JP7274331B2 - Demand adjustment system, demand adjustment method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a demand adjustment system, a demand adjustment method, and a program.

Power received from the power grid can be measured with a power meter. Currently, by analyzing the amount of electric power (hereinafter also referred to as "total demand") measured by power meters with communication functions (so-called smart meters), the amount of electric power (hereinafter referred to as "demand") for each device existing in the demand area is calculated. Techniques for estimation have been proposed. This technology is called a power disaggregation technology or the like. Today, power disaggregation technology is used for the purpose of visualizing the demand for each device receiving power within a demand area.

“Bidgely, a power management and efficiency service for general households”, [online], The SV Startups100, [searched November 26, 2018], Internet (URL: https://svs100.com/bidgely/)

Many retail electric power companies that supply electricity to consumers are equipped with power generation facilities. Each power generation facility has a unique power generation pattern, and for example, a thermal power generation facility outputs constant power throughout the day. On the other hand, many of the demands of consumers fluctuate during the day. For example, demand is high during the day and low at night.
When the total demand of consumers who have contracts to supply electricity exceeds their own power generation capacity, the retail electricity supplier procures electricity from the market and provides it to the consumers. The market price of electricity is determined by the supply and demand relationship. For example, the transaction price is high in a time zone such as the evening when demand is high. On the other hand, late-night transaction prices are lower when demand is lower.

For this reason, it is desirable for electricity retailers to procure less power from the market during hours when procurement prices are high. In fact, during late-night hours when procurement prices are low, electricity rates paid by consumers are also set low, leading to demand from consumers at night. However, even the power disaggregation technology mentioned above is limited to visualizing the current state of demand for each device.

Moreover, these days, the number of consumers who install distributed power sources such as photovoltaic power generation facilities is increasing. A consumer who has a distributed power supply can sell surplus electricity to a retail electricity supplier, but the unit price is lower than the unit price of electricity that the consumer pays to the retail electricity supplier. Therefore, if a part of the demand can be shifted to the electricity sales period, the electricity bill paid to the retail electricity supplier will be reduced even if the amount obtained from the retail electricity supplier is reduced by selling electricity. As a result, the profit for the consumer increases.

An object of the present invention is to rationally increase the economic profit of a retail electricity supplier or a consumer while considering individual demand composition on the consumer side.

The invention according to claim 1 comprises an estimating means for analyzing the total demand of consumers and estimating the demand for each time period for each device, and an obtaining means for obtaining information on the procurement price of electric power in the market for each time period. Then, in order to reduce the procurement cost of the electricity retailer, among the equipment used by the consumer, the operation schedule of some equipment whose demand is estimated during the time period when the procurement price is high is adjusted so that the procurement price is higher. and adjusting means for adjusting to operate during low hours .
The invention according to claim 2 is the demand adjustment system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment means adjusts the operation schedule of a part of the equipment so that the demand during the peak procurement price period falls. be.
The invention according to claim 3 further comprises second acquisition means for acquiring information on the selling price of electricity to the consumer, and the adjusting means adjusts based on the relationship between the procurement price and the selling price of electricity. 2. The demand adjustment system according to claim 1, wherein the operation schedule of a part of equipment used by the consumer is adjusted so that the demand appearing in a time zone with a large loss or a time zone with a small profit decreases.
4. The demand adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising means for giving a value corresponding to the adjustment to the consumer whose operating schedule has been adjusted. is.
The demand adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising presenting means for presenting the consumer with a screen notifying adjustment of the operating schedule according to the device. is.
The invention according to claim 6 is the demand adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising control means for individually controlling the operation of the corresponding equipment according to the adjusted operation schedule. .
According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the computer is provided with a process of analyzing the total demand of consumers and estimating the demand for each equipment by time period , and a process of acquiring the procurement price of electric power by time period in the market. , in order to reduce the procurement cost of the electricity retailer, among the equipment used by the consumer, the operation schedule of some of the equipment whose demand is estimated during the time period when the procurement price is high is changed to It is a demand adjustment method for executing a process for adjusting operation so as to operate in a time zone .
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the computer has a function of analyzing the total demand of consumers and estimating the demand for each equipment by time zone , and a function of acquiring the procurement price of electricity by time zone in the market. , in order to reduce the procurement cost of the electricity retailer, among the equipment used by the consumer, the operation schedule of some of the equipment whose demand is estimated during the time period when the procurement price is high is changed to It is a program for realizing a function to adjust so that it operates in a time zone .

According to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to rationally increase the economic profit of the electricity retailer while taking into consideration the individual demand composition on the consumer side.
According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to realize adjustment in consideration of the demand composition of individual devices on the consumer side.
According to the third aspect of the invention, the economic profit of the retail electricity supplier can be efficiently obtained compared to the case where the relationship between the price at which the retail electricity supplier procures from the market and the price at which the electricity is sold to the consumer is not considered. can be increased exponentially.
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, it is possible to promote the cooperation of consumers.
According to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to notify the customer of the content of the adjustment.
According to the sixth aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide adjustment of the operating schedule of the equipment as a service.
According to the seventh aspect of the invention , it is possible to rationally increase the economic profit of the electricity retailer while taking into account the demand composition of individual devices on the consumer side.
According to the eighth aspect of the invention , it is possible to rationally increase the economic profit of the electricity retailer while taking into consideration the demand composition of individual devices on the consumer side.

