JP7526064B2 - POWER CONTROL DEVICE AND POWER CONTROL METHOD - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to power control in solar power generation systems.

Residential solar power generation systems were first released in the early 1990s, about 20 years ago, and gradually became more popular after that. By the time the surplus electricity purchase system was implemented in 2009, they had become widely known and in widespread use among the general public.
The controllers (control devices) that control the solar power generation system were usually installed as a set with the solar panels and storage batteries from the same company. However, as time goes on, it is expected that there will be an increasing number of cases where they are used to replace older models or to add to existing systems.

Conventional controllers are designed to control solar panels and storage batteries provided by the same company. Basically, they cannot control models from other companies with different specifications or whose specifications are unknown. Even if it is the same company, it may not be possible to control older models due to differences in specifications. Furthermore, it is expected that there will be an increasing number of cases where private power generation equipment other than solar power generation systems is installed in the same home and coexists with the solar power generation system.
Even when a power generation device not under its control coexists, the controller can obtain power information related to the power generation device from, for example, a converter connected to the power generation device. Alternatively, the controller can obtain power information including the power generation device from a smart meter or the like installed on the main line from the power inlet line to the house to the distribution board, and calculate the power of the power generation device not under its control.

In recent years, the purchase price of energy has been on a downward trend, and especially after the end of the power purchase period under the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) system, the purchase price of self-generated electricity will fall. Therefore, it is required to supply and demand the self-generated electricity without selling it. However, the power generation by renewable energy such as solar power generation is easily fluctuated due to the influence of the natural environment.
In relation to this, the following technology has been proposed in which an operation schedule for each device is generated based on the predicted power generation amount of a solar power generation device and the predicted load amount of each device, and each device is controlled (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

When generating an operation schedule for equipment, if the operation time of a specific equipment is set to a time period when the predicted power generation amount is lower than the predicted load amount, the operation time of that equipment is changed to a time period when the predicted power generation amount exceeds the predicted load amount. This reduces surplus power from solar power generation. Then, the amount of power to be charged at night is calculated from the predicted power load, predicted power generation amount, and remaining power amount in the power storage device, and the charge amount of the power storage device is controlled. In this way, if there is a time period with a lot of surplus power from the solar power generation device, the surplus power is consumed by the equipment as much as possible, and the surplus power is charged to the power storage device.

JP 2011-92002 A

When a power generation device not under the control of the system is also present, if the power generation control is performed based on the power generation prediction of the photovoltaic power generation system without taking into account the power generation of the power generation device, the economic effect may be reduced. Therefore, it is desirable to take into account the power generation of the power generation device not under the control of the system.
For the above reasons, it is necessary to understand the power generation characteristics of power generation equipment that is not under one's control.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides a power control device that, when there is an external power generation device that is not under its control, determines whether the external power generation device is solar power generation or not.

The present invention relates to
Provided is a power control device for a solar power generation system that supplies power to a power load, the power control device including an external power generation determination unit that, when an external power generation device supplies power to the power load in addition to the solar power generation system, acquires information about the external power generation device and determines whether the external power generation device is solar power generation.

From a different perspective, the present invention provides:
Provided is a power control method for a power control device of a solar power generation system that supplies power to a power load, the power control method including a step in which, when an external power generation device supplies power to the power load in addition to the solar power generation system, a computer acquires information about the external power generation device, and a determination step in which the external power generation device determines whether or not the external power generation device is solar power generation.

The power control device according to the present invention includes an external power generation determination unit that determines whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device, and therefore can specify whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device or not.
The power control method according to the present invention also provides the same advantageous effects.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a predicted power generation schedule, a predicted power consumption schedule, and a schedule for charging and discharging a storage battery based thereon in the power control system of FIG. 1 . 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process in which an external power generation determination unit determines whether an external power generation device is a solar power generation device in the second embodiment. 13 is a graph showing an example of the power consumption of a power load and the corresponding power generation of an ENE-FARM operating in a first power generation mode in the third embodiment. 13 is a graph showing an example of the power consumption of a power load and the corresponding power generation of an ENE-FARM operating in a second power generation mode in the third embodiment. 13 is a first flowchart showing an example of a process in which an external power generation determination unit determines whether an external power generation device is a solar power generation device in the third embodiment. 13 is a second flowchart showing an example of a process in which the external power generation determination unit determines whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on an information terminal in embodiment 4.

The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
<Power control system configuration>
First, a configuration example of a power control system according to this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a power control system 11 according to this embodiment includes a solar power generation system. The solar power generation system includes a solar power generation device 13, a storage battery 15 as a power storage device, a power conditioner 19, and a controller 21. The solar power generation system supplies power to power loads 17-1 to 17-n such as home appliances, and is connected to an external power system 23. The power conditioner 19 is also called PCS, which is an acronym for Power Conditioning System. The controller 21 is capable of communicating with an external server 97 via a network 98.
Furthermore, the power control system 11 includes an external power generating device 25 and a converter 27 that are not under the control of the controller 21. The external power generating device 25 also supplies power to the power loads 17-1 to 17-n.
The solar power generation system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the solar power generation device 13 and the power conditioner 19 shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, the solar power generation system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the controller 21 and/or the server 97. Furthermore, the storage battery 15 may be included in the solar power generation system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
The external power generation device 25 and the converter 27 constitute an external power generation system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

1, the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation device 13 is P _PV , the power of the storage battery 15 is P _bat (positive when discharging, negative when charging), and the power consumed by the power loads 17-1 to 17-n is P _L1 to P _Ln . Furthermore, the input/output power of the power conditioner is P _PCS , the power generated by the external power generation device 25 is P _Gene , and the power transmitted and received from the power grid is P _s .
The external power generation device 25 is not connected to the power conditioner 19, and therefore the controller 21 cannot control the external power generation device 25. However, the power P _Gene generated by the external power generation device 25 can be known from the converter 27 connected to the external power generation device 25.

