JP7519618B2 - LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM, LOAD CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure generally relates to a load control system, a load control method, and a program. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a load control system, a load control method, and a program that control a specific load that operates according to a unique control algorithm.

Patent Document 1 discloses a solar power generation system that uses the DC output of a solar power generation device to supply power to electrical products. In this solar power generation system, a solar cell array and a battery are connected in parallel to an inverter. The inverter converts DC power from the solar cell array or the battery into AC power and outputs it to the power grid via an interconnection switch.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-91049

The present disclosure aims to provide a load control system, a load control method, and a program that can easily improve the adjustment capability of a specific load that operates according to a unique control algorithm.

A load control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit and a processing unit. The acquisition unit acquires related information related to control of a specific load from the specific load that operates according to a unique control algorithm. The processing unit executes a process related to control of the specific load based on the related information acquired by the acquisition unit. The processing unit executes a control process for controlling the specific load. The control process includes a process that opposes the unique control algorithm of the specific load. The opposing process is executed in priority to the unique control algorithm of the specific load. The control process includes a process that proposes to the specific load a plurality of control commands that the specific load can execute.

A load control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition step and a processing step. The acquisition step is a step of acquiring related information related to control of a specific load from the specific load that operates according to a unique control algorithm. The processing step is a step of executing a process related to control of the specific load based on the related information acquired in the acquisition step. In the processing step, a control process for controlling the specific load is executed. The control process includes a process that opposes the unique control algorithm of the specific load. The opposing process is executed in priority to the unique control algorithm of the specific load. The control process includes a process of proposing to the specific load a plurality of control commands that the specific load can execute.

A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the above-described load control method.

The present disclosure has the advantage that it is easier to improve the adjustment capability of a specific load that operates according to a unique control algorithm.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a load control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a first control of the load control system. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the load control system of the comparative example. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the second control of the load control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of control of the load control system of the above embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the load control system.

(1) Overview The load control system 10 according to this embodiment is a system for controlling a specific load 31 installed in a facility 200, as shown in Fig. 1. In other words, the load control system 10 is a system for controlling a specific load 31 installed at a responsibility demarcation point P1 (on the customer's facility side). In this embodiment, the facility 200 is assumed to be a detached house, but may be an apartment building or a non-residential facility such as a commercial facility, an office building, a factory, a school, or a hospital.

In this disclosure, a "specific load" is a load that consumes power when it operates and operates according to a unique control algorithm. In other words, when controlling the specific load 31, if there is no means to counter the unique control algorithm as described below, the control command for the specific load 31 is executed within the scope of the unique control algorithm. For this reason, when a control command that exceeds the scope of the unique control algorithm is received, the specific load 31 will not execute control according to the control command for the portion that exceeds the scope.

As shown in FIG. 1, the load control system 10 includes an acquisition unit 11 and a processing unit 12.

The acquisition unit 11 acquires related information regarding the control of the specific load 31 from the specific load 31 that operates according to a unique control algorithm. As an example, the "related information" in this disclosure may include the margin of capacity when the specific load 31 operates according to a unique control algorithm, that is, the allowable control amount of the specific load 31 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "allowable control amount"). In addition, the "related information" may include a control schedule for the specific load 31, parameters that indicate the state of the specific load 31, and the operation history of the specific load 31 (for example, a history of when the specific load 31 operated and when it stopped), etc.

The processing unit 12 executes processing related to the control of the specific load 31 based on the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. In this disclosure, the "processing related to the control of the specific load" includes a control process for controlling the specific load 31, and may also include a process for generating a control command for the specific load 31. The control command may be a command that is based on the assumption that the specific load 31 does not have a means to counter the specific load 31's unique control algorithm, or a command that is based on the assumption that the specific load 31 has a means to counter it.

As described above, in this embodiment, processing related to the control of the specific load 31 is executed based on related information acquired from the specific load 31. For this reason, in this embodiment, it becomes easier to make the specific load 31 consume power or to stop the operation of the specific load 31 in accordance with a request from a power utility to adjust the supply and demand balance of the power grid 8 (see FIG. 1), for example. As a result, this embodiment has the advantage that it is easier to improve the adjustment capability of the specific load 31, which operates according to a unique control algorithm.

(2) Details The load control system 10 of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the load control system 10 is realized by a controller 4 installed in each of the facilities 200. Each controller 4 is configured to be able to communicate with the power management system 100 via a network N1 such as the Internet.

