 110 already installed in a facility 100 belongs to a rights holder other than RA, and a power storage device 120, for which RA is the rights holder, is newly introduced, PP control (imbalance adjustment) can be appropriately performed using the power storage device 120.

[Other embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described by the above-mentioned embodiment, the description and drawings forming a part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

In the above disclosure, an example is given of a case in which the RA receives contract information from the AC. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. The contract information may be pre-registered in the RA.

In the above disclosure, an example has been given of a case in which the VPP controller receives contract information from the facility 100. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. The contract information may be preregistered in the VPP controller.

In the above disclosure, the case where the right holder for the energy storage device 120 is the RA has been exemplified. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the right holder for the power generation device (e.g., the solar cell device 110) that contributes to the surplus power may be the right holder for the forward flow power (e.g., a retail electricity supplier such as an AEMS or an AC). In such a case, when the RA or the VPP controller operates under commission from an AEMS or an AC, the power resulting from the control of the energy storage device 120 may be excluded from the adjustable power. In other words, the adjustable power may be considered to be only the surplus power. For example, power C may be excluded from power B shown in FIG. 7. Power F may be excluded from power E shown in FIG. 9.

In the above disclosure, the contract information may include information for identifying the right holder for at least one of the power generation device (e.g., the solar cell device 110), the power storage device 120, and the forward flow power.

In the above disclosure, a solar cell device 110 is mainly exemplified as a power generation device that contributes to surplus power. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. The power generation device that contributes to surplus power may also include a fuel cell device 130.

In the above disclosure, an example is given of a case where the distributed power source used for VPP control is a power storage device 120. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. The distributed power source used for VPP control may include a solar cell device 110, a fuel cell device 130, etc. The distributed power source used for VPP control may also include a wind power generation device, a geothermal power generation device, etc.

In the above disclosure, the distributed power source used for VPP control may be interpreted as a distributed power source system including the power storage device 120 and the EMS 160.

In the above disclosure, the term "generated power" is primarily used, but generated power may also be read as reverse flow power.

In the above disclosure, the term "procured power" has been primarily used, but procured power may also be interpreted as forward flow power. Procured power may be considered to be the term used for the forward flow power of the group of facilities 100, and demand power may be considered to be the term used for the forward flow power of each of the facilities 100.

Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, communication between the VPP controller and the power storage device 120 may be performed in a manner compliant with ECHONET Lite (registered trademark).

Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, power may be expressed as an instantaneous value (W/kW) or an integrated value per unit time (Wh/kWh).

Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, a program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each process performed by the lower level management server 200. The program may also be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Using a computer-readable medium, it is possible to install the program on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient recording medium. The non-transient recording medium is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM.

Alternatively, a chip may be provided that is configured with a memory that stores programs for executing each process performed by the lower level management server 200 and a processor that executes the programs stored in the memory.

[Additional Notes]
The above disclosure may be expressed as follows:
A first feature of the power management device is that it includes a control unit that controls a power storage device installed in a facility connected to a power system, and a transmission unit that transmits adjustable power information indicating adjustable power for adjusting the power supply and demand balance of the power system to a higher-level node, wherein the adjustable power information is information indicating the adjustable power in a manner that makes it possible to distinguish whether the adjustable power is power that increases or decreases the power demand of the facility, whether the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power system, and whether the adjustable power includes surplus power, and the surplus power is the difference between the power generated by a power generation device installed in the facility and the power consumption of the facility.

The second feature is a power management device according to the first feature, in which, when the adjustable power is power that increases the power demand of the facility, the adjustable power information includes, in a distinguishable manner, first information indicating that the adjustable power does not include reverse flow power to the power grid, second information indicating that the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid and that the adjustable power includes the surplus power, and third information indicating that the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid and that the adjustable power does not include the surplus power.