1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a network system assumed in Embodiment 1; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an operating schedule adjustment server used in Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control by an operating schedule adjustment server used in Embodiment 1; It is a figure explaining disaggregation. It is a figure explaining the relationship between demand and the transaction price of electricity. It is a figure explaining the relationship of the demand after adjusting an operation timing, and the transaction price of electricity. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on a device control terminal on the consumer's side; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a network system assumed in a second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an operating schedule adjustment server used in Embodiment 2; FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control by an operating schedule adjustment server used in Embodiment 2; FIG. It is a figure explaining the demand for every apparatus, and the relationship of reverse flow electric power. (A) shows the relationship between the total demand of consumers and the demand for each device, and (B) shows an example of a time zone in which reverse flow power is generated. It is a figure explaining the demand for each apparatus after adjusting an operation timing, and the relationship of reverse flow electric power. (A) shows the relationship between the total demand of consumers and the demand for each device after adjusting the operating timing, and (B) shows an example of the time zone in which reverse flow power is generated after adjusting the operating timing. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on a device control terminal on the consumer's side;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
<Description of the network system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a network system 1 assumed in the first embodiment.
A network system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a consumer system 20 that receives power through an electric power system 10, and an operation schedule adjustment service that provides a service for adjusting the operation schedule of equipment 23 that constitutes the consumer system 20 according to the transaction price of electricity. It is composed of a system 30 and the Internet 40 as a communication network.

The operation schedule adjustment system 30 here aims to improve the profit of the electricity retailer through adjustment of the operation schedule of the equipment 23 used by the consumer.
Although the details will be described later, the operating schedule adjustment system 30 realizes a reduction in procurement costs by operating the equipment 23 that is operated during times when the procurement price from the market is high during times when the procurement price is lower. . Note that the relationship between the activity of the consumer and the role of the device 23 is taken into consideration in adjusting the operating schedule.
The operating schedule adjustment system 30 is an example of a demand adjustment system.

In the case of the present embodiment, the customer system 20 includes a power meter 21 that measures the total demand received from the power system 10 per unit time, a power line 22 that is used to supply power within the demand area, and a It has a consuming device 23 , a router (RT) 24 that controls communication with the Internet 40 and communication within the demand area, and a device control terminal 25 that controls the operation of the device 23 .
In the case of this embodiment, the operating schedule of the device 23 is indicated by the operating schedule adjustment system 30 .

The wattmeter 21 has a communication function of transmitting the total demand measured every 30 minutes, for example, to the total demand database 32 via the Internet 40 . This type of power meter 21 is also called a smart meter. However, in the present embodiment, the total demand measured by the power meter 21 is used for estimating the demand for each device, so the shorter the unit of measurement, the better, in order to improve the accuracy of the estimation. For example, the power meter 21 may transmit the total demand measured every ten minutes, every five minutes, or every one minute to the total demand database 32 .
The device 23 in this embodiment is a power device such as a motor. However, the equipment 23 is not limited to power equipment. For example, router 24 is also one form of device 23 . Note that N in the figure is a natural number of 2 or more.

The device control terminal 25 is a computer terminal that controls the operation of the corresponding device 23 based on the adjusted working schedule notified from the working schedule adjustment system 30 . Therefore, the device control terminal 25 is an example of control means.
The device control terminal 25 has a hardware configuration as a computer, which will be described later. A program for individually controlling the operation of the corresponding equipment 23 is installed in the equipment control terminal 25 here based on the notified operation schedule. The adjustment of the operating schedule in the present embodiment also includes changing the operation mode when there is an increase or decrease in demand. For example, changing the high-speed operation mode with high demand to the low-speed operation mode with low demand is also included in adjustment of the operating schedule in this embodiment.

The operation schedule adjustment system 30 in the present embodiment includes an operation schedule adjustment server 31 that adjusts the operation schedule of the equipment 23 that constitutes the customer system 20, and a total demand database (total demand database) that accumulates information on total demand for each customer. Demand DB) 32, a procurement price database (procurement price DB) 33 for accumulating the price (procurement price) of electricity procured from the market, and the price (selling price) of electricity sold to consumers by a retail electricity supplier. It has an electric power selling price database (electric power selling price DB) 34 for accumulation, and a point database (point DB) 35 for accumulating points as compensation given to consumers who cooperated in adjusting the operation schedule.

The operating schedule adjustment server 31 predicts the future total demand for each customer, and adjusts the operation schedule for each device so that the peak of the predicted total demand moves from a time period when the procurement price is high to a time period when the procurement price is low. . As described above, the adjustment of the operating schedule includes not only changing the operating period and stop period, but also changing the operation mode that accompanies fluctuations in demand. Details of the processing functions executed by the operating schedule adjustment server 31 will be described later.

In the total demand database 32, the value of the total demand notified from the power meter 21 installed in the customer system 20 is recorded in association with the customer.
The procurement price database 33 accumulates the procurement prices of electricity traded in the market for each time zone. The market is, for example, a day-ahead spot market and an hour-ahead market.
The electric power selling price database 34 accumulates information on electric charges for each time period determined by the contract between the consumer and the electricity retailer.

Consumers managed by the operation schedule adjustment server 31, the total demand database 32, the power selling price database 34, and the point database 35 have a power retail contract with a specific retail electricity supplier. It is a consumer who is In the case of the present embodiment, the specific electricity retailer matches the operator of the operation schedule adjustment system 30, has a capital relationship with the operator of the operation schedule adjustment system 30, or provides services. We have a business contractual relationship regarding the provision.
However, when an operation schedule adjustment service is provided under consignment from a plurality of electricity retailers, each database contains information on consumers of different electricity retailers.

The operating schedule adjusting system 30 shown in FIG. 1 includes an operating schedule adjusting server 31, a total demand database 32, a procurement price database 33, and an electricity selling price database 34. The servers and databases used may exist in systems operated by different operators. For example, another operator is an electric power company and its affiliates, and may be independent of the operator of the operating schedule adjustment server 31 . The operation schedule adjustment server 31 here is also an example of a demand adjustment system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the operating schedule adjustment server 31 used in Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG.
The operating schedule adjustment server 31 has a configuration as a computer. That is, the operation schedule adjustment server 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire apparatus through the execution of programs (including basic software), and a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and the like. , a RAM (random access memory) used as a program execution area, a non-volatile storage device, and the like. A semiconductor memory or a hard disk device, for example, is used as the non-volatile storage device.