Here, the power management system 100 is a system for managing the output of multiple distributed power sources 2 installed in multiple facilities 200, i.e., the power generated by multiple distributed power sources 2. In this embodiment, the distributed power source 2 is a solar power generation system as an example. Note that the distributed power source 2 may be a power generation system such as a fuel cell in addition to a solar power generation system, or may be a power generation system that utilizes renewable energy other than solar power, such as wind power, hydroelectric power, geothermal power, and biomass.

In this embodiment, the power management system 100 is a server device managed by an aggregator. In this disclosure, the term "aggregator" refers to an operator that integrates and controls consumer-side energy resources or distributed energy resources and provides energy services from a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) or DR (Demand Response).

In this disclosure, a "VPP" is a system that uses IoT (Internet of Things) or the like to comprehensively control multiple distributed power sources 2 installed in multiple facilities 200, allowing the multiple facilities 200 to function as if they were a single virtual power plant.

The aggregator may include a resource aggregator and an aggregation coordinator. The resource aggregator is an operator that directly concludes a service contract for VPP with consumers and controls resources. The aggregation coordinator is an operator that bundles the amount of electricity controlled by the resource aggregator and directly trades electricity with power operators such as general electricity transmission and distribution operators, retail electricity operators, or renewable energy power generation operators.

In this embodiment, it is described that the resource aggregator manages the power management system 100, and the aggregation coordinator manages the upper system 300 that sends commands to the power management system 100. The power management system 100 may be managed by the aggregation coordinator. For example, when the aggregation coordinator and the resource aggregator are the same, the aggregation coordinator may manage the power management system 100. The upper system 300 may also be managed by a power company such as a general power transmission and distribution company, a retail electricity company, or a renewable energy power generation company.

The commands sent by the upper system 300 are commands to the VPP, for example, for the purpose of achieving the planned simultaneous equal amount of electricity by a retail electricity supplier or adjusting the supply and demand balance of a general electricity transmission and distribution supplier. The commands sent by the upper system 300 may include, for example, a down DR that reduces (suppresses) the demand for electricity, and an up DR that increases (creates) the demand for electricity. The down DR may include, for example, a command to reduce the output of the demand equipment 33 as the load 3 at the time of peak demand for electricity. The up DR may include, for example, a command to operate the demand equipment 33 as the load 3 to consume the excess output of the electricity (renewable energy) output by the distributed power source 2, or to absorb it by charging the storage equipment 32 as the load 3.

In this disclosure, the "demand equipment" refers to equipment that consumes power, such as household electrical appliances. The demand equipment 33 may include, by way of example, lighting equipment, air conditioning equipment, television sets, and the like. In this embodiment, the demand equipment 33 as the load 3 is equipment that can be directly or indirectly controlled by the power management system 100. In addition, in this embodiment, the power storage equipment 32 as the load 3 may include a battery mounted on an electric vehicle in addition to a power storage device permanently installed in the facility 200.

The facility 200 is equipped with a distributed power source 2, a controller 4 (load control system 10), a power conversion system 5, a distribution board 6, and a smart meter 7. The facility 200 is also equipped with one or more loads 3. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the facility 200 is equipped with one or more specific loads 31, one or more power storage facilities 32, and one or more demand devices 33 (lighting fixtures in the example shown in FIG. 1) as the loads 3. The configuration of the loads 3 may differ for each facility 200.

In this embodiment, the specific load 31 is connected to the power grid 8 via the distribution board 6 or the like, and basically operates by receiving commercial power from the power grid 8. The specific load 31 is a storage-type electric water heater that has a hot water storage tank for storing hot water and a heating device for heating the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank, and supplies hot water using the hot water in the hot water storage tank. The heating device is a heat pump type and is installed outdoors. Also, in this embodiment, the power storage facility 32 is a power storage device that is permanently installed in the facility 200.

The controller 4 is, for example, a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller. The controller 4 manages information such as the usage status and power consumption of the load 3 and the power conversion system 5 in the facility 200, and also controls their operation. In this embodiment, the controller 4 controls the load 3 and the power conversion system 5 according to instructions based on the power generation plan received from the power management system 100. The "power generation plan" in this disclosure is a plan for power generation of each of the multiple distributed power sources 2 submitted to a higher-level system 300 such as a power utility, and includes reverse power flow from the multiple distributed power sources 2 to the power grid 8. The controller 4 also has a communication interface for communicating with the power management system 100 installed outside the facility 200 via the network N1, and relays communication between the power management system 100 and the power conversion system 5.

