Power management system, server, and power supply and demand adjustment method

Abstract

The application is a power management system (100) having a plurality of power conditioning resources electrically connected to a micro-grid (MG). The plurality of power conditioning resources each have a parking space (18) and include a plurality of charge-discharge devices (17) configured to enable power supply from any one of a plurality of electrically powered vehicles (8) to the micro-grid (MG) in the event that the vehicle is parked in the parking space (18). A CEMS server (2) is configured to manage the parking spaces (18) and, in the event that the power supply and demand balance of the micro-grid (MG) is in excess of demand, to allocate a parking space (18) for power supply to the micro-grid (MG) to a vehicle of the plurality of electrically powered vehicles (8) that responds to a power supply request of the micro-grid (MG).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a power management system, a server, and a method for regulating power supply and demand. Background Technology

[0002] A control system for a microgrid is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-28198.

[0003] This document describes voltage fluctuations in a microgrid caused by the switching on and / or disconnection of large electrical loads within the microgrid. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In microgrids and other power grids, maintaining a balance between power supply and demand is crucial for power stabilization. Multiple power regulation resources are electrically connected within the grid. Specifically, vehicles such as electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are connected to the grid. When a large number of vehicles attempt to charge simultaneously, the imbalance between power supply and demand can become too great, leading to situations where charging cannot be completed immediately. Therefore, maintaining a balance between power supply and demand is essential to enable a large number of vehicles to charge.

[0005] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to maintain the balance between power supply and demand in the power grid.

[0006] (1) The power management system of the first aspect of the present invention comprises: multiple power regulation resources electrically connected to the power grid; and a server that manages the multiple power regulation resources. The multiple power regulation resources include multiple power devices, each of which has a parking space. The power devices are configured to supply power to the power grid from any one of the multiple power supply vehicles parked in the parking space. The server is configured to manage the parking spaces. When the power supply and demand balance of the power grid indicates excessive demand, the server allocates parking spaces for supplying power to the power grid to the power supply vehicles responding to power supply requests from the power grid.

[0007] (2) The power equipment is configured to charge the vehicle parked in the parking space from the power grid when any one of the multiple charging vehicles is parked in the parking space. The server allocates parking space to the power supply vehicle responding to the power supply request when at least some of the charging vehicles are waiting to be charged due to excessive demand caused by the imbalance of power supply and demand.

[0008] In the structures (1) and (2) above, when the power supply and demand balance of the power grid is such that demand is excessive, and specifically when there are vehicles waiting to charge from the grid, parking spaces are allocated for vehicles not supplying power to the grid. It is assumed that the user of such a vehicle will accept the provision of parking space as an incentive and will acknowledge supplying power to the grid from that vehicle. By supplying power to the grid from such a vehicle, the power supply and demand balance of the power grid is improved. Therefore, according to the structures (1) and (2) above, the power supply and demand balance of the power grid can be maintained.

[0009] (3) When the server predicts that there will be a period of excessive demand when the power supply and demand balance is in effect, it reserves parking space for power supply vehicles that respond to power supply requests to supply power to the grid during the time period.

[0010] Based on the structure of (3) above, the power supply and demand balance of the power grid can also be maintained in the same way regarding the time period when the predicted power supply and demand balance becomes excessive.

[0011] (4) When the demand for power supply and demand balance exceeds the specified amount, the server extends the time for allocating parking space to the power supply vehicles responding to the power supply request compared to when the demand for power supply and demand balance is less than the specified amount.

[0012] Based on the structure in (4) above, when the demand for electricity supply and demand balance exceeds the prescribed amount, i.e., when the necessity for improving the electricity supply and demand balance is high, the incentive to provide parking space is increased by extending the time for allocating parking space. As a result, users acknowledge that the possibility of power being supplied to the grid from the vehicle increases, thus enabling a more reliable maintenance of the grid's electricity supply and demand balance.

[0013] (5) When there are multiple power supply vehicles responding to power supply requests, the server allocates parking space to the power supply vehicle that can supply more power to the grid.

