JP7617874B2 - Hub system and communication control method - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a hub system and a communication control method.

Patent Document 1 discloses a communication device that mediates the exchange of power-related data between a server and equipment. In general, the communication protocols used for communication with distributed resources (DER: Distributed Energy Resources) such as solar power generation and storage batteries and peripheral devices such as PCS (Power Conditioning System) depend on the manufacturers of the distributed resources (DER) and peripheral devices. When communicating with such devices to obtain data related to power generated by the distributed resources (DER), an edge terminal that converts the manufacturer's proprietary communication protocol into a standard protocol is required. In addition, instead of communicating with the distributed resources (DER) and the like, there are cases where data must be obtained by communicating with servers (so-called clouds) in a data center operated by the distributed resources (DER) manufacturer.

When exchanging data related to power, communication devices often transfer data asynchronously. The sending device sends data to the communication device regardless of the status of the receiving device, and the sent data is temporarily stored by the communication device. The receiving device retrieves the data from the communication device when it is convenient (e.g., outside peak processing times). In asynchronous messaging systems, data is often delivered on a FIFO (First In First Out) basis, in which case the data is not time-synchronized.

JP 2018-201282 A

When considering a platform that processes information related to distributed resource (DER) power trading, it is necessary to collect and centrally manage data related to electricity (e.g., generated power) related to a large number of distributed resources (DER). In that case, it is necessary to absorb differences in communication protocols and communication destinations (whether communicating with devices such as distributed resources (DER) or with the cloud) and collect and manage a variety of data from various devices. For example, when it comes to data management, time synchronization of the data collected from each device is required.

This disclosure provides a hub system and a communication control method that solves the above problems.

The hub system of the present disclosure includes a communication unit that transmits and receives power data related to power generated or charged/discharged by a distributed resource, a control unit that associates the power data with time information indicating a measurement time of the power data and stores the data in a database, and the database, and the communication unit includes a communication means corresponding to a communication protocol used for communication by another device that is a destination of the power data. The hub system further includes an authentication unit that performs authentication using identification information and a password of the distributed resource related to the power data when transmitting and receiving the power data, and when the authentication unit first obtains the identification information and a predetermined initial password from the other device, the authentication unit may generate a unique password for each distributed resource, and the communication unit may transmit the generated unique password to the other device. Alternatively, the control unit may record in a log file the fact that the power data has been transmitted and received and the time of transmission and reception, and the fact that the power data has been stored in the database and the time of storage .

According to the communication control method of the present disclosure, a hub system receives power data from another device, which transmits and receives power data related to power generated or charged/discharged by a distributed resource, using a communication means corresponding to a communication protocol used by the other device for communication , and stores the power data in a database in association with time information indicating a measurement time of the power data. When transmitting and receiving the power data, authentication is performed using identification information and a password of the distributed resource related to the power data, and when the identification information and a predetermined initial password are first obtained from the other device, a unique password may be generated for each distributed resource, and the generated unique password may be transmitted to the other device. The transmission and reception of the power data and the time of transmission and reception, and the storage of the power data in the database and the time of storage may be recorded in a log file.

The hub system and communication control method disclosed herein can collect power-related data from multiple devices with different communication protocols and manage the time of each piece of data.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hub system according to an embodiment. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a power data storage and extraction process according to an embodiment. 4 is a first flowchart showing the operation of the hub system according to the embodiment. 11 is a second flowchart showing the operation of the hub system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a hub system according to an embodiment.

<Embodiment>
The hub system of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to FIGS.
(composition)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hub system according to an embodiment.
The hub system 10 is an IoT (Internet of Things) hub system that collects and stores data on the power of distributed resources (DERs), such as the power or amount of power generated or charged/discharged by a large number of distributed resources (DERs) (referred to as power data. The power data includes any or more (or all) of the amount of power generated or charged/discharged by the distributed resources (DERs), the instantaneous values of power, voltage, current, and power factor, and the measurement time when these values were measured. The power factor is used in a calculation to separate active power and reactive power for power.) and provides the power data to other systems. The distributed resources (DERs) are, for example, photovoltaics (PV: photovoltaic power generation equipment), energy storage systems (ESS: energy storage systems), small thermal power generation devices, and the like. The hub system 10 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a time synchronization unit 13, an authentication registration unit 14, a data processing unit 15, and a database 16.