The power conversion system 5 has, for example, a power conditioner, and controls the distributed power source 2 and the power storage facility 32. Specifically, the power conversion system 5 has a function of converting DC power generated by the distributed power source 2 into AC power, supplying the converted AC power to the demand equipment 33 via the distribution board 6, and flowing it back to the power grid 8. The power conversion system 5 also has a function of converting DC power generated by the distributed power source 2 into DC power of a predetermined magnitude, and charging the power storage facility 32 with the converted DC power. The power conversion system 5 also has a function of converting DC power discharged by the power storage facility 32 into AC power, and supplying the converted AC power to the demand equipment 33 via the distribution board 6.

The load control system 10 includes an acquisition unit 11 and a processing unit 12. In this embodiment, the load control system 10 (controller 4) targets a specific load 31 installed in the same facility 200. In other words, the acquisition unit 11 and the processing unit 12 target a specific load 31 installed at one of the multiple responsibility demarcation points P1 (on the consumer side).

In this embodiment, the processing unit 12 is mainly configured as a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. Therefore, the processing unit 12 functions as the processing unit 12 by executing a program recorded in the memory by one or more processors. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory, may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be provided by recording it on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

The acquisition unit 11 has a communication interface for indirect communication via, for example, a measurement adapter provided in the distribution board 6, or for direct communication with the specific load 31. The acquisition unit 11 acquires relevant information related to the control of the specific load 31 from the specific load 31. The acquisition unit 11 is the entity that executes the acquisition step ST1 (see FIG. 6 ) described below. Specifically, the acquisition unit 11 acquires relevant information including parameters measured by the specific load 31 itself from the specific load 31 by communicating directly or indirectly with the specific load 31 installed in the same facility 200.

In this embodiment, the specific load 31 is a storage-type electric water heater as already described. Therefore, the above parameters may include, for example, the amount of hot water used, the amount of hot water remaining in the hot water storage tank, the temperature of the hot water, the outside air temperature of the facility 200, or the boiling level. In this disclosure, the "boiling level" is an index that indicates the degree to which the hot water is boiled.

The processing unit 12 executes processing related to the control of the specific load 31 based on the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The processing unit 12 is the entity that executes processing step ST2 (see FIG. 6 ) described below. Specifically, the processing unit 12 generates a control command for the specific load 31 based on the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 11.

Here, when the processing unit 12 can acquire the allowable control amount from the specific load 31, the processing unit 12 generates a control command for the specific load 31 based on the acquired allowable control amount. On the other hand, when the processing unit 12 cannot acquire the allowable control amount from the specific load 31, the processing unit 12 may estimate the allowable control amount using a learned model that has been machine-learned based on the operation history of the specific load 31, and generate a control command for the specific load 31 based on the estimated allowable control amount. In other words, the processing unit 12 generates a control command for controlling the specific load 31 based on the allowable control amount of the specific load 31 acquired by the acquisition unit 11, or based on the allowable control amount of the specific load 31 estimated by machine learning.

The trained model may include, for example, a model such as an SVM (Support Vector Machine), a model using a neural network, or a model generated by deep learning using a multi-layer neural network. The trained neural network may include, for example, a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), a BNN (Bayesian Neural Network), or an RNN (Recurrent Neural Network).

Then, the processing unit 12 executes a control process to control the specific load 31 by providing the specific load 31 with the generated control command. Here, in this embodiment, the processing unit 12 is capable of causing the specific load 31 to execute control based on the control command in priority to the specific load 31's unique control algorithm. In other words, the control process includes a process that opposes the specific load 31's unique control algorithm. The processing unit 12 needs to be able to oppose at least a part of the specific load 31's unique control algorithm, but may be able to oppose all of it. In other words, the processing unit 12 may have the authority to control the specific load 31.

The controls of the load control system 10 are listed below. In each control shown below, before explaining the operation of the load control system 10, the problems with the load control system of the comparative example are first explained. The load control system of the comparative example differs from the load control system 10 of this embodiment in that it does not have an acquisition unit 11 and a processing unit 12, but simply issues a control command to a specific load 31 in accordance with a request from the upper system 300.

