Cogeneration system, operation controller for cogeneration facility, and operation program for cogeneration facility

• US 20050049757A1
• Filed: 08/27/2004
• Published: 03/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Company Limited (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Company Limited (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Kanai, Etsuko, Nagamitsu, Sachio, Imagawa, Tsuneko, Matsubayashi, Shigeaki, Funakura, Masami
• Granted Patent: US 6,988,024 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/291
• CPC Class Codes: F02G 5/04 in combination with other waste heat from combustion engines
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2250/405 Cogeneration of heat or hot water
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04604 Power, energy, capacity or load
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04955 Shut-off or shut-down of fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04992 characterised by the implementation of mathematical or computational algorithms, e.g. feedback control loops, fuzzy logic, neural networks or artificial intelligence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/10 Applications of fuel cells in buildings
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 20/14 Combined heat and power generation [CHP]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 Fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/40 Fuel cell technologies in production processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/12 Improving ICE efficiencies

Abstract

An operating condition determiner compares an operation starting time (t1) of network-connected first consuming apparatuses received by a schedule information receiver and a consumption starting time (t2) predicted by a predicting system based on a total consumption amount of the first consuming apparatuses and a second consuming apparatus, which is not network-connected, and determines the operation starting time (t1) as an operation starting time of a fuel cell if the operation starting time (t1) is earlier than the consumption starting time (t2) while determining the consumption starting time (t2) as such if the operation starting time (t1) is later than the consumption starting time (t2), so that the fuel cell can stably generate power. The fuel cell can stably supply power at a time when the consuming apparatuses start consuming power. The merit of introducing a cogeneration facility can be sufficiently exhibited even if both consuming apparatuses provided with a network connecting function and those provided with no such function exist.

Claims

1. A cogeneration system, comprising:

a cogeneration facility for generating power and heat;

a plurality of consuming apparatuses consuming the power and/or heat generated by the cogeneration facility; and

an operation controller for controlling the operation of the cogeneration facility;

wherein the consuming apparatuses include a first consuming apparatus capable of automatically transmitting operation schedule information of its own to the operation controller, and a second consuming apparatus incapable of automatically transmitting the operation schedule information of its own;

the operation controller compares an operation starting time (t1) of the consuming apparatuses based on the operation schedule information collected from the first consuming apparatus and a consumption starting time (t2) based on the prediction of a total power and/or heat consumption of the first and second consuming apparatuses; and

the operation starting time of the cogeneration facility is determined with priority given to the operation starting time (t1) if the operation starting time (t1) is earlier than the consumption starting time (t2) while being determined with priority given to the consumption starting time (t2) if the operation starting time (t1) is later than the consumption starting time (t2).

2. A cogeneration system, comprising:

a cogeneration facility for generating power and heat;

a plurality of consuming apparatuses consuming the power and/or heat generated by the cogeneration facility; and

an operation controller for controlling the operation of the cogeneration facility;

wherein the consuming apparatuses include a first consuming apparatus capable of automatically transmitting operation schedule information of its own to the operation controller, and a second consuming apparatus incapable of automatically transmitting the operation schedule information of its own;

the operation controller compares a first operation starting time (t3) of the cogeneration facility which is at or later than an operation starting time (t1) of the consuming apparatuses based on the operation schedule information collected from the first consuming apparatus and should be substantially determined based only on the operation schedule information collected from the first consuming apparatus and a second operation starting time (t4) of the cogeneration facility which should be substantially determined based on the prediction of a total power and/or heat consumption of the first and second consuming apparatuses; and

the operation starting time of the cogeneration facility is determined with priority given to the first operation starting time (t3) if the first operation starting time (t3) is earlier than the second operation starting time (t4) while being determined with priority given to the second operation starting time (t4) if the first operation starting time (t3) is later than the second operation starting time (t4).

3. A cogeneration system according to claim 2, wherein:

a specified value X of a power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility is set based on a power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility;

a time at which the power and/or heat consumption amount as the operation schedule information of the first consuming apparatus becomes equal to or above the specified value X is set as the first operation starting time (t3); and

a time at which a consumption amount predicted value based on the prediction of the total power and/or heat consumption of the first and second consuming apparatuses becomes equal to or above the specified value X is set as the second operation starting time (t4).

