Control systems and energy management methods

Abstract

A control system is configured to control a power regulation resource, the power regulation resource including an energy storage device electrically connected to a power network and a temperature control device configured to perform temperature control of the energy storage device. The control system includes: a first control device configured to control charging and discharging of the energy storage device; a second control device configured to control the temperature control device; and a third control device. The second control device is configured to select external power or stored power and drive the temperature control device using the selected power. The third control device is configured to determine whether to permit power supply from the power network to the power regulation resource based on supply and demand information of the power network, and to switch between permitting and prohibiting power supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to control systems and energy management methods. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-122174 (JP 2019-122174 A) discloses a technology for providing auxiliary services using an energy storage device. The charge and discharge capacity of the energy storage device (particularly the power that can be output from the energy storage device and the power that can be input to the energy storage device) varies according to the temperature of the energy storage device. Therefore, when providing auxiliary services, the control system described in JP 2019-122174 A drives a temperature control device (heater, heat pump, cooling fan, etc.) to perform temperature control of the energy storage device by the temperature control device. Auxiliary services are services that maintain the quality of electricity in a power grid (electricity network). Summary of the Invention

[0003] Consider the control system described in JP 2019-122174 A, which utilizes electricity stored in a vehicle's energy storage device to drive a temperature control device. In this control system, electricity from the energy storage device is consumed to drive the temperature control device. When the temperature control device is driven to reduce the amount of electricity in the energy storage device, it becomes difficult to discharge electricity from the energy storage device to the grid when the grid supply is insufficient.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a control system and an energy management method for appropriately performing energy management of power regulation resources that perform power regulation of a power network using an energy storage device.

[0005] A first embodiment of the present disclosure is a control system configured to control a power regulation resource, the power regulation resource including an energy storage device and a temperature control device. The energy storage device is configured to be electrically connected to a power network. The temperature control device is configured to perform temperature control of the energy storage device. The control system includes a first control device, a second control device, and a third control device. The first control device is configured to control the charging and discharging of the energy storage device so that a planned increase in charging, decrease in charging, or discharge of the energy storage device begins at a predetermined start time. The second control device is configured to control the temperature control device to perform temperature control of the energy storage device. The second control device is configured to select external power or stored power. External power is power supplied from the power network to the power regulation resource. Stored power is power stored in the power regulation resource. The second control device is configured to drive the temperature control device using the selected power. The third control device is configured to determine whether to permit power supply from the power network to the power regulation resource before the predetermined start time based on supply and demand information of the power network. The third control device is configured to switch between permitting and prohibiting power supply.

[0006] The control system includes a first control device having the above-mentioned configuration. The first control device can perform power adjustment of the power network by increasing charging, decreasing charging or discharging of the energy storage device. The control system includes a second control device having the above-mentioned configuration. By utilizing external power (i.e., power supplied from the power network to the power adjustment resource) to drive the temperature control device, the second control device is able to suppress the shortage of the amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource. However, the drive using external power may increase the power supply shortage in the power network. At this point, the above-mentioned control system includes a third control device having the above-mentioned configuration. Utilizing the third control device, when temperature control of the energy storage device is performed before the start of planned increasing charging, decreasing charging or discharging, the supply of power from the power network to the power adjustment resource is prohibited according to the supply and demand conditions of the power network. This suppresses the increase in the power supply shortage in the power network. As described above, the above-mentioned control system is able to appropriately perform energy management (power adjustment) of the power network and energy management of the power adjustment resource.

[0007] Power network supply and demand information may be information indicating the power network's supply and demand status (e.g., supply and demand balance). Increased charging may be charge and discharge control that performs predetermined charging. Increased charging may be control that performs charging at a predetermined charging power, for example. Reduced charging may be charge and discharge control that limits charging. Reduced charging may be control that prohibits charging at a charging power greater than a predetermined value, or prohibits charging at any charging power.

[0008] The power regulation resource can be configured to perform power regulation on the power grid by charging and discharging an energy storage device. The power regulation resource can be a mobile object equipped with an energy storage device or a stationary energy storage system (ESS). The temperature control device can include either or both a heating device and a cooling device.

[0009] The amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource may be the amount of stored power of the energy storage device. When the power adjustment resource includes a plurality of energy storage devices, the amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource may be the total amount of stored power of the energy storage devices, or may be the amount of stored power of the main energy storage device (the energy storage device with the largest capacity) among the energy storage devices. The amount of stored power can be represented by the state of charge (SOC). SOC indicates the remaining capacity. For example, SOC is the ratio of the current amount of stored power to the amount of stored power in a fully charged state, and varies between 0% and 100%.

[0010] The stored power of the power adjustment resource is the power stored in the power adjustment resource, and may be the stored power of an energy storage device. The stored power of the power adjustment resource may be power stored in an energy storage device other than the energy storage device included in the power adjustment resource. In other words, the energy storage device whose charging and discharging is controlled by the first control device and the energy storage device that supplies power to the temperature control device may be different energy storage devices.

[0011] The first to third control devices may be mounted together on one unit, or may be mounted separately on a plurality of units.

[0012] Hereinafter, the predetermined start time is sometimes referred to as “time ts”, and the temperature of the energy storage device is sometimes referred to as “temperature TB”.

[0013] In the control system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the second control device may be configured to drive the temperature control device before the predetermined start time when the second control device predicts that the temperature of the energy storage device will exceed the expected temperature range at the predetermined start time.

[0014] The second control device may determine the necessity of temperature control of the energy storage device based on the prediction result before time ts, and may perform temperature control of the energy storage device before time ts as needed.

[0015] The desired temperature range may be any temperature range. The desired temperature range may be a point (desired temperature). The desired temperature range may be a fixed range or may be variable according to predetermined parameters. The second control device may be configured to use supply and demand information of the power network to change the desired temperature range.

[0016] In the control system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the second control device may be configured to drive the temperature control device using stored power of the power adjustment resource when power supply is prohibited when the temperature control device is driven.

[0017] In the control system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the third control device may be configured to permit power supply when supply and demand information of the power network indicates oversupply.

[0018] With this configuration, when the power network is oversupplied, power can be supplied from the power network to the power regulation resource. Since power is supplied from the power network to the power regulation resource when the power network is oversupplied, the supply and demand balance of the power network is improved, and the amount of stored power in the power regulation resource is less likely to become insufficient.

[0019] In the control system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the third control device may be configured to prohibit power supply when supply and demand information of the power network indicates insufficient supply and the amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold.

[0020] In the above configuration, when the power network's supply and demand information indicates insufficient supply and the power regulation resource's stored power is sufficient, power supply is prohibited. This prevents an increase in power supply shortages in the power network. On the other hand, when the power network's supply and demand information indicates insufficient supply and the power regulation resource's stored power is insufficient, power supply is not prohibited. This reduces the possibility of the power regulation resource's stored power becoming insufficient. With this configuration, the power network's supply and demand balance can be improved while preventing the power regulation resource's stored power from becoming excessively small.

[0021] In a control system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, the first control device can be configured to charge the energy storage device using electricity supplied from the power network to the power adjustment resource before a predetermined start time when the discharge of the energy storage device is planned and the power supply is permitted.

[0022] With the above configuration, when the first control device plans to discharge the energy storage device, the energy storage device is actively charged using external power before time ts. Therefore, the energy storage device can more easily store a sufficient amount of power for the planned discharge.

[0023] In a control system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the second control device can be configured to, when increased charging of the energy storage device is planned in the first control device and the amount of stored power of the energy storage device is greater than or equal to a predetermined second threshold, use the stored power of the energy storage device to drive the temperature control device before a predetermined start time to make the amount of stored power of the energy storage device closer to the predetermined second threshold.

[0024] With the above configuration, when the first control device plans to increase charging of the energy storage device and the amount of stored power of the energy storage device is large, the temperature control device is driven to consume the stored power of the energy storage device before time ts. Therefore, the capacity of the energy storage device becomes larger than that of the planned increase charging.

[0025] In a control system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the second control device can be configured to not drive the temperature control device before a predetermined start time when reduced charging of the energy storage device is planned in the first control device and the amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource is less than a predetermined third threshold.

[0026] Considering that in reduced charging, the energy storage device does not need high charging and discharging capabilities. In the above configuration, when reduced charging of the energy storage device is planned in the first control device and the amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource is insufficient, the temperature control device is not driven and power is not consumed for driving the temperature control device. This suppresses the increase in power supply shortages in the power network and also reduces the possibility that the stored power of the power adjustment resource becomes insufficient. On the other hand, when reduced charging of the energy storage device is planned in the first control device and the amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource is sufficient, the driving of the temperature control device is not prohibited. Therefore, the temperature control of the energy storage device can be performed as needed.

[0027] In a control system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, the power adjustment resource may be an electric vehicle that operates using power stored in an energy storage device. The control system may be mounted on the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle may be configured to receive a request signal including supply and demand information of the power network. The electric vehicle may be configured to be planned to increase charging, reduce charging, or discharge as requested by the request signal. The electric vehicle may be configured to set the predetermined start time to the time specified by the request signal. The electric vehicle may be configured to perform the planned increase charging, the planned reduction charging, or the planned discharge when the power network is electrically connected to the energy storage device.