<First Control>
The specific load 31 is controlled to heat water using relatively inexpensive late-night electricity. On the other hand, when a control command is received from the load control system of the comparative example to consume electricity during the day, a part of the total amount of water that was to be heated using late-night electricity may be heated during the day.

However, because the specific load 31 operates according to its own control algorithm as described above, the amount of hot water to be boiled during the day (in other words, the amount of electricity to be consumed during the day) is determined by calculations performed by the specific load 31 itself. For this reason, even if a control command to boil hot water for three hours during the day is received from the load control system of the comparative example, if the amount of hot water that the specific load 31 has previously determined to be boiled during the day is for one hour, a problem may arise in that the control command cannot be satisfied.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 acquires related information from the specific load 31. Then, the processing unit 12 executes processing related to the control of the specific load 31 based on the related information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. Here, the processing unit 12 generates an optimal control command to be executed by the specific load 31 by taking into account the various parameters acquired from the specific load 31, the power usage status in the facility 200 owned by the controller 4, the predicted power generation amount of the distributed power source 2 (here, a solar power generation system), the charging status of the storage equipment 32, etc.

Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to give to the specific load 31 a control command that the specific load 31 can execute. For example, in this embodiment, the status of the specific load 31 can be grasped by acquiring various parameters from the specific load 31, so it is possible to give a command that the specific load 31 can execute, such as boiling water for one hour during the day, by, for example, accommodating the power consumption of loads 3 other than the specific load 31. In this case, the processing unit 12 gives a control command that is in line with the specific load 31's unique control algorithm, and therefore does not need to execute control processing against the unique control algorithm.

Here, the specific load 31 has criteria for determining the target amount of hot water and the minimum amount of remaining hot water according to a unique control algorithm using the limited data that the specific load 31 has. In order to ensure safety and guarantee quality, the specific load 31 itself may have the final decision-making power over the operation of the specific load 31. In such a case, even if the processing unit 12 gives a control command to the specific load 31, that is, even if it proposes a control command, there is a possibility that the specific load 31 will not accept the given control command.

Therefore, the processing unit 12 may propose to the specific load 31 a plurality of control commands that the specific load 31 can execute. In other words, the control process may include a process of proposing to the specific load 31 a plurality of control commands that the specific load 31 can execute. Specifically, the processing unit 12 acquires information on the operation mode and/or the judgment criteria from the specific load 31 via the acquisition unit 11. Then, the processing unit 12 generates a control command when the operation mode and/or the judgment criteria are changed based on the acquired information, and provides the generated control command to the specific load 31. Here, the processing unit 12 may propose a plurality of control commands as a result by repeating a series of steps of providing a control command to the specific load 31 and receiving a response to the provided control command from the specific load 31 a plurality of times. The processing unit 12 may also provide a plurality of control commands to the specific load 31 collectively. In either case, the specific load 31 may determine which of the plurality of control commands to adopt.

The processing unit 12 may also instruct the specific load 31 to change the target value set in the specific load 31 to a predetermined value that exceeds the target value. As an example, assume that the target hot water volume of the specific load 31 is 500 liters at 40 degrees Celsius, and a total of five hours of operation are required to achieve the target hot water volume. In this case, the specific load 31 may respond to the load control system 10 that it is possible to shift three hours of the total operation time to the night time zone and the remaining two hours to the day time zone, assuming that hot water is used in the morning. In this case, the processing unit 12 may suggest to the specific load 31 to change the target hot water volume to a predetermined value (e.g., 700 liters) that exceeds the target hot water volume, thereby increasing the operation time in the day time zone from two hours to four hours. In this way, in this aspect, it is possible to improve the power consumption efficiency of the specific load 31 and contribute to the stabilization of the power system (8).

In addition, in this embodiment, as already described, the processing unit 12 can also control the specific load 31 against the specific load 31's own control algorithm. Therefore, the processing unit 12 can give the specific load 31 a control command to boil water for three hours during the day, for example, and force the specific load 31 to execute the control command.

