JP7563006B2 - Power management system, power management method, and program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a power management system, a power management method, and a program.

Regarding power generation using natural energy, power management systems for photovoltaic power generation are known (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). Photovoltaic power generation uses photovoltaic power generation equipment with photovoltaic panels. Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe power management systems that take into account fluctuations in the amount of power generated by this photovoltaic power generation equipment and improve the equipment utilization rate of the photovoltaic power generation equipment.

JP 2008-154334 A International Publication No. 2017/179178

In order to ensure the quality of the power supply, such as voltage or frequency, various adjustments are required in response to fluctuations in the amount of power generated by the solar power generation facility. For example, adjustments are made to the solar power generation facility itself, to load equipment such as power storage devices and electric boilers connected to the solar power generation facility, and to other power systems connected to the solar power generation facility, in response to fluctuations in the amount of power generated by the solar power generation facility.

When a photovoltaic power generation facility has multiple photovoltaic power generation units, the above-mentioned adjustment requires estimating the total amount of power generated by all the photovoltaic power generation units as the amount of power generated by the entire photovoltaic power generation facility. However, photovoltaic power generation is easily affected by the surrounding environment, such as time, weather, and season. For example, the amount of power generated by each photovoltaic power generation unit may fluctuate by 50% or more of the rated power generation in a matter of seconds. When adjusting the load equipment and other power systems taking into account weather forecasts, the weather forecasts may be incorrect. In these cases, the risk of exceeding the capacity of the load equipment or unintended reverse power flow to other power systems cannot be ignored. As such, it is difficult to accurately estimate the amount of power generated by the entire photovoltaic power generation facility, and it is not easy to make the above adjustments while avoiding risks such as reverse power flow and ensuring the quality of power supply.

If the operating rate of multiple photovoltaic power generation units in a photovoltaic power generation facility is reduced too much due to concerns about the above risks, the capacity utilization rate of the entire photovoltaic power generation facility will fall more than necessary. Even with the power management systems described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, if the estimation accuracy of the amount of power generated in the entire photovoltaic power generation facility is low, further improvement in the capacity utilization rate of the photovoltaic power generation facility cannot be expected.

This disclosure describes a power management system, a power management method, and a program that can improve the accuracy of estimating the amount of power generated in an entire solar power generation facility.

The power management system disclosed herein includes a control unit that controls the amount of power generated in at least one first solar power generation unit among a plurality of solar power generation units that generate power in response to incident sunlight, an acquisition unit that acquires the amount of power generated in at least one second solar power generation unit among the plurality of solar power generation units that is different from the first solar power generation unit, and an estimation unit that estimates the total amount of power generated by the plurality of solar power generation units when control by the control unit is released based on the amount of power generated in the second solar power generation unit acquired by the acquisition unit.

In this power management system, the total amount of power generated by the multiple solar power generation units when control of the amount of power generated by the first solar power generation unit is released is estimated based on the amount of power generated by the second solar power generation unit among the multiple solar power generation units. In this case, the second solar power generation unit is a solar power generation unit included in the multiple solar power generation units, and the total amount of power generated by the multiple solar power generation units is estimated based on the amount of power generated by the solar power generation unit itself. This can improve the accuracy of estimating the amount of power generated in the entire multiple solar power generation facilities.

In the above power management system, the multiple solar power generation units may include multiple first solar power generation units. The control unit may control suppression of the total amount of power generated in the multiple first solar power generation units. The estimation unit may estimate the total amount of power generated in the multiple solar power generation units when the suppression by the control unit is released, based on the amount of power generated in the second solar power generation unit acquired by the acquisition unit. According to this configuration, in a configuration in which the total amount of power generated in the multiple first solar power generation units is suppressed, the estimation accuracy of the amount of power generated in the entire solar power generation facility can be improved.

In the above power management system, the second solar power generation unit may be arranged in the center of an area in which the multiple solar power generation units are arranged. According to this configuration, the amount of power generated in the multiple solar power generation facilities as a whole is estimated based on the amount of power generated in the second solar power generation unit arranged in the center. This reduces the difference between the amount of solar radiation received by the second solar power generation unit and the amount of solar radiation received by the other solar power generation units. This further improves the accuracy of estimating the amount of power generated in the multiple solar power generation facilities as a whole.

In the above power management system, the multiple solar power generation units may be arranged in one microgrid. According to this configuration, the multiple solar power generation units are arranged in an area where one microgrid can be realized. This reduces the difference in fluctuation in the amount of power generated between the second solar power generation unit and the other solar power generation units depending on the surrounding environment, such as the weather. This further improves the accuracy of estimating the amount of power generated in the entire multiple solar power generation facilities.

In the above power management system, the multiple solar power generation units may be arranged in an area with a radius of 10 kilometers or less. According to this configuration, the multiple solar power generation units are arranged in a limited area range. Therefore, the fluctuation difference in the amount of power generated depending on the surrounding environment such as the climate is reduced between the second solar power generation unit and the other solar power generation units. Therefore, the accuracy of estimating the amount of power generated in the entire multiple solar power generation facilities is further improved.

The power management system may further include a storage unit. The storage unit may store in advance information indicating a relationship between the amount of power generated in the second solar power generation unit and the total amount of power generated by the multiple solar power generation units when the control by the control unit is released. The estimation unit may estimate the total amount of power generated by the multiple solar power generation units when the control by the control unit is released based on the information stored in the storage unit, the amount of power generated in the second solar power generation unit acquired by the acquisition unit, and the information stored in the storage unit. In this case, the amount of power generated in the entire multiple solar power generation facilities is easily estimated.

The power management method disclosed herein includes controlling the amount of power generated in at least one first solar power generation unit among a plurality of solar power generation units that generate power in response to incident sunlight, acquiring the amount of power generated in at least one second solar power generation unit among the plurality of solar power generation units that is different from the first solar power generation unit, and estimating the total amount of power generated by the plurality of solar power generation units when control by the control unit is released based on the acquired amount of power generated in the second solar power generation unit.

The program disclosed herein causes a computer to control the amount of power generated in at least one first solar power generation unit among a plurality of solar power generation units that generate power in response to incident sunlight, to acquire the amount of power generated in at least one second solar power generation unit among the plurality of solar power generation units that is different from the first solar power generation unit, and to estimate the total amount of power generated by the plurality of solar power generation units when control by the control unit is released based on the acquired amount of power generated in the second solar power generation unit.