[0028] Since the above-mentioned control system includes one of the above-mentioned control systems mounted on the electric vehicle having the above-mentioned configuration, energy management of the electric vehicle and power adjustment of the power network requested by the management computer can be appropriately performed.

[0029] The request signal may be directly transmitted from a management computer that manages the power network to the electric vehicle, or may be transmitted from the management computer to the electric vehicle via another device (eg, a mobile terminal carried by a vehicle user).

[0030] In a control system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the control system may be installed on a management computer that manages a power network. The management computer may be configured to receive, from a power adjustment resource, information about the amount of stored power in the power adjustment resource. The management computer may be configured to plan an increase in charge, a decrease in charge, or a discharge, and set a predetermined start time based on the supply and demand conditions of the power network. The management computer may be configured to remotely control the power adjustment resource when the power network is electrically connected to the energy storage device to cause the planned increase in charge, planned decrease in charge, or planned discharge to be carried out.

[0031] By mounting one of the above-mentioned control systems on a management computer having the above-mentioned configuration, power regulation of the power network and energy management of power regulation resources can be appropriately performed.

[0032] A second embodiment of the present disclosure is an energy management method configured to perform power regulation on a power network using a power regulation resource, the power regulation resource comprising an energy storage device and a temperature control device. The energy storage device is configured to be electrically connected to the power network, and the temperature control device is configured to perform temperature control on the energy storage device. The energy management method includes: requesting a power adjustment resource by a management computer that manages a power network to start power adjustment of the power network at a predetermined start time; when the power adjustment requested by the management computer is discharging and the amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource is less than a predetermined first threshold, the power adjustment resource performs temperature control of the energy storage device before the predetermined start time by using the power supplied from the power network to the power adjustment resource to drive the temperature control device; when the power adjustment requested by the management computer is discharging and the amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource is greater than or equal to the predetermined first threshold, the power adjustment resource performs temperature control of the energy storage device before the predetermined start time by using the stored power of the power adjustment resource to drive the temperature control device; when the power adjustment requested by the management computer is increasing charging and the amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource is less than a predetermined second threshold, the power adjustment resource performs temperature control of the energy storage device before the predetermined start time by using the power supplied from the power network to drive the temperature control device; and starting the power adjustment requested by the management computer at the predetermined start time.

[0033] As in the above-mentioned control system, the above-mentioned energy management method can be used to appropriately perform power adjustment of the power network and energy management of the power adjustment resource. Even when the power adjustment resource uses the power of the power network before the time ts despite the management computer having requested the power adjustment resource to start discharging at the predetermined start time (time ts), it does not mean that the power adjustment resource does not comply with the request. However, when the management computer has requested discharge, the power network is likely to be undersupplied not only at and after time ts, but also immediately before time ts. When the management computer has requested increased charging, the power network is likely to be oversupplied not only at and after time ts, but also immediately before time ts.

[0034] With the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately perform energy management of power regulation resources that perform power regulation of a power network using an energy storage device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0036] Figure 1schematically illustrates a configuration of a vehicle equipped with a control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Detailed configuration of the charger and discharger and battery pack shown in;

[0038] Figure 3 Shown including Figure 1 The configuration of the vehicle's power system is shown in ;

[0039] Figure 4 Shown on Figure 1 Detailed configuration of the control devices on the vehicle shown in;

[0040] Figure 5 Shown in Figure 1 An example of a charge and discharge map used in a vehicle shown in ;

[0041] Figure 6 The diagram shows the Figure 1 The planned increase in charging for the vehicle shown in ;

[0042] Figure 7 The diagram shows the Figure 1 The planned reduction in charging for the vehicle shown in ;

[0043] Figure 8 The diagram shows the Figure 1 The planned discharge of the vehicle shown in;

[0044] Figure 9 1 is a flowchart of a process related to determining the necessity of temperature control and setting temperature control conditions in an energy management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 10 To illustrate the Figure 9 Flowchart of the process related to the temperature control start setting shown in FIG.

[0046] Figure 11 To illustrate the Figure 9 Flowchart of the process related to setting of the temperature control end condition shown in ;

[0047] Figure 12 is a flow chart of a process related to temperature control of an energy storage device in an energy management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 13 is a flowchart of charge and discharge control of an energy storage device for performing requested power adjustment in an energy management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 14An operation example of a vehicle when an increase in charging is requested in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0050] Figure 15 shows an operation example of the vehicle when discharge is requested in an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0051] Figure 16 Show Figure 4 A modification of the control system shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same symbols are used throughout the drawings to represent the same or corresponding parts, and their description will not be repeated.

[0053] Figure 1 The configuration of a vehicle equipped with a control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 1 The vehicle 50 includes an inlet 110, a charger / discharger 120, a battery pack 130, a traction drive unit 140, an electronic control unit (ECU) 150, an input device 160, a notification device 170, a communication device 180, and drive wheels W. The battery pack 130 includes a battery module (hereinafter referred to as "battery MD") 131, a sensor module (hereinafter referred to as "sensor MD") 132, and a temperature control device 133.

[0054] Figure 2 Detailed configurations of the charger and discharger 120 and the battery pack 130 are shown. Figure 2 Together Figure 1 , the battery MD131 includes a main battery 131a, a sub-battery 131b and a direct current-to-direct current (DC to DC) converter 131c. The main battery 131a stores electricity for driving. The sub-battery 131b supplies electricity to auxiliary machinery mounted on the vehicle 50. The main battery 131a is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery. The main battery 131a can be an assembled battery. The sub-battery 131b is a secondary battery such as a lead-acid battery or a nickel metal hydride battery. The capacity of the sub-battery 131b is smaller than that of the main battery 131a. The DC to DC converter 131c is configured to convert (for example, step down) the power supplied from the main battery 131a into DC power suitable for charging the sub-battery 131b, and output the DC power to the sub-battery 131b. The DC to DC converter 131c is controlled by the ECU 150 ( Figure 1 The main battery 131a according to the present embodiment is an example of an “energy storage device” according to the present disclosure.

[0055] Although Figure 2 Not shown, but sensor MD 132 ( Figure 1 ) is configured to monitor the state of each of the main battery 131a and the sub-battery 131b. The sensor MD 132 includes various sensors that detect the state (e.g., temperature, current, voltage, state of charge (SOC), and internal resistance) of each of the main battery 131a and the sub-battery 131b. The sensor MD 132 outputs the detection results to the ECU 150 ( Figure 1 The ECU 150 acquires the state (eg, temperature, current, voltage, SOC, and internal resistance) of each of the main battery 131a and the sub-battery 131b based on the output of the sensor MD 132 (ie, detection values ​​of various sensors).

[0056] The charger and discharger 120 is located between the inlet 110 and the main battery 131a. The charger and discharger 120 includes a relay 121 and a power conversion circuit 122. The relay 121 is configured to switch the opening and closing of the power path from the inlet 110 to the main battery 131a.

[0057] The temperature control device 133 is configured to perform temperature control of the main battery 131a. The temperature control device 133 includes a heating device for heating the main battery 131a and a cooling device for cooling the main battery 131a (both not shown). In this embodiment, the heating device is an electric heater. The cooling device is a radiator and a cooling fan. The temperature control device 133 is controlled by the ECU 150 ( Figure 1 ) control. When the temperature of the main battery 131a is increased, the ECU 150 stops the cooling device and drives the heating device. When the temperature of the main battery 131a is lowered, the ECU 150 stops the heating device and drives the cooling device. Each of the heating device and the cooling device included in the temperature control device 133 can be driven by external power (more specifically, power supplied from the outside of the vehicle 50 to the inlet 110) or battery power (more specifically, power supplied from the main battery 131a and the sub-battery 131b). In the present embodiment, the vehicle 50 is used as a power adjustment resource. The battery power of the vehicle 50 is an example of the "stored power of the power adjustment resource" according to the present disclosure.

[0058] The battery pack 130 further includes relays RY11 and RY12. Each of the relays RY11 and RY12 is controlled by the ECU 150 ( Figure 1). When the temperature control device 133 is driven, the ECU 150 closes (connects) one of the relays RY11, RY12. The relay RY11 is configured to switch the opening and closing of the power path from the inlet 110 to the temperature control device 133. The relay RY12 is configured to switch the opening and closing of the power path from the sub-battery 131b to the temperature control device 133. When the relay RY11 is closed, the external power input to the inlet 110 is supplied to the temperature control device 133 via the power conversion circuit 122. When the relay RY12 is closed, battery power is supplied from the sub-battery 131b to the temperature control device 133. When the SOC of the sub-battery 131b decreases, power is supplied from the main battery 131a to the sub-battery 131b. When the temperature control device 133 stops (OFF), both relays RY11, RY12 are disconnected (not connected).