The photovoltaic power generation device 13 includes a solar cell module, and supplies DC power generated by the solar cell module to the power conditioner 19. A DC/DC converter 19a of the power conditioner 19 converts the DC power supplied from the photovoltaic power generation device 13 to a predetermined voltage. The DC/DC converter 19a operates in one direction from the photovoltaic power generation device 13, and prevents the flow of power in the reverse direction.
The storage battery 15 includes a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. During discharge, the DC/DC converter 19b of the power conditioner 19 converts the DC voltage from the storage battery 15 to a predetermined voltage and outputs it to the power loads 17-1 to 17-n and the power grid 23 via the bidirectional inverter 19c. During charging, the DC/DC converter 19b converts the voltage from the solar power generation device 13 or the external power generation device 25, or the power grid 23 to a DC voltage of an appropriate magnitude for charging and provides it to the storage battery 15. The DC/DC converter 19b operates bidirectionally.

The bidirectional inverter 19c converts the DC voltage output from the solar power generation device 13 or the storage battery 15 via a DC/DC converter into an AC voltage of a predetermined voltage and a predetermined frequency. It also converts the AC voltage from the external power generation device 25 or the power system 23 into a DC voltage and supplies it to the storage battery 15.
The controller 21 and the power conditioner 19 may be integrated together.

The controller 21 controls the power conditioner 19 to supply the power generated by the solar power generation device 13 to the storage battery 15 and the power grid 23. In addition, by controlling the power conditioner 19, the controller 21 controls the direction of charging and discharging of the storage battery 15 and the power (amount of power) thereof.
The controller 21 is configured to include a CPU as a core of hardware resources, as well as circuits such as a memory, an input/output interface circuit, and a communication interface circuit.

The controller 21 sequentially acquires the values of the power generation power P _PV of the photovoltaic power generation device 13 for each predetermined period (e.g., every 30 minutes) and the charge/discharge power P _bat of the storage battery 15 for each predetermined period from the power conditioner 19. Furthermore, the controller 21 may communicate with each of the power loads 17-1 to 17-n to sequentially acquire the values of their power consumption P _L1 to P _Ln for each predetermined period. Then, the sum of the power consumption may be calculated.

1 is used to obtain the value of the power _Ps transmitted and received from the power grid for each predetermined period. Furthermore, the value of the externally generated power P _Gene , which is the power generated by the external power generation device 25, is sequentially obtained from the converter 27. Alternatively, a power sensor (or a current sensor) may be installed on the line from the converter 27 to the power grid 23, and the value of the externally generated power P _Gene may be obtained from the installed power sensor (or current sensor). In the case of a current sensor, it is necessary to convert the current into power, but if the power of the grid is approximately constant, the conversion is easy.
It is also possible to calculate the total power consumption from the generated power P _PV , the externally generated power P _Gene , the power P _bat of the storage battery 15 and the transmitted and received power P _s without obtaining the values of the power _consumption P _L1 to P Ln of each power load.

The acquired values of the generated power P _PV , the power P _bat of the storage battery 15, the externally generated power P _Gene and the power consumption (the sum of P _L1 to P _Ln ) are stored as a power generation/consumption history 101 (see the block of the controller 21 in FIG. 1). Alternatively, the power generation/consumption history 101 is stored in a server 97 that can communicate via a network 98 (shown by a dashed line in the block of the server 97 in FIG. 1). The power generation/consumption history 101 is time-series data of the generated power and power consumption for each predetermined period. The power generation/consumption history 101 may include the total received power P _s from the power grid 23, but P _s can be calculated if P _PV , P _bat , P _Gene and ΣP _Ln are stored in the power generation/consumption history 101.

The controller 21 or the server 97 includes an external power generation determination unit 103 and a power adjustment unit 105. The external power generation determination unit 103 determines the power generation characteristics of the external power generation device 25, in particular whether or not it is solar power generation. The power adjustment unit 105 obtains meteorological information via the network 98, and stores the obtained meteorological information in association with the power generation and consumption history 101.
The power generation/consumption history 101, the external power generation determination unit 103, and the power adjustment unit 105 may each be located in the controller 21 or in the server 97. Alternatively, some of the functions may be located in the controller 21 and the other functions may be located in the server 97.

As described above, the controller 21 sequentially acquires values of the generated power P _PV of the photovoltaic power generation device 13, the charged/discharged power P _bat of the storage battery ₁₅ , the power transmitted to and received from the power grid 23, the externally generated power P _Gene , and the load powers P _L1 to P _Ln .
Based on the acquired information, the power adjustment unit 105 sequentially calculates surplus power by subtracting the sum of the power consumption P _L1 to P _Ln of the power loads 17-1 to 17-n from the sum of the power generation power P _PV of the photovoltaic power generation device 13 and the externally generated power P _Gene . Then, the power adjustment unit 105 acquires the value of the amount of stored power (remaining capacity) of the storage battery 15 over time. The amount of stored power of the storage battery 15 can be sequentially acquired from the power conditioner 19.

Furthermore, the external power generation determination unit 103 and the power adjustment unit 105 may notify the status of the power control system 11 to the user's information terminal 31 capable of communicating with the controller 21 to inform the user. Also, settings related to the control of the power control system 11 by the user may be accepted by the information terminal 31. Here, an example of the information terminal 31 is a smartphone, tablet terminal, or other portable terminal owned by the user, or a stationary or portable personal computer. Another example is a monitor (whether dedicated or not) installed in the home.

<Charge/discharge control of storage battery 15 based on prediction - predictive control mode>
The power adjustment unit 105 obtains weather information for a future target date (typically tomorrow; hereinafter, the target date will be referred to as the present day) via the network 98. It also accesses and obtains the stored past power generation and consumption history 101 and the weather information associated therewith. It then predicts the power generation and power consumption for that day, and generates time-series data of the predicted power generation and power consumption for each predetermined period.
Then, a predicted surplus power difference is calculated from the time series data of the predicted power generation and power consumption. Based on the predicted surplus power thus calculated, the amount of charging of the storage battery 15 to be performed during the night power period of the previous day is determined. Hereinafter, receiving a power supply from the power grid 23 is referred to as power purchase.