[0014] When parking space is insufficient, the question arises as to which vehicle to allocate parking space to. According to the structure described in (5) above, since parking space is allocated to vehicles that can supply a large amount of electricity to the grid, the power supply and demand balance of the grid can be maintained more reliably.

[0015] (6) The server of the second aspect of the present invention is a server for managing multiple power regulation resources electrically connected to the power grid. The multiple power regulation resources include multiple power devices, each having a parking space. The power devices are configured to supply power to the power grid from any of the multiple power supply vehicles parked in a parking space. The server has: a processor; and a memory storing programs executable by the processor. When the power supply and demand balance of the power grid indicates excessive demand, the processor allocates parking spaces for supplying power to the power supply vehicles responding to power supply requests to the power grid.

[0016] According to the method described in (6) above, the same structure as described in (1) above can maintain the balance between power supply and demand in the power grid.

[0017] (7) The third-party power supply and demand regulation method of the present invention manages multiple power regulation resources electrically connected to the power grid. The multiple power regulation resources include multiple power devices, each with a parking space. The multiple power devices are configured such that, when any one of the multiple power supply vehicles is parked in a parking space, power can be supplied to the power grid from the power supply vehicle parked in the parking space. The power supply and demand regulation method has first and second steps. The first step, when the power supply and demand balance of the power grid indicates excessive demand, allocates parking spaces for supplying power to the power grid to the power supply vehicles responding to power supply requests to the power grid. The second step involves the power supply vehicle that has received the allocated parking space supply supplying power to the power grid.

[0018] According to the method described in (7), similarly to the structures described in (1) and (6), the power supply and demand balance of the power grid can be maintained.

[0019] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, which will be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the outline structure of the power management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates a microgrid's power supply and demand balance when demand is excessive.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a parking space reservation box.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes related to the allocation of parking space in Implementation 1.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processes related to the allocation of parking space in Implementation 2. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the same or corresponding symbols used to denote the same parts in the drawings will not be described again.

[0026] [Implementation Method 1] <Overall Structure of Power Management System>

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the schematic structure of the power management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The power management system 100 includes a CEMS 1, a CEMS server 2, receiving substation equipment 3, a power system 4, and a power transmission and distribution enterprise server 5. CEMS refers to a Community Energy Management System or a City Energy Management System.

[0028] CEMS1 includes a Factory Energy Management System (FEMS) 11, a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) 12, a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) 13, a generator 14, a natural variable power source 15, an Energy Storage System (ESS) 16, multiple Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) 17, and multiple vehicles 7 and 8. These components constitute a microgrid MG within CEMS1. Furthermore, the microgrid MG is an example of the "electric grid" of this invention.

[0029] FEMS11 is a system for managing the supply and demand of electricity used in a factory. FEMS11 includes factory buildings (including lighting fixtures, air conditioning equipment, etc.) and industrial equipment (production lines, etc.) that operate on electricity supplied from the microgrid MG. Although not shown, FEMS11 may include power generation equipment (generators, solar panels, etc.) installed in the factory. The electricity generated by these power generation devices is sometimes supplied to the microgrid MG. FEMS11 also includes a FEMS server 110 capable of bidirectional communication with the CEMS server 2.

[0030] BEMS12 is a system for managing the supply and demand of electricity used in buildings such as offices or commercial facilities. BEMS12 includes lighting fixtures and air conditioning equipment installed in the building. BEMS12 may also include power generation equipment (solar panels, etc.) and heat source systems (waste heat recovery systems, thermal storage systems, etc.). BEMS12 also includes a BEMS server 120 capable of bidirectional communication with CEMS server 2.

[0031] HEMS13 is a system for managing the supply and demand of electricity used in a home. HEMS13 includes household appliances (lighting equipment, air conditioning units, other electrical products, etc.) that operate on electricity supplied from the microgrid MG. Furthermore, HEMS13 may also include solar panels, household heat pump systems, household combined heat and power systems, household batteries, etc. HEMS11 also includes a HEMS server 130 capable of bidirectional communication with CEMS server 2.