[0059] Figure 1 The Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) 40 shown in the figure includes a power supply circuit 41 and a charging cable 42. The power supply circuit 41 is a built-in power supply circuit in the body of the EVSE 40. The charging cable 42 is connected to the body of the EVSE 40. The charging cable 42 may be always connected to the body of the EVSE 40 or may be detachable from the body of the EVSE 40. The charging cable 42 includes a connector 43 at its end and includes a power line inside. The EVSE 40 according to the present embodiment is an AC power supply device that supplies alternating current (AC) power. As will be described in detail later, the EVSE 40 is compatible with reverse power flow. Although Figure 1 Only the inlet 110 and the charger 120 compatible with the feeding method of the EVSE 40 are shown, but the vehicle 50 may include a plurality of inlets so that the vehicle 50 is compatible with a variety of feeding methods (eg, AC method and DC method).

[0060] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 Vehicle 50 includes an inlet 110 compatible with the power feeding method of EVSE 40 and a charger / discharger 120. Connector 43 of charging cable 42 can be connected to inlet 110. By connecting (plugging) connector 43 of charging cable 42 connected to EVSE 40 to inlet 110 of vehicle 50, EVSE 40 is electrically connected to vehicle 50. This enables power to be transmitted between EVSE 40 and vehicle 50. Inlet 110 receives power supplied from outside of vehicle 50 (e.g., EVSE 40). Inlet 110 outputs power supplied from battery pack 130 to the outside of vehicle 50.

[0061] Figure 2 The power conversion circuit 122 shown in is configured to perform AC-DC conversion bidirectionally. The power conversion circuit 122 is configured to convert the AC power supplied from the EVSE 40 into DC power and output the DC power to the main battery 131a. The power conversion circuit 122 is also configured to convert the DC power supplied from the main battery 131a into AC power and output the AC power to the inlet 110. For example, the power conversion circuit 122 can be a bidirectional inverter. The charger and discharger 120 may also include at least one of the following components: a rectifier circuit, a power factor correction circuit, an isolation circuit, a transformer (e.g., an isolation transformer), and a filter circuit. The relay 121 and the power conversion circuit 122 are controlled by the ECU 150 ( Figure 1 )control.

[0062] The vehicle 50 is configured to perform external charging and external power feeding. External charging performed by the vehicle 50 refers to charging the main battery 131a using external power. External power feeding performed by the vehicle 50 refers to supplying the power discharged from the main battery 131a to the outside of the vehicle 50. In external charging, the power conversion circuit 122 of the charger and discharger 120 converts the power supplied from the inlet 110 into power suitable for charging the main battery 131a, and outputs the converted power to the main battery 131a. The main battery 131a is thereby charged. In external power feeding, the power conversion circuit 122 of the charger and discharger 120 converts the power discharged from the main battery 131a into power suitable for external power feeding, and outputs the converted power to the inlet 110. Thus, power is output from the vehicle 50 to the outside. When the vehicle 50 performs external charging or external power feeding, the relay 121 of the charger and discharger 120 is closed (connected). When the vehicle 50 performs neither external charging nor external power feeding, the relay 121 of the charger and discharger 120 is disconnected (not connected).

[0063] The traction drive unit 140 includes a power control unit (PCU) and a motor generator (MG) (neither of which is shown in the figure), and is configured to drive the vehicle 50 using the power stored in the main battery 131a. The PCU includes, for example, an inverter, a converter, and a relay (hereinafter referred to as a "system main relay (SMR)") (neither of which is shown in the figure). The PCU is controlled by the ECU 150. For example, the MG is a three-phase AC motor generator. The MG is configured to be driven by the PCU to rotate the drive wheel W. The PCU drives the MG using power supplied from the main battery 131a. The MG is also configured to regenerate power and supply the generated power to the main battery 131a. The SMR is configured to switch the opening and closing of the power path from the main battery 131a to the MG. When the vehicle 50 is traveling, the SMR is closed (connected).

[0064] As described above, the vehicle 50 is configured to travel using the power stored in the main battery 131a. The vehicle 50 may be an electric vehicle without an internal combustion engine (a battery electric vehicle (BEV)), or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)) that can travel using both the power stored in the main battery 131a and the output of an internal combustion engine (not shown).

[0065] Reference Figure 1 , ECU 150 includes a processor 151, a random access memory (RAM) 152, a storage device 153 and a timer 154. For example, the processor 151 can be a central processing unit (CPU). RAM 152 is used as a working memory for temporarily storing data processed by the processor 151. The storage device 153 is configured to be able to save storage information. The storage device 153 includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) and a rewritable non-volatile memory. In addition to storing programs, the storage device 153 also stores information to be used in the program (for example, mapping, mathematical expressions and various parameters). In this embodiment, various controls in ECU 150 are performed by executing the program stored in the storage device 153 by the processor 151. The various controls in ECU 150 are not limited to being executed by software and can be executed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits). ECU 150 can include any number of processors and can have a processor for each predetermined control.

[0066] Timer 154 is configured to notify processor 151 of the arrival of a set time. When the time set on timer 154 arrives, timer 154 sends a notification signal to processor 151. In this embodiment, timer 154 is a timer circuit. However, timer 154 can be implemented using software instead of hardware (timer circuit). ECU 150 can use a built-in real-time clock (RTC) circuit (not shown) in ECU 150 to obtain the current time.

[0067] Input device 160 is a device that receives input from the user. The user operates input device 160 and outputs signals corresponding to the user's operation to ECU 150. Communication methods can be wired or wireless. Examples of input device 160 include various switches, various pointing devices, keyboards, and touch panels. Input device 160 may include a smart speaker that accepts voice input. Input device 160 may also be the operating unit of a car navigation system.

[0068] Notification device 170 is configured to execute a predetermined notification process to notify a user (e.g., an occupant of vehicle 50) upon request by ECU 150. Notification device 170 may include at least one of the following components: a display device (e.g., a touch panel display), a speaker, and a lamp (e.g., a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)). Notification device 170 may be a display unit of an instrument panel, a heads-up display, or a car navigation system.

[0069] The communication device 180 includes various communication interfaces (I / F). The communication device 180 includes a communication interface for communicating with the server 30 (see Figure 3 ) for wireless communication. Communication device 180 may include a data communication module (DCM). Communication device 180 may include a communication I / F compatible with the fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G). ECU 150 is configured to communicate with a communication device external to vehicle 50 via communication device 180.

[0070] Figure 3 The configuration of the power system according to the present embodiment is shown. Figure 3The power system 1 shown in FIG is a vehicle grid integration (VGI) system. The power system 1 is used as a virtual power plant (VPP). The VPP aggregates a large number of distributed energy resources (DER) by using advanced energy management technology of the Internet of Things (IoT). The VPP is an organization that performs remote integrated control of DERs so that these DERs function as if they were a single power plant. An example of a DER is energy resources owned by customers (hereinafter also referred to as "demand side resources (DSR)") . In the power system 1, the DSR used to implement the VPP is a vehicle 50 (i.e., an electric vehicle equipped with an energy storage device). For example, the vehicle 50 is a personally owned vehicle (POV). The EVSE 40 is a non-public EVSE (e.g., a home EVSE) that can only be used by a specific user. The vehicle 50 is not limited to a POV and can be a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) vehicle. A MaaS vehicle is a vehicle managed by a MaaS provider. The EVSE 40 may be a public EVSE that may be used by a large, unspecified number of users.

[0071] In this embodiment, the power grid PG, server 10, server 30, smart meter 11, multiple EVSEs (only EVSE 40 is shown), and multiple DSRs (only vehicle 50 is shown) form a power system 1. The number of electric vehicles and the number of EVSEs included in the power system 1 are independent of each other and can be determined as needed. The power system 1 can include 10 or more electric vehicles and 10 or more EVSEs, or can include 100 or more electric vehicles and 100 or more EVSEs.

[0072] The mobile terminal 80 is a mobile terminal carried by a user of the vehicle 50. In this embodiment, each mobile terminal 80 is a smartphone with a touch panel display. However, each mobile terminal 80 is not limited to a smartphone with a touch panel display and can be any mobile terminal. For example, each mobile terminal 80 can be a tablet computer, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch), or an electronic key.

[0073] Figure 3The vehicle 50 shown in FIG is electrically connected to the EVSE 40. When the connector 43 of the charging cable 42 connected to the EVSE 40 is connected to the inlet 110 of the vehicle 50, the vehicle 50 and the EVSE 40 can communicate with each other and also transmit power between the EVSE 40 and the vehicle 50. Thus, the vehicle 50 is ready for external charging and external power feeding. The communication device 180 mounted on the vehicle 50 is configured to communicate with the EVSE 40 via the charging cable 42. The EVSE 40 and the vehicle 50 can communicate with each other through any communication method. For example, the EVSE 40 and the vehicle 50 can communicate with each other through a controller area network (CAN) or power line communication (PLC).

[0074] The built-in power supply circuit 41 in the EVSE 40 is electrically connected to the power grid PG via the smart meter 11. For example, when power is supplied from the power grid PG to the vehicle 50 via the power supply circuit 41 and the charging cable 42, the main battery 131a is externally charged. When power can be supplied from the vehicle 50 to the power grid PG via the charging cable 42 and the power supply circuit 41 in the reverse direction, the vehicle 50 performs external power feeding to the EVSE 40. The power supply circuit 41 converts power supplied from the power grid PG into power suitable for external charging. The power supply circuit 41 also converts power supplied from the vehicle 50 into power suitable for reverse power flow.