When it is predicted that there is no surplus power, the power adjustment unit 105 controls the power conditioner 19 to purchase power during the nighttime power period when the unit price of power purchase is cheap from the night of the previous day to the current day, and charge the storage battery 15 to a predetermined capacity. If the difference in the amount of power obtained by subtracting the predicted amount of power generation from the predicted amount of power consumption for the current day is equal to or greater than the full capacity, the storage battery is charged to the full capacity. On the other hand, if the difference in the amount of power is less than the full capacity, the storage battery is charged to the difference in the amount of power. During the time period when the electricity rate for the current day is high and the power generation by the photovoltaic power generation device 13 cannot cover the power consumption, the power stored in the storage battery 15 is supplied to the power loads 17-1 to 17-n. When the remaining capacity of the storage battery 15 becomes zero, power is purchased from the power grid 23 and supplied to the power loads 17-1 to 17-n.
In this way, during the time period when the power generation by the photovoltaic power generation device 13 is less than the power consumption, the power stored during the night power period is used to minimize expensive power purchases.

On the other hand, if it is predicted that there will be a time period when surplus power will be generated, the power adjustment unit 105 controls the power conditioner 19 to store the surplus power in the storage battery 15 during the time period on that day when the power generation by the photovoltaic power generation device 13 is predicted to exceed the power consumption. If the power consumption cannot be covered by the power generation by the photovoltaic power generation device 13 during the time period when the electricity rate is high, the power stored in the storage battery 15 is supplied to the power loads 17-1 to 17-n. However, if the remaining capacity of the storage battery 15 becomes zero during the day, the power is purchased and supplied to the power loads 17-1 to 17-n. In this way, the power is stored in the storage battery 15 during the time period when the power generation by the photovoltaic power generation device 13 is greater than the power consumption, that is, during the time period when surplus power is generated. The stored power is then used to cover the power consumption during the time period when the power generation by the photovoltaic power generation device 13 is less than the power consumption, thereby suppressing expensive power purchases.

Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a control schedule for predicted power generation, predicted power consumption, and charging/discharging of the storage battery 15 in the power control system of Fig. 1. The diagram shows a transition for each predetermined time Δt on a certain day. Note that the vertical axis of Fig. 2 represents power, but is converted to the amount of power for each predetermined time Δt by multiplying by Δt.
2, t1 corresponds to a late-night power period from late night of the previous day to early morning of the current day. The storage battery 15 is charged to a certain amount that allows a margin for charging the storage battery 15 with the predicted surplus power consumption predicted to occur on the current day. The power required for charging is covered by purchasing power from the power grid 23.

t2 corresponds to the morning time period when the predicted power consumption reaches its first peak. A part of the predicted power consumption can be covered by the power generation of the photovoltaic power generation device 13, but the predicted power generation amount at this time is smaller than the predicted power consumption. The shortfall is covered by discharging from the storage battery 15.
Time t3 corresponds to a daytime period when the solar power generation device 13 generates a large amount of power. A part of the generated power is appropriated to cover the predicted power consumption amount (self-consumption), but the predicted surplus power is used for charging.
The period t4 corresponds to a nighttime period when the power generation of the photovoltaic power generation device 13 stops and the predicted power consumption reaches a peak. The predicted power consumption is covered by discharging from the storage battery 15 as long as there is remaining capacity in the storage battery 15.

t5 corresponds to a time period after the remaining capacity of the storage battery 15 becomes zero. When the remaining capacity of the storage battery 15 becomes zero, the predicted power consumption amount is covered by purchasing power from the power grid 23.
Time t6 corresponds to a late-night time period similar to time t1. During the late-night time period, in addition to the predicted power consumption, charging of the storage battery 15 is covered by purchasing power from the power grid 23.
As described above, when the predicted power generation, predicted power consumption, and power storage schedule are obtained, it is possible to predict the amount of power transmitted to and received from the power grid 23. In Fig. 2, the portion shown with a gray background (including time periods t1, t2, t5, and t6) is the amount of power received by purchasing power from the power grid 23, and the portion shown with a dotted background (including time period t3) is the amount of power to be charged to the storage battery 15 as surplus power.

In this way, in order to achieve a high economic effect by controlling the storage of surplus power in the storage battery 15 during the time period when surplus power is generated, it is necessary to accurately predict the amount of surplus power that will be generated on the day at the stage of the previous day. This is because the power adjustment unit 105 controls to suppress the amount of charging of the storage battery 15 performed during the night power time period of the previous day based on the predicted amount of surplus power. In other words, the charging of the storage battery 15 during the night power time period t1 of the previous day is limited to an amount that corresponds to the shortfall in the predicted power generation power that is not covered by the predicted power consumption on that day, and the amount of purchased power on that day is controlled to be minimized. By doing so, room is left to store surplus power during time period t3 on the day in the storage battery 15.

However, if the accuracy of the surplus power prediction is low and the actual surplus power falls below the predicted surplus power, the shortfall will be purchased during time period t3 when electricity rates are high. The economic effect in this case will not reach the ideal state in which the storage battery 15 is charged to an appropriate amount during the late night hours when electricity rates are low. On the other hand, if the actual surplus power exceeds the predicted surplus power, the surplus that cannot be charged during time period t3 will be sold. In particular, in the case of a system where the purchase period under the FIT system has ended and the unit price of electricity sold is low, the economic effect in this case will not reach the ideal state in which electricity sales are zero.

In addition, instead of controlling the storage battery 15 to store surplus power during the time period when surplus power is generated, the surplus power may be consumed. For example, an electric water heater as a power load may be controlled to use surplus power to heat a portion of the amount of hot water required for the day, rather than using nighttime power to heat the entire amount of hot water required for the day. In order to obtain a high economic effect by generating an operation schedule for the electric water heater in this way, it is necessary to accurately predict the amount of surplus power generated on the day at the stage of the previous day. This is because the power adjustment unit 105 controls the amount of water boiled during the nighttime power period of the previous day to be reduced based on the predicted amount of surplus power. In other words, the amount of water boiled during the nighttime power period t1 of the previous day is controlled to be limited to an amount that corresponds to the shortfall in the predicted power generation power of the day that cannot cover the predicted power consumption. Then, the surplus power during the time period t3 of the day is used to boil water.

However, if the accuracy of the surplus power prediction is low and the actual surplus power falls below the predicted surplus power, the shortfall will be purchased during time period t3 when electricity rates are high. The economic effect in this case will not reach the ideal state of boiling water to the appropriate amount during the late night hours when electricity rates are low. On the other hand, if the actual surplus power exceeds the predicted surplus power, the surplus that cannot be charged during time period t3 will be sold. In particular, in the case of a system where the purchase period under the FIT system has ended and the unit price of electricity sold is low, the economic effect in this case will not reach the ideal state of zero electricity sales.