[0032] Generator 14 is a power generation device independent of weather conditions, which outputs the generated electricity to the microgrid MG. Generator 14 may include steam turbine generators, gas turbine generators, diesel engine generators, gas engine generators, biomass generators, stationary fuel cells, etc. Generator 14 may also include a combined heat and power system that utilizes the heat generated during power generation.

[0033] The naturally variable power source 15 is a power generation device whose output varies according to weather conditions, and outputs the generated electricity to the microgrid MG. Figure 1 The illustration shows a solar power generation device (solar panel), but the natural variable power source 15 may also replace the solar power generation device or include wind power generation equipment in the basis of the solar power generation device.

[0034] The power storage system 16 is a stationary power source that stores electricity generated by the natural variable power source 15, etc. The power storage system 16 is a secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery (a battery used in vehicles for recycling). However, the power storage system 16 is not limited to secondary batteries; it can also be a power-to-gas (PTO) device that uses surplus electricity to produce gaseous fuels (hydrogen, methane, etc.).

[0035] Multiple charging and discharging devices 17 are configured to be electrically connected to the microgrid MG and to perform charging and discharging (power supply) with the microgrid MG. Furthermore, the charging and discharging devices 17 are equivalent to the "electrical equipment" of this invention.

[0036] Specifically, the vehicles 7 and 8 include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and plug-in fuel cell electric vehicles. Each vehicle 8 includes a Human Machine Interface (HMI) 80 for exchanging various information between the vehicle and the user. The HMI 80 is, for example, a touch-screen display for a navigation system (not shown). Although not shown, vehicle 7 also includes an HMI.

[0037] At least some of the vehicles 7 and 8 are configured to connect to the vehicle's inlet (not shown) via a charging cable, enabling them to supply power from the microgrid MG to the vehicle. This power supply method is also referred to as "external charging". Furthermore, at least some of the vehicles 7 and 8 are configured to connect to the vehicle's outlet (not shown) via a charging cable, enabling them to supply power from the vehicle to the microgrid MG. This power supply method is also referred to as "external power supply". The vehicles 7 and 8 may also include vehicles configured to perform both external charging and external power supply.

[0038] Hereinafter, the vehicle in the multiple vehicles 7 and 8 that is being charged externally or that is to be charged externally will be referred to as "charging vehicle 7". On the other hand, the vehicle in the multiple vehicles 7 and 8 that is being supplied with external power or that is to be supplied with external power will be referred to as "supply vehicle 8".

[0039] In addition, Figure 1 In the example shown, CEMS1 includes one each of EMS11, BEMS12, HEMS13, generator 14, natural variable power source 15, and power storage system 16, but the number of these systems or devices is arbitrary. CEMS1 may also include multiple of these systems or devices. Furthermore, it may include systems or devices not included in CEMS1. FEMS11, BEMS12, and / or HEMS13 may also include generators and other equipment, and may also include charging / discharging equipment 17, charging vehicle 7, and / or power supply vehicle 8.

[0040] The FEMS11 (factory buildings, industrial equipment, etc.), BEMS12 (lighting fixtures, air conditioning equipment, etc.), HEMS13 (household appliances, etc.), generator 14, natural variable power source 15, and power storage system 16 included in CEMS1 are each examples of the "multiple power regulation resources" of the present invention.

[0041] CEMS Server 2 is a computer used to manage the power regulation resources in CEMS1. CEMS Server 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The control unit 21 is configured to include a processor and perform prescribed arithmetic operations. The storage unit 22 contains memory storing the program executed in the control unit 21, and stores various information used in the program (mappings, formulas, parameters, etc.). The communication unit 23 is configured to include a communication interface and communicate with external systems (other servers, etc.).

[0042] CEMS server 2 can be an aggregation server. Aggregation refers to a power company that bundles multiple power regulation resources together to provide energy management services. CEMS server 2 corresponds to an example of the "server" in this invention. Alternatively, the servers (110, 120, 130) included in the systems of FEMS11, BEMS12, and HEMS13 can also be used as the "server" in this invention.