In the case of this embodiment, the operating schedule adjustment server 31 implements the functions shown in FIG. 2 through execution of programs.
In the case of FIG. 2, the operation schedule adjustment server 31 has a disaggregation unit 311 that decomposes the total demand of each consumer into the demand for each device 23 (see FIG. 1) provided in the consumer system 20 (see FIG. 1). , a demand forecasting unit 312 that forecasts the demand for each equipment 23 based on past performance values, the state of the most recent demand, the weather forecast for the demand area, etc.; (procurement price) from the procurement price database 33; and electricity sales price acquisition unit 313 that acquires the price (electricity sales price) of electricity that the retail electricity supplier sells to consumers from the electricity sales price database 34. 314, an operation schedule adjustment unit 315 that individually adjusts the operation schedule of the equipment 23 based on the relationship between the demand predicted for each equipment, the procurement price, and the electricity selling price, and the consumers that cooperated in the adjustment of the operation schedule. , it functions as a point granting unit 316 that grants points specified by a predetermined rule.

Note that a known technique can be used for the disaggregation unit 311 . For example, the devices 23 (see FIG. 1) that make up the customer system 20 are not necessarily known, and all the devices 23 may be unknown. However, the more known devices 23, the higher the accuracy of estimation. The disaggregation unit 311 in this embodiment estimates the demand for each device, for example, using a trained model that decomposes the total demand into the demand for each device. The disaggregation unit 311 here is an example of estimation means.

For example, if the demand area is a factory, the total demand includes the demand for air conditioning equipment that depends on temperature, etc., the demand for factory equipment that must be operated (the timing of operation cannot be controlled), and the factory equipment that can control the timing of operation. of demand.
In the present embodiment, after decomposing into individual devices, the devices are classified into groups having similar demand fluctuation patterns. For the classification here, for example, a machine-learned model of the relationship between demand fluctuation patterns and equipment operation timings may be used.
It should be noted that being able to control the timing of operation means that the degree of freedom of the timing of operation is high.

The demand prediction unit 312 in the present embodiment predicts demand from the trend of demand for each device accumulated for the same consumer. However, the demand for each device may be predicted from the trend of demand common to consumers of similar size and type of industry.
Note that when the power meter 21 (see FIG. 1) notifies the total demand almost in real time and information on the demand immediately before (for example, from several hours ago to the current time) in each device is also available, A change in demand after the current time may be predicted based on the change pattern.

Also, if forecast data on the weather or environment for the day is available, changes in demand that will occur after the current time may be forecast based on the forecast data. The forecast data here includes, for example, weather forecast, concentration forecast of fine particulate matter, temperature forecast, humidity forecast, and the like. If forecast data related to weather and the environment can be used, the operational status of air conditioners for the day can also be predicted with high accuracy.
Similarly, if the production plan, activity schedule, etc. for the day are known, the demand for factory equipment can be predicted with high accuracy.
Note that the function of the disaggregation unit 311 may be executed by a business operator other than the function of the demand forecasting unit 312, and the demand forecasting unit 312 may acquire only the processing result.

The procurement price acquisition unit 313 sequentially acquires the procurement price for each time zone from the procurement price database 33 . The procurement price here is the procurement price in the market used by the retail electricity supplier for procurement. The procurement price includes a price determined by a contract such as a long-term plan, a price determined by bidding such as a day-ahead plan, a price determined in real time such as same-day operation, and the like. The procurement price acquisition unit 313 here is an example of a first acquisition unit.
The power selling price acquisition unit 314 acquires the power selling price for each consumer from the power selling price database 34 . The selling price of electricity is determined by the service of the electricity retailer contracted by the consumer, and fluctuates depending on the season and time of day. The power selling price acquisition unit 314 is an example of a second acquisition means.

The operating schedule adjusting unit 315 adjusts the operating schedule of some of the devices 23 so as to reduce the loss or increase the profit of the electricity retailer. The operating schedule adjustment unit 315 is an example of adjustment means.
For this reason, the operation schedule adjustment unit 315 has a function of specifying a time period during which the retail electricity supplier's loss is reduced or its profit is increased.

In order to reduce the loss or increase the profit of the retail electricity supplier, for example, the procurement price from the market may be lowered. In order to lower the procurement price from the market, for example, part of the demand on the consumer side should be moved from the peak procurement price time zone to another time zone.
Therefore, the operation schedule adjustment unit 315 in the present embodiment identifies the time period when the procurement price is at its peak as an example of the time period during which the retail electricity supplier's loss is reduced or profit is increased. By the way, the time period when the procurement price is at its peak is the time period when the price of electricity is higher than other time periods. The time zone from 1:00 to 21:00 corresponds to this. Thus, the peak does not mean the maximum, but the maximum. Therefore, multiple peaks may exist during one day.

A reduction in loss or an increase in profit for a retail electricity supplier can also be realized by reducing procurement of electricity at a price higher than the selling price of electricity to consumers. In order to reduce the procurement of electricity at a price higher than the electricity selling price to consumers, for example, part of the demand on the consumer side can be reduced from the time period when the procurement price from the market is higher than the electricity selling price to consumers. It would be nice to be able to move to another time zone.
Therefore, the operation schedule adjustment unit 315 in the present embodiment selects the time zone in which the procurement price from the market is higher than the power selling price to the consumer as the time zone in which the loss of the electricity retailer is reduced or the profit is increased. specified as an example. Of the time slots in which the procurement price from the market is higher than the power selling price to the consumer, a time slot in which the difference from the power selling price is greater than other time slots may be prioritized. This is because this time zone is a time zone in which the procurement burden on the electricity retailer is greater.