One of the major factors in whether the predicted surplus power for that day can be predicted with high accuracy is to properly grasp the characteristics of the external power generation device 25. If the characteristics of the external power generation device can be grasped, the power generation power of the external power generation device 25 can be predicted. And, in order to grasp the characteristics, it is important to properly judge whether the external power generation device 25 is a solar power generation device or not. This is because, if the external power generation device 25 is a solar power generation device, it is considered that there is a high probability that the power generation power of the external power generation device 25 will be approximately similar to that of the solar power generation device 13, and therefore the power generation power of the external power generation device 25 can be predicted with high accuracy based on the correlation with the weather information of the day. Therefore, the prediction accuracy is improved by judging whether the external power generation device 25 is a solar power generation device or not and predicting the power generation power of the external power generation device 25 based on the judgment result. However, even if the external power generation device 25 is a solar power generation device, the installation location, direction, and characteristics of the solar panel are different from those of the solar power generation device 13, so there is a possibility that the power generation power of the two will not be completely similar. Therefore, the judgment is made based on the correlation between the two.

On the other hand, if the external power generation device 25 is a power generation device of a type other than solar power generation, it is necessary to predict the generated power according to its characteristics. One of the power generation devices for home use other than solar power generation that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the home fuel cell (also known as ENE-FARM).
The external power generation determination unit 103 acquires information about the external power generation device 25 and determines whether the external power generation device 25 is solar power generation. The information about the external power generation device 25 is information about the power generation method of the external power generation device 25 or information about power generation by the external power generation device 25. The external power generation determination unit 103 determines the power generation method based on the information about the power generation method of the external power generation device 25. Furthermore, the external power generation determination unit 103 determines the power generation method based on the information about power generation by the external power generation device 25.

<<Evaluation of characteristics of external power generation device>>
(Embodiment 1)
In this embodiment, the external power generation determination unit 103 determines the power generation method based on information related to power generation by the external power generation device 25. The external power generation determination unit 103 calculates a correlation coefficient between the time series of power generation by the solar power generation device 13 in a certain period and the time series of power generation by the external power generation device 25, for example, on a daily basis, and determines the external power generation to be solar power generation if the average value of the calculated correlation coefficient in an arbitrary period is equal to or greater than a threshold value. In one numerical example, the period is one month, and the threshold value is 0.86.
That is, if the power generation characteristics of the external power generation device 25 are similar to the power generation characteristics of the solar power generation device 13, it is determined that the power generation is solar power generation.

Now, let _x1 , _x2 , _x3 , ..., _xn be the time series data of power generation by the photovoltaic power generation _device 13 at times t1, _t2 , _t3 , ..., _tn , and let _y1 , _y2 , _y3 , ..., yn be the time series data of power generation by the external power generation device _{25 at times t1 , t2} , _t3 , ..., _tn . The correlation coefficient r between the power generation data _xi and _yi (i = 1 to n) is calculated by the following well-known formula.

The above-mentioned period and threshold value may be fixed values, or at least one of them may be set by the user using the information terminal 31 shown in FIG. 1, for example.

(Embodiment 2)
As a different method of determining whether the external power generation device 25 is solar power generation, if the external power generation device 25 generates power during the nighttime hours, it can be determined that the power generation is not solar power generation.
As a more specific method of determination, for example, if there is no power generation from the external power generation device 25 during nighttime hours in any period (one example is a month), and therefore the number of days determined to be solar power generation is less than a predetermined reference value, the external power generation can be determined to be solar power generation.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a process in which the external power generation determination unit 103 determines whether the external power generation device 25 is a solar power generation device in this embodiment.
3 , the external power generation determination unit 103 refers to time-series data of the power generated by the external power generation device 25 over a predetermined period (e.g., one month) in order to determine the characteristics of the external power generation device 25. The data is a part of the power generation and consumption history 101.
Then, the data for each day is referenced. First, the data for the first day is referenced (step S10).

Next, it is checked whether power generation occurred during any time period on the target day (step S12). If power generation did not occur during any time period (No in step S12), the external power generation determination unit 103 determines that the external power generation device 25 is not a solar power generation device (step S20). It is then checked whether all days within the period have been set as target days (step S22). If there is a day that has not yet been set as a target day (No in step S22), the day that has not yet been set as a target day is set as a new target day (step S23), and the process returns to the above-mentioned step S12 to check whether power generation occurred during any time period on that day.

If it is determined in step S12 that power generation occurs during any time period on the target day (Yes in step S12), the external power generation determination unit 103 then checks whether or not power generation during the nighttime hours when there is no sunlight is zero (step S14). If the power generation during the nighttime hours when there is no sunlight is not zero (No in step S14), the external power generation determination unit 103 determines that the external power generation device 25 is not a solar power generation device (step S20). The determination in the subsequent step S22 is as described above.
On the other hand, if the power generation during the nighttime hours is zero (Yes in step S14), the external power generation determination unit 103 determines that the external power generation device 25 is a solar power generation device (step S16). Then, a counter for the number of days during the period determined to be a solar power generation device is counted up (step S18). Note that the initial value of the counter when starting this process is zero.

Next, the external power generation determination unit 103 proceeds to the above-mentioned step S22 to check whether all days within the period have been targeted (step S22). If there is a day that has not yet been targeted (No in step S22), the external power generation determination unit 103 sets the day that has not yet been targeted as a new target day (step S23), and returns to the above-mentioned step S12 to check whether power generation was performed during any time period on that day.
If all days within the period are targeted (Yes in step S22), the external power generation determination unit 103 checks whether the counter for the number of days within the period determined to be solar power generation is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S24).

If the counter for the number of days during the period during which photovoltaic power generation was determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold value (Yes in step S24), it is finally determined that the external power generation device 25 is photovoltaic power generation (step S26), and the process ends.
On the other hand, if the counter for the number of days during the period determined to be photovoltaic power generation is less than the threshold value (No in step S24), it is ultimately determined that the external power generation device 25 is not photovoltaic power generation (step S28), and the process ends.
The above is the process in this embodiment in which the external power generation determination unit 103 determines whether the external power generation device 25 is a solar power generation device based on information related to power generation by the external power generation device 25 .
The aforementioned period and threshold value may be fixed values, or at least one of them may be set by the user using the information terminal 31 shown in FIG. 1, for example.
3 is an embodiment in which, after a predetermined period (e.g., one month) has passed, it is determined whether or not the external power generation device 25 is generating solar power for all days of the target period, and the determination is repeated every time the predetermined period has passed. As a different embodiment, for example, it is possible to determine whether or not the external power generation device 25 is generating solar power at a predetermined time every day by referring to the data of the previous day, and to repeat the determination every day until a predetermined period (e.g., one month) has passed, and then make a final determination based on the determination results for each day of the target period.

