JP7745467B2 - Display System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a display system that includes a power supply device that is installed in each of a plurality of facilities and is capable of outputting power, and a display device that is installed in each of the facilities.

In addition to traditional large-scale power plants, power supply devices such as generators and charge/discharge devices installed in facilities such as homes and businesses are also connected to the power grid. Power load devices installed in these facilities are also connected to the power grid. Using these power supply devices and power load devices to increase or decrease the facility's power receiving point can contribute to balancing the supply and demand of electricity in the power grid. In recent years, under the concept of a virtual power plant (VPP), attempts have been made to provide functionality equivalent to that of a power plant by controlling the operation of consumer-side energy resources such as the power supply devices and power load devices installed in consumer facilities. Note that the term "power receiving point of a facility" includes both the power received from the power grid to the facility and the reverse power flow from the facility to the power grid.

Patent Document 1 (JP 2018-125907 A) describes a system that includes power resources installed in multiple facilities and a virtual central power generation unit that can communicate with the multiple power resources. The virtual central power generation unit then selects the power resource to be the target of an operation command based on factors such as economic efficiency and the impact on consumers.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-125907

In the system described in Patent Document 1, a virtual central power generation unit controls power resources. Therefore, if the power resources installed in a facility are power load devices such as air conditioners or washing machines, it is possible that the power load devices may operate or become unable to operate against the plans or wishes of the facility users (for example, residents if the facility is a residence).

The object of the present invention is to provide a display system that can appropriately adjust power usage across multiple facilities without violating the schedules and wishes of users of each facility.

A characteristic configuration of a display system according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a display system including a power supply device installed in each of a plurality of facilities and capable of outputting electric power, and a display device installed in each of the facilities,
the power supply device includes a power supply unit connected to an electric power grid;
a power load device installed in the facility is configured to receive power supply from at least one of the power supply device and the power grid installed in the facility;
a transmitting unit that transmits an output control command to the facility to increase or decrease power at a power receiving point of the facility during a predetermined control target period;
When the output control command is calculated, the display device displays a request message indicating the request content regarding the power usage in the facility, which is generated based on the individual usage status, which is the power usage status in the facility in which the display device is installed.

According to the above characteristic configuration, when an output control command is calculated to increase or decrease the facility's power receiving point power during a specified control period, a request message regarding power usage is displayed on the display device. Users of the facility where the display device displaying the request message is installed can check the request message and plan their use of the power load devices during the control period based on the content of the request message. Furthermore, the users can adjust their power usage during the control period at their own discretion in response to the request message. This makes it possible to adjust power usage during control periods at multiple facilities without violating the schedules or wishes of the users of each facility.

Furthermore, with the above characteristic configuration, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the facility for which the request message should be displayed is selected based on the individual usage status, which is the power usage status of each facility. As a result, the request message is displayed on the display device of the appropriate facility. It is also possible to realize a configuration in which the content of the request message is determined based on the individual usage status. As a result, a request message with appropriate content is displayed.

In this way, by displaying a request message on the display device of the appropriate facility, or by displaying a request message with appropriate content, appropriate adjustments to power usage across multiple facilities can be achieved.

As a result of the above, the above-mentioned features and configuration make it possible to build a display system that can appropriately adjust power usage across multiple facilities without violating the schedules and wishes of users at each facility.

Another characteristic feature of the display system of the present invention is that, when the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined first condition, the display device displays the request message requesting that the power usage be maintained during the control period.

With this characteristic configuration, in response to a request message requesting that power usage be maintained, users of the facility where the display device displaying the request message is installed maintain their power usage during the control period, thereby suppressing fluctuations in power usage at the facility. As a result, the power receiving point power at the facility during the control period is more likely to be maintained at an appropriate value.

Another characteristic feature of the display system of the present invention is that the first condition includes the fluctuation range of power consumption being larger than a predetermined standard, or the number of fluctuations in power consumption being greater than a predetermined standard.

With the above characteristic configuration, a request message requesting that power usage be maintained during the control period is displayed in facilities where power usage fluctuates relatively widely or where power usage fluctuates relatively frequently. Therefore, a display system can be realized that can display a request message requesting that power usage be maintained in facilities that are appropriate targets for the request.

Another characteristic feature of the display system of the present invention is that, when the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined second condition, the display device displays the request message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period.

The above characteristic configuration allows for the realization of a display system that can, by appropriately setting the second condition, display a request message on the display device requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period, depending on the situation.

Another characteristic feature of the display system of the present invention is that when the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for reducing the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities, and the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined second condition, the display device displays the request message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period.

With the above-described characteristic configuration, in response to a request message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period, users of the facility where the display device displaying the request message is installed will reduce their power usage, thereby reducing power usage at the facility. In other words, the power receiving point power during the control period at the facility will be more likely to decrease.

Another characteristic feature of the display system of the present invention is that the second condition includes power consumption being higher than a predetermined standard.

The above characteristic configuration allows a request message requesting a reduction in power usage to be displayed in facilities with relatively high power usage. Therefore, a display system can be realized that can display a request message requesting a reduction in power usage in facilities that are appropriate targets for the request.

Another characteristic feature of the display system of the present invention is that if the calculation of the output control command is for reducing the power receiving point power during the control period across all of the multiple facilities, and if the individual usage status does not satisfy the second condition, the display device displays the request message requesting that the power usage be maintained during the control period.

