Charging control device, charging control program, and charging control system

Abstract

To provide a charge controller capable of suppressing power shortage even if power consumption is increased by natural environment, and to provide a charge control program and a charge control system therefor.SOLUTION: A charge controller according to the present disclosure comprises a processor for easing a limit value set upon charging a power storage device with respect to a vehicle according to a charging target geofencing zone set based on disaster information among geofencing zones set by a virtual boundary where traveling of the vehicle is limited to power supplied from the power storage device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charge control device, a charge control program, and a charge control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes that in areas where air pollution prevention measures are being strengthened, in order to suppress the effects of exhaust gas, the internal combustion engine of the vehicle is stopped and the vehicle is run on a battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-75210 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a typhoon approaches, or when there is a change in the natural environment, such as extreme heat, heavy snow, or heavy rain, the running resistance increases, and the operation of the windshield wipers and air conditioners and heaters and coolers increases, causing an increase in the vehicle's power consumption. As a result, the possibility of running out of power increases.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a charging control device, a charging control program, and a charging control system that can prevent power shortage even if power consumption increases due to the natural environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The charging control device of the present disclosure includes a processor that relaxes the restriction value set for the charging of the power storage device for the vehicle in accordance with a charging control geofencing zone that is set based on disaster information, among geofencing zones that are set by virtual boundaries that limit the vehicle's driving to the power supplied from the power storage device.

[0007] In addition, the charging control program of the present disclosure causes a processor of a charging control device that controls charging of a vehicle equipped with a power storage device to relax the restriction value set for the charging of the power storage device for the vehicle in accordance with a charging control geofencing zone that is set based on disaster information, among geofencing zones that are set by virtual boundaries that limit the driving of the vehicle to the power supplied from the power storage device.

[0008] In addition, the charging control system of the present disclosure includes a vehicle equipped with a power storage device, a power supply device that supplies power to the power storage device, and a control device having a processor that relaxes the restriction value set for the vehicle in charging the power storage device in accordance with a charging control geofencing zone that is set based on disaster information, among geofencing zones that are set by virtual boundaries that limit the driving of the vehicle to the power supplied from the power storage device. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, when a disaster is predicted, even if power consumption increases due to the natural environment, it is possible to prevent power shortages. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the disaster information server according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining an example of the charging control process according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining an example of the charging control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a charging control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a charging control process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a charging control process according to a modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an information processing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a charging control process according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings of the following embodiments, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a disaster information server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a vehicle according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a disaster information server 2, a vehicle 3, and a power supply device 4. The disaster information server 2 is a server installed in a disaster information center or the like. The disaster information center transmits information related to a disaster when a disaster occurs. The vehicle 3 is a vehicle that can run only with the power of a motor (EV running is possible), such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle or a range extender vehicle. In addition, the vehicle 3 is a vehicle that can be charged with power from an external power source and can supply power to the outside.

[0013] The disaster information server 2 and the vehicles 3 can communicate with each other via a network NW. The network NW is configured, for example, by an Internet line network. The disaster information server 2 can transmit and receive information to and from a plurality of vehicles 3.

[0014] The disaster information server 2 includes a disaster information receiving unit 21, a disaster area information creating unit 22, and a disaster area information transmitting unit 23.

[0015] The disaster information receiving unit 21 receives disaster information indicating the occurrence of a disaster. A disaster refers to an incident in which damage occurs in a specified area due to a natural phenomenon or a human-made cause. Examples of disaster information include typhoon information, earthquake information, heavy rain information, flood information, tsunami information, eruption information, fire information, forest fire information, and power outage information. Taking the occurrence of a typhoon as an example, the disaster information receiving unit 21 receives disaster information regarding the scale and course of the typhoon. Furthermore, after receiving information regarding the first report of the occurrence of a disaster, the disaster information receiving unit 21 continues to receive newly discovered information such as the scale of the disaster (for example, updated size and course of the typhoon) as follow-up reports.

[0016] The disaster area information creation unit 22 creates disaster area information based on the disaster information. The disaster area information includes area information indicating areas that require vigilance against future disasters and areas where disasters have occurred, and information indicating the scale of the disaster including predictions. Taking the occurrence of a typhoon as an example, the disaster area information creation unit 22 creates disaster area information that sets the range of the disaster area to include the current storm area, the future course, and the scale of the typhoon along that course. The range set for this disaster area can be set to a predetermined area such as a prefecture, a city, town, village, or region. Furthermore, the disaster area information creation unit 22 successively updates the disaster area information to the latest information based on the received follow-up report.