(Embodiment 3)
In power control systems, household fuel cells (ENE-FARM) are becoming as common as solar power generation. In this embodiment, the external power generation determination unit 103 assumes that generators other than solar power generation are often ENE-FARMs, and determines whether the external power generation device 25 exhibits the power generation characteristics of ENE-FARM. If the external power generation device does not exhibit the power generation characteristics of ENE-FARM, it is determined to be solar power generation.

The power generation characteristics of an ENE-FARM can be considered to have the following two power generation modes.
The first power generation mode is a mode in which the ENE-FARM generates power so as to follow the power consumption of the power control system 11. The power consumption here may be the sum of the power loads 17-1 to 17-n, i.e., the total load power, or may be the total load power minus the power generated by the solar power generation device 13 and the discharge of the storage battery 15. It depends on which one the external power generation device 25 detects as the total load power and controls its own power generation amount.
4A is a graph showing an example of the power consumption of the load in this power generation mode and the corresponding power generation of the external power generation device 25. As shown in Fig. 4A, when the power consumption is within the range of the power generation capacity (rated power generation) of the external power generation device 25, the power generation of the external power generation device 25 follows the power consumption of the load and is approximately equal to the power consumption of the load. When the power consumption exceeds the power generation capacity (rated power generation) of the external power generation device 25, the power generation of the external power generation device 25 reaches a plateau and the shortfall in power is covered by purchasing power from the power grid 23.

4A , when an ENE-FARM as the external power generation device 25 generates power in a mode that follows the power consumption of the load, within the range of the power generation capacity of the ENE-FARM, the power generated by the external power generation device 25 is approximately equal to the power consumption of the power control system 11. When the external power generation device 25 exhibits such power generation characteristics, the external power generation determination unit 103 can determine that the external power generation device 25 is an ENE-FARM and not a solar power generation device.
Note that power purchase occurs when the power consumption of the power control system 11 exceeds the power generation capacity of the ENE-FARM. In other words, power purchase occurs only when the power generation of the external power generation device 25 is constant (maximum).

The second power generation mode of ENE-FARM is a mode in which it always generates power at the rated power. In contrast to solar power generation, which fluctuates depending on the weather, this power generation mode generates a constant amount of power regardless of the weather.
4B is a graph showing an example of the power consumption of the load in this power generation mode and the corresponding power generation by the external power generation device 25. As shown in Fig. 4B, the external power generation device 25 generates a constant amount (rated power generation) regardless of the power consumption. When the power consumption exceeds the power generation capacity (rated power generation) of the external power generation device 25, the shortage of power is covered by purchasing power from the power grid 23.

As shown in FIG. 4B , when the power generated by the external power generation device 25 is always constant, the external power generation determination unit 103 can determine that the external power generation device 25 is an ENE-FARM and not a photovoltaic power generation device.
4A and 4B each show an example of the transition of the generated power and consumed power in one day. The external power generation determination unit 103 determines whether the external power generation device 25 is solar power generation or not on a daily basis based on the transition of the power consumption of the power control system 11 in one day and the corresponding transition of the generated power of the external power generation device 25. Then, the number of days determined not to be solar power generation is counted in units of a predetermined period (e.g., one month). If the number of days counted during the period is less than a predetermined threshold, the external power generation is determined to be solar power generation.

5A and 5B are a first flowchart showing an example of a process in which the external power generation determination unit 103 determines whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device in this embodiment.
5A , the external power generation determination unit 103 refers to time-series data of the power generated by the external power generation device 25 over a predetermined period (e.g., one month) in order to determine the characteristics of the external power generation device 25. The data is a part of the power generation and consumption history 101.
Then, the data for each day is referenced. First, the data for the first day is referenced (step S30).

Next, it is checked whether power generation occurred during any time period on the target day (step S32). If power generation did not occur during any time period (No in step S32), the external power generation determination unit 103 determines that the external power generation device 25 is not a solar power generation device (step S52 in FIG. 5B). Then, a counter for the number of days during the period that were determined not to be solar power generation is counted up (step S54). Note that the initial value of the counter when starting this process is zero. Next, it is checked whether all days within the period are set as target days (step S56). If there is a day that has not yet been set as a target day (No in step S56), the day that has not yet been set as a target day is set as a new target day (step S57), and the process returns to step S32 in FIG. 5A to check whether power generation occurred during any time period on that day.

If it is determined in step S32 of FIG. 5A that power generation occurs during any time period on the target day (Yes in step S32), the external power generation determination unit 103 then checks whether or not power generation during the nighttime hours when there is no sunlight is zero (step S34). If the power generation during the nighttime hours when there is no sunlight is not zero (No in step S34), the external power generation determination unit 103 determines that the external power generation device 25 is not a solar power generation device (step S52 in FIG. 5B). The subsequent processing in step S54 and the determination in step S56 in FIG. 5B are as described above.

If the determination in step S34 in FIG. 5A indicates that the power generation during the nighttime hours when there is no sunlight is zero (Yes in step S34), the external power generation determination unit 103 then checks whether the period during which the external power generation device 25 has continued since it started generating power is less than a predetermined period (step S36). If the period during which power generation has continued is equal to or longer than the predetermined period (No in step S36), the external power generation determination unit 103 determines that the external power generation device 25 is not a solar power generation device (step S52 in FIG. 5B). A typical example of the predetermined period is 24 hours. The subsequent processing in step S54 and the determination in step S56 in FIG. 5B are as described above.