The power management system, power management method, and program disclosed herein can improve the accuracy of estimating the amount of power generated in the entire solar power generation facility.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the photovoltaic power generation facility. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of a plurality of photovoltaic power generation facilities. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a power management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the process executed by the management device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the management apparatus.

Below, a detailed description of an embodiment of the power management system of the present disclosure will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

First, referring to FIG. 1, the schematic configuration of the power management system 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the power management system 1. The power management system 1 is used in one or more microgrids 100. In this embodiment, the power management system 1 is used in one microgrid 100 as shown in FIG. 1. The power management system 1 includes a management device 2, a power system connection device 3, a photovoltaic power generation facility 4, a load facility 5, a consumer 6, and a power transmission network connecting these in the microgrid 100. In the microgrid 100, the load facility 5 and the consumer 6 consume the power output by the photovoltaic power generation facility 4. In the following description, such a relationship between the supply and demand of power is referred to as so-called "local production and local consumption".

The power management system 1 controls, for example, the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation facility 4 and the load power of the load facility 5. In other words, the power management system 1 adjusts the amount of generated power and the amount of load power. For example, in the microgrid 100, the power management system 1 operates so that the amount of generated power generated by the photovoltaic power generation facility 4 is equal to the amount of load power of the load facility 5 and the consumer 6. The power management system 1 basically adjusts the amount of generated power and the amount of load power so that the amount of generated power does not exceed the amount of load power. In the microgrid 100 of this embodiment, the required power is supplied by the photovoltaic power generation facility 4.

In this embodiment, the power management system 1 is connected to the power grid 200. In this case, the microgrid 100 can receive the power shortage from the power grid 200. That is, a portion of the power required in the microgrid 100 can be supplied from the power grid 200.

The outflow of power from the microgrid 100 to the power system 200 (so-called reverse power flow) may be restricted by a contract with the manager of the power system 200. For example, reverse power flow is prohibited due to a lack of free capacity in the high-voltage distribution system in the power system 200. For this reason, in this embodiment, the power management system 1 does not basically generate reverse power flow. In other words, all power generated in the microgrid 100 is consumed by the load equipment 5 and the consumers 6.

In this embodiment, the power management system 1 is configured to be able to flexibly change the operation mode of the microgrid 100. The power management system 1 is configured to be able to generate a reverse power flow to the power system 200. Therefore, the power management system 1 can exceptionally generate a reverse power flow by changing the operation mode of the microgrid 100. For example, a portion of the power generated in the microgrid 100 may be reversed to the power system 200.

The management device 2 manages the power grid connection device 3, the solar power generation equipment 4, and the load equipment 5 based on various information. The management device 2 is connected to each of the power grid connection device 3, the solar power generation equipment 4, and the load equipment 5, and transmits control commands to each of them. In other words, the management device 2 controls the operation of each of the power grid connection device 3, the solar power generation equipment 4, and the load equipment 5 by the control commands it transmits.

The power grid connection device 3 is connected to the solar power generation facility 4, the load facility 5, the consumer facility 6, and the management device 2. The power grid connection device 3 relays the power to be sent to the load facility 5 and the consumer facility 6 in response to a control command from the management device 2. In this embodiment, the power grid connection device 3 is further connected to the power grid 200. For example, the power grid connection device 3 adjusts the power provided from the power grid 200 in response to a control command from the management device 2. For example, the power grid connection device 3 sends the power from the solar power generation facility 4 to the power grid 200 in response to a control command from the management device 2. For example, the power grid connection device 3 is provided on a power transmission line between the solar power generation facility 4 and the load facility 5. The power grid connection device 3 includes a connection unit 3a, a reverse power flow measurement unit 3b, and a purchased power measurement unit 3c.

The connection unit 3a is provided on the power transmission line between the solar power generation facility 4 and the load facility 5. The connection unit 3a includes, for example, an input end that receives power from the solar power generation facility 4, an input end that receives power from the power grid 200, an output end that outputs power to the load facility 5, and an output end that outputs power to the power grid 200.

The reverse flow measurement unit 3b is connected to an output terminal that outputs power to the power grid 200. The reverse flow measurement unit 3b measures the power of the reverse flow from the solar power generation facility 4 to the power grid 200. The reverse flow measurement unit 3b continuously measures the power of the reverse flow. The reverse flow measurement unit 3b transmits data on the power of the reverse flow to the management device 2. The reverse flow measurement unit 3b is, for example, a power meter.

The purchased power measuring unit 3c is connected to an input terminal that receives power from the power grid 200. The purchased power measuring unit 3c measures the purchased power from the power grid 200. The purchased power measuring unit 3c continuously measures the purchased power. The purchased power measuring unit 3c transmits data on the purchased power to the management device 2. The purchased power measuring unit 3c is, for example, a power meter.

The solar power generation equipment 4 supplies the generated power to the load equipment 5 and the consumer 6 through the power grid connection device 3. The solar power generation equipment 4 includes a plurality of solar power generation units 10. The solar power generation equipment 4 controls the plurality of solar power generation units 10 in response to a control command from the management device 2. For example, the solar power generation equipment 4 adjusts the amount of power generated by the plurality of solar power generation units 10 in response to a control command from the management device 2. In this embodiment, the plurality of solar power generation units 10 are all arranged within one microgrid 100.

The load equipment 5 and the consumer 6 are connected to the solar power generation equipment 4 via the power grid connection device 3. The load equipment 5 has a power storage device 21, a hydrogen production device 22, and a heat generation device 23. The load equipment 5 uses the power received from the solar power generation equipment 4 to perform the desired operations in the power storage device 21, the hydrogen production device 22, and the heat generation device 23. The consumer 6 uses the power received from the solar power generation equipment 4 for the desired purpose. The load equipment 5 and the consumer 6 transmit information indicating their respective load power to the management device 2.

The power storage device 21 is connected to the solar power generation facility 4. The power storage device 21 charges and discharges the electricity generated by the solar power generation facility 4. The power storage device 21 charges and discharges in response to control commands from the management device 2. The power storage device 21 is, for example, a stationary power storage device. The power storage device 21 is, for example, a lithium ion battery (LiB).

The hydrogen production device 22 produces hydrogen using electricity generated by the solar power generation facility 4. The hydrogen production device 22 has, for example, a water electrolysis device that produces hydrogen by electrolyzing water, and a storage device that stores the produced hydrogen. The hydrogen production device 22 increases or decreases the amount of hydrogen produced in response to control commands from the power management system 1. The hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 22 is supplied, for example, to a fuel cell vehicle V or a fuel cell power generation device B. The hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 22 may be converted and stored, for example, in another energy carrier C.