[0017] The disaster area information transmission unit 23 transmits the created disaster area information. The disaster area information transmission unit 23 transmits the disaster area information to the vehicles 3 in the corresponding area via the network NW. In addition, the disaster area information transmission unit 23 transmits the latest disaster area information every time the disaster area information is updated to the latest information.

[0018] The vehicle 3 is an electric vehicle including a motor 11 for driving the vehicle, an engine 12, a battery 13, a charger 14, a vehicle-side connector 15, a power supply processing unit 16, and an inverter 17.

[0019] The motor 11 is a power source for traveling. The engine 12 can rotate the motor 11. That is, the motor 11 can generate electricity using the power of the engine 12. When the engine 12 generates electricity at the motor 11, the electricity generated at the motor 11 can be charged into the battery 13. The motor 11 is electrically connected to the battery 13 via an inverter 17.

[0020] The vehicle 3 is a plug-in hybrid vehicle equipped with a charger 14 for charging a battery 13 with external power and a vehicle-side connector 15.

[0021] The battery 13 is a power storage device that stores power to be supplied to the motor 11 and also stores power supplied from an external power source. The battery 13 is electrically connected to a vehicle-side connector 15 or a power supply processing unit 16 via a charger 14. The charger 14 charges the battery 13 with external power. For example, the charger 14 includes various relay units. By opening the relay unit of the charger 14, the battery 13 and the vehicle-side connector 15 can be electrically disconnected. When charging the battery 13 with external power, the relay unit of the charger 14 is closed, and the battery 13 and the vehicle-side connector 15 are electrically connected. The vehicle-side connector 15 can be connected to an external connector, such as a charging connector of a charging station.

[0022] Moreover, the power supply processing unit 16 includes a coil and a rectifier circuit. Here, the power supply device 4 generates, for example, a magnetic flux for supplying power to the vehicle 3. A plurality of power supply devices 4 are provided at predetermined intervals in the lane on which the vehicle 3 travels. An induced current (AC current) flows in a coil included in the power supply processing unit 16 due to the magnetic flux generated by the power supply device 4, and the AC current is converted to DC current in the rectifier circuit, and this DC current is supplied to the battery 13. In this manner, non-contact charging is performed between the vehicle 3 and the power supply device 4.

[0023] The vehicle 3 also includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit 31, a communication unit 32, a control unit 33, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) , a power train 35, and a storage unit .

[0024] The GPS receiving unit 31 receives radio waves (signals) from GPS satellites.

[0025] The communication unit 32 transmits and receives information to and from the disaster information server 2. The communication unit 32 receives control instructions transmitted from the disaster information server 2. In addition, the communication unit 32 transmits location information indicating the current location of the vehicle 3 to the disaster information server 2.

[0026] The control unit 33 includes a processor having hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a storage unit such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The control unit 33 includes a position information acquisition unit 33a, a charging control unit 33b, an engine control unit 33c, and an HMI control unit 33d.

[0027] The location information acquisition unit 33 a acquires current location information based on the signal received by the GPS receiving unit 31 .

[0028] When disaster information is received, the charging control unit 33b controls charging of the battery 13. When disaster information is received by the communication unit 32, the charging control unit 33b changes, for example, parameters that contribute to charging.

[0029] The engine control unit 33c controls the engine 12. For example, when an instruction to prohibit driving of the engine 12 is received, the engine control unit 33c executes prohibition control to prohibit driving of the engine 12. On the other hand, when an instruction to permit driving of the engine 12 is received, the engine control unit 33c executes permission control to permit driving of the engine 12.

[0030] The HMI control unit 33d controls the HMI 34. The HMI 34 is, for example, a car navigation device. The HMI 34 is an in-vehicle device that functions as a notification unit that notifies the driver of information and also functions as an operation unit that receives operations from the driver. Under the control of the HMI control unit 33d, the HMI 34 notifies information such as a control state in which the engine 12 is permitted or prohibited from being driven, or a control state in which the engine 12 is prohibited from being driven.

[0031] The powertrain control unit 33e controls the powertrain 35. The powertrain 35 is a power transmission device that transmits the power output from the motor 11 and the engine 12 to the drive wheels. The powertrain 35 includes an automatic transmission, etc. Therefore, the powertrain control unit 33e executes gear shift control that controls the gear stages of the automatic transmission.