2 shows an example of the first control of the load control system 10 of this embodiment. FIG. 3 shows an example of the operation of the load control system of the comparative example. Both of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show the operation of the specific load 31 in a predetermined period (here, 0:00 to 18:00). In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the dashed line P10 shows the difference between the actual power generation amount of the distributed power source 2 and the demand amount (i.e., the amount of power consumed by one or more loads 3) when the specific load 31 is not controlled, that is, the surplus power amount. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the dotted area A1 shows the period when the specific load 31 is boiling water. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the dotted area A11 shows the period when the specific load 31 is boiling water according to its own control algorithm, and the dotted area A12 shows the period when the specific load 31 is boiling water according to a control command.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the load control system of the comparative example, the proportion of dot area A12 relative to dot area A1 is small, and the surplus power cannot be fully consumed by the specific load 31. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 2, in the load control system 10 of the present embodiment, the proportion of dot area A12 relative to dot area A1 is large, and the surplus power can be fully consumed by the specific load 31.

As described above, this embodiment has the advantage that it becomes easier for the specific load 31 to consume the surplus power generated by the distributed power source 2, which is expected to result in improved adjustment capabilities of the specific load 31.

<Second Control>
As already mentioned, the specific load 31 can heat a part of the total amount of hot and cold water that was scheduled to be heated using nighttime power during the day. This allows the specific load 31 to respond to an increased DR from the upper system 300. However, in the control system of the comparative example, the specific load 31 can respond to an increased DR received before the current time, for example, the previous day, but cannot respond to an increased DR received in real time, and therefore has a problem of poor responsiveness. In addition, in the control system of the comparative example, the specific load 31 can respond to an increased DR but cannot respond to a decreased DR.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the specific load 31 is controlled by interrupting the specific load 31's unique control algorithm. In other words, the control process includes a process that interrupts and opposes the specific load 31's unique control algorithm. For example, the processing unit 12 can cause the specific load 31 to execute control to boil water even during a period in which the specific load 31 has stopped operating according to its unique control algorithm. Also, for example, the processing unit 12 can cause the specific load 31 to execute control to stop the operation of the specific load 31 even during a period in which the specific load 31 is boiling water according to its unique control algorithm.

Figure 4 shows an example of the second control of the load control system 10 of this embodiment. Figure 4 shows the operation of the specific load 31 during a predetermined period (here, 0:00 to 18:00). In Figure 4, the dashed dotted line P10 shows the difference between the actual power generation amount of the distributed power source 2 and the demand amount (i.e., the amount of power consumed by one or more loads 3) when the specific load 31 is not controlled, that is, the surplus power amount. Also, in Figure 4, the dotted area shows the period when the specific load 31 is boiling water.

As shown in FIG. 4, assume that the specific load 31 is executing control to boil water during the period from time t0 to t1. In this case, if the amount of power generated by the distributed power source 2 temporarily decreases, for example, during the period from time t2 to t3, the upper system 300 may request a lowering DR. Even in such a case, in this embodiment, the processing unit 12 interrupts the specific load 31's unique control algorithm and temporarily stops the specific load 31, making it possible to satisfy the request for a lowering DR.

As described above, in this embodiment, the specific load 31 can be controlled in real time, which has the advantage of improving responsiveness. In addition, in this embodiment, the specific load 31 can be temporarily stopped by interrupting its own control algorithm, which has the advantage of making it possible to satisfy a request for a lower DR from the upper system 300.

(3) Operation An example of the operation of the load control system 10 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. After the power generation plan by the power management system 100 is started (S1), when a request (upward DR or downward DR) is acquired from the upper system 300 (S2: Yes), the load control system 10 determines whether or not it is possible to acquire an allowable control amount from the specific load 31 (S3).

If the allowable control amount can be obtained from the specific load 31 (S3: Yes), the processing unit 12 generates a control command based on the obtained allowable control amount and controls the specific load 31 by giving the generated control command to the specific load 31 (S5).

On the other hand, if the allowable control amount cannot be obtained from the specific load 31 (S3: No), the processing unit 12 estimates the allowable control amount using the learned model (S4). Then, the processing unit 12 generates a control command based on the estimated allowable control amount, and controls the specific load 31 by giving the generated control command to the specific load 31 (S5). Processes S3 and S4 correspond to acquisition step ST1, and process S5 corresponds to process step ST2. Processes S2 to S5 are executed as appropriate until the power generation plan is completed (S6: Yes).

(4) Modifications The above-described embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. In addition, functions similar to those of the load control system 10 may be embodied not only in a load control method, but also in a (computer) program, a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded, or the like.