With this characteristic configuration, in response to a request message requesting that power usage be maintained, users of the facility where the display device displaying the request message is installed maintain their power usage during the control period, thereby suppressing fluctuations in power usage at the facility. As a result, the power receiving point power at the facility during the control period is more likely to be maintained at an appropriate value.

Another characteristic feature of the display system of the present invention is that, when the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined third condition, the display device displays the request message requesting an increase in power usage during the control period.

The above characteristic configuration allows for the realization of a display system that can, by appropriately setting the third condition, display a request message on the display device requesting an increase in power usage during the control period, depending on the situation.

Another characteristic feature of the display system of the present invention is that when the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for increasing the power receiving point power during the control period across multiple facilities, and the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined third condition, the display device displays the request message requesting an increase in power usage during the control period.

With the above-described characteristic configuration, in response to a request message requesting an increase in power usage, users of the facility where the display device displaying the request message is installed increase their power usage during the control period, thereby increasing power usage at the facility. In other words, the power receiving point power at the facility is more likely to increase during the control period.

Another characteristic feature of the display system of the present invention is that the third condition includes power consumption being less than a predetermined standard.

The above characteristic configuration allows a request message requesting an increase in power usage to be displayed in facilities with relatively low power usage. Therefore, a display system can be realized that can display a request message requesting an increase in power usage in facilities that are appropriate targets for the request.

Another characteristic feature of the display system of the present invention is that if the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for increasing the power receiving point power during the control period across all of the multiple facilities, and the individual usage status does not satisfy the third condition, the display device displays the request message requesting that the power usage be maintained during the control period.

With this characteristic configuration, in response to a request message requesting that power usage be maintained, users of the facility where the display device displaying the request message is installed maintain their power usage during the control period, thereby suppressing fluctuations in power usage at the facility. As a result, the power receiving point power at the facility during the control period is more likely to be maintained at an appropriate value.

Another characteristic feature of the display system of the present invention is that the transmitter sends the output control command to the facility based on a supply command for adjustment capacity, etc. (i.e., adjustment capacity provided to electricity transmission and distribution companies and supply capacity provided to retail companies, etc.; the same applies below) from a company that trades electricity in the electricity trading market.

According to the above characteristic configuration, when multiple facilities each provide their own adjustment capacity in response to a command to provide adjustment capacity, a request message is displayed on the display device, making it possible to adjust the power usage at multiple facilities without going against the schedules or wishes of the users of each facility. This allows multiple facilities to provide adjustment capacity without going against the schedules or wishes of the users of each facility.

Another characteristic configuration of the display system according to the present invention is
a management device capable of communicating with the plurality of power supply devices from outside the facility;
the management device includes the transmission unit and a display command generation unit that generates the request message based on the output control command and the individual usage status;
The transmitting unit transmits the request message generated by the display command generating unit to the display device of the facility.

The above characteristic configuration eliminates the need to provide a display command generation unit at each facility. This avoids the situation where the cost of building a display system increases when there are a relatively large number of facilities, due to providing a display command generation unit at each facility.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between facilities, a management device, and an aggregation coordinator. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a facility configuration. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a control period and a non-control period. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration related to display of a request message. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the remote controller displaying a first request message. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the remote controller displaying a second request message. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the remote controller displaying a third request message. 10 is a flowchart of a first control flow. 10 is a flowchart of a second control flow. 10 is a flowchart of a third control flow. 10 is a flowchart of a fourth control flow of another embodiment <9>.

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between facilities 20 in which fuel cell devices 10 and power load devices 4 are installed, a management device 30, and an aggregation coordinator 40. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the facility 20. The display system comprises a fuel cell device 10 installed in each of a plurality of facilities 20 and capable of outputting power, and a management device 30 that can communicate with the plurality of fuel cell devices 10 from a remote location outside the facility 20. Note that the number of management devices 30 and the number of facilities 20 shown in Fig. 1 can be changed as appropriate.
The fuel cell device 10 corresponds to the "power supply device" of the present invention. The display system also functions as a power supply management system.

The management device 30 is owned by a business operator. The business operator, also known as a resource aggregator, controls the consumer-side energy resources of facilities 20 that have concluded a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) service contract by transmitting control information to the fuel cell devices 10 and power load devices 4, which serve as consumer-side energy resources.

The aggregation coordinator 40 is an operator that aggregates the amount of electricity controlled by each management device 30 and conducts electricity transactions with general electricity transmission and distribution companies and retail electricity companies in the electricity trading market (supply and demand adjustment market, wholesale electricity market, capacity market, etc.).

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the management device 30 sequentially collects power information from multiple facilities 20, such as the output power of the fuel cell device 10, the load power (power usage, the same applies below) of the power load devices 4, and the power receiving point power of the power meter 3 at the facility 20, and stores this information in chronological order. Note that in this embodiment, the term "load power of the power load devices 4" refers to the total load power of all the power load devices 4 installed in the facility 20. The management device 30 then predicts the power that can be supplied from each facility 20 during a specified time period in the future and transmits this to the aggregation coordinator 40. This available power is the adjustment margin, such as the facility 20's ability to increase or decrease the power receiving point power. In this embodiment, "increasing the power receiving point" means increasing the power received from power grid 1 to power line 2, or decreasing the reverse flow power from power line 2 to power grid 1, and "decreasing the power receiving point" means decreasing the power received from power grid 1 to power line 2, or increasing the reverse flow power from power line 2 to power grid 1.