[0075] The smart meter 11 is configured to measure the amount of power supplied from the EVSE 40 to the vehicle 50. The smart meter 11 is also configured to measure the amount of power supplied back from the vehicle 50 to the EVSE 40. The smart meter 11 is configured to measure power usage at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 30 minutes), store the measured power usage therein, and transmit the measured power usage to the server 10. The server 10 transmits the measured values ​​of the smart meter 11 to the server 30 as needed. The server 10 may transmit the measured values ​​of the smart meter 11 to the server 30 periodically or upon request from the server 30.

[0076] The communication device 180 mounted on the vehicle 50 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the server 30. Signals transmitted between the communication device 180 and the server 30 may be encrypted. In this embodiment, the communication device 180 mounted on the vehicle 50 and the mobile terminal 80 are configured to communicate wirelessly with each other. The ECU 150 can control the mobile terminal 80 through wireless communication to cause the mobile terminal 80 to provide a notification to the user. The communication between the communication device 180 and the mobile terminal 80 may be short-range communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) (e.g., direct communication within and around the vehicle).

[0077] The mobile terminal 80 has a predetermined application software (hereinafter referred to as "app") installed therein. The mobile terminal 80 is carried by the user of the vehicle 50 and can send and receive information to and from the server 30 via the app. The user can operate the app via a touch panel display (not shown) of the mobile terminal 80. The touch panel display of the mobile terminal 80 is configured to be able to give notifications to the user of the vehicle 50.

[0078] Server 10 is a server belonging to a power transmission and distribution operator. In this embodiment, the power company serves as both the power producer and the power transmission and distribution operator. Power plants and power transmission and distribution facilities (neither of which is shown) constitute the power network (i.e., power grid PG). Power transmission and distribution facilities include transmission lines, substations, and distribution lines, and are configured to transmit and distribute electricity supplied from power plants. In this embodiment, power grid PG includes variable renewable energy resources as power plants. The variable renewable energy resources that constitute power grid PG are power sources whose power output fluctuates depending on weather conditions. The variable renewable energy resources supply the generated electricity to the power transmission and distribution facilities of power grid PG. The electricity generated by the variable renewable energy resources is variable renewable energy (VRE). In this embodiment, the variable renewable energy resources are photovoltaic power generation facilities. However, variable renewable energy resources are not limited to photovoltaic power generation facilities and can also be wind power generation facilities. Power grid PG can also include at least one of the following types of power plants: thermal power plants, hydroelectric power plants, and nuclear power plants.

[0079] The power company maintains and manages the server 10, smart meter 11, and grid PG. The power company can, for example, profit by doing business with customers (e.g., individuals or companies) who use electricity. The EVSE 40 is connected to the grid PG via the smart meter 11. In this embodiment, the power company is the grid operator that operates the grid PG. The grid PG according to this embodiment is an example of a "power network" according to the present disclosure.

[0080] An electrical enterprise that aggregates DERs and provides energy management services is called an "aggregator". An electric power company can cooperate with, for example, an aggregator to perform power adjustments of the power grid PG (e.g., balancing supply and demand). The electric power company or aggregator makes a request for power adjustments of the power grid PG to each customer, and each customer performs power adjustments of the power grid PG in response to the request. This mechanism is generally referred to as demand response (DR). In the following, the request for power adjustment of the power grid PG is also referred to as a "VPP request". The VPP request according to the present embodiment is one of the following requests: a request for an increase in power demand, a request for a decrease in power demand, and a request for reverse power flow.

[0081] Each of the server 10 and the server 30 is an example of a "management computer" that manages the power grid PG. The server 30 is a server belonging to an aggregator. Automobile manufacturers can also serve as aggregators. Automobile manufacturers can easily obtain information about the vehicles they manufacture. Each vehicle included in the power system 1 is registered in the server 30. Each vehicle sends information about the vehicle (for example, the location of the vehicle, the connection status of the charging cable, and the amount of stored power of the vehicle) to the server 30 in turn. The server 30 includes a control device 31, a storage device 32, and a communication device 33. The control device 31 can be a computer. The control device 31 includes a processor and is configured to perform predetermined information processing and control the communication device 33. The storage device 32 is configured to save various types of information. The communication device 33 includes various communication I / Fs. The control device 31 is configured to communicate with the outside through the communication device 33.

[0082] The server 30 is configured to be able to communicate with the server 10, the vehicle 50, and the mobile terminal 80. In this embodiment, the aggregator's terminal (server 30) is configured to be able to communicate with the power company's terminal (server 10) and the vehicle user's terminal (communication device 180 and mobile terminal 80). However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the power system 1 may separately include a server for communicating with the power company and a server for communicating with the vehicle user. These servers may be managed by different electric companies (e.g., higher-level and lower-level aggregators).

[0083] When server 10 performs power adjustment, server 10 first selects the required number of aggregators for power adjustment from a plurality of aggregators. Server 10 makes a VPP request to the selected aggregators. Server 30 selects the required number of VPP-cooperating vehicles in response to server 10's VPP request. VPP-cooperating vehicles are vehicles participating in the VPP (requested power adjustment). VPP-cooperating vehicles are selected from a plurality of vehicles (including vehicle 50) belonging to users who have previously signed a contract with the aggregator. Users who have signed the contract can receive a predetermined incentive by performing charging or discharging according to the request from the aggregator. Users who agree to respond to the request but fail to do so will be penalized in accordance with the provisions of the aforementioned contract.

[0084] In this embodiment, once the VPP cooperative vehicle selection is complete, the server 30 determines a charge and discharge plan for each VPP cooperative vehicle. The server 30 then transmits a VPP request signal to the user of each VPP cooperative vehicle. The VPP request signal includes: the type of power adjustment requested (more specifically, increased charging, decreased charging, or discharged); the details of the requested power adjustment (e.g., the required power value for increased charging, the permissible power value for decreased charging, or the required power value for discharged); and the VPP request period (more specifically, the start and end times of the requested power adjustment). The server 30 requests the user of each VPP cooperative vehicle to perform increased charging, decreased charging, or discharged charging according to the power adjustment requested by the server 10 (i.e., increased power demand, decreased power demand, or reverse power flow). The VPP request signal according to this embodiment requests the user of the VPP cooperative vehicle to prepare the VPP cooperative vehicle so that the server 30 can remotely control the charging and discharging of the VPP cooperative vehicle during the VPP request period. The VPP request signal is an example of a "request signal" according to the present disclosure.

[0085] In this embodiment, the type and content of the power adjustment included in the VPP request signal are examples of "grid supply and demand information" according to the present disclosure. If the requested power adjustment is to increase charging, this indicates an oversupply of PG power on the grid. If the requested power adjustment is to decrease charging or discharging, this indicates an undersupply of PG power on the grid.

[0086] When the start time of the VPP request period set for the VPP cooperating vehicle arrives, the server 30 performs the power adjustment requested by the server 10 by transmitting a charge and discharge command to the VPP cooperating vehicle (more specifically, a command causing the VPP cooperating vehicle to perform charge and discharge control).

[0087] The server 30 uses a predetermined meter to measure the amount of power adjustment for each VPP cooperating vehicle. The predetermined meter can be a smart meter 11 or a meter mounted on the vehicle 50 (e.g., sensor MD 132). The meter can be mounted anywhere. The EVSE 40 can have a built-in meter. The meter can be attached to a portable charging cable.

[0088] In this embodiment, the server 30 and the EVSE 40 do not communicate with each other. However, the server 30 and the EVSE 40 may be configured to communicate with each other. The server 30 may be configured to communicate with the vehicle 50 via the EVSE 40. The EVSE 40 may be configured to be able to communicate with the EVSE management cloud. The communication protocol between the EVSE 40 and the EVSE management cloud may be the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP).

[0089] Figure 4 1 shows a detailed configuration of the ECU 150 of the vehicle 50. Figures 1 to 4 ECU 150 includes a first control unit 511, a second control unit 512, and a third control unit 513. In this embodiment, the first control unit 511, the second control unit 512, and the third control unit 513 are examples of the "first control device," the "second control device," and the "third control device" according to the present disclosure, respectively. In the ECU 150 according to this embodiment, the above units are composed of Figure 1 1 and a program executed by the processor 151 (eg, a program stored in the storage device 153). However, these units are not necessarily implemented by the processor 151 and the program and may be implemented by dedicated hardware (electronic circuit).

[0090] Detection values ​​from various sensors mounted on vehicle 50 are input to ECU 150. Furthermore, in addition to sensor MD 132, vehicle 50 is also equipped with, for example, a position sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an outside air temperature sensor, a charging cable connection detection circuit, and the like (not shown). ECU 150 uses the detection values ​​from these sensors to perform control as needed. ECU 150 sequentially transmits the status of vehicle 50 (including, for example, the connection status of charging cable 42 and the SOC of main battery 131a and sub-battery 131b) to server 30. For example, server 30 remotely controls vehicle 50 during a VPP request period, while referencing the information received from vehicle 50.