In addition, the reduction of loss or the increase of profit of a retail electricity supplier can also be realized by reducing the demand during hours when the profit per unit of electricity is small when electricity is sold to consumers. In order to reduce the demand during the time period when the profit per unit power is small, it is sufficient, for example, to move part of the demand on the consumer side from the time period when the profit per unit power is low to another time period where the profit is higher.
Therefore, the operation schedule adjustment unit 315 in the present embodiment adjusts the time zone in which the procurement price from the market is lower than the power selling price to the consumer, and the difference between the power selling price and the power selling price is greater than other time zones A small time period is identified as an example of a time period that reduces retail utility losses or increases profits. This is because if the demand in the time period when the difference between the procurement price and the selling price is small can be shifted to the time period when the difference is greater, the profit of the electricity retailer will increase.

In addition, the operating schedule adjusting unit 315 also has a function of specifying the device 23 whose operating schedule is to be adjusted. Basically, the device 23 that is operating in the specified time period is subject to adjustment of the operating schedule. This is because adjusting the operation schedule of the equipment 23 that is not operating during the time period when there is a large difference between the procurement price in the market and the selling price to the consumer does not provide a small economic advantage to the electricity retailer.
To specify the device 23, reference is made to the operating status of the device 23, the degree of freedom of the operating schedule, the weather or environment of the demand area, the activity of the consumer, the magnitude of demand, and the like.

For example, if the degrees of freedom of operation schedules are the same, adjustment of the operation schedules is considered with priority given to the equipment 23 with high demand. This is because the effect of shifting demand accompanying adjustment of the operating schedule is relatively large.
For the identification here, for example, a machine-learned model of the relationship between the operation schedule of the equipment 23 used in the demand area and the demand may be used.

Note that there are restrictions on specifying the device 23 whose operating schedule is to be adjusted. For example, there is a case where it is essential to operate in a specific time slot in relation to consumer activities. This type of equipment 23 is excluded from the adjustment targets of the operating schedule even if the demand is high.
The operating schedule adjusting unit 315 in this embodiment also has a function of notifying the consumer of the adjusted operating schedule. In this sense, the working schedule adjustment unit 315 is also an example of presentation means.
The point granting unit 316 grants points to the consumer whose equipment operating schedule has been adjusted. The point granting unit 316 is an example of granting means.

<Control example>
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an example of control by the operating schedule adjustment server 31 (see FIG. 1) used in the first embodiment. Note that the symbol S in the figure represents a step.
The processing procedure shown in FIG. 3 is an example of the demand adjustment method.
First, the operating schedule adjustment server 31 acquires the total demand of the consumer (step 1). The total demand is an actual value measured by the power meter 21 (see FIG. 1) and obtained from the total demand database 32 (see FIG. 1).

Next, the operating schedule adjustment server 31 estimates the demand for each device from the acquired total demand (step 2). This process is executed by the disaggregation unit 311 (see FIG. 2).
FIG. 4 is a diagram explaining disaggregation. (A) shows the time change of total demand before disaggregation, and (B) shows the time change of demand by equipment after disaggregation. Here, the horizontal axis is time and the vertical axis is demand. In the case of FIG. 4, the horizontal axis represents a certain time zone in one day.

Although it is possible to grasp the time change of total demand from the waveform showing the time change of total demand before disaggregation shown in FIG.
On the other hand, from the waveform after disaggregation shown in FIG. 4B, it is possible to grasp not only the waveform indicating the time change of the total demand but also the time change of the demand for each device used in the demand area.

In the case of Fig. 4(B), the total demand consists of almost constant standby power, demand for air conditioners that fluctuates depending on temperature, etc., almost constant demand for factory equipment that must be in operation, and It is decomposed into the demand corresponding to the factory equipment whose timing is controllable. In FIG. 4, the standby power is represented independently from the demand of each device.

Returning to the description of FIG. In the case of this embodiment, the operation schedule adjustment server 31 predicts the demand for each device 23 based on the estimated demand for each device (step 3).
For example, the demand is predicted for each device using the weather forecast of the demand area, the activity schedule of the consumer, and the like. The demand for air conditioners tends to fluctuate depending on the temperature and humidity of the day targeted for prediction.
For example, the demand for factory equipment whose operation status varies according to the order volume is characterized by being susceptible to fluctuations due to the influence of the production schedule for the day targeted for prediction.
By disaggregating the demand for each device, the demand for each device can be predicted with high accuracy.

Next, the operating schedule adjustment server 31 in this embodiment acquires the procurement price from the market (step 4). Also, the operation schedule adjustment server 31 acquires the power selling price for the consumer (step 5).
It should be noted that the timing of acquisition of the procurement price and the power selling price is not limited to the timing shown in FIG. It suffices if it is acquired before the processing of step 6 is started.
Next, the operation schedule adjustment server 31 identifies a time period during which the retail electricity supplier's loss is reduced or its profit is increased (step 6). For example, a time period during which the procurement price peaks is specified. Also, for example, a time period in which the retail electricity supplier's loss is large or a time period in which its profit is small is specified. These time periods are identified by comparing the procurement price and the selling price.

Subsequently, the operation schedule adjustment server 31 identifies the devices 23 that operate during the identified time period (step 7).
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between demand and electricity transaction prices. (A) shows the relationship between the total demand of consumers and the demand for each device, and (B) shows the relationship between the procurement price from the market and the selling price to the consumer.
The horizontal axis of FIG. 5A is time, and the vertical axis is demand. On the other hand, the horizontal axis of FIG. 5B is time, and the vertical axis is price (for example, yen).
In the case of FIG. 5, the horizontal axis is one day, the left end of the time axis is 0:00, and the right end is 24:00. Therefore, the center of the time axis is 12 o'clock.