[0032] The storage unit 36 ​​is configured using a computer-readable recording medium, and various programs and various data are stored in a writable and readable manner. The recording medium includes storage media such as a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, an optical disk, a flash memory, and a magnetic disk, and a drive device for these storage media. The storage unit 36 ​​stores an operating system (OS) and various application programs required for the control unit 33 to comprehensively control the operation of each part of the vehicle 3.

[0033] In addition, the control unit 33 controls the inverter 17 to thereby control the motor 11 . The inverter 17 is switched by the control unit 33. Furthermore, the relay unit of the charger 14 is opened and closed by the control unit 33. That is, the control unit 33 executes charge control for charging the battery 13 with power from the outside, and executes discharge control for supplying the power stored in the battery 13 to the outside. Furthermore, the control unit 33 executes various controls related to the vehicle 3.

[0034] Here, a virtual fence (virtual boundary) called geofencing is set in a predetermined area (geofencing zone). The geofencing zone is set for a specific area, such as an urban area in a city. Within the geofencing zone, specific vehicle control is executed for the vehicle 3 located in the geofencing zone. This vehicle control includes drive control that prohibits engine drive so that the vehicle runs only on the motor (EV running).

[0035] 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining an example of the charging control process according to the first embodiment. For example, when a typhoon occurs, the disaster information server 2 acquires disaster information indicating areas located on the typhoon's path and at risk of damage from the typhoon. The disaster information server 2 acquires disaster information including forecast circles D1 to D3 indicating the range that the typhoon may reach, for example, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0036] The disaster information server 2 judges whether the area based on the disaster information overlaps with a set geofencing zone. For example, when multiple geofencing zones are set, the disaster information server 2 judges whether the area based on the disaster information overlaps with any of the multiple geofencing zones. When a disaster occurs or is predicted within a geofencing zone, there is a high possibility that the power consumption of the vehicle 3 will increase during the disaster. For this reason, when the area based on the disaster information overlaps with a geofencing zone, the disaster information server 2 transmits an instruction to the vehicle 3 located within the geofencing zone to charge with an increased amount of charge. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the disaster information server 2 detects whether a typhoon forecast circle overlaps with the geofencing zone R. G If it overlaps with the geofencing zone R G The charging instruction is transmitted to the vehicle 3 located within the charging area.

[0037] Here, the control executed by the control unit 33 of each vehicle 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The control shown in Fig. 6 is repeatedly executed by the control unit 33. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the charging control process according to the first embodiment.

[0038] When the control unit 33 receives a charging instruction from the disaster information server 2, the control unit 33 judges whether or not the vehicle 3 is located within a geofencing zone for which charging control is instructed by the disaster information server 2 (hereinafter, also referred to as a "charging control geofencing zone") (step S101). The control unit 33 compares the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 33a with the set geofencing zone to judge whether or not the vehicle 3 is located within the geofencing zone, and judges whether or not the geofencing zone is a charging control target. If the vehicle 3 is located outside the charging control geofencing zone (step S101: No), the control unit 33 proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the vehicle 3 is located within the charging control geofencing zone (step S101: Yes), the control unit 33 proceeds to step S102.

[0039] In step S102, the control unit 33 sets the target charge amount to the charge amount set for use in a disaster (disaster charge amount). In the first embodiment, the charge amount is set to this disaster charge amount or normal charge amount. The disaster charge amount is larger than the normal charge amount. The control unit 33, for example, increases the upper limit of the voltage range.

[0040] Then, the control unit 33 calculates a predicted charge amount based on the current remaining amount and the full charge capacity (step S103).

[0041] The control unit 33 determines whether the predicted charge amount can be satisfied up to the target charge amount by normal power generation (step S104). When the control unit 33 determines that the target charge amount can be satisfied by normal power generation based on the power generation characteristics of normal power generation (step S104: Yes), the control unit 33 proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, when the control unit 33 determines that the target charge amount cannot be satisfied by normal power generation (step S104: No), the control unit 33 proceeds to step S105.