For example, to increase the power receiving point power of the facility 20, it is sufficient to at least either reduce the output power of the fuel cell device 10 or increase the load power of the power load device 4. Therefore, the upward adjustment margin when increasing the power receiving point power of the facility 20 indicates how much margin there is for reducing the output power of the fuel cell device 10, and how much margin there is for increasing the load power of the power load device 4. Furthermore, to decrease the power receiving point power of the facility 20, it is sufficient to at least either increase the output power of the fuel cell device 10 or reduce the load power of the power load device 4. Therefore, the downward adjustment margin when decreasing the power receiving point power of the facility 20 indicates how much margin there is for increasing the output power of the fuel cell device 10, and how much margin there is for decreasing the load power of the power load device 4.

The management device 30 also determines the baseline power receiving point power for the multiple facilities 20 it manages. This baseline power receiving point power corresponds to the total predicted power receiving point power for each facility 20 if no adjustment capacity, etc. is provided from each facility 20.

The aggregation coordinator 40 aggregates the available electricity received from each management device 30 and trades electricity with general electricity transmission and distribution companies and retail electricity suppliers by bidding on electricity trading markets such as the supply and demand adjustment market, wholesale electricity market, and capacity market. When the aggregation coordinator 40 receives a supply command for adjustment capacity, etc. for a specified future control period from the general electricity transmission and distribution company or retail electricity supplier with which it has traded, it distributes and transmits the adjustment capacity, etc. specified in the supply command to each management device 30.

When the management device 30 receives a supply command from the aggregation coordinator 40, it distributes and transmits the adjustment capacity, etc. specified in the supply command to each facility 20. As a result, at each facility 20, control of the fuel cell devices 10 and power load devices 4 as consumer-side energy resources is performed during a specified future control period, and adjustment capacity, etc. is provided, causing the facility 20's receiving point power to increase or decrease compared to if that control were not performed.

The facility 20 is equipped with a fuel cell device 10 as a power supply device and a power load device 4. The fuel cell device 10 and the power load device 4 are connected to a power line 2 that is linked to the power grid 1. A power meter 3 is installed on the power line 2 to measure the power at the receiving point of the facility 20. Note that while Figures 1 and 2 show an example in which one fuel cell device 10 is installed as a power supply device, the number of installed power supplies can be changed as appropriate.

Information about the power receiving point power measured by the power meter 3 is transmitted to the management device 30 via the gateway 5 and router 6. For example, information about the power receiving point power is transmitted to the management device 30 at a predetermined interval, such as every 10 seconds.

The power load device 4 is a variety of devices, such as lighting devices and air conditioning devices, and can receive power from at least one of the fuel cell device 10 and the power grid 1 installed in the facility 20.

In this way, the power load device 4 installed in the facility 20 is configured to receive power supply from at least one of the fuel cell device 10 installed in the facility 20 and the power grid 1.

The fuel cell device 10 includes a fuel cell unit 12 as a power source connected to the power grid 1, a power conversion unit 11 that converts the power generated by the fuel cell unit 12 to a predetermined voltage, frequency, and phase and supplies it to the power line 2, a fuel cell control unit 13 that controls the operation of the fuel cell unit 12 and the power conversion unit 11, and a memory unit 14 that stores information handled by the fuel cell device 10. The fuel cell device 10 may also include a fuel reformer that generates hydrogen, which is the fuel gas for the fuel cell unit 12.

That is, the fuel cell device 10 has a fuel cell section 12 that is connected to the power grid 1.

The fuel cell control unit 13 can adjust the output power from the fuel cell device 10 to the power line 2 between a predetermined upper limit output power and a predetermined lower limit output power. For example, the fuel cell control unit 13 can maintain the output power of the fuel cell device 10 at the upper limit output power and operate it continuously. The fuel cell control unit 13 can also operate the fuel cell device 10 so that the output power of the fuel cell device 10 follows the load power of the power load device 4. For example, the fuel cell control unit 13 can operate the fuel cell device 10 so that the output power of the fuel cell device 10 follows the load power of the power load device 4 by adjusting the output power of the fuel cell device 10 so that the power measured by the power measurement unit 8 (i.e., the power supplied from the power grid 1) becomes zero or close to zero.
In addition to load following control, the fuel cell control unit 13 can perform control to increase or decrease the output power of the fuel cell device 10 so that the power at the receiving point of the facility 20 detected by the power meter 3 becomes a predetermined power value.

The fuel cell control unit 13 has information about the output power supplied from the power conversion unit 11 to the power line 2 and information about the power measured by the power measurement unit 8, so it can derive the load power of the power load device 4 (= output power + measured power). If the sign of the power measured by the power measurement unit 8 is positive, this means that the load power is greater than the output power of the fuel cell device 10, and if the sign of the power measured by the power measurement unit 8 is negative, this means that the output power of the fuel cell device 10 is greater than the load power.

The fuel cell device 10 is connected to a remote control 7 (corresponding to the "display device" according to the present invention) that is operated by users of the facility 20 when issuing commands to the fuel cell device 10. Information about the output power and load power of the fuel cell device 10 is transmitted to the management device 30 via the remote control 7 and router 6. For example, information about the output power and load power of the fuel cell device 10 is transmitted to the management device 30 at a predetermined interval, such as every minute. A remote control 7 is installed in each facility 20.

As such, the display system includes a fuel cell device 10 that is installed in each of multiple facilities 20 and is capable of outputting power, and a remote control 7 that is installed in each facility 20.