[0043] The receiving transformer 3 is located at the linkage point (power receiving point) of the microgrid MG and is configured to switch the parallel (connection) / disconnection (breakdown) of the microgrid MG and the power system 4. The receiving transformer 3 is not shown in the figures, but includes a high-voltage side (primary side) switching device, a transformer, a protective relay, measuring equipment, and a control device. When the microgrid MG and the power system 4 are linked, the receiving transformer 3 receives, for example, ultra-high voltage (voltage exceeding 7000V) AC power from the power system 4 and steps down the received power to supply it to the microgrid MG.

[0044] Power system 4 is a power grid constructed from power plants and transmission and distribution equipment. In this embodiment, the power company acts as both a power generation enterprise and a transmission and distribution enterprise. The power company is equivalent to a typical transmission and distribution enterprise and also acts as the manager of power system 4, maintaining and managing power system 4.

[0045] The power transmission and distribution enterprise server 5 belongs to the power company and is the computer that manages the power supply and demand of the power system 4. The power transmission and distribution enterprise server 5 is also configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the CEMS server 2.

[0046] <Power Supply and Demand Balance>

[0047] In a microgrid MG, maintaining a balance between power supply and demand is required for power stabilization. Multiple charging vehicles 7 and power supply vehicles 8 are electrically connected within the microgrid MG. If external charging for a large number of charging vehicles 7 is to be implemented simultaneously, the power supply and demand balance of the microgrid MG may collapse due to excessive demand, resulting in a situation where external charging cannot be immediately initiated. Consequently, there may be charging vehicles 7 waiting for external charging.

[0048] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates a situation where the power supply and demand balance of a microgrid MG is in a state of excessive demand. Multiple charging / discharging devices 17 each have a parking space 18. Each parking space 18 is arranged adjacent to a charging / discharging device 17.

[0049] In cases where a large number of charging vehicles 7 wish to be externally charged, in order to maintain the power demand balance of the microgrid MG, it is considered to also implement external power supply from the power supply vehicle 8 to the microgrid MG. "A large number of charging vehicles 7 wishing to be externally charged" means that the charging and discharging equipment 17 is already in use or about to be used. Figure 2 In the example shown, a large number of charging vehicles 7 use most of the charging and discharging equipment 17. With the use of the charging and discharging equipment 17, the entire parking space 18 is also occupied.

[0050] In CEMS1, the parking space 18 for using the charging and discharging equipment 17 is limited. The user of the power supply vehicle 8 intends to assist with external power supply to the microgrid MG in order to maintain the power demand balance of the microgrid MG. However, there is no remaining parking space 18 for the power supply vehicle 8, therefore external power cannot be supplied from the power supply vehicle 8 to the microgrid MG. As a result, the state of excessive power demand in the microgrid MG cannot be resolved, and the inability to immediately charge the external charging vehicle 7 continues. Therefore, in this embodiment, a structure is adopted to ensure the parking space 18 for the power supply vehicle 8 when the power supply and demand balance of the microgrid MG is excessive.

[0051] <Parking space reservation box>

[0052] In this embodiment, when the power supply and demand balance of the microgrid MG is in a state of excessive demand (including a situation predicted to become excessive in the near future), the CEMS server 2 extracts the power supply vehicles 8 that are not using the charging / discharging equipment 17 (in other words, not parked in the parking space 18) from among the power supply vehicles. Then, the CEMS server 2 secures a reservation frame for the parking space 18 for the extracted power supply vehicles 8.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a reservation frame for parking space 18. The reservation frame for charging / discharging equipment 17 is defined, for example, by location and time period. Figure 3 In the example shown, only reservation boxes related to three locations (parking spaces A-C) are displayed due to space limitations; however, there would actually be many more reservation boxes. Furthermore, in Figure 3In the example shown, time periods are divided every hour, but the method of dividing time periods can be set arbitrarily; it can be longer than one hour (e.g., two hours) or shorter than one hour (e.g., 30 minutes). Furthermore, information related to such reservation boxes is stored in storage device 22 of the CEMS server 2.

