Information processing apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus. A market electric power price prediction unit is configured to predict a transaction price of electric power traded in an electric power transaction market. A user use prediction unit is configured to predict a use plan of a user of a vehicle for the vehicle. An electric power transaction plan preparation unit is configured to prepare an electric power transaction plan based on a prediction result of the market electric power price prediction unit and a prediction result of the user use prediction unit. A user inquiry execution unit is configured to make an inquiry to the user about the electric power transaction plan before a contract of an electric power transaction according to the electric power transaction plan is concluded in the electric power transaction market.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, and more specifically, to an information processing apparatus for preparing power trading plans for power resources in order to conduct power trading through a power trading market. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-196028 (JP 2012-196028 A) discloses a power management system that performs power management between an electric vehicle and a power-demanding facility, such as a factory, when the vehicle uses power stored in its battery. Using this power management system, it is described how to prevent grid power consumption from exceeding a predetermined amount by using power stored in the electric vehicle's battery at the power-demanding facility, thus enabling optimal power management when the predetermined amount is at a limit (see JP 2012-196028 A). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The liberalization of electricity has led to consideration of introducing P2P (Peer-to-Peer) electricity trading into the electricity market, where individuals or businesses with their own electricity resources directly buy and sell electricity with other individuals or businesses. For example, individual users with vehicles (electric vehicles, etc.) as electricity resources could trade electricity with individuals or businesses that have other electricity resources through the electricity market.

[0004] In electricity trading where vehicles are used as a power resource, for example, it involves predicting electricity trading prices in the electricity market, forecasting vehicle users' usage plans, and preparing electricity trading plans (bidding plans) based on these forecasts. However, when vehicle usage forecasts deviate from user actions, penalties may be imposed due to failed transactions, and the reliability of the prepared electricity trading plans may be reduced.

[0005] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information processing device that can prepare an electricity trading plan in accordance with the actions of vehicle users when using vehicles as an electricity resource for P2P electricity trading.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus configured to prepare an electricity trading plan for vehicles, which are considered as an electrical resource, for electricity trading through an electricity trading market. The information processing apparatus includes a price forecasting unit, a usage forecasting unit, a trading plan preparation unit, and an inquiry execution unit. The price forecasting unit is configured to forecast the trading price of electricity traded in the electricity trading market. The usage forecasting unit is configured to forecast the usage plans of the vehicle's users. The trading plan preparation unit is configured to prepare the electricity trading plan based on the forecasts from the price forecasting unit and the usage forecasting unit. The inquiry execution unit is configured to make an inquiry to the user regarding the electricity trading plan before signing a contract for electricity trading according to the electricity trading plan in the electricity trading market.

[0007] By utilizing the information processing device according to the above scheme, since the inquiry execution unit inquires about the electricity trading plan from the user before signing the electricity trading contract in the electricity trading market, it is possible to reflect the user's response to the preparation of the electricity trading plan, or for the user to match their actions with the inquired electricity trading plan. In this way, by utilizing the above information processing device, the electricity trading plan can be prepared in accordance with the actions of the vehicle user.

[0008] In the information processing apparatus according to the above scheme, the inquiry execution unit can be configured to inquire of the user about the user's action plan for using the vehicle, and the transaction plan preparation unit can be configured to prepare the electricity transaction plan reflecting the user's answer to the inquiry.

[0009] This configuration can suppress the deviation between vehicle usage forecasts and user actions, enabling the preparation of electricity trading plans that reflect vehicle users' action plans.

[0010] In the information processing apparatus according to the above scheme, the inquiry execution unit can be configured to inquire with the user about the proportion of renewable energy electricity in the electricity purchased in the electricity trading market, and the trading plan preparation unit can be configured to prepare the electricity trading plan reflecting the user's response to the inquiry.

[0011] In the information processing apparatus according to the above scheme, the inquiry execution unit may be configured to inquire of the user about the permissible electricity cost when conducting electricity trading in the electricity trading market, and the trading plan preparation unit may be configured to prepare the electricity trading plan reflecting the user's response to the inquiry.

[0012] Using the above configuration, users can answer questions about the ratio of renewable energy power or the permissible electricity cost, in order to prepare an electricity trading plan that reflects the user's response. This improves the user's usability of the information processing device.

[0013] In the information processing apparatus according to the above scheme, the inquiry execution unit may be configured to make an inquiry to the user regarding whether or not the user approves of the power trading plan prepared by the trading plan preparation unit, and the trading plan preparation unit may be configured to prepare the power trading plan again reflecting the user's response to the inquiry.

[0014] Using this configuration, users can answer questions about whether they approve or disapprove of the prepared electricity trading plan, so that an electricity trading plan reflecting the user's response can be prepared. This improves the user's usability of the information processing device.

[0015] In the information processing apparatus according to the above scheme, the inquiry execution unit may be configured to make an inquiry to the user regarding an evaluation of the power trading plan prepared by the trading plan preparation unit, and the trading plan preparation unit may be configured to prepare the power trading plan reflecting the user's response to the evaluation of the inquiry.

[0016] Using this configuration, users can provide assessments of the prepared electricity trading plans, allowing these assessments to be reflected in the preparation of the next electricity trading plan. This further enhances the usability of the information processing device for users.