[0042] The control unit 33 performs limit relaxation control to relax or release settings that are unrelated to the reliability of charging among the settings that contribute to charging (step S105). In the limit control, for example, the current value flowing to suppress noise and vibration is reduced, or the operation of the function itself is stopped, thereby reducing power consumption and improving the charging characteristics (for example, the ratio of current to capacity). The settings relaxed in the limit control can be applied as long as they can reduce power consumption and do not reduce the charging characteristics by suppressing and stopping the function. For example, in addition to the function of suppressing noise and vibration, functions that are bottlenecks for increasing the amount of charging or functions that hinder the increase in the amount of charging may be stopped or limited, such as stopping or limiting the use of functions that are not related to driving (stopping 100V power supply, setting the room temperature range that can be set for the air conditioner narrower than normal, etc.), and limiting the use of functions that increase the power consumption compared to normal driving mode (drivability functions).

[0043] Furthermore, in step S106, the control unit 33 sets the target charge amount to the charge amount set for normal times (normal time charge amount).

[0044] In step S107, the control unit 33 performs normal power generation control based on normal power generation characteristics. In normal power generation, the current is smaller than in disaster power generation, and it takes time to reach full capacity.

[0045] In the above-described first embodiment, in a charge control geofencing zone set according to a situation where a disaster such as a typhoon is predicted, the charge amount of the battery 13 equipped in the vehicle 3 is increased, and further, control is performed to improve the charging characteristics according to the required charge amount. According to the first embodiment, in a geofencing zone where a disaster is feared, the remaining capacity of the battery is controlled in advance to be fully charged or close to being fully charged, so that it is possible to prevent a power shortage even if power consumption increases due to the natural environment.

[0046] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to the second embodiment. The information processing system 1A according to the second embodiment includes a power supply device 5 instead of the power supply device 4 in the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. The following describes the parts (the configuration and processing contents of the power supply device 5) that are different from the first embodiment.

[0047] The power supply device 5 has a wired power supply unit 51 and a wireless power supply unit 52. The wired power supply unit 51 has a connector to be connected to the vehicle 30. The wired power supply unit 51 transmits a power supply signal to the vehicle 3 while being connected to the vehicle-side connector 15. The wireless power supply unit 52, like the power supply device 4, generates a magnetic flux for supplying power to the vehicle 3. The power supply device 5 is a stationary device and is capable of supplying power to a vehicle 3 located in the vicinity of the power supply device 5.

[0048] In the second embodiment, charging control can be performed similarly to that in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, charging characteristics are changed in a vehicle 3 in a charging control geofencing zone, and a power supply device 5 in the geofencing zone performs a power supply process for a vehicle 3 connected thereto.

[0049] Here, the control executed by the control unit 33 of each vehicle 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that the control shown in Fig. 8 is repeatedly executed by the control unit 33. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the charging control process according to the second embodiment.

[0050] When the control unit 33 receives a charging instruction from the disaster information server 2, the control unit 33 determines whether or not the vehicle 3 is located within the charging control geofencing zone (step S201). The control unit 33 determines whether or not the vehicle 3 is located within the charging control geofencing zone in the same manner as in step S101. If the vehicle 3 is located outside the charging control geofencing zone (step S201: No), the control unit 33 proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if the vehicle 3 is located within the charging control geofencing zone (step S201: Yes), the control unit 33 proceeds to step S202.

[0051] In step S202, the control unit 33 determines whether or not the risk of a power outage is high as a disaster risk. When the control unit 33 determines that the risk of a power outage is high with reference to the disaster information (step S202: Yes), the control unit 33 proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, when the control unit 33 determines that the risk of a power outage is low with reference to the disaster information (step S202: No), the control unit 33 proceeds to step S204. In addition to power outages, disaster risks can include predictable events such as lightning, heavy rain, heavy snow, typhoons, and earthquakes. Furthermore, issued advisories and warnings may be used to predict disaster risks.

[0052] In step S203, the control unit 33 increases the charge amount and the charge speed. The control unit 33 increases the charge capacity (ratio to the upper limit) and increases the charge speed (voltage) within a range that does not trip the breaker.

[0053] In step S204, the control unit 33 increases only the charge amount.

[0054] In step S205, the control unit 33 performs normal power generation control based on normal power generation characteristics.

[0055] In the above-described second embodiment, even if the power supply device 5 is a stationary type, in a charge control geofencing zone set according to a situation where a disaster such as a typhoon is predicted, the power supply device 5 increases the charge amount of the battery 13 equipped in the vehicle 3, and further performs control to improve the charging characteristics according to the required charge amount, as in the first embodiment. According to the second embodiment, in a geofencing zone where a disaster is feared, the remaining capacity of the battery is controlled in advance to be fully charged or close to being fully charged, so that it is possible to prevent a shortage of power even if the power consumption increases due to the natural environment.