In the case of FIG. 5B, the power selling price is almost constant and the procurement price has two peaks. The first peak is low and the second peak is higher and longer in duration. The first peak corresponds to office demand, and the second peak corresponds to lighting demand and afternoon heating and cooling demand.
The total demand shown in FIG. 5(A) has two peaks in the morning and afternoon. The total demand shown in FIG. 5A is composed of standby power, demand for air conditioners, demand for factory equipment that must be operated, and demand for factory equipment whose operation timing can be controlled. It can be seen that the demand for air conditioners increases in the afternoon rather than in the morning. The demand for factory equipment that can control the timing of operation is the same.
In the case of FIG. 5, the total demand increases in the afternoon, when the procurement price is higher than the electricity selling price to consumers. It can be seen that there is a demand for factory equipment whose operation timing can be controlled.

Returning to the description of FIG. Next, the operation schedule adjustment server 31 shifts the operation schedule of the equipment whose demand fluctuates according to the weather or environment in the demand area or the content of the activity of the consumer to the time period when the procurement price is lower (step 8). .
Ideally, it is desirable to switch all the devices 23 operating during the time period when the price is higher than the selling price of electricity to the time when the procurement price is lower than the selling price of electricity.
However, in reality, such adjustment is difficult due to various constraints. For example, it is difficult to stop air conditioners when the outside air temperature is 35° C. or higher. Also, from the viewpoint of production capacity, there is a possibility that the necessary production volume cannot be secured.
Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, the operation in the afternoon is brought forward to the morning only for factory equipment whose operation timing can be controlled.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the demand and the transaction price of electricity after adjusting the operation timing. (A) shows the relationship between the total demand of consumers and the demand for each device, and (B) shows the relationship between the procurement price from the market and the selling price to the consumer.
The horizontal axis of FIG. 6A is time, and the vertical axis is demand. On the other hand, the horizontal axis of FIG. 6B is time, and the vertical axis is price (for example, yen). In the case of FIG. 6 as well, the horizontal axis is one day, the left end of the time axis is 0:00, and the right end is 24:00.

In the case of Figure 6, as indicated by the arrows, aggregate demand in the afternoon hours when procurement prices are high (the outer edge indicated by the thick line) declines, while aggregate demand in the morning hours when procurement prices are relatively low increases. ing. This adjustment does not change the amount of power supplied from the power system 10 (total demand), but reduces procurement costs.
Returning to the description of FIG. In the case of this embodiment, the operating schedule adjustment server 31 notifies the consumer of the adjusted operating schedule (step 9). However, if consent for automatic adjustment of the operating schedule has been obtained in advance, this notification is unnecessary.

In this embodiment, the customer's consent is sought before the operation schedule is adjusted.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen 260 displayed on the equipment control terminal 25 on the consumer side.
The notification screen 260 shown in FIG. 7 is composed of a title 261, an explanation 262, a permission button ("Yes" in the figure) 263, and a non-permission button 264 ("No" in the figure). It is

In the case of FIG. 7, the title 261 describes "request for adjustment of operation schedule". This is because the adjustment of the operation schedule in the present embodiment is due to convenience of the retail electricity supplier.
The explanation 262 describes the details of the request for cooperation, the details of the compensation to be given in the case of cooperation, and the details of the work required of the customer. Specifically, the sentence reads, "Please cooperate with the adjustment of the operation schedule. If you cooperate with the adjustment, we will give you XX points. Can you help us?" ing.
In the case of FIG. 7, although the devices for adjusting the operating schedule and the contents of the adjusted operating schedule are not shown, it is desirable to show them.

In the case of FIG. 7, points are shown as the value as the consideration, but the value as the consideration includes the money itself, the right to receive money or a discount, the right to receive other services or upgrades, the right to priority, and other points. Includes consumer profits.
The value to be given may be a fixed value, or may be increased or decreased in conjunction with the profit received by the electricity retailer.
Returning to the description of FIG. The working schedule adjustment server 31 determines whether or not the adjustment is permitted (step 10).

When a positive result is obtained in step 10 (when the button 263 is operated in FIG. 7), the working schedule adjustment server 31 gives points (step 11). Needless to say, the equipment control terminal 25 of the consumer controls the operation of the corresponding equipment 23 according to the notified adjusted operation schedule.
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 10 (when the button 264 is operated in FIG. 7), the operating schedule adjustment server 31 cancels adjustment of the operating schedule without giving points (step 12). . In this case, the equipment control terminal 25 of the consumer does not execute the notified adjusted operation schedule.

In the case of this embodiment, adjustment of the operation schedule can be presented for each device in accordance with the circumstances of each consumer. As a result, electricity retailers can reduce procurement costs compared to before.
On the other hand, the consumer who cooperated with the adjustment of the operation schedule can also receive value such as points. An entity that gives points may be a business operator that provides the service according to the present embodiment, or may be a retail electricity business operator.
Moreover, with the spread of the service according to the present embodiment, it is expected that the supply and demand relationship of electric power will be eased, and the transaction price in the market will be reduced.

<Embodiment 2>
In the case of the first embodiment described above, the operation schedule of each device is adjusted according to the convenience of the electricity retailer. adjust the schedule.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a network system 1A assumed in the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are shown with reference numerals.
A network system 1A shown in FIG. An operation schedule adjustment system 30A that provides a service for adjusting the operation schedule of the equipment 23 that constitutes the consumer system 20A according to the relationship with the price of electricity sold to the consumer (power selling price), and a communication network Internet 40.
The operating schedule adjustment system 30A here is an example of a demand adjustment system.

A customer system 20A according to the present embodiment differs from the customer system 20 (see FIG. 1) according to the embodiment in that it has a distributed power supply 26 . The distributed power source 26 in the present embodiment is, for example, a photovoltaic power generation facility, a cogeneration system that generates heat and electricity, or a wind power generation facility. Of these, photovoltaic power generation facilities and wind power generation facilities that convert natural energy into electricity change the time period and the amount of power generation according to the natural environment. Fuel cells and other cogeneration systems that use chemical energy, on the other hand, can control operating hours and power generation.
In the present embodiment, the surplus power of the power generated by the distributed power supply 26 is reverse-fed to the power system 10 . Therefore, the wattmeter 21 has a function of measuring the amount of reverse power. The reversed power is purchased by a retail electricity supplier. It should be noted that the power purchase price per unit power amount is determined in advance.

