Patent Description:
In recent years, a power management system having a plurality of equipments, and a control apparatus which controls the plurality of equipments has been proposed (for example, Patent Literature <NUM>). The plurality of equipments comprises, for example, household electrical appliances such as air conditioners and illumination apparatuses, and distributed power sources such as photovoltaic cells, storage batteries, and fuel power generation apparatus. The control apparatus, for example, is referred to as HEMS (Home Energy Management System), SEMS (Store Energy Management System), BEMS (Building Energy Management System), FEMS (Factory Energy Management System), and CEMS (Cluster/Community Energy Management System).

For popularizing the above-described management system, generalization of the message format between the plurality of equipments and the control apparatus is effective, and such a generalization of the message format is being tested.

<CIT> discloses a system and method for monitoring photovoltaic power generation systems using a string sentry to collect a value of a current from a string of photovoltaic panels, and transmitting the value of the current from the string sentry to an external computer.

The above-described generalization of the message format has only just begun, and various investigations need to be conducted with regard to the message format for appropriately controlling the equipments.

Thus, the present invention has been achieved in order to overcome the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a management system, a management method, a control apparatus, and a photovoltaic cell apparatus capable of appropriately controlling equipmenets. According to the present invention, a management system according to claim <NUM>, a management method according to claim <NUM>, a control apparatus according to claim <NUM>, and a PV cell apparatus according to claim <NUM> are provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a management system, a management method, a control apparatus, and a photovoltaic cell apparatus capable of appropriately controlling equipmenets.

Hereinafter, a management system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, identical or similar components are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals.

It should be understood that the drawings are schematic only and the ratio of dimensions is not to scale. Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the description below. It is needless to mention that different relationships and ratio of dimensions may be included in different drawings.

A management system according to embodiments comprises: a photovoltaic cell apparatus which comprises a solar panel and a power conditioner which converts a power generated by the solar panel; and a control apparatus which communicates with the photovoltaic cell apparatus. At least one of a message indicating a spec of the photovoltaic cell apparatus and a message indicating a status of the photovoltaic cell apparatus is standardized between the control apparatus and the photovoltaic cell apparatus.

In the embodiments, a message indicating the spec of a photovoltaic cell apparatus, or a message indicating a status of the photovoltaic cell apparatus is standardized between the control apparatus and the photovoltaic cell apparatus. Therefore, the photovoltaic cell apparatus can be controlled appropriately by using these messages. Moreover, the other equipments (a load, a fuel cell apparatus, and a storage battery apparatus) can also be controlled appropriately by using these messages.

The energy management system according to the first embodiment will be described, below. <FIG> is a diagram showing an energy management system <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the energy management system <NUM> comprises a consumer's facility, a CEMS <NUM>, a transformer station <NUM>, a smart server <NUM>, and an electric generation plant <NUM>. It is noted that the consumer's facility, the CEMS <NUM>, the transformer station <NUM>, and the smart server <NUM> are connected by a network <NUM>.

The consumer's facility <NUM> has a power generation apparatus and a power storage apparatus, for example. The power generation apparatus is an apparatus which uses fuel gas to output power such as a fuel cell, for example. The power storage apparatus such as a secondary battery is an apparatus in which power is stored.

The consumer's facility <NUM> may be a detached residence, a housing complex such as an apartment house. Or, the consumer's facility may be a shop such as a corner store or a supermarket. It is noted that the consumer's facility may be a business facility such as an office building or a factory.

In the first embodiment, a consumer's facility group 10A and a consumer's facility group 10B are configured by a plurality of the consumer's facilities <NUM>. The consumer's facility group 10A and consumer's facility group 10B are classified into each geographical region, for example.

The CEMS <NUM> controls an interconnection between the plurality of consumer's facilities <NUM> and the power grid. It is noted that the CEMS <NUM> may be also called a CEMS (Cluster/Community Energy Management System), since the CEMS <NUM> manages the plurality of consumer's facilities <NUM>. Specifically, the CEMS <NUM> disconnects the plurality of consumer's facilities <NUM> and the power grid at a power failure or the like. On the other hand, the CEMS <NUM> interconnects the plurality of consumer's facilities <NUM> to the power grid, for example, at restoration of power.