[0056] In the second embodiment, the charging characteristics are changed according to the risk of disaster. For example, as explained in FIG. 8, when the risk of power outage, which greatly affects whether charging is possible, is high, the charging speed is increased to shorten the time required for charging. This makes it possible to reliably prevent power shortage according to the disaster.

[0057] In the second embodiment, the power supply device 5 has the wired power supply unit 51 and the wireless power supply unit 52. However, the power supply device 5 may have at least one of the wired power supply unit 51 and the wireless power supply unit 52.

[0058] (Modification of the second embodiment) Next, a description will be given of a modified example of embodiment 2. The information processing system according to the modified example is similar to the information processing system 1A according to embodiment 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process of charge control according to a modification of the embodiment 2. Fig. 9 shows a flow of changing the charge control depending on whether or not a power outage occurs. In addition, in a situation where a power outage does not occur, the process shown in Fig. 8 is executed.

[0060] When the control unit 33 receives a charging instruction from the disaster information server 2, it determines whether or not its own vehicle 3 is located within the charging control geofencing zone (step S301). The control unit 33 determines whether or not the vehicle 3 is located within the charging control geofencing zone in the same manner as in step S101. If the vehicle 3 is located outside the charging control geofencing zone (step S301: No), the control unit 33 proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the vehicle 3 is located within the charging control geofencing zone (step S301: Yes), the control unit 33 proceeds to step S302.

[0061] In step S302, the control unit 33 judges whether or not it is after power restoration due to a power outage. The control unit 33 acquires information about the power outage from, for example, the disaster information server 2 or a server of a power company, and compares the power restoration time with the current time. If the time elapsed since power restoration is less than a preset elapsed time (threshold), the control unit 33 judges that it is after power restoration (step S302: Yes), and proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if the time elapsed since power restoration is equal to or greater than the preset elapsed time, the control unit 33 judges that a sufficient amount of time has passed since power restoration and does not treat it as after power restoration (step S302: No), and proceeds to step S304.

[0062] In step S303, the control unit 33 reduces the charging rate. For example, the control unit 33 reduces the voltage to reduce the charging rate.

[0063] In step S304, the control unit 33 performs normal power generation control based on normal power generation characteristics.

[0064] In the above-described modified example, even if the power supply device 5 is a stationary type, in a charge control geofencing zone set according to a situation where a disaster such as a typhoon is predicted, the power supply device 5 increases the charge amount of the battery 13 equipped in the vehicle 3, and further performs control to improve the charging characteristics according to the required charge amount, as in the first embodiment. According to the second embodiment, in a geofencing zone where a disaster is feared, the remaining capacity of the battery is controlled in advance to be fully charged or close to being fully charged, so that it is possible to prevent a shortage of power even if the power consumption increases due to the natural environment.

[0065] In addition, in the modified example, the charging speed is controlled to be reduced depending on the time elapsed since power was restored, thereby preventing the supplied power from becoming unstable or another power outage from occurring when charging is started simultaneously in multiple vehicles 3 immediately after power is restored.

[0066] (Embodiment 3) Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the information processing system according to the third embodiment. The information processing system 1B according to the third embodiment includes a vehicle 3A instead of the vehicle 3 in the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, and further includes a vehicle management server 6. The following describes the parts that are different from the first embodiment (the configurations and processing contents of the vehicle 3A and the vehicle management server 6).

[0067] The information processing system 1B includes a disaster information server 2, a vehicle 3A, a power supply device 4, and a vehicle management server 6. The vehicle 3A has a configuration similar to that of the vehicle 3, but includes a control unit 33A that does not include a charging control unit 33b.

[0068] The vehicle management server 6 is a server installed in a vehicle management center. The vehicle management center monitors the position information of the vehicles 3A in real time for a plurality of vehicles 3A.

[0069] The disaster information server 2 and the vehicle management server 6 can communicate with each other via a network NW. The network NW is composed of, for example, the Internet. In addition, the vehicles 3 and the vehicle management server 6 can communicate with each other wirelessly via the network NW.