[0017] In the information processing apparatus according to the above scheme, the query execution unit can be configured to notify the user of the contract results of the power transaction according to the power trading plan.

[0018] Using this configuration, users can evaluate the contract outcomes of electricity transactions and answer questions about the evaluation results, enabling the contract outcomes to be reflected in the preparation of electricity transaction plans from the next time.

[0019] In the information processing apparatus according to the above scheme, the inquiry execution unit may be configured to make an inquiry to the user regarding the assessment of the contract outcome of the power transaction according to the power transaction plan, and the transaction plan preparation unit may be configured to prepare the power transaction plan reflecting the user's response to the assessment of the inquiry.

[0020] Using this configuration, users can provide assessments of the contract outcomes of electricity transactions in the electricity trading market, enabling these assessments to be reflected in the preparation of the next electricity trading schedule. This further enhances the usability of the information processing device for users.

[0021] Using the information processing apparatus disclosed herein, when using vehicles as an electrical resource for P2P electricity trading, it is possible to prepare electricity trading plans in accordance with the actions of vehicle users. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of a power transmission and distribution system that uses an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment to trade electricity.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a P2P electricity trading market;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a diagram used to illustrate an example of bidding in a typical trading market in P2P electricity trading;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a diagram used to illustrate an example of bidding in the direct trading market of P2P electricity trading;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a brokerage and trading market server;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of resource information;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of agent information;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the agent (mobile agent) according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed when an agent places a bid in a P2P electricity trading market;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing procedure of the agent according to the first variant example;

[0033] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing procedure of the agent according to the second variant example;

[0034] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing procedure of the agent according to the third variant example; and

[0035] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the agent (mobile agent) according to the fourth variant. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although embodiments and several variations will be described below, it is expected that these configurations can be appropriately combined at the time of application. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or corresponding elements, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of a power transmission and distribution system that uses the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment for transactions. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The power transmission and distribution system 1 includes multiple power resources, charging and discharging devices 6A to 6H, power company 9, power grid PL, trading market server 3 and communication network 10.

[0038] Electricity resources include, for example, electric vehicles 5A to 5E, factories 7A, companies 7B, commercial facilities 7C, residences 7D, and shops 7E. Each electricity resource is configured to transmit electricity to or from another electricity resource either via the power grid PL or directly.

[0039] The number of electric vehicles and charging / discharging devices is not limited to those shown in the illustrations. Furthermore, facilities such as factory 7A are not limited to those shown in the illustrations. In the following text, electric vehicles 5A to 5E may be referred to as "electric vehicle 5" without distinction, and charging / discharging devices 6A to 6H may be referred to as "charging / discharging device 6" without distinction. Additionally, factory 7A, company 7B, commercial facility 7C, residence 7D, and shop 7E may be referred to as "facility 7" without distinction.

[0040] Electric vehicle 5 is an electric vehicle capable of operating using electricity stored in a battery, and may be, for example, a battery-powered vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). In the following description, electric vehicle 5 is assumed to be a BEV. Electric vehicle 5 is configured to be electrically connected to a charging / discharging device 6 and capable of transmitting power to and from the power grid PL or facility 7 via the charging / discharging device 6.

[0041] Facility 7 is electrically connected to the power grid PL and is capable of transmitting power to and from the power grid PL. In addition, device 7 is also electrically connected to charging and discharging device 6 and is capable of transmitting power to and from electric vehicle 5 connected to charging and discharging device 6.

[0042] The charging / discharging device 6 is electrically connected to the power grid PL or facility 7. The charging / discharging device 6 can be electrically connected to the electric vehicle 5 via a cable, enabling the electric vehicle 5 to transmit power to and from the power grid PL or facility 7 via the charging / discharging device 6 to which the electric vehicle 5 is electrically connected.

[0043] Electricity generated in power plants managed by power company 9 is supplied to facility 7 via the power grid PL (grid-to-electricity network) and can also be supplied to electric vehicles 5 connected to charging and discharging devices 6. Traditionally, in this manner, electricity is supplied specifically from power company 9's power plants to facility 7 and electric vehicles 5 via the power grid PL. Within the power transmission and distribution system 1, electricity trading, i.e., peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity transactions, is possible between individuals and / or businesses (electric vehicles 5 and / or facility 7).

[0044] The trading market server 3 provides a platform for such P2P electricity trading. The trading market server 3 is configured to communicate with the electric vehicle 5, the charging / discharging device 6, and the facility 7 via the communication network 10. When the facility 7 or the electric vehicle 5 wishes to engage in P2P electricity trading, the facility 7 or the electric vehicle 5 (specifically, the agent conducting the electricity trading for the facility 7 or the electric vehicle 5, described later) submits a bid as bidding conditions. For example, the facility 7 or the electric vehicle 5 sends the electricity trading volume per unit time period, the transaction price, etc., to the trading market server 3, which manages the P2P electricity trading market, indicating that the facility 7 or the electric vehicle 5 wishes to conduct electricity trading in the P2P electricity trading market. According to any algorithm, the trading market server 3 executes contracts for electricity transactions between sellers and buyers with matching bidding conditions, and treats bids without matching conditions as bids without contracts. Note that "bid" refers to the act of ordering an electricity transaction (sale or purchase), or such an order itself. On the other hand, "contract" refers to the act of determining the electricity transaction to be bid on, or such determination itself.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a P2P electricity trading market. (See reference...) Figure 2In the P2P electricity trading market, "agents" who place bids on the P2P electricity trading market execute the bidding plan and execution, manage contracts, and prepare contract-based charging and discharging plans. Agents are set up for each of the facilities 7 and electric vehicles 5. In this embodiment, there are multiple mobile agent 2A to 2D corresponding to multiple electric vehicles 5, multiple commercial operator agents 2E to 2H corresponding to factories 7A, etc., and multiple residential agents 2I, 2J corresponding to multiple residences. For example, to representatively describe the electric vehicles 5, the mobile agent of the electric vehicle 5 prepares an electricity trading plan (bidding plan) in the P2P electricity trading market and places a bid on the P2P electricity trading market (i.e., to the trading market server 3).