The third feature is a power management device according to the first or second feature, in which, when the adjustable power is power that reduces the power demand of the facility, the adjustable power information includes, in a distinguishable manner, fourth information indicating that the adjustable power does not include reverse flow power to the power grid, fifth information indicating that the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid and that the adjustable power includes the surplus power, and sixth information indicating that the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid and that the adjustable power does not include the surplus power.

The fourth feature is a power management device according to any one of the first to third features, further comprising a receiver that receives contract information from the facility to identify a right holder for at least one of the power generation device, the power storage device, and the forward flow power from the power grid.

The fifth feature is a power management device according to any one of the first to fourth features, wherein the control unit corrects the adjustable power based on contract information for identifying a right holder for at least one of the power generation device, the power storage device, and the forward flow power from the power grid.

The sixth feature is a power management device according to any one of the first to fifth features, wherein the transmitter transmits contract information to the upper node to identify a right holder for at least one of the power generation device, the power storage device, and the forward flow power from the power grid.

The seventh feature is a power management method comprising step A of controlling a power storage device installed in a facility connected to a power grid, and step B of transmitting adjustable power information indicating adjustable power for adjusting the power supply and demand balance of the power grid to a higher-level node, the adjustable power information indicating the adjustable power in a manner that makes it possible to distinguish whether the adjustable power is power that increases or decreases the power demand of the facility, whether the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid, and whether the adjustable power includes surplus power, and the surplus power is the difference between the power generated by a power generation device installed in the facility and the power consumed by the facility.

1...power management system, 11...network, 12...power system, 100...facility, 110...solar cell device, 120...power storage device, 130...fuel cell device, 140...load device, 160...EMS, 161...first communication unit, 162...second communication unit, 163...control unit, 190...measuring device, 200...lower management server, 210...communication unit, 220...management unit, 230...control unit, 300...upper management server, 310...communication unit, 320...management unit, 330...control unit, 400...third-party server

Claims (7)

A control unit that controls an electricity storage device installed in a facility connected to the power grid;
a transmitter configured to transmit adjustable power information indicating adjustable power for adjusting the balance between power supply and demand in the power grid to a higher-level node;
The adjustable power information is information indicating the adjustable power in a manner that makes it possible to distinguish whether the adjustable power is power that increases or decreases the power demand of the facility, whether the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid, and whether the adjustable power includes surplus power,
The surplus power is a difference between the power generated by a power generation device installed in the facility and the power consumption of the facility. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein, when the adjustable power is power that increases the power demand of the facility, the adjustable power information includes, in a distinguishable manner, first information indicating that the adjustable power does not include reverse flow power to the power grid, second information indicating that the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid and that the adjustable power includes the surplus power, and third information indicating that the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid and that the adjustable power does not include the surplus power. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein, when the adjustable power is power that reduces the power demand of the facility, the adjustable power information includes, in a distinguishable manner, fourth information indicating that the adjustable power does not include reverse flow power to the power grid, fifth information indicating that the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid and that the adjustable power includes the surplus power, and sixth information indicating that the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid and that the adjustable power does not include the surplus power. The power management device according to claim 1, further comprising a receiver that receives contract information from the facility to identify a right holder for at least one of the power generation device, the power storage device, and the forward flow power from the power grid. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit corrects the adjustable power based on contract information for identifying a right holder for at least one of the power generation device, the power storage device, and the forward flow power from the power grid. The power management device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits contract information to the upper node to identify a right holder for at least one of the power generation device, the power storage device, and the forward flow power from the power grid. A step A of controlling an electricity storage device installed in a facility connected to a power grid;
and a step B of transmitting adjustable power information indicating adjustable power for adjusting the power supply and demand balance of the power grid to an upper node,
The adjustable power information is information indicating the adjustable power in a manner that makes it possible to distinguish whether the adjustable power is power that increases or decreases the power demand of the facility, whether the adjustable power includes reverse flow power to the power grid, and whether the adjustable power includes surplus power,
The power management method, wherein the surplus power is a difference between power generated by a power generation device installed in the facility and power consumption by the facility.