JP7809001B2 - Power generating unit operation system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a power generation unit operation system.

Conventionally, fuel cell units have been installed at consumer sites to generate electricity using city gas, LP gas, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses determining an operation plan for a fuel cell unit based on the consumer's past power consumption and heat demand.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-158019

In recent years, a system known as a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) has been put into practical use. This system uses IoT (Internet of Things) devices to remotely control multiple distributed energy resources within a region, making them function as if they were a single power plant. For example, a VPP can aggregate the electricity generated by fuel cell units installed at each consumer's home and supply it to the main power grid.

VPPs also provide energy services by integrating and controlling multiple distributed energy resources. Companies that provide such services are called aggregators. For example, aggregators receive response commands from electric utilities and provide a specified amount of electricity by the time actual demand begins.

However, fuel cell units installed at consumer facilities take time to start up and increase their output, making it difficult to supply the required amount of power between the time the electric utility receives a response command and the time actual supply and demand begins.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a power generation unit operation system that can appropriately supply electric power.

In order to solve the above problem, the power generation unit operation system of the present invention includes a power generation unit and a server capable of communicating with the power generation unit, and the server includes an information transmission unit that transmits to the power generation unit a response preparation command that instructs the power generation unit to make advance preparations before the response command that the server issues to the power generation unit upon receiving the response command from the issuer, based on the response time required for the power generation unit to be able to output a specified amount of power in response to the response command from the issuer who issues the response command , which is a power output command, and the response preparation command includes information on at least one of whether the power generation unit is started, whether the operation plan of the power generation unit is updated, and whether the reference value is derived, when the type of electricity trading market in which electricity is traded is one in which the submission of a reference value indicating an estimated power demand value of a consumer at a specified time is mandatory, and when the power generation unit derives the reference value .
In order to solve the above problem, the power generation unit operation system of the present invention comprises a power generation unit and a server capable of communicating with the power generation unit, wherein the server comprises an information transmission unit that transmits to the power generation unit a response preparation command that instructs the power generation unit to make advance preparations before the response command issued by the server to the power generation unit upon receiving the response command from the issuer, based on the required response time required for the power generation unit to be able to output a specified amount of power in response to the response command from the issuer who issues the response command , which is a power output command, and the information transmission unit transmits the response preparation command to the power generation unit if the required response time of the power generation unit is longer than the response command time from the time of transmission of the response command, which is determined for each power trading market where power trading takes place, to the actual supply and demand start time, which is the time when the supply of power traded in the power trading market starts .
In order to solve the above problem, the power generation unit operation system of the present invention comprises a power generation unit and a server capable of communicating with the power generation unit, wherein the server comprises an information transmission unit that transmits to the power generation unit a response preparation command that instructs the power generation unit to make advance preparations before the response command issued by the server to the power generation unit upon receiving the response command from the issuer, based on the required response time required for the power generation unit to be able to output a specified amount of power in response to the response command from the issuer, who issues the response command as a power output command, and the information transmission unit transmits the response preparation command to the power generation unit if the required response time is shorter than the reference value required time from the start of actual supply and demand, which is the time when the supply of power traded in the power trading market where power trading takes place, to the time when the consumer is required to submit a reference value indicating the power demand value estimated at a specified time depending on the type of power trading market .
In order to solve the above problem, the power generation unit operation system of the present invention includes a power generation unit and a server capable of communicating with the power generation unit, the server includes an information transmission unit that transmits to the power generation unit a response preparation command that instructs the power generation unit to make advance preparations before the response command that the server issues to the power generation unit upon receiving the response command from the issuer based on a required response time required for the power generation unit to be able to output a predetermined amount of power in response to the response command from the issuer, the response command being a power output command, and the information transmission unit transmits to the power generation unit a response preparation command that instructs the power generation unit to make advance preparations before the response command that the server issues to the power generation unit upon receiving the response command from the issuer, the response command being based on a required response time required for the power generation unit to be able to output a predetermined amount of power in response to the response command from the issuer, the response command being a power output command, and the information transmission unit transmits to the power generation unit a response preparation command that instructs the power generation unit to make advance preparations before the response command that the server issues to the power generation unit A response preparation command is sent to the power generation device within a predetermined time before the start of supply and demand, and the predetermined time is, if the type of electricity trading market is one in which the consumer is required to submit a reference value indicating the estimated electricity demand value at a predetermined time and the power generation device derives the reference value, the earlier of a time before the response required time from the start of actual supply and demand, or a time before the reference value required time from the start of actual supply and demand to the time in which the submission of the reference value is required due to the type of electricity trading market, plus the adjustment time required to adjust the output of the power generation device and the communication time required for communication between the power generation device and the server .

The response readiness command may include a response readiness identifier that is provided to distinguish it from the response command identifier.

This invention allows for appropriate power supply.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a power generation plant operation system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the server according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining the function of the power generating device according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a first example of an operation plan for the power generation device according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a second example of an operation plan for the power generation system according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for operating a power generation unit.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific values shown in these embodiments are merely examples intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[1. Overall configuration of the power generation unit operation system]
First, the overall configuration of a power generation unit operation system 1000 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the power generation unit operation system 1000 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the power generation unit operation system 1000 according to this embodiment includes a server 100 and multiple power generation units 200. Each of the multiple power generation units 200 is provided at a consumer facility 300. The server 100 and the multiple power generation units 200 are connected to each other via a network NW so that they can communicate with each other.

The server 100 is composed of various computer devices, such as a server computer, personal computer, workstation, large computer, or microcomputer. The server 100 collects, stores, and processes various types of information sent from multiple power generation devices 200.