[0046] In the following text, mobile agents 2A to 2D, commercial operator agents 2E to 2H, and residential agents 2I and 2J will be referred to as "Agent 2" without distinction. Agent 2 is an "information processing device" that prepares electricity trading plans for the corresponding power resources for electricity trading through the P2P electricity trading market.

[0047] The P2P electricity trading market includes a "general trading market" and a "direct trading market." The general trading market handles electricity transactions transmitted via the power grid (PL). In the general trading market, numerous undesignated agents can participate in electricity trading. In the general trading market, contracts for electricity transactions are entered into (matched) according to arbitrary rules determined by the administrators of the P2P electricity trading market. For example, one matching rule is based on a first-come, first-served principle when the prices offered by the seller and the buyer match within a given time period. Another matching rule is to establish a transaction at an appropriate price once the bids (orders) from sellers and buyers placed within a given time period are compiled.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of bidding in a typical trading market within P2P electricity trading. (See reference...) Figure 3 In a typical trading market, within each time period (1, 2, ..., n), a large number of unspecified sellers submit bids (p, q) for paired selling prices and quantities, and a large number of unspecified buyers submit bids (P, Q) for paired buying prices and quantities. A time period is a set time width (e.g., 30 minutes) in the typical trading market. The trading of electricity occurs based on the amount of electricity transferred within each time period (electricity × the length of the time period).

[0049] Return to reference Figure 2The direct trading market is a market that handles the trading of electricity that is not transmitted through the power grid PL, enabling electric vehicles 5 to move to the location of facility 7. In the direct trading market, only agents with a direct trading market identifier (ID) can participate in electricity trading. A market is formed for each individual facility 7 equipped with a charging / discharging device 6. A server set up for each facility 7 can manage one direct trading market, or multiple direct trading markets formed for each facility 7 can be managed by a common server. In each direct trading market, electricity transactions are entered into (matched) according to arbitrary rules uniquely determined by the market administrator. The matching rules can employ the methods described above for general trading markets.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of bidding in the direct trading market within P2P electricity trading. (See reference...) Figure 4 In the direct trading market, within each unit time period (1, 2, ..., n), the seller offers a bid (p, q), which is a pair of selling prices and quantities. Regarding this offer, multiple buyers with direct trading market IDs place bids (P, Q), which are pairs of buying prices and quantities. A unit time period is a separately set time width in the direct trading market. The trading of electricity occurs within each unit time period, where the electricity transferred is (electricity × the length of the unit time period).

[0051] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the hardware configuration of Agent 2 and Trading Market Server 3. (Refer to...) Figure 5 Agent 2 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, and a communication device 23. Agent 2 is configured for each power resource, namely, electric vehicle 5 and facility 7 (factory 7A, residence 7D, etc.). Agent 2 can be configured within the corresponding power resource or in a cloud capable of communicating with the corresponding power resource.

[0052] Processor 21 is an arithmetic processor (computer) that performs various processes by executing various programs. Processor 21 is formed by a central processing unit (CPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. Alternatively, processor 21 can be formed by processing circuitry.

[0053] Memory 22 stores programs and data for various processes performed by processor 21. Memory 22 is formed of storage media such as read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). Memory 22 stores operation programs 221, resource information 222, and external information 223.

[0054] Arithmetic program 221 is used to identify the processes to be executed by processor 21. For example, arithmetic program 221 includes a program for submitting bids for electricity transactions to trading market server 3 in a P2P electricity trading market managed by trading market server 3.

[0055] Resource information 222 includes information about power resources (e.g., electric vehicles 5) corresponding to agent 2, and in particular, information about bidding and contracts for power transactions.

[0056] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of resource information 222. Figure 6 For example, the resource information 222 in agent 2 (mobile agent) of electric vehicle 5 is illustrated.

[0057] Reference Figure 6 Resource information 222 includes ID, type information, trip information, state of charge (SOC) information, connection information, bidding information, contract information, charge and discharge plan, and actual charge and discharge results.

[0058] The ID includes identification information for identifying the power resource (in this example, electric vehicle 5). Type information includes information about the type of power resource, and includes, for example, information for identifying electric vehicles, commercial operators, residential vehicles, etc. Trip information includes information about driving history, such as past routes and trip times. SOC information includes information about the amount of electricity currently stored in the energy storage device. Connectivity information includes information for identifying whether the electric vehicle is currently connected to the charging / discharging device 6. Bidding information includes information about past bidding history and information about currently submitted bids. Contract information includes information about past contract history and information for identifying whether currently submitted bids have been contracted. The charging / discharging plan includes information about the charging / discharging plan for the contract-based power resource. Actual charging / discharging results include information about the charging / discharging results of the above-mentioned charging / discharging plan.