4. A cogeneration system according to claim 3, wherein a lower limit value of the power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility is used as the specified value X of the power and/or heat consumption amount.

5. A cogeneration system according to claim 2, wherein:

a specified value X of a power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility and an increased specified value Y of the power and/or heat consumption amount larger than the specified value X are set based on a power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility;

a time at which the power and/or heat consumption amount as the operation schedule information of the first consuming apparatus becomes equal to or above the specified value X is set as the first operation starting time (t3); and

a time at which a consumption amount predicted value based on the prediction of the total power and/or heat consumption of the first and second consuming apparatuses becomes equal to or above the increased specified value Y is set as the second operation starting time (t4).

6. A cogeneration system according to claim 5, wherein a lower limit value of the power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility is used as the specified value X of the power and/or heat consumption amount.

7. A cogeneration system, comprising:

a cogeneration facility for generating power and heat,

a plurality of consuming apparatuses consuming the power and/or heat generated by the cogeneration facility, and

an operation controller for controlling the operation of the cogeneration facility,

wherein the consuming apparatuses include a first consuming apparatus capable of automatically transmitting operation schedule information of its own to the operation controller, and a second consuming apparatus incapable of automatically transmitting the operation schedule information of its own,

a specified value X of a power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility is set based on a power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility,

the operation controller includes;

a consumption amount calculator for calculating a total power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A11) of the first and second consuming apparatuses predicted based on a measurement value of a total power and/or heat consumption amount of the first and second consuming apparatuses, and a power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A12) of the first consuming apparatus predicted based on a measurement value of a power and/or heat consumption amount of the first consuming apparatus, and calculating a power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A13) of only the second consuming apparatus by subtracting the consumption amount predicted value (A12) from the consumption amount predicted value (A11),

a consumption amount predictor for obtaining a power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A14) of the first consuming apparatus predicted based on the operation schedule information actually set in the first consuming apparatus, and

a total consumption amount predictor for obtaining a total power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A15) by adding the consumption amount predicted values (A13) and (A14), and

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15) becomes equal to or above the specified value X is determined as an operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility.

8. A cogeneration system according to claim 7, wherein the measurement value of the power and/or heat consumption amount of the first consuming apparatus is an estimated value based on a power and/or heat consumption pattern of the first consuming apparatus.

9. A cogeneration system according to claim 7, wherein:

the specified value X of the power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility and an increased specified value Y of the power and/or heat consumption amount larger than the specified value X are set based on the power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility,

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or larger than the increased specified value Y is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility if the power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) of the first consuming apparatus predicted based on the operation schedule information actually set in the first consuming apparatus is 0,

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or above the specified value X is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility if the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) is equal to or above the specified value X, and

an intermediate specified value Z (where X≦

Z≦

Y) is set in accordance with the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) if the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) is larger than 0, but below the specified value X, and a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or above the intermediate specified value Z is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility.

10. A cogeneration system, comprising:

a cogeneration facility for generating power and heat,

a plurality of consuming apparatuses consuming the power and/or heat generated by the cogeneration facility, and

an operation controller for controlling the operation of the cogeneration facility,

wherein the consuming apparatuses include a first consuming apparatus capable of automatically transmitting operation schedule information of its own to the operation controller, and a second consuming apparatus incapable of automatically transmitting the operation schedule information of its own,

a specified value X of a power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility is set based on a power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility,

the operation controller includes;

a consumption amount calculator for calculating a power and/or heat consumption amount (A21-A22) of only the second consuming apparatus by subtracting a measurement value (A22) of a power and/or heat consumption amount of the first consuming apparatus from a measurement value (A21) of a total power and/or heat consumption amount of the first and second consuming apparatuses, and calculating a consumption amount predicted value (A23) of only the second consuming apparatuses based on the calculated consumption amount (A21-A22),

a consumption amount predictor for obtaining a power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A24) of the first consuming apparatus predicted based on the operation schedule information actually set in the first consuming apparatus, and

a total consumption amount predictor for obtaining a total power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A25) by adding the consumption amount predicted values (A23) and (A24), and

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A25) becomes equal to or above the specified value X is determined as an operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility.