The power generation device 200 is a general term for devices that generate electricity, such as solar power generation or fuel cell units installed at the consumer 300, storage batteries, electric vehicles, private power generation facilities, and negawatts (saving electricity). In this embodiment, the power generation device 200 is, for example, a fuel cell unit.

In this embodiment, the fuel cell unit is a residential fuel cell cogeneration system, known as ENE-FARM (registered trademark). The fuel cell unit of this embodiment includes a fuel cell, a heat exchanger, and a hot water storage tank (not shown). The fuel cell generates electricity and heat by reacting hydrogen in reformed gas, which is obtained by reforming fuel such as city gas or LPG, with oxygen in the air. The heat exchanger uses the heat generated by the fuel cell to heat water, turning it into hot water. The hot water heated by the heat exchanger is stored in the hot water storage tank. The electricity generated by the fuel cell and the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank are used by the consumer 300. The electricity generated by the fuel cell can also be supplied to the main power grid.

The network NW is a wireless or wired communication network for connecting the server 100 and multiple power generation devices 200 so that they can communicate with each other. The network NW is composed of various networks, such as a low-power wide area (LPWA), a satellite communication network, a mobile phone network, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and other dedicated line networks. At least a portion of the network NW includes a wireless network. However, at least a portion of the network NW may also include a wired network. In this way, the network NW may include both a wireless network and a wired network.

In this embodiment, the server 100 remotely controls multiple power generation devices 200 via the network NW, causing them to function as part of the VPP. The aggregator that manages the server 100 performs integrated control of multiple power generation devices 200 and provides energy services.

Aggregator is a general term for aggregation coordinators (ACs) and resource aggregators (RAs). Aggregators trade electricity with electric power companies, for example, in the electricity trading market where electricity is traded.

Electricity trading markets include capacity markets, spot markets, hourly advance markets (wholesale electricity markets), and balancing markets. Capacity markets trade the supply capacity of electricity that will be needed nationwide in the future, for example, four years into the future through an auction. Spot markets are markets where power generators and retailers buy and sell electricity to be generated or sold the next day up until the day before the actual supply and demand date. Hourly advance markets are markets where electricity can be traded up to one hour before the start of actual supply and demand, in order to address mismatches in supply and demand due to sudden increases in electricity demand or power generation malfunctions. Markets where power generators and retailers trade, such as spot and hourly advance markets, are collectively called wholesale electricity markets. Balancing markets are markets where balancing capacity is traded to ensure a stable supply of electricity by matching the simultaneous demand and supply of electricity at the actual supply and demand level.

The server 100 managed by the aggregator receives a response command from a requester (hereinafter simply referred to as the "requester") who issues a response command, which is a power output command determined for each power trading market, and transmits the response command to multiple power generation devices 200 to generate a specified amount of power. However, the requester does not have to be determined for each power trading market; for example, the requester may issue a power output command without going through the power trading market.

Here, the issuer of the announcement varies depending on the type of electricity trading market. For example, if the type of electricity trading market is a capacity market, the issuer is the Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators of Japan. Furthermore, if the type of electricity trading market is a wholesale electricity market such as an advance market, the issuer is a power generation company, a retail electricity supplier, another aggregator, etc. Furthermore, if the type of electricity trading market is a supply-demand adjustment market, the issuer is a general electricity transmission and distribution company. Note that, below, general electricity transmission and distribution companies, retail electricity suppliers, power generation companies, etc. will be collectively referred to as electricity companies.

In this embodiment, a response refers to the power generation device 200 taking action to generate a specified amount of power upon receiving a command from the command issuer or the server 100. In other words, a response command is a command issued by the command issuer or the server 100 to cause the power generation device 200 to generate a specified amount of power. There are two types of response commands: a first response command issued by the command issuer to the server 100, and a second response command issued by the server 100 to the power generation device 200. Hereinafter, the first response command and the second response command will be collectively referred to as response commands. In this embodiment, the first response command and the second response command are the same. However, the first response command and the second response command may be different. The details of the response commands will be described later.

The aggregator aggregates the electricity generated by multiple power generation devices 200 and trades it with the electricity utility. Once a transaction is concluded with the electricity utility, the aggregator is obligated to ensure that the agreed amount of electricity can be supplied at the start of actual supply and demand. The aggregator receives a response command from the electricity utility and performs integrated control of multiple power generation devices 200 so that the specified amount of electricity can be supplied by the start of actual supply and demand.

The electric utility pays the aggregator a price based on the winning bid price in the electricity trading market. The aggregator then pays the consumer a price based on the amount of electricity supplied. As an example, the following describes a case in which adjustment capacity is traded in the supply and demand adjustment market, and the aggregator's server 100 performs integrated control of multiple power generation devices 200 to supply a specified amount of electricity at the start of actual supply and demand.

2. Functional configuration of server 100
2 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the server 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 100 according to this embodiment includes a server communication unit 110, a server storage unit 130, and a server control unit 150.

The server communication unit 110 establishes communication with the power generation communication unit 210 (see Figure 3) installed in multiple power generation units 200 via the network NW. The server storage unit 130 is composed of ROM, RAM, flash memory, HDD, etc., and stores programs and various data used by the server 100. The server storage unit 130 accumulates various information collected from multiple power generation units 200.

The server control unit 150 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the entire server 100 using programs stored in the server storage unit 130. The server control unit 150 also functions as an information receiving unit 152, a startup time derivation unit 154, a processing time derivation unit 156, a reference value derivation unit 158, an adjustment time derivation unit 160, a communication time derivation unit 162, a response required time derivation unit 164, a response preparation command determination unit 166, and an information transmitting unit 168. The operation of these functional units will be described in detail later.