[0059] The trip information and connection information are information used by the agent 2 (mobile agent) of the electric vehicle 5, and therefore are blank in the case of facility 7 (factory 7A, residence 7D, etc.).

[0060] Refer again Figure 5 External information 223 includes information about the climate (weather, atmospheric temperature, etc.), date and time, and past indicative prices (renewable / non-renewable energy) in the P2P electricity trading market where bids will be placed. Agent 2 obtains external information 223 from an external server device (or trading market server 3) via communication network 10.

[0061] Communication device 23 sends various data to and receives various data from trading market server 3 via communication network 10. Furthermore, communication device 23 is also configured to communicate with user terminal 8, such as a smartphone. User terminal 8 is a terminal device owned by a user of the corresponding power resource (in this example, electric vehicle 5). User terminal 8 is able to receive various queries from agent 2 and send responses to the received queries to agent 2 (details will be described later).

[0062] The trading market server 3 includes a processor 31, a memory 32, and a communication device 33. The trading market server 3 is a device that manages P2P electricity transactions between electricity resources and executes the processing of electricity transactions on a P2P electricity trading market (general trading market and direct trading market).

[0063] Processor 31 is an arithmetic processor (computer) that performs various processes by executing various programs. Processor 31 is formed by CPU, FPGA, GPU, etc. Alternatively, processor 31 can be formed by processing circuitry.

[0064] The memory 32 stores the programs and data used by the processor 31 to perform various processes. The memory 32 is formed by storage media such as ROM and RAM. The memory 32 stores the operation program 321 and the agent information 322.

[0065] The arithmetic program 321 is used to identify the processes to be executed by the processor 31. For example, the arithmetic program 321 includes a program for performing bidding processing to accept bids from multiple agents 2 and for executing contract processing based on the bids. The contract processing executes contracts for electricity transactions between sellers and buyers with matching bid conditions, and treats bids without matching conditions as no-contract bids.

[0066] Agent information 322 includes information about agents 2 participating in the P2P electricity trading market managed by the trading market server 3, and in particular, includes information about bidding and contracts for electricity trading in each agent 2.

[0067] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of agent information 322. (See reference...) Figure 7 The agency information 322 includes ID, type information, bidding information, and contract information.

[0068] The ID includes identification information for agents 2 participating in the P2P electricity trading market managed by the trading market server 3. Type information includes information about the type of electricity resource, and includes, for example, information for identifying electric vehicles, commercial operators, residential properties, etc. Bidding information includes information about past bidding history and current bids for each agent 2. Contract information for each agent 2 includes information about past contract history and information for identifying whether a current bid has been contracted.

[0069] Return to reference Figure 5 The communication device 33 sends various data to the agent 2 through the communication network 10 and receives various data from the agent 2.

[0070] In the P2P electricity trading market formed by the aforementioned agents 2 and the trading market server 3, each agent 2 performs corresponding electricity resource usage forecasting (in the case of electric vehicle 5, forecasting user usage of electric vehicle 5), and forecasts the electricity trading price in the electricity trading market during the period when the electricity resources can participate in electricity trading. Then, under the constraints of the upper and lower limits of SOC (within the charge and discharge range) that the corresponding electricity resource's power storage device should meet, the agent 2 prepares the cost-optimal electricity trading plan (bid plan) and submits the electricity trading bid to the trading market server 3.

[0071] In this paper, when the power resource is an electric vehicle 5, the user's actual actions may often differ from the vehicle usage predictions made by agent 2 (the mobile agent). When the vehicle usage predictions made by agent 2 and the user's actual actions deviate significantly from each other, the cost of penalties imposed due to failed transactions may increase, and the user's confidence in the upcoming power transaction plan may decrease, among other things.

[0072] Therefore, the agent 2 (mobile agent) of this disclosure inquires with the user of the corresponding electric vehicle 5 about the electricity trading plan to be prepared. Before signing a contract for electricity trading according to the electricity trading plan in the electricity trading market, the agent 2 according to this embodiment inquires with the user of the corresponding electric vehicle 5 about the electricity trading plan. Therefore, it is possible to reflect the user's response to the preparation of the electricity trading plan, or for the user to match their actions with the inquired electricity trading plan, so that the electricity trading plan can be prepared in accordance with the user's actions.

[0073] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of Agent 2 (Mobile Agent) according to this embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 8The agent 2 of the electric vehicle 5 includes an external information acquisition unit 102, a market electricity price forecasting unit 104, a user usage forecasting unit 106, a user inquiry execution unit 108, and an electricity trading plan preparation unit 110.

[0074] The external information acquisition unit 102 acquires climate information about the region of the P2P electricity trading market where the bidding will take place from an external server device (not shown). The climate information includes, for example, weather forecasts and atmospheric temperatures for each time period. The P2P electricity trading market where the bidding will take place is the electricity trading market in the region where the corresponding electric vehicle 5 wishes to charge or discharge based on P2P electricity trading, and is determined based on usage predictions for the electric vehicle 5. For example, it can be determined based on the predicted location of the electric vehicle 5 (e.g., the location of its destination).