If the determination in step S36 in FIG. 5A shows that the period during which power generation continues is less than the predetermined period (Yes in step S36), the external power generation determination unit 103 then checks whether the power generation during the time period during which the external power generation device 25 is generating power fluctuates or is constant (step S38). In other words, it is checked whether the change in the generated power over time is outside or within a predetermined range. This is a determination as to whether it corresponds to the power generation characteristics shown in FIG. 4B. If the generated power during power generation is constant (No in step S38), the external power generation determination unit 103 determines that the external power generation device 25 is not a solar power generation device (step S52 in FIG. 5B). The subsequent processing in step S54 and the determination in step S56 in FIG. 5B are as described above.

If the determination in step S38 in FIG. 5A indicates that the generated power fluctuates during power generation (Yes in step S38), the external power generation determination unit 103 then performs the following determination. It is checked whether the length of the period during which it is determined that the difference between the generated power and the consumed power (absolute value of the error) is greater than a predetermined value (first reference value) or the number of determinations is equal to or greater than a reference value (step S40). In other words, it is checked whether the power generation is controlled so that the error between the generated power and the consumed power falls within a predetermined range. This is a determination whether it corresponds to the power generation characteristics shown in FIG. 4A. If the length of the period during which the error is greater than a predetermined value or the number of determinations is less than the first reference value, that is, if the power generation is controlled so that the difference between the generated power and the consumed power falls within a predetermined range (No in step S40), the external power generation determination unit 103 determines that the external power generation device 25 is not a solar power generation device (step S52 in FIG. 5B). The subsequent processing in step S54 and the determination in step S56 in FIG. 5B are as described above.

5A, if the period or number of times the error is greater than the predetermined value is equal to or greater than the first reference value, that is, if the power generation is not controlled so that the difference between the generated power and the consumed power is within a predetermined range (Yes in step S40), the external power generation determination unit 103 then performs the following determination. It is checked whether the period or number of determinations during which the generated power during the time period when the power is purchased is judged to be substantially constant is less than a predetermined value (second reference value) (step S42). In other words, it is checked whether the length of the period or the number of determinations during which the temporal change in the generated power during the power purchase is within a predetermined range. This is a determination of whether or not the generated power of the external power generation device 25 corresponds to the state in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B where the generated power of the external power generation device 25 has reached the rated power. If the period or number of determinations during which the generated power during the time period when the power is purchased is the same value is equal to or greater than the second reference value (No in step S42), the external power generation determination unit 103 determines that the external power generation device 25 is not a solar power generation device (step S52 in FIG. 5B). The subsequent processing of step S54 and the determination of step S56 in FIG. 5B are as described above.

On the other hand, if the period during which the generated power during the time period during which electricity is purchased is considered to be the same or the number of determinations is less than the second reference value (Yes in step S42), the external power generation determination unit 103 determines that the external power generation device 25 is a solar power generation device (step S50 in FIG. 5B).

Next, the external power generation determination unit 103 proceeds to step S56 described above to check whether all days within the period have been targeted (step S56). If there is a day that has not yet been targeted (No in step S56), the external power generation determination unit 103 sets the day that has not yet been targeted as a new target day (step S57). Then, the process returns to step S32 in Fig. 5A to check whether power generation was performed during any time period on that day.
If all days within the period are targeted (Yes in step S56 of FIG. 5B), the external power generation determination unit 103 checks whether the counter for the number of days within the period determined to be non-photovoltaic power generation is less than a predetermined threshold value (step S58).

If the counter for the number of days during the period during which it was determined that power generation was not solar power is less than the threshold value (Yes in step S58), it is finally determined that the external power generation device 25 is solar power generation (step S60), and the process ends.
On the other hand, if the counter for the number of days during the period during which it was determined that solar power generation was not occurring is equal to or greater than the threshold value (No in step S58), it is finally determined that the external power generation device 25 is not solar power generation (step S62), and the processing ends.

The above is the process in this embodiment in which the external power generation determination unit 103 determines whether the external power generation device 25 is a solar power generation device based on information related to power generation by the external power generation device 25 .
The aforementioned period, the first reference value, the second reference value and the threshold value may be fixed values, or at least any of them may be set by the user using, for example, the information terminal 31 shown in FIG. 1.
5A and 5B show an embodiment in which, after a predetermined period (e.g., one month) has passed, it is determined whether or not the external power generation device 25 is not a solar power generation device (is an ENE-FARM) for all days of the target period, and the determination is repeated every time the predetermined period has passed. As a different embodiment, for example, it is possible to determine whether or not the external power generation device 25 is not a solar power generation device by referring to the data of the previous day at a predetermined time every day, and to repeat the determination every day until a predetermined period (e.g., one month) has passed, and then make a final determination based on the determination results for each day of the target period.

(Embodiment 4)
It is also possible to consider a mode in which the determination as to whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device is made based on a user setting.
1 , the controller 21 is communicably connected to a user's information terminal 31, and accepts user settings related to the control of the power control system 11 at the information terminal 31. As one of the setting items, a setting as to whether the external power generation device 25 is a solar power generation device is provided, and the user is asked to set this.

Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on the information terminal 31 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the setting screen 33 allows the user to select one of the economy promotion mode, the self-production and self-consumption mode, and the predictive control mode as the mode of charge/discharge control of the storage battery 15 using meteorological information. When the predictive control mode is selected, if there is external solar power generation, a setting item is provided that is turned on by checking a check box. Depending on whether this setting item is on, it is determined whether the external power generation device, if there is one, is a solar power generation device.
As described above, in this embodiment, the external power generation determination unit 103 determines the power generation method based on information related to the power generation method of the external power generation device 25 .
In this embodiment, the user is asked to set information regarding the power generation method of the external power generation device 25, but the external power generation determination unit 103 may obtain information regarding the power generation method of the external power generation device 25 through communication between the solar power generation system and the external power generation system.

Note that a mode other than the above-mentioned predictive control mode may be set as the mode of charge/discharge control of the storage battery 15 using weather information. Here, the mode other than the predictive control mode will be briefly described assuming that the unit price of purchased electricity is divided into three stages: a cheap late-night electricity time period, a slightly more expensive morning and evening time period, and a more expensive daytime time period.
The economy promotion mode is a mode in which, for example, the storage battery 15 is fully charged during the nighttime power period from the night of the previous day, and discharged during power purchases outside the nighttime power period, and the discharge start time is adjusted according to the weather conditions of the day. When daytime solar power generation cannot be expected due to cloudy or rainy weather, the storage battery 15 is not discharged in the morning hours, but is delayed until daytime hours, thereby suppressing expensive power purchases during the day.