[0070] The vehicle management server 6 includes a location information receiving unit 61 , a disaster area information receiving unit 62 , a storage unit 63 , a control unit 64 , and an instruction transmitting unit 65 .

[0071] The position information receiving unit 61 receives the current position information transmitted from the vehicle 3 A. The vehicle management server 6 can receive, via the position information receiving unit 61, the position information of the vehicle 3 transmitted from a plurality of vehicles 3 A.

[0072] The disaster area information receiving unit 62 receives the disaster area information transmitted from the disaster information server 2. This disaster area information receiving unit 62 is capable of communicating with the disaster area information transmitting unit 23 via the network NW.

[0073] The storage unit 63 stores various information for managing the vehicle 3A. For example, the storage unit 63 stores information about an area in which a geofencing zone is set. This geofencing information is information that is stored in advance. The storage unit 63 also has a location information database 63a.

[0074] The position information database 63a stores the position information of the vehicle 3A. The position information of the multiple vehicles 3A is stored in the position information database 63a in real time based on the position information received by the position information receiving unit 61. That is, the position information stored in the position information database 63a is updated to the latest position information as needed.

[0075] The control unit 64 includes a processor having hardware such as a CPU, etc. The control unit 64 also includes a charging control unit 64a.

[0076] The control unit 64 identifies the vehicle 3A located within the geofencing zone. For example, the control unit 64 identifies the vehicle 3A located within the geofencing zone based on the geofencing information stored in the storage unit 36 ​​and the position information stored in the position information database 63a. The control unit 64 executes a specific vehicle control (control program) for the identified vehicle 3A.

[0077] The instruction transmission unit 65 transmits a control instruction for executing a specific vehicle control to the vehicle 3A. For example, the control instruction to the target vehicle may be an instruction to prohibit the engine 12 from being driven within a geofencing zone (engine drive prohibition instruction), an instruction to permit the engine 12 to be driven outside the geofencing zone (engine drive permission instruction), control of the battery charge setting, etc.

[0078] In the third embodiment, the vehicle management server 6 acquires disaster information from the disaster information server 2, and the charging control unit 64a performs charging control for the vehicles 3A located within the geofencing zone. Specifically, the charging control unit 64a executes the processes of steps S102 to S105 and S107 shown in Fig. 6, and outputs a charging instruction to each vehicle 3A.

[0079] In the above-described third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, in a charge control geofencing zone set according to a situation where a disaster such as a typhoon is predicted, the charge amount of the battery 13 equipped in the vehicle 3A is increased, and further, control is performed to improve the charging characteristics according to the required charge amount. According to the third embodiment, in a geofencing zone where a disaster is feared, the remaining capacity of the battery is controlled in advance to be fully charged or close to being fully charged, so that it is possible to suppress running out of power even if the power consumption increases due to the natural environment.

[0080] In the third embodiment, the charging control unit 64a collectively issues charging control instructions to the vehicles 3A located within the geofencing zone, so that each vehicle 3A does not need to execute processing for charging control. This reduces the processing load on the vehicle 3A and suppresses deterioration of the battery 13 of the vehicle 3.

[0081] (Embodiment 4) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The information processing system according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore the description will be omitted. In the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that engine operation is prohibited in a geofencing zone.

[0082] The control executed by the control unit 33 of the vehicle will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The control shown in Fig. 12 is repeatedly executed by the control unit 33. Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the charging control process according to the fourth embodiment.

[0083] When the control unit 33 receives a charging instruction from the disaster information server 2, the control unit 33 determines whether or not the vehicle 3 is located within the charging control geofencing zone (step S401). The control unit 33 determines whether or not the vehicle 3 is located within the charging control geofencing zone in the same manner as in step S101 of FIG. 4. If the vehicle 3 is located outside the charging control geofencing zone (step S401: No), the control unit 33 proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, if the vehicle 3 is located within the charging control geofencing zone (step S401: Yes), the control unit 33 proceeds to step S402.

[0084] Steps S402 to S406 are the same as steps S102 to S106 in Fig. 4. In step S404, if the control unit 33 determines that the target charge amount can be satisfied by normal power generation (step S404: Yes), the process proceeds to step S409.

[0085] In step S407, the control unit 33 judges whether the vehicle 3 is located near the geofencing zone. If the distance between the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 33a and the set charging control geofencing zone is less than a preset distance, the control unit 33 judges that the vehicle 3 is located near the charging control geofencing zone (step S407: Yes), and proceeds to step S408. On the other hand, if the distance between the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 33a and the set charging control geofencing zone is equal to or greater than the preset distance, the control unit 33 judges that the vehicle 3 is not located near the charging control geofencing zone (step S407: No), and proceeds to step S409.