The management device 30 can transmit output control commands (power receiving point power increase/decrease commands) to multiple fuel cell devices 10 that determine the output power (individual adjustment capabilities, etc.) of the fuel cell devices 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the output control commands are included in the control information described above. When the fuel cell device 10 receives an output control command from the management device 30, it operates in a first operating mode that aims to supply output power determined based on the output control command during the control period covered by the output control command, and operates in a second operating mode that is different from the first operating mode during the non-control period outside the control period.

The first operating mode is an operating mode that adjusts the output power of multiple fuel cell devices 10 during a control period on days when an output control command (such as a request to increase or decrease output in the supply and demand balancing market or a command to activate the capacity market) is expected in the supply and demand balancing market, wholesale electricity market, or capacity market.

The second operating mode is an operating mode that is preset in multiple fuel cell devices 10. Alternatively, the management device 30 can send an operating mode control command that determines the second operating mode to multiple fuel cell devices 10, and the fuel cell devices 10 determine the second operating mode in accordance with the operating mode control command received from the management device 30. For example, the second operating mode is an operation that maintains the output power of the fuel cell device 10 at an upper limit output power (rated output operation), an operation that causes the output power of the fuel cell device 10 to follow the load power of the power load device 4 (load following operation), etc.

Figure 3 is a diagram that schematically illustrates the controlled period and the non-controlled period. In the example shown in Figure 3, the control information (output control command) specifies the period from 12:00 to 15:00 as the controlled period. Therefore, the fuel cell device 10 operates in the first operating mode during the controlled period from 12:00 to 15:00, and in the second operating mode during the other non-controlled periods.

[About displaying request messages]
The remote control 7 in this embodiment has a display 71 (see FIG. 5) and a plurality of operation buttons 72 (see FIG. 5). The remote control 7 is configured to be able to display various messages and the like on the display 71. Furthermore, users of the facility 20 can operate the fuel cell device 10 by operating each of the operation buttons 72.

The following describes the display of the request message on the display 71. The request message is a message indicating the request regarding the power usage in the facility 20 in which the remote control 7 is installed. The power usage is the power consumed by the power load device 4, and is equivalent to the load power described above.

Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration related to the display of request messages. As shown in Figure 4, the management device 30 has a facility communication unit 31 (corresponding to the "transmitter" according to the present invention), an output control command calculation unit 32, a display command generation unit 33, and an information storage unit 34.

The facility communication unit 31 is connected to the router 6 of each facility 20, for example, via an internet line. This allows the management device 30 to communicate with each facility 20 via the facility communication unit 31.

Note that although the number of facilities 20 shown in FIG. 4 is two, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of facilities 20 with which the management device 30 can communicate may be three or more.

The output control command calculation unit 32 is configured to calculate the above-mentioned output control command. The output control command calculation unit 32 sends the calculated output control command to the facility 20 via the facility communication unit 31. When the output power of the fuel cell device 10 changes due to the output control command, the power receiving point power of the facility 20 changes. In other words, the output control command is a command to increase or decrease the power receiving point power of the facility 20. In this way, the display system is equipped with a facility communication unit 31 that sends an output control command, which is a command to increase or decrease the power receiving point power of the facility 20, to the facility 20. The output control command calculation unit 32 calculates the output control command based on information (supply command) input by the aggregation coordinator 40.

More specifically, when the management device 30 receives a supply command from the aggregation coordinator 40, the output control command calculation unit 32 calculates an output control command based on the supply command. Furthermore, if it is necessary to increase the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities 20 as a whole, taking into account the supply command and fluctuations in the load power of the power load devices 4, etc., the output control command is calculated to increase the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities 20 as a whole. Specifically, this calculation may be a calculation to increase the power consumption across the multiple facilities 20 as a whole, or a calculation to reduce the power supply from the multiple facilities 20 as a whole. Furthermore, if it is necessary to decrease the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities 20 as a whole, taking into account the supply command and fluctuations in the load power of the power load devices 4, etc., the output control command is calculated to decrease the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities 20 as a whole. Specifically, this calculation may be a calculation for reducing the power consumption of the multiple facilities 20 as a whole, or a calculation for increasing the power supply from the multiple facilities 20 as a whole. Furthermore, when it is necessary to maintain the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities 20 as a whole, taking into account the supply command and fluctuations in the load power of the power load devices 4, the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for maintaining the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities 20 as a whole. Specifically, this calculation may be a calculation for maintaining the power consumption of the multiple facilities 20 as a whole, or a calculation for maintaining the power supply from the multiple facilities 20 as a whole.

Note that the supply command from the aggregation coordinator 40 is a specific example of a supply command for adjustment capacity, etc. from a business operator that trades electricity in the electricity trading market.

The calculated output control command is sent from the output control command calculation unit 32 to the facility communication unit 31. The facility communication unit 31 then sends the output control command to the facility 20 to which the output control command is to be sent.

For example, in the example shown in Figure 4, an output control command is sent to the first facility 20a of the multiple facilities 20. Furthermore, an output control command is not sent to the second facility 20b of the multiple facilities 20. Note that there may be cases where an output control command is not sent to any of the facilities 20.

With the configuration described above, the facility communication unit 31 sends output control commands to the facility 20 based on supply commands for adjustment capacity, etc. from businesses that trade electricity in the electricity trading market. When an output control command is calculated, the output control command calculation unit 32 sends the calculation results of the output control command, etc. to the display command generation unit 33.

As shown in FIG. 4, information regarding the power receiving point power measured by the power meter 3 at each facility 20 is sent to the facility communication unit 31 via the gateway 5 and router 6. This information may be, for example, the value of the power receiving point power measured by the power meter 3 per minute.