The heat generating device 23 generates heat using electricity generated by the solar power generation facility 4. The heat generating device 23 is, for example, an electric boiler. The heat generating device 23 generates steam, for example, by heating water. The heat generating device 23 increases or decreases the amount of heat generated in response to a control command from the power management system 1. The steam generated by the heat generating device 23 is supplied, for example, as heat to the drying facility W. The steam generated by the heat generating device 23 may also be supplied to a biofuel production device, etc.

In this way, the load equipment 5 converts the energy of the electricity generated by the solar power generation equipment 4 using the power storage device 21, the hydrogen production device 22, and the heat generation device 23. The load equipment 5 stores or supplies the converted energy.

Next, the configuration of the solar power generation facility 4 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the solar power generation facility. Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the solar power generation units. As shown in Figure 2, the solar power generation facility 4 includes a connection line 11 and an output line 12 in addition to a plurality of solar power generation units 10. The output ends of each solar power generation unit 10 are respectively connected to the connection line 11. The input end of the output line 12 is also connected to the connection line 11. The power generated by the solar power generation unit 10 is transmitted to the input end of the output line 12 via the connection line 11, and is output from the output end of the solar power generation facility 4 to the power grid.

Each solar power generation unit 10 of the solar power generation facility 4 is controlled by the management device 2. The multiple solar power generation units 10 include at least one first solar power generation unit 10a and at least one second solar power generation unit 10b. The first solar power generation unit 10a and the second solar power generation unit 10b are different from each other. In other words, the first solar power generation unit 10a and the second solar power generation unit 10b are separate entities.

In this embodiment, the multiple solar power generation units 10 in the solar power generation facility 4 consist of a first solar power generation unit 10a and a second solar power generation unit 10b. In other words, the second solar power generation unit 10b is the remaining solar power generation unit 10 other than the first solar power generation unit 10a.

In this embodiment, the multiple solar power generation units 10 in the solar power generation facility 4 include multiple first solar power generation units 10a and multiple second solar power generation units 10b. In a variation of this embodiment, the solar power generation facility 4 may include only one second solar power generation unit 10b.

The amount of power generated by the first solar power generation unit 10a is controlled by the management device 2. In other words, the amount of power generated by the first solar power generation unit 10a can be increased, decreased, or stopped by the management device 2. For example, the amount of power generated by the first solar power generation unit 10a is restricted from the maximum amount of power that can be generated in the current environment by the management device 2 according to various circumstances. Hereinafter, the maximum amount of power that can be generated in the current environment is simply referred to as the "maximum amount of power generated." Restricting the amount of power generated by the first solar power generation unit 10a by the management device 2 also includes setting the amount of power generated to zero. In other words, restricting the amount of power generated by the first solar power generation unit 10a by the management device 2 includes not only reducing the amount of power generated, but also stopping power generation.

The second solar power generation unit 10b is a reference power generation unit, and the amount of power generated is not controlled. For example, the management device 2 does not send a control command to the second solar power generation unit 10b regarding the adjustment of the amount of power generated. The second solar power generation unit 10b outputs the maximum amount of power generated. The amount of power generated by the power generation panel 14 of the second solar power generation unit 10b is not suppressed. Even if the amount of power generated by the second solar power generation unit 10b is not adjusted, operation may be stopped when sufficient solar radiation is not expected, such as after sunset and before sunrise. In such a case, if the operation of the second solar power generation unit 10b is stopped, for example, standby power is reduced.

The total amount of power generated by the second photovoltaic power generation units 10b in the microgrid 100 is equal to or less than the minimum load power of the microgrid 100. In this case, reverse power flow to the power grid 200 due to power generation by the second photovoltaic power generation units 10b is prevented. The "minimum load power" is the value that is considered to be the lowest amount of power required by the load equipment 5 and the consumers 6 in the microgrid 100. The minimum load power is determined, for example, when setting up the power management system 1. For example, the minimum load power is determined to be a value obtained by multiplying the minimum value of the past actual power demand values in the microgrid 100 by a predetermined coefficient. For example, 10% or 50% of the minimum value of the past actual power demand values is determined to be the minimum load power.

When there is no actual power demand value for the microgrid 100, the minimum load power may be determined from the power consumption design value of each element in the microgrid 100. For example, the total value of the minimum load of the devices that are minimally required for the operation of the microgrid 100 may be determined as the minimum load power. The minimum load of the devices that are minimally required for the operation of the microgrid 100 is, for example, the required power consumption of various control devices, sensor devices, cooling devices for the storage batteries, server equipment, air conditioning devices in the server room, and lighting devices that are constantly on in the microgrid 100.

In this embodiment, the first solar power generation unit 10a and the second solar power generation unit 10b are provided at predetermined positions. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, multiple solar power generation units 10 are arranged in an area α. The area α is located within a range of a radius R. The radius R is, for example, 10 kilometers or less. In other words, the area α has a size of, for example, a radius of 10 kilometers or less. The area α includes an area β in which the second solar power generation unit 10b is arranged. The area β is, for example, located in the center of the area α. Therefore, the second solar power generation unit 10b is arranged in the center of the area α. The "center" does not have to be the exact center of the area α. One second solar power generation unit 10b may be arranged in one area β, or multiple second solar power generation units 10b may be arranged. The first solar power generation unit 10a is provided around the area β. For example, at least one second solar power generation unit 10b is surrounded by multiple first solar power generation units 10a.

As a modification of this embodiment, multiple regions β may be arranged so as to be dispersed within region α according to a predetermined rule. For example, multiple regions β may be arranged uniformly within region α. Multiple regions β may be arranged at equal pitches within region α. Multiple regions β may be arranged at equal pitches along the outer periphery of the unit group.

As a modified example of this embodiment, among the multiple first photovoltaic power generation units 10a arranged in the photovoltaic power generation facility 4, the photovoltaic power generation unit that functions as the first photovoltaic power generation unit 10a and the photovoltaic power generation unit that functions as the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b may be remotely determined by the user or may be determined by the management device 2. The photovoltaic power generation units that function as the first photovoltaic power generation unit 10a and the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b may be changed depending on the situation. For example, based on the collected data, the photovoltaic power generation unit having the highest correlation coefficient with the amount of power generated in the entire photovoltaic power generation facility 4 may be determined as the second photovoltaic power generation unit. In this case, for example, data on the amount of power generated by the multiple photovoltaic power generation units 10 during a time period during the past week when the control unit 140 did not suppress the amount of power generated is collected. In the event that the photovoltaic power generation unit 10 that functioned as the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b fails, the photovoltaic power generation unit 10 with the second highest correlation coefficient may be switched to function as the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b.