3. Functional configuration of the power generation device 200
3 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the power generation device 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the power generation device 200 according to this embodiment includes a power generation communication unit 210, a power generation storage unit 230, and a power generation control unit 250.

The power generation communication unit 210 establishes communication with the server communication unit 110 (see Figure 2) installed in the server 100 via the network NW. The power generation storage unit 230 is composed of ROM, RAM, flash memory, HDD, etc., and stores programs and various data used by the power generation device 200.

The power generation memory unit 230 stores resource information related to the power generation device 200 installed at the consumer 300. The resource information includes the type of power generation device 200 (in this embodiment, a fuel cell), the installation location (the address of the consumer 300), and the rated power and rated capacity of the power generation device 200.

The power generation control unit 250 is composed of a CPU and controls the entire power generation device 200 using programs stored in the power generation memory unit 230. The power generation control unit 250 also functions as an information receiving unit 252, an operation plan determination unit 254, and an information transmitting unit 256. The operation of these functional units will be described in detail later.

By the way, there are multiple types of objects (commodities) traded in the electricity trading market. For example, the product categories traded in the supply and demand market can be broadly divided into five categories: primary control reserve, secondary control reserve 1, secondary control reserve 2, tertiary control reserve 1, and tertiary control reserve 2.

Primary control reserve is the adjustment reserve required to maintain a constant system frequency in the bulk power grid. For example, this primary control reserve is adjusted by the power generation unit 200 automatically detecting changes in the grid frequency and performing self-end control (adjusting the frequency using a power conditioner, etc.) to automatically control output so that the grid frequency remains constant. The response time for primary control reserve is set to within 10 seconds. For secondary control reserves 1 and 2, the response command time (response time) in response to a response command from the issuer is set to within 5 minutes, and power must be supplied within 5 minutes of the issuer's response command. Here, the response command time is the time from the time the response command is sent to the time actual supply and demand begins, as determined for each electricity trading market. For secondary control reserves 1 and 2, the response command time is set to a maximum of 5 minutes.

Tertiary control capacity 1 requires that the response command time for a response command from the issuer be set to within 15 minutes, and that power be supplied within 15 minutes of the issuer's response command. With this tertiary control capacity 1, the response command time is set to a maximum of 15 minutes. With tertiary control capacity 2, the response command time for a response command from the issuer be set to within 45 minutes, and that power be supplied within 45 minutes of the issuer's response command. With this tertiary control capacity 2, the response command time is set to a maximum of 45 minutes.

As such, the response command time in response to the issuer's response command varies depending on the type of commodity traded in the supply and demand adjustment market. Furthermore, this response command time also varies depending on the type of electricity trading market. Here, when the power generation device 200 is configured using a fuel cell unit, as in this embodiment, it takes time to start up and increase output, so it may be difficult to supply the specified amount of power within the response command time in response to the issuer's response command.

Therefore, in this embodiment, server 100 transmits a response preparation command to power generation device 200 to instruct advance preparation before the response command issued by server 100 to power generation device 200 upon receiving the response command from the issuer, based on the required response time required for power generation device 200 to be able to output a specified amount of power in response to the response command from the issuer. Specifically, as an example, if the required response time of power generation device 200 is longer than the response command time determined for each electricity trading market, server 100 transmits a response preparation command to power generation device 200 in advance. Upon receiving the response preparation command from server 100, power generation device 200 performs at least one of the following advance preparations: startup before the start of actual supply and demand, updating of the operation plan, and calculation of a reference value. Here, the reference value is the expected demand value (or demand, if none exists) if a consumer energy resource (DSR) that does not have a power generation plan value does not provide adjustment power. Specifically, this reference value is estimated as the amount of power that the consumer 300 would purchase from the power grid at a predetermined time (for example, this time tomorrow) if the power generation device 200 had not received any commands. In this embodiment, the power generation device 200 calculates, as the reference value, an estimate of the amount of power that the consumer 300 would purchase from the power grid at that predetermined time if no commands had been received. Below, an example of the operation of the server 100 and the power generation device 200 will be described, taking as an example a case where the adjustment capacity of tertiary adjustment capacity 2 is traded in the supply and demand adjustment market.

The information receiving unit 152 of the server 100 receives various types of information from the power generation device 200. The various types of information include, for example, resource information, information related to the startup of the power generation device 200, information related to the operation plan of the power generation device 200, information related to a reference value indicating the estimated power demand value of the consumer 300 at a specified time, information related to the output adjustment of the power generation device 200, and information related to communications of the power generation device 200.

The startup time derivation unit 154 of the server 100 derives the startup time required to start up the power generation device 200 based on information related to the startup of the power generation device 200. For example, the startup time derivation unit 154 measures the startup time of the power generation device 200 in advance and stores this data related to the startup time of the power generation device 200 in the server storage unit 130. Specifically, the startup time derivation unit 154 measures the startup time from the start of startup of the power generation device 200 to the completion of startup. The startup time derivation unit 154 also stores the measured startup time of the power generation device 200 in the server storage unit 130. Thereafter, when deriving the startup time of the power generation device 200, the startup time derivation unit 154 references the data related to the startup time stored in the server storage unit 130 and derives the startup time of the power generation device 200 based on this data.

The startup time derivation unit 154 may derive the average value of the startup times stored in the server storage unit 130, and use this average value of the startup times as the startup time required to start up the power generation device 200. The startup time derivation unit 154 may also derive a startup time that has been set in advance according to the type of power generation device 200 as the startup time required to start up the power generation device 200. The startup time derivation unit 154 may also derive a startup time for the power generation device 200 that has been set by the administrator who manages the server 100 as the startup time required to start up the power generation device 200.