When the facility communication unit 31 receives information about the power receiving point, it stores the information in the information storage unit 34. With this configuration, information indicating the history of power receiving point power at each facility 20 is accumulated in the information storage unit 34.

As described above, the management device 30 acquires the output power of each of the multiple fuel cell devices 10, and when the facility communication unit 31 receives this output power, it stores this information in the information storage unit 34. With this configuration, information indicating the history of the output power of the fuel cell devices 10 at each facility 20 is accumulated in the information storage unit 34. The management device 30 can also send output control commands that determine the output power of the fuel cell devices 10 to the multiple fuel cell devices 10. The management device 30 also derives the history of the output power of each fuel cell device 10 based on the history of these output control commands. This history is stored in the information storage unit 34.

The information storage unit 34 generates information indicating the individual usage status of each facility 20 based on the history of power received at each facility 20 and the history of output power of each fuel cell device 10. Note that if the information storage unit 34 acquires and stores the load power (power usage) of each facility 20 from each fuel cell device 10 via the remote control 7 and router 6, it may generate information indicating the individual usage status of each facility 20 based on the load power (power usage). The individual usage status refers to the power usage status of the power load device 4 of the facility 20. Furthermore, the information indicating the individual usage status is generated for each facility 20.

For example, if a certain facility 20 is supplying 300 watts to the power grid 1 at a certain point in time, and the output power of the fuel cell device 10 of that facility 20 is 700 watts at that time, then 400 watts is being used at that time in that facility 20. In this case, the information indicating the individual usage status corresponding to that facility 20 includes information indicating that 400 watts was being used at that time.

Note that the individual usage status may be the current electricity usage status in facility 20, the electricity usage status in facility 20 at any point in the past, or a chronological history of electricity usage in facility 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, the display command generation unit 33 obtains information indicating individual usage conditions from the information storage unit 34. Then, when an output control command is calculated, the display command generation unit 33 generates a display command for each facility 20 based on the individual usage conditions. The display command is a command for displaying a request message on the display 71 of the remote control 7. The request message is a message indicating the request content regarding power usage in the facility 20. The request message is included in the display command. In other words, the request message is generated based on the individual usage conditions. The generated display command is sent via the facility communication unit 31 to the router 6 of the facility 20 corresponding to the display command. The router 6 sends the display command to the remote control 7. In other words, the facility communication unit 31 transmits the request message generated by the display command generation unit 33 to the remote control 7 of the facility 20.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, if the multiple facilities 20 include a first facility 20a and a second facility 20b, the display command generation unit 33 generates a display command for the first facility 20a based on the individual usage status of the first facility 20a. The display command is sent to the remote control 7 of the first facility 20a.

In this case, the display command generation unit 33 generates a display command for the second facility 20b based on the individual usage status of the second facility 20b. The display command is sent to the remote control 7 of the second facility 20b. In other words, in this embodiment, the display command is sent not only to the facility 20 to which the output control command has been sent, but also to the facility 20 to which the output control command has not been sent.

When the remote control 7 receives a display command, it displays a request message on the display 71 in accordance with the display command.

As described above, the display command is generated based on the individual usage situation. That is, the remote control 7 displays the request message based on the individual usage situation.

In this way, when the remote control 7 calculates an output control command, it displays a request message indicating the request content regarding the power usage in the facility 20 based on the individual usage status, which is the power usage status in the facility 20 in which the remote control 7 is installed.
The display command generation unit 33 may generate a display command for each facility 20 based on the individual usage status when calculating the output control command (before sending the output control command). In this case, the generated display command may be configured to be sent to the remote controller 7 via the facility communication unit 31 and the router 6 together with the output control command.

In this embodiment, there are three types of display commands: a first display command, a second display command, and a third display command. When the remote control 7 receives the first display command, it displays a first request message on the display 71, as shown in FIG. 5. The first request message is a message requesting that the power usage during the control period be maintained. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first request message displayed on the display 71 reads, "Please do not make any major changes to the power usage between 12:00 and 15:00."

Users of the facility 20 where the remote control 7 displaying the first request message is installed will refrain from, for example, powering on or off the power load device 4 or changing settings during the control period.

Upon receiving the second display command, the remote control 7 displays a second request message on the display 71, as shown in FIG. 6. The second request message is a message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the second request message displayed on the display 71 reads, "Please reduce power usage between 12:00 and 15:00."

Users of the facility 20 where the remote control 7 displaying the second request message is installed can, for example, turn off the power to the power load device 4 or change settings to reduce power usage during the control period.

Upon receiving the third display command, the remote control 7 displays a third request message on the display 71, as shown in FIG. 7. The third request message is a message requesting an increase in power usage during the control period. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the third request message displayed on the display 71 reads, "Please increase power usage from 12:00 to 15:00."

Users of the facility 20 where the remote control 7 displaying the third request message is installed may, for example, turn on the power of the power load device 4 or change settings to increase power usage during the control period.

[About choosing a facility]
The display command generation unit 33 is configured to send a display command to the remote controller 7 of each facility 20 in accordance with the first control flow shown in Fig. 8, the second control flow shown in Fig. 9, and the third control flow shown in Fig. 10. These control flows result in the selection of a facility 20 to which a display command is to be sent from among the multiple facilities 20. Furthermore, these control flows result in the determination of the content of a request message to be displayed on the remote controller 7 of each facility 20.