[0091] The first control unit 511 is configured to control the charge and discharge of the main battery 131a. The first control unit 511 is configured to limit the power input to the main battery 131a to a predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as "W-in") or less. The first control unit 511 controls the charger / discharger 120 and the traction drive unit 140 so that power exceeding W-in is not input to the main battery 131a. The first control unit 511 is also configured to limit the power output from the main battery 131a to a predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as "W-out") or less. The first control unit 511 controls the charger / discharger 120 and the traction drive unit 140 so that power exceeding W-out is not output from the main battery 131a. For example, W-in and W-out are set to protect the main battery 131a. W-in indicates the power that can be input to the main battery 131a (i.e., the maximum input power), while W-out indicates the power that can be output from the main battery 131a (i.e., the maximum output power).

[0092] W-in and W-out change according to, for example, a charge and discharge map stored in the storage device 153 . Figure 5 An example of a charge and discharge map is shown. Figure 5 , the abscissa represents the temperature of the main battery 131 a (hereinafter referred to as “temperature TB”). Figure 5 TB1 to TB6 in FIG indicate the temperature TB value. The vertical axis represents the magnitude of W-in and W-out. In this embodiment, the power on the discharge side is expressed as positive (+), while the power on the charge side is expressed as negative (-). However, when comparing the magnitudes of the power values, their absolute values ​​are used regardless of the signs (+, -).

[0093] See also Figure 5 , W-in (see line L1) and W-out (see line L2) change according to temperature TB. Figure 5 In the example shown in FIG, the change in W-in according to temperature TB is similar to the change in W-out according to temperature TB. Specifically, the power value is maximum in the temperature range above TB1 and below TB2. In the low-temperature range below TB1, the power value increases as temperature TB increases. In the high-temperature range above TB2, the power value decreases as temperature TB increases. Figure 5 TB3 to TB6 in will be described later.

[0094] Return to reference Figures 1 to 4 , the first control unit 511 is configured to control Figure 2 The first control unit 511 uses the power of the main battery 131a to charge the sub-battery 131b so that the SOC of the sub-battery 131b will not decrease too much. The input and output power of the sub-battery 131b can also be limited by a method similar to the method described above for the main battery 131a (the method using W-in and W-out).

[0095] In this embodiment, the first control unit 511 schedules the start time (hereinafter referred to as "time ts") and the increase, decrease, or discharge of the main battery 131a. When the vehicle 50 receives a VPP request signal, the first control unit 511 schedules the increase, decrease, or discharge of the main battery 131a according to the VPP request signal. The schedule information is stored in the storage device 153. The start time of the VPP request period specified by the VPP request signal is set as time ts in the first control unit 511. The set time ts is stored in the storage device 153. In this embodiment, when the vehicle 50 is selected as a VPP cooperating vehicle, a VPP request signal is transmitted from the server 30 to the mobile terminal 80. The user of the vehicle 50 can review the content of the request and determine whether to accept it. When the user of the vehicle 50 enters acceptance of the request on the mobile terminal 80, the mobile terminal 80 notifies the server 30 of the acceptance and transmits the VPP request signal to the communication device 180. On the other hand, when the user of vehicle 50 inputs a rejection of the request on mobile terminal 80, mobile terminal 80 notifies server 30 of the rejection of the request. Upon being notified of the rejection of the request, server 30 cancels the selection of vehicle 50 and selects another VPP cooperating vehicle in place of vehicle 50. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above configuration, and server 30 may be configured to directly transmit a VPP request signal to communication device 180 of vehicle 50.

[0096] When the time ts comes after the plan is completed, the first control unit 511 starts the planned increase charging, decrease charging or discharge of the main battery 131a. Figures 6 to 8 The increasing charge, decreasing charge, or discharging performed by the first control unit 511 will be described.

[0097] Figure 6 is a diagram depicting the planned increase in charging. Figure 6 , the increased charging planned in the first control unit 511 is, for example, external charging (charging the main battery 131a using the power of the grid PG) with the charging power equivalent to the required power value "-Px".

[0098] Figure 7 is a diagram depicting the planned reduction in charging. Figure 7 For example, the reduced charging planned by the first control unit 511 prohibits external charging with a charging power greater (larger on the negative side) than the allowable power value "-Py". However, external charging with a charging power less (closer to 0) than the allowable power value "-Py" is permitted. External charging may not be performed during the VPP request period for reduced charging.

[0099] Figure 8is a diagram describing the planned discharge. Figure 8 The discharge planned in the first control unit 511 is, for example, external power feeding (discharging from the main battery 131 a to the grid PG) having discharge power equivalent to the required power value “Pz”.

[0100] Return to reference Figures 1 to 4 , the first control unit 511 starts the planned incremental charging at time ts (the start time of the VPP request period) (for example, see Figure 6 ), reduce charging (see, for example, Figure 7 ) or discharge (see, for example, Figure 8 ), and the planned increase charging, decrease charging, or discharge is continued until the end time of the VPP request period (hereinafter referred to as "time te"). In this embodiment, during the VPP request period, the first control unit 511 controls the charge and discharge of the main battery 131a according to the charge and discharge commands sent from the server 30 to the vehicle 50.

[0101] The second control unit 512 controls the temperature control device 133 to perform temperature control of the main battery 131a. The second control unit 512 controls the temperature control device 133 so that the temperature of the main battery 131a will be within the desired temperature range at time ts. How to set the desired temperature range will be described later (see Figure 10 ).

[0102] The second control unit 512 is configured to select external power or battery power and drive the temperature control device 133 using the selected power. The second control unit 512 is configured to control Figure 2 . The power conversion circuit 122, relay RY11, and relay RY12 shown in FIG. When relay 121 is disconnected, the second control unit 512 can drive the temperature control device 133 using external power (e.g., power from the power grid PG) by closing relay RY11. When relay 121 and relay RY11 are disconnected, the second control unit 512 can drive the temperature control device 133 using battery power (power from the main battery 131a and the sub-battery 131b) by closing relay RY12. However, as will be described below, when the supply of external power is prohibited, the second control unit 512 cannot drive the temperature control device 133 using external power.

[0103] The third control unit 513 switches between permission and prohibition of the supply of external power (i.e., the supply of power from the power grid PG to the vehicle 50). In this embodiment, the third control unit 513 switches between permission and prohibition of the supply of external power according to the value (ON or OFF) of the prohibition flag stored in the storage device 153. Specifically, the third control unit 513 is configured to control Figure 2. When the prohibition flag is ON, the third control unit 513 keeps both the relay 121 and the relay RY11 disconnected (not connected). Thus, the supply of external power is prohibited. In this embodiment, the control performed by the third control unit 513 takes precedence over the control performed by the first control unit 511 and the control performed by the second control unit 512. Therefore, when the prohibition flag is ON, the first control unit 511 cannot close the relay 121. When the prohibition flag is ON, the second control unit 512 cannot close the relay RY11 either. On the other hand, when the prohibition flag is OFF, the third control unit 513 does not restrict the relay 121 and the relay RY11 from being closed. Thus, the supply of external power is permitted.

[0104] Hereinafter, the temperature control of the main battery 131 a may be simply referred to as “temperature control”. Figure 9 The flowchart is a diagram illustrating a process related to the determination of the necessity of temperature control and the setting of temperature control conditions. The process shown in the flowchart starts at a time when a predetermined period of time (for example, about 1 to 3 hours) is traced back from the time ts. That is, when the time ts set in the first control unit 511 approaches, the process starts. Figure 9 When the vehicle 50 receives the VPP request signal at a time close to the time ts (the start time of the VPP request period), the vehicle 50 starts to receive the VPP request signal at the same time as the VPP request signal is received. Figure 9 In the following, each step in the flowchart is represented by a step number starting with the letter "S".

[0105] Reference Figure 9 Together Figures 1 to 3 In step S11, the ECU 150 determines whether the vehicle 50 is plugged in (more specifically, whether the EVSE 40 is electrically connected to the vehicle 50). If the vehicle 50 is not plugged in ("No" in S11), in S12, the ECU 150 causes the notification device 170 or the mobile terminal 80 to issue a notification prompting the user of the vehicle 50 to plug in the vehicle 50. S11 and S12 are repeated until the vehicle 50 is plugged in.

[0106] When the vehicle 50 is plugged in ("Yes" in S11), in S13, the third control unit 513 determines whether the power adjustment requested by the VPP request signal is increased charging. When increased charging is requested ("Yes" in S13), the process proceeds to S21. When "Yes" in S13, this means that the supply and demand situation indicated by the VPP request signal is an oversupply. When the VPP request signal requests increased charging, increased charging of the main battery 131a is planned in the first control unit 511. On the other hand, when reduced charging or discharging is requested ("No" in S13), the process proceeds to S31. When "No" in S13, this means that the supply and demand situation indicated by the VPP request signal is an undersupply.

[0107] In S21, the third control unit 513 sets the prohibition flag to OFF. Thus, the supply of external power is permitted. In the subsequent step S22, the second control unit 512 determines whether the SOC of the main battery 131a is higher than or equal to a predetermined second threshold value (hereinafter referred to as "Th2"). When the second control unit 512 determines in S22 that the SOC of the main battery 131a is higher than or equal to Th2 ("Yes" in S22), in S23, the second control unit 512 sets the battery power as the temperature control power (i.e., the power to be used to drive the temperature control device 133 for temperature control). The temperature control conditions are stored in the storage device 153. Then, the processing proceeds to S24. When it is "No" in S22, the processing also proceeds to S24.