11. A cogeneration system according to claim 10, wherein the measurement value of the power and/or heat consumption amount of the first consuming apparatus is an estimated value based on a power and/or heat consumption pattern of the first consuming apparatus.

12. A cogeneration system according to claim 10, wherein:

the specified value X of the power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility and an increased specified value Y of the power and/or heat consumption amount larger than the specified value X are set based on the power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility,

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or larger than the increased specified value Y is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility if the power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) of the first consuming apparatus predicted based on the operation schedule information actually set in the first consuming apparatus is 0,

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or above the specified value X is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility if the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) is equal to or above the specified value X, and

an intermediate specified value Z (where X≦

Z≦

Y) is set in accordance with the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) if the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) is larger than 0, but below the specified value X, and a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or above the intermediate specified value Z is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility.

13. An operation controller for controlling the operation of a cogeneration facility for supplying power and heat to a plurality of consuming apparatuses consuming power and/or heat, the operation controller being used in the case that the consuming apparatuses include a first consuming apparatus capable of automatically transmitting operation schedule information of its own to the operation controller, and a second consuming apparatus incapable of automatically transmitting the operation schedule information of its own, wherein:

an operation starting time (t1) of the consuming apparatuses based on the operation schedule information collected from the first consuming apparatus and a consumption starting time (t2) based on the prediction of a total power and/or heat consumption of the first and second consuming apparatuses are compared, and

the operation starting time of the cogeneration facility is determined with priority given to the operation starting time (t1) if the operation starting time (t1) is earlier than the consumption starting time (t2) while being determined with priority given to the consumption starting time (t2) if the operation starting time (t1) is later than the consumption starting time (t2).

14. An operation controller for controlling the operation of a cogeneration facility for supplying power and heat to a plurality of consuming apparatuses consuming power and/or heat, the operation controller being used in the case that the consuming apparatuses include a first consuming apparatus capable of automatically transmitting operation schedule information of its own to the operation controller, and a second consuming apparatus incapable of automatically transmitting the operation schedule information of its own, wherein:

a first operation starting time (t3) of the cogeneration facility which is at or later than an operation starting time (t1) of the consuming apparatuses based on the operation schedule information collected from the first consuming apparatus and should be substantially determined based only on the operation schedule information collected from the first consuming apparatus and a second operation starting time (t4) of the cogeneration facility which should be substantially determined based on the prediction of a total power and/or heat consumption of the first and second consuming apparatuses are compared, and

the operation starting time of the cogeneration facility is determined with priority given to the first operation starting time (t3) if the first operation starting time (t3) is earlier than the second operation starting time (t4) while being determined with priority given to the second operation starting time (t4) if the first operation starting time (t3) is later than the second operation starting time (t4).

15. An operation controller of the cogeneration facility according to claim 14, wherein a specified value X of a power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility is set based on a power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility,

a time at which the power and/or heat consumption amount as the operation schedule information of the first consuming apparatus becomes equal to or above the specified value X is set as the first operation starting time (t3), and

a time at which a consumption amount predicted value based on the prediction of the total power and/or heat consumption of the first and second consuming apparatuses becomes equal to or above the specified value X is set as the second operation starting time (t4).

16. An operation controller of the cogeneration facility according to claim 15, wherein a lower limit value of the power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility is used as the specified value X of the power and/or heat consumption amount.

17. An operation controller of the cogeneration facility according to claim 14, wherein:

a specified value X of a power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility and an increased specified value Y of the power and/or heat consumption amount larger than the specified value X are set based on a power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility,

a time at which the power and/or heat consumption amount as the operation schedule information of the first consuming apparatus becomes equal to or above the specified value X is set as the first operation starting time (t3), and

a time at which a consumption amount predicted value based on the prediction of the total power and/or heat consumption of the first and second consuming apparatuses becomes equal to or above the increased specified value Y is set as the second operation starting time (t4).