[0075] The external information acquisition unit 102 also acquires information from an external server device (not shown) regarding past indicative prices (renewable / non-renewable) in the P2P electricity trading market where bidding will be placed. The indicative price information includes changes in the buying and selling prices of renewable and non-renewable electricity. The information acquired by the external information acquisition unit 102 is stored in memory 22 as external information 223. Figure 5 ).

[0076] The market electricity price forecasting unit 104 forecasts the price (unit price) of electricity (buying and selling electricity) to be traded in the P2P electricity trading market to be put up for bidding. In the P2P electricity trading market of this embodiment, renewable energy electricity from renewable energy power generation facilities (electricity generated by solar power generation facilities, wind power generation facilities, hydropower generation facilities, etc.) and non-renewable energy electricity (electricity from thermal power generation facilities, etc.) are traded separately from each other. For example, when trading renewable energy electricity, renewable energy electricity and non-renewable energy electricity can be distinguished by giving a label indicating that the electricity to be traded is renewable energy electricity (renewable energy label). Alternatively, it is possible to separate the market for handling renewable energy electricity transactions and the market for handling non-renewable energy electricity transactions in the P2P electricity trading market.

[0077] In this embodiment, the market electricity price prediction unit 104 predicts the purchase price by distinguishing between the prices of renewable energy electricity and non-renewable energy electricity. For example, based on information obtained by the external information acquisition unit 102 regarding past indicative prices (renewable / non-renewable) in the target P2P electricity trading market, the market electricity price prediction unit 104 predicts the prices of renewable energy electricity and non-renewable energy electricity at the desired date and time (time period) for bidding.

[0078] The user uses the prediction unit 106 to predict the user's usage plan for the corresponding electric vehicle 5. Specifically, the user uses the prediction unit 106 to predict the future usage of the vehicle in any way, such as a future driving schedule, connection to the charging / discharging device 6, charging / power supply schedule, etc.

[0079] User query execution unit 108 sends an inquiry to user terminal 8 regarding the power trading plan to be prepared by power trading plan preparation unit 110, which will be described later. Upon receiving a response to the inquiry from user terminal 8, user query execution unit 108 notifies power trading plan preparation unit 110 of the result of the response.

[0080] For example, inquiries about the electricity trading plan include whether or not the user's action plan (future driving schedule, connection to the charging / discharging device 6, charging / power supply schedule) predicted by the user using the forecasting unit 106.

[0081] In this embodiment, since renewable energy electricity and non-renewable energy electricity unrelated to renewable energy electricity are traded separately, the query includes the percentage of renewable energy electricity (renewable energy purchase ratio) in the electricity purchased through the P2P electricity trading market, indicating whether or not renewable energy electricity is recognized or not. The renewable energy purchase ratio can be determined based on past renewable energy purchase ratios, or it can be a renewable energy purchase ratio previously set from user terminal 8.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inquiry includes whether to approve or disapprove the permitted electricity cost (permitted trading price) in electricity transactions through the P2P electricity trading market. The permitted trading price may be the price set when registering to participate in the P2P electricity trading market, or it may be the price previously set from the user terminal 8.

[0083] In this embodiment, the inquiry regarding the electricity trading plan is not performed on the electricity trading plan itself prepared by the electricity trading plan preparation unit 110, but rather before the electricity trading plan is prepared by the electricity trading plan preparation unit 110 and the bids are placed. In other words, the inquiry from the user inquiry execution unit 108 to the user terminal 8 is performed before the bids are placed in the P2P electricity trading market.

[0084] The user query execution unit 108 receives the transaction results (contract results) from the P2P electricity trading market (trading market server 3) from the trading market server 3. Then, the user query execution unit 108 notifies the user terminal 8 of the received transaction results. Therefore, the user can evaluate the transaction results and, by sending the evaluation results as a response, can reflect the transaction results in the preparation of the electricity trading plan from the next time.

[0085] Based on the electricity trading price predicted by the market electricity price prediction unit 104 and the vehicle usage plan predicted by the user usage prediction unit 106, the electricity trading plan preparation unit 110 prepares an electricity trading plan (bid plan) for conducting electricity trading in the P2P electricity trading market. As an example, the electricity trading plan preparation unit 110 prepares the cost-optimized electricity trading plan (bid plan) under the constraints of the upper and lower limits of SOC (within the chargeable and discharge range) that should be met in the electricity storage device of the corresponding electricity resource.

[0086] In this document, when the user query execution unit 108 receives a response to an inquiry about the user terminal 8, the power trading plan preparation unit 110 prepares a power trading plan that reflects the response. For example, when there is a response requesting modification to the user action plan (future driving schedule, connection to the charging / discharging device 6, charging / power supply schedule) predicted by the user usage prediction unit 106 regarding whether the user approves or disapproves it, the power trading plan is prepared based on the vehicle usage plan that reflects the modification.