The load control method according to one embodiment includes an acquisition step ST1 and a processing step ST2. The acquisition step ST1 is a step of acquiring relevant information related to the control of the specific load 31 from the specific load 31 that operates according to a unique control algorithm. The processing step ST2 is a step of executing processing related to the control of the specific load 31 based on the relevant information acquired in the acquisition step ST1. The (computer) program according to one embodiment causes one or more processors to execute the above-mentioned load control method.

Below, we list some variations of the above-mentioned embodiment. The variations described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

The load control system 10 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system to realize the function of the load control system 10 in the present disclosure. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided through an electric communication line, or provided by recording it in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits such as IC or LSI referred to here are called differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a logic device that can reconfigure the connection relationship inside the LSI or reconfigure the circuit partition inside the LSI, can also be used as a processor. The multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip, or may be distributed across multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into one device, or may be distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

In addition, it is not essential for the load control system 10 that multiple functions are concentrated in one housing, and the components of the load control system 10 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the load control system 10 may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

In the above-described embodiment, the processing unit 12 may not have a function of generating a control command for the specific load 31. In this case, the processing unit 12 may transmit, for example, information related to the specific load 31 acquired by the acquisition unit 11 to the power management system 100, and may give a control command to the specific load 31 by receiving the control command generated by the power management system 100.

In the above-described embodiment, the processing unit 12 may further refer to information other than the related information of the specific load 31 to execute processing related to the control of the specific load 31. In the present disclosure, "information other than related information" may include, for example, information on other devices other than the specific load 31, as well as information from a scheduler, weather forecasts, power generation and demand forecast data, or predicted information on family behavior. For example, the processing unit 12 may generate a control command by referring to information necessary for generating a control command from information held by a scheduler managed by each facility 200.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the load control system 10 (controller 4) may not only acquire related information from specific loads 31 in the same facility 200, but also acquire related information from specific loads 31 in other facilities 200 via the network N1. In other words, a specific load 31 is provided for each of multiple responsibility demarcation points P1. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire related information for each of the multiple responsibility demarcation points P1.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the load control system 10 may be realized by the power management system 100, rather than the controller 4. That is, a specific load 31 is provided for each of the multiple responsibility demarcation points P1. The acquisition unit 11 and the processing unit 12 may target the specific load 31 of each of the multiple responsibility demarcation points P1. In this case, the load control system 10 (power management system 100) can group-control the multiple specific loads 31 as one group.

In the above embodiment, the following control is also possible. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, assume that the load control system 10 has under its jurisdiction a public facility 201 equipped with a power storage facility 32 and a vending machine 202 equipped with a power storage facility 32 in addition to multiple facilities 200. In this case, if the specific load 31 of any one of the facilities 200 cannot satisfy the request for increased DR from the upper system 300, the load control system 10 can satisfy the request for increased DR by operating the specific load 31 of the other facility 200. The load control system 10 can also satisfy the request for increased DR by charging the power storage facility 32 equipped in the public facility 201 or the vending machine 202.

In the above embodiment, the specific loads 31 may start operating at different times at two or more of the multiple responsibility demarcation points P1. For example, if the specific loads 31 start operating at the same time at each of all responsibility demarcation points P1, the amount of power consumption may increase instantaneously, which may affect the supply and demand balance. In contrast, in the above aspect, the specific loads 31 are less likely to start operating at the same time, so the amount of power consumption is less likely to increase instantaneously, making it easier to reduce the load on the power grid 8.

In the above embodiment, the specific load 31 is not limited to a storage-type electric water heater, but may be a power storage facility 32. For example, assume that the upper limit value of the SoC (State Of Charge) in the power storage facility 32 is set to 90% and the lower limit value to 10%, and that charging and discharging are performed according to a unique control algorithm to satisfy these parameters. In this case, the processing unit 12 can change the upper limit value to 95% and the lower limit value to 5% by issuing a control command to the power storage facility 32. The specific load 31 may also be, for example, a power conversion system 5. In this case, the processing unit 12 can respond to a request for a lower DR, for example, by issuing a control command to the power conversion system 5 to change the target value for output suppression.