The communication unit 11 includes a communication module, a device driver, a cloud driver (various software such as a driver used for communication with the cloud. The cloud driver includes, for example, a Web API), an API, etc., and uses these to communicate with other devices and systems and input and output data. The communication unit 11 has various types of communication modules (software) and communication devices (hardware), such as a communication module compatible with a manufacturer's unique communication protocol and a communication module compatible with a standard communication protocol, and device drivers required for the operation of the communication devices. It is configured to be able to communicate with a wide variety of distributed resources (DERs) and their peripheral devices without limiting the type or manufacturer of the distributed resources (DERs). In the example of FIG. 1, the hub system 10 includes a communication module and a communication device that can communicate with the upper system 1, clouds 4a, 4b, edge terminals 9a, 9b, unit controller 7b, etc., and a device driver for the communication device, and transmits and receives data to and from other devices such as the cloud 4a. The communication module, etc. may be added depending on the other devices that communicate with the hub system 10. Additionally, communication modules, communication devices, device drivers, cloud drivers, APIs, etc. are examples of communication means.

For example, PV2a is connected to PCS3a, and PCS3a converts the power generated by PV2a into AC power and supplies it to the load, while transmitting power data including the magnitude of the power generated by PV2a to cloud 4a operated by the manufacturer of PV2a. The power data includes, for example, identification information of PV2a and information on the power generated by PV2a (power amount, power, voltage, current, power factor, etc., the same below). Similarly, PCS3b transmits power data related to PV2b to cloud 4a. PCS3c transmits power data related to PV2c to cloud 4a. Cloud 4a acquires the power data transmitted from PCS3a to 3c from time to time and stores it in its own system, and adds time information (for example, the time when the power data was received from PCS3a is added as the measurement time of the power, etc. contained in the power data) and authentication passwords for PV2a to 2c to the power data and transmits it to the hub system 10. The communication unit 11 acquires the power data transmitted from the cloud 4a and outputs the acquired power data to the control unit 12.

ESS5a is connected to PCS3d, and PCS3d converts the power that ESS5a charges and discharges between the load and the load into DC power and AC power, and transmits power data including the magnitude of the power being charged and discharged to cloud 4b operated by the manufacturer of ESS5a. Similarly, PCS3e transmits power data related to the charging and discharging of ESS5b to cloud 4b. The power data includes, for example, identification information of ESS5a and information such as the power charged and discharged. Cloud 4b acquires the power data related to the charging and discharging from ESS5a and 5b at every moment and stores it in its own system, and adds time information (for example, the time when the power data was received from PCS3d is added as the measurement time of the power, etc. included in the power data) and the authentication password of ESS5a and 5b to the power data and transmits it to the hub system 10. Communication unit 11 acquires the power data transmitted from cloud 4b and outputs the acquired power data to control unit 12.

The power generation equipment 6a is controlled by a unit controller 7a. The unit controller 7a transmits power data including information on the power generated by the power generation equipment 6a, the time of measurement of the power, and identification information of the power generation equipment 6a to the edge terminal 9a. The edge terminal 9a acquires the power data transmitted from the power generation equipment 6a at every moment, and transmits the power data to which an authentication password for the power generation equipment 6a is added to the hub system 10. The communication unit 11 acquires the power data transmitted from the edge terminal 9a, and outputs the acquired power data to the control unit 12.

The power generation equipment 6b is controlled by a unit controller 7b. The unit controller 7b transmits power data to the hub system 10, including information on the power generated by the power generation equipment 6b, the measurement time of the power, etc., and the identification information and authentication password of the power generation equipment 6b. The communication unit 11 acquires the power data transmitted from the unit controller 7b and outputs the acquired power data to the control unit 12.