18. An operation controller of the cogeneration facility according to claim 17, wherein a lower limit value of the power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility is used as the specified value X of the power and/or heat consumption amount.

19. An operation controller for controlling the operation of a cogeneration facility for supplying power and heat to a plurality of consuming apparatuses consuming power and/or heat, the operation controller being used in the case that the consuming apparatuses include a first consuming apparatus capable of automatically transmitting operation schedule information of its own to the operation controller, and a second consuming apparatus incapable of automatically transmitting the operation schedule information of its own, wherein:

a specified value X of a power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility is set based on a power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility,

the operation controller comprises;

a consumption amount calculator for calculating a total power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A11) of the first and second consuming apparatuses predicted based on a measurement value of a total power and/or heat consumption amount of the first and second consuming apparatuses, and a power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A12) of the first consuming apparatus predicted based on a measurement value of a power and/or heat consumption amount of the first consuming apparatus, and calculating a power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A13) of only the second consuming apparatus by subtracting the consumption amount predicted value (A12) from the consumption amount predicted value (A11),

a consumption amount predictor for obtaining a power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A14) of the first consuming apparatus predicted based on the operation schedule information actually set in the first consuming apparatus, and

a total consumption amount predictor for obtaining a total power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A15) by adding the consumption amount predicted values (A13) and (A14), and

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15) becomes equal to or above the specified value X is determined as an operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility.

20. An operation controller according to claim 19, wherein the measurement value of the power and/or heat consumption amount of the first consuming apparatus is an estimated value based on a power and/or heat consumption pattern of the first consuming apparatus.

21. A cogeneration system according to claim 19, wherein:

the specified value X of the power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility and an increased specified value Y of the power and/or heat consumption amount larger than the specified value X are set based on the power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility,

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or larger than the increased specified value Y is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility if the power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) of the first consuming apparatus predicted based on the operation schedule information actually set in the first consuming apparatus is 0,

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or above the specified value X is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility if the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) is equal to or above the specified value X, and

an intermediate specified value Z (where X≦

Z≦

Y) is set in accordance with the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) if the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) is larger than 0, but below the specified value X, and a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or above the intermediate specified value Z is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility.

22. An operation controller for controlling the operation of a cogeneration facility for supplying power and heat to a plurality of consuming apparatuses consuming power and/or heat, the operation controller being used in the case that the consuming apparatuses include a first consuming apparatus capable of automatically transmitting operation schedule information of its own to the operation controller, and a second consuming apparatus incapable of automatically transmitting the operation schedule information of its own, wherein:

a specified value X of a power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility is set based on a power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility,

the operation controller comprises;

a consumption amount calculator for calculating a power and/or heat consumption amount (A21-A22) of only the second consuming apparatus by subtracting a measurement value (A22) of a power and/or heat consumption amount of the first consuming apparatus from a measurement value (A21) of a total power and/or heat consumption amount of the first and second consuming apparatuses, and calculating a consumption amount predicted value (A23) of only the second consuming apparatuses based on the calculated consumption amount (A21-A22),

a consumption amount predictor for obtaining a power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A24) of the first consuming apparatus predicted based on the operation schedule information actually set in the first consuming apparatus, and

a total consumption amount predictor for obtaining a total power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A25) by adding the consumption amount predicted values (A23) and (A24), and

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A25) becomes equal to or above the specified value X is determined as an operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility.

23. An operation controller according to claim 22, wherein the measurement value of the power and/or heat consumption amount of the first consuming apparatus is an estimated value based on a power and/or heat consumption pattern of the first consuming apparatus.