The specific load 31 may also be, for example, an air conditioning system. If the air conditioning system is a central air conditioning system, it operates according to a unique control algorithm that controls a damper installed in each room so that the temperature detected by a temperature sensor installed in each room becomes the set temperature. In such a case, the processing unit 12 can counter the unique control algorithm by operating the central air conditioning system at high speed or low speed, thereby making it easier to change the amount of power consumed by the central air conditioning system (i.e., making it easier to improve the adjustment power).

The specific load 31 may also be, for example, a fuel cell. In this case, the processing unit 12 can respond to, for example, a request for a lower DR by issuing a control command to the fuel cell to change the operating time period.

In other words, the specific load 31 may be any device that operates according to a unique control algorithm, and may be a power storage device permanently installed in the facility 200, or a battery mounted on an electric vehicle. For example, the specific load 31 may include any one of a heat pump water heater, an electric water heater, a fuel cell, an air conditioning system, a power storage device, or a charger for an electric vehicle.

(summary)
As described above, the load control system (10) according to the first aspect includes an acquisition unit (11) and a processing unit (12). The acquisition unit (11) acquires related information related to the control of the specific load (31) from the specific load (31) that operates according to a unique control algorithm. The processing unit (12) executes processing related to the control of the specific load (31) based on the related information acquired by the acquisition unit (11).

This aspect has the advantage that it is easier to improve the adjustment capability of the specific load (31) that operates according to a unique control algorithm.

In the load control system (10) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the processing unit (12) further refers to information other than the related information and executes processing related to the control of the specific load (31).

This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to improve the adjustment capability of the specific load (31) compared to a case where information other than the related information is not referenced.

In the load control system (10) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the processing unit (12) executes a control process for controlling the specific load (31). The control process includes a process that counters the specific load's (31) unique control algorithm.

According to this embodiment, the specific load (31) can be forcibly controlled, which has the advantage that it is easier to ensure the adjustment capability of the specific load (31).

In the load control system (10) according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the processing unit (12) has the authority to control a specific load (31).

According to this embodiment, the specific load (31) can be forcibly controlled, which has the advantage that it is easier to ensure the adjustment capability of the specific load (31).

In the load control system (10) according to the fifth aspect, in the third or fourth aspect, the control process includes a process of interrupting and countering the unique control algorithm of the specific load (31).

According to this embodiment, the specific load (31) can be forcibly controlled, which has the advantage that it is easier to ensure the adjustment capability of the specific load (31).

In the load control system (10) according to the sixth aspect, in the third aspect, the control process includes a process of proposing to the specific load (31) a plurality of control commands that the specific load (31) can execute.

According to this embodiment, the specific load (31) selects and controls from a number of control commands that can be executed, which has the advantage that control errors are less likely to occur compared to when the specific load (31)'s own control algorithm is forcibly changed.

In the load control system (10) according to the seventh aspect, in any of the third to sixth aspects, the processing unit (12) instructs the specific load (31) to change the target value set in the specific load (31) to a predetermined value that exceeds the target value.

This aspect has the advantage that the adjustment capability of the specific load (31) can be improved compared to when the specific load (31) is controlled according to a target value.

In the load control system (10) according to the eighth aspect, in any of the first to seventh aspects, the specific load (31) includes any one of a heat pump water heater, an electric water heater, a fuel cell, an air conditioning system, a storage battery, or a charger for an electric vehicle.

This aspect has the advantage that it is easier to ensure the adjustment capacity of the specific load (31).

In the load control system (10) according to the ninth aspect, in any of the first to eighth aspects, a specific load (31) is provided for each of a plurality of responsibility demarcation points (P1). The acquisition unit (11) acquires related information for each of the plurality of responsibility demarcation points (P1).

According to this aspect, since it is possible to refer to not only the relevant information at the responsibility demarcation point (P1) to which the load control system (10) belongs, but also the relevant information at other responsibility demarcation points (P1), it has the advantage that it is easier to further improve the adjustment capability of the specific load (31).

In the load control system (10) according to the tenth aspect, in any of the first to eighth aspects, the acquisition unit (11) and the processing unit (12) target a specific load (31) provided at one of the multiple responsibility demarcation points (P1).

This aspect has the advantage that it is possible to individually control the specific loads (31) located at one responsibility demarcation point (P1).

In the load control system (10) according to the eleventh aspect, in any of the first to eighth aspects, a specific load (31) is provided for each of a plurality of responsibility demarcation points (P1). The acquisition unit (11) and the processing unit (12) target the specific load (31) for each of the plurality of responsibility demarcation points (P1).

