Control system and display device

Abstract

The display device is configured to display a screen showing, on the same graph whose axis indicates time, a predicted transition of a first parameter related to the remaining power of the power storage device and a predicted transition of a second parameter related to the amount of reward for energy management, under the assumption that charging and discharging control is performed on the power storage device in response to a request for energy management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control system and a display device, and more particularly, to an energy management technology. Background Art

[0002] A system is known in which a customer who responds to an energy management request from an electricity market (e.g., a balancing market) or an electricity provider (e.g., an electric power company) is rewarded (incentive). Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-165547 (JP 2019-165547 A) discloses a control system that discharges a power storage device during a request period when a power supply request is made. Summary of the invention

[0003] A user of an electric storage device can receive a reward by charging or discharging the electric storage device in response to an energy management request (e.g., a power supply request). However, in some cases, the user of the electric storage device may desire to use the electric storage device for other purposes rather than charging and discharging the electric storage device in response to a request to receive a reward. It is desirable that the user can decide whether to respond to the energy management request after understanding the advantages and disadvantages of responding to the request. Therefore, a user interface is needed that clearly shows the advantages and disadvantages of responding to the energy management request to the user.

[0004] The present disclosure is proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a control system and a display device capable of clearly showing advantages and disadvantages of responding to an energy management request to a user.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a control system. The control system includes a power storage device, a display device, and a processor. The processor is configured to: perform charge and discharge control on the power storage device; perform display control on the display device; and cause the display device to display a screen showing, on the same graph whose axis indicates time: a predicted transition of a first parameter related to the remaining power of the power storage device and a predicted transition of a second parameter related to the reward amount for energy management, on the assumption that charge and discharge control is performed on the power storage device in response to a request for energy management.

[0006] In a control system, a screen displayed by a display device (hereinafter, also referred to as a "prediction screen") shows on the same time axis the predicted transition of a first parameter and a second parameter under the assumption that charge and discharge control is performed on a power storage device in response to a request for energy management. The first parameter is related to the remaining power of the power storage device. The second parameter is related to the amount of reward for energy management. From the prediction screen, the user can easily grasp how much power is left in the power storage device during the time period when the user expects to use the power storage device. From the prediction screen, the user can check the amount of reward when responding to the request for energy management. This makes it easier for the user to compare the advantages and disadvantages of responding to the request for energy management. The user can easily and appropriately judge whether to respond to the request.

[0007] In the above aspect, the control system may further include: a communication device that is communicable with an external computer; and an input device that is configured to receive input from a user. The processor may be configured to: perform predetermined processing based on input from the user to the input device; when the communication device receives a request for energy management from the external computer, cause the display device to display a prediction screen; and after displaying the prediction screen, when information indicating whether to accept the request is input to the input device, notify the external computer whether to accept the request.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the user determines whether to respond to the request for energy management by viewing the prediction screen, and then selects to accept or reject the request by operating the input device. Therefore, it is possible to answer acceptance or rejection to the external computer. The first to third control devices can be mounted together on one unit, or can be mounted separately on a plurality of units.

[0009] In the above aspect, the processor may be configured to: operate in one of a first control mode and a second control mode; switch the control mode based on input from a user to an input device; cause the display device to display a screen when the communication device receives a request for energy management from an external computer while the processor is operating in the first control mode; and when the communication device receives a request for energy management from an external computer while the processor is operating in the second control mode, determine whether to accept the request based on predetermined conditions and notify the external computer of the determination result.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the user can switch between the first control mode in which the user determines whether energy management is possible (i.e., determines whether to respond to a request for energy management) and the second control mode in which the user automatically determines whether energy management is possible. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0011] In the above aspect, the lower limit value of the remaining power of the power storage device may be specified as a predetermined condition. The processor may be configured to, when the processor is operating in the second control mode and, in response to a request for energy management, performs charge and discharge control on the power storage device and predicts that the remaining power of the power storage device falls below the lower limit value, determine to reject the request.

[0012] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress an excessive decrease in the remaining amount of the power storage device through energy management.The lower limit value of the remaining amount of the power storage device may be set to an arbitrary value by a user, or may be automatically set to a predetermined value.

[0013] In the above aspect, an upper limit value of the remaining power of the power storage device may be specified as a predetermined condition. The processor may be configured to, when the processor is operating in the second control mode and, in response to a request for energy management, predicts that the remaining power of the power storage device exceeds the upper limit value when performing charge and discharge control on the power storage device, the processor determines to reject the request.

[0014] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress excessive increase in the remaining power of the power storage device through energy management. The upper limit value can be set to an arbitrary value by the user, or can be automatically set to a predetermined value. Both the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the remaining power of the power storage device can be specified as predetermined conditions.

[0015] In the above aspect, the requested reward amount may be specified as the predetermined condition. The processor may be configured to determine that the request is accepted when the processor is operating in the second control mode and the reward amount is equal to or greater than the requested reward amount when charging and discharging control of the power storage device is performed in response to the request for energy management.

[0016] In the above aspect, the power storage device may be mounted on the vehicle. The processor may be configured to, when the processor is operating in the second control mode and predicts that the vehicle cannot travel according to the travel plan when charging and discharging control of the power storage device is performed in response to a request for energy management, determine to reject the request.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the occurrence of a situation where the vehicle cannot travel according to the travel plan can be reduced through energy management.

[0018] In the above aspect, the processor may be configured to: cause the display device to display a screen showing, on the same graph whose axis indicates time: predicted transitions of one or more first parameters selected from a first option and predicted transitions of one or more second parameters selected from a second option, the first option including the SOC of the power storage device and the possible cruising range of a vehicle including the power storage device, the second option including a unit price of remuneration and a cumulative remuneration amount; and based on input from a user to the input device, select one or more first parameters from the first option and select one or more second parameters from the second option.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the user can select a first parameter to be displayed on the display device from a plurality of candidate items (e.g., the state of charge (SOC) of the power storage device and the possible cruising range of the vehicle). The user can also select a second parameter to be displayed on the display device from a plurality of candidate items (e.g., the remuneration unit price and the accumulated remuneration amount). The display device can simultaneously display a plurality of first parameters (or a plurality of second parameters) on the prediction screen.

[0020] The method of determining the first parameter and the second parameter is not limited to the above method, and may be any method. For example, in the above aspect, the request for energy management may request the discharge of the power storage device. The first parameter may be the SOC of the power storage device. The second parameter may be a remuneration unit price. The SOC indicates the remaining power. For example, the SOC is the ratio of the currently stored power to the stored power in a fully charged state, and is expressed in the range of 0% to 100%.

[0021] In the above aspect, the processor may be configured to: allow remote control of the processor when the request is accepted; and prohibit remote control of the processor when the request is denied.

[0022] According to the above configuration, for example, the external computer can remotely control the first control device in response to the accepted request to perform charge and discharge control on the power storage device.

[0023] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a control system. The control system includes: a power storage device; a display device; a first processor configured to perform charge and discharge control on the power storage device; and a second processor different from the first processor. The second processor is configured to: perform display control on the display device; and cause the display device to display a screen showing, on the same graph whose axis indicates time: a predicted transition of a first parameter related to the remaining power of the power storage device and a predicted transition of a second parameter related to the reward amount for energy management, on the assumption that charge and discharge control is performed on the power storage device in response to a request for energy management.

[0024] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a display device. The display device includes a display. The display is configured to display a screen that shows, on the same graph whose axis indicates time, a predicted transition of a first parameter related to the remaining power of the power storage device and a predicted transition of a second parameter related to the reward amount for energy management, assuming that charge and discharge control is performed on the power storage device in response to a request for energy management.

[0025] By means of the above-described display device and control system, advantages and disadvantages in response to a request for energy management can be clearly shown to the user.

[0026] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a control system and a display device capable of clearly showing advantages and disadvantages of responding to an energy management request to a user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] 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 reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle including a control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a power system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 It is a graphic Figure 1 A diagram of a detailed configuration of an electronic control unit (ECU) as illustrated in FIG.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a picture Figure 3 A flowchart of an example of a process performed by the ECU when the second control unit illustrated in FIG. 1 operates in the user selection mode;

[0032] Figure 5 It is shown in Figure 4 A diagram showing an example of a predicted screen to be displayed in the process illustrated in FIG.

[0033] Figure 6 It is a graphic Figure 5 A diagram of the predicted screen shown in FIG.

[0034] Figure 7 It is a picture Figure 3 A flowchart of an example of a process performed by the ECU when the second control unit illustrated in FIG. 1 operates in the automatic selection mode;

[0035] Figure 8 It is shown in Figure 7 A diagram of an example of an input screen to be displayed in the process illustrated in FIG.

[0036] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating charge and discharge control to be performed on a power storage device according to a charge and discharge schedule in response to a virtual power plant (VPP) request;

[0037] Fig.10 It is a graphic Figure 5 A diagram of a first variation of the prediction screen illustrated in FIG.

[0038] Fig.11 It is a graphic Figure 5 A diagram of a second variation of the prediction screen illustrated in FIG.

[0039] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a prediction screen when discharge requested by a VPP request signal is rejected in a second modification;

[0040] Fig.13 It is a graphic Figure 8 A diagram of a first variation of the input screen illustrated in FIG.

[0041] Fig.14 It is a graphic Figure 8 A diagram of a second variation of the input screen illustrated in FIG.

[0042] Fig.15 It is a graphic Figure 8 A diagram of a third variation of the input screen illustrated in FIG. ;

[0043] Fig.16 It is a graphic Figure 8 A diagram of a fourth variation of the input screen illustrated in FIG.

[0044] Fig.17 It is a graphic Figure 7 Figures of variations of the process illustrated in ; and

[0045] Fig.18 It is a graphic Figure 3 A diagram of a variation of the configuration of the control system illustrated in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are represented by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0047] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle 50 including a control system according to an embodiment. Figure 1The vehicle 50 includes a battery 130 storing electric power for traveling. The vehicle 50 can travel by using the electric power stored in the battery 130. The vehicle 50 according to the present embodiment is a pure electric vehicle (Battery Electric Vehicle, BEV) not equipped with an engine (internal combustion engine).

[0048] The battery 130 includes a secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. In the present embodiment, the secondary battery is a battery pack including a plurality of lithium-ion batteries. The battery pack is composed of a plurality of secondary batteries (also commonly referred to as "cells") electrically connected to each other. Other power storage devices such as double-layer capacitors may be used instead of secondary batteries. The battery 130 according to the present embodiment is an example of a "power storage device" of the present disclosure.

[0049] The vehicle 50 includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 150. The ECU 150 performs charging control and discharging control on the battery 130. The ECU 150 controls communication with the outside of the vehicle 50.

[0050] The vehicle 50 also includes a monitoring module 131 that monitors the state of the battery 130. The monitoring module 131 includes various sensors that detect the state of the battery 130 (e.g., voltage, current, and temperature). The monitoring module 131 outputs the detection results to the ECU 150. The monitoring module 131 may be a battery management system (BMS) that has a state of charge (SOC) estimation function, a state of health (SOH) estimation function, a battery body voltage balancing function, a diagnostic function, and a communication function in addition to a sensor function. The ECU 150 may obtain the state of the battery 130 (e.g., temperature, current, voltage, SOC, and internal resistance) based on the output of the monitoring module 131.

[0051] Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) 40 is an example of a power supply device outside the vehicle. A power supply circuit 41 is built into the main body of the EVSE 40. A charging cable 42 is connected to the main body of the EVSE 40. The charging cable 42 may be always connected to the main body of the EVSE 40, or may be detachable from the main body of the EVSE 40. The charging cable 42 has a connector 43 at its end, and includes a power line inside.

[0052] The vehicle 50 includes an inlet 110 for contact charging and a charger / discharger 120. The inlet 110 receives power supplied from the outside of the vehicle 50. The connector 43 of the charging cable 42 is connectable to the inlet 110. The vehicle 50 is plugged in by connecting (inserting) the connector 43 of the charging cable 42 connected to the main body of the EVSE 40 to the inlet 110 of the vehicle 50.

[0053] 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 (also called "backfeeding"). Although Figure 1 Only the inlet 110 and the charger / discharger 120 compatible with the power supply method of the EVSE 40 are illustrated, but the vehicle 50 may include a plurality of inlets to make the vehicle 50 compatible with various types of power supply methods (eg, AC method and Direct Current (DC) method).

[0054] The charger / discharger 120 is located between the access port 110 and the battery 130. The charger / discharger 120 includes a relay and a power conversion circuit (neither of which is shown in the figure). The relay switches the connection and disconnection of the power path from the access port 110 to the battery 130. The power conversion circuit performs AC-DC conversion in both directions. The power conversion circuit converts the AC power supplied from the EVSE 40 into DC power and outputs the DC power to the battery 130. The power conversion circuit also converts the DC power supplied from the battery 130 into AC power and outputs the AC power to the access port 110. Examples of power conversion circuits include bidirectional inverters. The charger / discharger 120 may also include at least one of a rectifier circuit, a power factor correction circuit, an insulation circuit, a transformer (e.g., an isolation transformer), and a filter circuit. The relay and the power conversion circuit in the charger / discharger 120 are controlled by the ECU 150.

[0055] The vehicle 50 further includes a monitoring module 121 that monitors the state of the charger / discharger 120. The monitoring module 121 includes various sensors that detect the state of the charger / discharger 120 and outputs the detection results to the ECU 150. In the present embodiment, the monitoring module 121 detects the voltage and current input to the power conversion circuit and the voltage and current output from the power conversion circuit. The monitoring module 121 can detect the charging power and the discharging power of the battery 130.

[0056] External charging (i.e., charging the battery 130 with power supplied from outside the vehicle) and external power feeding (i.e., supplying power from the vehicle 50 to the outside of the vehicle) can be performed in the plug-in vehicle 50. Power for external charging is supplied to the inlet 110 from the EVSE 40, for example. The charger / discharger 120 converts the power received by the inlet 110 into power suitable for charging the battery 130 and outputs the converted power to the battery 130. Power for external power feeding is supplied from the battery 130 to the charger / discharger 120. The charger / discharger 120 converts the power supplied from the battery 130 into power suitable for external power feeding and outputs the converted power to the inlet 110. When external charging or external power feeding is performed, the relay of the charger / discharger 120 is closed (connected). When the relay of the charger / discharger 120 is disconnected (not connected) when neither external charging nor external power feeding is performed.

[0057] ECU 150 includes a processor 151, a random access memory (RAM) 152, a storage device 153, and a timer 154. ECU 150 may be a computer. Processor 151 may be a central processing unit (CPU). RAM 152 is used as a working memory for temporarily storing data processed by processor 151. Storage device 153 may save stored information. Storage device 153 includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) and a rewritable non-volatile memory. Storage device 153 stores programs and information to be used in the programs (e.g., mapping, mathematical expressions, and various parameters). In the present embodiment, various types of control in ECU 150 are executed by processor 151 executing programs stored in storage device 153. Various types of control in ECU 150 may be executed not only by software but also by dedicated hardware (electronic circuit). ECU 150 may include any number of processors and may have a processor for each predetermined control.

[0058] When the set time arrives, the timer 154 notifies the processor 151. When the time set on the timer 154 arrives, the timer 154 sends a notification signal to the processor 151. In this embodiment, the timer 154 is a timer circuit. The timer 154 can be implemented by software instead of hardware (timer circuit). The ECU 150 can obtain the current time by using a real-time clock (RTC) circuit (not shown) built in the ECU 150.

[0059] The vehicle 50 further includes a travel drive unit 140, an input device 161, an instrument panel 162, a navigation system (hereinafter, referred to as "NAVI") 170, a communication device 180, and drive wheels W. The drive system for the vehicle 50 is not limited to Figure 1 Front-wheel drive shown, may be rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

[0060] The travel drive unit 140 includes a power control unit (PCU) and a motor generator (MG) (neither of which is shown in the figure), and uses the power stored in the battery 130 to drive the vehicle 50. The PCU includes, for example, an inverter, a converter, 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. Examples of MG include a three-phase AC motor generator. The MG is driven by the PCU to rotate the drive wheel W. The PCU drives the MG using power supplied from the battery 130. The MG regeneratively generates power and supplies the generated power to the battery 130. The SMR switches the connection and disconnection of the power path from the battery 130 to the MG. The SMR is closed (connected) when the vehicle 50 is traveling.

[0061] The input device 161 receives input from the user. The input device 161 is operated by the user and outputs a signal corresponding to the user's operation to the ECU 150. Examples of the input device 161 include various switches, various pointing devices, keyboards, and touch panels. The input device 161 may include a smart speaker that receives voice input.

[0062] The instrument panel 162 displays information about the vehicle 50. For example, the instrument panel 162 displays various types of information about the vehicle 50 measured by various sensors mounted on the vehicle 50. The information to be displayed on the instrument panel 162 may include at least one of the outside air temperature, the driving speed of the vehicle 50, the SOC of the battery 130, the energy efficiency of the vehicle 50, and the driving distance of the vehicle 50. The instrument panel 162 may be a touch panel display. The instrument panel 162 is controlled by the ECU 150. When a predetermined condition is met, the ECU 150 may cause the instrument panel 162 to display a message or a warning light for the user.

[0063] NAVI 170 includes a processor, a storage device, a touch panel display, and a global positioning system (GPS) module (all not shown). The storage device stores map information. The touch panel display receives input from the user and displays a map and other information. The GPS module receives a signal from a GPS satellite (hereinafter referred to as a "GPS signal"). NAVI 170 can determine the location of the vehicle 50 by using the GPS signal. NAVI 170 performs a route search for finding a driving route (e.g., the shortest route) from the current location of the vehicle 50 to the destination, and displays the driving route found by the route search on a map.

[0064] 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 2 ) for wireless communication. The communication device 180 may include a data communication module (Data Communication Module, DCM). The communication device 180 may include a communication I / F compatible with the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G). The ECU 150 communicates with a communication device outside the vehicle 50 via the communication device 180. The communication device 180 according to the present embodiment is an example of a “communication device” according to the present disclosure.

[0065] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a power system according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 The power system 1 illustrated in the figure is a vehicle grid integration (VGI) system. The power system 1 is used as a virtual power plant (VPP). VPP is a system that integrates a large number of distributed energy resources (Distributed Energy Resource, hereinafter referred to as "DER") by using advanced energy management technology of the Internet of Things (IoT) and performs remote integrated control on DER so that DER operates as if they were a single power plant. Examples of DER include customer-owned energy resources (hereinafter also referred to as "demand-side resources (Demand-Side Resource, DSR)"). In the power system 1, the DSR used to implement the VPP is a vehicle 50 (i.e., an electrified vehicle including a power storage device). Examples of the vehicle 50 include a personally owned vehicle (Personally Owned Vehicle, POV). EVSE 40 is a home EVSE installed in the home of the user of the vehicle 50.

[0066] In this embodiment, the power system 1 includes a grid PG, a server 10, a server 30, a smart meter 11, a plurality of EVSEs (only EVSE 40 is shown), and a plurality of DSRs (only vehicle 50 is shown). The number of electrified vehicles and the number of EVSEs in the power system 1 are independent of each other and can be appropriately determined. The power system 1 may include 10 or more electrified vehicles and 10 or more EVSEs, or may include 100 or more electrified vehicles and 100 or more EVSEs.

[0067] The mobile terminal 80 is an example of a mobile terminal carried by a user of the vehicle 50. In the present embodiment, each mobile terminal 80 is a smartphone with a touch panel display. Each mobile terminal 80 is not limited to a smartphone with a touch panel display, and may be any mobile terminal. For example, each mobile terminal 80 may be a tablet computer, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch), or an electronic key.

[0068] Figure 2 The vehicle 50 shown in the figure is electrically connected to the EVSE 40. When the connector 43 of the charging cable 42 connected to the main body of 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 power can also be transmitted between the EVSE 40 and the vehicle 50. Therefore, the vehicle 50 is ready for external charging and external power feeding. The communication device 180 mounted on the vehicle 50 communicates with the EVSE 40 via the charging cable 42. The communication system between the EVSE 40 and the vehicle 50 may be any system, such as a controller area network (CAN) or a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0069] The power circuit 41 built in the main body of 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 circuit 41 and the charging cable 42, the battery 130 is externally charged. When the vehicle 50 performs external power feeding to the EVSE 40, power can be reversely supplied from the vehicle 50 to the power grid PG 41 via the charging cable 42 and the power circuit 41. The power circuit 41 converts the power supplied from the power grid PG into power suitable for external charging, and also converts the power supplied from the vehicle 50 into power suitable for reverse power flow.

[0070] The smart meter 11 measures the amount of power supplied from the EVSE 40 to the vehicle 50. The smart meter 11 also measures the amount of power supplied in reverse from the vehicle 50 to the EVSE 40. The smart meter 11 measures the power usage at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 30 minutes), stores the measured power usage, and transmits the measured power usage to the server 10. The server 10 transmits the measured value of the smart meter 11 to the server 30 as needed. The server 10 may transmit the measured value of the smart meter 11 to the server 30 periodically or according to the request of the server 30.

[0071] The communication device 180 mounted on the vehicle 50 performs wireless communication with the server 30. The server 30 according to the present embodiment is an example of an "external computer" according to the present disclosure. The signal transmitted between the communication device 180 and the server 30 may be encrypted. In the present embodiment, the communication device 180 mounted on the vehicle 50 and the mobile terminal 80 perform wireless communication with each other. The ECU 150 can control the mobile terminal 80 through wireless communication so that the mobile terminal 80 issues a notification to the user. The communication between the communication device 180 and the mobile terminal 80 may be a short-range communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) (e.g., direct communication inside and around the vehicle).

[0072] Predetermined application software (hereinafter, simply referred to as "application") is installed in the mobile terminal 80. The mobile terminal 80 is carried by the user of the vehicle 50, and can exchange information with the server 30 via the application. The user can operate the application via, for example, a touch panel display (not shown) of the mobile terminal 80. The touch panel display of the mobile terminal 80 can issue a notification to the user of the vehicle 50.

[0073] The server 10 belongs to the power transmission and distribution business operator. In this embodiment, the power company acts as both a power producer and a power transmission and distribution business operator. The power plant and the power transmission and distribution facilities (neither of which is shown in the figure) constitute the power network (i.e., the power grid PG). The power transmission and distribution facilities include transmission lines, substations, and distribution lines, and transmit and distribute the electricity supplied from the power plant. Examples of power plants include thermal power plants, hydropower plants, nuclear power plants, and variable renewable energy sources (photovoltaic power generation facilities and wind power generation facilities).

[0074] The power company maintains and manages the server 10, the smart meter 11, and the grid PG. The power company can make a profit, for example, 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 the present embodiment, the power company is an example of a grid operator that operates the grid PG.

[0075] Electricity practitioners who integrate DER and provide energy management services are called "integrators". Electric companies may work with, for example, integrators to perform power adjustments on the power grid PG (e.g., balancing supply and demand). The electric company or integrator makes a request to each customer for power adjustments on the power grid PG, and each customer responds to the request to perform power adjustments on the power grid PG. This system is generally referred to as "demand response (DR)". The request for power adjustment on the power grid PG is also referred to as a "VPP request" hereinafter. The VPP request can be a request to increase charging (positive DR), a request to reduce charging (negative DR), or a request to discharge (negative DR). A VPP request is an example of an "energy management request" according to the present disclosure.

[0076] 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 belongs to the integrator. The automobile manufacturer can also act as an integrator. The automobile manufacturer can easily obtain information about the vehicles they manufacture. Each vehicle 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, the amount of stored electricity) 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 can save various types of information. The communication device 33 includes various communication I / Fs. The control device 31 communicates with the outside via the communication device 33.

[0077] The server 30 can communicate with the server 10, the vehicle 50, and the mobile terminal 80. In the present embodiment, the terminal (server 30) of the integrator can communicate with the terminal (server 10) of the power company and the terminal (communication device 180 and mobile terminal 80) of the vehicle user. The present disclosure is not limited to this case, and the power system 1 may separately include a server for contacting the power company and a server for contacting the vehicle user. These servers may be managed by different power practitioners (e.g., upper integrators and lower integrators).

[0078] When the server 10 performs power adjustment, the server 10 first selects the required number of integrators for power adjustment from a plurality of integrators, and issues a VPP request to the selected integrators. The server 30 selects the required number of VPP cooperative vehicles to respond to the VPP request of the server 10. VPP cooperative vehicles refer to vehicles participating in VPP (requested power adjustment). VPP cooperative vehicles are selected from a plurality of vehicles (including vehicle 50) belonging to users who have signed a contract with the integrator in advance. Those users who have signed a contract can receive a predetermined reward (incentive) by performing charging or discharging in response to a request from the integrator. Users who do not respond to the request may be subject to a predetermined penalty according to the contract.

[0079] In the present embodiment, when the selection of the VPP cooperative vehicle is completed, the server 30 determines the charging and discharging schedule of each VPP cooperative vehicle and sends a VPP request signal to the user of each VPP cooperative vehicle. The VPP request signal includes the type of power adjustment requested (e.g., increase charging, decrease charging, or discharge), the VPP request period (more specifically, the start time and end time of the requested power adjustment), the charging and discharging schedule in the VPP request period (e.g., conversion of charging and discharging power), and reward information. The VPP request signal according to the present embodiment requests the user of the VPP cooperative vehicle to prepare the VPP cooperative vehicle so that the server 30 can perform charging and discharging control on the VPP cooperative vehicle by remote control during the VPP request period. When the start time of the VPP request period set for the VPP cooperative vehicle arrives, the server 30 performs the power adjustment requested by the server 10 by sending a charging and discharging command to the VPP cooperative vehicle (more specifically, a command to make the VPP cooperative vehicle perform charging and discharging control). The reward information indicates an incentive to be given to the user who responds to the request from the server 30.

[0080] The server 30 measures the power adjustment amount of each VPP cooperative vehicle using a predetermined meter. The predetermined meter may be a smart meter 11 or a meter mounted on the vehicle 50 (e.g., monitoring module 121 and monitoring module 131). The meter may be mounted at any location. The EVSE 40 may include the meter. The meter may be attached to a portable charging cable.

[0081] The server 30 manages the incentive information of each user, while distinguishing the incentive information based on the user identifier (ID). The incentive information includes, for example, the incentive acquisition amount. The incentive acquisition amount is the total amount of the reward obtained by the user in response to the VPP request by performing the power adjustment. The server 30 can calculate the reward amount for the power adjustment based on an expression such as "reward amount = incentive unit price × power adjustment amount". In the present embodiment, the incentive unit price is linked to the market price. Therefore, the incentive unit price varies according to the time period. In the present embodiment, an incentive point system is adopted. That is, the incentive acquisition amount is counted in points. As the points increase, the value increases. Points can be treated like virtual currency, or can be converted into cash. Points can also be converted into goods or rights (for example, the right to receive services commensurate with the number of points). The incentive system is not limited to the incentive point system and can be arbitrarily determined by contract.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the server 30 and the EVSE 40 do not communicate with each other. However, the server 30 and the EVSE 40 may communicate with each other. The server 30 may communicate with the vehicle 50 via the EVSE 40. The EVSE 40 may 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).

[0083] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the ECU 150 of the vehicle 50. Figure 1 and Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 ECU 150 includes a first control unit 511, a second control unit 512, and a third control unit 513. In the present embodiment, the first control unit 511, the second control unit 512, and the third control unit 513 are examples of a "first control device," a "second control device," and a "third control device," respectively, according to the present disclosure. In ECU 150 according to the present embodiment, the above units are Figure 1 The units are embodied by the processor 151 shown in FIG. 1 and by a program (for example, a program stored in the storage device 153) executed by the processor 151. These units are not necessarily embodied by the processor 151 and the program, but may be embodied by dedicated hardware (electronic circuit).

[0084] The detection values ​​of various sensors mounted on the vehicle 50 are input to the ECU 150. In addition to the monitoring module 121 and the monitoring module 131, the vehicle 50 also includes, for example, a position sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an accelerator sensor, an outside air temperature sensor, and a charging cable connection detection circuit (not shown). The ECU 150 uses the detection values ​​for control as needed. The ECU 150 sequentially sends the status of the vehicle 50 (including, for example, the connection status of the charging cable and the SOC of the battery 130) to the server 30. For example, the server 30 remotely controls the vehicle 50 during the VPP request period while referring to the information received from the vehicle 50.

[0085] The first control unit 511 controls charging and discharging of the battery 130. The second control unit 512 controls the display of the instrument panel 162, the NAVI 170, and the mobile terminal 80. The third control unit 513 performs predetermined processing based on the user's input to each of the input device 161, the NAVI 170, and the mobile terminal 80.

[0086] The second control unit 512 can operate in each control mode as a user selection mode (first control mode) or an automatic selection mode (second control mode). The third control unit 513 switches the control mode (user selection mode / automatic selection mode) of the second control unit 512 based on the user's input to a predetermined input device (hereinafter, referred to as "mode input device"). In the present embodiment, the input device 161 is a mode input device. The present disclosure is not limited to this case, and at least one of the NAVI 170 and the mobile terminal 80 can be used as a mode input device instead of or in addition to the input device 161.

[0087] For example, when the user selects the user selection mode via the mode input device, the second control unit 512 operates in the user selection mode. Figure 4 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the ECU 150 when the second control unit 512 operates in the user selection mode. For example, when the vehicle 50 receives a VPP request signal while the second control unit 512 operates in the user selection mode, the process in the flowchart is started. In the present embodiment, when the vehicle 50 is selected as a VPP cooperation vehicle, the server 30 transmits the VPP request signal to the communication device 180 of the vehicle 50. Hereinafter, each step in the flowchart is simply represented by a step number starting with the letter "S".

[0088] Reference Figure 4 as well as Figures 1 to 3In S11, the second control unit 512 determines the charging and discharging schedule within a predetermined target period and predicts the transition of the first parameter and the second parameter within the target period. In the present embodiment, the target period is a period from the current moment (i.e., the moment when the vehicle 50 receives the VPP request signal) to a predetermined period (e.g., 24 hours). The target period includes the VPP request period. The first parameter is related to the remaining power of the battery 130. In the present embodiment, the SOC of the battery 130 is used as the first parameter. The second parameter is related to the amount of reward for energy management. In the present embodiment, the unit price of the incentive given to the user who responds to the VPP request is used as the second parameter.

[0089] In this example, the energy management requested by the VPP request signal is discharging. Through the processing of S11, the charging and discharging schedule (transition of charging and discharging power) of the target period is determined so that the discharging requested by the VPP request signal is performed during the VPP request period, and the charging that makes the SOC of the battery 130 closer to the predetermined target value (e.g., 80%) is performed outside the VPP request period.

[0090] In S12, the second control unit 512 causes a predetermined display device (hereinafter, referred to as "screen display device") to display a predicted screen. The predicted screen shows, on the same time axis, predicted transitions of the first parameter and the second parameter within the target period under the assumption that the first control unit 511 performs charge and discharge control on the battery 130 as requested by the VPP request signal. The screen display device is, for example, at least one of the input device 161, NAVI 170, and the mobile terminal 80. In the present embodiment, when the communication device 180 receives a VPP request signal from the server 30 while the second control unit 512 is operating in the user selection mode, the second control unit 512 causes the screen display device to display the predicted screen as described above.

[0091] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a prediction screen. Figure 5 , the prediction screen shows a chart M11, a message M12, a "yes" button M13, and a "no" button M14, and prompts the user to select to accept or reject the VPP request.

[0092] Graph M11 shows on the same time axis the predicted transition of the first parameter and the second parameter under the assumption that the first control unit 511 performs charge and discharge control on the battery 130 as requested by the VPP request signal. More specifically, Figure 5 The diagram M11 in FIG. 1 shows on the same time axis that the first control unit 511 follows the Figure 4Under the assumption that the charge and discharge schedule determined in S11 performs charge and discharge control on the battery 130 within the target period, the predicted transition of the remaining battery power (SOC of the battery 130) within the target period (line L1) and the predicted transition of the incentive unit price within the target period (line L2).

[0093] The message M12 indicates descriptions about a "yes" button M13 and a "no" button M14. The user can select the "yes" button M13 or the "no" button M14 by, for example, touching the screen. These buttons are not limited to virtual buttons displayed on the touch panel display, and may be physical buttons.

[0094] Figure 6 It is a graphic Figure 5 The prediction screen shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the prediction screen is displayed on the touch panel display, the user touches the graph M11 to display the remaining battery power and the incentive unit price (eg, Figure 6 The time may be specified by a pointing device other than a touch panel, or by inputting a numerical value.

[0095] Through the prediction screen, the user can easily grasp how much power remains in the battery 130 during the time period in which the user expects to use the battery 130. For example, when the user plans to use the vehicle 50 to set off at 24:00, the user checks whether the SOC of the battery 130 is sufficient for the vehicle 50 to travel at 24:00. When the user judges that the SOC of the battery 130 is sufficient at 24:00, the user can accept the VPP request by selecting the "Yes" button M13. Selecting the "Yes" button M13 means that information indicating that the VPP request has been accepted is input to a predetermined input device (e.g., a touch panel of a screen display device). When the user judges that the SOC of the battery 130 is insufficient at 24:00, the user can reject the VPP request by selecting the "No" button M14. Selecting the "No" button M14 means that information indicating that the VPP request has been rejected is input to a predetermined input device (e.g., a touch panel of a screen display device).

[0096] Return to reference Figure 4 as well as Figures 1 to 3 In S13, the third control unit 513 determines whether the VPP request has been accepted. The third control unit 513 determines "yes" in S13 when the user selects the "yes" button M13, and determines "no" in S13 when the user selects the "no" button M14. After the prediction screen is displayed in S12, when a predetermined period (for example, 100 seconds) has passed without selecting any button, the third control unit 513 also determines "no" in S13.

[0097] When it is determined as "yes" in S13, in S14, the third control unit 513 notifies the server 30 of the request acceptance. After the third control unit 513 sets the charging and discharging schedule within the target period on the first control unit 511 in S15, Figure 4 The series of processes illustrated in is terminated. As a result, the server 30 is allowed to perform remote control on the first control unit 511. The charging and discharging schedule within the target period is the charging and discharging schedule determined in S11. The target period according to the present embodiment is longer than the VPP request period. The VPP request period is an example of a period in which power adjustment (e.g., discharging the battery 130) is performed in response to an accepted VPP request.

[0098] When it is determined as "NO" in S13, in S16, the third control unit 513 notifies the server 30 of the request rejection. When notified of the request rejection, the server 30 may cancel the selection of the vehicle 50 and select another VPP cooperation vehicle to replace the vehicle 50. Then, Figure 4 The series of processes illustrated in FIG. 1 are terminated without setting the charge and discharge schedule on the first control unit 511 (S17). In the present embodiment, remote control of the first control unit 511 is permitted by setting the charge and discharge schedule in response to the VPP request on the first control unit 511. Therefore, when the charge and discharge schedule is not set (S17), the server 30 is prohibited from performing remote control on the first control unit 511.

[0099] The charge and discharge control of the battery 130 is performed within a predetermined SOC range (hereinafter, referred to as the "operating SOC range"). The operating SOC range may be 10% to 90%. For example, when the SOC of the battery 130 reaches the lower limit of the operating SOC range during the discharge of the battery 130, the first control unit 511 stops the discharge of the battery 130. When the second control unit 512 cannot create a charge and discharge schedule within the operating SOC range in S11, the vehicle 50 cannot respond to the VPP request. Therefore, it is judged as "No" in S13.

[0100] The user selection mode has been described above. Next, the automatic selection mode will be described. When the user selects the automatic selection mode via the mode input device, the second control unit 512 operates in the automatic selection mode. Figure 7 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the ECU 150 when the second control unit 512 operates in the automatic selection mode. For example, when the vehicle 50 receives a VPP request signal while the second control unit 512 operates in the automatic selection mode, the processing in the flowchart is started. The energy management requested by the VPP request signal is discharge as an example.

[0101] Reference Figure 7 as well as Figures 1 to 3In S21, the third control unit 513 causes a predetermined display device to display an input screen. In this embodiment, the predetermined display device is the same as the screen display device described above. Although it will be described in detail later, the input screen is a screen for receiving input from a user.

[0102] In S22, it is determined whether the input from the user is completed. The screen display device displays the input screen and receives the input from the user until the input from the user is completed. When the input from the user is completed ("Yes" in S22), the third control unit 513 sets the VPP participation condition in S23 based on the value input by the user. In S24, the second control unit 512 determines the charging and discharging schedule within the target period, and predicts the transition of the remaining battery power (SOC of the battery 130) within the target period. The target period is, for example, Figure 4 The method for determining the charging and discharging schedule in S24 is the same as that in Figure 4 In S25, the second control unit 512 determines whether the VPP participation condition is satisfied based on the predicted transition of the remaining battery power estimated in S24.

[0103] When the VPP participation condition is satisfied (Yes in S25), in S26, the second control unit 512 notifies the server 30 of the request acceptance. After the second control unit 512 sets the charging and discharging schedule within the target period determined in S24 on the first control unit 511 in S27, Figure 7 As a result, the server 30 is allowed to perform remote control on the first control unit 511.

[0104] When the VPP participation condition is not satisfied (No in S25), in S28, the second control unit 512 notifies the server 30 of the request rejection. Then, Figure 7 The series of processes illustrated in FIG. 1 is terminated without setting the charge and discharge schedule on the first control unit 511 (S29). In this case, the remote control on the first control unit 511 is prohibited.

[0105] As described above, when the communication device 180 receives a VPP request signal from the server 30 while the second control unit 512 is operating in the automatic selection mode, the second control unit 512 determines whether the VPP request is accepted based on a predetermined condition (VPP participation condition) (S25), and notifies the server 30 of the judgment result (S26 and S28).

[0106] Figure 8 The icon should be Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen displayed in S21. Figure 8 as well as Figure 7, the input screen shows a message M21, an input field M22, and an "OK" button M23. The message M21 prompts the user to input the VPP participation conditions. The input field M22 is a blank area for inputting the lower limit value of the SOC of the battery 130 during the VPP implementation. In this embodiment, the value that can be input to the input field M22 is limited to a value higher than the lower limit value of the operating SOC range. When the user presses the "OK" button M23 after inputting a value to the input field M22, the user enters the value. Figure 7 The judgment in S22 is "Yes". For example, when "30%" is input into the input field M22 and the "Confirm" button M23 is pressed, the VPP participation condition is set to the condition that the SOC of the battery 130 does not drop below 30% during the VPP implementation in S23. In S25, a judgment is made as to whether the SOC of the battery 130 does not drop below 30% during the VPP implementation (VPP request period). When it is predicted that the minimum value of the SOC of the battery 130 during the VPP implementation is 30% or more, a judgment is made that the VPP participation condition is satisfied ("Yes" in S25), and the processing proceeds to S26. When it is predicted that the SOC of the battery 130 during the VPP implementation drops below 30%, it is judged that the VPP participation condition is not satisfied ("No" in S25), and the processing proceeds to S28.

[0107] As described above, the lower limit value of the SOC of the battery 130 is specified as a VPP participation condition. When the second control unit 512 operating in the automatic selection mode predicts that the SOC of the battery 130 has dropped below the lower limit value in a case where the first control unit 511 performs charge and discharge control on the battery 130 in response to the VPP request, the second control unit 512 determines that the VPP request is rejected. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress an excessive reduction in the remaining power of the battery 130 through energy management. The user can ensure the power corresponding to the lower limit value in the battery 130. The power corresponding to the lower limit value may be power that ensures sufficient driving capability in the vehicle 50 that the user can feel assured of, or may be power to be used by the user in the event of a power outage.

[0108] The automatic selection mode has been described above. The ECU 150 according to the present embodiment may prompt the user to switch between the user selection mode in which the user determines whether to respond to the energy management request and the automatic selection mode in which the user automatically determines whether to respond to the energy management request. For example, the user may adopt the user selection mode in the initial stage to view the prediction screen and carefully determine whether to respond to the energy management request, and may switch the user selection mode to the automatic selection mode to automatically determine whether to respond to the energy management request when grasping a certain trend.

[0109] When operating in the user selection mode, the second control unit 512 may update the VPP participation condition by learning using historical data. By learning using historical data of the user's judgment to update the judgment criteria (VPP participation condition) used in the automatic judgment, the automatic judgment can be easily performed in a manner similar to the user's judgment. The historical data may include the predicted transition of the first parameter, the predicted transition of the second parameter, and information indicating whether the request has been accepted. The second control unit 512 may set the VPP participation condition through statistical analysis so that the automatic judgment based on the VPP participation condition has the same result as the result of the user's judgment. The second control unit 512 may grasp the trend of the user's judgment by learning using historical data. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to improve learning accuracy.

[0110] Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart illustrating charge and discharge control to be performed on the battery 130 according to the charge and discharge schedule in response to the VPP request. When the start time of the charge and discharge schedule set on the first control unit 511 (the start time of the target period) arrives while the vehicle 50 is plugged in, the processing of the flowchart starts. In the target period (including the VPP request period), the charge and discharge command is sent from the server 30 to the vehicle 50. When the charge and discharge schedule is not set on the first control unit 511, it is not performed. Fig. 9 The process shown in FIG.

[0111] Reference Fig. 9 as well as Figures 1 to 3 In S31, the first control unit 511 controls the charge and discharge of the battery 130 in response to the charge and discharge command received from the server 30. In S32, the first control unit 511 determines whether the end time of the set charge and discharge schedule has arrived. The processing of S31 and S32 is repeated until the end time of the charge and discharge schedule arrives. When the end time of the charge and discharge schedule has arrived ("Yes" in S32), in S33, the first control unit 511 notifies the server 30 of the end. When the first control unit 511 resets the charge and discharge schedule in S34, Fig. 9 The series of processing illustrated in FIG. 1 is terminated. By resetting the charge and discharge schedule in S34, no charge and discharge schedule is set for the first control unit 511. Therefore, remote control of the first control unit 511 is prohibited.

[0112] As described above, the vehicle 50 performs charging and discharging according to the charging and discharging schedule set on the first control unit 511 (i.e., accepted charging and discharging) in the plug-in state in response to the command from the server 30. The server 30 remotely controls the plug-in vehicle 50 so that the battery 130 is charged and discharged by Fig. 9The process illustrated in FIG. 5 is charged and discharged according to the charge and discharge schedule set on the first control unit 511. The charge and discharge control of the battery 130 is performed in a state where the power grid PG and the battery 130 are electrically connected to each other. In an example where the energy management requested by the VPP request signal is discharge, external power feeding is performed during the VPP request period by remote control.

[0113] As described above, the control system according to the present embodiment is mounted on the vehicle 50, and includes the battery 130, the screen display device (for example, at least one of the input device 161, the NAVI 170, and the mobile terminal 80), and the ECU 150. The ECU 150 includes a first control unit 511 that performs charge and discharge control on the battery 130 and a second control unit 512 that controls the display of the screen display device. The second control unit 512 causes the screen display device to display a prediction screen (i.e., showing on the same time axis, the predicted transition of the first parameter related to the remaining power of the battery 130 and the predicted transition of the second parameter related to the reward amount for energy management under the assumption that the first control unit 511 performs charge and discharge control on the battery 130 in response to the energy management request). From the prediction screen, the user can easily grasp how much power remains in the battery 130 during the time period in which the user expects to use the battery 130. From the prediction screen, the user can check the reward amount when responding to the energy management request. This makes it easier for the user to compare the advantages and disadvantages of responding to the energy management request. The user can easily and appropriately judge whether to respond to the request.

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, in the target period (including the VPP request period), the charge and discharge command is sent from the server 30 to the vehicle 50. During the target period, the charge and discharge control of the battery 130 is performed by remote control. The present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. Only the charge and discharge control in the VPP request period may be performed by remote control, and the charge and discharge control outside the VPP request period may be performed by local control of the ECU 150 instead of remote control (command from an external computer).

[0115] It is not necessary that the vehicle 50 be remotely controlled during the VPP request period. Figure 4 S15 or Figure 7 When the start time of the charge and discharge schedule set on the first control unit 511 in S24 arrives, the first control unit 511 may perform charge and discharge control on the battery 130 according to the charge and discharge schedule.

[0116] The prediction screen is not limited to Figure 5 The screen shown in the figure can be modified appropriately. For example, Figure 5The prediction screen illustrated in shows the predicted transition as a line chart, but the predicted transition can be shown in any format. For example, the prediction screen can show the predicted transition as a scatter plot. Figure 5 In the prediction screen shown in , the first parameter is the SOC of the battery 130, and the second parameter is the incentive unit price (reward unit price). The first parameter and the second parameter on the prediction screen can be changed as appropriate. Figure 5 The prediction screen shown in FIG. 1 can be changed as follows.

[0117] Fig.10 It is a graphic Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first variation of the prediction screen illustrated in FIG. Fig.10 , the forecast screen shows graph M11A instead of Figure 5 The chart M11 illustrated in FIG. 1 also shows an “SOC” button M15, a “possible cruising distance” button M16, an “incentive unit price” button M17, and a “cumulative incentive amount” button M18. The user can switch whether to display or hide the items corresponding to the buttons (the SOC of the battery 130, the possible cruising distance of the vehicle 50, the incentive unit price, and the cumulative incentive amount) by operating the buttons. The SOC of the battery 130 and the possible cruising distance of the vehicle 50 each correspond to an example of the first parameter. As the SOC of the battery 130 increases, the possible cruising distance of the vehicle 50 increases. The incentive unit price and the cumulative incentive amount each correspond to an example of the second parameter.

[0118] The prediction screen according to the first modification example shows the items for which "show" is selected with the button on the same time axis. For example, Fig.10 The graph M11A illustrated in FIG. 1 shows, on the same time axis, a predicted transition of the possible cruising distance of the vehicle 50 within the target period (line L3), a predicted transition of the incentive unit price within the target period (line L41), and a predicted transition of the accumulated incentive amount for VPP requests within the target period (line L42), under the assumption that the first control unit 511 performs charge and discharge control on the battery 130 in response to the VPP request. Fig.10 In the example illustrated in , the item “SOC” (SOC of the battery 130 ) is hidden among the four items. The user can switch the item “SOC” from “hide” to “show” by operating the “SOC” button M15 .

[0119] As mentioned above, in Fig.10In the variation example illustrated in FIG. 1 , the third control unit 513 selects one or more first parameters from the first options including the SOC of the battery 130 and the possible cruising range of the vehicle 50, and selects one or more second parameters from the second options including the incentive unit price (reward unit price) and the accumulated incentive amount (accumulated reward amount) based on the user's input to the predetermined input device (e.g., the touch panel of the screen display device). The second control unit 512 causes the screen display device to display the prediction screen ( Fig.10 ), the prediction screen shows the predicted transition of one or more first parameters selected from the first option and the predicted transition of one or more second parameters selected from the second option on the same time axis. According to such a configuration, the user can arbitrarily select the first parameter and the second parameter to be shown on the prediction screen from the predetermined candidates. The user can check multiple first parameters (or multiple second parameters) at the same time.

[0120] Fig.11 It is a graphic Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a diagram of a second variation of the prediction screen shown in FIG. Fig.11 In this modification, the target time period includes a first time period for requesting an increase in charging, a second time period for requesting a decrease in charging, and a third time period for requesting a discharge. Among the time periods in which a discharge is not requested, an increase in charging is requested during a time period when the electricity rate is equal to or lower than a predetermined reference rate, and a decrease in charging is requested during a time period when the electricity rate is higher than a predetermined reference rate. Figure 4 In S11, the charge and discharge schedule (transition of charge and discharge power) within the target period is determined to perform charging in response to the VPP request in the first time period, prohibit charging in response to the VPP request in the second time period, and perform discharging in response to the VPP request in the third time period. When the first control unit 511 performs charge and discharge control on the battery 130 according to the charge and discharge schedule, the vehicle 50 can respond to all the requested increase charging, requested decrease charging, and requested discharge. The user can change the charge and discharge schedule after the prediction screen is displayed.

[0121] Fig.11 The forecast screen shown in FIG. 1 shows a graph M11B instead of Figure 5 , and also shows an "increase charge" button M15A, a "decrease charge" button M16A, and a "discharge" button M17A. The user can switch the acceptance and rejection of the energy management request (increase charge, decrease charge, or discharge) linked to each button by operating the button.

[0122] The prediction screen according to the second modification shows, on the same time axis, predicted transitions of the first parameter and the second parameter under the assumption of responding to an energy management request accepted using a button. Fig.11The graph M11B illustrated in FIG. 1 shows, on the same time axis, a predicted transition of the remaining battery power (SOC of the battery 130) within the target period (line L51), a predicted transition of the unit price of electricity within the target period (line L61), and a predicted transition of the unit price of incentive for VPP request within the target period (line L7), assuming that the battery 130 is charged and discharged according to the charge and discharge schedule (i.e., responds to all requested increase charging, requested decrease charging, and requested discharge). With regard to the predicted transition of the unit price of electricity (line L61), a portion where charging is not performed is indicated by a dotted line. The unit price of electricity is an example of a second parameter. The accumulated amount of electricity charges may be used instead of the unit price of electricity.

[0123] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a prediction screen when the discharge requested by the VPP request signal is rejected in the second modification example. Fig.12 , when Fig.11 When the "Discharge" button M17A is operated on the prediction screen illustrated in FIG. 1 and the item "Discharge" is changed from "Accept" to "Reject", the charge and discharge schedule within the target period is changed so that the discharge within the third time period is not performed. When the first control unit 511 performs charge and discharge control on the battery 130 according to the changed charge and discharge schedule, the vehicle 50 can respond to the requested increase in charge and the requested decrease in charge. Fig.11 The diagram M11B shown in FIG. 1 is changed to Fig.12 Graph M11C illustrated in . Graph M11C shows on the same time axis the predicted transition of the remaining battery charge (SOC of the battery 130) within the target period (line L52) and the predicted transition of the unit price of electricity within the target period (line L62) under the assumption that the battery 130 is charged and discharged according to the changed charge and discharge schedule (i.e., responds to the requested increase in charging and the requested decrease in charging).

[0124] For example, in Figure 4 In S12 of FIG. 1 , a prediction screen according to the second modification is displayed. When the user rejects part of the request (e.g., one of increasing charging, decreasing charging, and discharging) and selects the “Yes” button M13, in S14, both the accepted request and the rejected request are notified to the server 30. For example, when Fig.12 When the "Yes" button M13 is selected in the state shown in FIG, the request for increasing charging and the request for decreasing charging are accepted, and the request for discharging is rejected. In S15, the charging and discharging schedule accepted by the user (i.e., the charging and discharging schedule in response to the request accepted by the user) is set on the first control unit 511.

[0125] The input screen is not limited to Figure 8 The screen shown in the figure can be changed appropriately. Fig.13 It is a graphic Figure 8 For example, referring to the first variation of the input screen shown in FIG. Fig.13 as well as Figure 7 , when the energy management requested by the VPP request signal is discharge, the input screen according to the first modification example is displayed. Fig.13 The input screen shown in FIG. 1 shows an input field M22A and an input field M22B instead of Figure 8 , and also shows a field M24 indicating a VPP request period. The input field M22A is a blank area for inputting the driving start time. The input field M22B is a blank area for inputting the lower limit value of the SOC of the battery 130 at the driving start time. For example, when "24:00" is input into the input field M22A, "30%" is input into the input field M22B, and the "Confirm" button M23 is pressed, the VPP participation condition is set to the condition that the SOC of the battery 130 does not drop below 30% at 24:00 in S23. In S25, a judgment is made as to whether the SOC of the battery 130 does not drop below 30% at 24:00. When the SOC of the battery 130 is 30% or higher at 24:00, it is judged that the VPP participation condition is satisfied ("Yes" in S25), and the processing proceeds to S26. When the SOC of the battery 130 drops below 30% at 24:00, a determination is made that the VPP participation condition is not satisfied (NO in S25), and the process proceeds to S28.

[0126] Fig.14 It is a graphic Figure 8 FIG. 2 is a diagram of a second variation of the input screen shown in FIG. Fig.14 as well as Figure 7 In addition to showing Figure 8 In addition to the message M21, input field M22 and "confirm" button M23 shown in FIG. 1 , a "do not implement VPP" button M25 is also shown. When the user presses the "do not implement VPP" button M25, Figure 7 The judgment in S25 is "No".

[0127] Fig.15 It is a graphic Figure 8 For example, referring to Fig.15 as well as Figure 7 , when the energy management requested by the VPP request signal is increased charging, an input screen according to the third modification example is displayed. Fig.15 The input screen shown in FIG. 1 shows an input field M22C instead of Figure 8. The input field M22C is a blank area for inputting the upper limit value of the SOC of the battery 130 during the VPP implementation. In this modification, the numerical value that can be input to the input field M22C is limited to a value lower than the upper limit value of the operating SOC range. For example, when "80%" is input to the input field M22C and the "Confirm" button M23 is pressed, Figure 7 In S23, the VPP participation condition is set to the condition that the SOC of the battery 130 does not exceed 80% during the VPP implementation. In S25, a judgment is made whether the SOC of the battery 130 does not exceed 80% during the VPP implementation. When it is predicted that the maximum value of the SOC of the battery 130 during the VPP implementation is 80% or less, a judgment is made that the VPP participation condition is satisfied ("Yes" in S25), and the processing proceeds to S26. When it is predicted that the SOC of the battery 130 during the VPP implementation exceeds 80%, a judgment is made that the VPP participation condition is not satisfied ("No" in S25), and the processing proceeds to S28.

[0128] According to the third modification, the upper limit value of the SOC of the battery 130 is specified as the VPP participation condition. The second control unit 512 operating in the automatic selection mode determines that the VPP request is rejected when the second control unit 512 predicts that the SOC of the battery 130 exceeds the upper limit value in the case where the first control unit 511 performs charge and discharge control on the battery 130 in response to the VPP request. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress an excessive increase in the remaining power of the battery 130 through energy management. Because the remaining power of the battery 130 does not increase excessively, the degradation of the battery 130 is suppressed. Both the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the remaining power of the battery 130 can be specified as the VPP participation condition.

[0129] Fig.16 It is a graphic Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a diagram of a fourth variation of the input screen shown in FIG. Fig.16 as well as Figure 7 , the input screen shows an input field M22D instead of Figure 8 . The desired reward amount (required reward amount) to be obtained by the user participating in the VPP (i.e., in response to the energy management request) is input into the input field M22D. For example, when "1000 points" is input into the input field M22D and the "Confirm" button M23 is pressed, Figure 7In S23 of the VPP request signal, the VPP participation condition is set to a condition that the amount of reward given to the user who responds to the request is 1000 points or more. In S25, a judgment is made as to whether the amount of reward indicated by the VPP request signal is 1000 points or more. When the amount of reward indicated by the VPP request signal is 1000 points or more, a judgment is made that the VPP participation condition is satisfied ("Yes" in S25), and the processing proceeds to S26. When the amount of reward indicated by the VPP request signal is less than 1000 points, a judgment is made that the VPP participation condition is not satisfied ("No" in S25), and the processing proceeds to S28.

[0130] According to the fourth modification, the requested reward amount is specified as a VPP participation condition. The second control unit 512 operating in the automatic selection mode determines that the request is accepted when the reward amount is equal to or greater than the expected amount (required reward amount) in the case where the first control unit 511 performs charge and discharge control on the battery 130 in response to the VPP request. This configuration makes it easier to participate in high-remuneration energy management.

[0131] Although a variation of the input screen has been described above, the display of the input screen is not essential. The VPP participation condition may be set without input from the user. When the second control unit 512 operates in the automatic selection mode, the ECU 150 may perform the following Fig.17 The processing shown in the figure is replaced by Figure 7 The process shown in FIG.

[0132] Fig.17 It is a graphic Figure 7 . Except that S21A, S23A and S25A are used instead of S21, S22, S23 and S25 ( Figure 7 ), Fig.17 The process illustrated in FIG. 1 is similar to Figure 7 The following will describe the processing shown in FIG. Fig.17 The diagram in the figure is processed, and the emphasis is on Fig.17 The differences in processing are shown in the figure.

[0133] In S21A, the second control unit 512 obtains a driving plan. The driving plan includes, for example, an estimated departure time and an estimated driving distance. The driving plan can be preset on NAVI 170. For example, when the user inputs the estimated departure time (driving start time) and the destination to NAVI 170, NAVI 170 detects the current position of the vehicle 50 based on the GPS signal and determines the driving route from the current position to the destination. NAVI 170 calculates the driving distance (i.e., the estimated driving distance) from the current position to the destination based on the determined driving route. In S21A, the second control unit 512 can obtain a driving plan from NAVI 170. When the driving plan is not set on NAVI 170, the second control unit 512 can request the user to set the driving plan.

[0134] In S23A, the second control unit 512 sets the VPP participation condition. When the estimated departure time is later than the end time of the VPP request period, the VPP participation condition is set to a condition that the possible cruising distance of the vehicle 50 at the estimated departure time is equal to or longer than the estimated travel distance. Fig.17 Although not shown in the figure, when the estimated departure time is earlier than the end time of the VPP request period (including the case where the estimated departure time is within the VPP request period), a determination is made that the VPP participation conditions are not met, and the process proceeds to S28.

[0135] In S24, the second control unit 512 determines the charging and discharging schedule within the target period, and predicts the transition of the remaining battery power (SOC of the battery 130) within the target period. In S25A, a judgment is made as to whether the possible cruising distance of the vehicle 50 at the estimated departure time is equal to or longer than the estimated driving distance. As the SOC of the battery 130 increases at the estimated departure time, the possible cruising distance of the vehicle 50 at the estimated departure time increases. When the possible cruising distance of the vehicle 50 at the estimated departure time is equal to or longer than the estimated driving distance, a judgment is made that the VPP participation condition is satisfied ("Yes" in S25A), and the processing proceeds to S26. When the possible cruising distance of the vehicle 50 at the estimated departure time is less than the estimated driving distance, a judgment is made that the VPP participation condition is not satisfied ("No" in S25A), and the processing proceeds to S28.

[0136] In the above-mentioned modification, the second control unit 512 operating in the automatic selection mode determines that the request is rejected when the first control unit 511 performs charge and discharge control on the battery 130 in response to the VPP request and when the second control unit 512 predicts that the vehicle 50 cannot travel according to the travel plan. According to such a configuration, the occurrence of a situation where the vehicle 50 cannot travel according to the travel plan can be reduced through energy management. More specifically, the occurrence of a situation where the vehicle 50 cannot travel according to the travel plan due to an excessive reduction in the remaining power of the battery 130 can be reduced through energy management. Since the vehicle 50 does not participate in the VPP when the estimated departure time is earlier than the end time of the VPP request period, the occurrence of a situation where the vehicle 50 cannot depart at the estimated departure time (the departure time of the travel plan) due to the vehicle 50 being forced to stay for energy management can be reduced.

[0137] The mobile terminal 80 may display the predicted screen. For example, the functions of the second control unit 512 and the third control unit 513 in the vehicle 50 may be implemented on the mobile terminal 80. Fig.18 It is a graphic Figure 3 A diagram of a variation of the configuration of the control system illustrated in FIG.

[0138] Reference Fig.18 According to the present modification, the mobile terminal 80A includes a second control unit 512A and a third control unit 513A. According to the present modification, the vehicle 50A includes an ECU 150A. The ECU 150A includes a first control unit 511A. The first control unit 511A, the second control unit 512A, and the third control unit 513A have respective Figure 3 1 and 12. In the present 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" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0139] The mobile terminal 80A includes a control device 81, a touch panel display 82, and a communication device 83. The control device 81 may be a computer. The control device 81 includes a processor and performs predetermined information processing. The control device 81 performs wireless communication with the outside via the communication device 83. The control device 81 includes a second control unit 512A and a third control unit 513A. The second control unit 512A and the third control unit 513A are embodied, for example, by a processor and a program executed by the processor. These units are not necessarily embodied by a processor and a program, but may be embodied by dedicated hardware (electronic circuit).

[0140] The mobile terminal 80A is carried by the user of the vehicle 50A and used as a user interface. In the mobile terminal 80A, the touch panel display 82 is used as a mode input device and a screen display device. When the vehicle 50A is selected as a VPP cooperation vehicle, a VPP request signal is sent from the server 30 to the mobile terminal 80A.

[0141] When the mobile terminal 80A receives the VPP request signal while the second control unit 512A is operating in the user selection mode, the mobile terminal 80A executes Figure 4 The processing illustrated in FIG. 5 and the second control unit 512A causes the touch panel display 82 to display a prediction screen (eg, see FIG. 5 ). Figure 5 , Figures 10 to 12 )(S12). In this case, the user of vehicle 50A can view the prediction screen and determine whether to accept the request. When the user of vehicle 50A inputs the request acceptance to mobile terminal 80A ("Yes" in S13), mobile terminal 80A notifies server 30 of the request acceptance (S14). Then, mobile terminal 80A sends a VPP request signal to vehicle 50A ( Fig.18 ). When the user of the vehicle 50A inputs a request rejection to the mobile terminal 80A (No in S13), the mobile terminal 80A notifies the server 30 of the request rejection (S16).

[0142] When the mobile terminal 80A receives the VPP request signal while the second control unit 512A is operating in the automatic selection mode, the mobile terminal 80A executes Figure 7 When the request is accepted (Yes in S25), the mobile terminal 80A notifies the server 30 of the request acceptance (S26). Then, the mobile terminal 80A sends a VPP request signal to the vehicle 50A ( Fig.18 ). When the request is rejected (No in S25), the mobile terminal 80A notifies the server 30 of the request rejection (S28).

[0143] The mobile terminal 80A according to the present modification displays a prediction screen on the same time axis, which shows the predicted transition of the first parameter related to the remaining power of the battery 130 and the predicted transition of the second parameter related to the reward amount for energy management, assuming that the charge and discharge control is performed on the battery 130 in response to the energy management request. Through such a display device (mobile terminal 80A), the advantages and disadvantages of responding to the energy management request can be clearly shown to the user.

[0144] The second control unit 512 ( Figure 3 ) and the second control unit 512A ( Fig.18 It is not necessary that each of the second control unit 512 and the second control unit 512A can operate in multiple control modes. Each of the second control unit 512 and the second control unit 512A can always operate in the user-selected mode.

[0145] The configuration of the power system including the management computer for the power network is not limited to Figure 2 The configuration illustrated in . For example, server 10 may have the functions of server 30, and server 30 may be omitted. Server 10 may be used as a management computer for an electric power network. Electric power companies may be split up by business. Electric power producers and transmission and distribution business operators may be different companies. Vehicle 50 may be a vehicle belonging to a user who has signed an incentive contract with an electric power producer or a transmission and distribution business operator. The electric power network is not limited to a large-scale electric power network (grid) developed as an infrastructure, and may be a microgrid. The computer that sends the VPP request signal may be a server for an electric power market (e.g., a balancing market).

[0146] The vehicle configuration is not limited to Figure 1 The configuration illustrated in . For example, the vehicle may be contactlessly chargeable. The vehicle is not limited to a passenger car, and may be a bus or a truck. The vehicle is not limited to a POV, and may be a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) vehicle. 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 (AGV) or agricultural machinery).

[0147] The vehicle may be DC chargeable. The vehicle may respond to energy management requests by using a DC-EVSE. The power conversion circuit of the charger / discharger 120 may be mounted on the EVSE instead of the vehicle. An external computer (e.g., server 30) may perform energy management by remotely controlling the power conversion circuit mounted on the EVSE.

[0148] The vehicle is not limited to BEV and may be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). In a PHEV, the total distance of the possible cruising distance of the electric motor (the distance corresponding to the remaining power) and the possible cruising distance of the internal combustion engine (the distance corresponding to the remaining fuel amount) may be used as the first parameter. Instead of the total distance or in addition to the total distance, the possible cruising distance of the electric motor may be used as the first parameter.

[0149] The vehicle may perform only external charging of external charging and external power feeding, and may respond only to energy management requests for charging (e.g., requests for increasing charging or decreasing charging). The vehicle may respond to energy management requests for charging by using an EVSE that is not compatible with reverse power flow.

[0150] The power storage device for energy management can be mounted on a power regulation resource other than a vehicle. The power regulation resource can be a mobile object other than a vehicle (a ship, an airplane, an unmanned aerial vehicle, a walking robot, a sweeping robot, a space probe, etc.), or a fixed energy storage system (ESS).

[0151] The external computer of the present disclosure may be a computer that manages a power grid. Energy management may be the adjustment of power supply and demand in the power grid. The processor of the present disclosure may be configured to control the charging and discharging of the power storage device according to the charging and discharging commands from the external computer when the power storage device is electrically connected to the power grid.

[0152] The requested reward amount may be an arbitrary value set by the user, or may be a prescribed value set automatically.

[0153] The control system of the present disclosure may be mounted on an electrified vehicle. The electrified vehicle is configured to travel by using the electricity stored in the power storage device. Examples of electrified vehicles include battery electric vehicles (BEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), and range extender EV.

[0154] The reward amount for energy management includes not only the incentive amount obtained when the user performs energy management, but also the penalty amount when the user does not perform energy management. This is because the behavior of the user avoiding the penalty by performing energy management is basically the same as the behavior of the user receiving a reward equal to the penalty amount by performing energy management. In a system where the user pays a higher electricity fee when the user does not perform energy management than when the user performs energy management, the high electricity fee is an example of a penalty.

[0155] The above-mentioned various variations can be combined as desired. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all aspects. The scope of the present invention is shown by the claims rather than by the description of the above-mentioned embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the meaning and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A control system, characterized in that: include: Electricity storage device; Display device; a communication device capable of communicating with an external computer; an input device configured to receive input from a user; as well as A processor configured to: executing charge and discharge control on the power storage device; performing display control on the display device; causing the display device to display a screen showing, on the same graph whose axis indicates time, predicted transitions of a first parameter related to the remaining amount of the power storage device and a second parameter related to the reward amount for the energy management, assuming that the charge and discharge control is performed on the power storage device in response to a request for energy management; executing predetermined processing based on input from the user to the input device; When the communication device receives the request for energy management from the external computer, causing the display device to display the screen; After the screen is displayed, when information indicating whether to accept the request is input to the input device, Notifying the external computer whether the request is accepted; operating in one of a first control mode and a second control mode; switching the control mode based on input from the user to the input device; When the communication device receives the request for energy management from the external computer while the processor operates in the first control mode, causing the display device to display the screen; as well as When the communication device receives the request for energy management from the external computer while the processor operates in the second control mode, it determines whether to accept the request based on a predetermined condition and notifies the external computer of the determination result.

2. The control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A lower limit value of the remaining amount of the power storage device is specified as the predetermined condition; and The processor is configured to determine to reject the request when the processor operates in the second control mode and predicts that the remaining power of the storage device will drop below the lower limit value when the charge and discharge control is performed on the storage device in response to the request for energy management.

3. The control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: An upper limit value of the remaining amount of the power storage device is specified as the predetermined condition; and The processor is configured to, when the processor operates in the second control mode and predicts that the remaining power of the power storage device exceeds the upper limit value when the charge and discharge control is performed on the power storage device in response to the request for energy management, determine to reject the request.

4. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The amount of remuneration required is specified as said predetermined condition; and The processor is configured to determine that the request is accepted when the processor operates in the second control mode and when the reward amount is equal to or greater than the required reward amount when the charge and discharge control is performed on the power storage device in response to the request for energy management.

5. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The power storage device is mounted on a vehicle; and The processor is configured to determine to reject the request when the processor operates in the second control mode and predicts that the vehicle cannot travel according to the travel plan when the charge and discharge control is performed on the power storage device in response to the request for energy management.

6. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The processor is configured to: causing the display device to display a screen showing, on the same graph whose axis indicates time, predicted changes of one or more first parameters selected from first options including an SOC of an electric storage device and a possible cruising range of a vehicle including the electric storage device, and predicted changes of one or more second parameters selected from second options including a remuneration unit price and a cumulative remuneration amount; as well as Based on input from the user to the input device, one or more of the first parameters are selected from the first options and one or more of the second parameters are selected from the second options.

7. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The request for energy management requests the electrical storage device to discharge; and The first parameter is the SOC of the power storage device, and the second parameter is a remuneration unit price.

8. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The processor is configured to: When the request is accepted, allowing remote control of the processor; and When the request is denied, remote control of the processor is disabled.

9. A control system, characterized in that include: Electricity storage device; Display device; a communication device capable of communicating with an external computer; an input device configured to receive input from a user; as well as a first processor configured to perform charge and discharge control on the power storage device; as well as a second processor, which is different from the first processor and is configured to: performing display control on the display device; causing the display device to display a screen showing, on the same graph whose axis indicates time, predicted transitions of a first parameter related to the remaining amount of the power storage device and a second parameter related to the reward amount for the energy management, assuming that the charge and discharge control is performed on the power storage device in response to a request for energy management; executing predetermined processing based on input from the user to the input device; When the communication device receives the request for energy management from the external computer, causing the display device to display the screen; After the screen is displayed, when information indicating whether the request is accepted is input to the input device, notifying the external computer whether the request is accepted; operating in one of a first control mode and a second control mode; switching the control mode based on input from the user to the input device; when the communication device receives the request for energy management from the external computer while the second processor operates in the first control mode, causing the display device to display the screen; as well as When the communication device receives the request for energy management from the external computer while the second processor operates in the second control mode, it determines whether to accept the request based on a predetermined condition and notifies the external computer of the determination result.

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