[0108] In step S24, the necessity of temperature control is determined (and the temperature control start time is set as needed). In the subsequent step S25, the temperature control end condition is set. Figure 9 The series of steps shown in FIG ends after S25. S24 and S25 will be described later.

[0109] In S31, the third control unit 513 determines whether the amount of stored power of the vehicle 50 is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold value (hereinafter referred to as "Th1"). In this embodiment, the SOC of the main battery 131a (the energy storage device with the largest capacity) is used as the amount of stored power of the vehicle 50. However, the amount of stored power of the vehicle 50 is not limited to the SOC of the main battery 131a, and the total amount of power stored in the main battery 131a and the sub-battery 131b can be used as the amount of stored power of the vehicle 50.

[0110] If the third control unit 513 determines in S31 that the SOC of the main battery 131a is greater than or equal to Th1 ("YES" in S31), the third control unit 513 sets the prohibition flag to ON in S32. The supply of external power is thereby prohibited. On the other hand, if the determination in S31 is "NO," the third control unit 513 sets the prohibition flag to OFF in S33. The supply of external power is thereby permitted. After executing S32 or S33, the process proceeds to S34.

[0111] In S34, the first control unit 511 determines whether the power adjustment requested by the VPP request signal is discharging. If discharging is requested ("Yes" in S34), the process proceeds to S35. If the VPP request signal requests discharging, the first control unit 511 plans to discharge the main battery 131a. On the other hand, if reduced charging is requested ("No" in S34), the process proceeds to S41. If the VPP request signal requests reduced charging, the first control unit 511 plans to reduce charging of the main battery 131a.

[0112] In S35, the first control unit 511 determines whether the prohibition flag is OFF. If the prohibition flag is OFF ("YES" in S35), in S36, the first control unit 511 performs external charging of the main battery 131a so that the amount of stored power in the vehicle 50 (in this embodiment, the SOC of the main battery 131a) becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be the same as Th1 or a value higher than Th1. When external charging is complete, the process proceeds to step S37. If "NO" in S35, the process also proceeds to S37.

[0113] In step S24, the necessity of temperature control is determined (and the temperature control start time is set as needed). In the subsequent step S38, the temperature control end condition is set. Figure 9 The series of steps shown in FIG ends after S38. S37 and S38 will be described later.

[0114] In S41, the second control unit 512 determines whether the amount of stored power of the vehicle 50 (in this embodiment, the SOC of the main battery 131a) is less than a predetermined third threshold value (hereinafter referred to as "Th3"). When the second control unit 512 determines in S41 that the SOC of the main battery 131a is lower than Th3 ("YES" in S41), the temperature control start time is not set (S42), and Figure 9 A series of steps shown in is ended. Therefore, the temperature control device 133 will not be driven before the time ts. When "Yes" in S41, this means that the second control unit 512 determines that temperature control is not necessary.

[0115] When "No" in S41, the process proceeds to S43. In S43, the necessity of temperature control is determined (and the temperature control start time is set as needed). In the subsequent step S44, the temperature control end condition is set. Figure 9 The series of steps shown in FIG ends after S44. S43 and S44 will be described later.

[0116] Figure 10 The diagram shows Figure 9 Flowchart of the processing related to the determination of the necessity of temperature control and the setting of the temperature control start time in S24, S37, and S43.

[0117] Reference Figure 10 Together Figures 1 to 3 In S51, the second control unit 512 determines the desired temperature range based on the VPP request signal. Figure 5 How to determine the desired temperature range in this embodiment is described.

[0118] Reference Figure 5 Together Figures 1 to 3 When the VPP request signal requests an increase in charge, the second control unit 512 sets the desired temperature range to a temperature range above TB1 and below TB2. Since the desired temperature range is set to a temperature range above TB1 and below TB2, the power values ​​of W-in and W-out are maximized. When the VPP request signal requests discharge, the second control unit 512 changes the desired temperature range according to the required power value. For example, when Figure 5 When the required power value for discharge is "Pz1", Figure 5 The second control unit 512 sets the desired temperature range to a temperature range greater than or equal to TB3 and less than or equal to TB4. Figure 5 The temperature range of TB3 or higher and TB4 or lower in the range is a temperature range in which the power equivalent to "Pz1" (or "Pz1" with a margin) can be output from the main battery 131a. When the VPP request signal requests a reduction in charging, the second control unit 512 sets the desired temperature range to a wider temperature range (for example, Figure 5 (temperature range above TB5 and below TB6). Figure 5 The temperature range of TB5 or higher and TB6 or lower may be a limit temperature range in which the main battery 131 a will not freeze or overheat.

[0119] Return to reference Figure 10 Together Figures 1 to 3. In the subsequent step S52, the second control unit 512 predicts the temperature TB (the temperature of the main battery 131a) at time ts under the assumption that the main battery 131a is left without temperature control. Specifically, the second control unit 512 predicts the temperature TB at time ts based on the current temperature TB (actual measurement value), the outside air temperature (actual measurement value or predicted value based on weather information), the current time and time ts. The second control unit 512 can predict how the temperature TB will change until time ts based on the degree of deviation between the current temperature TB and the outside air temperature and the time from the current time to time ts. The relational expression (or mapping) used for this prediction is pre-stored in the storage device 153. The longer the time from the current time to time ts, the easier it is for the temperature TB to change. The greater the degree of deviation between the current temperature TB and the outside air temperature, the easier it is for the temperature TB to change. When the main battery 131a is left without temperature control, the temperature TB tends to approach the outside air temperature (ambient temperature). The parameter indicating the degree of deviation is, for example, the difference or ratio between the current temperature TB and the outside air temperature. The greater the difference (absolute value) between the current temperature TB and the outside air temperature, the greater the degree of deviation therebetween. The closer the ratio between the current temperature TB and the outside air temperature is to 1, the smaller the degree of deviation therebetween.

[0120] The ECU 150 may sequentially record changes in the state of the main battery 131a in the storage device 153. The second control unit 512 may consider historical data of the temperature TB (e.g., recent changes in the temperature TB) to predict the temperature TB at time ts. The second control unit 512 may consider the state of charge (SOC) of the main battery 131a when predicting the temperature TB. The temperature change trend of the main battery 131a may vary depending on the SOC of the main battery 131a.

[0121] In the subsequent step S53, the second control unit 512 determines whether the temperature TB at time ts predicted as described above will exceed the desired temperature range. If the second control unit 512 predicts that the temperature TB at time ts will exceed the desired temperature range ("YES" in S53), the process proceeds to S54. If "YES" in S53, this means that the second control unit 512 has determined that temperature control is necessary.

[0122] In S54, the second control unit 512 predicts the amount of time required for the temperature control device 133 to control the temperature TB within the desired temperature range (hereinafter also referred to as the "temperature control time"). The relational expression (or map) used for this prediction is pre-stored in the storage device 153. The second control unit 512 uses, for example, the current temperature TB (actually measured value) and the outside air temperature (actually measured value or predicted value based on weather information) to predict the temperature control time. The second control unit 512 may also consider the SOC of the main battery 131a when predicting the temperature control time.

[0123] In the subsequent step S55, the second control unit 512 sets the temperature control start time. The second control unit 512 sets the temperature control start time to, for example, a time that is traced back from the time ts by the temperature control time (or the temperature control time with a margin). Figure 10 The series of steps shown in FIG ends after S55. The process then returns to Figure 9 S25, S38 or S44.

[0124] On the other hand, when the second control unit 512 predicts that the temperature TB will be within the desired temperature range at the time ts (No in S53), the temperature control start time is not set (S56), and Figure 10 In this case, all processing ends without returning to Figure 9 Therefore, the temperature control device 133 will not be driven before the time ts. When "No" in S53, this means that the second control unit 512 determines that temperature control is not necessary.

[0125] Figure 11 The diagram shows Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the processing related to setting the temperature control end conditions in S25, S38, and S44.

[0126] Reference Figure 11 Together Figures 1 to 3 In S61, the second control unit 512 uses Figure 10 Specifically, the second control unit 512 sets the first requirement of the temperature control end condition that the temperature TB is within the desired temperature range.

[0127] In the subsequent step S62, the second control unit 512 sets a requirement on the amount of stored power. However, this requirement may be omitted. In this embodiment, only Figure 9 The requirement on the amount of stored power is set in S25, and Figure 9 No requirement regarding the amount of stored power is set in S38 and S44.

[0128] exist Figure 9 In S25 (increase charging), the second control unit 512 sets the SOC of the main battery 131a to be lower than Th2 (see Figure 9 The second requirement of the temperature control termination condition (S22) is met. Accordingly, when the SOC of main battery 131a is higher than Th2 before time ts, temperature control device 133 is driven using battery power to bring the SOC of main battery 131a closer to Th2. As the power of main battery 131a is consumed by driving temperature control device 133, the SOC (the amount of stored power) of main battery 131a decreases to a level low enough to perform the requested boost charge.

[0129] In the subsequent step S63, the second control unit 512 sets the temperature control end time based on the VPP request signal. Specifically, the second control unit 512 sets the third requirement of the temperature control end condition that the time ts (the start time of the VPP request period) has arrived.