The smart meter 8 is connected to the edge terminal 9b, and the edge terminal 9b acquires power data from the smart meter 8 and transmits the power data to the edge terminal 9b. The power data includes the power etc. measured by the smart meter 8, the time when the power etc. was measured, and the identification information of the smart meter 8. The edge terminal 9b acquires the power data transmitted from the smart meter 8 every moment, and transmits the power data with an authentication password added to the hub system 10. The communication unit 11 acquires the power data transmitted from the edge terminal 9b, and outputs the acquired power data to the control unit 12.

In addition, the communication unit 11 can acquire information from other devices and systems. For example, the communication unit 11 may acquire the power price determined at the Japan Electric Power Exchange, weather data, consumer load, wiring system data, etc. The communication unit 11 also acquires information requesting power data from the upper system 1. The communication unit 11 transmits the power data corresponding to this request to the upper system 1. The upper system 1 is, for example, a distributed resource market trading device used for power trading within a distribution system area. The distributed resource market trading device is a base system (platform) operated by a market operator (DMO). In this power trading market, power is traded between a distribution system operator (DSO) that manages a certain distribution system and market participants. The market participants are owners of distributed resources (DERs) connected to the distribution system, or aggregators that bundle and manage multiple distributed resources (DERs), etc. The distributed resource market trading device (host system 1) requests power data related to the transaction (e.g., how much power to trade, etc.) from the hub system 10. The hub system 10 receives this request through the communication unit 11 and transmits the requested power data to the distributed resource market trading device (host system 1).

The control unit 12 performs input/output and storage of power data. For example, the control unit 12 writes and stores the power data acquired by the communication unit 11 in the database 16 using, for example, an API. At that time, the control unit 12 associates the power data acquired from other devices (such as the clouds 4a and 4b, edge terminals 9a and 9b, and unit controller 7b in FIG. 1) with time information and records them in the database 16. The measurement time of the power, etc. included in the power data can be used as the time information. In addition, the power data may be transmitted in a data format (data format) that differs depending on the manufacturer of the distributed resource (DER). In response to this, the control unit 12 converts various data formats into a predetermined data format. For example, the control unit 12 stores multiple data formats. In addition, part of the power data includes code information that indicates the data format. Then, the control unit 12 identifies the data format based on this code information and analyzes the power data in accordance with the identified data format. When the control unit 12 analyzes the power data, it extracts only the necessary data, converts it into a specified unified data format, and records the converted power data in the database 16 in association with time information (for example, if the converted data format has a time item, the measurement time is set in that item and recorded). The user may be able to register any data format in the hub system 10.

When the communication unit 11 acquires information requesting power data from the higher-level system 1, the control unit 12 uses the data processing unit 15 to extract the requested power data from the database 16. The control unit 12 transmits the power data extracted by the data processing unit 15 to the higher-level system 1 via the communication unit 11.

The control unit 12 has a logging function for recording event log data. An event is, for example, transmission and reception, storage, extraction, etc. of power data. For example, when the communication unit 11 receives power data from the cloud 4a, the control unit 12 adds the acquisition time, the number of acquired data items, identification information of the data acquisition source (in this example, the identification information of the cloud 4a), etc. to the event log file stored in the database 16. When the storage of the power data acquired from the cloud 4a in the database 16 is completed, the control unit 12 adds the completion time, identification information of the transmission source of the stored data (in this example, the identification information of the cloud 4a), etc. to the event log file of the database 16. When a request for power data is received from the upper system 1, the control unit 12 adds the time of the request, identification information of the request acquisition source (in this example, the identification information of the upper system 1), the content of the request, etc. to the event log file of the database 16. When the transmission of the requested power data to the upper system 1 is completed in response to a request from the upper system 1, the control unit 12 adds the completion time, the amount of data transmitted, the identification information of the transmission destination (in this example, the identification information of the upper system 1), etc. to the event log file of the database 16.