In addition, the self-production and self-consumption mode is a mode in which, on sunny days, the storage battery 15 is not charged during the late-night power hours from the night of the previous day, but is charged with surplus power from solar power generation on that day, and when it is cloudy or rainy and solar power generation cannot be expected during the day, the storage battery 15 is charged to a specified capacity during the late-night power hours from the night of the previous day. However, in this mode, the specified capacity for charging the storage battery 15 during the late-night power hours is determined based on statistical data. It is not determined based on the past actual values of power generation and power consumption of the power control system 11 associated with weather conditions. In this respect, it differs from the predictive control mode.

As mentioned above,
(i) A power control device according to the present invention is a power control device for a solar power generation system that supplies power to a power load, and is characterized in that when an external power generation device supplies power to the power load in addition to the solar power generation system, it is provided with an external power generation determination unit that acquires information about the external power generation device and determines whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device.

In this invention, the external power generation device is a power generation device that is not under the control of the control device of the solar power generation system. A specific example of the external power generation device is a solar power generation device with specifications different from those of the solar power generation device under its own control, or whose specifications are unknown. Another example is a power generation device of a type other than solar power generation (a typical example is a household fuel cell).

In a different aspect, the present invention includes an external power generation determination unit that, when a power control system connected to a power grid includes, in addition to a solar power generation device, a power storage device, and a power load, an external power generation device that supplies power to the power load, determines whether the external power generation device is solar power generation or not, and a power adjustment unit that adjusts the exchange of power between the solar power generation device, the power storage device, the power load, and the power grid and the charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the determination of the external power generation determination unit, and is characterized in that, when the external power generation device is included, the power adjustment unit cannot control the external power generation device, but the external power generation determination unit can obtain information regarding the power generated by the external power generation device.

The external power generation determination unit can obtain information regarding power generation by the external power generation device, for example, the power generation value of the external power generation device. The power generation value of the external power generation device may be obtained as separate power information from a converter or the like connected to the external power generation device, as described in the above embodiment. As a different method, a power sensor (or a current sensor) may be installed on the line from the converter to the power grid to obtain power information of the external power generation device alone. Alternatively, the external power generation determination unit may obtain information on the power of a solar power generation device, a power storage device, and a power load other than the external power generation device, and power information transmitted to and received from the power grid, and the power generation value of the external power generation device may be calculated from the power information.

The external power generation determination unit and the power adjustment unit may be configured with hardware resources, for example, a CPU and circuits including memory, an input/output interface circuit, a communication interface circuit, etc. The external power generation determination unit and the power adjustment unit may be realized by the CPU executing a control program pre-stored in the memory. According to this aspect, the hardware resources and software resources are organically combined to realize the functions of the external power generation determination unit and the power adjustment unit.

Further, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.
(ii) The external power generation determination unit may acquire time series data of the power generated by the external power generation device over a certain period of time and time series data of the power generated by the solar power generation device during that period, and determine that the external power generation device is solar power generation if the time series data of the two have a correlation greater than or equal to a predetermined standard, and determine that the external power generation device is not solar power generation if the correlation is less than the standard.
In this way, by determining whether the power generated by the external power generation device and the solar power generation device has a correlation equal to or higher than a predetermined standard, it is possible to determine whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device.

(iii) The external power generation determination unit may make a daily determination based on a correlation coefficient between daily time series data of the power generated by the solar power generation device over the period and daily time series data of the power generated by the external power generation device, and may determine that the external power generation device is solar power generation if the number of days during the period that are determined to be solar power generation is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.
In this way, by calculating the correlation coefficient between the daily power generation of the solar power generation device and the daily power generation of the external power generation device and statistically determining whether the calculated correlation coefficient is greater than or equal to a threshold value, it is possible to accurately determine whether the external power generation device is solar power generation.

(iv) The external power generation determination unit may receive settings of at least one of the period and the threshold value set by a user.
In this way, the user can set suitable time periods and/or thresholds for the power control system.

(v) The external power generation determination unit may acquire time series data of the power generated by the external power generation device over a certain period of time, and determine that the external power generation device is not a solar power generation device if a change over time in the power generated by the external power generation device when the external power generation device is generating electricity falls within a predetermined range.
In this way, it is possible to determine whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device based on whether the generated power is constant or fluctuating while the external power generation device is generating power.

(vi) The external power generation determination unit may accept a user setting of at least one of the period and the range.
In this way, the user can set a suitable period and/or range for the power control system.

(vii) The external power generation determination unit may acquire time series data of the power generated by the external power generation device over a certain period of time and time series data of the power consumption of the power load during that period, and determine that the external power generation device is solar power generation if the difference between the two is greater than a predetermined threshold, and determine that the external power generation device is not solar power generation if the difference between the two is equal to or less than the threshold.
In this way, it is possible to determine whether the external power generation device is solar power generation based on whether the power generated by the external power generation device changes independently of the power consumption of the power load (depending on sunlight) or changes in accordance with the power consumption.

(viii) The external power generation determination unit may make a daily determination based on the magnitude of the difference between daily time series data of the power generated by the external power generation device over the period and daily time series data of the power consumption of the power load, and may determine that the external power generation device is solar power generation if the number of days during which the magnitude of the difference between the two is determined to be greater than the threshold value is equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference value, and may determine that the external power generation device is not solar power generation if the number of days is determined to be less than the first reference value.
In this way, it is possible to determine on a daily basis whether the power generated by the external power generation device is changing in accordance with the power consumption of the power load, and by statistically examining the daily determination, it is possible to accurately determine whether the external power generation device is solar power generation.

(ix) The external power generation determination unit may accept settings by a user of at least any of the period, the threshold value, and the first reference value.
In this way, the user can set at least one of the period, the threshold value, and the first reference value that is suitable for the power control system.

(x) The external power generation determination unit may acquire time series data of the power generated by the external power generation device during a period when the external power generation device is receiving power supply from the power grid, and determine that the external power generation device is solar power generation if the magnitude of change over time in the power generated by the external power generation device while receiving power supply from the power grid is outside a predetermined range, and determine that the external power generation device is not solar power generation if the magnitude of the change is within the range.
In this way, it is possible to determine whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device based on whether the power generated by the external power generation device fluctuates or is constant when power is being supplied from the power grid.