These control flows are explained below. Note that these control flows are executed for each of the multiple facilities 20. For example, as shown in Figure 4, if the multiple facilities 20 include a first facility 20a and a second facility 20b, these control flows are executed for the first facility 20a, and then for the second facility 20b.

In the first control flow shown in Figure 8, step S1 is first executed. In step S1, it is determined whether an output control command has been calculated.

If an output control command has not been calculated, step S1 returns No and the control flow ends. If an output control command has been calculated, step S1 returns Yes and the process proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, it is determined whether the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined first condition. In this embodiment, the first condition is that "a fluctuation in power usage of a predetermined power or more has occurred three or more times within the past 30 minutes (a fluctuation in power usage of a predetermined power or more within a predetermined time period shorter than 30 minutes)." In this configuration, for example, if there is a change in power usage of 300 watts or more in one minute, it may be determined that a fluctuation in power usage has occurred once.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first condition may include other conditions, or may not include the condition that "a fluctuation in power usage of a predetermined power or greater has occurred three or more times within the most recent 30 minutes." For example, the first condition may include the range of fluctuation in power usage being greater than a predetermined standard (e.g., 300 watts), or the number of fluctuations in power usage being greater than a predetermined standard (e.g., three times).

If the individual usage status does not satisfy the first condition, step S2 returns No and the control flow ends. If the individual usage status does satisfy the first condition, step S2 returns Yes and the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the display command generation unit 33 commands the display of the first request message. Specifically, the display command generation unit 33 sends a first display command to the remote control 7 of the facility 20. As a result, the first request message as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7. This control flow then ends.

In this way, when the individual usage status satisfies the specified first condition, the remote control 7 displays a request message requesting that the power usage be maintained during the control period.

In the second control flow shown in Figure 9, the processing of step S4 is first executed. In step S4, it is determined whether the calculation of the output control command is for reducing the power receiving point power during the control period across multiple facilities 20.

If the calculation of the output control command is not for reducing the power receiving point power during the control period across all of the multiple facilities 20, step S4 returns No, and the control flow ends. If the calculation of the output control command is for reducing the power receiving point power during the control period across all of the multiple facilities 20, step S4 returns Yes, and processing proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, it is determined whether the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined second condition. In this embodiment, the second condition is that the current and past (predetermined period of time) power usage is higher than a predetermined standard. More specifically, the second condition is that "the current power usage is 300 watts or more, and the average power usage over the most recent 30 minutes is 200 watts or more."

In this way, the second condition includes the amount of power used being higher than a predetermined standard.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second condition may include other conditions, or may not include the condition that "the current power usage is equal to or greater than a predetermined power (e.g., 300 watts) and the average power usage over the most recent 30 minutes is equal to or greater than a predetermined power (e.g., 200 watts)." For example, the second condition may be simply "the current power usage is equal to or greater than a predetermined power (e.g., 300 watts)," or "the average power usage over the most recent 30 minutes is equal to or greater than a predetermined power (e.g., 200 watts)."

If the individual usage status satisfies the second condition, step S5 returns Yes, and processing proceeds to step S6. If the individual usage status does not satisfy the second condition, step S5 returns No, and processing proceeds to step S7.

In step S6, the display command generation unit 33 commands the display of a second request message. Specifically, the display command generation unit 33 sends a second display command to the remote control 7 of the facility 20. As a result, the second request message as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7. This control flow then ends.

In this way, if the output control command is calculated to reduce the power receiving point power for a specified control period across multiple facilities 20, and the individual usage conditions satisfy the specified second condition, the remote control 7 displays a request message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period. In other words, the display command is generated based on the calculation of the output control command and the individual usage conditions.

In step S7, the display command generation unit 33 commands the display of the first request message. Specifically, the display command generation unit 33 sends a first display command to the remote control 7 of the facility 20. As a result, the first request message as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7. This control flow then ends.

In this way, if the output control command is calculated to reduce the power receiving point power for a specified control period across multiple facilities 20, and the individual usage status does not satisfy the second condition, the remote control 7 displays a request message requesting that the power usage be maintained during the control period. In other words, the display command is generated based on the calculation of the output control command and the individual usage status.

In the third control flow shown in Figure 10, the processing of step S8 is first executed. In step S8, it is determined whether the calculation of the output control command is for increasing the power receiving point power during the control period across multiple facilities 20.

If the calculation of the output control command is not for increasing the power receiving point power during the control period across all of the multiple facilities 20, step S8 returns No and the control flow ends. If the calculation of the output control command is for increasing the power receiving point power during the control period across all of the multiple facilities 20, step S8 returns Yes and the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, it is determined whether the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined third condition. In this embodiment, the third condition is that the current and past (predetermined period of time) power usage is less than a predetermined standard. More specifically, the third condition is that "the current power usage is less than 300 watts, and the average power usage over the most recent 30 minutes is 400 watts or less."

Thus, the third condition includes that the power consumption is less than a predetermined standard.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the third condition may include other conditions, or may not include the condition that "the current power usage is less than a predetermined power (e.g., 300 watts) and the average power usage over the most recent 30 minutes is less than or equal to a predetermined power (e.g., 400 watts)." For example, the third condition may be simply "the current power usage is less than a predetermined power (e.g., 300 watts)," or "the average power usage over the most recent 30 minutes is less than or equal to a predetermined power (e.g., 400 watts)."

If the individual usage status satisfies the third condition, step S9 returns Yes, and processing proceeds to step S10. If the individual usage status does not satisfy the third condition, step S9 returns No, and processing proceeds to step S11.