The time synchronization unit 13 adjusts and manages the system time of the hub system 10. For example, the time synchronization unit 13 queries an external NTP server for the current time and synchronizes the system time of the hub system 10 with the time of the NTP server. The time synchronization unit 13 also adjusts the time with the clouds 4a and 4b. For example, the time synchronization unit 13 periodically transmits a time confirmation signal to the clouds 4a and 4b. In response, the clouds 4a and 4b return their own time information to the time synchronization unit 13. For example, if the time of the cloud 4a is incorrect, the time synchronization unit 13 transmits a command signal to the cloud 4a to correct the time. The cloud 4a adjusts the time based on this command signal. The same is true for the cloud 4b. This synchronizes the time of the hub system 10 and the clouds 4a and 4b, ensuring the accuracy of the time information included in the power data.

The authentication registration unit 14 authenticates and registers the distributed resources (DER) (PVs 2a-2c, ESSs 5a-5b, and power generation devices 6a-6b in the example of FIG. 1) connected to the hub system 10. Each of the distributed resources (DER) connected to the hub system 10 is assigned unique identification information in advance for each type of distributed resource (DER). For example, when power data is first transmitted from PV 2a to the hub system 10 via PCS 3a and cloud 4a, cloud 4a transmits the identification information of PV 2a and a predetermined initial password common to all distributed resources (DER) to the hub system 10 and requests registration of PV 2a. The authentication registration unit 14 performs authentication using the identification information and initial password of PV 2a. The identification information of PV 2a may be registered in the database 16 in advance, and authentication may be performed using this identification information and initial password. If the authentication of PV2a is successful, the authentication registration unit 14 registers information about PV2a (e.g., identification information, type and name, manufacturer name, location information of the installation location of the distributed resource (DER) and the like) in the database 16 as a new distributed resource (DER). In addition, when the registration of PV2a is completed, the authentication registration unit 14 issues a new unique password to PV2a and notifies the unique password to the cloud 4a via the communication unit 11. The cloud 4a stores the identification information and password of PV2a in association with each other. Meanwhile, the control unit 12 records the unique password issued by the authentication registration unit 14 in the database 16 in association with the identification information of PV2a. From the next time onwards, when power data of PV2a is transmitted from the cloud 4a to the hub system 10, the unique password of PV2a is transmitted together with the power data. The authentication registration unit 14 performs authentication using the identification information and unique password of the PV 2a transmitted from the cloud 4a, and allows the reception of the power data only if the authentication is successful.

The data processing unit 15 processes data stored in the database 16. For example, when there is a request for power data from the higher-level system 1 specifying the identification information of a distributed resource (DER) and the measurement time of the power data as extraction conditions, the control unit 12 uses the API to instruct the data processing unit 15 to extract power data that satisfies the extraction conditions. The data processing unit 15 extracts power data from the database 16 based on the extraction conditions. In the above example, the data processing unit 15 extracts power data from the database 16 that has the identification information of the specified distributed resource (DER) and is accompanied by time information corresponding to the measurement time of the power data, such as the specified power.

The database 16 stores power data acquired from the clouds 4a, 4b, edge terminals 9a, 9b, etc., identification information and unique passwords for each distributed resource (DER), event log files, etc.