[0087] Alternatively, when an inquiry regarding the percentage of renewable energy electricity in electricity purchased through the P2P electricity trading market (renewable energy purchase ratio) receives a response requesting a modification to the renewable energy purchase ratio, a modified electricity trading plan will be prepared to reflect this modification. Alternatively, when an inquiry regarding the permitted electricity cost in electricity transactions through the P2P electricity trading market (permitted trading price) receives a response requesting a modification to the permitted trading price, a modified electricity trading plan will be prepared to reflect this modification.

[0088] In this manner, in this embodiment, before the electricity trading plan preparation unit 110 prepares the electricity trading plan, i.e., before executing the bidding contract in the P2P electricity trading market, an inquiry about the electricity trading plan is made to the user of the electric vehicle 5. Therefore, it is possible to reflect the user's response to the inquiry about preparing the electricity trading plan. Alternatively, the user can match their actions with the inquired electricity trading plan. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deviation between the vehicle usage prediction made by the agent 2 and the user's actions, thereby mitigating the cost of penalties imposed due to failed transactions (contracts).

[0089] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing steps performed when Agent 2 submits a bid in the P2P electricity trading market. (Refer to...) Figure 9 Agent 2 (processor 21) obtains external information about the P2P electricity trading market to be tendered from an external server device via communication network 10 (step S10). The external information includes climate information (weather, atmospheric temperature, etc. for each time period) of the area covered by the market, and information about past indicative prices in the market. The indicative price information includes changes in the buying and selling prices of renewable energy electricity and changes in the buying and selling prices of non-renewable energy electricity.

[0090] Then, Agent 2 predicts the price (unit price) of electricity traded (buying and selling electricity) in the target P2P electricity trading market (step S15). In this embodiment, since renewable energy electricity and non-renewable energy electricity are traded separately, Agent 2 predicts the trading price of renewable energy electricity and the trading price of non-renewable energy electricity separately. Specifically, Agent 2 predicts the price of renewable energy electricity and the price of non-renewable energy electricity for the desired date and time (time period) of the bid based on the information about past indicative prices obtained in step S10.

[0091] In addition, agent 2 predicts the usage plan of the corresponding electric vehicle 5 user (step S20). For example, agent 2 predicts the future driving schedule, connection with the charging and discharging device 6, charging / power supply schedule, and the amount of electricity consumed during driving.

[0092] Then, Agent 2 sends an inquiry to User Terminal 8 regarding the electricity trading plan to be prepared (step S25). The inquiry includes whether the user approves or disapproves the action plan predicted in step S20. The inquiry may further include whether the user approves or disapproves the percentage of renewable energy electricity in the electricity purchased through the P2P electricity trading market (renewable energy purchase ratio), whether the user approves or disapproves the permitted electricity cost in the electricity trading through the P2P electricity trading market (permitted trading price), etc.

[0093] Then, upon receiving a response to the inquiry from the user terminal 8 ("Yes" in step S30), the agent 2 prepares a power trading plan (bid plan) reflecting the response. For example, if an inquiry regarding the approval or disapproval of a user's action plan results in a response requesting modification of the user's action plan, the agent 2 modifies the user's vehicle usage plan based on the response. Then, based on the modified usage plan, the agent 2 prepares the cost-optimized power trading plan under the constraints of the upper and lower limits of the State of Charge (SOC) that should be met in the power storage device of the corresponding electric vehicle 5 (within the charge / discharge range) (step S35).

[0094] When an inquiry regarding the approved or unapproved renewable energy purchase ratio receives a response requesting modification, Agent 2 prepares an optimal electricity trading plan based on the modified renewable energy purchase ratio. Alternatively, when an inquiry regarding the permitted or unapproved trading price receives a response requesting modification, Agent 2 prepares an optimal electricity trading plan within the modified permitted trading price.

[0095] Then, when the power trading plan is prepared in step S35, Agent 2 places a bid on the P2P power trading market (trading market server 3) based on the prepared power trading plan (step S40).

[0096] In step S30, if there is no response from user terminal 8 within a predetermined time, agent 2 may send another query to user terminal 8, and if there is no response to multiple queries, agent 2 may proceed to step S35.

[0097] As described above, in this embodiment, prior to bidding in the P2P electricity trading market, i.e., before signing a contract in the P2P electricity trading market, the user inquiry execution unit 108 inquires with the user about the electricity trading plan. Therefore, it can reflect the user's response regarding the preparation of the electricity trading plan, or the user's actions can be matched with the inquired electricity trading plan. Thus, according to this embodiment, the agent 2 can prepare the electricity trading plan in accordance with the actions of the vehicle user.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user inquiry execution unit 108 inquires about the user's action plan regarding the use of the electric vehicle 5, and the power transaction plan preparation unit 110 prepares a power transaction plan reflecting the user's response to the inquiry. Therefore, deviations between vehicle usage predictions and user actions can be suppressed, enabling the preparation of a power transaction plan that reflects the vehicle user's action plan.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user inquiry execution unit 108 can inquire with the user about the renewable energy purchase ratio, and the electricity trading plan preparation unit 110 can prepare an electricity trading plan reflecting the user's response to the inquiry. Alternatively, the user inquiry execution unit 108 can inquire with the user about the permissible trading price, and the electricity trading plan preparation unit 110 can prepare an electricity trading plan reflecting the user's response to the inquiry. Therefore, the user can answer questions about the renewable energy purchase ratio or the permissible trading price, thereby improving the user's availability to the agent 2.