24. A cogeneration system according to claim 22, wherein:

the specified value X of the power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility and an increased specified value Y of the power and/or heat consumption amount larger than the specified value X are set based on the power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility,

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or larger than the increased specified value Y is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility if the power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) of the first consuming apparatus predicted based on the operation schedule information actually set in the first consuming apparatus is 0,

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or above the specified value X is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility if the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) is equal to or above the specified value X, and

an intermediate specified value Z (where X≦

Z≦

Y) is set in accordance with the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) if the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) is larger than 0, but below the specified value X, and a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or above the intermediate specified value Z is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility.

25. An operation control program for controlling the operation of a cogeneration facility for supplying power and heat to a plurality of consuming apparatuses consuming power and/or heat, the operation controller being used in the case that the consuming apparatuses include a first consuming apparatus capable of automatically transmitting operation schedule information of its own to the operation controller, and a second consuming apparatus incapable of automatically transmitting the operation schedule information of its own, the operation control program causing the implementation of operation steps of:

obtaining and comparing an operation starting time (t1) of the consuming apparatuses based on the operation schedule information collected from the first consuming apparatus and a consumption starting time (t2) based on the prediction of a total power and/or heat consumption of the first and second consuming apparatuses, and

determining the operation starting time of the cogeneration facility with priority given to the operation starting time (t1) if the operation starting time (t1) is earlier than the consumption starting time (t2) while determining it with priority given to the consumption starting time (t2) if the operation starting time (t1) is later than the consumption starting time (t2).

26. An operation control program for controlling the operation of a cogeneration facility for supplying power and heat to a plurality of consuming apparatuses consuming power and/or heat, the operation controller being used in the case that the consuming apparatuses include a first consuming apparatus capable of automatically transmitting operation schedule information of its own to the operation controller, and a second consuming apparatus incapable of automatically transmitting the operation schedule information of its own, the operation control program causing the implementation of operation steps of:

obtaining and comparing a first operation starting time (t3) of the cogeneration facility which is at or later than an operation starting time (t1) of the consuming apparatuses based on the operation schedule information collected from the first consuming apparatus and should be substantially determined based only on the operation schedule information collected from the first consuming apparatus and a second operation starting time (t4) of the cogeneration facility which should be substantially determined based on the prediction of a total power and/or heat consumption of the first and second consuming apparatuses, and

determining the operation starting time of the cogeneration facility with priority given to the first operation starting time (t3) if the first operation starting time (t3) is earlier than the second operation starting time (t4) while determining it with priority given to the second operation starting time (t4) if the first operation starting time (t3) is later than the second operation starting time (t4).

27. An operation control program for the cogeneration facility according to claim 26, further causing the implementation of operation steps of:

setting a specified value X of a power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility based on a power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility,

setting a time at which the power and/or heat consumption amount as the operation schedule information of the first consuming apparatus becomes equal to or above the specified value X as the first operation starting time (t3), and

setting a time at which a consumption amount predicted value based on the prediction of the total power and/or heat consumption of the first and second consuming apparatuses becomes equal to or above the specified value X as the second operation starting time (t4).

28. An operation control program for the cogeneration facility according to claim 27, wherein a lower limit value of the power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility is used as the specified value X of the power and/or heat consumption amount.

29. An operation control program for the cogeneration facility according to claim 26, further causing the implementation of operation steps of:

setting a specified value X of a power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility and an increased specified value Y of the power and/or heat consumption amount larger than the specified value X based on a power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility,

setting a time at which the power and/or heat consumption amount as the operation schedule information of the first consuming apparatus becomes equal to or above the specified value X as the first operation starting time (t3), and

setting a time at which a consumption amount predicted value based on the prediction of the total power and/or heat consumption of the first and second consuming apparatuses becomes equal to or above the increased specified value Y as the second operation starting time (t4).

30. An operation control program for the cogeneration facility according to claim 29, wherein a lower limit value of the power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility is used as the specified value X of the power and/or heat consumption amount.