[0086] In step S408, the control unit 33 increases the amount of drive of the engine 12 to increase the engine speed, and increases the amount of generated power generated in response to the drive, thereby increasing the amount of charge to the battery.

[0087] In step S409, the control unit 33 performs normal power generation control based on normal power generation characteristics.

[0088] In the above-described fourth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, in a charge control geofencing zone set according to a situation where a disaster such as a typhoon is predicted, the charge amount of the battery 13 equipped in the vehicle 3 is increased, and further, control is performed to improve the charging characteristics according to the required charge amount. According to the first embodiment, in a geofencing zone where a disaster is feared, the remaining capacity of the battery is controlled in advance to be fully charged or close to being fully charged, so that it is possible to prevent a power shortage even if the power consumption increases due to the natural environment.

[0089] In addition, in the fourth embodiment, even if the vehicle is outside the geofencing zone, if the vehicle is located near the geofencing zone, the engine drive can be increased to increase the amount of power generated, thereby increasing the remaining capacity of the battery 13 before entering the geofencing zone.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, for example, the disaster information server 2 can detect information indicating that a disaster has occurred in a predetermined area based on information posted on a posting site on the Internet or information sent by a public institution such as a local government. For example, when using information posted on a posting site on the Internet, the disaster information server 2 detects the information via a network NW. Specifically, the disaster information server 2 may be configured to detect information indicating that a disaster has occurred based on words posted on a social networking service (SNS) on the Internet or words tweeted frequently on a certain day. Furthermore, the disaster information server 2 uses the information detected on the Internet to determine whether or not at least a part of the geofencing zone is included in the area where the disaster has occurred. Then, if at least a part of the geofencing zone is included in the area where the disaster has occurred, the disaster information server 2 identifies the vehicle 3 located within the geofencing zone included in the area where the disaster has occurred.

[0091] Furthermore, the HMI 34 is not limited to a car navigation device, and may be any device that functions as a notification unit capable of conveying information to the driver through his / her vision, hearing, or perception. For example, the HMI 34 may be an audio device such as an audio device capable of notifying by voice, or a device that generates vibrations in the driver's seat of the vehicle 3.

[0092] In addition, for example, in the first embodiment, an example in which the limit relaxation control or the normal power generation control is performed after increasing the charge amount in the charge control geofencing zone has been described, but only one of the increase in the charge amount and the limit relaxation control may be performed. For example, in the flow of executing steps S102 to S105 in FIG. 6, only one of steps S102 and S105 may be performed.

[0093] (Recording medium) In one embodiment, a program capable of executing the processing method by the information processing system can be recorded on a recording medium readable by a computer or other machine or device (hereinafter referred to as a computer, etc.). By making a computer, etc. read and execute the program on the recording medium, the computer, etc. functions as a control unit of each device of the power supply control system. Here, a recording medium readable by a computer, etc. refers to a non-transient recording medium that stores information such as data or a program by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical action and can be read by a computer, etc. Among such recording media, those that can be removed from a computer, etc. include, for example, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R / W, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a DAT (Digital Audio Tape), a magnetic tape, a memory card such as a flash memory, etc. In addition, a hard disk, a ROM, etc. are examples of recording media fixed to a computer, etc. Furthermore, an SSD can be used as a recording medium that can be removed from a computer, etc., and as a recording medium fixed to a computer, etc.

[0094] (Other embodiments) In addition, in the control system according to an embodiment, the term "unit" may be read as a "circuit" etc. For example, the term "communication unit" may be read as a communication circuit.

[0095] Furthermore, the programs executed by each device in the control system according to one embodiment may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.