Next, the storage and extraction of power data will be described with reference to FIG. 2. When performing asynchronous communication, if the data processing method is FIFO, data is sent in the order in which it was acquired, and if the timing of transmission and reception is off, the receiving side may not be able to receive the desired data. In contrast, in this embodiment, the received power data is stored in database 16, and when another device requests power data, the power data corresponding to the request is extracted from database 16 and provided to the other device. This makes it possible to provide the power data desired by the other device even in asynchronous communication.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the process of storing and extracting power data.
The control unit 12 acquires, from the cloud 4a via the communication unit 11, power data 1A-3A including power etc. to which a measurement time 00:00:00 has been added, power data 1B-3B including power etc. to which a measurement time 00:05:00 has been added, and power data 1C-3C including power etc. to which a measurement time 00:10:00 has been added. The control unit 12 associates the values of power etc. included in the power data with the respective measurement times and records them in the database 16. That is, the power etc. of the power data 1A-3A are associated with the time 00:00:00, the power etc. of the power data 1B-3B are associated with the time 00:05:00, and the power etc. of the power data 1C-3C are associated with the time 00:10:00, and are recorded in the database 16. Similarly, when the control unit 12 acquires the power data 4 to 6 including power etc. to which the measurement time 00:05:00 has been added from the cloud 4B via the communication unit 11, the control unit 12 associates the power etc. of each data with the time 00:05:00 and records them in the database 16. Furthermore, when the control unit 12 acquires the power data 7 to 9 including the measurement time 00:05:00 and the power etc. measured at this time from the edge terminal 9a via the communication unit 11, the control unit 12 associates the power etc. of the power data 7 to 9 with the time 00:05:00 and records them in the database 16.

Next, the upper system 1 specifies the data type and time as extraction conditions, and requests the hub system 10 for power data that meets the extraction conditions. When the control unit 12 receives this request via the communication unit 11, it uses the API to notify the data processing unit 15 of the extraction conditions and instructs it to extract power data. For example, if the requested measurement time is 00:05:00 and the requested data type corresponds to power data 1A, 1B, 1C, 5, and 9, the data processing unit 15 extracts power data 1B, 5, and 9 from the database 16 and outputs the extracted data to the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits power data 1b, 5, and 9 to the upper system 1. Furthermore, with regard to these processes, the control unit 12 records the logs of each process in an event log file.

Here, the meaning of adding (associating) time information when recording power data will be described.
(1) For example, when electricity market trading is performed within a distribution area, the settlement of the electricity trading is calculated based on a comparison between the electricity actually supplied by the electricity supplier (the owner of distributed resources (DER)) during the contract time period (the time period from the supply disclosure time to the supply end time) on the transaction contract date (for example, the actual measured value of electricity measured every moment by a smart meter, etc.) and the planned value of the hourly supply electricity. In order to perform such a calculation, it is necessary to add information on the measurement time to the actual measured value data of the supplied electricity. In particular, when a market operator (DMO) in a distribution area trades electricity with multiple market participants (owners of distributed resources (DER)), each of the actual measured value data of the supplied electricity at various measurement times associated with each distributed resource (DER) is transmitted and received in random order with a different communication delay time, so it is essential to add information on the measurement time to the actual measured value data of the supplied electricity.

(2) A distributed resource market trading device (upper system 1) within the distribution system area acquires instantaneous power data such as voltage (V) and current (A) along with the amount of power (kWh) at each specified point in the distribution system. The distributed resource market trading device (upper system 1) acquires this data and checks whether the voltage and current values at each point in the distribution system are within the system's tolerance range (whether there are any abnormalities at each point). In order to know which point has an abnormality in voltage, etc., it is necessary to compare the voltage, etc. data acquired at each point at the same time and perform calculations, etc. (compare the conditions at each point at the same time), so it is essential to add the measurement time of the voltage, etc. data.

(Operation)
<Data registration>
Next, the operation of the hub system 10 will be described by taking as an example the communication between the cloud 4a and the hub system 10. FIG.
Assume that this is the first time that the power data of the PV 2a is transmitted to the hub system 10. The cloud 4a receives the power data of the PV 2a from the PCS 3a (step S1). The cloud 4a transmits identification information of the PV 2a and a predetermined initial password to the hub system 10, and requests registration of the PV 2a (step S2).

In the hub system 10, the communication unit 11 receives the registration request, and the control unit 12 requests authentication by sending the identification information and initial password of PV2a to the authentication registration unit 14. The authentication registration unit 14 authenticates PV2a and notifies the control unit 12 of the authentication result. If the authentication is successful, the control unit 12 registers PV2a in the database 16 (step S3). The authentication registration unit 14 also issues a unique password for PV2a (step S3). The control unit 12 obtains the unique password issued by the authentication registration unit 14, and sends the unique password of PV2a to the cloud 4a via the communication unit 11 (step S4).