31. An operation control program for controlling the operation of a cogeneration facility for supplying power and heat to a plurality of consuming apparatuses consuming power and/or heat, the operation controller being used in the case that the consuming apparatuses include a first consuming apparatus capable of automatically transmitting operation schedule information of its own to the operation controller, and a second consuming apparatus incapable of automatically transmitting the operation schedule information of its own, the operation control program causing the implementation of operation steps of:

receiving a specified value X of a power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility as a set value based on a power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility

obtaining a total power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A11) of the first and second consuming apparatuses predicted based on a measurement value of a total power and/or heat consumption amount of the first and second consuming apparatuses, and a power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A12) of the first consuming apparatus predicted based on a measurement value of a power and/or heat consumption amount of the first consuming apparatus, and calculating a power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A13) of only the second consuming apparatus by subtracting the consumption amount predicted value (A12) from the consumption amount predicted value (A11),

obtaining a power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A14) of the first consuming apparatus predicted based on the operation schedule information actually set in the first consuming apparatus, and

obtaining a total power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A15) by adding the consumption amount predicted values (A13) and (A14), and

determining a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15) becomes equal to or above the specified value X as an operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility.

32. An operation control program for a cogeneration facility according to claim 31, wherein the measurement value of the power and/or heat consumption amount of the first consuming apparatus is an estimated value based on a power and/or heat consumption pattern of the first consuming apparatus.

33. An operation control program for a cogeneration facility according to any one of claims 31, wherein:

the specified value X of the power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility and an increased specified value Y of the power and/or heat consumption amount larger than the specified value X are set based on the power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility,

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or larger than the increased specified value Y is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility if the power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) of the first consuming apparatus predicted based on the operation schedule information actually set in the first consuming apparatus is 0,

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or above the specified value X is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility if the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) is equal to or above the specified value X, and

an intermediate specified value Z (where X≦

Z≦

Y) is set in accordance with the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) if the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) is larger than 0, but below the specified value X, and a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or above the intermediate specified value Z is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility.

34. An operation control program for controlling the operation of a cogeneration facility for supplying power and heat to a plurality of consuming apparatuses consuming power and/or heat, the operation controller being used in the case that the consuming apparatuses include a first consuming apparatus capable of automatically transmitting operation schedule information of its own to the operation controller, and a second consuming apparatus incapable of automatically transmitting the operation schedule information of its own, the operation control program causing the implementation of operation steps of:

receiving a specified value X of a power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility as a set value based on a power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility,

calculating a power and/or heat consumption amount (A21-A22) of only the second consuming apparatus by subtracting a measurement value (A22) of a power and/or heat consumption amount of the first consuming apparatus from a measurement value (A21) of a total power and/or heat consumption amount of the first and second consuming apparatuses, and calculating a consumption amount predicted value (A23) of only the second consuming apparatuses based on the calculated consumption amount (A21-A22),

obtaining a power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A24) of the first consuming apparatus predicted based on the operation schedule information actually set in the first consuming apparatus, and

obtaining a total power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A25) by adding the consumption amount predicted values (A23) and (A24), and

determining a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A25) becomes equal to or above the specified value X as an operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility.

35. An operation control program for a cogeneration facility according to claim 34, wherein the measurement value of the power and/or heat consumption amount of the first consuming apparatus is an estimated value based on a power and/or heat consumption pattern of the first consuming apparatus.

36. An operation control program for a cogeneration facility according to claim 34, wherein:

the specified value X of the power and/or heat consumption amount for starting the operation of the cogeneration facility and an increased specified value Y of the power and/or heat consumption amount larger than the specified value X are set based on the power and/or heat generation amount variable range of the cogeneration facility,

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or larger than the increased specified value Y is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility if the power and/or heat consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) of the first consuming apparatus predicted based on the operation schedule information actually set in the first consuming apparatus is 0,

a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or above the specified value X is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility if the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) is equal to or above the specified value X, and

an intermediate specified value Z (where X≦

Z≦

Y) is set in accordance with the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) if the consumption amount predicted value (A14 or A24) is larger than 0, but below the specified value X, and a time at which the consumption amount predicted value (A15 or A25) becomes equal to or above the intermediate specified value Z is determined as the operation starting time (t5) of the cogeneration facility.