[0054] "Reservation Completed" indicates a reservation box that has been assigned to a vehicle (charging vehicle 7 or power supply vehicle 8). On the other hand, "Available" indicates an idle reservation box that has not been assigned to any vehicle. CEMS server 2 will allocate reservation boxes for parking spaces near the destination of power supply vehicle 8 and within the predicted time period for arrival at the destination of power supply vehicle 8 to power supply vehicle 8 responding to the power supply request. In this example, a 2-hour reservation box for parking space C from 11:00 to 13:00 was allocated. This time period is the predicted time period when the power supply and demand balance of the microgrid MG is in a state of excessive demand.

[0055] also, Figure 3 The image shown can also be displayed on an HMI 80, such as a display with a touch panel, of the navigation system installed in the power supply vehicle 8. The user of the power supply vehicle 8 can select which reservation box they wish to make by operating the HMI 80. Thus, the user's desired reservation box can be assigned to the power supply vehicle 8. Alternatively, a portable terminal (such as a smartphone) held by the user can be used instead of the HMI 80.

[0056] <Processing Flow>

[0057] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes related to the allocation of parking space 18 in Implementation Method 1. This flowchart is retrieved from the main procedure (not shown) and executed repeatedly each time predetermined conditions are met or in each predetermined cycle. Figure 4 The left side shows a series of processes performed by the CEMS server 2, and the right side shows a series of processes performed by the power supply vehicle 8. Each step is implemented through software processing based on the CEMS server 2 or the power supply vehicle 8, but it can also be implemented through hardware (circuit) manufactured within the CEMS server 2 or the power supply vehicle 8. Hereinafter, the steps will be referred to as S.

[0058] In S11, the CEMS server 2 determines whether it predicts that the power supply and demand balance of the microgrid MG will be in a state of excessive demand (as described later, it can also determine whether the power supply and demand balance has been in a state of excessive demand). For example, if the total power consumption of all devices in the microgrid MG is higher than a predetermined value relative to the power supplied from the power system 4 to the microgrid MG, the CEMS server 2 can determine that the power supply and demand balance is in a state of excessive demand. The power supplied to the microgrid MG includes the power generated by the devices in the microgrid MG (generator 14, natural variable power source 15, etc.) and the power supplied from the power storage system 16 to the microgrid MG.

[0059] Furthermore, CEMS server 2 can also determine whether the power supply and demand balance of the microgrid MG is in a state of excessive demand based on the number (or proportion) of waiting charging vehicles 7 that wish to receive external power but have not received approval from CEMS server 2 to implement external power supply. Whether the occurrence of excessive demand can be predicted can also be determined based on historical records of excessive demand occurring under the same conditions (related to season, weather, temperature, weekday, time of day, etc.).

[0060] If the power supply and demand balance of the microgrid MG is not excessive (no in S11), no further processing is performed, and the processing returns to the main procedure. If the power supply and demand balance is excessive (yes in S11), CEMS server 2 requests external power supply to the microgrid MG for the power supply vehicle 8 that is not receiving external power and is not parked in parking space 18 (S12).

[0061] Furthermore, the power supply vehicle 8 that can be the destination of the power supply request can be multiple. The CEMS server 2 periodically obtains the current location information of the power supply vehicles 8 located within (and around) CEMS1. The CEMS server 2 can also, for example, send power supply requests to all power supply vehicles 8 that are parked or moving in a specific area within CEMS1. Moreover, the power supply vehicles 8 that are the destination of the power supply request are not limited to vehicles located inside CEMS1 at that moment. The power supply vehicles 8 that are the destination of the power supply request can also include vehicles located outside CEMS1 (e.g., around CEMS1).