[0096] Further advantages and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. The broader aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Thus, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1. Information Processing Systems 2. Disaster Information Server 3. 3A Vehicle 4, 5 Power supply device 6 Vehicle management server 11 Motor 12 Engine 13 Battery 14 Charger 15 Vehicle side connector 16 Power supply processing section 17 Inverter 21 Disaster Information Receiving Department 22 Disaster Area Information Creation Department 23 Disaster Area Information Transmission Department 31 GPS receiver 32 Communications Department 33, 64 Control section 33a Location information acquisition unit 33b, 64a Charging control unit 33c Engine control unit 33d HMI control unit 33e Powertrain control section 34 Human Machine Interface 35 Powertrain 36, 63 Storage section 61 Location information receiving unit 62 Disaster Area Information Reception Department NW Network

Claims

1. A charging control device that controls charging of a vehicle equipped with a power storage device, a processor that executes control for the vehicle to improve the efficiency of charging characteristics of the power storage device in accordance with a charge control geofencing zone that is set based on disaster information, among geofencing zones that are set by virtual boundaries in which the traveling of the vehicle is limited to the power supplied from the power storage device; A charging control device comprising:

2. The processor, Controlling at least one of the charge amount or the charge rate of the power storage device. The charge control device according to claim 1 .

3. The processor, For a vehicle located within the charge control geofencing zone, a charge amount of the vehicle is increased to a value greater than a charge amount set when a disaster has not occurred. The charge control device according to claim 1 .

4. The processor, When the predicted charge amount until a vehicle located within the charge control geofencing zone is fully charged is not satisfied by normal power generation set when a disaster does not occur, the limit on charging is relaxed by suppressing or stopping functions other than charging. The charge control device according to claim 1 .

5. The processor, When there is a high risk of a power outage occurring within the charge control geofencing zone, increasing the amount and rate of charge to the power storage device for vehicles located within the charge control geofencing zone; The charge control device according to claim 1 .

6. The processor, When power is restored after a power outage, a charging rate to the power storage device is reduced. The charge control device according to claim 1 .

7. A processor of a charging control device that controls charging of a vehicle equipped with a power storage device and executing control for the vehicle to improve the efficiency of charging characteristics of the power storage device in accordance with a charging control geofencing zone that is set based on disaster information among geofencing zones that are set by virtual boundaries in which the traveling of the vehicle is limited to the power supplied from the power storage device. A charging control program that executes the above.

8. Controlling at least one of the charge amount or the charge rate of the power storage device. The charge control program according to claim 7, which causes the charge control program to execute the following:

9. For a vehicle located within the charge control geofencing zone, a charge amount of the vehicle is increased to a value greater than a charge amount set when a disaster has not occurred. The charge control program according to claim 7, which causes the charge control program to execute the following:

10. When the predicted charge amount until a vehicle located within the charge control geofencing zone is fully charged is not satisfied by normal power generation set when a disaster does not occur, the limit on charging is relaxed by suppressing or stopping functions other than charging. The charge control program according to claim 7, which causes the charge control program to execute the following:

11. When there is a high risk of a power outage occurring within the charge control geofencing zone, increasing the amount and rate of charge to the power storage device for vehicles located within the charge control geofencing zone; The charge control program according to claim 7, which causes the charge control program to execute the following:

12. When power is restored after a power outage, a charging rate to the power storage device is reduced. The charge control program according to claim 7, which causes the charge control program to execute the following:

13. A vehicle equipped with a power storage device; a power supply device that supplies power to the power storage device; a control device including a processor that executes control for the vehicle to improve the efficiency of charging characteristics of the power storage device in accordance with a charging control geofencing zone that is set based on disaster information among geofencing zones that are set by virtual boundaries in which the traveling of the vehicle is limited to the power supplied from the power storage device; A charging control system comprising:

14. The processor, Controlling at least one of the charge amount or the charge rate of the power storage device. The charging control system according to claim 13.

15. The processor, For a vehicle located within the charge control geofencing zone, a charge amount of the vehicle is increased to a value greater than a charge amount set when a disaster has not occurred. The charging control system according to claim 13.

16. The processor, When the predicted charge amount until a vehicle located within the charge control geofencing zone is fully charged is not satisfied by normal power generation set when a disaster does not occur, the limit on charging is relaxed by suppressing or stopping functions other than charging. The charging control system according to claim 13.

17. The processor, When there is a high risk of a power outage occurring within the charge control geofencing zone, increasing the amount and rate of charge to the power storage device for vehicles located within the charge control geofencing zone; The charging control system according to claim 13.

18. The processor, When power is restored after a power outage, a charging rate to the power storage device is reduced. The charging control system according to claim 13.

19. The power supply device is provided in a travel lane in which the vehicle travels. The charging control system according to claim 13.

20. The power supply device is a stationary type and supplies electric power to the vehicle by contact or non-contact. The charging control system according to claim 13.

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