Each solar power generation unit 10 includes, for example, a power generation panel 14, a power conditioner 15, an electromagnetic switch 16, and a wiring circuit breaker 17. The solar power generation equipment 4 transmits information regarding the power being output and information regarding the number of power generation panels 14 outputting power to the management device 2. The power generation panel 14 is connected to the input of the power conditioner 15. The power generation panel 14 receives sunlight and generates power. The power generation panel 14 outputs the generated power to the power conditioner 15. In this embodiment, the first solar power generation unit 10a and the second solar power generation unit 10b have the same configuration. As a variation of this embodiment, the second solar power generation unit 10b may be configured not to be able to control the amount of power generated.

The power conditioner 15 is connected to the output of the power generation panel 14 and the input of the electromagnetic switch 16. The power conditioner 15 receives DC power from the power generation panel 14. The power conditioner 15 converts the DC power into the desired AC power. The power conditioner 15 then outputs the AC power to the electromagnetic switch 16. The power conditioner 15 adjusts the amount of power it outputs in response to a control command from the management device 2.

The electromagnetic switch 16 is connected to the output of the power conditioner 15 and the input of the wiring circuit breaker 17. The electromagnetic switch 16 uses an electromagnetic contactor (MC) to provide and stop power from the power conditioner 15 to the wiring circuit breaker 17. The electromagnetic switch 16 switches between providing and stopping power in response to a control command from the management device 2. For example, when power is supplied to the load equipment 5, the electromagnetic switch 16 is closed. On the other hand, when power is not supplied to the load equipment 5, the electromagnetic switch 16 is open. For example, when the output power of the solar power generation facility 4 is to be increased, the number of electromagnetic switches 16 in the closed state is increased. On the other hand, when the output power of the solar power generation facility 4 is to be decreased, the number of electromagnetic switches 16 in the closed state is decreased.

The molded case circuit breaker 17 (MCCB) is connected to the electromagnetic switch 16 provided in the same photovoltaic power generation unit 10. The molded case circuit breaker 17 is a so-called breaker. The molded case circuit breaker 17 cuts off the power supply from the power generation panel 14 when an overcurrent occurs in the power transmission network of the load equipment 5 and the consumer 6 on the load side.

Next, the operation of the power management system 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a power management system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the management device 2 includes, as functional components, an acquisition unit 110, a storage unit 120, an estimation unit 130, and a control unit 140.

The acquisition unit 110 acquires necessary information from the devices and facilities constituting the microgrid 100. The acquisition unit 110 outputs information acquired from the power grid connection device 3, the photovoltaic power generation equipment 4, the load equipment 5, and the consumer 6 to the memory unit 120, the estimation unit 130, and the control unit 140. The acquisition unit 110 acquires the amount of power generated in the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b, and outputs the acquired amount of power generated to the estimation unit 130. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 110 does not acquire the amount of power generated in the first photovoltaic power generation unit 10a. As a modified example of this embodiment, the acquisition unit 110 may acquire the amount of power generated in each first photovoltaic power generation unit 10a in order to feedback control the amount of power generated in each first photovoltaic power generation unit 10a.

The memory unit 120 stores information acquired by the acquisition unit 110 and information that has been stored in advance before the operation of the power management system 1. For example, the memory unit 120 stores in advance information indicating the relationship between the amount of power generated by the second solar power generation unit 10b and the total value of the maximum amount of power generated by the multiple solar power generation units 10.

The estimation unit 130 estimates the total amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation facility 4 based on the amount of power generated by the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b acquired by the acquisition unit 110. The estimation unit 130 outputs the estimated amount of power generated to the control unit 140. For example, the estimation unit 130 estimates the maximum amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation facility 4. When the amount of power generated by each of the multiple second photovoltaic power generation units 10b is acquired by the acquisition unit 110, the estimation unit 130 estimates the total amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation facility 4 based on any of the maximum, minimum, average, and median of these values. In particular, by basing the estimation on the median, robustness against outliers is improved.

The control unit 140 generates a control command φ for controlling each element constituting the microgrid 100 based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 110 and the information estimated by the estimation unit 130. The control unit 140 outputs the control command φ to each element. For example, the control unit 140 outputs the generated control command φ to the power grid connection device 3, the photovoltaic power generation equipment 4, and the load equipment 5. The control unit 140 includes a load command unit 141, a number command unit 142, and a capacity command unit 143.

The load command unit 141 generates a load command φ1 for controlling the load equipment 5 as a control command φ. The load command unit 141 receives the maximum power generation amount estimated by the estimation unit 130. The load command unit 141 generates a load command φ1 based on the estimated maximum power generation amount. The load command unit 141 outputs the generated load command φ1 to the load equipment 5.

The load command unit 141 generates a load command φ1 so that the load equipment 5 operates in accordance with the maximum power generation amount estimated by the estimation unit 130. The load command unit 141 generates a load command φ1 so that the equipment utilization rate of the solar power generation equipment 4 is maximized. In other words, the load command unit 141 generates a load command φ1 so that "ground consumption" is realized in accordance with the maximum power generation amount of the solar power generation equipment 4. The load command unit 141 generates a load command φ1 so that the following formula (1) holds, for example, using the estimated maximum power generation amount θ1.

Maximum power generation amount θ1+minimum purchased power amount θ3 _min =requested load power amount θ2+fixed load power amount θ4 (1)

The requested load power amount θ2 is the amount of power requested by the load command φ1 to be consumed by the load equipment 5. The minimum purchased power amount θ3 _min is the minimum load at which the purchased power amount θ3 does not flow backwards. The fixed load power amount θ4 is the load power amount at the consumer 6. The minimum purchased power amount θ3 _min and the fixed load power amount θ4 are known values. Therefore, by substituting the maximum generated power amount θ1 and the known value into equation (1), the requested load power amount θ2 requested of the load equipment 5 by the load command φ1 is calculated.

Equation (1) can accommodate both operations in which reverse power flow is not permitted and operations in which reverse power flow is permitted. When reverse power flow is not permitted, the minimum purchased power amount θ3 _min is set to a positive value. When the fixed load power amount θ4 is ignored, the magnitude relationship between the maximum generated power amount θ1 and the requested load power amount θ2 is expressed by the following equation (2). When reverse power flow is not permitted, the requested load power amount θ2 is equal to or greater than the maximum generated power amount θ1.