The processing time derivation unit 156 of the server 100 derives the processing time for updating the operation plan of the power generation unit 200 based on information related to the operation plan of the power generation unit 200. For example, the processing time derivation unit 156 measures the processing time required to update the operation plan of the power generation unit 200 in advance and stores the data related to the processing time of the power generation unit 200 in the server memory unit 130. Specifically, the processing time derivation unit 156 measures the processing time from the start of updating the operation plan of the power generation unit 200 to the completion of the update. Here, if an operation plan has not yet been created in the power generation unit 200, the processing time may be measured as the total time of the time from the start of generation of the operation plan of the power generation unit 200 to the completion of generation, and the time from the start of the update to the completion of the update. The processing time derivation unit 156 also stores the measured processing time in the server memory unit 130. Thereafter, when deriving the processing time of the power generation device 200, the processing time derivation unit 156 references data related to processing time stored in the server storage unit 130 and derives the processing time of the power generation device 200 based on that data.

The processing time derivation unit 156 may derive an average value of the processing times stored in the server storage unit 130, and use this average value of the processing times as the processing time required to update the operation plan of the power generation unit 200. The processing time derivation unit 156 may also derive a processing time set in advance according to the type of power generation unit 200 as the processing time required to update the operation plan of the power generation unit 200. The processing time derivation unit 156 may also derive a processing time set by the administrator who manages the server 100 as the processing time required to update the operation plan of the power generation unit 200.

The reference value derivation unit 158 of the server 100 derives a reference value derivation time for deriving a reference value for the power generation device 200 based on information related to a reference value indicating an estimated power demand value for the consumer 300 at a specified time. In this embodiment, the reference value derivation unit 158 derives the reference value derivation time when the type of electricity trading market in which the aggregator transacts with the electric utility is one in which submission of the reference value is mandatory and the power generation device 200 derives a reference value. Here, the type of electricity trading market in which submission of a reference value is mandatory is a supply and demand balancing market. For example, the reference value derivation unit 158 measures the reference value derivation time for the power generation device 200 in advance and stores it in the server memory unit 130 as data related to the reference value derivation time for the power generation device 200. Specifically, the reference value derivation unit 158 measures the derivation time from the start time of derivation of the reference value for the power generation device 200 to the completion time of derivation. The reference value derivation unit 158 also stores the measured reference value derivation time in the server storage unit 130. Thereafter, when deriving the reference value derivation time for the power generation device 200, the reference value derivation unit 158 references the data related to the reference value derivation time stored in the server storage unit 130 and derives the reference value derivation time for the power generation device 200 based on that data.

The reference value derivation unit 158 may derive an average value of the reference value derivation times stored in the server storage unit 130, and use this average value of the reference value derivation times as the derivation time required to derive the reference value of the power generation device 200. The reference value derivation unit 158 may also derive a reference value derivation time that is set in advance according to the type of power generation device 200 as the reference value derivation time required to derive the reference value of the power generation device 200. The reference value derivation unit 158 may also use a reference value derivation time that is set by the administrator who manages the server 100 as the reference value derivation time required to derive the reference value of the power generation device 200.

The adjustment time derivation unit 160 of the server 100 derives the adjustment time required for adjusting the output of the power generation unit 200 based on information related to the output adjustment of the power generation unit 200. For example, the adjustment time derivation unit 160 measures the adjustment time of the power generation unit 200 in advance and stores this in the server storage unit 130 as data related to the adjustment time of the power generation unit 200. Specifically, the adjustment time derivation unit 160 measures the adjustment time from the start of the output adjustment of the power generation unit 200 to the completion of the output adjustment. The adjustment time derivation unit 160 also stores the measured adjustment time in the server storage unit 130. Thereafter, when deriving the adjustment time of the power generation unit 200, the adjustment time derivation unit 160 references the data related to the adjustment time stored in the server storage unit 130 and derives the adjustment time of the power generation unit 200 based on this data.

The adjustment time derivation unit 160 may derive the average value of the adjustment times stored in the server storage unit 130, and use this average value of the adjustment times as the adjustment time required to adjust the output of the power generation unit 200. The adjustment time derivation unit 160 may also derive an adjustment time that has been set in advance according to the type of power generation unit 200 as the adjustment time required to adjust the output of the power generation unit 200. The adjustment time derivation unit 160 may also derive an adjustment time that has been set by the administrator who manages the server 100 as the adjustment time required to adjust the output of the power generation unit 200.

The communication time derivation unit 162 of the server 100 derives the communication time required for communication to transmit necessary information with the power generation device 200 based on information related to the communication of the power generation device 200. For example, the communication time derivation unit 162 measures the communication time of the power generation device 200 in advance and stores this in the server storage unit 130 as data related to the communication time of the power generation device 200. Specifically, the communication time derivation unit 162 measures the communication time from the start of communication between the server 100 and the power generation device 200 to the completion of communication.

As an example, the communication time derivation unit 162 measures the transmission time for transmitting information from the power generation device 200 to the server 100 as the communication time between the server 100 and the power generation device 200. However, this is not limited to this, and the communication time derivation unit 162 may measure the total time of the transmission time for transmitting information from the server 100 to the power generation device 200 and the transmission time for transmitting information from the power generation device 200 to the server 100 as the communication time between the server 100 and the power generation device 200.