The operating schedule adjustment system 30A in the present embodiment improves the profit of the consumer by positively adjusting the operating schedule of the device 23 used by the consumer.
Although the details will be described later, the operation schedule adjustment system 30A shifts part of the demand in other time periods to the time period in which reverse flow power to the power system 10 (reverse flow power) is generated, so that the demand Realize a reduction in electricity bills that households pay to retail electricity suppliers. It is assumed that the power selling price is higher than the power buying price. In the case of the present embodiment as well, the relationship between the activity of the consumer and the role of the device is taken into account in adjusting the operating schedule.
30 A of operation schedule adjustment systems here are also an example of a demand adjustment system.

The operation schedule adjustment system 30A in the present embodiment includes an operation schedule adjustment server 31A that adjusts the operation schedule of the equipment 23 that constitutes the customer system 20A, and a total demand database 32 that accumulates information on the total demand for each customer. , an electricity selling price database (electricity selling price DB) 34 for accumulating information on the price of electricity (electricity selling price) sold by the retail electricity supplier to the consumer; A power purchase price database (power purchase price DB) 36 that accumulates information on the price of electricity to be purchased (power purchase price), and a power purchase history database (power purchase history DB) that accumulates information on the history of power purchases from consumers. 37.

The difference from the first embodiment is that the purchase price database 33 (see FIG. 1) and the point database 35 (see FIG. 1) are deleted, and the power purchase price database 36 and the power purchase history database 37 are added. There are two points. The power purchase price database 36 accumulates the prices at which electricity retailers purchase electricity from consumers. The power purchase history database 37 accumulates the time when the consumer supplied power to the power system 10 in the reverse direction and the value of the reversed power.
Further, the operating schedule adjustment server 31A differs from the first embodiment in the information it refers to for adjusting the operating schedule. The details of the operation schedule adjustment method will be described later.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the operating schedule adjustment server 31A used in the second embodiment. In FIG. 9, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are shown with reference numerals corresponding thereto.
The operation schedule adjustment server 31A shown in FIG. 9 includes a disaggregation unit 311 that decomposes the total demand of each consumer into demands for each device 23 (see FIG. 8) provided in the consumer system 20A (see FIG. 8). , the demand forecasting unit 312 that forecasts the demand for each equipment 23 based on the past performance value, the state of the demand immediately before, the weather forecast for the demand area, etc.; a power selling price acquisition unit 314 that acquires the price of electricity from the power selling price database 34; an acquisition unit 317; a power purchase history acquisition unit 318 that acquires a history of power sold by a consumer to a retail electricity business operator from a power purchase history database 37; and a predicted demand, power purchase price, and power selling price for each device. , and functions as an operation schedule adjustment unit 315A that individually adjusts the operation schedule of the device 23 based on the relationship between the

In the case of the present embodiment, the power purchase price is assumed to be constant, but may vary depending on the time period. In addition, the operating schedule adjusting unit 315A adjusts the operating schedule of some of the devices 23 so that the electricity bills paid by the consumers are reduced. 315 A of working schedule adjustment parts are an example of a presentation means as well as an example of an adjustment means.
The operation schedule adjustment unit 315A in the present embodiment has a function of predicting the time zone in which the distributed power supply 26 (see FIG. 8) reversely flows power to the power system 10. FIG. The time zone in which reverse power flow to the power system 10 occurs varies depending on the type of the distributed power supply 26 installed by the customer and the demand pattern of the customer.

The working schedule adjustment unit 315A also has a function of specifying the device 23 whose working schedule is to be adjusted. Basically, the equipment 23 operating in a time zone different from the time zone in which the reverse current occurs is subject to adjustment of the operation schedule. This is because adjusting the operation schedule of the equipment 23 that operates during the time period when the reverse current occurs does not bring much economic advantage to the consumer.
The method of specifying the device 23 is the same as that of the operation schedule adjustment unit 315 (see FIG. 2) described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example of control by the operating schedule adjustment server 31A (see FIG. 8) used in the second embodiment. In FIG. 10, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are shown with reference numerals.
The processing procedure shown in FIG. 10 is an example of the demand adjustment method.
After executing steps 1 to 3 (see FIG. 3), the operation schedule adjustment server 31A in the present embodiment acquires the power purchase price from the consumer (step 21).
After that, the operation schedule adjustment server 31A acquires the power selling price for the consumer (step 5).

Subsequently, the operation schedule adjustment server 31A predicts the time zone in which the distributed power supply 26 will reverse power to the power system (step 22). This time period is predicted from the power purchase history of each consumer, the weather forecast, the demand of each device 23, and the like. For example, in the case of the distributed power source 26 that converts natural energy into electric power, it is possible to predict the time zone in which electric power will be generated and the approximate amount of electric power generated based on the weather forecast. Further, in the case of the distributed power source 26 as a cogeneration system, if the past power purchase history and power generation schedule are known, it is possible to predict the time period in which electricity will be generated and the approximate amount of power generated.
If the time period of power generation and the amount of power generation are known, it is possible to predict the time period in which a reverse current will occur, depending on the magnitude of demand for each device. Needless to say, when the device 23 is set to preferentially consume the generated power and the total demand of the device 23 is larger than the power generation amount of the distributed power source 26, reverse power flow does not occur. If the reverse current does not occur, the following processing is skipped.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the demand for each device and the reverse flow power. (A) shows the relationship between the total demand of consumers and the demand for each device, and (B) shows an example of a time zone in which reverse flow power is generated.
The horizontal axis of FIG. 11A is time, and the vertical axis is demand. In the case of FIG. 11A, the horizontal axis is one day, the left end of the time axis is 0:00, and the right end is 24:00. Therefore, the center of the time axis is 12 o'clock.
The demand waveform shown in FIG. 11A is the same as the demand waveform shown in FIG. Also, the demand for each device after disaggregation is the same.