Maximum power generation θ1 ≦ Required load power θ2 ... (2)

When reverse power flow is permitted, the minimum purchased power amount θ3 _min is set to a negative value. When the fixed load power amount θ4 is ignored, the magnitude relationship between the maximum generated power amount θ1 and the requested load power amount θ2 is expressed by the following formula (3). A case where reverse power flow is permitted is a case where the requested load power amount θ2 is smaller than the maximum generated power amount θ1.

Maximum power generation θ1> Required load power θ2 ... (3)

The load command unit 141 may output the requested load power amount θ2 itself to the load equipment 5 by the load command φ1, or may output the difference between the current requested load power amount θ2 and the requested load power amount θ2 one step before to the load equipment 5. For example, if the sign of the difference is positive, the load command φ1 is a command to increase the load power amount. In this case, the load command φ1 includes, for example, at least one of a command to charge the power storage device 21, a command to increase the amount of hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 22, and a command to increase the amount of heat generated by the heat generation device 23. If the sign of the difference is negative, the load command φ1 is a command to decrease the load power. In this case, the load command φ1 includes, for example, at least one of a command to discharge the power storage device 21, a command to decrease the amount of hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 22, and a command to decrease the amount of heat generated by the heat generation device 23.

The load command unit 141 may generate the load command φ1 using the amount of reverse flow power and the reverse flow threshold. For example, the reverse flow threshold is set according to the value obtained by dividing the amount of power actually generated in the solar power generation facility 4 by the number of power generation panels 14 in operation in the solar power generation facility 4. In this case, the reverse flow threshold corresponds to the amount of power generated per power generation panel 14. Therefore, the amount of purchased power that can be increased by stopping only one power generation panel 14 is obtained.

The reverse flow threshold may be set according to the number of photovoltaic power generation units 10 in operation in the photovoltaic power generation facility 4. In this case, in a state in which power of zero kilowatts or more is always purchased from the existing grid, the lower limit of the reverse flow threshold may be set to zero kilowatts or more. Furthermore, the actual amount of power generated in the photovoltaic power generation facility 4 may be set to zero kilowatts, and the minimum average load equivalent power in the microgrid 100 may be set as the upper limit.

The control unit 140 controls the amount of power generated in at least one first solar power generation unit 10a using the number command unit 142 and the capacity command unit 143. In this embodiment, the control unit 140 suppresses the amount of power generated in each first solar power generation unit 10a or releases the suppression of the amount of power generated by outputting a control command φ to the power conditioner 15 or the electromagnetic switch 16. As a result, the control unit 140 controls the suppression of the total amount of power generated in the multiple first solar power generation units 10a. For example, the control unit 140 reduces the amount of power generated from the maximum amount of power generated for each first solar power generation unit 10a. When the suppression of the amount of power generated by the control unit 140 is released, the first solar power generation unit 10a generates the maximum amount of power. Release of control corresponds to release of suppression. The control unit 140, for example, uses the amount of generated power estimated by the estimation unit 130 as an index and outputs a control command φ to the load equipment 5, thereby realizing "local production and local consumption control" for the solar power generation equipment 4.

The number command unit 142 generates a number command φ2 as a control command φ for controlling the number of photovoltaic power generation units 10 operating in the photovoltaic power generation facility 4. The number command unit 142 maintains a balance in the amount of power within the microgrid 100, for example, by controlling the number of photovoltaic power generation units 10 that output power.

For example, the number command unit 142 controls the opening and closing of the electromagnetic switches 16 of each solar power generation unit 10 using the number command φ2. The number command φ2 includes information regarding the number of solar power generation units 10 that are to be operated (output power). The number command φ2 may also include information regarding the number of solar power generation units 10 that are not to be operated (not to output power).

The number command unit 142 receives the purchased energy amount θ3 acquired by the acquisition unit 110 and the maximum generated energy amount θ1 estimated by the estimation unit 130. The number command unit 142 generates a number command φ2 based on the purchased energy amount θ3 and the maximum generated energy amount θ1. The number command unit 142 outputs the generated number command φ2 to the electromagnetic switches 16 of the photovoltaic power generation equipment 4. For example, the number command φ2 sets a predetermined number of electromagnetic switches 16 to an open state and the remaining electromagnetic switches 16 to a closed state.

The number command unit 142 generates a number command φ2, for example, using the purchased energy amount θ3 and multiple number thresholds. The number command unit 142 compares the purchased energy amount θ3 with multiple number thresholds. Depending on the comparison result with each number threshold, the number command unit 142 outputs one of a command to increase the number of operating units, a command to maintain the number of operating units, and a command to decrease the number of operating units. By controlling the amount of power generated by the solar power generation facility 4 by the number command unit 142, reverse power flow can be prevented while improving facility utilization efficiency.

The capacity command unit 143 generates a capacity command φ3 as a control command φ for controlling the output ratio of each photovoltaic power generation unit 10 in the photovoltaic power generation facility 4. The capacity command unit 143 maintains the balance of the amount of power in the microgrid 100, for example, by controlling the output ratio of each photovoltaic power generation unit 10. The capacity command unit 143 controls the output ratio of each photovoltaic power generation unit 10, for example, when the adjustment of the amount of power generated in the photovoltaic power generation facility 4 is not sufficient by controlling the number of units alone.

For example, the capacity command unit 143 controls the load suppression of the power conditioner 15 by the capacity command φ3. Therefore, the capacity command φ3 includes information regarding the load suppression function of the power conditioner 15.

The capacity command unit 143 receives the purchased energy amount θ3 acquired by the acquisition unit 110 and the maximum generated energy amount θ1 estimated by the estimation unit 130. The capacity command unit 143 generates a capacity command φ3 based on the purchased energy amount θ3 and the maximum generated energy amount θ1. The capacity command unit 143 outputs the generated capacity command φ3 to the power conditioner 15.

The capacity command unit 143 generates a capacity command φ3 using, for example, the purchased power amount θ3 and a capacity threshold that is the minimum setting value of the purchased power amount θ3. When the purchased power amount θ3 is greater than the capacity threshold, the capacity command unit 143 generates a command to set the output of all the solar power generation units 10 to 100%. A state in which the output of the solar power generation units 10 is 100% is the same as setting the power conditioner 15 to its rated maximum value. When the purchased power amount θ3 is smaller than the capacity threshold, the capacity command unit 143 generates a command to suppress the output of all the solar power generation units 10 to a predetermined value. The output of the solar power generation units 10 is set so that the purchased power amount θ3 approaches the minimum setting value (capacity threshold). By controlling the amount of power generated by the solar power generation facility 4 by the capacity command unit 143, reverse power flow can be prevented while improving the facility utilization efficiency.