The communication time derivation unit 162 also stores the measured communication time in the server storage unit 130. Thereafter, when deriving the communication time of the power generation device 200, the communication time derivation unit 162 references data related to communication time stored in the server storage unit 130 and derives the communication time of the power generation device 200 based on that data. The communication time derivation unit 162 may also derive the average value of the communication time stored in the server storage unit 130 and use that average value of communication time as the communication time required for communication between the server 100 and the power generation device 200.

The communication time derivation unit 162 may also derive the communication time set in advance according to the type of power generation device 200 as the communication time required for communication between the server 100 and the power generation device 200. The communication time derivation unit 162 may also derive the communication time set by the administrator who manages the server 100 as the communication time required for communication between the server 100 and the power generation device 200.

The required response time derivation unit 164 of the server 100 derives the required response time of the power generation device 200 based on at least one of the startup time, processing time, reference value derivation time, adjustment time, and communication time of the power generation device 200 described above. In this embodiment, the required response time is the sum of the startup time, processing time, reference value derivation time, adjustment time, and communication time of the power generation device 200 described above.

The response preparation command determination unit 166 of the server 100 determines the content of the response preparation command based on the required response time derived by the required response time derivation unit 164. Here, the response preparation command includes a response preparation identifier, information regarding the start time of actual supply and demand, and information regarding the amount of power generated and supplied. Here, the commands sent from the server 100 to the power generation unit 200 include a response command (second response command, main command) and a response preparation command. In order to distinguish between the response command and the response preparation command, separate identifiers are assigned to the response command and the response preparation command. The response preparation identifier is an identifier assigned to the response preparation command to distinguish it from the response command. The response preparation identifier is sent before the response command and is set to prepare the power generation unit 200 in advance.

The response preparation command also includes information regarding at least one of whether the power generation unit 200 is to be started, whether the operation plan is to be updated, and whether a reference value is to be derived. Information regarding whether a reference value is to be derived is included in the response preparation command when the type of electricity trading market requires the power generation unit 200 to submit a reference value and when the power generation unit 200 derives a reference value. Information regarding whether the power generation unit 200 is to be started includes, for example, a command to start or not start the power generation unit 200 at the start of actual supply and demand and before the response command. Information regarding whether the operation plan is to be updated includes, for example, a command to update or not update the operation plan of the power generation unit 200 at the start of actual supply and demand and before the response command. Information regarding whether a reference value is to be derived includes, for example, a command to have the power generation unit 200 derive a reference value at the start of actual supply and demand and before the response command.

The response preparation command determination unit 166 compares the required response time with the response command time and determines the content of the response preparation command based on the comparison result.

For example, if the required response time is longer than the response command time, the response preparation command determination unit 166 determines the content of the response preparation command so that the power generation device 200 is started before the response command, the operation plan is updated, and a reference value is derived.

Furthermore, in a supply and demand balancing market, there is an obligation to submit reference values to the supply and demand balancing market or the issuer at least one hour before the start of actual supply and demand. In other words, depending on the type of electricity trading market, there are cases where the submission of reference values for power generation devices 200 is required before the start of actual supply and demand. Here, the reference value request time is the time from the start of actual supply and demand to the earliest point at which the submission of reference values is required depending on the type of electricity trading market (hereinafter referred to as the earliest reference value request time). In this embodiment, the reference value request time is, for example, one hour.

The response preparation command determination unit 166 compares the required response time with the reference value request time and determines the content of the response preparation command based on the comparison result. For example, if the required response time is shorter than the reference value request time, the response preparation command determination unit 166 determines the content of the response preparation command so that the power generation device 200 derives the reference value before the shortest reference value request time.

The information transmission unit 168 of the server 100 transmits a response command or a response preparation command determined by the response preparation command determination unit 166 to the power generation device 200. The timing for transmitting the response preparation command is between the time of contract processing, when contract processing is performed in the electricity trading market, and a specified time a specified time before the start of actual supply and demand. For example, in the case of tertiary adjustment capacity 2 in the supply and demand adjustment market, the contract processing time is 3:00 p.m. on the day before the start of actual supply and demand.

The specified time is the earlier of the time before the required response time from the start of actual supply and demand, or the time before the reference value request time plus the adjustment time and communication time of the power generation device 200 from the start of actual supply and demand.

The information receiving unit 252 of the power generation device 200 receives various information from the server 100. This information includes response commands and response preparation commands.

The operation plan determination unit 254 of the power generation device 200 determines an operation plan for the power generation device 200. The operation plan determination unit 254 determines the operation plan based on data related to the past power consumption and heat demand of the consumer 300 stored in the power generation memory unit 230. For example, the operation plan determination unit 254 extracts data related to the power consumption and heat demand of the consumer 300 acquired in the past for multiple days, and derives an operation plan based on the average value of the extracted data on power consumption and heat demand for multiple days. The operation plan includes the power generation start time, power generation stop time, hourly power generation amount, etc.

In addition, the operation plan determination unit 254 updates the operation plan of the power generation unit 200 based on the response preparation command. For example, if the response preparation command includes a command to update the operation plan of the power generation unit 200, the operation plan determination unit 254 executes an update process to update the operation plan of the power generation unit 200.

Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a first example of an operation plan for the power generation device 200 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a second example of an operation plan for the power generation device 200 according to this embodiment. In Figures 4 and 5, the vertical axis represents the power generation output of the power generation device 200, the horizontal axis represents time, the dashed line represents the operation plan before the update, and the solid line represents the operation plan after the update. Furthermore, in Figures 4 and 5, the hatched areas represent the actual supply and demand time period from the actual supply and demand start point, which is the start point of the supply of electricity traded in the electricity trading market, to the actual supply and demand end point, which is the end point of the supply of electricity.