This aspect has the advantage that it is possible to bundle and control specific loads (31) provided at each of multiple responsibility demarcation points (P1).

In the load control system (10) according to the twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the specific load (31) starts operating at different times at two or more responsibility demarcation points (P1) among the multiple responsibility demarcation points (P1).

This embodiment has the advantage that it is easier to suppress fluctuations in power consumption caused by multiple specific loads (31) starting operation at the same time, in other words, it is easier to reduce the load on the power grid (8).

In the load control system (10) according to the thirteenth aspect, in any of the first to twelfth aspects, the processing unit (12) generates a control command for controlling the specific load (31) based on the allowable control amount of the specific load (31) acquired by the acquisition unit (11) or based on the allowable control amount of the specific load (31) estimated by machine learning.

This embodiment has the advantage that it becomes easier to control the specific load (31) without interfering with the specific load's (31) unique control algorithm.

The load control method according to the fourteenth aspect includes an acquisition step (ST1) and a processing step (ST2). The acquisition step (ST1) is a step of acquiring relevant information related to the control of the specific load (31) from the specific load (31) that operates according to a unique control algorithm. The processing step (ST2) is a step of executing processing related to the control of the specific load (31) based on the relevant information acquired in the acquisition step (ST1).

This aspect has the advantage that it is easier to improve the adjustment capability of the specific load (31) that operates according to a unique control algorithm.

The program according to the fifteenth aspect causes one or more processors to execute the load control method according to the fourteenth aspect.

This aspect has the advantage that it is easier to improve the adjustment capability of the specific load (31) that operates according to a unique control algorithm.

The configurations according to the second to thirteenth aspects are not essential to the load control system (10) and may be omitted as appropriate.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Load control system 11 Acquisition unit 12 Processing unit 31 Specific load P1 Responsibility demarcation point ST1 Acquisition step ST2 Processing step

Claims (13)

An acquisition unit that acquires information related to control of a specific load from the specific load that operates according to a unique control algorithm;
a processing unit that executes a process related to control of the specific load based on the related information acquired by the acquisition unit,
The processing unit executes a control process for controlling the specific load,
The control process includes a process that counters the unique control algorithm of the particular load,
the countermeasure is performed in preference to the unique control algorithm of the particular load ;
The control process includes a process of proposing, to the specific load, a plurality of control commands that the specific load can execute.
Load control system. The processing unit further refers to information other than the related information and executes a process related to control of the specific load.
The load control system of claim 1 . The processing unit has authority to control the specific load.
3. A load control system according to claim 1 or 2. The control process includes a process for interrupting and opposing the unique control algorithm of the specific load.
The load control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The processing unit instructs the specific load to change the target value set in the specific load to a predetermined value exceeding the target value.
The load control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The specific load includes any one of a heat pump water heater, an electric water heater, a fuel cell, an air conditioning system, a storage battery, and a charger for an electric vehicle.
A load control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The specific load is provided for each of a plurality of responsibility demarcation points,
the acquisition unit acquires the related information for each of the plurality of responsibility demarcation points;
A load control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The acquisition unit and the processing unit target the specific load provided at one responsibility demarcation point among a plurality of responsibility demarcation points.
A load control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The specific load is provided for each of a plurality of responsibility demarcation points,
The acquisition unit and the processing unit target the specific load of each of the plurality of responsibility demarcation points.
A load control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. At two or more responsibility demarcation points among the plurality of responsibility demarcation points, the specific load starts operating at different timings.
10. The load control system of claim 9. The processing unit generates a control command for controlling the specific load based on the allowable control amount of the specific load acquired by the acquisition unit or based on the allowable control amount of the specific load estimated by machine learning.
A load control system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. an acquisition step of acquiring information related to control of a specific load from the specific load operating according to a unique control algorithm;
and a processing step of executing a process related to control of the specific load based on the related information acquired in the acquisition step,
In the processing step, a control process for controlling the specific load is executed,
The control process includes a process that counters the unique control algorithm of the particular load,
the countermeasure is performed in preference to the unique control algorithm of the particular load;
The control process includes a process of proposing, to the specific load, a plurality of control commands that the specific load can execute.
Load control methods. One or more processors,
Executing the load control method according to claim 12,
Program.

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