[0062] Upon receiving the power supply request, the power supply vehicle 8 responds to whether it is acknowledging the power supply request (S21). For example, if the user performs an operation to HMI 80 indicating that the power supply request is acknowledged, the power supply vehicle 8 can respond that the power supply request is acknowledged. If it is unable to respond to the power supply request (no in S21), the power supply vehicle 8 returns the process to the main procedure. If it responds to the power supply request (yes in S21), the power supply vehicle 8 sends information related to its destination and information related to the predicted arrival time for the destination to the CEMS server 2 (S22).

[0063] Upon receiving information related to the destination and predicted arrival time of the power supply vehicle 8, the CEMS server 2 selects a reservation frame for the parking space 18 of the power supply vehicle 8 and proposes it to the power supply vehicle 8 (S13). The CEMS server 2 can propose a reservation frame that is close to the destination of the power supply vehicle 8 and has a relatively long parking time to the power supply vehicle 8, for which the predicted arrival time of the destination is included in the period when the predicted power supply and demand balance of the microgrid MG is in a period of excessive demand.

[0064] Furthermore, CEMS server 2 can extend the time for allocating parking space to power supply vehicle 8 when the excessive demand for power supply and demand balance in the microgrid MG exceeds a predetermined amount, compared to when the excessive demand for power supply and demand balance in the microgrid MG is less than a predetermined amount. In other words, CEMS server 2 can also increase the reward for providing external power supply to power supply vehicle 8. This further increases the incentive for power supply vehicle 8 to assist in providing external power supply. CEMS server 2 proposes a selected reservation box to power supply vehicle 8.

[0065] The power supply vehicle 8 responds to the CEMS server 2 to confirm whether it acknowledges the reservation proposed from the CEMS server 2. This response can also be based on user actions in HMI 80 (S23).

[0066] If the power supply vehicle 8 accepts the proposed reservation frame (yes in S14), the CEMS server 2 determines the reservation frame (S15). That is, the CEMS server 2 allocates the charging / discharging equipment 17 and parking space 18 for the power supply vehicle 8. On the other hand, if the power supply vehicle 8 does not accept the reservation frame (no in S14), the CEMS server 2 returns the process to S13 and proposes other reservation frames. For example, the CEMS server 2 may propose a reservation frame with a location closer to the destination of the power supply vehicle 8 but a shorter parking time. Alternatively, the CEMS server 2 may propose a reservation frame with a location slightly farther from the destination of the power supply vehicle 8 but a longer parking time.

[0067] Then, the power supply vehicle 8 travels until it reaches its destination (no in S24). When it reaches its destination (yes in S24), the power supply vehicle 8 performs external power supply to the microgrid MG (S25).

[0068] As described above, in Embodiment 1, when the power supply and demand balance is predicted to be in a state of excessive demand, parking space 18 (and charging / discharging equipment 17) is secured for the power supply vehicle 8. For the user of the power supply vehicle 8, since parking space 18 is provided near the destination during the period before and after the predicted arrival time, an incentive is created to assist in external power supply to the microgrid MG. On the other hand, for CEMS1, by enabling the power supply vehicle 8 to use the charging / discharging equipment 17, it is possible to prevent a situation where excessive demand has occurred but more charging vehicles 7 are still waiting for external charging. Moreover, as power supply from the power supply vehicle 8 to the microgrid MG begins, the power supply and demand balance of the microgrid MG is improved, and thus external charging can be implemented for more charging vehicles 7. Therefore, according to Embodiment 1, the power supply and demand balance of the microgrid MG can be maintained, thereby enabling charging of as many charging vehicles 7 (e.g., waiting charging vehicles 7) as possible.

[0069] Furthermore, in this example, it is explained that when the power supply and demand balance of the microgrid MG is predicted to be in a state of excessive demand, parking space 18 for external power supply is allocated to power supply vehicle 8. However, parking space 18 can also be allocated when the power supply and demand balance has already been in a state of excessive demand. However, in this case, when the CEMS server 2 outputs a power supply request to the power supply vehicle 8 (S12), it prioritizes the power supply vehicle 8 whose arrival time to the destination is as early as possible. That is, the CEMS server 2 only needs to prioritize the power supply vehicle 8 traveling towards a nearby destination compared to the power supply vehicle 8 traveling towards a distant destination. The reason for this is that by prioritizing the power supply vehicle 8 with the shortest time to reach the destination, external power supply can be started quickly, and the power supply and demand balance of the microgrid MG can be improved earlier.