[0100] In the above description, the user can learn from the prediction unit 106 by linking calendar information to the user's past action history, thus learning the user's periodic or seasonal actions. Then, using the learning results, the user's action plans (future travel schedules, connections to the charging / discharging device 6, charging / power supply schedules, etc.) and the amount of electricity consumed during travel can be predicted. Therefore, a more suitable electricity trading plan for the user's actions can be prepared.

[0101] First variant

[0102] In the above embodiments, the user (user terminal 8) is asked about the user's action plan before the power trading plan is prepared, but the user may be asked about whether they approve or disapprove of the prepared power trading plan itself.

[0103] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing procedure of agent 2 according to the first variant. This flowchart corresponds to the one described in the above embodiments. Figure 9 The flowchart.

[0104] Reference Figure 10 The processes in steps S110, S115, and S120 are respectively related to Figure 9 The processes in steps S10, S15, and S20 of the flowchart shown are the same.

[0105] In this flowchart, when predicting the user's vehicle usage plan in step S120, agent 2 prepares the cost-optimal electricity trading plan based on the electricity trading price predicted in step S115 and the vehicle usage plan predicted in step S120, under the constraints of the upper and lower limits of SOC (within the chargeable and discharge range) that should be met in the electricity storage device of the corresponding electric vehicle 5 (step S125).

[0106] Then, Agent 2 sends an inquiry to User Terminal 8 regarding whether it approves or disapproves the prepared power trading plan (step S130). Then, upon receiving a response to the inquiry from User Terminal 8 ("Yes" in step S135), Agent 2 determines whether the response requests a change to the power trading plan (step S140).

[0107] When the response to the inquiry requests a change to the power trading plan ("Yes" in step S140), Agent 2 prepares a power trading plan to reflect the change again (step S145). When the response in step S140 is "No" ("No"), the processing in step S145 is not executed.

[0108] Then, Agent 2 places a bid on the P2P power trading market (trading market server 3) based on the power trading plan prepared in step S125 or the power trading plan prepared again in step S145 (step S150).

[0109] In the above description, and in conjunction with the embodiments described above, Agent 2 may further inquire with the user (user terminal 8) about the user's action plan, etc., before preparing the electricity trading plan. Furthermore, Agent 2 may prepare multiple electricity trading plans based on the answers to the inquiries, and may further inquire about whether the prepared electricity trading plan is approved or not.

[0110] As described above, according to the first variant, the user can answer whether they approve or disapprove of the prepared electricity trading plan, enabling Agent 2 to prepare an electricity trading plan that reflects the user's response. Therefore, the usability of Agent 2 to the user is improved.

[0111] Second variant

[0112] In the first variation described above, the user (user terminal 8) is asked whether they approve or disapprove of the prepared electricity trading plan, and when a request to change the electricity trading plan is answered, a new electricity trading plan reflecting that change is prepared. Alternatively, the user may be asked to evaluate the prepared electricity trading plan, and the evaluation obtained from the user may be reflected in the preparation of the electricity trading plan from the next iteration onwards.

[0113] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing procedure according to agent 2 of the second variant. This flowchart also corresponds to the one described in the above embodiments. Figure 9 The flowchart.

[0114] Reference Figure 11 The processes in steps S210 to S225 are respectively related to Figure 10 The processes in steps S110 to S125 of the flowchart shown are the same.

[0115] In this flowchart, when preparing the power trading plan in step S225, agent 2 places a bid on the P2P power trading market (trading market server 3) based on the prepared power trading plan (step S230). Then, agent 2 sends an inquiry to user terminal 8 regarding the evaluation of the prepared power trading plan (step S235).

[0116] Then, upon receiving a response to the inquiry (evaluation of the electricity trading plan) from user terminal 8 ("Yes" in step S240), agent 2 reflects the obtained evaluation in the preparation of the electricity trading plan starting from the next time (step S245). For example, when the evaluation indicates a difference in vehicle usage plans during a certain period, agent 2 may prepare an electricity trading plan so that no bids are placed for that period starting from the next time. Alternatively, when the evaluation relates to a difference in the renewable energy purchase ratio, agent 2 may prepare the next electricity trading plan that reflects that difference.

[0117] Although, as described above, the inquiry regarding the evaluation of the prepared power trading plan is performed after the bid is submitted, the inquiry can be sent to user terminal 8 before or simultaneously with the submission of the bid. In the second variation, the inquiry regarding the evaluation of the prepared power trading plan is performed before the bid is signed.

[0118] As described above, according to the second variant, users can provide an assessment of the prepared electricity trading plan, allowing the user's assessment of the electricity trading plan to be reflected in the preparation of the next electricity trading plan. This further improves the usability of Agent 2 for users.

[0119] Third variant

[0120] In the third variation, the user (user terminal 8) is notified of the contract results of the power transaction based on the prepared power trading plan (bidding plan). Furthermore, the assessment of the contract results obtained from the user can be reflected in the preparation of the power trading plan from the next start.

[0121] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing procedure according to Agent 2 of the third variant. This flowchart also corresponds to the one described in the above embodiments. Figure 9 The flowchart.

[0122] Reference Figure 12 The processing steps S310 to S330 are respectively related to Figure 11 The processes in steps S210 to S230 of the flowchart shown are the same.

[0123] In this flowchart, when bidding is launched in step S330 based on the prepared power trading plan, agent 2 sends an inquiry to user terminal 8 regarding the evaluation of the contract results of the power trading according to the power trading plan (step S335).

[0124] Then, upon receiving a response to the inquiry (evaluation of the contract outcome) from the user terminal 8 ("Yes" in step S340), the agent 2 reflects the evaluation of the obtained contract outcome in the preparation of the power trading plan from the next time (step S345).

[0125] In the above description, in conjunction with the embodiments described above, Agent 2 may make further inquiries with the user before submitting the bid, or in conjunction with the first or second variation, Agent 2 may make further inquiries with the user before submitting the bid or after submitting the bid (before signing the contract).

[0126] As described above, according to the third variant, since the user inquiry execution unit 108 notifies the user of the contract results of the power transaction in the power trading market according to the power trading plan, the user is able to evaluate the contract results and answer questions about the evaluation results, so that the contract results can be reflected in the preparation of the power trading plan from the next time.

[0127] In the third variant, the user query execution unit 108 receives the user's evaluation of the contract outcome, and the power trading plan preparation unit 110 is able to reflect the evaluation of the obtained contract outcome in the preparation of the next power trading plan. Therefore, the usability of the agent 2 to the user is further improved.

[0128] The notification from agent 2 (user query execution unit 108) to user (user terminal 8) may include information about the counterparty, the percentage of renewable energy in the electricity to be purchased (renewable energy ratio), etc.

[0129] Fourth variant

[0130] In the fourth variant, an inquiry is performed on the user (user terminal 8) when the user boards or disembarks from the corresponding electric vehicle 5. Since the inquiry is made to the user at the moment of using the electric vehicle 5, the likelihood of obtaining a response from the user is increased, allowing for more consistent preparation of the electricity trading plan with the user's actions.

[0131] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of Agent 2# (Mobile Agent) in the fourth variant. (See reference...) Figure 13 ,exist Figure 8 In the configuration of Agent 2 shown, Agent 2# further includes a boarding / disembarking determination unit 112.

[0132] The boarding / alighting determination unit 112 determines whether a user has boarded or alighted from the corresponding electric vehicle 5. This can be determined by various methods. For example, it can be determined by opening and closing the door on the driver's seat side, or by whether the driver's seat is occupied or not. Upon detecting a user's boarding / alighting, the boarding / alighting determination unit 112 notifies the user inquiry execution unit 108.

[0133] Then, upon receiving a notification from the boarding / disembarking determination unit 112 that a user has boarded / disembarked, the user query execution unit 108 sends a query about the power trading plan to the user terminal 8.

[0134] Although the boarding / alighting determination unit 112 determines the user's boarding / alighting relative to the corresponding electric vehicle 5 in the above description, the boarding / alighting determination unit 112 may only determine whether the user is boarding or alighting relative to the corresponding electric vehicle 5.

[0135] As mentioned above, according to the fourth variant, it is possible to increase the likelihood of obtaining answers to inquiries from users, thereby enabling the preparation of electricity trading plans to be more consistent with user actions.

[0136] It is expected that the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by appropriate combinations within the scope of technical consistency. The embodiments disclosed herein should be construed as illustrative rather than restrictive in all embodiments. The technical scope defined by this disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above, and is intended to include all variations within the scope of the claims and the meaning and scope of their equivalents.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus configured to prepare an electricity trading plan for vehicles as an electric resource for electricity trading through an electricity trading market, the information processing apparatus comprising: A price forecasting unit is configured to forecast the trading price of electricity traded in the electricity trading market; A prediction unit is used, which is configured to predict the vehicle's users' usage plans for the vehicle. A transaction plan preparation unit is configured to prepare the electricity transaction plan based on the prediction results of the price prediction unit and the prediction results of the usage prediction unit. as well as An inquiry execution unit is configured to inquire with the user about the power trading plan before entering into a contract for a power transaction under the power trading plan in the power trading market; The inquiry execution unit is configured to inquire of the user about the user's action plan for using the vehicle, about the percentage of renewable energy electricity purchased in the electricity trading market, and about the electricity cost that can be allowed when trading electricity in the electricity trading market. The action plan includes a future driving schedule, a connection to the charging and discharging device, and a charging / power supply schedule. and The transaction plan preparation unit is configured to prepare the electricity transaction plan that reflects the user's response to the inquiry.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The inquiry execution unit is configured to ask the user whether they approve or disapprove of the power trading plan prepared by the trading plan preparation unit; and The transaction plan preparation unit is configured to prepare the electricity transaction plan again, reflecting the user's response to the inquiry.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The inquiry execution unit is configured to ask the user an inquiry regarding the evaluation of the power trading plan prepared by the trading plan preparation unit; and The transaction plan preparation unit is configured to prepare the power transaction plan that reflects the user's assessment of the inquiry.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The query execution unit is configured to notify the user of the contract results of the power transaction according to the power trading plan.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The inquiry execution unit is configured to ask the user an inquiry regarding the assessment of the contractual outcome of the power transaction under the power trading plan; and The transaction plan preparation unit is configured to prepare the power transaction plan that reflects the user's assessment of the inquiry.

Images