Next, an example of the estimation of the power generation amount by the estimation unit 130 will be described. The estimation unit 130 estimates the total value of the power generation amount of the plurality of photovoltaic power generation units 10 when the control by the control unit 140 is released, based on the power generation amount of the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b acquired by the acquisition unit 110. For example, in a case where the control unit 140 suppresses the power generation amount of the first photovoltaic power generation unit 10a from the maximum power generation amount, the estimation unit 130 estimates the total value of the power generation amount of the plurality of photovoltaic power generation units 10 when the suppression by the control unit 140 is released. In other words, the estimation unit 130 estimates the total value of the maximum power generation amount of the plurality of photovoltaic power generation units 10 based on the current power generation amount of the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b. The maximum power generation amount of each photovoltaic power generation unit 10 is expressed by the following formula using the solar radiation intensity and the panel temperature of the power generation panel 14.

"i" is any solar power generation unit 10. "i" takes any value from 1 to "N". "N" is a natural number and is equal to the number of solar power generation units 10 in the microgrid 100. In other words, there are N solar power generation units 10 in the microgrid 100. "y _i " is the maximum power generation amount of any solar power generation unit 10, and its unit is kW. "a _i (t)" is a power generation capacity coefficient that depends on the panel temperature. "t" is the panel temperature of the power generation panel 14, and its unit is °C. "x" is the solar radiation intensity, and its unit is W/m ^2. The rated output of any solar power generation unit 10 is expressed by the following formula. In this specification, the "rated output" is the maximum power generation amount that can be generated under an environment of a reference temperature and a reference solar radiation intensity.

"y _i ^max " is the rated output of any solar power generation unit 10, and its unit is kW. "t ₀ " is the reference temperature, and its unit is °C. In this embodiment, the reference temperature is 25 °C. "x ₀ " is the reference solar irradiance, and its unit is W/m ^2. In this embodiment, the reference solar irradiance is 1000 W/m ² .

The maximum amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation equipment 4 in the microgrid 100 is expressed by the following formula. The maximum amount of power generated by the entire photovoltaic power generation equipment 4 is the total value of the maximum amount of power generated by all the photovoltaic power generation units 10 included in the microgrid 100.

"y _total " is the total value of the maximum power generation amount in all the photovoltaic power generation units 10 included in the microgrid 100 when the solar radiation intensity is "x" and the panel temperature is "t".

It is assumed that the multiple photovoltaic power generation units 10 include only one second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b, and the rest are first photovoltaic power generation units 10a. For example, of the "N" photovoltaic power generation units 10, the first to "N-1" photovoltaic power generation units 10 are the first photovoltaic power generation unit 10a, and the Nth photovoltaic power generation unit 10 is the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b. Therefore, the amount of power generated by the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b is represented as "y _N ", and the rated output of the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b is represented as "y _N ^max ". In this case, the following formula is established.

Therefore, by substituting equation (7) into equation (6) above, the following equation is obtained:

Equation (8) can be further modified as follows:

When generating power using multiple solar power generation units 10, it is possible to use the same power generation panel 14 in order to reduce costs. When the same power generation panel 14 is used, the temperature dependence of the power generation panel 14 of each solar power generation unit 10 can be considered to be the same. When the temperature dependence of the power generation panel 14 of each solar power generation unit 10 is the same, the power generation capacity coefficient "a _i " of each power generation panel 14 at the same temperature is equal. Therefore, in this case, the following formula holds.

By substituting equation (10) into equation (9), the following equation is obtained.

The following equation is obtained from equation (11):

This formula (12) is valid when differences in the mounting angle with respect to the sun, power generation loss due to snow accumulation, power generation loss due to PCS, etc., between the power generation panels 14 in the photovoltaic power generation facility 4 can be ignored. The total value of the rated output "y _i ^max " of each photovoltaic power generation unit 10 and the rated output "y _N ^max " of the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b can be obtained in advance. Therefore, if the current amount of power generation "y _N " of the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b is obtained, the maximum amount of power generation "y _total " in the entire photovoltaic power generation facility 4 can be estimated by substituting it into formula (12). In other words, the maximum amount of power generation "y _total " in the entire photovoltaic power generation facility 4 can be obtained by multiplying the current amount of power generation "y _N " of the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b by a predetermined coefficient. This coefficient is obtained by dividing the sum of the rated output "y _i ^max " of each photovoltaic power generation unit 10 by the rated output "y _N ^max " of the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b. This coefficient is stored in advance in the storage unit 120, for example.

The estimation unit 130 estimates the amount of power generated in the entire photovoltaic power generation facility 4 when the control by the control unit 140 is released, for example, by substituting the amount of power generated in the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b acquired by the acquisition unit 110 into “y _N ” in equation (12). The maximum amount of power generated in the entire photovoltaic power generation facility 4 is the sum of the maximum amounts of power generated in the multiple photovoltaic power generation units 10.

The estimation unit 130 may estimate the amount of power generation by a statistical method without using the above formula (12). For example, the maximum amount of power generation in the entire solar power generation facility 4 may be estimated by a regression model created based on data on the amount of power generation in the solar power generation unit 10.

In this case, for example, data on the amount of power generated by the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b during the time period during the past week when the control unit 140 did not suppress the amount of power generated by the first photovoltaic power generation unit 10a, and data on the amount of power generated by the entire photovoltaic power generation facility 4 are collected. In other words, the total value of the maximum amount of power generated by all the photovoltaic power generation units 10 in the microgrid 100 during the past week is collected.

Next, a regression model is created using the collected data. In the created regression model, for example, the amount of power generated by the second solar power generation unit 10b is used as the explanatory variable, and the amount of power generated by the entire solar power generation facility 4 is used as the objective variable. The created regression model is stored in advance in the memory unit 120. The created regression model is, for example, a linear regression model.

The estimation unit 130 estimates the maximum amount of power generated in the entire solar power generation facility 4 based on the created regression model and the current amount of power generated by the second solar power generation unit 10b. In this case, too, the maximum amount of power generated in the entire solar power generation facility 4 is found, for example, by multiplying the current amount of power generated by the second solar power generation unit 10b by a predetermined coefficient. The current amount of power generated by the second solar power generation unit 10b is acquired by the acquisition unit 110. When such a statistical method is used, the maximum amount of power generated in the entire solar power generation facility 4 can be estimated taking into account deterioration of the equipment due to dirt on the power generation panel 14, etc.