[0130] Temperature control termination conditions are set through S61 to S63. For each of increasing charge, decreasing charge, and discharging, the temperature control termination conditions are satisfied when the third requirement is met (i.e., when time ts has arrived). The temperature control termination conditions for increasing charge are satisfied when not only the third requirement but also both the first and second requirements are met. The temperature control termination conditions for decreasing charge and discharging are satisfied when not only the third requirement but also the first requirement is met. Figure 11 The series of steps shown in FIG. 1 ends after S63 .

[0131] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the process related to temperature control (temperature control of the main battery 131a). Figure 10 When the temperature control start time set in S55 of FIG. 1 arrives, the process shown in the flowchart is started. In this embodiment, the temperature control start time is set to be immediately before time ts.

[0132] Reference Figure 12 Together Figures 1 to 3 In step S71, the second control unit 512 determines whether the prohibition flag is on. If the prohibition flag is on ("Yes" in S71), in S72, the second control unit 512 drives the temperature control device 133 using battery power to perform temperature control of the main battery 131a. As described above, when the supply of external power is prohibited at the time of driving the temperature control device 133, the second control unit 512 drives the temperature control device 133 using battery power.

[0133] On the other hand, when the prohibition flag is OFF ("No" in S71), the second control unit 512 determines in S73 whether the battery power has been set as the temperature control power. Figure 9 When the determination result of S23 is "Yes" in S73, the process proceeds to S72. As described above, when the request for increasing the charge ( Figure 9 "Yes" in S13 of ) and the amount of stored power of the energy storage device is large ( Figure 9 ts) is YES in S22. S72 is executed. Accordingly, the power stored in the main battery 131a is consumed by driving the temperature control device 133 before the time ts. As a result, the capacity of the main battery 131a tends to become large enough for the planned additional charging.

[0134] On the other hand, when the battery power is not set as the temperature control power (No in S73 ), the second control unit 512 drives the temperature control device 133 with external power to perform temperature control of the main battery 131 a in S74 .

[0135] After the second control unit 512 executes S72 or S74, the second control unit 512 determines in S75 whether the Figure 11 The temperature control end condition set in the process shown in is continued until the temperature control end condition is satisfied. When the temperature control end condition is satisfied ("Yes" in S75), the temperature control ends. When the temperature control end condition is satisfied, Figure 12 The series of steps shown in is completed.

[0136] Figure 13 1 is a flowchart illustrating charge and discharge control of the main battery 131a during the VPP request period. The process illustrated in this flowchart begins when time ts (the start time of the VPP request period) arrives while the vehicle 50 is plugged in. During the VPP request period, a charge and discharge command is transmitted from the server 30 to the vehicle 50.

[0137] Reference Figure 13 Together Figures 1 to 3 In step S81, the first control unit 511 performs charge and discharge control of the main battery 131a according to the charge and discharge command received from the server 30. In the subsequent step S82, the first control unit 511 determines whether the time te (the end time of the VPP request period) has arrived. S81 and S82 are repeated until the time te arrives. When the time te arrives ("Yes" in S82), in step S83, the first control unit 511 notifies the server 30 of the end of the charge and discharge control, and then Figure 13 The series of steps shown in is completed.

[0138] As described above, the vehicle 50 performs the increase charge, decrease charge or discharge planned in the first control unit 511 according to the command from the server 30 while being plugged in. The server 30 remotely controls the plugged in vehicle 50 so that Figure 13 The process shown in is used to execute the increase charge, decrease charge, or discharge planned in the first control unit 511. The charge and discharge control of the main battery 131a is performed using the power grid PG electrically connected to the main battery 131a.

[0139] Next, we will refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 The following describes an example of the operation of the vehicle 50. Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the example of operation shown in Figure 10 In S52 and S53 , it is predicted that the temperature TB will be lower than the desired temperature range at time ts.

[0140] Figure 14 An example of the operation of the vehicle 50 when an increase in charging is requested is shown. Figure 14 , in this example, temperature control is performed immediately before time ts. At the start time of temperature control, the SOC of the main battery 131a is lower than Th2. Accordingly, the second control unit 512 utilizes external power to drive the temperature control device 133 (e.g., an electric heater) to increase the temperature of the main battery 131a. As the temperature of the main battery 131a is controlled within the desired temperature range, the rechargeable power of the main battery 131a (the power corresponding to W-in) increases. Then, the increased charging planned in the first control unit 511 starts at time ts and ends at time te. When the increased charging is requested, it is presumed that the power grid PG is overpowered not only at and after time ts but also immediately before time ts. Therefore, considering that the use of external power for temperature control as described above increases the demand on the power grid PG, the supply and demand balance of the power grid PG is improved. Figure 14 , a change in the SOC of the main battery 131 a when the battery power is used for temperature control is shown by a dotted line as a reference.

[0141] Figure 15 An example of the operation of the vehicle 50 when discharge is requested is shown. Figure 15, in this example, at the start time of temperature control, the SOC of the main battery 131a is higher than Th1. Accordingly, the second control unit 512 uses battery power to drive the temperature control device 133 (e.g., an electric heater) to increase the temperature of the main battery 131a immediately before time ts. When the temperature of the main battery 131a is controlled within the desired temperature range, the dischargeable power of the main battery 131a (the power corresponding to W-out) increases. Then, the discharge planned in the first control unit 511 starts at time ts and ends at time te. When the discharge is requested, it is presumed that the power grid PG is underpowered not only at and after time ts but also immediately before time ts. Therefore, considering that the use of battery power for temperature control as described above reduces the demand on the power grid PG, the deterioration of the power supply shortage in the power grid PG is suppressed. Figure 15 , a change in the SOC of the main battery 131 a when external power is used for temperature control is shown by a dotted line as a reference.

[0142] As described above, the control system (ECU 150) mounted on the vehicle 50 includes the third control unit 513 (third control means) which determines whether to permit the supply of external power before the time ts (predetermined start time) by using the supply and demand information of the power grid PG (electric power network) (see Figure 9 ). According to the third control unit 513, when the temperature control of the main battery 131a is executed before the scheduled increase charging, decrease charging, or discharge begins, the power supply from the power grid PG to the vehicle 50 is prohibited according to the supply and demand conditions of the power grid PG. This suppresses the deterioration of the power supply shortage in the power grid PG. The above-described control system can appropriately perform energy management (power regulation) of the power grid PG and energy management of the vehicle 50.

[0143] In the energy management method according to this embodiment, the vehicle 50 (power adjustment resource) is used to adjust the power of the power grid PG. The energy management method according to this embodiment includes: the server 30 (management computer that manages the power grid PG) requests the vehicle 50 to start the power adjustment of the power grid PG at time ts (predetermined start time) Figure 3 ); and when the requested power adjustment is discharge and the amount of stored power of the vehicle 50 is less than Th1 (predetermined first threshold) (in Figure 9 In the case of "No" in S31 and "Yes" in S34), the vehicle 50 drives the temperature control device 133 using external power (power supplied from the power grid PG to the vehicle 50), and the temperature control (temperature control of the main battery 131a) is performed before the time ts ( Figure 9 S33 and Figure 12The energy management method according to the present disclosure further includes: when the requested power adjustment is discharge and the amount of stored power of the vehicle 50 is greater than or equal to Th1 (in Figure 9 In the case of "Yes" in S31 and "Yes" in S34), the vehicle 50 drives the temperature control device 133 using the battery power (the stored power of the vehicle 50), and the temperature control is performed before the time ts ( Figure 9 S32 and Figure 12 The energy management method according to the present disclosure further includes: when the requested power adjustment is to increase charging and the amount of stored power of the vehicle 50 is less than Th2 (predetermined second threshold) (at Figure 9 In the case of "Yes" in S13 and "No" in S22), the vehicle 50 drives the temperature control device 133 using external power, and the temperature control is performed before the time ts ( Figure 9 S21 and Figure 12 According to the energy management method of this embodiment, energy management (power adjustment) of the power grid PG and energy management of the vehicle 50 can be appropriately performed.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the server 30 causes the vehicle 50 to perform a predetermined increase in charge, decrease in charge, or discharge through remote control. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the vehicle 50 receives a VPP request signal, the first control unit 511 may schedule the increase in charge, decrease in charge, or discharge of the main battery 131a requested by the VPP request signal, and may register the charge and discharge schedule requested by the VPP request signal (e.g., the change in charge and discharge power during the VPP request period) in the first control unit 511. The registered charge and discharge schedule may be stored in the storage device 153. When time ts (the start time of the charge and discharge schedule) arrives, the first control unit 511 may execute charge and discharge control of the main battery 131a according to the registered charge and discharge schedule.