The horizontal axis of FIG. 11B is time. The vertical axis is reverse flow power. In the case of FIG. 11B as well, the horizontal axis is one day, the left end of the time axis is 0:00, and the right end is 24:00. Therefore, the center of the time axis is 12 o'clock.
In the case of FIG. 11B, the waveform indicating generation of reverse flow power appears around 12:00. The price of electricity purchased by consumers from electricity retailers (purchasing price) is 25 yen/kWh throughout the day, while the price of electricity sold to electricity retailers by consumers (sales price) is 25 yen/kWh throughout the day. price) is 10 yen/kWh. Of course, specific numerical values are just an example. In any case, since the electricity selling price is lower than the electricity buying price, the electricity bills to be paid to the electricity retailer can be reduced by consumers who consume the electricity themselves rather than selling it. The amount of money received for the sale of electricity will be reduced, but the electricity charges paid to the retail electricity supplier will be reduced even more.

Subsequently, the operation schedule adjustment server 31A adjusts the operation schedule of the equipment whose demand fluctuates according to the weather or environment in the demand area or the content of the activities of the consumer. (step 24). In the case of the present embodiment, the afternoon operation of factory equipment whose operation timing is controllable is brought forward to the time zone around noon when the reverse tide occurs.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the demand for each device and the reverse flow power after adjusting the operation timing. (A) shows the relationship between the total demand of consumers and the demand for each device after adjusting the operating timing, and (B) shows an example of the time zone in which reverse flow power is generated after adjusting the operating timing.
In FIG. 12, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 11 are indicated by the reference numerals.
The horizontal axis of FIG. 12A is time, and the vertical axis is demand. The horizontal axis of FIG. 12B is time. The vertical axis is reverse flow power. In the case of FIG. 12 as well, the horizontal axis is one day, and the left end of the time axis is 0:00 and the right end is 24:00. Therefore, the center of the time axis is 12 o'clock.

In the case of FIG. 12, the demand in the afternoon for factory equipment whose operation timing is controllable is shifted to the time zone in which reverse power flow occurs.
In FIG. 12(A), arrows represent changes in demand associated with adjustment of the operating schedule. The arrow near 12:00 indicates an increase in demand, and the arrow in the afternoon indicates a decrease in demand. This means that the demand increases during the time period when the reverse flow power is generated and decreases during the time period when the reverse flow power is not generated. As a result, the electricity bills that consumers pay to the retail electricity supplier during periods of low demand are lower than before the adjustment of the operation schedule.
Also, in FIG. 12B, the peak value of reverse flow power is reduced. This means that the increase in self-consumption will reduce the reverse flow electricity that consumers sell to retail electricity suppliers. On the other hand, as described above, in the afternoon time zone, the power purchased by consumers from the retail electricity supplier is reduced by the same amount as the reverse flow power.

In the case of the present embodiment, the price of electricity purchased from a retail electricity supplier is higher by 15 yen/kWh than the price of electricity sold by a consumer with reverse flow electricity. Therefore, for consumers, even if reverse flow power is reduced by adjusting the operation schedule, the amount of power purchased from retail electricity suppliers will be reduced by the same amount. Electricity charges paid to retail electricity suppliers will be substantially reduced.
Here, a substantial reduction in the electricity bill means that the amount obtained by subtracting the amount received from the retail electricity supplier as consideration for selling electricity from the electricity bill paid by the consumer to the electricity retailer as consideration for receiving electricity is reduced. It means to

Returning to the description of FIG. When the adjustment of the operation schedule for moving the time period in which the specified equipment 23 operates to the time period in which the distributed power supply reverses power to the power system 10 is completed, the operation schedule adjustment server 31A sends the adjusted operation schedule to the consumer. (step 9). However, if consent for automatic adjustment of the operating schedule has been obtained in advance, this notification is unnecessary.

In this embodiment, the customer's consent is sought before the operation schedule is adjusted.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen 260A displayed on the equipment control terminal 25 on the consumer side.
The notification screen 260A shown in FIG. 13 includes a title 261A, an explanation 262A, a permission button ("Yes" in the figure) 263A, and a non-permission button 264A ("No" in the figure). It is

In the case of FIG. 13, the title 261A describes "proposal for adjustment of operating schedule". The adjustment of the operating schedule in the present embodiment is for assuming profits on the consumer side. However, in most cases, the time period when the demand on the consumer side is high overlaps with the time period when the procurement price in the market where electricity retailers procure electricity is high. Therefore, the adjustment of the operation schedule in the case of the present embodiment is also beneficial for the electricity retailer in the sense that procurement costs from the market are reduced.

The description 262A describes the content of the proposal, the content of the profit to be obtained when the proposal is executed, and the content of work required of the customer. Specifically, "We propose to adjust the operation schedule of XX equipment. If we decide to operate XX equipment from 11:00 to 13:00, we will generate a real profit of YY yen (estimated) on a monthly basis. Do you want to perform reconciliation?”
As mentioned above, real profit here refers to the amount that consumers pay to retail electricity companies as electricity charges minus the amount that consumers receive from electricity retailers as consideration for electricity sales before adjustment. It is the amount that decreases from

In the case of FIG. 13, the amount of consideration is shown, but the consideration includes points, the right to receive money or discounts, the right to receive other services, the right to receive upgrades, priority rights, and other consumer benefits. .
In the case of this embodiment, the consideration represents the substantial profit of the consumer, but may be a predetermined fixed value.
Returning to the description of FIG. The working schedule adjustment server 31A determines whether or not the adjustment is permitted (step 10).