The control unit 12 adds each event related to the above processing, such as (1) receiving a registration request from cloud 4a, (2) registering PV2a, and (3) sending the unique password of PV2a to cloud 4a, to an event log file.

The cloud 4a stores the password unique to PV2a in association with the identification information of PV2a (step S5). The cloud 4a adds the time information and the unique password to the power data of PV2a and transmits it to the hub system 10 (step S6).

In the hub system 10, the communication unit 11 receives the power data, and the control unit 12 transmits the identification information and unique password of PV 2a to the authentication registration unit 14 to request authentication. The authentication registration unit 14 authenticates PV 2a (step S7) and notifies the control unit 12 of the success or failure of the authentication. If the authentication is successful, the control unit 12 converts the power data transmitted from the cloud 4a into a specified data format, associates the measured values such as power with time information, and writes and stores them in the database 16 (step S8). The control unit 12 notifies the cloud 4a of the processing results, such as the completion of saving the power data, via the communication unit 11 (step S9).

The control unit 12 adds each event, such as (1) receiving power data from the cloud 4a, (2) success or failure of authentication, and (3) saving of power data, to the event log file for the above processing steps S5 to S9.

In the above explanation, an example was given in which the initial registration process and the power data storage process are executed in two separate steps, but the power data may be sent when the registration request is made in step S2, and the power data may be stored together with the issuance of a unique password.

The process of transmitting power data for the second time and thereafter will be briefly described. The cloud 4a receives the power data of the PV 2a from the PCS 3a (step S10). The cloud 4a adds time information and the unique password of the PV 2a to the power data and transmits it to the hub system 10 (step S11).

In the hub system 10, the communication unit 11 receives the power data, and the authentication registration unit 14 performs authentication using the identification information and unique password of the PV 2a (step S12). If the authentication is successful, the control unit 12 converts the power data sent from the cloud 4a into a predetermined data format, associates the measured values such as power with time information, and stores them in the database 16 (step S13). The control unit 12 notifies the cloud 4a of the processing results such as the completion of saving the power data via the communication unit 11 (step S14). The control unit 12 adds the occurrence of each event such as (1) receiving power data from the cloud 4a, (2) success or failure of authentication, and (3) saving of the power data to an event log file.

<Data Extraction>
Next, the operation of the hub system 10 will be described taking as an example the communication between the host system 1 and the hub system 10. FIG.
The upper system 1 requests power data by specifying extraction conditions to the hub system 10 (step S21). The extraction conditions may include, for example, conditions for time information (measurement time) associated with the amount of power, power, voltage, current, power factor, etc. of the power data (for example, the associated time is in the range of XX:XX:XX to YY:YY:YY), the type of distributed resource (DER), the amount of power, location information of the distributed resource (DER), etc. The request for power data also includes identification information and a unique password of the upper system 1.

In the hub system 10, the communication unit 11 receives the request, and the control unit 12 requests authentication by sending the identification information of the higher-level system 1 and a unique password to the authentication registration unit 14. The authentication registration unit 14 authenticates the higher-level system 1 (step S22). If the authentication is successful, the control unit 12 notifies the data processing unit 15 of the extraction conditions and instructs it to extract power data. The data processing unit 15 extracts power data that satisfies the extraction conditions from the database 16 (step S23) and outputs the data to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 transmits the extracted power data to the higher-level system 1 via the communication unit 11 (step S24).

The control unit 12 adds each event related to the above processing, such as (1) receiving a request from the higher-level system 1, (2) success or failure of authentication, (3) extraction of power data, and (4) transmission of the extracted power data, to an event log file.