The estimation unit 130 may estimate the maximum amount of power generated in the entire photovoltaic power generation facility 4 based on a database stored in advance in the memory unit 120 and the current amount of power generated by the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b. In this case, the estimation unit 130 refers to the memory unit 120 and obtains from the database the maximum amount of power generated in the entire photovoltaic power generation facility 4 that corresponds to the current amount of power generated by the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b.

Next, an example of the process of the power management method executed by the management device 2 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the process executed by the management device 2. First, the management device 2 acquires the amount of power generated by the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b in the acquisition unit 110 (process S1).

Next, the management device 2 estimates the maximum amount of power generated in the photovoltaic power generation facility 4 in the estimation unit 130 (process S2). The estimation unit 130 estimates the total value of the maximum amount of power generated in the multiple photovoltaic power generation units 10 in the microgrid 100 based on the amount of power generated in the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b acquired in process S1.

Next, the management device 2 outputs the estimated amount of power generation in the estimation unit 130 (process S3). The estimation unit 130 outputs the total value of the maximum amount of power generation in the multiple photovoltaic power generation units 10 in the microgrid 100 as the maximum amount of power generation in the photovoltaic power generation facility 4. For example, the estimation unit 130 outputs the maximum amount of power generation in the photovoltaic power generation facility 4 to the control unit 140.

Next, the management device 2 controls the photovoltaic power generation equipment 4 and the load equipment 5 in the control unit 140 based on the amount of power generation estimated by the estimation unit 130 (process S4).

In step S3, the management device 2 may output the estimated amount of generated power to the outside of the management device 2. In this case, the management device 2 does not need to perform step S4.

Next, the hardware configuration of the management device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 2. The management device 2 includes a computer 150. The computer 150 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 151, a main memory unit 152, an auxiliary memory unit 153, a communication control unit 154, an input device 155, and an output device 156. The management device 2 is composed of one or more computers 150 composed of this hardware and software such as programs.

When the management device 2 is composed of multiple computers 150, these computers 150 may be connected locally or via a communication network such as the Internet or an intranet. This connection logically constructs one management device 2.

The CPU 151 executes an operating system, application programs, etc. The main memory unit 152 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The auxiliary memory unit 153 is a storage medium composed of a hard disk, a flash memory, etc. The auxiliary memory unit 153 generally stores a larger amount of data than the main memory unit 152. The auxiliary memory unit 153 functions as the above-mentioned memory unit 120, for example. The communication control unit 154 is composed of a network card or a wireless communication module. The input device 155 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The output device 156 is composed of a display, a printer, etc.

The auxiliary memory unit 153 stores the program 160 and data necessary for processing in advance. The program 160 causes the computer 150 to execute each functional element of the management device 2. The program 160 causes, for example, the above-mentioned processes S1 to S4 to be executed in the computer 150. For example, the program 160 is loaded by the CPU 151 or the main memory unit 152, and causes at least one of the CPU 151, the main memory unit 152, the auxiliary memory unit 153, the communication control unit 154, the input device 155, and the output device 156 to operate. For example, the program 160 reads and writes data in the main memory unit 152 and the auxiliary memory unit 153.

The program 160 may be provided in a form recorded on a tangible recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory. The program 160 may be provided as a data signal via a communication network.

Next, the effects of the power management system 1 of the present disclosure will be described. In the power management system 1, the total amount of power generated by the multiple photovoltaic power generation units 10 when control of the amount of power generated by the first photovoltaic power generation unit 10a is released is estimated based on the amount of power generated by the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b of the multiple photovoltaic power generation units 10. In this case, the second photovoltaic power generation unit 10b is a photovoltaic power generation unit included in the multiple photovoltaic power generation units 10, and the total amount of power generated by the multiple photovoltaic power generation units 10 is estimated based on the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation unit 10 itself. This can improve the accuracy of estimating the amount of power generated in the entire photovoltaic power generation facility 4.

As another method for estimating the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation unit 10, a separate actinometer may be installed near the power generation panel 14, and the amount of solar radiation measured by the actinometer and a thermometer may be used to perform the estimation. The power management system 1 estimates the amount of power generated by the entire photovoltaic power generation facility 4 without installing separate sensors such as an actinometer and a thermometer. Furthermore, the power management system 1 can realize the above estimation more easily than when estimation is performed using two variables, the amount of solar radiation and temperature. The power management system 1 can easily realize highly accurate feedback control without considering the time delay in the measurement by the actinometer and the difference in sample rate between the actinometer and the photovoltaic power generation unit 10.

Because the actinometer and the power generation panel are separate components, there is a risk of a difference between the amount of solar radiation measured by the actinometer and the amount of solar radiation incident on the power generation panel. For example, a situation may arise in which snow has accumulated on the actinometer but not on the power generation panel, or vice versa. In contrast, if snow has accumulated on the power generation panel 14 of the second solar power generation unit 10b, there is a high possibility that a similar amount of snow has accumulated on the power generation panel 14 of the first solar power generation unit 10a.

The reduction in the amount of power generated by a solar power generation unit due to snow accumulation has an extremely large impact on the accuracy of estimating the amount of power generated by a solar power generation facility. In principle, it is difficult to determine or estimate the presence or absence of snow accumulation and the amount of snow on a power generation panel using an actinometer. Furthermore, to determine or estimate the presence or absence of snow accumulation and the amount of snow accumulation using camera images, for example, a special image processing algorithm is required. Furthermore, many cameras are required to capture images of each power generation panel in a solar power generation facility. Considering these factors, it is not realistic to determine or estimate the presence or absence of snow accumulation and the amount of snow accumulation using camera images.

The actinometer is usually smaller than the power generation panel. For this reason, the sensor part of the actinometer may be shaded by birds, insects, etc. In this case, there is a risk that the amount of solar radiation may not be measured correctly. The power generation panel of the solar power generation unit 10 is less susceptible to the effects of shading by birds, etc.

In the power management system 1, the multiple solar power generation units 10 include multiple first solar power generation units 10a. The control unit 140 controls the suppression of the total amount of power generated in the multiple first solar power generation units 10a. The estimation unit 130 may estimate the total amount of power generated in the multiple solar power generation units 10 when the suppression by the control unit 140 is released, based on the amount of power generated in the second solar power generation unit 10b acquired by the acquisition unit 110. According to this configuration, in a configuration in which the total amount of power generated in the multiple first solar power generation units 10a is suppressed, the estimation accuracy of the amount of power generated in the multiple solar power generation facilities 4 as a whole can be improved.