When a positive result is obtained in step 10 (when the button 263A is operated in FIG. 13), the working schedule adjustment server 31A ends the processing as it is. Needless to say, the equipment control terminal 25 of the consumer controls the operation of the corresponding equipment 23 according to the notified adjusted operation schedule.
On the other hand, when a negative result is obtained in step 10 (when the button 264A is operated in FIG. 13), the working schedule adjustment server 31A cancels the adjustment of the working schedule (step 12). In this case, the equipment control terminal 25 of the consumer does not execute the notified adjusted operation schedule.

In the case of the present embodiment, the operation schedule is adjusted for each device so as to reduce the surplus power flowing backward from the distributed power supply 26 provided on the consumer side to the power system 10 .
In the present embodiment, the price of electric power purchased from consumers by retail electric power companies is always lower than the price of electric power sold to consumers by retail electric power companies. Therefore, the consumer can benefit from the reduction in received power due to adjustment of the operating schedule.
In addition, since the price of electricity traded in the market is high during times when demand from consumers is high, electricity retailers can also reduce procurement costs by reducing the amount of electricity supplied.

<Other embodiments>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-described embodiments. It is clear from the scope of claims that the technical scope of the present invention includes various modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiment.

For example, in the second embodiment, the operation schedule of the device 23 is individually set based on the relationship between the time period in which the distributed power source 26 (see FIG. 8) of the consumer reverses power flow and the time change of the demand for each device. However, even if the operation schedule of the equipment 23 is individually adjusted based on the relationship between the price of the electricity that the retail electricity supplier purchases from the consumer and the price of the electricity that the retail electricity supplier sells to the customer. good.
Specifically, the equipment 23 having a higher demand than others in a time zone when the price of the electricity sold by the electricity supplier to the consumer is higher than the price of the electricity purchased by the electricity seller from the customer is prioritized. Control may be executed so as to shift the operating schedule to the time zone in which power is reversed. This processing can be realized by the processing procedure (see FIG. 10) described in the second embodiment.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where both the operating schedule adjustment servers 31 (see FIG. 1) and 31A (see FIG. 8) are arranged on the Internet 40 has been described. may be provided in the consumer system 20, 20A (see FIGS. 1 and 8).
In this case, the control by the operating schedule adjustment server 31 or the like is exclusive control for only specific consumers. Note that the functions of the operating schedule adjustment server 31A and the like may be implemented as part of the distributed power source 26. FIG.

In the above-described embodiments, an air conditioner is exemplified as an example of a device whose demand fluctuates depending on the temperature, but a refrigeration device may also be used.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the power equipment is exemplified as an example of the equipment 23 constituting the customer system 20, but the equipment 23 is not limited to the power equipment, and may be office equipment or household equipment.

In the above-described embodiment, the wattmeter 21 that measures demand in units of 30 minutes is used, but the unit of measuring demand is not limited to 30 minutes. For example, it may be in units of one minute. Also, the demand prediction unit is not limited to 30 minutes, and may be one minute or other time length units.
Further, in the case of the above-described embodiment, the operation schedule of factory equipment whose operation timing can be controlled is rescheduled within one day. May be rescheduled across days.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the consumer is notified in advance of the details of the adjustment of the operating schedule, but the consumer may be notified after the fact.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A... Network system 10... Power system 20, 20A... Customer system 21... Power meter 22... Power line 23... Device 1-N, 24... Router, 25... Device control terminal, 26... Distribution Type power supply 30, 30A Operation schedule adjustment system 31, 31A Operation schedule adjustment server 32 Total demand database 33 Procurement price database 34 Power selling price database 35 Point database 36 Power purchase price Database 37 Power purchase history database 40 Internet 311 Disaggregation unit 312 Demand prediction unit 313 Procurement price acquisition unit 314 Power selling price acquisition unit 315, 315A Operation schedule adjustment unit 316 ... point granting unit 317 ... power purchase price acquisition unit 318 ... power purchase history acquisition unit

Claims (8)

estimating means for analyzing the total demand of consumers and estimating the demand for each time period for each device;
Acquisition means for acquiring information on the procurement price of electricity in the market for each time period ;
In order to reduce the procurement cost of the electricity retailer, among the equipment used by the consumer, some of the equipment whose demand is estimated during the time period when the procurement price is high is changed to the time when the procurement price is lower. A demand regulation system comprising: a regulation means for regulating operation in a band . 2. The demand adjustment system according to claim 1, wherein said adjustment means adjusts the operation schedule of some of the devices so that the demand during the peak procurement price period is reduced. further comprising second acquisition means for acquiring information on the selling price of electricity to the consumer,
The adjustment means operates some of the equipment used by the consumer so that the demand that appears during the time period when the loss is large or the profit is small is reduced based on the relationship between the procurement price and the electricity selling price. 2. The demand coordination system of claim 1, which coordinates schedules. 4. The demand adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising means for providing a value corresponding to the adjustment to the consumer whose operating schedule has been adjusted. 4. The demand adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising presenting means for presenting the consumer with a screen notifying adjustment of the operating schedule according to equipment. 4. The demand adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising control means for individually controlling operations of corresponding equipment according to the adjusted operation schedule. to the computer,
a process of analyzing the total demand of consumers and estimating the demand for each time zone for each device;
a process of acquiring a procurement price for each time zone of electricity in the market;
In order to reduce the procurement cost of the electricity retailer, among the equipment used by the consumer, some of the equipment whose demand is estimated during the time period when the procurement price is high is changed to the time when the procurement price is lower. A demand adjustment method that executes the processing to adjust to operate in the band . to the computer,
A function that analyzes the total demand of consumers and estimates the demand for each time period for each device,
A function to acquire the procurement price of electricity in the market for each time zone ;
In order to reduce the procurement cost of the electricity retailer, among the equipment used by the consumer, some of the equipment whose demand is estimated during the time period when the procurement price is high is changed to the time when the procurement price is lower. A program for realizing functions and

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