As shown by the dashed line in Figure 4, in the operation plan before the update, the power generation device 200 is stopped at the start of the actual supply and demand period. In this case, the operation plan determination unit 254 updates the operation plan so that the power generation device 200 can generate the specified amount of power at the start of the actual supply and demand period. In the updated operation plan, as shown by the solid line in Figure 4, the power generation device 200 is started up before the actual supply and demand period, so that the specified amount of power can be generated at the start of the actual supply and demand period.

As shown by the dashed line in Figure 5, in the operation plan before the update, the power generation unit 200 is stopped before or during the actual supply and demand time period. In this case, the operation plan determination unit 254 updates the operation plan so that the power generation unit 200 can generate the specified amount of power at the start of the actual supply and demand time period. In the updated operation plan, as shown by the solid line in Figure 5, the start time of the power generation unit 200 is delayed compared to the operation plan before the update, so that the power generation unit 200 is not stopped during the actual supply and demand time period.

The information transmission unit 256 of the power generation device 200 transmits various types of information to the server 100. The various types of information include, for example, resource information, information regarding the startup of the power generation device 200, information regarding the operation plan of the power generation device 200, information regarding a reference value indicating the estimated power demand value of the consumer 300 at a specified time, information regarding the output adjustment of the power generation device 200, and information regarding communications of the power generation device 200.

Next, we will explain the power generation unit operation method according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the power generation unit operation method.

As shown in FIG. 6, the response preparation command determination unit 166 of the server 100 sets whether or not to pre-activate the power generation device 200 (S100). As an example, the response preparation command determination unit 166 sets whether or not to pre-activate the power generation device 200 depending on the type of electricity trading market in which the aggregator trades with the electricity utility. For example, if the type of electricity trading market in which the aggregator trades with the electricity utility is a supply and demand adjustment market, the response preparation command determination unit 166 sets whether or not to pre-activate the power generation device 200 if the type of electricity trading market in which the aggregator trades with the electricity utility is a supply and demand adjustment market, a spot market, or a capacity market, and sets whether or not to pre-activate the power generation device 200 if the type of electricity trading market in which the aggregator trades is a time-ahead market.

The response preparation command determination unit 166 also sets whether or not to update the operation plan of the power generation device 200 (S110). As an example, the response preparation command determination unit 166 sets whether or not to update the operation plan of the power generation device 200 depending on the type of electricity trading market in which the aggregator trades with the electricity utility. For example, if the type of electricity trading market in which the aggregator trades with the electricity utility is a supply and demand adjustment market or a spot market, the response preparation command determination unit 166 sets the operation plan of the power generation device 200 to be updated, and if the type of electricity trading market in which the aggregator trades with the electricity utility is a capacity market or an hour-ahead market, the response preparation command determination unit 166 sets the operation plan to not be updated.

The response preparation command determination unit 166 also sets whether or not to pre-derive the reference value for the power generation device 200 (S120). As an example, the response preparation command determination unit 166 sets whether or not to pre-derive the reference value for the power generation device 200 depending on the type of electricity trading market in which the aggregator trades with the electricity utility. For example, if the type of electricity trading market in which the aggregator trades with the electricity utility is a supply and demand balancing market and the power generation device 200 derives a reference value, the response preparation command determination unit 166 sets whether or not to pre-derive the reference value. Furthermore, if the type of electricity trading market in which the aggregator trades with the electricity utility is a capacity market or a wholesale electricity market, the response preparation command determination unit 166 sets whether or not to pre-derive the reference value. However, this is not limited to this, and the response preparation command determination unit 166 may set whether or not to pre-start the power generation device 200, whether or not to update the operation plan, and whether or not to pre-derive the reference value based on instructions from the aggregator, regardless of the type of electricity trading market. For example, in order to reduce capacity contributions, electricity retailers may make adjustments themselves to reduce grid demand during times when peak demand is expected, and in such cases, there may be no transactions or commands issued through the electricity trading market. In such cases, for example, if it is predicted on the previous day that a peak in demand will occur around 3:00 PM the following day, the response preparation command determination unit 166 will only set "operation plan updated" to the previous day, etc.

The adjustment time derivation unit 160 of the server 100 derives the adjustment time required to adjust the output of the power generation device 200 (S130). Furthermore, the communication time derivation unit 162 of the server 100 derives the communication time required for communication to transmit necessary information with the power generation device 200 (S140). The method for deriving this adjustment time and communication time is as described above.

The required response time derivation unit 164 of the server 100 derives the required response time of the power generation unit 200 based on the set information from S100 to S120 and information related to the adjustment time and communication time from S130 to S140 (S150). Specifically, the required response time derivation unit 164 derives the required response time of the power generation unit 200 based on the information set in S100 to S120 regarding whether the power generation unit 200 has been pre-started, whether the operation plan has been updated, and whether the reference value has been pre-derived. For example, if pre-start of the power generation unit 200 is set in S100, the required response time derivation unit 164 derives the required response time so that it includes the startup time described above. Similarly, if update of the operation plan of the power generation unit 200 is set in S110, the required response time derivation unit 164 derives the required response time so that it includes the processing time described above. Similarly, if the reference value for the power generation device 200 is set to be pre-derived in S120, the required response time derivation unit 164 derives the required response time so that it includes the reference value derivation time described above.

In this way, the required response time derivation unit 164 derives the required response time of the power generation device 200 based on at least one of the startup time, processing time, reference value derivation time, adjustment time, and communication time of the power generation device 200 described above. In this embodiment, the required response time is the sum of the startup time, processing time, reference value derivation time, adjustment time, and communication time of the power generation device 200 described above.