The second solar power generation unit 10b is arranged in the center of the area α in which the multiple solar power generation units 10 are arranged. With this configuration, the amount of power generated in the multiple solar power generation facilities 4 as a whole is estimated based on the amount of power generated in the second solar power generation unit 10b arranged in the center. This reduces the difference between the amount of solar radiation received by the second solar power generation unit 10b and the amount of solar radiation received by the other solar power generation units. This further improves the accuracy of estimating the amount of power generated in the multiple solar power generation facilities 4 as a whole.

The multiple solar power generation units 10 are arranged in one microgrid 100. According to this configuration, the multiple solar power generation units 10 are arranged in an area α where one microgrid 100 can be realized. Therefore, the fluctuation difference in the amount of power generated depending on the surrounding environment such as the weather is reduced between the second solar power generation unit 10b and the other solar power generation units. Therefore, the accuracy of estimating the amount of power generated in the entire multiple solar power generation facilities 4 is further improved.

The multiple solar power generation units 10 are arranged in an area α with a radius of 10 kilometers or less. With this configuration, the multiple solar power generation units 10 are arranged in a limited area. This reduces the difference in fluctuation in the amount of power generated depending on the surrounding environment, such as the weather, between the second solar power generation unit 10b and the other solar power generation units. This further improves the accuracy of estimating the amount of power generated in the entire multiple solar power generation facilities 4.

The system further includes a memory unit 120. The memory unit 120 prestores information indicating the relationship between the amount of power generated in the second solar power generation unit 10b and the total amount of power generated by the multiple solar power generation units 10 when the control by the control unit 140 is released. The estimation unit 130 may estimate the total amount of power generated by the multiple solar power generation units 10 when the control by the control unit 140 is released, based on the information stored in the memory unit 120, the amount of power generated in the second solar power generation unit 10b acquired by the acquisition unit 110, and the information stored in the memory unit 120. In this case, the amount of power generated in the multiple solar power generation facilities 4 as a whole is easily estimated.

Although the embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and variations, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, the power management system 1 may be used for multiple microgrids 100. In this case, the power system connection devices 3 of the multiple microgrids 100 are connected to each other. One management device 2 may be provided for the multiple microgrids 100, or one or multiple management devices 2 may be provided for each microgrid 100.

The power management system 1 does not need to be connected to a power grid. In this case, the supply and demand of power is completed within the microgrid 100. That is, in the microgrid 100, all of the required power is provided by the photovoltaic power generation equipment 4. In the microgrid 100, all of the generated power is consumed by the load equipment 5 and the consumers 6.

In the above embodiment, the fuel cell vehicle V, the fuel cell power generation device B, the energy carrier C, and the drying equipment W are provided within the microgrid 100. However, the fuel cell vehicle V, the fuel cell power generation device B, the energy carrier C, and the drying equipment W may be provided outside the microgrid 100.

The power management system 1 may use the amount of power generation estimated by the estimation unit 130 for purposes other than controlling the load equipment 5 and the solar power generation equipment 4. For example, even when reverse power flow is normally prohibited, temporary reverse power flow may be required. For example, this may be the case when a need arises to temporarily supply power due to a power shortage in another microgrid 100. In this case, the estimation result by the estimation unit 130 may be used to calculate the amount of power that will be reversed when the suppression by the control unit 140 is released.

The estimation result of the estimation unit 130 may be used when the operator estimates the amount of power generation to be suppressed by the control unit 140, and when performing various controls based on the amount of power generation to be suppressed. The amount of power generation to be suppressed by the control unit 140 can be calculated, for example, by subtracting the amount of power generation actually being generated by the solar power generation facility 4 from the maximum amount of power generation in the solar power generation facility 4 estimated by the estimation unit 130.

Reference Signs List 1 Power management system 10 Photovoltaic power generation unit 10a First photovoltaic power generation unit 10b Second photovoltaic power generation unit 110 Acquisition unit 120 Storage unit 130 Estimation unit 140 Control unit 160 Program α Area

Claims (8)

a control unit that controls an amount of generated power in at least one first solar power generation unit among a plurality of solar power generation units that generate power in response to incidence of sunlight;
an acquisition unit that acquires a power generation amount of a second photovoltaic power generation unit different from the at least one first photovoltaic power generation unit among the plurality of photovoltaic power generation units;
an estimation unit that estimates a total value of the amount of power generated by the multiple solar power generation units when the control by the control unit is released, based on the amount of power generated by the second solar power generation unit acquired by the acquisition unit. the plurality of solar power generating units includes a plurality of first solar power generating units;
The control unit controls suppression of a total value of power generation amounts of the first photovoltaic power generation units,
2. The power management system of claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates a total value of the amount of power generated by the plurality of photovoltaic power generation units when the suppression by the control unit is released, based on the amount of power generated by the second photovoltaic power generation unit acquired by the acquisition unit. The power management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second solar power generation unit is arranged in the center of the area in which the multiple solar power generation units are arranged. The power management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of photovoltaic power generation units are arranged in one microgrid. The power management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of photovoltaic power generation units are arranged in an area having a radius of 10 kilometers or less. a storage unit that pre-stores information indicating a relationship between an amount of power generated by the second solar power generation unit and a total value of the amounts of power generated by the plurality of solar power generation units when the control by the control unit is released,
6. The power management system according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates a total value of the amount of power generated by the multiple solar power generation units when the control by the control unit is released, based on the information stored in the memory unit, the amount of power generated in the second solar power generation unit acquired by the acquisition unit, and the information stored in the memory unit. controlling an amount of generated power in at least one first solar power generation unit among a plurality of solar power generation units that generate power in response to incidence of sunlight;
acquiring a power generation amount of a second solar power generation unit different from the at least one first solar power generation unit among the plurality of solar power generation units;
and estimating a total value of the amount of power generated by the plurality of photovoltaic power generation units when the control is released based on the amount of power generated by the second photovoltaic power generation unit obtained. controlling an amount of generated power in at least one first solar power generation unit among a plurality of solar power generation units that generate power in response to incidence of sunlight;
acquiring a power generation amount of a second solar power generation unit different from the at least one first solar power generation unit among the plurality of solar power generation units;
and estimating a total value of the amount of power generated by the multiple solar power generation units when the control is released based on the amount of power generated by the second solar power generation unit that has been acquired.

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