In the first embodiment, a CEMS 20A and a CEMS 20B are provided. The CEMS 20A controls an interconnection between the consumer's facilities <NUM> included in the consumer's facility group 10A and the power grid, for example. The CEMS 20B controls an interconnection between the consumer's facilities <NUM> included in the consumer's facility group 10B and the power grid, for example.

The transformer station <NUM> supplies power to the plurality of consumer's facilities <NUM> through a distribution line <NUM>. Specifically, the transformer station <NUM> lowers the voltage supplied from the electric generation plant <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, a transformer station 30A and a transformer station 30B are provided. The transformer station 30A supplies power to the consumer's facilities <NUM> included in the consumer's facility group 10A through a distribution line 31A, for example. The transformer station 30B supplies power to the consumer's facilities <NUM> included in the consumer's facility group 10B through a distribution line 31B, for example.

The smart server <NUM> manages a plurality of the CEMSs <NUM> (here, the CEMS 20A and CEMS 20B). Further, the smart server <NUM> manages a plurality of the transformer stations <NUM> (here, the transformer station 30A and the transformer station 30B). In other words, the smart server <NUM> integrally manages the consumer's facilities <NUM> included in the consumer's facility groups 10A and 10B. For example, the smart server <NUM> has a function of balancing the power to be supplied to the consumer's facility group 10A and the power to be supplied to the consumer's facility group 10B.

The electric generation plant <NUM> generates power by thermal power, solar power, wind power, water power, atomic power or the like. The electric generation plant <NUM> supplies power to the plurality of the transformer stations <NUM> (here, the transformer station 30A and the transformer station 30B) through an electric feeder line <NUM>.

The network <NUM> is connected to each apparatus via a signal line. The network <NUM> is an Internet, a wide area network, a narrow area network, and a mobile phone network, for example.

The consumer's facility according to the first embodiment will be described, below. <FIG> is a diagram showing the details of the consumer's facility according to the first embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the consumer's facility comprises a distribution board <NUM>, a load <NUM>, a PV apparatus <NUM>, a storage battery apparatus <NUM>, a fuel cell apparatus <NUM>, a hot-water storage apparatus <NUM>, and an EMS <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, a consumer's facility <NUM> comprises an ammeter <NUM>, an ammeter <NUM>, and an ammeter <NUM>.

The ammeter <NUM> is used for the load following control on the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>. The ammeter <NUM> is arranged downstream of a connection point between a storage battery apparatus <NUM> and a power line (the side away from the grid) and upstream of a connection point between the fuel cell apparatus <NUM> and the power line (the side closer to the grid), on the power line connecting each apparatus (for example, the storage battery apparatus <NUM> and the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>) and the grid. It is natural that the ammeter <NUM> is arranged upstream (the side closer to the grid) of the connection point between the load <NUM> and the power line.

The ammeter <NUM> is used for checking the existence or non-existence of the flow of power from the storage battery apparatus <NUM> to the grid (reverse power flow). The ammeter <NUM> is arranged upstream of a connection point between the storage battery apparatus <NUM> and a power line (the side closer to the grid), on the power line connecting each equipment (for example, the storage battery apparatus <NUM>) and the grid.

The ammeter <NUM> is used for measuring the power generated by the PV apparatus <NUM>. The ammeter <NUM> is arranged on the side of the PV apparatus <NUM> from a connection point between a power line connecting each equipment (for example, the PV apparatus <NUM>) and the grid, and the PV apparatus <NUM>.

It must be noted that in the first embodiment, each equipment is connected to the power line in the short-distance order to the grid of the PV apparatus <NUM>, the storage battery apparatus <NUM>, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>, and the load <NUM>. However, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM> and the storage battery apparatus <NUM> may be connected in the reverse order as well.

The distribution board <NUM> is connected to a distribution line <NUM> (a grid). The distribution board <NUM> is connected, via a power line, to the load <NUM>, the PV apparatus <NUM>, the storage battery apparatus <NUM>, and the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>.

The load <NUM> is an apparatus which consumes the power supplied via a power line. Examples of the load <NUM> comprise an apparatus such as a refrigerator, a freezer, a lighting, and an air conditioner.

The PV apparatus <NUM> comprises a PV <NUM> and a PCS <NUM>. The PV <NUM> is an example of the power generation apparatus, and is a solar light power generation apparatus (Photovoltaic Device) which generates power in response to reception of solar light. The PV <NUM> outputs the generated DC power. The amount of power generated by the PV <NUM> varies depending on the amount of solar radiation entering the PV <NUM>. The PCS <NUM> is an apparatus (Power Conditioning System) which converts the DC power output from the PV <NUM>, into AC power. The PCS <NUM> outputs the AC power to the distribution board <NUM> via a power line.

In the first embodiment, the PV apparatus <NUM> may comprise a pyranometer which measures the solar radiation entering the PV <NUM>.

The PV apparatus <NUM> is controlled by an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) method. In particular, the PV apparatus <NUM> optimizes an operation point (point determined by an operation-point voltage value and power value, or a point determined by an operation-point voltage value and current value) of the PV <NUM>.

The storage battery apparatus <NUM> comprises a storage battery <NUM> and a PCS <NUM>. The storage battery <NUM> is an apparatus which stores power. The PCS <NUM> is an apparatus (Power Conditioning System) which converts the AC power supplied from the distribution line <NUM> (grid), into DC power. Further, the PCS <NUM> converts the DC power output from the storage battery <NUM>, into AC power.

The fuel cell apparatus <NUM> comprises a fuel cell <NUM> and a PCS <NUM>. The fuel cell <NUM> is an example of a power generation apparatus, and an apparatus which generates power by using a fuel (gas). The PCS <NUM> is an apparatus (Power Conditioning System) which converts the DC power output from the fuel cell <NUM>, into AC power.

The fuel cell apparatus <NUM> is operated by load following control. In particular, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM> controls the fuel cell <NUM> so that the power output from the fuel cell <NUM> reaches a target power of the load following control. In other words, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM> controls the power outputted from the fuel cell <NUM> such that a product of an electric current value detected by the ammeter <NUM> and a power value detected by the PCS <NUM> becomes a target received power.

The hot-water storage apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus which either generates hot water using fuel (gas), or maintains the water temperature. Specifically, the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM> comprises a hot-water storage tank where the water supplied from the hot-water storage tank is warmed by the heat generated by burning of fuel (gas) or the exhaust heat generated by drive (power generation) of the fuel cell <NUM>. In particular, the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM> warms the water supplied from the hot-water storage tank and feeds the warmed water back to the hot-water storage tank.

It must be noted that in the embodiment, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM> and the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM> configure the hot-water supply unit <NUM> (the hot-water supply system).

The EMS <NUM> is an apparatus (Energy Management System) which controls the PV apparatus <NUM>, the storage battery apparatus <NUM>, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>, and the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM>. Specifically, the EMS <NUM> is connected to the PV apparatus <NUM>, the storage battery apparatus <NUM>, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>, and the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM> via a signal line, and controls the PV apparatus <NUM>, the storage battery apparatus <NUM>, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>, and the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM>. Further, the EMS <NUM> controls an operation mode of the load <NUM> to control the power consumption of the load <NUM>.

Further, the EMS <NUM> is connected, via the network <NUM>, to various types of servers. The various types of servers store information such as a purchase unit price of power supplied from a grid, a sales unit price of the power supplied from the grid, and a purchase unit price of fuel, for example (hereinafter, energy rate information).

Alternatively, various types of servers store information for predicting the power consumption of the load <NUM> (hereinafter, consumed-energy prediction information), for example. The consumed-energy prediction information may be generated on the basis of an actual value of the power consumption of the load <NUM> in the past, for example. Alternatively, the consumed-energy prediction information may be a model of the power consumption of the load <NUM>.

Alternatively, various types of servers store information for predicting an amount of power generated by the PV <NUM> (hereinafter, PV-power-generation-amount prediction information), for example. The PV-power-generation prediction information may be a predicted value of a solar radiation entering the PV <NUM>. Alternatively, the PV-power-generation prediction information may be a weather forecast, a season, and hours of sunlight, for example.

Hereinafter, a photovoltaic cell apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a diagram showing a PV apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the PV apparatus <NUM> comprises a PV <NUM> and a PCS <NUM>. The PCS <NUM> comprises a boost converter 132A, a DC/AC inverter 132B, a grid relay 132C, a grid terminal 132D, a self-sustained relay 132E, a self-sustained terminal 132F, a communication unit <NUM>, and a control unit <NUM>.

The boost converter 132A boosts the power outputted from the PV <NUM> (DC power) through DC/DC conversion.

The DC/AC inverter 132B converts the power outputted from the boost converter 132A (DC power) to AC power through DC/AC conversion.

The grid relay 132C is a relay switch which switches the existence or non-existence of a connection between the DC/AC inverter 132B and the grid terminal 132D.

The grid terminal 132D is a terminal to connect the grid (or the equipments connected to the grid) and the PV apparatus <NUM>.

The self-sustained relay 132E is a relay switch which switches the existence or non-existence of a connection between the DC/AC inverter 132B and the self-sustained terminal 132F.

The self-sustained terminal 132F is a terminal (plug) to connect a load which is not connected to the grid, and the PV apparatus <NUM>.

The communication unit <NUM> communicates with the EMS <NUM>, for example. In the first embodiment, the communication unit <NUM> configures a transmission unit which transmits various types of messages to the EMS <NUM>. The communication unit <NUM> configures a reception unit which receives various types of messages from the EMS <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, at least one of a message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM> and a message indicating a status of the PV apparatus <NUM> is standardized between the EMS <NUM> and the PV apparatus <NUM>.

For example, the communication unit <NUM> transmits at least one of the message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM> and the message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM>, to the EMS <NUM>. Alternatively, the communication unit <NUM> receives a message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM> from the EMS <NUM>.

The spec of the PV apparatus <NUM> comprises, for example, at least one of the rated power in a grid connection state in which the PCS <NUM> is connected to the grid (the state when the PCS <NUM> is connected to the grid terminal 132D), the rated power in a self-sustained operation state in which the PCS <NUM> is connected to the self-sustained terminal 132F, and the maximum output power of the PV <NUM> (a solar panel).

For example, in the grid connection state, since the PV apparatus <NUM> is connected to the grid, the output power of the PV apparatus <NUM> is controlled by the current control. The rated power in the grid connection state depends on the spec of the PCS <NUM>, and is <NUM> kW, for example.

On the other hand, in the self-sustained operation state, since the PV apparatus <NUM> is not connected to the grid, the output power of the PV apparatus <NUM> is controlled by the voltage control. The rated power in the self-sustained operation state depends on the spec of the self-sustained relay 132E and the self-sustained terminal 132F, and is <NUM> kW, for example.

The maximum output power of the PV <NUM> (the solar panels) depends on the spec and the number of the solar panels, and is <NUM> kW (<NUM> W x <NUM> panels), for example. Here, the maximum output power of the PV <NUM> (the solar panels) may be entered manually, or may be estimated from the power generated in the past.

The status of the PV apparatus <NUM> comprises at least one of whether or not the PCS <NUM> is connected to the grid, and whether or not the PCS <NUM> is connected to the self-sustained terminal 132F. In other words, the status of the PV apparatus <NUM> comprises at least one of the grid relay 132C ON/OFF, and the self-sustained terminal 132F ON/OFF.

Here, the status of the PV apparatus <NUM> may comprise whether or not the supply of power from the PV apparatus <NUM> to the grid (the reverse power flow) is permitted.

In the first embodiment, before the communication of a message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM>, a communication unit <NUM> transmits a message indicating the existence or non-existence of a function of handling the message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM>. Alternatively, before the communication of a message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM>, the communication unit <NUM> transmits a message indicating the existence or non-existence of a function of handling the message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a network configuration according to the first embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a diagram showing a network configuration according to the first embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the network is configured by the load <NUM>, the PV apparatus <NUM>, the storage battery apparatus <NUM>, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>, the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM>, the EMS <NUM>, and the user terminal <NUM>. The user terminal <NUM> comprises a user terminal <NUM> and a user terminal <NUM>.

The user terminal <NUM> is connected to the EMS <NUM>, and displays the information for visualization of energy consumption (hereinafter, the visualization information) of each equipment (the load <NUM>, the PV apparatus <NUM>, the storage battery apparatus <NUM>, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>, and the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM>) through a web browser. In such a case, the EMS <NUM> generates the visualization information in a format such as HTML, and transmits the generated visualization information to the user terminal <NUM>. The connection type between the user terminal <NUM> and the EMS <NUM> may be wired or may be wireless.

The user terminal <NUM> is connected to the EMS <NUM>, and displays the visualization information through an application. In such a case, the EMS <NUM> transmits the information showing the energy consumption of each equipment to the user terminal <NUM>. The application of the user terminal <NUM> generates the visualization information on the basis of the information received from the EMS <NUM>, and displays the generated visualization information. The connection type between the user terminal <NUM> and the EMS <NUM> may be wired or may be wireless.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM> and the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM> configure the hot-water supply unit <NUM>. Therefore, the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM> need not necessarily possess the function of communicating with the EMS <NUM>. In such a case, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM> substitutes the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM> and communicates messages concerning the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM> with the EMS <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, the communication between the EMS <NUM> and each equipment (the load <NUM>, the PV apparatus <NUM>, the storage battery apparatus <NUM>, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>, and the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM>) is performed by a method which is in accordance with a predetermined protocol. The predetermined protocol could be, for example, a protocol called the "ECHONET Lite" (registered trademark) and the "ECHONET" (registered trademark). However, the embodiment is not restricted to these protocols, and the predetermined protocol could also be a protocol other than the "ECHONET Lite" or the "ECHONET" (for example, ZigBee (registered trademark)).

Hereinafter, an EMS according to the first embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a block diagram showing an EMS <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the EMS <NUM> has a reception unit <NUM>, a transmission unit <NUM>, and a control unit <NUM>.

The reception unit <NUM> receives various types of signals from an apparatus connected via a signal line. For example, the reception unit <NUM> may receive information indicating the amount of power generated by the PV <NUM>, from the PV apparatus <NUM>. The reception unit <NUM> may receive information indicating the amount of power to be stored in the storage battery <NUM>, from the storage battery apparatus <NUM>. The reception unit <NUM> may receive information indicating the amount of power generated by the fuel cell <NUM>, from the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>. The reception unit <NUM> may receive information indicating the amount of hot water to be stored in the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM>, from the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM>. The reception unit <NUM> with a transmission unit <NUM> described below configures a communication unit.

In the first embodiment, the reception unit <NUM> may receive energy charge information, energy consumption prediction information, and PV power-generation amount prediction information from the various types of servers via the network <NUM>. However, the energy charge information, the energy consumption prediction information, and the PV power-generation amount prediction information may be stored in advance in the EMS <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, the reception unit <NUM> receives at least one of a message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM> and a message indicating a status of the PV apparatus <NUM>, from the PV apparatus <NUM>. Thus, the reception unit <NUM> acquires the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM> or the status of the PV apparatus <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, before the communication of the message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM>, the reception unit <NUM> receives a message indicating the existence or non-existence of a function of handling the message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM>, from the PV apparatus <NUM>. Alternatively, before the communication of the message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM>, the reception unit <NUM> receives a message indicating the existence or non-existence of a function of handling the message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM>, from the PV apparatus <NUM>.

The transmission unit <NUM> transmits various types of signals to an apparatus connected via signal lines. For example, the transmission unit <NUM> transmits a signal for controlling the PV apparatus <NUM>, the storage battery apparatus <NUM>, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>, and the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM>, to each apparatus. The transmission unit <NUM> transmits a control signal for controlling the load <NUM>, to the load <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, the transmission unit <NUM> transmits the message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM> to the PV apparatus <NUM>. Thus, the transmission unit <NUM> instructs the status of the PV apparatus <NUM> to the PV apparatus <NUM>. In detail, by transmitting a message indicating the self-sustained operation state when a power failure occurs, the transmission unit <NUM> controls the PV apparatus <NUM> so that the PV apparatus <NUM> is in the self-sustained operation state. Alternatively, by transmitting a message indicating the grid connection state when the grid restores from a power failure, the transmission unit <NUM> controls the PV apparatus <NUM> so that the PV apparatus <NUM> is in the grid connection state. Alternatively, the transmission unit <NUM> transmits the message requesting the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM> to the PV apparatus <NUM>. Alternatively, the transmission unit <NUM> transmits a message requesting the status of the PV apparatus <NUM> to the PV apparatus <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, before the communication of the message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM> transmits a message requesting the message indicating the existence or non-existence of a function of handling the message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM>, to the PV apparatus <NUM>. Alternatively, before the communication of the message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM> transmits a message requesting the message indicating the existence or non-existence of a function of handling the message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM>, to the PV apparatus <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> controls the load <NUM>, the PV apparatus <NUM>, the storage battery apparatus <NUM>, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>, and the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the message format according to the first embodiment will be described. <FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams showing an example of a message format according to the first embodiment.

Firstly, the message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM> has, for example, a format shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the message comprises a field of the message type and a field of the spec.

The field of the message type indicates the type of the message, and in the first embodiment, it indicates that the message comprises spec.

The field of the spec indicates the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM>. As described above, the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM> comprises at least one of the rated power in a grid connection state in which the PCS <NUM> is connected to the grid (the state when the PCS <NUM> is connected to the grid terminal 132D) (the grid connection state), the rated power in a self-sustained operation state in which the PCS <NUM> is connected to the self-sustained terminal 132F (the self-sustained operation state), and the maximum output power of the PV <NUM> (the solar panel) (the panel maximum output).

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the field of the spec may comprise a combination of the rated power (the grid connection state) and the panel maximum output, or a combination of the rated power (the self-sustained operation state) and the panel maximum output, or a combination of the rated power (the grid connection state), the rated power (the self-sustained operation state), and the panel maximum output.

Secondly, the message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM> has, for example, a format shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the message comprises a field of the message type and a field of the status.

The field of the message type indicates the type of the message, and in the first embodiment, it indicates that the message comprises a status.

The field of the status indicates the status of the PV apparatus <NUM>. The status of the PV apparatus <NUM> comprises at least one of whether or not the PCS <NUM> is connected to the grid, and whether or not the PCS <NUM> is connected to the self-sustained terminal 132F. In other words, the status of the PV apparatus <NUM> comprises at least one of the grid relay 132C ON/OFF, and the self-sustained terminal 132F ON/OFF. The status of the PV apparatus <NUM> may comprise whether or not the supply of power from the PV apparatus <NUM> to the grid (the reverse power flow) is permitted.

Hereinafter, the management method according to the first embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a sequence diagram showing a management method according to the first embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, in step S10, the EMS <NUM> transmits a message requesting a code group supported by the PV apparatus <NUM> (a code group request), to the PV apparatus <NUM>. The code group request is an example of a message requesting the message indicating the existence or non-existence of a function of handling the message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM>. Alternatively, the code group request is an example of a message requesting the message indicating the existence or non-existence of a function of handling the message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM>.

In step S20, the PV apparatus <NUM> transmits a message indicating the code group supported by the PV apparatus <NUM> (a code group response), to the EMS <NUM>. The code group response is an example of a message indicating the existence or non-existence of a function of handling the message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM>. Alternatively, the code group response is an example of a message indicating the existence or non-existence of a function of handling the message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM>.

In step S30, the EMS <NUM> transmits a message requesting the notification of the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM> (a spec request), to the PV apparatus <NUM>.

In step S40, the PV apparatus <NUM> transmits a message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM> (a spec response), to the EMS <NUM>.

In the step S50, the EMS <NUM> transmits the message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM> to the PV apparatus <NUM>. Thus, the EMS <NUM> instructs the status of the PV apparatus <NUM> to the PV apparatus <NUM>.

For example, by transmitting a message indicating the self-sustained operation state when a power failure occurs, the EMS <NUM> controls the PV apparatus <NUM> so that the PV apparatus <NUM> is in the self-sustained operation state. Alternatively, by transmitting a message indicating the grid connection state when the grid restores from a power failure, the EMS <NUM> controls the PV apparatus <NUM> so that the PV apparatus <NUM> is in the grid connection state.

In step S60, the EMS <NUM> transmits a message requesting the notification of the status of the PV apparatus <NUM> (a status request), to the PV apparatus <NUM>.

In step S70, the PV apparatus <NUM> transmits a message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM> (a status response), to the EMS <NUM>.

As described above, in the first embodiment, at least one of a message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM> and a message indicating a status of the PV apparatus <NUM> is standardized between the EMS <NUM> and the PV apparatus <NUM>. Therefore, the PV apparatus <NUM> can be controlled appropriately by using these messages. Moreover, the other equipments (the load <NUM>, the storage battery apparatus <NUM>, and the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>) can also be controlled appropriately by using these messages.

For example, since the rated power (the self-sustained operation state) and the panel maximum output are identified by the message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM>, the EMS <NUM> can appropriately control the self-sustained operation state of the PV apparatus <NUM>. Moreover, when the fact that the PV apparatus <NUM> is in the self-sustained operation state (the self-sustained relay 132E = ON) is notified by the message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM>, and the rated power (the self-sustained operation state) and panel maximum output are identified by the message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM>, the EMS <NUM> can appropriately control the load connected to the storage battery apparatus <NUM>, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>, and the self-sustained terminal 132F.

Similarly, since the rated power (the grid connection state) and the panel maximum output are identified by the message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM>, the EMS <NUM> can appropriately control the grid connection state of the PV apparatus <NUM>. Moreover, when the fact that the PV apparatus <NUM> is in the grid connection state (the grid relay 132C = ON) is notified by the message indicating the status of the PV apparatus <NUM>, and the rated power (the self-sustained operation state) and panel maximum output are identified by the message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM>, the EMS <NUM> can appropriately control the load connected to the storage battery apparatus <NUM>, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>, and the grid terminal 132D.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment described above, it should not be understood that the discussion and drawings constituting a part of the disclosure are limiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples and operation technology will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present disclosure.

The EMS <NUM> may be HEMS (Home Energy Management System), may be SEMS (Store Energy Management System), may be BEMS (Building Energy Management System), and may be FEMS (Factory Energy Management System).

In the embodiment, the consumer's facility <NUM> comprises the load <NUM>, the PV apparatus <NUM>, the storage battery apparatus <NUM>, the fuel cell apparatus <NUM>, and the hot-water storage apparatus <NUM>. However, it may suffice that the consumer's facility <NUM> comprises at least the PV apparatus <NUM>.

Particularly, it is preferable to perform transmission and reception of the code group request and the code group response at the timing of performing the initial settings of the PV apparatus <NUM>, the timing of restoration from a power failure, the timing of turning ON the power supply of the PV apparatus <NUM>, the timing of turning ON the power supply of the EMS <NUM>, and the timing when it becomes necessary to check the settings of the PV apparatus <NUM>.

Although not particularly mentioned in the embodiment, the PV apparatus <NUM> may autonomously transmit various types of messages to the EMS <NUM> rather than upon a request from the EMS <NUM>. For example, the PV apparatus <NUM> transmits various types of messages to the EMS <NUM> when the predetermined conditions are fulfilled.

Although not particularly mentioned in the embodiment, the PV apparatus <NUM> may transmit a message indicating the spec of the PV apparatus <NUM> to the EMS <NUM>, along with the code group response.

As described above, needless to say, the present invention comprises various embodiments and the like not described here. Moreover, it is also possible to combine the above-described embodiments and modifications. Therefore, the technical range of the present invention is to be standardized only by the inventive specific matter according to the adequate claims from the above description.

Claim 1:
A management system comprising:
a photovoltaic cell apparatus (<NUM>) which comprises a solar panel (<NUM>) and a power conditioner (<NUM>) which converts a power generated by the solar panel (<NUM>); and
a control apparatus (<NUM>) which communicates with the photovoltaic cell apparatus, wherein
the control apparatus (<NUM>) is configured to receive, from the photovoltaic cell apparatus (<NUM>), a first message indicating a rated power of the photovoltaic cell apparatus (<NUM>) in a grid connection state in which the power conditioner (<NUM>) is connected to a grid and a second message indicating a rated power of the photovoltaic cell apparatus (<NUM>) in a self-sustained operation state in which the power conditioner (<NUM>) is not connected to the grid and is connected to a self-sustained terminal (132F) via a self-sustained relay, the self-sustained terminal being a terminal to connect a load which is not connected to the grid, and the photovoltaic cell apparatus (<NUM>) and
the first message comprises a field indicating the rated power in the grid connection state and the second message comprises a field indicating the rated power in the self-sustained operation state,
the rated power of the photovoltaic cell apparatus (<NUM>) in the grid connection state depends on a spec of the power conditioner (<NUM>), and
the rated power of the photovoltaic cell apparatus (<NUM>) in the self-sustained operation state depends on a spec of the self-sustained terminal (132F) and the self-sustained relay (132E), wherein the control apparatus is configured to control the photovoltaic cell apparatus based on the first message and the second message.