In step S10, the display command generation unit 33 commands the display of a third request message. Specifically, the display command generation unit 33 sends a third display command to the remote control 7 of the facility 20. As a result, the third request message as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7. This control flow then ends.

In this way, if the output control command is calculated to increase the power receiving point power for a specified control period across multiple facilities 20, and the individual usage conditions satisfy the specified third condition, the remote control 7 displays a request message requesting an increase in power usage for the control period. In other words, the display command is generated based on the calculation of the output control command and the individual usage conditions.

In step S11, the display command generation unit 33 commands the display of a first request message. Specifically, the display command generation unit 33 sends a first display command to the remote control 7 of the facility 20. As a result, the first request message as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7. This control flow then ends.

In this way, if the output control command is calculated to increase the power receiving point power for the entire control period for multiple facilities 20, and the individual usage status does not satisfy the third condition, the remote control 7 displays a request message requesting that the power usage be maintained for the control period. In other words, the display command is generated based on the calculation of the output control command and the individual usage status.

Note that, depending on the content of the first, second, and third conditions, it is conceivable that more than one of these conditions will be satisfied. In such cases, for example, a priority order may be established between the first, second, and third display commands. That is, for example, if a certain facility 20 satisfies the first and second conditions, the second display command may be sent to that facility 20 with priority, and the first display command may not be sent to that facility 20. Furthermore, the content of the first, second, and third conditions may be determined so that more than one of these conditions will not be satisfied.

Furthermore, the content of the request message may or may not include words indicating the control period.

The request message may also be displayed continuously on the display 71 from a predetermined start timing to a predetermined end timing. In this case, the start timing may be, for example, the start time of the controlled period, or a time a predetermined time before the start time of the controlled period. The end timing may also be, for example, the end time of the controlled period.

Furthermore, the determinations in steps S2, S5, and S9 described above may be made, for example, at the start time of the control period, or at a time a predetermined time before the start time of the control period.

<Another embodiment>
<1>
In the above embodiment, a specific example of the configuration of the display system of the present invention has been described, but the configuration can be changed as appropriate.
For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the fuel cell unit 12 is provided as the power supply unit of the power supply device, but the power supply unit may be another device that can output electric power. For example, the power supply unit may be a device that includes a charge/discharge unit such as a storage battery. In this case, a charge/discharge device is realized that has the functions of a power supply device used in a display system and in which the power supply unit includes a charge/discharge unit.
Alternatively, the power supply unit may be a device including an engine and a generator driven by the engine.

<2>
In the above embodiment, specific numerical values for the output power, load power, power receiving point power, length of the control target period, etc. are given as examples, but these numerical values are given for illustrative purposes and can be changed as appropriate.

<3>
The output control command may be calculated based on information input by the business operator that owns the management device 30, or may be the information input by the business operator that owns the management device 30 itself.

＜4＞
In the above embodiment, the output control command is input or calculated based on a supply command to supply adjustment power, etc. for power trading in the electricity trading market, and the first operating mode is described as an operating mode that adjusts the output power of multiple fuel cell devices 10 during the control target period on the day when the output control command is expected, but it can also be changed as follows.
For example, the output control command may be a command for adjusting the balance between supply and demand of electricity among multiple facilities 20 owned by a business operator, or a command issued when there is a power shortage in a predetermined area (e.g., an entire prefecture) to resolve the power shortage. In this case, for example, the first operation mode may be an operation mode that adjusts at least one of the output power of the multiple fuel cell devices 10 and the power usage of the power load devices 4 during the control period on the day on which the output control command is expected. In other words, the output control command for increasing or decreasing the power receiving point power of the facility 20 may include only a demand response command for adjusting (increasing or decreasing) only the power usage of the power load devices 4, or may include the demand response command and a command for adjusting (increasing or decreasing) the output power of the fuel cell device 10.

<5>
The display command generator 33 may be configured to calculate a predicted value of power usage at the facility 20 during the control period based on the individual usage status of the facility 20. Furthermore, the facility 20 to which the display command is to be sent may be selected based on the predicted value, and the content of the request message to be displayed on the remote controller 7 of each facility 20 may be determined.

<6>
One display command generating unit 33 may be provided in each facility 20. For example, the remote control 7 may include the display command generating unit 33.

＜７＞
In the above embodiment, the display command generating unit 33 that generates the display command is provided in the management device 30, but a functional unit that generates the display command may also be configured to be provided in the facility 20. For example, the display command may be generated using individual usage conditions related to the power usage of the power load devices 4 stored in a memory unit (not shown) of the remote control 7 or in a memory unit 14 of the fuel cell device 10. In this case, a display command is generated based on the output control command sent from the management device 30 to the remote control 7 and the individual usage conditions stored on the facility 20 side, and the display command is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7.

＜8＞
In the above embodiment, whether or not an output control command has been calculated is determined in step S1 shown in Fig. 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in step S1, after the output control command has been calculated, whether or not the output control command has been sent to at least one facility 20 may be determined, or whether or not preparations for sending the output control command to at least one facility 20 have been completed.