[0145] Charge and discharge mapping is not limited to Figure 5 The mapping shown in . For example, the change of W-in according to the temperature TB is different from the change of W-out according to the temperature TB. The method for determining the desired temperature range is not limited to the above method, but can be changed appropriately. For example, when the VPP request signal requests an increase in charging, the desired temperature range can change according to the required power value. The temperature control end condition is not limited to the above conditions, but can be changed appropriately. For example, requirements on the amount of stored electricity can be set for the temperature control end condition of reducing either or both of charging and discharging. Regarding the method for switching between permission and prohibition of the supply of external power (OFF and ON of the prohibition flag), the supply of external power only needs to be switched between permission and prohibition according to the supply and demand conditions of the power grid PG, and it is not necessary to switch between permission and prohibition in accordance with the supply and demand conditions of the power grid PG. Figure 9The methods shown in are permitted or prohibited. Figure 9 In the steps shown in , unnecessary steps can be omitted.

[0146] The functions of the first control unit 511 , the second control unit 512 , and the third control unit 513 implemented in the vehicle 50 may be implemented in the server 30 . Figure 16 Shown Figure 4 A modification of the configuration of the control system shown in .

[0147] Reference Figure 16 The server 30A according to this modification includes a first control unit 511A, a second control unit 512A, and a third control unit 513A. The functions of the first control unit 511A, the second control unit 512A, and the third control unit 513A are respectively Figure 4 The functions of the first control unit 511, the second control unit 512, and the third control unit 513 of the ECU 150 shown in FIG are similar. In this modification, the first control unit 511A, the second control unit 512A, and the third control unit 513A are examples of the "first control device," "second control device," and "third control device," respectively, according to the present disclosure.

[0148] The first control unit 511A monitors the supply and demand status of the power grid PG, and based on the supply and demand status of the power grid PG, plans to increase charging, decrease charging, or discharge of the main battery 131a mounted on the vehicle 50, and sets the start time (time ts) of the increase charging, decrease charging, or discharge of the main battery 131a. The first control unit 511A can obtain the supply and demand information of the power grid PG from the server 10. The second control unit 512A is similar to the second control unit 512 ( Figure 4 ) to remotely control the plug-in vehicle 50 to perform temperature control. The second control unit 512A drives the temperature control device 133 as needed to perform temperature control of the main battery 131a immediately before time ts. The second control unit 512A selects appropriate temperature control power (battery power or external power) based on the supply and demand conditions of the power grid PG. The third control unit 513A remotely controls the plug-in vehicle 50 to perform planned increased charging, decreased charging, or discharging. The third control unit 513A performs charge and discharge control of the main battery 131a according to the supply and demand conditions of the power grid PG. The method for remotely executing charge and discharge control of the main battery 131a (remote charge and discharge) can be the same as the method in the above-mentioned embodiment (see Figure 13 )same.

[0149] The server 30A according to this modification can also appropriately perform power regulation of the power grid PG and energy management of the vehicle 50 .

[0150] The configuration of the power system including the management computer for the power grid is not limited to Figure 3 The configuration shown in . For example, the server 10 may have the functions of the server 30, and the server 30 may be omitted. The server 10 may be used as a management computer for the power grid. The power company may be divided into branches according to business. The power producer and the transmission and distribution business operator may be different companies. The vehicle 50 may be a vehicle belonging to a user who has signed an incentive contract with the power producer or the transmission and distribution business operator. The power grid is not limited to the large-scale power network (grid) developed as an infrastructure, but may be a microgrid.

[0151] The configuration of the circuit for controlling the temperature control device 133 is not limited to Figure 2 For example, a relay for switching between permission and prohibition of supply of external power may be provided between the inlet 110 and the charger / discharger 120 .

[0152] The vehicle configuration is not limited to Figure 1 The configuration shown in . For example, the vehicle may be contactlessly chargeable. The vehicle is not limited to a passenger car, but may be a bus or a truck. The vehicle may be capable of autonomous driving or may have a flight function. The vehicle may be a vehicle capable of unmanned driving (e.g., an automated guided vehicle or agricultural machinery).

[0153] The vehicle may be DC chargeable. The vehicle may respond to requests for energy management using a DC EVSE. The power conversion circuitry of the charger / discharger 120 may be mounted on the EVSE rather than on the vehicle. An external computer (e.g., server 30) may remotely control the power conversion circuitry mounted on the EVSE to perform energy management.

[0154] The vehicle can be configured to perform only external charging of the external charging and external power feeding modes, and can be configured to respond only to requests for energy management for charging (e.g., requests for increasing or decreasing charging). The vehicle can respond to requests for energy management for charging by using an EVSE that is incompatible with reverse power flow.

[0155] The configuration of the temperature control device is not limited to the configuration of the temperature control device 133 according to the above embodiment. The temperature control device may use any heating device and any cooling device. For example, the temperature control device may include a heat pump. The temperature control device may be composed of a heating device or a cooling device. For example, in a configuration where the normal operating temperature range of the energy storage device is a low temperature range, the heating device may be omitted. In a configuration where the normal operating temperature range of the energy storage device is a high temperature range, the cooling device may be omitted.

[0156] The power regulation resource may be a mobile object other than a vehicle (a ship, an airplane, a drone, a walking robot, a robot cleaner, a space probe, etc.), or may be a stationary energy storage system (ESS).

[0157] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all aspects as illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the claims rather than the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A control system configured to control a power regulation resource, the power regulation resource comprising an energy storage device and a temperature control device, the energy storage device being configured to be electrically connected to a power network, the temperature control device being configured to perform temperature control of the energy storage device, characterized in that: The control system includes: a first control device configured to control the charging and discharging of the energy storage device so that a planned increase in charging, decrease in charging, or discharge of the energy storage device begins at a predetermined start time; The second control device is configured to controlling the temperature control device to perform the temperature control of the energy storage device, selecting external power or stored power, the external power being power supplied from the power network to the power adjustment resource, and the stored power being power stored in the power adjustment resource, and driving the temperature control device using the selected electric power; and The third control device is configured to determining whether to permit power supply from the power network to the power regulation resource before the predetermined start time based on supply and demand information of the power network, and determining whether to permit driving the temperature control device using the external power, and Switching between enabling and disabling of the power supply.

2. The control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second control device is configured to drive the temperature control device before the predetermined start time when the second control device predicts that the temperature of the energy storage device will exceed the expected temperature range at the predetermined start time.

3. The control system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second control device is configured to drive the temperature control device using stored power of the power adjustment resource when the power supply is prohibited while the temperature control device is being driven.

4. The control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third control device is configured to permit the power supply when the supply and demand information of the power network indicates oversupply.

5. The control system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The third control device is configured to prohibit the power supply when the supply and demand information of the power network indicates insufficient supply and the amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold.

6. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first control device is configured to charge the energy storage device with the external power supplied from the power network to the power regulation resource before the predetermined start time when discharge of the energy storage device is planned and the power supply is permitted.

7. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The second control device is configured to, when increased charging of the energy storage device is planned in the first control device and the amount of stored electricity of the energy storage device is greater than or equal to a predetermined second threshold, drive the temperature control device using the stored electricity of the energy storage device before the predetermined start time so as to make the amount of stored electricity of the energy storage device closer to the predetermined second threshold.

8. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The second control device is configured not to drive the temperature control device before the predetermined start time when reduced charging of the energy storage device is planned in the first control device and the amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource is less than a predetermined third threshold.

9. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The power regulation resource is an electric vehicle that operates using the power stored in the energy storage device; The control system is mounted on the electric vehicle; The electric vehicle is configured to receive a request signal including supply and demand information of the power network; the electric vehicle being configured to be scheduled for the increased charging, the decreased charging, or the discharged requested by the request signal; The electric vehicle is configured to set the scheduled start time to the time specified by the request signal; and The electric vehicle is configured to perform a planned incremental charge, a planned de-charge, or a planned discharge while the power network is electrically connected to the energy storage device.

10. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The control system is mounted on a management computer that manages the power network; The management computer is configured to receive, from the power adjustment resource, an amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource; The management computer is configured to plan the increased charging, the decreased charging, or the discharged charge and set the scheduled start time based on the supply and demand conditions of the power network; and The management computer is configured to remotely control the power adjustment resource when the power network is electrically connected to the energy storage device so that the planned increase in charging, the planned decrease in charging, or the planned discharge is performed.

11. An energy management method, configured to perform power regulation of a power network by using a power regulation resource, the power regulation resource comprising an energy storage device and a temperature control device, the energy storage device being configured to be electrically connected to the power network, the temperature control device being configured to perform temperature control of the energy storage device, characterized in that: The energy management method comprises: requesting the power adjustment resource to start power adjustment of the power network at a predetermined start time by a management computer that manages the power network; when the power adjustment requested by the management computer is discharging and the amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource is less than a predetermined first threshold, performing, by the power adjustment resource, temperature control of the energy storage device before the predetermined start time by driving the temperature control device using power supplied from the power network to the power adjustment resource; when the power adjustment requested by the management computer is the discharge and the amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource is greater than or equal to the predetermined first threshold, performing, by the power adjustment resource, temperature control of the energy storage device before the predetermined start time by driving the temperature control device using the stored power of the power adjustment resource; when the power adjustment requested by the management computer is to increase charging and the amount of stored power of the power adjustment resource is less than a predetermined second threshold value, performing, by the power adjustment resource, temperature control of the energy storage device before the predetermined start time by driving the temperature control device using the power supplied from the power network to the power adjustment resource; and The power adjustment requested by the management computer is started by the power adjustment resource at the predetermined start time.

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