[0070] [Embodiment 2] When there are many charging vehicles 7 that wish to be externally charged, it is possible that the remaining number of charging / discharging devices 17 and parking spaces 18 may be very small. Given the high scarcity of charging / discharging devices 17 and parking spaces 18 in this manner, it is necessary to utilize the charging / discharging devices 17 and parking spaces 18 as efficiently as possible to improve the power supply and demand balance of the microgrid MG. In Embodiment 2, a structure for allocating reservation slots to vehicles capable of supplying greater power will be described. In other words, in Embodiment 2, a bidding process for reservation slots is implemented.

[0071] The number of power supply vehicles 8 participating in the bidding can be multiple, but to make the following explanation easier to understand, an example of two power supply vehicles 8 participating in the bidding will be given. These two power supply vehicles 8 will be designated as vehicles 8A and 8B to distinguish them. Vehicles 8A and 8B are the vehicles responding to the power supply request.

[0072] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processes related to the allocation of parking space 18 in Implementation Method 2. In this sequence diagram, the sequential processes performed by vehicle 8A, vehicle 8B, and CEMS server 2 are described sequentially from left to right.

[0073] In SQ311, vehicle 8A acknowledges the power supply request from CEMS server 2, requesting the allocation of a reservation box in parking space 18 in exchange for external power supply. Then, vehicle 8A sends information related to its destination and predicted arrival time to CEMS server 2 (SQ312).

[0074] Similar to vehicle 8B, the power supply request from CEMS server 2 is acknowledged, and a reservation box for parking space 18 is requested (SQ321). Simultaneously, vehicle 8B sends information related to its destination and predicted arrival time to CEMS server 2 (SQ322). Here, it is assumed that the destination and predicted arrival time are common between vehicle 8A and vehicle 8B.

[0075] In SQ301, CEMS server 2 extracts candidates for bidding based on information related to the destination and predicted arrival time sent from vehicles 8A and 8B (and other vehicles that responded to power requests not shown). In this example, assume vehicles 8A and 8B are extracted as candidates. CEMS server 2 proposes reservation boxes for parking spaces for external power supply to vehicles 8A and 8B.

[0076] In SQ313, in vehicle 8A, the power supply capable of external power supply is input from vehicle 8A as a reward for securing a reservation frame proposed from CEMS server 2, via user operation of HMI80 or portable terminal. In other words, a reservation frame bid is implemented in vehicle 8A. A signal from vehicle 8A indicating the amount of power supplied (i.e., the bid amount) is sent to CEMS server 2.

[0077] The same reservation box bidding (SQ323) is implemented in vehicle 8B. The signal from vehicle 8B indicating the power supply (bid amount) is also sent to CEMS server 2.

[0078] In SQ302, CEMS server 2 determined that the vehicle with the higher power supply (i.e., the vehicle with the higher bid amount) among vehicles 8A and 8B had won the reservation box. Figure 5In the example shown, vehicle 8B won the reservation box. CEMS server 2 assigns the reservation box to vehicle 8B (SQ303). Then, when vehicle 8B arrives at its destination, vehicle 8B performs external power supply to the microgrid MG (SQ324).

[0079] As described above, in Implementation 2, when multiple vehicles 8A and 8B express their intention to supply external power, a bidding process is implemented to allocate reservation slots to vehicles capable of supplying large amounts of external power. This allows for the allocation of limited reservation slots to vehicles that can make a greater contribution to improving the power supply and demand balance of the microgrid MG.