(effect)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to collect and store power data from a plurality of other devices having different communication protocols and data formats, absorbing the differences between them, and to manage the time of each piece of power data. In addition, it is possible to extract power data based on extraction conditions and transmit it to other devices. Since it is possible to transmit and receive power data in cooperation with various distributed resources (DERs), their peripheral devices, and other systems, it is possible to apply and use it as a platform for processing information on power trading related to distributed resources (DERs). Furthermore, when communicating with distributed resources (DERs), etc., authentication is performed using identification information and a unique password, so that data security can be ensured. Furthermore, since a unique password can be automatically issued and managed at the time of initial registration, it is possible to reduce the effort of password management even if the number of distributed resources (DERs) registered in the hub system 10 becomes enormous. Furthermore, since it is possible to record the history of transmission and reception of power data in an event log file, it is possible to grasp the usage status of the hub system 10 and the operating status of each distributed resource (DER), and to use it to investigate the cause of an accident.

In the above embodiment, the configuration of FIG. 1 has been described as an example, but the configuration of the hub system 10 is not limited to the example of FIG. 1. For example, the time synchronization unit 13, the authentication registration unit 14, and the data processing unit 15 may be implemented in the same computer as the control unit 12. In that case, an API is not necessarily required for communication between the control unit 12 and the time synchronization unit 13, the authentication registration unit 14, and the data processing unit 15, and data exchange may be performed by other means. Alternatively, the control unit 12 and all or part of the time synchronization unit 13, the authentication registration unit 14, and the data processing unit 15 may be configured as an integrated unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the hub system 10. As shown in FIG.
The computer 900 includes a CPU 901 , a main memory device 902 , an auxiliary memory device 903 , an input/output interface 904 , and a communication interface 905 .
The above-mentioned hub system 10 is implemented in one or more computers 900. Each of the above-mentioned functions is stored in the auxiliary storage device 903 in the form of a program. The CPU 901 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 903, loads it in the main storage device 902, and executes the above-mentioned processing in accordance with the program. The CPU 901 also reserves a storage area in the main storage device 902 in accordance with the program. The CPU 901 also reserves a storage area in the auxiliary storage device 903 for storing data being processed in accordance with the program.

A program for implementing all or part of the functions of the hub system 10 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into the computer system and executed to perform processing by each functional unit. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. In addition, if a WWW system is used, the term "computer system" also includes the home page providing environment (or display environment). In addition, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as CDs, DVDs, and USBs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. In addition, if the program is distributed to the computer 900 via a communication line, the computer 900 that receives the program may expand the program into the main storage device 902 and execute the above processing. In addition, the program may be for implementing part of the functions described above, and may further be capable of implementing the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

As described above, several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, but all of these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as in the scope and gist of the invention.

<Additional Notes>
The hub system and the communication control method described in the embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

(1) A hub system according to a first aspect includes a communication unit that transmits and receives power data (electric energy, power, voltage, current, power factor, etc.) related to power generated or charged/discharged by distributed resources (DERs (Distributed Energy Resources)), a control unit that associates the power data with time information indicating the measurement time of the power data (measurement time of electric energy, power, voltage, current, power factor, etc.; for instantaneous values of power, etc., the measurement time of each value; in the case of electric energy, the measurement start time and/or end time, etc.) and registers the data in a database, and the database, wherein the communication unit includes a communication means (a communication module, a communication device and device driver, an API, a Web API (cloud driver), etc.) corresponding to a communication protocol used for communication by another device to which the power data is transmitted or received.
This makes it possible to collect power data related to power generated by the distributed resources (DER) from multiple other devices with different communication protocols and manage the time of each piece of data. Also, the power data can be stored in a database.

(2) A hub system according to a second aspect is a hub system as in (1), wherein the communication unit receives information from the other device requesting the power data for which extraction conditions including the time information are specified, the control unit (control unit 12 and data processing unit 15) extracts the power data that satisfies the extraction conditions from the database, and the communication unit transmits the extracted power data to the other device.
This allows necessary data to be extracted from the power data stored in the database and used by other devices. By storing the power data in the database and making it possible to extract it at will, desired power data can be referenced even if some time has passed since the power data was transmitted from the distributed resource (DER) side.