The response preparation command determination unit 166 compares the required response time with the response command time and determines whether the required response time is longer than the response command time (S160). If the required response time is longer than the response command time (YES in S160), the response preparation command determination unit 166 determines a response preparation command that includes information set in S100 to S120 regarding whether the power generation unit 200 will be started in advance, whether the operation plan will be updated, and whether the reference value will be derived in advance. For example, the response preparation command determination unit 166 determines the content of the response preparation command so that the power generation unit 200 will be started, the operation plan will be updated, and the reference value will be derived prior to the response command. If the aggregator's instructions set whether or not the power generation unit 200 is to be pre-activated, whether or not the operation plan is to be updated, or whether or not the reference value is to be pre-derived, the response preparation command determination unit 166 skips steps S150 and S160 and determines a response preparation command including information regarding the set whether or not the power generation unit 200 is to be pre-activated, whether or not the operation plan is to be updated, and whether or not the reference value is to be pre-derived. The information transmission unit 168 of the server 100 then transmits the response preparation command determined by the response preparation command determination unit 166 to the power generation unit 200 (S170).

The operation plan determination unit 254 of the power generation unit 200 performs various processes based on the response preparation command from the server 100, including pre-start processing of the power generation unit 200, updating of the operation plan, and pre-derivation of reference values. The information receiving unit 252 of the power generation unit 200 then receives the response command from the server 100.

On the other hand, if the required response time is shorter than the response command time in step S160 (NO in S160), the response preparation command determination unit 166 compares the required response time with the reference value request time and determines whether the required response time is shorter than the reference value request time (S180). If the required response time is shorter than the reference value request time (YES in S180), the response preparation command determination unit 166 determines a response preparation command including information regarding the pre-derivation of a reference value so that the power generation unit 200 pre-derives a reference value before the shortest reference value request time. The response preparation command determination unit 166 also determines a response preparation command including information regarding the pre-start of the power generation unit 200 and the update of the operation plan, which were set in S100 to S110. The information transmission unit 168 of the server 100 then transmits the response preparation command determined by the response preparation command determination unit 166 to the power generation unit 200 (S190).

Based on the response preparation command from the server 100, the operation plan determination unit 254 of the power generation unit 200 executes various processes, including at least the pre-derivation of reference values, among the pre-startup process for the power generation unit 200, the operation plan update process, and the pre-derivation of reference values. The information receiving unit 252 of the power generation unit 200 then receives the response command from the server 100.

On the other hand, in step S180, if the required response time is longer than the reference value requested time (NO in S180), the response preparation command determination unit 166 decides not to pre-activate the power generation unit 200, update the operation plan, or pre-derive the reference value before the response command. In other words, at this time, the response preparation command determination unit 166 decides not to send a response preparation command to the power generation unit 200. Therefore, the information transmission unit 168 of the server 100 does not send a response preparation command to the power generation unit 200 (S200), and the information reception unit 252 of the power generation unit 200 receives the response command from the server 100 at the timing of the issuer's response command.

As described above, the server 100 of this embodiment is equipped with an information transmission unit 168 that transmits a response preparation command to the power generation device 200 before the issuer's response command, based on the required response time of the power generation device 200. This makes it easy to provide the specified amount of power between the time the response command is received and the time actual supply and demand begins, even if the power generation device 200 is a fuel cell unit that takes time to start up and increase its output.

In this embodiment, the response preparation command includes information regarding whether or not to start the power generation unit 200 and whether or not to update the operation plan. Note that if the type of electricity trading market requires the submission of a reference value and the power generation unit 200 derives the reference value, the response preparation command further includes information regarding whether or not to derive the reference value. This allows the power generation unit 200 to execute the startup process, operation plan update process, and reference value derivation process before the response command is issued.

The response preparation command also includes a response preparation identifier that is provided to distinguish it from the identifier of a response command from the issuer or server 100. This makes it possible to prevent the power generation unit 200 startup process, operation plan update process, and reference value derivation process from being executed unnecessarily before the response command is issued.

Furthermore, if the required response time of the power generation unit 200 is longer than the response command time determined for each electricity trading market, the information transmission unit 168 transmits a response preparation command to the power generation unit 200. As a result, if the power generation unit 200 executes startup processing and output increase processing after the response command is issued, a response preparation command can be transmitted to a power generation unit 200 that will not be able to secure the specified amount of power in time for the start of actual supply and demand.

Furthermore, the information transmission unit 168 transmits a response preparation command to the power generation unit 200 when the required response time is shorter than the reference value required time for which the power generation unit 200 is required to submit a reference value depending on the type of electricity trading market. This makes it possible to execute only the reference value derivation process without unnecessarily executing the power generation unit 200 startup process and operation plan update process before issuing the response command, particularly when the submission of a reference value is required in a supply and demand balancing market.