＜９＞
The display command generation unit 33 may be configured to send a display command to the remote controller 7 of each facility 20 in accordance with the fourth control flow shown in Fig. 11. In this case, for example, the second control flow shown in Fig. 9 and the third control flow shown in Fig. 10 may not be executed.
In the fourth control flow shown in Fig. 11, the process of step S12 is first executed, where it is determined whether or not an output control command has been calculated.
If the output control command has not been calculated, the determination in step S12 is No, and the control flow ends. On the other hand, if the output control command has been calculated, the determination in step S12 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S13.
In step S13, it is determined whether the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined second condition. The second condition may be the same as or different from the above embodiment. If the individual usage status satisfies the second condition, step S13 is determined as Yes, and the process proceeds to step S14. If the individual usage status does not satisfy the second condition, step S13 is determined as No, and the process proceeds to step S15.
In step S14, the display command generation unit 33 issues a command to display the second request message. Specifically, the display command generation unit 33 sends the second display command to the remote control 7 of the facility 20. As a result, the second request message as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7. Then, this control flow ends.
In other words, in this configuration, regardless of whether the calculation of the output control command is a calculation to reduce the power receiving point power during the control period across multiple facilities 20 as a whole, if the individual usage conditions satisfy a specified second condition, the remote control 7 displays a request message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period.
In step S15, it is determined whether the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined third condition. The third condition may be the same as or different from the above embodiment. If the individual usage status satisfies the third condition, step S15 is determined as Yes, and the process proceeds to step S16. If the individual usage status does not satisfy the third condition, step S15 is determined as No, and this control flow ends.
In step S16, the display command generation unit 33 issues a command to display the third request message. Specifically, the display command generation unit 33 sends the third display command to the remote control 7 of the facility 20. As a result, the third request message as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7. Then, this control flow ends.
In other words, in this configuration, regardless of whether the calculation of the output control command is a calculation to increase the receiving point power during the control period across multiple facilities 20 as a whole, if the individual usage situation satisfies a specified third condition, the remote control 7 displays a request message requesting an increase in power usage during the control period.
11 , steps S15 and S16 may not be included. In such a configuration, the control flow may be terminated if step S13 is determined to be No. Alternatively, the display command generation unit 33 may be configured to send a first display command to the remote control 7 if step S13 is determined to be No. Alternatively, the request message may not be displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7 if step S13 is determined to be No. Alternatively, steps S13 and S14 may not be included, and the process may proceed to step S15 if step S12 is determined to be Yes. In such a configuration, the control flow may be terminated if step S15 is determined to be No. Alternatively, the display command generation unit 33 may be configured to send a first display command to the remote control 7 if step S15 is determined to be No. Alternatively, the request message may not be displayed on the display 71 of the remote control 7 if step S15 is determined to be No.

<10>
The configurations disclosed in the above embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies below) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction arises. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these and can be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not deviate from the purpose of the present invention.

The present invention can be used in a display system that includes a power supply device that is installed in each of multiple facilities and is capable of outputting power, and a display device that is installed in each of the facilities.

1 Power system 2 Power line 3 Power meter 4 Power load device 5 Gateway 6 Router 7 Remote control (display device)
8 Power measurement unit 10 Fuel cell device (power supply device)
11 Power conversion unit 12 Fuel cell unit (power supply unit)
13 Fuel cell control unit 14 Memory unit 20 Facility 20a First facility 20b Second facility 30 Management device 31 Facility communication unit (transmission unit)
32 Output control command calculation unit 33 Display command generation unit 34 Information storage unit 40 Aggregation coordinator 71 Display 72 Operation button

Claims (13)

A display system including a power supply device installed in each of a plurality of facilities and capable of outputting electric power, and a display device installed in each of the facilities,
the power supply device includes a power supply unit connected to an electric power grid;
a power load device installed in the facility is configured to receive power supply from at least one of the power supply device and the power grid installed in the facility;
a transmitting unit that transmits an output control command to the facility to increase or decrease power at a power receiving point of the facility during a predetermined control target period;
When the output control command is calculated, the display device displays a request message indicating the request content regarding the power usage in the facility, which is generated based on individual usage conditions, which are the power usage conditions in the facility in which the display device is installed. The display system of claim 1, wherein when the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined first condition, the display device displays the request message requesting that the power usage be maintained during the control period. The display system of claim 2, wherein the first condition includes the fluctuation range of power consumption being larger than a predetermined standard, or the number of fluctuations in power consumption being larger than a predetermined standard. The display system described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined second condition, the display device displays the request message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period. The display system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for reducing the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities, and the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined second condition, the display device displays the request message requesting a reduction in power usage during the control period. A display system as described in claim 4 or 5, wherein the second condition includes power consumption being higher than a predetermined standard. The display system of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein if the calculation of the output control command is for reducing the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities, and the individual usage status does not satisfy the second condition, the display device displays the request message requesting that the power usage during the control period be maintained. The display system described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined third condition, the display device displays the request message requesting an increase in power usage during the control period. The display system described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for increasing the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities as a whole, and the individual usage status satisfies a predetermined third condition, the display device displays the request message requesting an increase in power usage during the control period. A display system as described in claim 8 or 9, wherein the third condition includes power consumption being less than a predetermined standard. The display system of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein if the calculation of the output control command is a calculation for increasing the power receiving point power during the control period across the multiple facilities, and the individual usage status does not satisfy the third condition, the display device displays the request message requesting that the power usage during the control period be maintained. The display system described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the transmitter sends the output control command to the facility based on a supply command for adjustment capacity from a business operator that trades electricity in an electricity trading market. a management device capable of communicating with the plurality of power supply devices from outside the facility;
the management device includes the transmission unit and a display command generation unit that generates the request message based on the output control command and the individual usage status;
The display system according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission unit transmits the request message generated by the display command generation unit to the display device of the facility.