[0080] While embodiments of the invention have been described, they should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A power management system, comprising: Multiple power regulation resources, which are electrically connected to the power grid; The server manages the multiple power regulation resources. The plurality of power regulation resources include a plurality of power devices, each of which has a parking space. The electrical equipment in the parking space is configured to supply power to the power grid from any one of a plurality of powered vehicles parked in the parking space. The server is configured to, Manage the parking space. When the power supply and demand balance of the power grid is such that demand is excessive, The server outputs a power supply request to the power grid for the vehicle among the plurality of powered vehicles that is not receiving external power and is not parked in the parking space. When the vehicle acknowledges the power request, the vehicle sends information related to its destination and information related to the predicted arrival time at that destination to the server. Upon receiving information related to the vehicle's destination and the predicted arrival time for that destination, the server proposes a reservation frame to the vehicle that is close to the vehicle's destination and allows for parking for a certain period of time, based on this information. If the vehicle acknowledges the reservation box, the server determines the reservation box.

2. The power management system according to claim 1, wherein, The electrical equipment is configured to charge any one of the plurality of charging vehicles parked in the parking space from the power grid. When at least some of the charging vehicles are waiting to charge due to excessive demand caused by the power supply and demand imbalance, the server allocates the parking space to the power supply vehicle that responds to the power supply request.

3. The power management system according to claim 1, wherein, If the server predicts that there will be a period of excessive demand in the power supply and demand balance, it will reserve parking spaces for vehicles responding to the power supply request to supply power to the grid during that period.

4. The power management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the demand for power supply exceeds a predetermined amount, the server extends the time for allocating parking space to vehicles responding to the power supply request, compared to when the demand for power supply is less than the predetermined amount.

5. The power management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When there are multiple power supply vehicles responding to the power supply request, the server allocates the parking space to the power supply vehicle among the multiple power supply vehicles that can supply a larger amount of power to the power grid.

6. A server that manages multiple power regulation resources electrically connected to the power grid. The plurality of power regulation resources include a plurality of power devices, each of which has a parking space. The electrical equipment having the parking space is configured to supply power to the power grid from any one of the plurality of power supply vehicles parked in the parking space. The server has: processor; A memory that stores programs that can be executed by the processor. When the power supply and demand balance of the power grid is such that demand is excessive, The processor outputs a power supply request to the power grid for the vehicle among the plurality of powered vehicles that is not receiving external power and is not parked in the parking space. When the vehicle acknowledges the power request, the vehicle sends information related to its destination and information related to the predicted arrival time at the destination to the processor. Upon receiving information related to the vehicle's destination and the predicted arrival time for that destination, the processor proposes a reservation frame to the vehicle that is close to the vehicle's destination and allows for parking for a certain period of time, based on this information. If the vehicle acknowledges the reservation box, the processor determines the reservation box.

7. A method for regulating electricity supply and demand, which involves managing multiple power regulation resources connected to the power grid. The plurality of power regulation resources include a plurality of power devices, each of which has a parking space. The electrical equipment having the parking space is configured to supply power to the power grid from any one of the plurality of power supply vehicles parked in the parking space. The method for regulating power supply and demand has the following characteristics: In the case where the power supply and demand balance of the power grid is such that demand is excessive, the server allocates the parking space for supplying power to the power grid to the power supply vehicles among the plurality of power supply vehicles that respond to the power supply request for the power grid. The step of supplying power to the power grid from the power supply vehicle that has received the allocation of the parking space. The step of allocating the parking space for supplying power to the power grid includes: The steps of the server outputting a power supply request to the power grid for the vehicle among the plurality of powered vehicles that is not under external power supply and is not parked in the parking space; The steps for sending information related to the vehicle's destination and the predicted arrival time for the destination from the vehicle to the server when the vehicle acknowledges the power supply request are as follows: When information related to the vehicle's destination and the predicted arrival time for the destination are received, the server proposes a reservation frame from the vehicle that is close to the vehicle's destination and that the parking time is also of a certain length, based on the information. If the vehicle acknowledges the reservation box, the server performs a confirmation step on the reservation box.

Images