The information transmission unit 168 also transmits a response preparation command to the power generation device 200 between the time of contract processing, when contract processing is performed in the energy trading market, and a specified time a specified time before the start of actual supply and demand. Here, the specified time is a time from the start of actual supply and demand before the required response time. Note that if the type of energy trading market requires the submission of a reference value and the power generation device 200 derives the reference value, the specified time is the earlier of a time from the start of actual supply and demand before the required response time, or a time from the start of actual supply and demand before the reference value request time plus the adjustment time and communication time of the power generation device 200. This ensures that the specified amount of power can be secured by the power generation device 200 by the start of actual supply and demand.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is clear that a person skilled in the art could conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the response preparation command included information regarding whether or not the power generation device 200 was started, whether or not the operation plan was updated, and whether or not a reference value was derived. However, this is not limited to this, and the response preparation command does not have to include information regarding whether or not the power generation device 200 was started, whether or not the operation plan was updated, or whether or not a reference value was derived.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the response preparation command included a response preparation identifier. However, this is not limited to this, and the response preparation command does not have to include a response preparation identifier.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the information transmission unit 168 transmits a response preparation command to a power generation device when the required response time of the power generation device is longer than the response command time determined for each energy trading market. However, this is not limited to this, and the information transmission unit 168 does not have to transmit a response preparation command to a power generation device when the required response time of the power generation device is longer than the response command time determined for each energy trading market.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the information transmission unit 168 transmits a response preparation command to the power generation device when the required response time is shorter than the reference value required time. However, this is not limited to this, and the information transmission unit 168 does not have to transmit a response preparation command to the power generation device when the required response time is shorter than the reference value required time.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the information transmission unit 168 transmits a response preparation command to the power generation unit 200 between the start of actual supply and demand and the time before the required response time, or between the start of actual supply and demand and the time obtained by adding the adjustment time and communication time of the power generation unit 200 to the reference value request time, whichever occurs first. However, this is not limited to this, and the information transmission unit 168 may transmit a response preparation command to the power generation unit 200 between the start of actual supply and demand and the time before the required response time, or between the start of actual supply and demand and the time obtained by adding the adjustment time and communication time of the power generation unit 200 to the reference value request time, whichever occurs later.

100 Server 110 Server communication unit 130 Server storage unit 150 Server control unit 152 Information receiving unit 154 Start-up time derivation unit 156 Processing time derivation unit 158 Reference value derivation unit 160 Adjustment time derivation unit 162 Communication time derivation unit 164 Required response time derivation unit 166 Response preparation command determination unit 168 Information transmitting unit 200 Power generation device 210 Power generation communication unit 230 Power generation storage unit 250 Power generation control unit 252 Information receiving unit 254 Operation plan determination unit 256 Information transmitting unit 300 Consumer 1000 Power generation device operation system

Claims (5)

A power generation unit operation system including a power generation unit and a server capable of communicating with the power generation unit,
the server includes an information transmitting unit that transmits to the power generation device a response preparation command that instructs the power generation device to make advance preparations before a response command that the server issues to the power generation device upon receiving the response command from a user who issues a response command that is a command to output power, based on a required response time required for the power generation device to be able to output a predetermined amount of power in response to the response command from the user ,
The response preparation command includes, when the type of the electricity trading market in which electricity is traded is a type in which the consumer is required to submit a reference value indicating an estimated electricity demand value at a predetermined time, and the power generation device derives the reference value, information on at least one of whether the power generation device is started, whether an operation plan of the power generation device is updated, and whether the reference value is derived.
Generator unit operation system. A power generation unit operation system including a power generation unit and a server capable of communicating with the power generation unit,
the server includes an information transmitting unit that transmits to the power generation device a response preparation command that instructs the power generation device to make advance preparations before a response command that the server issues to the power generation device upon receiving the response command from a user who issues a response command that is a command to output power, based on a required response time required for the power generation device to be able to output a predetermined amount of power in response to the response command from the user ,
The information transmission unit
transmits the response preparation command to the power generation device when the required response time of the power generation device is longer than a response command time from the time of transmission of the response command, which is determined for each power trading market where power trading is conducted, to the actual supply and demand start time, which is the time when the supply of power traded in the power trading market starts;
Generator unit operation system. A power generation unit operation system including a power generation unit and a server capable of communicating with the power generation unit,
the server includes an information transmitting unit that transmits to the power generation device a response preparation command that instructs the power generation device to make advance preparations before a response command that the server issues to the power generation device upon receiving the response command from a user who issues a response command that is a command to output power, based on a required response time required for the power generation device to be able to output a predetermined amount of power in response to the response command from the user ,
The information transmission unit
transmits the response preparation command to the power generation device when the required response time is shorter than a reference value required time from an actual supply and demand start time, which is the time when the supply of electricity traded in an electricity trading market where electricity is traded, to a time when the consumer is required to submit a reference value indicating an estimated electricity demand value at a predetermined time according to the type of the electricity trading market;
Generator unit operation system. A power generation unit operation system including a power generation unit and a server capable of communicating with the power generation unit,
the server includes an information transmitting unit that transmits to the power generation device a response preparation command that instructs the power generation device to make advance preparations before a response command that the server issues to the power generation device upon receiving the response command from a user who issues a response command that is a command to output power, based on a required response time required for the power generation device to be able to output a predetermined amount of power in response to the response command from the user ,
The information transmission unit
transmitting the response preparation command to the power generation device during a period from a time when a contract processing is performed in an electricity trading market where electricity is traded to a predetermined time before a time when actual supply and demand starts, which is a time when supply of electricity traded in the electricity trading market starts;
the predetermined time point is, when the type of the electricity trading market is one in which the consumer is required to submit a reference value indicating an estimated electricity demand value at a predetermined time, and the power generation device derives the reference value, either a time point from the start of the actual supply and demand until the required response time, or a time point before the reference value request time from the start of the actual supply and demand until the submission of the reference value is required due to the type of the electricity trading market, plus an adjustment time required for adjusting the output of the power generation device and a communication time required for communication between the power generation device and the server, whichever is earlier.
Generator unit operation system. The response ready command includes a response ready identifier provided to distinguish it from the identifier of the response command.
The power generation unit operation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .