U.S. patent application number 09/956134 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-21 for solar power generation administration system, and solar power generation administration method to provide useful information to user.
Invention is credited to Konishi, Katsuyuki, Tonomura, Yoshifumi.
Application Number | 20020033020 09/956134 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18770408 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020033020 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tonomura, Yoshifumi ; et
al. |
March 21, 2002 |
Solar power generation administration system, and solar power
generation administration method to provide useful information to
user
Abstract
A method of providing a user who has installed a solar power
generator with appropriate information, including the steps of
receiving data of the quantity of generated power and quantity of
power draw from a solar power generator connected to a network,
calculating the quantity of buy power and quantity of sell power on
a time zone basis, reading out a rate table of buy power and sell
power, calculating the electric power charge for buy power and sell
power classified into contract types, determining the type of
contract that is most economical as to the value to be paid to a
power company, calculated by subtracting the amount to be received
for sell power from the amount to be paid for buy power, and
producing appropriate information based on the determined contract
type and calculated amount of payment.
Inventors: |
Tonomura, Yoshifumi;
(Sakurai-shi, JP) ; Konishi, Katsuyuki;
(Kashihara-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON & VANDERHYE P.C.
8th Floor
1100 North Glebe Rd.
Arlington
VA
22201-4714
US
|
Family ID: |
18770408 |
Appl. No.: |
09/956134 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
60/641.8 ;
60/641.11; 60/641.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 3/383 20130101;
H02J 2300/24 20200101; H02J 3/381 20130101; Y02E 10/46 20130101;
Y04S 50/10 20130101; Y02E 10/56 20130101; H02J 3/008 20130101; Y02T
10/7072 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
60/641.8 ;
60/641.15; 60/641.11 |
International
Class: |
F03G 006/00; F03G
007/00; B60L 008/00; B60K 016/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 21, 2000 |
JP |
2000-286493(P) |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A solar power generation administration system including a solar
power generation administration server and a solar power generator
supplying commercial power and solar generated power to a load,
wherein said solar power generation administration server comprises
a reception circuit receiving data of a quantity of power generated
by solar power generation from said solar power generator and a
quantity of power draw by said load, a storage circuit connected to
said reception circuit to store received data of said quantity of
generated power and said quantity of power draw, a production
circuit connected to said storage circuit to produce notice
information associated with a value to be paid to a power company
supplying said commercial power by a user who has installed said
solar power generator, based on said quantity of generated power
and said quantity of power draw, and a transmission circuit
connected to said production circuit to transmit said produced
notice information to said solar power generator, wherein said
solar power generator comprises a power generation module
generating power by sunlight, a measurement circuit connected to
said power generation module and said load to measure the quantity
of generated power by solar power generation and the quantity of
power draw by said load, a transmission circuit connected to said
measurement circuit to transmit data of said quantity of generated
power and said quantity of power draw to said solar power
generation administration server, a reception circuit receiving
said notice information from said solar power generation
administration server, and an output circuit connected to said
reception circuit to output said received notice information.
2. The solar power generation administration system according to
claim 1, wherein said measurement circuit comprises a circuit
calculating a quantity of generated power by solar power
generation, a quantity of power draw by said load, a quantity of
sell power to a power company supplying commercial power, and a
quantity of buy power from said power company, said transmission
circuit of said solar power generator comprises a circuit
transmitting data of said quantity of generated power, said
quantity of power draw, said quantity of sell power and said
quantity of buy power to said solar power generation administration
server, said reception circuit of said solar power generation
administration server comprises a circuit receiving data of said
quantity of generated power, said quantity of power draw, said
quantity of sell power and said quantity of buy power from said
solar power generator, said production circuit comprises a circuit
storing a sell power rate and buy power rate of said power company,
and a circuit producing notice information minimizing a value to be
paid to said power company by said user who has installed said
solar power generator based on said quantity of sell power, said
quantity of buy power, said sell power rate and said buy power
rate.
3. A solar power generator employed in a solar power generation
administration system including a solar power generation
administration server and the solar power generator supplying
commercial power and solar generated power to a load, said solar
power generator comprising: a power generation module generating
power by sunlight, a measurement circuit connected to said power
generation module and said load to measure a quantity of generated
power by solar power generation and a quantity of power draw by
said load, a transmission circuit connected to said measurement
circuit to transmit data of said quantity of generated power and
said quantity of power draw to said solar power generation
administration server, a reception circuit receiving notice
information from said solar power generation administration server,
and an output circuit connected to said reception circuit to output
said received notice information.
4. The solar power generator according to claim 3, said solar power
generation administration server including a circuit producing
notice information minimizing a value to be paid to said power
company by a user who has installed said solar power generator,
based on data of said quantity of generated power, said quantity of
power draw, a quantity of buy power and a quantity of buy power
received from said solar power generator, and prestored sell power
and buy power rates, wherein said measurement circuit comprises a
circuit measuring a quantity of generated power by solar power
generation, a quantity of power draw by said load, a quantity of
sell power to a power company supplying commercial power, and a
quantity of buy power from said power company, wherein said
transmission circuit comprises a circuit transmitting data of said
quantity of generated power, said quantity of power draw, said
quantity of sell power and said quantity of buy power to said solar
power generation administration server.
5. A solar power generator supplying commercial power and solar
generated power to a load, comprising: a power generation module
generating power by sunlight, a measurement circuit connected to
said power generation module and said load to measure a quantity of
generated power by solar power generation, a quantity of power draw
by said load, a quantity of sell power to a power company supplying
commercial power, and a quantity of buy power from said power
company, a rate storage circuit storing a sell power rate and buy
power rate of said power company, a production circuit connected to
said measurement circuit and said rate storage circuit to produce
notice information minimizing a value to be paid to said power
company by a user who has installed said solar power generator
based on said quantity of sell power, said quantity of buy power,
said sell power rate and said buy power rate, and an output circuit
connected to said production circuit to output said produced notice
information.
6. A solar power generation administration server employed in a
solar power generation administration system including the solar
power generation administration server and a solar power generator
supplying commercial value and solar generated power to a load,
said solar power generation administration server comprising: a
reception circuit receiving data of a quantity of generated power
by solar power generation and a quantity of power draw by said
load, a production circuit connected to said reception circuit to
produce notice information associated with a value to be paid to a
power company supplying said commercial power by a user who has
installed said solar power generator, based on said quantity of
generated power and said quantity of power draw, and a transmission
circuit connected to said production circuit to transmit said
produced notice information to said solar power generator.
7. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 6, said solar power generator including a circuit measuring
said quantity of generated power, said quantity of power draw, a
quantity of sell power to a power company supplying commercial
power, and a quantity of buy power from said power company, and a
circuit transmitting data of said quantity of generated power, said
quantity of power draw, said quantity of sell power and said
quantity of buy power to said solar power generation administration
server, wherein said reception circuit comprises a circuit
receiving data of said quantity of generated power, said quantity
of power draw, said quantity of sell power and said quantity of buy
power from said solar power generator, and wherein said production
circuit comprises a circuit storing a sell power rate and a buy
power rate of said power company, and a circuit producing notice
information minimizing a value to be paid to said power company by
a user who has installed said solar power generator based on said
quantity of sell power, said quantity of buy power, said sell power
rate and said buy power rate.
8. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 7, wherein said production circuit comprises a circuit
storing a sell power rate and a buy power rate of a plurality of
power companies, a circuit selecting a power company from said
plurality of power companies that minimizes a value to be paid to
the power company by the user who has installed said solar power
generator, and a circuit producing said notice information.
9. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 6, said solar power generation administration server being
connected to a plurality of said solar power generators, wherein
said reception circuit comprises a circuit receiving information
representing an area where a solar power generator is installed, a
quantity of generated power by solar power generation, and a
quantity of power draw by said load, said production circuit
comprises a circuit calculating an average value of the quantity of
generated power by said solar power generator installed at an area
assumed to have the same hours of sunlight based on the quantity of
generated power of said plurality of solar power generators, and a
circuit producing notice information notifying occurrence of an
error in a solar power generator whose quantity of generated power
is below said average value, said transmission circuit comprises a
circuit transmitting said produced notice information to the solar
power generator whose quantity of generated power is below said
average value.
10. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 6, further comprising a storage circuit prestoring a duration
of sunshine for each area and time zone, and a calculable quantity
of generating power calculated based on said duration of sunlight,
wherein said reception circuit comprises a circuit receiving area
data representing an area where a solar power generator is
installed, a quantity of generated power by solar power generation,
a quantity of power draw by said load, and time zone data
representing a measured time zone of said quantity of generated
power, said production circuit comprises a circuit connected to
said storage circuit to produce notice information notifying
occurrence of an error in a solar power generator whose quantity of
generated power is below said calculable quantity of generating
power, based on a calculable quantity of generating power generated
based on said received area data and time zone data, and said
received data of the quantity of generated power, and said
transmission circuit comprises a circuit transmitting said produced
notice information to a solar power generator whose quantity of
generated power is below said calculable quantity of generating
power.
11. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 6, wherein said production circuit includes a circuit
connected to said storage circuit to produce a ratio of said
quantity of generated power to said quantity of power draw as said
notice information based on a quantity of generated power by said
solar power generator and a quantity of power draw.
12. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 6, said solar power generation administration server being
connected to a plurality of said solar power generators, wherein
said production circuit comprises a circuit calculating an average
value of a ratio of said quantity of generated power to said
quantity of power draw based on the quantity of generated power by
said plurality of solar power generators and the quantity of power
draw, and a circuit producing information of comparison between
said calculated average value of ratio and said ratio of each said
solar power generator as said notice information.
13. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 12, wherein said notice information includes information
representing a list of users installing said plurality of solar
power generators in a descending order of said ratio.
14. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 6, said solar power generation administration server being
connected to a plurality of said solar power generators, said solar
power generator including a circuit measuring a value of a
short-circuit current of a power generation module and transmitting
the measured value to said solar power generator, wherein said
reception circuit comprises a circuit receiving information
representing an area where a solar power generator is installed,
and said short-circuit current value, said production circuit
comprises a circuit calculating an average value of said
short-circuit current value of said solar power generator installed
in an area assumed to have the same duration of sunlight based on
the short-circuit current value of a plurality of solar power
generators, and a circuit producing notice information notifying
occurrence of an error in a solar power generator including a power
generation module whose short-circuit current value is below said
average value, said transmission circuit includes a circuit
transmitting said produced notice information to the solar power
generator whose short-circuit current value is below said average
value.
15. A solar power generation administration system including a
solar power generation administration server, and a solar power
generator supplying commercial power and solar generated power to a
load, wherein said solar power generation administration server
comprises reception means for receiving data of a quantity of
generated power by solar power generation from said solar power
generator and a quantity of power draw by said load, storage means
connected to said reception means for storing received data of said
quantity of generated power and said quantity of power draw,
production means connected to said storage means for producing
notice information associated with a value to be paid to a power
company supplying said commercial power by a user who has installed
said solar power generator, based on said quantity of generated
power and said quantity of power draw, and transmission means
connected to said production means for transmitting said produced
notice information to said solar power generator, wherein said
solar power generator comprises a power generation module
generating power by sunlight, measurement means connected to said
power generation module and said load for measuring a quantity of
generated power by solar power generation and a quantity of power
draw by said load, transmission means connected to said measurement
means for transmitting data of said quantity of generated power and
said power draw to said solar power generation administration
server, reception means for receiving said notice information from
said solar power generation administration server, and output means
connected to said reception means for providing said received
notice information.
16. The solar power generation administration system according to
claim 15, wherein said measurement means comprises means for
calculating a quantity of generated power by solar power
generation, a quantity of power draw by said load, a quantity of
sell power to a power company supplying commercial power, and a
quantity of buy power from said power company, said transmission
means of said solar power generator comprises means for
transmitting data of said quantity of generated power, said
quantity of power draw, said quantity of sell power and said
quantity of buy power to said solar power generation administration
server, said reception means of said solar power generation
administration server comprises means for receiving data of said
quantity of generated power, said quantity of draw power, said
quantity of sell power and said quantity of buy power from said
solar power generator, and said production means comprises means
for storing a sell power rate and buy power rate of said power
company, and means for producing notice information minimizing a
value to be paid to said power company by a user who has installed
said solar power generator based on said quantity of sell power,
said quantity of buy power, said sell power rate and said buy power
rate.
17. A solar power generator employed in a solar power generation
administration system including a solar power generation
administration server and the solar power generator supplying
commercial power and solar generated power to a load, said solar
power generator comprising: a power generation module generating
power by sunlight, measurement means connected to said power
generation module and said load for measuring a quantity of
generated power by solar power generation and a quantity of power
draw by said load, transmission means connected to said measurement
means for transmitting data of said quantity of generated power and
said quantity of draw power to said solar power generation
administration server, reception means for receiving notice
information from said solar power generation administration server,
and output means connected to said reception means for providing
said received notice information.
18. The solar power generator according to claim 17, said solar
power generation administration server including means for
producing notice information minimizing a value to be paid to said
power company by a user who has installed said solar power
generator based on data of said quantity of generated power, said
quantity of power draw, a quantity of sell power and a quantity of
buy power received from said solar power generator, and prestored
sell power and buy power rates, wherein said measurement means
comprises means for measuring a quantity of generated power by
solar power generation, a quantity of power draw by said load, a
quantity of sell power to a power company supplying commercial
power, and a quantity of buy power from said company, wherein said
transmission means comprises means for transmitting data of said
quantity of generated power, said quantity of power draw, said
quantity of sell power and said quantity of buy power to said solar
power generation administration server.
19. A solar power generator supplying commercial power and solar
generated power to a load, comprising: a power generation module
generating power by sunlight, measurement means connected to said
power generation module and said load for measuring a quantity of
generated power by solar power generation, a quantity of power draw
by said load, a quantity of sell power to a power company supplying
commercial power, and a quantity of buy power from said power
company, rate storage means for storing a sell power rate and buy
power rate of said power company, production means connected to
said measurement means and said rate storage means for producing
notice information minimizing a value to be paid to said power
company by a user who has installed said solar power generator,
based on said quantity of sell power, said quantity of buy power,
said sell power rate and said buy power rate, and output means
connected to said production means for providing said produced
notice information.
20. A solar power generation administration server employed in a
solar power generation administration system including the solar
power generation administration server and a solar power generator
supplying commercial power and solar generated power to a load,
said solar power generation administration server comprising:
reception means for receiving data of a quantity of generated power
by solar power generation and a quantity of power draw by said
load, production means connected to said reception means for
producing notice information associated with a value to be paid to
a power company supplying said commercial power by a user who has
installed said solar power generator based on said quantity of
generated power and said quantity of power draw, and transmission
means connected to said production means for transmitting said
produced notice information to said solar power generator.
21. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 20, said solar power generator including means for measuring
said quantity of generated power, said quantity of power draw, a
quantity of sell power to a power company supplying commercial
power and a quantity of buy power from said power company, and
means for transmitting data of said quantity of generated power,
said quantity of power draw, said quantity of sell power and said
quantity of buy power to said solar power generation administration
server, wherein said reception means comprises means for receiving
data of said quantity of generated power, said quantity of power
draw, said quantity of sell power and said quantity of buy power
from said solar power generator, and wherein said production means
comprises means for storing a sell power rate and buy power rate of
said power company, and means for producing notice information
minimizing a value to be paid to said power company by the user who
has installed said solar power generator, based on said quantity of
sell power, said quantity of buy power, said sell power rate and
said buy power rate.
22. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 21, wherein said production means comprises means for storing
a sell power rate and buy power rate of a plurality of power
companies, means for selecting a power company from said plurality
of power companies that minimizes a value to be paid to the power
company by the user who has installed said solar power generator,
and means for producing said notice information.
23. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 20, being connected to a plurality of said solar power
generators, wherein said reception means comprises means for
receiving information representing an area where a solar power
generator is installed, a quantity of generated power by solar
power generation, and a quantity of power draw by said load, said
production means comprises means for calculating an average value
of the quantity of generated power by said solar power generator
installed at an area assumed to have the same duration of sunlight
based on the quantity of generated power of said plurality of solar
power generators, and means for producing notice information
notifying occurrence of an error in a solar power generator whose
quantity of generated power is below said average power, and said
transmission means comprises means for transmitting said produced
notice information to the solar power generator whose quantity of
generated power is below said average value.
24. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 20, further comprising storage means for prestoring a
duration of sunlight for every area and every time zone, and a
calculable quantity of generating power calculated based on said
duration of sunlight, wherein said reception means comprises means
for receiving area data representing an area where a solar power
generator is installed, a quantity of generated power by solar
power generation, a quantity of power draw by said load, and time
zone data representing a measured time zone of said quantity of
generated power, said production means comprises means connected to
said storage means for producing notice information notifying
occurrence of an error in a solar power generator whose quantity of
generated power is below said calculable quantity of generating
power based on a calculable quantity of generating power calculated
based on the received area data and time zone data, and received
data of the quantity of generated power, and said transmission
means comprises means for transmitting said produced notice
information to a solar power generator whose quantity of generated
power is below said calculable quantity of generating power.
25. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 20, wherein said production means comprises means connected
to said storage means for producing a ratio of said quantity of
generated power to said quantity of power draw as said notice
information, based on the quantity of generated power and the
quantity of power draw of said solar power generator.
26. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 20, being connected to a plurality of said solar power
generators, wherein said production means comprises means for
calculating an average value of a ratio of said quantity of
generated power to said quantity of power draw based on the
quantity of generated power by said plurality of solar power
generators and quantity of power draw, and means for producing
information of comparison between said calculated average value and
said ratio of each said solar power generator as said notice
information.
27. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 26, wherein said notice information includes information
representing a list of users installing said plurality of solar
power generators in a descending order of said ratio.
28. The solar power generation administration server according to
claim 20, being connected to a plurality of said solar power
generator, said solar power generator including means for measuring
a value of short-circuit current of a power modulation module and
transmitting the measured value to said solar power generator,
wherein said reception means comprises means for receiving
information representing an area where a solar power generator is
installed and said short-circuit current value, said production
means comprises means for calculating an average value of said
short-circuit current value of a solar power generator installed at
an area assumed to have the same duration of sunlight based on the
short-circuit current value of said plurality of solar power
generators, and means for producing notice information notifying
occurrence of an error in a solar power generator including a power
generation module whose short-circuit current value is below said
average value, and said transmission means comprises means for
transmitting said produced notice information to the solar power
generator including a power generation module whose short-circuit
current value is below said average.
29. A solar power generation administration method in a solar power
generation administration server employed in a solar power
generation administration system including the solar power
generation administration server and a solar power generator
supplying commercial value and solar generated power to a load,
said method comprising the steps of: receiving data of a quantity
of generated power by solar power generation and a quantity of
power draw by said load from said solar power generator, producing
notice information associated with a value to be paid to a power
company supplying said commercial power by a user who has installed
said solar power generator, based on received data of said quantity
of generated power and said quantity of power draw, and
transmitting said produced notice information to said solar power
generator.
30. The solar power generation administration method according to
claim 29, said solar power generator including a circuit measuring
said quantity of generated power, said quantity of power draw, a
quantity of sell power to a power company supplying commercial
power, and a quantity of buy power from said power company, and a
circuit transmitting data of said quantity of generated power, said
quantity of power draw, said quantity of sell power and said
quantity of buy power to said solar power generation administration
server, wherein said step of receiving a quantity of generated
power and a quantity of power draw comprises the step of receiving
data of said quantity of generated power, said quantity of power
draw, said quantity of sell power and said quantity of buy power
from said solar power generator, said step of producing notice
information comprises the steps of preparing information of a sell
power rate and buy power rate of said power company, and producing
notice information minimizing a value to be paid to said power
company by the user who has installed said solar power generator
based on said quantity of sell power, said quantity of buy power,
said sell power rate and said buy power rate.
31. The solar power generation administration method according to
claim 30, wherein said step of producing notice information
comprises the steps of preparing information of a sell power rate
and buy power rate of a plurality of power companies, selecting a
power company from said plurality of power companies that minimizes
a value to be paid to the power company by the user who has
installed said solar power generator, and producing said notice
information.
32. The solar power generation administration method according to
claim 29, said solar power generation administration server being
connected to a plurality of said solar power generators, wherein
said step of receiving said quantity of generated power and
quantity of power draw comprises the step of receiving information
representing an area where a solar power generator is installed, a
quantity of generated power by solar power generation, and a
quantity of power draw by said load, said step of producing notice
information comprises the steps of calculating an average value of
the quantity of generated power by said solar power generator
installed in an area assumed to have the same duration of sunlight
based on the quantity of generated power of said plurality of solar
power generators, and producing notice information notifying
occurrence of an error in a solar power generator whose quantity of
generated power is below said average value, and said step of
transmitting notice information comprises the step of transmitting
said produced notice information to the solar power generator whose
quantity of generated power is below said average value.
33. The solar power generation administration method according to
claim 29, further comprising the step of preparing information of a
duration of sunlight for every area and every time zone, and a
calculable quantity of generating power calculated based on said
duration of sunlight, wherein said step of receiving a quantity of
generated power and a quantity of power draw comprises the step of
receiving area data representing an area where a solar power
generator is installed, a quantity of generated power by solar
power generation, a quantity of power draw by said load, and time
zone data representing a measured time zone of said quantity of
generated power, said step of producing notice information
comprises the step of producing notice information notifying
occurrence of an error in a solar power generator whose quantity of
generated power is below said calculable quantity of generating
power based on a calculable quantity of generating power calculated
based on the received area data and time zone data, and the
received quantity of generated power, and said step of transmitting
notice information comprises the step of transmitting said produced
notice information to a solar power generator whose quantity of
generated power is below said calculable quantity of generating
power.
34. The solar power generation administration method according to
claim 29, wherein said step of producing notice information
comprises the step of producing a ratio of said quantity of
generated power to said quantity of power draw as said notice
information based on the quantity of generated power by said solar
power generator and the quantity of power draw.
35. The solar power generation administration method according to
claim 29, said solar power generation administration server being
connected to a plurality of said solar power generators, wherein
said step of producing notice information comprises the steps of
calculating an average value of a ratio of said quantity of
generated power to said quantity of power draw based on the
quantity of generated power by said plurality of solar power
generators and the quantity of power draw, and producing
information of comparison between said calculated average value and
said ratio of each said solar power generator as said notice
information.
36. The solar power generation administration method according to
claim 35, wherein said notice information includes information
representing a list of users installing said plurality of solar
power generators in a descending order of said ratio.
37. The solar power generation administration method according to
claim 29, said solar power generation administration server being
connected to a plurality of said solar power generators, and said
solar power generator including a circuit measuring a value of a
short-circuit current of a power generation module and transmitting
the measured value to said solar power generator, wherein said step
of receiving a quantity of generated power and a quantity of power
draw comprises the step of receiving information representing an
area where a solar power generator is installed and said
short-circuit current value, said step of producing notice
information comprises the steps of calculating an average value of
said short-circuit current value of a solar power generator
installed at an area assumed to have the same duration of sunlight
based on the short-circuit current value of said plurality of solar
power generators, and producing notice information notifying
occurrence of an error in a solar power generator including a power
generation module whose short-circuit current value is below said
average value, said step of transmitting notice information
comprises the step of transmitting said produced notice information
to a solar power generator including a power generation module
whose short-circuit current value is below said average value.
38. A computer readable recording medium recorded with a program
realizing a solar power generation administration method in a solar
power generation administration server employed in a solar power
generation administration system including the solar power
generation administration server and a solar power generator
supplying commercial power and solar generated power to a load,
said method comprising the steps of: receiving data of a quantity
of generated power by solar power generation and a quantity of
power draw by said load from said solar power generator, producing
data of notice information associated with a value to be paid to a
power company supplying said commercial power by a user who has
installed said solar power generator, based on received data of
said quantity of generated power and said quantity of power draw,
and transmitting said produced notice information to said solar
power generator.
39. The recording medium according to claim 38, said solar power
generator including a circuit measuring said quantity of generated
power, said quantity of power draw, a quantity of sell power to a
power company supplying commercial power, and a quantity of buy
power from said power company, and a circuit transmitting data of
said quantity of generated power, said quantity of power draw, said
quantity of sell power and said quantity of buy power to said solar
power generation administration server, wherein said step of
receiving a quantity of generated power and a quantity of power
draw comprises the step of receiving data of said quantity of
generated power, said quantity of power draw, said quantity of sell
power and said quantity of buy power from said solar power
generator, said step of producing notice information comprises the
steps of preparing information of a sell power rate and buy power
rate of said power company, and producing notice information
minimizing a value to be paid to said power company by the user who
has installed said solar power generator based on said quantity of
sell power, said quantity of buy power, said sell power rate and
said buy power rate.
40. The recording medium according to claim 39, wherein said step
of producing notice information comprises the steps of preparing
information of a sell power rate and buy power rate of a plurality
of power companies, selecting a power company from said plurality
of power companies that minimizes a value to be paid to the power
company by the user who has installed said solar power generator,
and producing said notice information.
41. The recording medium according to claim 38, said solar power
generation administration server being connected to a plurality of
said solar power generators, wherein said step of receiving said
quantity of generated power and quantity of power draw comprises
the step of receiving information representing an area where a
solar power generator is installed, a quantity of generated power
by solar power generation, and a quantity of power draw by said
load, said step of producing notice information comprises the steps
of calculating an average value of the quantity of generated power
by said solar power generator installed in an area assumed to have
the same duration of sunlight based on the quantity of generated
power of said plurality of solar power generators, and producing
notice information notifying occurrence of an error in a solar
power generator whose quantity of generated power is below said
average value, and said step of transmitting notice information
comprises the step of transmitting said produced notice information
to the solar power generator whose quantity of generated power is
below said average value.
42. The recording medium according to claim 38, further comprising
the step of preparing information of a duration of sunlight for
every area and every time zone, and a calculable quantity of
generating power calculated based on said duration of sunlight,
wherein said step of receiving a quantity of generated power and a
quantity of power draw comprises the step of receiving area data
representing an area where a solar power generator is installed, a
quantity of generated power by solar power generation, a quantity
of power draw by said load, and time zone data representing a
measured time zone of said quantity of generated power, said step
of producing notice information comprises the step of producing
notice information notifying occurrence of an error in a solar
power generator whose quantity of generated power is below said
calculable quantity of generating power based on a calculable
quantity of generated power calculated based on the received area
data and time zone data, and the received quantity of generated
power, and said step of transmitting notice information comprises
the step of transmitting said produced notice information to a
solar power generator whose quantity of generated power is below
said calculable quantity of generating power.
43. The recording medium according to claim 38, wherein said step
of producing notice information comprises the step of producing a
ratio of said quantity of generated power to said quantity of power
draw as said notice information based on the quantity of generated
power by said solar power generator and the quantity of power
draw.
44. The recording medium according to claim 38, said solar power
generation administration server being connected to a plurality of
said solar power generators, wherein said step of producing notice
information comprises the steps of calculating an average value of
the ratio of said quantity of generated power to said quantity of
power draw based on the quantity of generated power and quantity of
power draw of said plurality of solar power generators, and
producing information of comparison between said calculated average
value and said ratio of each said solar power generator as said
notice information.
45. The recording medium according to claim 44, wherein said notice
information includes information representing a list of users
installing said plurality of solar power generators in a descending
order of said ratio.
46. The recording medium according to claim 38, said solar power
generation administration server being connected to a plurality of
said solar power generators, and said solar power generator
including a circuit measuring a value of a short-circuit current of
a power generation module and transmitting the measured value to
said solar power generator, wherein said step of receiving a
quantity of generated power and a quantity of power draw comprises
the step of receiving information representing an area where a
solar power generator is installed and said short-circuit current
value, said step of producing notice information comprises the
steps of calculating an average value of said short-circuit current
value of a solar power generator installed at an area assumed to
have the same duration of sunlight based on the short-circuit
current value of said plurality of solar power generators, and
producing notice information notifying occurrence of an error in a
solar power generator including a power generation module whose
short-circuit current value is below said average value, said step
of transmitting notice information comprises the step of
transmitting said produced information to a solar power generator
including a power generation module whose short-circuit current
value is below said average value.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a solar power generator
installed at one's residence and operated together with usage of
commercial power, and particularly to the technique of supplying
the user who has installed such a solar power generator with
various services.
[0003] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0004] During the past several years, there has been an intensive
effort to review the energy resource from the standpoint of
conserving a global environment. Solar cells utilizing solar energy
hold promise as a clean energy resource. A solar power generator
utilizing the power generated from such solar cells and commercial
power together is known. When the required electricity for
consumption cannot be covered by just the solar cells, the
generator can supply the insufficient electricity from the
commercial power.
[0005] The solar power generator requires maintenance in order to
realize the predetermined electric generating capacity by the solar
cells. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 11-206038 discloses an
apparatus that collects information about the operation status of
the solar power generator online to monitor any error.
[0006] The apparatus disclosed in this publication includes an
inverter circuit converting the DC power generated by a solar cell
array into AC power, a switch connected between the solar cell
array and the inverter circuit and between the inverter circuit and
a distribution board, a control circuit opening the switch when an
error is detected in the solar cell array or inverter circuit, and
a transmission/reception circuit connected to the control circuit
and communication circuit to transmit error information related to
the detected error to a predetermined organization through the
communication line. The predetermined organization can access the
control circuit through the communication line. The control circuit
includes a circuit for the predetermined organization to collect
the operation information of the solar power generator, and a
circuit to stop the inverter circuit according to an instruction
from the predetermined organization.
[0007] According to the apparatus disclosed in this publication,
when an error is generated in the inverter circuit, the control
circuit detects it and automatically opens the switch. Thus, a high
level of safety can be ensured. The error information is
automatically provided in real time to a predetermined organization
such as a service company through the communication line. The
service company can carry out maintenance promptly. The service
company collects the operation information of the inverter circuit
periodically or irregularly through the communication line to
monitor any change in the production of electricity or indication
of error. Thus, the service company can provide the user with a
high level of security and service. Furthermore, in the case where
a serious error occurs at the commercial power side, the service
company can stop the inverter circuit through remote control via
the communication line. Thus, a high level of security can be
ensured.
[0008] Such a solar power generator is extremely expensive.
Although the apparatus disclosed in the present publication can
realize high security with respect to the solar power generator,
the user's demand to recover in as short a period of time as
possible the disbursement required for installing the solar power
generator could not be satisfied.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a solar
power generation administration server and solar power generation
administration method that can suppress generation of the expense
of the user who has installed a solar power generator.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
solar power generation administration server and solar power
generation administration method that allows the user who has
installed a solar power generator to have the fee to be paid to the
power company suppressed.
[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
solar power generation administration server and solar power
generation administration method that can increase the electric
energy produced by a solar power generator.
[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a solar power generation administration server and solar power
generation administration method that can detect and notify the
user an error in a solar power generator.
[0013] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide a solar power generation administration server and solar
power generation administration method that can detect and notify
the user an error in a solar power generator through comparison
with another solar power generator.
[0014] According to an aspect of the present invention, a solar
power generation administration server is employed in a solar power
generation administration system including the solar power
generation administration server and a solar power generator
supplying commercial power and solar generated power to a load. The
server includes a reception circuit receiving data of the solar
generated power by the solar power generator and a quantity of
power draw by the load, a production circuit connected to the
reception circuit to produce notice information associated with the
fee to be paid by the user who has installed the solar power
generator to the power company supplying commercial power, based on
the quantity of generated power and the quantity of power draw, and
a transmission circuit connected to the production circuit to
transmit the produced notice information to the solar power
generator.
[0015] The solar power generation administration server can produce
notice information based on the data of the quantity of generated
power and the quantity of power draw received from the solar power
generator by the reception circuit to transmit the notice
information to the solar power generator. When the ratio of the
quantity of power draw to the quantity of generated power is great,
for example, notice information is produced so as to advise
suppression of power draw. The solar power generator outputs the
notice information transmitted from the solar power generation
administration server so as to be acknowledged by the user. Thus,
the user can suppress the power draw to reduce the electric power
charge to be paid to the power company.
[0016] Further preferably, the solar power generator includes a
circuit measuring the quantity of generated power, the quantity of
power draw, the quantity of sell power to the power company
supplying the commercial power, and the quantity of buy power by
the power company, and a circuit transmitting the measured data to
the solar power generation administration server. The reception
circuit includes a circuit receiving data of the quantity of
generated power, the quantity of power draw, the quantity of sell
power and the quantity of buy power from the solar power generator.
The production circuit includes a circuit storing data of a rate of
sell power and a rate of buy power of the power company, and a
circuit producing notice information that minimizes the fee to be
paid to the power company by the user who has installed the solar
power generator based on the data of the quantity of sell power,
the quantity of buy power, the sell power rate and the buy power
rate.
[0017] The solar power generation administration server calculates
a rate of sell power based on the quantity of sell power to the
power company and a rate of buy power based on the quantity of buy
power from the power company. The power rate corresponds to the
basic rate plus the used quantity of power multiplied by the unit
cost. The power company has a plurality of contracts respectively
differing in the basic rate and the unit cost. The solar power
generation administration server can produce notice information
recommending a contract with a power company so as to minimize the
fee to be paid to the power company, which is the difference
between the buy power rate and sell power rate.
[0018] Further preferably, the production circuit includes a
circuit storing the sell power rate and buy power rate of a
plurality of power companies, a circuit to select a power company
from the plurality of power companies that minimizes the fee to be
paid to the power company by the user who has installed the solar
power generator, and a circuit producing notice information.
[0019] The solar power generation administration server can select
the power company most advantageous to the user from a plurality of
power companies.
[0020] Further preferably, the solar power generation
administration server is connected to a plurality of solar power
generators for communication therewith. The reception circuit
includes a circuit receiving information representing the area
where the solar power generator is installed, and the data of the
quantity of power generated by the solar power generator and the
quantity of power draw by the load. The production circuit includes
a circuit calculating an average of the quantity of generated power
by solar power generators installed at an area assumed to have the
same hours of sunlight, based on the amount of power generated by a
plurality of solar power generators, and a circuit producing notice
information indicating that there is an error in the solar power
generator whose quantity of generated power is below the average.
The transmission circuit includes a circuit transmitting the
produced notice information to the solar power generator whose
quantity of generated power is below the average.
[0021] The solar power generation administration server calculates
the average of the quantity of generated power by the solar power
generators assumed to have the same hours of sunlight which is the
most important factor in determining the quantity of power
generated by sunlight. Determination is made that there is an error
in the solar power generator whose quantity of generated power is
below the average, so that notice information recommending
maintenance can be produced.
[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
solar power generation administration method of a solar power
generation administration server is provided, employed in a solar
power generation administration system including the solar power
generation administration server and a solar power generator
supplying commercial power and solar generated power to a load. The
solar power generation administration method includes the steps of
receiving data of the quantity of power generated by the solar
power generator and the quantity of power draw by the load from the
solar power generator, producing notice information associated with
the fee to be paid to the power company supplying commercial power
by the user who has installed the solar power generator based on
the received data of the quantity of generated power and power
draw, and transmitting the produced notice information to the solar
power generator.
[0023] The solar power generation administration method can produce
notice information based on the data of the quantity of generated
power and the quantity of power draw received from the solar power
generator and transmit the produced notice information to the solar
power generator. For example, when the ratio of the quantity of
power draw to the quantity of generated power is great, the notice
information is produced so as to advise suppression of power draw.
The solar power generator outputs the notice information
transmitted from the solar power generation administration server
so as to be acknowledged by the user. Thus, the user can suppress
power draw to reduce the electric power charge to be paid to the
power company.
[0024] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and
advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from
the following detailed description of the present invention when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 shows an entire structure of a solar power generation
administration system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows an appearance of the computer realizing a solar
power generation administration server.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the computer realizing
the solar power generation administration server.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the control procedure of the
notice process in the solar power generation administration
server.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the control procedure of a data
detection process of a solar power generator.
[0030] FIG. 6 shows data transmitted from a solar power generator
to the solar power generation administration server.
[0031] FIG. 7 shows a user information administration database
stored in a hard disk of the solar power generation administration
server.
[0032] FIGS. 8-12 are flow charts of the control procedure of a
notice information production process in the solar power generation
administration server.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of the control procedure of a notice
information display procedure of a solar power generator.
[0034] FIGS. 14-21 show examples of screens displayed at the
display and operation unit of the solar power generator.
[0035] FIGS. 22 and 23 show the quantity of generated power on a
monthly and time zone basis of a solar power generator.
[0036] FIGS. 24 and 25 show the quantity of power draw on a monthly
basis and time zone basis for a first user who has installed a
solar power generator.
[0037] FIGS. 26 and 27 show the quantity of buy power on a monthly
basis and a time zone basis for the first user who has installed a
solar power generator.
[0038] FIGS. 28 and 29 show the quantity of sell power on a monthly
basis and a time zone basis of the first user who has installed a
solar power generator.
[0039] FIG. 30 shows the rate of buy power on a monthly basis when
the first user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract A.
[0040] FIG. 31 shows the rate of sell power on a monthly basis when
the first user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract A.
[0041] FIG. 32 shows the rate of buy power on a monthly basis when
the first user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract B.
[0042] FIG. 33 shows the rate of sell power on a monthly basis when
the first user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract B.
[0043] FIG. 34 shows the rate of buy power on a monthly basis when
the first user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract on a time zone basis.
[0044] FIG. 35 shows the rate of sell power on a monthly basis when
the first user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract on a time zone basis.
[0045] FIGS. 36 and 37 show the quantity of power draw on a monthly
basis and a time zone basis of a second user who has installed a
solar power generator.
[0046] FIGS. 38 and 39 show the quantity of buy power on a monthly
basis and a time zone basis for the second user who has installed a
solar power generator.
[0047] FIGS. 40 and 41 show the quantity of sell power on a monthly
basis and a time zone basis of the second user who has installed a
solar power generator.
[0048] FIG. 42 shows the rate of buy power on a monthly basis when
the second user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract A.
[0049] FIG. 43 shows the rate of sell power on a monthly basis when
the second user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract A.
[0050] FIG. 44 shows the rate of buy power on a monthly basis when
the second user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract B.
[0051] FIG. 45 shows the rate of sell power on a monthly basis when
the second user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract B.
[0052] FIG. 46 shows the rate of buy power on a monthly basis when
the second user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract on a time zone basis.
[0053] FIG. 47 shows the rate of sell power on a monthly basis when
the second user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract on a time zone basis.
[0054] FIGS. 48 and 49 show the quantity of power draw on a monthly
basis and a time zone basis of a third user who has installed a
solar power generator.
[0055] FIGS. 50 and 51 show the quantity of buy power on a monthly
basis and a time zone basis for the third user who has installed a
solar power generator.
[0056] FIGS. 52 and 53 show the quantity of sell power on a monthly
basis and a time zone basis of the third user who has installed a
solar power generator.
[0057] FIG. 54 shows the rate of buy power on a monthly basis when
the third user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract A.
[0058] FIG. 55 shows the rate of sell power on a monthly basis when
the third user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract A.
[0059] FIG. 56 shows the rate of buy power on a monthly basis when
the third user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract B.
[0060] FIG. 57 shows the rate of sell power on a monthly basis when
the third user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract B.
[0061] FIG. 58 shows the rate of buy power on a monthly basis when
the third user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract on a time zone basis.
[0062] FIG. 59 shows the rate of sell power on a monthly basis when
the third user who has installed a solar power generator enters
into contract on a time zone basis.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0063] The embodiment of the present invention will be described
with reference to the drawings. In the following description and
drawings, corresponding components have the same reference
characters allotted. Their labels and functions are identical.
Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated
here.
[0064] The entire structure of a solar power generation
administration system according to an embodiment of the present
invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The solar
power generation administration server includes a solar power
generator 100 with a solar cell array 110 installed at the roof or
the like of a user's house, a solar power generation administration
server 400 producing notice information for each user and
transmitting the produced notice information to solar power
generator 100, an online weather information distribution server
500 transmitting information of the hours of sunlight for each area
and each time zone to solar power generation administration server
400, network terminals 600-604 of a maintenance provider that
dispatches a worker to the user's residence when notified of an
error in solar power generator 100, and network terminals 202, 212
and 222 of respective power companies. These solar power generators
100, power company network terminals 202, 212, 222, solar power
generation administration server 400, online weather information
distribution server 500, and maintenance provider network terminals
600-604 are connected through a network 300 to transfer data with
each other. The user selects one of a plurality of power companies
to receive commercial power supply.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 1, solar power generator 100 includes a
solar cell array 110 converting solar energy into electric energy,
a power conditioner 120 connected to solar cell array 110 to
convert the DC current generated at solar cell array 110 into AC
current as well communicating with solar power generation
administration server 400 through network 300, a switch 140
connected to power conditioner 120 to supply the power generated by
solar cell array 110 and the commercial power supplied from a power
company to a load, a user load 150 such as an electrical appliance
connected to switch 140 and used by the user who has installed
solar power generator 100, a meter 160 of sell power that measures
the sell power to be sold to the power company from solar power
generator 100, and a meter 170 of buy power that measures the buy
power to be bought from the power company.
[0066] Power conditioner 120 includes a DC/AC inverter unit 122
converting the DC current generated at solar cell array 110 into AC
current, a short-circuit current measurement circuit 124 connected
to DC/AC inverter unit 122 to measure short-circuit current, a
control unit 126 connected to DC/AC inverter unit 122 and
short-circuit current measurement circuit 124 to control each
component of power conditioner 120, a data processing and storage
unit 130 connected to control unit 126 to process and store data, a
communication interface 128 connected to data processing and
storage unit 130 to communicate with solar power generation
administration server 400 through network 300, and a display and
operation unit (remote controller) 132 connected to data processing
and storage unit 130 to request solar power generation
administration server 400 to provide notice information and
displaying the notice information received from solar power
generation administration server 400.
[0067] Short-circuit current measurement circuit 124 responds to
the control signal from control unit 126 to alter the input
impedance so that the DC voltage applied to DC/AC inverter unit 122
is below 20 volts, and measures the value of the input current to
DC/AC inverter unit 122 from solar cell array 110. The measured
value of the input current is called the short-circuit current
value. The short-circuit current value is proportional to the
intensity of solar insolation. The generation of an error in solar
cell array 110 and reduction in the amount of insolation towards
solar cell array 110 can be detected by reduction in the
short-circuit current value measured at the culminant time every
day.
[0068] Data processing and storage unit 130 stores the data of the
quantity of generated power, power draw, sell power, and buy power
per one hour based on the control signal of control unit 120. The
stored data of the quantity of generated power, power draw, sell
power and buy power per hour are transmitted to solar power
generation administration server 400 through communication
interface 128 and network 300 based on a control signal from
control unit 126. The measured data of the quantity of power per
hour is transmitted to solar power generation administration server
400 at five past every hour.
[0069] Switch 140 includes a power detection sensor 142 connected
to DC/AC inverter unit 120 and sell power meter 160 to measure the
power consumed by user load 150.
[0070] Sell power meter 160 is connected to power detection sensor
142 and buy power meter 170 to measure the quantity of sell power
to be sold to a power company. This measured quantity of sell power
is equal to the quantity of generated power minus the quantity of
power draw.
[0071] Buy power meter 170 is connected to sell power meter 160 and
any of power company electricity grids 200, 210 and 220 to measure
the quantity of buy power to be bought from any one of the power
companies. This measured quantity of buy power is equal to the
quantity of power draw minus the quantity of generated power.
[0072] Network terminals 202, 212 and 222 can effect data
communication with power conditioner 120 of solar power generator
100 and solar power generation administration server 400 via
network 300. These network terminals 202, 212 and 222 command
control unit 126 of power conditioner 120 to stop DC/AC inverter
unit 122 when receiving abnormal occurrence information from solar
power generation administration server 400.
[0073] Solar power generation administration server 400 is
connected to a user information database 402 storing information of
users who have installed solar power generator 100, and to a
weather information database 404 storing weather information of
respective areas all over the country. Solar power generation
administration server 400 is also connected to an administration
terminal 406 installed at each area. Solar power generation
administration server 400 receives the data of the hours of
sunlight for each area on a time zone basis from online weather
distribution server 500 and stores the received data in weather
information database 404.
[0074] The processing performed by solar power generation
administration server 400 of the present embodiment is realized by
software executed on a computer such as a personal computer or a
workstation.
[0075] FIG. 2 shows an appearance of a computer system that is an
example of solar power generation administration server 400.
Referring to FIG. 2, this computer system 450 includes a computer
452 with an FD (Flexible Disk) drive device 456 and a CD-ROM
(Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) drive device 458, a monitor 454, a
keyboard 460 and a mouse 462.
[0076] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the structure of computer
system 450. As shown in FIG. 3, computer 452 includes, in addition
to the aforementioned FD drive device 456 and CD-ROM drive device
458, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 470, a memory 472 and a hard
disk 474 connected to each other through a bus. An FD 466 is set in
FD drive device 456. A CD-ROM 468 is set in CD-ROM drive device
458.
[0077] As mentioned before, solar power generation administration
server 400 is realized by computer hardware and software executed
by CPU 470. In general, such a software is distributed in a stored
manner in a recording medium such as FD 466 and CD-ROM 468 to be
read out by FD drive device 456, CD-ROM drive device 458 or the
like to be stored in hard disk 474. The software is read out from
hard disk 474 to memory 472 to be executed by CPU 470. The hardware
per se of the computer shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is of the general
type. Therefore, the essential portion of the present invention is
the software recorded in a recording medium such as FD 466, CD-ROM
468 and hard disk 474.
[0078] Since the operation of the computer shown in FIGS. 2 and 3
is well known, detailed description thereof will not be repeated
here.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, the program executed by solar power
generation administration server 400 is associated with a notice
process, and has a control structure set forth below.
[0080] At step (step abbreviated as "S" hereinafter) 100, CPU 470
detects input of the rated generating capacity of the user's solar
power generator 100 through keyboard 460 or the like. At S102, CPU
470 detects input of the user's load capacity input through
keyboard 460 and the like.
[0081] At S104, CPU 470 registers the generating capacity and load
capacity input at S100 and S102, respectively, to the user
information administration database in hard disk 474. A user ID
(identification) to identify the user and an area ID to identify
the area where solar power generator 100 is installed are
registered together with the capacity data. The area ID serves to
identify the area where solar power generator 100 is installed. One
ID is allotted on an area-by-area basis assumed to have the same
insolation.
[0082] At S106, CPU 470 determines whether a user ID and detection
data has been received from power conditioner 120 of solar power
generator 100 through network 300. These data are transmitted from
power conditioner 120 to solar power generation administration
server 400 at five past every hour. Upon receiving the user ID and
detection data from power conditioner 120 (YES at S106), control
proceeds to S108, otherwise (NO at S106), waiting is conducted for
reception of a user ID and detection data from power conditioner
120.
[0083] At S108, CPU 470 stores into the user information
administration database in hard disk 474 the detection data for
each user ID received at S106. CPU 470 transmits reception
completion data to power conditioner 122. At S110, CPU 470 performs
a notice information production process. Details of this notice
information production process will be described afterwards. At
S112, CPU 470 stores the notice information produced at S110 into
hard disk 474.
[0084] At S114, CPU 470 determines whether the current time is the
time to transmit notice information. When the current time is the
time to transmit notice information (YES at S114), control proceeds
to S116, and otherwise (NO at S114), control returns to S106. The
transmission time is preset, and set to once a day or once for
every six hours, for example.
[0085] At S116, CPU 470 transmits the produced notice information
to power conditioner 120 of the user's solar power generator
100.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 5, the program executed by the solar power
generator is associated with a data detection process, and has a
control structure set forth below.
[0087] At S200, control unit 126 detects the quantity of power
generated by solar power generator 100 via DC/AC inverter unit 122.
At S202, control unit 126 detects the quantity of power draw by
user load 150 via power detection sensor 142.
[0088] At S204, control unit 126 calculates the quantity of sell
power and quantity of buy power. The quantity of sell power and
quantity of buy power can be calculated based on the quantity of
power detected by sell power meter 160 and buy power meter 170,
respectively. As an alternative method of calculation, the quantity
of sell power can be obtained by subtracting the quantity of power
draw detected by power detection sensor 142 from the quantity of
power generated by solar power generator 100, whereas the quantity
of buy power can be obtained by subtracting the quantity of power
generated by solar power generator 100 from the quantity of power
draw detected by power detection sensor 142. Calculation of the
quantity of sell power and buy power can be achieved by any of the
aforementioned manner.
[0089] At S206, control unit 126 accumulates the detected data and
calculated data to store the quantity of generated power, power
draw, sell power and buy power for each time zone.
[0090] At S208, control unit 126 determines whether the current
time is the culminant time. Data processing and storage unit 130 of
solar power generator 100 stores the culminant time of the area
where solar power generator 100 is installed. When the current time
is the culminant time based on the stored culminant time and
current time (YES at S208), control proceeds to S210, otherwise (NO
at S208), control proceeds to S212.
[0091] At S210, control unit 126 measures the value of the
short-circuit current applied from solar cell array 110 to DC/AC
inverter unit 122 through short-circuit current measurement circuit
124, which is added to the detection data.
[0092] At S212, control unit 126 determines whether the current
time is the time for data transmission. It is assumed that the time
for data transmission is set at five past every hour. When the
current time is the time for data transmission (YES at S212),
control proceeds to S210, and otherwise (NO at S212), control
returns to S200 where the detection data and calculated data are
accumulated. The quantity of generated power, power draw, sell
power and buy power are stored for each time zone.
[0093] At S214, control unit 126 transmits the detection data and
calculated data stored in data processing and storage unit 130 to
solar power generation administration server 400 via communication
interface 128 and network 300.
[0094] At S216, control unit 126 determines whether the reception
completion data has been received from solar power generation
administration server 400. When the reception completion data has
been received from solar power generation administration server 400
(YES at S126), the data detection process ends, and otherwise (NO
at S216), control proceeds to S218.
[0095] At S218, control unit 126 determines whether a predetermined
time has elapsed from transmission of the detection data and
calculated data to solar power generation administration server
400. When a predetermined time has elapsed from the transmission of
the detection data and calculated data (YES at S218), control
proceeds to S220 to carry out a communication error process. When
the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO at S218), control
returns to S216 to wait for the reception completion data from
solar power generation administration server 400.
[0096] The structure of communication data transmitted from power
conditioner 120 of solar power generator 100 to solar power
generation administration server 400 will be described with
reference to FIG. 6. The data transmitted at five past every hour
from solar power generator 100 to solar power generation
administration server 400 includes a communication header, user ID,
generated power quantity data for each hour, power draw quantity
data for each hour, buy power quantity data for each hour, sell
power quantity data for each hour and short-circuit current data.
The short-circuit current data is transmitted only at the time zone
including the culminant time.
[0097] The user information administration database stored in hard
disk 474 of solar power generation administration server 400 will
be described with reference to FIG. 7. The user information
administration database includes a registration data area storing
the user ID and area ID registered at S104 of FIG. 4, the area of
generated power storing the past record of the generated power, the
area storing abnormal detection information, the area storing the
past record of power draw, the private power generation ratio area
storing the past record of the ratio of the generated power to
power draw (private power generation ratio), the area storing the
past record of sell power, the area storing the past record of buy
power, the time zone basis generated power storage area
accumulating the generated power on a time zone basis for each
month, the area storing power draw on a time zone basis
corresponding to accumulation of the power draw on the time zone
basis for every month, the area storing buy power on a time zone
basis corresponding to accumulation of buy power on a time zone
basis for every month, the area storing sell power on a time zone
basis corresponding to accumulation of the sell power on a time
zone basis for every month, an electric power charge area storing
the electric power charge calculated based on a contract with power
company A, and another electric power charge area storing the
electric power charge calculated based on a contract with power
company B.
[0098] The registration data storage area includes a user ID to
identify the user who has installed solar power generator 100, an
area ID to identify the area where solar power generator 100 is
installed, data representing the type of solar cell array 110, data
representing the type of power conditioner 120, data representing
the generating capacity of solar cell array 110, data representing
the load capacity of user load 150, and the last time of receiving
data from power conditioner 120.
[0099] The generated power storage area includes the quantity of
generated power last received from power conditioner 120, data
accumulating the received quantity of generated power on a daily
basis, and data accumulating the received generated power on a
monthly basis.
[0100] The abnormal detection information storage area includes an
average of the quantity of generated power at the area with the
same area ID, the quantity of solar insolation for every area ID
received from online weather information distribution server 500,
the calculable quantity of generating power calculated based on the
solar insolation, the value of short-circuit current received from
power conditioner 120, and the average value of the short-circuit
current value at the area with the same area ID.
[0101] Occurrence of an error is detected when the received data of
the quantity of generated power is below (for example at least 20%
lower than) the average value of the quantity of generated power at
the area with the same area ID. Occurrence of an error is also
detected when the received data of the quantity of generated power
is below (for example at least 20% lower than) the calculable
quantity of generating power of the area with the same area ID.
Occurrence of an error is also detected when the received data of
short-circuit current is below (for example, at least 20% lower
than) the average value of the short-circuit current in the area
with the same area ID.
[0102] The power draw storage area includes the power draw data
last received from power conditioner 120, data corresponding to
accumulation of the received power draw on a daily basis, and data
corresponding to accumulation of the received power draw on a
monthly basis.
[0103] The private power generation ratio storage area includes
data representing the monthly average of the private power
generation ratio, data representing the monthly average of the
private power generation ratio of solar power generator 100 at the
area with the same area ID, and data representing the ranking of
the user's private power generation ratio.
[0104] The sell power storage area includes data of sell power last
received from power conditioner 120, data corresponding to
accumulation of the received sell power on a daily basis, and data
corresponding to accumulation of the received sell power on a
monthly basis.
[0105] The buy power storage area includes data of the buy power
last received from power conditioner 120, data corresponding to
accumulation of the received buy power on a daily basis, and data
corresponding to accumulation of the received buy power on a
monthly basis.
[0106] The time zone basis generated power storage area, the time
zone basis power draw storage area, time zone basis buy power
storage area and time zone basis sell power storage area store
respective data for every time zone.
[0107] The power company electric power charge storage area stores
the electric power charge calculated based on the quantity of sell
power and quantity of buy power for respective contracts between
the user and a power company. For example, the electric power
charge calculated based on three contracts, i.e., contract A,
contract B, and a contract on a time zone basis, are stored as to
the electric power charge for power company A.
[0108] The time zone basis generated power, time zone basis power
draw, time zone basis buy power and time zone basis sell power have
the data accumulated for every time zone for one month, and that
data of each month is stored for twelve months.
[0109] Referring to FIG. 8, the notice information production
process of S110 in FIG. 4 has a control structure set forth below.
The notice information production process can be performed after
receiving the data of 24 hours of the previous day at five past
every hour, or for every two to three hours.
[0110] At S120, CPU 470 stores the quantity of generated power,
power draw, buy power and sell power for every time zone based on
the received data. Here, these data are stored in the user
information database (FIG. 7). At S122, CPU 470 accumulates the
data of the quantity of generated power, power draw, buy power and
sell power of that day based on the received data.
[0111] At S124, CPU 470 extracts the users with the same area ID to
calculate the average value of the accumulated quantity of
generated power for each area. At this stage, CPU 470 calculates
the quantity of generated power per 1 kW of the rated generating
capacity by dividing the accumulated quantity of generated power by
the rated generating capacity for each user. CPU 470 calculates the
average value of each area (this average value is called the
average value of the accumulated quantity of generated power) based
on the calculated quantity of generating power. CPU 470 stores the
calculated average value of the accumulated quantity of generated
power into the abnormal detection information storage area of the
user information database (FIG. 7). At S126, CPU 470 retrieves the
user ID of a solar power generator 100 whose quantity of generated
power is at least 20% below the average value.
[0112] At S128, CPU 470 produces information indicating the
possibility of an error occurring at solar power generator 100 as
the notice information for the identified user. CPU 470 stores the
produced information in hard disk 474.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 9, at S130, CPU 470 reads out the data of
insolation for each area and each time zone, based on the area ID
from the user information database (FIG. 7). The insolation data
for respective areas and respective time zones are transmitted to
solar power generation administration server 400 from online
weather information distribution server 500.
[0114] At S132, CPU 470 obtains the calculable quantity of
generating power based on the insolation data read out at S130. CPU
470 obtains the calculable quantity of generating power, calculated
based on the solar insolation data for respective areas. CPU 470
calculates the calculable quantity of generated power per 1 kW of
the rated generating capacity. CPU 470 stores the obtained
calculable quantity of generating power in the abnormal detection
information storage area of the user information database (FIG.
7).
[0115] At S134, CPU 470 retrieves the user ID of a solar power
generator 100 whose received data of the quantity of generated
power is at least 20% below the calculated quantity of generating
power. At S136, CPU 470 produces information representing the
possibility of an error at solar power generator 100 as the notice
information for the retrieved user. CPU 470 stores the produced
information in hard disk 474.
[0116] Referring to FIG. 10, at S138, CPU 470 determines whether
the received data includes a short-circuit current value. When data
of a short-circuit current value is included (YES at S138), control
proceeds to S140, otherwise (NO at S138), control proceeds to S146
of FIG. 11.
[0117] At S140, CPU 470 extracts the user ID of users with the same
area ID to calculate the average value of the short-circuit current
values for each area. CPU 470 divides the short-circuit current
value by the rated generating capacity for each user to calculate
the short-circuit current value per 1 kW of the rated generating
capacity. CPU 470 obtains the average value for each area based on
the calculated short-circuit current value (this average value is
called the short-circuit current average value). CPU 470 stores the
calculated short-circuit current average value into the abnormal
detection information storage area of the user information database
(FIG. 7).
[0118] At S142, CPU 470 retrieves the user ID of the solar power
generator 100 whose received short-circuit current value is at
least 20% below the calculated short-circuit current average value.
At S144, CPU 470 produces information representing the possibility
of an error at solar power generator 100 as the notice information
for the retrieved user. CPU 470 stores the produced information in
hard disk 474. It is also possible to detect change in the
short-circuit current value over time for each user and produce
information representing the possibility of an error at solar power
generator 100 based on the detected change.
[0119] Referring to FIG. 11, at S146, CPU 470 determines whether
the current date is at the end of the month. When the current date
is at the end of the month (YES at S146), control proceeds to S148,
otherwise (NO at S146), the notice information production process
ends.
[0120] At S148, CPU 470 determines whether the month-end final data
has been received. More specifically, by receiving the data of
23:00 to 24:00 of the end of the month at 0:05 of the next day, the
process of S150-S156 set forth below is carried out. Upon receiving
the month-end final data (YES at S148), control proceeds to S150,
otherwise (NO at S148), this notice information production process
ends.
[0121] At S150, CPU 470 calculates the private power generation
ratio (=quantity of generated power/quantity of power draw) based
on the quantity of generated power and quantity of power draw for
one month. At S152, CPU 470 stores the calculated private power
generating ratio into the private power generation ratio storage
area in the user information database (FIG. 7).
[0122] At S154, CPU 470 calculates the average value of the private
power generation ratio at the area with the same area ID based on
the calculated private power generation ratio. CPU 470 calculates
the ranking of the user for each area ID based on the calculated
private power generation ratio. The calculated average value of the
private power generation ratio and the user's ranking based on the
private power generation ratio are stored in the private power
generation ratio storage area in the user information database
(FIG. 7).
[0123] At S156, CPU 470 produces notice information based on the
calculated private power generation ratio, the average value of the
private power generation ratio, and private power generation ratio
ranking.
[0124] At S158 in FIG. 12, CPU 470 produces a time zone basis power
chart for each user. This chart includes the power draw and
generated power for each time zone.
[0125] At S160, CPU 470 calculates the quantity of buy power for
each time zone. The quantity of buy power for each time zone can be
calculated by subtracting the quantity of generated power from the
quantity of power draw for each time zone, or based on the buy
power for each time zone stored in the time zone basis buy power
storage area in the user information database (FIG. 7).
[0126] At S162, CPU 470 calculates the quantity of sell power for
each time zone. The quantity of sell power for each time zone can
be calculated by subtracting the quantity of power draw from the
quantity of generated power for each time zone, or by reading out
the time zone basis sell power stored in the time zone basis sell
power storage area in the user information database (FIG. 7).
[0127] At S164, CPU 470 reads out the buy/sell rate table for each
power company. This buy/sell rate table for each power company is
prestored in hard disk 474. This buy/sell rate table for each power
company is received by solar power generation administration server
400 from network terminals 202, 212 and 222 of respective power
companies. Network terminals 202, 212 and 222 of the power
companies transmit the buy/sell rate table to solar power
generation administration server 400 every time the power rate is
altered.
[0128] The following description is based on the three contracts of
contract A mainly for domestic households, contract B mainly for
business organizations, and a time zone basis contract with the
unit cost of the electric power charge differing for each time
zone. It is assumed that the user selects any one of these
contracts to enter into contract with a power company.
[0129] At S166, CPU 470 calculates the electric power charge for
the past twelve month including the present month classified into
power companies and contract types. At S168, CPU 470 identifies the
power company and contract type with the lowest cost corresponding
to the fee to be paid to the power company for the buy power minus
the price amount to be received from the power company for the sell
power.
[0130] At S170, CPU 470 produces notice information based on the
identified power company, type of contract, and calculated electric
power charge.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 13, the program executed by solar power
generator 100 is associated with a notice information display
process, and has a control structure set forth below.
[0132] At S230, control unit 126 determines whether notice
information has been received from solar power generation
administration server 400. When notice information is received from
solar power generation administration server 400 (YES at S230),
control proceeds to S236, and otherwise (NO at S230), control
proceeds to S232.
[0133] At S232, control unit 126 displays the quantity of generated
power on display and operation unit 132. This quantity of generated
power is the power quantity detected by control unit 126 via DC/AC
inverter unit 122.
[0134] At S234, control unit 126 determines whether a display
switch operation has been effected at display and operation unit
132. When a display switch operation has been effected at display
and operation unit 132 (YES at S234), control proceeds to S238, and
otherwise (NO at S234), control returns to S230 where determination
is made whether notice information has been received from solar
power generation administration server 400.
[0135] At S236, control unit 126 stores the received notice
information in data processing and storage unit 130. At S238,
control unit 126 reads out the stored notice information. At S240,
control unit 126 displays the read out notice information on
display and operation unit 132.
[0136] At S242, control unit 126 determines whether a predetermined
time has elapsed from the display of the notice information on
display and operation unit 132. When the predetermined time has
elapsed from the display of the notice information (YES at S242),
control proceeds to S244, otherwise (NO at S242), control returns
to S242 to wait for the elapse of the predetermined time.
[0137] At S244, control unit 126 determines whether a display end
input has been effected on display and operation unit 132. When a
display end input has been effected at display and operation unit
132 (YES at S244), the notice information display process ends, and
otherwise (NO at S244), control returns to S232 to switch the
display from the notice information to the quantity of generated
power.
[0138] The operation of the solar power generation administration
system based on the above structure and flow charts will be
described hereinafter.
[0139] Data Detection Operation of Power Conditioner
[0140] Power conditioner 120 detects the quantity of generated
power by solar power generator 100 and the quantity of power draw
by user load 150 through DC/AC inverter unit 122 and power
detection sensor 142 (S200, S202). Based on the detected quantity
of generated power and power draw, power conditioner 120 calculates
the quantity of sell power and quantity of buy power (S204). The
quantity of generated power, power draw, sell power and buy power
are accumulated for each time zone and stored in data processing
and storage unit 130.
[0141] When the current time is the culminant time (YES at S208),
control unit 126 uses short-circuit current measurement device 124
to measure the value of input current (short-circuit current value)
from solar cell array 110 to DC/AC inverter unit 122, which is
added to the detection data (S210).
[0142] When the current time is 5 minutes after the hour (YES at
S212), power conditioner 120 uses communication interface 128 to
transmit the detection data and calculated data to solar power
generation administration server 400 (S214). Upon receiving the
reception completion data from solar power generation
administration server 400 (YES at S216), power conditioner 120 ends
the data detection operation. Otherwise (NO at S216), a
communication error process will be carried out (S220).
[0143] Notice Operation by Solar Power Generation Administration
Server
[0144] Solar power generation administration server 400 has the
rated generating capacity of solar power generator 100 and the load
capacity of user load 150 registered in the user information
database (FIG. 7) for each user as the initial setting (S104). Data
such as the user ID and area ID are registered in the user
information database (FIG. 7).
[0145] Upon receiving the user ID and detection data from power
conditioner 120 at five past every hour (YES at S106), solar power
generation administration server 400 stores the received detection
data classified into user IDs into the user information database
(FIG. 7). Solar power generation administration server 400
transmits the reception completion data to power conditioner 120
that has transmitted the user ID and detection data (S108).
[0146] Solar power generation administration server 400 produces
notice information based on the received data (S11O). At the time
of transmitting notice information (YES at S114), the produced
notice information is transmitted to power conditioner 120 of the
appropriate user (S116).
[0147] Notice Information Production Operation
[0148] Solar power generation administration server 400 stores the
quantity of generated power, power draw, buy power and sell power
for each time zone based on the data received at five past every
hour, and accumulates respective data on a daily and monthly basis
(S120, S122). Solar power generation administration server 400
retrieves the users with the same area ID to calculate the average
value of the accumulated quantity of generated power at the area
with the same area ID (S124). Solar power generation administration
server 400 identifies the user ID of a solar power generator 100
whose accumulated value of the received quantity of generated power
is at least 20% below the calculated average value (S126).
Information indicating the possibility of an error in solar power
generator 100 is produced as the notice information for the
identified user (S128).
[0149] Solar power generation administration server 400 reads out
the insolation data for respective areas and time zones from hard
disk 474, based on the area ID (S130). The quantity of generating
power based on calculation is obtained according to the read out
insolation data (S132). Solar power generation administration
server 400 identifies the user ID of a solar power generator whose
accumulated value of the received quantity of generated power is at
least 20% below the calculable quantity of generating power (S134).
Information indicating the possibility of an error in solar power
generator 100 is produced as the notice information for the
identified user (S136).
[0150] When a short-circuit current value is included in the data
received by solar power generation administration server 400 from
power conditioner 120 (YES at S138), solar power generation
administration server 400 searches for users with the same area ID
to calculate the short-circuit current average value for each area
(S140). Solar power generation administration server 400 identifies
the user ID of a solar power generator whose received short-circuit
current value is at least 20% below the calculated short-circuit
current average value (S142). Information indicating the
possibility of an error in solar power generator 100 is produced as
the notice information for the identified user ID (S144).
[0151] Upon receiving the month-end final data (YES at S146, YES at
S148), solar power generation administration server 400 calculates
the private power generation ratio (=quantity of generated
power/quantity of power draw) based on the quantity of generated
power and power draw of one month (S150). Solar power generation
administration server 400 calculates the average value of the
private power generation ratio of the same area ID and the ranking
of the private power generation ratio based on the calculated
private power generation ratio for each user (S154). Solar power
generation administration server 400 produces notice information
for each user based on the calculated private power generation
ratio, the average value of the private power generation ratio, and
the private power generation ratio ranking (S156).
[0152] Upon receiving the month-end final data, solar power
generation administration server 400 produces a time zone basis
power chart for each user (S158). Solar power generation
administration server 400 calculates the quantity of buy power and
sell power for respective time zones (S160, S162). Solar power
generation administration server 400 reads out the buy/sell rate
table for respective power companies from hard disk 474 (S164), and
calculates the electric power charge of the past 12 months
including the present month classified into power companies and
contract types (S166). Solar power generation administration server
400 identifies the power type of the power company with the lowest
amount to be paid (S168). Notice information based on the
identified contract type of a power company and calculated electric
power charge is produced (S170).
[0153] Notice information Display Operation of Power
Conditioner
[0154] Until notice information is received from solar power
generation administration server 400 (NO at S230), the quantity of
generated power is displayed on display and operation unit 132 of
power conditioner 120 (S232). Upon effecting a display switch
operation at display and operation unit 132 (YES at S234) or
receiving notice information from solar power generation
administration server 400 (YES at S230), notice information is read
out from data processing and storage unit 130 (S238) and displayed
on display and operation unit 132 (S240). At an elapse of a
predetermined time from the display of the notice information (YES
at S242), a display end input is entered at display and operation
unit 132 (YES at S244), whereby the notice information display
operation ends.
[0155] Referring to FIGS. 14-21, display examples of notice
information and the like on display and operation unit 132 of power
conditioner 120 will be described.
[0156] Referring to FIG. 14, when notice information is not
received (NO at S230), the quantity of generated power and the like
are displayed on display and operation unit 132 of power
conditioner 120 (S232). At this stage, display and operation unit
132 provides the display of the quantity of generated power,
quantity of power draw, quantity of buy power, quantity of sell
power, quantity of generated power of the current month, quantity
of generated power of the current year, the total of the quantity
of generated power starting from installation of the solar power
generator, and the amount of carbon dioxide emission that was
reduced if the same total amount was generated by a thermal power
station. The data such as the quantity of generated power displayed
here is calculated by control unit 126 of power conditioner 120
based on the data received by DC/AC inverter unit 122, power
detection sensor 142, sell power meter 160 and buy power meter 170.
The data required for the calculation of converting the quantity of
generated power into the quantity of carbon dioxide is stored in
data processing and storage unit 130.
[0157] When notice information is received from solar power
generation administration server 400 (YES at S230) or when a
display switch operation is effected at display and operation unit
132 during the display of the quantity of generated power (YES at
S232), notice information is displayed.
[0158] Referring to FIG. 15, the user identified to have the
quantity of generated power of solar power generator 100 at least
20% below the average value in the same area ID has the notice
information displayed recommending confirming whether there is an
error in solar cell array 110. At the current stage, the current
quantity of generated power and the average value of the quantity
of generated power in this area are displayed on display and
operation unit 132.
[0159] Referring to FIG. 16, the user identified to have the
quantity of generated power at least 20% below the calculable
quantity of generating power has notice information displayed
advising confirmation of whether there is an error in solar cell
array 110. The calculable quantity of generating power is based on
calculation according to the insolation data for each area and each
time zone received from online weather information distribution
server 500. At the current stage, the quantity of generated power,
the calculable quantity of generating power of this area, and
insolation data that is the basis of calculation of the quantity of
generated power are displayed on display and operation unit
132.
[0160] Referring to FIG. 17, upon transmission of the short-circuit
current value data to solar power generation administration server
400 (YES at S138), the average value of the short-circuit current
value of solar power generator 100 of the same area ID is
calculated. The user identified as having a measured short-circuit
current value at least 20% below this calculated average value is
displayed with notice information recommending confirmation of
whether there is an error in solar cell array 110. At the current
stage, the measured short-circuit current value and the average
value of the short-circuit current value of this area are displayed
on display and operation unit 132.
[0161] Referring to FIG. 18, notice information associated with the
private power generation ratio is displayed upon receiving the
month-end final data. Here, the private power generation ratio
based on the quantity of generated power and quantity of power draw
of one month, the average value of the private power generation
ratio of the area with the same area ID, and ranking based on the
private power generation ratio of that area are displayed on
display and operation unit 132. When the private power generation
ratio is low even though there is no error in solar cell array 110
(error in solar cell array 110 as shown in FIGS. 15-17 is not
detected), notice information advising to reduce power draw is
displayed.
[0162] The time zone basis power chart and the like for each user
produced by solar power generation administration server 400 upon
receiving the month-end final data will be described with reference
to FIGS. 19-59. FIGS. 19-21 correspond to examples of display on
display and operation unit 132 of solar power generator 100 of
three users. FIGS. 22-59 correspond to various data for these three
users. Producing a power chart on a time zone basis by calculating
annual quantity of power of respective time zones based on the data
of the twelve months from January to December, receiving the final
data at the end of December, will be described.
[0163] As shown in FIG. 19, the time zone basis power chart is
produced based on the accumulation of the quantity of consumed
power and quantity of generated power for twelve months for
respective time zones. Based on such a power chart, the type of
contract most advantageous to the user is displayed on display and
operation unit 132. For the user of FIG. 19, it is assumed that the
power draw is that shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 with respect to the
quantity of generated power of solar power generator 100 shown in
FIGS. 22 and 23. The quantity of buy power obtained by the
difference between the quantity of generated power and quantity of
power draw (FIGS. 26 and 27) and the quantity of sell power (FIGS.
28 and 29) are calculated for respective time zones. Then the
annual electric power charge to be paid corresponding to respective
contract types is calculated.
[0164] For example, it is appreciated from FIG. 30 that, according
to contract A of power company A, the rate of buy power is the
basic rate of 301 Japanese yen up to 15 kWh, 18.48 Japanese yen per
1 kWh when 15-120 kWh, 24.48 Japanese yen per 1 kWh when 120-280
kWh, and 26.79 Japanese yen per 1 kWh when equal to or above 280
kWh. Based on this sell rate table, the calculation of 53,000
Japanese yen is obtained as the electric power charge to be paid to
power company A with respect to the buy power of January to
December.
[0165] It is appreciated from FIG. 31 that, according to contract A
of the present user, the unit cost of 24.48 Japanese yen per 1 kWh
is applied when 120-280 kWh. The total of the electric power rate
to be received from power company A with respect to the sell power
of January to December is 43,649 Japanese yen.
[0166] The amount of 9,351 yen which is the difference between the
amount of 53,000 yen to be paid shown in FIG. 30 and the amount of
43,649 yen to be received shown in FIG. 31 is the annual payment
amount when the user enters into contract A with power company
A.
[0167] It is assumed that the unit cost of buy power and the unit
cost of sell power are identical in the contracts with a power
company, and the unit cost of the electric power rate of the
quantity of buy power for 1 month is applied as the unit cost of
the quantity of sell power. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 31,
since the quantity of buy power of one month is 274.9 kWh, the unit
cost corresponding to 120-280 kWh is applied, so that the unit cost
of 1 kWh of the rate of sell power becomes 24.28 yen.
[0168] Similarly, the electric power charge from January to
December is calculated for contract B that differs in the rate
format. The rate of buy power is calculated as 69,831 yen (FIG.
32). The rate of sell power is calculated as 34,948 yen (FIG. 33).
As a result, the annual payment amount of the present user when
entering into contract B with power company A becomes 34,883
yen.
[0169] Furthermore, the electric power charge from January to
December is calculated for the time zone basis contract
corresponding to the rate format in which the unit cost of 1 kWh
from the night hour of 23:00 to 7:00 of the next day is 6.78 yen,
which is particularly lower than that of the day time. The rate of
buy power is calculated as 64,787 yen (FIG. 34). The rate of sell
power is calculated as 48,642 yen (FIG. 35). As a result, the
annual amount of payment when entering into contract of the time
zone basis with power company A becomes 16,145 yen for this
user.
[0170] In view of the foregoing calculation, the annual amount to
be paid by this user to power company A is 9,351 yen when entering
into contract A, 34,883 yen when entering into contract B, and
16,845 yen when entering into a contract on a time zone basis.
Thus, notice information recommending contract A corresponding to
the lowest amount is displayed. As shown in FIG. 19, notification
that the recommended contract is contract A, and the difference in
amount from contract B and from the time zone basis contract is
displayed on display and operation unit 132.
[0171] The above description is based on the comparison of the
annual payment for one power company A with respect to a plurality
of power trading contracts. In addition, comparison of the annual
payment with respect to a plurality of power companies such as
power company B and power company C based on respective plurality
of power trading contracts may be made. Furthermore, comparison of
the payment amount on a monthly basis or on a six-month basis can
be effected instead of the annual amount.
[0172] FIG. 20 shows the time zone basis power chart of another
user. This user consumes a great amount of power during the night
time in comparison to the user of FIG. 19. The user of FIG. 20 uses
solar cell array 110 identical to that of the user of FIG. 19 at
the same area. Therefore, the quantity of generated power of the
user of FIG. 20 is as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, similar to the user
of FIG. 19.
[0173] FIGS. 36 and 37 show the quantity of power draw of the user
of FIG. 20. This user is characterized in that the quantity of
power draw is great late at night.
[0174] FIGS. 38 and 39 show the quantity of buy power of this user
whereas FIGS. 40 and 41 show the quantity of sell power of the same
user. The electric power charge with respect to buy power and sell
power when this user enters into contract A with power company A is
shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, respectively. It is appreciated from
FIGS. 42 and 43 that the annual payment of this user to power
company A when entering into contract A is 19,318 yen. Similarly,
it is appreciated from FIGS. 44 and 45 that the annual payment of
this user to power company A when entering into contract B is
42,883 yen. It is also appreciated from FIGS. 46 and 47 that the
annual payment of this user to power company A when entering into
the contract of the time zone basis becomes 2,786 yen.
[0175] Thus, as shown in FIG. 20, notification is made that the
recommended contract is the contract on a time zone basis, and the
difference in amount from contract A and from contract B is
displayed on display and operation unit 132.
[0176] FIG. 21 shows the time zone basis power chart of another
user. This user consumes a great quantity of power through all the
time zones over the year in comparison to the user of FIG. 19. The
user of FIG. 21 uses a solar cell array 110 identical to that of
the user of FIG. 19 at the same area. Similar to the user of FIG.
19, the quantity of generated power of the user of FIG. 20 is as
shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.
[0177] FIGS. 48 and 49 show the quantity of power draw of the user
of FIG. 20. It is characterized that the quantity of power draw for
this user is great over the entire time zones through the year.
[0178] FIGS. 50 and 51 show the quantity of buy power of this user
whereas FIGS. 52 and 53 show the quantity of buy power of this
user. The electric power charge with respect to buy power and sell
power when the user enters into contract A with power company A is
shown in FIG. 54 and FIG. 55, respectively. It is appreciated from
FIGS. 54 and 55 that the annual payment of this user to power
company A when entering into contract A is 163,539 yen. Similarly,
it is appreciated from FIGS. 56 and 57 that the annual payment of
this user to power company A when entering into contract B is
158,944 yen. It is appreciated from FIGS. 58 and 59 that the annual
payment of this user to power company A when entering into the
contract on the time zone basis is 172,577 yen.
[0179] Thus, as shown in FIG. 21, notification that the recommended
contract is contract B, and the difference in amount from contract
A and from the time zone basis contract is displayed on display and
operation unit 132.
[0180] According to the solar power generation system of the
present embodiment, information from a plurality of solar power
generators through the network can be analyzed to produce abnormal
detection information as well as producing notice information with
respect to the power cost. Reduction in the expense of the user who
has installed a solar power generator will promote install of a
solar power generator for other users. A solar power generation
administration system that can increase the quantity of power
generated by solar power generator, which is clean energy, can be
provided.
[0181] Although the present invention has been described and
illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by
way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way
of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
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