(xi) The external power generation determination unit may determine, on a daily basis, the magnitude of change over time in the power generated by the external power generation device when power is supplied from the power grid, and determine that the external power generation device is solar power generation if the number of days during which the magnitude of the change is determined to be outside the range is equal to or greater than a predetermined second reference value, and may determine that the external power generation device is not solar power generation if the number of days is less than the second reference value.
In this way, it is possible to determine on a daily basis whether the power generated by the external power generation device fluctuates or remains constant when power is being supplied from the power grid, and by statistically examining the daily determinations, it is possible to accurately determine whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device.

(xii) The external power generation determination unit may accept settings by a user of at least any of the period, the range, and the second reference value.
In this way, the user can set at least one of the period, range and second reference value that is suitable for the power control system.
(xiii) The solar power generation system may include a power storage device, and the power control device may include a power adjustment unit that predicts the amount of power generated by the external power generation device based on the determination result and controls charging and discharging of the power storage device.
In this way, it is possible to identify whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device, and to realize appropriate charge/discharge control of the power storage device.

(xiv) The power adjustment unit may acquire weather information, predict future power generation and power consumption based on a history of power consumption and power generation related to the solar power generation system, a history of power generation of the external power generation device, and the acquired weather information, and control the charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the prediction.
In this way, it is possible to identify whether the external power generation device is solar power generation, and by using the history of power consumption and power generation and weather information, it is possible to accurately predict the generated power, consumed power, and ultimately surplus power, thereby achieving appropriate charge and discharge control of the storage device.

(xv) A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a power control device for a solar power generation system that supplies power to a power load, and includes a power control method including a step in which, when an external power generation device supplies power to the power load in addition to the solar power generation system, a computer acquires information about the external power generation device and a determination step for determining whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device.

In another embodiment, the computer includes a power adjustment method including, when a power control system connected to a power grid includes, in addition to a solar power generation device, a power storage device, and a power load, an external power generation device that supplies power to the power load, a step of acquiring information about the power generated by the external power generation device, a determination step of determining whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device based on the acquired information, and an adjustment step of adjusting the exchange of power between the solar power generation device, the power storage device, the power load, and the power grid, and the charging and discharging of the power storage device, based on the determination in the determination step.

Preferred aspects of the present invention include any combination of the above-mentioned aspects.
In addition to the above-mentioned embodiment, various modifications of the present invention are possible. These modifications should not be interpreted as not falling within the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the equivalent meanings.

11: Power control system, 13: Photovoltaic power generation device, 15: Storage battery, 17-1, 17-n: Power load, 19: Power conditioner, 19a, 19b: DC/DC converter, 19c: Bidirectional inverter, 21: Controller, 23: Power system, 25: External power generation device, 27: Converter, 31: Information terminal, 33: Setting screen 97: Server, 98: Network, 101: Power generation/consumption history, 103: External power generation determination unit, 105: Power adjustment unit

Claims (9)

A power control device for a solar power generation system that supplies power to a power load,
A power control device comprising: an external power generation determination unit that, when an external power generation device that is a self-generating device in addition to the solar power generation system supplies power to the power load, acquires time series data of power generation related to the external power generation device, and determines whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device using the time series data. A power control device for a solar power generation system that supplies power to a power load,
an external power generation determination unit that, when an external power generation device supplies power to the power load in addition to the solar power generation system, acquires information about the external power generation device and determines whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device;
The external power generation determination unit acquires time series data of the power generated by the external power generation device over a certain period of time and time series data of the power generated by a solar power generation device included in the solar power generation system during that period, and determines that the external power generation device is solar power generation if the time series data of the two have a correlation equal to or greater than a predetermined standard , and determines that the external power generation device is not solar power generation if the correlation is lower than the standard. A power control device for a solar power generation system that supplies power to a power load,
an external power generation determination unit that, when an external power generation device supplies power to the power load in addition to the solar power generation system, acquires information about the external power generation device and determines whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device;
The external power generation determination unit acquires time series data of the power generated by the external power generation device over a certain period of time , and determines that the external power generation device is not a solar power generation device if the change over time in the power generated by the external power generation device when it is generating electricity falls within a predetermined range. A power control device for a solar power generation system that supplies power to a power load,
an external power generation determination unit that, when an external power generation device supplies power to the power load in addition to the solar power generation system, acquires information about the external power generation device and determines whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device;
The external power generation determination unit acquires time series data of the power generated by the external power generation device over a certain period of time and time series data of the power consumption of the power load during that period, and determines that the external power generation device is solar power generation if the difference between the two is greater than a predetermined threshold, and determines that the external power generation device is not solar power generation if the difference between the two is equal to or less than the threshold. A power control device for a solar power generation system that supplies power to a power load,
an external power generation determination unit that, when an external power generation device supplies power to the power load in addition to the solar power generation system, acquires information about the external power generation device and determines whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device;
The external power generation determination unit acquires time series data of the power generated by the external power generation device during a period when power is being supplied from the power grid, and determines that the external power generation device is solar power generation if a magnitude of change over time in the power generated by the external power generation device while receiving power from the power grid is outside a predetermined range , and determines that the external power generation device is not solar power generation if the magnitude of the change is within the range. The solar power generation system includes a power storage device,
The power control device according to claim 1 , further comprising a power adjustment unit that predicts an amount of power generated by the external power generation device based on a result of the determination and controls charging and discharging of the power storage device. 7. The power control device according to claim 6, wherein the power adjustment unit acquires meteorological information, predicts future power generation and power consumption based on a history of power consumption and power generation related to the solar power generation system, a history of power generation of the external power generation device , and the acquired meteorological information, and controls charging and discharging of the power storage device based on the prediction. The power control device according to claim 6 , wherein the power adjustment unit adjusts a charge amount of the power storage device during a time period when a unit price of electricity in the power grid is low, based on a predicted amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system and the external power generation device. A power control device for a solar power generation system that supplies power to a power load, wherein when an external power generation device that is a private power generation device supplies power to the power load in addition to the solar power generation system,
The computer
acquiring time series data of generated power relating to the external power generation device;
and determining whether the external power generation device is a solar power generation device using the time series data .