(3) A hub system according to a third aspect is the hub system of (1) to (2), wherein the control unit converts the power data into a predetermined data format and registers the data in the database.
By supporting not only the communication protocol but also the data format of the power data according to the manufacturer's proprietary format, it becomes easier to centrally manage the power data.

(4) A hub system according to a fourth aspect is a hub system according to any one of (1) to (3), further comprising an authentication unit that performs authentication using identification information and a password of the distributed resource related to the power data when transmitting and receiving the power data.
This prevents other devices from being connected without restriction, and makes it possible to collect, store, and provide power data only regarding distributed resources (DERs) that have been successfully authenticated.

(5) A hub system according to a fifth aspect is a hub system as defined in (4), wherein when the authentication unit first obtains the identification information and a predetermined initial password from the other device, the authentication unit issues a unique password for each of the distributed resources, and the communication unit transmits the issued unique password to the other device.
This eliminates the need to set a password for each distributed resource (DER).

(6) A hub system according to a sixth aspect is a hub system according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control unit records in a log file the transmission and reception of the power data and the time of transmission and reception, the storage of the power data in the database and the time of storage.
This allows for a trail of the receipt, storage, and transmission of power data.

(7) In the communication control method according to the seventh aspect, the hub system receives power data from another device that transmits and receives power data related to the power generated or charged/discharged by the distributed resource using a communication means (such as a communication module, a communication device and device driver, an API, a Web API (cloud driver), etc.) corresponding to a communication protocol used by the other device for communication, and stores the power data in a database in association with time information indicating the measurement time of the power data.

1... Upper system 2a to 2c... PV
3a-3e...PCS
4a, 4b... Cloud 5a-5b... ESS
Reference numerals 6a to 6b: power generation devices 7a to 7b: unit controller 8: smart meters 9a to 9b: edge terminal 10: hub system 11: communication unit 12: control unit 13: time synchronization unit 14: authentication registration unit 15: data processing unit 16: database 900: computer 901: CPU
902: Main memory device 903: Auxiliary memory device 904: Input/output interface 905: Communication interface

Claims (4)

a communication unit that transmits and receives power data related to power generated or charged/discharged by the distributed resources;
a control unit that associates the power data with time information indicating a measurement time of the power data and stores the associated data in a database;
The database;
an authentication unit that performs authentication using identification information and a password of the distributed resource related to the power data when transmitting and receiving the power data;
Equipped with
the communication unit includes a communication means corresponding to a communication protocol used for communication by another device to which the power data is transmitted or received,
the authentication unit generates a unique password for each of the distributed resources when first acquiring the identification information and a predetermined initial password from the other device;
The communication unit transmits the generated unique password to the other device.
Hub system. a communication unit that transmits and receives power data related to power generated or charged/discharged by the distributed resources;
a control unit that associates the power data with time information indicating a measurement time of the power data and stores the associated data in a database;
The database;
Equipped with
the communication unit includes a communication means corresponding to a communication protocol used for communication by another device to which the power data is transmitted or received,
The control unit records, in a log file, the fact that the power data has been transmitted and received, the time of transmission and reception, and the fact that the power data has been stored in the database, and the time of storage.
Hub system. The hub system is
receiving power data from another device, the power data being related to power generated or charged/discharged by the distributed resource, using a communication means corresponding to a communication protocol used by the other device for communication;
storing the power data in a database in association with time information indicating a time when the power data was measured;
When transmitting and receiving the power data, authentication is performed using identification information and a password of the distributed resource related to the power data;
Regarding the authentication, when the identification information and a predetermined initial password are first obtained from the other device, a unique password is generated for each of the distributed resources, and the unique password generated is transmitted to the other device.
Communications control method. The hub system is
receiving power data from another device, the power data being related to power generated or charged/discharged by the distributed resource, using a communication means corresponding to a communication protocol used by the other device for communication;
storing the power data in a database in association with time information indicating a time when the power data was measured;
recording in a log file the fact that the power data has been transmitted and received, the time of transmission and reception, and the fact that the power data has been stored in the database, and the time of storage;
Communications control method.

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